Dear Fellow Travellers,
As I go into the new year, I think of how I lost my best friends, but gained a wonderful boyfriend. Or at least that is what I have been thinking of, until tonight.
People come and go in our lives, it is only natural, but we are always a part of our own life. This means that we damn well better be living for ourselves. So in this new year, find a new job if you hate your current one, dump bad habits if they bother you, pick up that hobby you have always wanted to try, travel if you get the chance, but most importantly, make yourself happy.
I firmly believe that we make our own happiness and that we control our emotions. This year, learn how to control your emotions, so that you can enjoy every moment of your life. See the beautiful in everything around you, see how even the sad moments have beauty and help you appreciate the good ones, see how even the smallest moment is powerful and wonderful.
Appreciate your life, revel in it, and be happy.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Who to Blame
Let’s start this off with a couple of quick things:
1. This is not my normal type of blog, but some times some things have to be said. Bear with me.
2. I am not debating whether or not it’s Lowe’s right to advertise where they want and when they want, because it completely is their right. I do not deny that. My issue is with their reason.
3. I love comments, but let’s be nice to every one who does decide to comment. Their is no reason for profanity or hate speech to be spread to any one.
Lowe’s has decided to end their advertising on “All American Muslims”, a show that follows 5 Muslim families around in their daily life, because of a plea from the Florida Family Association. This association believes that the show is “propaganda” because they basically believe that all Muslims are a terrorist threat. Because of Lowe’s action in support of the Florida Family Association, a lot more hate and controversy is going on.
Who do we blame for all this added hate? Lowe’s? Who pulled advertising, along with various other companies, because some conservative group complained? Or the Florida Family Association and other extreme conservative groups that probably complained as well?
Personally, I think we should blame ourselves. Looking at the Lowe’s Facebook page and all the comments, looking at all the comments on news’ articles, any one can see the hate seething from both sides. Not every one is hateful, but the dominating voices are extremely harsh and cruel. This show was designed to help create tolerance and instead people have used it to create more hate in this world. However, I am a firm believer in violent language escalating into violent actions. Let’s just all take a deep breath and voice our opinions in a respectful manner to those around us, whether we agree or not. So shop where you like, do not shop where you do not like. It is that simple.
And a special cheers to those who already take the path of respect, even in the face of disagreement.
See More:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-lowes-threatened-with-boycott-for-yanking-ads-from-show-about-muslims-20111212,0,113957.story
http://www.facebook.com/lowes
http://floridafamily.org/
http://www.examiner.com/anonymous-in-national/anonymous-punishes-florida-family-association-for-promoting-bigotry-hatred
1. This is not my normal type of blog, but some times some things have to be said. Bear with me.
2. I am not debating whether or not it’s Lowe’s right to advertise where they want and when they want, because it completely is their right. I do not deny that. My issue is with their reason.
3. I love comments, but let’s be nice to every one who does decide to comment. Their is no reason for profanity or hate speech to be spread to any one.
Lowe’s has decided to end their advertising on “All American Muslims”, a show that follows 5 Muslim families around in their daily life, because of a plea from the Florida Family Association. This association believes that the show is “propaganda” because they basically believe that all Muslims are a terrorist threat. Because of Lowe’s action in support of the Florida Family Association, a lot more hate and controversy is going on.
Who do we blame for all this added hate? Lowe’s? Who pulled advertising, along with various other companies, because some conservative group complained? Or the Florida Family Association and other extreme conservative groups that probably complained as well?
Personally, I think we should blame ourselves. Looking at the Lowe’s Facebook page and all the comments, looking at all the comments on news’ articles, any one can see the hate seething from both sides. Not every one is hateful, but the dominating voices are extremely harsh and cruel. This show was designed to help create tolerance and instead people have used it to create more hate in this world. However, I am a firm believer in violent language escalating into violent actions. Let’s just all take a deep breath and voice our opinions in a respectful manner to those around us, whether we agree or not. So shop where you like, do not shop where you do not like. It is that simple.
And a special cheers to those who already take the path of respect, even in the face of disagreement.
See More:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-lowes-threatened-with-boycott-for-yanking-ads-from-show-about-muslims-20111212,0,113957.story
http://www.facebook.com/lowes
http://floridafamily.org/
http://www.examiner.com/anonymous-in-national/anonymous-punishes-florida-family-association-for-promoting-bigotry-hatred
Friday, December 2, 2011
Gifting Giving Tips for the Generous Knitters
The holidays are coming and this means us Knitters are winding down our projects and getting ready to package them as gifts. However proud we might be of our work, there is always something a little more we can do to make the present just a touch better.
Blocking
So not every project needs blocking, in fact, those big projects like shawls or blankets, definitely do not need blocking. However, things such as scarfs, which have a tendency to curl up on it’s self, or pieces of a stuffed animal before they are put together, all need to be blocked. Not only to get rid of the curl or to make for easier sewing, but to look better. It’s the holidays, so not only is it time to give, but it’s also time to impress with your skills. Do not let them be downgraded just because you did not want to take the time to block.
Washing Instructions
Odd as it may sound to knitters, not very many people have knitted objects at home and that makes them very unsure of how to care for the gifts. Take a moment to type up a little instruction sheet (making it as pretty or plan as you would like) and pin it to your piece when it’s ready for wrapping. This way there is no accidental shrinking or any other maintenance mishap and they can cherish your knitted gift for a long time to come.
Sweater Stone
If you are giving them knit wear and want to help them keep it looking new, they will need a sweater stone. It will removed those little ballings and pillings that build up from time to time on knitted works. You can get them from any where from $6-$20 dollars. The official Sweater Stone website offers them for “free”, as in, just pay $5.99 for shipping and handling and it’s all yours!
These are three small things, but they show that little extra thought that can just make or break the reaction to a gift.
Next Week: How to Block (If I can do it with minimal damage, so can you!)
Blocking
So not every project needs blocking, in fact, those big projects like shawls or blankets, definitely do not need blocking. However, things such as scarfs, which have a tendency to curl up on it’s self, or pieces of a stuffed animal before they are put together, all need to be blocked. Not only to get rid of the curl or to make for easier sewing, but to look better. It’s the holidays, so not only is it time to give, but it’s also time to impress with your skills. Do not let them be downgraded just because you did not want to take the time to block.
Washing Instructions
Odd as it may sound to knitters, not very many people have knitted objects at home and that makes them very unsure of how to care for the gifts. Take a moment to type up a little instruction sheet (making it as pretty or plan as you would like) and pin it to your piece when it’s ready for wrapping. This way there is no accidental shrinking or any other maintenance mishap and they can cherish your knitted gift for a long time to come.
Sweater Stone
If you are giving them knit wear and want to help them keep it looking new, they will need a sweater stone. It will removed those little ballings and pillings that build up from time to time on knitted works. You can get them from any where from $6-$20 dollars. The official Sweater Stone website offers them for “free”, as in, just pay $5.99 for shipping and handling and it’s all yours!
These are three small things, but they show that little extra thought that can just make or break the reaction to a gift.
Next Week: How to Block (If I can do it with minimal damage, so can you!)
Friday, November 4, 2011
"Ghost Town" Writing Exercise
Stuck in a rut? Cannot find something to write about?
Do yourself a favor and let these photos of a “Ghost Town” give you some inspiration:
Moscow Ghost Town
Why is it “abandoned”?
Who lived there?
What is its future? Its present? Its past?
Why is there way too much computer editing in these photos?
Who is the photographer?
Is he/she in love with some one from the photos?
Are they stalking some one from the photos/loving from afar?
Are they visiting or do they live there?
Visiting or revisiting?
There are a million questions to ask and a couple million different ways to answer them. Give your imagination a chance to just run away, get caught up in the moment and exercise those creative muscles.
Do not forget to take a look at the comments at some point and see if they spark any ideas or even change part of your creative exercise a bit, but be careful, it honestly does take away some of the beauty and mystery from the photos as well.
Remember that even just doing a few minute free write/writing exercise can help warm yourself up for your current project or just warm yourself up for the day.
Good writing, every one!
Do yourself a favor and let these photos of a “Ghost Town” give you some inspiration:
Moscow Ghost Town
Why is it “abandoned”?
Who lived there?
What is its future? Its present? Its past?
Why is there way too much computer editing in these photos?
Who is the photographer?
Is he/she in love with some one from the photos?
Are they stalking some one from the photos/loving from afar?
Are they visiting or do they live there?
Visiting or revisiting?
There are a million questions to ask and a couple million different ways to answer them. Give your imagination a chance to just run away, get caught up in the moment and exercise those creative muscles.
Do not forget to take a look at the comments at some point and see if they spark any ideas or even change part of your creative exercise a bit, but be careful, it honestly does take away some of the beauty and mystery from the photos as well.
Remember that even just doing a few minute free write/writing exercise can help warm yourself up for your current project or just warm yourself up for the day.
Good writing, every one!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
NaNoWriMo 2011: The Beginning
That is right folks, National Novel Writing Month is finally upon us. Today the marvelous challenge of writing 50,000 works that actually mean something to each other starts!
I have done what I can to prepare:
-Months ago, I set aside a story idea that I really want to do. Since I’ve been itching to work on it, it should in theory help me to keep motivated.
-Wrote an outline to keep me on track and promptly lost it… I should probably remake it.
-Wrote out a synopsis and posted it to my NaNoWriMo account.
-Wrote out character descriptions for the characters
-Connected with friends who will also be doing the challenge, so I know where to get the support from/offer support too.
-Oh, and created an NaNoWriMo account, which allows me to get emails, make donates, and connect with other participants.
So, if you are participating, let me know. We can help check each other on track. Make sure you become my Writing Buddy on NaNoWriMo.org (user name: Everyroadisanoption).
Also, don’t forget to make a donation or buy some awesome swag. NaNoWriMo even lets you know where your donations are going and gives you some neat extras to help inspired you while you write. Next year I will be actually using StayClassy.org to help me find writing sponsors so I can give more to these wonderful organizations!
Stay tuned for more updates this month on my progress and for tips!
I have done what I can to prepare:
-Months ago, I set aside a story idea that I really want to do. Since I’ve been itching to work on it, it should in theory help me to keep motivated.
-Wrote an outline to keep me on track and promptly lost it… I should probably remake it.
-Wrote out a synopsis and posted it to my NaNoWriMo account.
-Wrote out character descriptions for the characters
-Connected with friends who will also be doing the challenge, so I know where to get the support from/offer support too.
-Oh, and created an NaNoWriMo account, which allows me to get emails, make donates, and connect with other participants.
So, if you are participating, let me know. We can help check each other on track. Make sure you become my Writing Buddy on NaNoWriMo.org (user name: Everyroadisanoption).
Also, don’t forget to make a donation or buy some awesome swag. NaNoWriMo even lets you know where your donations are going and gives you some neat extras to help inspired you while you write. Next year I will be actually using StayClassy.org to help me find writing sponsors so I can give more to these wonderful organizations!
Stay tuned for more updates this month on my progress and for tips!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Juggling and My Mother
My mother does not want me to burn my face off.
Oh, that may seem considerate, but I kind of want to take that risk and learn to perform with fire. I have wanted to take that risk for a while and have been doing what I always do before attempting anything: research. So when I asked for a book last Christmas on fire performing to help my research, I was not at all surprised when Santa firmly refused to get me anything that may help me burn my face off. My mother assured me that she did not ask Santa not to give it to me, but I am fairly certain that she and Santa are in cahoots… At the very least, he is not in cahoots with my brothers who would very gladly like to cheer me on while I attempt to burn my face off.
In what is I am sure a veiled attempt at trying to get me to forget about burning my face off, my mother got me a children’s book on juggling over the summer. This 1986 classic, called Juggling is for Me had to be able to teach me something, right? So after a few months sitting lonely on my book shelf I picked up the book. While I was slightly confused by the two boys learning to juggle (one of which I eventually figured out was a girl) and the man in the ridiculous short-shorts, I was highly excitedly to find that one of the authors (who was also the man in the ridiculous short-shorts) was a renaissance fair performer. While I cannot find anything on Rande Aronson online, who is the aforementioned performer, beside the fact that he helped write this book, I was amused none the less and actually took the book more seriously since the book was by a performer.
The book itself is just as cheesy as the 80s, if not more so, but if you actually are interested in learning juggling, a few fun facts on the history of juggling (or are just interested in a good 80s flashback) or some great photography of juggling (which is a feat in and of its self), you may actually want to check this out .
In fact, you can get it for $0.25 on Amazon, so I’d act fast is I were you!
Also, it should be noted, Mom, that I can still burn my off learning to juggle.
Oh, that may seem considerate, but I kind of want to take that risk and learn to perform with fire. I have wanted to take that risk for a while and have been doing what I always do before attempting anything: research. So when I asked for a book last Christmas on fire performing to help my research, I was not at all surprised when Santa firmly refused to get me anything that may help me burn my face off. My mother assured me that she did not ask Santa not to give it to me, but I am fairly certain that she and Santa are in cahoots… At the very least, he is not in cahoots with my brothers who would very gladly like to cheer me on while I attempt to burn my face off.
In what is I am sure a veiled attempt at trying to get me to forget about burning my face off, my mother got me a children’s book on juggling over the summer. This 1986 classic, called Juggling is for Me had to be able to teach me something, right? So after a few months sitting lonely on my book shelf I picked up the book. While I was slightly confused by the two boys learning to juggle (one of which I eventually figured out was a girl) and the man in the ridiculous short-shorts, I was highly excitedly to find that one of the authors (who was also the man in the ridiculous short-shorts) was a renaissance fair performer. While I cannot find anything on Rande Aronson online, who is the aforementioned performer, beside the fact that he helped write this book, I was amused none the less and actually took the book more seriously since the book was by a performer.
The book itself is just as cheesy as the 80s, if not more so, but if you actually are interested in learning juggling, a few fun facts on the history of juggling (or are just interested in a good 80s flashback) or some great photography of juggling (which is a feat in and of its self), you may actually want to check this out .
In fact, you can get it for $0.25 on Amazon, so I’d act fast is I were you!
Also, it should be noted, Mom, that I can still burn my off learning to juggle.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Things I Find at Walls No. 1
I found this the other day at work when gathering up supplies:
Look closely now... Then wonder how the hell paw prints got so high up on the wall (and it's an 8-9 foot wall).
Look closely now... Then wonder how the hell paw prints got so high up on the wall (and it's an 8-9 foot wall).
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Soda Pop and Revelations
As I sit here, avoiding writing my ENG 3120 paper and drinking an overly caffeinated beverage, I come upon a revelation.
I believe it is time for me to make an announcement: I intend to break into comedy.
Maybe it's I've been away from performing too long, but I'd like to think I'd do well at it. I've slowly been gathering materials and observations, as well as looking into local classes and doing research. I haven't just been looking into comedy, however. The acting I used to do was the more scripted plays, so I've also started practicing my theater make up, relearning monologues, and working on some new tricks.
I suppose the next few months should bring some wonderful changes as long as I keep up my current determination.
I believe it is time for me to make an announcement: I intend to break into comedy.
Maybe it's I've been away from performing too long, but I'd like to think I'd do well at it. I've slowly been gathering materials and observations, as well as looking into local classes and doing research. I haven't just been looking into comedy, however. The acting I used to do was the more scripted plays, so I've also started practicing my theater make up, relearning monologues, and working on some new tricks.
I suppose the next few months should bring some wonderful changes as long as I keep up my current determination.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A New Beginning
By this point, I've restarted this blog more time than I can count. I flat out-refuse to do that again.
With this blog, I've also started my cooking blog, "The Tentative Cooker", but in long run, I think this blog with be my true baby, my favorite child.
Here you'll get to explore my creative side with me and hopefully, help indulge your own creative side as well.
What to expect in the coming posts:
- Writing games, tips, etc. to help any writer get the spark they need
- Crafting ideas, tips, "recipes" (aka patterns), etc.
- Random anecdotes and babblings just because they happen sometimes.
- Good reference materials for writing and crafting
See you soon!
Your Local Bard
With this blog, I've also started my cooking blog, "The Tentative Cooker", but in long run, I think this blog with be my true baby, my favorite child.
Here you'll get to explore my creative side with me and hopefully, help indulge your own creative side as well.
What to expect in the coming posts:
- Writing games, tips, etc. to help any writer get the spark they need
- Crafting ideas, tips, "recipes" (aka patterns), etc.
- Random anecdotes and babblings just because they happen sometimes.
- Good reference materials for writing and crafting
See you soon!
Your Local Bard
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