tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78498183852183277242024-02-20T23:44:43.712-06:00Gypsy Sixties. . . . . . . . .On the Mind Road with MoJoMoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-6255218393158577052012-11-08T10:50:00.000-06:002012-11-08T10:50:03.324-06:00New Underground Hotel in China<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130; color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How cool is this? Scheduled to open in 2014, this 380 room underground hotel is being built into an abandoned quarry at the foot of Tianmashan mountain, 30 miles outside of Shanghai.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: purple; color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rooms priced at $320 + per night. Would you spend it? I know I would! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only 2-3 stories will be above ground (depends on which news story you read), the rest all underground, built into the quarry wall. Of course there will be a spa and many luxuries.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There you have the quarry as it appeared prior to construction. Now this is what I call creative. Imagine the creative mind that goes from this (above) wasteland of an old quarry to this (below) creative use of space.</span></div>
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MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-32086096685314828352012-10-20T18:16:00.000-05:002012-10-20T18:16:49.639-05:00Practical Magic!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
No, I'm not blogging about how to cook your dinner without touching the stove - this blog is about the 1998 movie, "Practical Magic", starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing.<br />
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I absolutely adored the characters, particularly the Dianne Wiest character of "Aunt Bridget." (She's on the right in the B andy W photo.)<br />
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The movie, which was taken from the book "Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman, involves the story of two sisters who were raised by their Aunts Francis and Bridget in a fabulous old Victorian house. For me, it is this house which has the starring role in the movie. You'll see why here:<br />
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Pretty cool structure, eh? Unfortunately, it was built just for the movie and was only a facade, as you can see from the in progress photo here:<br />
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As with any hedgewytch, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Although my mountain cottage kitchen is much smaller (and darker), I take inspiration from this design:<br />
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I adore all the glass and cloche arrangements. I've been inspired to use a few in my own hedgewytchy cottage kitchen:<br />
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The Practical Magic conservatory is another intriguing room filled with plants, herbs and mysterious hand blown glass:<br />
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The last photograph is of Gary examining the conservatory with interest, prior to meeting with Sally to discuss the disappearance of Gillian's boyfriend.<br />
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If you've seen the movie, you know that one of the final scenes takes place in the parlour, another fine and wytchy room.<br />
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The parlour is comprised of soft, moss greens and nature colors with framed botanical pressings on the walls. A soothing room filled with comfortable furniture and good memories. The painting done on the walls somewhat resembles a Tree of Life motif.<br />
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All in all, the interior and exterior design of the home for this movie was done with great detail and care. I have found it to be intriguing and inspiring, and I hope you've enjoyed the tour.<br />
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Happy Practical Magic!<br />
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MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-49577824732096482752012-09-16T09:02:00.001-05:002012-09-16T09:06:39.256-05:00Happiness and Politics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I haven't been blogging much lately. Probably several reasons for this. First of all, I spout off a lot on Facebook. I adore using Facebook. Although many of my friends have visited me here at the mountain cabin this summer and fall, there are still many whom I don't see nearly often enough. All my great friends back in Milwaukee, for instance. I miss you. My besty MOland friend, I miss you, too.</div>
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Milwaukee has some amazing architecture and fantabulous restaurants, but I don't find myself missing that 33 years of my life. Probably because now I have the mountains surrounding me and that's pretty much all that I need in the way of beauty, interest and geography.</div>
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Despair, unhappiness and restlessness seem to have been catalysts to writing for many important authors. Obviously, mental stress produces a fair share of creativity. So ...... what happens when our mental stress is minimal? Less writing.</div>
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I<span style="text-align: left;">t seems sophomoric to talk about being happy all the time. (Why is that, anyway?) About the only thing I get uppity about lately is politics. Politics are important. Truth is important. I get danged irritated when I see the ridiculousness bandied about and am tired of both parties avoiding many of those things which are crucial to our lives and times. I understand a lot of the evasion, though, because when two people cannot agree on a simple, basic fact there is no way to proceed with a productive discussion. There has to be a starting point or nothing of value will ensue.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I have a theory (of course) of why political discourse is so difficult in our rapidly changing world. As the people of this country and, hopefully, the world, head for a crash landing into personal authenticity, those who refuse to admit to themselves who they really are will remain living in confusion and denial. This can't help but produce a stubborn refusal to be open minded. If one cannot recognize one's own characteristics and value them, how can one value differences in others?</span></div>
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Part of my theory relates to those whose sexuality remains hidden because of their shame and fear of admitting who they really are. Why do many Republicans fight against and ....... dare I say it ......... seem to hate all who are different from them? Because they fear recognizing who they are themselves. If you are a man in your forties (or older) who has had several attractive girlfriends, none of whom is ever "good enough" because it's just too hard for them to live up to "good ol' mom", you might want to think again about just what, precisely, drives your resistance to finding the right woman. </div>
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If you can't admit to yourself the truth of your own sexuality, appreciating the wide range of sexual preference in others would be nearly impossible. Hence the near hatred focused on those who are "different." The Republican party seems to have this covered. Revisit the conventions of Republicans and then Democrats and note the immense differences of the attendees. One crowd virtually all the same; the other quite diverse.</div>
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I want to say to these closeted Republicans, "It's OK! It's OK to be gay or whoever you are. Maybe your Mom and Dad won't like it, but so what. Do you want to spend the rest of your life closeting who you are just to please people whose narrow mindedness has made you so fearful?" Imagine the freedom of being yourself and hence, allowing yourself to not be threatened by the differences in others. </div>
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Imagine a world with no religious prejudice, no racial or gender prejudice, and no judgment regarding sexual preference. </div>
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I enjoy and try to live by that wonderful Wiccan (GASP!) saying, "An it harm none, do as ye will." </div>
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Blessings to all you happy people out there. As for the rest of you still seeking your path, I wish you an accelerated path to enlightenment.</div>
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MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-84587523589068470602012-06-14T11:23:00.000-05:002012-06-14T11:23:53.813-05:00I adore Nadia G - don't you? Or .... OYSTERS G_FELLER comin' up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ok look, people. If you're not watching Nadia G ("Bitchin' Kitchen" on the Cooking Channel) you're missing out on one of life's primo experiences. Yeah.<br />
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You just can't beat the "Breakup Bonanza" episode. Here's a taste: "<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b style="color: magenta;">In this episode we learn how to successfully sever a relationship with a dinner custom-made for dumping. Your soon-to-be-ex is going to get served... a sweet fig & pesto salad with an aged-balsamic reduction; a juicy Hawaiian burger with spicy chipotle mayo; and tender peanut-butter-banana fritters.</b>"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Did I mention that with every episode you also get free relationship advice? Yeah. Take it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Ok, here's what made me want to clue you in today: the recipe for Oysters G-Feller. YUMMERS. Are you ready for this? It's heaven on the half shell. Here it is, enjoy:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/nadia-g/oysters-g-feller-recipe/index.html</span></span></div>
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<b>Oysters G-Feller</b></div>
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<span class="ingr-divider" style="outline: none; padding-top: 28px;"><b style="outline: none;">SAUCE:</b></span><div class="list clear" style="clear: both; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
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<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">2</em> tablespoons</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> <a class="crosslink" debug="26 40" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/butter/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">unsalted butter</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">2</em> <a class="crosslink" debug="49 61" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/garlic/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">cloves garlic</a>, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> <a class="crosslink" debug="82 92" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cream/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">heavy cream</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1/3</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> finely grated Parmigianno</span></li>
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<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1/8</em> teaspoon</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> freshly grated<a class="crosslink" debug="166 171" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/nutmeg/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">nutmeg</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1/2</em> teaspoon</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> <a class="crosslink" debug="191 198" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sea-salt/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">sea salt</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Freshly cracked pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> baby spinach, julienned</span></li>
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<span class="ingr-divider" style="outline: none; padding-top: 28px;"><b style="outline: none;">OYSTERS:</b></span><div class="list clear" style="clear: both; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
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<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1/2</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> finely diced <a class="crosslink" debug="309 316" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/pancetta/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">pancetta</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> rock salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1</em> dozen Malpeque oysters, shucked</li>
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<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1/2</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> finely grated Parmigianno</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">1/2</em> cup</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> panko</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="outline: none;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">2</em> tablespoons</span><span class="name" style="outline: none;"> <a class="crosslink" debug="455 476" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/olive-oil/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">extra-virgin olive oil</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">DIRECTIONS</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For the sauce: Heat a pan over medium heat and <a class="crosslink" debug="47 50" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/melt/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">melt</a> the butter. Add the garlic and <a class="crosslink" debug="83 85" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/fry/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">fry</a> until golden, about 1 minute. Add the cream, and then turn the heat down to medium-low. Keep stirring until the cream begins to steam; do not let boil. Add the Parmigianno, nutmeg, salt and some pepper, and stir until the <a class="crosslink" debug="309 314" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cheese/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">cheese</a> is melted and the sauce is thick; do not let boil. Add the <a class="crosslink" debug="375 381" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/spinach/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">spinach</a> and stir until wilted. Remove from the heat.<br style="outline: none;" /><br style="outline: none;" />For the <a class="crosslink" debug="447 453" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/oyster/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">oysters</a>: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and <a class="crosslink" debug="546 551" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/render/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">render</a>until crispy. In a baking tray, lay down a bed of rock salt and place the oysters in their half shells atop the <a class="crosslink" debug="665 673" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/rock-salt/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">rock salt</a> to stabilize them. Add 1 tablespoon of <a class="crosslink" debug="714 718" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sauce/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">sauce</a> per oyster. Sprinkle with the pancetta, Parmigianno, <a class="crosslink" debug="773 777" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/panko/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">panko</a> and <a class="crosslink" debug="783 789" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/drizzle/index.html" style="color: #63889d; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">drizzle</a>with the olive oil. Bake until golden and bubbling, about 10 minutes.</span></div>
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-19685890241378096592012-05-27T17:19:00.000-05:002012-05-27T17:19:22.255-05:00Life with Raúl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was never going to get another dog. I mean never. My last dog entered my life over 20 years ago and I fell in love with him. Philippe du Bois was his name. Tall, white, fluffy, smart ..... poodley. Oh, and he had a fetish. A foot fetish. I'm not kidding. He adored women's feet and would stare at them. Heaven help you if you took your shoe off - especially a high heeled shoe. He went insane and forced his licks upon unsuspecting women visitors.<br />
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So here we are, more than two decades later and something bizarre came over me. What .... what could it be? This face, perhaps?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhduzJxqBVhhvhL8MBvSKCpHuHX68xmo1wJWkHSJLU3ooN-UL0Ie5zFBwYmK790XiSiterNNXNSy8YJcciEbhyphenhyphenFM3etxty0jGUTSpaAHT0ouaq2owuDFNMem7slZ6QwLd29CpkU0TvQU/s1600/Raul7Weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhduzJxqBVhhvhL8MBvSKCpHuHX68xmo1wJWkHSJLU3ooN-UL0Ie5zFBwYmK790XiSiterNNXNSy8YJcciEbhyphenhyphenFM3etxty0jGUTSpaAHT0ouaq2owuDFNMem7slZ6QwLd29CpkU0TvQU/s320/Raul7Weeks.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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No, I think it was more than that. After all, I decided to start looking for a puppy, and then I found Raúl. Sure enough, somehow I came across an ad for a Havanese. That's Raúl's breed: Havanese. They are the Cuban cousin to the Bichon Frise. Small, smart, loving, adorable. What's not to like? <br />
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Then I went out to the breeder for a visit. Lost my mind completely, I know. I didn't want a dog again. Training it, taking it out, cleaning up poop. The whole nine yards were something I never wanted again. I went, anyway. This is what I saw:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_MRvpIE4wHUPCZgR23mpeLdyH81ZRygFReLW9ZIv7YAfEfJLAubIoH9I60o2RFtukSGi60-jzm84LV4LNXA7sQGjIS8h4SpfbTQRMXJ6wGszOXDylK5qfMJfdfVtdJDIOZcAW0bOjOE/s1600/IMG_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_MRvpIE4wHUPCZgR23mpeLdyH81ZRygFReLW9ZIv7YAfEfJLAubIoH9I60o2RFtukSGi60-jzm84LV4LNXA7sQGjIS8h4SpfbTQRMXJ6wGszOXDylK5qfMJfdfVtdJDIOZcAW0bOjOE/s320/IMG_0164.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yep, a little pile of adorableness. Raúl is the one with the grey beard and eyebrows. Just like his Daddy! That's him at seven weeks. I put a reserve on him and that was that.</div>
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Now the little guy lives with us and even though his Daddy's first reaction to my visiting a breeder was an arduous, "NO!", you couldn't tell now by the way the little boy has his Daddy twisted all the way around his little finger.</div>
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We're working on the potty training and teaching him not to eat the kitty food (no luck at all on the second thing yet). For us, loving him has happened already. For our five kitties, well ............ that's taking some time, but they are making headway.</div>
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The kitties have gone from loud hissing to nose to nose sniffing. Ok, Bob still smacks Raúl on the butt every time Raúl turns around, but we take that as a bit of a love smack. At least the kitties are intrigued by this little brown jumping bean who so very much wants to play with them.</div>
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Oh-O ..... Daddy's home. Time to go. I'll keep ya posted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwNwcjyAx1vsjeywynB_mgJkDsq8QPPKu5wSCbNDSYI-zged6zhmgIa_3xJrX5UF58YQEmFbMJ5kdwZ0FZBN7NlR1ehVRhhkCzmrfsobBW2S6OoH0LN4IFQbmMnOjMq5JPNM3mQEmxbA/s1600/RaulBed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwNwcjyAx1vsjeywynB_mgJkDsq8QPPKu5wSCbNDSYI-zged6zhmgIa_3xJrX5UF58YQEmFbMJ5kdwZ0FZBN7NlR1ehVRhhkCzmrfsobBW2S6OoH0LN4IFQbmMnOjMq5JPNM3mQEmxbA/s320/RaulBed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-78346576389165508132012-04-07T09:56:00.000-05:002012-04-07T09:56:24.366-05:00Religion as Your Go To Subject Matter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Sub-title: What the heck is with this fascination we have for promoting stories about attractive young women?</b></h3><br />
What brought this subject to mind again this morning? Interviews with Lauren Scruggs' parents.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVp8vJPr5zyPffFRKTTQYCwNi015mUWO6GovwoR73on3vecidHQqWIzB_ABFnz_BOHBmBPd1h60Rh9g-hEwlyN-58SB_PglfnBm6hkXwNyavyoyyd7QqAbXGY9FDzk9Lau9vEGpLNF4Q/s1600/LaurenScruggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVp8vJPr5zyPffFRKTTQYCwNi015mUWO6GovwoR73on3vecidHQqWIzB_ABFnz_BOHBmBPd1h60Rh9g-hEwlyN-58SB_PglfnBm6hkXwNyavyoyyd7QqAbXGY9FDzk9Lau9vEGpLNF4Q/s1600/LaurenScruggs.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In case you've been joyfully languishing under a lovely rock for the past few weeks, Lauren Scruggs is the cute young woman who walked into a single engine airplane propeller. She sustained major injuries, losing a hand and an eye.<br />
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Of course this was intensely sad for her and her family and I wish them all the best. She seems like a young woman with energy and motivation and also appears to be recovering quite nicely, or as nicely as one can after losing two body parts. I can only imagine the trauma for her and especially for her parents, seeing their child in this condition.<br />
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Here is my "issue", for lack of a better word right now. Religion. Check out the first interview:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiick-T3BWs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GMA Scruggs' Parents First Interview</a><br />
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Religion. God. Religion. God.<br />
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I'm happy for them if their religion really does give them peace of mind. I'm pleased for ANYONE whose spiritual beliefs motivate them to be better, kinder people. Here's what naggingly irritates me: why talk about it so much? Why make this the cornerstone of your interview rather than your daughter's condition and recovery?<br />
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I've heard two interviews now with the Scruggs and the second repeats the focus of the first. My first reaction to the first interview was, "Hmmm ...... wonder what would happen if I were interviewed and my focus was primarily MY spiritual beliefs?"<br />
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I feel that making my spiritual beliefs the focal point of an interview regarding an entirely different subject would be not only out of place and annoying, but would give evidence to underlying motive not pertinent to the topic at hand. That's how I feel about the Scruggs' interviews. What are they trying to prove? Why must they be thrusting these ideas into every conversation? Why isn't one's spirituality a privately sustaining basis rather than one to be preached and thrust upon the public who may be interested in their daughter's condition?<br />
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The second thing I wondered when viewing the Scruggs' initial interview was this: had this horrific accident happened to someone who wasn't cute, or an aspiring model, have garnered so much attention? It would seem that our fascination with cute young women overrides so much which is at least AS important and some which is MORE important.<br />
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Middle aged male producers, perhaps? I don't know. Just a good story with a pleasant-to-look-at subject? Maybe. It does seem to me that, as usual, more emphasis is placed on a story with an attractive female as its subject matter. We feel, somehow, sorrier for her because she WAS attractive and now, poor thing, she has lost some of what we found so alluring.<br />
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Back to the parents' constant comments about their religion and how God has saved her and God has healed her, etc. etc. I've often wondered what this really means. If she had not been "saved" or "healed" would this mean that their god had deserted her ..... and them? Would this mean that their god refused to answer their prayers because he/she (no doubt he) just doesn't care for them all that much? Or does the rationalization then become that their god decided that he wanted to take Lauren "home"? It seems that there is always a rationalization. <br />
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I've also often wondered just what this means when a sports team (Tebowing comes to mind) asks their god to help them win. Does this mean that the other team isn't as important to god? How do Christians explain this? If I were to open my arms to the sky and praise the Goddess every time I'm pleased with my results, would this appear ...... oh ......... WEIRD in any way? If so, how is it different from "Tebowing"? I'll tell you. It's not.<br />
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Picture the lawyer in a courtroom dropping to one knee after he's won a case and "Tebowing". Har! Now that makes me chuckle .... but how inappropriate would that be? <br />
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Religion and spirituality are privately held beliefs for the most part. Or at least, they should be.<br />
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The neighbor who left a Palm Sunday cross and information on my back doorstep should be embarrassed and regretful that she is trying to push her personal, private religion on me, but I know she isn't. After all, HER religion is the ONLY true religion ....... right? This nature worshipping, Pagan-ish neighbor should realize that ......... right?<br />
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Wrong. Enjoy your religion. Praise your own, private spirituality, but keep it to yourself for your own personal enjoyment and sustenance. Please.<br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-5711702193369447352012-03-16T13:43:00.004-05:002012-03-16T13:44:30.682-05:00I want you to know this:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Being in your sixties is the best, yet. I know, I know, I've said it so many times before, but it bears repeating. Every decade gets better.<br />
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My lesson for today came during the preparation of and enjoyment of a simple lunch at home, by myself, with no sounds but those wafting through my open windows. Spring birdies, kitties meowing their questions until they found my location, occasional wind chimes on the breeze. That was my cooking accompaniment.<br />
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My kitchen looks south towards Garden of the Gods. From my kitchen window I see my little fenced back yard, witchy cabin, parts of Manitou Springs' main drag, mountains off to the left and the stunningly majestic red rocks of Garden of the Gods off to the right.<br />
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The kitchen of the Manitou cabin is a U shape. Actually, it's more like U and a half. Everything is convenient. I have never had such a pretty and convenient gourmet style kitchen. Black granite countertops flecked with gold, black appliances, JennAir cooktop ...... you get the picture. I feel kinda fancy when I'm whuppin' up a grilled cheese in this environment.<br />
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Yesterday I moved my Mexican style bar and stools into the eat-in portion of the kitchen. Why didn't I think of that before? Now I have one of those kitchens that truly looks like it's ready for entertaining. "Gather 'round the bar, folks, and pour your margaritas while I whip up a little meal." Yes!<br />
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Today I started with some organic, whole wheat spaghetti noodles. Cook those up in an open skillet with plenty of water, a little olive oil, some garlic salt and fresh ground pepper. When the pasta is nearing completion start up a second skillet with plenty of olive oil and several big scoops of fresh, organic spinach. You can even get this kind of spinach at the Walmart now. Woot! As you're cooking down the spinach add some ground garlic sea salt and fresh ground pepper.<br />
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Since I've been reading far too much lately about the demerits of using a microwave (and wouldn't you know, I just bought a great big one for my new kitchen), I will heat my organic, glass jarred tomato-basil sauce in a pan on the stove. As it starts to simmer I always add extra organic basil flakes. Yummers. If this combination of smells doesn't entice you to eat, nothing will.<br />
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Once it's all complete, pile it up like this:<br />
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- put your delicately sauteed spinach on the plate first, making a nice little pile of garlicy greens;<br />
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- place your whole wheat pasta atop the beautiful spinach;<br />
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- pour your tomato-basil sauce directly on top of the whole wheat pasta;<br />
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- top this all off with a few sprinkles of either freshly grated parmesan or even some bagged, aged mozzarella.<br />
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Yum-E!<br />
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Add a little more spinach on the side if you like and remember, almost any vegetable will be delicious added to this tomato sauce. Mushrooms and sauteéd onions are my favorites.<br />
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Accompany this charming little lunch with an exquisite Camino Del Inca Malbec, 2009 (Argentina) and you've just made yourself something as delightful as you will find in any primo Italian Ristorante. Even better because you will be surrounded by purring fur balls who watch every move you make. No doubt Sharmayne will be whipping this little meal up by herself next week.<br />
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My suggestion for aprés lunch? Siesta time! Open the window, let the breeze in and curl up with a kitty and a delicious novel. Once siesta is complete, I hope you have a delicious slice of rum cake waiting, along with a tasty little espresso.<br />
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<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-16021484751463219132012-02-29T08:53:00.000-06:002012-02-29T08:53:57.972-06:00My Jaw Finally Dropped<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZsHvVHfmfpUepMY1JGuh9V4YeHRyvI5Zxo_Vz9497fsYwKWYWnHgvLumqs7cMsE_hk9cCyS0eizh5D4_zx1SYd7nhfWfwAoWB8O9gemiHQhobBTQf-_UIIQ1WlBr9YxxiYLzBpOI6H8/s1600/SantorumHS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZsHvVHfmfpUepMY1JGuh9V4YeHRyvI5Zxo_Vz9497fsYwKWYWnHgvLumqs7cMsE_hk9cCyS0eizh5D4_zx1SYd7nhfWfwAoWB8O9gemiHQhobBTQf-_UIIQ1WlBr9YxxiYLzBpOI6H8/s320/SantorumHS.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #666666;"><br />
</span></div><span style="background-color: #666666;">On the news this morning I watch Rick Santorum announce to his pleased audience, <i>"<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">do we believe in the smart and elite in this country to manage us?"</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">Why, no, you moron, the country is hoping that you, a member of the "dumb and tedious" will be leading our country. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">What is wrong with these bizarros? And by "bizarros" I mean republican (I'll start capitalizing it again when I find one who has a modicum of sense and moral dignity) candidates. As a short example, here are some of candidate Santorum's statements:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">“</span><em style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">We went into a recession in 2008 because of gasoline prices. The bubble burst in housing because people couldn’t pay their mortgages because of $4 a gallon gasoline</em><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; line-height: 30px;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">Yeah, OK, Rick. That was the reason in your hallucinations.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">“</span><em style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">CO2 is a pollutant? Tell that to the plants</em><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">Sigh. Too bad we're not marijuana plants. It would help us believe Santorum's wild ranting.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">“</span><em style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">One of the favorite things of the left is to use your sentimentality, and your proper understanding and belief that we are stewards of this earth and we have a responsibility to hand off a beautiful earth to the next generation. 'They use that and they have used it in the past to try to scare you into supporting radical ideas on the environment. They tried it with this idea, this politicization of science called man-made global warming... I stood up and fought against those things. Why? Because they will destroy the very foundation of prosperity in our country</em><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">Yep, global warming is a leftist plot.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">“</span><em style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">President Obama once said he wants everybody in America to go to college. What a snob!</em><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">I don't really need to say anything, do I?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">“</span><em style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual (gay) sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right to anything</em><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small; line-height: 30px;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">Ummmm, would you please explain your reasoning here, Ricky? Oh that's right. There isn't any. That would be elitist.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">“</span><em style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">In the Netherlands people wear a different bracelet if you're elderly and the bracelet is 'do not euthanize me.' Because they have voluntary euthanasia in the Netherlands, but half the people who are euthanized every year, and it's 10 percent of all deaths for the Netherlands, half of those people are euthanized involuntarily at hospitals because they are older and sick. And so elderly people in the Netherlands don't go to the hospital, they go to another country, because they are afraid, because of budget purposes, that they will not come out of that hospital if they go in with sickness</em><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; line-height: 30px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: georgia; line-height: 30px;">Absolutely none of that is true. I'll let FACTcheck.org handle this one:</span><br />
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<h4 style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;"><a href="http://factcheck.org/2012/02/santorums-bogus-euthanasia-claims/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">FactCheck.org</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> on the <em>actual facts</em>:</span></span></h4><blockquote style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">First, let's review the law. The 2001 Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act allows Dutch citizens to end their lives if they are suffering from a medical condition that causes "unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement." There are two end-of-life procedures: euthanasia, where a doctor administers a fatal drug, or assisted suicide, where the doctor prescribes the fatal drug and the patient administers it. The law took <a href="http://lawfam.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/2/260.full.pdf" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">effect</a>on April 1, 2002.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">According to a <a href="http://factcheck.org/UploadedFiles/2012/02/faqeuthanasia.pdf" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">publication</a> distributed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, doctors must be satisfied that the patient's request is "voluntary and well-considered," and that there is "unbearable suffering with no prospect for improvement." The patient's doctor must consult at least one other independent doctor, who is responsible for ensuring the "due care criteria" is met.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">After the termination of a patient's life, the death must be reported to the government and reviewed by regional committees composed of, at a minimum, a doctor, ethicist and legal expert.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">Now, let's look at Santorum's three claims. We'll begin with a stunning claim that the elderly are so afraid of being euthanized for "budget purposes" that they wear "do not euthanize me" bracelets. We were told by a government official and a representative of a Dutch physicians' association that this is simply not true.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">When we contacted the <a href="http://english.minvws.nl/en/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport</a>, public health spokeswoman <a href="http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/vws/contact/informatie-voor-de-pers" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Inge Freriksen</a> told us that "a bracelet asking not to be euthanized doesn't exist." Patients would only be euthanized after they followed the set of guidelines as outlined above.</span></div></blockquote><span style="background-color: #666666;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicDG14GaBkktBvwPtvk86UVtRjnKwVtyZhriX7ecPOzeerxtYUkRMDBYJ93TtvD5WGDBzRGoUmmKEPT7MpG4SoHZMFPVYOhXGbsaYM0OUfw7lhLtW4SNWtrEAjyP8tr3mzD-5wCGDXEs/s1600/Santorum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: black;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicDG14GaBkktBvwPtvk86UVtRjnKwVtyZhriX7ecPOzeerxtYUkRMDBYJ93TtvD5WGDBzRGoUmmKEPT7MpG4SoHZMFPVYOhXGbsaYM0OUfw7lhLtW4SNWtrEAjyP8tr3mzD-5wCGDXEs/s320/Santorum1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #666666;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">Idiot? Devil? Moron?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #666666;">You decide. I don't believe in a devil.</span></div><br />
</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-77117338909007026442012-02-28T07:37:00.000-06:002012-02-28T07:37:12.577-06:00Animal Cruelty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5215YBWj6bTL3Vc6gyXogkYR3nUY062DX6YAMQv8I8Hc2GMp5GHMe22wA2sp3V14wAkDVJYRkl0oEQUePefvDFKz5RXbmWkQ-ZRx21MF4C-Ms7p4CK0b69ieIbBWCORGVyeedoCeRvM/s1600/SlaughterhouseCows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5215YBWj6bTL3Vc6gyXogkYR3nUY062DX6YAMQv8I8Hc2GMp5GHMe22wA2sp3V14wAkDVJYRkl0oEQUePefvDFKz5RXbmWkQ-ZRx21MF4C-Ms7p4CK0b69ieIbBWCORGVyeedoCeRvM/s320/SlaughterhouseCows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These cows are alive.</div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b><i><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i>Hey Animal lovers out there. Looks like another politician (Republican - is this a surprise?) wants to protect potential animal abusers from prosecution.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i>I agree that there are privacy concerns when hidden cameras are part of the process to expose the intense abuse suffered by animals raised to feed us, but I wonder how else it will be exposed?</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i>This is an ongoing, mostly hidden, mostly ignored problem. We are the caretakers of the earth's animals. Putting them through a lifetime of intense suffering is not being a caretaker it's being a monster. </i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/27/hidden-cameras-agriculture_n_1303920.html?ir=Green" target="_blank">Click here to read the brief article</a></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22420%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/embed/XI6X1C-T3fM%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Click here to watch video of slaughterhouse abuse (very graphic)</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">(Warning, the above video makes me cry. I doubt I'll ever eat pork again after seeing this one and I could only watch the start of it. It's something you should know, however, and if you aren't an animal rights activist after watching this then you might want to check for your missing empathy chip.)</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/MoJoanMagick/animal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/MoJoanMagick/animal.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</i></b></span></span></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-69825154109294529782012-01-29T09:02:00.000-06:002012-01-29T09:02:36.600-06:00Bootylicious, for sure ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9YDEA5pW6jDegieF99qz-7DUPEJeLiOBj6CvAiT_Yo2IgTuVl27jesOTeRd7BhEDuOiy3Kj8lUVj2ZcLJsTqyTdVO9WWqPeByyrecstsowHM_fLM0JnowhfQzZ5Ahda5t6i3vf336mg/s1600/BeyonceBooty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9YDEA5pW6jDegieF99qz-7DUPEJeLiOBj6CvAiT_Yo2IgTuVl27jesOTeRd7BhEDuOiy3Kj8lUVj2ZcLJsTqyTdVO9WWqPeByyrecstsowHM_fLM0JnowhfQzZ5Ahda5t6i3vf336mg/s320/BeyonceBooty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, just in case you missed this, I want you to know that fame brings perks far, far beyond money and recognizability.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is not every day when one receives recognition because a new fly has been identified with a big booty. NOT every day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><h1 class="headline entry-title" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>"Beyonce gets fly with golden booty named after her"</i></span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Click here for story: <a href="http://beyonce%20gets%20fly%20with%20golden%20booty%20named%20after%20her/" target="_blank">Beyonce gets fly with golden booty named after her</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBdB6fP5Ami-fCFPUdV-qo37OU45bFpt9W3ukLOIDqMNvLRhi5DmbdLDJgciVbBpVXFDeDibnXWYkwYt48IVyAonQfeUu15SNF8ikHIhnDknOLK2OumbWEuvWYEdW-Iejm3kypAw-_10/s1600/FlyBooty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBdB6fP5Ami-fCFPUdV-qo37OU45bFpt9W3ukLOIDqMNvLRhi5DmbdLDJgciVbBpVXFDeDibnXWYkwYt48IVyAonQfeUu15SNF8ikHIhnDknOLK2OumbWEuvWYEdW-Iejm3kypAw-_10/s320/FlyBooty.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now this is when you realize you have arrived.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgoRVTe2wsDMHCPuVyh4Oyrecp368Nbfq623PoHVAUtdPwkE0jgzcaqD-Y1KXcNYup2HJ5LqTRR5iZ8pVuQXaA5fbti19vzdGCbQLUaVV6Ef0I3IaOFJlRh2gmENfCuZRzOsFWVXrQls/s1600/SmileyWinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgoRVTe2wsDMHCPuVyh4Oyrecp368Nbfq623PoHVAUtdPwkE0jgzcaqD-Y1KXcNYup2HJ5LqTRR5iZ8pVuQXaA5fbti19vzdGCbQLUaVV6Ef0I3IaOFJlRh2gmENfCuZRzOsFWVXrQls/s320/SmileyWinking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-46785930029253121302012-01-23T11:03:00.000-06:002012-01-23T11:03:16.589-06:00The First Day of the Rest of My Life!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKgPudT5ifL_ozFPWSuSIM7SSRvt41mvF1GITamOBUU67HzfhEjqrKuqZ30kLd7eSZsY2j_CORdD3VQ6M5G4ddidiXCGnukHX-H4Wqca4J4eHZ_iOw2x82Ce79OUFOC3bHCaBHuPDpL4/s1600/DietStop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKgPudT5ifL_ozFPWSuSIM7SSRvt41mvF1GITamOBUU67HzfhEjqrKuqZ30kLd7eSZsY2j_CORdD3VQ6M5G4ddidiXCGnukHX-H4Wqca4J4eHZ_iOw2x82Ce79OUFOC3bHCaBHuPDpL4/s320/DietStop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is it. Today is the day. Monday: the day of most "starts", right? Wednesday: the day of most "quits". Sigh.<br />
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I'm feeling the motivation to lose weight, finally. Things have gotten out of hand. I'm here exposing myself in the hopes that anyone else who needs to join me in this adventure will do so and feel encouraged by what I write. You, also, will encourage me with your own participation.<br />
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I have succumbed to the advertising of Nutrisystem. Indeed, I intend to look just like Janet Jackson in four months. Heh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs5ZCtiBKTC_liKzJ-4WkkJXkcMO2D1rh5IlHq5wEsir_Uvgh6G2UezmjM8VKwqycRSpeY3s64hl5bvfR-pJ0VpprFyZPB_793FU4CeT9DMZYRresX759wtuTqRknYcD1Cu7ud4YOnPY/s1600/janet_jackson1_300_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs5ZCtiBKTC_liKzJ-4WkkJXkcMO2D1rh5IlHq5wEsir_Uvgh6G2UezmjM8VKwqycRSpeY3s64hl5bvfR-pJ0VpprFyZPB_793FU4CeT9DMZYRresX759wtuTqRknYcD1Cu7ud4YOnPY/s320/janet_jackson1_300_400.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, I'll have to tan a bit and exercise a lot, but I can do it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's too soon for me to announce just how much weight I would LIKE to lose, or even how much I expect to lose on this trek. That would be overwhelming. The truth is, I'd like to get back to looking like I did as a teenager. Not because I will look like a teenager again, but because I'll FEEL more like a teenager again. Without all the angst and hormonal surges. The best of both worlds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYD3Peaf6b7gqGatRR4DuV1v0951yHDbQySyHXK3mA3jDSbD-LO2OL984UgWnNwhM7c7Pxu7iUYlZS4HOO9vradBER4kTSJwG2nhsK_H04NFdjaW94bA7yN4j7QjayfSlg7ow8Xa_mRM/s1600/Skinnygirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYD3Peaf6b7gqGatRR4DuV1v0951yHDbQySyHXK3mA3jDSbD-LO2OL984UgWnNwhM7c7Pxu7iUYlZS4HOO9vradBER4kTSJwG2nhsK_H04NFdjaW94bA7yN4j7QjayfSlg7ow8Xa_mRM/s320/Skinnygirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started the morning with my teeny weenie little bowl of bran cereal. Adding soy milk and stevia, it wasn't a bad meal at all. Now I'm supposed to have some sort of protein drink. I'll shake that up pretty soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what I like about this whole scenario right now: it's easy, it's already prepared, there is no measuring or thinking. Since I'm living alone in Manitou Springs at the moment, what could be better?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I trek down to the kitchen, pull something out of the pile of breakfast, lunch or dinner and voila - my meal is in front of me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Admittedly I have become very spoiled and very lazy when it comes to my diet. When I felt that first surge of hunger I'd grab something. Didn't really seem to matter what it was. Peanuts, crackers and cheese, cereal. Occasionally I'd make a good meal including vegetables, but I was often too lazy to do that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now there are so many things I want to write, read and explore, that good nutrition just wasn't on my radar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what I have found so far this morning, in just a few hours of my new adventure. This has inspired me to take all of my vitamins. I've set up my new stereo where I will use it both for enjoyment and meditation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRR0OJb7AYqgat5uPm7y1XTpTLKJ51LBlJQDvEBEZffoOdliYc_7vp7k3csupld4RkXTSbVngQeWUlHnU0D91RvImXFV9XObsZVWGqzbmP4boflsd-rZMusi7SEWoePNbWFb-97I5Wa8/s1600/DietThinFeels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRR0OJb7AYqgat5uPm7y1XTpTLKJ51LBlJQDvEBEZffoOdliYc_7vp7k3csupld4RkXTSbVngQeWUlHnU0D91RvImXFV9XObsZVWGqzbmP4boflsd-rZMusi7SEWoePNbWFb-97I5Wa8/s1600/DietThinFeels.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to stick to this, and will remain accountable to you, my two devoted readers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-32188953677256819522012-01-23T09:19:00.002-06:002012-01-23T09:23:39.687-06:00Are we proud of our younger generation or what?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x9dJF5_TBPQj9XT5bBGXeL-uKsDupgH_nMIKo7pDL874eoEss7uu-0Hwu8Y7wK_hYJVrxVlPjeMp2Hk9zyUu0XzSfcjRYY6ztLqRltG9fotZAXEDIB65n8TLskwBkMdtrwiNlDAq2dU/s1600/angela_zhang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x9dJF5_TBPQj9XT5bBGXeL-uKsDupgH_nMIKo7pDL874eoEss7uu-0Hwu8Y7wK_hYJVrxVlPjeMp2Hk9zyUu0XzSfcjRYY6ztLqRltG9fotZAXEDIB65n8TLskwBkMdtrwiNlDAq2dU/s1600/angela_zhang.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now and then we allow ourselves to think that the younger generations are going to Hell. Why? I think it's partly laziness on the part of us "older" people and also because what we hear on the news every day is mostly negative. That's what news is for, though, not to report the ordinary, but to report problems which need to be fixed and the occasional outstanding moment. For some reason we want to allow our problems to outweigh the good in our daily lives. Perhaps that's human nature; perhaps that's just how most of us have been taught to think about life.<br />
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So here is a 17-year-old girl who, possibly, may have created a route to the cure for cancer. When reading how she came to this procedure it certainly makes sense and seems almost simple, as most miraculous cures are. However, no one thought of it before, so indeed, she has a special mind and a special place in history.<br />
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We have a reason to celebrate today, and to be grateful for the young minds which will help make our lives and the lives of our children better.<br />
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Click on the blog title or copy and paste this link to be taken to the article on this subject:<br />
http://www.geekosystem.com/17-yo-cancer-nanoparticle/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aMCFE07j6fy-iwXoca3LMkBOQkK-pIsjPaa9CKNvUjDBFsdSxmBc0-1Dqx9A8KYHLxW-D_3zogtAL7NqieF6KlHxSIEoRloxBj3S23iblkZE0AibjIB69AT0sUoa4j8SzP7kbK5s1oU/s1600/Namaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aMCFE07j6fy-iwXoca3LMkBOQkK-pIsjPaa9CKNvUjDBFsdSxmBc0-1Dqx9A8KYHLxW-D_3zogtAL7NqieF6KlHxSIEoRloxBj3S23iblkZE0AibjIB69AT0sUoa4j8SzP7kbK5s1oU/s320/Namaste.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-26491903260981190932012-01-22T16:28:00.000-06:002012-01-22T16:28:52.613-06:00New Moon Tonight, Folks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">At 12:41am tomorrow morning we will be enjoying the new moon for January, 2012.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlq4a2L_CcLfgvI6m8Fm1OHnjz8SbTkYFBJDw_-bvwFGAeMc_745fBTLwYBRuAFASImrJOXHe3Z3x9-hnARuiwIxRpkSuTftbKIMLvZUJT-Gfp_bXMWa0lj2PYpHLG_Giy9uPMNGgOsk/s1600/moon_phases_diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlq4a2L_CcLfgvI6m8Fm1OHnjz8SbTkYFBJDw_-bvwFGAeMc_745fBTLwYBRuAFASImrJOXHe3Z3x9-hnARuiwIxRpkSuTftbKIMLvZUJT-Gfp_bXMWa0lj2PYpHLG_Giy9uPMNGgOsk/s320/moon_phases_diagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The new moon phase occurs when the moon is positioned directly between the earth and the sun. Hence, the sun's light shines on only the back portion of the moon which we don't see here on earth. <br />
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As both of my blog readers know, I enjoy studying the "old ways" and tend to believe that nature holds power of us little humans. Thus, I feel that just as the moon has power over the oceans it also has influence far beyond what we are generally willing to admit as the powerful human beings we feel we are.<br />
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Given that, I enjoy some simple rituals which allow us to show our appreciation for, and also use the power of nature. New Moon is a good time to concentrate on new intentions or new goals, as the moon will now grow to be full in one month.<br />
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Whatever your intention may be (start writing poetry, get better grades, change a certain part of your personality, become a gourmet chef, etc.), this is the time to proclaim them and start work. You will have the energy of the moon with you, helping you toward your goal.<br />
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Do you have a new goal? I certainly do, and I will commence after dark this evening with a ritual cleansing bath prior to starting my new journey.<br />
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Would you like a personalized Moon Ritual made just for you and your new intention? Please click on the box on the upper left side of this blog with the title "Buy a Custom MoJo Moon Ritual Here", pick whether you wish a new moon or a full moon ritual, and check out through PayPal.<br />
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Be sure to include a clear and direct intention via the message portion of PayPal. I will promptly send you a customized ritual made just for you.<br />
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Whatever you choose to do on this new moon, may you be blessed in every way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQLIbaGFxwTNwyXGapVinjjWDG5S_KV-HRnlf5M0xz1w-CzOHMiXLJe5pT-rQm6wz8xY9NmXmwO4huIc-CgCwKbt3j564q7xOXE_F1Bzsr1Br693yQf5g4sl-AdL70bPojKO0KWrFsCU/s1600/MoonLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQLIbaGFxwTNwyXGapVinjjWDG5S_KV-HRnlf5M0xz1w-CzOHMiXLJe5pT-rQm6wz8xY9NmXmwO4huIc-CgCwKbt3j564q7xOXE_F1Bzsr1Br693yQf5g4sl-AdL70bPojKO0KWrFsCU/s320/MoonLake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-72282666693749021042012-01-22T13:53:00.000-06:002012-01-22T13:53:09.412-06:00Here it is: The PERFECT, Traditional Grilled Cheese Sandwich Meal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rqm22KnmpfbZ9PPioo-9x9FjI2DaPb0rleUjfZl-DaYkO6yiBvcvCjPEArs4SnmG4hpWPerZBZyTgFMBkkYjXzUoCF3YhSO3l4gq_umuMN2UgLCYxzpac4ME-Gl1At2SOZbRhvqK7PA/s1600/GrilledcheeseTomatosoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rqm22KnmpfbZ9PPioo-9x9FjI2DaPb0rleUjfZl-DaYkO6yiBvcvCjPEArs4SnmG4hpWPerZBZyTgFMBkkYjXzUoCF3YhSO3l4gq_umuMN2UgLCYxzpac4ME-Gl1At2SOZbRhvqK7PA/s320/GrilledcheeseTomatosoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Ok, here we go. Now this is the quickie, down and dirty grilled cheese dinner for when you just got home and are starving. We've all been there.<br />
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Grab two pieces of your herbed Italian bread (yes, they even have this at the Walmart), along with at least two different kinds of sliced cheese. You don't have to get fancy here, this is the down and dirty version. So pick a slice of American, one slice of Swiss cheese and a few teeny slices of your favorite (Havarti or gruyere are my faves).<br />
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Slap those cheesies on your fancy bread and sprinkle some basil in between the slices. This is very important! BASIL!<br />
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Pour a little extra virgin olive oil into your non-stick skillet and turn the heat on low. Did you hear me? LOW! If yer a skinny-minnie and have no heart issues, slather that gorgeous frying pan with real butter instead of EVOO. Up to you.<br />
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While the first side of your basil grilled cheese is soaking up that oil and starting to tan, pull out a ready made can of Progresso tomato basil soup. I said this was the down and dirty version, right?<br />
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Pour that easy basily soup into a big cup with a handle and flash it in the micro for a minute. Don't forget to cover it, silly.<br />
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Check the suntan on your grilled cheese and if it looks right around Jamaican, flip it over.<br />
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Now give that tomato soup a stir, recover it, and nuke it for another 45 seconds.<br />
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Now's the time to pick your grilled cheese wine. I suggest a smooth chardonnay or liebfraumilch - whatever is your favorite. For me? Whatever is already open.<br />
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By the time you've got your soup cup set on your plate and your wine poured, you should have a nicely tanned grilled cheese. Take your time, though, goodness cannot be rushed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVAnKIhpLIIk5hESLrZ6rTGC35DL437a8D2BxGm0k2NXbHD3YW0BUVDISTfwMePLfGqiK3PpoOVKXXorD6HfxYlrY1M-3Gev4oN-UTL6AUqSWMWtwIa-9yhNA2W27EF-JLYcKu6-_0bg/s1600/GrilledCheese1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVAnKIhpLIIk5hESLrZ6rTGC35DL437a8D2BxGm0k2NXbHD3YW0BUVDISTfwMePLfGqiK3PpoOVKXXorD6HfxYlrY1M-3Gev4oN-UTL6AUqSWMWtwIa-9yhNA2W27EF-JLYcKu6-_0bg/s320/GrilledCheese1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Got the stereo set? Lights dimmed? Yeah. You're ready. Carry that gorgeous plate of comfort food to the best seat in the house and there you are - caramba! Happy.<br />
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Admit it, you want one right now, don't you.</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-15267101683972370242012-01-10T09:27:00.000-06:002012-01-10T09:27:05.646-06:00Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our NosesI knew it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm#.TwxXzk_O08p.blogger">Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses</a><br /><br />When I burn incense I feel calmer, more centered and ultimately happier and more content. Who is to say what came first, the affect of chemicals from the incense or the affect of meditation on my brain? Chicken? Egg?<br /><br />So priests have known for centuries that burning incense has a positive effect on us. Now if only it had a negative affect on their desire for pedophilia it would be considered a wonder drug indeed.MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-5100381842502381192012-01-05T15:55:00.000-06:002012-01-05T15:55:55.599-06:00I am lifted up! Or, synchronicity in action.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3CmKcKVZk66wnv9EPFIIzG8q0PEvQ4qbrMElOIBzDB1zzWu4ZlbnBg3g7omlU7BmKKbojSyQDTdf2kc2UY6MaMbyvBrC6UVIiDh6Ly5Dtcj-J83oMQf-2MkTc_5TUsdcSWJeI5SqEak/s1600/SunriseFieldSky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3CmKcKVZk66wnv9EPFIIzG8q0PEvQ4qbrMElOIBzDB1zzWu4ZlbnBg3g7omlU7BmKKbojSyQDTdf2kc2UY6MaMbyvBrC6UVIiDh6Ly5Dtcj-J83oMQf-2MkTc_5TUsdcSWJeI5SqEak/s320/SunriseFieldSky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We all have friends who, after spending time with them, leave us feeling whole again, better than we were prior; happier, fuller, more spiritual and infinitely grateful for the blessings in our lives.<br />
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I just spent several hours with one such friend. My life is more complete because of her. After moving to the boonies of Missouri I am fortunate to have found such a person. Really, I'd be lucky to have found such a person anywhere, let alone hiding secluded in the rolling hills of northern Missouri.<br />
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It makes me consider what it is that brings us together as friends and confidantes. How did I even find this person? Having moved from a large metropolitan area to 30 acres in the country my opportunities were more than limited when the only town close to me housed only 999 people. When a friend such as this is one in a million, how do you find her amidst only a fraction of that?<br />
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She delivered my mail. That's how. Yes. One of my most respected friends in the world was my mail carrier. I recall early on stopping on our little gravel road, rolling down my window, and greeting her. Ten minutes later I knew that I had to make some of my unusual jewelry for her. Not everyone is right for my jewelry, that's a fact. Beej was, indeed, a perfect fit for my darkly spiritual creations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcEJiKCNNo1Vu1iNcQg612WWH6kQGNRzR_2-tHHFF4WgaMhcV_RsdvwtORSW_YWHTLQnaHnQf6YRXUmEHXV02F4BSx1yF7o2571MMi4ucJGtGFdzQUpFXmKlMD4WKKMGXEmtuvu-tZ1Q/s1600/Friendship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcEJiKCNNo1Vu1iNcQg612WWH6kQGNRzR_2-tHHFF4WgaMhcV_RsdvwtORSW_YWHTLQnaHnQf6YRXUmEHXV02F4BSx1yF7o2571MMi4ucJGtGFdzQUpFXmKlMD4WKKMGXEmtuvu-tZ1Q/s1600/Friendship.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This synchronicity thing takes many forms.<br />
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I remember going to Tony Robbins' "Firewalk"* seminar approximately 25 years ago. I walked into the auditorium filled with hundreds of people. As I stood at the entrance thinking about where I'd sit and who I might sit next to, I spied an interesting looking dark skinned woman and chose her. Out of several hundred people I might have sat with I ended up conversing with the one who had been a college student, attending the school in another state where both my grandparents were professors and both my parents attended college. How do we explain this kind of synchronicity? What energy is it that draws us to those of like minds, experiences or quests?<br />
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Perhaps it is the same energy which brings us together geographically. No, I think it's more than that. It is awareness. When we become aware of who we really are and what is important to us in this lifetime we recognize it in others.<br />
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We see it in the way people walk, the design of their lawns and homes, their bumper stickers and the aura surrounding them and their geographical locations.<br />
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More importantly, though, is that energy which directs us to those who not only lift us up but encourage us as spiritual human beings, bolstering our enthusiasm for life and the quest for knowledge.<br />
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Pay attention and act on your sixth sense when you recognize that it is all coming together for you. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe5raQgPE9mMrYkCixh9XiexCEvms9xjlMMM9mX1kehZ-aTinoWPs5GhfsJ9OMkM6b9Y50cV4lFQz_y7vgQgZG7Ob2iaYOJJR8rIoT4zgI4u4duMxDVhMxhbnYxQq_KWPUvpM-vroLS4/s1600/EyeDreamFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe5raQgPE9mMrYkCixh9XiexCEvms9xjlMMM9mX1kehZ-aTinoWPs5GhfsJ9OMkM6b9Y50cV4lFQz_y7vgQgZG7Ob2iaYOJJR8rIoT4zgI4u4duMxDVhMxhbnYxQq_KWPUvpM-vroLS4/s320/EyeDreamFairy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-2691994710182255642011-12-13T20:29:00.000-06:002011-12-13T20:29:01.190-06:00Fire!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTXFJhoGMoXfEN8MGUHF8HJIepgv9Vi9UsN4cPW1sq9j7I3l1-ztjmwurSYyomHdBk42mD_hpMsl7D_S8nir0YEZRa2g787cAQ6V3mFSp-PlGpkkoQHN1ueQDRqCpltrLUOIv647GO2s/s1600/FireHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTXFJhoGMoXfEN8MGUHF8HJIepgv9Vi9UsN4cPW1sq9j7I3l1-ztjmwurSYyomHdBk42mD_hpMsl7D_S8nir0YEZRa2g787cAQ6V3mFSp-PlGpkkoQHN1ueQDRqCpltrLUOIv647GO2s/s320/FireHeart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hello to my two readers out there. You may notice that I have changed the name of my blog.<br />
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This name came to mind as my life began changing a few weeks ago. Life can be constructed around the oddest catalysts, have you noticed that? In my case, something seemingly negative has instead become the stimulus for my realizing a decades old dream. Actually, TWO seemingly negative events account for this major lifestyle change.<br />
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The first was the fire we sustained at our beloved "ranch" just over a year ago. As both of you know, our home burned to the ground. Below ground, actually. Yeppers, there's just a big ol' hole in the ground where our home used to be. Now the property looks like a beautiful park. I have to admit that I'm attracted to returning and visiting for that reason plus, as always, the enjoyment of plentiful wildlife on our 30 acres. Perhaps this is the reason we haven't sold that beautiful acreage yet. Too nice to give up.<br />
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I've been ruminating for over a year now on the psychological changes which occur when one's home burns down. I suppose that at first it was a bit of a shock. It seemed that my friends and family were much more upset by the whole episode than was I. I never cried or became sad about the loss of our many things. Antique collections, stained glass, thousands of pieces of depression glass and stained glass lamps are only "things." Oddly, evidently, this did not particularly bother me.<br />
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Due to this I'd like to feel that I have my priorities straight. Yes, I adored the house. Yes, I adored living amongst nature and of course I adored all my funky art and collections. But in the end they are only things which superficially decorate our lives. They are not, by any means, life itself.<br />
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The only sadness was in the loss of our pets who I tried to save, but couldn't. Those moments shall remain the most frightening of my life as for me, anyway, fire became the most terrifying element I'd yet encountered. As I ran back into the rapidly burning house to attempt to rescue my pets I could think of nothing else but our beloved kitties. They, of course, were hiding from fear and not to be located. All I could think to do was kick out the window screens in case they would attempt to escape the house. As far as we were aware in our constant returns to search for them, none did.<br />
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I didn't think to grab my purse which was right in front of me, or our comptuers, or our important papers, or anything of a collectible nature. It simply did not occur to me. I was after our pets and they were of the only import of all which resided in that house. With the ceiling burning over me I knew I had to run back out or risk my life further.<br />
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The house was completely engulfed in flames in less than 20 minutes. As the firefighters informed me, this is normal for new construction. Who knew! I certainly didn't.<br />
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Unfortunately, my sweetie arrived home just in time to see the last of his home burning down. He was a rock. Still is, though I know he felt the loss of our pets as deeply as I. <br />
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We left the burning embers with the clothes on our backs and my husband's credit card in his pocket and headed, at 10:30pm on a Saturday night, to the nearby Walmart to purchase a suitcase, pajamas, fresh blue jeans and t-shirts and a few toiletries. Accompanied by these necessities we cuddled together in a motel room for the next few nights. <br />
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Outside of our sorrow over the loss of our kitties, I felt as though this was not at all a tragedy, but an adventure. After all, life is change. Indeed, I have always welcomed most changes that life has offered me. Learning experiences all, this was yet another on my journey to a better place, both emotionally and psychically.<br />
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Following the fire we spent a week in motels and then two more at my Mother's home nearby. Ironically, we found our next home just two doors down from my Mother's home. Old, sturdy brick (less chance of fire!) and empty, we made an offer the seller couldn't refuse and moved in immediately. What a lark it was to purchase all the furniture specifically as our clasic arts and crafts style home dictated. Filled with natural woodwork and sets of pocket doors, I spent several weeks choosing just the right accompaniment for this beautiful home and had it ready by Thanksgiving dinner, 2010. We celebrated with family and a traditional turkey dinner.<br />
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What heals your heart from the loss of beloved pets? Caring for another rescued animal, of course. A friend's farm kitten was offered and I grabbed the chance to shower a new addition to our family with all the love lost in the ether of our previous seven kitties. Little Sharmayne, all black, long haired and full of piss and vinegar became without a doubt the most adored kitty in the northern hemisphere. I still relish the hours, more than a year ago, that I spent returning home to play with her and cuddle her all night long.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsoHQvZ0yV_lIfuQ0V3lOOCQaYixBTGid-HtuQI5Xt9_aVEPuSGBoibQu3f7NlpTspVp28qGVDPCts42xGBCoNvJ2QP8CgK2qKFSV0an-new4_UMPjFmJBAmIMuL8AIkX-ujEXNnbVBE/s1600/IMGP0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsoHQvZ0yV_lIfuQ0V3lOOCQaYixBTGid-HtuQI5Xt9_aVEPuSGBoibQu3f7NlpTspVp28qGVDPCts42xGBCoNvJ2QP8CgK2qKFSV0an-new4_UMPjFmJBAmIMuL8AIkX-ujEXNnbVBE/s320/IMGP0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The addition of four more rescue kitties from the Humane Society has well rounded out our family of furballs. How fortunate am I to be married to a man who, also, is a feline enthusiast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h-o5ha80H-oER2ZxszflNhx6uXLV8TMJWKtF9GjMn0ioJ7KYU2rQwlZAbxExXi4CFeNsfiLdSaPCdv4fXXFoBNJ_n1dj4VD6BuSM2gf1MtKFX9kuOc_ss2aT8A1ON-u0ZxNkwN7GreE/s1600/IMGP0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h-o5ha80H-oER2ZxszflNhx6uXLV8TMJWKtF9GjMn0ioJ7KYU2rQwlZAbxExXi4CFeNsfiLdSaPCdv4fXXFoBNJ_n1dj4VD6BuSM2gf1MtKFX9kuOc_ss2aT8A1ON-u0ZxNkwN7GreE/s320/IMGP0315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent nearly a year in this comfortable home when I encountered yet another catalyst of sorts. "They" say that everything happens for a reason and although this has always made cosmic sense to me, I'm now becoming a truly convinced believer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It turns out that getting a kick in the pants to make more changes - changes which pointed me in the direction I'd wished to go for decades - was precisely what I needed to guide me directly to my dreams.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And ....... what might those dreams have been, you are both wondering? Well, for at least twenty years I have loved and wanted to live in the mountains. Thanks to my younger daughter moving to the top of a mountain 21 years ago I've had plentiful experience in that arena. From the get go, even as a child visiting the mountains with my parents, I've felt that my soul longed to stay in that geographical part of our country. Nothing is as beautiful to me as majestic mountains and all the fabulous wildlife they shelter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUorPdqCMOt_ucnnAAUdKADd6iCZW3y7ndrx38etDNKGiEHiJd6HjzxgE9uaR2j7IDZKA4Qrp48_DhkqVLWfkPh7cj5MEcWHBoLdWS4lGzTJXFJvs5vZZ3mNiHuDtZm5n88GJju9cYYdE/s1600/mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUorPdqCMOt_ucnnAAUdKADd6iCZW3y7ndrx38etDNKGiEHiJd6HjzxgE9uaR2j7IDZKA4Qrp48_DhkqVLWfkPh7cj5MEcWHBoLdWS4lGzTJXFJvs5vZZ3mNiHuDtZm5n88GJju9cYYdE/s320/mountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With litttle effort I located my perfect mountain home. Two, actually. Decisions, decisions! I chose (for now) the one located in one of my favorite Colorado towns: Manitou Springs. Funky, quirky and full of cheerful people, Manitou has been one of my favorite trip destinations for years. Now I live there - half time!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn3Wtyay7xbJ388FQgRmxGd0c2IlDSXklWNWaY7oQgMUU-idcuiJbO93P03gbLquIPYa-DnGRn3S-MDbjzvikYN9Luq5fytc23bzdc5eQ8Kuz4CDlL-E-4lXOoU910OIVTAFmdDCxCJo/s1600/SantaFeFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn3Wtyay7xbJ388FQgRmxGd0c2IlDSXklWNWaY7oQgMUU-idcuiJbO93P03gbLquIPYa-DnGRn3S-MDbjzvikYN9Luq5fytc23bzdc5eQ8Kuz4CDlL-E-4lXOoU910OIVTAFmdDCxCJo/s320/SantaFeFront.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Having the best of two worlds is something I've only dreampt of in my past. Living this dream is something I'm still adjusting to in a very happy manner. In my mountain home I see Pikes Peak from one window and Garden of the Gods (a very spiritual place for me) from another. With a caretaker's apartment in the basement, an art studio on the second floor, a whirlpool with a view and a fireplace in the living room perfect as a cozy reading spot, I can't imagine how mountain life gets much better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tNh6GZmKeBA8XFqc4cz164pZXvE3Yl9WWyiXrCNaSOQIHxVLXIrZfiAssvXWbAoRAajoHmpGWagh_FDA5ildSxJ8TyS3CuZh2VjhlxP1bhGdtZ5bzJuQcQKyHLZhJtORKmgV7XDnGnI/s1600/SantaFePlaceManitouView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tNh6GZmKeBA8XFqc4cz164pZXvE3Yl9WWyiXrCNaSOQIHxVLXIrZfiAssvXWbAoRAajoHmpGWagh_FDA5ildSxJ8TyS3CuZh2VjhlxP1bhGdtZ5bzJuQcQKyHLZhJtORKmgV7XDnGnI/s320/SantaFePlaceManitouView.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiOwC4Jrl1Rg5S3XiCYmZJhvf92tlsHRIm3nxSl5jJMbxFXDtSkeJajEN30FCI_FVLvBmcWfOVPYPj9CC7bpd405ABEqoJoj2WEcZR7JdhfgwXpTG-Qb0b6fPYFvgUMswk5-_VJorkJE/s1600/SantaFeMstrBath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiOwC4Jrl1Rg5S3XiCYmZJhvf92tlsHRIm3nxSl5jJMbxFXDtSkeJajEN30FCI_FVLvBmcWfOVPYPj9CC7bpd405ABEqoJoj2WEcZR7JdhfgwXpTG-Qb0b6fPYFvgUMswk5-_VJorkJE/s320/SantaFeMstrBath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM8wWM0YAKEP2XvQ6X3fMwCSpYFgLdIGCdqDG7-AjFvYKlpe_wlZqsHb37X8p-Rpa6CI9Kx7527nl_9UfbJntwD7c82j-SLDp56DqDZb4YV6ty4V-iDzQDVZ7U5TlIUMIbwm-vfFOBfI/s1600/SantaFeStudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM8wWM0YAKEP2XvQ6X3fMwCSpYFgLdIGCdqDG7-AjFvYKlpe_wlZqsHb37X8p-Rpa6CI9Kx7527nl_9UfbJntwD7c82j-SLDp56DqDZb4YV6ty4V-iDzQDVZ7U5TlIUMIbwm-vfFOBfI/s320/SantaFeStudio.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But wait. It does! One dream leads to another so not only have I realized the enticing prospect of having a home in the mountains, but dream #2 has just been realized, also. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It goes like this. Two decades ago (as a young thing of only 40) my adventurous desire was to purchase a small RV, pack up Phil (my standard size white poodle) and take off for parts unknown - in particular, Sitka, Alaska. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
Now I don't know whether or not I'll be driving all the way to Alaska, but as of two weeks ago I do have a new gypsy motorhome. Phil, unfortunately, is no longer with me so I carry his picture on the dash board. Wherever I travel now Phil goes, too. The new gypsy home is big enough for packing up my five kitties and heading out for parts unknown. So now Dream #2 has been accomplished and will shortly be put into action via heading down to Austin, Texas to visit family for Yule.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What does this all mean, if anything? You know I'm always looking for meaning in each of life's changes. I think there's a lesson here for all of us: don't put off your dreams. Don't wait for your house to burn down to make "dream" an action word. I'm not saying I would never have done these things which make life worthwhile for me, but I'm sure pleased that they are coming at a time in my life when I'm young enough to truly enjoy them, yet old enough to really appreciate them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Maya Angelou says, "each decade is better than the last." I can attest to this. Life has never been as good as it is now in my sixties. Sure, my knees ache more than they did two decades ago, but everything that resides in my mind MORE than makes up for the aches and pains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My gypsy days are just beginning. There is so much left to learn, accept and enjoy. I was watching the news this morning, enjoying a segment about a scientist/doctor who believes he may have the key to extending our lives for ........... ever? Besides the fact that overcrowding the earth would become a huge problem, I wonder if we don't need the respite of death and rebirth in order to focus more fully on lessons learned and choosing our next lifetimes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But that's another blog .............. isn't it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-206273174804923512011-09-20T20:40:00.000-05:002011-09-20T20:40:39.877-05:00Conundrums<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXHxYWbkE1sd_iyRIntG0wN2C7NxIeizbEmzKWyq3Ku7gAQOSnR11vuV6YE4QMh_Ocs1mEhQ4rdOLqfJdMhrSiagcRFY5p7j2Nv7q7IsGKxzAnSKQieN5UJm6iV0sF9pUnWS_AH80XA/s1600/turtleupsidedown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXHxYWbkE1sd_iyRIntG0wN2C7NxIeizbEmzKWyq3Ku7gAQOSnR11vuV6YE4QMh_Ocs1mEhQ4rdOLqfJdMhrSiagcRFY5p7j2Nv7q7IsGKxzAnSKQieN5UJm6iV0sF9pUnWS_AH80XA/s1600/turtleupsidedown.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, if a turtle's shell falls off, is she nekkid, or homeless?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enquiring minds want to know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-14351929090743626312011-09-19T20:08:00.000-05:002011-09-19T20:08:05.996-05:00How do you decide where to live?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGSqLcgAWU31JoOkP00fYYQd6Rbh1INv-jGEaG2xWXXkKEBfKaCMuNbB8-fasa1AHb1dHPdcGrCaK4o3tyctUbvNZodalDEdvKonWH802IQlY0ffjn6JC1AhMCzq8cIn7fstxGFQfs8Q/s1600/ManitouPikesPeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGSqLcgAWU31JoOkP00fYYQd6Rbh1INv-jGEaG2xWXXkKEBfKaCMuNbB8-fasa1AHb1dHPdcGrCaK4o3tyctUbvNZodalDEdvKonWH802IQlY0ffjn6JC1AhMCzq8cIn7fstxGFQfs8Q/s320/ManitouPikesPeak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I have a question for both of you readers out there. But first, let me apologize for being absent so long. I'd like to say that I've been busy, but that really wouldn't be true. Busy inside my head, possibly, but not physically busy by any means. Yes, this must change, but I digress ........... <br />
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Here is my question: given circumstances which would allow you to do so, how would you decide where you would most like to live? Would geography be your first priority? Weather? Family or friends? Or have you never really thought about the possibility that you can choose where you want to live? <br />
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It seems that, as is lifestyle, choice of life location is mandated mostly by two things: upbringing and job availability. Choice does not necessarily enter into our geographic circumstances. <strike></strike><br />
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My impression is that, in general, we pay as much attention to our choice of geographic location as we do to our daily lives. In other words: not much. While taking family and responsibilities into consideration, why don't we consider these things which are so infused with the potential for bathing our souls in utter bliss? Ya, I know. Location isn't everything ......... unless you're in real estate, of course. <br />
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But for those of you who travel, you know that there are locations which can take you to a spiritual place that no other can. For me it's the mountains. I first saw the mountains when I was in grade school. I was fortunate enough to have parents who thought that travel was important. My first site of the Tetons is something I remember today, 50 years later. That particular mountain range was life changing then, and still is stunning, no matter how often I see it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGAyWcPkZNzAtMIlBI8QP8CkFWRlRB7wrPS9hDXwhF4d2-XpYkEP1pk8X1Zp3VeCu4N4k-zQTgNYrQQNGyTsModSMkMxLZJxVvpBTLsmTz9Gspih_hkhdBsw6qcDnBtNSU8ysNctsXj0/s1600/TetonsTrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGAyWcPkZNzAtMIlBI8QP8CkFWRlRB7wrPS9hDXwhF4d2-XpYkEP1pk8X1Zp3VeCu4N4k-zQTgNYrQQNGyTsModSMkMxLZJxVvpBTLsmTz9Gspih_hkhdBsw6qcDnBtNSU8ysNctsXj0/s320/TetonsTrees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So here I am, 40 years later, actually buying property in the mountains. I've fantasized about so many places: Salem, MA; Wyoming; California; Maine; Oregon; Washington State; Austin, TX. To be as comfortable and inspiring as a geographical location could be there must be a multitude of things coming together. Like-minded people, landscape which inspires, a compatible political environment, enjoyable activities. All of these add up to an environment that stimulates, soothes and inspires.<br />
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Tell me, you two readers out there, what does this for you?MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-26714923146996530482011-03-21T09:09:00.000-05:002011-03-21T09:09:22.399-05:00Spring Morning RitualGood morning! It's Monday. I'm starting a new spring ritual. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68dlk0tssVDZucjMqwJATsmpyZjDLbSVPnJTCXYFD4N1cZUUylHHYCDLs6bOUKuXHi7mRhMxtL8vL_uxDlU5EBRDXDCTjNEaWV_RpRpsT1Q3iYoAwsezzkiOvclNWYLE2dByWvzN6b1Q/s1600/CandlesFour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68dlk0tssVDZucjMqwJATsmpyZjDLbSVPnJTCXYFD4N1cZUUylHHYCDLs6bOUKuXHi7mRhMxtL8vL_uxDlU5EBRDXDCTjNEaWV_RpRpsT1Q3iYoAwsezzkiOvclNWYLE2dByWvzN6b1Q/s320/CandlesFour.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Arise before dawn to the sound of the birds waking up outside my bedroom window (window always cracked open no matter the temperature outdoors) and listen gratefully to the world awakening around me. Spend a few moments in quiet solitude ...... until Sharmayne (my active black kitten) realizes I am awake and begins to pounce on my face and hands.<br />
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Kitty hugs are the best! Shy Cybil waits at the bedroom door hoping I will be up soon. She waits every morning for our mutual bathroom visit. They say girls always go to the bathroom in pairs? They're right.<br />
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Next, stretch, stretch, stretch while still in bed. Have you tried this? It makes a world of difference to how you will feel when your feet hit the floor. The first to teach me this was my wonderful massage therapist in Milwaukee (thank you, Leanne). She told me that as I lie on my back in bed, pull each leg back by the knee, one by one, and hold (gently, of course) my leg bent back as far as is comfortable for a few seconds. This not only limbers your leg muscles but helps loosen the hip joint, making it easier to walk. Are you thinking of how stiff your hips can feel in the morning? Try this. Really. It works.<br />
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With the necessities taken care of, I pull on yesterday's jeans, t-shirt and denim jacket and set out for my pre-dawn walk. This is always an interesting experience. Who is up at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.? Which lights are on, how many TVs are already placating wee ones with inane cartoons of princesses waiting for their princes, who do you meet on the sidewalk as you stroll the neighborhood? This morning I met a man who was taking a walk while carrying his dog. Go figure. Now that's devotion.<br />
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Back at home the electric kettle awaits fresh water for coffee. Rock that French press with some strong, freshly ground beans and a world class fusion is about to take place. Cybil and Sharmayne wait impatiently for their breakfast of canned paté (are they spoiled?).<br />
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Next up, carry your laptop and java to the front porch. Now, I have to tell you that I have never had such a wonderful front porch as this. All brick, mortar and concrete, and LARGE! Even back at the ranch where the view from the porch was terrific, the porch itself was so narrow that a conversation pit was impossible to improvise. Nothing like a 1912 porch. They really knew how to do some front porch sittin' back then.<br />
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Although my spring porch altar is only partially set up, I light my incense and relax into the utter gratefulness of this moment. The cardinals chasing each other through the trees, the sparrows flying past me through the porch on their way to morning seeds, even the cars going by ferrying 8:00 a.m. workers and school children is a testament to the world coming alive. <br />
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This is life as it should be: busy, hopeful, restful, grateful.<br />
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NamastéMoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-33830386114233297352011-03-19T16:00:00.000-05:002011-03-19T16:00:37.223-05:00Belated Reflections on St. Patrick's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH5l3azC-1yo2SzsJvqFaBX6V5jjSBjJPEe2QWltgiuLufMHH0Riad2U6mjbarP7dmuxmh9qaAyAnKe8z20aNr5EayTg5dyDLwQfue-_KS1CLNgWWFD5dJB0P_8Kk5Zajojm9J0azaug/s1600/StPatricksDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH5l3azC-1yo2SzsJvqFaBX6V5jjSBjJPEe2QWltgiuLufMHH0Riad2U6mjbarP7dmuxmh9qaAyAnKe8z20aNr5EayTg5dyDLwQfue-_KS1CLNgWWFD5dJB0P_8Kk5Zajojm9J0azaug/s320/StPatricksDay.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I admit that I was raised with the thought that if you are not Irish (I'm not) then you don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Silly, I know, but for six decades that idea stayed with me.<br />
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For the first time this year, I paid homage to our dear Irish friends and their heritage by decorating my gargoyle with green shamrocks and making - for the first time ever - a huge pot of corned beef and cabbage. It felt so right! I even received my first St. Patrick's Day card. How did she know?!<br />
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To not celebrate others' holidays is a selfish exclusion and message of intolerance that, I realize now, is unbecoming and a reflection of how we feel about the world and our place in it. Making that pot of corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and carrots affirmed that I am a citizen of this world and a sister to all those of different nationalities and beliefs. I know this. I agree with this, but old habits die hard.<br />
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I just killed another one two days ago.MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-71554413908102528352011-02-22T09:34:00.000-06:002011-02-22T09:34:12.110-06:00Gratitude<C><img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/MoJoanMagick/BLOG%20Website%20Graphics/gratitude-image-candle.jpg"></C><br />
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As I do most every day in the wee hours of the morning, I sit in my comfy reading chair listening to NPR on the radio with my laptop at hand and kitties performing their kitty antics nearby. As my stomach rumbles and I prepare a warm, buttered bagel (sesame seed, please) to go with my French press coffee I never fail to feel gratitude for my immense amount of life blessings.<br />
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This morning a facebook friend's (thanks, Robb) post got me thinking further on the subject of gratitude. He posted a "Spent" test in which one finds just how long it takes to run out of money when one has become unemployed and nearly homeless. I took the test and found that I would last only nine days and then only because I'm a good typist. Thank you, Mom, for insisting that I take a typing class in 7th grade. It was invaluable and I still type nearly 100 words a minute. Better than telephoning, I say.<br />
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But I digress.<br />
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Mind wandering off on several tangents (surprise!) such as how does gratitude affect our lives. Does it, as some way, truly bring even richer rewards to our daily adventures as humans? I tend to think yes, as being grateful and acknowledging that gratefulness only promotes the further realization of blessings in our lives.<br />
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Then I wondered how gratefulness affects the immensely wealthy. Are those top 2 percent rich in this country who hold what ....... nearly 90 percent of the country's wealth now ....... are they grateful? Are they satisfied? Do they share because they enjoy the universal joy of sharing?<br />
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I am not rich. Not anywhere near rich, and yet I have far and away more than I need. I share with those in other countries who have less than I, and with abused and abandoned animals in this country, yet I do not see firsthand the tangible results of my sharing. I find myself longing to do so and realize that I have not done enough locally.<br />
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Contemplation makes me wonder how gratitude affects others. Do you keep a gratitude journal? Are you aware of the gifts it brings to your life? Does gratitude spark your creativity or motivation? Do you spend a few minutes (or more) each day feeling gratitude and if so, how does it affect you?<br />
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<img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/MoJoanMagick/BLOG%20Website%20Graphics/gratitude1.jpg">MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-47001818682702245412010-01-23T21:36:00.000-06:002010-01-23T21:36:31.220-06:00I’m not waiting for someone to tell me the state of the World ........ or maybe I am. I’m not sure.<CENTER><img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/MoJoanMagick/Animals/BlackCaMoon.jpg"></center><br />
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I’ve had a couple of people tell me today that they enjoyed reading my blogs. As you can see, that’s the only encouragement it takes for me to start writing again. After all, the words are always spinning around in my head so why not put it down on the internet for all to praise, snarf or chortle at. (Teacher Parental Units aside, yes, I will end a sentence in a preposition when it feels right.)<br />
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The state of our world: does anyone have this nailed down? My typical stance and/or reaction to people’s grousing about how things are so much worse now than they ever were is, “No, things are not worse. We simply HEAR about all the bad stuff that happens in every part of the world except Australia’s outback and not only once but every hour on the hour if you have any news channel tuned in on the television.” Evil television.<br />
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Now I like movies and a good story as much as anyone does but what I’ve figured out is this: half hour sitcoms and 24-hour news are both damaging to one’s psyche for different reasons. The half hour sitcom, along with mindless jokes, taped laugh tracks (because we don’t know when to laugh if left to our own devices) and language dumbed down enough to bore a six year old not only rot your brain but portray a half-assed, gargantuan lack of enthusiasm for anything more concrete and thought provoking than body part jokes. (I was going to say fart jokes but that’s only too true and too gross.)<br />
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Whereas news is sincere and vital to our knowledge of events farther away than our neighbor’s latest scandal (hopefully it goes without saying that I’m not referring to Faux News here), the incessant influx of bad news from around the world convinces us that indeed the world is a scary place and around every corner lies someone waiting to kidnap your child, rip off your 95-year-old Mother or steal your identity by hacking your computer. And that’s only the first 4 minutes of news. By the time we hear an hour’s worth we may find ourselves sticking our heads into the sand hoping we’re ostriches who can’t be seen by anyone else. (Hey, do these jeans make my butt look big when my head’s lower than my feet?)<br />
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The Supreme Court has just returned us to corporate/union dominated elections. Haiti breaks my heart yet inspires me every time I see those wonderful people being pried from the ground singing and blessing their life forces. Iraq and Afghanistan continue to stumble on their paths to nowhere. England is not the place to be right now if one believes in terror alerts. Republicans say “no” to everything on the grounds that a Democrat came up with the idea, while our $4,000 a year insurance premiums thrive and I eschew the use of most doctors because the $4,000 doesn’t include co-pays and deductibles. <br />
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We live in a small world these days. What we do ripples events a long way from home. But do we really need to know all about every ripple? If we were to Golden-Rule the events and the people in our lives (yes, I did just verb another noun) would it be enough to be aware that positive begets positive? <br />
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I’m really not sure where I’m going with this except to say that sometimes it’s just as well to only know what is happening in your own small neck o’ the woods. Sometimes that is enough. Tend to your own, do the right thing, love those around you. Make that cheery phone call, send a card, sit in silence. Tranquility begins at home. If we are happy at home it’s difficult to wish anything other than happiness for anyone else.<br />
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I’ve discovered that turning off the tube, even my brand new flat screen which I adore, is the key to my return of peaceful sanity. Listening to the wall clock tick while gazing out into our back woods is top of the list serenity. I know there are many wonderful places in the world to visit and I want to get to them, but for now seven sleeping furballs, soft Leonard Cohen tunes, my digital camera and nature make this small portion of Missouri seem like heaven on earth. Which I’m convinced that it is.<br />
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Cutie owl in our front yard</center>MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-36750781936084333602009-11-01T16:57:00.000-06:002009-11-01T16:57:10.100-06:00Happy Day of the Dead!<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9BnPsG2T8bI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9BnPsG2T8bI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
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Wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy Day of the Dead celebrations in this country?<br />
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The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico. As a ritual of respect for one's departed relatives there is much food, dancing and general celebration. The holiday can be traced back thousands of years to the Aztecs, who dedicated the day to a Goddess, Mictecacihuatl. The holiday, however, is not limited to Mexico. In many forms it is celebrated all around the world.<br />
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The Mexican Day of the Dead artwork is some of my favorite:<br />
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If you are viewing this blog via an email the videos and photos will not appear. Please come to the blog at http://mojoanmagick.blogspot.com/ to view the complete blog.MoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16624263097360677083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849818385218327724.post-27601957240259102402009-10-29T21:08:00.000-05:002009-10-29T21:08:30.407-05:00Imagine No Religion?Well ........ perhaps in Denmark. As reported, the Danish are the happiest people on our planet. When I heard this I wondered why. <br />
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So what did I do? Watched "Oprah", of course. Ok ...... and did a little online research.<br />
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Turns out that they pay about half their considerable incomes to the government, which in turn gives excellent health care to all of its citizens. School, from pre-Kindergarten through university is also completely paid for every citizen. In fact, the government pays its citizens to attend university. Hmmm: encouraging its population to be educated. Imagine doing that rather than breaking parents' backs having to pay tens of thousands a year to get their children educated in the United States.<br />
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Even though the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the government's pick of state religion, most Danish are not particularly religious and do not attend church. Horrors! Imagine no religion! Imagine no pious assurety that one religion is right and all others wrong. Imagine!<br />
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Believe it or not, the Danish tend to live with less. WAY less. Their homes look ...... well ....... Danish! Clean lines and smaller, less cluttered spaces. Their closets hold what little they do accumulate.<br />
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To quote one of the Danish women on "Oprah", "we live with less things but more life." Ya ...... let's digest that one in this country. Believe me, I'm pointing directly at myself on that one.<br />
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Now lest ye get the wrong idea, I adore the United States. However, I also think that this does not disallow the general niftiness of other countries. <br />
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The most remarkable thing about Denmark, to me, was this: it's safe. So .... we're safe in this country, right? Well let me ask you this. Would you leave your twin, month-old babies sleeping in their pram out on the street in front of your house or in front of the restaurant while you dine with the rest of your family? No? Why not?<br />
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Because you'd be scared absolutely into going to church every dang Sunday if you had to leave you baby out on the street in this country. In fact it's so perilous here (in comparison) that in a county not too far from where I'm living now, a woman killed another woman in order to cut her open and steal her fetus!<br />
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The Danish, evidently, don't have a tendency towards stealing someone else's child. That's an idea I could live with, and here's another. Women don't feel the need to be married unless they find a man who actually seems like a spiritually aligned mate. Danish women are raised with the notion that they can take care of themselves, thank you, and don't need a male for taking care of them. As one Danish woman pointed out, the women there don't dream about weddings.<br />
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What a wonderful idea! Here it seems that we dream of a fantabulous wedding party but give little to no attention to the picking of the person we're supposedly going to share the rest of our happily-ever-after lives with. Isn't that reverse logic? Happiness doesn't just take care of itself because we read it in a fairy tale. Seems a bit ironic since wasn't it some Danish guy who wrote a lot of those fairy tales?<br />
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Oh, and one more thing. No homeless people in Denmark, either. If you're out of a job the government not only pays 90% of your previous salary for four years, they assist you in finding a new job. Most jobs pay similarly so that one's career is picked accordng to one's likes, not one's desire to earn more than the Joneses. In other words: everyone is important, and every job is important.<br />
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Another idea with which I'd feel comfortable, as it's my philosophy that from janitor to CEO, every job is important.<br />
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Wonder if they're looking for middle-aged, sorta blonde, overweight (they tend towards tall, slender blondness over there due to a fresh, healthful diet) kitty lover in Copenhagen.<br />
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