Chasing Clean Air

Greetings from West L.A. Library

Greetings from the West Los Angeles library. I stopped in to check out a business directory--I may call on a few potential accounts when I'm in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is the first stop on my journey, which will begin next Thursday. I put everything in storage this week, and feel free. I'm staying with a friend in Bel Air for a few days, and then another in Simi Valley until I leave. 

AB 32 Bill May Position California as the leader in action against Global Warming

The California legislature is debating a bill that would establish a first-ever statewide limit on global warming pollution and make California a national leader in the development of clean, alternative energy technologies. Our governor is mulling over details in the proposal that will limit California's contribution to global warming. If you want to get involved, make your voice heard, check out www.environmentaldefense.org for more information.

The Tiny Fern That Grew

Three years ago my baby fern contently grew in its pot. I watched it on my kitchen counter, and, in time, its roots got squished.

Time for a bigger pot.

So I replanted my fern into a bigger pot. A creme white ceramic pot. And my fern grew into the larger space of its new surroundings.

Moving, I decided to give my fern to a friend. And when I picked it up, there was a crack in the pot, the fern's roots had grown and it needed more room to grow.

I think you know where I'm going.

I'm my fern.

Metaphorically, it fits. I no longer fit my surroundings. I need new space to grow. No matter how I try to stay in my "box" I can't. Spiritually, I need to reach beyond previous "limits". According to scientists the universe expands too. Is it a stretch to think we do as humans?

I bought a bigger pot at Armstrong Garden's and my tiny fern is a real plant in a big ceramic pot now. Soon it will be too big for the kitchen counter and will be moved to a more appropriate place.

That time is now.

Distracted people may not have noticed the pot's crack, and in time the plant would die younger than necessary.

Less distracted people may have noticed the pot's crack but not explored why it's cracked, and the plant would suffer.

Some people pay attention, and ask questions like why, and what can I do to improve the situation?  And then act on the answers, moving beyond....

1 plus X = ? Unknown vs. Stability

1 plus X = ?

Storage of furniture multiplied by an unknown number of months--guessing 6-12--versus replacement costs of same furniture equals SELL SELL SELL!

I placed more ads on Craigslist to sell furniture. Like this desk on which I wrote my novel Chasing Normal. It's functional. Not beautiful. I love beauty and function. Therefore, it goes.

It's steel so it won't crush in an earthquake or be destroyed in a fire. I decided to part with my office furniture--two desks, a lateral file with two drawers, a storage unit with four shelves, bookshelves, and two chairs-- when I realized 6 months in added storage space (a real possibility) will equal what I paid for the furniture.

Letting go is getting easier.

Plus I meet great people who stop by to inquire. 

Sometimes I get envious, or maybe the word is curious. So many happy couples, and I wonder why I'm not part of a happy couple. I could be. This is me today. In my new pink sapphire necklace. The one dad made as a special gift for me to always have from him. It's very special. Can you see it?  It's the thought that's most special, that I'll always have this piece representative of love, care, security, dad. I guess you can't see it. It's a round pink sapphire with diamonds surrounding. A white gold chain. You also can't see the tiny but classy round matching diamond earrings. Oh well. Trust me. Beautiful. Worth a smile, and more.

Alls Well That Ends Well

Dad and I had long talk a few days ago. I asked him to listen. And he did. Made all the difference. Our relationship is back on smooth track. My trip has been modified with his suggestions. There's more to say, but for another day... Lot's to do! 

Bellingham and Coeur d'Alene

Bellingham, Washington. Nearby are the San Juan Islands. It's rated as having very clean air, by more than one organization. And... Inc Magazine rates this area one of the top small cities to do business. In one year, business growth grew 6%, and in five years, business growth grew at a rate of 19%. In the same time period, Los Angeles business growth was 1% in one year; 1.3% growth in five years. As I consider areas for clean air, I must consider business opportunities and quality of life. Bellingham rates high and high. Even higher is the business growth of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's known for stunning lakes and vistas, and who knew, great business opportunities. This area grew almost 24% in past five years. I'm not sure about Coeur d'Alene's air. Scorecard gave it mixed review, though data is a few years old.