Escaping Vanity

  It hurts too much to write.  Putting everything into words requires a painful level of reflection.  Stationary pens don't take you to uncomfortable places.    ~ Michael L. Craver   2025, my home has fewer material objects. The freezer is full of vegetables and pizza; the cabinet is stocked with cigars. Sitting by the open summer window during the hottest year on record. Thermostat on 81. Work is Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Ninety percent of my musical choices are instrumental. Pianos or violins play as the quiet house remains stress free. Sleeping when the mood hits, with no consistent amount or routine. Resting in my ergonomic office chair or the twin bed in my spare room. I’ve known it since I was 15. Why not a new one? What’s the difference… Missing the dogs, but not the mess. Tool sit still while the world turns. Last Summer was full of projects. Fresh leather for wrestling belts indoors and trail maintenance to abs...

Many feel the Chinese population controls to limit the number of children restrict freedom. Their system of governance does not allow the same range of speech and personal choice Americans have enjoyed. Yet, there’s a complex argument that allowing free breeding is the ultimate restriction. Overpopulation is perhaps the key ingredient in climate change. Recipes require the right elements for the cake to rise… just like the water.  Rising temperatures and stronger storms can be directly tied to the effects industry. Faster and deadlier than ever before- viruses have a feeding ground with the hotter atmosphere. All the boundaries that existed when the world was colder, with more ice, are gone. Insects that would have died in the old climate are thriving with the heat. They spread trouble father and with more consequential effects than at any time in human history.  Communication is virtually unfiltered today. Many believe technology can balance any situation; access to health ca...