permanent top links

Imagination Arts help foster Inner Peace
Begin World Peace: It is Up to Us
Peace Prayers from twelve religions

Class offered by Rev Susanna Goulder, Bedford OH

'Practicing The Presence' Class Begins April 22nd

"You've been walking in circles,

searching.

Don't drink by the waters edge.

Throw yourself in. Become the water.

Only then will your thirst end."

--Jeanette Berson



'Practicing The Presence:

Being A Conduit For Wisdom, Grace & Love'

Facilitated by

Reverend Susanna Margaret Goulder



Rev. Susanna will lead this experiential workshop for 6 consecutive

Wednesday evenings where together all will approach the font of peace

within that is called God.



Classes commence Wednesday, April 22nd.

Details below. Click the image to enlarge.

Applied Spirituality: The Sufi Perspective

On Sunday, April 19, Sufi Iman Kim Corrick
Will present an afternoon workshop:
‘Applied Spirituality from the Sufi Perspective’
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
At the Star Institute (Emery Plaza)
2501 Emery Rd, Suite 100
Warrensville Hts OH 44128

Click on the image to enlarge for reading.

What is the Meaning of Life and Progress?

*** Question the Meaning of Life ***
What is my purpose? Why am I here? Explore these questions at "We the People" Dialogue Series with lay leaders and others on April 26 from 3 – 5:30 pm at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple (1573 East 214th St. Cleveland, OH) Sensei Dean Williams, an ordained Zen Buddhist priest will outline the basics of Buddhist belief with and panelists Imam Ramez Islambouli, Rabbi Susan Stone, and Rev. Laury Larson will add their particular religious perspective before the conversation is turned over to the audience for group discussion. The dialogue will ask about Human Destiny, the destiny of followers of other faiths, and whether human destiny is separable from that of the planet Earth. All are invited and welcomed to join. Suggested donation $5.

Climate Solutions

A friend sent the title link with this message:

If we all just pass on the good news as we come across it, we’ll encourage each other and the world will look different.

Three Day Silent Meditation Retreat, Cleveland area

The Fourth Annual Silent Meditation Retreat will again be held at the Templed Hills Retreat Center, Bellville, OH.

Reservations must be made by February 14. $90 for two nights and five meals (three in formal Zen Oryoki, instruction time included).

Contact Sensei Dean Williams at (four four zero) 537-7104 for information and to register.

“We The People” Dialogue Series, InterAct Cleveland

Press Release from InterAct Cleveland

“We The People” Dialogue Series Examines Religion within Civic Scope

“America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.” - President Obama

Cleveland: February 3, 2009.

In her book, A New Religious America: How a “Christian Country” Has Become the World’s Most Religiously Diverse Nation, Dr. Diana Eck, director of The Pluralism Project at Harvard University asks “Who do we mean when we invoke the first words of our Constitution, ‘We the people of the United States of America’? Who do we mean when we say ‘we’?” InterAct Cleveland and the interreligious community will respond to this and other clarifying questions in a series of dialogues in 2009 addressing religious diversity in America.

The first dialogue, We the People: “What difference does difference make?” is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, from 3 to 5:30 pm at Trinity Commons (2230 Euclid Ave. with parking lot entrance on Prospect Ave.). Sudarshan Sathe of the Shiva Vishnu Temple will lead the dialogue as the primary presenter answering the dialogue’s main question, “What are the traditional teachings, and range of other beliefs, within your faith tradition concerning the proper relationship with those who differ in race or gender, in culture, politics or faith?” Panelists representing the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith traditions are the following respectively: Sensei Dean Williams from the Jijuyu-ji Zen Sangha of Cleveland, Dr. George Matejka of Ursuline College, Rabbi Alan Lettofsky of Beth Israel- The West Temple, and Sister Suna Aziz of the Islamic Center of Cleveland.

There will be two additional dialogues will be presented in the spring and summer this year:
April, 2009--We the People: “What is the meaning of life and progress?” with Sensei Dean Williams
Late June, 2009--We the People: “What is the place of religion in civil/civic arena/society?” with Dr. Ramez Islambouli

The series will include a presentation on a specific question posed by a member of one of the growing minority traditions in our community. Each presentation will be followed by a brief response from representatives of three or four other religious traditions, followed by small group discussions before returning to the larger audience for a question and answer session.

All dialogues are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. For more information please contact InterAct Cleveland at (216) 241-0230 or partners@interactcleveland.org. Suggested donation $5.

InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland (InterAct Cleveland) promotes mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices, as well as discovery of the values and beliefs shared by many religious traditions. InterAct Cleveland members actively engage with one another to help shape positive responses to the challenges and opportunities facing Greater Cleveland, including religious diversity itself. InterAct Cleveland: Showing how the love, growing out of religious belief, can change the world.

Monthly Peace Meditation

This month’s Meditation for Peace will be: Tuesday, Feb. 17th, 7:00 pm
St. Paul's Community Church
4427 Franklin Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44113

Bring an up to 2-minute reading on spirituality and peace to share with the group after our period of meditation/silent prayer. Following will be news of an NSPA event dedicated to peace for Sunday, Mar. 22nd, 7:00 pm at First Unitarian Church on Shaker Blvd. Those who volunteered for the Homeless Stand Down are invited to share their experiences.

Past locations for this newly formed ongoing multi-denominational event:
Jan 20, Euclid Ave. Congregational Church, Cleveland;
Dec. 17, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, Tremont;
November 18, Noble Road Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Heights;
October 15, St. Paul’s Community Church, Ohio City.

Sponsored by the Network of Spiritual Peace Activists
The event is free. For more information contact Sensei Dean Williams
Jijuyu-ji Zen Group of Cleveland (four four zero) 537-7104

Soto Zen Buddhism Meditation Cleveland OH

The Cleveland Zen Meditation Group with local priest Sensei Dean Williams meets on Thursdays at 7:00 pm at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple, located at the corner of E 214th Street and Euclid Avenue, Euclid OH. Free. For more information visit www.zencentercleveland.org at the title link.

Monthly Peace Meditation, Cleveland OH

The Network of Spiritual Peace Activists is again sponsoring an evening of meditation for peace in the Cleveland area.

This month the group will gather on

Tuesday, January 20th

at the Euclid Ave. Congregational Church at 7:00 pm.

This is a wonderful way to observe Inauguration Day. Everyone is welcome to join in for an hour or so of quiet contemplation and sharing of readings. The church is located at 9606 Euclid Ave on the Cleveland Clinic campus and has its own parking lot directly adjacent to the church. The meeting will be in the parlor.

Discussion on the current situation in the Middle East will follow the 30 minutes of meditation/silent prayer, as this is something that weighs heavily on our hearts. 

InterAct Cleveland is in the process of looking into what role it can play here locally in working with the various religious traditions to try as best it can to dampen hostilities that are being heightened by the violence taking place in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Sensei Dean Williams will report on projects being undertaken by InterAct and looks forward to hearing the perceptions and ideas of those in attendance.

You are invited to bring a short reading on spirituality and peace to share with the group. Information to share on social/political issues and events or currently pending legislation pertaining to peacefully existing in the world is also very welcome.

Past locations for this newly formed ongoing multi-denominational event: December 17, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. November 18, Noble Road Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Heights. October 15, St. Paul’s Community Church, Ohio City.


The event is free. For more information contact
Sensei Dean Williams, Jijuyu-ji Zen Group of Cleveland

This program is one of many sponsored through InterAct Cleveland. The Homeless Stand Down is in need of volunteers for the 2009 program. Read comments for more, or go to the links provided.

Free program for Veterans

This month's Imagination Arts program for veterans will be at the Recovery Resource Center at the VA Medical Center, Brecksville OH.

Tuesday, January 13, 1:00 to 2:30,

Building 5 Rm 23 B

Limited to 20 participants.

Call 440-526-3030

ext 6399 or ext 6760

Inner Peace Brings World Peace

It is hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I last posted. So much has happened! With peace in all our hearts, peace will grow and spread.

During the past year, some of the websites at the other end of the link list to the right have changed or disappeared. Let me know if you find one that needs to be deleted.

The Shift

From the website for the movie, "The Shift".

A massive worldwide phenomenon is in progress, offering seeds of great hope for the future.

Millions of individuals, organizations and corporations around the world are waking up and embracing a new outlook with an emphasis on their responsibility to contribute positively to our collective future.

We are in the middle of the biggest social transformation in human history, The SHIFT.

At this critical point, it is imperative we make the masses aware of this global movement quickly. This evolutionary phenomenon is broader and deeper than the most visible SHIFT, the environmental movement. It involves our very understanding of who we are as human beings, and our responsibility to the world and to life itself.

THE SHIFT movie raises awareness to the story of our roles in an evolutionary shift in our collective consciousness.

As it chronicles the faces, the stories and leaders assisting in this social transformation, the film reveals its emergence & meaning.

Make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the completion of the film.

See a trailer for the movie at the title link and HERE.


Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Regina Brett

Two for two. Today's Plain Dealer has great columns today under the theme, "Do unto others ..."

Peace begins at home. Peace begins with our neighbors. Peace begins on the local basketball courts.

Read her article at the title link.

Connie Schultz

Peace comes in many forms, as today's column shows. As Schultz says, "Everybody has a name."

Read the article at the title link.

Poppy with Iris

Turn American Industry Green

A long article in Today's Plain Dealer interviews Jerome Ringo about Apollo Alliance's goal to make the US energy independent in 10 years. The title link contains a summery.

The name "Apollo Alliance" stems from the Apollo Mission to put a man on the moon in 10 years. With that kind of dedication of purpose, the ten-year energy independence goal can be achieved.

Emerging Ferns

I took this photo on May 3 on a hike near Peninsula, OH.

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

We need "Energy Policies" not "Energy Politics"

Still Here

Thanks to all who have kept on visiting for the last month. Sorry there was nothing new for you to see or read. Starting a new business is more than a full-time job! I have piles of articles and loads of photos to share if I ever get several hours free to accomplish this task.

Meanwhile, remember ...

Inner Peace Brings World Peace

Peace in your heart spreads to those around you, even complete strangers.

I'll be back soon!

Flowers in the Snow

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Waiting ...

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Public Utilities Commission, OH, takes positive step forward.

"Connecting home and business solar panels, wind generators and other alternative energy sources to utility distribution networks will soon be easier." Full article at title link.

Circle of Life

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Loving Yourself

Connie Shultz has done it again. Her columns always tell us something important about the world. I just found the time to read yesterday's, and it fits perfectly with the post I submitted earlier.

See the article at the title link. What do you think?

I think it very refreshing to see people be real and honest about themselves.

Love Your Neighbor. We are all One.

Spring is a time of renewal, a time to let go of the old and begin the new.


A friend recently used the word heresy in a sentence, causing me to ponder the word. I have concluded that it is a word in direct opposition to the peaceful way of living suggested in the words, "Love your neighbor as yourself".

The word "heresy" is used by one religion to condemn the doctrine of a other religion.


"Love your neighbor" crosses religious boundaries.


"Love yourself" comes first. One who accepts and appreciates the talents they have while appreciating (not envying) the talents of others is "loving onesself".


It is time to let go of the learned beliefs that create hostility, fear, and condemnation.



Love yourself.
Love your neighbor.
Love the land that feeds us.
Love the water that is our lifeblood.
Love the earthly home of our current existence.

We are all One.

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Solar, Wind Energy for Cleveland

"Cleveland is about to become the greenest major city in Ohio," said William Spratley, head of Green Energy Ohio. "

Full story at title link.

Hiking Photos, Bedford Reservation Cleveland Metroparks

I tucked this hike in between two meetings on Thursday.



Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

First of Many

I have taken loads of photos lately with thoughts of adding them here for all to enjoy, but have not had the time. Starting a new business is labor-intensive!

Here is my favorite of the new photos from my garden.

Beetle Bailey Wisdom

I found this recently. It is from Oct 6, 2006. Click to enlarge for reading.

Abusive Relationships

The Link above is for the main article. This guide was next to the article in today's Plain Dealer, but not included online. Please click to enlarge for reading.

To the Garden!

I spent three hours in the front yard clearing away those few brown stalks I had left for the birds and for visual variety. I forgot I have a new camera and I could have taken a photo. It was not too exciting, though, so I will wait until the daffodils and hyacinths bloom for an outdoor photo. Meanwhile, I have two plants blooming indoors.

Clivia

Orchid
Gardening gives me much peace and contentment.

Balanced Living Magazine

No time to do much posting! I have totally filled my schedule. There is an event tomorrow morning I would like to attend, but enough is enough! The speaker is the editor of Balanced Living LLC, "Your Guide to Wholeness and Well Being." It is right up my alley, as they say, but I have to devote as much time as I have left to getting ready for Imagination Arts for Veterans which starts next week. Today I created a display for Charter One Bank in Bedford. Here is the poster I designed.

Well, I will try again later. I've tried 5 times and it won't upload.

But it did upload over at Art Experiences using Firefox. Click the link to see the poster!

I have never had trouble with Safari before. In fact it was faster than Firefox!

Making Choices. Progress. Earthquake!

I woke this morning with a frown on my face and surrounded by a feeling of oppression.

"Oops", I thought. "I do not want to go through the day with this attitude surrounding me."

And with that, I closed my eyes and reached my mind up beyond myself to the clear air and sunlight above as I took in a long and deep breath. The deep breath brought the clear air and sunlight of my imagination into myself, replacing the heaviness and gloom.

As I breathed out, some of the gloom returned, but I was not to be overtaken. Five or six more times I reached above myself to the clear air and sunlight above me, outside of me in my imagination, and breathed it in. Each time the gloom was weaker, and when it was gone I was ready to start the day with a fresh outlook and light spirit.

I created a poster for Imagination Arts for Veterans, and a brief press release to go with it, searched out email addresses to send the press release, and printed out hard copies to send to other print and broadcast media. I collected addresses for the mailed press releases, and headed off to teach the Draw and Paint class at Sylvia's with a 30-minute stop at Sirna's on Broadway for cheesy tortilla soup. They make the best homemade soups there: Fresh ingredients and not too salty.

There was a bit of excitement during art class. We had an earthquake! I have been through several while in NY and OH, but usually I miss them because they are pretty mild here. One I remember in Northern NY sounded (and felt) like a train passing by very close (but there was no train.) The sound even came from a distance, got louder, then faded, along with the shaking. This one today sounded more like a sonic boom, or perhaps someone dropping a rail car from a crane onto the ground. There was a loud sound and the house shook, but it was over in about two seconds.

All for now. Tomorrow I will be back at getting out the word for the veterans' program.

Veteran's Beat by Ron Seman, Record Publishing Co.

For those of you who are new to this blog, this is the first published article about my new Imagination Arts for Veterans program.

Click on Image to enlarge for reading.

"Venezula, Part II"

Ashley Cecil has posted another great essay and painting from her recent trip to Venezula.

It is Time for All of Us to "Attract Peace"

My most current writing has been posted at The Peace Tree.

Explore the secret to a better life

Sunday, March 04, 2007, Regina Brett, Plain Dealer Columnist.

"What if I saw the universe as friendly? I've been practicing that for two weeks. It's like seeing the world through new glasses.
Think fear, you attract anxiety. Think abundance, you attract wealth." ...complete Regina Brett column

One hundred quotes from the movie referenced in the column.

The Colors of Winter

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

A photo of the rocks along the banks of Big Creek, part of the system of Revervations of Cleveland Metroparks.

We are consumers of our planet

Kevin O"Brien was at it again on Wednesday, denying that humans have anything to do with global warming. (He finally did admit that there is an increase in the heat.)

I sent off a letter to the Plain Dealer, and it was published in today's paper. The title link goes to an online version that mixes together my letter plus one by Randy Cunningham. (Corrected soon, I hope.) Our two letters are headlined: "Why deny the abusive way we're treating our planet?"

My letter, as it appears in today's paper:

I see there is no swaying Kevin O'Brien. He has his opinions that global warming is a scare scam, and nothing is about to change his mind.

I ask him, though, what about global abuse? Can he possibly say that humans are not abusing the planet with their use-it-up philosophy? How did the word "consumer" ever get to be said with pride, meaning a person with rights to products and services?

I agree that a person who purchases things has rights, but using "consumer" instead of "customer" as a descriptive term gives credence to the notion that it is OK to use things up without a care for how they will be replaced.

A house is "consumed" by fire, and is but dust.

Our planet is being "consumed" by humans. If global warming is the wake-up call to create awareness that our actions have consequences, then the more press the better.

An artist's view from Venezuela.

Copyright 2007 Ashley Cecil
One of the first art blogs I added to White Light of Peace was Ashley Cecil. I happened upon it by chance, and was really impressed with her ability as an artist and her passion for peace and helping people.

She recently visited Venezuela with Witness for Peace, and has come "back to Kentucky in a dumb-founded state of culture shock. ... If there is one thing I am certain of as a result of my visit, it’s to scrupulously question what you read in privately-owned, mainstream media."

She will be posting more of her experiences and her paintings journaling of the experience (many will be for sale) at her website.

I have added Witness for Peace to my blogroll for easy access in the future.

Top of the Food Chain

I'm Back

I was not too far away, just not feeling well. It is amazing how a session of stomach flu can turn things upside down. I, who usually love to write at the computer, could not tolerate it. I, who am bored by TV, watched three documentaries and two movies. I have to say, however, they were on dvd. I was not so far gone that I could tolerate the noise, confusion, disruption, inanity and blatant greed of commercial TV. (I used to watch it, and enjoy it, too. I did not realize until after quitting how much more pleasant and fun life is without it!)

Now I have to play catch-up, with everything that just sat around while I was too weak to function. I think yesterday's mail is still in the mailbox!

Here is an iris in my favorite color to cheer us all up.

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Regrow Body Parts

From Insights Blog.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Why cheating is dangerous
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Regina Brett
Plain Dealer Columnist

Quote from column at title link: Who cares if women cheat and get implants, if athletes use steroids? Anyone with a daughter or son should.

Iraq, war, nightmares

Click image to enlarge.

See Let's Give Iraqis Homes, Tools, Villages

Snow Shapes, Big Creek Reservation

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Climate Stability

Sunday, February 18, 2007
Elizabeth Sullivan
Plain Dealer Columnist

Quote from title link: ...the vast majority of the world's experts on the physics and chemistry of climate change, on what ancient climates looked like and on what caused temperatures to shift, glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise and ocean currents to stop in their tracks are telling us: "Wake up!"

Let's Stop Global Destruction

Everyone is responsible for helping to slow down the assalt on the planet.

Water is precious. Conserve it.

Organic matter is needed to replenish soil. Compost rather than throw vegetable waste in the trash headed for an encapsulated landfill. Return organics to the Earth.

Re-use, rather than discard. Check out FreeCycle and Pass it on and Sandy Mitchell's article on Cleveland recycling.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances and vehicles. Carpool. Walk. Bicycle. Turn off your TV.

Free program for returning veterans in Northeast Ohio

The City of Bedford has graciously offered space at Ellenwood Center for four sessions of Imagination Arts once a month. Bedford businesses are offering discounts and gifts as a thank you to veterans and their families participating in the program. Benefits include stress relief, bonding, right-brain exercise, fun and relaxation. Schedule and details at Imagination Arts.

Let's give Iraqis homes, tools, villages and hope.

This essay by guest columnist Mike Marcellino appeared in the Feb. 15 issue of the Bedford Sun Banner. Mike served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. The article is not yet online, but here are three quotes, followed by a scanned copy of the newspaper column.

(It is...)
"Time to find an end.
Time to stop killing to save them."

"We should just pull out of the sectarian battles in Baghdad and other big cities (and) go to the villages and towns where some people still like us. Give (them) tools, materials, advice (and) jobs to rebuild (their) towns and a better life."

"Let the Iraqi war lords solve their own problems."

Click images to enlarge.

Squirrels on parade

Photos copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

A hike in the Big Creek Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks provided some welcome exercise and fresh air last weekend.



Be sure to check out Photographing Squirrels. The button to see the slide show is way at the bottom. (See squirrels as photographers!)

Recycle your barn and other resources.

Recycled barn parts are the raw material for "Splart", or slate switchplate art, created by Andres Esparza, Kent Ohio. ... the ultimate goal of splart is to encourage sustainability and make people think twice before they discard valuable resources.

See full article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer at title link.

From the Splart website:

The concepts leading to the birth of "switch plate art" or "SPLART"have been a cumulation of my observances regarding life on this planet.

Be unique
Make people happy
Not harm the environment
Make your environment work for you

This is my dedicated effort to transcend the concept of "recycling" into "fine craft". The chips and dust left over from my creation process, I have flaked out into a mulch that is beautiful, and unique. As little waste as possible.

Energy Efficient light bulbs required

THE inefficient standard light bulb could be phased out within three years to save up to 800,000 tonness of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia.

Last month legislators in California proposed a "How Many Legislators Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb Act" that would phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2012 in favour of compact fluorescent bulbs.

Quotes from the title link, where the full story can be read from the Sidney Morning Herald. Help bring peace to the planet by using energy efficient light bulbs wherever possible.

Secret Angel lends a helping hand and heart

Honoring Judy Kilpeck, an Eastlake school secretary who watches over pupils and is their not-so-secret angel. The students know they can count on her. Read the full story at title link.

New England Asters

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

These asters were blooming in my front yard and in my back yard. I had so many the Cleveland Museum of Natural History came last summer to do a "wildflower rescue". Look for them in their wildflower garden next summer!

The Highly Sensitive Person

My journey of growth and discovery these last five years or so were due to a great many books that I read and found to be immediately pertinent to my life. One of the most pivotal was, "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine Aron. I have recommend this book over and over to people I meet who seem to be in the same state of confusion that I was, or who have the same sensitivities that make it sometimes hard to 'fit in' with the way the world works.

Elaine Aron has a website and a newsletter. The current newsletter has three articles that are well worth reading.

Latest Research: 
What HSPs See: Our Brain Is Not 
as Easily Confused by Culture and Context

What HSPs Can Give and Get from Animals and Babies

Book Review: Unto Others: The Evolution and 
Psychology of Unselfish Behavior 
by Elliott Sober and David Sloan Wilson, Harvard University Press, 1998

I am adding a link to The Unlimited Love Institute to go along with this last book and article. Stephen G. Post, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, is doing research and writing on the same topic. He and co-author Jill Neimark will soon be releasing a new book, "Why it's Good to be Good". There are other books at the Institute link with similiar topics.

To order a signed copy of The Highly Sensitive Person through the author's website, click here.

To order from Amazon through White Light of Peace, go to Books and Music for Peace.

Communication is Essential for Peace.

Click to enlarge image.

Race Doesn't Matter

I have started several topics at the Discuss Race Forum.
Please join in. Communication and understanding are the keys to peace.

The Moral Choice

Click to enlarge image.

The US needs a Secretary of Peace.

Dick Feagler is one of my favorite columnists at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He once was a registered Republican, but switched when things got out of hand. He speaks from the heart and sheds insights on the news that are fresh and honest. Here is his latest column on Dennis Kucinich.

Eric Bibb - Blues with a Sunny Disposition

My signed CD cover.

I saw Eric Bibb in concert at Happy Days Visitor Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Friday (02-16-07). I was overwhelmed with peace and joy as I listened to his music and heard his message, "We are all Connected".

There are links from Amazon to purchase music by this gifted artist, and descriptions of the albums at Books and Music for Peace. Most have clips for previewing cuts from the albums. (Sidenote: An album is a collection of things. The term dates me as it is now used with reference to music. Let's bring it back to mean a collection of things ... stamps, photos, MUSIC!)

Feel Love, Spread Love. We Are All One.

The title link goes to a new article at The Peace Tree.

The following are my comments at The Peace Tree to this contribution by author Christopher Wilcox. Please go to the original post at Peace Tree to tell of your experiences with prejudice, your opinions on how this country will handle Barack Obama's bid for the presidency, or to suggest ways to spread peace and tolerance.

All we can do is to keep spreading love, peace, and tolerance with all that we are and do, and we have to do it actively and with passion.

The negative side has it's passion to fuel the hate. Peace must also be spread with passion, not in anti-war rallies, but in passionate circles of peace.

Here are some interesting links to add to this discussion. I apologize for one being at my own blog, but I posted today's Bizarro cartoon to promote peace through understanding and tolerance.

Another place to explore this topic is at the Discuss Race Forum, started by Dave Meyers. From his website:

Despite being  clearly interracial, Dave was told by his mother that he had a Skin Disease to hide the African part of his being...

Also check out this excellent essay by Frank DeMarco, posted at Insights Blog. An excerpt from: The Secret - and Politics

Reframe everything we worry about. Replace every negative with its implied positive. Moving out of the villains-and-victims mind set, look again for the underlying causes of the world’s problems.

After reading this essay, I went to my blog and replaced all of the titles with positive messages, even if the article referenced was pointing out something negative. My reason for posting the negative in the first place was to create positive action, so the first step is to state right out what a positive step would be. If each of us in this peace movement would do that, I believe we will make a difference at a much faster rate than by just voicing the negative.

Here are 100 quotes from the movie, "The Secret" posted at Insights Blog.

Attain Peace Through Understanding;Respecting Others

I post this not as a urge for universal vegetarianism, but as an allegory for all of us to respect other ways of living, other beliefs, and other body types than our own.

We are all one.

Stop Global Warming: Insulate Your House

FULL HOUSE

Whole world feels your home's drafts


Thursday, February 15, 2007

Susan Condon Love

Plain Dealer Columnist

Some excerpts from today's column in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, with active links for easy research. Full article at title link.

Drafts, cold basements and poor insulation, while part and parcel of older homes, really aren't laughing matters. They are something, if you want to think beyond your living room, that affects all of humanity - as in global warming and the depletion of the ozone.

Rozanne Weissman, director of communications and marketing for the nonprofit Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy (and a former Plain Dealer employee), is on a crusade to get her energy-saving message out there.
The point is, said Weissman in a recent telephone conversation, that "everyone can make a difference."

... Weissman and the others at the Alliance to Save Energy have created a campaign called (with apologies to Kevin Bacon, I would think) the "6 Degrees of Energy Efficiency Challenge."

... Environmental experts say that "we have a maximum of 10 years to start turning [global warming] around," said Weissman. "The problem is serious, and we need to be paying attention," which is why the alliance created the challenge and why the group has recently started publicizing its suggestions on how to save money and energy.

..."The choices we make affect us and our family, the nation and even the world," said Weissman. Air pollution from Asia, for example, affects the air quality in the United States.

We are, she added, really one big family.

Closer to home, you can expect lower utility bills and maybe even a certain satisfaction that you aren't contributing as much to an environmental crisis.

More at title link.

Eat Whole, Natural foods for a Trim, Healthy Body

Clean up your plate
'Eat clean' advocates say dump the junk for health food

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Evelyn Theiss

Plain Dealer Reporter

Excerpts from the title link article are in bold italic:

... 80 percent of what you look like has to do with what you eat. (The other 20 percent is divided evenly between genetics and your workout routine.)


That's right: 80 percent of it is about the food. So if you work out like a fiend, and you don't understand why you're still overweight and flabby, it's time to look at what you're putting in your mouth -- specifically, whether you are "eating clean."

Chances are, you're not. Most Americans, in this land of processed, refined, prepared and takeout food are right there with you. They're eating food that's so processed and broken down, with so much sugar added, it can't fill them up or satisfy their nutritional needs. Yet such a diet gives them too many calories, as well as unhealthy cravings for more of the same.


There are many tips in the article for "eating clean". For more information on the books discussed as well as some favorites from my cookbook library, go to Books and Music for Peace.

A healthy diet creates peace within the body.

Earth, Be My Valentine

Do yourself a favor and check out the title link. It is very beautiful!

A Sonic Valentine for Peace and Love

World Sound Healing Day
February 14, 2007

Sound healers, meditators, peace activists and lovers of all humanity and sentient consciousness: Send a Sonic Valentine to the Earth with the heart sound "AH" filled with the intention of Peace and Love.

Join Jonathan Goldman, the Sound Healers Association and thousands of people throughout the planet as they tone an "AH" together for five minutes today, projecting the energy of Light & Love throughout the Planet. You will actually experience generating a field of transformational energy as this occurs. We have found that creating a Global Sacred Sound any time within a 24-hour period on the planet will create a coherent waveform that will affect the entire Earth. Therefore, any time you feel guided to sound for Planetary Peace on February 14th is a good time!

In addition, local toning groups will be occurring throughout the Earth at various times during that day with the intention of assisting planetary consciousness through sound. There will also be several global toning events occurring via the Internet during that day, including at noon Eastern Time on www.healthylife.net and at 9 PM ET on www.allonenow.org.

More information is at the title link. Thanks to Frank DeMarco for passing on the information.

Grand River Shore, Ohio

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Energy Education Conference

GEO Partnership Event:


The Energy Education Conference:

The Alternative Alternative: Sustainable Value is Here


Friday, March 2, 2007   8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel, Cleveland


Join GEO at this upcoming conference focused on sustainable energy solutions that can positively impact your bottom-line. Learn enhanced techniques and improved sustainability models that can significantly cut energy costs. Attend "The Alternative Alternative" and spend the day in an environment that provides practical application of the techniques that you have been reading about.

Early registrants will gain access to a behind the scenes tour of the NASA Glenn Research Center on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 4pm. The registration fee is $129 per person and includes conference materials and lunch. GEO members receive a discount at $109. For more information and to register, visit www.clevelandmeetings.com/energy.

Geese on the Grand River, Ohio

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Sustainability Energy Festival

Sustainability Energy Festival at


The Wilderness Center in Stark County

Saturday, March 3, 2007   9:00am - 5:00 pm

9877 Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, Ohio (near Canton)

Co-hosted by Green Energy Ohio and The Wilderness Center


Overview: 
This daylong festival is an opportunity for the public to interact with dozens of exhibitors with hands-on demonstrations, and learn how to put renewable energy to work by learning from expert speakers on topics of wind power, solar PV, solar thermal, biomass, green building, and energy efficiency. Come and learn about the technologies, costs, challenges and benefits of clean energy living.
 
Keynote speaker, Bill Spratley will present on how "Sustainable Energy Puts America to Work!" during a luncheon address. Exhibitor opportunities are available. For more information, contact Christina Panoska at Green Energy Ohio by email at Christina@greenenergyohio.org, or Gordon Maupin at The Wilderness Center by email at Gordon@wildernesscenter.org. More information on The Wilderness Center is available at: www.wildernesscenter.org.
 
Thanks to the support from the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency and the Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel.

We each have a purpose in life

A story to warm your hearts and ponder the mysteries of life in today's column by Pulitzer Prize winner Connie Schultz.

Ten-year-old Izzy is "wise beyond her years". Here is a quote from Connie's column:

"Do you ever feel older than most 10-year-olds you meet?" I asked.

She sighed. "I'm often more serious than the kids around me."

"You look a little sad about that."

She nodded slowly. "I feel like I'm an 85-year-old surrounded by children."

I have a feeling she wasn't just talking about school.

Read more at the link above to discover the wisdom of this youngster, then send her blessings from your hearts. She is on this earth for a purpose yet to be revealed, but it promises to be of great benefit to the world.

Each of us has a purpose in life. We need only to seek within to find the answers.

On the Grand River, Ohio

Photo copyright 2007 Kristen S. Boyesen

Photo taken August 26, 2004, while canoeing with my friend Patt.

More Companies are "Going Green"

Another article of note in today's news is about Fairmount Minerals, a company returning habitat to mined areas.

It received the 2005 Environmental Business of the Year award from the Audobon Society of Michigan and the 2006 Corporate Stewardship Award from the US Chamber of Commerce.



Some excerpts from the title link article:

While Fairmount Minerals has committed to saving birds at its mines in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, its devotion to socially conscious business practices doesn't end there. The company, for instance, offers its employees $2,000 toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle.

... In April, the company will begin reporting on a variety of its efforts to the U.N. Global Compact, a collection of businesses devoted to a cleaner environment, respect for workers and ethical practices.

Fairmount Minerals recently gave Case (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland) $2 million to endow a chair in social entrepreneurship at the Weatherhead School of Management. The company gave the school $400,000 more as seed money for the Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit.

There is much more at the title link. Kodos to Fairmount Minerals, Chardon OH.

If people see good, they'll be good

I did it. This post is with the "New Blogger". I welcome myself to the "New World".

Today's first article of note in the news is about Ervin Peretz and his cafe Terra Bite.

"If people see good, they'll be good," he says.

All payments at his cafe are voluntary. Read the news story at the title link.