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From the lens Village of Ordinary.

People working together--that's what Ordinary is about. Individuals finding the creative genius within--that's Ordinary too. People treading lightly on the earth that all who come after may share in its bounty and bask in its beauty--that's Ordinary. Help build the dream. Share your thoughts, dreams, visions, and above all, advice on making Ordinary work. Today. Right now.
 

  • Tipi Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:37 am | delete
    Was here, I don't know when but my like is showing and that nice peace settled on me as I entered a place in harmony with the earth and each other...leaving a little angel dust for the Village of the Ordinary.
  • Janiece Feb 3, 2012 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    Thank you, so much, for this lens. Absolutely beautiful.... Blessed.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Feb 2, 2012 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    Very inspiring. This collection of insight and wisdom has fanned the flames of my dream to help others join together in living the sustainable, harmonious, and peaceful good life. So many powerful opportunities. Thank you!
  • Graceonline Feb 3, 2012 @ 11:28 am | delete
    I don't think anything anyone could say would encourage me more to keep going than your words just now. Humbly, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
  • Ladymermaid Jan 16, 2012 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    I think that we truly do need a little more ordinary in our lives. The world would be such a nicer place to be if it were so.
  • poddys Nov 15, 2011 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    Lovely lens, and I think it is a real shame that we can't all live in harmony together. This world of ours could be such a happy harmonious place if only we allowed it to be. The saddest thing of all is that religion is one of the chief causes for unrest and wars. Nicely done, blessed.
  • Graceonline Dec 30, 2011 @ 7:32 pm | delete
    I agree, Poddys. I've never understood how anyone could turn a holy person's teachings into a reason for war. I grew up in the Christian tradition, and war was certainly not what Christ intended, yet horrific atrocities have occurred in his name and under his banner, and continue today, even in this country. I often think such acts are what God meant by "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord they God in vain."
  • lbrummer Aug 30, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete
    Thank you for this beautiful lens. I can't wait to get the book, "Village of Ordinary." A lens like this gives me hope for all the ills in the world.
  • Graceonline Dec 30, 2011 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    Yes, I do think about making it a book one day. Thank you for encouraging that possibility!
  • Wednesday_Elf Aug 3, 2011 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    Many years ago, I spent a few months babysitting toddlers who belonged to International students' wives at meetings where the University wives were helping the foreign wives of the International students learn about our community, shopping, places to see and things to do. The meetings also included a 'lunch' where International dishes were shared. It was a way to make them feel welcome, and to answer any questions or concerns they had. Lovely way to show friendship. I was able to bring my 3-year-old daughter with me and, while I 'watched over' the children, she got to play with them. I remember watching her one day with twin boys her age from Bolivia ? two little dark heads next to a blond one. The boys spoke no English, my daughter didn't speak their language. Yet they played together as contentedly as if they had grown up together! They needed no words to communicate. The passing of toys back and forth amid gestures, smiles and shared laughter said it all. These children knew no boundaries of skin color, nationality, religion or politics. They were just children enjoying each other. I remember thinking then that if everyone in the world treated each other the way three- year-olds' do, there would be no war, no strife, no boundaries of any kind. PEACE would reign in an Ordinary world. What a lovely idea!
  • vivekbhan Aug 9, 2011 @ 1:12 am | delete
    Such a nice thought. Very true
  • Graceonline Dec 30, 2011 @ 7:24 pm | delete
    You nailed it, Elf. Yes, children see only each other until we teach them otherwise. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
  • InquisitiveOne Jul 10, 2011 @ 8:00 pm | delete
    This is beautiful Grace! Peace does begin at home, in the heart. Advice on making Ordinary work? Start small. I think it is easy to see injustice and the things wrong with other people, other countries, other governments, other beliefs and races....I think starting in our own homes, our own communities, and our own circle of influence creates the potential for much more positive and influential change. I think we must all start in our own backyards.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jun 17, 2011 @ 9:13 am | delete
    Powerful! I admire your passion and purpose. Much cause for deep reflection.
  • karmicchristian May 19, 2011 @ 8:17 am | delete
    Very interesting perspective and thought provoking. Thanks and good day.
  • onlinemba May 16, 2011 @ 11:56 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing such useful information to us
  • buckwheat Jul 3, 2010 @ 12:58 pm | delete
    Love this lens - I just try to be a good person in relation to my family, friends and dog! By the way this security word for my comment was "uberlens" and this certainly is an uberlens!
  • Graceonline Jul 4, 2010 @ 5:47 pm | delete
    Thank you for stopping by, buckwheat, and for the kind comments. May all who receive good from you feel thrice blessed, and may you reap thrice what you give.
  • Nathan W. Scarborough Feb 2, 2010 @ 1:00 pm | delete
    I am quite inspired by what I find here; I stumbled upon this site one particularly dynamic evening after viewing Avatar of all things... I have learned about Gaviotas before and this kind of thinking in the face of so many disheartening events is what keeps me going on. Hope always, look to the young ones so that they may bring our world into better balance...
  • Graceonline Mar 3, 2010 @ 10:38 pm | delete
    Thank you so much, Nathan. Thank you for getting it, for living it in your own life, and for taking heart and carrying on. There are more of us working for a peaceful, harmonious world than almost anyone realizes. We are an amazing, gentle force, like water, dripping on a stone.
  • Amy Lundberg Feb 18, 2009 @ 10:52 am | delete
    Love is the answer to all "IFs".

    If there is Love, there is no poverty as we would be very generous with those in need.

    If there is Love, there is no hatred and there is peace.

    If there is Love, there is content and there is no greed.

    Amy Lundberg
    www.aimforfitness.com
    www.aimforfitness.com/blog
  • Graceonline Mar 3, 2010 @ 10:40 pm | delete
    It may seem a cliche, but you are true to bring the word here. Love is always the answer.
  • Mortira Feb 1, 2009 @ 2:59 pm | delete
    Everything humanity has done since the industrial revolution has been pushing us away from "Ordinary". And now it's as if most of use have been taught, engineered or brainwashed into thinking that having the biggest car and the shiniest jewelry is what will make us happy. I think that the best thing we can do to work towards Ordinary is to teach our kids to think for themselves, ask questions and be aware. It's a good mission! * * * * *
  • Graceonline Mar 3, 2010 @ 10:40 pm | delete
    Excellent suggestion and exactly how their father and I raised our chldren. Thank you for contributing, Mortira.
  • dc64 Dec 26, 2008 @ 2:30 pm | delete
    What an idea! If only things were like this for real. At least they are in our dreams...(Ironically, the security word for this comment was "hopeful".)
  • poutine Nov 22, 2008 @ 3:46 pm | delete
    As President Eisenhower said :"I think that people want peace so much
    that one of these days government had better get out of their way and let them have it."

    Poutine
  • jasmineann Sep 22, 2008 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    A truly inspiring, lovely and beautiful lens. I agree "Peace begins at home, in your heart. If you want to build a peaceful world, start with yourself." Thank you.
  • Graceonline Mar 3, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
    You are welcome. We all make peace a million small ways a day. Thank you for contributing to the message of this lens.
  • annetteghallowell Aug 17, 2008 @ 8:13 am | delete
    I experienced the other side of peace, war- in Liberia. We lived there before the war started in 1990 and then during the war. Thank you for your understanding of and promotion of the only way we should move forward in this world. 5* favorite from a new fan!
  • Graceonline Mar 3, 2010 @ 10:43 pm | delete
    You are welcome, Annette. May the sufferings of war be long ago transmuted to comforts, may you have more happy memories than painful, and may you experience a world of peace for as long as you know.
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Aug 14, 2008 @ 8:09 pm | delete
    A powerful lens. Absolutely wonderful.
    Lizzy
  • myklone Aug 5, 2008 @ 10:07 am | delete
    http://www.squidoo.com/bestbabystrollers
    Every word in this Blog has a great message, and I like this one:
    Imagine a world of peace, a world without greed, a world in which our leaders all over the world say, "I have had enough of war"
  • Mamamia123 Jun 3, 2008 @ 11:51 pm | delete
    I recently got ripped off in a small business working capital scheme. This has put a lot of things into perspective for me; and I'm starting to realize that the most important things are not financing for my business; but that the world finds peace so we can continue to have things to worry about (such as my business).
  • rwoman May 1, 2008 @ 5:57 am | delete
    I believe in peace too. Maybe if enough of us believe "we" will be living the dream!
  • Feb 29, 2008 @ 9:10 am | delete
    A beautiful and powerful lens Graceonline.

    The time and effort you've obviously put into it are greatly appreciated.

    Namaste.
  • SharonMcMillan Feb 6, 2008 @ 6:11 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for your comments. I use to work as a marketer for new home builders and during that time learned about smart homes and green building practices. I live in a community that is a model for new urbanism in our region. I would love to keep this dialogue going!
  • Comfortdoc Nov 7, 2007 @ 8:38 am | delete
    Happy to that you have joined us in the Imagine Peace Group.
  • blinkylink Aug 19, 2007 @ 7:55 am | delete
    wonderful ...

    * * * * *
  • Quickdrawartist Aug 18, 2007 @ 4:36 pm | delete
    See
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Continuum_Concept .
    If peace begins with me, and if I did not have the
    opportunity to be raised the "continuum" way, then
    the next best thing is to "retro-engineer" my
    consciousness as if I had. Read the book, though,
    there's so much more there...
  • NetFusion Aug 13, 2007 @ 9:34 am | delete
    Great lense - I really enjoy reading it... I give you 5stars!

    Just for notice - I started a lens some days ago - http://www.squidoo.com/helpearthandsmile - if you take a look at it - and give us an idea to help - you are most welcomed! And everyone else! Congr. again!
  • Partybluprints Aug 12, 2007 @ 6:06 am | delete
    Beautiful Lens - left you 5 stars
  • sonia_simone Aug 9, 2007 @ 11:41 am | delete
    This is a great message, thank you for creating this lens to promote the real possibility of peace and wholeness in our lifetime. Our worst enemy is the belief that peace is impossible.
  • tracystokes Aug 7, 2007 @ 11:33 am | delete
    Thanks for making this fantastic lens. So much to read and to learn.
  • imagineit Aug 5, 2007 @ 9:50 pm | delete
    "Disarmament is not Peace. ... Peace is people working together to care for one another and our planet, with a shared vision of common good." How true! This lens is fabulous. There can't be enough of us envisioning peace--now i don't feel as alone about it. thanks for your support! namaste 5stars!
  • titanium_knights Aug 2, 2007 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your talent for writing! I always enjoy reading your lenses!
  • SemperFidelis Jul 29, 2007 @ 12:24 pm | delete
    Great minds think alike! A 5 from me. Check our Recycling lens out and rate it. Given your cause, I think you will like it. All proceeds go to Save The Children.
  • Christopher_Scott Jul 28, 2007 @ 10:39 am | delete
    So much cool stuff on your lens. Thanks for stopping by A Day of Hope's lens. You can show your support for our goal to deliver 750 thanksgiving baskets to 750 families by joining our group. Join A Day of Hope
  • Barkely Jul 26, 2007 @ 10:35 am | delete
    I was checking out Glens new lensroll site, and stumbled in. I always love your lenses, and this one is no exception.
  • www.WorldPeaceEmerging.com Jul 25, 2007 @ 12:08 pm | delete
    Hey Gracey, I just wanted to say that your lens' are amazing. You have a very quiet yet powerful presence when you write. I am sure you are manifesting your reality, and that is inspiring. Keep on creating...
    -Nate Haney
  • mecanor Jul 21, 2007 @ 6:55 pm | delete
    small place in the whole universe, but so much love within!
  • thesandysimmons Jul 20, 2007 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    You write with such a tranquil voice that it cuts right through the hustle and clutter of the usual internet experiences. This is my first venture onto Squidoo, but I'm sure we'll meet in extraordinary lenses along the way. My best to you.
  • Pastor Fred Mwanje Jul 15, 2007 @ 9:32 am | delete
    Peace for children is a global epidemic. Thanks for sharing an important message. Many Blessings, Pastor Mwanje
  • Isalini Jul 14, 2007 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    I've seen the first 4 of the 5 movies you recommend and loved them all! I've been "green" for 30 years and agree w/Kermit, until recently, anyway, it's not been too easy bein' green!
    visit me at Basenjidogs
    Keep up the good work!
    Isalini
  • joshman Jul 8, 2007 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    Thank you a lot for this information it will help a lot. I thought you wouldent right me back. thank you. yes and 2,000 is a great rank (and my dad agrees) and mine is somewhere in 190,000 so yes its very good. So thanks again. I hope you get into the top 100 cuase it is a good lens
  • joshman Jul 8, 2007 @ 11:24 am | delete
    im 12 my name is joshua i am new at this and im this and i want to buld up ideas my dad is helping me. how did you get your lens at a high rank? my lens is squidoo/joshslife
  • ronpass Jul 5, 2007 @ 11:29 pm | delete
    What an inspiring lens - a pathway to peace and tranquility.

    Ron Passfield
    World Vision
  • riff999 Jul 3, 2007 @ 9:57 pm | delete
    Five stars for sure. Wish there were more lens' like yours. Peace.
  • Classic Jun 24, 2007 @ 1:03 pm | delete
    Excellent lens. Thanks for sharing. 5*s
  • Naasir Jun 20, 2007 @ 1:32 am | delete
    I`m joining
  • MichelleMDesignsbyHuggabears Jun 15, 2007 @ 10:41 am | delete
    Beautiful lens. I will be coming back often to catch up on more of what you are doing. You have a beautiful spirit.
  • Michelle Tourtillott Jun 15, 2007 @ 10:34 am | delete
    You have a beautiful lens. It gives me hope that more people read lenses like this so we can all live in a peaceful
  • myyeastinfectioncure Jun 7, 2007 @ 8:45 am | delete
    i loved this lens. Inspiring and well thought out thank you 5 stars

    www.myyeastinfectioncure.com
  • Susan52 Jun 2, 2007 @ 8:04 am | delete
    Thank you for your very kind comments on my lens and for adding me to your lensroll. I love your spirit! I really enjoyed the pale blue dot, too. It's a great perspective people need to see and understand.

    Susan
  • KimGiancaterino May 27, 2007 @ 2:31 am | delete
    What a beautiful lens. The pale blue dot puts many things in perspective. ~ Kim
  • Crystal_Booth May 11, 2007 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    Thanks for your kind comments on my lenses. You also do very good work! ~ Crystal
  • todbrilliant Mar 16, 2007 @ 11:54 am | delete
    Very nice lens here. A hopeful message combined with actionable suggestions. Of course, seeing Plan B among your books was the icing on the cake.

    Keep up the fight!!!

    Tod Brilliant
  • Koko Nov 25, 2006 @ 10:33 am | delete
    Reading the Village of Ordinary has become a necessary part of my online experience. It feeds my hope about peaceful possibilities, and my longing to live in a peaceful community. I am changed after reading Ordinary - you will be too.

by

Graceonline

Imagine the world without anger, without greed. We have the power, the tools, the skills and the resources right now to build a peaceful world, where people... more »

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