tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48788434940272368422023-11-16T03:36:08.077-08:00Behind the IllusionControversial writings on unexplained or undisclosed issues intended to stimulate and provoke further query. Visit <a href="http://Behindtheillusion.webs.com"><i>HERE</i></a> for more.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-4804973369523213152011-12-28T00:11:00.000-08:002011-12-28T01:07:47.820-08:00Too Little Too Late<P>The thing is ...<br>I'm bombarded every day by news reports, videos and articles about the horrible state of the world and all sorts of newly disclosed information and revelations that are supposed to wake up people's consciousness! But don't you see. This is not new information. It's just that people don't listen.</p><p>While at my college campus some years ago, a young man approached me with literature pointing out some highly controversial information about secret societies, the banking system elite, the sign of the devil and other ideas that blew my mind. He passed this information out to any student willing to take it. And he preached a bit, talking about how it was important to question the system and not follow the 'game'. By the time he'd finished his spiel I was convicted and anxious to learn more. And that was over 36 years ago. I and many others who found themselves confronting the same information back in those days had a mission to share it with others. ha! And we did. And we're still trying. You can imagine the misdirected ridicule we've received.</p><p>I only wish that folks had been a little more interested a few decades ago. We'd be more enlightened and a lot more in control today.</p><p>I'm still learning as well. Just lately I've been reading more about corruption at the hands of our trusted leaders. If you'd like to watch/read some information I've gathered from other sources about the real current and historical events, visit <a href="http://behindtheillusion.webs.com" target="_blank">BehindtheIllusion.webs.com</a>.</p><p>Thank you.</p>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-86533477124890182202009-03-07T15:39:00.000-08:002009-03-07T15:40:16.722-08:00FEMA Camps Mentioned on Fox & Friends<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f03zZA___Ho&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f03zZA___Ho&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-46015844812538979412009-02-26T10:24:00.000-08:002009-02-26T10:37:05.456-08:00I'd promised myself that I'd write more this new year. It's a passion, but I'm not afforded the opportunity as I'd like. I'm busier than ever. That's a good thing. But there are so many more important things I'm finding to do.<br /><br />My free time is filled with art classes. This is a passion as well. I'm in class 3 nights out of the week, forfeiting the luxury of cooking, reading a good book, watching a good movie, or playing with my imagination on paper. Other days I find myself drawn to interesting conversations with like minded people. Folks have so much more to talk about these days. It seems more of us are waking up, learning, and growing.<br /><br />I'd like to share some of my new insights drawn from these enlightened folks I've encountered of late. But that will come on another occasion where time is abundant.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-44596430149376185542009-02-14T22:23:00.000-08:002009-02-14T23:11:10.350-08:00Thin Line Between Science and MagicRupert Sheldrake, a biochemist, has been performing experiments to debunks the idea of 'magic'. He believes that magic is scientific, that supernatural powers can be explained in some scientific, mathematical fashion. An example of this holds true regarding the advances in technology. Cell phones and televisions, for example, would have been considered magical wonders a hundred years ago. And now we've learned, through quantum physics, that a 5th dimension exists (as well as others)which has a profound affect on our present 3rd dimension. The 5th dimension, as scientifically valid as this present reality that we live in today, is what most of us label paranormal. But we're very close to learning that ghosts and other-worldly things have a scientific basis. I expect that some day soon we'll no longer have fear of the supernatural because it will no longer be an unknown.<br /><br />Mr. Sheldrake conducts a series of experiments where people can participate online. They are interesting, requiring a partner to assist in most of tests. Here is one called the <a href="http://www.sheldrake.org/Onlineexp/portal/staring.html">Online Staring Test</a>. Then click <strong>Online Experiments Portal</strong> to take more tests.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-25081342117794265822009-01-29T18:12:00.000-08:002009-01-29T19:23:15.511-08:00Don't Ask, Don't TellI learned much of my social tolerances from my own kids. They would chide me for sometimes making improper references to unpleasant people or situations. In our conversations I explained my concerns and they voiced their opinions quite well. Reality hit me in the face one day. I wasn't the loving, compassionate human that I professed to be. But today things are much different. Life experiences have taught me to love better, as I find myself in everyone I meet. <br /><br />So as I hear that Obama has plans to abolish the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, I wonder to what end this action will take. Imagine the young gay serviceman who's kept his sexual orientation to himself. Because of the negative attention he might get if otherwise admitting to being gay, secrecy seems the better choice. No one could ask him about his nature and therefore life in the military could be more tolerable. I know there are other possible negatives that the Don't Ask policy affects ... like, if such repression of sexual orientation causes more stress. Yes, but bare with me. On the other hand, if the policy is lifted, I imagine that life on a military base would not be what you call pleasant. Although I love and respect our soldiers, there are a lot of jerks who serve our country. As a Black Woman I can sympathize with the men affected by this rule, having been the brunt of intolerance and hate on many occasions throughout my lifetime.<br /><br />I hope this situation can be resolved to benefit everyone involved. Mostly, I just wish that people would start addressing their own humanity to man. Love has no boundaries.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-7001469563978947162009-01-20T18:47:00.000-08:002009-01-24T00:14:44.705-08:00Earth is SingingPeople are rejoicing all over the world!<br /><br />I decided at the eleventh hour to attend a remote viewing of the inauguration ceremony in an auditorium that boasted large screens, lots of happy faces, and an enormous amount of positive energy. The decision to leave the comfort of my own sofa and TV came as I thought about how much I would be missing! The spirit of this momentous occasion was just so overwhelming. And to deprive myself of some of that collective love, gotten from the shouts, screams and cries of thankful and hopeful people,would have been an inadvertent blunder. I'm thankful to have witnessed, not just the ceremony, but the spiritual energy that transcended beyond earth in voices heard all over the world ... in one accord ... at the same time. <br /><br />The experience brought tears even to my son's eyes. He told me later that this was probably the first time in the history of the planet that the heavens were privy to such homage. I like to think about it even now, just to bathe in the idea.<br /><br />So, for those of us who believe in the power of the spirit, the world has taken a big step into greater consciousness. These are new beginnings.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-11667609328390869672009-01-20T17:11:00.000-08:002011-04-03T20:50:44.841-07:00The world sat glued to the today's Inauguration ceremony. I was lucking enough to see it on a large stadium screen along with crowds of Obama supporters.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-61417875694293291452009-01-11T10:02:00.000-08:002009-01-11T10:33:20.775-08:00Cold Blooded Murder?Oscar Grant, a young black father, was killed at an Oakland Bart station some days ago. He'd been fighting on the train and was then shot by the police. My first thought was, "Sh_ t!!! These violent kids are turning the streets into a living hell." When I heard that he was innocent, I got mad, as if his life had been taken away from me and my family. Then again, with the conviction that we are all universally bound to a single God, where I see my own children in the eyes of everyone I meet, that young man was family.<br /><br />The TV finally showed his photo. It was the picture of a guy who worked in the meat department of a store that I visit quite frequently. How amazing! I knew him, not by name, but from my encounters in the store. It was surreal, a gut aching moment, staring into his face on screen.<br /><br />Reports say that he was fighting with others when police arrived at the station. Officers had him lying on his stomach when one of them shot him in the back. There was nothing to provoke the shooting since the kid had no weapon and was virtually helpless. By all indications, it seemed like cold blooded murder. But the officer said it was a mistake, that he mistook his gun for a taser.<br /><br />A mistake! Nobody wants to hear that but I do. I'd rather it be a mistake than intentional. Instead, folks want retribution for what seems like murder, with no intention of allowing police to get away with more injustices to minorities. Police do all they can to keep fellow officers out of trouble, including covering-up murders, so this case seems no different ... police brutality and cold blooded murder.<br /><br />So they rioted. I can't condone it but if that's what it takes to get everyone's attention, then so be it. But the result was just asinine. They marched ... good. They destroyed random cars along the way. What? They busted storefront windows and looted. Retribution or revenge, to me, would be to cause harm to those who've harmed you. But this was something different. This was an act of anger unrelated to the shooting because the cars and businesses damaged in all of this were none other than those of hard working, regular people, and not police or representatives of "The System". It's like burning down your own house to revenge a crime against yourself. It's crazy! But people, especially Blacks and Hispanics, are so tired, angry, broke-down and abused that it doesn't take much to provoke them. These are volatile times.<br /><br />But the rioting did get attention, and the fact that a man died at the hands of a police officer is not going away. It's ignited the country, reminiscent of other cases of civil injustices that burn heavy on the hearts of an angry nation.<br /><br />The officer said it was a mistake but why would he have reason to point even a taser into someone's back? Either something happened that's not yet been disclosed, which provoked him to pull out a weapon, or he fully intended to inflict pain on this kid. But if it was an unintentional act, it sure would be a travesty to try him as if he committed cold blooded murder. I pray to God that they find the truth, that justice is served, and angers tempered.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-65621624130072815972008-12-12T17:31:00.000-08:002008-12-22T10:44:12.468-08:00Hunger and World PovertyWith such an abundance of food on the planet you'd think no one should ever go hungry. But 25,000 people die from starvation every year. And get this, of all the countries in the free world (calculated according to wages earned) the United States contributes the least in donations <a href="http://www.poverty.com/internationalaid.html">(1)</a>. I'm not proud of it, so I'm on a mission.<br /><br />These are difficult times. But there's something wonderful about digging into your pocket and giving your last dollar to someone in need ... if it doesn't have a terrible affect on your finances. And don't make assumptions as to how that person will spend it. Who are we to know? Don't assume that someone's a drug addict or drunk, that he'll use it to buy alcohol or pot. How does a poor person look? He or she can look destitute, ravaged by conditions, or mainstream in dress and manner. Don't assume and don't judge. Just give. It just might be an angel in disguise. <br /><br />If you enjoy word games and would like to help donate rice to the needy, visit <a href="http://www.freerice.com/faq.html">Free Rice</a> and make a difference. Thanx!Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-64612047799612130282008-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:002008-12-13T15:52:51.300-08:00Guess My NumberNumbers are interesting. When I first played this game, I guessed the number within 1 to 3 clicks. Since that time, I haven't come close to such odds. See if you can click the right number.<br /><br /><center><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('f9008900-2fd1-4387-9f81-b2f4c5e1eed5');</script><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/pdg-guess-my-number">Guess My Number</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>!</noscript></center>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-26071004170815197712008-12-07T10:08:00.000-08:002008-12-07T12:00:24.162-08:00The 4th DimensionSomeone once asked me why it was that I wrote short stories in the fantasy/horror/sci-fi genre? I told her a few things about how I grew up and some details about my propensity for otherworldly things. That was my wobbly attempt at answering the same question I'd asked myself for many years. But now I know exactly the reason.<br /><br />I, like many people, am looking for the places and spaces beyond my everyday existence that gives me a broader perspective of God's greatness. I'm not talking about Ghosts and Aliens or things that go bump in the night. I'm speaking of the universe and all the imagined and unimagined realities. It's not that I've mastered my own personal reality ... not in the least. But understanding the greater picture helps me make since of the ugly, beautiful, craziness of life on earth.<br /><br />My questions led me to the overwhelming importance of the relationship between Science and God. God is the creator of all, the intelligent designer of life. We can produce scientific evidence for most things such as death (the deterioration of a body). Yet death is an act of God, if you're a believer. Or take, for instance, the beautiful diamond patterns found on the skin of snakes. Who designed it ... because it is an artistic endeavor. Science would reveal that it is a natural occurrence. Nature is the intelligent designer. God. <br /><br />So now I'm attempting to understand the unseen, as in God's other creatures, those referred to in the bible such as angels. An analytical person, I study quantum physics and the possibility of other realms of existence. It's quite simple, in fact, to see how there would be a 4th dimension, if you understand how the 2nd dimension becomes the 3rd dimension. The best way to explain this is to visit <a href="http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWyTxCsIXE4">Flatland.</a><br /><br />The 4th dimension is a shadow of our now, present-time existence. I have the concept down, in a scientific fashion, but I have yet to understand the reality of this concept. When I do, I'll be that much closer to understanding myself.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-65623765129958747682008-11-27T20:56:00.000-08:002008-11-27T21:47:20.615-08:00Potpourri of LinksI find delight in reading and researching topics that interest me. Sometimes I become fixed on an issue and never move on till I make my friends and family sick-to-death of hearing about it. I've become that older-woman (not too old) who's long ago considerations have now become outbursts of messages and warnings, passionate about issues that many give little or no thought. <br /><br />In my day-to-day journey towards becoming more enlightened, I find truths in many places. I'm Christian, yet I find Christ in Buddism. I'm educated, but I find wisdom in listening to the so-called ignorant. Oddly, I'm at peace, and yet I find the rescources for tranquility through the intellectualizing of war.<br /><br />Part of my blog space (the right side of this page) has become a haven for links that I've found important in some way or another to my growth. They're important to me and I hope they can benefit others. I don't agree in whole with any one of them but they are, in part, a piece of the whole picture of our existance. This is why there are many varieties of spiritual and philisophical thought posted here. With each visit I find more insight. And with continued research and recommendation to visit other sites, more pieces of the BiG Picture may come together still. <br /><br />My plan for the coming year is to post some impressions of what I've discerned from each of the links that I've shared here. I am thankful and blessed. May your Thanksgiving be of good spirit.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-72182411947556957372008-11-26T18:46:00.000-08:002008-11-26T19:08:25.595-08:00Water out of Thin Air<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQd-Jrnt8jJ7ne8AXpYkywTSzORk8Ez016nEl7ShHcZVRQu9XXydJpRIUconxukr1rl4jdpi4CWT3EEuw-GHvL33icFGptfo2MW0NetULEiWAQw9ZK0EWMYQKW97v8AwjxPA333pQSwY7/s1600-h/TheAirWater.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQd-Jrnt8jJ7ne8AXpYkywTSzORk8Ez016nEl7ShHcZVRQu9XXydJpRIUconxukr1rl4jdpi4CWT3EEuw-GHvL33icFGptfo2MW0NetULEiWAQw9ZK0EWMYQKW97v8AwjxPA333pQSwY7/s400/TheAirWater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273167459650766642" /></a><br><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1088769/The-800-invention-makes-water-straight-air-help-millions.html">The Water Mill</a> goes on sale next year for about $1,250 American dollars (£800). This looks to be the answer to many prayers, as water becomes a comodity. The machine pays for itself and is more productive during storm seasons, when there's moisture in the air. It's not advised for areas with low humidity.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-42072217755868355782008-11-20T14:18:00.000-08:002008-11-20T14:22:26.194-08:00What do you make of this?Call me weird, tell me I have no life, but this is too fantastic!!! Anyone who doesn't see this for what it really is also believes the world is flat. What do you make of it?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5R_uNUELwRU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5R_uNUELwRU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-8625009119040215752008-11-18T23:45:00.000-08:002008-11-19T15:36:45.738-08:00Dragon Slayer - by Daryl CagleThis is an amusing cartoon. I'm sure everyone's got the message already. I received this in an email and thought it was really creative and well done. In reality, Obama is non-violent and wouldn't hurt a fly. Case in point, what's up with this Hillary and Joe Lieberman thingy ... as possible cabinet members? Obama admires Abraham Lincoln and his politics. It seems he's being lead by the teachings of our 16th president. I hope he remembers that some of our rivals are destructive and self serving. They don't all have our best interest at heart.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"In winning the Republican presidential nomination, Lincoln had to defeat some powerful rivals--particularly, William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates. When he was elected, Lincoln appointed them to his Cabinet, because he wanted to bring his opponents together so that he could benefit from their talents and sharpen his judgment in response to their critical advice."</span><a href="http://darwinianconservatism.blogspot.com/2008/11/barack-obama-and-abraham-lincoln.html"> (1)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rR69h6biTS7tXEYLCWJzmA?authkey=JdMODk53QDk"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_W8TGRqXZmxk/SSPDaDCPpnI/AAAAAAAAAB4/BDq9AkW9VtA/s400/dragonslyer.jpg" /></a><br>My hope is that the dragon is not revived and remains where he is. Who needs his advice anyway?Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-77573851408084932162008-11-18T15:06:00.000-08:002008-11-18T23:26:14.361-08:00Tis the Season for ScammersScammers are growing in numbers and getting very smart. It takes alertness to avoid being taken for a ride. <br /><br />I almost dug myself into a deep deep hole. While searching Craig's List during October looking for a second source of income, I found an interesting venture. It was a market research group looking for business professionals in certain industries. I fit the profile and sent my info to the group, hoping to earn the $150 for 2 days and 2 hours per day of research development sessions. Well, I didn't get in, as I'd responded too late to make the cut, but the idea of doing market research for pay piqued my interest.<br /><br />Some days later I received a notice from a group (I thought it was the same research group) telling me that they were responding from Craig's List regarding my request to keep me on there records for further opportunities, and that there was to be another study. Yippie!!! I didn't hesitate one second to respond, putting my name in the que for a quick response.<br /><br />Over the next week I received several emails, one of which stated that I'd be working with their client, Moneygram. I would receive $300 for the study and $100 for gas and expenses to get to the location. Something about it didn't feel good or sound right, but I wanted to see it play out, as I'd hoped the earnings would be legit.<br /><br />Another email gave me the logistics. November 6th was the day that I was to visit Moneygram and adhere to a list of requirements. I was to receive a check in which $400 of it I could keep and the balance sent to them through Moneygram. By now I was sure that this was a scam. So I ignored the message and washed my hands of it.<br /><br />On November 6th I received, in the mail, a check for $3,753. I stared at it for 5 minutes, imagining that some agency was refunding money due to me for some strange reason. But I just couldn't fabricate a scenario where this could be true. Oh shucks!<br /><br />Mr. David Bircham, the scamming party, expected me to deposit the check into my bank, leaving $400 there and taking out $3,353 in cash to be sent to him through Moneygram. When, if I'd been so ditsy as to deposit the check, my bank would have found that the check was no good, there would be no way to retrieve the funds from Mr. David Bircham, and I would be the great looser.<br /><br />This scam is a twist on something similar that I've heard many lost money. Be careful. Money is earned. If an offer looks weird, it probably is. That applies to anyone buying a mansion he can't afford as well.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-86444439214755235172008-11-17T18:18:00.000-08:002008-11-17T18:38:18.299-08:00Are We Gonna Miss Him?Folks are already complaining ... "Obama's not doing this ... Obama's not doing that ... Obama isn't handling the issues". Well, give the man some breathing space. He's not officially in office yet and I think he's got his hands tied. None of this mess will get fixed over night and Obama hasn't even spelled out what his real plans are. I say ... let's wait and see ... Peace be Still. <br /><br />I recall soooo many republicans who rallied around Bush for president. And now, soooo many churches, republicans, and hate mongers are talking trash about the new President Elect. I'm confused. Are we looking for change in the right direction or just more of the same old corruption on the backs of hard working people?<br />It's obvious we're headed in a new direction, from dumb to smart, crazy to sane, and comic to presidential.<br /><br />Here's a montage of Mr. Bush at his best. Say goodbye to comic.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Ux3DKxxFoM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Ux3DKxxFoM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The Inauguration is only a few months away and everyone I know is trying to go. The hotels have no vacancies, there are no more Inauguration tickets to be had, Obama only plans to attend 2 of the many Inauguration parties, and the crowds will be staggering. Here's what I say: Buy a bottle of your favorite champagne, invite some friends over, tune into the Inauguration, and have a joyous time. I plan to have a blast!Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-61414107898225407812008-11-06T16:38:00.000-08:002008-11-06T17:27:49.927-08:00Inspired to WriteToday I strolled upon the website, <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a> (NaNoWriMo). It came to mind that this is about the that time of year when I'm most stimulated to write my best, and write more often. The quantity is noted in the recent posts I've contributed these last days, as I've not posted so much in one week. Well, of course there's the element of having voted a magnanimous political leader into office that can cause anyone with a pen to want to voice a word. Yes, it's all of that. It's the fact that the holidays are upon us; a season for creativity and a time to reflect. November is a time for creativity. <br /><br />So once again I'm attempting a novel. I've written more than a dozen short stories and half a dozen incomplete novels. There are a bunch of reasons why I haven't finished a novel ... one reason is that I have a case of attention deficit when it pertains to holding on to a good storyline. I get great ideas all the time and squash them when I inevitably come upon another, one that I think is even better than the one before. But now I'm going to try something different.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> is holding a contest that requires writing a 50,000-word novel by the end of November. The cool part about this is that it's a creative endeavor that focuses on, not quality, but quantity. I, for one, am challenged without having to be anal about the finished product. Can I produce 50,000 words in one month? I'll let you know as we get into the month. Check out the website and try it.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-31034825208826895942008-11-04T23:42:00.000-08:002008-11-05T00:21:34.171-08:00America Grows UpWe celebrated tonight, excited that the US is in agreement with making significant changes in the way we run our country. What stimulates me the most is not how President Elect Obama plans to end the war in Iraq, bring health care to all, or Social Security reform. It's the fact that he inspires a country that is desperate for the government to work for them, and not against them. <img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/planchester/obama_family_essence_575-1.jpg?t=1225873182" width=300 align=right hspace=5 vspace=5>The inspiring words of Obama uplifts those who had no hope for a better world. For many, all it takes is just those words to stimulate energy and passion from a lethargic nation. Today I'm proud for many reasons. I can't wait to participate in this new movement of peace. I'm especially proud of my diversely-colored brothers and sisters who judged by the content of character and not the color of skin. I'm Proud that we've grown up.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-10126560371887085782008-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:002008-11-02T16:13:24.806-08:00Peace is quite simple<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Sb6RmRMbBY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Sb6RmRMbBY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-14001958804023430162008-11-02T01:06:00.000-07:002008-11-02T16:04:10.132-08:00Are You Clueless ?Last Wednesday night I attended a revival meeting at my parent’s church, Allen Temple. I loved a parody that the pastor, Dr. Leslie Braxton, gave on how rules are made to be broken. <br /><br />He told a story of a family gathering in some out-of-the-way home one holiday. A young girl was in the kitchen watching her mother help with the cooking. Her mom was fixing the ham. She watched her chop off half of it and throw it away before placing the remaining part into the oven.<br /><blockquote>The child asked, “Mama, why did you cut half the ham and throw it away?”<br /><br />“Well, honey. That’s how my mama taught me,” replied the mother.<br /><br />“But why did she make you do that?”<br /><br />The mother paused for thought. “Hmm. I really don’t know, sugar. You’ll have to ask your Grandma.”<br /><br />So the child went to see her grandma, who was sitting on the couch sipping tea.<br /><br />“Grandma. I asked mama why she cuts off half the ham and throws it away, and cooks the rest, and she said she didn’t know, and that I had to ask you.”<br /><br />“Well, baby. I learned that from my mama and I don’t know why we did it. We just did it. Go ask your Great Grandma.” So the child went upstairs to where the Great Grandma slept. <br /><br />She whispered to the Great Grandma and she woke. <br /><br />“Great Grandma. I asked my mama why she cuts half the ham off before she puts it in the oven and she told me to ask Grandma. I asked Grandma and she said to ask you. So now I'm asking you. Do you know why everybody cuts off half the ham before cooking it?”<br /><br />“Well sure I know, baby. See, when I was little we had a small stove. We couldn’t fit no big ham into the baking pan and we didn’t have no refrigerator neither. So my mama had to chop off the end of the ham and throw the rest of it away.” </blockquote>Rules were made for man, not the other way around. It’s never too late to start asking questions. The ones you believe know the answers may be clueless.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-30285693026070276722008-10-20T21:18:00.001-07:002008-10-20T21:55:37.328-07:00A Bitter Melon To SwallowThe number of Americans with diabetes is up 15 percent from 2 years ago. This is extraordinary. Somehow, we have allowed the <i>financers of illusion</i> to convince us that settling for artery clogging fast foods, and vacillating in lethargic states of mindlessness in front of TV sets or the Internet is good living. How did we allow ourselves to fall for such misinformation?<br /><br /><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/planchester/BitterMelon.jpg" border="0" alt="Bitter Melon,For Diabetes" align=bottom hspace=3 vspace=3>More and more people are learning that they have diabetes. It’s a disease that causes the pancreas to be ineffective in processing sugars. Sugars can be deadly in that they deteriorate organs, causing heart failure, eye disease, high blood pressure, and a plethora of other ailments. Medications can be expensive but with the right change of lifestyle, a person can live without the dread of ill health or the expense of medication. Some have found just the right healing agent that is not a medicine, cost very little, and can be purchased at any Asian produce market.<br /><br />People in the Philippines who suffer from diabetes tend to avoid pharmaceuticals to curb the affects of the disease. They use a vegetable-type fruit that grows readily in their climate called <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327091255.htm" target=”_blank”>bitter melon</a>. It’s sold for about .60 a piece at Asian markets. When consuming this fruit, check with your doctor first, as your current medicine will need to lowered or eliminated. If you aren’t currently on medication, bitter melon can be just the natural product for coping with this disease.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-33461754876090060942008-10-04T15:38:00.000-07:002008-10-08T20:12:37.092-07:00Let's Get it StraightI realize that there's a lot of important information on current events to learn and disseminate in a very short framework of time. We shouldn't be talking about the New World Order unless we know the who, what, when and where of it all. We shouldn't be whining about oil prices without figuring out how it happened and who should carry the blame. Be specific about just why you don't like your government and what changes you would like to see. Make good choices, vote in the November election, and challenge your leaders, both seen and behind the scenes. Become aggressive about your future. <br /><br />Many of us think we know the issues only to find that the fine details are illusive. Here are a few links that will answer a lot of questions about what's really taking place on this planet. They are simply-put so that each of us gets the<strong> full</strong> picture.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MVwL2PcCG8">The Truth About Oil</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2008-07-13-how-do-bank-failures-happen_N.htm">How did the Banks Fail?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.spielbauer.com/JekyllDownload.htm">Creature From Jekyll Island</a><br>The full story about the Federal Reserve and how they met on Jekyll Island in 1910. Downloading takes a while but is a recommendation.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XddeWRPThME&feature=related">Half a Million Plastic Coffins</a>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-43397974586340167982008-09-15T15:00:00.000-07:002008-09-15T15:24:25.206-07:00It seems so simple.I've been traveling the local transit system in the Northern California area these past few weeks. It beats the price of driving a car and daily parking fees. It's tolerable but not so easy. The problems that I've run into are regarding the diversity of people and my inability to suffer the vast differences between myself and others. In my fifty-something years, I've come to abhor loud noises, angry voices, body odors, and bad conduct. And somehow it seems so much worse than when I once took the buses to school and work as a young person. Something is gravely wrong with the foundation of our country, schools and homes. It wasn't always this bad. <br /><br />On the corners of some neighborhoods I watch kids and adults from lower to middle class families demonstrating just how dysfunctional our society has gotten. These are the same people I once lived and worked around. Yeah, young people wear hair and clothes that make me shriek, but that's a norm for all generations. That's not the problem. What I'm noticing is more people who revel in the antics of disrespecting themselves, and therefore disrespecting others becomes an easy form of entertainment. Morals and values mean nothing to a kid who shows ill conduct if that kid dislikes himself. It's not a concern for an adult to slap a child when all that adult knows is punishment. Anger begets anger. Hate begets hate. The streets can be a real ugly scene, and it paints a picture of the lives of many unhappy people.<br /><br />Obama is my candidate for president, but no matter who gets into office, I hope they can address this problem with one that seems so simple. It's said that the way to change the world is to "teach the children" how it's done. How can we teach the children when we don't know ourselves. So let's teach the parents how to parent first. It's a start ... and a good one. Lessons must begin before the birth of a child, hoping that parents acknowledge their own misgivings and wish to create a better life for the next generation to come. Don't make it an option, since few would take it. It must be a mandatory part of each and every parent's health plan.<br /><br />Parenting classes should become mandatory for the sack of creating a world of functional, motivated, effective, and compassionate adults. Parents should attend workshops before and after the birth of each child. Sessions should run for several years, as the growth process for children require parents capable of instilling the right values during the first 9 or 10 years of their lives. How is this done? It becomes part of our health plan, whether it's government funded, gotten through employment, or whatever means that allows a mother an ability to get health care. Parents are then taught how to parent, and mostly, how to give their children the fundamentals that they themselves my not have received in their own lives. <br /><br />This is the greatest problem that we face as a world, that people don't have a clue as to the mechanics of the brain and how important it is to have insight into child development before bringing children into the world. I thought I had all the answers when I was raising my kids, but I look back and regret that I didn't learn some greater points about parenting correctly.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878843494027236842.post-88807840189753844932008-09-10T22:25:00.000-07:002008-11-04T19:18:29.640-08:00Some women should not run for president<script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript" hspace=5 vspace=5 align=center></script>We may all, as children, have desired to one day become president of the United States. Later, as adults, even few of the most intelligent, charismatic, and successful in business qualify. Traditionally only men aspired to the job of running the country, yet today it’s no longer just a man’s job. Women are equipped for the task and highly capable of doing an even better job. Unlike our testosterone driven counterpart whose propensity for violence and power pits nations against nations, women bring a healing, nurturing spirit to the stage. I believe women make better managers at work and at home for the same reasons.<br /><br />A president must not only possess intelligence, moral judgment, be decisive, well spoken, and by all means have integrity, but that person must have few to no flaws, which could impinge upon their ability to perform the task of governing the strongest nation in the world. This can be a much greater challenge for females, not because women haven’t yet met the challenge, but because their physical and chemical make-up could negatively affect their resolve.<br /><br />The dreaded Menstrual Cycle creates havoc for nearly every normal woman of childbearing years, every month, although most would prefer to withhold this fact to maintain equal positioning with men at the workplace. It has been defined as the curse for numerous reasons. We suffer mild to severe cases of cramps, headaches, nausea, backaches, blotting, and emotional handicaps.<a href="http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fact-about-Menstruation/344141">(1)<img src="http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr19/1stdeltablue/images.jpg" border="0" alt="Angry Woman" align=right border=0></a> It is cause for abstaining from work and it’s often the excuse used for irrational behavior.<br /><br />The Menstrual Cycle begins for a young woman as early as age 10 and ends sometime during menopause, the end of the childbearing phase of life. The menstrual cycle is a ritualistic monthly event that galvanizes most women for 3 to 5 days, negatively affecting the things that they do. Therefore, it’s hard to imagine a female of childbearing years, positioned in the White House, making crucial decisions that affect the entire world, while in the throws of menstrual pressures.<br /><br />I can only wonder how Mrs. Palin would have managed the Cuban Missile Crisis, as the country was on the verge of a third world war and every decision was susceptible to extreme consequences. Given the 21 to 25 days that she was without the concerns of a monthly cycle, we would hope to God that no decisions were made the remainder of the month. Having elected such a person to run the country, we all would need to know the schedule of her menstrual cycle … as a cautionary measure … to understand her mood. Unfortunately, the world does not pause for <i>the curse</i> and women (those of childbearing years) are not capable of effectively running a country every day of the month.<br /><br />Some would argue that I speak wrongly of women regarding this subject. Again, I speak for most. In addition, I have the same considerations regarding any candidate who falls short of the mental and physical attributes that make for the best president of a country. I believe that the US is too slow to think, and unwise when deciding a persons ability to hold these positions. President Bush was elected January 20, 2001, and we later learned he was a recovering alcoholic. Chronic abuse of alcohol leads to brain damage, which is irreversible. You do the math. President Ragan, although not checked for Alzheimer’s while in office, was known to be forgetful, falling asleep in meetings and so on. He left office at 69 years old after falling from a horse. Given that the brain is an organ and organs deteriorate quickly around that age, it was wise that he not run for another term. Senator McCain is 72 with health concerns, which should raise a red flag. And still I say that women shouldn’t run the country unless they are no longer getting their cycle.<br /><br />I know first hand just how menstruation affects ones life. At 11 I began my cycle and suffered from all of the usual pains. Not all women endure the same ailments but most are affected in some way, emotionally and/or physically, due to the imbalance in the blood. <a href="http://34-menopause-symptoms.com/menstrual-mood-swings.htm">(2)</a> In fact, I’ve been called a number of ‘B’ words during those occasions: Bitch, and <i>Barracuda</i>, to name a couple. The <i>‘Bulldog with Lipstick’</i> term is a new one, and since I no longer experience the dreaded cycle, I don’t expect anyone to have much reason to address me as such.<br /><br />It is no secret that women can become irrational and emotionally imbalanced during this time. We can be too sick to think properly, and too angry to speak, which is why women of childbearing years cannot be trusted with the authority to run a country. Aside from that, once having passed menstruation and menopause, a woman president or vice president may be just what we need to avert the path of destruction that we are now traveling.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364242985310036160noreply@blogger.com3