With all the accumulating news reports about the war activity going on right now (from Russia, Israel, and now America), I thought of the analysis I was reading and hearing about from Lyn Alden, about the relationship between 1) Fiat money (money that has value because the government says it does, not because it's backed by something like gold or silver), 2) National debt, and 3) War. I would summarize the analysis like - as long as the national debt continues to grow as it has over the past 100 years, and as long as money needs to be printed (fiat money = money by government order, not because it has value on its own), then war provides an excuse or a reason for more money to be printed. And in addition to the war being a human rights violation, cruel, sadistic, and psychotic, but then, 5-10 years after, everyone’s savings is devalued/debased.

caught up on news reports about ICE in the US, and the unethical things Israel is doing in Gaza. Read this part - “Thunberg, who said it appeared she was now heading back to Sweden, also hit back at Donald Trump after she was asked about his characterisation of her as an “angry person” and suggestion that she should take anger management classes. “I think the world needs many more young angry women, to be honest,” said Thunberg. “Especially with everything going on right now. That’s the thing we need the most of.” . . . It’s so messed up that Donald Trump, as the President who used “anger” and “rage” so much in his own campaigns and with his style of communication at his rallies, would criticize Greta in that way. To be angry about injustice, violence used to oppress people who are powerless, and human rights violations is normal. To be an angry sounding politician making up racist lies about entire groups of people is a stupid use of “anger”. Literally - everything - can be used as a tool by humans. Including communication, of which spoken language is a part. Every word can be a tool … every type of nonverbal communication (a glance, a smile, a silence, a kiss) … It all depends on what you are using it for and why. #gaza #ICE WTF Stop being racist. Stop targeting people who are financially poor.

Sunny (and hot) days are here again. This photo was taken on yesterday’s morning walk. The day had started out grey and dim. *sigh* Here we go, 6th consecutive cloudy day. The forecast also showed the next day with a dark cloud and rain. ‘Amazing … a whole week of cloudy weather … in mid-June’ I was thinking. But then, about halfway through our walk, as I was noticing this nice clump of mushrooms and appreciating how mushrooms can only grow when it’s moist, I also noticed the surroundings were getting brighter. The sun was coming out, and it was already starting to feel kinda’ hot. I guess these mushrooms will dry up soon. I’m thankful thaaaat … through that 5 day stretch of cloudy, cool, drizzly weather in June, my mood and energy levels were relatively stable and good. Thanks to going to the gym twice a week, keeping up my new tidying habits, and listening to an audiobook for the first time ever, while doing chores and cleaning (Fairy Tale, by Stephen King).

The morning walk today was really nice. It’s the 5th consecutive cloudy day and there was a fine drizzle as usual. More like a misting (毛毛雨）。 After Joey did her potty, I opened Spotify to pick some music. A new recommended one was a “Stardew and Chill” playlist. And wow it was so good, and a great fit for the light drizzly weather, in the lush part of the neighborhood we were walking in. Dare I say a perfect fit! Joey wanted to lay in the grass on some lawn… I was standing in the driveway, and a large van started to turn into it. It’s funny how it feels like it’s only when you decide to pause somewhere that a car decides to turn in. The driver made a frowny face at me and gestured - implying he didn’t like the dog on the grass. I was about to get cranky but then looked around and realized this is the house next to the church, which has a ledge. Joey likes to walk and sit on ledges. So I moved over and she happily followed and stayed in that area. Ha - now the guy can’t complain about the dog being on his property cuz now we’re on church property. And the church is basically deserted on a Tuesday morning. *smug* We watched a class of preschoolers walk by holding onto the colorful rope with rings. A little chorus of “hey look! a dog!” After a while, I prompted Joey to cross the street where the van driver was now parking a different car. At least, I thought it might be the same guy … “Thank you!” He said as we walked past. Yup. Same guy. Nearing our street, a couple with a small dog came up behind us. Joey had sat down to wait for them. I saw that it was the little old dog, Happy. He did his usual timid and cautious approach, gently moving his nose towards Joey’s face. I mentally congratulated Joey on staying still and calm. When they first met, as with meeting every other dog, Joey would charge up excitedly, running zig-zags around. It really scared Happy. With time and familiarity, Joey adjusted to Happy’s ways and now stays nice and mild around him. Meanwhile, Happy’s owner has turned into his cheerleader. “WOW!!! So FRIENDLY! GOOD BOY!” This suddenly struck me as being really comical considering the timid and cautious way Happy is greeting Joey. Her boyfriend helpfully pointed out that Happy was wagging his little stub tail. I need to remember to play “Stardew and Chill” on morning walks. 😌

soooo we’re having something like 6 cloudy/drizzly days in a row. Since I last posted 4 days ago, the news reports have taken a pretty horrible turn. So yeah! I’m focusing on self-care activities, like tidying things up (MUCH NEEDED especially in the closet area). And the cloudy weather is not bad … even though I miss the sunshine, it’s cool and the air feels moist and clean. but yeah, the news reports about violent events in various parts of the world has got me thinking about … stuff. The unintentional violence of humans and their tools The intentional violence of humans and their tools I think my concluding thought is, you just gotta’ love yourself and those close to you. And also I found a section in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind that is helpful.

A momentous occasion: Today I mopped the floor (using a microfiber pad), and when rinsing it out in the bathroom sink, the water was mostly clear. I alternate with using diluted wood oil soap and apple cider vinegar.

and doing this type of cleaning stuff on cloudy days continues to be a mood booster. As well as listening to calm or energetic music on headphones while doing it. and don’t get me started on cooking! Thank *insert spiritual entity* my partner likes to cook and clean.

apartment cleaning habits that I am trying to … cultivate are still going well. Mainly motivated by my allergies. Yesterday, the left nostril suddeny started producing a lot of mucus. At the same time, my dog started sneezing like one after the other. Maybe 15 times. So, wiped the windowsills, vacuumed, and even washed the curtains in the laundry. Repositioned air filters… Another cool motivation is “study with me” and “tidy with me” Youtube videos. Keeping materials organized in the different areas can be so challenging. - dogfood cart - kitchen counters (small space) - clothes piles in bedroom closet - shelves in bedroom I’m gonna’ try to take the opposite attitude as the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Cleaning improvement habits must be One Thing, in One Place, at One Time.