Mood:  mischievious

For his graduate requirements, he is putting on an art show at the college's art gallery, with the opening the end of March.

You can get a sneak preview of some of his paintings and photographs at http://rulrich.deviantart.com/

Don't expect to see fluffy, happy depictions of art at this Web site. Ryan's art is unique, and expresses the emotions he has experienced. His art is more like therapy for all of us, releasing the anger and frustration we carry around.

Check it out!

Posted by earthstar at 9:51 AM EST

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Mood:  bright

The local newspaper I started, along with two partners, is no longer mine to fret over. I resigned from the Two Chicks and a Mouse LLC on Jan. 7, and I will no longer function as editor and production manager for the alternative monthly.

It's not that the paper is a failure... far from it! People raved about it. It was a fun thing to do. But... I don't like seeing my money flushed down the toilet, and no financial support to keep things going.

Neither of my partners brought any capital into our partnership, which means perhaps the LLC was not even legitimate. Anyway, they didn't appear to care whether we had ads to support the paper or not.

With my full-time job at HCN, I couldn't deal with selling ads AND being editor AND office manager AND doing all the other things I do each month. And December was an especially crucial month in which I had way too much on my plate.

I asked God to release me from the Paonia Star Gazette. I got an immediate answer: resign NOW! Then I had a vision of who could take my place. When I mentioned this to one of my partners, she agreed it was a good choice. She asked the man, and... he accepted.

However, the other partner was insulted that he was not included in our "decision." Turns out HE wanted to be the new editor. This, I knew, was not a workable solution. In one respect he is right: we should have at least consulted him on the matter. So why should I care? I was resigning anyway. Well, they wanted to continue using my money.

Now things are damaged. The partnership is in trouble because feelings have been hurt, threats have been made, and accusations flung about. At this point, I don't know if the paper will survive... and I'm getting my investment OUT of it, at least what's left of it...

But that's the way things go. The lesson I learned was that it's better to do things myself. I thought a partnership was a good idea. I've learned in the past year that this does not work for me. How many times must I bang myself over the head to learn a lesson?

So, it's over. I'm not getting into any more ventures like this one. I'm not publishing any more local newspapers. Newspapers are in their death throes, anyway. Readership has decreased as the Internet has scarfed up all the business. Blogs are the thing these days!

And it's all OK!!! I'm happy with my decision. I'm looking forward to easing off my work load in 2006, and having a lot less stress.

It is up to God now whether the new paper floats or sinks. I hope it makes it, for the sake of those who had their hearts set on it.

No hard feelings. Just sending blessings to those who assisted me through this major life's lesson!

Posted by earthstar at 9:59 AM EST

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Mood:  sad

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, right?

But what happens when one small group of people in a community takes it upon themselves to dictate how others should believe?

I have been attacked by a member of my community for printing something that went against a certain religious group's beliefs. And because of it, they took it upon themselves to telephone advertisers of my newest publication and tell them not to advertise anymore.

Not once did I receive a phone call, an e-mail or a letter to the editor with their grievance. I would think that would have been the proper channel for expressing their dissatisfaction.

I would hope that the advertisers in the community would see this as an unethical practice, and basically ignore this group. However... words can be strong and convincing... however misguided.

As a citizen of the planet, trying to bring Light to others, I realize there are those who reject the Light, and those whose belief systems are so narrow that they will not tolerate anything outside their own limited scope of thought.

But what gives them the right to infringe on the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and the freedom of beliefs of others?

I am not deterred. This group has not won! No matter what it takes, I will fight for the freedom in this country, because we all have the right to speak out. If we do not agree with a certain opinion, that is OK, but it is NOT OK to censor someone's alternative belief.

It just makes me sad to live in a civilization where people are intolerant of others because they hold an opinion unlike their own. They want their beliefs to be imposed on others, yet when someone else has an expression to share, they won't allow it.

Posted by earthstar at 9:14 AM EST

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Mood:  bright

Jelaila Starr of the Nibiruan Council, has an excellent "Ascension Update" explaining Katrina and the earth changes.

Lilian Mustelier reflects over the same subject in her article, "Reflection." Lilian survived a 6.8 earthquake in Washington state a few years ago and, by the way, has a new book out titled Remembering Your Future.

Hannah Beaconsfield of The Pleiadian Light talks about walk-ins and their walk-out problems.

Fred Pulver gives an excellent discourse on macrobiotics in his article, "Where is the real freedom?" Hmm... do I really want fries with that?

Lady Isis follows up with "Freedom: What does it mean to you?" It has given me food for thought.

Chief Joseph, as usual, has encouraging, uplifting words about Katrina in Answers from Chief Joseph, "Moments of Grace."

Tumeria discusses death in "The Greatest Fear" of her Alpha Bits column.

You'll see my change of heart about the purchase of our local newspaper in my column, "The Meaning of it All," as I tell how "God Said No."

The PDF version of the Oct. TSB will be available later today. Please ask for a free sample PDF, or if you'd like a print copy of the issue, it's just $2.00 and you can obtain it at https://earthstar.tripod.com/ESP_dir/subscribe.html

Posted by earthstar at 9:39 AM EDT

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Mood:  sad

Last weekend I learned my partner wanted to bail out of the new business venture. Naturally, I was devastated after all the planning and dreaming. We even had the money in hand to buy the business.

I don't know why sometimes things don't work out. But I do know that there is a reason for everything. I believe Spirit still has a plan, but apparently this new venture was not meant to be.

It was better to find out BEFORE we spent the loan money. I am thankful for that.

Surprisingly, I am not devastated any more. I feel refreshed and happy to be free of something that might have imprisoned me.

I feel enthusiastic about my writing now and getting a fresh start.

Life is so exciting. I won't let a little disappointment deter me from enjoying what's left.

Posted by earthstar at 4:48 PM EDT

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