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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Last Post from 8522 Flower Place

Folks, This is the last of thousands of posts from this house. Barb and I have rented this house since July 1999. It does not seem possible. Barb started this great blog right here. So it is sad for me to write the last post from this internet connection and this house.

As I have said previously I am moving forward with my life. When I saw a FB friend put up an article this morning that Massachusetts has progressed greatly with solar energy installations, it helped me feel I am going in the right direction.

The house here is a total mess, most things packed, most important stuff left out til the final hours. It is with a very heavy heart I leave Abq and NM. I feel as though I am in denial over how big of a deal this really is. Barb and I lived here in NM since 1993. Wow. Barb passed away in this house. I nursed Barb back from many illnesses and her final weeks of life right here in this house. I could go on and on.

The facts are that I have not had full time work since Oct. 2010. I am one of the individuals that has to leave the state. Different from what Rep. Pearce said in his speech to the legislators, I do want to work, and there are no positions, and yes I could pass a pee test. You see Mr Pearce that kind of flippant attitude is toxic, you are no leader, you are a follower of the worse kind. You should not be in office representing people if you lack basic understanding of serious matters facing your constituents.

The economy here in NM is based on federal money. There must be cuts to all programs, ALL. That means the labs and Kirtland and the other bases in the state. The ripple affect of these cuts will be devastating to the NM economy as it is structured now. Imagine even a 5% cut in the monies that are sent to the federal labs and bases.

It is a shame that with proper leadership NM could be the leader in solar energy production, all things solar. This will never happen while all the fossil fuel dinosaurs are still roaming the state. The republicans and some democrats are bought off by the oil and gas industry. Just a fact.

To do a huge solar build out across the state for all public buildings would put hundreds if not thousands to work. Designers/ architects/ contractors on and on all working for a huge effort, and after installed we all would see savings.

Going door to door on my race to be a state representative, there was enthusiasm and positive response no matter party affiliation when talking about solar build out of our jointly owned buildings. We all would save money. We would have people back to work. I could possibly have a good job again right now.

So it is with a heavy heart I leave this great state of NM. I am going to go live with my sister and brother-in-law for a while back in northern Massachusetts. I spent down all I have over these last 28 long months. There are jobs back east. Architectural jobs, private money, stimulating the economy. Solar initiatives, health care, gay marriage, the atlantic ocean, my family, and most importantly jobs.

Don't forget the Hurricane Sandy too. The hurricane blasted through the NE just before the election. The Congress recently voted on funds for the recovery of that area. But not Steve Pearce again, he voted against the funds to help people rebuild their lives. That is the new life being dealt out by the tea party rush limbaugh lovers - Hope nothing bad happens in NM CD2. No fires, no drought, no flooding, because who ever votes Pearce in should also bear no help from the rest of this Country.

So now back to my journey for work, and to get my life on back on track.

There is no money in the hard work of providing this blog. People take it for granted, and the models for earning a low income living doing this blog is still not possible almost 8 years after Barb starting this. The plan is to keep posting, but with no pressure of thinking I have to get the hits up, I have to write more and better, I have to be smarter and wittier, blah blah blah. I am going to go earn money the way I know how to, by working hard on buildings. I will keep posting. Heck I may even turn around when I get to Boston and just drive all the way back, just to keep the pressure on the republicans and democrats that refuse to enter in the 21st century. Who knows where the journey will lead. I want no regrets, I want no resentments, I want to be part of the solution not part of the problem.

Carpe Diem with love

January 23, 2013 at 09:37 PM in DFNM - Albq, Economy, Populism, Jobs | Permalink

Comments

I wish you safe travels, satisfying work, and love all the way. You will be missed. Valle con gaia.

Posted by: bg | Jan 23, 2013 10:04:09 PM

Wow, you're going out swinging, girl. That rocked.

Posted by: Mona | Jan 23, 2013 10:11:29 PM

Very touching my friend. I wish you only the best.. Much love to you.

Posted by: Charlotte | Jan 23, 2013 10:51:09 PM

You have touched so many hearts! Thank you for your giving nature, your kindness,love and support, but mostly, thank you for your spirit and strength and for making this place that will always be home to you a better home for the rest of us. Look back knowing you have been instrumental in positive change. Blessings to you!!! We love you and we will miss you. David Ray Rosales, Andres Griego-Rosales and family.

Posted by: David Ray Rosales | Jan 23, 2013 11:43:47 PM

Barbara,

All my love and good wishes for happiness and success in the future. You have contributed so much energy and passion to progressive actions here- how can we ever thank you-- and Barb.

my hope is for a hereafter of some sort where you may be reunited with her ( and me with Bob).

You are right about NM. It is in very bad shape, and as long as we have the mind set that "We are a poor state, therefore we cannot change anything" we will continue in a death spiral- soon to be 50th in everything!! The East coast rocks!! Enjoy yourself, find a great job, love and happiness, and remember that we will always remember you.

Posted by: Cheryl Harris | Jan 24, 2013 6:29:22 PM

Oh I am so sorry Maryellen- I addressed your letter to Barb. That is very weird- she must have been on my mind as I typed.. Anyway, Maryellen, all I said above is true. You will be so missed in this community, and by me. All my love,
Cheryl

Posted by: Cheryl Harris | Jan 24, 2013 6:31:45 PM

Hey Mebbie-- excellent last post from Flower Place-- Babs would be proud of you. love eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Posted by: Ms e | Jan 24, 2013 6:58:31 PM

Maryellen,

Thank you for all the excellent commentary, on local and National issues. We've never met but please know that this Blog will be missed as much as I have missed reading Barb's writing. Wishing you luck, prosperity and happiness wherever your travels may take you.

Thank you for all you've done!
VP

Posted by: VP | Jan 25, 2013 8:31:10 AM

Maryellen, I send you all my love and wish you all the best. Several years ago I would not have understood your decision.

I had friends that left the state with whom I was really angry for doing so. But it's not been an upward trend has it - this economy. I heartily agree that investment in solar initiatives would pay-off handsomely in NM. I further fully agree with you on why that's not happening.

Pushy PNM asking the new PRC to back-off renewables is further evidence of the sort of Oil sickness we suffer from. It sucks away common sense. And the problems associated with this dependence - pollution, auto dominance and siphoning away of local dollars, among so many others, are willfully disconnected from their cause.

Many who see the connections either deny them or tune-out completely. The truth is so hard for some people.

Anyway, all the very best to you. I know you'll miss this place in a big way and expect it will call you back. Love, Coco

Posted by: Coco | Jan 26, 2013 9:08:31 AM

Thank you sweet people. Made it safe and sound. Finally still enough to turn on this computer.

Posted by: Mary Ellen | Feb 1, 2013 1:04:58 PM

This is a good time of year to move to the East coast. Enjoy the violets, the lillies of the valley, and, as it gets warmer, the lilacs and all the flowers of spring. I wish for you a good job and many new friends.

Posted by: Ellen Wedum | Feb 1, 2013 5:33:35 PM