No Secret

Illustrate
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I am the old Mother. You know me by many names: Gaia, Terra, Jord — something different from each tribe, and I answer to them all. I am the rememberer of all that is and ever was. My lips have breathed life into each living thing. I have been proud of what came from me. I am the creator and keeper of this earth.

I have listened and shared my wealth and wisdom for more ages than man can count in all the lifetimes. All was of balance, and each part knew their place, taking and giving in equal measure. The men began to hunt and were grateful for the game they took. The women gather and learned to plant a bountiful harvest. My heart swelled as I watched them work to maintain a hard-won peace and harmony. It is the abundance that allowed them to grow and evolve.

My mates have been many, but their spirits were not as hearty. I alone have been chosen for this eternal journey. With love, I watch my children, the children of my children, and the children of my children’s children. They are of all species and walk, swim and fly on a variety of legs and bodies. I dearly love what came from me; they are mostly fair and take only what they need and pay what is owed. All showed respect and spoke to me through their chosen spirits. We danced together, learning the lessons to survive as part of many. They cared for the old, the young, and the land, gaining knowledge and celebrating diversity.

My life has been full. My offspring of every species lived in harmony until death. When they return to my bosom, their bodies feed the land. They pass on my seeds and gather together, and from this, tribes and herds were born.

My hope is for lives to be fulfilled when they greet me at the hunting ground. Each season has usefulness, and all life could make homes by their physical demands of weather, water, and sun.

Now I must speak to one species who believe it stands alone. My balance has gone astray. You declared yourself master and have broken my rules to enforced greed. You destroy more than you eat. Killing has become a sport and convenience. You are angered when the original inhabitants feed on your lawn. Many of my beauties have disappeared from the earth at your hand. You have stripped other creatures of their places, making them trophies for misbegotten beliefs. I watch as your insatiable businesses strip away my trees and plunder the wealth beneath the grasslands. My gifts of minerals and ancient fossils have become fuel and sicken the air and soil. Your chemicals destroy plants and insects, which break the cycle of many lives. Anything you find to be inconvenient, you murder. Each member of the earth had a part to play in the perfect cycle, and now most are gone, and others are in danger with their numbers dwindling daily.

You continue to overpopulate with the belief that you are kings – the gods of all. Then you chose to follow the few who ache beyond wealth. I see you ignore the way of the true Spirit. Singing to new deities from often told stories of myth and imagination. The beliefs you share must bow to the true obligation to me, the Mother. I gave all my life forms a door to abundance and beauty beyond measure. You have declared possession of the earth and expect all to bend to your arrogance.

Every moment there are more of you assuming that perfect balance doesn’t exist and you hold no responsibility. The declaration: “Everything isn’t enough!” Greed has taken over your souls. My forests are decimated for misunderstood avarice. Once, not that long ago, you also fed the earth with labor and your bodies. Today the manufactured filth is dumped and flows to my waters. This garbage does not break down and return to the earth in twenty lifetimes. Lands have been paved or stripped, forever changed only for the thought of one day, ignoring eternity. Massive construction on grounds not for you, yet when the buildings slide to the sea, you continue with the lesson unlearned. You risk all for a room with a view.

My memory is greater than you know, and there was a very long time you shared. Now you believe everything must bow to you. I watch the wastelands expand daily, and my beauty, you sell for worthless sums. My body bears your footprint, on my mountains, my frozen perfections, and on my heart.

As a significant and bountiful Spirit, I have preached to deaf ears. I am tired, and if you take no action, this is the end of a fantastic journey. I do not wish to stay longer; I am ready to lie on soft robes and dream for my remaining days, traveling to my slumber, but I choke on plastic debris. Everywhere I place, my eyes is damaged and soiled by a single member of a once-diverse population. You rip the wealth from my bosom for chemicals, plastics, false adornment, and poisoned air.

I grant you have developed a few things I honor. It took thousands of years, but I give credit for kittens and puppies, but you have stripped them of their power to survive without you.

I will not bow to those who falsely believe they are the ruler of all. I am alone, and my blankets grow inviting. My essence is weary; I wish for it to be time to lie down. I want to walk in the other world and watch from the light as you carry on to the inevitable darkness. Though my soul spirit is exhausted, I refuse to quit with sadness on my face. I have but two choices, and I choose to stand up and take charge. I work to make things right. I am Pachamama, Mother of all Nature. I have the power, and it is now up to me to stop your insanity!

You humans will swear at me, but your actions activated the rains and storms, the winds, and fires that chase all from the hills and valleys. Mark my words, disease will rush through your crowded streets, as you have left no space untouched. Your mountains of debris will wash over you as the sea gags it back into your hand. The heat you have produced with your gluttony will accelerate and melt the ice, and with the water, I will wash the land clean and try to awaken you back to balance.

You may blame God, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, or your neighbor. You can blame me, the Mother of all, but it was you that brought this planet to judgment. The secret is, I need your help, and I need it today–right now!

Where have I been?

Loco rolls
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This damn pandemic is tough on an extrovert. All of my writing ideas have drifted away and I would give all the cookies in the cookie jar and my best Gaia necklace for inspiration.

What to do, I read, but that is someone else’s inspiration. I search the internet, and now know why serial killers make that career decision and have friends in foreign lands on Facebook. Out of desperation, and a sale on Masterclass, I signed up and sat with notepad in hand with David Sedaris. He suggested that we all walk. I thought he was silly, so I signed up for Dan Brown.

After hours of his instructions and his obvious enthusiasm about the class, he said we should all walk.

So here I am nine months later, I started at a half mile, and now I clock an average of 2.5 miles a day, some days more. After the third day, I started taking a grocery bag, and picking up the throw away debris that decorates my small town. Early in the adventure, I learned where the trash cans were located and I would dump and refill.

About two months into the picking, I asked my sister if I got extra points for the deep knee bends, and touching of toes. A day later her husband delivered a grabber. Penny was worried that I would catch a hundred diseases from the plastic cups and Modelo beer cans.

I set the MapMyWalk app, and head out almost every day. Out the back of the community, past the dumpsters and to 84th St. Policing both sides of the street, the first trash can is at the bus stop on State Avenue. Then State to the Marysville Cemetery, and a quick lap. I have made friends with Beth and Don who work there, and Opal, Ina, Verda and my great and great-great grandparents who rest there. I am convinced that someone rises up on the nights with no moon, and steals Reese’s’ Pieces for the others that aren’t bold enough to leave the cemetery. 

As my journey expanded the first to speak to me was the owner of the Lucky 13 Biker Bar. He thanked me, and told me it was okay to use his dumpster. To this day, I take special care of his parking lot, and even went there for a celebratory drink and cheeseburger for my book release.

I have found a wealth of men’s underpants, shirts, jackets, and scarves in my wandering. I wash them and donate them, often leaving them at the bus stops where they are claimed. In the nine and a half months I have found some money, mostly change. I have been receiving honks and thank yous as the traffic passes by, as I’m being recognized. I started to wear my author tee-shirt. One man waved me over to his truck at the stop light on 88th, and gave me a Starbucks gift card. When it was icy, I bought a cat stroller for my cats, and better balance. I have become a fixture in town, the little old lady with the grabber, a cat stroller and bags of garbage.

I have realized that I do it just to have the possibility of a conversation. I walk the same way every day, and get from two to six bags of cast offs, and one day 223 cigarette butts. I’ve met a homeless sci-fi writer named Alex, I gained permission from the Catholic church to scour their meditation garden and cemetery. Only on the first day of that side trip was I swarmed by wasps and stung well over thirty times, I found it amazing that WASPs, and the alternative meaning of the letters. The office manager has come out and helped in their massive parking lot.

 They always wave at Precision Tune Up on 92nd. I may be the only citizen of this town that knows why the pot shop closed. I roll through five different church parking lots, and today was the topper. As I crossed 92nd to get a cup and newspaper out of the church yard, a young man made a quick turn into the Precision parking lot. He came running across the street, against the light and called out to me. All he wanted to know was why. Why would a little old lady with a cat stroller pick up so much trash? I explained that I see the Pacific Northwest as a beautiful symphony, and when I see a crushed can or 7-11 cup, it is like a sour note, and I can’t ignore them when it can be perfect. His name was Quinn and he tried to give $20 as a thank you. I refused, he insisted, I refused and now I have $20. I went on to find 2 more nickels, a dime and two pennies.

$20.22 is that a sign? Two in numerology means partnerships — the coming together or balancing of people, concepts, or things. I decided to take this as a sign what the year 2022 will bring to us. Now to work for it.  As of July 1, 2021 –

941.6 miles
$45.93 the upholstery shop gave me money for lunch
901 bags of trash 6 pairs of undies and 2 dead birds, 1 squirrel and one dog
55,129 pages on the next book.

No More Time

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I am the old Mother. You know me by many names: Gaia, Terra, Jord — something different from each tribe, and I answer to them all. I am the rememberer of all that is. My lips have breathed life into each living thing. I have been proud of what came from me. I am the creator and keeper of this earth.

For more ages than man can count in a lifetime, I have listened and shared my wealth and wisdom. All was of balance, and each part knew their place, taking and giving in equal measure. The men began to hunt and were grateful for the game they took. The women gather and learned to plant a bountiful harvest. My heart swelled as I watched them work to maintain a hard-won peace and harmony. It is the abundance that allowed them to grow and evolve.

My mates have been many, but their spirits were not as hearty. I alone have been chosen for this eternal journey. With love, I watch my children, the children of my children, and the children of my children’s children. They are of all species and walk, swim and fly on a variety of legs and bodies. I dearly love what came from me; they are mostly fair and take only what they need and pay what is owed. All learned respect and spoke to me through their chosen spirits. We danced together, learning the lessons to survive as part of many. They cared for the old, the young, and the land, gaining knowledge and celebrating diversity.

My life has been full. My offspring of every species lived in harmony until death. When they return to my bosom, their bodies feed the land. They pass on my seeds and gather together, and from this tribes and herds were born.

My hope is for lives to be fulfilled when they greet me at the hunting ground. Each season has usefulness, and all life could make homes by their physical demands of weather, water, and sun.

Now I must speak to one species who believes it stands alone. My balance has gone astray. You declared yourself master and have broken my rules to enforced greed. You destroy more than you eat. The killing has become a sport and convenience. You are angered when the original inhabitants feed on your lawn. Many of my beauties have disappeared from the earth at your hand. You have stripped other creatures of their places, making them trophies for misbegotten beliefs. I watch as your insatiable businesses strip away my trees and plunder the wealth beneath the grasslands. My gifts of minerals and ancient fossils have become fuel and sicken the air and soil. Your chemicals destroy plants and insects, which break the cycle of many lives. Anything you find to be a pest you murder. Each member of the earth had a part to play in the perfect cycle, and now most are gone, and others are in danger with their numbers dwindling daily.

You continue to overpopulate with the belief that you are kings – the gods of all. Then you chose to follow the few who ache beyond wealth. I see you ignore the way of the true Spirit. Singing to new deities from often told stories of myth and imagination. The beliefs you share must bow to the true obligation to me, the Mother. I gave all my life forms a door to abundance and beauty beyond measure. You have declared possession of the earth and expect all to bend to your arrogance.

Every moment there are more of you assuming that perfect balance doesn’t exist and you hold no responsibility. The declaration: “Everything isn’t enough!” Greed has taken over your souls. My forests are decimated, for misunderstood avarice. Once, not that long ago, you also fed the earth with labor and your bodies. Today the manufactured filth is dumped and flows to my waters. This garbage does not break down and return to the earth in twenty lifetimes. Lands have been paved or stripped, forever changed only for the thought of one day, ignoring eternity. Massive construction on grounds not for you, and yet when the buildings slide to the sea, you continue with the lesson unlearned. You risk all for a room with a view.

My memory is greater than you know, and there was a very long time you shared. Now you believe everything must bow to you. I watch the wastelands expand daily, and my beauty is sold for worthless sums. My body bears your footprint, on my mountains, my frozen perfections, and on my heart.

As a significant and bountiful Spirit, I have preached to deaf ears. I am tired, and if you take no action, this is the end of an amazing journey. I do not wish to stay longer; I am ready to lie on soft robes and dream for my remaining days, traveling to my slumber, but I choke on plastic debris. Everywhere I place my eyes is damaged and soiled by a single member of a once-diverse population. You rip the wealth from my bosom for chemicals, plastics, false adornment, and poisoned air.

I grant you have developed a few things I honor. It took thousands of years, but I give credit for kittens and puppies, but you have stripped them of their power to survive without you.

I will not bow to those who falsely believe they are the ruler of all. I am alone, and my blankets grow inviting. My essence is weary; I wish for it to be time to lie down. I want to walk in the other world and watch from the light as you carry on to the inevitable darkness. Though my soul spirit is exhausted, I refuse to quit with sadness on my face. I have but two choices, and I choose to stand up and take charge. I work to make things right, I am Pachamama, Mother of all Nature. I have the power, and it is now up to me to stop your insanity!

You humans will swear at me, but your actions activated the rains and storms, the winds, and fires that chase all from the hills and valleys. Mark my words, disease will rush through your crowded streets, as you have left no space untouched. Your mountains of debris will wash over you as the sea gags it back into your hand. The heat you have produced with your gluttony will accelerate and melt the ice, and with the water I will wash the land clean and try to awaken you back to balance.

You may blame god, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, or your neighbor. You can blame me, the Mother of all, but it was you that brought this planet to judgment. The secret is, I need your help, and I need it today–right now!

A-Muse

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My day #7 action on I AM A WRITER – I’m Toni Kief a writer. I write OA (old adult) crime, humor, and just released a historical fiction. I never knew I would love writing, I often joke that I do it to stay away from taverns. I came to it in my 60s never considering it until I was dared. In my work, I celebrate the brilliance and power of we crones. This year I will finish my 5th book in the Mildred Unchained series and plan to do more on women’s lost history.


A-MUSED
I have been called a multitude of names, spoken hopefully and, at times, angrily. My name is inspiration. I have visited everyone who has ever lived upon this earth. It is a constant surprise who heeds my messages. Today I took the form of a dragonfly, and you almost missed me so caught up in the daily mess of life. There are many who claim to love me most, and you beg and plead for an idea, a hint, a story. I am all around you in extraordinary forms. Stop begging and I will help. I know you want a book, but a story will do. All original stories live in your genius. Now it is time to shut up, turn off the news, the computer, and dance with the blank page. Waltz, tango, cha cha cha, until it spills from your fingers and surprises us all. I will continue to fly just above your head, out of reach, but I’m not to be clutched, I crush too easily.

ANOTHER TIME

Mary Mallon
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    In 1884, fifteen-year-old Mary Mallon immigrated to the United States from Ireland. She grew to become a large, feisty woman known for a wicked temper and an extraordinary talent for cooking. Despite being uneducated, Mary was able to build a successful career as a cook for well-to-do families in New York City.  She was good at her job and remained steadily employed, always considered to be an essential employee. She often traveled with the families when they took trips or vacations. In the late 1800s, America was not the “drive-thru” nation we have now, and a darn good cook was essential luggage.

    In 1906 the family Mary worked for on Long Island became ill with Typhoid.  Mary moved on to a new job with a new family for employment, but soon the same thing happened. Then a third time, and then again.  After a few more moves, the authorities began investigating the homes of the wealthy and unlucky families. After a while, they discovered the one thing they had in common: A large, feisty, celebrated cook by the name of Mary.

    Mary must have been thinking of herself as the luckiest woman in New York, as she repeatedly evaded the illness that was ravaging those around her. It was 1907 when the Board of Health located her. In short order, Ms. Mallon was quarantined at the Riverside Hospital on North Borther Island. 

    In all fairness to Mary, this was a time when science was beginning to study and understand the transference of disease. Many new concepts of diseases sounded outrageous to the public, and most people didn’t relate to some of the discoveries coming forward.  Common knowledge of the day indicated that someone who did not have a disease could certainly not spread it.  In Mary’s mind, these outbreaks were pure coincidence. Remember, hand washing and other sanitation practices weren’t commonly practiced. The sanitizing wipe would not be invented for over eighty years. 

    In 1910 the health commissioner agreed with new scientific information suggesting that Mary could indeed be a typhoid carrier who was spreading the disease as she prepared food. He determined that her three-year imprisonment in the asylum was an unfair treatment to someone who was not an actual criminal.

    As a step toward rehabilitation, the commissioner found Mary a job in a laundry, and she was released back into the wild.  He was sure that she was a reasonable soul and had learned the nature of her condition. The commissioner was sure she would do the right thing and never work in food preparation again.

As it turned out, the laundry job barely produced enough income to sustain her, and her job satisfaction resided in her talent in the kitchen. Mary went to work in food preparation not long after her release but somehow forgot to tell the board of health about it. She may have accidentally started changing her name and moving around from kitchen to kitchen for a while.  In 1915, Mary was discovered to be cooking at the Sloane Hospital for Women in Manhattan.  The authorities were puzzled that she would continue to cook for others, knowing the danger she posed.  Mary could not (would not) understand how she could have Typhoid. She had neither been sick nor shown any symptoms herself.  She was quick to anger at the implication that she caused the outbreaks of such a deadly disease, and when Mary was mad -everyone paid heed.

    In hindsight, we now know that Mary Mallon was the first known asymptomatic carrier of Typhoid.  It seems like an easy concept now, but at the time, it was not so.  Because scientific research in the early 1900s was not nearly as advanced as it is today. Learning of Mary’s strong personality, we believe that Mary wasn’t bad, just badly mistaken.

    Historically, she most certainly was not the Grim Reaper cutting thru the population, killing thousands with her evil Typhoid finger.  But since she was so unlikable, the press labeled her “Typhoid Mary,” encouraging public outrage to blame her for much more than her fair share.  The truth goes more like this: Mary Mallon was just one of 50 known asymptomatic carriers of Typhoid.  The fact that the Board of Health’s manhunt to find her caught the attention of the press and the label Typhoid Mary caught on.  It did not help that when she was arrested, Mary went ballistic, kicking and screaming as they took her away. Even then, a lurid news story gathered attention and flooded through the public. Since she worked for the upper classes added to her notoriety.  The actual numbers were that she infected 30-50 people, but only three died.   During that same year, there were more than 3,000 other cases of Typhoid in New York and over 600 deaths.  

    Typhoid Mary Mallon was imprisoned at North Borther Island a second time. This is where she lived out the final 23 years of her life.  As a celebrity she still had journalist visit her, but they were reminded not to accept even a glass of water from her.  In 1938 she died of complications from a stroke that she had several years earlier. Mary Mallon was 69 years old, the autopsy indicated that her gall bladder was still shedding typhoid bacilli.

The moral of the story? Wash your hands and stay in school (even if it is virtual) , and wear your mask no matter what.