It's the long weekend!

It's a beautiful day, sunny with an occasional fluffy cloud. Too bad the temperature deciede to dip today but that's ok. The big BBQ is still on and I have a massive amount of potato salad to make. That is as soon as I'm done painting Canadian Flags on my daughters nails LOL.

Happy Days!

The Danger of Complacency

I (WE) are very fortunate to live in the country that we do. I am free to practice what ever religion I want. Hell I can stand out at the end of my driveway naked and holler at the top of my lungs "I'M A PRACTICING WITCH". And other then horrifying a few neighbors and possible causing blindness in one or two others nothing will happen to me. It's easy to forget that there is a large part of the world that is not like that.

Today I discovered that on April 7th of this year, seventeen-year-old Dua Khalil Aswad, of Northern Iraq, was pulled into a group of men–some of them family members, who then beat and stoned her to death. The ordeal took about thirty minutes, and though the police witnessed the event, they didn't intervene. All this was recorded on camera phones by several members of the "audience". Dua Khalil was of the Yazidi faith, and she was seen in the company of a Muslim man that her family believed she intended to marry. She was brutally murdered to preserve the "honour" of her family.

Because it's no longer enough to be a decent person. It's no longer enough to shake our heads and make concerned grimaces at the news. True enlightened activism is the only thing that can save humanity from itself. I've always had a bent towards apocalyptic fiction, and I'm beginning to understand why. I look and I see the earth in flames. Her face was nothing but red. ~Filmmaker Joss Whedon

As a response there is an anthology being planned for release in April 2008. Nothing But Red takes its title from that description of Aswad's murder and was conceived as a response to Whedon's plea. It will be an open-format anthology of responses to Aswad's death and the topics raised by Whedon in his post, which will also be included in the volume. Essays, short stories, poems, photographs, drawings and other kinds of literary or visual arts will be considered for inclusion. Submissions will be open from August 1 to November 1, 2007. Further information on submitting work can be found at http://nothingbutred.wordpress.com.

Now I have to go hug my daughters, tell them I love them again, and remind them that they can be what ever they want when they grow up.

Pop Quiz...

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait.. With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Too bad Gustav Klimt died in 1918, so I don't think I'll be able to get him to paint much. Actually I thought this quiz turned out really cool. Klimt is my second favourite artist next to John William Waterhouse

My Favourite Sale

Ah yes Chapters is having their Buy 3 get the 4th free sale!!!!! WooHoo I'm a happy camper! As you can tell I've already started Angela Knight's Master of Dragons Patience might be a virtue, but it's not one of mine.

I also got Mysteria (an anthogy), and Alexis Morgan's In Darkness Reborn. For my 4th, I did what I did last year and picked up an author I had never read before. This year I picked up Alexandra Ivy's When Darkness Comes. I blogged last year about discovering Alexis Morgan's 'Paladin' series and I can't wait to read this latest installment.

Well I'm off to slather some more aloe vera on my chest. I did a stupid today and didn't pay attention to how long I read by the pool. (sans sunscreen) *DOH!* I know better too.

This that and the other

"A room without books is like a body without a soul." Cicero










What a great quote *G* I can honestly say there isn't a single room in my house that doesn't have a book or 8 stashed somewhere. I won't even bring up the pile that currently lives next to my bed. Oh what the hell I have no shame LOL
This picture is what it looked like 5 minutes ago. That doesn't count the two book shelves I have in there too. And yes I've read them all. Most of the ones shown I've read more then once. "How to Marry a Marquis", "Mercy", "Tis All I Ask", "Dance with the Devil" just to name a couple I pick out a first glance. I don't think I can even guess how many times I've read those or skimmed to my favourite parts. LOL

I've heard tell of people that have uncontrollable TBR (to be read)piles. I must be some sort of nut because I really don't have that problem. I can't, NOT read a book I've bought. Even if it sucks some huge slimy rocks, I'll skim through it hoping to find a kernel of redemption, or at least get to the end and finish it. I can see a couple such books in that pile, I won't name names 'cause that isn't nice but they were authors I hadn't read before and won't ever again.

Speaking of authors I have taken a gamble on. Alexis Morgan. She hit a big home run with me last year with her first Paladin book. If you want to read my original blurb about here click here. I checked Chapters tonight and her third book is in stores. Officially it isn't released until the 26th. As soon as I get the girls off to school in the morning I am picking myself up a copy. I can't wait!

Toyota Tacoma Loch Ness Monster Ad

OK I couldn't resist. Really this should win one of those commercial awards. I thought it was hilarious.

Loch Ness Monster Caught on Tape!!

Speaking of mythical creatures making a real life appearance....Guess who made an appearance on May 28th?

I figure the old girl popped up to say Happy Birthday to my mum *BG*

My camping trip

My apologies for leaving everyone hanging like that. I had all intentions of haveing a post written by now but I've been playing catch up with life since I returned. It was only 48 hours, How so many things can fall apart in that time I don't understand. But enough about that.

My camping trip with the Guides went very well thank you. Other then a couple scraped knees and what felt like an excess of mosquitos, we were injury free. I couldn't have wished for better weather. We took a long hike late Saturday afternoon in hopes of missing the majority of the humidity. Teaghan carried the camera for most of it and took lots of neat pictures.

Years ago we told the girls that faerys live in the root system in the bottom of old trees. The older the tree, the more likely it was a home to someone. I still remember the day we (mum, me and the girls) went on a hike and they knocked on trees yelling "You have a beautiful home". That was an interesting hike and a good story for another time. Needless to say I wasn't surprised to see she had taken the above picture when I looked at them later.

This picture was taken a short way farther down the trail. See that iridescent/glowing stripe just to the left of the centre. I don't know what it is either. If you click on the picture it will large size and still I can't figure it out. I can tell you what I think it is, and what I know lives in those woods but I'd love to hear you ideas. Maybe is was the flash reflecting on a spiders thread....or something that was almost caught on film?

I took this one about 20 feet after the other two Teaghan took. That my friends in a bonified faery circle. I saw another one a little farther away. I've know for years that there is more then just wildlife living in the Rockwood forests, it was nice to be able to catch a glimpse that they are still there. I wish I had gotten a better picture but if I went off the trail, it would have been a invitation for all the girls to follow me.

Not a good idea where there is poision ivy among that greenery...also one should never play around faery circles. *G*

Heigh Ho Heigh Ho

It's off to camp I go.

This weekend is the last camping trip with the Girl Guides. As much as I love being involved, I'm looking forward to the break. (Guides doesn't run during the summer.)
As usual I'm not packed but at least I have most of the stuff I need piled up at the front door, ready to be thrown in the car after work. We're tent camping for the next 2 nights, which means a lot of extra stuff has to be brought.

Wish me luck, it we 3 leaders and 17 girls that range from 9-11. Oh man what have I gotten myself into?

World Lupus Day

I know I'm 17 days late but it wasn't until today that I remembered that World Lupus Day was in May. My aunt passed away from this disease last September.

Today we were down in Fort Erie visiting with my dad's side of the family. It was so nice to be able to see eveyone and catch up on what is going on and visit. This was the first time I had seen everyone together since Sandy's funeral. Little William was running around playing but his dad was abnormally quiet, although I guess that is to be expected, 8 months is such a short time.

A fun twist on my quiz addiction

My visual DNA...it was fun

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Kilts, Not just for the Scottish anymore

Ok so I will freely admit that my tastes may be seen as a bit medieval...but damn I love the sight of a man in a kilt. Traditional or Informal doesn't matter it is the quickest way to get my knees to go weak. Now I have discovered a company that actually specialises in day to day kilt wear, called Utilikilt. Humina humina humina. *LOL*

Of course I showed them to hubby and got at typical response...
"NO, NO, NO, Never, not even if hell freezes over. If I saw I guy wearing that thing I'd make fun of him."
Oh come on! What is it with North American men? Have we raised multiple generations of homophobic males that are terrified of anything that might be seen as feminine? Although if anyone views a man in a kilt as looking girly then they need some serious glasses. Personally I think they are sexy as hell and would gladly ogle any man who wears them in my presence. **BG**



Utilikilt's Top 10 Reasons To Wear a Kilt!

1)Because throughout history, men have worn un-bifurcated garments. (Scots, Samoans, Egyptians, American Indians, Hawaiians, Japanese, Indians, etc.)


2)Because if women had an appendage hanging between their legs we guarantee you they wouldn't be wearing pants!


3)Freedom, and increased mobility.


4)You only go around once, so why not be as comfortable as possible?


5)All men deserve air conditioning in the summer. You will chafe no more.


6)No more adjust, right side, left side… and say goodbye to wedgies.


7)Unlike pants, the Utilikilt's pockets are only sewn down on top, so that they move with the garment but not with your leg. No more bulky crap contorting the shape of your leg. The Workman's can carry an entire six pack! You don't have to wear your cell phone on your belt. With the Workman's kilt, you don't need a tool belt.


8)The Utilikilt is made in the USA . You are supporting local industry. Your mojo will thank you.


9)Easy access...


10)Fringe benefits:
A. Physical: Your virility may increase. You will experience the pleasing sensation of air conditioning.
B. Mental: Wearing a kilt shows a sense of security with yourself, and you will inspire much debate in others.
C. Spiritual: Without physical constrictions, your burden will be lighter, your sense of freedom less impaired, and your sense of self will have room to grow.

A Tale of Two Corners

I realize that first off you may be thinking that by the title I am speaking of geographical place. You know me better then that. *G* The corners I am about to tell you about are actually objects

Both my nieces were and somewhat still are Blanket Babies. Meaning they both had a special blamkie that had to be kept on their person at all times. (think Linus) Each blanket aged with time and became faded and worn but that never deminished their love for them. The older one especially would suck on one spot of hers, always the same corner. Which led her father to refer to her blankie as "Corner".

Yes my dear sweet Tay, You aren't old enough to read this on your own but there are pictures and they will be shown on your wedding day. Hopefully you will wil leave corner home that day, or at least in the limo.

The second corner is yet another of my WIP and it is not for either of my young nieces. It is for my 36 year old husband. LOL As a joke he recently asked if I had finished his "Corner" yet. Never mind that I had started it 2 days previous. At the rate I work he will be lucky to get it by his 40th birthday. Below is a picture of its humble beginnings. Yes those are Black and Gold stripes in honour of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the middle of the white patch will be a giant football helmet which will be emblazoned with their logo. The blob of black in the top right hand corner is the beginning of the front grill.


Once this big piece is finished then I have to do two strips up the right and left sides. More black and gold of course. If all goes well then they should be my car project for when we drive to Florida in October.

I'll post a picture of it when it's finished. Of course I fully intend it to be a picture of my hubby sleeping with his blankie. Oh come on I have to get some revenge for all the nagging I am about to live through *BG*

Treasures in my hedge

So while having some of the hedges cut down along our property the contractor found a small nest with 4 babies in it. Loud squacky little guys too LOL. Being a big softie himself, he put the nest in one of the bushes at the front of our house. He gets points for not tossing the nest in the chipper but he obviously doesn't have children because the nest is in full view of the front window.

Which means my 2 girls can keep an eye on them.If anything was to happen to those little ones I might be flooded out by their tears. Of course they had to be named so let me introduce you to Lulu, Twirl, Hershey & Steve.


Good news is that the mommy found them and was feeding them. Bad news? The nest wasn't stable and when she landed on it a short time ago it flipped over. Ryleigh and I were watching at the time and she freaked. So moments later there I am with a teatowel cooing at the little babies as I pluck them out of the bush and put them back in the nest.

I got a chair and put them in a near by tree. After getting some string and tieing the nest to a couple branches, so I don't have to worry about it tumbling out. My concern now is that I'm not sure of the adult birds will find them. I've seen them land in the spot where the nest was and so far haven't seen them in the tree. Oh man I may flood the house if they get abandoned.

**NOTE**
4 hours later: All's well. The mommy bird has been spotted feeding the babies in the nest. I'm relieved she found them. *BG*

Sasquatch is an Endangers Species?

While there have not been any official sightings of him in years; A Canadian MP wants BigFoot placed on the Endangered Species list.

Apparently there is a man named Todd Standing who claims that he has proof of the creatures existence but is afraid for its safety should his findings be made public.

You know I want to poke fun at this but I so want to to be true. LOL Technically it is possible 90% of Canada is uninhabited. We live in a big ass country so it is not that far fetched that there is a creature that is real but hasn't been seen...ever? Hmm how long has the legend of Nessie been around and I believe that she is real.

You know if he is not a total wacko then this Mr Standing has the right idea. Look how much gorillas and elephants are hunted. Can you imagine what poachers would do if they knew there really is a Bigfoot?

Vices

We all have them, just some of us have more then others. My self, I have given a lot of mine up over the years. I no longer smoke anything, be it tobacco or hydroponics. *BG* I got married which meant I am now totally monogamous and I don't have time to go out to bars to dance and consume one or six 'wobbly pops'. Not to mention that the hangovers just kill me now, I don't bounce back as well as I used to.

Ah, you noticed I didn't mention wine did I? Well that is product knowledge and a vital part of my job, so it no longer lives under the term 'vice'. LOL

BUT

I have developed a new one. Bloody potato chips! Love them!! Especially Kettle Chips. They have this Honey Dijon flavour...man seriously dangerous stuff. While I was up north visiting family, my sister in law and I did a bit of grocery shopping.
I picked up a bag insisting that she had to try them. Well I opened it when we got in the van. Arlene drove the loooooong way home and the bag was empty by the time we got there. We actually hid the empty bag so my brother couldn't tease us. I swear you cannot just have one. It is impossible really! LOL

What prompted this post....well I'm halfway through a bag. Also I was checking out their website and found a QUIZ!!!!! Ya'll know how much I love these things. And it's a chip one. I'm in calorie heaven right now.

I am Potato Perfected

Let's just say I'm simple, sweet, natural and just a little quirky. I'm laid back, but I know what I like. For me simple definitely does not mean plain. I like a little zip in my zippity-doo-dah, a little jingle in my jangle, a little this in my that. I'm reliable, but not necessarily predictable; I'm consistent without being boring. I like stuff I can sink my teeth into. My friends love me because I'm so comfortable being who I am.

Time to hit the reset button

Today is the third day in a row that the sun has been shining and the temperatures have been above normal.
In short it was a gorgeous weekend! We all got outside for some desperately needed fresh air. I sat in a chair and read while the girls went up and down the street on their scooters. Hubby cleaned up melting dog bombs LOL

For me it's like pushing a reset button in my subconscious. I have a habit of letting things get to me and weigh me down to the point that I have problems letting it all go in the end. All the stress and mess of the past few months is over and I was feeling the strain.

So with a deep breath I hit the reset and start over. Today is Monday, and my day off which is a nice way to start the week *G*

I have a book to write, laundry to do, toilets to scrub and a cross stitch green man to finish. Poor guy, I started him years ago and he has been living in half-finished limbo ever since. I have another beautiful pattern I would like to work on but I have forbidden my self to even purchase the thread until I have him done.

Having said that I wish you all a wonderful productive day!!! I have my list, now I have to start crossing things off it as I finish.....laundry can still wait though *G*

Tears for a Stranger

Even wonder how a person you have never met can have such an impact on your life? No I don't know how either, but it happens.

The news has been filled with what happened at Virginia Tech. I can't handle it anymore and am boycotting all news programs. I've reached emotional tilt. When that happens, I have learned from experience, that it is better if I avoid for a while, before I have a total meltdown.

This evening my husband grabbed the local newspaper out of our mailbox before I could see it and told me that it would be better if I didn't read it. He's thoughtful that way, I figure there was more of VT news on it.

A short time later he tore the front page off and then a few pages inside. OK that was strange but I appreciated his thoughtfulness. It wasn't long after when he said that he wasn't sure if he should throw them out or let me read it. In that moment I realized what he was trying to protect me from.

Let me take you back a year or so ago. Our local paper had a story on the front page about a then 15 yr old girl battling a rare form of cancer that had developed from a rare virus she caught. She had the most wonderful attitude and outlook on life. She has made numerous appearances in the paper since then. Letters from her mum or letters from her thanking everyone for their support. She created a fundraising project before Christmas, while in the hospital she and her sister made bracelets. It would help keep her mind off her treatments and the money raised went to the McMaster Bead Program. In this program the children get beads when they have to undergo certain treatments, these beads are made into bravery necklaces.

At that time she had 8 full necklaces. That is when I met her mum, we spoke on the phone a few times when I purchased some bracelets and I've been getting updates on everything has been going. Her mum sends out a quick note to everyone now and then.

Meghan Rush lost her battle on Wednesday. After undergoing all sorts of treatments, her poor body just couldn't keep up. She was placed in a medically induced coma and passed away in her sleep.

I know she is in the arm of my Lady but right now that doesn't offer any solace. As a mum I can't imagine how her parents are coping right now.

As usual I can't find the words to explain how I am feeling...or maybe that's because there isn't any.

Meat vs Fish

Yes there are drawbacks to having children in a catholic school. Our 10 yr old announced today that we cannot eat meat because it's 'Good Friday'.

Yea ok.

If there is one thing very true about the Christian religion, Catholics specifically, they do not like to break with their traditions. This is a big one. Technically the rule is you're not to eat meat on any Friday. Originally this was started in order to support the local fishermen. Fishing was big business and there were a lot of people doing it. So the Church stepped in a created a special rule regarding eating the floppy things once a week. Kudos for them trying to help in their community but as the centuries passed it became a hard and fast rule. Yea Yea I know it is written in the 'big book of everything' who do you think put it there?

Honestly, who really believes that you will suffer eternal damnation for what you ate on a specific day? My guess is the same people that think you will go blind if you play with certain things.

Funny thing is a Bishop ok'd eating meat on St Patrick's Day this year. But there is a catch, if you chose to enjoy your wings & burgers with your green beer then you would have to abstain another day. I wonder how many people chose Saturday? If I'm hungover I don't even want to think about a big steak dinner.

Just proves my point that some rules are so outdated that even the diasis are bending them.

So what did we have for dinner? We went to 'Lick's' and she had a vegetarian burger. Me I enjoyed a nice juicy steak on a bun with extra onions and HP sauce. Did I mention I'm very annoyed with hubby right now *G* (he hates unions)

Queen of all she surveys

This is H.R.H. T.C's newest hang out. As if I don't have enough distractions in life, her royalness has chosen to hang out just above where I am working and stare at me. When she isn't sleeping of course.

Just as I was about to snap her picture the little biotch stuck her tongue out at me. Coincidence? Not a chance. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Geez I really need to clean my computer screen. LOL