Walking through the snow in the Northwest. One of the coldest and snow intense winter, I thought of the troops fighting the British oppressors and the suffering at Valley Forge. Not much more than 13 percent of the population fought.
I think of how the British Rulers lost but never gave up. They planted their "Benedict Arnolds" in our Government. The House of Windsor and crown Knight our politicians for what they do for the British empire.
So many forget the treachery done world wide in the percent of wealth and colonial subjugation of other peoples.
We forget 10,000 French came and fought side by side with us for out independence. The Spanish fought side by side with us for our freedom.
The Germans fought with the British,
(understandably since many British aristocracy came from Germanic roots like Mountbatten).

I walk a little farther in the snow and look forward to a warm house. I ask myself if we are willing to get back our Constitutional Rights, if we will free of Politicians who have lost their way.

A great saying I heard was, "Keep it simple" and, I add for myself, if there is something I can do, do it.
We all may have to face our own "Valley Forge"

The fictional character Sherlock Holmes was quizzed by his partner, Dr Watson. He asked him what was the difference between Holmes and himself.
Holmes said to Watson. You have walked up the stairs to our apartment for many years. Tell me Watson, how many steps are on the stairs? Watson said he didn't know. Holmes said. You see but you do not observe, that is the difference.

Do you know how many steps up to your home, do you know if your refrigerator opens from the left or the right?. Can you remember what you wore last Saturday?.

Sleepwalking is dangerous unless your are in a rubber room.
Commonsense tells us to clear our head before we start the day. Most of us do it every day. Sometimes a brisk shower in the morning, maybe a hearty breakfast, tea or coffee, or just the actions of getting dressed allow us time to gather our wits about us. However if we don't, generally unpleasant events may change our day or even our life.

In the military, training includes an emphasis on "situational awareness". It is a way to pay close attention to your surroundings first and foremost. Next it is to pay close attention to the elements of your surroundings, especially those elements pertaining to your mission or objective. The training includes looking and identifying everything in our range of our senses. For instance if you enter the kitchen to get a drink of water you would visually scan from, say, right to left, the floor, the walls, the cabinets and the ceiling all time naming each item that comes into view. Seems like a nuisance but after doing it for a couple of weeks it can become quite natural. (you maybe surprised and what you see in your own home!)

Situational awareness is a way of waking up. It is intentionally paying attention which gives our mind something useful to do rather than blabber in our skulls about what we don't have, don't want, fear or just daydreaming.
Using our mind productively is exciting, liberating, and gives one a sense of accomplishment.
But most of all it keeps us aware of what is going on.
It keeps us safe.
Stay safe, stay alert and enjoy situational awareness.

I made the mistake of turning on National Public Radio.
Since they fired and or "retired" their thinking journalists during the
"Patriot Act" purge of media, NPR has struggled. Funding that comes from viewers is important but more so, the funding from the Govt which has such heavy control and oversight.

I have listed to public radio among other news sources in the past and listened to it deteriorate into, what I consider, an American Govt propaganda machine. In an impromptu poll I performed all but a few people have nothing but disgust for NPR political reporting, and social commentary. Generally those polled listed to Public supported radio for local issues, weather, music and celebrity interviews.

Public Radio needs to be free and NPR needs to stop the tommyrot and twaddle they are now known for.

Holiday in the land of the Big Stores.
Regardless of our beliefs, our personal likes and dislikes, holidays present an opportunity to get together, share, talk, laugh, and being in each others company.
Organized gift giving is more a socio/economic business driven mandate in our culture. It doesn't have to be.
Spend time with family friends, give the gift of time, the gift of patience, of understanding and relaxed listening. Unplug the television.
Play some cards, dominoes and laugh, tease and enjoy. Break bread, go for walks, tell stories, compliment, and encourage.
Avoid toxic conversations, avoid controversy and relax.
What ever you chose, done with a kind heart and compassion it should be well received.
Happy Holidays to all and a Merry Christmass and Happy New Year
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