Hippy-tude: The Attitude of Gratitude
by Lori Gebbie
Every day, we are faced with choices. The biggest choice we face most often is how we react to a situation we're in. For example, my Mother-In-Law is passing. I could get all dramatic about it, but it's starting to hurt now (lung cancer), so I hope it's speedy. The greatest gift I got in my marriage was a MIL who was semi-enchanted by me. And I was as interested in hearing her life stories as she was in hearing about mine. Great lady, had a good and interesting life, but no mourning. Glad she touched my life, glad I felt her spirit, happy knowing she'll be twirling in the fields again very soon. Hippy-tude. It's all in how you face it.
Saw a post from a friend, her car broke down in the middle of nowhere, she happened to find a way to an auto shop, but the repair would take overnight. She found a sweet little campground right next to the shop and just really enjoyed a peaceful interlude in a hectic life. Hippy-tude.
When your cake hits the floor, but it lands right and you can just cut off the "tainted piece" and still have enough to share. Hippy-tude.
It could be worse, it just depends on how you want to view something. Hippy-tude. Take gratitude in the things you DO get out of your experiences, the positives, and leave the negatives to blow away in the wind.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
A culture of lies
A culture of lies
by Robert Gebbie
It can be hard, in modern society, to discern fact from fiction. From false and exaggerated product advertising to political propaganda the truth has become an elusive beast almost impossible to define. We live in an Age where false impressions outweigh reality, and a World that places more value in the appearance than the substance. While science and technology have advanced the human race, overall, is rapidly declining as a species.
It is my opinion that our civilization has become petty and self absorbed. We have discarded ethics and values for self interest and personal gain. We have embraced the outrageous and ridiculous with little consideration for truth or facts. We are choosing short term gratification and glorification without regard for the long term consequences of our choices. We make excuses and try to justify the actions of criminals, while we disrespect the true heroes and defenders of our safety and freedom. The human race has become an embarrassment unto itself as we idolize popular celebrities and ignore those of real virtue and valor. Ignorance reigns supreme in a village of fools where the jester with the most colorful hat rules the flock.
While most individuals can do little to change the masses, they can change and become greater within themselves. Evolution cannot be mandated by laws or force, it must be earned through the struggles, experiences, and understandings of the singular self. Only by growth and enlightenment of individuals will a great and peaceful utopian society ever emerge. It is people themselves who create the environments and cultures in which they live and survive. Maybe, one day, mankind will learn to raise each other up instead of tearing each other down, then and only then will we reverse the current decline of our human species.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Change, Change, Change
Change, Change, Change
by Robert Gebbie
It is interesting how quickly a person's life can change. Just when you think you know what direction life is taking you, something happens, and you find yourself headed in a completely different direction. In recent months we have been receiving a lot of encouragement to write a more in-depth and comprehensive version of our "Self Perpetuating Evolution" essays. Self Perpetuating Evolution is a faith-inspired personal growth and development concept. It focuses on the inner person, with an emphasis on the mind and spirit portion of the mind, body, spirit connection. If you have never read this compilation of articles they are available on our main web site, a free downloadable PDF document is available to print at the bottom of the
page. You can find it here. - https://sites.google.com/site/rgebbiephoto/Home/self-perpetuating-evolution
We have decided to write a book and have begun gathering and combining several hundred of our older articles together to create an outlined starting point. It is a lot of work and at times feels overwhelming, but block by block it is all coming together. Over the months ahead we will, from time to time, publish updates about our latest adventure as well as including some
excerpts from the project. To be continued.
by Robert Gebbie
It is interesting how quickly a person's life can change. Just when you think you know what direction life is taking you, something happens, and you find yourself headed in a completely different direction. In recent months we have been receiving a lot of encouragement to write a more in-depth and comprehensive version of our "Self Perpetuating Evolution" essays. Self Perpetuating Evolution is a faith-inspired personal growth and development concept. It focuses on the inner person, with an emphasis on the mind and spirit portion of the mind, body, spirit connection. If you have never read this compilation of articles they are available on our main web site, a free downloadable PDF document is available to print at the bottom of the
page. You can find it here. - https://sites.google.com/site/rgebbiephoto/Home/self-perpetuating-evolution
We have decided to write a book and have begun gathering and combining several hundred of our older articles together to create an outlined starting point. It is a lot of work and at times feels overwhelming, but block by block it is all coming together. Over the months ahead we will, from time to time, publish updates about our latest adventure as well as including some
excerpts from the project. To be continued.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Overcoming a challenge
Overcoming a challenge;
by Robert Gebbie
Every individual faces challenges in their life, from the daily family and career struggles to the deep internal battles we fight within ourselves. The world is filled with situations that must be met or avoided. Knowing which obstacle to step around and which to charge head strong into can be a challenge in itself.
Often it is the way people approach Life's difficulties that determine the type of experiences they have in resolving them. Logic and reason can often get muddled with our emotions as we struggle to find acceptable solutions.
First, take a deep breath, you are not alone. Few, if any, have ever lived a life free of drama and/or tragedy of some kind. If the situation is not life threatening you probably have time to assess things before some action is necessary. Don't panic, in most instances remaining calm can be the greatest asset you have. Especially in an emergency, losing self control will most often result in creating greater damage rather than doing anything to resolve it.
Here are some general steps that can be taken that may help in tackling even the most difficult situations:
Evaluate, know the size and kind of challenge you face. From complex work projects to resolving the deep internal emotions of guilt and regret, understanding the situation is a must. You cannot solve a problem unless you first know what that problem is. A realistic and honest consideration of what you face and what it may or will take to accomplish the task ahead is the greatest key factor in success or failure.
Make a plan, understand the conditions that will get you from your starting point to its conclusion. Create a bridge of steps that you can cross which lead to the destination you expect to reach. When a person understands what it will take to reach their goals their aspiration then become obtainable.
Asses resources, take stock of the material, personnel and skills you have available. Know your limitations as well as your assets, if you're remodeling a house you will need supplies, someone to do the work, and the ability to complete the project. Each resource at your disposal is an asset, while any that are not available must be obtained to increase the chances for success.
Take action, nothing is ever accomplished without some form of movement. You cannot get anywhere if you don't first start the journey. Everything requires action, even air requires the effort of breathing to obtain, and no race is ever won without crossing the starting line first.
Most things in the course of a person's life can be overcome by applying some form of a process. Incredible things can be accomplished when a person establishes a goal and is determined to reach it. From curing childhood diseases to resolving deep emotional issues, the Human Race has not accomplished the things it has without great ability to adapt and evolve.
by Robert Gebbie
Every individual faces challenges in their life, from the daily family and career struggles to the deep internal battles we fight within ourselves. The world is filled with situations that must be met or avoided. Knowing which obstacle to step around and which to charge head strong into can be a challenge in itself.
Often it is the way people approach Life's difficulties that determine the type of experiences they have in resolving them. Logic and reason can often get muddled with our emotions as we struggle to find acceptable solutions.
First, take a deep breath, you are not alone. Few, if any, have ever lived a life free of drama and/or tragedy of some kind. If the situation is not life threatening you probably have time to assess things before some action is necessary. Don't panic, in most instances remaining calm can be the greatest asset you have. Especially in an emergency, losing self control will most often result in creating greater damage rather than doing anything to resolve it.
Here are some general steps that can be taken that may help in tackling even the most difficult situations:
Evaluate, know the size and kind of challenge you face. From complex work projects to resolving the deep internal emotions of guilt and regret, understanding the situation is a must. You cannot solve a problem unless you first know what that problem is. A realistic and honest consideration of what you face and what it may or will take to accomplish the task ahead is the greatest key factor in success or failure.
Make a plan, understand the conditions that will get you from your starting point to its conclusion. Create a bridge of steps that you can cross which lead to the destination you expect to reach. When a person understands what it will take to reach their goals their aspiration then become obtainable.
Asses resources, take stock of the material, personnel and skills you have available. Know your limitations as well as your assets, if you're remodeling a house you will need supplies, someone to do the work, and the ability to complete the project. Each resource at your disposal is an asset, while any that are not available must be obtained to increase the chances for success.
Take action, nothing is ever accomplished without some form of movement. You cannot get anywhere if you don't first start the journey. Everything requires action, even air requires the effort of breathing to obtain, and no race is ever won without crossing the starting line first.
Most things in the course of a person's life can be overcome by applying some form of a process. Incredible things can be accomplished when a person establishes a goal and is determined to reach it. From curing childhood diseases to resolving deep emotional issues, the Human Race has not accomplished the things it has without great ability to adapt and evolve.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Mountains and Mountains of Paperwork
Mountains and Mountains of Paperwork
by Lori Gebbie
Well, after years of writing and talking about it, we're ready to take the plunge. It's time to get a book out there. We've been presented with an opportunity to get our work together and meet with a publisher, so now comes the task of gathering all of our essays and articles and stitch them together. What I didn't realize was the amount of content we'd created! Literally thousands of pages to sift through and meld!
While it looks to be a daunting task, it's a labor of love, and one that I'm willing to step up to. The book will focus on Self Perpetuating Evolution, and the keys that are used to unlock your potential. Robert and I look forward to this new chapter in our lives, and hope to leave our mark in a positive way! We will keep you updated on progress, and hope you enjoy this part of our journey with us! First Rough Draft goal is May 1!!
by Lori Gebbie
Well, after years of writing and talking about it, we're ready to take the plunge. It's time to get a book out there. We've been presented with an opportunity to get our work together and meet with a publisher, so now comes the task of gathering all of our essays and articles and stitch them together. What I didn't realize was the amount of content we'd created! Literally thousands of pages to sift through and meld!
While it looks to be a daunting task, it's a labor of love, and one that I'm willing to step up to. The book will focus on Self Perpetuating Evolution, and the keys that are used to unlock your potential. Robert and I look forward to this new chapter in our lives, and hope to leave our mark in a positive way! We will keep you updated on progress, and hope you enjoy this part of our journey with us! First Rough Draft goal is May 1!!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
The Meaning of Life
The Meaning of Life;
by Robert Gebbie
In recent weeks we have been strongly encouraged to start writing again. It has been almost a four year absence from our blog and almost as long from our other literary pursuits. After so much time away it can be difficult to find the rhythm and flow that once seemed so natural. In looking back, reviewing some of our favorite works, one article continues to stand out. This particular piece expresses our core beliefs and philosophies as well as being one of our greatest works I believe we have ever created. Following is our very first post which first appeared here on our blog page in October of 2008, we hope you enjoy it as much as we still do.
I Creator; The great expression
(Maybe the answer to life)
The world is filled with pictures and images, visual media as advertisements, art and dialog saturate every aspect of our lives. From expressing an emotion to reminding us to turn off the lights when we leave the room, photographs, designs, graphics and text can be found on almost everything in our lives. It is the way we as humans communicate, it is the depth, breath and fuel of our souls. It is the one thing that has separated the human race from all other forms of life on this planet, the ability to express, communicate, record and create visually.
I am an artist; photographer and now writer because it is my need beyond any other driving force in my life to express, create and record. It is in all of us, in every form of expression from your first scribble to your greatest achievement and at times our worst failures. The ability to capture, write, teach and learn has enabled humans to rise above a level of instinctual survival.
We are the only creatures I know who spend their entire lives documenting and recording themselves, in millions of forms and in millions of ways we say I am, was and have been, I must leave my mark, I creator, see what I have done. So whatever it is that you do, take a photograph, draw a picture, write a line, sculpt, build, design, teach or communicate. Create, invent and imagine because that is what it means to be human and for all of us I might even speculate that this is the true meaning of life, and the answer to everything we are, to leave our mark, to be remembered.
by Robert Gebbie
In recent weeks we have been strongly encouraged to start writing again. It has been almost a four year absence from our blog and almost as long from our other literary pursuits. After so much time away it can be difficult to find the rhythm and flow that once seemed so natural. In looking back, reviewing some of our favorite works, one article continues to stand out. This particular piece expresses our core beliefs and philosophies as well as being one of our greatest works I believe we have ever created. Following is our very first post which first appeared here on our blog page in October of 2008, we hope you enjoy it as much as we still do.
I Creator; The great expression
(Maybe the answer to life)
The world is filled with pictures and images, visual media as advertisements, art and dialog saturate every aspect of our lives. From expressing an emotion to reminding us to turn off the lights when we leave the room, photographs, designs, graphics and text can be found on almost everything in our lives. It is the way we as humans communicate, it is the depth, breath and fuel of our souls. It is the one thing that has separated the human race from all other forms of life on this planet, the ability to express, communicate, record and create visually.
I am an artist; photographer and now writer because it is my need beyond any other driving force in my life to express, create and record. It is in all of us, in every form of expression from your first scribble to your greatest achievement and at times our worst failures. The ability to capture, write, teach and learn has enabled humans to rise above a level of instinctual survival.
We are the only creatures I know who spend their entire lives documenting and recording themselves, in millions of forms and in millions of ways we say I am, was and have been, I must leave my mark, I creator, see what I have done. So whatever it is that you do, take a photograph, draw a picture, write a line, sculpt, build, design, teach or communicate. Create, invent and imagine because that is what it means to be human and for all of us I might even speculate that this is the true meaning of life, and the answer to everything we are, to leave our mark, to be remembered.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Where the journey ends
Where the journey ends;
by Robert and Lori Gebbie
Every person’s journey through life is their own; we are the sum of our knowledge and experiences. Even when there is a plan for the road traveled often things do not end up where we expected. Each moment leads us onward into the next, an ever changing sequence of events that will one day bring a person to the end of their journey in this physical world.
As a species the human race often asks, what are we? Why we are here and where are we going? It is my belief that with all the things we have become, in knowledge and spirit, there must be a grander purpose to our existence than the limited span of our individual lives. The advances we make through one generation propel forward the children we introduce into the next, continuing to advance and evolve from the creatures we once were to what we will become.
It is my great hope that one day our species will overcome the petty differences that divide us. Individually and collectively raising ourselves above the confines of our physical limitations to discover what comes next. Perhaps what awaits is an existence outside the confines of time and our physical mortality. Could the entirety of our earthly existence simply be one stage in a much greater journey? I certainly hope there is more and greater ahead than what we leave behind.
This is the hope, for bigger and better, to be rewarded for our patience and diligence, to have the higher understanding, the greater sense of accomplishment, to achieve total enlightenment. For us to think we will “retire” once we are on the other side, fishing, or playing harps on clouds, it is a sad conclusion to a life that has been spent seeking a larger answer, a higher meaning. While ok for some, we hope to continue learning and growing, to continue evolving to become pure light, pure energy, pure love.
The road is not an easy one to maintain sure footing on. Slips and slides will happen, that is “being human”, but how you recover from a slip, the intent to continue on the correct path, instead of taking the easier way, that is what matters in the end. To recover and vow to correct the behavior that led you to the slip, instead of becoming lazy and letting it slide you right off the path.
This is not something you can pretend to do. There is no one to answer to but yourself. And you already know. There is no cheating at the end, there is no second chances once your number is drawn. So the choice is yours, to raise yourself up, or to just live and survive this life and hope for the best. How will YOU leave your mark?
by Robert and Lori Gebbie
Every person’s journey through life is their own; we are the sum of our knowledge and experiences. Even when there is a plan for the road traveled often things do not end up where we expected. Each moment leads us onward into the next, an ever changing sequence of events that will one day bring a person to the end of their journey in this physical world.
As a species the human race often asks, what are we? Why we are here and where are we going? It is my belief that with all the things we have become, in knowledge and spirit, there must be a grander purpose to our existence than the limited span of our individual lives. The advances we make through one generation propel forward the children we introduce into the next, continuing to advance and evolve from the creatures we once were to what we will become.
It is my great hope that one day our species will overcome the petty differences that divide us. Individually and collectively raising ourselves above the confines of our physical limitations to discover what comes next. Perhaps what awaits is an existence outside the confines of time and our physical mortality. Could the entirety of our earthly existence simply be one stage in a much greater journey? I certainly hope there is more and greater ahead than what we leave behind.
This is the hope, for bigger and better, to be rewarded for our patience and diligence, to have the higher understanding, the greater sense of accomplishment, to achieve total enlightenment. For us to think we will “retire” once we are on the other side, fishing, or playing harps on clouds, it is a sad conclusion to a life that has been spent seeking a larger answer, a higher meaning. While ok for some, we hope to continue learning and growing, to continue evolving to become pure light, pure energy, pure love.
The road is not an easy one to maintain sure footing on. Slips and slides will happen, that is “being human”, but how you recover from a slip, the intent to continue on the correct path, instead of taking the easier way, that is what matters in the end. To recover and vow to correct the behavior that led you to the slip, instead of becoming lazy and letting it slide you right off the path.
This is not something you can pretend to do. There is no one to answer to but yourself. And you already know. There is no cheating at the end, there is no second chances once your number is drawn. So the choice is yours, to raise yourself up, or to just live and survive this life and hope for the best. How will YOU leave your mark?
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Starting 2017
Starting 2017
by Lori Gebbie
As I approach my 51st birthday, I have been reflecting on the past few years. I've noticed us slowing down, quite a bit. Pain was a huge sidetrack for us, and the depressing economy did not help matters any. But, here we are, blinking in the new sun of Spring, renewed energies focusing on our work and the messages we send out to the world.
And our message is being seen. Self Perpetuating Evolution is being found by more and more people, enriching lives, changing people, creating better lives for those who understand responsibility and dedication. And we couldn't be happier. S.P.E. is a lifestyle change, done from within. There are too many people who find themselves buried so deeply in the stories they've fabricated for others, they forget to live for themselves. This is YOUR life, you should be able to look at yourself in the mirror and smile because you are happy with the person you are.
If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, please check it out yourself and see what we have to say. It's a series of four short articles, full of common sense and a focus on personal responsibility. You can find the link here ( Free printable PDF download at the bottom of page. - https://sites.google.com/site/rgebbiephoto/Home/self-perpetuating-evolution )
We were recently contacted by a gentleman who is currently receiving cancer treatment for Mesothelioma. He was touched by our work, and we were touched by his story and cause. Please feel free to check out Mesothelioma.net and see the good work they are doing there.
( https://mesothelioma.net )
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We can't do it without YOU!
by Lori Gebbie
As I approach my 51st birthday, I have been reflecting on the past few years. I've noticed us slowing down, quite a bit. Pain was a huge sidetrack for us, and the depressing economy did not help matters any. But, here we are, blinking in the new sun of Spring, renewed energies focusing on our work and the messages we send out to the world.
And our message is being seen. Self Perpetuating Evolution is being found by more and more people, enriching lives, changing people, creating better lives for those who understand responsibility and dedication. And we couldn't be happier. S.P.E. is a lifestyle change, done from within. There are too many people who find themselves buried so deeply in the stories they've fabricated for others, they forget to live for themselves. This is YOUR life, you should be able to look at yourself in the mirror and smile because you are happy with the person you are.
If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, please check it out yourself and see what we have to say. It's a series of four short articles, full of common sense and a focus on personal responsibility. You can find the link here ( Free printable PDF download at the bottom of page. - https://sites.google.com/site/rgebbiephoto/Home/self-perpetuating-evolution )
We were recently contacted by a gentleman who is currently receiving cancer treatment for Mesothelioma. He was touched by our work, and we were touched by his story and cause. Please feel free to check out Mesothelioma.net and see the good work they are doing there.
( https://mesothelioma.net )
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We can't do it without YOU!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Newest custom design gifts by RGebbiePhoto - 7-30-2013
While we continue to work on new personal growth and development articles to motivate and inspire our readers, we wanted to show off a few of our newest custom designed gift products available in our merchant stores at Zazzle and Cafe Press. We have also recently opened two new websites as part of our efforts to support and promote the art and photography by us and the many other fine, talented designers that make a living from their creativity.
Gifts Corner - https://sites.google.com/site/rgpgiftstore
Welcome to our Gift Store, where you will find everything from humor to fine art! Do you have unique friends who appreciate something creative? The person that has everything? Look no further, our selections are some of the most unique and creative designs we've found! From phone cases to commuter bags, jewelry, funny keychains, coffee mugs, even pillows, you'll find the best of the best here! Shop till you drop, we're open all night!
Our selection of unique gift design items are chosen from hundreds of individual artists with millions of interesting and personal creations.
The Paper Cut - https://sites.google.com/site/rgppapercut
Welcome to The Paper Cut where you will find our personally chosen selection of stationery and stationery products. From post cards and invitations to postage stamps and address labels, if you're looking for unique, personal or one of a kind custom designs then you have found the right place.
Our selection of unique gift design items are chosen from hundreds of individual artists with millions of interesting and personal creations.
$50.95 - Red White and Blue Patriotic Theme Galaxy S4 Covers - Red, White and Blue USA Patriotic theme. White stars on a navy blue background, with red and white stripes. Button for initial, easy to personalize. Are you a Patriot? Just love the good old US? Born on Independence Day? This is for YOU!
$39.95 - Sports Balls Sandals - Sport Lovers! A theme for anyone who likes competition sports! A mix of different sports balls! Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and an 8 ball from a Billiards set. Soccer is also known as Football in countries other than the United States. Great for coaches, players, or sports fans!
$39.95 - Baseball Flip Flops - A white baseball, dirty from being played with, stitching faded but still red.
$50.95 - Yellow Softball Galaxy S4 Case - A yellow softball isolated. Fastpitch softball league ball with natural shading.
$3.75 - Hippy Retro Flowers Friendship Greeting Cards - Colorful retro style flowers, hippy style in bright colors! Large petal flowers in a jumbled assortment. 70s Hippy look, great throwback item! WTH?? Sarcasm at its best! Only a true friend will appreciate this!
$8.39 - Soccer Ball Shot Glass - An illustration of a sports soccer ball in 3D.
$14.39 - Softball Wallpaper Large Mug - Large wallpaper design of multiple yellow softballs in a pile or stack.
$21.59 - Women's Soccer Ball Jr. Football T-Shirt - An illustration of a sports soccer ball in 3D.
Gifts Corner - https://sites.google.com/site/rgpgiftstore
Welcome to our Gift Store, where you will find everything from humor to fine art! Do you have unique friends who appreciate something creative? The person that has everything? Look no further, our selections are some of the most unique and creative designs we've found! From phone cases to commuter bags, jewelry, funny keychains, coffee mugs, even pillows, you'll find the best of the best here! Shop till you drop, we're open all night!
Our selection of unique gift design items are chosen from hundreds of individual artists with millions of interesting and personal creations.
The Paper Cut - https://sites.google.com/site/rgppapercut
Welcome to The Paper Cut where you will find our personally chosen selection of stationery and stationery products. From post cards and invitations to postage stamps and address labels, if you're looking for unique, personal or one of a kind custom designs then you have found the right place.
Our selection of unique gift design items are chosen from hundreds of individual artists with millions of interesting and personal creations.
We hope you enjoy our selection of custom design gifts!
$50.95 - Red White and Blue Patriotic Theme Galaxy S4 Covers - Red, White and Blue USA Patriotic theme. White stars on a navy blue background, with red and white stripes. Button for initial, easy to personalize. Are you a Patriot? Just love the good old US? Born on Independence Day? This is for YOU!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Everyone Lies
by Lori Gebbie
People tell lies all the time. It’s part of the coping mechanism we have to get from one day to the next. We settle for things, and make due because we don’t want to cause waves or alarm people around us. But the fact is, those lies are the things that damage us the most.
A few years ago, Robert and I were in a discussion, and he told me those words that everyone hates to hear. “I have something to tell you, sit down for a minute.” I took a seat, and waited, patiently. I had complete trust and faith in him, he was my husband, and my best friend. He said he’d lied about some things, and they were weighing on him, and had been for a number of years. As he started unburdening his lies, his face started relaxing. Years started pouring off of his features. They weren’t huge lies, just “truths” he’d told himself so many times that he believed they were so. The real reasons why he had taken actions on things, instead of the “story” he’d told everyone else. Our relationship was solid, he tried so hard to be the better man this time around. But as he went back in his life, his teen years, down to his childhood years, he fell to his knees with the stripping, and he became that child.
When he describes it, it was like he was immediately transformed into light and love, and he saw all of creation around him. He saw the stars, he saw the reasoning for existence, he saw all of truth. Like a brick wall slamming into him, he had instant knowledge of life. He could feel the earth breathing beneath him, he could see the movement of natural flow. He could hear people miles away in their homes, living their lives. He could defy the natural laws and do things I cannot describe here. It was a very magical time, in the true sense of the word “magic”.
For me, it was a different story. I felt the swoop, felt the pull, yet I was still anchored to this reality. I was his lifeline to this reality, and yet, I didn’t want to be. I wanted to go with him “full fare” on this ride. I wanted to experience this with him, but knew it wasn’t possible. Yet, we were more connected than I’d ever felt, I felt as if half of me was here, while the other half was floating away with him. I still had to deal with this reality, our bills, our meals, our day-to-day. He crumbled, he could no longer speak, could not communicate in anything but gibberish. But I heard his mind, I felt his heart. I knew what was happening, and I was excited for both of us. We connected to each other in such a deep and spiritual level, I cried because I knew others had no clue to the beauty I felt. And it was beautiful. It still is. I closed my eyes and saw the Universe, the stars, the “full scope”. I was in his mind, he was inside mine. We were One.
But, being the reality-based mind, I had to see things from the outside perspective. And it was frightening. I could have taken him to see a doctor, but drugs and therapy were not going to help him. This was a spiritual ride he was on, and he needed to feel it the way it was hitting him. So I took care of my husband. We had cleared our schedule of anything pending, we were both working from home at the time, so it was real easy to cancel outside appointments and push off friends, claiming we were swamped and working. But that also meant I had no help, no one to call on for advice, no one to help take care of my 6’4” 200 lb child. And he was a child. He wanted to touch, to feel, to experience things. I had to rein him in, to keep him safe from outside, to make sure no one would interrupt the epiphany. To be honest, his personality shattered into four distinct entities. I was able to talk to all of them, and together, we put him back to one solid front. But it was a good three months for him to be stable enough to be in the company of others, and even then, it was only for short periods. He was solid for about 2 hours at a time, before he went off on wonderment.
Oh, that wonderment was amazing! We had deep discussions, understood life, and floated among the stars. We felt completely connected, even to the point of communicating telepathically. We felt nature, felt life, felt love. We understood science and math and religion in a whole way. A complete way. We are artists, and felt inspired by the experience. We wrote about the new knowledge we had, and shared the good with as many as we could. We came up with our theory of Self Perpetuation Evolution, and live those rules. And it’s made us better people. We stay true to ourselves, first, then others. We see a more complete picture, because we don’t allow those lies to taint our views. And we are happy.
A lot of people criticize me for being harsh. And they call us “hard”. But the reality is, we’re good friends. To those who live responsibly, who take action, who want to grow and move forward, we are fully supportive. But if you are playing around, running a game, being deceitful, we’re harsh and swift. I do not apologize for this, whining is not allowed. Most see us as strange, odd, even a little scary. But that’s because they have so many lies wrapped into their lives, they only feel comfortable with like-minded people. We offer a mirror to look into. If you don’t like what you see, change it.
We would like to be extremely successful. We would like to have more freedom than we do. But not at the expense of our truth. Because we are happy, we can sleep at night. And we know the people around us are true and honorable.
I don’t share this for others to feel sorry for us, there is nothing to feel sorry for. This was a magical time, a time of light and love, truth and harmony. To be honest, we both want that time back, because it was so incredible. But it changed us. We no longer lie, not even the small ones to make others feel better. If something doesn’t sit with us, we discuss it. If we see someone wrong, we cut them from us. There is too much beauty in this life to surround ourselves with people who just don’t “get it”. We don’t maintain toxic relationships. You have to be true, responsible, and gracious for what you have. Material gain is not important if you compromise yourself. It’s just not worth that.
I don’t suggest others try to get to the point we hit, I don’t even know how to get back there ourselves. But we know living with pure hearts, we’ll get there eventually. And we understand our future, what we are going toward. What we have to look forward to after this life. And it’s exciting!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Briar Wood smoking pipes and handcrafted jewelry
Now in our Etsy Shop - Briar Wood smoking pipes and handcrafted jewelry.
Robert started working with pipes several years ago. He
chose Mediterranean Briar wood burls, as this type of root wood is extremely
dense and slow burning. It is the preferred wood to make quality smoking pipes,
and the patterns created by the grain are beautiful. The burls are grown and
harvested, then set to dry for several decades before they are considered
mature enough to use. The current burl wood we are using was cured for a
century before we began working with it.
We had several traditional tobacco pipes created, but had an
order for a cannabis pipe. So we created some pipes with a club-like shape and
medium sized bowl. The smooth taste created by smoking out of wood was
desirable, and it did not heat up as quickly as glass or metal pipes do, so it
was a more comfortable smoke. Because it is made of Briar wood, the pipes are
sturdy and will last decades in your collection. They are coated in Bees wax,
and the more they are handled and smoked out of, the deeper the grain stands
out. We currently have gorgeous flame grains and swirl patterns, and we offer a
straight grain pattern in one of our tobacco pipes.
During the shaping process, we were left with small pieces,
but the wood is so beautiful, we didn’t want to throw it away. So we sanded them
down and polished them up. These little pieces were truly unusual. They felt
like glass, but were deceptively lightweight. We called them Peace Gems, since
they worked similar to worry stones. Because it is a root, sometimes we run
into "inclusions" which is caused by a grain of sand or rock from the
soil embedding itself and the root growing around it. In order to sand them out,
grooves are formed in the wood. While the smooth Peace Gems are nice, the
grooved ones gave more texture for the fingers to follow.
We gave several to our friends and family, and got a
positive response from them. My aunt said she loved wooden jewelry, so we made
one into a pendant for her, and she wears it all the time. Metal necklaces
react with her skin, regardless of gold or silver, so these wooden pendants
with leather cord worked perfectly for her. Each one is shaped and sanded by
hand, taking between 6-10 hours per piece. Once it is sanded to a glass finish,
it is then polished with bees wax so the grain design pops out. Each one is
unique, and carefully contemplated as it is being shaped. They start out as a
light brown color, but get darker as they are handled and the oils from your
hands seep in. And touch them you will! They roll around easily in your hands,
and you will find yourself touching them often.
We hope you will take a look and see what we currently have
up in our store. Since they are hand crafted, once the design is sold,
reproduction is not guaranteed. Our sanding process starts with 250 grit
sandpaper, and ends with 1,000 grit sandpaper. We final polish the pieces using
a Dremel tool. The only industrial tools used are to form the bowl shape and
the rough cut out of the piece. Keep them from being immersed in water, since
they are made of wood, and they should give you years of enjoyment!
(Click on images to view full product details)
(More items available in our Etsy store)
(More items available in our Etsy store)
$95.00 - Briar Wood Premium Smoking Pipe - Smooth
Bottom - This beautiful smooth bottom pipe is perfect for kicking back with
your favorite smoke. Crafted out of a Mediterranean Briar Wood burl that was
cured for 100+ years, the gorgeous grains are a mixture of straight grain and
flame. Nice large bowl size for a long comfortable smoke. The wood is polished
with natural bees wax, and will darken over time with handling, enriching the
grain texture of this pipe. A quality pipe for your collection that will last
for decades!
$150.00 - Briar Wood Premium Smoking Pipe - Plateau Top - This Briar Wood pipe was hand sanded to expose the beautiful grains in this wood. A fine straight grain pattern on one side, with straight grain on the other. Medium size with plateau top, natural finish. This fine quality pipe will last decades in your collection!
$225.00 - Briar Wood Premium Smoking Pipe - This Briar Wood pipe was hand sanded to expose the beautiful grains in this wood. A swirling flame pattern on one side, with straight grain bursts on the other. Large Billiard style, natural finish. This fine quality pipe will last decades in your collection!
$18.00 - Solid Briar Wood Nugget Pendant - Gorgeous briar wood nugget pendant, Simple in design, smooth as glass. Briar wood is the chosen wood for pipe making, the tight grain polishes to a stone-like quality. Lightweight, polished with Bees wax.
$22.00 - Solid Briar Wood Block Pendant - Gorgeous briar wood block pendant, Simple in design, smooth as glass. Briar wood is the chosen wood for pipe making, the tight grain polishes to a stone-like quality. Lightweight, polished with Bees wax.
$22.00 - Solid Briar Wood Drop Pendant - Gorgeous briar wood drop pendant, Simple in design, smooth as glass. Briar wood is the chosen wood for pipe making, the tight grain polishes to a stone-like quality. Lightweight, polished with Bees wax or carnauba wax.
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