DS New Home/ Some More Rants

Many of you asked about Hannah's sewing project:

here are the pillows she made for her big brother

for his new couch in his new apartment.

Their style will be Mid-century Modern meets

Turkish brothel?

Their words, not mine.

Actually I think they used whorehouse.

That part is about lots of bright colors not so much 

a brothel style, mama hopes anyway.... 

Gentrification

1. Gentrification is a general term for the arrival of wealthier people in an existing urban district, a related increase in rents and property values, and changes in the district's character and culture. The term is often used negatively, suggesting the displacement of poor communities by rich outsiders.

Those of you in LA/NY/SF/NJ/more

have been aware of the issues of gentrification.

It is a tough issue.

Dearest Son was subjected to gentrification

 as his rent more than doubled in the area

 he had lived in for three years, 

and even sharing that rent with three others,

it was no longer possible to live there.

His new place is also a result of gentrification

in his new area and forced out folks resulting in 

DS getting a newly renovated affordable place,

 that they need not share with roommates.

Now these kids make a modest income for sure

but their new rent for 700 sq feet is far more than

the mortgage I paid here for 2,000 sq feet..

and DD's rent for 400 sq feet is 300 more a month! 

I became curious about the topic and did 

a little research 

and was surprised to 

discover that it was often untrue that

 masses of folks are displaced 

and that there are numerous positive

effects to gentrification.

Of course some do lose their 

ability to rent in the same area,

and they are the least able to adjust to

such life changes...

the very poor, elderly on fixed incomes.

Tough issue with rights and wrongs.

DS and his girl were affected both ways...

and then while researching I stumbled

across this article...

It's long, but read it anyway if you can.

Now this will start many good discussions,

with differing opinions

and the subjects are linked because

so much of the choices we now make 

are based in irrational fears and mistruths

fueled by dubious politicians and very bad

NEWS - (she says with absolute disdain)

Networks

Lots of us choose a word of empowerment

each year to inspire us, motivate us.

I want to go one step forward 

and suggest that we adopt not a word but

a mind set, if you will.

Can we put all the typical blog

fodder just a wee bit further back on the 

burners and bring to the front

our best self?

Can we shut off the STUPID 

tv shows we watch because

the good stuff isn't on that night,

and read and be enlightened

 about important issues instead?

How about just 30 minutes a day?

and I don't mean watch the morning shows

which are merely entertainment shows.

Though I do love Charlie Rose

but at NIGHT.

Let's explore more,

dare more,

volunteer more,

educate ourselves about the real issues,

relearn where the heck the countries in Europe are

for Pete's Sake!

How would you do?

We've been at war in Iran Iraq Afghanistan Syria

and thousands have lost their lives, 

and we ALL have our opinions about that,

 but can you find them on a map?

I am ashamed to say I got Syria wrong.

I have now decided to remember  SIIA

reading left to right

I love seeing all the decorating idea, great recipes,

and DIY projects, and I still will share those of mine

if I ever get the rearranging finished.

Currently the Family Room is going through 

a metamorphosis and ongoing purge-a rama

here at oldgreymare.

thank heavens the kids are hauling out stuff 

for their homes.

 BUT I hope we can stop being afraid to 

speak our minds, challenge each other,

and share more of the Life stuff.

Blogs can be a mix,

and it's Ok to have different opinions.

We need to be an example of

the power and intelligence of a woman's mind.

So show me some stuff,

what issue is important to you?

What rant do you wish to make?

Put it in the **** It Bucket top right.

If I cannot motivate you here,

 how about being frightened

 about what happens to your brian if you don't use

all those other areas?

"There's always room for Jello"

what your brain becomes....

and speaking of Jello...

how does everyone feel about Bill Cosby?

Rant Over-

Now where to put the huge white cabinet,

the cream wing back and drawer sets I removed 

from Family Room?