Introspection

          It is so easy to get caught up in the dramas that unfold around us each day, whither it be our own or someone else's. Somehow, being apart of that drama can make you feel connected to the world around you. Yet, does it really connect you? Or does it suck away your life force, pull you away from what is truly important, and keep you in a constant state of "I can't believe this happened", or "If only things were different"?
           I am no stranger to drama. The past few years alone have been filled with enough drama to supply a Soap Opera with  enough storyline fodder for a years that would draw in viewers like flies to honey and keep ratings at an all time high.
            At times I have let this drama rule my life. I have fallen into despair, let my emotions rule my actions, and played the "victim card". I am not a person you'd want to be around when I am in that state; I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who can relate, if not think of someone who has does the same.
            Yet, when I take a moment to calm and center myself (which isn't always easy), I realize, just because things appear to be one way, does not mean they have to continue down that path. And the only way to change the situation, is to be willing to change my perspective of the situations at hand.
            Change is never easy. In fact, everything in your body and mind can scream at you, trying to prevent that change from happening, convincing you things are fine as they are, when really they are not. We are creatures of habit, unfortunately, and will always fall into the path of least resistance if we let ourselves.
           So what can we do to break the cycle of drama driven living?
           There are many tools, self help books, and people dedicated to helping you break out of the drama habit, but the most important thing we can do is CHOOSE.
          Choose to be in control.
          Choose to recognize drama for what it is.
          Choose to be in charge of our life and the world around us.
          Once you make that choice, however you want to go about creating a better situation for yourself is entirely up to you. But that first step of choosing to do something about it, is critical in bringing about real change.
         For me, I made the choice to detach from drama, yet still found myself getting sucked back in, time and time again. I would let my ego convince me, that there was no way, but the way it was, and I was better off feeling sorry for myself and the situation, then look for an alternate solution. So i kept searching for tools and resources that could help me get out of the funk I was in.
         Surprisingly, what helped me get out of my funk the most was Vitamin D. Turns out, I was quite deficient. After two weeks of being on a regiment, my energy levels came back, along with my color, and my mood was greatly improved. Who knew? I was able to think clearly again and quiet my ego from telling me "this is how things are, this is how they will always be." I found myself able to chose to detach from the drama, see a different way. A way that would lead me to the outcome I wanted.
        I know that in the days ahead things will only get better. I have set my sights on my goals, not letting the drama of the moment deter me from attaining them. 
         Detaching from drama, and bringing about real change in our lives can happen.
         We just have to choose to believe we can change.
         Remembering, we are the ONLY ones in charge of our lives; not the drama that surrounds us.

Welcome, 2012!

         Happy New Year! There are just a few minutes left of the first day of the new year and I figured it was about time I sit down and write. Something I had resolved to do in 2011, but for one reason or another, found other things to do instead.
          2011 was tumultuous year, to say the least. There was drama, heartache, twists and turns. Just when things were looking up, something would happen and challenge my resolve once more. Yet, here I am, a little bruised, slightly weary, but more empowered than ever.
          The year, as tumultuous as it was, was not a bad year at all. It simply brought to light a lot of things that were broken and no longer working or useful in my life. From the way I handle situations, to how I interact with people; every shadow and insecurity were laid bare, and I am forever grateful.
         While I'll admit, sometimes it is far easier to turn a blind eye to the shadows in our lives, and blame someone else for our problems, it is far more rewarding to man up and take responsibility. After all, who is in charge of your life? You? Or someone else?
         There is no time like the present to pause and take note of all that is happening in your life. What makes you happy? Unhappy? Are there things you'd like to change or wish would change?
        Only you know the answers.
        Only you can bring about change.
        So, Thank you 2011, for bringing out the darkness that was cluttering up my life. Thank you for making me face my biggest fears. I couldn't have done it without your assistance!
         Welcome, 2012! May you guide me into the light even more.
       

       

Pioneering with Paper

The very first pulp and paper mills in Maine used rags, of all things, to produce their pulp and paper products. When paper demand rose and a rag shortage struck in the 1850s, it was a Maine company that looked to the natural resources around them, and found a way to fulfill the publics demand for paper, with the introduction of wood-blended pulp and paper products. This led to a period of economic growth. Not only for the pulp and paper industry, but for the State of Maine as well.

What if the pulp and paper industry could again be the answer for Maine’s lagging economy?

Imagine jobs being created in an industry that is already well established in Maine, all while using cleaner, more sustainable products and practices. It’s a nice thought, isn’t it?  It’s an even better reality; a reality that is well within our reach.

In 2009, former Governor Baldacci signed L.D. 1159, an act which permits the cultivation of industrial hemp here in the State of Maine. Industrial hemp has a wide application of uses--- pulp and paper being one of them. It’s quite obvious Governor Baldacci was aware of these applications and the demand for industrial hemp products when he singed L.D. 1159. After all, in 2003, The Maine Legislature approved L.D. 53, directing the Maine Department of Agriculture to "develop a study to explore the feasibility and desirability of industrial hemp production."

So why have we not seen any production of industrial hemp here in the State of Maine?

The answer is simple: Federal regulations require a permit to be obtained from the Drug Enforcement Agency. While this permit may seem simple to obtain, it is not. This has led to a standstill in the development of the hemp industry. Not only here in Maine, but in other states, too. 

It’s a shame really. Up until the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, Industrial Hemp was a huge part of the American economy. Why can’t it be re-established?

The Hemp Industries Association (HIA), a non-profit trade group representing hemp companies, researchers and supporters, has been making great strides towards changes in the federal policy concerning the cultivation of industrial hemp in the United States. Their goal is simple: re-introduction through education.

This year, May 2nd-8th, will mark the Second Annual Hemp History Week. This is a national grassroots education campaign, sponsored by the HIA, designed to renew strong support for hemp farming in the United States.  Their website: www.hemphistoryweek.com  dispels myths surrounding industrial hemp, offers a look at the history and use of industrial hemp in the United States, and offers many ways you as an individual can join in on the cause.

While pulp and paper is just one of the many ways industrial hemp can be utilized here in the State of Maine, switching from wood to industrial hemp would allow a vital component of Maine’s economy to thrive once more. If the industry was once able to meet demands using rags, and thrive when it switched to wood, why then, can it not meet today’s demands of greener practices and products, with industrial hemp?  

Maine pioneered with paper once. It can do it again.

Slated to come up for debate on a federal level later this year is the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011. If passed, this act would pave the way for the Maine to start cultivating industrial hemp, and get our economy rolling. 

Let those in Washington know: Maine is Ready to Grow!

Past Life Work: 5th Chakra

His emotions drew her in.

It was not her desire to get caught up in whatever he was selling.

Deliberately avoiding; head always down.

She couldn’t place it; didn’t know why.

But the knot in her stomach told her

“This is not a safe guy”

As time drew on, so did his persistence.

Perhaps she was wrong.

That was his insistence.

But when they were alone:

Fear.

“Run while you can”

Sometimes she would.

Why?

The truth, she found

Hidden in his dark brown eyes.

A jealous rage

She was His slave

How dare she love another.

He killed her then

But never again

She lets her soul forgive him.

A different time now

But still, somehow,

She knows he hasn’t forgiven

But she lets it go

Lets him go

And releases the past forever

~KMT

A Play on Shakespear

“To sleep, perchance to dream”, but if “Life is but a dream”

             

                Then what is in between?

The Answer lies within.

“To Be or Not to Be”

For you see, you create your own reality

There really is no finality.

Your dreams

Your fears

Everything you hold dear.

Is here because you thought it

So why dream pain?

Why remain

In a state of constant chaos?

Dream a new song,

Sing along

Find Beauty in Every Moment.

The only nightmare

You Cannot Bear

Is the one you choose not to wake from.

So open your eyes

Let your light shine

And Dream a Better Tomorrow

                                                -KMT

Good faith purchaser for value

Having Faith
means
Believing in your Self
knowing
Divine Truth
lies within.

Cow's Don't Eat Corn!

Growing up, there was a field that we drove by often. I asked my mother once, "why do they let the corn grow every year, yet never harvest it until  the close of the season?" "That's cow corn", She said. "It's for the cows to eat, not us." It made sense to me then. But then, I did not realize, cows shouldn't be eating corn. I'm kinda ashamed to say, I didn't know this until recently.


Food, Inc., a nice bit of propaganda, is a film aimed at exposing the truth about where our food comes from, how it's processed, and how certain companies don't want you to know what goes on before it hits your dinner plate. 

While any propaganda has an agenda of its own,  in my opinion, the only agenda Food Inc really has, is to make us, the people, informed. Food, Inc. does make valid points about problems within our food industry, and even offers several solutions to the problems at hand.
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This is what I learned when I watched: 1. Cow's shouldn't be eating corn. 2. Most of our food is corn based. 3. There is a correlation between e.coli breakouts and cows that eat corn. 4. Kevin's Story needs to be heard,  and 5. Kevin's Law needs to pass legislation.

Aren't you hungry, now?

If you want to know more, I highly suggest taking a look at Food Inc.