I learned a long time ago at camp as a child that leadership takes "Loyalty, Devotion and Spirit". With these qualities, one can lead any group of characters to a higher goal.

I think they are scaring people and making too much of it so far. Watching CNN last night reminded me of a little diddy that goes like this: "When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream amd shout."

Peggy-

I’m smiling and thanking you for being part of wowowow.

What happened to "Ask Peggy"?

Hugs, Josie

I second what Maurine wrote. Bea was an amazing comedic actress! I grew up watching Maude. In fact, I think I got in trouble a couple of times because I wouldn’t move from the tv when my mother wanted me to do my chores. Who in their right mind would leave Maude to take the trash out?

So, let’s raise our glasses to Bea Arthur and toast a life well lived!

We feel the same about you Jane! You are such a wonderful woman and an incredible creative spirit. Love you….Love your work! Wild animal hugs!

Josie

Peggy- I wish I could be there!

Happy Earth Day Jane…you animal you!

EKA,

What a gift you have given me! Thank you! I suggest anyone listen to this speech.

I put a link to this video up on my blog a few days ago because I was so inspired by her tenacity and spirit.

http://www.fearlesscreativity.blogspot.com

EKA- I knew there had to be an artist out there that understood. I continue to donate works, but would really like it if

my country recognized artists as being a valuable asset (especially to the nonprofits) by honoring our time and talent at tax time.

I live below…well below the poverty level. Yet, I will owe taxes because that’s what happens when you’re an artist. I think I donated four artworks this past year for various non-profits. Out of those I can claim just about nothing. You see, the law says I can’t claim my time or talent or even the price that the benefit earned for those pieces. For artists, you can only claim the price of the supplies used (and you better be able to prove it). So the next time you (those of you running non profits) run to the kind artists in your life to donate yet another work of art…think again. Go to your lawyers or your doctors who actually have money. Ask them to donate 10 hours worth of pay. They can deduct it. So, stop thinking artists can just whip up something to save your cause. Now, I have to go pay the government for allowing me to live on less than 12,000 last year.

When will we get it that the whole is the sum of the parts. When will we get it that it’s all about "mind, body, spirit".

OK, so….body is well taken care of…let’s talk mind and spirit. It makes me sick that those who are now deciding that death is better than life are thrown out like yesterday’s trash. These are people for god’s sake. We, as a nation , are treating animals with more kindness, compassion, true fight…..it’s not right! It’s just not right. How do I do something that makes a difference? How do I even find a resource that may tend to those who are definitely falling through the cracks?

Thank you for commenting Andrea. It is a sad state of affairs when a county of 100’s of thousands can’t see that an in patient unit is at all necassary. This is at the same time that Mayor has put thousands into painting bike route reflector stencils on the streets. I have to wonder. Are we really this blind? Are we really willing to sacrifice lives by not offering a mental health unit? Is a bike reflector sign more important than those who suffer daily with depression….etc.

…for another day and another chance at living and loving.

Hey Libra.

As another libra, you were the post that caught my eye…well, and that cute little dog picture.

Also, because you brought up "giving up"…

In our county yet another suicide has occured. In my history of blogging on wow, I have written about this particular problem and the fact that our hospital shut down it’s In-patient psych unit and put up a million dollar parking garage as well as a new wing.

So, what does this topic have to do with my little "mental health resources being cut"  rant?  I’ll tell ya.

We are living in a time when the (now) "Joe six-pack" is not able to get help for his depression. He is convinced the world will end. He would rather take out his family and his self than live through what he imagines will happen next. Granted, this is just his thoughts….

he believes them to be true.

Imagine.

Or, Jo six-pack has constant body pain. She has no insurance and cannot afford the Dr… or at least she believes that to be true. Unfortunately, much is about how we believe. She doesn’t see the help around the corner, or just a phone call away, or just a walk up the street. No, she sees shame or weakness or unworthiness….so she sits with a pack of old bottles of pills and one by one she prays for forgiveness for not being able to go the mile.

Recently, I have noticed that I live in the town that is in the top ten with the zootoo.com million dollar makeover contest. Our central Mo.humane society is in deep need. It’s awfully full and the conditions are sad to me. Our town…the Columbia Daily Tribune has done a great job in keeping us informed of the contest and the possible money to help the dogs, kitties, gerbils,… I love it when our town comes together for the good of something! When we do….we are unstoppable!

That’s why I was so disappointed when our county and our town did not fight, encourage, challenge,…for our one decent IN-patient psych unit to be a resource for so many that obviously are in need and can’t travel two hours away for help.

I haven’t chimed in for a long time and maybe I used this topic to bring up my own troubling thoughts…well, I guess that’s what blogging is about.

We are all in our own very painful…constantly painful experiences. I know I am right now..AND, I am grateful.