Letter from the Editor

Posted on by Bohemian American

I went to my local precinct today to vote for my preference of the candidates who are participating in the upcoming presidential election.  I’ve voted in every presidential election since obtaining my voter’s registration card at the age of 18.  I was raised to believe that you should not feel that you are allowed to complain or even to have an opinion, if you fail to do the research and record your choice at the ballot box.  It isn’t a God-given right to vote; many have suffered and even died trying to obtain the right.  Blacks have only been allowed to vote in this country since 1870 and women since 1890.  As an educated American, it would almost be disrespectful and irresponsible not to record an opinion at the polls.

My parents have had an enormous influence on my personal political ideology. I remember going to political rallies with them when I was a child to stump for candidates of both local and presidential races.   They taught me to incessantly read all of the available information and literature that I could get my hands on, then digest, compare and ask questions about all of the issues that outraged my soul.  They also taught me to stand by my beliefs and not to worry too much about what others were saying or doing.  I’ve lived long enough to understand that my candidate of choice will not always win and that I should cherish the times that the majority of people believe as I do.  Whoever wins, I know I will survive it.  History shows it happening throughout my life.

I have friends from all walks of life.  Some of these people think in similar ways as I and others think entirely differently.  I respect these people and hope that they will all vote, even if their vote cancels mine out.  Isn’t it wonderful to live in a country where we can all have our say?  It’s about being a patriotic American.  It is really about caring about what comes next.  People are passionate about all of the issues that we face in the world today.  From our borders and security to finances, energy, food and water, our lives are affected by our representation in the most basic ways.  Our individual opinions on how to meet these needs can divide us as a nation if we let them, as they affect our lives and the lives of those of whom we love.  This is why it is essential that everyone vote.  If more people stood up for what they believed in, instead of just randomly bitching about events as they unfold, we’d have a much stronger and more cohesive country.

Even if you missed the primary, you still have time to  sign up for the election in November. In this county, you must be registered to vote, only 29 days before the general election and I am sure it is similar in other areas.  Check in your area for more information.  So, this is a shout out to all patriotic Americans who voted on this super Tuesday.  May we have all chosen well, as we are all fighting for the welfare of the same great nation.

 

 

Bohemian American – Paradigm Shift

Posted on by Bohemian American

Welcome to Bohemian American.  Wikipedia describes “Bohemian”  as the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people, with few permanent ties, involving musical, artistic, or literary pursuits. In this context, Bohemians may be wanderers, adventurers, or vagabonds.  This blog is about the journey to a place in life where drama and stress are not welcome.  A place where music and art fill each day and night.  A place where people strive to eat healthily and holistically.  This blog will share information on how you can make healthier choices for you and your families (and where to do it.)  It is a place where people don’t feel guilty for getting enough sleep or taking a nap.  It is where people like and care for themselves and each other.  It is where fashion meets thrift and comfort.  Free-flowing and seldom fancy, styles vary to one’s taste. It is where people are conscious of the world around them and try to limit their carbon footprint on this ailing world of ours.  It is about the struggle to reach peace and serenity within one’s own self.  It is about how to be the best “you” that you can be.  It is about living your own life, regardless of what others are doing.  In this blog we will travel to many places to provide beautiful images of our great American land, for it is beautiful and should be protected.

Many Americans are having a spiritual awakening to the fact that things today just aren’t right.  They slave at work each day, chasing the almighty dollar and still have the feeling that they are somehow missing the boat.  The more that they have, the more they seem to need.  People end up longing for an easier and simpler time.  Then, after saving for an entire lifetime, people are finding that they have so much stress, have eaten so poorly and are on so many medications, that they are not healthy enough to do the things that they always have wanted and planned to do.  Sports, TV and movie personalities strike trends in our media and give unrealistic icons with questionable values for our people to embrace.  One day we wake up and are sick to death of it all.  We want it all to change, but are afraid to give up all the perks and junk that go with drinking the Kool-Aid.

There is an emergence of free spirited, like minded people who have chosen to snub their collective noses at society and live their lives in exactly the way that they individually choose to do so.  You will see more and more people come into light that choose not to have a permanent residence; choosing instead to live in some kind of mobile manner (RV, bus, van, portable tiny house, etc.) and work on the road. For decades, Snowbirds of a retirement age have been invading the south before the first snowfall yearly, living in RVs, renting rooms or houses seasonally or staying with relatives and have they paved the way for this movement.  They have helped younger individuals with gypsy hearts realize that it is a viable way of life.  People choosing this life believe that less is definitely more.  They live enriched lives, traveling from gig to gig and are often gifted story tellers and musicians.  They almost certainly eat better than most Americans, eating fresh, whole foods that they have sometimes helped to harvest.  Mobile people don’t have room to store anything that isn’t essential and nutritional.  They appreciate the world around them and are very private people.  Some live off the grid entirely, choosing to limit their involvement with society and technology; where others will travel state to state following work in carnivals, festivals and fairs.  Some will work-camp at state parks or resorts or house sit in exotic locations.  Others yet, will perform some kind of computer work or indulge in some kind of freelance music, photography or  writing gig that pays their limited expenses.  They won’t get rich and they don’t care, for they are living rich, healthy lives.  They are traveling and seeing the world, before the greed takes over and there is nothing left to see.  They create great art and barter for necessities.  They live “the dream” and I’m here to tell you that you can too.  Follow my blog and I will show you how.  I am a Bohemian American.