Creative house painting

I had to stop the car, get out and gawk, and of course snap a picture, after driving by a home the other day.  The home's exterior and garage were colorfully painted with artistic designs.  Someone took their house painting project to heart.  Wonder how many cans of paint they went through in this project?  I wouldn't want to be the one that has to repaint.

Morning sun and tamarack branches

Americans with too much stuff

The reason why we in the United States have too much stuff may well be directly related to our search for meaning, support and affirmation from our stuff, instead of from other people. This problem of too much stuff is also fueled by a value system that believes more is better. A great example of the "more is better" mantra is currently being utilized in a massive advertising campaign by ATT. They interview children about why they think more is better..."It's not complicated "More".

An article in the StarTribune, Beating clutter is mind over matter, according to home organizing pro, provides additional information on ways in which we might work to de-clutter our lives.  Hint, it requires starting with a thought provoking question... "What's your vision for the life you want and the home you want?"

Elsewhere in the paper an article "A boost for living small", discusses a growing demand for smaller housing units, which may require an increase in the city of Minneapolis' current allowable housing density.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

 

Combat without declaration of war

The last declaration of war in the United States was in 1941.  Yet, we've been in plenty of major "conflicts" that our presidential leadership has directed.  It is disturbing to think that we don't have checks and balances for such important matters.  Marvin Kalb has written a book on this topic, The Road to War: Presidential Commitments Honored and Betrayed, and has an interview on PBS Newshour; Diminishing checks and balances for U.S. Commanders in Chief considering war.

Dragonfly by the pond

One of my favorite insects is the dragonfly.  I love them not only because they're cool looking and are astounding aviators, but also because they have a great appetite for mosquitos!

Break from the internet

I will be taking a few days off of posting blog entries during this interim period, when we switch internet service providers.  Must say that it is a bit unnerving not to have an internet connection at home, but probably a good break from routine.  A wee bit like camping.