The silver lining in all his NSA spying and PRISM stuff, [if there is one]… is that with the conformation of what we suspected all along, maybe those of us "in the know" will now be more comfortable speaking up. They know we know.

It's was not an easy journey to uncover and accept all the lies and deceit we've been fed all these years. I started feeling comfortable sharing information with peers and colleagues more and more these past few years, but I won't lie and say it's been easy. I've lost a friend or two along the way and I'm often isolated in social situations. When I'd make light jokes like "they are reading this now" I was often laughed at and told that we don't live in China. Well...

I was also scared early on in my sharing process when I wrote this blog post about Monsanto. I was hosting my blog on Wordpress at the time, and not 30 minutes after making the post did a rep from Monstano leave a nasty comment telling me I'm wrong and telling lies. (sure, I may have had a fact or two wrong, but the conclusion was and is accurate). When I moved my blog back to Blogger, I lost all my comments from Wordpress. I recently went back to my now defunct Wordpress site to retrieve the comment only to find the entire post has been removed. For a moment, I was a bit scared again. Then I realized, if little ole me is a threat to Monsanto, that's a good sign ;)

Back to the NSA and PRISM scandal. Since the government now knows what we are reading, saying and basically thinking while online, taking action is now inevitable. It's time for us to speak up, take a stand and practice peaceful non-cooperation on whatever level possible. Not everyone can do everything… but every little thing helps.

Share something each day. Practice patience with those who may not understand. Inform as many people as you can, however you can.

I think it was something like 3-6% of the American people were on board when the first Revolution started… we don't need everyone to understand or even agree. We just need small amount of awake people to make a difference in their circle of friends, in their community, and their social networks.

Don't be scared. It's time for a rEVOLution.

time for change.

Well, I consider myself a near master of positive thinking these days. I know all pain is temporary and I believe it's most likely a result of something we need to work out. So, work it out I will...

I've been admittedly pretty down since the Edward Snowden NSA information leaked. I'm so far removed from main stream media that I no longer feel it's effect. I haven't had a TV in over four years. I have no idea what's going on the "real" world.

When I realize most people not only don't know what is really going on, they don't care, I got super depressed (this is not a new revelation, but it hits HARD every few months when major shit goes down). It's defeating to feel so misunderstood and lost among the masses. It's okay though. First of all, it's not really their fault. They were raised in the same system as we were. Also, the first American Revolution only had 3-6% of the population "awake" when it began. Today, there are enough awake people to really organize a peaceful revolution.

While it seems the power and control folks are gaining a lot of ground, LOVE is gaining ground too. Time to stop needing them. We can take care of each other. Let's do it. It's time to let go of the old, it's not working.

p.s. Another thought: Where's the dating site for "woman seeking: free thinking, liberty-loving man who wants to try to build a life off the grid."? Oh, maybe I should start that...

also... does anyone want to go to this, Restore the 4th Rally with me on Thursday? hit me up!

Get the government out.

Facebook just suggested that I like Will & Grace and I thought "I LOVE Will & Grace" and clicked like without hesitation. [A few minutes later I realized how cliche of them to offer that today].

I'm very happy to see all the people celebrating equality in my news feed. However, I feel a tug at my inner heart strings to share my thoughts...

One: that I wish the government had nothing to do with marriage. 

My intention is not to rain on the happiness that is all over my Facebook wall today, but I realize that might be what I'm doing, so that's I am writing this on my blog... you can leave now if you want.

I am heartbroken.

Being able to marry who you want is a personal choice. A God given right. We are all born onto this planet Earth and we all deserve to be here and have our own, personal, pursuit of happiness.

No one should have to ask for permission from the government. Asking implies you are being granted a privilege. Voluntary agreements between consenting adults should be allowed in a free society. It's time to stop asking a corrupt government for permission to do things they have no business in deciding.

Equal rights for gay marriage still doesn't mean equality for all... it means equal rights for married people. What about me? the single person? Where is my tax break for not getting married and having 12 kids? What about couples who spend lifetimes together and never marry? No privileges and no tax breaks for those who are married. It's not really equal until we are ALL equal.

[By the way.... marriage licenses were originally instituted to prevent interracial marriage... so it's safe to say we don't need them anymore.]

I don't expect anyone to agree with me, but I hope that if you read this, you'll do some research and think about things.... I didn't arrive at this conclusion overnight. I hope you'll consider asking what equal rights really means. 

In summary: people can have any kind of committed relationship they want. No need for the government to "license" (A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade) such a relationship. Government is here to protect people from things like murder... and well, murder. Everything else is a personal choice and is a-okay in a free society. 

Two: Can we all just ignore Westboro Baptist Church? Seriously. Let this be the last thing you read about them. News outlets will stop reporting on them if we stop reacting to them. We can't change them, but we can change how we react. Pretend they don't exist!! And if you aren't ready to let go yet and if you want to laugh, watch this.

NO GOVERNMENT PERMISSION SLIPS FOR MARRIAGE

"Live on and be yourself. No law's gonna change us, we have to change us. Whatever God you come from, we all come from the same one."

I welcome all comments and criticism in the comments section below or at sarahallspaw@gmail.com.


Thank you for reading. Peace and love.

29 and feelin' fine.

I'm a bit late in getting around to my annual birthday blog this year.

my. life. is. busy.

With the big 3-0 right around the corner, it feels like I should set some goals about things I'd like to accomplish before next year's milestone... but first I want to reflect on the fun things I've done this past year:

Enjoyed my first music festival [Bunbury] right here in Cincy. There's really nothing better than live music outside in the summertime... next to the river. Loved it, and can't wait to go again this year! 

Got to spend some time at Erin's lakehouse with her family... and traveled with them to Cleveland to watch Nuisance play.

Attended my 10 year high school reunion... which made high school feel like it was both yesterday and a lifetime ago.

Went camping in Alabama for what turned out to be one of the coldest nights of my life. (right up there with when I slept in my down coat in a trailer in Venice during Mardi Gras).  

Voted in my second presidential election. (I couldn't vote in 2008 because I was in between moving states). I drove to see MxPx in Cleveland that day and I'm SO glad I was at a punk show on election day.

Traveled to New Orleans for the first time to visit my sister and nephew. I loved exploring a new city and got to cross "beignets at Cafe du Monde" off my bucket list. Oh, and I got to enjoy a drive-thru margarita! That was pretty fun.

Rang in the New Year in Cumberland with Erin [and about 20 teenagers].

Watched my best friend and her hubby welcome their sweet son into the world.

Finally got see The Beach Boys live, and to make that even better, John Stamos played with them and he sang "Forever". The 8 year old girl in me was ridiculously happy.

I've made a lot of new friends this past year and even connected with a few old ones. Oh.... and I kinda learned how to draw [finally]... and started to practice piano again. 

The day of my birthday... I went to see The Lumineers and Cold War Kids with a few friends at Riverbend. It was an absolutely gorgeous night and since watching live music is pretty much my favorite thing to do, it was a great way to start my 30th year.

On a more personal note... I'm very grateful that I've found more like minded people to connect with online and in real life... people who value themselves and others and really want to make a difference in this world.

I've gone through quite the transformation these past few years as I evolve my thinking and faith. Right now goals for before turning the big 30 are:

... to find ways to help advance the liberty movement. The journalism degree in me aches to share information! While online activism is great, I want to really help.... somewhere, somehow.

... and to continue to be myself and speak from my heart. A lot of things that happen these days leave me absolutely heartbroken, and to feel it so physically is to feel a calling... to be the change I wish to see. 

This life is good. Thanks for reading!! Peace & Love.


Read posts from my 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th birthdays.

Raw Corn & Cauliflower Soup

I made this new raw soup tonight... it was pretty good, tastes summery! Next time I might skip the avocado and use less garlic...

1/2 an Avocado
1 Tomato
2 cloves Garlic
1/2 cup-ish Sweet Corn, frozen or fresh
Cilantro, raw (however much you like)
1/4 head of Cauliflower
1 cup Water
Olive oil

I drizzled the cauliflower with olive oil and let it sit for a few minutes before blending. 

Liquify in blender. 

Topped with green onion, red pepper flakes and turmeric.

Enjoy!

Rethink Your Life.

"Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become." -Steve Jobs.

Let go of the ego.

earthing it

Spring is finally here. I can hear it in the birds' songs, see it on people's faces, smell it in the fresh air and feel it in the sunshine. Spring is here.

Yesterday, Bella was outside, laying in the dirt practically all day. I noticed how much my dog was enjoying laying right on the earth... squinting from the sun. I remembered reading a few articles about "earthing" a while back... so I decided to follow my dog's lead and go stand barefoot on the dirt and face the sun. It felt pretty damn good. I don't care if it makes me a hillbilly or a hippie, I'm going to be walking around barefoot more often. I live in Kentucky. I can get away with it.

Why is the Earth’s Energy Healing?

The amount and type of electricity in our environment influences our bodies’ natural internal electrical stability and internal rhythms, and can affect our health for better or worse. The earth’s electromagnetic layer protects our bioelectrical circuitry against static electrical charges and interference, as well as excess free-radical activity in the body. Free radicals, generated through normal metabolic processes involving oxygen as well as exposure to environmental toxins, damage cells by stealing their electrons.

As the earth’s surface is abundant with negatively charged free electrons, grounding quenches free radicals. This supply of electrons is constantly replenished by solar radiation and lightning strikes. Through direct contact with the earth, we absorb these electrons through the skin, and neutralize free radical activity within our bodies. Grounding, like ingesting antioxidants through food, is another one of Nature’s protective mechanisms against chronic inflammation and degenerative disease caused by excess free-radical activity.  "Grounding/Earthing" from HeartMD Institute.

Some more info on the health benefits of Earthing:

Body Earthing Wikipedia

Earthing: A simple (and free) way to reduce pain and inflammation

The Health Benefits of Grounding (Earthing)

Gotta try this!

Not sure what to do with fresh veg juice pulp? Mix it with fresh hummus for an amazing meal! #juiceon @joethejuicer twitter.com/RobTrains/stat…
— Rob Moore Fitness (@RobTrains) April 4, 2013

some thoughts on positive thinking.

The art of positive thinking is a beautiful thing. However, I think the biggest misconception about positive thinking is that you have to do it ALL the time, and any negative thoughts are bad thoughts.

This is simply not true.

Bad things happen, accidents happen, relationships end, people get rejected, cancer happens, people get laid off, people pass away. There are plenty of "bad" things that happen in this world. This is exactly where I find positive thinking to be most valuable. Allow yourself to feel negative emotions, deal with them and move on knowing that the good always comes back around. It's only when you let the negative overtake your life does it become a problem. We live in a society where negative emotions are masked with anti-depressants, alcohol, over eating, shopping... the list goes on and on. Not one of these coping mechanisms is worse or better than the other. They all just are. Incorporating positive thinking makes the pain less painful because you realize it's only temporary. It's okay to feel that way today, you won't feel like that forever. Go ahead... cry it out.

Don't think you have to see the silver lining in every cloud. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there and it also doesn't mean that you still don't feel the rain.

Rumi knows what's up.

Inner Wakefulness

This place is a dream
only a sleeper considers it real
then death comes like dawn
and you wake up laughing
at what you thought
was your grief

A man goes to sleep in the town
where he has always lived
and he dreams
he's living in another town
in the dream he doesn't remember
the town he's sleeping in his bed in
he believes the reality
of the dream town
the world is that kind of sleep

Humankind is being led
along an evolving course,
through this migration
of intelligences
and though we seem
to be sleeping
there is an inner wakefulness,
that directs the dream
and that will eventually
startle us back
to the truth of
who we are

Rumi, (1207-1273)

The pope, pine cones and fluoride.

Cardinal Bergoglio was chosen as new pope today. Since the internet is buzzing with this news, I can't help but to bring up one of my all time favorite "conspiracy" theories. I use the term conspiracy loosely because I find more often than not, that conspiracies these days are just ways for those who are in control to make those who are awake seem crazy. Onward we go...

So, what does the pope, pine cones, and fluoride have in common? I'm going to break this down as simply as possible.

In mysticism the pineal gland, or the third eye, is believed to lead to higher levels of consciousness and enlightenment. (This is why those who practice Hinduism often wear a dot on their forehead.) The pineal gland is shaped similar to the pine cone, so the pine cone is often used as a symbol for the pineal gland. The pine cone of course comes from the evergreen tree, which represents fertility and eternal life (Christmas trees).

Biologically, the pineal gland regulates production of melatonin and serotonin which affects your sleep patterns and mood. It also produces dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, which is produced in large quantities at birth and death and during near death experiences. The pineal gland is situated between both hemispheres of the brain and does not operate in the left or right specifically, but rather on it's own. One way I like to think of it is as the combination of the left and right brain, or the combination of both analytical/logical (left) and intuitive/subjective (right) thinking.

Ok, so fluoride. Fluoride was added to our water supply in the 1950's and 1960's in effort to help prevent tooth decay. Today we are learning that fluoride is linked to brain damage among other issues and it calcifies the pineal gland. When fluoride calcifies the pineal gland, it clogs it and prevents it from working properly.

If the pineal gland is in fact linked to levels of higher consciousness and enlightenment, then perhaps this calcification prevents us from reaching those levels.

What does any of this have to do with the pope? Well, the biggest pine cone in the world is a statue at the Vatican in the Court of Pine Cones. The pope's staff has a pine cone on it, and the seal of the pope also has the pine cone symbolism. Pine cone symbolism is found all over the Vatican and in Catholicism.

Maybe it's just art, maybe it's a coincidence, or maybe the Vatican has some hidden knowledge they are suppressing. Perhaps the pine cone holds the same symbolism to the papacy to represent the enlightenment that comes from the third eye. The conspiracy centers around whether or not this information is intentionally kept from society and possibly used to control people through religion. Also, many think fluoride was added to water to "dumb" us down. Whether or not it was intentional or not doesn't really matter to me... fluoride is still in our water and is calcifying our pineal glands.

I think there are some valid and profound spiritual truths hidden in the sacred texts, however, the interpretation that is common in religious practices just doesn't resonate with me.

Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be sound, your whole body shall be full of light. 

I'm barely grazing the surface on all of this, so if any of this interest you, please do your own research. There is also a chance that I have no idea what I'm talking about! I just find this kind of stuff fascinating. Make up your own mind.

Here are some resources to get you started:

NaturalNews.com articles about Fluoride.

Video on how to de-calcify your pineal gland.

You don't have to know me for very long to know I have a distaste for big-arga business, Monsanto.

I wrote this blog post while hosting my blog on Wordpress a few years ago. Within about 30 minutes of posting it, I had a comment from a Monsanto rep basically saying all of my information is inaccurate. Maybe it is...

Today I logged into my old Wordpress account to try to retrieve the old comment and the whole post is missing. Now, there is a chance that I deleted it at some point... because the Monsanto rep comment did shake me up a bit. But, I think I'd remember doing that and I also think I would have deleted it on my blogger account as well when I moved my blog from Wordpress to Blogger. But, my post is still in tact on blogger. (and no other old posts seems to be missing from my old Wordpress account).

So, I'm lead to believe that my post on Wordpress was reported and removed for one reason or another. I may be jumping to conclusions... but right now I have no other explanation.

I don't really have anything else to say, except that I eat organic as much as possible. Peace.

small talk struggle.

Making small talk is a struggle these days. I'm finding the struggle to be a combination of a few things...

One, I don't really want to make small talk. It's hard for me to stay focused on the mundane.

Two... I don't know what to even talk about.

I've distanced myself from so many mainstream things... that there is little left to talk about at times. I probably haven't seen that commercial, or that show. I don't follow the latest gossip or fad diet. I don't watch mainstream news. I'm not interested in the latest way to network up the corporate ladder. I don't have a relationship or kids to talk about it... and I can only tell so many stories about my dog.

Unless you want to strike up a philosophical conversation about consciousness or quantum physics, I'm often clueless. I get a lot of eye rolls and blank stares. It can be a bit isolating.

Music works. That's usually my go-to small talk.

I'm grateful for my (mostly) drama free life that allows for plenty of time to be spent learning, researching and over analyzing my existence. But, it's hard to relate. I'm losing the knack of small talk... something I think I used to be so good at.

I'm working on it... bear with me.

p.s. where did that expression come from? "bear with me"? I'm going to go Google... 

Easy Kale and Quinoa Salad with Mustard Dressing

I was inspired by the sweet meghanlivingstone to make this kale and quinoa salad... and. I'm. obsessed. So, in hopes of paying it forward with inspiration, I'm going to share my version of her recipe here! (Click here to watch Meghan's video.)

Ingredients:

Salad
-Kale
-Olive oil
-Quinoa
-Apples

Dressing
-Mustard (your favorite kind!)
-Olive Oil
-Apple Cider Vinegar


Just tear up some kale and massage with a little olive oil. Then add some quinoa (I like to add it warm)... and put some cut up apples on top! Drizzle with the dressing and viola! Super delicious and super easy. The dressing is just mustard, olive oil and apple cider vinegar. I use about equal parts olive oil and mustard and a few dashes of vinegar... just smell it to make sure one doesn't overpower the other. I posted this on Facebook and many people suggested adding bacon, so if you are a bacon lover, that sounds like a good tip!

Let me know if you make it, and enjoy!

 

What is Kale?

What is Quinoa?

Tips for buying good olive oil.  

Talk a Walk.

Fun. [is an understatement.]

I just got done writing a review of this show for Ticketmaster, so I thought I'd write a blog while it's all fresh in my mind. The Fun show goes down on my list of the top 10 best shows ever (and I've seen hundreds, upon hundreds of live shows). It was SO much fun. I actually ended up going by myself as it sold out quickly and none of my friends were able to get in. Next time I'll be sure to buy some extra tickets so I can make sure my friends get to experience this!

The energy that filled the room was incredible. From the second Fun stepped out on the stage, the whole room shifted into a contagious vibe of happiness. People couldn't help but to dance and sing along to every word. This was my first time seeing Fun live, and while I was nervous about all the harmony and fun auto-tuned parts on the new album, they did a great job translating those songs to the live show. Nate harmonized with the audience a few times, and made each song unique for the live set without taking away from the original elements of the song. I was so impressed with this show, I cannot wait to see Fun live again! If you ever get a chance to see this band, don't miss it :)

My favorite moment was listening to "At Least I'm Not As Sad" live. This is the song that got me into this band, and I've been waiting for years to hear it in person. It was amazing.

Here is some video that I took and edited on my iPhone... I'll be watching this regularly until I get to see them again! Enjoy.

28 and feelin' great!

As you can tell, I don't do much blogging these days. I spend most of my time on Twitter and now, Tumblr... but I couldn't resist my annual birthday post on my blog!

I had such a great birthday this year... a rather routine Monday was filled with non-stop text messages, phone calls, Facebook messages and even the occasional e-card. It was an overwhelming day that ended with dinner with my mom and a few drinks/deck-time with some friends. It was exactly what I wanted.

I feel really good starting my 28th year. I no longer wish for the days of turning 21, and I've changed a lot since then. I eat and live healthier, I'm more centered spiritually, I have a greater understanding of life and the universe, I'm smarter... or at least I think I'm smarter ;).

I love the person I've become, and honestly, there is no other time I'd rather be living in, than the time right now.

Exciting things are happening on this planet. The information age is exploding all over the internet and in documentaries, even on TV. People are shifting into higher levels of consciousness and experiencing awakening and enlightenment. I remain optimistic that we can live in a peaceful world despite all the greed, hypocrisy and lies that have recently been uncovered and exposed in all industries. These are exciting times and I'm proud to say I've come a long way these past few years!

Read posts from my 25th, 26th, and 27th birthdays. Thanks for reading, those of you who are still out there. Cheers.

"Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, "you owe me." Look what happens with a love like that, it lights the whole sky." -Hafiz

Happy Valentine's Day!