Albert on NYE 2017
The Eleven - January 2017

Greetings!

Happy New Year! - that's me above at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop bringing in 2017. Welcome to the first Eleven for 2017 - my personal e-letter that comes out on the 11th of each month. If you don't want to be here click on unsubscribe below. Otherwise - howdy! Welcome! 

First off, if you'd like to receive a birthday message each year, please hit reply or write me and share your birthday! This was an exciting idea that came to me while reading The Happiness Project (thanks, John Magryta!). The idea is that it makes sense to be reaching out more to be in touch with my friends and family (you :) - so, sending a birthday message and cards and phone calls and in-person visits = all fit that category. If you're seeking more happiness, btw, I'd check out the book - it's a good read.

I really had a lovely holiday season - thanks if you were a part of my first night of Hanukkah party; the various Solstice and Xmas celebrations that took place or ringing in the new year at PSGW - what a wonderful time that all was! I am so so grateful for the friends and community I have an am a part of. Thank you! 

Then, there's the world: If you're feeling like you've just got to do something to stop the world from imploding, I've come across this resource:

Indivisible A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR RESISTING THE TRUMP AGENDA:  Former congressional staffers reveal best practices for making Congress listen.

Like you I'm pretty freaked out about what's happening in DC right now. Between the various awful picks for the Drumpf cabinet to the other bazillion things that are going wrong - it's hard to know where to start and how to fight back. This guide is a good starting place.  

Also, though I haven't read it yet, I'm pretty sure Nick Licata's Book: Becoming a Citizen Activist: Stories, Strategies, and Advice for Changing Our World is worth getting. 

To be honest, I'm seeing a silver lining in what's going down in that a lot of people are suddenly realizing how things are and are getting up to join the fight. I feel like I've been part of this fight (try talking about Population Growth with most people - esp. Republican Congresscritters, and you'll see what my life has been like for many years). So, I'm excited to see people getting activated - many hands make light work and we have a lot of work to do - always have. So, if you're new to the fight - welcome. And, if you've been part of it for a while, help me welcome the newcomers! Together we can make a difference! 

NYE 2017
I hope life is treating you well so far this year. My plan is to continue working on my health - 170s, here I come! (if you read last month's Eleven, you may remember the sattvic cleanse I was on.) I stuck with it for a month and lost 10 pounds. I've modified the diet some and have managed to keep the weight from coming back.
Welcome home
Whimsy. This is located in the Richmond Neighborhood of Portland. Every week new things are added and this is one part of the installation in this front yard. I wish for all of us a chance to play this year - it's a good way to contradict the feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness that we sometimes feel due to world events. It also leads to happiness - a good thing.
That's it for this month's Eleven.  Take care and write me with your news if you feel so moved. 

all my best,

Albert
Barack Obama
Good bye, President Obama. I'm sure going to miss you.