Author: luxorlivingandstyle

Are We Smart Enough to Vote?

luxorlivingandstyle
silkie, white silkie, chicken,vote, farmlife, homestead, conservative, Texas

I ask this, after many conversations with all types of people. It seems that those with hearts that are able to discern are also the same people who are aware of political world history and an understanding of accurate current affairs. You must have an understanding that there is good in the world and there is evil.

When I have a conversation with a person and they state their political world viewpoint, I ask a qualifying question just for fun. It is just to see what their knowledge base is. Literally, most people know very little about very little.

You have to ask yourself… do I get all of my information from what my news tells me? Do I do any research on my own to verify what I am told? If I come across a person who does not know any actual facts pertaining to the line of conversation, then I stop talking to them immediately about anything of any depth, because the base of knowledge they are working with makes it impossible to hold a fruitful, truth and fact based conversation. Just as a relationship built on lies is a lie, a conversation based on stupidity is stupid.

I told a friend the other day, “If a person who works in the oil industry does not even know what the Green New Deal is and has not bothered to read it, they have no place voting. Voting without any personal research is worse than not voting at all. I strongly disagree with the train of thought that everyone should vote. No, no, no! If you have done exactly no personal research, please do not vote. I think what people mean when they say that, is that everyone should vote after doing some level of self education. Watching one programmed news source is not you doing research. That is you being a zombie meat chicken and being brainwashed. I literally have learned nothing on the news in years. I watch real, independent news sources…then months or years later the cable news channels will come out with their washed version of old news as if it’s new.

She asked me how I have time to research and collect data. I pointed out all of the time wasting things she and her friends do on a weekly basis. Even though most of my news sources have been deleted from YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram…I can still find information here and there. I even had a small Instagram account set up for my political views and sharing other articles or information. One photo would get over 1,500 like or shares for example. That account was deleted by Instagram over a week ago.

It was expected. That is why I kept those posts separate from my other accounts. If the news media keeps lying, and the politicians keep lying, and we have no way to educate ourselves…we are all doomed to be meat chicken, no-nothing zombies. At least half of us already are.

I have come to realize that even some highly educated people are clueless as to the realities that surround us. Whenever I think I am talking to a really smart person, I like to gage their level of understanding. It sounds crazy but if we’re talking about politics, I mention George Soros. If they have no idea who he is and what he has done to reshape the world, then I realize they know nothing more than what they hear on programmed news. If they know nothing of weather weapons, conservative censorship, pedophilia and Satanism by the elite, The Podesta Brothers, adrenochrome, the latest open letter to President Donald Trump by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and the list goes on.

Why do I care? I am not a meat chicken. I like knowing what is going on, what my future holds, how I can best plan financially and spiritually for the future. I mean, when the change our worthless dollars out for the digi-ruble or whatever it’s going to be…I’d like to be prepared. Is that so wrong?

Back to my original point…are most people educated enough to vote? I am so tired of people saying, “Well I just feel like….” when they explain their political ideology. Fact free, baseless thinking is how we got here. I have gotten into the terrible habit of calling dummies Meat Chickens. I used to call them Zombies because some people do not care to think. What I am trying to do is remove myself from people of no depth and fellowship with like minded individuals, while at the same time loving all. Damn, it’s hard!

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CHICKEN COOP

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Beasley the Chicken
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Baxter the Chicken

I have been busy! During the American shut-down, and seeing the empty egg shelves at the grocery store…I decided it was finally time to get my dream of keeping a few chickens up and running!

In the past, I raised ducks because we lived on a ranch and had lakes, however, the massacres I would wake up to let me know that half the battle with chickens or ducks is to just keep them alive. You must have a good coop that can not be penetrated by possum or coons! I have had my chicks since they were 2 days old, so to take all that time and care, just to lose to other wildlife – is not acceptable. So yes, I put a lot of thought into my coop arrangement.

In the old days, I would have built my own coop. I am not as handy as I used to be so I decided to buy a storage building from Costco and convert it into a coop. I also was keeping in mind that if the chicken factory thing doesn’t work out long term, I wanted a building that I could easily use as a dog run for those times when we may need to be away overnight or for a long day.

For the storage building, I didn’t put the windows in, instead opting to use wire for air ventilation. We also placed it in a very shady area. On a 100 degree day, it stays very cool due to the shade/ventilation combo!

The run is also in the shade. At night, the chickens put themselves back into their house and snuggle together. i do lock their little door each night in case something were to get into the run, it’s an added step of security!

I did have someone come build the run for me, but then I went back around the bottom perimeter and screwed in more wire mesh, placed dirt and rocks over it to create a barrier and keep wildlife from digging under to get in. My husband thought I went overboard, however, I don’t want to have a massacre one day just to prove my point! He helped me do a lot of the perimeter work and went to buy all of the supplies.

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The little patio is functional but also acts as a barrier to ward off diggers!
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I just wanted to share the extra precautions taken!

The funny thing, is that my husband did not want chickens. I think the responsibility freaked him out but now he’s all about them and has taken ownership!

It is rewarding to be in nature and let this terribly messed up world we live in take a back seat. It is amazing how relaxing it is to watch nature work and connect with wildlife. It has always bothered me to buy eggs from the market – knowing how most egg farms work. I feel we should treat animals humanely and try to let them have a nice life while they are here. I understand that some people eat their chickens or cows or whatnot for meat but while they are living we should respect them.

All I want from my chickens is an egg here or there so that hey can help me not buy corporate eggs in the future. These little guys and girls have feelings and personalities and deserve humane treatment, as do all living things. (Except for snakes! Snakes can go to hell.)

Indian poultry farms are breeding drug-resistant superbugs: study - Livemint

Joking aside, it was always on my bucket list to have chickens so I am very happy! Now I just need to finish building up Eden, our farmland project. I better go buy a lottery ticket!

Check back for more updates !

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SIX SHOTS DURING QUARANTINE

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1. BABY ENYA VIBES

I have always wanted to do a newborn baby photo session! I finally had my chance recently when one of my best peeps had a bun in the oven! We got quite a few fun shots but this is one of my favorites because of the shape she is laying in. It’s natural but fun. Honestly those shots that they manipulate into weird positions freak me out. I was happy to have something fun to edit during the beginning of our quarantine days! Editing a lot of photos takes hours that I usually do not have, so it was great to have the spare time to work on something meaningful to me!
2. SILKIE VIBES

We are kind of in unprecedented, apocalyptic times so I want chickens! I took the time at the beginning of our coming quarantine time to buy a few Silkie chicks! We are in a state of National Emergency, so I am pretty sure I would win any dispute my HOA could throw at me. I’ve always wanted chickens, so I decided that Silkies seem to be the best “petlike” chickens. I am raising them from chicks so that they are tame and will respond better to my presence as they grow. Here is the thing…as I was shopping for all of my chicken paraphernalia, I kept hearing from people how all the chicks, all the feed, etc were being bought up as fast as they came in. People were quietly prepping! As far as not living on a farm, but getting chicks, I feel that as long as they are kept in a clean, cute space and as long as I do not keep roosters…nobody will care. we shall see how this goes! For now, they all have gender fluid names since they are too young to sex at this point. This one is Baxter! I don’t know that my chickens appreciate the beautiful like I am building for them yet, but I am hopeful! I also chose Silkies because I am in hopes that Blanca thinks they are white puppies when they get older and she won’t want to bite their heads off!
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3. WORK FROM HOME VIBES

I am one of the lucky ones that still has a job! I’ve been forcing myself to get presentable each day for our video conferences so that I can still feel functional. Preparing yourself for your day goes a long way towards helping mentally to feel that you’ve got it together. My husband loves it when I wear my fabulous Johnny Was kimonos, and can’t believe that I brush my hair, bathe, and put on lipstick most days just to be at home. My office is my favorite spot in the house because I can shut the door, sit quietly and read, learn or work. My Bosscat Beauty orders still roll in online. They keep saying on the news that quarantine time with your spouse is where the rubber meets the road. I would say that getting him to realize that I need my quiet time has been the only real struggle. Other than that, we cook dinner together every night, we have movie night every night and we are intentional about our time. I can say, “ I have work to do so I will meet you in the movie room at 8 and until then leave me the hell alone!” We laugh and he gets it.
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4. COUNTRY GIRL VIBES

I decided to buy a farm. My husband thought I was crazy, so it was my personal thing and somehow he jumped on board with the idea. It’s a run down farm with a house that was probably built around 1900. My plan is to clean it up, and take all of the cedar from the inside of the home’s walls to recreate the fence lines. I’ve been able to sneak away and drive up to map and plan since it’s basically in the middle of nowhere and I’m not around people. After that we will see what inspires me but it feels so good to have a project! After the stock market crashed last month, he saw that land was a great opportunity to invest and build for the future so that’s why he jumped on board. I am super excited and will post updates as things change!
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5. QUARANTINE VIBES

I had to include this weird and funny photo! The other day, I was going to sit outside and get some sunshine. As I cranked our outdoor umbrella up, I saw this. These guys were sitting in the umbrella sockets, having their own family quarantine time! This showed me a lot about frogs. Now I will be super careful about the umbrella so I don;t harm them. They keep going back every day to sit in their same day spots. Crazy!

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6. MING DYNASTY VIBES

I had to share this sculpture! As I had mentioned above, I bought a farm. Nothing fabulous, but a run down farm. Basically, there is shit everywhere! I was looking around and seeing what needed to be thrown away, and this filthy old horse stature was sitting on the dusty, dirty floor. Once I saw how heavy it was, I decided to take it home and clean it up! It could likely be from a cheap home store like Kirkland’s…but I prefer to believe it’s a lost Ming Dynasty horse sculpture worth $30,000 ! Either way, I love him! It still needs more work and scrubbing but add that to my list of quarantine projects!
I think it’s important to stay busy with dreams and accomplish what we can during these times. We don’t want to look back and think about the time we wasted. I have started my garden, done some landscaping, started my chicken dreams, altered my budget for tighter times ahead, etc. When things do ever return to normal, I want to have a clean slate and know I spent my time wisely. I am looking at this time at home as a blessing.
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QUALITY QUARANTINE TIME

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Luxor Living and Style, blogger in Texas quarantine blog, Johnny Was kimono, over 50 blogger, home office, Bosscat Beauty

I try hard to find blessings amid disasters. It makes no sense to keep things completely neutral and unreal with only talk about fashion, gardening or makeup when the entire world is in turmoil. Here’s my deal…

I am worn out with this Covid-19 thing. I have been tracking it since January. Buying supplies, warning others to be prepared, setting up my life for a peaceful stay at home order. Now it’s finally here. Most of Texas is on a stay at home order of one sort or another. That’s not shocking. It was always going to be the deal.

Although I am more than prepared, that’s not the really big deal to me. The big deal is the economy. Most people do not even have a month’s salary in their bank accounts. The companies are having a hard time forecasting their losses and what is best to do.

In the meantime, the Democrats are sticking all kinds of extra goodies in the Bill that was originally meant to help families. It’s evil. Now is not the time to tie us down to the Green New Deal or any other of the mindless additions to the bill which have nothing to do with feeding families.

One of the main problems I’ve had since January, in getting people I know to prepare their households for this issue…is that most Americans are waiting on word from their government on what they need to do. No, seriously. Think about that.

Here is the point of this post…there has been a lot going on in the past months. I have not added new posts because I have spent every spare day since January doing nothing except preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. What happened to the people of China mortified me. There are untold amounts of people gone. I do not at all mean to make light of the covid-19 pandemic. I’ve read or watched hours a day for months on the topic so it only makes sense to view things from a perspective of reality and not blog as if all is perfect in the universe.

Now I finally find myself with free time to spend at home. I’ve had weeks to design the life I wanted and created a quality quarantine time in my home. The next posts will be about all the things that I love and some hobbies or interests that this quarantine gives me time to focus on while at home! Will there be some fashion…of course! I am who I am at all times – apocalypse or not!

The next post will be 6 Shots From My Quarantine Zone so you’ve got to come back! I will also include Links I Love which are all related to being informed and getting tomorrow’s news today!

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5 Things I Think I Need Right Now…

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Wow! Where have these been? Chic new styles are in from Old Gringo! The Carla is a 6″ shaft genuine leather boot featuring a beautiful multi color floral embroidery with side zip and rounded toe. I love these paired with either my favorite jeans or tunic dresses for a trendy, boho – country look! I am thinking I could get away with these booties for Spring or Summer as well as Fall. That’s my thing…I love things I can wear universally since the weather is mild-ish in Texas!

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The ONTHEGO bag from Louis Vuitton is sold out in the brown color…but I love her! I will be on the lookout, and if we go to Italy this year as planned, I may try to pick one up as a vacation souvenir…or at least that’s how I would justify purchasing it.

I am trying to spend less on common purchases to work towards my inner self agreeing that more expensive purchases are rationalized. I need her in my life.

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If you know meat all, then you would know that I have wanted a chicken coup for quite some time! My main reason for the delay has been that we moved to an area with more strict of an HOA so chickens are not actually allowed. While there was a bill in Texas last year, to attempt to override the bans that HOAs place on homeowners, in regard to chickens…it still has not passed.

I would have to build my chicken empire and then have to get rid of them due to HOA Nazis. I do understand though, that it should be looked at as a case by case issue. Some people would never clean up after their chickens, or would have makeshift chicken coups built out of crates or something. I would like to hope that my chickenry (my word) will be so fabulous, that I will rise above scrutiny. We will see if I take the plunge or not!

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Gardening is my jam! I have been planting tomatoes and peppers and whatnot here and there, but I need more room! I currently have a random concrete slab that the previous owners installed for whatever reason. It’s ugly, too close to the house and recently I thought of an idea for it!

A raised garden area would be perfect! There is nothing better than needing green onions for something I am cooking, and being able to go outside and cut some off of my onion patch. With a bit more work, maybe I could learn to be a more responsible, disciplined vegetable gardener!

I have had a huge composting area for a few years now and the soil is absolutely magical! f I have a plant that is near death, I can stick in my compost area and it gets brought back to life very quickly!

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Since I did my remodel on our current house, I have wanted to add a mirrored wall with antiqued glass to the dining area much like what they have done above. At the time, the price quotes I was getting were crazy high, so I decided to spend money elsewhere because a glass wall is easy to have installed after move in. Later, I considered wallpaper but my focus is back on the antiqued mirror look.

I designed the house around the concept of a modern Versailles type of look, so the mirror fits in with my original idea. There is also the point that the house is not super large, so mirrors help to give the illusion of a larger room.

There are so many ideas out there for mirrors but the look above is my final inspiration. I will share if I get it done this year! You can see my current dining room here.

These are my top 5 things I am obsessing over right now…as you can see, a little bit of everything is involved…a little fashion, a bit of nature and some home decor!

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WYOMING

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Jackson Hole travel

Traveling to Wyoming was never on my bucket list. I was ignorant as to the beauty and majesty that existed there. After deciding to postpone a trip to Italy and Spain, my husband came up with the idea of Wyoming. I’d had been wanting to go glamping so I set out to quickly find a cool place to stay.

I came up with the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole. They have beautiful luxury cabins along a creek. I decided on staying there after seeing their web cam posted outside facing the creek area. While I have seen video of moose walking through the cabins, that didn’t happen during our visit!

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We flew in to the Salt Lake City airport early in the day so that we could enjoy the road trip to Jackson Hole. Once in Jackson, we freshened up and went out to a nice dinner before crashing early!

The altitude hit us hard, so we were tired by 8 pm! We got up early the next morning to enjoy the buffet at our hotel (yes it was actually really good!) Then we headed out to do some exploring! This was on a Friday and Yellowstone National Park was actually closed and only had one more day to the season and that would be the following day.

We drove carefully through the ice and snow, and we worked our way up the mountain – or volcano actually. We had no cell reception and no map! We literally drove for hours. We would stop here and there to take video and enjoy the beauty. we would only see a random car drive by every now and again.

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There was even a messed up, eyeless snowman that we decided to help out with some new gummy bear eyeballs and arms! We restored him to his glory and went on our way.

We checked out the maps on our phones once we got back to our hotel that night, and realized we were 10 minutes from Old Faithful. We were left with no choice but to go back again the next day! How could we go home having been so close to the American landmark, but not have actually seen such a thing with our own eyes?

Basically you are standing at 9,000 feet and on top of a volcano/mountain however you’re wanting to look at it… that is boiling water. The altitude kicked our asses! Especially me! I was tired, bloated, had high blood pressure and was constantly looking out for Emergency Rooms in case something happened. I didn’t want to alarm my husband but it was pretty bad. I took an extra blood pressure pill and hoped for the best. Had I bothered to do any research, I could have done a few things to prepare.

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We both had bought Iphones right before the trip, so I decided to leave my camera at home and see how good we could do with just the Iphone 10 and 11 models. Had we been better Canon Rebel photographers, the difference may have been bigger.

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The hotel we chose had a quaint view of a creek from most of the luxury cabin rentals. Being surrounded by nature was amazing and relaxing. Oh, and that’s the only bear we saw.

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Although we never saw a live moose or bear…we had fun trying. The second day we went to Yellowstone they were actually open. As we paid the lady in the entrance booth, I asked her, “Will there be bears today? I need to see bears.” To which she replied, “There are bears, but they are wild.” She responded as if I was hoping to feed Cheetos to the bears by hand. She refuse to accommodate my humor.

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We enjoy checking out real estate whenever we go on vacation. The median home price for Jackson, Wyoming was $850,000. Lord. If you compare that to the Houston average of $284,000 you can see the stark comparison. You are paying for the unspoiled beauty. The nature. Old World Americana. Rich scenery. And mainly just being a world away from the trash that has become a part of acceptable city living in today’s world. You do not realize how bad things are on the daily until you remove yourself.

This is what is real and good. Nature and people living in tandem without destroying each other. Living off of the land without destroying and blackening the air.

The majesty was surreal. On the way back to the airport, we had decided to head south through Wyoming in order to see more during our road trip. Hours and hours of beautiful land, with very few people and small towns sprinkled here and there.

Rustic Inn breakfast

The bar was cozy at our hotel. I will not pretend that we drank and partied until the wee hours because we did not. The altitude put us to bed each night by 9 pm.

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Towns such as Diamondville, Wyoming were fun to stop briefly and learn about.

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The air was clean. The skies were blue. It is the most conservative state in the country. Wyoming has not one Planned Parenthood in sight. Wyoming by far has the lowest abortion rate in the country and the highest gun ownership. One can only hope that as rich liberals move there, they hopefully do not take their crazy, state ruining ideas with them so at least the rest of us have a place to go visit and remember what the country used to be.

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