The Beggar's Bowl

My Story

I am presently 84-years of age having
been born in Houston, Texas in April of
1934. I've had a good life, mainly
pursuing spirit. Was a minister, marrying
and burying people. Got married, started
a family and went to work in the corporate
world.  I've also been a writer, artist and musician.
That picture up there is of one of my 
painings.  My favorite instrument, the didjeridoo.

I've never been in the military. My
eyeballs were not good enough to fly a jet
airplane and having been a minister I 
was exempt from the draft.  I support our men and 
ladies in uniform.  Have a lot of love for
the USMC.

In 1991 I had a huge spiritual epiphany,
and became a mystic. In that moment I
knew I had found what I had been looking
for all my life. Thus I follow the path of
light doing a lot of spiritual healing. At
age 63 I qualified for Social Security and
went from there.

I used to make it OK on Social Security.
Covered all expenses and even had a few
bucks left over. I'd purchase computer
parts, clothing and was even saving up to
get a new pair of glasses. Then the fit hit
the shan. That economic crunch in 2008
-9. Man o man, unbelievable. After that
food prices started going up and up
reaching double and in some cases triple
what they had cost. And it began to drain
me. I never got the new glasses.

I was spending $80-90 for 2 weeks of
food. Now--I don't believe this--around
$200 for 2 weeks. The cost of a jar of
peanut butter is unreal.

Social Security gives an annual "cost of
living" increase. This usually amounts to
1.5-2 percent increase. And here comes
the hooker: Evidently, from what I have
found out so far, when Social Security
computes their "cost of living index", the
formula does NOT include the cost of food
and fuel! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek

At present my SS income is $755/month.
This includes both SS and SSI
(Supplimental Security Insurance). I am
also enrolled in the Oregon Assistance
Program: aka Food Stamps.

I live quite simply. I am not at all
extravagant, but now I can't even afford
artist pigments. When winter comes, I
just do not have the funds to cover the
cost of heating. I live in an RV and the
winters in southern Oregon get cold.
Brrrrrr. Cost of winter heating can run up
to around $1,500 for the season. Without
help I cannot make it. Thus I put myself
before you, asking for financial help.