Mutual Aid: Alternative Currency

Check out this new organization I joined. The timebank model is new to NYC, and its membership is growing despite the City's undying love of money. TINY had its first monthly potluck this evening, and it was a blast. Good people sharing food, losing track of time.

Reality Sandwich has an article about the group that inspired me to join.

On my ride back home I got a little turned around & got directions from someone at a big, open-front rock climbing gym. Neat place. Maybe my little bro would go with me next time he comes to visit. He used to be into rock climbing.

Anyway, after a few blocks I got a little confused again, when I didn't realize 3rd Ave had forked into Lafayette. While waiting at a red light I asked a pedestrian coming from the direction I was headed if Lafayette was a few blocks up & he gently pointed out I was on Lafayette. Then he asked me where Atlantic Avenue was, and I told him just around the corner. Pleased with our successful outreach, we both smiled and laughed and in a totally blissed out moment of anarchist triumph we both said "Mutual Aid!" at the same time.

LOVE IT!!!!!
Budis K.

Love through the blog, love through dreams, plus cosmic clowns

Hold the phone: A blogger I like linked to me. He reminds me of the importance of writing because he writes everyday. I discovered his blog when I lived in Taiwan and I was drawn in by one of his photo essays. Groovy.

I am Surprised by how special I feel having this little connection, this little shout out. Thanks, Tony. I guess I think: why not blog? Any chance to build a human connection. We get precious little time to connect in our waking lives. We are busy with work + life is short. And if you are like me + you don't remember your dreams, well then even your dream life most often fails to connect you to those you love.

However: not recently. Recently I have had some good dream connections. First, yesterday I received this email:


i dreamed we were in court changing your name to Budis.
you were a few years years older than you are now, a new wholistic beauty in your countenance.
your sweetness and honesty were powerful!
It seemed more spiritual than legal...

it was nice seeing you again, i hope it won't be years
til it happens, though.

yay for biking, you're amazing!

with love,
N

So beautiful. ! And today I woke up and remembered my own dream. I dreamed of my former therapist, who hasn't practiced for about a year now, but we still speak on the phone to check in once every few months. Anyway, I dreamt of Sarah, who was a therapist and is now a novelist and clown! In my dream she was sad. When I awoke, I wanted to call her but didn't. I always think I will be bothering her, but probably I am not bothering her. She knows all about my magic and really appreciates it. I know that. Anyway, at first I didn't call; I went to my interview; made a garlic kale and scrambled egg sandwich; felt bad about the less than stellar unit plan/lesson plan I gave to the interview committee. I sat down to revise it and send them an updated version & then what pops into my gmail box but a horoscope message with the subject: clownin which contained this:

The leo is leader and symbol of the family. Be empowered by it's motherly roar, which demands an immediate return -to yourself/each other/ your dreams.

Well, an immediate return to myself, Miss Sarah and my dreams it is then. That was clear enough. Of course I reached out and called the lovely and wonderful Sarah. No fear. Why let fear stop us from connecting? Why deny ourselves the love that exists?

Read the full horosocope from friend-of-a-friend Birdie Lawson. Image above is bilingual Peace Clown available to entertain in Bakersfield, CA, should you be reading from there.

xoxo,
K. Budis

Progress

I have an interview at a school in my neighborhood! Hallelujah!

I know I am going to be a good teacher. The people who know me know it, too. When a principal sees it too, and we seal the deal, I can take my mission into the classroom. Hooray!

I think of the people who say: whatever students get you will be so lucky. I know they are right. But also I will be lucky, too. I get to know a whole group of young people–learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Education is such a precious exchange, not to mention inspiration.

Praises! Praises! Praises! woo hoo! If you are reading this message, maybe you will find yourself approaching your dreams, too. I hope so. You deserve it.

Hmm, unlike my last blog, which was awfully cynical at times, I think this blog will be free of cynicism. Why not, right?

Last night I got to ride across the bridge with two dope ladies and there was some magic in the air. Good for us for smelling it out!

I hope that you catch some magic in your net today. If you don't have a net, maybe the magic will stick in your hair. If you don't have hair, maybe it will lodge in your teeth. If you don't have teeth, just open your mouth and breathe it in. There is magic all around us.

xoxo,
K. Budis