Here are some Winter and Christmas Tags I made. Featuring the artwork of Very Many, Soul Designer and Keith Garvey!
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Friday, September 20, 2013
Replant Native Trees in Peru
Bring the expanding deserts of western Peru, "the driest place on Earth," back to life.
The Peruvian city of Ica was once surrounded by huarango, a tree that gave life to the famous Nazca society. This mesquite relative is as beautiful as it is useful. Huarango pods can be used as fodder for livestock, ground into flour for human consumption, sweetened into molasses, or even fermented into beer. The light yellow flowers are a haven for bees, and the tree itself helps capture seasonal floodwaters on their way from the Andes to the Pacific, supporting humans, animals, and plants.
But the struggling people of Ica turned in desperation to the trees, cutting them down for charcoal to sell and use in the cities. Now, 98% of the great forest is gone. Without the life-giving properties of the trees, the cleared land is fast becoming uninhabitable desert. The soil has degraded for lack of nutrients that the trees once provided, and is unable to support most plant life. Without the great roots and boughs to protect them, streams, lakes, and lagoons are drying up, leaving arid deserts that spread across the land and cannot support the diversity that once thrived there.
Peru's people suffer as well. The clearing of huarango forests has been suggested as a major factor in the complete collapse of the Nazca society, intensifying the effects of flooding, erosion, and desertification. Without the huarango to bind moisture and counter erosion, the modern inhabitants of western Peru now face the same threat — even as desperate villagers continue to harvest the remaining trees for charcoal.
You can help. Trees for Cities (TFC) is working with local non-profit organization ANIA (Association for Children and the Environment) not only to reintroduce the huarango tree through planting of new seedlings, but also to change public perceptions as to its importance. TFC helps people develop sustainable livelihoods based around the huarango tree, and to understand their true economic and ecological value. TFC hopes to plant 4,000 trees in the 2010/11 year, at the remarkably low cost of only $1 per tree. Just Click HERE to make a Donation.
Your donation through this Gift That Gives More™ plants 15 native huarango trees in and near the Peruvian city of Ica, helping reverse desertification of the region. Click HERE to make Your Donation.
To Make Your Donation, please Click HERE
Or
Just Copy and Paste the URL Below:
https://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/store/trs/item/41235/replant-native-trees-in-peru?origin=CTG_TRS_ThankYou_GTGMSection_Carousel_01-GTGM_TRS_CONTENT-10
The Peruvian city of Ica was once surrounded by huarango, a tree that gave life to the famous Nazca society. This mesquite relative is as beautiful as it is useful. Huarango pods can be used as fodder for livestock, ground into flour for human consumption, sweetened into molasses, or even fermented into beer. The light yellow flowers are a haven for bees, and the tree itself helps capture seasonal floodwaters on their way from the Andes to the Pacific, supporting humans, animals, and plants.
But the struggling people of Ica turned in desperation to the trees, cutting them down for charcoal to sell and use in the cities. Now, 98% of the great forest is gone. Without the life-giving properties of the trees, the cleared land is fast becoming uninhabitable desert. The soil has degraded for lack of nutrients that the trees once provided, and is unable to support most plant life. Without the great roots and boughs to protect them, streams, lakes, and lagoons are drying up, leaving arid deserts that spread across the land and cannot support the diversity that once thrived there.
Peru's people suffer as well. The clearing of huarango forests has been suggested as a major factor in the complete collapse of the Nazca society, intensifying the effects of flooding, erosion, and desertification. Without the huarango to bind moisture and counter erosion, the modern inhabitants of western Peru now face the same threat — even as desperate villagers continue to harvest the remaining trees for charcoal.
You can help. Trees for Cities (TFC) is working with local non-profit organization ANIA (Association for Children and the Environment) not only to reintroduce the huarango tree through planting of new seedlings, but also to change public perceptions as to its importance. TFC helps people develop sustainable livelihoods based around the huarango tree, and to understand their true economic and ecological value. TFC hopes to plant 4,000 trees in the 2010/11 year, at the remarkably low cost of only $1 per tree. Just Click HERE to make a Donation.
Your donation through this Gift That Gives More™ plants 15 native huarango trees in and near the Peruvian city of Ica, helping reverse desertification of the region. Click HERE to make Your Donation.
To Make Your Donation, please Click HERE
Or
Just Copy and Paste the URL Below:
https://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/store/trs/item/41235/replant-native-trees-in-peru?origin=CTG_TRS_ThankYou_GTGMSection_Carousel_01-GTGM_TRS_CONTENT-10
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Where Does Fear Come
This article, originally entitled Tree of Love, was written and posted by me on January 2, 2010 on my Say No To Fear blog. I thought I would repost it here on my main blog under the more appropriate title, Where Does Fear Come From?
It's quite lengthy. But I hope you take the time to read it carefully and thoroughly. If you have any questions and/or comments, please do not hesitate to leave them here.
It's quite lengthy. But I hope you take the time to read it carefully and thoroughly. If you have any questions and/or comments, please do not hesitate to leave them here.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
The following is a message I received during one of my daily meditations. It is in answer to one of the questions I posed ... where does fear come from?
As a psychic medium, I am accustomed to being visited by spirits of all walks of life--past, present, and yes, future. I am always pleasantly surprised when I am visited by the spirits of people I've only heard about. Like the numerous others who have visited me over the years, I only knew of him. I never really bothered to read up on him or learn of his work in any manner. In fact, I had first heard of him in 2006 when I first met Vaishali.
In human life, he had been an 18th Century Swedish Scientist, Philosopher and Spiritual Explorer, who at the age of 56, had a spiritual awakening and wrote numerous books on his theological views and related topics. His name of course is Emanuel Swedenborg.
I had felt his presence in times past, usually when I was talking with Vaishali, but never really paid that much attention. In truth, I ignored him. I wasn't ready to hear anything he had to say, so I just chose to pretend I couldn't see or hear him.
The week before I was presented the answer to my question, I felt Emanuel's energies filter through my room. I could tell from the way these energies were intensifying, I would not be in any position to ignore him as I had in times past. Any well seasoned medium will tell you, whenever a spirit insist on being acknowledged they have something extremely important to convey. And seeing I needed clarity I thought what the hell ... I'll give it a go!
So I asked him ... Where does fear come from?
He explained to me in detail that everything comes from one energy ... an energy we human experiencers call Love. "In our true forms," he told me, "we have another name for it, but it doesn't translate over into human language, so while we are in physical form the word Love is used in it's place." The actual word for this energy is so complex that he had to write it out for me. Upon seeing it in writing I came to understand why we use that four letter word. Trust me when I say, it's a humdinger!
"Keep in mind that each branch is an expression of the tree, but not the tree itself. All the branches make up the wondrous creation you see here. Note that even the branches have smaller extensions of itself. See how each stretch out and express upon itself. Beautiful is it not? As you can see, all aspects of the tree work in harmony to provide comfort and beauty to all those who come in contact with it. As it is with the tree, so it is with you."
"Like this tree, you too have infinite expressions. Your base ... your trunk if you will ... is always Love. There is no separation from this. If that were true, then you would have no branches. Whatever it is you are expressing, be it anger, hatred, jealously or any type of fear, you are coming from that one particular aspect of the one energy ... Love. Love, is the energy of creation, there is no separation ... only expression."
How can this be?
"Love expresses itself in this vast manner for the soul to experience the variations of Creator energy. It is why you took on physical form, it is why you chose the challenges you have in this life and all the others before this. Without physical experience of those expressions, you would not come into full understanding of what Love is. What it truly is."
So when I am experiencing fear, I am sitting on one particular branch to see what it's like?
"Yes! Yes! That is precisely what you are doing!"
Emanuel pointed to the lower branches that were close to the base of the tree. "These branches represent the many aspects of fear. See how each twig has sprouted from these branches? These are the representation of each fear you experience. Note how each twig slightly differs."
So when we climb up, we get a clearer view of what is transpiring?
"Absolutely! And let us not forget our roots! The roots expand out and connect to all the other trees creating a unique and beauteous connection. It is a connection that reaches out to all creation. This connection creates a network."
What effects one effects all.
"Precisely!"
Looking up I couldn't see the top, but I began to be filled with an understanding. It was an understanding that had always been there, but now was being absorbed throughout my entire being.
The tree grows up and forever, connecting us to Creators. Our roots connects us here in the 3-Dimensional physical plane ... to all creation here. I was more or less mumbling to myself at this point. I saw from the corner of my eye that Emanuel was smiling. It was then I realized I was standing in the midst of a forest so grand that even now it defies description.
"Now that you understand, share with others what you have learned."
And with that, Emanuel was gone.
So I asked him ... Where does fear come from?
He explained to me in detail that everything comes from one energy ... an energy we human experiencers call Love. "In our true forms," he told me, "we have another name for it, but it doesn't translate over into human language, so while we are in physical form the word Love is used in it's place." The actual word for this energy is so complex that he had to write it out for me. Upon seeing it in writing I came to understand why we use that four letter word. Trust me when I say, it's a humdinger!
Emanuel explained that Love is the only energy capable of creating in such massive proportions. He pointed out how this energy expresses itself in infinite ways. I found this utterly ridiculous ... at first. So to prove his point, Emanuel showed me a tree that seem to go on forever. He pointed at the base of the tree which was incredible! It was bigger than a city. Literally!
He told me ... "this tree you see here represents Love." He further went on to say: "Each of the branches you see on this tree contributes to the splendid collaboration of what you see. Without the branches, the tree would not be complete. "
He told me ... "this tree you see here represents Love." He further went on to say: "Each of the branches you see on this tree contributes to the splendid collaboration of what you see. Without the branches, the tree would not be complete. "
"Keep in mind that each branch is an expression of the tree, but not the tree itself. All the branches make up the wondrous creation you see here. Note that even the branches have smaller extensions of itself. See how each stretch out and express upon itself. Beautiful is it not? As you can see, all aspects of the tree work in harmony to provide comfort and beauty to all those who come in contact with it. As it is with the tree, so it is with you."
"Like this tree, you too have infinite expressions. Your base ... your trunk if you will ... is always Love. There is no separation from this. If that were true, then you would have no branches. Whatever it is you are expressing, be it anger, hatred, jealously or any type of fear, you are coming from that one particular aspect of the one energy ... Love. Love, is the energy of creation, there is no separation ... only expression."
How can this be?
"Love expresses itself in this vast manner for the soul to experience the variations of Creator energy. It is why you took on physical form, it is why you chose the challenges you have in this life and all the others before this. Without physical experience of those expressions, you would not come into full understanding of what Love is. What it truly is."
So when I am experiencing fear, I am sitting on one particular branch to see what it's like?
"Yes! Yes! That is precisely what you are doing!"
Emanuel pointed to the lower branches that were close to the base of the tree. "These branches represent the many aspects of fear. See how each twig has sprouted from these branches? These are the representation of each fear you experience. Note how each twig slightly differs."
So when we climb up, we get a clearer view of what is transpiring?
"Absolutely! And let us not forget our roots! The roots expand out and connect to all the other trees creating a unique and beauteous connection. It is a connection that reaches out to all creation. This connection creates a network."
What effects one effects all.
"Precisely!"
Looking up I couldn't see the top, but I began to be filled with an understanding. It was an understanding that had always been there, but now was being absorbed throughout my entire being.
The tree grows up and forever, connecting us to Creators. Our roots connects us here in the 3-Dimensional physical plane ... to all creation here. I was more or less mumbling to myself at this point. I saw from the corner of my eye that Emanuel was smiling. It was then I realized I was standing in the midst of a forest so grand that even now it defies description.
"Now that you understand, share with others what you have learned."
And with that, Emanuel was gone.
*~*~*~*~*~*
When we look at a tree, we don't always notice the varying degrees of those branches. How they sometimes twist and turn a certain way. How they some times take on a life of their own at times.
Sometimes we just look at the tree as a whole, not taking in consideration the beautiful detailed and various independent expressions that make up that tree. We just take for granted it is a tree with one particular purpose.
Same goes for Love itself. Interesting isn't it? How we are so focused on Love being one certain way we fail to notice the other aspects this energy entails.
I am left to wonder as I ponder my next question. If we truly believe that all of creation is made up of this energy we call Love ... then why do we dismiss so much and claim so little?
Ahhh! Now the plot really thickens!
Namaste!
Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole. The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™, The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
I Believe! (An Open Letter to Santa)
Dearest Santa,
When I was a child, I wasn’t allowed to openly acknowledge you. I grew up in a home that didn’t believe in you, in Christmas or anything magical. But I want you to know (though I feel you always did) that I believed.
I believed despite what my mother told me. And I believed in spite of what my older brothers and sisters said. I believed. No matter what the other children said with respect to your existence. I believed.
Though I was never allowed to say it out loud ... I Believed!
After I became an adult and left home, I was finally free to express my beliefs out in the open. I still meet with all sorts of nay sayers who shout “There is no Santa!“
But Santa … I have to tell you … no matter the opposition … there is no greater feeling than being able to say those two little words … I Believe! And despite, and in spite of, the nay sayers -- I said it! And I continue to say it! I BELIEVE!
Santa, I know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th … but what does it matter? I fail to understand why it is such a bad thing to honor the Christ -- if only once a year. I, and many others like myself, honor Him each and every day of the year. But what difference does it make what day Jesus was born if … if …it brings many more to honor him. If only just for that day? And Santa, whose to say that one day doesn’t motivate someone to do it more than just on Christmas? I believe it does!
Santa, I know the Christmas Tree isn’t a Christian thing. But what does that matter? It’s beautiful! And it is a wonderful reminder of so many things.
When I was a child, I wasn’t allowed to openly acknowledge you. I grew up in a home that didn’t believe in you, in Christmas or anything magical. But I want you to know (though I feel you always did) that I believed.
I believed despite what my mother told me. And I believed in spite of what my older brothers and sisters said. I believed. No matter what the other children said with respect to your existence. I believed.
Though I was never allowed to say it out loud ... I Believed!
After I became an adult and left home, I was finally free to express my beliefs out in the open. I still meet with all sorts of nay sayers who shout “There is no Santa!“
But Santa … I have to tell you … no matter the opposition … there is no greater feeling than being able to say those two little words … I Believe! And despite, and in spite of, the nay sayers -- I said it! And I continue to say it! I BELIEVE!
Santa, I know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th … but what does it matter? I fail to understand why it is such a bad thing to honor the Christ -- if only once a year. I, and many others like myself, honor Him each and every day of the year. But what difference does it make what day Jesus was born if … if …it brings many more to honor him. If only just for that day? And Santa, whose to say that one day doesn’t motivate someone to do it more than just on Christmas? I believe it does!
Santa, I know the Christmas Tree isn’t a Christian thing. But what does that matter? It’s beautiful! And it is a wonderful reminder of so many things.
For me personally … The lights represent each and every person who shares their love to others. These are the People who live by the words Jesus exclaimed “Let your light shine bright among men!”
The tinsel, are the folks who are not yet ready to let their light shine so bright, but still show love in some way on some level. And their love is reflected off their shiny faces -- just like the lights reflect off the silvery and gold strips on the tree.
Each ornament reminds us of those we love, have loved, those we yet to love, and most importantly … those we don’t even know, but love just the same.
The Angel I put at the top of my tree reminds me that our Beloved and most Divine Creators are watching over us--that They have never forgotten us (nor will They Ever!). It is also a reminder that They have put in position myriads of helpers for us while we are here on Earth.
And Santa … I know you are the icon of Giving! But you are so much more … aren’t you? Yes, you my dear, are the symbol of courage, love, happiness, joy and generosity. Attributes each of us have -- but rarely express to others … and rarer still … to our selves. Many have forgotten that it's not you the person, but what you represent that makes you so grand, and why it is so important to never forget!
Santa, I know ... and I believe ... The Magic of Christmas is the one time of year when people get the chance to collectively remember that Love --That generosity --That courage--That Happiness & Joy. Some do, but then forget the next day. Some scoff Christmas, saying it is nothing but a scam … so they miss out on the messages yet again. But Santa, there are those of us who do Believe in the Magic of Christmas! And we carry it with us through out the year.
I know Santa, that Christmas is really an ancient custom called Saturnalia. But I also know that in these modern times, just like in times of old, we are given on this one day, the opportunity to see from the "other's point of view." Christians, Pagans, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, all the other religions ... and even atheists too. If only we believe ... we can take that one day and see from another's point of view! And through this ... learn and grow ... and remember the Love we are.
For these reasons, and so many more, is why I believe Santa! This is why I have always believed! And I promise you, will continue to believe no matter what!
Santa, I remember Jesus saying to"be like the little children". I know he was trying to tell us all to see the wonderments and splendors of all creation. To see through the eyes of a child is to see the world for the very first time. How truly splendid it is! How magical it all is! To be free to love and be In Joy without inhibitions!
And I do that myself Santa! And I know others do as well. Sadly, the majority of this world have gone from being child-like to childish. Constantly fighting and quarreling amongst one another. Santa, they lost their magic. They don’t believe -- and now they are miserable.
Santa, these folks have convinced themselves into thinking that now we're all grown up, we don’t have time to believe or we shouldn't believe because it's just for kids or it's stupid! They don’t believe in you Santa. They don’t believe in Jesus. Why some even go as far as saying there are no Divine Creators! No wonder they're so miserable! They have nothing to remind them of the Love and the Joy. So it isn't any mystery why they're so angry all the time!
I know Santa that if they could get back their magic -- become a child again ... they would remember! They too would believe! And they would be so much happier! I Believe this Santa! I really and truly do!
Santa, I just wanted you to know that me and others are doing our best to help these people remember. We are doing all we can to remind them of the Love and the Joy that is theirs, every day of the week. And not just at Christmas time. Me and all the others out there, we are doing all we know to help these souls to remember that Love takes on all sorts of shapes and forms. That it comes in many ways, through many people and in different venues. Each and every single day of the year!
That the Spirit of Christmas is 24 hours a day -- 7 Days a Week! If only They Believe!
But some times, I just get really fed up! They are a stubborn lot -- these unbelievers!
But I promise! I will not give up! I will continue my mission to help others remember! To help them regain their sense of child-like wonder!
I just wanted you to know Santa -- you, Jesus and our Divine Creators are not alone nor are you ever forgotten! And that no matter what …
I Believe! Yes! I Do!
With much Love …
The tinsel, are the folks who are not yet ready to let their light shine so bright, but still show love in some way on some level. And their love is reflected off their shiny faces -- just like the lights reflect off the silvery and gold strips on the tree.
Each ornament reminds us of those we love, have loved, those we yet to love, and most importantly … those we don’t even know, but love just the same.
The Angel I put at the top of my tree reminds me that our Beloved and most Divine Creators are watching over us--that They have never forgotten us (nor will They Ever!). It is also a reminder that They have put in position myriads of helpers for us while we are here on Earth.
And Santa … I know you are the icon of Giving! But you are so much more … aren’t you? Yes, you my dear, are the symbol of courage, love, happiness, joy and generosity. Attributes each of us have -- but rarely express to others … and rarer still … to our selves. Many have forgotten that it's not you the person, but what you represent that makes you so grand, and why it is so important to never forget!
Santa, I know ... and I believe ... The Magic of Christmas is the one time of year when people get the chance to collectively remember that Love --That generosity --That courage--That Happiness & Joy. Some do, but then forget the next day. Some scoff Christmas, saying it is nothing but a scam … so they miss out on the messages yet again. But Santa, there are those of us who do Believe in the Magic of Christmas! And we carry it with us through out the year.
I know Santa, that Christmas is really an ancient custom called Saturnalia. But I also know that in these modern times, just like in times of old, we are given on this one day, the opportunity to see from the "other's point of view." Christians, Pagans, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, all the other religions ... and even atheists too. If only we believe ... we can take that one day and see from another's point of view! And through this ... learn and grow ... and remember the Love we are.
For these reasons, and so many more, is why I believe Santa! This is why I have always believed! And I promise you, will continue to believe no matter what!
Santa, I remember Jesus saying to"be like the little children". I know he was trying to tell us all to see the wonderments and splendors of all creation. To see through the eyes of a child is to see the world for the very first time. How truly splendid it is! How magical it all is! To be free to love and be In Joy without inhibitions!
And I do that myself Santa! And I know others do as well. Sadly, the majority of this world have gone from being child-like to childish. Constantly fighting and quarreling amongst one another. Santa, they lost their magic. They don’t believe -- and now they are miserable.
Santa, these folks have convinced themselves into thinking that now we're all grown up, we don’t have time to believe or we shouldn't believe because it's just for kids or it's stupid! They don’t believe in you Santa. They don’t believe in Jesus. Why some even go as far as saying there are no Divine Creators! No wonder they're so miserable! They have nothing to remind them of the Love and the Joy. So it isn't any mystery why they're so angry all the time!
I know Santa that if they could get back their magic -- become a child again ... they would remember! They too would believe! And they would be so much happier! I Believe this Santa! I really and truly do!
Santa, I just wanted you to know that me and others are doing our best to help these people remember. We are doing all we can to remind them of the Love and the Joy that is theirs, every day of the week. And not just at Christmas time. Me and all the others out there, we are doing all we know to help these souls to remember that Love takes on all sorts of shapes and forms. That it comes in many ways, through many people and in different venues. Each and every single day of the year!
That the Spirit of Christmas is 24 hours a day -- 7 Days a Week! If only They Believe!
But some times, I just get really fed up! They are a stubborn lot -- these unbelievers!
But I promise! I will not give up! I will continue my mission to help others remember! To help them regain their sense of child-like wonder!
I just wanted you to know Santa -- you, Jesus and our Divine Creators are not alone nor are you ever forgotten! And that no matter what …
I Believe! Yes! I Do!
With much Love …
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