Monday, February 17, 2020

Change Is A Way of Life. The Final Post.




"Changing Farm Patterns," Courtesy of Photoartdb Consulting
All Rights Reserved.  Copyright 2020.  No reproduction without artist's permission.


For several years now, my urban-based and other friends have encouraged me to leave my little farmhouse.  "Too isolated," they've said.  "Too out of touch and remote," they've said.  "Unhealthy, toxic environment surrounded by industrialized farming practices," others who are environmentally oriented have said.  The sights, smells and water quality confirm that it's not the best place to live anymore for me.

 These well-meaning friends have not totally understood just how much I've savored the quiet, the peaceful existence and the creative concentration of living in the country in the county of my childhood on the family farm that was my home for the first 18 years of my life after years of living in cities like St. Louis, Manhattan and other more hectic and insane places.  If you are one of my pals in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Kansas, Texas or Illinois who've often said, "I really would love to visit you because it looks so peaceful and fresh air clean," I will remind you that looks can be deceiving.  A picture can be worth a thousand words at times.  Your opportunity to visit has passed as my little home is filling up with moving boxes as my dog and I get ready for the next phase of life.  If you want to help pack up, please get in touch.  I need help on this end of the move.


"Yes, I was in New York on 9/11," I say to some who remember that day well and "This place provides some peace of mind after all the traffic and hectic manic pace of city life."  These are often my responses to people who ask why I'm back here after many years of living out of state.  Plus, when I'm trying to keep it to a brief answer:  "I'm back here to be closer to my family."  Well, its now time to make another change and move to a smaller city where I went to college, learned about photography/art and can attend adult classes "for free" at that same university - still have some learning to do.  My new residence has close friends in the arts community, close family members near there in the Branson area as well, easy access to art, theatre, music and folks that I've shared some big history with in life.  My out-of-state friends will enjoy that there's an airport that is not 45 minutes away from my home.  Long-time friends will be able to drive to my new place so much easier without much GPS intervention or backwoods directions like "Make a right turn when you pass the big radio tower and where you see the big cattle ranch sign then stop at the first Casey's station when you hit the first small town.  Call me and  I'll come pick you up there."  That effort always took at least 30-45 minutes each way off of our time together. A road detour once sent one of my friends WAY off track - took an hour to find her in a Walmart parking lot.  It was a source of much amusement during the entire weekend.  

 Friends who suffer from asthma or other lung-related or heart related difficulties won't have to worry about which way the wind is coming from at my new home.  My dog will possibly stop his coughing fits and reverse sneezes whenever we go out to do yard word.  Strange, but I'm moving to a city to escape the air quality and lack of water purity living with a factory farm as my neighbor.  And recent signed resolutions by our President will make that water quality even worse.  

This administration has already undone most of the positive governmental protections for the environment  the National Parks Services, the Environmental Protection Agency and other positive moves made by both Republican and Democrat administrations before him.  Yes, a few tears have been shed over what is happening to the beautiful, lush green Missouri that my brother and I grew up in -- being able to swim or fish in local ponds or rivers, not worrying about e-coli if we fell in one of those ponds or rivers.  It's been a sad thing to watch this lovely landscape deteriorate.  

 My entire career has often been based on traveling to different places, moving every so often for job-related reasons.  Coming back to the farm six years ago to be with my family and elderly father was my transition into retirement.  A downsized job in Arizona in my late 50's meant freelance and other regular income sources were difficult and inconsistent.  Spending more time back in Missouri showed me that it was time to make a change and get closer to home because both Thanksgiving and Christmas spent here saw my Dad going into the hospital both holidays.  Not great signs.  My father who farmed all of his life died of colon cancer in May 2019.  Hence, the growing cancer trends that I've seen happening in this small southwest corner of an agri-based business model for industrialized farming practices continued to decline on a personal level for me.  Had my own little "cancer scare" recently after a routine mammogram but it all turned out to be a "false alarm," thank goodness.  I'm no fool.  My poor mother died of ovarian cancer over eight years ago.  Cancer sucks.  It's time to leave.

 Life is fleeting.  Change is constant and a way of life for many.  And because of that fact in life, it has been a difficult decision to begin a move elsewhere after my father's passing last May.  My family understands and that is all that really counts in my book.  My really close friends get it as well, so as my extended family their opinions count, too.  I don't feel like the smelly neighbor has won, but my health does not make it conducive to not remaining near it any more.  It has not won, because even if I'll stop writing this blog, I will continue to resist CAFO legislation, CAFO operations and do my part in trying to make as much of a difference as "one woman's opinion" can accomplish.  Can't do it alone.  It's up to the future generations to step in and take over.  It's up to those of us who went through the 1960's and 1970's to keep speaking out.  It's sad a little girl from Norway is the only person with courage enough to speak out on behalf of environmental issues - the children need to take up the charge and make things happen.   And I still have a nasty cough hanging on after my bout with the flu last month despite getting the pneumonia and flu shots this year.

 We don't know where it really comes from yet, but the coronavirus has been a very frightening news story these days.  Another article from The Washington Post business section demonstrates that one:

 It has been scientifically proven that CAFOs cause some horrible health consequences in those living near them in various states.  That is why - if it comes near your town - you should go see the "Right To Harm" documentary film about the health consequences of living near one.  This well-made award winning film finally opened my eyes that my health consequences were not just my "advancing age" or my "imagination."  They were consistent with others who lived in close proximity to these things. Other people were experiencing the same thing across the United States.  Please check it out if it comes near your home.  It's touring the entire country right now because this is a bigger problem than just in Missouri.  Here's a link to their website so you can learn more: 


Tickets are being handled through Eventbrite.  Most of these screenings are free and sponsored by local groups interested in the environment.  One was just recently held in St. Louis.  Looks like the next showing is coming up in Raleigh, North Carolina.

 In my new home, I will remain a member of certain environmental and local control farm-friendly organizations that are resisting the spread of CAFOs in my home state, fighting for water/air quality and environmental protections.  You'll find me volunteering to work the phones and try to help make things happen in my own little way even if it is just stuffing envelopes or calling my legislators about an upcoming piece of legislation.  There will be more like-minded folks in my new home.  And won't have to worry about who I'm saying the wrong thing to at the wrong time.  It will be easier to be outspoken.

 Spoke and protested at the March Against Monsanto rally some years back in Greene County and it was a satisfying experience connecting with others who also dislike this chemical killing company that is now Bayer-Monsanto, so no longer an American corporation really.  Here was my poster design because I think children should be taught in school as part of the curriculum how to grow their own food, keep control of the seeds used to make that garden grow and work toward a more sustainable agricultural environment.



You might see me at different meetings for causes that are important to me in Greene County in the future like women's issues, arts causes, environmental nonprofits or animals, poverty, homelessness or drug addiction.  Currently, I am a rural citizen member of Missouri Rural Crisis Center and will probably remain one for years to come.  If you want to get involved, please check out their website about volunteering, getting info or being a member. You can volunteer, join or just sign up to get information.  Good folks working for local control, rural communities and sustainable agriculture:  
Missouri Rural Crisis Center

Another organization that I am a member of and will remain so for the coming years is The Sierra Club.  They work to make things better in the environment for those of us who wish continue to live in a beautiful planet for the remainder of our lives and those who follow us as future generations.  Used to love going river canoeing.  Hope I feel comfortable doing so sometime in the future.  See if there's something that interests you then be a joiner, not a follower:
There will be more joining as I get more involved in different museums, art organizations and other things.  As the old saying goes by a spiritual writer whose sense of humor and life view that I've enjoyed over the years (Ram Dass), Be Here Now.  Live in the present and look forward to the future.  You cannot change the past, but we can learn from it.  It's my plan to continue to learn, do art and work for causes that I believe in supporting until the day that I move into the clouds, greet people I love at the Pearly Gates and maintain my relationship with God.  Teach less and do more.  Stay strong as I can with the sadness that surrounds so much of life on this planet.  

 Here are two lovely visuals that say something similar to Ram Dass' teachings as well as other spiritual leaders in different ways:
  
So the journey continues.  This blog will not.  I'm going to go out and do things rather than writing about them.   Go out and do more art and photography.   Pack boxes for the move to music I love with my dog at my side.  Have lots of friends on the other side of this move who have already said they'll come help me unpack.  Spend more time with those I love.  Listen to more music and dance.  Go see good theatre, concerts, art exhibitions.  Play games that are fun and educational, not violent or mean spirited.  This last post is not a real "farewell," just a "see ya later down the road of life."  Keep up the good fight - it's well worth it.  Do it for the children.

 And here's a little music to accompany my Exit Stage Right as they say in the theatre.  Call these my farewell songs for now.  Four songs that mean a lot to me and count as my favorites as travel or any time music.  PLEASE ... Get up and dance a little with someone you love, your pet, a significant other or alone --- it's all fun:





Thank you for the time you've spent over the years reading this "one woman's opinion."  Just to be clear, there is no compensation for my words--just my expression of what has been going on in life.  There are no salaries paid or gratuities given.  And I own no copyrights to any of the above images except the Photoartdb photographs that begin and end this blog. That's my "art."   Take care.  Enjoy and see you on the other side.   Have a great life!

"Swirled Skies," Courtesy of Photoartdb Consulting
All Rights Reserved.  Copyright 2020.  No reproduction without artist's permission.



Comments are by this individual writing the blog and no other company, nonprofit or other organization has approved or endorsed them. Am not a scientist, so can't claim my own scientific research but just comment on what is happening. These words are my sole opinion and no one else is responsible for these remarks. Anonymous comments not accepted. Stand up for your opinion. Thanks for your thoughtful and kind responses. Please keep language clean and our farmlands green. :)
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Location: Missouri, USA

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

A New Year & Decade With More To FEAR.


"Clouds on the Horizon-December 31, 2019"
Photoartdb Consulting.
 Copyright 2019. All Rights Reserved.


It seems fitting to start the New Year and New Decade of 2020 with another blog posting.  Sorry it's been so long since I've been able to post or have the energy to post anything.  We had some sadness in our family in 2019 with the loss of my father and beloved aunt.  Time has seemed better utilized grieving in private, doing family things, handling the aftermath, consoling each other and hanging tight with our family members as we all grieve the passing of two very important human beings.

 Since last year, there have been a number of things taking me away from writing and photographing things that are my preference at this stage in life.  During the entirety of 2019, my health deteriorated pretty significantly in my upper respiratory area leading to a "cold" that became bronchitis at the end of 2018.  I've also had moments when it was hard for me to breath after working outside.  This breathing difficulty took away my energy and ability to move with the same vigor as usual.  Took fewer teaching assignments this past year to cope with my health and energy issues.  Also had to significantly reduce much of my volunteer work.  The same circumstances seem to be doing the same thing at the end of this year as well, but believe taking the flu and pneumonia shots have made my immune system stronger.  However, I know what the culprit is and where it lives.  It's my Factory Farm Neighbor around the corner.

 We are now entering January 1, 2020.  A new decade usually is a time to pause and make new resolutions and look forward to new beginnings.

 What does all this personal stuff have to do with my usual blog topic and "The Factory Farm As Neighbor"? Well, it occurred to me that the South winds have been prevailing this late fall into the winter season.  Like other folks who live near to these CAFOs, my health has been going downhill the last six years while I've tolerated this stinky "neighbor."

 And my other observation and impressions are that there is so much cancer in this area, water purity issues have been escalating.  The stench does not leave even when the wind is not from the direction of my neighbor.  Also, here at the end of December, the grass has not truly died because we have had no real severe frost - weather patterns have shifted dramatically all over the country.  Usually winter has a hard freeze by now to kill off the vermin and germs.  My smelly "neighbor" fumes come from the direction of the CAFO barn, consequently I have placed two wind directional devices in my yard that I can hear when they start turning, so I know that the wind has shifted and the toxic air will be coming my way.  That wind makes my pets cough, my eyes burn and chest ache.

 It also crossed my mind this holiday season that I've now been residing in this little farmhouse for six years.  During the entire time, I've had two different types of serious health setbacks necessitating operations that have made me think seriously about the systemic roots of what they could be caused by.  Confined or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) often cause upper respiratory diseases for those living close by.  There is scientific proof to this fact.  People with asthma are advised not to spend a great deal of time near these operations or they could suffer significant health risks.   Talk about interfering with our right to enjoy a peaceful rural existence, as well as jeopardizing health for long-term residents or visiting family members.  It is no surprise to me that my relatives who rented out this house before I moved in were unable to keep tenants no matter how low the rent was and had not rented it for two years before I moved back to Missouri.  My "smelly Factory Farm neighbor" is just around the corner, less than a half mile.  Close enough to make a difference, stink up the air and cause harm to me and make my dogs cough.  When the wind comes from the the direction of the CAFO, it's time to go inside, close the windows and hunker down.  Enjoying the country air becomes a prescription for illness, coughing, stinging eyes and other unpleasantries.

 Missouri has now passed laws this past year that enable Cattle Producers to raise their cattle in CAFO's.  Can you imagine the methane gases, the stench for neighbors and unhealthy beef that will be produced from those atrocities?  It is indeed sad that the Missouri Cattlemen's Association was behind the legislation in Jeff City that passed and felt it necessary to denigrate a small nonprofit educational organization that has for decades supported the interests of the small independent farmer who chooses to use sustainable agriculture to run their operations vs. those who have embraced industrialized farming with all of the problems that it brings in terms of health, local control, economic turmoil, citizen/neighborhoods well being, clean air, clean water and the possibilities of hazardous illnesses like MERSA.  What a shame indeed.

One of my quests in life is to try to know my food sources.  This dated article caught my eye from www.newfoodeconomy.org a long time ago.  Because among all the food recalls for e-coli and other problems surfacing in pork, ground beef, lettuce and other usually-considered healthy produce, this was one trend that was not usually at the forefront of the mainstream media up until this past year.  When will we stop poisoning ourselves?  When will we realize that China and other overseas companies should not control our food sources and farmlands.  The following article was published on January 3, 2019 and written by Sam Bloch:


A very interesting documentary came out in 2019 that deals with "Right To Farm" legislation and its impact on the health of rural communities. The film is called "Right To Harm" and is offered through free screenings in various cities around Missouri right now.  There's an upcoming screening coming to Kansas City on January 16, 2020.  It's my plan to be there unless other life circumstances interfere.  Copyrighted image for the film produced by Hourglass Films and initially released in February 2019 is shown here:


If you want to visit their website to learn more and view the official trailer for this documentary, here's the link first to the YouTube posting:


Filmmaker's Website link can be found by clicking text below:  



Check the Eventbrite.com app to find other screenings as well as info about the upcoming Kansas City screening this month.  
It's important to educate ourselves on where our food is coming from, how industrialized farming is impacting our health and this film provides one point of view to consider.  Start your new decade by learning more about this important issue and educating yourself on all aspects of this fight.  Food resources, Clean water, Clean air are all really important to sustaining our lives.   Some day in Missouri, you might find yourself in my shoes worrying about the personal health impact that "The Factory Farm As Neighbor"  in your county or neighborhood is having on your life, health and family members' well-being, too.  

 Because music makes everything seem a little better as we fade into the sunset of 2019 and welcome the sunrise of 2020, I'd like to share one album that I'm really enjoying right now -- Jesse Malin's "Sunset Kids."  There are some lyrics that really resonate with me right now in the song as 2020 begins and Factory Farms are still my neighbors, like this one "When it all blows up and it all comes down and it makes you sick, but you're still around..."  

  Click on the link below.  Enjoy this little tune and grab  your favorite partner to get up and dance a little....Welcome to 2020 in America:



Keep It Clean.  Keep It Green, America.  And Hang In There ... We could be on the Threshold of a new Decade of Change.   Make a resolution to educate yourself more about where your food is coming from and what it's doing to our collective health.  
Don't just complain about it.  Do something to make change happen.
Comments are by this individual writing the blog and no other company, nonprofit or other organization has approved or endorsed them. Am not a scientist, so can't claim my own scientific research but just comment on what is happening. These words are my sole opinion and no one else is responsible for these remarks. Anonymous comments not accepted and will be deleted. Stand up for your opinion. Thanks for your thoughtful kind responses. Please keep language clean and our farmlands green. :)
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Location: Missouri, USA
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