January 2025 - OE - lists.wedgeblade.net

I Thought I Would Share Some Thoughts
by Milan Hamilton 10 Feb '25

10 Feb '25

First, I want to say a big heartfelt thank you to those of you, my colleagues and friends, who responded to my earlier GoFundMe request on behalf of our local Neighborhood Climate Action Redlands (ANCA Redlands) efforts. Second, I want to say thank you to all of you, who are now members of my collegial council as we try to navigate the turbulent and heating-up waters of the 21st century. We have done marvelous things as a body. I just remembered the night Lyn Mathews invited Dave McClesky, Frank Knutson and I to her little retirement community apartment and said those words or something like them. And our good friend and mentor Georgianna McBurney was constantly expressing similar sentiments. I am thankful for all we have done as a people, trying to keep alive the dream MLK spoke of so eloquently just before he was struck down. Third, I am thankful for all you as the Order dispersed have accomplished and been able to share in vicariously through the gift of the internet and social media, with all its flaws and pitfalls. Fourth, I am attaching a copy of the vision and goals our ANCA Redlands crew have been operating out of and implementing for these past two and a half years. If anything we are doing at the local level looks like it might be of value in your piece of the globe, we are happy to share it. It was the work of our colleagues in Denver who started this ANCA thing that inspired us to give it a go here in Redlands. You can Google ANCA Redlands or click the link <https://redlands-anca.hub.arcgis.com/> if anyone you know might be interested. And just in case anyone missed my GoFundMe appeal, I am happy to share that here as well—Click Here! <https://gofund.me/58b7b70b> Fifth, and last, I am sharing a couple of poems. The first one was written and read to my writing group on the occasion of the mass pardoning of the January 6th insurrectionists. The second was in response to Linda asking me if I had written my birthday poem yet. (Our gang here was in the habit of composing birthday songs for milestone birthdays and sadly, as the gang has dwindled, so has our practice). So the poem I wrote seemed to be more fitting for a song. The reason for sharing is that we all have a story to tell. I don’t want any of yours to be lost. The inspiration for the song is the great Merle Travis immortal hit “Sixteen Tons.” I have included an attached MP3 file to the version I chose with a little help from AI. *A Very Personal Poem* (on the occasion of the pardon and release of 1500 January 6th Insurrectionists) I woke up this morning. Does that mean I’m woke? I’m approaching number 88, Grateful that I ain’t broke. I may be badly bent. I feel like something’s missing. I can’t tell where it went. If you know, don’t tell me. Maybe I’ll give it up for Lent. Can’t find my rose-colored glasses. Maybe I’ll borrow yours. I watched them all get passes. They just walked out the door, To join the huddled masses Still yearning to know the score. Milan Hamilton January 23, 2025 *Eighty-Eight Years* 1. I – was born one mornin’ in the Great Depression, Raised on the plains on a reservation, Got an education but I’m still not done, My life rolls on ‘til the setting sun. Chorus: Ya live eighty-eight years and whatta ya get? Another year older and ya ain’t dead yet. St. Peter’s still a-waitin’ for the dice to be rolled. But I’m not goin’ ‘til my story’s been told. 2. It’s 2025 and where have I been. The years flew by – It’s beyond my ken. I better get a-writin’ ‘fore I’m too damn old, Before they lay me down – stiff and cold. Chorus: Ya live eighty-eight years and whatta ya get? Another year older and ya ain’t dead yet. St. Peter’s still a-waitin’ for the dice to be rolled. But I’m not goin’ ‘til my story’s been told. 3. My life is a song – hasn’t been sung yet, No one to sing it but there’s no regret. I’ll sing it myself when the darkness comes, And go out dancin’ on the grim reaper’s drum. Chorus: Ya live eighty-eight years and whatta ya get? Another year older and ya ain’t dead yet. St. Peter’s still a-waitin’ for the dice to be rolled. But I’m not goin’ ‘til my story’s been told. *Milan Hamilton, January 25, 2025, Thank you Merle Travis* - Mellow Milan Hamilton 80 North Center Street Redlands, CA 92373 Phone: (909) 943-1667 email: mellowmilan2(a)gmail.com

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FW: How to disagree with curiosity instead of hate
by Lynda C 04 Feb '25

04 Feb '25

Lots of good news in this Reason to beCheerful. In addition to the lead article about our times and crossing the polical divide, I want to call your attention to the article at the bottom about the Revival of India’s Step Wells. This reminded me of JWM’s walking through Maliwada and asking the elders about water distribution in former days. As I remember it, there was a series of “bunds” or little hills that held the water in place long enough for it to sink into the ground instead of washing away into floods. Amazing architecture in these wells which are in New Delhi and typically in sacred places or wealthy areas. I'm also remembering that Water is Life and thinking of colleagues as well as tribes gathered in similar weather to demonstrate their determination to save the water. Thankful for warmth and housing and water! Lynda From: Reasons to be Cheerful <info(a)reasonstobecheerful.world> Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM To: lynda860(a)outlook.com <lynda860(a)outlook.com> Subject: How to disagree with curiosity instead of hate As the White House changes hands, a few tips for engaging with the opposite side. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/reasonstobecheerful.world/the-indian-state-that-went-100…> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/5272eaf5-9a0…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> Tonic for tumultuous times. A liberal whose Mexican immigrant parents have voted for Donald Trump three times, journalist Mónica Guzmán has personal experience talking to the “other side” with respect. In a candid interview, the author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times explains how engaging with those we disagree with helps build lasting social movements. How to Reach Across a Divide With Curiosity Instead of Hate<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> By: Hannah Wallace [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/227e4ad6-227d-f3…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> In a Q&A, journalist Mónica Guzmán explores how people with opposing beliefs can connect and find common ground<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…>, even in polarizing times. Barcelona’s Five ‘Superblocks’ Are Buoyant Hubs of Urban Health<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> By: Kaja Šeruga [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/fb8ecb32-9d50-12…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> An idea first proposed two centuries ago is finally creating space for exuberant, car-free life.<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/ad1057aa-c939-82…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> Green Microgrids Are Powering a More Resilient Future<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> By: Eric Krebs [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/2bc74f17-028d-f4…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> Across the U.S., thousands of homes and businesses are now running on locally distributed green power<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> in a radical reimagining of the grid. New York’s First Guaranteed Income Program Is a Lifeline for Homeless Moms<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> By: Eliza Fawcett [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/73eeff97-90e8-13…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> The simple act of cash distribution can alleviate poverty and improve health<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> — including families’ health and early childhood development. [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/24dc4b45-ff54-a4…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/d968a9a3-ef10-5c…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> Turning Invasive Seaweed into ‘Gold’<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> See what stories caught our attention this week<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…>, from making the most of algae waste to a new high-speed train route. In Case You Missed It [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/36aac948-a23b-dd…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> ‘The Love in the Air Is Thicker Than the Smoke’<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> By: Michaela Haas On the streets of L.A., Michelin-starred chefs are cooking for firefighters, boutiques are giving away clothes and a sprawling city is coming together. [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/aea0afeb-a3e4-42…]<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/8bcd1ffa-e18d-8b…] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> The Revival of India’s Stunning Stepwells<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&i…> By: Charukesi Ramadurai Long abandoned, these deep, intricately designed wells are once again quenching water needs across India. 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Gene Marshall, Joyce Marshall and Alan Richard – Say “Goodbye”
by Ken Fisher 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

Realistic Living – Journal of Religion & Ethics / 1984 - 2024 With Gene turning 93 on January 3rd, and Joyce turning 91 on February 19th, Gene Marshall, Joyce Marshall and Alan Richard – Say “Goodbye” Dear RL, With the reading of the last issue of RL, I am deeply moved. On the map of the Other World - Land of Mystery, I am immersed in state #1, “It just cannot be that way.” With love, loyalty, and admiration, Ken To the O:E Listserv: From Issue #82, the final issue, Gene writes about meeting JWM in ’53 and getting involved with the Christian Faith and Life Community. In ’62, after Army Chaplaincy, he, Ruth and children 8, 6, and 4, joined the Order Ecumenical to be part of its public face, The Ecumenical Institute: Chicago. Realistic Living Theologizing is the cover article of this last issue. https://realisticliving.org/PDF/WholeJournal82.pdf WholeJournal82 PDF Document · 2.1 MB Here, he shares his 70+ year journey with the five luminaries, the ‘hand of god’ that became the giants of the New Reformation, the theologizers of the NEW, New Testament. Thumb – Søren Kierkegaard, moving European philosophy and Lutheranism into existentialism. Finger #1 – Rudolf Bultmann, pointing to each word and metaphor in the New Testament existentially. Experiencing our limits as luminescent. Finger #2 – Paul Tillich, restoring a non-moralistic, non-dogmatic, existential sharing of the experience of sin & grace, estrangement (SK’s despair) and healing. Finger #3 – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, gifting us with the communion of saints as “life together"; and the Holy Spirit as second-by-second living and creatively responding to the tension of indescribable obligation & freedom. Finger #4 – H. Richard Niebuhr, illuminating the inherited visible church and the phenomena of ‘those who care’, the invisible church. Incorporated in 1984, the Realistic Living Journal has been a wonderful source of Joyce Marshall’s book and movie reviews. She has been a strong proponent of Eco-Theater. Over the past 15 years, resident scholar Alan Richard Ph.D. has been responsible for all aspects of RL. Built on the work of the five luminaries, Gene has published 10 books - the context of which now includes feminism, ecology and climate change, (Gene invented the word, 'eco-democracy') electoral politics, the enigma of consciousness, and Christian life and practices. His latest is “Approximate Knowing – The End of our Dogmatic View of Religion. His commentary on Mark is a profound journey into original Christian consciousness. https://realisticliving.org/blog/mark-commentary/ Believe me or not, I also found excitement in the July ’24, issue #81. May Gene’s genius never end. https://www.realisticliving.org/PDF/WholeJournal81.pdf WholeJournal81 PDF Document · 2.7 MB Gene maps “All that is.” In the upper left, using the latest descriptors, he gives words to The Inanimate, the stuff through which all being is expressed. Happy to find ourselves in The Animate, with Survival and Sensuality in Layers of Aliveness. In ’74-’75, I spent six months with Gene in The Academy. In August of 2011 and 2012, I attended RL’s Leadership Training and Symposium event. Forever inspired, Ken

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Obituary, Suzanne Parker, and service info
by Terry Bergdall 11 Jan '25

11 Jan '25

Below is Suzanne's obituary. A service celebrating her life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City at 1pm CDT on Saturday, January 25, 2025. It will also be streamed live on Facebook at "weselychurchokc". Terry Bergdall for Bill Parker ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Suzanne Sachse Wallace Parker was born on February 13, 1943, in Chickasha, OK to Garnet Evelyn (Hill) Wallace and the late James Sachse Wallace, who passed away while serving in WWII just three short months before Suzanne's birth. Her mother then re-married John T. (Jake) Cobble and Suzanne was blessed with younger brother Tom and little sister Mary Jane. The family settled in Minco, OK where Suzanne attended school and graduated in 1961. She continued her education at Oklahoma City University where she earned her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. While at OCU, she stumbled upon a young man named Billy G. Parker and before they finished school, they were united in marriage on January 25, 1963 at the First United Methodist Church in Minco; what would be the beginning of a beautiful 61year life together. Suzanne & Bill immediately knew they shared a driving passion for the human community and this motivated them to join the faculty of the Ecumenical Institute and the Institute of Cultural Affairs, working in human development at every level of society from Oklahoma City to Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Indianapolis, then to Paris, France and finally to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire before returning to Oklahoma City in 1985. Throughout the years of that journey Suzanne taught elementary school, and used all of her earnings to provide funding for a local staff to get running water and other basic essentials to areas in need in local communities. While serving, they were blessed with two children, Andrew Kennedy Parker and Angela Marie Parker, into their family. As the years passed, the young family decided to relocate back to the states and settled in Oklahoma City where Suzanne then began a rewarding 21year teaching career at Westminster School. Suzanne had such a deep appreciation for education and inclusion, resulting in many of her students forming a lifelong connection with "Mrs. Parker." Following her retirement in 2010, Suzanne and Bill enjoyed traveling to Gander, Newfoundland in exploration of answers regarding her father's MIA WWII death and returning to Paris, relishing in the changes since they'd lived there. They spent years cultivating a butterfly garden in their yard and Suzanne found great joy and solace in admiring the multitude of wildlife that creation offered. She spent hours knitting afghan blankets & scarves, winning 1st place and Best of Show in the Oklahoma State Fair in 2023 for one of her beloved pieces; which will be forever cherished. Suzanne and others helped found the non-profit organization PambeGhana in Oklahoma City, which is a partnership for bi-lingual, Montessori-based education for children in remote communities in Northeastern Ghana. She was a volunteer for Pambe Ghana’s fair- trade Global Market, open in November and December in Oklahoma City, in which all earnings funds about 1/3 of the budget of the model school in Ghana. She was continuing her life's work to help provide aide for those children until her passing. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and supported the Wesley Montessori School for neighborhood children. Suzanne would often be found enjoying her books, classic music, a cup of tea or good glass of wine and good conversation. No one however, received more love and generosity from her than her family. She would do anything for her family. The legacy of her life will carry on to future generations. Suzanne passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the age of 81; just days after hosting a wonderful family Christmas. Survivors include her husband, Bill Parker of Oklahoma City, OK; son, Andrew Parker; daughter, Angela Parker, all of Oklahoma City, OK; two grandchildren, Kennedy Parker of Oxford, MS and Greyson Parker of Edmond, OK; brother, Tom Cobble & wife Lela of the Oklahoma City area; brother-in-law, Gary Crosby of Newcastle, OK; sister-in-law, Charlotte Betche of Cordell, OK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and an abundant amount of friends, past students, colleagues in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library Sort Site, the Library for the Blind, and many other people and places. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sachse Wallace, Jake & Garnet Cobble; sister, Mary Jane Crosby; and brother & sister-in-law, Dewayne and Maxine Parker. Services will be at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1401 NW 25th and Classen Saturday at 1:00pm with reception following to celebrate the wonder of her life. The celebration will be streamed on Facebook at wesleychurchokc. We ask that those who wish to make donations in Suzanne’s memory can give to: Pambe Ghana, PO Box 18813, Oklahoma City OK 73154-88103, or to the Wesley Montessori Preschool at Wesley United Methodist Church. The family appreciates the many prayers, gestures and kind words offered during this difficult time. Bill Parker

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Surgeon Generals Parting remarks
by Karen Snyder Troxel 10 Jan '25

10 Jan '25

Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy’s tenure as US Surgeon General (since 2021, although he was also Surgeon General from 2013-2017) on January 7, 2025, wrote: “My Parting Prescription for America” which is “Community as the Formula for Fulfillment”. His description of the importance of community speaks to my heart. I wonder how his message can make an impact on the problems he identifies. The link is: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/my-parting-prescription-for-america…. I would love to hear your responses. Peace and love, Karen Snyder Troxel

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Octavia Butler's "Earthseed" series, "Parable of the Sower, and "Parable of the Talents".
by James Wiegel 09 Jan '25

09 Jan '25

Are those the ones where mean people are in charge?? I dont like scary books Jim Wiegel “…the long work of turning their lives into a celebration is not easy. Come and let us talk“. The Sunflowers. Mary Oliver > On Jan 8, 2025, at 3:11 PM, Doug Druckenmiller <ddrucken(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Octavia Butler's "Earthseed" series, "Parable of the Sower, and "Parable of the Talents".

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California fires
by Sunny Walker 08 Jan '25

08 Jan '25

Are any we know affected? Butchers? Blessings and prayers for all. Sunny

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The Playground
by Elsa Bengel 08 Jan '25

08 Jan '25

I second Jim’s recommendation of Richard Powers book Playground. Just finished it today. Perhaps in the future Earth will be known as Ocean! Also a shoutout for Judy Fishel’s latest book Even Alzheimer’s Won’t Stop Me is fantastic. A great gift for those with Alzheimer’s and family members. Practical and full of possibilities. Can find on Amazon or order directly from Bob and Judy. Elsa Bengel Sent from Gmail Mobile

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You will enjoy reading Playground by Richard Powers
by James Wiegel 07 Jan '25

07 Jan '25

I did. Oceans, islands, artificial intelligence, the last 50 years, Sheridan Road is mentioned, also East Garfield, children voting (what about the manta rays and corals??), lawyers, chess, Go, cleaning stations, a 92 year old Quebequise, …. One line I recall: “ there are 2 types of games: finite games and infinite games — in finite games, the aim is to win; in infinite games, the aim is to keep playing” Doug, I especially sense you would like this Jim Wiegel “…the long work of turning their lives into a celebration is not easy. Come and let us talk“. The Sunflowers. Mary Oliver

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Happy New Year from the Hamiltons
by Milan Hamilton 02 Jan '25

02 Jan '25

Well, we made it through to 2025. At the end of each year I like to reflect a bit on the significance fo it. So I went through all my Google photos month by month and made a collage of those that held the significance for Linda and me. (Linda might have a slightly different take but she is busier than me). Maybe you have done something similar. Anyway, here is the collage and my summary of 2024: *WHATTA YEAR! 2024 WAS!* January—Milan’s 87th BD massage February—Milan Took the Arrow train & Metrolink to Claremont for Brunch with old friend Vance J. from Houston; ANCA Presentation at the esri Forum on the climate crisis. March—Getting our Braemar garden ready for spring planting; Gathering at McDermotts, including Kyle Knutson family from Dallas, for a fantastic celebration of Frank’s good life & death. April--Earth Day 2024 Day of Climate Action in Redlands, with more than 30 projects, capped off with a celebration at the Redlands Bowl. May—Watching the garden grow, tomatoes and squash are a-comin.’ ANCA wraps up spring education series on health impacts of climate change. June—Linda’s 81st celebration at New York Pizza; ANCA movie night at UR*: Don’t Look Up,* with discussion on implications for our climate predicament. July/August—A month-long driving trip to the Midwest, seeing friends in Denver, cousin and son in Nebraska, grandchildren in Iowa, sisters in Wisconsin, more friends in Eau Claire, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in Minnesota, several days at our kids’ cabin on the Crow Wing River, sending friend Frank’s ashes to the world (the Crow Wing ends in the Mississippi), and lots of “This Land is Our Land” on what might be our last cross-country driving trip. September—ANCA kicked off its fall educational series “Living Closer, Moving Smarter” on sustainable housing and transportation; co-sponsored our local city council candidates forum; fire season begins. October—kicking off the Map Your Neighborhood disaster preparedness program and holding the second Repair Café. November—ANCA’s educational program on the reality of recycling; a grant for education on the dangers of wildfires and smoke and kicking off the Northside Alliance for work climate education in a low-income community. Also, beginning the Map You Neighborhood disaster preparedness program with ten events. Oh yes, and the national election happened. December—ANCA booth at the Northside Holiday Celebration with information and a big fire suppression blankets distribution; the last of Milan’s weekly Joslyn Joy Writers group meetings; capped off with a week at our favorite Skylark hotel in Palm Springs. WHATTA YEAR! Lots of local climate crisis education and action, lots of signals from Mother Earth about the serious pickle we’ve got ourselves into, lots of turmoil around our dysfunctional political & economic system, and a great need for compassionate response to the suffering in our world. As we look forward to the coming year, we have another opportunity to get up on New Year morning 2025, throw open our door, step outside and shout “What have you got for us this year?” Happy New Year from the Hamiltons [image: Untitled design (2).png] -- Mellow Milan Hamilton 80 North Center Street Redlands, CA 92373 Phone: (909) 943-1667 email: mellowmilan2(a)gmail.com

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