Jade's Blog

Thursday, 12 March 2009

Pagan Music Channel on YouTube
Topic: Music

While perusing through YouTube this afternoon for 'Pagan' items, I found the above video (which is really just an audio track, of course), which as many 'PSGers' (those that attend The Pagan Spirit Gathering hosted by Circle Sanctuary) know is the wonderful women of Spiral Rhythm and their song 'Freedom'.

It turns out that the individual who posted this video to YouTube has their own channel and this selection is just one of many that she has in her library of Pagan music including artists such as; Gaia Consort, Alice Di Micele, Blackmore's Night, Kellianna, and Kate West and The Hearth of Hecate (to name only a few).

With the excitement underneath my skin at the knowledge that in a few short months that I will be PSG bound once again, this music was just what the priestess ordered.

To see more information about this channel you can either click on the YouTube video above or go to the YouTube website and search for "KeepMusicPagan".

Brightest blessings.

Posted by spiritiger at 12:10 PM
Updated: Tuesday, 27 October 2009 5:01 PM
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Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Whaling, Animal Rights, and Violence.
Topic: News, politics and Activism
Admittedly, when it comes to my personal views, whether it be regarding politics, religion, or even my very strong opinions about nature and the enviroment I am usually reluctant to discuss it as these are topics that inspire thousands of different opinions because people generally are individual and come from different social backgrounds, different areas of our country even the world, and there are just so many factors that determine what views each one of us has on the enviroment around us.

That being said I found myself having mixed emotions about the video you see above in this blog [Video was deleted for terms of service violation by YouTube].

Okay, a little history is probably needed here. I am a former member of Greenpeace. From back when Greenpeace used a bit harder handed tactics to get their message across. The man, Paul Watson, that you see on the popular television series "Whale Wars" on Animal Planet who is in charge of Sea Shepard (The ship the 'Steve Irwin' as dipicted in the above video is a fleet vessel for the Sea Shepard) was one of the leaders of Greenpeace when I was still a member.

My views on animal cruelty and most especially the whaling industries in Japan and Norway have not changed. However, as I have grown older (hopefully at least a little wiser) my views on what is necessary to improve the situation has changed.

When I was younger, admittedly, I had more of an "anything it takes" mentality. If that meant throwing bottles of butyric acid at a whaling ship, spray painting "whale killer" on a processing ship, or even ramming them so be it. So long as it was saving the life of a whale, I believed that the ends justified the means.

But, as the years passed, even after the moratorium on whaling in 1986, whales were still dying just under the guise of research instead of food and I was tired of the violence that seemed to solve nothing so I left. Greenpeace too seemed to grow weary of it and Paul Watson was asked to leave which as many of you know birthed the Sea Shepard.

Since then, the two groups Greenpeace and the Sea Shepard politely agree to disagree when it comes to protesting against whaling. I still admire Paul Watson, just not the resources he uses to send the message that animal cruelty and whaling are an injustice to creatures who cannot speak for themselves.

I don't believe in violence as a means of protest. If you have to use violence you have failed before you have even begun. The line between Activism and Terrorism is dangerously marginal and the latter is just one act of violence away.

Here are the hard truths:

Blue Whales (the largest whale of the species) once numbered in the tens of thousands, because of earlier centuries of whaling, now there are so few that there have actually been cases of hybrids of Blues and Fin Whales because there isn't enough of the species to breed. It is still very possible that the beautiful 'Big Blue' could vanish into extinction.

It takes at least 30 minutes (and that is if all goes as planned) for a whale to die once it has been shot with a harpoon tipped with an explosive which detonates inside the whales body. During that time it tries to dive down (in vain) to fight against the harpoon that is lodged deep in its body and tethered to the ship. Unable to dive, it then thrashes against the bow of the ship bleeding profusely from its wounds in great pain while crew members use rifles to shoot at it. Some whales have taken hours to die. In fact, crews on processing ships often cut into the animal while it is still alive. It is cruel, it is agonizing and most of all it is senseless.

Every year, Japan kills 1000 whales in the Antarctic Ocean in the name of research, mostly the Minke Whale. Which although not a threatened species, biologists still do not have enough information on how often the Minke breeds in competing against the drop in numbers of whaling. Japan uses a loophole in the IWC (International Whaling Commission) laws that state that whales killed for the sake of research must be processed and distributed so that nothing goes to waste. This gives them the leeway to kill whales, process them, and package the meat for Japanese markets.

Further they are now actively campaigning for the lift of the moratorium on commercial whaling and even gone as far as trying to buy the votes of underprivileged countries with promises of financial aid.

In my opinion, whaling is barbaric and needs to be outlawed permanently. The words 'cultural differences' and 'ancestral traditions' are just an excuse to continue killing whales. How would the world react if our country one day just said, "I think we should be able to own slaves because it is part of our ancestral heritage!"? Just because it is part of some archaic tradition of culture doesn't mean it should continue.

(Steps off her soapbox)

For the one or two people who read this who would like more information on you can become more active in putting an end to the practice of whaling in the name of research here are some links to get you started:

Whalewatch
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
Greenpeace
Save The Whales

Posted by spiritiger at 1:31 PM
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Tuesday, 10 March 2009

*Happy Snoopy Dance* I got my PSG brochure!
Topic: Life
It came! It came! A beautiful full color brochure, all golden and pretty with a chubby faced sun! It came! Which means my registration, Ken's registration and Tommy's registration will be on its way to the good people of Circle by tomorrow morning! *Big toothy grin

and butt dance on the bed for good measure!*

I am looking at the pictures right now of Camp Zoe, just gorgeous! The water looks so serene and calm. I can't wait until we are on the road in June so that we get to see more of its beauty!

*Reads the section about Camp Zoe Facilities*

Shower house with HOT showers!! Woot!! Is such a thing really possible? *giggles*

Firespinning? Yay!! Tommy will be thrilled to hear that.

Now I have even MORE reasons to get over this nasty flu (you know, aside from being annoyed from my own recent over blogging? *thpppt*)

Its amazing how something so simple as a brochure conjures up memories of drum rhythms, the smell of bonfires, beautiful spirits dancing, all the laughter and smiles I remember so warmly. *squeals* I can't wait!! Just a little over three months!!

No more blogging, I gots stuff to plan!!

Posted by spiritiger at 6:08 PM
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Oooo Push button? Or nooo push button?
Topic: MySpace
For awhile now, I've been noticing a pretty bright blue link on my "Edit Profile" section entitled "Profile 2.0". Up until this morning, I have been able to resist its chipper teasing (mostly, because I figured there was some sort of fee involved and I... I am cheap *hangs head in shame*).

But, today I noticed something more, something that seemed more enticing somehow; "Profile 2.0: The new profile is here! One-click themes and drag-and-drop modules makes decorating your profile easier than ever. Try it out, you can always go back!". Exclamation marks and bold face type? How by the Gods and Goddesses will a bed ridden Theraflu junkie with a thermometer shoved in her mouth ever be able to resist these obvious charms?

So I clicked... just to have a little peek.

(I hear you now... the one, maybe two readers I have; "No, Jade! Don't click! Clicking will only make you want to push the button more!")

But, alas it is too late, as I have already *gulp* clicked...

And there it is.... the page (http://profileedit.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.upgradeprofile) with a bright yellow button full of sunshine that says "Upgrade to Profile 2.0" embraced with pretty words like "We'll save a copy of your 1.0 profile for 90 days so you can play around with 2.0 without worrying about messing up your old profile" and "Profile 2.0 loads faster and has a sleeker, more modern look" and... and... *scrolls the page down and back up again* No fees! *Giggles in delight and moves her pointer to the yellow button*

*insert a long dramatic pause*

But wait... *scans through the page one more time*. What about harmless work and family related links on our profile pages that don't begin with "www" and are immediately blocked by the MySpace servers as phishing and spam websites? *smile weakens ever so slightly* Hmmm... no, nothing about that.

Hey, still a very pretty button! *pointer hovers over the yellow button once more ... as perusing of the page continues* Anything about widgets? Like scripted media players other than the 10 song one that MySpace always hypes? Will Playlist.com players ever be allowed on the new Profile 2.0? *smile fades entirely* Hmm... no nothing about that either.

*Moves the pointer away from the once promising yellow button and lets out a long drawn out sigh with dramatic fashion*

I guess the answer from me for now is "Nooo push button." I mean, sure, it probably looks fantastic and is probably more efficient as well. But, honestly? With all the quiet and subtle changes they've made in their user's 1.0 profiles without warning and in some cases without explaination; That ugly blue and white page that reads "This link is broken!!!" where your family's website or work related website used to be is a bit insulting and all because the address did not begin with "www"? This eliminates nearly all personal websites, whether they are pornographic or simply just pages of photos of the user's family tree. I think a page with a warning and the choice of continuing to the link would be preferable to just out right blocking it entirely. To be honest, I wouldn't have even known about their new 'blocking' method had I not tried to link my own personal website. I recieved no announcement about the change by any MySpace staff member. I guess they figure we just like surprises *shrugs* I dunno.

Then there is the Project Playlist thing where if you add the script to your page and MySpace catches it, they delete the widget and send you this nice form letter that basically says "We have deleted the Playlist.com widget from your profile page... blahdity blah... lawsuit ... blahdity blah... until the matter is resolved." Nowhere in the letter do they give any indication of exactly when it will be allowable, if ever, to once again add the Playlist.com widget to your profile.

Now before I get a reaction of "Hurumph! Pirated music! Grumble!" let me give you all the information about the lawsuit that MySpace is referring to;

The Recording Industry Association Of America (R.I.A.A.) has filed suit on behalf of nine (unnamed) record labels claiming that Project Playlist makes unauthorized reproductions of their music without paying any compensations. The latter of this statement being more the bottom line than the former.

However, Sony BMG Music Entertainment nor any of it's labels are part of this lawsuit. In fact, they have actually teamed up with Project Playlist which I suspect is about more than just business.

Here's the rub folks, Project Playlist does not host any music on its website. Not a one. What their website does is allow its users to create music playlists and provides a search engine that points to third party websites that host the music files, most of which are legitimate material. Project Playlist adheres to the copyright laws as it is written and also how it is intended. Yet, they are being punished by MySpace before the verdict is even in, and why? Because MySpace got threatened by the same record labels that are currently trying to sue Project Playlist. So did Facebook and Gaia, but apparently they've stood their ground and refused to budge thus far. *Blinks and grins widely* I did my research today!

All jokes aside though, I have been seriously debating editing this profile page to bare bone and switching to Facebook and making it my primary profile page. It's not like I don't have the HTML skills to simulate this page over there, afterall I did design this profile page myself and have designed several websites on top of that. All I really have to do is transfer all the images and eventually my blog and wham bam problem solved. I've grown tired of reading my own bellyaching about MySpace :P

Posted by spiritiger at 7:52 AM
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Monday, 9 March 2009

Final thoughts about Wisteria, then no more.
Topic: Life
Since the ugliness began several months ago over the announcement that the Pagan Spirit Gathering would no longer be held at Wisteria during the Summer Solstice, I have remained relatively quiet about the situation (some might even say uncharacteristically quiet). But now, I feel I must have a say in order to finally put all the negativity and pain behind me and move on to Camp Zoe with a heart and a soul that is ready to celebrate with my Pagan brothers and sisters. A cleansing, as it were.

I think that some people have the delusion that Pagans are nothing more than harmless happy shiny hippies who just like to frolic naked around bonfires deep in the woods. The truth is that being a Pagan is far more complex and has a variety of different meanings depending on who you talk to. I call myself a Wittan (Weedan) far more often than I call myself a 'Pagan' but I embrace both because I am both.

I believe that most Pagans are of what I call a "tribal" mind, meaning that though we may not all follow identical religiosity we embrace one another in our belief that nature is sacred. It is nature itself that binds us to one another in a very real sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. If one of us hurts than all of us hurt.

That being said, however, I also realize that above our individual spirituality and our individual aspirations that sometimes the mundane weaknesses of being human often get in the way of things. Spite and jealousy to name only a few.

In truth, I don't know how all this unfortunate business got started although I think its clear by all accounts that trouble had been brewing for some time between Circle and Wisteria. I remember remarking to my friend Pele this past gathering that there was something wrong, I could just feel it. Everything was out of balance. He too felt it as I did. I don't think either one of us could even fathom how out of balance things really were.

Within just a few short months came the announcement, the Pagan Spirit Gathering would no longer be held at Wisteria. As if this news wasn't difficult enough to absorb, there was this adolescent attitude of the Wisterians, a sort of "Nyah! Nyah! Nyah!" in the face of those of us that had to pay a pretty penny for the past five years so they could have that nice new stage for their outdoor concert area (instead of much needed shower and toilet facilities)... but, I digress.

I've done a great deal of soul searching over the past several months since this announcement was made in October. About where I stand, about loyalty and about kinship and I believe I am finally standing on more solid ground... or as solid as it can be for an air sign with strong influences of fire (okay, Pagans will get this bit of humor :P)

Yes, Wisteria was beautiful. But the reason it was beautiful was because of the color and vitality we gave to the land... not the other way around. It came from the rhythms of our drums, the songs in our voices, every embrace we gave to one another with unselfish desire, and every ounce of love we feel for one another even after the solstice fades. The magic is in the land because we make it.

This celebration, the Pagan Spirit Gathering, is more than just a welcoming of the Summer Solstice. It's a family reunion. A chance for those of us who are apart for a year to return to one another, to share laughter, tears, and bask in the blessings of having one another as part of our lives.

If the Wisterians could not see how important this event was to those of us who embrace our tribe so lovingly then we never belonged there to start with. I finally see that now.

So, this June 2009, I will attend the Pagan Spirit Gathering with new ground beneath my feet but the same sky above me among the same people whom I have loved what seems like a lifetime; Scotty, Pele, Jase, Luno, Erick, Monica, Utu, Dawn, Caitlin, Paul, Dan, and Tereesa. There would be no 'Spirit' in the Gathering for me without these very special people.

One final word about Wisteria and the Wisterians and then I will not speak of either again. Nevermind the titles we as individuals cling to; Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, Enviromentalist, Naturist, lets shed those for just a moment and get down to the bare basic... Human. As human beings saddled with the same weaknesses and foibles as we all share. What joy, even in the short term, can there be in kicking a fellow human being when they are down? From my point of view those of us who are supporters of Circle were treated with complete contempt and disregard by some of the Wisterians. The slew of taunting and snotty postings on Circle associated lists by a select number of Wisterians in response to the initial reaction of the announcement of the dissolvement was then and now, to me, unforgivable. I guess you could say that I'm a soft gooey Pagan on the outside, but still hard jaw-breaking Irish in the center. Wisterians? As my Grandpa used to say "Be careful what bridges you burn, you can't climb over ashes." Because, though the cries have hushed and we are all moving forward, the damage has been done and cannot be undone. To you and your land I bid thee farewell now and forever with no regret.

Now, back to my wooziness and fighting off this flu that has me bed ridden. But hey, at least I'm on a brand new mattress. So every cloud does have a soft pillowy silver lining :)

Brightest Blessings.

Posted by spiritiger at 12:09 PM
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Thursday, 5 March 2009

MySpace vs. Project Playlist
This blog entry is somewhat a formal protest against MySpace's policy of deleting the Playlist.com's media player widget.

I have always loved all genres of music (except for Polka... I despise polka). So, it stands to reason that I would WANT music on my profile page. Unfortunately, the MySpace Player limits you to 10 songs. How is a music lover like myself supposed to choose just 10 SONGS?! So, I chose to put my playlist from Playlist.com on my profile page since there is wider selection of shared media to choose from AND max limit is 100 songs.

Now MySpace has banned the Playlist java player widget and will forcibly remove it from your profile anytime you insert the script onto your site.

Playlist is in league with Sony BMG and uses the SAME technology of file sharing that the MySpace Media Player uses, so on what ground does MySpace stand in denying its users the choice of Playlist over their UGLY eyesore of a player?

What's next? Are we going to be forced to put MySpace Video on our profiles instead of YouTube? As it stands, it too requires special coding to put onto your profile page like Playlist.

As it stands (because of MySpace's ban on many web addresses that cannot be linked on your profile page... so if you have that nice family website on geocities? forget linking it on your MySpace profile page) I have been forced to make another profile page on Gaia just to link my Playlist to. (Gaia doesn't ban Playlist from their profiles).

The more and more I am a member of MySpace.... the less and less I like it. I don't misbehave, I don't promote pornography, I don't spam other users with useless drivil and yet I feel like I am being punished somehow. I would just like a profile that I could enjoy and be proud of and share with my friends. Is an eye-pleasing java script media player that can hold more than 10 songs REALLY that much to ask?

Posted by spiritiger at 3:47 PM
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Friday, 30 January 2009

Surviving the Storm of the Century.
Topic: Life
Many of you may know if you've seen the national news that the midwest has been invaded by dangerous ice and snow, the likes I haven't seen since I was a small child.

The power here went out early Wednesday morning (about 2 am) and just got restored in my home at around midnight yesterday... though I wasn't here to celebrate the event, since I was holed up at the home of my vacationing parents (who, before they left, had shut off their water in order to save on bills while they were away).

It was the WORST birthday ever in my 41 years.

Ken, myself and Tommy managed to slowly make our way completely across town (West to East). Our first stop was my Aunt's apartment to get the key to my parent's house. Only when we arrived we learned the rather unfortunate news that the key was locked in her car which was completely coated with about an inch and a half sheet of ice and six inches of snow. So, while the manly men went to the task of chiseling their way to get into the code locked door, I grabbed a desperately needed shower (my son managed to get the last one at my house with the last of the hot water).

Now, my mother and her sister are very close. When I had complained to my mother on the phone about how these things always happen when you are the least prepared for them and how difficult things were going to be since I was broke until Friday, I should have predicted she would inform my Aunt of this... but the day had been so troublesome, that I just wasn't thinking clearly. So, after I stepped out of the shower, my Aunt was, of course, there with $100 and insisting that I accept the money. I relented reluctantly and accepted only $60 since I knew that there was no food accept for some dry and canned goods at their house. It would have been only $50 had the sum not been in only $20 increments.

After Ken and Tommy managed to retrieve the well preserved key, we made our way to Ken's parent's house (which is still without power as I write this). His dad, who is a Polio survivor, was home by himself at the time and with his circulation in his legs being so bad we were both worried about how he was enduring the cold. He's a very tough and independent man, but over the years it's gotten increasingly difficult for him to get around and a lot of the things he uses to make that endeavor easier either run on electricity or require a rechargeable battery which meant that he would be entirely dependent on his crutches to get around.

Ken retrieved his "Mr. Heater" from the garage which is kerosene powered so that they could periodically run it in the house to keep at least some heat circulating inside. I was still worried for his parents though, I will admit that I don't at all like kerosene heaters. You have to be very vigilant when running them indoors as they can cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning or if tipped over can start a fire. I told him that he and his wife were welcome to come with us and stay the night at my parent's house, but he wanted to be in his own home in his own bed and I can hardly blame him.

Ken's mother brought us dinner from Wendy's, and even though the hamburgers and french fries were stone cold by the time she got them home, the chili was still hot and after the day we had all had it seemed like the best meal ever.

At around 7 pm we left there and finally made our way into the next county to my parent's house. Now, no running water means no running toilets, but we seemed to have a plan to deal with that. We had a milk jug filled with water and a large sealed pitcher of water (so, roughly about 2 gallons) and my parents had left a large tub filled about one thirds full of water so that my Aunt could water the plants while they were away. So, we saved one gallon of purified water for cooking (or more importantly to make coffee with), and the other gallon and the remainder of the water in the tub we used to fill up the back of the toilet so that it could be flushed periodically and could still be used. We then filled the tub with snow and microwaved the snow packed pitcher when needed to keep the toilet filled. A fun birthday, right?

Well, anyway, Ken and Tommy decided to run to the convenience store down the road and get a couple of liters of soda for themselves since there wasn't much to drink at the house and I declined to come along as by this time I was completely and utterly exhausted. I got into my pajamas, stretched out on the couch, turned on the TV and was out like a light. I awoke about an hour later to Ken and Tommy singing "Happy Birthday To You" and handing me a clear container with a round red velvet cake with cream cheese icing (I know, but it's a southern thing and my favorite).

We all had cake, talked about the day while watching "Parking Wars" on TV and then went to bed. Which turned out to be another adventure, for me anyway. I don't know how many people reading this have ever slept in their parents beds as adults, but for me it just seemed... well, creepy. It didn't help matters that there was a professional photograph of them on the dresser looking on as we both drew down the covers and climbed into bed (nor earlier as I got dressed into my pajamas).

I slept miserably, tossing and turning most of the night as I tried to get comfortable on their double pillowed topped mattress. It's just too squishy for me. At around 4:45 am, I finally gave up and got up, made some coffee and enjoyed a breakfast of half a stack of Fat Free Ritz Crackers. Nummy...

At around 5 am I turned on the local news and learned that over 56,000 people in my city were still without power (down from 64,000), every motel and hotel were completely booked and shelters were overflowing. In Henderson Kentucky, the city that neighbors us to the south, 75% of the city was without power. Trees, laden with ice swollen branches were sagging and breaking all over the city snapping power lines or pressing down on them and stretching them nearly beyond capacity causing risk of electrocution since they are such wonderful conductors which makes many roads around here dangerous to navigate. Our city, and most of Kentucky are under a State of Emergency. Vectren, our local power company is saying that in some areas, and in cases of individual power outtages, it could be weeks before they can restore power. Which has me very worried about our independent living elderly.

I found out at around 8 am that power had been restored at my house, which I had mixed feelings about. On the one hand I was happy that I could return home and to the comforts I was accostumed to, but on another hand felt guilty about so many other people were still out there struggling to survive without power. I got the men up, and after getting themselves ready they set to the task of clearing the walkway and the driveway of my parent's house (we felt it was the least we could do since they had provided shelter for us for the night). It took about three hours due to the three inches of firmly packed ice underneath the snow. longer than we anticipated or could really afford since we still had to dig out his parent's van because they needed to drive to Indianapolis so that his mom could have surgury the next day. She had recently had a cornea transplant and her body has been rejecting it. So after we grabbed lunch at Burger King on the way, we finally made it to their house and at around 2 pm we managed to finally get both vans ice free and moving.

By the time we finally made it back to our house, I was wiped out. The tasks of clearing out snow and ice and dodging downed ice coated trees and branches arched over the roads had just competely taken it out of me. I took a nap for a couple of hours and at around 8pm, Ken woke me up determined to feed me. Neither one of us felt like doing much of anything so he had made a trip to our favorite Chinese resteraunt and brought home sesame chicken and soon after my belly was full, I fell right back asleep... which was not a good thing, because here I am awake since nearly 2 am and it's close to 5 am now. But then, I'm used to nearly constantly having my days and nights messed up.

I guess that's all for now. I'm not sure how long its going to be before everything is going to be 100% here locally. There are no heaters or generators to be bought anywhere in the city. There are thousands still without power, many stranded away from home having to share food and shelter with strangers in silmilar plights. My only hope at this point is that we have no casualties due to the ice or the lack of electricity in the surrounding areas.

Posted by spiritiger at 5:28 AM
Updated: Tuesday, 27 October 2009 4:30 PM
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Monday, 1 September 2008

My first 'MySpace' blog entry.
Topic: Life

Well, here is my first 'MySpace' blog entry. Not much to tell really. If you've read my profile you already know the basics. I had to list my religion as "other" since there was no listing for "Pagan", specifically Celtic Witta (pronounced: wee-dah). Wicca is not an all encompassing category for Paganism or "non-Christian".

I have a fairly ordinary life. Non-working Mom that spends WAY too much time MMORPGing. I have a man that I love almost more than life itself, his name is Ken and we've known each other for over 20 years.

Every year my family, Ken and my son Tommy, spend a week in rural Ohio at an event known as "The Pagan Spirit Gathering", hosted by Circle Sanctuary. Where we escape from Mundania and get to visit and catch up with our Pagan and Heathen friends... some of which are listed in my 'My Friends' category.

Anyway, that's pretty much all I have to write at the moment. Can't promise there will be anymore blogs from me as I tend to be the typical air sign and lose interest lol.

Brightest blessings

Jade

Posted by spiritiger at 10:45 PM
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Re: Will the real Jase Martin please shut up?!
Topic: Quiz/Survey
This is in response to my friend Jase's recent bulletin (mainly because I am very bored at the moment).

60 Things You Can't Possibly Know About Me...

What is in the back seat of your car right now?
My neighbors going doggy... seriously? I'd have to go out and check and I am far too lazy for that endeavor.

What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Starting to fall sleep.

What were you doing 3 hours ago?
Trying to wake up... (tweaking your MySpace on little sleep can make a very interesting page).

Favorite card game?
Spades, Hearts, Rummy, Rummy 5000, Black Jack.... Magic ... BUT THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO!!!

Have you ever been to a strip club?
Never! .... Okay well maybe... a lot. Sorry, I'm a sucker for the lap dances.... strippers around here seem to be a lot more relaxed with other women ..::evil grin::

What is the best ice cream flavor?
CHOCOLATE!!! There is no other flavor, is there?

What was the last thing you drank?
Arizona Diet Green Tea w/Ginsing

What are you wearing right now?
AC/DC jammie pants and a t-shirt that says "It's all about the pain. The ink and the jewelry are just souvenirs."

What was the last thing you ate?
Spaghetti-os and a peanut butter sammich.

Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Um... that would require actual money that I am sadly lacking, so no.

When was the last time you ran?
The last time I was chased.

What's the last sporting event you watched?
Hmm... probably a Manchester United game.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ireland

Who is the last person you sent a comment on myspace?
Since I am new to all this myspace territory, that's an easy one. Jase.

Ever go camping?
Only every June

Have you ever lost anything down a sink?
Who came up with these questions?!? Are you hoping to come by my house and check? I'm sure I have, but what I couldn't (and probably wouldn't) tell you.

Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot?
I refuse to answer this question on the grounds that it may incriminate me...

Do you drink your soda from a straw?
These questions read like some weird psych test. Rarely unless the waiter/waitress brings me a drink with one in it... or after a nasty visit from the dentist.

What did your last text message say??
Ah.. texting. I am against it. If you have a phone isn't it just quicker to CALL the person? The only time I "text" is if I am sending an instant message to someone online or emailing someone. You know, with a full sized, fully functioning actual keyboard.

Are you someone's best friend?
Like I'm going to ask one of my friends, "Hey .., am I your best friend?". How grade school is that?!? I am honored if someone considers me as such, but I'm just not presumptuous enough to ask.

What are you doing tomorrow?
Tomorrow is so far away... hmmm.... probably playing with this new myspace thingy or .. maybe ::blushes:: play WoW.

Where is your mom right now?
.. ::Checks her back:: Nope not there! (joking). Actually she's probably spending some time with my son who is at her house for the next couple of days WOOHOO!

Look to your left, what do you see?
One of my drums, a doggie gate and a box fan.

What color is your watch?
Skintoned.

What do you think of when you think of Australia?
Sadly, shampoo and conditioner. (I know, I'm such a girl)

Ever ridden on a roller coaster?
In a word? WOOHOO!!

Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
I'm the quintessential anti-socialite. I don't normally like sharing meals with people I don't know, so I would have I hit the drive thru.

Do you have a dog?
Two and they are the most polar opposites of each other its truly frightening. Modi (who is the neurotic one) and Maddi (who is the lazy relaxed one).

Last person you talked to on the phone?
Jase

Any plans today?
Plans? Doesn't that require actual... well planning? I don't do "planning".

Are you happy?
See? Psych test! I don't think anyone can be happy 24/7. If they could they'd be an animatronic feature in Disneyworld. I'd say over the half of the time that I am, but life does happen.

Where are you right now?
Ooo from Psych test to stalker questions, yay. Why, right here of course! (Living Room)

Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
I don't have any, what I would call, big annoyances in my life at the moment. Little annoyances maybe like a child who can't seem to hear me when the t.v. or his video game is on.

Last song listened to?
American Idiot - Green Day

Last movie you saw?
Mama Mia - and I loved it!

Are you allergic to anything?
Cooking. No really, I swear!

Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Most of the time I'm barefooting it. Outdoors Summertime = Birkenstocks, Outdoors the rest of the seasons = hiking boots or chuckies.

Are you married?
Yes and no... and unless you are someone that is close to me I'm not clarifying that statement lol.

Is anyone jealous of you?
I doubt it.

What time is it?
1:55 p.m.

Do any of your friends have children?
Yes.

Do you eat healthy?
I try to but the schedules of my son and my honey don't always give me the benefit of being able to do so.

What do you usually do during the day?
play video games, watch t.v., or spend to much time on myspace like... I dunno, now?

Do you hate anyone right now?
Hate? No.... but dislike intently the things he does and says, yes. (George Bush)

Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
Everyone owns a phone (landline or cell) so I would say we all do.

How many kids do you want to have?
As many as I have right now.

How old will you be your next Birthday?
41

Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Many many times.

Have you been told you are attractive by the opposite sex?
........Many many times by the one that matters most.

Posted by spiritiger at 10:48 AM
Updated: Tuesday, 27 October 2009 4:16 PM
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Sunday, 31 August 2008

Drum Circle
Topic: Writing and Poetry
I recently found this again on my dA (deviantART) account; TigerOfSpirit, and decided to share it here. I don't remember when I wrote it, but I think it was about a year ago or so. I wrote it while reminiscing about PSG.

Drum Circle

Pungent sweet aromas of earth, wood and smoke
Rhythms on djembe and the trance it invokes
Firelight casting shadows 'cross the envious trees
A hint of sage and nag champa clings to the breeze

Nymph and satyr rise to the sway of the sound
Writhing and twirling, their deep wildness unbound
Fingers and palms pound ardently on the skins
As if the swell of the crescendo never will end

Tauntingly, a bodhran adds its voice to the beat
Capricious in tempo, no dancer dare retreat
Nay, their resolve merely strengthens their pace
Stirring up the magic in this once tranquil place

And on and on through the night do they play
The drummers and dancers, each having their way
'Til the rhythm falters and the trance is broken
The dancer now surrenders, these final words spoken

"Thank you, drummers" - say the dancers with glee

"Thank you, dancers" - say the drummers "And blessed be!"

Posted by spiritiger at 2:18 PM
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