A Crones View of the World

Chetan Lutah ~ Red-tailed Hawk

2012-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

I had the most wonderful walk today. First of all the weather is beautiful, cool enough for a light jacket, but the sun was warm and felt wonderful on my skin. Then the last half mile I looked up in time to see, not one, not two, but three red tailed hawks gliding over head. I watched them until they circled out of sight then the last quarter mile one of them came back and started hunting the thicket next to the road I was on. She swooped and soared and dived...it was so beautiful. At one point she flew so close over my head I felt I could almost reach up and touch her. What beautiful birds they are and I feel so privileged to have been an audience to their beautiful sky dance.

Here is one of my favorite songs, and yep...you guessed it, I had it playing on my mp3 player as I watched their beautiful ballet. Arvel has really captured their grace in this song, their flight was in perfect time with the music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPfpqhNcBNU

2012-01-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

Had a nice walk yesterday, saw a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying over being followed by a dozen noisy crows. Came up on a small herd of cattle who were courteous enough to step off the path and let me pass, although the little bull had me worried until he decided I wasn't worth the effort.
The sky was clear and the air was clean, so all and all it was a wonderful day.

Then this morning arrived...the wind picked up during night and today the air is full of dust and sand. Have a feeling my walk won't be as pleasant as yesterdays, but who knows maybe I'll see the small herd of black tail deer that hide in the mesquite thicket near our house or my beloved hawk will fly over with her mate. Every walk is a new experience and joy can be found everywhere if you take the time to look for it.

Dentures and Celiac

2011-12-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

If you have Celiac disease there is also a good chance you also have dentures. I have had dentures for over 20 years and up until lately it never entered my mind to check on the gluten content of the denture adhesive I was using. I wrote to both Fixodent and Poligrip on this subject and these are the responses I got.

Hope this will ease the minds of anyone who is dealing with this problem. It has certainly helped me.

Fixodent

"Thanks for contacting Fixodent

There is no gluten in any of the Fixodent Denture Adhesive or Denture Cleanser products.

I really hope this is helpful!

Thanks again for writing,

Ashley
Fixodent Team"

Poligrip

Poligrip

We have received your e-mail message regarding Super Poligrip® Denture Adhesive. All Super Poligrip® products are gluten free.

We appreciate your taking the time to contact us.

Sincerely,

Suzette
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Case # 3845945

Letting Go of the Past, & Embracing New Beginnings

2011-11-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Letting Go of the Past, & Embracing New Beginnings

Happy New Year to all my Pagan friends. I had a wonderful Samhain, honored my ancestors, and took the first step in closing the door on the past and opening the door to new beginnings.

If the path your life is on is not where you want to be, let go. Hanging on to old hurts doesn't change or erase them, only letting go and moving on can bring you peace.

My new affirmation mantra: "Today I'm letting go of the past and embracing the future".

Happy New Year to my Pagan friends and wishes for peace, joy, and happiness to all.

Changes

2011-08-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Arizona Fall

SONORAN DESERT PHOTOS

Fall is slowly creeping in.

The days are getting shorter and the shadows longer.

I like fall...

I'm even looking forward to winter and cooler temps.

Things change with age.

What I used to like no longer matters and things I hated I now enjoy.

It's all part of this learning process we call life.

Water on the Desert

2011-05-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I took these picture of Lake Roosevelt Arizona on a trip to visit my kids last May 26th.

Water on the desert is always a welcome sight, and seeing the lake this full after several years of drought, made my heart happy, happy, happy.

Pagan vs Christian...the same or different?

2011-01-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how many "Christians" use the same or similar tools we do, but still condemn us to their hell for our beliefs. Can't they see that their "Angel Cards" are the same thing as our Tarot decks or that when they light candles and make a wish, they are doing the same thing we do when we light candles and cast a spell?

One woman I know creates what she calls her "Daily Zen", it's a digital picture of what she is feeling that day to help her get in touch with herself and learn how to deal with what is negative in her life. I do the same thing, but my "Daily Zen" is done with meditation or a Tarot reading.

So many things the same, but considered different because the people who use them have different Gods or different beliefs.

The narrow mindedness of it all is sad, but on the other hand, it's always good for a good chuckle on my end.

Getting to Know Me!

2011-01-19T05:51:00.000-08:00

I found this little quiz on the blog of a friend and thought it would be a good way to let everyone know a little something about my personal path and just what I believe.

Basics

Do you have a magickal name?
Yes

Does it have a special meaning?
Yes, it means “Bringer of light from a field of water.” It honors the Dragonfly who starts life in water then raises into the air, with a rainbow of light refracting off of his wings.

How did you find Wicca/Paganism?
When my grand daughter announced she was going to marry a Wiccan boy, I got on line to find out what his religion was all about. What started out as a panicky search ended up being the most amazing night of my life.

How long have you been practicing?
Four years.

Solitary or group practitioner?
Solitary. Started out as such because I was unable to find any other Pagan's in my area, now I practice solitary because I feel it is my true path. There is too much to learn, and too many twists and turns on the road of life to follow just one narrow path.

What is your path?
I consider myself a Witch/Pagan.

Are you out of the broom closet?
I'm still in but the door is open. I don't broadcast my beliefs, but if asked I tell the truth.

Gods/Goddess
Goddess mainly, I am learning to accept the God.

Who are your patron Gods?
The Sun God, not sure if it's Ra, Apollo, or one I have yet to meet. I welcome him as “Radiant Father” in my morning devotionals.

Who are your patron Goddesses?
Gaia is the Mother and Goddess of all. But Artemis is my own patron Goddess. She has been with me my entire life.

Do you fear dark aspects of the Gods/Goddess, or rather, respect them?
I respect them. They are a part of the whole and bring balance to everything.

Do you worship the Christian God?
Not the Christian God as such. It is my belief that all Gods are One no matter who worships them or what name they are called.

Do you ever worship animals? Or plants?
Not as individuals but as being part of Mother Earth or Gaia.

Do you regularly commune with nature?
Feeling the breeze on my skin, watching the sunrise or set, dancing in the rain or just walking or sitting and seeing Her beauty are my ways of communing with my Mother.

Ever walked barefoot in the woods?
Not in the woods per se, but rather on the desert. I am a desert dweller.

Taken a camping trip just to talk to nature?
Not necessarily to talk to nature, but to enjoy her beauty.

Describe the moment you felt closest to Mother Earth?
The day I passed through an area that had been burned out by a wild fire. I felt Her pain and wished I could have taken Her in my arms to comfort Her.

What is/are your power animal(s)?
The Dragonfly was at one time. It is the animal the help me find my way to this beautiful path. Now it is the Hawk. She is with me almost every day, sometimes I see her as many as three or four times.

Do you have a familiar?
I think I do. She is still young and I have much to learn about her, but she shows signs of being interested in my magical work.

Have you ever called upon the powers of an animal in ritual? Or a plant?
No!

Do you hug trees?
Oh yes. Quiet often in fact.

Give them gifts?
Water and food, and an offering if I take something from them.

What is your favorite flower to work with?
Yarrow!

What is your favorite tree to work with?
Elm!

Wheel of the Year

What are your favorite holidays?
Samhain is first and Yule is second! I have been touched by the Divine on both Sabbats.

What if your least favorite holiday?
I don't have one.

Have you ever held a ritual on a holiday?
Yes!

Ever taken a day off work to celebrate a pagan holiday?
No!

Do you celebrate Yule on the 21st rather than the 25th?
On the 21^st.

Have you ever felt the Veil thin?
No!

Ever danced the Maypole?
Yes, when I was a child.

Know what the Maypole symbolizes?
A phallus, representing fertility.

Ever made love on Beltane?
Probably, just didn't realize it was Beltane at the time.

How do you usually celebrate the pagan holidays?
In my own private way.

Divination

Do you use Tarot?
Yes!

Do you use runes?
Yes!

Do you use a pendulum?
Yes!

Do you use dowsing rods?
No!

Do you use astrology?
No!

Any other form of Divination?

No!

Spells

What was the first spell you did?
A spell to help my daughter pass an exam for her job certification. It worked, she passed with a 100%. I didn't ask that she pass the test, just that she stayed calm and kept her mind clear in order to remember what she had learned. I don't believe in “giving” something through magic, but rather asking that the person find what they need inside to receive the needed outcome.

What was the latest?
A spell to help another daughter with her finances. It also worked, but took longer than usual.

Ever done a love spell?
No, I don't believe in them. I will ask for someone to find the right kind of person, but whether the relationship develops or not is up to them.

A job spell?
Yes, for another daughter.

A healing spell?
Yes, for my animals.

What was the most powerful spell you’ve ever performed?
Probably the one to help my daughter get her job.

Cryptozoology

Do you believe in Vampires? Werewolves? Shape shifters? Elves? Faeries? Dragons? Nymphs? Sprites? Mermaids? Sirens? Satyrs?
Elves and Faeries.

Ghosts/Spirits?
Yes. I have a son who has been given the gift of seeing them.

Ever “seen” any of the above?
No! I have sensed them from time to time, but nothing visual.

Ever talked to any of the above?
No!

Ever called on any of the above in magick?
No!

Do you have one of them as a personal guardian?
Not to my knowledge, but this path is never ending and all things are possible.

Random

Do you see a rabbit, a man or a woman in the moon?
I see my Goddess.

Own a cat?
I live with three of them. They own me. : )

When you meditate what does your sacred/safe place look like?
My room.

Do you work with Chakras?
No. Still learning about them.

Do you believe in soul mates?
Yes!

Ever met one?
I'm living with him.

Do you have a Spirit guide?
Not that I know of.

Is it always love and light?
No...without the darker side there would be no balance and without balance nothing would work right.

Mama's New Mexico Enchilada's

2011-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

My mother grew up in Hurley, New Mexico at a time when segregation was in full swing. The town was divided according to race, whites living on one side and Mexican's on the other. When my mama was small she fell in love with the corn and chili dishes of the Mexican people. Her mother, being from Oklahoma, had no idea how fix them, so Mama took to sneaking off to the Mexican side town and begging the old women there to teach her how to make the different dishes. She learned well, tamales, posoli, menudo... and this is how they taught her to make enchilada's, modified of course because of our modern health issues.

Ingredients:

1 carton Baca's frozen red chili (It's better to render your own, but I'm lazy and Baca's is the next best thing)'

2 Tbs. Olive oil (lard is better, but it's one of those things we aren't allowed to eat anymore.lol)

2 Heaping spoonfuls masa flour (by spoonfuls I mean soup spoons from dinnerware set.)

2 Cups of water, adding enough to keep sauce from getting too thick as it cooks. Should be the consistancy of gravy.

Garlic powder and salt to taste.

1 Onion chopped fine.

Extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I don't know how much, use an amount that suits you. For three of us I use 1 8oz package plus 1/3 of another).

Table corn tortillas. (I use Guerreo if I don't make my own).

2 Cups of cooking oil.

Melt frozen chili over low heat with olive oil, stirring occasionaly.

After chili is melted, increase heat to medium high, dissolve masa flour in water, then slowly add to chili and oil, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken. Season to taste.

Turn heat down to medium low and let simmer for 30 min., stirring occasionaly so it doesn't burn.

When chili is ready, heat cooking oil.

Dip tortilla in hot oil until soft, then into chili sauce and put on plate. Sprinkle liberally with cheese and onion. Stacking until as many tortillas as each person wants are on their plate. Top off with 1 or 2 fried eggs, and pour chili over all.

Serve with frijoles or refried beans.

Pagan Manifesto

2010-12-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

If you are like me you have someone in your life you care about who just doesn't understand your beliefs or the path you have chosen to follow.
I have struggled for several years with loved ones who cling to the old "Wicked Witch of the West" image and think I am being blindly led into the chasm of hell there to burn forever in the fires of sin at the hands of a devil I don't even believe in. It is frustrating and very, very tiring at times, trying to explain my beliefs and the fact that the world of Christianity and Hollywood has it all wrong. I am not evil, I am not damned and what I believe has nothing to do with Satan.
I have tried over and over to put into words just what this path I follow is, only to fail miserably due to my inaptitude at explaining myself. When I read this this morning on Real Life Magicks site, (http://reallifemagick.com/wordpress/?page_id=5), I realized it is exactly what I have been trying to say for the past 4 years.

Pagan Manifesto

There is, within society at present, a group of people calling themselves Pagans who, feeling

that there are many misunderstandings surrounding their beliefs and practices, wish this

document to be made available to the public in order to promote a greater understanding of

the basis of Pagan belief (Pagan is a general term being used to describe many modern-day

manifestations of ancient and pre-Christian religious practices.)

The term “Paganii” comes from the Latin “Pagus”, meaning “Countryside”, and therefore

literally means “dwellers in the country”. Hence Paganism is a nature based religion,

respecting and endeavoring to understand the needs of the planet and it’s ecology as a whole.

It was handed down from ancient times.

Pagans are aware of the cycles of Nature, and observe them as festivals throughout the

changing year.

Pagans see magic in Nature manifest in balance and harmony, and try to bring these into their

everyday lives by worship of two balancing aspects of divinity i.e., the Goddess and the God in

unison.

Pagans, in their seeking of moral and spiritual development, are interested in the study of

comparative and alternative religions in order to promote tolerance of the beliefs of others,

There is no “one true way” Many paths lead to the same destination, Pagans respect the

religious beliefs of others who “harm none”.

Pagans defend and respect the right of the individual, and would hope that others show them

the same consideration, They are not Gurus, and are not looking for converts to their faith,

but will explain it if asked.

True Pagans hold all life sacred and regard the human species as caretakers of the planet

responsible for it’s well being. They would not cause harm to any living thing or condone

others doing so.

Good Pagans consider the consequences of everything they do in the belief that they can effect

changes upon the material level which will manifest on the spiritual level and vice versa. Many

Pagans believe in the Three-Fold-Effect, in that what we do, for good or bad, we shall receive

in return three-fold ~ good or bad.

The children of Pagans are encouraged to have an interest in alternate and comparative

religions, Without being forced into the beliefs of their parents, they are bought up to respect

nature, and to hold all life sacred. They are taught to respect the person, beliefs and property

of other people & to be good citizens.

Pagans see “Satan”, in the sense generally used, as a Christian paradox. The Devil as the anti-

Christ is a purely Christian concept. Pagans don’t even believe in this embodiment of evil.

They certainly don’t worship Satan.

The common tenet and Rule of all true Pagan groups is “HARM NOTHING AND NO-ONE”.

These ten points are basic to the beliefs of all Pagans. Given the above points, true Pagans are

opposed to the abuse of any individual – be they children or adult – and they are further

opposed to the abuse of nature including animals, insects, birds, aquatic creatures, trees,

plants, humankind & the planet itself This includes physical abuse, violence & mental cruelty,

psychological manipulation & power trips, sexual abuse, any abuse through others for

commercial gain, financial abuse by any dishonest or illegal activity, religious intolerance or

political abuse, the abuse of any living thing on Earth or damaging the environment.

Should anyone be persecuted for holding such moderate and harmless beliefs?

Article 18 of The United Nations. Declaration of Human Rights states: EVERYONE HAS THE

RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF THOUGHT CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION. THIS RIGHT

INCLUDES THE FREEDOM TO CHANGE RELIGION OR BELIEF AND FREEDOM EITHER

ALONE OR IN COMPANY WITH OTHERS, IN PRIVATE OR IN PUBLIC TO MANIFEST

RELIGION OR BELIEF IN TEACHING, PRACTICE, WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCE.

True Pagans should harm no-one – neither should true Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, or

followers of any religion based upon basically good human values.

©Farrar/Bone 1997

Picture:

Poster for Salon des Cent

Date: 1894

by Eugene Samuel Grasse (1841 - 1917)

Gluten Free Pie Crust

2010-12-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

This last Thanksgiving I had pumpkin pie for the first time in 12 years. I was in heaven.

This crust recipe is very, very good and easy to make. It will definitely be on my Christmas menu. Can't wait to try it on apple pie, and cherry, and pecan hmmmm then there's chocolate, and lemon and...oh so many new/old things to eat.

Gluten Free Pie Crust

from Cooking.com

Ingredients:

1/3 cup brown rice flour

1/3 cup tapioca flour

1/3 cup potato starch (not potato flour)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder (recipe for gluten-free baking powder below)

1 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening,or butter, chilled

1 egg, cold

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift together rice and tapioca flour, potato and cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt into a mixing bowl.

Cut cold shortening or butter into dry ingredients. Blend with a pastry cutter until butter is incorporated into the dry ingredients. The dough should hold together when squeezed.

Beat egg with vinegar and mix into dough. Form into a ball with your hands. Add a little tapioca flour if the dough is too sticky. Roll out between two sheets of wax paper. The dough should be about 1 1/2 inches larger in diameter than the pie plate.

Peel one sheet of wax paper away from dough. Place pie crust in pan. Remove top sheet of wax paper. Trim excess dough and crimp edges to form a decorative border.

Tip:If the recipe calls for a baked pie shell, prick the dough with a fork and bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool before filling.

Baking Powder GF

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter

1/4 teaspoon soda

1/4 teaspoon corn starch

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and mix well

A Welcome Gift From Grandmother Spider

2010-11-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

I have been a Pagan for only four short years, and every once in awhile the Goddess sends me a confirmation message that I am where I truly belong.

This is a picture of a light fixture in the kitchen of our RV. We were living in it at the time, (a part of my horse racing/gypsy days). The light fixture was no longer in use as we had rewired the trailer a few of years before, so I guess Grandmother Spider thought it would be a nice place to build her new home and present me with her personal gift of welcome.

Grandmother Spiders Welcome Gift

Sammie

2010-11-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

This is Sammie. My new moving disaster.

She has already broken two of my ornamental jars, one that held my grand daughters feather collection and one with my bath powder in it, the tablecloth has been found on the floor more times than I can count and my alter candles have been knocked over on a regular basis. And all this in just 4 days. *sigh* She is not the brightest kitty I have ever owned either so teaching her the ropes is not going to be easy. On the other hand she is just so cute and cuddly that I can't help but love her.

My older kitten Kali is not as fond of her as I am though, and I have had to break up a few fights.

But maybe the war has ended or at least slowed down, because this morning I caught Kali giving her a good washing. Sammie now has one of the cleanest ears on the planet.

And come nap time, it's nicer to have a bed partner than to sleep alone.

Getting acquainted with and learning about a new animal is not always easy, but I have found that patience and staying constant in my discipline eventually pays off. I can tell Sammie is going to try my patience for some time to come, but we'll work it out and soon will be the best of friends.

Gods...To Be or Not To Be

2010-11-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

What is the definition of a God or Goddess?

Are They just words to explain what we don't understand, or are They real beings, unseen, but felt? Are They here to assist us with our lives, or are They only something we wish for when we are in need?

A heady question... what is God or Goddess, and one that is very difficult to answer.

There are as many answers as there are people on Earth and They have as many names as there have been civilizations in humankind's history. Each of us has our own idea about who and what They are. Even when we think we are agreeing on how we view Them, that view is still unique only to us. As individuals it is impossible for everyone to hold an identical image of the Gods. Each of us see's/ feels Them in our own way. I believe They are who we want or need Them to be at the time we call upon Them...and even that image changes with each circumstance.

My patron Goddess is Artemis. She has been with me my entire life, even before I understood exactly what my beliefs were. I can look back over the various chapters of my life and see where She stepped in to protect and guide me. At those times I didn't even know who Artemis was, or that She even existed. She helped me through a difficult childhood, then a difficult marriage. She was with me through six pregnancies, helping the births of my children go smooth and easy. She was not there to necessarily take away my pain, but to help me find the courage and strength to survive it. Even when I prayed to my God at the time to just let me die because I felt I couldn't endure one more day of unhappiness, there was always that small niggling poke from somewhere inside me that told me I could get through this crisis and come out the other side a stronger and better person for the experience.

I don't believe our Gods can wave a magic wand and make all the bad go away, but I do believe They are always with us, encouraging us and showing us the way to overcome the terrible hand life has once again dealt us.

As far as worshiping our Gods, I feel that just believing in Them is all the worship they require. Saying the occasional thank you, and living our lives in a way that honors Them is enough.

Although I am now well into my Crone years and Artemis is known as the protector of the young and innocent and the bringer of painless child birth, I feel She is still with me. She is the Goddess who held my hand as I entered this life, and after spending so many years together, She has granted me the gift of once again holding it when my time comes to leave. She is not a Goddess apart from me, but the Goddess that is a part of me, and I am grateful for Her presence and guidance all these years.

So back to the question “What is God/Goddess” ? They are who and what 'you' want Them to be. They are called by the name 'you' call Them. They are 'you' in your most Divine form.

An Apology

2010-11-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

This blog is going to be in the form of an apology. I know the last several months most of my posts have been copy and paste type things and I'm sorry for this. I know a blog is supposed to be original and a way to share your feelings, thoughts and ideas with others, but my health has been a real pain the the butt the last several months and the ability to concentrate long enough to put my thoughts down in a way that makes any sense at all has been impossible.

At this point things are improving and hopefully before too long I will be back to full steam ahead. I send my thanks to those of you who have stuck it out, please bare with me just a little longer and I'll try and make up for lost time.

Blessings to all

Eileen

Blessed Samhain All

2010-10-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Twas The Evening of Samhain

(Unknown)

Twas the evening of Samhain, and all through the place

Were pagans preparing the ritual space.

The candles were set in the corners with care,

In hopes that the Watchtowers soon would be there.

We all had our robes on (as is habitual)

And had just settled down and were starting our ritual

When out on the porch there arose such a chorus

That we went to the door, and waiting there for us

Were children in costumes of various kinds

With visions of chocolate bright in their minds.

In all of our workings, we'd almost forgot,

But we had purchased candy (we'd purchased a LOT),

And so, as they flocked from all over the street,

They all got some chocolate or something else sweet.

We didn't think twice of delaying our rite,

Kids just don't have this much fun every night.

For hours they came, with the time-honored schtick

Of giving a choice: a treat or a trick.

As is proper, the parents were there for the games,

Watching the children and calling their names.

"On Vader, On Leia, On Dexter and DeeDee,

On Xena, on Buffy, Casper and Tweety!

To the block of apartments on the neighboring road;

You'll get so much candy, you'll have to be TOWED!"

The volume of children eventually dropped,

And as it grew darker, it finally stopped.

But as we prepared to return to our rite,

One child more stepped out of the night.

She couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen.

Her hair was deep red, and her robe, forest green

With a simple gold cord tying off at the waist.

She'd a staff in her hand and a smile on her face.

No make-up, nor mask, or accompanying kitsch,

So we asked who she was; she replied "I'm a witch.

And no, I don't fly through the sky on my broom;

I only use that thing for cleaning my room.

My magical powers aren't really that neat,

But I won't threaten tricks; I'll just ask for a treat."

We found it refreshing, so we gave incense cones,

A candle, a crystal, a few other stones,

And the rest of the candy (which might fill a van).

She turned to her father (a man dressed as Pan)

And laughed, "Yes, I know, Dad, it's past time for bed,"

And started to leave, but she first turned and said

"I'm sorry for further delaying your rite.

Blessed Samhain to all, and a magical night."

"Twas the Night Before Samhain

2010-10-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Twas the Night Before Samhain

Anonymous

Twas the night before Samhain and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, except for my spouse.

The incense, it burned in our cauldron so black,

For Witchcraft and Magick we'd a wonderful knack.

The circle was drawn with the athame of power,

The guardians were called to each quarter tower.

The Lord and Lady attended our rite,

In wonder and glory and power and might.

The dearly departed came as our guest,

To live once again, after their rest.

We bid them goodbye with a tear in our eye,

Such a lovely presence of loved ones so nigh.

The candles danced in the flickering light,

With the Great Rite we bid them all a good night.

The guardians, thanked, have all sped away,

The Lord and Lady, thanked for the day.

The night before Samhain, Gods bless this house,

A circle of wonder 'round me and my spouse.

The Charge of the Star Goddess

2010-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Charge of the Star Goddess

By Starhawk

Hear the words of the Star Goddess,

The dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven,

Whose body encircles the universe...

“ I who am the beauty of the green Earth,

The white Moon among the Stars,

And the Mystery of the Waters,

I call upon your soul to arise and come unto Me.

For I am the Soul of Nature, which gives life to the universe.

From Me all things proceed,

And unto Me they must return.

Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices,

For behold – all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.

Let there be beauty and strength,

Power and compassion,

Honour and humility,

Mirth and reverence within you.

And you who need to know Me,

Know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not,

Unless you know the Mystery:

For if that which you seek you find not within yourself,

You will never find it without.

For behold, I have been with you from the beginning,

And I am that which is attained at the end of desire.”

Cooking With Rice Flour

2010-10-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

For people who are gluten intolerant rice flour is a savior. It not only makes great bread when mixed with tapioca and potato starch,(see recipe in prvious post), it can be used to bread chicken, fish and vegetables for frying. It makes a nice crispy, crunchy crust.

I also use it to make my gravy. It doesn't brown like wheat flour so you will need to shake it up in a jar with a little bit of water (about two cups) to disolve and add to your water or milk base after it has reached the point of near boiling. Pour slowly, stiring continuously over medium, low heat, without bringing to a full boil, until it is the thickness you want. Season as usual.

One of the perks of using rice flour in your cooking is the clean up. It doesn't stick like regular flour and washes off with little or no scrubing.
My "number three" daughter, who is not gluten intolerant, has been using it for frying, gravies and sauces as long as I have. Her family likes the taste and texture it gives her fried foods, and she likes the clean up.

White or brown rice flour works the same for me. There is a suble difference in taste, and I personally prefer the white, but do use the brown when the white is unavailable.

"Witchcraft Is Not Evil"

2010-10-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

"Witchcraft is not evil.

At least not any more than lighting a votive candle,
praying for a sick friend, or carrying a lucky charm is.
However, there are some who do view witchcraft as evil.
This is only because organized religion (primarily the Christian church)
has conditioned them to fear anything which strays from their narrow condemning view.
After all, if you have the ability to fend for yourself,
solve your own problems, and choose your own method of spiritual expression,
why would you need the confined structure of a church?"

~Lady Sabrina~

Gluten Free Home Made Bread

2010-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

This bread makes excellent Texas toast. It has become my breakfast every morning, and since I can't tolerate most of the chemicals they add to margarine, I enjoy it with real butter. Mmmm good!!!

Bette Hagman's Gluten-Free Flour Mix

3 cups rice flour

1 cup potato starch (not potato flour)

1/2 cup tapioca starch

Mix Well

Gluten Free Bread

(Gluten Free Cooking School)
http://www.glutenfreecookingschool.com/

1 Tbsp. bread machine yeast
1 Tbsp. sugar

1 ½ c. water (105 degrees or a little less than hot)

2 ½ cups GF Flour Mix

2 tsp. xanthan gum
1tsp. salt

3 eggs (or 9 Tbsp. water and 3 Tbsp. ground flax seed)
1 ½ Tbsp. oil
1 tsp. cider vinegar

1. Start by combining the yeast and sugar in a small bowl (I use the smallest in my set of three nested mixing bowls). Add the water while gently stirring the yeast and sugar. Let this mixture sit while you mix the rest of the ingredients – bubbles and foam should form if the yeast is happy.

2. Combine the flour mix, xanthan gum and salt in the largest mixing bowl and stir well.

3. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs, oil and vinegar until the eggs are a bit frothy.

By this point the yeast mixture should be foamy, so you can pour the two liquid mixtures into the flour mixture. Blend the dough with a mixer for 4 minutes.

Bread Machine Directions:

Scoop your dough into the bread machine and smooth the top of the dough. I bake my bread using an 80 minute setting that allows for 20 minutes of kneading, 18 minutes of rise, and 42 minutes of baking. However, since I don’t use the paddle in by bread machine, I’m effectively doing a 38 minute rise and a 42 minute bake.

Sovereign

2010-10-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sovereign

~Nikolai Alekseevich Zabolotsky~

"The horse stands like a knight keeping watch,

The wind plays in his light hair,

His eyes burn like two worlds,

And his mane lifts like the imperial purple."

My Favorite Creation Story

2010-09-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Creation and the Great Work

(Written By Silver Ravenwolf)

Long, long ago there was only darkness--a deep, ebony ocean of empty infinity-the void that

was no place.

From this place of nothingness, Spirit drew in upon itself and with a mighty burst of joyful

vibration, our Lady of Light exploded into being, Her essence, Her totality of perfect love

and perfect trust.

In Her heart She held the presence of Spirit, and there was no part of Her that was not of

the divine.

In delight, our Lady began the Great Work.

She danced among the heavens, Her bare feet beating out the rhythm of all creation, giving

birth to everything as sparks of light catapulted from Her flying hair and extended fingertips.

She created stars and planets, and bid them to dance with Her.

As they began to move, so the cycle of the year was born, and the divine symphony of the

universe came into form.

She gave them names of power, each unto their own.

These things moved from the void, into the thought, given the breath of life, and then into the

world.

Our Lady chanted the words of perfect love and perfect peace and, as these sounds fell to the

Earth, the trees, flowers, and grasses took root in the fertile soil of Gaea.

From the pure, white light of Her breath came the colors of the universe, turning all things to

vibrant beauty.

From the bubbling laughter in Her throat sprang the sounds of the clear, running water of the

streams, the gentle lapping vibrations of the lakes, and the roaring of the oceans.

Her tears of happiness became the rains of our survival.

Our Lady was the Presence, and the Presence our Lady.

And when Her dancing slowed, the Lady sought a companion to share the wonders of the

many worlds.

As the Holy Spirit, She created God as Her soul mate.

Because our Lady so loved the Earth, the energy pattern of the God contained both the

essence of the Presence and the Divine energy of the Earth ---and He was known by

many names: Green man; Lord of the Forests; King of the Fields; and Father, Son

and Sage.

Together the Lord and the Lady created all the beings of Earth.

The Lord's power moved through Her, and She showered the Earth and all upon it with

Her blessings.

Together, They designed the birds, animals, fishes, insects, reptiles, and people of our world.

To protect and guide the humans, the Lord and Lady fashioned the angels, guides, and

spirits of power.

These energies still walk with us, although we often cannot see them.

To each being our Lady gave a unique vibration in which to communicate, and the Lord

bestowed to each the fire of passion and the burning instinct to survive.

As a gift for His magnificent handiwork and caring for the creatures of the Earth, our

Lady gave our Lord a crown of stag antlers, which He wears upon His great head.

This aspect of half man, half woman would forever show His joy of both the human and

animal creations of the Presence.

The crown will always be a symbol that people can spiritually work with the duality of their own

natures to reach into the core of Spirit.

Together, the Lord and Lady blessed the first humans with free will. "

We are of the gods, and the gods are us!" the people cried.

And the Lord and Lady smiled, "We are all One," said our Lady, and through a

web of silver light, she connected each human to the other, and then linked the humans to all

other energy patterns on the planet.

When this was done, She wove Herself and Her Lord into the divine tapestry of pulsating

energy. "

Love is the law, honor is the bond," said the Lord as He empowered the tapestry of life.

Our Lady has many names: Isis, Astarte, Bride, Diana, Aradia, Innana,

Hecate, Mitzu Gami, and thousands more.

The Lady walks within and beside each woman and man of every race in every place.

She is the Maiden, Mother and Crone. She is the sacred trinity of all religions.

Indeed She is the Holy Spirit.

The Lord has many faces, from the strong Cernunnos to the delightful Pan, and Osiris,

Tyr, Anubis, Ra, Apollo, Odin, and thousands more.

He guards and guides us and resides in each man and woman of every race in every place.

When thunder roars in the heavens and lightening cracks from the ground, the Lord and

Lady dance the divine myth of creation so that we may remember Them and know that we

are never alone, and that we are one.

When the sun rises each morning, we bask in the joy of His love for us, and when the moon

moves through Her phases, we understand the cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth, as is

the nature of all things, and we honor Her power.

But as the humans began to grow and prosper, they forgot about Their divine parents.

Although the Lord and Lady called to their children, they did not listen. They were lost,

fighting the demons they themselves had created.

Not wishing to abandon Their children, the Lord and Lady decided to create healers and

workers of Harmony among the humans to remind them of the divine source and to show

them the way home to the arms of the Mother.

Within each special soul would be the remembrance of the Great Work: to love, create and

move in harmony. And so the Lord and Lady drew forth energy from the realm of angels,

the realm of power animals, the realm of the dead, and the realm of the humans, instilling these

special souls with the divine energy of the Presence through miracles of magick.

These beings of power were called Witches.

And so it was that once a month, when the moon grew full, the Witches celebrated in secret

and remembered the blessings our Mother bestowed upon them, and worked magick to fulfill

their divine mission of the Great Work.

In these rites, the Witches called forth the essence of the Lord and Lady to help them take

care of themselves, their families, the planet, and their friends.

Four times a year, as the cross quarters ,(Samhain, Candlemas, Beltain, and

Lammas), blossomed with bonfires across the land, the Witches celebrated the festivals of fire

in honor of our Lord and His love and protection for all the children of the Earth as well as

the birth of our Mother from the void and the divine dance that brought all humans into

creation.

At the four quarters of the seasons (Yule, Ostara, Summer Solstice, and Mabon), the

Witches honored the solar cycle of life and the gift of the Earth through celebrations of

thanksgiving.

For 8000 years we have done this, for our essence is in every shaman, every magi, every

priest and every priestess who carries the hidden truth of perfect love and perfect trust within their

souls.

We are the Craft of the Wise.

When it is our time to leave the Earth plane, our Lady sends a guide to escort us to the

Summerland.

From the Presence that moves and flows through the Lord and Lady, we continue to learn

the mysticism of the universe so that we may return, life after life, to serve our brothers and

sisters---to remind them that they are only visiting here, and that each action, not each piece of

gold gathered, is the way, the truth, and the light.

In each lifetime, Spirit guides us through learning experiences, preparing us along the way

for our individual missions.

Sometimes we are born among our own kind, but more often than not, we are born among

the unbelievers--we are born to show them the way home.

It is by our actions, not our preaching, that the journey is made.

We are the Witches, the representatives of wisdom's growth on our planet. Because the

religions of the world have failed to recognize the Great Work and to see our Mother in all

things, the Lord and Lady gave us our own religion. This is the greatest test.

We are the hidden children.

We are the people, the power, and the change-and we have incarnated in every race and

every culture, and will continue to do so until the end of time.

We are the weavers, and we are the web.

We cannot be stopped, because we are the Presence and the Presence is us.

We are the divine angels of Earth.

We are the heavens and the stars.

We are the earth, the air, the fire, and the water.

We are the Spirit.

We are one.

And, We have come to guide you home.

For we are the Witches, back from the dead.

The Leaves

2010-09-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this from my co-op's, (Silver City Food Co-op, Silver City, NM) news letter and wanted to share it with you.

The Leaves

-Author Unknown_

The leaves had a wonderful frolic

They danced to the wind's loud song.

They whirled and they floated, and scampered.

They circled and flew along.

The moon saw the little leaves dancing.

Each looked like a small brown bird.

The man in the moon smiled and listened,

And this is the song he heard.

The North Wind is calling, is calling,

And we must whirl round and round,

And then when our dancing is ended,

We'll make a warm quilt for the ground.

Great Mother

2010-09-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Great Mother

(by EileenDalla)

Great Mother
Giver of Life

I thank You for the blessings of another day.

May I walk Your path with honor and grace,

Living my life for the good of others

And keeping you ever in my thoughts and deeds.

Great Mother,

I send You my love and respect on this beautiful morning,

May it only grow and expand as the day moves on.

Blessed Be.

Morning Prayer to Father Sun

2010-09-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Morning Prayer

(EileenDalla)

Radiant Lord

As you rise to greet us in the East

I Honor You

As you send down your Light and Life giving Warmth

I Honor You

As your Blessings and Love shine down upon us

I Honor You

Gracious Lord, our Father Sun

I Honor You

Still I Rise

2010-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Still I Rise

Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise.

Meet The New Puppy

2010-07-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is so typically cat that I just had to share it.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

2010-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

Just heard that 7 other South and Central American countries are now joining Mexico in suing Arizona over SB1070.

*THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.*

No matter which side of the fence you are on concerning this issue, we are all AMERICANS, and our government permitting foreign countries sue one of our state's can't be allowed to happen. What is wrong with President Obama? Is he blind, stupid, or just doesn't give a damn? Are his politics so important that they take precedence over "we the people" who he has taken an oath to protect and serve?
We as Americans can't let this happen. This issue has gotten entirely out of hand and if we don't all band together to find a peaceful solution, we are going to bury ourselves and all we stand for. It's time to all come together as "AMERICANS", not a nation divided into different ethnic groups all bent on destroying each other. I don't care what color your skin is, what God or Gods you worship or where your roots are buried, I don't care whether you are on the far right, the far left, or in the middle, if you live in this country you are an "AMERICAN" and the time has come for every one of us to stand up and act like one.

This is what it has become.

2010-06-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

This is a real sign here in AZ just off I-8 between Gila Bend and Casa Grande. This is only the beginning of what you can expect in YOUR backyards. This is what it has become.

Maybe your state is next?????

"You Are Desperately Needed"

2010-06-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

If you've been feeling powerless/overwhelmed/despairing/etc about the oil spill, here's something you can do.

"You Are Desperately Needed"

"We ask you to cast, anchor, and hold the Net of Light steady for the Gulf of Mexico," the Grandmothers said. "This crisis is affecting the entire world, and humanity is asleep. Wake up!" they cried. "Animals are dying, plants are dying, and your Mother is writhing in agony. If you hold the Net of Light steady at this time you will help stave off further catastrophe.

"You have been lulled into a false sleep," they said, "told that others (B.P.) will take care of this problem. This is not so," they said. "And this is not the time for you to fall into oblivion.

Determine now to stay awake, and once you have made that commitment, think of, cast, and hold the Net of Light. Hold it deep and hold it wide. Amplify its reach to penetrate the waters of the Gulf and dive deep beneath the crust of Mother Earth. Anchor it at the earth's core and as you hold it there, ask it to unify with the mineral kingdom of this planet. It will do this and will harmonize with all the solid and liquid mineral states on earth-including oil and gas. The Net of Light will call these minerals back into harmony.

"Whatever human beings have damaged, human beings must correct," the Grandmothers said. "This is the law. We repeat: This is the law.You cannot sit back and ask God to fix the mess humanity has created. Each of you must throw your shoulders to the wheel and work. We are asking for your help. Several years ago we gave you the Net of Light so you would be able to help the earth at times like this. Step forward now. This is the Net of Light that will hold the earth during the times of change that are upon you," they said.

"First move into your heart and call on us. We will meet you there. The Net of Light is lit by the jewel of your heart," they said, "so move into this lighted place within you and open to the Net of which you are a part. Bask in its calming presence. It holds you at the same time that you hold it.

"Now think of magnifying your union with us. We, the Great Council of the Grandmothers, are with you now, and all those who work with the Net of Light are also with you. There are thousands, even millions now connected in light," they said. "Along with this union, call forth the power of the sacred places on earth. These will amplify the potency of our joint effort. Then call on the sacred beings that have come to prevent the catastrophe that threatens to overwhelm your planet. We will work together," they said, nodding slowly.

"Think of, cast and magnify the presence of the Net of Light in the Gulf of Mexico. See, imagine or think of it holding the waters, holding the land, the plants, the sea life, and the people. Holding them all!" they said. "The Net of Light is holding them steady; it is returning them to balance. Let the love within your lighted heart keep pouring into the Net of Light and hold, hold, hold. Calmly and reverently watch as the light from your heart flows along the strands of the Net. It will follow your command and continuously move forth. As soon as you think of it, it will happen. We ask you to practice this for only a few minutes at a time, but to repeat it throughout the day and night.

"We promise that this work with the Net of Light will do untold good," the Grandmothers said. "We are calling you to service now. You are needed. Do not miss this opportunity. We thank you and bless you."

Dear President Obama

2010-06-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Letter To Obama at Whitehouse Sent from 95 year Old Pearl Harbor

Survivor

WW II Battleship sailor tells Obama to shape up or ship out !

This venerable and much honored WW II vet is well known in Hawaii

For his seventy-plus years of service to patriotic organizations and

Causes all over the country. A humble man without a political bone in

His body, he has never spoken out before about a government official,

Until now. He dictated this letter to a friend, signed it and mailed

it to the president.

Dear President Obama,

My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this

Year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age

because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during

and after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a

"rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor , allowing me to

keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country..

One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my

mind, blunt and direct even to the head man.

So here goes.

I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I

do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.

I can't figure out what country you are the president of.

you fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable

lies like:

" We're no longer a Christian nation"

" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even announced to the world," America is mean-

Spirited. " Please tell her to try preaching that nonsense to 23 generations of our war dead buried all over the globe who died for no other reason than to free a whole lot of strangers from tyranny and hopelessness.)

I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America,

nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the

obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or

gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.

After 9/11 you said," America hasn't lived up to her ideals."

Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that

11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the

British? Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another

man, that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't

mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas

I knew personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about

not letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom.

I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than

discrimination. You know the one that a whole lot of white people

understood when they helped to get you elected..

Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.

shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what

I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania

Avenue . You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the

hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people

like slaves.

And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to

jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his

fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to

do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black

college professor in Massachusetts , who was putting up a fight? You

don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want

us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists.

One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never

had to defend your country with your life, but you're the

Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened

Field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission,

give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get

out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political

strategy you're thinking of.

You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest

challenge ever presented to any president.

You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our

bloated economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and

soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now.

And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in

This final battle...

Sincerely,

Harold B. Estes

Snopes confirms as true:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/haroldestes.asp

Whatever 'Color' You May Be...

2010-05-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

~Written by the wife of an Arizona/Mexico border rancher~.

I don't believe there is any other way to approach this issue--- whatever 'color' you may be...

Mine -Hubby was 1/4 Mexican.. My (son, daughter as most all of you know) who were 1/8 Mexican both have Mexican spouses. My grands all married or 'significant othered' with Mexicans. My 7 great grands are mostly 'brown' cep'n we have a mulatto 'throwback' or two. Me--- I think that's absolutely grand. Most of them (to the observing eye) are obviously Mexican. Point being-- they are ALL United States of America citizens.. If they get stopped for a traffic violation and/or any other violation and they are asked for their driver's license... To ME-- That be a G O O D T H I N G!!! If I get stopped and don't have a driver's license. Then I should have to prove my citizenship by whatever means. This goes for blacks, yellows, E.Indian, American Indian, and every other race or nationality you can think of........................................

This mess of folks strolling over our Arizona border has been going on too long. Statistics (news media) say-- 82% of all illegals in ALL of the United States have crossed at the Arizona border. I don't doubt it - tho they now live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Idaho and every other of our 50.

If this Arizona 'avenue' had not been open for so many DECADES there would NOT have been so many illegal Mexicans. No disrespect to all of us who are U.S. citizens. I'm very proud of my country. No matter what color I 'be'--- I'd be PROUD to prove (for whatever reason) I BELONG here. That's the AMERICAN way... Racial profiling is probably not 'cool' --- what other way might there be??? --- We ALL racial profile almost every day. Identify YOUR thoughts when you see anyone of a definitive race... When you do see a person of another color - an identifying way of dressing - even as simple as a pair of 'dueling banjos' suspendered overhauls or as simple as a cowboy hat-- STOP yourself right then---What is REALLY in your mind? - are you making up a 'story' for that person? In actuality -- YOU are profiling---- be it racial / typecasting/ categorizing. It harms NO ONE. Is there a legitimate reason for it? (in your mind-- no!) Would it harm those of Hispanic/Mexican nationality -- If they are legal - I say no - If they are illegal - they can be apprehended and guided back to "from where they came'; to ways to get papers; to the multitude of avenues that may be available. That, of course, would be on an 'individual' basis as stories unfold.

The video I'm sending indicates there are many E.Indians now coming through So. America and up thru the 500 miles of OPEN border. - No telling what other races, nationalities, etc. -- Lets try to stop it all. Let us not focus on ONE group. Let us get a barrier in place the whole 500 miles - what a load off if you can stop even just one-half the number who are entering illegally.

Face it-- MOST illegal entries now are by Mexicans. Law enforcement, therefore must look for illegal Hispanic/ Mexican folks --those who have to enroll in ESL and speak only Spanish/ who get food stamps / those who can use our medicals for free. Some of the illegals are hidden and protected by US --- They make good workers, housekeepers, baby-sitters; farm hands; gardeners; contract workers and on and on.

Remember--they are NOW also really good at running drugs. Times have changed -

This DRUG CARTEL thing is only 40 miles from my ranch. I'm on a back DIRT road that is a main 'artery' from Mexico. That e-mail picture of the 'garbage filled wash' is in MY BACK YARD! (so to speak) - --- That rancher that was killed only lives 50/60 miles from me-also out in the country.

My last job in Human Resources for BHP for three years before my retirement was as Manager/Developer of our Employee Assistance Program. Working in that field 'oped' my ojos MUCHO. I gained so much awareness regarding the 'awful' nature of man/woman that is manifested and magnified by the use of drugs. Folks rob, steal, maim and murder for the stuff.

They (the news media) say that ILLEGALS entering the U.S. border now are primarily runners' more than anything else. That's their 'new employment'. Methinks - perhaps this situation may already be 'beyond repair' - but America and we citizens HAVE to start somewhere....

In light of the facts --- I will support any idea that comes -- Where would any of you suggest we USofA citizens start--- if what is being attempted is not your 'cup of tea' - what would you do? The floor is OPEN to suggestions.. What we are doing / have done/ or have NOT done -- AIN'T working.

ME--

I'd welcome a challenge of my citizenship - I'm proud to be a citizen and would not hesitate to be asked to PROVE it. How 'bout you?

ckg

http://budurl.com/cometotheusa

What happens if all the illegal aliens should be deported?

2010-05-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting view of what happens if all the illegal aliens should be deported.

Tina Griego, journalist for the Denver Rocky Mountain News wrote a column

titled, "Mexican visitor's lament" --

She interviewed Mexican journalist Evangelina Hernandez while visiting

Denver last week. Hernandez said, "They (illegal aliens) pay rent, buy groceries, buy clothes...what happens to your country's economy if 20 million people go away?"

That's a good question - it deserves an answer. Over 80 percent of Americans demand secured borders and illegal migration stopped. But what would happen if all 20 million or more vacated America ? The answers may surprise you!

In California , if 3.5 million illegal aliens moved back to Mexico , it would leave an extra $10.2 billion to spend on overloaded school systems, bankrupted hospitals and overrun prisons. It would leave highways cleaner, safer and less congested. Everyone could understand one another as English

became the dominate language again.

In Colorado , 500,000 illegal migrants, plus their 300,000 kids and grand-kids - would move back "home," mostly to Mexico .. That would save Coloradans an estimated $2 billion (other experts say $7 BIL) annually in taxes that pay for schooling, medical, social-services and incarceration

costs. It means 12,000 gang members would vanish out of Denver alone.

Colorado would save more than $20 million in prison costs, and the terror that those 7,300 alien criminals set upon local citizens. Denver Officer Don Young and hundreds of Colorado victims would not have suffered death, accidents, rapes and other crimes by illegals.

Denver Public Schools would not suffer a 67 percent drop out/flunk out rate via thousands of illegal alien students speaking 41 different languages. At least 200,000 vehicles would vanish from our gridlocked cities in Colorado . Denver 's four percent unemployment rate would vanish as our working poor would gain jobs at a living wage.

In Florida , 1.5 million illegals would return the Sunshine State back to America , the rule of law and English.

In Chicago , Illinois , 2.1 million illegals would free up hospitals, schools, prisons and highways for a safer, cleaner and more crime-free experience.

If 20 million illegal aliens returned "home," the U.S. economy would return to the rule of law. Employers would hire legal American citizens at a living wage. Everyone would pay their fair share of taxes because they wouldn't be working off the books. That would result in a n additional $401 billion in IRS income taxes collected annually, and an equal amount for local state and

city coffers.

No more push '1' for Spanish or '2' for English. No more confusion in American schools that now must content with over 100 languages that degrade the educational system for American kids. Our overcrowded schools would lose more than two million illegal alien kids at a cost of billions in ESL and free breakfasts and lunches.

We would lose 500,000 illegal criminal alien inmates at a cost of more than $1.6 billion annually. That includes 15,000 MS-13 gang members who distribute $130 billion in drugs annually would vacate our country. In cities like L.A, 20,000 members of the " 18th Street Gang" would vanish from

our nation. No more Mexican forgery gangs for ID theft from Americans! No more foreign rapists and child molesters!

Losing more than 20 million people would clear up our crowded highways and gridlock. Cleaner air and less drinking and driving American deaths by illegal aliens!

Drain on America 's economy; taxpayers harmed, employers get rich:

Over $80 billion annually wouldn't return to their home countries by cash transfers. Illegal migrants earned half that money untaxed, which further drains America 's economy - which currently suffers an $8.7 trillion debt.

At least 400,000 anchor babies would not be born in our country, costing us $109 billion per year per cycle. At least 86 hospitals in California , Georgia and Florida would still be operating instead of being bankrupted outof existence because illegals pay nothing via the EMTOLA Act. Americans wouldn't suffer thousands of TB and hepatitis cases rampant in our country-brought in by illegals unscreened at our borders.

Our cities would see 20 million less people driving, polluting and grid locking our cities. It would also put the "progressives" on the horns of a dilemma; illegal aliens and their families cause 11 percent of our greenhouse gases.

Over one million of Mexico 's poorest citizens now live inside and along our border from Brownsville , Texas to San Diego , California in what the New York Times called, "colonias" or new neighborhoods. Trouble is, those living areas resemble Bombay and Calcutta where grinding poverty, filth, diseases,

drugs, crimes, no sanitation and worse. They live without sewage, clean water, streets, electricity, roads or any kind of sanitation. The New York Times reported them to be America 's new " Third World " inside our own country. Within 20 years, at their current growth rate, they expect 20 million residents of those colonias. (I've seen them personally in Texas and Arizona ; it's sickening beyond anything you can imagine.) By enforcing our laws, we could repatriate them back to Mexico ...

High integrity, ethical invitation:

We invite 20 million aliens to go home, fix their own countries and/or make a better life in Mexico .. We invite a million people into our country legally more than all other countries combined annually. We cannot and must not allow anarchy at our borders, more anarchy within our borders and growig

lawlessness at every level in our nation.

It's time to stand up for our country, our culture, our civilization and our way of life.

WE MUST GET OUT AND VOTE POLITICIANS WHO SUPPORT THIS MESS OUT OF OFFICE IN NOVEMBER....

"ONE EXAMPLE OF THE COST OF MEXICAN CRIMINALITY

2010-05-24T15:47:00.001-07:00

By: Susan Rakay

Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas , Texas is a fairly famous institution and for a variety of reasons:

1. John F. Kennedy died there in 1963... See More
2. Lee Harvey Oswald died there shortly after
3. Jack Ruby-who killed Oswald, died there a few years later.

On the flip side, Parkland is also home to the second busiest maternity ward in the country with almost 16,000 new babies arriving each year. (That's almost 44 per day---every day)!

A recent patient survey indicated that 70 percent of the women who gave birth at Parkland in the first three months of 2006 were illegal immigrants. That's 11,200 anchor babies born every year just in Dallas !!!

According to the article, the hospital spent $70.7 million delivering 15,938 babies in 2004 but managed to end up with almost $8 million dollars in surplus funding. Medicaid kicked in $34.5 million, Dallas County taxpayers kicked in $31.3 million and the feds tossed in another $9.5 million.

The average patient in Parkland in maternity wards is 25 years old, married and giving birth to her second child. She is also an illegal immigrant. By law, pregnant women cannot be denied medical care based on their immigration status or ability to pay.
OK, fine. That doesn't mean they should receive better care than everyday, middle-class American citizens. But at Parkland Hospital , they do. " Parkland Memorial Hospital has nine prenatal clinics. NINE!!!

The Dallas Morning News article followed a Hispanic woman who was a patient at one of the clinics and pregnant with her third child---her previous two were also born at Parkland . Her first two deliveries were free and the Mexican native was grateful because it would have cost $200 to have them in Mexico. This time, the hospital wants her to pay $10 per visit and $100 for the delivery but she was unsure if she could come up with the money. Not that it matters, the hospital won't turn her away. (I wonder why they even bother asking at this point.)

"How long has this been going on? What are the long-term effects?

Well, another subject of the article was born at Parkland in 1986 shortly after her mother entered the US illegally - now she is having her own child there as well. (That's right; she's technically a US citizen.)

These women receive free prenatal care including medication, nutrition, birthing classes and child care classes. They also get freebies such as car seats, bottles, diapers and formula.

Most of these things are available to American citizens as well, but only for low-income applicants, and even then, the red tape involved is almost insurmountable.

Because these women are illegal immigrants, they do not have to provide any sort of legitimate identification - no proof of income. An American citizen would have to provide a social security number which would reveal their annual income - an illegal immigrant need only claim to be poor and the hospital must take them at their word.

Parkland Hospital offers indigent care to Dallas County residents who earn less than $40,000 per year. (They also have to prove that they did not refuse health coverage at their current job.. Yeah, the 'free' care is not so easy for Americans.)

There are about 140 patients who received roughly $4 million dollars for un-reimbursed medical care. As it turns out, they did not qualify for free treatment because they resided outside of Dallas County so the hospital is going to sue them! Illegal's get it all free! But U. S citizens who live outside of Dallas County get sued! How stupid is this?

As if that isn't annoying enough, the illegal immigrant patients are actually complaining about hospital staff not speaking Spanish. In this AP story, the author speaks with a woman who is upset that she had to translate comments from the hospital staff into Spanish for her husband. The doctor was trying to explain the situation to the family and the mother was forced to translate for her husband who only spoke Spanish.
This was apparently a great injustice to her.

In an attempt to create a Spanish-speaking staff, Parkland Hospital is now providing incentives in the form of extra pay for applicants who speak Spanish.. Additionally, medical students at the University of Texas Southwestern for which Parkland Hospital is the training facility will now have a Spanish language requirement added to their already jammed-packed curriculum. No other school in the country boasts such a ridiculous multi-semester (multicultural) requirement.

(Sorry for the length, but this needs wide circulation particularly to our "employees" in Congress.)

Remember that this is about only ONE hospital in Dallas , Texas . There are many more hospitals across our country that must also deal with this.

Feds May Not Process Illegals Referred From Arizona

2010-05-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

FOXNews.com

FILE: John Morton, assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Top Official Says Feds May Not Process Illegals Referred From Arizona

A top Department of Homeland Security official reportedly said his agency will not necessarily process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona authorities.
John Morton, assistant secretary of homeland security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, made the comment during a meeting on Wednesday with the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune, the newspaper reports.

"I don't think the Arizona law, or laws like it, are the solution," Morton told the newspaper. The best way to reduce illegal immigration is through a comprehensive federal approach, he said, and not a patchwork of state laws.
The law, which criminalizes being in the state illegally and requires authorities to check suspects for immigration status, is not "good government," Morton said.

In response to Morton's comments, DHS officials said President Obama has ordered the Department of Justice to examine the civil rights and other implications of the law.
"That review will inform the government's actions going forward," DHS spokesman Matt Chandler told Fox News on Friday.

Fox News legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano said ICE is not obligated to process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona authorities.
"ICE has the legal discretion to accept or not to accept persons delivered to it by non-federal personnel," Napolitano said. "It also has the discretion to deport or not to deport persons delivered to it by any government agents, even its own."

Morton, according to a biography posted on ICE's website, began his federal service in 1994 and has held numerous positions at the Department of Justice, including as a trial attorney and special assistant to the general counsel in the former Immigration and Naturalization Service and as counsel to the deputy attorney general.

Border apprehensions in Arizona, where roughly 500,000 illegal immigrants are estimated to be living, are up 6 percent since October, according to federal statistics. Roughly 6.5 million residents live in Arizona.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL, said it appeared the Obama administration is "nullifying existing law" and suggested Morton may not be the right person for his post if he fails to enforce federal immigration law.

"If he feels he cannot enforce the law, he shouldn't have the job," Sessions told Fox News. "That makes him, in my view, not fulfilling the responsibilities of his office."

Sessions said the U.S. government has "systematically failed" to enforce federal immigration law and claimed Morton's statement is an indication that federal officials do not plan on working with Arizona authorities regarding its controversial law.

"They're telegraphing to every ICE agency in America that they really don't intend on cooperating with Arizona," Sessions said. "The federal government should step up and do it. It's their responsibility."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed a quote by Judge Andrew Napolitano to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/05/21/official-says-feds-process-illegals-referred-arizona/

Three Year Old Virginia Law Targets Illegal Immigrants

2010-05-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

I posted this article on Sat. 5-22-10. The next morning an official from Prince William County was on Fox New Live re-enforcing the information in this article. He also said the law started a domino effect on the counties around Price William, (who incidentally were originally opposed to the law), causing them to put a similar law on their books. As illegals left Prince William, and set up housekeeping in the neighboring counties, their own crime rate increased, and the financial burden to care for these people strained the county budgets. When they adopted a similar law, the illegals left their counties and things went back to normal.

He also said that there had been no viable law suites against any law enforcement agency in the county.

The law works. It saves money and lives. How can this be a bad thing? We as Americans, whether born here or naturalized, need to take back our country. I am demanding my own civil rights, those that cross the border illegally have made theirs null and void.

Three year old law in Virginia targets illegal immigrants much like Arizona's SB 1070
By Dan Marries

A Prince William County police officer runs a record check of a suspect.
Source: PWCPD

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA (KOLD) - For the last three years, a county in Virginia has remained under the radar in the immigration debate even though it has a law almost identical to Arizona's immigration law.

The ordinance in Prince William County was passed in 2007. It initially required police to check the status of detainees they suspected of being undocumented immigrants but one year later it was revised. Officers now question all criminal suspects about their immigration status once an arrest is made.

In 2008, the University of Virginia conducted a survey to see what effects, if any, the Prince William County law had. It concluded initial fears about racial profiling did not happen.

It also show that schools saw a drop in English as a second language enrollment. There was also a drop in uninsured mothers giving birth and individuals turned over to immigration and customs enforcement.

Hats Off To Charlie

2010-05-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know how everybody else feels about it, but to me I
Think Hispanic people in this country, legally or illegally,
Made a huge public relations mistake with their recent demonstrations.

I don't blame anybody in the world for wanting to come to the
United States of America , as it is a truly wonderful place.

But when the first thing you do when you set foot on American soil is illegal it is flat out wrong and I don't care how many lala land left heads come out of the woodwork and start trying
To give me sensitivity lessons.

I don't need sensitivity lessons, in fact I don't have any-thing against Mexicans! I just have something against criminals and anybody who comes into this country illegally is a criminal
And if you don't believe it try coming into America from a foreign country without a passport and see how far you get. What disturbs me about the demonstrations is that it's tanta-mount to saying, "I am going to come into your country even if it means breaking your laws and there's nothing you can do about it."

It's an "in your face" action and speaking just for me, I don't like it one little bit and if there were a half dozen pairs of gonads in Washington bigger than English peas it wouldn't be happening.

Where are you, you bunch of lily livered, pantywaist, forked tongued, sorry excuses for defenders of The Constitution? Have you been drinking the water out of the Potomac again?
And even if you pass a bill on immigration it will probably be so pork laden and watered down that it won't mean anything anyway Besides, what good is another law going to do when you
Won't enforce the ones on the books now?

And what ever happened to the polls, guys? I thought you folks were the quintessential finger wetters. Well you sure ain't paying any attention to the polls this time because somewhere around eighty percent of Americans want some thing done about this mess, and mess it is and getting bigger everyday.

This is no longer a problem, it is a dilemma and headed for being a tragedy. Do you honestly think that what happened in France with the Muslims can't happen here when the businesses who hire these people finally run out of jobs and a few million disillusioned Hispanics take to the streets?

If you, Mr. President, Congressmen and Senators, knuckle under on this and refuse to do something meaningful it means that you care nothing for the kind of country your children and grand-children will inherit. But I guess that doesn't matter as long as you get re-elected.
Shame on you.
One of the big problems in America today is that if you have the nerve to say anything derogatory about any group of people (except Christians) you are going to be screamed at by the media and called a racist, a bigot and anything else they can think of to call you

Well I've been pounded by the media before and I'm still rockin' and rollin' and when it comes to speaking the truth I fear not.
And the truth is that the gutless, gonadless, milksop politicians are just about to sell out the United States of America because they don't have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to face reality.

And reality is that we would never allow any other group of people to have 12 million illegal in this country and turn around and say, "Oh it's ok, ya'll can stay here if you'll just allow us to slap your wrist."

And I know that some of you who read this column are saying "Well what's wrong with that?"
I'll tell you what's wrong with it. These people could be from Mars as far as we know. We don't know who they are, where they are or what they're up to and the way the Congress is going we're not going to.

Does this make sense? Labor force you say? We already subsidize corporate agriculture as it is, must we subsidize their labor as well?
If these people were from Haiti would we be so fast to turn a blind eye to them or if they were from Somalia or Afghanistan ?
I think not.

All the media shows us are pictures of hard working Hispanics who have crossed the border just to try to better their life.
They don't show you pictures of the Feds rounding up members of MS 13, the violent gang who came across the same way the decent folks did. They don't tell you about the living conditions of the Mexican illegal some fat cat hired to pick his crop.

I want to make two predictions.

No. 1: This situation is going to grow and fester until it erupts in violence on our streets while the wimps in Washington drag their toes in the dirt and try to figure how many tons of political hay they can make to the acre.

No 2: Somebody is going to cross that border with some kind of weapon of mass destruction and set it off in a major American city after which there will be a backlash such as this country has never experienced and the Capitol building in Washington will probably tilt as Congressmen and Senators rush to the other side of the issue.

I don't know about you but I would love to see just one major politician stand up and say, "I don't care who I make mad and I don't care how many votes I lose, this is a desperate situation and I'm going to lead the fight to get it straightened out."
I don't blame anybody for wanting to come to America , but if you don't respect our immigration laws why should you respect any others?
And by the way, this is America and our flag has stars and stripes Please get that other one out of my face.

God Bless America

Charlie Daniel s

I'm Tired

2010-05-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm 67 and I'm also tired. I agree with Mr. Hall 100%.

"I'm 63 and I'm Tired"
by Robert A. Hall

I'm 63. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the left-wing Congress-critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by left-wing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood Entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the economy of Zimbabwe , the freedom of the press of China , the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Christian people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela .

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of U.S. Senators from Illinois.

I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less arrogantly of an all-knowing government.

I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful; that thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress; that picked over every line of Bush's military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his; that slammed Palin, with two years as governor, for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever. Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn't vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic, and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person, who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military.... Those are the citizens we need.

I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims, who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers; bums are bipartisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bipartisanship. I live in Illinois , where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats has worked to loot the public for years. Not to mention the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts State Senate.

2010-05-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Heaven or Hell?

2010-03-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A NONPARTISAN JOKE THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY BOTH PARTIES! NOT ONLY THAT-- it is POLITICALLY CORRECT!!

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by
a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems
there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts,
you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in n heaven," says the
senator.

"I'm sorry,but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him,
shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while
getting rich at the expense of the people

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St.
Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a
good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St.
Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would
never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but
I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down,
down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.
"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here
and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and
caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now
there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning.. .

Today you voted."

My House of Cards

2010-03-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

This is the worst depression I have suffered in a long, long time. No it's not clinical so there is no magic pill I can take to make it all go away, it's just the little (and occasionally large) irritations of life that we let grow and build over time until one day we just kind of implode and collapse under the weight of it all. It's like building a house of cards, if you add one to many the whole thing comes tumbling down.

There have been several unpleasant events over the past few years that have contributed to my present state of mind, most were due to my own poor judgement, but some were beyond my control, things I couldn't change because doing what was honorable and ethical made walking away a non-option.

I guess my house of cards finally reached it's limit. Now I have to figure out how to start picking up all of those fallen cards to rebuild my house. The hard part is finding the positive cards and leaving the negative ones lay. It's not always easy to find the positive in a situation and all too often the negative is hiding or disguised as something we think we need to keep. Negativity is hard to corral, it is smart and cunning and works hard at avoiding our attempt at ridding ourselves of it's hold, making the job of rebuilding our house a substantial challenge.

As I sort through the cards looking for the life I need to rebuild, and the lessons I have learned from this collapse, I'll also seek out those lessons that have somehow slipped by me. Hopefully I'll be able to retrieve them and use them to add strength to my new house, learning as I go. No one ever said life was easy, but sometimes we make it much harder than is necessary. We humans are a sad lot... most of the time serving as our own worst enemies.

Uncanny Archaeology

2010-02-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

Some interesting articles on this Archaeology site.
http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/halloween/

Happy Valentines Day Everyone

2010-02-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

Stonehenge "Hedge" Found, Shielded Secret Rituals?

2010-02-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

This article about the people of Stonehenge planting hedges to keep their rituals and rites more private, really brought the site to life for me. Their act of planting and tending live plants helps me relate to them as people and not mysterious beings of another world. Planting hedges is something we Pagans do today to keep our own rituals private and away from prying eyes and nosy neighbors.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100211-stonehenge-stonehedge-secret-rituals/

Wonderful photos of Stonehenge from National Geographic.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/06/stonehenge/geiger-photography

"Witches and Witchcraft, Creatures of the Night, and Ancient Curses and Magic".

2010-02-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

An interesting article for witches and Pagans.

"A look at the archaeology of Halloween, witches and witchcraft, creatures of the night, and ancient curses and magic".
http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/halloween/

Listening

2010-01-06T06:02:00.001-08:00

Echo Of Small Things
Originally uploaded by Midnight-digital

I don't post much here, that's because I am more a listener/reader than a talker/writer. I learn by being quiet and taking in what goes on around me. You would be surprised what you can learn by just being a little mouse in the corner. People tend to forget you are there and talk about things they would otherwise keep to themselves.
But be forewarned, sometimes you can learn more than you really need to know so be prepared for a sometimes unpleasant surprise now and then.
I have been people watching/listening my whole life and recommend it highly. Our fellow humans are an interesting bunch and an encyclopedia of information, especially when they forget who is listening to them.
Try it some day, you might like it.

Another year to live!

2010-01-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
~William Arthur Ward~

Resolutions for 2010
I resolve to:
Read at least one book on Paganism/Witchcraft every two months.
Have a better grasp of the Tarot by the end of the year.
Put more structure and discipline in my Pagan life.
Set up and follow a schedule for study.
Get out in and observe Nature more often.
Work harder on my spiritual growth.
Be more devoted to writing in my journal.
Better organize my Book of Shadows.
Work on my meditation technique.

Just What Does "Harm" Mean

2009-12-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

When we are given the knowledge of our power, we are also given the responsibility to use it wisely. This includes the choice of what is harmful and what is not . To see the harm in something, we must look deeper than what is laying on the surface. It may seem manipulative and harmful at first but when we look deeper, the true harm may come from doing nothing. Sometimes the person needing the help is unable to make a clear decision for themselves. If they are in a controlling, abusive relationship, the abuser usually has the upper hand and the person being abused can see no way out so endures the pain inflicted on them.
The same for someone with an addiction. The drug or alcohol has taken control of that person and they are unable to break free from it’s grip. In this case, they need someone to help them find a way to break the hold on their life and throw off their addiction.

I don’t mean we should cast a spell to actually release them from their abusers or addictions, but one to help them find their own way out. Something that takes our Power and uses it to awaken their Power to help give them back their lives.

Magic is not be a cure all. It should be used not to “give” us what we want, but to help us find a way to “achieve” what we want. I believe by giving someone else the Power to heal themselves or achieve their own goals, we are truly doing the work of our beloved Goddess and God and this cannot be considered manipulative or interfering.
I am not changing anything for them, I am simply showing them the way to change it themselves and then stepping back so they can make their own choices.

Rain

2009-10-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

By EileenDalla

Tears of our Mother.

Standing in the rain, feeling it on my skin, tasting it on my tongue, letting it fill my eyes.

Becoming one with my Mother,

Opening myself and allowing Her to fill my soul.

Tears of our Mother

Washing me clean and giving me renewal.

Breathing her breath, seeing as she see’s and dancing in her arms.

Turning to face her…, to accept her into my heart.

Learning in the Twilight Years

2009-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Damn, old age sucks sometimes. First the body goes and you can't jump fences anymore, and then, the brain begins it's down hill slide. It's like an old car that still wants to run, but the gas has a hard time getting from the carburetor to the engine. You find yourself right in the middle of traffic and the damn thing wants to choke down.

In my younger days I was too busy having babies and raising kids to worry much about improving my mind or learning anything new. I was content to read the occasional novel or recipe book and use my own education to help my children attain theirs. Finally when my nest was at last empty,and after all those years of answering questions, helping with homework and teaching life's lessons, I let myself get mentally lazy, only using my brain when absolutely necessary and for the most mundane purposes.

Now I've reached my twilight years and the desire to learn has awakened with a ferocious appetite. I can't get enough. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. One subject leads to another, and that one leads to another and that one to another and on and on it goes. If I'm not careful, I find myself far from my original starting point, simply by following an infinite path of information that has so many branches you can get lost just trying to decide which of them to take.

But as I've aged my lazy habits from the past have come back to haunt me and I'm finding it very difficult to concentrate and retain what I read. Sometimes it takes me days to absorb something I should be able to take in in a few hours. Although I don't plan on leaving this life any time soon, I feel I've reached my summit and by looking down I can see the end. It may not happen for another 20 years, it may happen tomorrow, but either way, I want to learn as much as I can before the Dark Goddess comes to escort me across the veil.

Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.

~Albert Einstein ~

The Power of Smell

2009-10-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's funny how an odor can stir memories and feelings you thought were long buried and forgotten.

Today after lighting our wood stove for the first time this season, the smell of the metal heating and burning off a summer of disuse brought back memories of kids, cold and snow and the happiness they brought so many years ago.

I had forgotten how much I loved my children during that time.

Waking them up in the morning, getting them ready for school, waiting for them to come home in the evening. The laughter and fun of having their friends over to sit at our table and spend the night.

I hadn't realized how much I miss just being a mom.

I wish I could remember those times better, there is so much I have forgotten, due, to the unhappiness I was experiencing at the time. An unhappiness I could have overcome had I been stronger and more willing to face the fact that part of the problem was me.

It's so easy to blame someone else when things go wrong. Your mind can build a strong case in your defense, telling you that you're the victim and completely innocent, while the other person is the sole cause of all of your problems. Who wants to admit to themselves that they have faults and can inflict the same kind of pain they are experiencing onto another? It's easier to lay the blame somewhere else and live with the real truth buried deep inside. The trouble is when we do this, it sickens our soul and over time life becomes almost unbearable.

Each of us has the power to find and release this self-inflicted pain and with work and patience, we can begin to let go of the burden we have carried for so long. Only by taking responsibility for our own mistakes and sharing in the blame will we allow the healing to begin and find that part of ourselves we can love again.

~~~

As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~