Herbert presents Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller (Photo by M.A.D.)
Finally, I was able to decide what to read next, and selected Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller (1981). It has been sitting on the shelf for a while now and it was time to pick it up. It has been highly praised for many years and recommended. Now that the topic of climate change has become a change agent in many technological applications, it seems appropriate to read this one. Although a bit wordy and specialized, it is piquing my curiosity; moreover, it has been deemed an important book by many other authors I have read. That is how I became aware of it. So far so good, and hopefully it doesn’t become too wordy and lengthy for my taste and attention span. As a comparison, I may say, “Oh, it tastes so delicious.” or “My taste buds are experiencing pure delight and ecstasy.” It all means the same.
Here is a bit of the back cover, in case you are interested in reading it. It also tells a bit of his achievements.
Hurricane Sandy, the monster storm that happened off-season (October 29, 2012) in cold weather, and devastated the Jersey coast, taught me many things, one of them, preparedness. During that time, we were two weeks and a half without power, and it was cold. We had a generator, but finding gas and propane was a bit of a challenge, long standing lines at the nearest operable gas station that lasted 3-4 hours plus. I still remember the hum of the generators at night throughout the neighborhood.
Around here, we are 100% powered by electricity. In the event of a power outage, we would have to change the way we do things. We will be working in a few changes for the future, such as the installation of a small woodstove that has a feature for cooking as well, and we are looking into a solar generator, and other power options. Looking for options, I found out that there are many great items, which have gone in price considerably over the years. As people think more about climate change and the state of the economy worldwide, the prices of “doomsday” and preparedness items have gone up. I came across this very inexpensive small collapsible camping stove. It was only $9.99 + free shipping on Ebay. In the event that one would need to heat or cook something quick and simple a candle would suffice, or even a tiny can of fuel underneath. I think it is a good option when propane and gasoline are not available, or the temperature outdoors is too cold to cook on a grill or fire pit. There are many other larger size camping stoves that can be used with a variety of fuel options, but this was just something small to have around the home. It fits in a drawer, and you can fold it and pop it open, as needed. It is also very sturdy.
Two pieces make the whole thing.
What it looks like ready for use.
I am not a prepper or a doomsday believer, but I like to have options available if needed. I am not affiliated with any company, but when I find something I like, consider interesting, or of benefit, I like to share it. From candles to solar powered items, there are many budget-friendly items available if one cannot afford the very expensive ones. I hope you enjoy this post. Feel free to contribute with any ideas.
You do what you can do, and more if you can. When we moved to the farmhouse we had to learn about wells. We never had a well system as our source for water. The well in the property was not operable, so we had to fix a few things, more than a few. We hired an experienced company to change the old parts and get it working. Later on, the pump burned, and we had to install a submersible pump, which we learned to do ourselves – $$$. A year after, the existing pipe broke and we had to install a new one, and again, we did the work ourselves saving money. We learned that the pressure has to be monitored from time to time to prevent burning of the pump in certain conditions. By now, my husband knows how to do the job and he monitors the pressure a few times during the year. We also learned that outdoor wells freeze during the winter at freezing temperatures, so we installed a device to keep the pipe warm. But most important, we learned that wells do not last forever, and can run dry at any moment. To dig another well is very expensive. We have become more aware of our water usage, and also, have a barrel system in place to collect rainwater. A mesh filters leaves and debris. We use this water for plants, cleaning things outdoors, and any other outdoor use that we might need. It helps us maximize the longevity of our well. In the event of a power outage, we can use this water for non-drinking or cooking applications, as long as it is not during a very cold winter. We learned to sanitize the water as well.
To give you an idea in case you want to save some water, here is a picture of our barrel system.
Some people don’t like change, others associate change with negative things, mostly because they are very comfortable with the current situation or stage in life, and they view change as a disruption. “If it is not broken, don’t fix it” they may say. When change is abrupt,and fast it leaves little or no time for this. Change may be good or bad, however, it is always change. The only thing that you can control about it is your reaction – accepting change.
Change is inevitable, and it offers an opportunity for movement and growth – whether it is disrupting or good change, either way you must claim your place in life – either embrace it and grow or fight it until you have no more strength – change is inevitable; it is part of our nature. We go through change since our conception in the womb and it continues until we die – and God knows what else is beyond that, more change?
Change can be sudden, or it can be gradual, the later easier to swallow and embrace, the first, full of punch and invigorating, both regenerative, leaving a sense of renewal in the end. The greatest thing about change is that no matter how it comes and how it may feel at the moment, it is evolving, and never stalls – that in itself is good. If change for you represents your darkest hour, find comfort in that – everything shall pass, and it leaves experience, and growth if you choose to accept/embrace it.
I have met people who do not like change. They simply don’t like things around them to be different, whether change is for the better or not. There is risk in change – the unknown. For some people, this is scary; simply put, they prefer the known to the unknown. The known comforts them.
I welcome change, whether good or bad, if there is such a thing as bad change. I believe that when we see our circumstances to be changing for the worst, it is just a matter of perception. Change always bring something new and different. With this, it brings the opportunity for new challenges, growth, and new lessons. It brings the chance – requested or unrequested – of creating something new of the experience or change. In a way, change is creation. Change is always forward, even when it is perceived as a step backwards.
Some people may disagree with me on this. For example, if you were to lose everything you own, you would perceive this as a negative change in your life. However, this could be the best opportunity for you to start anew, to create a second life, an exciting opportunity. Yes, no one thinks of being in that situation, and I don’t know of anyone that would consciously welcome it; however, many people in today’s economy have gone thru similar change. The perception of this change is what will make them powerless or powerful individuals. This is the power of change.
Inkspeare 