I picked the name ‘bally bin’ after doing some research into old Gaelic/Celtic languages – it’s literal translation is ‘peak town’.
Since I live where the view from both my office and kitchen is Pikes Peak I can walk a short ways see Pikes Peak in the Distance (2011 I moved from the mountains to the plains of my childhood) I thought it still think the name appropo.
I think we should all get to live in or near a Peak Town – a local economy that is resilient and sustainable, where individuals reach their ‘peak’ via creativity and freedom, where resources are valued and used wisely.
And, since I have an opinion on just about everything (and can’t help but write about it) I figured an innocuous title for my blog wouldn’t lead readers astray – yes, I write about a variety of topics – No, I’m not an ‘expert’ on any of them. Just sharing observations and what has worked (or not worked) for me.
There are times, too, that I get pretty grumpy about things I observe in our society. I occasionally curse – so my blogs are not always appropriate for little ones. On the other hand, I try to admit when I know I’m being biased or perhaps just a little too unreasonable regarding a subject. And there are some things that are ‘accepted the way they are’ that I think we REALLY should be questioning.
A well-placed no-no word is sometimes the only way I know to convey just how important it IS to question accepted wisdom or tradition.
So if you choose to read my observations, remember, they are just that – observations. Doesn’t mean I think everyone should rush right out and do anything on just my say-so. I do hope to inspire folks to question the status quo, take an active part in their own community, healthcare and purchasing decisions.
Many of the things I denounce may draw a “Welll Duuuhhhh!” from you. Okay. But realize I only write these things because I’ve observed questionable behavior or decisions based on what I believe to be incorrect information.
You may disagree.
And that’s okay. I won’t try to convert you if you don’t try to convert me.
Deal?
This link didn’t work before. Let’s see if it does now: https://judydykstrabrown.com/2022/12/24/for-tamrah-jo-merry-christmas/
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Noted – are ya link bombing? Here? I found it from your first comment, in notifications – but whatevs – I approved and well – workin’ feet, resting feet, pretty feet, life of work showing feet – it just rather gives insight, right? Which is why photographers and artists are EVER SO much better at illustrating a point than I am, as my brain thinks of 20,000 words that may/may not convey, well, what your published works do – sigh – some day – I’ll get ‘good enough’ at photos/art works to convey, without having to attach a gazillion words – – or maybe not – but until then? Well – Music Video from a music artist I also appreciate! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SCOimBo5tg
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I love Alison Krauss.. Thanks for sending this one I haven’t heard for awhile.
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Her voice is, to me, a connection with the All That Is/Divne!
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https://judydykstrabrown.com/2022/12/24/for-tamrajo-merry-christmas/
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I left my comment on YOUR post – Not certain why you would wish to be linked in cyber land, to me, but well – – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Judy!!! I’ll figure out why you saved me hours of searching for such stuff – some day – but, what a photo line up of all the different types of feet, that walk in this world, on so many fronts! LOVE It!!!
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As you can see, I am fascinated by feet as well. People don’t notice it as much as when you photograph their faces…for one thing. Plus, you can always see your own feet. An easy shot.
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My fave when I’m on ‘photographer duty’ for those who can’t afford to hire a work professional? The candid – the picture snapped when someone is being their beautiful self and not posing or worrying about it – when they are laughing, crying, working, struggling – to me, the candids so many folks hate? Such things show the truth of life/each person’s struggles and achievements – if only, for one moment in time –
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I agree. I hardly ever take posed photos.. I take candids and give the people the choice of whether I should destroy them or not… well, sometimes…if they are people I know.
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I posted a pic my ‘volunteer back up’ to capture the scene of the ‘celebration/beauty’ of our community back in 2017? A few months after one I loved, captured in the shot, passed away this past August – She took it – due to her own Life Challenges? She moved on, quit the side hustle of photography, AND I had declined to share anywhere, cuz, well, back then? It was someone taking a pic of me, a loved one and all things we loved, and yet – taken in a moment, when, overall – while I cherished it, loved it – there were plenty of other shots to show the beauty of those who serve, without me being in the shot (i’m not photogenic, ya know – even from the back side as I walk down the street!) LOL When she sent me that photo in zip file of “We had a great time at the event! Here’s the photos I snapped during the day – hope they help ya on the ones you missed!” well – um, she had such style, skill, the ‘eye’ for capturing the ‘flavor/meaning’ of the day – and yet….I still felt it, while working for other, ‘um, yeah – but that makes it about me, instead of them/their work/their service….” and it just got saved and tucked away for ‘someday – if it’s needed/wanted’ – 😀 In my grief that hadn’t abated enough to deal with, all on my own, a few months after that community member’s passing – I finally shared it – in tribute to what all he had done – and apologized to his family, if ‘too soon’ The family members loved it and said okay – and for me? That’s all that healed my heart, overall – that how I saw him, was how his family remembered him – and so, well – once in awhile? “Okie Dokie then! What I wanted worked for others, too!” 😀
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So where is the link to that post?
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I haven’t had the heart to write up, just yet, the tribute to that man – to do justice to the pic, that speaks more about him/his ways than me posting a ‘pic of myself’ – anymore than I can just yet, right up the tribute to my friend who was buried last Thursday and I worked, instead of going to the funeral – sigh – some things, someday, will be posted until I figure out a way to put the focus on them and their beautiful souls? I shall merely alude to it – no matter what community website or facebook group that pic is posted in – from long ago – sorry – but to post here? on my own ‘space’ just as I wish? Well – still trying to figure out how to say it best – maybe doesn’t feel hard for those who are eloquent (like yourself) but for me? I can remember stories and talk/write a blue streak, JUST…ABOUT…UNTIL! It’s really important to my heart, then? Well, what I write here, that’s uppermost in my heart? I’ve spent years, trying to figure out how to say – it just right – for them – their legacy left behind – sometimes, to me, one only has one chance to ‘do it right’ and woe to anyone who flubs it – 🙂
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Delightful!
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Thank you so much, Lea. I find your work delightful as well! I’ve been rather quiet here and not logging in as often as I juggle more immediate needs, boots on the ground, as it were, here in my lil world! But, whenever I log in to simply read, look upon in wonder, beauty and artistry? Your blog is one of my faves for reminding me of the micro and macro of the world of beauty that never fails to lift my heart over the beauty that exists in our world – so I thank the Heaven’s Above that you are part of my ‘cyber-world’ here – for you make my everyday world more beautiful!
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Thank you for your kind words. At the same time I was writing this blog, I also wrote another one of poetry, photos… I don’t know if you have seen that or might be interested. If so, http://poetryphotosandmusingsohmy.wordpress.com
Bisous,
Lea
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I hadn’t seen that blog – a quick visit to your most recent archive month there, was enough ‘quote breadcrumbs’ that were I to face a ‘blank page’ in frustration, would easily get me started on writing volumes on each one – 😀 Thanks for sharing – may be my new favorite place to read and ponder upon the words of the past that resonate through to our now and future possibilities – 😀
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You are exactly the tonic I need just now with the skies so grey and the mist off the sea nearby hovering so close… I shall have to check out more of your blog. 🙂
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Ah – well sometimes the grey skies show up as if mirroring our insides and showing us the ‘misty’ portions of ourselves – – I guess, overall, the first ‘archive post’ I thought of upon reading your comment? Is this one – though there are others with pictures of pretty growing things, too – but, well sometimes exploring our roots and bringing that energy to the higher levels of us – does the trick – at least for me – Hang in there – and may you survive this lil day of shadows to regain your thrive! Hugs!
https://ballybin.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-garden-within/
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P.S. Followed the blog so easy for me to find to read archives and well – seems that one has lain dormant for awhile – but at least I’ll know if you pick it back up – I, too, am highly interested in psychology, philosopy, though for the most part, I think by now, I’m most likely to dive into such topics because of my general fascination with sociology, which, usually, lands me into alot of the ‘ologies’ – anthropology, archeology, mythology….etc…etc…etc… 😀
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Thank you for choosing to follow the poetry blog. While I have been away a long time, I’ve had a few thoughts about some kind of return to blogging. I’m just not sure it is what I want to invest myself in at this time. 🙂 In the meantime, I can enjoy your work and a few others that still get through whatever is happening at WP.
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Tamrah Jo, go Here for your Christmas Present: https://judydykstrabrown.com/2022/12/24/for-tamrah-jo-merry-christmas/
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Deal….
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I went to Mitchell High school. Our house had a view of Pikes Peak. After life’s peregrinations, I’m in the San Luis Valley, ringed with mountains, all far enough to see them and close enough to love.
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Howdy Neighbor!! 😀 (well, sorta….) 😀 Wonderful! Another bloggy pal to touch base with when I’m planning a trip to explore me own state! “We’ll do lunch!” – I have had high hopes of getting back to your neck of the woods for quite some time – Life Happens and such – but, little by little, things are getting built, infrastructure in place, etc., so that I can take little road trips to the explore the beauty and variety of our state!
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The most beautiful time here is fall. Also, you might know, in March 20,000 sandhill cranes stop by for a month or so. My town. has a festival to celebrate that event and IT is wonderful.
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Good to know! Fall travel is my fave time – March there sounds fantastic! But…March? Here? That little pesky time of year where blizzards can blow in, and even after it stops snowing, ya can’t see to drive anywhere (even if they are valiantly trying to keep roads open) sometimes – LOL – But it’s not off the table of possibilities – long as I can get from here to there without spending the night in the truck with my gallon of water, comforter, peanut butter & crackers emergency supplies, waiting for the local DOT to sigh and say, “your truck is in the way of us plowing the roads – – ” LOL
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March is March. The Crane Festival is normally the first or second weekend in March. I have a friend in the Springs who comes down every year — this was the first year La Veta Pass was too iffy, a fluke because the drought down here is awful and we barely got snow this past winter
https://mvcranefest.org
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Thanks for the link, so I can bookmark sans researching! ❤
Long ago, I was a dispatcher – The main passes in the state, in fall and spring, when they close, may close or 'are done being open for the year' is still in my brain, even though that was in the 1990s and the drought and weather patterns don't always match up with my memories! LOL –
Here, locally, my childhood Memories say we started the garden in April May, for cold season plants – Potatoes were to be in the ground before easter – Things had to be harvested or given extra protection, if we were to keep going past late August –
Now? Meh – I'll plant in June, extend protect from October – November, and why rush the spring planting UNLESS I have blizzard, freezes or hail protection up/around it – easier to just wait until June to plant out – LOL – although JUNE is traditionally the time of tornados/hail – in my memories – – LOL
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Nice blog
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Thank you for your visit and kind words!
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My pleasure, followed you ✨
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I saw that – and just as soon as I can get my head above water on work, I look forward to ‘hopping over and visiting your world’ – 🙂 I’m behind on posting and full reading endeavors here – still trying to keep up with comments! 🙂 Thanks again and hope you have a wonderful day/week – 🙂
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I like your ending comment. won’t try to convert. more of us should take that attitude.
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I love your about message. It makes me think if we were in the same peak town our paths would likely cross.
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I’m convinced our paths would cross in real-life, too! I can see us now – sharing perspectives, learning from each other, shouldering together to move the obstacle of what we decided over a cuppa that needed to some forward movement/education/etc. 🙂 Until then – so happy you are part of the community I visit in Digital Cyber Cafe! 🙂 You bolster me, make me think, allow me to be me and all without leaving my own living room- you are Fantabulous! 🙂
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TamrahJo, thanks for visiting my blog and your comments.Pikes Peak is very cool; I had the chance to drive up top once a number of years ago. Just beautiful!
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I am in need of a new theme/background, because while I can see Pikes Peak from my place, I no longer reside in it’s back yard – – 🙂 So, have engaged in False Advertising sins for a couple years now because I’d rather write/communicate than re-do graphics!! LOL Still love my home state of Colorado! 🙂
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Hey Wally! Only took me 2 years, but I updated my blog About info AND pics of my love of Eastern Plains of Colorado (in addition to the Colorado Mountains I called home for 20 years) – hope you find the beauty of our prairies as awe-inspiring support of your ‘All that is – Main focus” as I do, every day – My dad told me, early on, God was to be found in the quiet beauty of the plains – I had to remind him what he taught me of the beauty, re: the wind sweeping across them, as he neared his journey’s end – 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by my blog! I will stroll around here a while. I like observations and reflecting.
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And thank you! for visiting me first! LOL Visited you this a.m. and looking forward to finding you in my reader! 🙂
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The same I say!
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Hi Tamrah..here’s an award for you…catch! LOL! Check out the link here : http://wp.me/p2TELX-J3 Have a great day!
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Hi
I have nominated you for the ‘Always Here if You Need me’ award. I very much hope that you will accept this award as you have always been there for me. Congratulations.
For the rules see my post: http://julianfroment.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/the-always-here-if-you-need-me-award/
Julian
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Why, Thank You, Ever So Much!!
😀
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Nice and interesting blog! Thanks for following “Known is a drop, Unknown is an Ocean”. 🙂
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Thanks and I so enjoyed my visit to your home in cyberspace! 🙂
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Hey, thanks for the follow, I’m returning to follow you! Look forward to exploring.
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Hi there! I think your blog is awesome and I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Here’s the link: http://wp.me/p2TELX-Cg
Congrats! *(^_____^)*
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Thank you! 🙂
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I didn’t think to check here before posting the Liebster Award – it has been updated to include your awesome information and I hope you can forgive the delay, forgetfullness and such of my actions! 🙂
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Hmmm….could be a sign of amnesia…just kidding. Glad you are one of my bloggy world friends 🙂
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I wish it were amnesia – that’s seems a better excuse than “I procrastinated so long, I ended up forgetting where the info was.” LOL As for being bloggy world friends, I’m so glad you found me so I could follow the trail back to you! 🙂
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🙂
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peak town sounds great! i love your authentic, refreshing, honest approach. glad to connect! aleya 🙂
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Ditto! 🙂
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I am so grateful to Cranky Caregiver for helping me find your delightful blog, on which I will enjoy exploring the ordinary and extraordinary. And thank you so much for the visit to my own blog and for all the great comments!
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I am new to blogging and there is so much out there to read. I chose to follow your blog because you seem honest and humble – makes for great writing! Looking forward to your posts!
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Hi Trailerdreamer – glad you found me so I could know about you! Checked out your blog and am excited about following your adventure, as well – – My youngest has 3 more years of school left, then who knows, perhaps me and Oakley, the wonder dog, will meet up with you all out on the open road – My dream is to be mobile too, once only the dog needs me – she isn’t too picky about having a big bedroom! So as soon as I figure out how to efficiently garden on the road, I’m In!
Until then, so glad to meet a kindred soul and yes, there are a lot of great blogs out there…So glad you took the time to stop by mine and comment!
Welcome to the Blogging Community! It’s a great bunch of folks 🙂
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Thanks so much for visiting my site and deciding to come along. I love your disclaimer here–nothing works like a good swear sometimes! And it’s hard *not* to be grumpy when dealing with the human race. I can’t wait to read your stuff.
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Thank You, for returning the favor of a visit! Hope your time here leaves you laughing at my grumpiness, rather than cursing! :>)
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We love what you are working on – thank you for the insights and for your contributions!
– Tisha Casida
The Good American Post
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