Author: TracySchruder

  • Valiant Thor

    If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

    By Tracy Schruder

    (Venutian) Valiant Thor 

    If I could be someone else for a day, I would choose to be Valiant Thor. He was (alleged) an alien from the planet, Venus. This visitor fascinated the world with his extraordinary story.

    Venus

    Valiant Thor’s visit to Earth supposedly took place in 1957, when he landed his spacecraft near Alexandria, Virginia, and met with President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

    Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower

    Valiant Thors mission was to share advanced technology and promote messages of peace, love, and unity, warning humanity about the dangers of nuclear weapons, poverty, and environmental destruction.

    Federal troops sent into Little Rock, Arkansas

    In 1957, humanity was still reeling from the aftermath of World War II, which had ended just over a decade prior. The world was divided into two blocs, with the Western powers led by the United States on one side, and the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union on the other.

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    This Cold War era was marked by ideological tensions, proxy wars, and the threat of nuclear annihilation.

    Nuclear Weapons
    Russia vs. United States

    Famine and poverty were widespread, particularly in developing countries. The post-war economic boom had not yet reached many parts of the world, and millions of people struggled to access basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare.

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    Governments around the world were often rigid and authoritarian, with many countries still ruled by colonial powers or authoritarian regimes.

    Authoritarian Regimes
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    The Civil Rights Movement was just beginning to gain momentum in the United States, while the Soviet Union was still under the iron grip of Joseph Stalin’s successors.

    Civil Rights Protesters
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    Despite these challenges, 1957 was also a year of great scientific and technological progress.

    The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into space, marking the beginning of the space age. This achievement sparked a sense of wonder and excitement around the world, and marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and discovery.

    Image of Sputnik

    Thor’s story, as told by Frank E. Stranges in his book “Stranger at the Pentagon,” describes him as a humanoid extraterrestrial who came to Earth with a delegation to help humanity avoid self-destruction .

    Dr. Stranges Book

    He allegedly lived in the basement of the Pentagon for three years, taking regular meetings with high-ranking government officials and scientists.

    The Pentagon building United States

    While the authenticity of Valiant Thor’s story is disputed, his legend has endured as a symbol of hope and cosmic benevolence. I admire his motives and bravery, and I’m fascinated by the prospect of being an alien, visiting other planets, and experiencing life beyond Earth.

    I wonder what kind of living accommodations they have on Venus, what kind of houses they live in, how they grow food, and whether they live under the planet’s surface or in the clouds. The possibilities are endless, and being Valiant Thor for a day would be an incredible adventure.

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    Unfortunately, there’s no concrete evidence to confirm Valiant Thor’s existence or his achievements during his alleged stay on Earth. However, his story continues to inspire and intrigue us, reminding us of the importance of promoting peace, love, and unity.

    conclusion:

    I would like to be Valiant Thor for a day because of his inspiring values and visionary plans for a peaceful Earth and universe. His courage to reach out to humanity during a tumultuous time in history, and his dedication to promoting love, unity, and understanding, resonate with me, deeply. By walking in his shoes, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of his unwavering commitment to creating a better world, and to be inspired by his extraordinary example.

    Thanks for Reading 😊🙏

  • The Bottle-cap Cross

    Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.

    By Tracy Schruder

    When I was a child, I would collect discarded items to create art projects. I used things like bottle caps, pieces of wood, sticks, tinfoil from cigarette packs, nails, washers, coins, and any other small items I found in my dad’s garage or around the house.

    This brings me to the most ambitious DIY project I’ve ever undertaken. I promised my mom that I would make her something special for her birthday that year. I was seven years old, and it was the end of springtime and the beginning of summer. My dad had just finished a DIY kitchen project, and there were various sized pieces of chipboard, some slats from the trim, and a few nails left over.

    I gathered all these materials and headed outside to design and create the perfect birthday gift for my mom. I set everything out on the picnic table and organized it into piles. I needed some more items, so I went to my secret junk trunk and gathered some tinfoil and bottle caps.

    My younger brother got involved, asking, “What are you up to?” I replied, “I’m making a gift for Mom for her birthday.” Being the ever-helpful little brother, he offered to help. We discussed the materials we had on hand and decided that we would need some tools to help with the project.

    On our way to the garage, we had the extra slats from the trim in our hands. I was scraping mine on the pavement, and my brother noticed something: “Hey, that’s looking kind of like a sword.” I responded, “Yes, it does.” This led to a side DIY project – we created two magnificent swords by scraping the slats on the pavement. We took some rope and tied smaller pieces of wood together to make the handles and proceeded to have a good old-fashioned sword fight. “On guard, de la sword” I stated standing in a battle stance. “I shall protect the princess at all cost!” He responded and the battle went on, haha. Such a nice memory.

    I regress, after the sword fight, we continued with our original project. By this time, I was full of ideas – I imagined the castle and my brother as the steadfast guardian of the princess, I imagined his armour with a shiny silver cross on the breast plate and then a decision was made, “We will make a silver cross for Mom,” I suggested. My brother agreed, and the creative process began.

    I set out a large square of chipboard and washed my bucket of bottle caps with the garden hose. We set them out in the sun to dry as we organized the rest of our supplies. We needed as many pieces of tinfoil as we had bottle caps and just as many nails – about 100, if I remember correctly.

    After the bottle caps dried, we wrapped each one in tinfoil and arranged them into place on the chipboard. My little brother became bored and took off with both our swords on another adventure. I thought, “Yeah, great, so he takes off just as the hard work begins.”

    I nailed each covered bottle cap into place on the chipboard; it took me at least four hours. The rest of the afternoon, as my memory serves. Extra time was spent flipping the board after each bottle cap and hammering down the nails sideways, as they were a bit too long.

    As the last nail was secured, and the project-gift-masterpiece was completed, I relished in my success. I wish I had a picture of it to share, as it was a divine piece.

    Later that week, it was Mom’s birthday, and for some reason, all my siblings – three sisters and my brother – decided to present this gift to Mom from all of us. I thought it must have been a real, genuine work of art for everyone to hop on board and take a piece of the credit. I hesitantly agreed, and on June 9, 1978, or ’79, we presented this beautiful gift to Mom for her birthday, and she loved it.

    She put it on the wall and showed it to everyone who came over to our house. I was very proud of that, even though I had to share credit with my siblings. As far as Mom was concerned, it was a gift from all of us, but I knew secretly that it was my own, heartfelt, creation.

    In 1986, we lost our house to a fire and lost almost everything. The gift survived, though it was burned around the edges, and the cross was blackened a bit, but it held its integrity. Mom held onto it for years afterward, but after she passed away, I couldn’t find it in her belongings. It must have met its demise sometime over the years.

    This concludes my story about the most ambitious DIY project I ever took on.

    I hope you enjoyed my story. Thanks for reading 😊🙏

  • Creating a More Just and Equitable World: A Collective Effort

    By Tracy Schruder

    Collective action

    As we stand at the threshold of a profound awakening, humanity is faced with a profound paradox: the more we discover, the more we realize how little we truly understand. This paradox is particularly pertinent as we navigate the complexities of our modern world, grappling with issues of inequality, injustice, and environmental degradation. Yet, despite these challenges, I remain hopeful. I have a desire, a dream, to create a conscious world, a new earth, and a new people.

    A New Consciousness

    This vision is not merely a utopian fantasy but a tangible possibility. As we continue to evolve and grow, both individually and collectively, we are unlocking new potentialities for human consciousness. The synergy of consciousness, AI, and neurotechnology holds the key to empowering us to transcend the limitations of the past and move forward to a brighter future.

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    However, this transformation will require a collective effort. We must reimagine and transform our systems of governance, economy, and society. We must move beyond the outdated paradigms that have led to our current crises and embrace new, more equitable, and sustainable models.

    As I reflect on my own journey, I am reminded of the profound growth that has occurred within me. Through my exploration of consciousness, I have learned to be present, guided by my higher self, and receptive to downloads from the collective consciousness. This inner transformation has driven me to continually research and learn, fueling my evolution.

    Snow Heart

    Yet, I recognize that my growth is ongoing – there is still so much to learn and explore. As we peer beyond the threshold of our human potential, we can embrace a landscape of limitless possibility. We can empower ourselves to transcend the limitations of the past and move forward to a brighter future.

    Photo from my sunrise collection

    So, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let us collectively reimagine and transform our world. Let us create a new earth, a new people, and a brighter future for all. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our planet.

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    Together, we can make this vision a reality. We can create a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable. A world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. A world where technology and consciousness converge to empower us, not control us.

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    The future is ours to create. Let us embark on this journey together, with courage, compassion, and a commitment to creating a better world for all.

  • Demonetization of the World By Means of Personal Private Trading: Sidestepping Corporate Greed 

    By Tracy Schruder
    Essay collection

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    Rethinking Economics: The Rise of Private Trading Systems

    As the world grapples with the challenges of economic inequality, environmentally degradation, and social unrest, a growing movement is emerging that seeks to redefine the way we think about economics. At the heart of this movement is the concept of private trading systems, which prioritize mutual support and reciprocity over profit and growth.

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    What are Private Trading Systems?
    Private trading systems, such as Local Exchange and Trading Systems (LETS), are networks of individuals and communities that exchange goods and services without using traditional currencies. Instead, members earn and trade credits, which can be redeemed for goods and services within the network.

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    The Benefits of Private Trading Systems
    Proponents of private trading systems argue that they offer a number of benefits over traditional economic systems. These include:

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    Increased community resilience: By promoting local exchange and trade, private trading systems can help communities become more self-sufficient and resilient in the face of economic uncertainty.
    Reduced inequality: Private trading systems can help reduce economic inequality by providing opportunities for individuals and communities to access goods and services that might otherwise be unaffordable.

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    Environmental sustainability: By promoting local production and consumption, private trading systems can help reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.

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    The Rise of Private Trading Systems
    Private trading systems are not a new concept, but they are gaining increasing attention and popularity in recent years. This is due in part to the growing recognition of the limitations and failures of traditional economic systems.

    According to a recent report, the number of private trading systems worldwide has grown from just a handful in the 1980s to over 1,000 today. These systems can be found in communities all over the world, from rural villages to urban cities.

    Challenges and Opportunities
    While private trading systems offer a number of benefits, they also face a number of challenges. These include:

    Scalability: Financial trading systems can be difficult to scale, as they often rely on local networks and relationships.
    Regulation: Private trading systems often operate outside of traditional regulatory frameworks, which can create uncertainty and risk.
    Mainstream acceptance: Private trading systems are not yet widely accepted or understood by mainstream economists and policymakers.

    Despite these challenges, proponents of private trading systems believe that they offer a unique opportunity to rethink the way we approach economics and to create more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities.

    Conclusion
    As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of economic inequality, environmental degradation, and social unrest, private trading systems offer a promising alternative to traditional economic systems. By prioritizing mutual support and reciprocity over profit and growth, private trading systems can help create more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. As this movement continues to grow and evolve, it will be important to address the challenges and opportunities that arise and to work towards creating a more just and sustainable economic system for all.

    Maple Leaf

    Thank you for reading 🙏😊

  • Have a Good One!

    If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

    By Tracy Schruder

    I’ve been racking my brain all morning over today’s daily prompt, and I must admit that I’m stumped. Given the concept that I could ban a word from general usage, I drew a complete blank. I couldn’t think of a single word that I’d like to see banned.

    However, there is a phrase that grates on my nerves: “Have a good one!” This phrase has become commonplace in the retail industry. Every time I shop, instead of a hearing genuine “thank you” or “have a nice day” from the cashier, my ears are met with a casual “have a good one.”

    My inner response is always, “Have a good what?!” But I bite my tongue, smile politely, and thank the clerk. After all, they’re only trying to be friendly in their own way, using their own lingo.

    Still, it’s frustrating to see language evolve in ways that don’t align with my own preferences. My stubborn and proper side dies a little inside each time I hear this phrase.

    Nevertheless, I recognize that language and communication are constantly evolving, and we have limited control over these changes. Just as I’ve come to accept the transition from being addressed as ‘Miss’ to ‘Ma’am’ after turning 50, I’ve learned to adapt to these shifts and navigate them with ease and grace.

  • Cross That Bridge

    What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

    By Tracy Schruder

    I can’t say, I don’t think that far ahead. If a challenge should present itself, in the next six months, then I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

    2025 Calendar with a piece from my Floral series of oil paintings
  • Settle Down

    What advice would you give to your teenage self?

    By Tracy Schruder

    If I could give my teenage self advice based on my current experience, it would be to settle down. As a teenager, I was wild and restless, with little patience and a stubborn determination. I partied hard, often suffering from hangovers, but that never slowed me down. I attended school every morning, regardless of my condition, and even held a job at the same high school, working in the office and library.

    Between the ages of 15 and 17, I worked in the office, preparing morning announcements and handling late slips for students. I also directed students to the waiting area for meetings with the principal. During my lunch break and after school, I worked in the library, checking in and out books, and using the Dewey Decimal System to shelve them.

    In hindsight, although I was achieving success in my studies and career, I realize I rushed through it all, taking on too much and moving too fast. I also regret not appreciating my amazing boyfriend at the time. I was young and refused to commit, dragging him along until he eventually left and started a family with someone else.

    If I could go back, I would advise my teenage self to settle down, take a breath, and seriously consider a life with children. I could never really grasp the importance of having a family back then. I likely would have had children and a rewarding career had I heeded such advice, by now.

    Although I am satisfied with how my life has turned out, I do have some regret about not having children. I occasionally imagine what my life would be like being a parent or if I could have given birth to a boy or a girl but reality always comes to mind and I chose to live in the present with all the joy and happiness that comes with it.

    I am fulfilled through the love of my nieces and nephew, as well as the next generation, which is currently growing every year. I now have four great-nieces and am very close to them all. I’m grateful for my husband, pets, and successful career, and I’m excited to see what comes next. Who knows what the future holds?

    I conclude this blog post with a well-intentioned piece of advice to my teenage self: “settle down.” However, I’m aware that deep down in my heart, I know I wouldn’t have listened to it. In all likelihood, things would have unfolded exactly as they have, regardless.

  • Why Narcissistic People Bore Me

    What bores you?

    By Tracy Schruder

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    I’ve had the misfortune of dealing with numerous narcissistic individuals throughout my life. As a result, when I’m forced to interact or work with them, I find the experience extremely tedious and mind-numbing.

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    The Same Old Patterns

    The repetitive patterns of behavior exhibited by narcissists have become all too familiar. It’s always about them; they cut you off mid-sentence, portray themselves as victims, and claim to have experienced everything. You can’t share anything personal without them turning the conversation back to themselves.

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    Lack of Substantive Conversation

    What’s most exhausting is the absence of meaningful conversation. Narcissists dominate discussions, leaving no room for others to contribute or share their ideas. I often feel like I’m just watching them wreck everything, without being able to engage in a reciprocal exchange or add my own ideas.

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    The Monotony of Watching Them Wreck Everything

    Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is watching narcissists wreak havoc on relationships, projects, and organizations. Their self-centeredness and lack of empathy lead to destructive behavior, which can be painful to witness.

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    Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder

    Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While I acknowledge that NPD is a legitimate mental health condition, my experiences have left me feeling worn out.

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    Personal Encounters with Narcissists

    My first encounter with a narcissistic individual was in 8th grade, where my teacher exhibited aggressive and violent behavior towards me and other students. He would often pick on students and make fun of their work in front of the whole class. I barely had a recess break that year because he always had me in detention for my spelling errors, using the opportunity to taunt me to tears.

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    Since then, I’ve encountered numerous narcissists in various contexts, including bosses, coworkers, family members, and romantic partners. Each experience has left me feeling bored, drained, and unfulfilled. I often feel exhausted during these interactions, counting down the minutes until they’re over. This impatience drains my energy reserves, leaving me feeling depleted. To recharge, I frequently find myself meditating as soon as I return home, seeking to realign my sense of sanity and regain my balance.

  • Through the Lens: How Photography Brings Joy, Growth, and Fulfillment

    By Tracy Schruder Photography is one of my hobbies that brings me a great deal of joy and fulfillment. This hobby offers a unique blend of creative …

    Through the Lens: How Photography Brings Joy, Growth, and Fulfillment
  • Black Coffee

    What is your favorite drink?

    By Tracy Schruder

    My favourite mug

    Ny Favourite drink is coffee.

    Black Coffee

    Coffee, the beloved beverage of many, has a rich history and cultural significance. Grown in over 70 countries worldwide, with Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia being among the top producers, coffee is a true global treasure. The ideal climate for coffee production is found near the equator, where mild temperatures and rich soil allow for optimal growth.

    Coffee Plantation google images

    As a coffee lover, I relish the perfect cup. I enjoy a fresh single cup every time using my Keurig coffee machine. I like my coffee straight up, savoring the rich flavor and aroma that never fails to invigorate me.

    For me, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it’s a delightful companion throughout the day. I appreciate how it gets me going in the morning, provides a nice warm drink after a meal or with dessert, and adds a zing to my day. The bold flavor and aroma of coffee also provide a delightful contrast to sweet treats and desserts.

    Strawberry snacking Cake

    Whether I’m starting my day, taking a break, or enjoying a quiet moment, coffee is always a pleasure. With its rich flavor, invigorating aroma, and countless health benefits, it’s no wonder coffee remains one of the world’s most beloved beverages.

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