tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75585516292191657362024-02-07T12:51:30.622-06:00The Spirit JourneyA journey through the maze of established, man-made religion, casting off what would bind, to the truth of the Spiritual Journey: Celtic, Christian, Pagan, Wiccan. Life is more than a label.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-7998758100373326682013-04-11T21:45:00.000-05:002013-04-11T21:45:36.371-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings, Gentle Readers...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been away from this blog since the tragedy at Newtown. I've found myself floundering some: so very disappointed at our government, our leadership. I'm amazed at the huge divide in our society. And it is a divide in which the chasm seems to continue to widen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We cannot see a middle ground on anything. Controlling arms sales. How to teach our children. The responsibility of parents. The dignity of life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our society is, to me, in free fall. I'm not saying we should go back to the "good old days." Not at all. But there are things about the time of my childhood that I believe we have lost, and to our detriment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learned, as children, that you addressed adults by their last names. Mrs. Brown. Mr. White. Even our grandparents addressed their peers, with whom they were not familiar, in that way. We would never think of talking back to the neighbors. They would tell our folks and we would pay for it with a sore backside. Am I saying we should beat our children? Of course not! But I can remember a well-placed smack on the backside getting my attention. We learned our lessons. And we learned them well. Today, being respectful is a long-lost art. Parents want to be friends. No, dear readers. Parents need to be parents. Children these days know that threats are empty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learned, as children, that education is important. We didn't disrupt our classes. We didn't threaten the teachers. We were quiet when we were instructed to do so. Any disruptions were handled quickly and appropriately. Parents had conferences with teachers and worked hand-in-hand to ensure their kids were progressing. You want to play? Do your homework. School was a big deal. And, regrettably, as our lack of emphasis on excellence in education has slipped, so has the expectation we have for our teachers. I have friends who are educators (or who are in college to be educators) and cannot write a simple sentence nor read a book at the junior high level. It's sad. What happened to having pride in our education and our educators?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learned, as children, that a spiritual life was important. Yes, most of my friends were Christian or Jewish. But there were others who were of other faiths. We didn't beat each other up over whose religion was the "truth." We accepted each other. It was a private matter. But everyone found their own way and respected each other. It's unfortunate that zealots have ruined that spiritual life and actually discouraged people from the spiritual. So many are now walking away from spiritual things. Not because we have lost the capacity for the miraculous, but because we have become weary of having to justify ourselves to others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learned, as children, the importance of money and the value of things. We didn't have cell phones. We didn't have i-pods. We had plain old dial phones. If you called someone, you got a busy signal. You didn't have 24/7 access to people. And I think we were much more stable that way. We learned that everything had a cost involved. We learned that if we wanted something, we had to earn it. And we learned if we didn't treat what we had with care, it wasn't just going to be replaced by our parents. We worked. We mowed lawns. We raked yards. We flipped burgers. We had lemonade stands. We earned what we wanted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could go on forever. But I believe you get the idea. Those of you who are my age or older, are probably still nodding your heads. Keeping up with the Joneses has become the rule of the day. Johnny Jones has a smart phone so your kid has to have one. No. He doesn't. There is still time to teach the next generation. There is still time before we jump over the edge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will we be friends with our kids? Nope. Probably not. But we weren't put on this Earth to be friends. We were put on this Earth to educate and train up kids. As the Bible states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Everyone who knows me knows I'm not a Bible person. But every philosophy and religion has their place. And you can't beat that quote. It's time to return to training. Training is showing love. Training is ensuring that those who come behind will treat this Earth with respect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to solve climate issues? Want to bring our economy back from the brink? Want to ensure all people have food, clothing, shelter and medical care? Train up the next generation. Teach young adults to see the global impact of what they do. And encourage them in those endeavors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we do, we will find the world a new place of great value...and those responsible for it ready for the challenge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings</span><br />
<br />RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-27982656397689040872012-12-14T23:26:00.000-06:002012-12-14T23:26:36.287-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Greetings, Gentle Readers...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know it's been a while since last we spoke. However, the happenings of this day have
struck every one of us deep in our hearts and I found myself asking the same
questions everyone else was asking. I
know that politics can wait. This is a
time of tremendous sorrow. But there are
some things rumbling around in that head of mine that I simply must share. Please bear with me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no excuse for the horrible things we've seen this
day. From the children of Connecticut to
those of China, we have realized all too well that we are not immune from
tragedy. Regrettably, we see every day
the results from the devolving of our lives and our societies. So what of that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First, let me be honest about some things. I am a liberal Democrat. I would guess you could figure that out from
the introduction on the blog. But I am
also a supporter of the 2nd Amendment.
I'm the oxymoron between wanting progress with responsibility and wanting
to find the culture of integrity we all used to enjoy. One would think I would be screaming
"gun control!" I am not. But I do have some ideas on the subject to
share. I hope you will be patient and
thoughtful and consider what I submit to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alright, let's get into the meat of the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's address the 2nd Amendment.
While I fully support the right to bear arms, I see absolutely no need
for individuals to have access to what we would consider assault weapons. What in the world do we use them for with the
exception of killing people...purposely?
These are weapons for war - not for the neighborhood. You say we are in a war in our cities? Maybe so, but the easy access to these
weapons has allowed the mass killings we have seen. You may disagree, but if one reflects on the
past one will see that violence has increased with the availability of these
weapons. I say YES to the 2nd Amendment
but NO to assault weapons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next let's address morality.
Someone once told me you cannot legislate morality. We sure keep on trying! We have laws upon laws to address laws that
need no more laws. Let me explain. Is murder against the law? Yep, it is.
So why do we need laws beyond that?
We don't. Killing is
killing. However, there is an issue with
morality that must be addressed. It is
something about which we need to have a national discussion...a very serious
discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our parents and grandparents (if you are of a certain age - lol)
lived in integrity and civility. There
was discretion in things they said (or didn't say). If they were incorrect, they owned up and
accepted the consequences. People and
property were treated with respect. I
once watched my father walk away from a job because he refused to lie: to
"fudge" numbers to increase sales and oversell his customers. His integrity was worth more than a
paycheck. We no longer have that kind of
integrity. All things are
are responded to based on situation. Our moral absolutes no longer apply. We no longer respect life. We no longer respect other's opinions. We no longer respect other's property. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So from where has this come?
I have an opinion, of course, and it may not be a popular one. But it is one which I believe history bears
and proves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's go back to the late 50s.
The wars were over and we were feeling triumphant. We were, dare I say, feeling carefree!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On come the 60s. Our nation was looking forward. And in what seemed like just a moment, we saw
the assassination of two Kennedy brothers.
People who were thrilled that we were heading toward a break in the
fight against inequality were devastated.
Then the Vietnam conflict expanded.
We saw our sons (and in many cases our daughters) being brought home en
masse in boxes. One of those carried my
Marine uncle. Then there was Kent State
and our young people started to become disenfranchised, disenchanted, and
disassociated from society. We watched
the fall of Nixon. The recession of the 70s hit us hard. Our people were captured and tortured for
well over a year. We turned on those
returning from Vietnam. Society was in
an uproar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had entered the "me" generation. And we forgot our fellow humankind and sought
only to gratify self.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me interject here that this is where the religion argument
enters. There are those Christians who
would say this is because we "threw God out of our classrooms." I beg to differ. It is because we threw away the morals of our
forebears. It is because we sought
self-gratification and did no longer care about the greater good. It was that greater good that made us a great
nation. And that does not matter if you
are Christian, Jew, Pagan or rich or poor.
What mattered then was the greater good of an entire nation, of your
neighbor, of your fellow humankind. One
does not have to be religious to have morals.
(Some of the most immoral folks I've met have flouted their religion
only to fail the test of humanity.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So where does that place us now?
Now we have the internet and access to things that two generations ago
we would have found not only distasteful but violent. Our kids play horrid internet games that
those of our previous generations could never have imagined would be so full of
violence. We have access to thousands of
television stations which play 24 hours a day things which no human should
consider normal viewing. We are
inundated with blood and guts. Why do we
not see that those things affect us and affect our children. We no longer have filters that tell us what
is appropriate for us and for our children.
Those filters of integrity, character, morality, and common courtesy and
decency no longer exist in much of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So do we need to change some laws? Yes, I believe we do. But even more than that, I think we need to
return to human decency. We need to take
back our lives and our children's lives.
We need to let those powers that be know we aren't going to accept
indecency anymore. I know I sound like I
believe in censorship. No. I believe in self-control. I believe in standing up for what is right. I believe in caring about those around
me. And I believe we start all of this
AT HOME. It's time for mothers and
fathers to be role models instead of absentees with latch-key kids. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe it's time to set limits and make
priorities and STICK TO THEM. I believe
in America...the America for which our fathers and grandfathers gave their
lives to protect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's time to demand humankindness in all things. Now, who's with me?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blessed Be!</span><span style="font-family: Euphorigenic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-13853932104485894932012-10-21T16:56:00.000-05:002012-10-21T16:56:51.393-05:00Samhain - A Time of Release <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqtcFr-8G0O5FIk5dkk1Jso2jaaKbQWSOh7SHjRKHKU2ruaUemqnJEGiQ59Dj3-tA6hZIScGmINdDDEdAlZ1OkWX50KmWFX_HkN9cqfpVOWolN71JO-g7lKIdDIdQR2BtlgL-R9hXQDY/s1600/Blessed+Samhain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqtcFr-8G0O5FIk5dkk1Jso2jaaKbQWSOh7SHjRKHKU2ruaUemqnJEGiQ59Dj3-tA6hZIScGmINdDDEdAlZ1OkWX50KmWFX_HkN9cqfpVOWolN71JO-g7lKIdDIdQR2BtlgL-R9hXQDY/s1600/Blessed+Samhain.jpg" /></a></div>
Greetings, Gentle Readers...<br />
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And may you be blessed this Samhain!<br />
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I've posted Samhain blogs before, but I wanted to bring those blogs into this time in my life. As you know, I've always tried to be as honest and transparent with you as I am able. What would be the point of writing were that not so?<br />
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In the country year, Samhain (Sow' En) marked the end of summer and the beginning of the winter. Farmers would cull their herds to prepare for the winter cold and winds and have what they needed to ensure their families would be fed during the long, harsh winter. Hay would be brought into the barns to feed the remaining livestock. Summer fires would be extinguished and families would re-light their fires with the new fire of Samhain.<br />
Peat and wood would be stockpiled for use so that the hearth fires would not be lost. This truly was a joyous occasion and families would gather to prepare food for the upcoming season.<br />
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Does this sound familiar? Of course it does! The holiday season is full of examples of families coming together to cook and share time with each other.<br />
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Samhain is also a time of release. As it is the end of the year and the beginning of the next, it is a good time to look back and find those things of which we need to let go. All of the negative that has infiltrated must be released and plans for a positive and prosperous new year should be put in play... goals, dreams, projects and hopes for the time to come.<br />
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This is also a time of the dead. It is believed the veil between this world and the Otherworld is its thinnest and it is possible to reach across the chasm to speak to and honor those who have passed over. We seek their help with protection, advice and guidance for the coming year. Often, during ceremonies, extra plates of food are set for the ancestors. <br />
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And, finally, what is Samhain to me? It isn't about goblins and candy. It's about honoring those gone before. Releasing the things of the past year. Planning for the coming year and seeking the wisdom of the ancestors. It is a time of thanksgiving for provision. It is all these things and so much more.<br />
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So if you have pagan friends, be sure to wish them a Blessed, Joyous Samhain. They will appreciate it!<br />
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My friends, Blessed Samhain!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-39887256141799469492012-09-18T10:17:00.001-05:002012-09-18T10:19:16.785-05:00Mabon - One Pagan's Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Simply put, Mabon is a time to reap the physical and
spiritual of the year; a kind of Thanksgiving, if you will. The sun takes its path toward darkness, where
light and dark dwell equally in this world.
It is the living example of balance.</div>
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We know that life is cyclical. It is ever-turning, ever-changing. It is this cyclical nature that leads us
through the year. We celebrate birth,
life, death and rebirth. Just as the seasons,
so are our lives. All things that enter
our lives have their cycle. </div>
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Historically, Mabon is a tale of a Great Son who is taken
from his Mother at a mere three nights old (though some folklore says three
years). He is held in captivity and then
freed to be reborn as his Mother's champion, full of light and wisdom.</div>
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So what does all of this mean? It is individual to each person. For me, however, it teaches me that all
things have a time and a purpose.
Everything that enters my life will provide for me in some form or
fashion. It may provide teaching and
insight. It may provide sadness and
mourning. But with each thing and each
season, I will grow in insight and wisdom.
And as time moves on, with each year, I learn the lessons of life that
give me understanding, knowledge and peace.
I learn that striving against the wind, against the lesson, gains
nothing. Only when I surrender to the
lesson, do I learn its secrets.</div>
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Mabon is for me a time to look over the past year. What have I sown? What have I reaped? And what do I want to sow for the coming
year? </div>
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This year I sowed new
things: A new home. A new job.
A new vision for my spiritual practice. A new spiritual family and
community of like-minded people.</div>
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This year I reaped: A home that is comfortable for Patti;
quiet and easy on her PTSD. A new job
with people who actually appreciate the work I do, as well as the opportunity
to train without the constraints of a corporate structure that doesn't allow
for growth. And as for the new vision? I
found an understanding of my path that I had not experienced before. I found myself in Druidry; in grounding
myself to the Earth with the blessings of Air, Fire and Water. I re-found my Bardic tradition and felt the
draw of the Celts in my soul. And I
found a Grove of wonderful pagans who are loving and encouraging.</div>
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And what are the goals of the next year? I haven't firmed them up completely yet. But I do know I want to gain further insight
on my spiritual path. I do know I want
to be able to semi-retire and for Patti
and I to be able to travel. I know I
want to reclaim financial health. I want
to reclaim all that has been lost through illness and circumstance. So I will spend the next few days seeking
clarity on how to sow the seeds for the next year.</div>
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Blessed Mabon, everyone.
May you be blessed as you sow.
May you be blessed as you reap.
May you learn the lessons set aside for you. May you find insight, and wisdom, and peace
in the coming year.</div>
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RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-80106947348907565852012-06-16T21:11:00.000-05:002012-06-16T21:11:29.204-05:00Another Fathers Day<br />
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Another Fathers Day. This month my
father would have been 90 years old. And it just doesn't seem
possible that he's been gone 20 years in July. It seems like only
yesterday I was driving back and forth from Atlanta nearly every
weekend while he was in the hospital. And with every trip, he would
tell me to stay home. He was gravely ill and yet worried about me
traveling.
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And why is it that time turns our
memories to faded photographs: still shots of our lives? What was an
ongoing linear life is now a flash of a picture in the back of the
mind. I can see his facial expression when he would laugh. I can
remember him toiling over sales figures. I try to remember
everything he ever said to me.</div>
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And with each year that marches on, a
little more of the memory escapes.</div>
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He was a <b>good</b> man. I don't use
that phrase a lot. I used it the other day to describe a man with
whom I went to high school. And it stopped me in my tracks. That
phrase encompassed everything that was my father: hard-working,
patriotic, honest. His integrity and his name were cherished by him
more than all the gold in the world. I watched him leave a job once
because they were requiring he “fudge” the numbers and over-sell
his customers. He refused to compromise on his integrity. He
refused to be short-sighted for expediency's sake. And it took
several months for him to obtain employment. He struggled with his
ability to provide for us. Yet, that was a time I remember keenly
being so proud of him. I respected him.</div>
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He wasn't demonstrative. He showed his
love through his character and by providing for us all. He wasn't a
rich man – monetarily. But he was rich in spirit. That is
something no amount of money can buy. He believed in helping others.
Instead of detailing his own sales car, he paid a disabled Vietnam
vet to do it. He wanted to support him and that was a way he could
do it and maintain the man's dignity. He knew the value of hard
work and a job well-done.</div>
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He was a part of the <b>greatest
generation.</b> He volunteered and served both in WWII and Korea.
Dad was a submariner. How he lived on that tiny diesel sub, I'll
never understand. When we moved to Alabama, he took me through the
USS Drum here. I couldn't imagine him fitting inside that small
thing. But he did. It was one of only a couple of times he
discussed his service. I felt so honored he would bring me through
there, explaining to me all of the do-dads and gadgets. It was one
of my favorite times with him.</div>
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I miss his counsel. He rarely simply
offered his opinion. He didn't waste words. But when asked, he
shared wisdom born of a difficult life. He always knew just what
needed to be said. He led by example. He had high expectations.
Were I to be given one wish, it would be for another day with him. I
still have so many questions that only he can answer. I would tell
him I love him one more time. I would let him know how deeply he
affected me.</div>
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And when I feel as though I've failed
him, I remember him telling me to try again. Engage my brain. I
hope that in my short life, I live up to the standard he set. I hope
that when I pass through the veil from this life to the next, he is
there to greet me and tell me I've done well.
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So, Happy Fathers Day, daddy. You are
missed more than you will ever know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwCEW7JeNOUBmeFmmaAekgsCO6jdkdu7QqOOGDB8yO8BoZprCTBKUALxosHwi7r_w6QVbT9HcZaigAPOvNpN76qxC9A50KPRHJfq2takDb9N1n6P55E-3yoA4aZBrrj3t1-f7HJcU6WU/s1600/father+gravemarker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwCEW7JeNOUBmeFmmaAekgsCO6jdkdu7QqOOGDB8yO8BoZprCTBKUALxosHwi7r_w6QVbT9HcZaigAPOvNpN76qxC9A50KPRHJfq2takDb9N1n6P55E-3yoA4aZBrrj3t1-f7HJcU6WU/s320/father+gravemarker.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-38178509427891463142012-05-25T09:41:00.001-05:002012-05-25T09:41:41.148-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings, Gentle Readers...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I have a wonderful story to share. It is one of a little dog, due to die, who received a wonderful gift of a new life. Her name is Green Bean and she's between 3-5 years old. Here's her story...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While on a Facebook rescue group, I was contacted about a corgi mix in our local shelter. I went to check on her and she was too adorable for words! A corgi/beagle mix with a bright smile and happy disposition, she was scheduled to die on May 18th. After some wrangling, several people stepped up and we picked her up on May 17th!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She immediately stuck like glue to Patti (my partner), as most animals do. If Patti left the room, Beanie would wait at the gate and quietly cry until she returned. She was such a love-bug here, always wanting to be near. She quickly potty trained learning both the piddle pad and letting us know when she wanted outside. All of our dogs enjoyed her and played with her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We kept her for close to a week before all of the legs of her transport north could be finalized. There were at least a dozen or more folks involved in the cost and physical transport of her to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Patti and I drove her 2 1/2 hours north to Montgomery where she was transferred. She then went from Montgomery to Birmingham, Birmingham to Huntsville, Huntsville to Nashville, and Nashville to Bowling Green. (I hope I got all that correct - so many were involved!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, little Beanie is settling in to her foster home in Bowling Green. She will make a wonderful pet for whoever chooses her as their forever dog. We were so honored to be a part of it...even just a small part. We're so thankful to everyone who stepped up to help: from the woman who paid for her pull fee as a birthday gift for her dog to the people who drove 2 and 3 hours out of their way to get Beanie on the road to a new life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am overwhelmed by it all. I knew corgi people were a special breed, just like their wonderful dogs. But when you see everyone come together for just one little dog who needs a loving family, it reaches deep into your soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Special thanks have to go out to Paige Davis who allowed us to pull Beanie under her organization (CorgiPals). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bless you all for the selfless work you do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Beanie girl you make the most of this. Find you a wonderful, loving family who will make you the center of their lives. Cuddle them and play ball with them...and never let them forget how very special you are!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-79053948511584718922012-05-16T02:44:00.000-05:002012-05-16T02:44:58.538-05:00Farewell Sweet Cosmo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gentle Readers,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The photo is of me and my heart-kitty, Cosmo. This was taken just a few short hours before she passed over the Bridge, in my arms. And I am torn to the very core at her loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, I may train dogs by occupation. And it is one about which I am passionate. But my heart belongs to the cat. I connect with cats, especially calico cats, in a very deep and spiritual way. It's something I wish I could explain, but I cannot. And I have always been that person as far back as I can remember.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a couple of weeks, Cosmo didn't come to bed at night. She would always curl up between my beloved and me. It was strange that she would not come to bed, spending her time instead in the hallway. But last Friday I decided to pick her up and take her to bed with me. She found her way under the covers and at some time during the night I awoke to a wet bed. She had relieved herself during the night. I got up to change the bed and when I moved her, she cried. Odd. But I cleared the bed and Patti and I moved ourselves to the couches for the evening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day, she stayed to herself. I put a pad on the bed for her. She didn't want down. I brought her some soft food which she ate voraciously and downed what seemed like a gallon of water. But within a couple of hours, she vomited everything, water and all. She was losing motor control in her hind end. And she cried when she moved. Something was obviously VERY wrong. I knew she wouldn't be with us very long, in my heart of hearts, but didn't want to believe it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday evening I laid on the bed and held her. She was somewhat cool to the touch. And I knew. Because of my job loss, we couldn't afford to have her humanely euthanized. So there I was, with my special kitty, trying to make her passing as loving as possible. She would drag herself close to me, crying as she did. But we held to each other as she slowly slipped away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one point, she seized and it became obvious she lost her sight. From then on, she had to be touching me. Her breathing would change. Her purr became quieter with each hour. And finally at 2:17am, she cried out and breathed her last...in my arms with Patti caressing her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all honesty, that was one of the most difficult things I've ever done or witnessed. I've worked with people during end of life and have some heart-wrenching stories of that time. But to love this sweet cat and hold her as she passed from here to her next life, was a gift. It was horrid...and yet, it was a gift from Goddess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our friends were kind enough to set up a chip-in to defray her cremation cost. I have the most wonderful friends in the world. I am truly, truly blessed. And my wonderful, sweet Cosmo will be returned to me Tuesday to take her place among the other animals with whom I've been blessed to share this life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know Cosmo will come around again...in spirit form. I will catch her out of the corner of my eye keeping watch. But I will miss her gentle nudges and voiceless meow. I will miss the sound of her breathing as she slept. But I will be forever grateful for the time we shared together. I will linger in the love that she gave so freely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessed rest, my precious Cosmo...until we meet again.</span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-39277784580189825472012-04-18T21:13:00.003-05:002012-04-18T21:27:04.701-05:00A New Beginning Is Scary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu3MOsNI-y5310YwHn4uH222ryPIo6s7QMlSP0oDDaO_Ddw8IcLw6M73uWLZAv6tSr1aVHITYfJgrvgEoBwSyp5BAcdimK7tA_8dsBFENV2IM2ZGsmEwh0R59w71tWMRP55jiHJZY4rU/s1600/A+fork+in+the+road.jpg" style="font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu3MOsNI-y5310YwHn4uH222ryPIo6s7QMlSP0oDDaO_Ddw8IcLw6M73uWLZAv6tSr1aVHITYfJgrvgEoBwSyp5BAcdimK7tA_8dsBFENV2IM2ZGsmEwh0R59w71tWMRP55jiHJZY4rU/s400/A+fork+in+the+road.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732929527953627794" /></a><span style="font-style: normal; ">Greetings, Gentle Readers!</span><div style="font-style: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span >A new beginning is scary. That is a true saying. But it is also quite exciting! Let me tell you of the path that has been laid out before me.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span >First, after months of stress, I walked away from my job. I know. Not the least bit responsible. But so very necessary. After what seemed like an eternity of problems, I came to the fork in the road. One way kept me on the same path with the same stressors. One path led me another direction that had all the clarity of a cloudy window pane. Which direction? Well, you've heard the saying, if you keep doing the same thing over and over, you will keep getting the same result. And the same result just wasn't acceptable anymore.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span >We are facing challenges. We are strained financially waiting on my partner's VA compensation to come through. I need to find something to supplement our small income. And I have a goal in mind which includes another training/behavior opportunity. It's one I truly want: one that would give me the chance to really grow. </span></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >What I <i>can</i> say is that I've never felt better! My stress level is, even though times are a bit tough, so much lower. I'm eating better. I'm enjoying walking with my dogs. I'm enjoying having time with my partner to cook together and spend time with one another. This has been a decision that's needed to be made for quite a while now and it was the right one.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >So what's to be learned here? I think the biggest thing for me was to not hang on to that which doesn't encourage and create joy in my life. Too often we hold on to things, people, jobs that just dry us up emotionally and spiritually because it's "the right thing to do." Maybe it's not the right thing. Maybe the right thing is to step into the light, grab ahold of that which edifies yourself and others, and walk toward that fork in the road! Funny thing about doing that. When you do, The Universe is there to catch you and lead you forward.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I think this has been a good lesson in trust. It's been a good lesson in taking better care of myself. And it's time to share that good lesson with others! Step out. Trust your inner spirit! Make a new beginning not so scary!</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Blessed Be my friends...</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-61068431410114845782012-03-21T23:45:00.008-05:002012-03-22T00:14:39.800-05:00Life - What Happens When We Need a Change<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvOMCo3eUmHblqE49i5lKAm3-Lg68tp8kr2Go4sRI5FCfaMzL8KyR5TANzJD-tv4dbXm7LoMvQQnQ3UtKdFLgXmMiomPIfhpFKLO_XIC0GDt1F4vg6dY-6hv5jxHXHumpDZDQafXjOTw/s1600/Misty+Dreams.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvOMCo3eUmHblqE49i5lKAm3-Lg68tp8kr2Go4sRI5FCfaMzL8KyR5TANzJD-tv4dbXm7LoMvQQnQ3UtKdFLgXmMiomPIfhpFKLO_XIC0GDt1F4vg6dY-6hv5jxHXHumpDZDQafXjOTw/s400/Misty+Dreams.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722578839626905922" /></a><span><br /></span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Hello, Gentle Readers...</span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>It's been a while, I know. I wish I could say I've been busy. But that would not be true. I've been buried.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I've often come to this blog to speak my truth. And I sincerely hope that my honesty about my journey has encouraged you to find your own truth. Walking in our truth has its moments of unpleasantness. It is what is beyond the unpleasantness that keeps us journeying forward.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Life lately has been a series of ups and downs, good and not-so-good, encouragement and discouragement...all in one. And when I am pressed on every side it is not uncommon for me to find a dark place to hide. A very dark place. I really can't say I like it there. But it is quiet and people often leave me alone to my own musings. The problem with that is I become an island: a tree standing in the middle of a cold field. I shut everything out and I shut down.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I suppose it's my way of coping. We all have our own mechanisms for that. Some do drugs or alcohol. Some shop. Some work out. I eat. I shut everything out.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I have been in this place for months now. It's become too comfortable. And now I must find the strength to break the walls I've built and crash through the barriers I've erected. I've tried to so hard to control everything around me that I have lost the control I wanted. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I'm sitting here this evening ruminating over time lost, friendships lost, negative energy dragging my spirit. Time to grab the bootstraps and haul myself up. So tonight I make a commitment to myself. I will start the small steps I need to make to begin to dig myself out of this hole. Tonight begins a new chapter. Tonight begins life again.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Wonderful thing, life is. The Universe offers us new beginnings with every moment we are granted on this plane. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>So, with one foot forward, today we took the dogs to walk in the Japanese Gardens. It wasn't a long walk, mind you. I don't think my old body is ready for that yet. But it was a walk nonetheless. The dogs (Ranec, Moira and Rainer) loved seeing the ducks and turtles. It was cloudy, overcast and windy. Perfect weather for walking and thinking. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Tomorrow's step is food health. I will begin the day with a good breakfast, paying attention mindfully to the act of sharing a meal. No more junk. I must find control and it is in the act of mindfulness.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Day three will be attitude. The dark place is devastating to my attitude. I've been a real downer. So, as I go back to work on Friday, I'm going to muster my best attitude. I really do love the work I do. I so enjoy my clients. There have been challenges lately and I'm not sure how I will handle those things. But, my attitude will affect all of that. So that is what my next focus will be.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Beyond day three, I have no plans. I figure that's a big enough challenge for now. Physical. Emotional. Spiritual. Mindfulness. Freedom. Join me in the journey. Look inside at where you are and set your sails. Let's be strong together.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Blessed Be, my friends! Blessed Be!</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div></div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-51150525918621129552012-02-12T16:42:00.003-06:002012-02-12T16:50:12.601-06:00RIP Whitney Houston<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibm-B5C5PSDuwQsyaED-aXdEhqtyO1M28Yy6JlSTNfQHv1DiT4Mr9VzXxa2uGBtd-ERXE0O2ijyJPHXasYdAj0jZ89b_G-G3RA78pem68f-lZohX8osgkH8mutO-pJd6skbxEVU-WP0U/s1600/whitney+houston.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibm-B5C5PSDuwQsyaED-aXdEhqtyO1M28Yy6JlSTNfQHv1DiT4Mr9VzXxa2uGBtd-ERXE0O2ijyJPHXasYdAj0jZ89b_G-G3RA78pem68f-lZohX8osgkH8mutO-pJd6skbxEVU-WP0U/s400/whitney+houston.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708383917905139026" /></a><div>It was a sad day. Whitney Houston, arguably one of the greatest voices of our time, passed away at the Beverly Hilton. She was to perform that evening for Clive Davis’ Grammy party. What was to be a party, turned into an evening long eulogy and time of sharing Whitney’s loss.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were many offers of sympathy on social networks such as Facebook. And even more coverage in the mainstream media. It became “all Whitney, all the time” for hours. And I’m sure we will hear much more as the days go on towards her funeral. </div><div><br /></div><div>Along with the sympathy have come many who, instead of appreciating her talent, have chosen to bash her for her failures. As we all know, Whitney had problems with addiction. And those addictions eventually took not only her voice and her physical beauty, but her life. It is such a shame, really. Her voice was like none other. Her ability to hit the most difficult notes with such amazing vocal control was breath-taking! We all listened with rapt attention to her. Her beauty and talent won her accolades and awards by the dozens. Gold and platinum records lined her walls. But if we learn anything from Whitney’s passing, let us learn this difficult lesson:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>It doesn’t matter who you are, inside we are all the same</b>. We long for love. We seek approval. We feel insecure. We all struggle. The only difference? Whitney had to do it in public. The pressure must have been overwhelming. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like me, I’m sure there are others who would put the blame on Bobby Brown. Whitney started her downward spiral after her long-time marriage to Bobby. Their time together was, to say the least, tumultuous. And to top it off, they made it a reality show. Pressure intensified. I can’t say Bobby didn’t have a hand in her demise. I believe he did. But anyone who has had to deal with addictive personalities knows you make mistakes. You give in. You give up. You go along. You keep the peace. Unfortunately, it doesn’t lead to a lasting peace…really.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we are left with her body of work. A body of work that is beyond measure. No matter what Whitney sang, she sang it with all her soul. And regardless of her failures, one surely can’t find fault in her talent. So as we all feel her loss, as fans who have followed her. Prayed for her. Hoped for her. Let us remember her at her best. She deserves that.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-86816013675263617532011-12-06T22:09:00.004-06:002011-12-06T22:32:13.024-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-nIeSfijFa_Gn4XaLkxzyXZq1M6BI0W1gQZFRz0-GxYaDyFkuFeEF7dgOMgG9HH2mv-erByJ5Fa8NBSNYDtNfMtylSxxdAbub5MMVokXiGBJt2Yzdf17OsXL9i1BdczVA6ykswfg_ms/s1600/winter+light+through+the+trees.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-nIeSfijFa_Gn4XaLkxzyXZq1M6BI0W1gQZFRz0-GxYaDyFkuFeEF7dgOMgG9HH2mv-erByJ5Fa8NBSNYDtNfMtylSxxdAbub5MMVokXiGBJt2Yzdf17OsXL9i1BdczVA6ykswfg_ms/s320/winter+light+through+the+trees.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683233972782692834" /></a>Greetings, Gentle Readers!<div><br /></div><div>This is such a wonderful time of the year. The Wheel turns and autumn gives way to winter. As much as I love autumn, I do love winter. There is a refreshing that comes with the colder temps. The leaves fall from the trees knowing that they will bring the coming again of spring in just a few short months.</div><div><br /></div><div>I must admit, though, there are things about this season that get under my skin. So many people celebrate holidays. It's not just about Christmas. It's about Yule, Hanukkah, and others. We all celebrate our own way. And even though I would never deny anyone their holiday, I end up being so frustrated at those who do. Why can we not acknowledge all peoples of faith with a simple "Happy Holidays?" Why is that greeting so horrible? I don't understand. Why can I not wish you a Merry Yule when you wish me Merry Christmas? People get seriously bent out of shape over it, truly.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who believe in Jesus, He came to show us the way of giving. For those of us who follow pagan gods, they showed us to honor the earth and creation. For those of Jewish faith, the holiday shows us the miracles available to those who believe.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think many of us have forgotten the idea of it all. Whether it's Yule or Christmas or Hanukkah...no matter. What is important is the idea of generosity and charity,. Instead of piling up gifts, why not take time to serve at a homeless shelter? What a wonderful way to teach children the necessity of giving and gratitude! Why not foster a dog or cat in a shelter over the holiday so it knows the warmth of human companionship? Why not put together a simple bag of necessary items like toothbrushes, paste, deoderant, snacks, etc. for a homeless person you drive by every day? Why not simply be a light to everyone you meet?</div><div><br /></div><div>There are so many ways to celebrate that bring us back to the original idea of holidays: to serve those less fortunate than ourselves and be thankful for all with which we've been blessed. Let's use this year's holiday to serve others in a tangible way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessed Be!</div><div>Happy Holidays!</div><div><br /></div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-84115561254460696772011-10-06T11:45:00.003-05:002011-10-06T11:59:34.259-05:00A Matter of Opinion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuaie8yDfzqD6kWE-uzqRCQ7ZfcYJ0NBt8ymEejMLH3eiD9gomJ-dY4zPmoDiLviPr0XDtHt3AnWF5GrIP_i2Ih3r7LNgpZKrZJbt7ZAoFyknKs5WzfsWTGw0SQfQ8yjnwsoDb2sn_JI/s1600/zen+tree.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuaie8yDfzqD6kWE-uzqRCQ7ZfcYJ0NBt8ymEejMLH3eiD9gomJ-dY4zPmoDiLviPr0XDtHt3AnWF5GrIP_i2Ih3r7LNgpZKrZJbt7ZAoFyknKs5WzfsWTGw0SQfQ8yjnwsoDb2sn_JI/s320/zen+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660421559174588450" border="0" /></a>Greetings, Gentle Readers...<br /><br />It's been a long time since last we connected through this wonderful medium. And first, as we do, let's take a moment to remember Steve Jobs. He was the Einstein of his generation, changing our lives immeasurably.<br /><br />That said, there is much going on in our world this day. I'm speaking of the marches on Wall Street which are catching on all over the world. No, you don't see much on the mainstream media about this, especially in the US. But it is happening and it deserves our attention. All over the US, and now in cities around the world, the people are banding together in peaceful protest against the class system that has risen over the past 35 years. It started here in the US under President Regan and has continued with every Republican president since he left office.<br /><br />I know President Regan is idolized by the right. He did give a good show. But he also stripped the tax code, along with those who followed after him, to benefit the richest people in our country. Those leaders also gave massive breaks to corporations and allowed them to take our jobs overseas. Then they allowed Wall Street to make a killing off people seeking the American Dream. I know some may disagree, but I believe the record of such stands.<br /><br />Now you have two classes: the super rich who pay little to no taxes, and the working poor who bust their butts to carry this country on their overworked backs. It is quite evident that it cannot continue this way. Even those who are financially blessed have come out against the tax code that victimizes the low and middle class. And, really, the idea of a middle class is going away quickly.<br /><br />What coverage of this uprising we see says they have no mission. I think many who have been interviewed have been quite direct. The populace is tired of being taken advantage of. They are tired of working so hard and giving away their money, which is over-taxed to the max. Let's be honest, by the time you pay your state, local and fed taxes, on top of all the sales taxes, there isn't much left to care for yourself.<br /><br />So, I encourage you to check out what is happening. Join a peaceful march in your own city. Let the powers that be know you're not going to be taken advantage of any more.<br /><br />But above all, be respectful and peaceful. Violence never solved anything.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-42953400812917807032011-06-16T10:04:00.003-05:002011-06-16T10:21:13.116-05:00Light Through The Trees<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQBXP1AX7su-xPasEsd07-_mam35OK4tDf3HQ49YttZ_e64T54j8rydR_MRo1NJM6uri3BR0AjQO4nxjw8CLGSlWHfyKHtIr9nip1UDozMPeEZ0tYXTJnHTps3eNvJmbz4P5eIfMZuTc/s1600/Light+through+the+Trees.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQBXP1AX7su-xPasEsd07-_mam35OK4tDf3HQ49YttZ_e64T54j8rydR_MRo1NJM6uri3BR0AjQO4nxjw8CLGSlWHfyKHtIr9nip1UDozMPeEZ0tYXTJnHTps3eNvJmbz4P5eIfMZuTc/s320/Light+through+the+Trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618834300579084370" border="0" /></a>Greetings Gentle Readers...<br /><br />It's been a while since we last spent time with each other and much has happened. As usual, life moves forward. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes quickly. But always moving forward, nonetheless.<br /><br />Where do we go when life takes a down turn? Some find solace in faith. Others find solace in simple meditation. Some find no solace at all. And it is those who fail to move forward, who remain stuck in the pain of life, who are on my mind this day.<br /><br />We've all done it; remained in our pain. When life throws us a hard right to the chin and we are knocked down, we fight to get up but find ourselves giving in. It's just too easy to remain on the canvas than face what hit us and come back fighting. Analogy? Sure. But it is a true one.<br /><br />For those who are Christian, there is the verse in Romans about God not giving us more than He will make a way out of. Oh, many misquote that one! It's not that God will not give us more than we can handle! It's that there will be a way out! For the Pagan who follows Goddess, we know that there is comfort in Nature. There is peace and wisdom to be found under the overarching branches of an old Oak tree. The quiet brings comfort.<br /><br />But for those who fail to overcome, there is a life of anger, pain and regret. And what a shame and disappointment to live under that huge cloud. One never finds peace and joy. We've all met folks like this. Everything is negative. They become a victim of their own circumstances. And they are an energy drain to be around. No matter what happens, it becomes about them. And we who try to focus on the positive, find ourselves drowning in their hole of blackness.<br /><br />So what is the answer when life throws you down and seemingly beats you up? The answer is to look up. See the light through the trees in the forest. Know that there is someone, something greater than yourself and your "problems." Make the decision, and yes it is a decision, to move forward with that light in mind. Grieve as you should. I'm not saying to ignore your pain. Be honest with it. But know you cannot live in it without damning yourself to a life of ugly. <br /><br />Stop. Listen. Find your center. Then find your path again. This is a journey, dear friends. It is a journey of the spirit. Pick yourself up and walk. Feel the breeze on your skin, the earth beneath your feet, the light above in the sky. Take control. And enjoy the journey!<br /><br />Blessed Be!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-71353083181502015472011-04-05T10:00:00.002-05:002011-04-05T10:26:39.431-05:00Am I Walking in Awareness?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfRlhom_BW-FfcliC5ZR5pB8Xw70DAQ1BtFUT_c6ADeFnN6GLDFC5VwYkarpcXnmSnNyfcikf21ck5fbm9e0J2h7u7FdBtG6FfNbyjCFGyXWTNc7fpMxd5Kjn59HN5U1Rn5DthLid0pI/s1600/boat+in+the+water.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfRlhom_BW-FfcliC5ZR5pB8Xw70DAQ1BtFUT_c6ADeFnN6GLDFC5VwYkarpcXnmSnNyfcikf21ck5fbm9e0J2h7u7FdBtG6FfNbyjCFGyXWTNc7fpMxd5Kjn59HN5U1Rn5DthLid0pI/s320/boat+in+the+water.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592115240852791474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Awareness</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Mindfulness</span>. Taking ourselves outside our own ego and walking in the moment. This is the path my spirit is taking.<br /><br />There are many who write or video blog on this idea. And there are some great books on the subject. But what is it to me?<br /><br />I find myself just existing, walking through life with no defined purpose. I move from place to place, issue to issue, problem to problem, without slowing down and considering who I am. Why am I in this place right now? What is there to learn from this? I'm sure you do the same. We get up in the morning, go through our routine, arrive at our jobs, and survive til five.<br /><br />But what if there really is more to life than our routines? What if this is all a stage: a place for me to learn the lessons of life? How I go about that is a state of being. <span style="font-style: italic;">Awareness</span>.<br /><br />When my feelings are hurt, it is simply my ego in the way of the lesson. How hard it is to stop, put my ego to the side, and accept what happens with grace and inner understanding! It's so easy to take things personally. It's easy to throw up an emotional wall. It's a difficult thing to stop in the middle and ask what the lessons are.<br /><br />It takes quiet time away from the noise of the world. I must find a place of solitude to open my heart and mind to what really happens in my life. For me, that place is nature. I love a quiet place under an old tree. That speaks to my spirit. What speaks to yours? Is it your personal scripture? Is it a particular musical piece? Or is it a place of total silence?<br /><br />People have become uncomfortable with silence. That's a shame. We used to love the silence. Our great grandparents lived in simple times. There was no mass transportation to drown our minds. There was no booming radio blaring out noise. There was stillness, quiet, peace. Not saying it was easy. It wasn't. But it was simple. One could find a secluded corner to be with one's own thoughts. Not so much anymore.<br /><br />So today, just for today, throw your intent into the Universe to live today in <span style="font-style: italic;">Mindfulness</span>. Live today in <span style="font-style: italic;">Awareness</span> of who you truly are. Live today in <span style="font-style: italic;">Awareness</span> of your surroundings. Open yourself to the myriad of possibilities and the wonder of all that is. Be "in the moment." You will be amazed at the direction your spirit takes.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-35600193051161461902010-12-12T16:14:00.003-06:002010-12-12T16:17:10.608-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qOG6fcdZbqIri0HEngx137HQh8N7bwXq4JsK-GlmSjncqMSYcGKRV2-3NsuDssoC2_xEMgx4WM0y-eo8A8BHlwQvOuCL3tv9Y_Tay_ZQWPQ8XZWKhOV3UR5ZNiTgdnWPRoACzQm3uHs/s1600/blue+winter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qOG6fcdZbqIri0HEngx137HQh8N7bwXq4JsK-GlmSjncqMSYcGKRV2-3NsuDssoC2_xEMgx4WM0y-eo8A8BHlwQvOuCL3tv9Y_Tay_ZQWPQ8XZWKhOV3UR5ZNiTgdnWPRoACzQm3uHs/s320/blue+winter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549922902728368546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And on this day of beginning<br />We see the snow fall, gently, quietly<br />As it lies on the grass, clinging to the rocks<br />And each one speaks of a love<br />A love that opened Her heart and created<br />All that is.<br /><br />All that is.<br /><br />The foot falls as we walk through the woods<br />Each leaf speaking as it give way<br />To the will of the walker.<br /><br />All that is.<br /><br />The trees may be bare but they speak<br />Of the wind in the boughs<br />The joy of spirit moving freely though them<br />Offering wisdom to those who listen.<br /><br />All that is.<br /><br />The water rushing past the rocks covered<br />With ice and snow waiting for the return of Spring.<br />Now nestled beneath the white powder.<br />Ice dripping slowly refreshing the stream<br />As it makes its way to the Ocean<br /><br />All that is.<br />Begins again.<br /><br /><br />CLG<br />12.12.11RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-55269872805040593772010-12-08T12:20:00.003-06:002010-12-08T12:45:46.267-06:00The Winter is Upon Us<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5_PY6LXC31ZCyqXMcb-BgD9nI1UgBMLVzjGdhT37m-DcGGiHvKsRmUC-KkJ7bf08vP-JdcpxWtQQnGwzwvMvkonyL2Yo8s9P2VyOam0MQMvFs3tB1qt_2r1Kjlh8ytWJ5CjMRGehWNo/s1600/Winter+Trees.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5_PY6LXC31ZCyqXMcb-BgD9nI1UgBMLVzjGdhT37m-DcGGiHvKsRmUC-KkJ7bf08vP-JdcpxWtQQnGwzwvMvkonyL2Yo8s9P2VyOam0MQMvFs3tB1qt_2r1Kjlh8ytWJ5CjMRGehWNo/s320/Winter+Trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548379642918751810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">My dear Gentle Readers...<br /><br /><br />We approach the Winter Solstice. As pagans we know that there are many traditions to celebrate this time of year. However, regardless of tradition and ceremony, one thing remains: This is the day the sun stands still. Light and Dark in Balance. And then we begin our march forward to the coming Sun.<br /><br />I love this photo. There is such tranquility in the snow on the ground. The starkness of the bare trees are in contrast to the light that begins to arise behind them. It is a perfect picture of how our lives move in and out of seasons. As pagans, we celebrate the seasons because they show us the Wheel of Life that turns every moment of our lives. We see the cycles of life and death; birth and re-birth. We know that the Wheel has no beginning and no end. Our lives are a constant cycle of regeneration.<br /><br />This knowing gives me strength and comfort in times that are difficult. One only has to look at the cycles of Life to know that "this too will pass." The Sun will rise again. The Earth will be warmed and the flowers will bloom. Can anyone really describe the beauty of the crocus as it breaks through the snow to meet the coming spring? How does one tell of the sound of the rushing of water over snowy rocks, the melting of the ice bringing torrents of power streaming toward the ocean. And that power is Who we worship. Our great Mother, Goddess and Creator who brings power to our world. She is in and is all things.<br /><br />And She is in our coming Winter Solstice. She is there, guiding us through the hardships and toward the coming Sun. The day the Earth stood still. Balance. That is our Solstice. So this December 21st, as time stops for just that moment, remember the beauty and joy in walking the Spiral Path. <br /><br />Thank you our wonderful Earth Mother, Goddess, Creator for you bring Spirit to all things. You bring meaning to our lives. You bring joy. You ease pain. You cause us to walk the path of the Ancients with humility.<br /><br />Blessed Solstice my friends.<br /></span></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-44042722589884541002010-09-23T23:19:00.003-05:002010-09-23T23:47:01.971-05:00As We Ready Ourselves...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-dtm8IwN_J0_4EWDpJPJgd37YodwMLmMobKhRBwMMf3psfxW0cbSGOLIE3j_2n48b2xcU_4UawjMo0VTyPktm6lzK0xX4fL-Pj-3M6eS1W63j-jQKjyfUwQc3oZ4MxzIi8K2RbmGsO8/s1600/stonehengesun_alexander_big.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-dtm8IwN_J0_4EWDpJPJgd37YodwMLmMobKhRBwMMf3psfxW0cbSGOLIE3j_2n48b2xcU_4UawjMo0VTyPktm6lzK0xX4fL-Pj-3M6eS1W63j-jQKjyfUwQc3oZ4MxzIi8K2RbmGsO8/s320/stonehengesun_alexander_big.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520330286971250162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Brightest Blessings, Gentle Readers...<br /><br />I had the opportunity tonight to enjoy the Harvest Moon. It was so bright and high, shining almost silver in the sky. It made me think of my ancestors who, at this time of year, would be gathering in the last of their harvest. They would slaughter all the animals they needed for the fast-approaching hard winter winds. The animals were offered to the Gods and Goddesses as they were taken for food, clothing and shelter. The ancients knew the importance of them, of the seasons, and were thankful for them with each offering. The women prepared all with great skill knowing their handiwork would care for their families during the harsh season to come. Also during this time, they were even more keenly aware of the veil between the worlds. It was this time set aside to honor those who passed on and seek the wisdom of the Ancients for their future. <br /><br />In just over a month, Samhuinn will arrive. Now is the time for us to begin to take stock; to harvest that which we've sown over the year. We gather into our figurative barns all of the crops and food we need for the dark time. We edge toward extinguishing the fires of this year and move toward the renewing of the Hearth fire within ourselves and our homes. So what comes of this time of year?<br /><br />The AIR is crisp and clean. The rustle of leaves beneath our feet tell of the impending dormancy. Its cold chills us. The EARTH is quiet. The stillness of the night falls around us like a blanket and we smell the moss on the fire. The FIRE is dwindling, reminding us of the coming change and the need to purify ourselves. The WATER flows under the frozen ground keeping life alive underneath the winter snow. And the SPIRIT walks between the worlds bringing messages of hope for the other side of the darkness.<br /><br />During this time of year, living in the Deep South, I must use my imagination for those seasons. I'm thankful to have seen the beauty of the Wheel as it moves through the four seasons. As I close my eyes in meditation, I am reminded of my childhood. I am reminded of the scent of change in the air. It brings me comfort as I think on how my year has played out and what my desires are for the coming one.<br /><br />So for the next month, take a moment each day to harvest the crops you've planted: love, joy, peace, compassion, etc. Draw them to you and let them guard you and give you comfort. And begin to see that which you wish to sow and reap in the coming year. Lay out your desires before God and Goddess. Bless each as you offer them. And prepare your hearts for a Blessed Samhuinn!<br /><br /><br /></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-83558514969879291632010-09-16T21:07:00.003-05:002010-09-16T21:25:45.483-05:00Our Own Special Light<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bGBbrxlrO1Ohi32psfiZiriDLt0q6SbeRgQhtz22wceJWNFXf6B2NP8dk_0kGiY5oRZfMwV4hINshmHr5IjonPj1_IhFigAhpkAVMJIF2Sia7Uz0sqp-5EqZI6th_CQfWtISksvQuvw/s1600/We+are+gifted.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bGBbrxlrO1Ohi32psfiZiriDLt0q6SbeRgQhtz22wceJWNFXf6B2NP8dk_0kGiY5oRZfMwV4hINshmHr5IjonPj1_IhFigAhpkAVMJIF2Sia7Uz0sqp-5EqZI6th_CQfWtISksvQuvw/s320/We+are+gifted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517698892047816402" border="0" /></a><br />Greetings, Gentle Readers...<br /><br />It's been quite some time since we spent a few moments together. Life gets busy. Important things slip and take a back seat, unfortunately. We get caught up in the daily slog.<br /><br />I have been so many places in my spirit over the past months. And my reading has shown it. I've read everything from Don Miguel Ruiz to the Dalai Lama and everyone in between. And I've come to see that being broken open is the key.<br /><br />Ego is such an insidious thing. The "me" that infiltrates all we think and do is the thing that holds us back from seeing the truth of our journey. I can't say I fully understand where this is leading me, but the depth of the journey is undeniable. Ego. Don Miguel's Four Agreements has a section on "Don't take anything personally." What is that? Ego. It's our ego that gets our panties in a bunch; that has to retaliate or justify. It is our ego that puts us in conflict. Yet I find that if I can silence that inner ego voice, I can sit with the silence and see truth. It is only when I allow myself to be broken open, that I release myself from the tyranny of ego.<br /><br />That brokenness is not an easy thing. To deny one's specialness...ouch. I was reminded of this recently and it hurt. But it was a good and necessary hurt that required me to sit with myself for a time. I learn a lot in those "sit with myself" times. It's easier to get busy and just shove things under the pile of our lives than to deal. And in dealing, to learn to release. <br /><br />This is just the beginning of this leg of the journey. I'm sure there will be more to share as I walk the road and sit with myself on the things that come my way. I hope you'll find solace in your quiet times, learning to release your ego and be part of the Universal truth that is Spirit. We are all One. We are all a part of the greater whole. We are are all One.<br /><br />Awen. Blessed Be!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-74425868779510851122010-05-14T09:14:00.003-05:002010-05-14T09:36:30.389-05:00Spiritual But Not Religious<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5MNOxkLQL0YSfr9xz1etSHKiXjz1i3Y2YspLLv1_fXUELXXOgJV9-eC7Q4zjx36VenC70M8sUNJho_dxhyphenhyphenGss_IbHYWunxVKJNx04t2YAadQWXkjHsflUuHR8pdUeY8KHlE9Zv64NPg/s1600/A+fork+in+the+road.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5MNOxkLQL0YSfr9xz1etSHKiXjz1i3Y2YspLLv1_fXUELXXOgJV9-eC7Q4zjx36VenC70M8sUNJho_dxhyphenhyphenGss_IbHYWunxVKJNx04t2YAadQWXkjHsflUuHR8pdUeY8KHlE9Zv64NPg/s320/A+fork+in+the+road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471129547077588994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Greetings, Gentle Readers...<br /><br />Today on Facebook (yes, I'm a FB junkie), a group in which I participate (Spiritual But Not Religious) posted a comment on being SNBR is being on the road between strongly held religious belief and atheism. I found this an interesting description. And it is mostly true. I don't know how I feel about the atheism part, but I do know folks for whom that is true.<br /><br />For me? It's been such a journey. And I've chronicled most of it here. But if I may, I'd like to share that amazing journey with you.<br /><br />As a child, my family went to Protestant churches. We stopped going when I was about nine years old. I think that for my parents, it became about how much money the churches needed and about how they struggled to put food on the table, clothes on our backs, and shelter over our heads. And I went for years without any spiritual or religious influence in my life at all. But I think for me, there was always that Spirit tug on my heart. <br /><br />As a child, I had the ability to see spirits and sense paranormal "things." Over the years, that went away. I remember as a young child, watching out my window at night at the cemetery across the street and all of the activity that happened there. My house had two boy spirits that occupied it. We would talk and play. My "imaginary friends", mom called them. Shame I grew out of that and was brought kicking and screaming into "reality."<br /><br />When we moved south as a teenager, I had already approached my dad about "religion." He gave me permission to check out whatever I wanted and offered to go with me to help me understand. He told me I could meet with pastors, priests, rabbis - no matter - to encourage me on that journey. (I don't think he expected it to lead me to where I am today!) But, as we moved to the Deep South, it was pretty obvious that everyone I knew was a Southern Baptist, Pentacostal, or some other conservative Christian. I wanted to fit in. So I became one, as well. And I lived that way for many years.<br /><br />Even after I realized my sexual orientation, I tried to live the "Christian" life. What I found was, although I may have wanted them, they didn't want me. It was crushing. But in hindsight, it led me on the most wonderful spiritual journey! <br /><br />I left the Christian church. Oh I tried to go back several times and every time I was shunned. I started looking into my ancestry. I found such interesting things to read. I looked into other religious thought and faiths. And what I found astounded me! So many of the "faiths" out there are similar in story! What a revelation! As I searched, I started to hear and feel that spiritual stirring in my heart again.<br /><br />The energy that one feels from the heart of an old oak tree, the voice of the rocks, the whisper in the wind all speak to me. Interesting that the Christian bible says that if no one else worshiped, the rocks would cry out? I wonder in my heart of hearts if this is what the verse meant. I had a revelation! The rocks do cry out! Such wisdom in Creation. I found that female Diety had been worshiped for years and removed from religion by men in a patriarchal society. Oh my, I do have access to the female Divine! What freedom that brought!<br /><br />So now, what is my journey? (And it is a journey.) I find myself drawn to Celtic paganism. I find spiritual strength and wisdom in all of Creation. I find comfort in Mother Earth. And I find love in the arms of Goddess.<br /><br />Will this be the end of the journey? I certainly hope not! It is a thrill to see what each day brings. Join me in the journey and find your own spiritual place. You won't be disappointed!<br /><br />Blessed Be!<br />And so it is!<br />Amen!<br /></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-63366701350980754912010-04-15T19:05:00.001-05:002010-04-15T19:10:19.093-05:00A New Turn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxgRhhxwiio5Z0IrisPtFPR9py5DJmfcdPtBsZoSGz8jSI18y0Fx5TnrWM8HhU5Sr-zAJ10xPo8Xpx7xki4HLwoBept1234qOvoF2NtRkGlGbjlQ4LufTkKcPLYt3KZu7jW23CqI-rsA/s1600/namaste.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxgRhhxwiio5Z0IrisPtFPR9py5DJmfcdPtBsZoSGz8jSI18y0Fx5TnrWM8HhU5Sr-zAJ10xPo8Xpx7xki4HLwoBept1234qOvoF2NtRkGlGbjlQ4LufTkKcPLYt3KZu7jW23CqI-rsA/s320/namaste.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460519942946724130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Greetings Gentle Readers…<br /><br /><br /><br />So much to share! As many of you regulars know, I have struggled with Fibromyalgia for several years. I’ve been forced to use a cane or walker quite often. And I find that so very disheartening. To have been an athlete and someone who was healthy and then to be put in a position of poor health, is depressing. And it has forced some serious soul searching.<br /><br />I decided to take control again. Now, I know this is a long term commitment. I don’t have expectations of becoming the “old” me. But I do know that should I choose to continue on the path I’m on, I have no expectation of a productive life.<br /><br />One of my church friends recommended a young yoga instructor. And I must say it was more than fortuitous! A chance comment to church friends that I wondered if yoga was the answer to my exercise needs and, voila! I now have a private restorative yoga instructor!<br /><br />My concern with yoga was with the poses and not being able to maintain my balance. Also, from what I knew, my body was going to revolt when pushed to stretch those horribly tight muscles (or at least what passes for them). How in the world would I ever do yoga? Ah, the answer: restorative yoga!! All of the poses and stretches are supported. Blocks. Bolsters. Walls. Floors. No worries!!<br /><br />So what would become of my great experiment?? OH. MY. GOODNESS! I am a different person just three weeks out from our first lesson. My body doesn’t ache nearly as badly. I feel much more energy and less fatigue. I’m enjoying my life more. I’ve made adjustments to my regular medication, cutting the amount in half. Yep, self-medicating but with years of knowledge on my body. <br /><br />I also have been doing a good bit of reading. One of the sites I researched suggested a supplement called Resvertatrol. Some of the studies show a relationship between Fibromyalgia and magnesium shortages in the body. Hmmmmmm….. So I started taking the Resvertatrol twice a day. I have more energy than I ever thought possible. The nasty fatigue that accompanies Fibro flares is under control. I’ve even started walking some in the neighborhood with dogs in tow. How awesome is that?<br /><br />I know I sound like a fundamentalist preacher on this stuff. I just can’t get over how differently I feel. The combination of gentle stretching and increasing my activity level has brought a wonderful sense of accomplishment.<br /><br />The point of the post is two-fold:<br /><br />1. Don’t ever give up. Don’t ever give in. Search and research. Look for information on what happens in your life. Had I given up and accepted the fate that was taking over my life, I would have continued to curl up and fade away.<br /><br />2. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Alternative treatments can be effective. One just must be a smart consumer. Do your homework. And reach out to the different. Try a new skill (yoga). Try a new mindset (meditation). Try a new diet and supplement regimen (Resertatrol).<br /><br />My dear readers, check out your own life. Are you too busy? Are you ill? Do you not sleep well? I can suggest you slow down but I already hear how there are never enough hours in the day. It is, however, true. We must slow down and take care of ourselves. Our blessed Mother Earth, creator Goddess, has given us all we need to be healthy, happy and fulfilled.<br /><br />Don’t you think it’s about time we took advantage of that power? I do. I am. I will.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-10061527296263539502010-03-25T19:57:00.004-05:002010-03-25T21:14:01.182-05:00A Typical Day (Really?)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYIi8D1gvvj3jTxheYoGSxCHHGwBfwwe3uKe9Myj6TK2q1ZThfZV3IUHe7WFByAXmB3j0317Fs1Ioc2xFE5T1CSrmwrbAZlcSj8JKdU6-Bl9j77hzeMO8wHzrmIRbZaFnrrnb3k7AYo4/s1600/be+gentle+with+yourself.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYIi8D1gvvj3jTxheYoGSxCHHGwBfwwe3uKe9Myj6TK2q1ZThfZV3IUHe7WFByAXmB3j0317Fs1Ioc2xFE5T1CSrmwrbAZlcSj8JKdU6-Bl9j77hzeMO8wHzrmIRbZaFnrrnb3k7AYo4/s320/be+gentle+with+yourself.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452740832859940194" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Another day. Another challenge.<br /><br />This is my mantra day in and day out. Everything is a challenge. For those who don't have Fibromyalgia, let me let you in on how the days go by.<br /><br />Pain. Yep it's everywhere and it's nowhere. It shows up one day in my shoulders and the next in my legs. There is no rhyme or reason to where, when or how bad it will be. So if you see me at the mall one day and using a walker or cane the next, it's not about attention or negativity. It's about making it through the day with whatever help is needed that day.<br /><br />Forgetfulness: Yep. I have it. Folks with FMS call it "fibrofog." I know I've seen you before, but your name totally escapes me. I can be in the middle of a conversation and forget everything we just talked about. I don't remember words. Writing and speaking can be a huge challenge. I just try not to look stupid or embarrassed. But, when the fog hits, it's hard not to feel like both. Don't roll your eyes at me. Just help me. Throw me a bone. Fill in the blank.<br /><br />Fatigue: Oh I've got that in spades. And I'm not tired. I'm exhausted. Just walking from the bed to the living room is exhausting. The chronic fatigue wears me out. So if you see me at the park and I "seem fine" I might just be having a good day. Trust me, the next day I might pay for that outing and not be able to get out of bed.<br /><br />Insomnia: Uh huh. For hours I will lie awake wishing my mind and body would allow me to drift off to slumber land. If you see me on the computer at 3am, it's not because I'm a night owl. And it affects my chronic fatigue every day.<br /><br />Muscle cramps: I have them every day. So don't be so jealous if I make time every week for a massage or yoga class. It is horribly painful to do, but it is a necessary evil to keep me walking and working.<br /><br />Shaking: I do. And don't make the "alcoholic" jokes. They're not funny. And it's quite annoying to not be able to hold on to a coffee cup or straighten up the merchandise at work without knocking it all on the floor. Some days I can't even hold a pen or write, but I keep trying. Otherwise, life comes to a screeching halt.<br /><br />If you're still reading, and I hope you are, this isn't so much a rant on Fibromyalgia. Hey, I get it. I have it. I live with it. I do my dead-level best every day. This is more a rant on the insensitivity of people. The jokes behind the back about the cane and walker, I hear 'em. The comments on how I'm fine one day and not the next, I know they're out there. The marks on my employment record because I must miss work with pain and exhaustion, I hate them.<br /><br />I don't want to hear how a positive attitude makes it all better. It doesn't. Less stress? I could use that. Support? I could use that. Kindness. I really could use that.<br /><br />So let's not judge til you walk a mile in someone's shoes, okay?<br /></span></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-76578791736960678302010-03-15T10:55:00.006-05:002010-03-15T11:11:46.031-05:00Mother in the Morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz8H7O4acKQX_PfPcAUSiHMdiz2qBhGmJKdaqiOY5CggZNsZO0dcpygyj01St3gIZpt9D4xf-V0RdSLmL8tTRPQDDcArIq0cIfQH3OeAIpwmvloHnw4RLFmJOElAGNaAfrYLvZSx5zIw/s1600-h/dogwoods.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz8H7O4acKQX_PfPcAUSiHMdiz2qBhGmJKdaqiOY5CggZNsZO0dcpygyj01St3gIZpt9D4xf-V0RdSLmL8tTRPQDDcArIq0cIfQH3OeAIpwmvloHnw4RLFmJOElAGNaAfrYLvZSx5zIw/s320/dogwoods.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448890101279326098" border="0" /></a>Greetings Gentle Readers...<br /><br />I woke up this morning to such a beautiful sight. The dogwood trees in the neighborhood are blooming. It's so wonderful to drive down the street under the canopy of white and pink. There is a gentleness about a dogwood; a sense of joy and awe: the stark colors against the deep darkness of the tree trunk and branches.<br /><br />The contrast speaks to my heart of the workings of our lives. Our base, our foundation, is established and solid. Its roots dig deep into the soil of our lives. And out of that root and soil come branches of life. Each branch springs from the root, a lesson learned. And at the end of the lesson, if we allow it to penetrate our spirit, springs the beauty of the flower. And the beauty of the flower, when brought into balance in our lives, brings the bright green leaves of wisdom.<br /><br />When we go through difficult times, I dare say we rarely find a place of meditation and allow the lesson to go deep into our souls. I'm often guilty. But when I stop long enough to feel the breeze of change and the movement in my being of a branch coming forth, the lesson is always...always... worth the pain of the growing. The tree feels the pain of growth, as do we. We must but sit under the wisdom, allow our roots to go deep into the earth, and seek Mother Goddess.<br /><br />So many lessons I've learned in this mindfulness. And so many have I repeated because I've allowed myself to get caught up in the emotions and not the quiet of the lesson.<br /><br />I encourage you today to take time out of your busy schedule to sit under the dogwood. (For my northern family and friends, there's always the first crocus of spring!) Enjoy the beauty of the flower, but don't fail to touch the branches and feel the earth underneath you. It is all intertwined as a wonder to behold. A quiet lesson in life of the balance that is ours as we seek and honor our Mother.<br /><br />Blessed Be, my friends. Blessed Be!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-51443152293892149792010-02-26T09:37:00.002-06:002010-02-26T09:53:38.647-06:00Random Thoughts...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF5j9sDKP6tA1aj7HYARNQsWnI8Be6VGGRcFfpmqWEHSYlKhrBTGu4gqO18FvBM5ABALlivEACxNszNLRmgiAvkixjKBg5id3xmyNnKnh4wTDLUaMgstKfaAbo9vsUdwW1R4_Ufq_GcA/s1600-h/funny-dog-pictures-rode-agin.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF5j9sDKP6tA1aj7HYARNQsWnI8Be6VGGRcFfpmqWEHSYlKhrBTGu4gqO18FvBM5ABALlivEACxNszNLRmgiAvkixjKBg5id3xmyNnKnh4wTDLUaMgstKfaAbo9vsUdwW1R4_Ufq_GcA/s320/funny-dog-pictures-rode-agin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442577102914816066" /></a><br /><br />Life gets so busy. And sometimes my thoughts are just random bullet points. So hard to find time to really think about things when life gets so busy. Here are a few of my bullet point thoughts:<br /><br />Anyone else watch the meeting of the idiots on healthcare yesterday? Geez, what a bunch of morons. Everyone has their special project. They all want to protect their special interests. Nobody gives and inch. Complete political posturing. What a waste of time. First, the dems are trying to get something done for the American people (not unusual) and the reps are trying to stop it (another not unusual). I get bent when John McCain talks knowing how he's voted against every veteran's bill since he got there and against every good healthcare option. Ughh. I'm just tired of all of them, really.<br /><br />Pitbulls. Come on, people, get a life. There are no BAD dogs, just BAD owners. Pits are wonderful dogs and love their people. Are they great for the first time dog owner? Probably not. But neither are lots of other breeds. Train them. Socialize them. They make wonderful companions. Every decade has had its pariah. GSDs, Dobies, Rots. No matter. Somebody's got to hate them. For pete's sake, get over it.<br /><br />It's a shame to lose that wonderful trainer at SeaWorld. Agreed. But she knew the dangers. You're dealing with wild animals. Some of the responsibility lies, in my opinion, with SeaWorld for not removing that whale from its shows knowing its history of killing others. My heart goes out to her family and friends. But someone has to look at how this happened and take appropriate measures to protect the trainers.<br /><br />Snowpocolypse. When El Nino occurs, we know this happens. The folks across the midwest and northeast are buried under feet of snow. My concern is with those who, thanks to our failing economy, cannot afford to heat their homes. The cold weather that comes with this thing is dangerous to those who cannot afford oil, gas or electricity. And we all know how sympathetic big corporations can be. Give us our money or freeze to death. It's just unreal. Prices are through the roof, and you can be sure the social security payments aren't keeping up with rising prices.<br /><br />And speaking of social security, why do all these congress critters get their healthcare and pensions when the average American suffers. Seems to me something's wrong with that one. I say let's freeze their wages, make them pay for insurance, take money out for their "retirement", have them pay for their postage, cut their staffs, etc. to help out their constituents. It gets all up under my skin!<br /><br />I could go on forever, but you have things to do. So, these are my thoughts today. Negative, yep. Fixable, yep. Let's see if anyone rises to the challenge to make things right, shall we?RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-7614804573073001622010-01-25T09:36:00.002-06:002010-01-25T09:55:57.495-06:00Begin Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPUZw7tI9Q0xb1UgJ7MiBO-sdDlS6CaKC3y70rT1ldjsxYI16hSjwPtHcfWoya8uqRnTVtVegKeAv8qL0LZPkhCCJ0knLzjB5tD-p1dxmcuhf1rYpVhwZMzfjkYdjSCSF8HpXB2wqeh4/s1600-h/We+are+gifted.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPUZw7tI9Q0xb1UgJ7MiBO-sdDlS6CaKC3y70rT1ldjsxYI16hSjwPtHcfWoya8uqRnTVtVegKeAv8qL0LZPkhCCJ0knLzjB5tD-p1dxmcuhf1rYpVhwZMzfjkYdjSCSF8HpXB2wqeh4/s320/We+are+gifted.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430702266595254722" /></a><br /><br /><br />Greetings and blessings, Gentle Readers...<br /><br /><br />Have you ever had a friend, co-worker or family member who was such a bouncing ball of emotion you got tired just listening to them? I have. It's just exhausting. I want to be a force of good and encouragement, but it seems as though I am spitting against the wind.<br /><br />Here are some of the things I have learned and I wish the people in my life would find these too.<br /><br />1. Life is transient, not fixed. I have to learn to roll with the punches. If I don't get this concept, life is up and down and crazy making. Every little thing sends me into a tailspin. By learning that I must adapt, I open myself up to living in balance every day. Balance means just that: Balance! If I am on an emotional roller coaster every day, I'm certainly not living in balance.<br /><br />2. People are worth it. It can be so difficult for me to not blow folks off when they are a drain. I must find the middle ground of support and self-love. The Bible calls it casing pearls before swine. That's a bit dramatic, but we miss the greater lesson. If our words don't match our actions, we will never make an impact on others. And we are here to follow our truth and positively impact the lives of others. It's imperative that we LIVE our journey. That will make a greater impact than all the words that flow from our mouths.<br /><br />3. The journey is our own. We are responsible for our own spiritual journey. I cannot put off my lack of spirituality on what happens in life. The journey is there and it is up to me to find the path. All things have a spiritual base. Everything from the rocks on the ground to the birds in the sky are spirit. One can learn much from just sitting under an old tree. I must be attune to Spirit to understand spirit. It's not about worshiping trees. It's about being respectful to the wisdom of Nature.<br /><br />4. I am co-creator with Goddess of my reality. If I am created by Goddess, to be in the image of Goddess, then I am Goddess. I carry the totality of Goddess in me. If I am negative and focusing on ill-health, ill-wealth, I am creating that reality. If I focus on positivity, whole health, sufficiency, I am creating that in my life. It is up to me to co-create that life and path that is mine.<br /><br />These are truths that have been given to me through years of searching; walking the path on the journey to spiritual freedom. I'm not saying I'm perfect at it. Far from it. But I know the path and I make adjustments, re-focus every moment, to be true to who I am created to be.<br /><br />May you find your true path.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558551629219165736.post-49892405912058007012010-01-05T17:42:00.002-06:002010-01-05T17:46:39.674-06:00The Way My Mind Works<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_NTrDlJaSYZARq-GtKaNwLfk2T0UpvcB99kKWKRrRsA0dSPH5_HYyUBcPuqgKpp7Tte-nmPESX-ZVJNJNylyFScMLgin4IzbR0Siod6NtWNAI0lz8djqJTnGrtt4iTDAOfWiPg7ncww/s1600-h/Seal_Mobile_Alabama.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_NTrDlJaSYZARq-GtKaNwLfk2T0UpvcB99kKWKRrRsA0dSPH5_HYyUBcPuqgKpp7Tte-nmPESX-ZVJNJNylyFScMLgin4IzbR0Siod6NtWNAI0lz8djqJTnGrtt4iTDAOfWiPg7ncww/s320/Seal_Mobile_Alabama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423405626333385906" /></a><br /><br />The Way My Mind Works...<br /><br />Greetings, Gentle Readers...<br /><br />Usually, I try to share some great thought that's hit my crazy mind. But today is quite different. Call it a rant, if you will. But, I've had a big revelation this week and it has me quite concerned. Here's what has happened.<br /><br /><br />I was called for Jury Duty this week. I have no real problem with that. It is part and parcel of having a "free" society of laws. I never mind doing my civic duty. And I admit that I have a somewhat idealistic view of our legal system. I'm not pollyanna about it, by any means. But, I have a great respect for our system of laws and courts.<br />Okay, that being said, I guess I always thought that there was a system of promotions within law enforcement that rewarded length of service and experience. I thought wrong! Of course, I'm not going to give you great details about the case we decided. That wouldn't be right. But, let me tell you what I learned about our local law enforcement. <br /><br /><br />In this case, a number of officers testified. There must have been a half dozen. That included a detective. A 25 year old detective. Here's what I learned: One only has to attend academy and complete a 40 hour course to become a detective. Now, in my mind, I would think an officer would have to put in a number of years before being considered to take the detective test. There was one officer called who had 20 some odd years on the force. Was he a detective? Nope. But this 25 year old, with none to little "street" experience, passed a 40 hour course so he was a detective. Huh? Did I miss something????<br /><br /><br />Alright, let's talk about the CSI officer. Same thing. He took a 40 hour course. Now he's supposed to be an evidence expert. Double huh? This officer couldn't answer some simple questions about the evidence. And here's another added "huh?" The detective didn't keep or test all of the evidence found. He made a judgment call on what he thought was viable and what wasn't. Geez, I'd want all of it tested. Give me something!<br /><br /><br />So, what was the great lesson learned? Anybody who can read and write can become a detective or a CSI officer without so much as a lick of real world experience or time in service. Does that seem wrong to you? Or am I just spitting in the wind on this one?<br /><br /><br />It just doesn't give me a lot of confidence in our local law enforcement. (sigh)RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0