MOVING!

MARCIA POWELL -- Blog article – December 5, 2013 – Moving!

Picking up from my last blog of Sept. 15, a neighbor and I drove 60 miles to take a tour of a 20-acre organic farm. They had cows and pigs in addition to growing produce—even a small food forest and bee hives. Very inspiring! 

I was the first to sign up as a “case study participant” in the Savanna Institute program. Kevin and his team met me at my acreage and we laid out the 6 rows where next spring we will plant 2 acres of food forest. Exciting!

Of course I continue to run The Affinity Exchange. I recently uploaded another six success stories on the home page, http://www.affinity-exchange.com. Anyone can go there and read them. More to come!

In late September the chairman of our county chapter of the Libertarian Party and I drove to Chicago for the state convention. I learned a lot and got to meet the “players.” One of the speakers was Thomas Woods, a main contributor to the documentary “Nullification.” He is currently working with Ron Paul making videos for Ron's home schooling program. Our chapter continues to show films once a month. We've shown G. Edward Griffin's talk about the REAL war on terror, and, most recently “Take Back Your Power” about the adverse effects of smart meters. Also, my Letter to the Editor about the party got published!

Finally attended a County Board meeting, just to get some reality on them. Met the fellow who will be my representative after I move. You can be sure I'll be getting to know him.

In October, my daughter Ashley and her boyfriend, Ethan, paid us a short visit on their way to Toronto. A neighbor generously loaned me her guitar so Ethan could play for us (he's very good)—which inspired grand-niece Maddie to take up guitar! 

While at sister Jane's, we discovered that they have 3 pear trees loaded with delicious pears, inspiring a pear-picking party. Took what family and friends couldn't use to the local food bank (hate to see good food go to waste!).

Found myself “shucking” some dried green bean pods one evening so that I would have the seeds to plant next spring--felt very “primordial.”

After showing my Urbana house to numerous people (I have to sublet it till August), I finally found a young man who seems like a “perfect match” for the house. Since it was taking longer than I anticipated to finish my Ogden house, I leaned on the interested parties and managed to pull off signing an “Early Occupancy” agreement which allowed me to move on November 12th.  

My wonderful sister Jane came with my grand-niece Katie and helped me pack. There was snow on the ground on moving day, temperature in the 20's! And the new house did not yet have power and heat! I had to sleep at my sister's house (1-1/2 miles away). 

The next day I had to unpack just enough to pack for my next day's trip to Florida. I was prepared with a bread pan, tea candles, and 2 clay pots to heat the house enough to work; but—miracle of miracles—the power company arrived 2 days early and turned on the power, giving me both heat and light. Whew!

Early the next morning I drove to Indianapolis and took a flight to Tampa. Spent the next few days in Clearwater attending the big events for the grand opening of the new building. Was great to be able to take the tour and truly grasp the magnificence of the building—not to mention what will take place in it! 

Enjoyed seeing old friends, making new friends, and meeting with some of the choir members there. Got to stay with my friend, Koreen Brennan, who is a leader in Permaculture (Google it). Also met Bob Lawrason, another permaculture expert, who is going to relocate to Illinois, become my roommate, and help me create my sustainable farm.

Arrived in Indianapolis at midnight and couldn't find my car. I cried. A nice young Latino fellow took pity on me and drove me around till we found it. I tried to be very quiet entering my sister's house at 1:30 a.m., but they forgot and thought I was a burglar. Lucky I didn't get shot!

Up early the next morning to be at my new house when the guy came to hook up my internet. Plumbing still wasn't hooked up, so had to make a trip to Jane's house when nature called. Finally got a message that the guy had come and I wasn't there. I cried. Called the company and told them to tell him to come back. He never arrived. Finally found out he went to the wrong house 3 times. Then I realized I have not yet put up my mailbox, so there was nothing showing the house number. Duh. So the next day I waited all day for him to come, only to find out at the end of the day that all the tech guys were in Gifford repairing the lines that were downed by the killer tornado on the 17th!! (Gifford's only 8 miles north of my place!) Finally on Friday I got hooked up! My laptop allows me to do the irreducible minimum, but only on my desktop can I do everything I need to do.

Plumbing finally got hooked up (yea!); appliances got installed; bought food, and finally started to feel at home. The “a place for everything and everything in its place” project took over a week, particle by particle. Hanging pictures on the wall, and placing my “objets d' art” around added the finishing touches.  

A local public radio station interviewed me (45 min) as the person in charge of the Thrive Movement in Central Illinois. Of course, afterwards I figured out how it could have been better. Overall, even though there are still numerous threats to our survival, I'm feeling more optimistic about the good things that are happening to bring down the “bad guys” and allow us to create a better world.

Hope you all are flourishing and prospering (thriving)!

Please write and give me an update on your adventures.

Love to all, Marcia (217) 582-2112 home (818) 552-2211 cell

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com or marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/

Summer 2013

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MARCIA POWELL -- Blog article (#12) – September 15, 2013

First, the news: The world actually DID end. The government covered it up.

My concern about the world situation continues, but some recent inflow leads me to hope that the “White Hat” coalition may indeed be succeeding in taking down the “Black Hats.” It's still wise to have some food and water stored, just in case.

It was when I first looked at the “TAKE ACTION” part of the www.ThriveMovement.com website that I noticed that Monsanto headquarters is in St. Louis. Then and there I postulated that if there was ever a protest held there, I would drive down. The opportunity came on May 25th, the worldwide March Against Monsanto day. Six of us drove down and marched with 600 others in the cold drizzle. It was a photo of me with my sign that got picked up on Reuters! Deep breath... 

Also marched in the local July 4th parade with the Moms Against Monsanto group. 

The University is doing a research project on the relation of nutrition and memory. I was chosen because I'm in such good health. After one memory test, the guy looked up and said, “No one has ever gotten it right the first time!” And yet, when I filled out the big long computer questionnaire about what I eat, there was no way to note that I eat ORGANIC! Needless to say, I wrote to the head of the project about this outpoint.

In June a friend and I drove 50 miles north to tour Stelle (www.Midwest Permaculture.com) and see firsthand a rain garden, aquaponics, and other aspects of sustainable living. So much to learn!

My friend, Lee Kessler, recently published her third book in the White King trilogy, “White King and the Battle of America: The Endgame.” In her well-crafted novel, she presents a solution to the threat of global economic meltdown that is nothing short of brilliant. Please go to Amazon, get it, read it, and promote it to your friends.

In addition to the Affinity Exchange and my 3 music students, I continued to have the part-time job of helping Frank complete his dissertation in soil science. He called me today to say his diploma arrived. Well done, Dr. Hagen! Now just a little more work to create a couple of articles to get published in journals (what every university wants).

My 70th (yikes!) birthday was September 10th. My present to me arrived on September 12th... my new (modular) house! Hope to move in by November 1st. 

 

Now my next challenge is working out how to get the funds to purchase trees and plants for my food forest. Www.savannainstitute.org tells about the Woody Perennial Polyculture that is being researched at the University of Illinois. Kevin, who is doing his PhD on this, founded the institute. By signing up as an active participant, he and his team will help design my food forest, will purchase and plant the trees/shrubs/berries, and then do followup consulting. Feels like a good match!

Meanwhile my 2013 yard garden was waaaay better than last year's. I harvested and ate quite a bit of produce, and gave some away. And, most important, learned a lot. 

 

Finally broke down and purchased my first bike helmet as I'm biking more. Maybe by the time it comes to move (18 miles away), I'll ride my bike out rather than risk it being damaged in a moving van. 

 

I continue my role as Secretary for the local Libertarian Party. At my urging, we put up a booth at the local Sweet Corn Festival and pulled in 43 new names! I'll be attending the Illinois State Libertarian Party convention next week in Chicago. Meanwhile, I continue to encourage everyone to subscribe to and follow the lead of www.DownsizeDC.org.

In July, Ashley (my daughter) flew to Indianapolis, where I picked her up and we drove to the Outer Banks (Kitty Hawk, NC). Every other summer we join my niece and her family, plus a couple of old family friends, at a big beach house and enjoy a week of beach, sun, swimming, ping-pong, cards, Scrabble, Bananagrams, and lots of visiting. Of course my 16-yr-old nephew beat me at ping-pong, but I made him sweat a couple of times. Thanks to my laptop, I was able to stay current with the business. 

 

It was great having a lot of time to visit with Ashley. She is a successful licensed massage therapist in Portland, is now living with her boyfriend, and just became the lead singer in a new 3-person band!

Saw Kenneth Branagh's production of Mozart's “Magic Flute” at the local Art theater—quite a work of art! For those of you familiar with the rock group REO Speedwagon, did you know they came from Champaign-Urbana?!

Hope you all are flourishing and prospering (thriving)!

Please write and give me an update on your adventures.

Love to all, Marcia (217) 607-0632 home (818) 552-2211 cell

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com

Or marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com

http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/

Spring (#2) in the Heartland

MARCIA POWELL -- Blog article (#11) – May 5, 2013

Picking up from my last blog of January 12th, (to read earlier blog articles, go to http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/), I am enjoying my 2nd spring in the Heartland. Truly beautiful! 

Duke, my gardening consultant, rigged up a grow light in my little cellar and showed me how to plant seeds into trays. First I let them germinate in my house, then I put them under the grow light, then into the greenhouse where I transplanted them into bigger containers, and, finallh (once the weather was warm enough) transplanted them into the soil. Whew! Labor intensive, but worth it, as I already have a bunch of edible lettuce! Despite the unusual amount of rain here (a relief after last year's drought), I've managed to get some other veggies planted as well. I'm way ahead of where I was last year.

I've put up my “EAT YOUR YARD” sign. Now and then the little kids from the neighboring grade school walk past my place on their way to the nearby junior high. I was out gardening when I heard little voices saying “Eat your yard,” and realized that they will ask their teachers what it means, and (hopefully) share it with their parents.

The project of helping (mostly typing and sentence structure) Frank with his dissertation (soil science) is ongoing, but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. The pay for this work is helping me pay for all the extra programming that was done for last year's Affinity Exchange merger with FreeSpirit Singles. We've been working together for a year now and it's going well—always more people getting hooked up!

Another big project is getting a house on my property. First I had to solve the problem of getting the mortgage from the house Stephen and I purchased in 1981 (!) off my credit report! Happy to report a done on this. Then I had to complete my taxes so the mortgage banker had official data about my financial scene. Without going into the gory details, I learned that because of the 2008 mortgage debacle, the regulations these days are very stiff (pendulum swing). Even though I had down money set aside, my income is such that they could only loan me a small-ish amount. I was hoping to do a straw bale house, or earth-berm, or something that would make an eco statement; but the banks won't loan money for a non-conventional house! I cried. But it is very important for me to live on my land as soon as possible so I can start creating the sustainable farm.

After a few sessions with the salesman at Riley Homes, we worked out how I can get a modular (manufactured) 3-bedroom home with a 2-car detached garage. I'm hoping things move along such that I can move in no later than October.

In addition to letting the Land Connection organization know I'm looking for a young farmer, I posted a listing on a website out of Iowa that matches landowners with wannabe farmers. If any of you know of a young man with a passion for organic farming, now is the time to connect me with him.

As for my “activist” activities, I attended a 2nd Amendment rally at the state capital in Springfield in January. Wore my “blizzard boots” and Tibetan cap (still a So Cal wuss!). Then again in March I boarded one of 2 buses and again went to Springfield—this time both marched AND lobbied the State legislators re gun rights. A week later, I was back at the capital, this time lobbying for Food and Water Watch—legislation calling for labeling of GMOs, as well as saner laws regarding composting. Right now if Sally across the street threw her produce scraps on my compost pile, we would be in trouble with the law!! That truly made my jaw drop!

Campaigned for a Republican for Mayor of Urbana, but he lost. Always a learning experience, no matter the outcome.

I continue my role as Secretary for the local Libertarian Party. Last night we hosted a showing of the documentary “Nullifcation—the Rightful Remedy” about the 10th amendment. Great film! Now that we know where and how to do this (local library), we can host more movie nights. Enlighten! Enlighten!

Meanwhile, during the cold winter, I noticed feeling lonely now and then. Therefore when someone in the neighborhood posted a notice about giving away their cat, I decided to help her out. Leo is 5 years old, orange and white, longhaired, and very handsome! He stayed under the bed for the first few days, but gradually came out and got oriented. His front paws have been declawed, which is good since he does bat at me now and then. He's gradually getting friendlier. Anyway, I can share the events of the day with him. I always say “Leo, guard the house,” as I leave, and “Hi, Honey, I'm home!” when I return.

What with my continually backlogged emails, my reading is still done in “dead time.” Nevertheless, I manage to get some books read. Amazingly, everything I've read for the last year is by someone I know! My sister Jane (Creason) finished co-authoring the last book my father wrote, entitled “Conspiracy,” which, like his other books, emphasizes the importance of a proper education system. She did a great job! Also highly recommended is “True Tails” by Jon Soeder, who writes about his ability to communicate telepathically with animals. After finishing it, I tracked him down and had a lovely phone conversation with him. And now I'm reading “I Hate to Say Goodbye” by Ruti Ydovich, a long-time friend. It's about her life growing up in Israel, and it is marvelous! All of these books are on Amazon.com

Saw a local production of “My Fair Lady” with my 11-year-old voice student and her mother, which made it even more fun. Saw “The Late Quartet” about a string quartet, and shortly thereafter “Quartet” about an operatic quartet at the local Art theater. So still getting some culture—there's more here than I have time for!

Hope you all are flourishing and prospering (thriving)!

Please write and give me an update on your adventures.

Love to all, Marcia (217) 607-0632 home (818) 552-2211 cell

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com

Or marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com

http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/

Into the New Year (2013)

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MARCIA POWELL -- Blog article (#10) – January 12, 2013

Picking up from my last blog of October 30th, (to read earlier blog articles, go to http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/), I am glad all went well in December 2012 and we're all still here to welcome the start of the Age of Aquarius!

The results of the November election did not surprise me. As an election judge, I felt that it was as it should be as far as our work went, but I have no idea what went on further up the line. I was disappointed, but not surprised, that my local candidate did not win. Two days after the election, I attended the meeting, and became the Secretary for, the local Libertarian Party. My attention now is more on bringing sanity to government at the local level.

My friend Duke helped me erect a greenhouse in my yard—more correctly, I helped him. We've strapped it down with a couple of anchor straps, and, so far, it has not blown away. The plan is to start growing seedlings, probably in February. 

 

Then Duke, who is also my gardening consultant, showed me how to prep the ground for the upcoming growing season. For $100 I got 5 cubic yards (ladies, that's a LOT) of garden compost from the local landscaping recycling center. That led to the purchase of a little red wheelbarrow (almost as fun as a little red wagon!) Had to then mix the compost with the existing dirt, create the raised beds, then cover them with straw for the winter. Learning, learning!

Just before I left L.A., I read about a contemporary opera composer, Daniel Catan, who is composing operas in the style of Puccini—something I had postulated a few years earlier! The university opera company did one his operas, so you can be sure I attended. Very enjoyable, indeed. The local movie theater carries the “Met Opera Live on Screen in Cinemas” productions, so I've seen a couple of those. In December I attended a number of choral concerts, all very good. No lack of culture here in the cornbelt!

A number of months ago I had posted an email to the local neighborhood association about my survival club (Thrive) meetings; then later on I had a letter to the editor published about the good quality of music in town. Signed it Marcia Powell. Realized later I should have signed it Marcia [Swengel] Powell in case anyone would remember me from the 60's. Still, Peggy somehow put the pieces together and wrote and asked if I was in Gaburo's choral group back in '67. We met for breakfast and got re-acquainted. She has since become an attorney, works for the University, and has a lovely house on Pennsylvania Avenue (“professor row”). It was a nice validation that she then later on invited me to her New Years Day party, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Spent 3 enjoyable days of the Thanksgiving holidays with my niece and her family at their beautiful big home in New Albany, Indiana (across the river from Louisville, KY). Went with my sister Jane and her husband. Jane enjoys driving, and I found I was able to sit in the back seat and read a book—a novel by an attorney friend here in Urbana.

Had a date with a fellow from northern Illinois who is an arborist. He drove south and I drove north meeting in the middle for a nice meal and conversation. Liked each other, but found a “fatal flaw”--I will not leave my 20 acres down here, and he will not leave his 40 acres up there. We're both creating good projects on our land, so... fair enough. Had to drive home in a blizzard (went along at 3mph at one point!), which was its own adventure!

Then came a day in mid December where I started helping (for an hourly fee) Frank with his PhD dissertation in soil science. He's a new Scientologist, so wanted to help him do this so he can get work and get a life! Anyway, had to confront a lot of science terminology. Then that same evening, I attended a meeting of the local gun club (my cousin is a member and talked me into going) where a couple of guys did a show and tell about army stuff from the Civil War. MORE misunderstoods! Probably the most MUs in one day in my whole life! (I survived by recognizing and labeling them.)

From that day on, I've spent many many hours working with Frank (still am). My FB posting on 12-25 read: “I can probably safely say that I'm the only one on Planet Earth who spent 4-1/2 hours on Christmas Day helping edit a PhD dissertation on soil contamination in ordnance zones! Fortunately I could do that because Christmas with my family starts tomorrow.” Spent many happy hours with the family for the next 3 days.

As always I do my book reading in “dead time” (stop lights, bank lines, etc). Am currently reading “The Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony. It truly is a Must Read—by adults, but especially by kids in high school. It really raises your reality and affinity for animals and nature. “Babylon's Ark” is also great (all found on Amazon).

Affinity Exchange is rolling along, continuing to improve the site. Recent marriages: Wayne and Anel, Alejandro and Thisbe, Ray and Sheri, Jeff and Rosy, Oliver and Carmen. Also shared a success story from Loren and Liz who met through AE years ago and, 10 years later, are continuing to enjoy a stellar marriage.

Ashley continues to earn a reputation as one of Portland's best massages therapists. She is now living with her boyfriend, Ethan (a step closer, maybe, to me becoming a grandma some day?...)

To wrap up, although I do think we're entering into a new and better age, what is uncertain is how much damage the “dark forces” (i.e., the global elite) might effect before they go down; thus I continue to advocate being as prepared as possible for anything, and help others do the same. First priority: STORE FOOD!

Hope you all are flourishing and prospering (thriving)!

Please stay in touch.

Love to all, Marcia (217) 607-0632 home (818) 552-2211 cell

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com

Or marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com

http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/

Fall in the Heartland

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MARCIA POWELL -- Blog article (#9) – October 30, 2012

Picking up from my last blog of August 12th, (to read earlier blog articles, go to http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/), I/we survived the drought. True, some seeds I planted never came up—I think because I didn't water them enough early on. But the alfalfa being grown on my 20 acres survived and was harvestable. I do continue to see a lot of chemtrails in the sky and continue to believe that the weather is being “geo-engineered.” Just an hour ago I read an email saying that Hurricane Sandy was geo-engineered (HAARP) and is part of the power games going on. Eegads! I just take in the data and put it in my data banks for further evaluation—and continue to prepare for anything.

When I was 15, a fellow named Henry Monteith told me to read “Autobiography of a Yogi,” which started (continued) me on my spiritual search. He also showed my family pictures of the UFO that crashed at Roswell. He left town and we did not re-connect until a month ago (55 years)! He said he was thinking about me 3 days before I got the urge to look him up and found him via the internet. He's a PhD physicist and still very into helping to wake up mankind. He found his soulmate at age 60 and has written a book about cosmological soulmates. Interesting reading.

Attended the opening event of a community garden, and last Saturday the kickoff event for the new local currency. There's a lot of people in this town doing very good work which aligns with my goal to help make Champaign County a sustainable community. 

 

The Food and Water Watch organization has sent a paid organizer to this city to start the campaign to label GMO foods in Illinois. Yea! I hope Prop 37 passes in California, as that will help us with our campaign.

Probably like many of you, I was appalled at what the GOP did to Ron Paul at the GOP Convention in Tampa. It resulted in my decision to help grow the Libertarian party. Between now and Nov. 6th I will continue to campaign for Rob Meister in the hopes of getting him elected to the Illinois State Assembly. As mentioned in my last blog, the citizens of Illinois need to break up the power of the House Speaker, Mike Madigan. There is more and more press (e.g. Chicago Tribune) about this, which gives me hope.

One way the local symphony orchestra raises money is to have “Taste of Elegance” parties at beautiful homes. I've been to a couple—always good for meeting new and interesting people. Have been to some great concerts. One featured the orchestra, a big chorus, and 7 great soloists singing Leonard Bernstein's “Make Our Garden Grow” (listen to it on YouTube). Omigod! I almost sobbed out loud! Had to dash home and write up the experience.

Am taking the Hubbard Dianetics Course so as to know how to deliver Dianetic auditing as done when the book first came out in 1950. Delivered my first session a few days ago! I continue to help the local Mission.

After years of thinking about it, I finally decided to exercise my 2nd amendment rights, so have purchased a revolver (for self defense) and taken the NRA basic course. There's a lot more to all this than I had realized ... another adventure!

Achieved another goal I've had for a long time—learned how to grow sprouts. It's quite easy, really. My gourmet salad is even healthier than it was!

But my life is not perfect, witness a recent incident with my computer. A fellow convinced me I should switch from Windows to Linux operating system and that he could quickly and easily do it. Well, after 2 weeks of computer-hell, I had to send my beautiful Toshiba laptop back to the factory and purchase a desktop so as to keep working. Oi vey! The Toshiba is back now, but I'm going to have to pay my new computer guy to synchronize it with the desktop for use when I travel.

Okay, so you probably want to know if I'm still single (smile)... yes, I am, but I have been dating a bit--just haven't met the right guy yet.

The Affinity Exchange continues to get products, so please continue to promote it to your single friends. Have a few piano students now, ages 8, 11, 60 and 70!

Recently sister Jane and I drove to Galesburg (IL) for a family get-together. Met relatives I didn't even know existed! Nice, since my family tends to be smallish.

To wrap up, I think this is a highly unusual time in history. According to Henry, we're at the end of the 1000-year period that transitions us from a 24,000 year period of “darkness” to a 24,000 year period of “light.” Apparently the Mayans in South America on Dec. 21, 2012 plan to celebrate the start of the new period. Sounds like a good plan to me. However, I think the “dark forces” (i.e., the global elite) are still trying to cause a lot of destruction, so I'm trying to be prepared for anything, and help others do the same. First priority: STORE FOOD!

Again, if you’re not already familiar with www.ThriveMovement.com, I hope you will take a look at it.

If you know of anyone interested in helping me with my sustainable farm, and possibly a sustainable community, please give them my contact data.

Hope you all are flourishing and prospering (thriving)!

Please stay in touch.

Love to all, Marcia (217) 607-0632 home (818) 552-2211 cell

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com

Or marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com

http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/

Summer in the Heartland

MARCIA POWELL --  Blog article (#8) – August 12, 2012

Picking up from my last blog of June 2^nd  (to read earlier blog articles, go to http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/), the big (bad) news is the Midwest drought.  After watching the “What in the world are they spraying?” documentary, I realized that this drought (and the Texas drought earlier) might well be a result of “geo-engineering.”  Oy vey!  (my favorite Hebrew term meaning an exclamation of dismay).  It’s very sad seeing the crops die and the trees and bushes (all plants not being watered by humans) all crying out for water.  By watering my yard garden, I am keeping most stuff alive, but some has not come up at all. 

Funny incident last week… when my gardening consultant came by, I was about to ask him when I could expect to see a beginning cucumber when he reach beneath the foliage and came up with a 10-inch cuke!  How’s that for being a “green” gardener (play on words, ha, ha!)

I’ve been passing out flyers in the neighborhood for months, and finally now have five piano students—only 1 directly from the flyers, but hey!  Outflow = inflow.   Otherwise, musically, my cousin Beau and completed rearranging “The Joy of Creating” so that there is an SAB (Soprano Alto Baritone), as well as making the existing SATB version even better.  I’ve assigned myself the hat of helping start choirs in all the Ideal Orgs, so what is needed is music in SAB versions so as to circumvent the problem of scarcity of tenors.  I’ve purchased the Sibelius music program but have yet to learn it. 

My old friend, Lea Frechette, and her husband and son came through on their way to Indiana.  I managed to put them up for the night.  Fun to visit with L.A. friends.  You’re all invited to visit the Heartland. 

West Urbana, by the way, was recognized as one of 10 of the greatest neighborhoods in the U.S.!  http://urbanaillinois.us/posts/2012/08/west-urbana-recognized-great-neighborhood

The head of the Libertarian Party here (a colorful lady with lavender hair) is researching moving to Costa Rica.  Her reason (among others):  “I don’t do drones.”  My plan is to talk her into staying here and setting things to rights.

There was this repeated ad on NPR radio by this Rosenstein guy who made a documentary about a lady whose case went to the Supreme Court and changed the nation.  Turns out back in 1965 I met Dannel McCollum through a friend.  In 2008 he published his book entitled “The Lord Was Not on Trial” about the Supreme Court case about prayer in the schools.  It was his mother who brought the case to trial (related to his brother) and prompted Rosenstein’s documentary.  Anyway, Dannel remembered me, responded immediately to my email, and we had an hour meeting the very same day.  He was mayor of Champaign for 12 years, so definitely someone I was interested in getting to know. 

Am continuing to work with the local GOP.  Upgraded to a smart phone (finally!) so that I could download an app that allows me to walk a precinct—the program gives you the order of houses—and enter the survey data directly into the phone, and thus into the party’s databanks.  Pretty nifty!  I gotta master it so I can then instruct my volunteers how to do it.  Also, I’ve met with the Sheriff, and with the assistant to my Congressman; plus I’ve had a phone conversation with my mayor. 

Another funny political incident … Mike Bost is a Representative to the Illinois State Assembly.  A vote was coming upon a bill, and then he was told the Speaker of the House, Mike Madigan, had just sent down a revised bill—20 MINUTES BEFORE THE VOTE.  When it was Bost’s turn to speak, he had a “meltdown”—i.e. a heartfelt protest about Madigan’s shenanigans (hey, that was clever!).  It was video’d and went viral on YouTube.  He came to Champaign-Urbana to speak at a fund-raising event, so I decided to go and meet him personally (as one of my goals is to take down Madigan, as I’m getting that he is a suppressor to the State).  I showed the video to my daughter Ashley, who was visiting, and, knowing I was going to talk to him, she said, “Mom, ask him if he’s going to get mad again.”  “Get mad again.”  “Get Madigan.”  Play on words, get it?  So clever!  So I told him, and he said, “Thank you, Ashley.”  I hope he uses it. 

Ashley (28 now and a massage therapist in Portland) and her boyfriend, Ethan, came to Illinois for a visit.  His family live in the Chicago area, so they spent a few days there, then came down here for a few days.  He teaches guitar and does sound engineering.  Great guy.  We bonded when he found out I could sing most of “It Can’t Happen Here” from Frank Zappa’s “Freak Out” album (1969).  I was amazed to find a young person who was familiar with it.  

We finally had time for Ashley to tell me about her trip to Southeast Asia last fall.  Enjoyed hearing about her numerous adventures, and proud of her for confronting and dealing with various things.  Definitely a growing up experience.  Her massage therapy practice is blooming—tech plus all her positive vibes! 

The relatives from Southern Indiana came up, and we all spent a very hot day in Jane’s pond.  Checking up on my physical condition, I dove off the pier at the north end of the pond and managed to make it to the south end (about 100 yards)—not exactly challenging Michael Phelps’ record, but I was proud to make it.

If you’re not already familiar with www.ThriveMovement.com, I hope you will take a look at it.  There was no existing group in my area, so I have started one.  What I called my “Survival Club” will now be my Thrive Group. 

Hope you all are flourishing and prospering (thriving)! 

Please stay in touch.

Love to all, Marcia            (217) 607-0632  home     (818) 552-2211  cell 

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com

Or  marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com

http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/ 

Spring in the Heartland

MARCIA POWELL --  Blog article (#7) – June 2, 2012

Picking up from my last blog of April 14^th (to read earlier blog articles, go to http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/), the BIG NEWS is the “merger” (technically, an affiliation) of The Affinity Exchange with Free Spirit Singles.  I recently wrote a 4-page history of The Affinity Exchange so that my clients could understand the why’s and wherefore’s of the recent changeover.  To make a long story short, FSS was my competitor/nemesis for ten years.  During these years, I would often say to myself, “If only I could talk with his computer programmer…”  Well, that is what I did last October in Clearwater, and dear Hermann duplicated my viewpoints on why the existing competitive situation was a lose-lose scenario.  He convinced Rob to propose an affiliation, we worked out the details, and the changeover occurred on May 12^th!  

Moving thousands of profiles from one dating service to another wherein the sites are not the same is, as you can imagine, a computer programmer’s nightmare.  Thus, Hermann is the hero of the hour.  It wasn’t perfect, and we’re still handling “stuff,” but it’s working and my AE members (and myself!) are getting through the “trauma of change.”  Whew! 

Now I can get to work on some promotional ideas I have.  Of course, I hope all my friends will continue to refer their friends who are single and looking to www.affinity-exchange.com.  It’s a combined database with two different “portals.”  As usual, ANYONE can join.

I’ve been passing out flyers in the neighborhood for piano students.  Brenda Porter, a 60-year-old black lady, is my first student.  Love teaching her!

Does anyone remember when I lived in Eagle Rock, worked at a law firm downtown, bicycled to work, started the club for people who biked to work downtown, and was interviewed on NPR radio?  Yeah, well I bicycled most of my life until I moved to Hollywood and didn’t have room for a bike.  So now, many years later, I’m riding again.  Had to buy a brand new Schwinn (yellow-green, of course) in order to get the color and size I needed.  It had to be comfortable enough and have enough gears for me to be able to ride to my sister’s (20 miles) in event of not being able to drive.  About my 3^rd ride, I put my foot wrong-way-to on the pedal and took a spill.  Two bloody knees!  (Felt like a 12-year-old.)  But I got right back on and didn’t let it deter me. 

I paid a guy with a roto-tiller to dig up my south yard.  I then dug trenches to create raised beds for the seeds.  I’ve planted radishes, beets, peas, broccoli, carrots, different kinds of lettuce; plus transplanting some tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and garlic brought to me by a friend.  A few plants are showing themselves, and I’ve started weeding.  Oh, the joy of pulling a weed out by the root!   My thought:  kids should be planting gardens and getting rewarded for getting the weeds out with roots intact (difficult, actually). 

On Memorial weekend, I drove to Jane’s for an impromptu weenie roast at the pond with my nephew and grand-niece.  As I drove past my 25 acres (green with alfalfa), it suddenly looked VERY big—way bigger than it had last January.  I realized it’s due to my yard gardening experience of dropping microscopic seeds into tiny holes.  When I start growing vegetables there, I am NOT going to be using a big tractor and planting machine.  Anyone know a young couple who wants to make a career as organic farmers?  (I’m serious… living in the Heartland is where it’s at.)

My yard now sprouts a lovely sign reading EAT YOUR YARD.  I’m compiling a list of people in my neighborhood who are growing veggies in their yard.  The 2^nd meeting of my Survival Club will be on Monday.  Again, I recommend that everyone should watch the movie on www.ThriveMovement.com and follow the “What To Do” recommendations.   My food storage project is up to about 3 weeks now.  Have some rice and beans… now have to learn how to cook ‘em! 

The weather here is positively entertaining!  I was shopping at my food co-op a few weeks ago when a sudden thunderstorm hit, followed by the tornado sirens going off, followed by a rainbow that looked like it sprouted from the parking lot!  A few days ago it was in the 90’s.  This morning it was in the 50’s.  The main thing we need is more rain. Now, how did that rain dance go… ?    I can water my yard garden, but we’re not set up to water a 25-acre field.

Went to a protest meeting regarding a coal company wanting to put a coal mine in the area here.  No way, Jose!  Wonder if I’ll have to put my body in front of a bulldozer …?!  Per the Thrive movie, people know how to build free-energy machines.  We just need to get the Banksters to stop suppressing the tech. 

As for my political work, it’s fascinating.  Ron Paul’s “submarine delegate strategy” is fascinating.  Meanwhile, I’m busy getting to know the Players in Champaign County.   Have attended a Teaparty event, and an Occupy meeting just to find out who they are and what they’re up to.  Part of my goal is to get these small diverse groups working together on the bigger issues.  I’ll be working on a couple of political campaigns.  The Illinois government is in sad shape, so that’ll continue to be an ongoing project.  Plus I want to participate in some way in the city and county government. 

So, dear friends, learn to grow food, see to your survival basics, pay more attention to your local government, get to know your neighbors, disconnect from the mega banks,  invest in silver, and, as the author of “Crisis by Design” says at the end of each chapter of his book, “Keep your ammo dry.”

Please stay in touch.

Love to all, Marcia             (818) 552-2211  cell 

Marcia@affinity-exchange.com

Or  marpo3344@gmail.com

www.Message-from-Marcia.com

http://messagesfrommarcia.blogspot.com/