Banditas Blog

SOLDIER DOWN

2011-03-30T02:24:00.000-04:00

                                      SOLDIER DOWN

                           ............."SOLDIER DOWN".................

                         ............."Leave no man behind"...........

           Will someone be my hero?

'observation of stillbirth and the aftereffects'
For my daughter. V. Mosso

ITS TIME

2011-03-30T01:50:00.000-04:00

" ITS TIME"

Its been "three months now" they say...
You must move on.

NO I silently scream inside, despising the loathsome hot tears
that remind me of my broken-ness.

Only just yesterday, I died.........
Only just yesterday, so it seems.

Has it been only three months?
You cant tell these things, when time has stood still
perhaps, even stopped,
the day I died with you.

You, laying so still in my womb....
For me, eternity surrounds and envelopes itself
around that capsule of "time"....

"In observation of stillbirth: V.Mosso

Tarry with me here a little longer...

2011-03-29T23:49:00.002-04:00

Will you tarry, with me here, but for a moment longer?
Share my sorrow with me just a bit more?

I see this progression called "Life" beginning again with
Its call to action and demands....
yet, let me tarry here a bit longer, silent in the shards of
death.

I am still pierced and wounded, bleeding and raw.
Incapable of that dire duty to live.....

Will you tarry; here with me, just a little longer, until
I am stronger, whenever that will be?
Or, alone will I be, forever in this sea...
entangled and enmeshed with these sharp shards of death.

'life after stillbirth' V.Mosso

Teddy Bears sit so still

2011-03-26T00:15:00.000-04:00

I'm dressing up your bears today Vaughn,
sweaters, overalls, soft socks and booties-
all onto soft fur teddy bears, lifeless.
All the pieces of cloth bought in your name-
...sit in dust, amidst that which was left: a mess.

Author: Broken hearted mommy with empty arms.

Well, fall is definately here now...

2010-10-06T14:36:00.000-04:00

Yep..humidity gone.
Chill in the air.
Halloween candy invading the stores.
Dead leaves falling off the trees.

Hopefully, the snakes are hibernating now....
The Squirrels are busy with the pinecones.
You have to let the car warm up a bit in the morning...
Put that extra blanket on the bed.

Dogs dont want to go outside.
Time to get a few things done around the house
before the holidays set in.

Baby comes this Winter...better hurry!

Mexico

2010-08-06T21:22:00.001-04:00

MEXICO

Old clashes with the new, unfortunately, the new doesn't stay new for long,
for in Mexico, the old overcomes and fixates all into a part of the landscape.

This happens with everything in Mexico. The new cars soon are dented and patched, or thrown to the wayside to rust. Houses made of cement and stone grow the green gilded algae and think nothing of that....

Once beautiful Senoritas, with long flowing manes of iridescent black hair, walk the paths of so many of the Senoras before them. Worn and tired of bearing children and tortilla making... wondering if Jose will come home this time with the pesos, or will they be spent in some cantina on some willing dance girl.

Even the trees and brush and flowers seem old. They grow long ranging roots, scalping against the mountainside, hanging onto life where they can.
Year after year, becoming old and fixated.

Convoluted visions of cellphones and internet cafes almost convinces you that there is some progress in Mexico, until you notice no one is using their cell phones. Why? No minutes.....

Mexico will always be, just, Mexico.

What we create today, is tomorrows memory.

2010-06-23T00:12:00.001-04:00

'Just sitting out on the back porch, after having done some late spring organizing, and having come upon an old envelope filled with ageing photos from back when everyone took their 'rolls of film to Kodak to get them printed..... I sipped my coffee, and took them out one by one and was transported to another time in my life.
I viewed scene after scene of events that had taken place, and at the time I had thought were important enough to snap a picture of......

The kids were little then....
Funny hairdo's, and goofy adolescent grins....

I must have spent quite a while reminiscing over those old photos...as my coffee became cold, and I flipped through one after another of my memories.

It dawned on me, that those moments I caught on film were forever gone, except for their fading images on these pieces of paper.
That time in my life was now only a memory, that thankfully could be recounted as I gazed at the photos...
But what struck me was the thought that those moments, that block of 'time, spent in the 'yesterdays of my life, were now today's memories.

That prompted me to consider, once again, how important it is to select how you chose to spend your today's, as they will become tomorrows memories.
Chose well, and enjoy each day, and love all those around you and tomorrow you will look back on your memory of today with a smile.

Change is in the air

2010-04-11T14:23:00.001-04:00

Mindful of the fact that everything changes all the time, and has changed since time began and will change till time ends.... I tip my hat to that fact.
Each new day a thousand changes take place all over the world, and even in my own backyard.
A new flower has bloomed, the dog didn't bark at the postman this time, and my newly tiled floor doesn't look as new as it did yesterday...(probably because the dogs walked on it)....
All that 'type of change is normal everyday life. And, its actually refreshing to have these changes, even in little things. Prevents boredom.

Life is full of changes. We want to change our wieght, our hairstyle, our haircolor, change our clothes, our cars our homes. Change our lifestyles, our religions, our views. We seem to thrive on constant change.

Change the tv channel, change the food we eat, change our careers....
Life Is Change, and that can be a good thing, until we convince ourselves that everything, all the time, MUST change, in order to be good.

I think its time to ponder what changes might not be needed, more so when very powerful people REFUSE to define EXACTLY what they intend to change... and WHY!

Do we really need to be in a state of constant change? Does our lives have to really revolve around change, in order for us to be content?
Can some things just stay the same...and we all be happy with that?

Change is a very powerful word and concept, and I think we have convinced ourselves of its need in our lives in order to be happy, progressive and accomplishing our future.

With so much change in the air, lets all just take a step back for a moment and think about it. Lets not be of the crowd mentality that flows with the moment, trying to change our world....... just because.
Maybe we should practice little change.... or change as needed.... or just let things be sometimes.

The Change in the air that bothers me of late, is the very word CHANGE.
I am beginning to see it everywhere, hear it everywhere, and its becoming a mandate from on high. And, the mandate I refer to is not from the "ON HIGH" that I take my orders from......

Just a thought folks.
Lets think about things a bit...and possibly not be so quick to Change.

Pitbulls in the Dog World. Owning and training a Pitbull

2010-03-06T17:59:00.001-05:00

"CHUMMIE" the Pitbull

Bringing a Pitbull into your family can either be a joyous or grievous experience, all depending on how you, the owner approach it.

In the Dog world of many different types and breeds to chose from, many people would never recommend a Pitbull under any circumstances. Why? The answer is simple. Pitbulls have gotten a very bad reputation.
Pitbulls have become a "trend" among the gansta's for providing a horrific and illegal activity. Fighting the dogs in a small pit, to the death.

People have wanted to own a pitbull for various reasons. One being the ego. The mindset being, ' I ve got a big mean Pitbull...don't mess with me!' Somehow, having this typecast dog tied up in their yard has become a symbol of macho.

And then there are the horror stories of Pitbulls running rampant and attacking and even killing little children. And, of course the myth that once they bite, their jaws lock and they wont let go.

Alot of fear has been built around the name; Pitbull. To the extent that some are seriously advocating the extinction of the breed.

Its all kind of sad because the Pitbull is no different than any other average dog. Yes, some types of Pitbull have been bred for strength, for huge bulging muscles, and even aggressive behavior. But, that is all because of the human element involved in trying to breed that 'big mean macho man dog'.
Even so, with selective breeding involved, and results of big muscled Pitbulls now available, it still is up to the owner how their Pitbull will development its personality.
A well adapted and well trained Pitbull can be as easy going and loving as any other known breed. The overall success of the pit's interaction with its human companions depends largely on its owner providing discipline and training and firmness to establish boundaries and limits to the dog.
If handled correctly, a Pitbull will be gentle, loyal, and dedicated to its family, and just might surprise you with being a little bit sappy at times.

Pitbulls that have received good socialization will be a good addition to any family home.
Remember, its up to you how your Pitbull turns out. A rogue misfit or a loving addition to your home.

Summation...

2010-02-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

2009 ....

Glad its over, because alot of really interesting things are in store for 2010.

Wierd, to be almost a decade into the dreaded 2000's...
Funny, 2010 doesnt seem all that different than 1999...
Well, we dont have to fear the Y2K event..that came and went.

Hopefully, the next dreaded event (2012) will just as uneventful, so we can all continue on with whatever it is we are continuing to do.

As for me.... I am finally starting to realize a long time dream; Internet Marketing.
I have always wanted to discover this adventure, but to be honest, I never had the time or opportunity, and really hadnt the foggiest idea of how to find it....

Good fortune? The right opportunity? Fate? God? Whatever the venue that got me here, I am now able to devote a full time effort to my newly realized dream.

I am sure that doesnt mean a whole lot to most of you out there in cyber land, but for me, this Internet Marketing dream is fast becoming reality, and its really fun to have a "dream" come true!

Alot of studying, reading, finding an online mentor and coach, and doing action guides from video modules are helping me to formulate my dream. The reality of it all, being that I am proceeding toward the goal of making a good income, full time online.

So, with that said..... its back to work...
Just wanted to check in here at my old steady Eddy Blogspot, where I first cut my teeth on this whole idea of blogging.

Val.

A Diamond in the foot~ A Childlike approach to prayer and faith

2009-12-31T14:03:00.002-05:00

I was a young girl and excited because our family was going to visit some relatives, and I was comfortably seated in the backseat of the car.... holding tightly onto my little brown paper bag of coveted candy.
I remember we drove out of the driveway that morning, and were headed to the highway.... when a panic stricken shriek pierced the calm.
"BOB!" Stop!..The diamond is missing out of my ring!" I cannot remember the reaction of my dad at that moment, but, I could sense the absolute panic in the words of my mother.

I think we continued on to the family the visit that day..... but, in returning home, the search began.
I have vague memories of my mom frantically scouring the driveway outside, thinking that perhaps her large center diamond from her wedding ring had fallen there... and when that search was exhausted, she moved to the house....
Anywhere, and everywhere that the diamond could have fallen was thoroughly searched. Mom in hysterics, crying and lamenting that her diamond was gone...

As a child, I felt bad. It seemed like a problem of enormous improbabilities..
How does one even begin to find a lost diamond? I think the task is something akin to the old saying..."Its like trying to find a needle in a haystack".

About the same time, I missplaced my treasured little brown paper bag of candy.
I felt the same amount of loss... I wanted that candy so bad. Where could I have put it? I looked all over my bedroom and all the places that I, in my young life would have left it. But, just the same as my mom trying to find her lost diamond, my candy was no where to be found.
I was disappointed, and felt a little guilty that my missing candy was just as important (to me) as the lost diamond was to my mom.

I can remember hearing drawers being opened, and emptied, and objects being shuffled around, and all the while the exasperated sighing, mingled with some crying coming from my now depressed mom.
I did feel bad for her. My measly attempts looking for the diamond, during the intial stages of the family hunt had also produced no results.

So, here we were. My mother missing the large center diamond of her wedding ring, and I left without the little precious bag of candy.

What were we to do?

When all else fails...pray. Well, I know now, that prayer should be the very first thing to do in a crisis, but at the time, with so many lessons yet to be learned in life, I have to admit, it was the last thing I did, after we had all but given up any hope of every seeing that diamond again..and I, well, I figured that my little bag of candy was long gone as well.

So, being a little girl, and young to the ways of God, but, yet having a childlike faith decided to pray. I decided to make a sacrifice...and thus bargained with God.
The prayer went something like this...

"Dear God... If you will just let me find my moms diamond, or let her find it, I wont ask you to help me find my candy."

In my childish thinking, I decided to 'sacrifice the candy, in hopes that God would take me up on that, and let the diamond be found instead!"

Now, I cannot remember if I went to sleep, with that bargain hanging in the air between God and I, or not.....
but, I do remember going into the bathroom, probably to brush my teeth or wash my face. Probably in pajamas, and certainly barefoot.
Standing there, in that bathroom, looking up into the big mirror above the counter, I felt a really sharp stab in my heel. It was the kind of pain that makes you instantly react. I lifted up my foot, to remove whatever it was that poked into my heel.
As I reacted to the pain, and lifting my foot up, and swiping it off with my hand, I felt something fall into my hand. I took a look at what had jabbed so painfully into my heel, and there sat a brilliant sparkling diamond. I took one long look...and gasped and closed my hand tightly around the object...and ran running to my mom, screeching that I found her diamond.

At first, it was just too much for mom to believe that I had her diamond clenched tightly in my fist. She thought I was joking, and admonished me that it wasnt the right time to play jokes.... and all I remember thinking was that I wasnt joking! And, how to convince her? I told her to look! As I unclenched my fist, there sat the brilliant diamond in the palm of my hand.
I cant say how speechless we all were, and the look of complete relief on my moms face made me feel so good. I knew in my heart that something really great had happened.
God had heard my prayer! My mom had her diamond back!

I dont know when, but, shortly thereafter, my little brown paper bag of candy reappeared too! It had fallen under my bed...the one place I hadnt thought to look.
Not only did God answer a little girls prayer, he even gave me my candy back as a bonus I suppose. I realized then, that God doesnt need our bargainings, or sacrifices to act on our behalf...... His Son already accomplished all that by giving his life for us....
All I had to do was pray and ask in faith, and God heard and answered.

What a life lesson I learned over that one missing diamond.

Now, I am not a young little girl anymore. My life difficulties are not about loosing little paper bags of candy. I wouldnt even 'bother God over such a trivial matter now.... yet, even if I did, I know he would hear me. And, if I believe with faith, he will answer me, and give me more than I could imagine....

He is a good God, and cares about our little things in life. He just waits for us to come to him, and share them with him, and ask him to be a part. And, when we make him a part of even the little things of our life, we wont be disappointed!

Memory of you... twenty years gone...

2009-12-16T09:59:00.001-05:00

                                       Average Man
If most men live lives of quiet desperation, I could single him out in a crowd:
his desperation screams out loud, his desperation screams out loud.

The only emotion he feels is frustration, he thinks he is lucky to feel.
At least this emotion is real, when he’s caught like a rat on a wheel.

        He’s living a life he never wanted
        with a thread of his dream that remains just to haunt him.
        He seems like the average man,
        but being average wasn’t part of the plan.

You see him as clever; you think that he’s smart,
hardworking, responsible - so wise.
When I ask if he’s happy, he lies.

He won’t regain what he’s lost, he never tries.

                So how do dreams slip away?
                Just a little bit day by day...
So many people with so much ambition,
that lies broken and bleeding it’s so sad.

I remember what this man once had,
and vow never to end up ...like my dad.
        He’s living a life, he never wanted,
        with a thread of his dream that remains just to haunt him.
        Seems like the average man,
        but being average wasn’t part of his plan.

Quoted from 'Sacred Fire' Adrianna Larkin 2009

Giving of Thanks

2009-11-25T20:53:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are again. Its that time of year, in late November that we are all 'reminded of a time to celebrate a very typical American holiday called Thanksgiving.
I am also reminded of many Thanksgiving celebrations through out my life..... They always bring a warm and cozy reminder of family, and good times of sitting around the dinner table laughing and snickering and talking about mundane family stuff.
... Family would arrive one by one to the house... carrying steaming warm dishes of food, with tantalizing aromas wafting through the air.... one by one, the dishes would be strewn all over the kitchen counters until there was literally no more room left.

Thanksgiving always seemed to be the one date on the calender, that you could count on seeing a man in an apron. I think my Dad wore one once,and for sure, you could always count on Grampa Elmer to have that silly womans apron tied around his waist, accompanied by that warm Afseth smile.... welcoming incoming guests with a friendly "Hello"... and usually a big hug to follow!

At Thanksgiving, there was always so much food to eat. All the relatives made sure of that! Someone brought the salad, someone the munchies... someone made the desert, and potato salad. My aunties always brought their specialties..and their kids. My cousins!
The years we gathered at Gramma and Grampas house were so special to me, even more now with their passing away a few years ago.
I remember how "us kids" used to sit at a little table of our own, smack dab in the middle of the kitchen! Parents checking in now and then to make sure we were eating...... and the occasional scolding and reminding to "Be Good!"
Then, I remember how very grown up I felt, as I "Graduated" to the 'Big Dining room table with the "Grownups!"....
That table was the really special one...it had been all set up with a fancy table cloth, Gramma's special China and REAL silverware, brought out once a year for the occasion! And, the unforgettable Polka music playing on the stereo (yeah, we had actual 'HiFi Stereos with big vinyl records back in the day).. and my Grandparents had the absolute best 'old fashioned music that you can ever imagine... of course, my poor dear ole Grampa had to endure our 'teasing about it back then, (and what I wouldn't give to hear it now.....)

A very special part of my childhood Thanksgiving celebrations came before we even touched the turkey.... After all the dishes made it to the tables, and the water was poured in glasses, and everyone was starving, and ready to just dig in and eat......... Grampa would call us all together, as ONE BIG FAMILY....united together...sometimes holding hands, or touching one another in a loving way..a hand on a shoulder, an arm around a waist.... holding a childs hand...... together in one big circle we would stand...united....as Grampa prayed.
Grampas prayers were the culmination of the entire years events. He would talk to his Lord as if he was face to face with him, right there in the room.....
Grampa would Thank the Lord for protecting his family durning the year, for all the many Blessings we all had, for our health, and protection. He personally gave Thanks in such a dear and tender way..... and last of all, he thanked the Lord for the food.
Clearly, Thanksgiving Dinner was not just about the food to Grandpa. He made sure to Thank The Lord for every good blessing from the entire past year!
The food was only the added touch......
I think that at those family prayers, not an eye remained dry. Such simple sincerity and honesty before a loving God, exampled by such a simple and humble man...... was the beauty of the celebration for all of us, and the glue that held our family together.

These days, we are now all spread out... many miles exist between our family members. Holidays come and, we have to find ways to continue our celebrations distant from each other... but one thing we will always have, and that will always bring us back again, is the rich legacy that our Parents and Grandparents left us.

They showed us what a real Thanksgiving celebration is about......

A "Giving of Thanks" to the Lord that provided a blessed year, and will continue to provide and protect for another year to come...... even until we go to be with him, as Grandpa and Grandma exampled to us.

So, on this Thanks giving day.....

I Give Thanks for my family.

For the many memories that I cherish, and that help me to continue on in this world.

I Give Thanks for my friends, my health, my life.

God Bless you all.... and Happy Giving of Thanks Day!!!

WHY? WHY NOT?

2009-11-10T13:06:00.035-05:00

A recent post reply on Facebook made me stop and think about what I term; Black and White thinking. In the aftermath of several atrocities
being committed on American Soil,
I have lamented on the question, WHY?

Why would a trained professional psychiatrist/doctor soldier just up and grab a gun and yell "Allah Awkbar" and proceed to shoot down and kill as many fellow comrades in arms as he possibly could?

Why would another soldier fresh from combat, come home to American soil
and premeditate a horrific murder of his wife? And continue on as if nothing
was wrong, until he got caught?

Why did a three time deployed combat ready soldier in Idaho, come home
only to die of his own vomit, after a night of binge drinking?

Why are soldiers playing Russian Roulette with a loaded gun in the barracks, and using bullets in loaded guns, and blowing their brains out when they find a bullet?

Why the sudden upsurge in violence, mass murders, suicides?

Why would a President of a once strong and mighty nation suddenly
debase all of our religious sentiments, and proclaim there is no "Christ"
in the Christmas holiday?

Following the 5 W's you can ask yourself the same questions.
Who, What, Where, When, and most importantly; WHY?

WHY so serious?

Being raised with moral ethics, a sense of right and wrong,
and imprinted with Black and White thinking,
...I simply cannot with all good conscious,
liberally bend with every blowing of the wind
of ever changing values and ethics
of a debased society.

IF you have ever read the bible from cover to cover
and delved into the Greek and Hebraic,
combined with thoughtful insight, prayer
and meditation of scripture....
you will soon realize that as an
independant thinker you must stand for something,
or "Fall" for everything.
Believing the Bible demands this...

Contrary to popular political correctiveness,
I chose or choose the more unpopular
Biblical perspective.
Given todays attitudes and choices
concerning integral moral ethics and values,
I am finding it harder and harder
to not be jaded and cynical,
and often times just judgmental in my outlook.
And, that very word,'Judgmental has developed
a bad connotation.

To Judge something, anything, is to be very wise.
It is to 'discern a thing...
...and evaluate the outcome thereof...'

In my book, judging is a very good thing...
again, against the flow of political correctiveness....

I am guilty of Black and White thinking.
I am guilty of Good against Evil.
I am guilty of having a strong sense of right and wrong,
tho often times I am guilty
of sinning against my own beliefs,
(but not with out turmoil to my conscious....)

Yes, I am often opinionated, sarcastic,
cynical, and jaded.

Yet, on the other side of my strong opinions,
is a person of great empathy and compassion
which is often a dichotomy of sorts to some people.

The heavy cross I carry,
when faced with observation of horrific atrocities
is always the same haunting question;" WHY? "

Over and over again, I come to the same conclusion...
we are now living in a debased society
with very non-moral and liberally
non- accountable attitudes of; WHY NOT!

That very phrase, 'WHY NOT?';
that very challenge to all past integral core values
has been the most damaging
of all challenges our society
has ever experienced.
and now we are seeing the fruit of...

'WHY NOT.

In The Vancouver Sun – Making Money on Twitter | John Chow dot Com

2009-10-29T16:42:00.001-04:00

In The Vancouver Sun – Making Money on Twitter | John Chow dot Com

Seems I sure know how to pick um! Now John Chow is featured on the cover of BBC Vancouver newpaper!
He is singing the praises of Tweeting! It all sounds so easy, and if your JOHN CHOW, I suppose it is. He also is a computer whiz, a professional Blogger and now, money making Tweeter. I suppose once you really get in the swing of things, it sort of self generates its own momentum. John Chow also build computers, knows the complete in's and out's of sponsored ads, networking, and seems to had the edge on most social media.
When Yaro came out with his latest offer of paid memberships, John was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon and joint venture with Yaro, by creating his own offer. Almost, not to be outdone it seems! But, hey, if John has the foresight to do this, and its ethical in the internet world, why not. I just chalk it up to creative marketing. A bit like piggybacking someone elses idea, however it is disquised with clever sales tactics. I dont mention this to undermine John Chow. I actually do respect him as far as business on the internet goes. He also seems to be a very caring dad. So, all in all more power to him, and Congratulations John Chow!
Keep making us envious, oops, I mean proud!

Bandita

Alpha Chi Induction UNC Pembroke

2009-10-26T07:21:00.003-04:00

October 25th 2009
UNC Pembroke ALPHA CHI induction ceremony.

"These students are the Creme of the Creme" stated the Chancellor of UNC Pembroke today. He praised the gathered students of UNC Pembroke for acheiving a very high standard of excellance, according to University standards.
The Chancellor made us all aware of the fact that these particular students were the top 5% of all University students by the continual high Grade point average they had to maintain to become 'Alpha Chi members.

Of course I was very proud of Julieanna today. She continues to excel at just about anything she puts her mind to. It was quite an honor to watch her go to the front of the room as her name was called, and receive her certificate and shake hands with the Chancellor..... what a moment in time.... a well deserved moment for a very hard working young lady.

The following pictures I captured tell the story of today with out much narration, other than the escort Julie chose was none other than her brother Matthew!
The event was held on the campus of UNC Pembroke, and as we sat amoungst the other student recipients of the award, we got to know some Chinese Exchange students... apparently they are very bright also!

It was a great day, and we enjoyed a nice little luncheon afterwards.... and I got to 'Pin Julies gold pin on her sweater.

Again; though I have said it before; "Congratulations Julieanna...keep up the hard work, Chin up....keep the faith!"
Love You!
Mom

Julieanna arriving on campus

Brother Matthew is her 'chosen escort today! (Mom tagged along too!)

Finding and putting on her name badge......

Now, to find our table...and get seated.

Busily reading the brochure.....

Sitting amongst the Chinese Exchange students....

A close up photo of the brochure they handed out to us at the entrance.....
Interesting Alpha Chi Motto: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free..." (Where have I heard that before?) Interesting that they used that scripture for their motto!

The banner, the candles (each color had a meaning ) and the induction registry.

Julieanna coming up to the front to sign her name in the registry......

Her name is on there....

Receiving her Certificate of Membership directly from the Chancellor... and a warm congratulations for becoming one of the top 5% of the University!

Julieanna waiting on the platform for all the students names to be called up front......

Still patiently waiting until all the student came up to the platform.....

Then, after all the students had been brought forward, handed their certificates, and brought up on the platform, they all took the oath together!

Julieanna posing with the University Chancellor after taking her oath and becoming inducted in the Alpha Chi Honor society.

Julieanna's Alpha Chi PIN! I got to 'Pin her!

Julieanna with fellow Chinese exchange student.

Certificate.....

Well, this is Ju's....

Get Super Affiliates and CPA Networks to Send YOU Floods of Visitors!

2009-10-23T15:36:00.001-04:00

Get Super Affiliates and CPA Networks to Send YOU Floods of Visitors!

Posted using ShareThis

Facebook Inspiration for mass marketing!

2009-10-21T16:41:00.001-04:00

Inspiration is a funny thing. It can hit a person anywhere and at anytime. Today, I realized that I have been passing by the opportunity of a lifetime. While browsing my facebook account, wondering at this new 'social media outlet, I found a very famous Washington personality abiding on there. It was Mr. JS himself!
I was amazed to see that he is sporting the now famous 'Facebook Goggle's that are in a very high demand worldwide and just about impossible to obtain. Most sport stores that did carry them a short time ago have completely sold out and are backordered until after Christmas, which doesnt help when a person wants to buy one right now!

I was lucky enough to contact this celebrity through his Facebook account, and was able to obtain his permission to 'mass market the Facebook Goggles on the internet, via his fan club!

So, all interested parties, just send in your $9.99 to me, and I will in turn send you your very own pair of JS Facebook Goggles.

And, wait! Thats not all! If you ACT QUICKLY and order today, you will automatically be signed up for the NEW JS Facebook Goggle Fan club, which offers a signed photo of JS and a chance to win a trip for two to the Florida beaches.... you actually get to live with JS for a full month, and he will personally tour you around the great state of Florida..at NO cost to you!

This is a deal you cant afford to miss..... so act NOW...just send $9.99 to me, Right NOW, and I will forward your name and number to JS who will in turn send you your personal JS FACEBOOK GOGGLES... he will even cover the shipping and handling!

HURRY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Banditas Blog
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UCLA STUDY: Search the Internet, Activate Your Brain

2009-10-21T14:34:00.001-04:00

UCLA STUDY: Search the Internet, Activate Your Brain

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Hello From Las Vegas

2009-10-19T12:29:00.001-04:00

Hello From Las Vegas

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Becoming Chivas...

2009-10-17T17:51:00.000-04:00

A while back, we bought a sweet cute little Jack Russell puppy. Almost too cute to be a real animal, and at times I thought of her as a stuffed animal that came to life somehow.
Her name had already been thought out by my daughter, and as we walked through the front door with puppy in hand, my daughter said; " I know the name!"
"Oh yeah, what?" I asked...
"Her name will be; CHIVAS!"

Sounds good I thought, and we proceeded to carefully and patiently say to the new puppy her name. Over and over, we pronounced; Chiiiivassss...chivassss, chiiiivvaassssss......drawing the name out, and slowly saying it over and over. Surely this puppy will soon learn her name, and wont mistake any of our other human words to be connected with her! we thought.

We had illusions of granduer for this puppy, and poured hours and hours into her, making her responses to us almost human. And, at first she was always referred to as: C H I V A S!
She learned to come to us by that name, rollover by that name, sit and laydown by that name... she learned what 'NO NO meant, after we called her by name.
It was very apparent that her name was; Chivas.

I dont know when it happened, but slowly it all started to slide downhill.

No one thought much about it, but, it dawned on me, we hardly called our dog Chivas anymore!
She was now being saluted by such terms as: Chivie weevie, neeners, Chickie Wee Wee, Chickie su mamma, Girrrrrrrrrrrllll...... and guess what?
She responds with happy leaps in the air, tail a waggin, and sometimes a bark or two!
We still call her Chivas from time to time, mostly when others ask us; 'What is her name>? We make sure to answer, very distinctly and clearly; 'Chivas... (lest anyone call her anything different than her real name...)

I wonder why the digress? Why cant we just be satisfied with the name Chivas?
Maybe its just human nature to do the baby talk thing...
as a matter of fact, I can think of a few 'pet names my kids have adopted over the years as well, but that would be for another post!

Technology... changed the world

2009-10-14T14:18:00.000-04:00

My daughter and I were discussing the fast advancement of technology the other night, and what repercussions it has had on life as we know it.
With the push of a few buttons, and a hand held 'device, or a cell phone as we call them. you can instantly reach someone, talk to them, send a photo, or just text a message.
Or take the Internet and computer combination. By typing only a few words, on a blank screen that sits inches from your face, on some desk in your house somewhere, you can instantly reach someone across the entire globe. I can instantly read or type to someone in England, India, Australia...etc.
I think we take this technology a bit for granted as it is so easily accessible and affordable. My daughter can turn on her laptop, and after a few clicks of the mouse, a program called SKYPE comes on the screen, and instantly she can see her boyfriend that is deployed to Iraq!
Can you just imagine what a historical figure like Paul Revere could have done with this technology? Instead of riding pell mell like a mad man shouting..."The Redcoats are coming, The Redcoats are coming..." he could have simply sent out a few dozen emails, or had a webinar conference call, and POOF...everyone would have been informed.

Or... Imagine Christopher Columbus texting back to the Queen, I have "discovered" land... I have found "India..."! "Send reinforcements at once!
On and on my imagination can take me with this line of thought....

What if.... lets say, that in Jesus's time, there was this type of technology. Can you imagine with me.. The news of his miracles and travels would have reached around the globe in minutes. He would have been an "instant" celebrity... and people around the globe would have flocked to tune in to the latest Yahoo news or CNN screen to watch him perform healings, raisings from the dead, and yes, even probably his crucifiction on the cross.
Oh, and how crazy would the world have gotten, if someone had "captured" his resurrection on a cell phone camera, and downloaded it to YOU TUBE?

With the advancement of technology, mankind is headed to a zone of no return.
We will never see the 'good ole days of pre-technological advancement ever again, and all the younger generation as well. They only know a life with technology in it....
Where will this all take us? No one is ever going to give up their cell phones, their satellite TV's, their Internet and video phones. There is no going back ...
But, what is going forward? How many more innovations can we as humankind experience. What is next?

Just some rainy day thoughts off the cuff..... pondering....

Remembering Gramma...and Grandpa and birthday time.

2009-10-07T20:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday....

Even though its been a few years now that my Grandparents 'moved on... or 'passed over to the other side... or how ever you want to phrase it, I still think often of them,especially as fall starts to set in.
I remember Gramma always begining to 'hint right around the start of October, that 'their birthdays were coming up. Grandpa had his on the 6th of October, and Grandma on the 7th. It made for easy celebrations. We just kinda combined them together, which makes complete sense, as those two were always 'together anyway!

Over the years, I wound my way through various Hallmark card isles, always looking for the perfect birthday card that would describe just how much I loved them, and wished them a perfect day! Sometimes, I would find a really good one that did express what I wanted to say, but often as not, I would have to add some post script with a lot of underlines, just to be sure they got the message!

As my Grandparents aged, it got harder each year to think of a present for them. They already had everything they needed in life, and what ever I would find for them, only seemed extrafluous..... but, I still tried.

I will never forget one year my husband, Kit (R.I.P.) and I rented a video camera. This was a very long time ago, when you could rent a video camera from 'Blockbusters in the early 80's... and you recorded on those big 8 track things... way before 8mm or digital. Anyway, I had set up the camera in the living room of their home and taped a "surprise" singer that showed up to serenade my Grandma. That was nice and all, and she enjoyed holding the rose he gave her.... and Grandpa stood faithfully beside Gramma as she smiled at the nice young man that was singing.... and then, the grand finale'.... A belly dancer (that had been kept secret) showed up. It was Grandpas turn! Well, needless to say, all the elderly aunties and uncles got an eye full, and poor ole Grandpa was so nervous, all he could do was twist away on a napkin that he was holding in his hands.

That Birthday was one of the memorial ones.
That tape is still somewhere?
Anyway, here's to remembering my beloved Gramma and Grandpa. Forever they will live on in my memories and heart.
~Happy Birthday Gramma and Grandpa~
Love You and Miss you still~

Val

Remembering Gramma...

2009-10-07T17:58:00.001-04:00

Azteca Warrior Golden Eagle

2009-10-05T01:36:00.003-04:00

From Tenochtitlan, well over five hundred years ago, a young brown skinned warrior named; Golden Eagle started the ceremony with a beat of the drum.
High atop the stone temple, a conch was blown. Four long soundings, each to the four directions.

The events were about to begin.

One team pitted to play against the other, a ball game of sorts. The warriors ran the gauntlet of the field, praying to Quetzalcoatl to make a victory goal.
The winners of the game, become the assassins of the opponents. You don't want to loose in Ancient Aztecan futbol.

It would be the noble honor of the victors to sacrifice the heads and hearts to their god, Quetzalcoatl... to ensure another year of continued sun and rain and plenty of food for the people.

These events always disturbed Golden Eagle. Deep in his spirit something stirred in him that he did not understand. A feeling of uneasiness, and restlessness would come upon him just when the crowds leaped in cheers for the victors and started to dance in a frenzy, just as the loosing opponents were being led up the grand stone steps of the ancient pyramids. Everyone was thirsting for the spilling of the Blood ceremony.
Golden Eagle winced and looked away, far away to the setting sun as the obsidian knives plunged into the chest of the living sacrifice's, and the priest pulled out a still beating heart, pumping blood out upon the soon to be dead victim.....
Golden Eagle kept up the beat. Boom, Boom, boomboomboom, Boom. A steady one, two, threefourfive, beat. He stared out of dulled eyes, and kept a steady grim face, never belieing the true feelings of disgust and contempt for the never ending sacrifice's to a god that was seeming all the more mythical day after day.

Golden Eagle dreamed of the far off Ocean. The rumble tumble of the waves, beating upon the golden shore, ever beckoning him to come to her...to swim in her, to surf the waves with the dolphins and scamper about the shore with the fledgling albatross.
Boom, Boom, boomboomboom, Boom....... and to lay back, under the palm watching the sun teasingly play amongst the puffy white clouds... Boom, Boom, boomboomboom, Boom. The beat never changes...it goes on and on and on.
The killings continue until the last of the victims are sacrificed, and the priest nods his head in approval that this years ceremony went well ... and that meant plenty of food, sun, rain... Quetzalcoatl had his bloody meal one more time...and so the people survived. One myth at a time.

Long after Golden Eagle had left this earth, not before wedding his sweet maiden from youth... 'Little Flower" and bore his generation of warrior children, that in turn lived, learned, married and bore their next generation of children, and so on for many hundreds of years, until one day, far away deep in the mountains of Tlapa Mexico, a land now conquered from times past by Conquistadors and lying priests, a little lonely shepherd couple wandered the hills in search of green pastures for their little flock of goats.
A strong young Indian man and his sweet wife, diligently watched over the flock as any good shepherd must. The dangers for the wandering flocks were many... coyotes wandered these hills, and dangerous plants that made the goats sick were ever present, and the pregnant ewes that needed tending when the babies were born.... shepherding, a task for the diligent and gentle soul.
It was in this time that the young Indian woman found herself with child.
She had kept quiet about this for a long time, as she often wondered why her belly was so flat... it had been many months now, and she had felt life, yet her belly did not grow? Strange she thought. Perhaps it was the curse of the Bruja's down the mountain. Those angry people that were always so jealous of their growing flock of goats.
Days would pass into long lonely nights, and the two shepherd's guided the goats among the mountain meadows.
One day, trailing behind, the Indian woman stopped. As a sharp pain stabbed in her belly, she fell to her knees, crying out for her husband.......
Quickly he came to her, asking what is wrong? "Oh" moaned his wife, "my belly, the baby, something is wrong." The husband thought about the woman down the valley. She was known to help young mothers in birth... and perhaps it would be best to send his wife to her now. So the young Indian wife agreed to go, and seek the help of the other woman.
As she made her way off the mountain meadow, and down the narrow trail to the small brick hut, she was met by a hunched over grey headed woman.
She explained that she had pain, and something was not right in her belly, where the baby was sleeping.
The old woman knew just what to do. She would lay her hand on the belly, and turn the baby. It wasn't positioned right, or surely this womans belly would be much bigger....
Just as she stretched out her hand, and began to lay it on the belly, she felt a jolt of pain shoot up her arm and to her chest. She couldn't breathe, and for a split second, all went black. As she regained her eyesight, she recoiled in fear; shouting..."Shaman, chiquito shaman!" and turned and ran back to her house, shutting and locking the door tight.
The poor Indian woman was in a fright herself, but had noticed the pain in her belly had stopped, so she just turned around and left, to find her husband back at the high meadow. As she walked on the way, she pondered the events that she had just experienced, and wondered what it all meant.
The time eventually came, when the pains of birth came. And, on a calm summers eve, a little tiny baby was born. Remembering the disturbing experience of the woman shouting "Shaman, chiquito shaman", the woman decided the baby would need a very good name, just in case some evil mountain spirit had inhabited her belly from all those long lonely nights spent tending the goats way high on the mountain. She pondered the name. It had to be very special, very strong to conquer the evil spirit that had claimed this baby.
When her husband came to her, she decided to tell him about her resolution for a strong, good name. "Yes," he said; "A good, strong name ..."
We will name him..."Jesus".

And that is the true story of how my husband got his name.
And, conquered the evil spirit that had claimed him from birth.

Valerie Mosso
~Bandita~

Ok...sorry for the Tests....

2009-10-03T18:16:00.003-04:00

But, hey, check this out.
I have learned a few things the past month, and this is kinda cool.
With all the talk of Google this, and Google that, I found a way to actually make money with Google! Check this out! Just click on the following lightened words...
Click Here! But, remember, this is a test!

OH, and I am suppose to add this URL also...don't know why, but this is a test!
http://4db72uuetnyqer3awdq-dj2obt.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=2Y3YDGJ6Thanks for your patience..
Valerie

Bye Bye John Chow, (as far as the experiment goes!)

2009-10-02T00:41:00.001-04:00

With September behind me, a deadline has been reached. I researched and experimented with my 'On line idea for about 1 month. I learned a lot, and learned that I have a lot more to learn.
As for the goal I set...I did reach it! I did earn at least $1.oo on line...through Google Ad sense. That brought about a weird sense of excitement that anything is possible.. (and I had not thought it really possible!)
Also, I did what John Chow recommends. Take ACTION! I did that also!
I have a domain name..( a few actually) and I learned a bit about having to host your domain name, and create a website or Blog for the name to be attached to.
Creating a professional website, (not just a freebie one) is a bit of a challenge for me, cause I simply don't read or write computer code. That is a bit out of my learning curve at the moment.

So to re-cap my little on line adventure...
1) I set a goal. (30 days of learning from John Chows e book.)
2) I took action. Obtained a host and domain name, and a blog....
3) I made more than $1.00 on line. (But, have to accumulate $100.00 before I get paid from Google.)
4) I made peace with the statement that John Chow made, that losers hate failing..so they don't even try!

Thanks to John Chow for encouraging and challenging me with that ONE statement. It certainly impacted me to think about what was holding me back from my ultimate goal... to someday make a decent living 'on line, by possibly Internet marketing (of some sort) all from my laptop, whilst swinging from my hammock, on the beaches of my husbands home town; Acapulco!

Next goal...learn Spanish, before I go to retire on those beaches.!
Thanks for bearing with me....
~Bandita~
!

The Heart

2009-09-30T17:27:00.000-04:00

The
> Heart
>
> 'Tomorrow morning,' the surgeon began,
> 'I'll open up your heart...'
> 'You'll find Jesus there,' the boy
> Interrupted.
>
> The surgeon looked up, annoyed 'I'll
> Cut your heart open,' he continued,
> To see how much damage has been
> Done...'
>
> 'but when you open up my heart, you'll
> Find Jesus in there,' said the boy.
>
> The surgeon looked to the parents, who
> Sat quietly. 'When I see how much
> Damage has been done, I'll sew your
> Heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
> What to do next.'
>
> 'But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The
> Bible says He lives there. The
> Hymns all say He lives there. You'll
> Find Him in my heart.'
>
> The surgeon had had enough. ' I'll tell
> You what I'll find in your heart.
> I'll find damaged muscle, low
> blood
> Supply, and weakened vessels.
> And I'll find out if I can make you well.'
>
> 'You'll find Jesus there too.. He lives
> There.'
>
> The surgeon left.
>
> The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the
> surgery,'...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein,
> widespread muscle degeneration.
> No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy:
> Painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:
> Here he paused, 'death within one year.'
>
> He stopped the recorder, but there was
> More to be said. 'Why?' he asked aloud
> 'Why did You do this? You've put
> Him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've
> cursed him to an early death. Why?'
>
> The Lord answered and said, 'The boy,
> My lamb, was not meant for your
> Flock for long, for he is a part of My
> Flock, and will forever be.
> Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be
> comforted as you cannot imagine.
>
> His parents will one day join him
> here,
> And they will know peace, and
> My flock will continue to grow.'
>
> The surgeon's tears were hot, but his
> Anger was hotter. 'You created that
> Boy, and You created that heart. He'll
> Be dead in months. Why?'
>
> The Lord answered, 'The boy, My lamb,
> Shall return to My flock, for He has
> Done his duty: I did not put My lamb
> With your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost
> lamb.'
>
> The
> surgeon wept...
>
> The surgeon
> sat beside the boy's bed; the
> boy's parents sat across from him. The boy
> awoke and whispered, 'Did you cut
> Open my
> heart?'
> 'Yes,' said the
> surgeon.
> 'What did you
> find?' asked the boy.
> 'I found Jesus
> there,' said the surgeon.

> Author Unknown

Handicapped College Student carries on~

2009-09-29T20:01:00.000-04:00

Sometimes in life, when things get tough and you just want to quit, and stay in bed pulling the covers up over your head, you need to just put your head down, put your back to the wind, and carry on. So it is when a very busy college student/military cadet hurts themselves to the point where it is almost impossible to walk, let alone continue to go to class...

Julie found herself hobbling on crutches, and facing a huge campus full of obstacles, like stairs, heavy glass doors, and a 50 lb backpack and thousands of students mulling around getting in ones way at the most inconvienant times.
There in comes the need for an assistant, and therein comes my new found job, albeit, it probably wont be a forever job. A week at the most? Two?

Well, I was now facing the middle part of the week of my new assignment. The assignment being to drive my daughter to and from her college every day, and just be generally at her beckon call, as it was almost impossible for her to get around.
I found my new job to be very exciting, as I got to pretend I was a college student again~!
One of the most memorable parts of the week was when I got to sit in on her TV production class. It was a blast watching Julie 'host their college show, "Reel Watchers" ( a spoof exercise in producing a TV show).
Everyone was so nice to me, and let me take photos and watch the entire event.
Here is some of the pictures I took...

Julie on set, being instructed by her professor.

Getting ready to 'shoot footage of Julie on set.... ready 1,2,3...quiet on the set!

Julie as seen on the TV......( I cant say I recommend wearing WHITE on TV!)

Students receiving instruction after class was over.

Julie getting things under control on the 'floor of the set....

Celebrating ONE year in Fayetteville September '08 to '09

2009-09-29T17:49:00.001-04:00

Wow... where did the year go?

It seems just yesterday that my husband and I finalized our moving plans from Yuma Arizona and headed out. Well, headed up North that is! We routed our cross country trip via Washington state to see my 'long lost family...and of course, over to North Idaho to visit my sister, and then we finally headed 'out, across the entire USA to 'land in Fayetteville NC.

Not sure what to expect... the future was looming mysteriously ahead of us!
My husband gave up a great job... ( a rare thing for a new immigrant to the country) to come to Fayetteville. We did this move 'blind so to speak, however we were greatly blessed by it. I have come to believe that God rewards those that do good things for others. Chuy was blessed after moving to Fayetteville with a position in a company by being hand picked by one of the top General Sup's.... (that just doesn't happen).

I have been blessed to actually be around my daughter, who had been in Europe for the past many years, while serving in the Air Force. It has been fun to help her fix up her new house, raise a Jack Russell from scratch (meaning from puppyhood) and achieve a scholarship via the military. Keep the house quiet while she studied for Mid terms...watched her make the Chancellors List for a near 4. GPA, and be invited to join several sorietys, which she has politely declined, for lack of interest, well, more like too busy being a soldier girl with the ROTC unit.

I got to visit on campus, take a photo shoot, and just enjoy time with Julie.
And, if that isn't good enough, we will have the pure enjoyment of watching her graduate from UNC Pembroke in a few short years, and become an commissioned Officer somewhere in this world....

Julie studying furiously for Mid-term exams.

We enjoyed putting in our elbow grease, for a few fall home improvement projects, like painting that deck....(thought it would never end...) de-mossing the house, or whatever that is called, when you get that green stuff off the bricks..?
(Thank You Chuy!)

We have seen the four seasons of North Carolina pass by. The magnificent fall bringing the Lumbee Pow Wow and watched the maples turn a magnificent golden and red color, only then to drop them as an unwanted gift all over the yard. Again, a Thank's to Chuy for the elbow grease...and then some.

I watched from frosted window panes as the bare branches of winter stood still and dead looking. We experienced the occasional snow flurries of Winter and the unexpected frostings of early spring. My husband experienced the first snowfall of his entire life, and had to drive in it! That was something else....

We have seen soldier friends of Julie be deployed to Iraq, and other places around the world, and have stood by when some needed help moving or a temporary place to stay.

My son joined us this summer, and he too is being greatly blessed. He also landed a very profitable job on Fort Bragg, and is getting to know his way around this area. And, with my son, came Mom and Dad in their RV.... and finding their way up to Washington DC .... and just spending some time at Fort 711...(our house).

The summer was a long hot and very humid one. I certainly identify with people now when they speak of the humidity of 'down south. I cant say that I care much for it, coming from a dry desert climate like Yuma Az, but, it still beats out the grey skies and constant unexpected rain of Washington state. Here, it seems you have a torrential down pour, served with superflous thunder and lightening, but unlike Washington state, it gets over with, and eventually a nice blue sky shines forth.
Our cars stay cleaner here. There is an absense of the neverending film of fine sand as was in Yuma, and most of the city is paved and lacks the perpetual mudpuddles of Washington.

I still am not accustomed to the 'accents here. I try to avoid the outskirts of Fayetteville, because if you get too far 'out there, you will never understand what the locals are saying...and I do mean that. Most of the conversation is " Ya all...(you all); I be dere (I will be there);starestick...(stir stick for your coffee)... axe (ask)... gd mrnun (good morning)... and on it goes. What I do not enjoy, is the embarrassement of asking a local .."What did you say?" I have to do this over and over... cause their answers are as heavily accented as the first time they said whatever they said.

.....(Ok, the photo was taken in 1939, but not that much has changed here since then it seems).....

I am surprised that over the years, I havent noticed this accent thing more...like in TV shows?
OH, maybe in Jerry Springer~

Someday, I am pretty sure I will look back at these years in fond remembrance, and have a great chuckle or two. These adventures are surely a growing experience, and sometimes a test of ones patience, but all in all they are worth it.
If nothing else, it might make good fodder for a book someday.

I thank the Good Lord for getting us safe and sound from Yuma to Fayetteville, hooking us up with jobs, and helping my daughter achieve her dreams, despite a terrible nightmarish heartbreak...

One good thing, about bad things; there really is light at the end of the tunnel.
The sun does come out after the rain, and it is the darkest right before the light. So the sayings go. But, ya know what, they are true!
We are here, we are alive, we are progressing. Who would of thought?

We were blessed with a trip through South Mexico at Christmas. A trip of a lifetime.! Julie, Chuy and I had the time of our lives roaming around ancient temples, swimming in the ocean waves, visiting family in the hills overlooking Pie de la Cuesta.....and basking in the sun, in hammocks.... ahhh just the thought....

Ahhh, what a year!

One event that I will always cherish, was being able to put to rest some of the terrible grief I felt over my Grandparents death. I lost my Gramma and Grampa in a short period of time, and I just was not up to the loss. Getting to visit Washington, seeing family, and bringing my memories of Gramma and Grandpa back to Fayetteville was the closure I needed.
We set up a little remembrance area in the Shrunk that Julie brought back from Europe.... I have a permanent place now that I can go to remember them.

I can think of a thousand more things that each day this year has brought to us, but, that might become pretty long for this post... so on that note, I will say;

"Thank God for family, praying friends...(Jane and Judy from Yuma) and good company! With that, nothing can go too far wrong!
See ya around the blog, and hopefully, we will have another interesting and wonderful year. I know I will certainly enjoy blogging this new cycle!
(I have always considered September to September my year cycle.)

~Best Regards~
~ Bandita~

Digital Cameras...

2009-09-28T23:44:00.001-04:00

I am convinced now, that I need a new camera. The quality is poor on this one, and its just about time to retire it I think. It has sure served its purpose. All through out Mexico, and all around here in North Carolina.
I can see that the photos look faded....
Any ideas anyone?

Email me... firetrail7@yahoo.com

Going to classes with Julie! ~ Wheeeeeee fun!~

2009-09-28T21:34:00.001-04:00

Well, it was the day for Julies big 'Power Point presentation. We were running late, and she was slotted to be the first to give the presentation to the class.

Nothing seemed to be going right that day, as the presentation was to be based on her previous ROTC commander John Torre.

He was proving difficult to reach, with his new position and all.... so Julie had attempted to change the personality to be interviewed to her new commander.

So, Julie had planned to interview her current commander at ROTC. The problem was that he was only a temporary replacement for Torre, and he was under duress. He had been sent to Fayetteville, due to his wife dying. He was now a widower, and Julie just didnt have it in her to bother him. He seemed so withdrawn and sad. So, Julie had to improvise, and ignore the ankle. She came through like a true professional. The teacher was amazed!

So, with hurt ankle and puny 'Power Presentation in hand, Julie braved forward to instruct the class on the basic's of giving a PP presentation. Her teacher sat in the class with rapt attention, and I was safely off to the side, trying not to be noticed... and, couldnt help but notice how Julie kept moving her hurt ankle around. I knew what pain she was in..... and sympathized with her... but, I was enjoying the time spent being a 'Mom! Oh, I mean an 'assistant!

Despite Julies lack of the interview she had planned, the professor was amazed at Julies composure and resources, and ability to 'present' despite it all. Needless to say, Julie fared well............. and having her 'assistant in class for a photo shoot may have set the stage a little! The professor was happy to smile for the camera, and when class was over, we both sighed a little sigh of relief and moved on to her favorite. class;'TVproduction and Broadcasting.

Crutches in hand, backpack secured, laptop put away, off we went, hobbling across the vast campus, dodging students here and there, arriving at the studio tired and out of breath!

That will be for another post.... stay tuned to see Julie on 'TV!

First week on the job as 'Carsens assistant'~

2009-09-28T20:41:00.000-04:00

The first week of my new 'job was becoming more and more interesting! On the day of Julies ROTC training/schooling, I was priviledged to meet some of her peers and future 'Officers that are enlisted in ROTC as they attend the UNC PEMBROKE for their degree's. Julie on left, and 'Harris in center...interesting thing about Harris is that she is one of the only, or one of the first decorated women of the Iraq war to be given the medal of honor or purple heart (can't remember which one?). She is a medic, and she heroically saved someones life in combat. I dont know the exact details, however, I will be finding out more later. That may even make for an interesting post in the future.

I was immediatly impressed greatly by this girls presence. She was one of the most respectful, helpful, courteous young women I have ever and I mean ever met. As soon as we drove up, and she noticed that Julie was injured, she opened up the truck door, and helped Julie with everything. She unloaded Julies 75lb back pack, got out her crutches, took everything to the ROTC house, and just kept coming back to the truck helping out. She didnt need to be asked, she just saw a need to help, and did it! What a refreshing person, and in watching Harris, my faith in our future leaders was restored. If our young Officers have this caliber of integrity, then, more power to them.

Harris's husband is stationed in Iraq right now, and she is here in Fayetteville on the Green to Gold scholarship, the same as Julie. Rather than Journalism and Broadcasting, and Public Relations major (Julies major), however, she is pursuing medical training, and will probably end up a doctor. A great young lady, and I wish her and her husband well....

So, Julie hobbles up the ramp for roll call at ROTC, then has her gear inspected. This is a mandatory thing they do before any outing. The group was going to be doing Land Navigations that weekend, and out all night etc. So, it is important that they have learned what gear to pack, etc.
Julie stays for a written test, after the gear is inspected, and then as the rain begins to really pour, we get to go home!
So, I was glad to be able to meet some of the finest young people in the world today. More power to them.... and may they be safe in whatever part of the world they end up defending in honor of the United States of America.
They just dont come any better than this....

~Stay Safe Harris~ Godspeed!

Veterans Hospital Experience with my Daughter~

2009-09-28T19:33:00.001-04:00

This week has been an odd one. I was suddenly called upon to assist my daughter in driving her back and forth from her University, which is about an hour and a half from our home.
Over the weekend, Julie twisted her ankle while trying to manage 'high heels.
By Sunday evening it was so swollen and throbbing in pain that she had all of us worried. I convinced her to go to the doctor. Being Sunday, and her receiving her medical attention from the Veterans Administration, we headed to the Veterans Hospital ER.
We spent a few hours in neglect, waiting patiently in the waiting room, and when Julie saw the Doctor, it was confirmed that she had indeed twisted it pretty bad... X-rays taken, and appointments made to come back in the morning for crutches...
Medications in hand, we wearily headed back home.

Since she had pulled some ligaments in her ankle, and was completely unable to put weight on it, or drive her clutch truck, I could see some thing was going to have to be planned for her transportation to school and ROTC for the week.
I supposed it would be me doing the driving and helping her to get around, everyone else had a full time job, and who would help Julie?

I was thankful, once again for making the decision last year to be out here in Fayetteville, to be helpful (as needed) to see my daughter through to Graduation from the University and earn her rank as Officer of the United States Military.

I hadn't imagined all the little day by day, often mundane things that go into making such a commitment as I have made.... but, I can see now, that often just being available is a great gift in itself.

So, in this new mode as chauffeur, travel assistant, and general all around 'Joe, I threw myself into the 'college mode. That meant waking at 4:00 am on the days she has ROTC,(a big deal for a non-morning person!), driving the long back country roads and praying under my breath that a deer would not jump out at us. Enduring the early fog until the daylight lightens the sky... and then keeping a cautious eye on all the other crazy drivers, that have no problem passing you on a curve, or paying no mind to those double yellow lines painted on the road, that mean 'no passing! This new 'job jolted me out of the stupor the long humid Carolina days had lulled me into. I was now really doing something to be of help...
So, off to school we went. The first day was the absolute hardest. I could hardly keep my eyes open driving in the morning, and in carrying her school books in the back pack, my shoulder felt like it would drop off my body any moment. I didn't realize until then, that I wasnt as young as I used to be.... what an eye opener.
I waited patiently in the background while she was in class, and read my book.
That first day drug on, but, I reminded myself, I was being very helpful.
As the day neared its end, and we headed out for the long drive home, Julie couldnt stop talking about the pain in her ankle. Sure enough, it had swelled to twice its size from the night before. We both agreed we needed to go to the hospital, as something didnt seem right. Julie directed me to the Veterans Hospital, as that is where the military treats her while she is in ROTC.

I have been to the ER many times in my life. I dont prefer ER's, but sometimes one has no other choice. However, nothing had prepared me for this ER.
It was for the Veterans, and let me say, I guess the goverment doesnt care much about them, at least by what I saw and experienced there.

We showed up at 3:30 in the afternoon. Julie was triaged, and sent back to the waiting room...........to wait and wait and wait, as her ankle continued to swell and she was turning a little blue. Being the good patient, she didnt complain, but after 6 hours had passed, we were begining to wonder how long our patience would hold out.
Around 10:00 pm, I found myself dozing off in my chair, whilst sitting up. That is a pretty embarrassing thing, as you catch yourself just before you fall off the chair. When your chin hits your chest, and you are suddenly jolted awake, you realized you had just dozed off. Quickly you look around to see who else noticed this. Usually no one is looking, cause they are dozing too.
Well, Julie and I both were fighting this sleeping syndrome. And, when I finally could not take it any longer, I went up to the counter and waited for a receptionist to show up. I asked as nicely as I could: "What in the world is taking sooooooooooo long?" I suppose I wont forget the smirk on that guys face for awhile. He just shrugged his shoulders, and kinda rolled his eyes, and mumbled something or other. I wasnt sure what to make of this, so I pressed in further.
I asked him who is in charge here? Of the Veterans Affairs? He then told me to walk down the hall a bit, look at the large picture hanging on the wall, and said to complain to that guy.... I didnt bother to walk down the hall, as I was pretty sure who he was referring to. Yep, you guessed it, The President of the United States.
I now rolled my eyes, and shrugged my shoulders. "Great", I thought. No sense complaining to him.......... geeze. So, back to the waiting room I went, to sit out the hours and hours like all the rest. Apparently they had been here before, and knew what to expect. They had long ago resigned themselves to this type of ill treatment. I was too new to it all, and still had some expectations that any normal citizen would have.

Finally, by 11:00pm, we were called to the back. Julie got to speak to some Doctor from Cameroon, Africa that didnt listen to her very well. He just took one look at the ankle, and decided to give her a steroid shot, and well, that was about it.
So much for going to the ER at the Veterans Hospital.
Julie wasnt back there long, when she was wheelchaired back to the waiting room, a very concerned nurse in tow. The nurse explained to me that Julie was reacting to the medications and was now swelling up in both legs... The attention was now almost too much from this nurse. Julie and I were both totallly exhausted from the day at school, all the long driving, and the horrendously long wait at the ER, and now they were concerned? Its enough to make a person become jaded and cynical.

We thanked her, and let her wheel chair Julie out the door, (the most attention we got the entire night). She was loaded in the truck, and we made for home.
We had to get up early the next day, and be back on the road in just a few hours.
So, my new 'job has left me entirely sleep deprived and exhausted, but feeling good that I am doing something so important for another person.
Its kinda wierd, just being an 'available person... wierdest job title I have ever had in this lifetime, but one of the most rewarding!
I now think everyone needs an 'available person' in their lives. It makes life so much easier that way~

Exploring Cherokee land~ Day 2

2009-09-27T15:44:00.005-04:00

It wasn't hard to locate a motel in Cherokee land. They lined the main street from the moment you entered the town. Like any town, they had the ultra deluxe all the way down to the low budget one's. We picked an in-between one, as we only planned to stay the one night. It was a comfortable motel with a balcony and nice view of the river in the back yard. And, the best part was it had its own little mini coffee maker!
It was a different experience to fall asleep to the sound of the river. It was quite loud and took some getting used to. The fresh mountain air, the clear running river and the relaxing environment was just the atmosphere for the weekend get away.
The morning brought a slight drizzling rain outside, but nevertheless waking up to 'Daffy Duck cartoons on the TV and freshly brewed coffee, was all I could ever ask for. We lounged on our King size bed and enjoyed our adventure in Cherokee land.

There wasn't much to plan for the day. Simply drive around the reservation and be snoopy. Take pictures, and imagine life as a Cherokee Indian 200 years ago!
But, with Chuy along, first comes breakfast. A must for him, lest he gets cranky!
As for me, I can go hours and hours with just my coffee in one hand, and a camera in the other...
We hunted down a nearby breakfast restaurant and endured the drawling slang of the waitress.... pronouncing words I had never heard of before. Something like this..."G'd mrning ya all... how ya all be liken the rein dees mornin'? How bout some caffee to wake ya all up?" "Now, would ya all like sum suger and meelk with dat? "
I refused to let the sloppy English take hold of my impatience this sloppy and downright disgust with the illiteracy, so I smiled, nodded my head (for yes) and did my best to order the food.
It is actually quite the experience to listen to your husband's South Mexican accent attempting to communicate with the mountain folk of North Carolina! I am not sure whether to laugh or cry! I am also not quite sure who understands who in these conversations, but somehow we got some breakfast served to us!
After breakfast we scouted out the town. Visiting the shops along the street, and smirking at the cheap crap from China.

We didn't stay long in those stores. I felt a bit disgruntled at this display of blatant commercialism on the Cherokee Reservation, and jumped from one store to another, thinking that this poor town had a severe problem, until we happened upon a fairly decent store that at least had some authentic Indian drumming playing over the speakers, and large stuffed animals looming around....... it was finally starting to feel like real Indian land.

The funny thing about this store was the owner. He sat in a very old rocking chair behind the counter, and talked to people as he saw fit. He would periodically state with pride that he is a 'tribally enrolled 'Indian' and can legally sell bear claws! He pointed to the framed paperwork on the wall proving his Indian blood. Well, I imagine that is a good thing. To find pride in something that you were born into, and had no choice over. Better than fighting against it?
He didn't look much Indian by his features though. He looked more like a scrawny old 'mountain folk from the back woods. And, as to be expected, the accent was almost more than I could take. I had to ask him more than once...."Um, can you repeat that please?" I tried to be as polite as possible when doing this, but it does get annoying when all you do is say, "Could you please repeat that?" And, then you have to act like the dummy that doesn't understand. I wonder how they got that accent in the first place? It sure doesn't sound much like our English language most of the time.

So, we wandered through the store..... and I refrained from trying to buy everything that was 'cool.
Then I spotted a copy of the original "Cherokee Herbal" a book written in 1942 by an Indian that lists over 500 natural local plants and herbs that the Indians used for healing and health etc.

My husband saw me drooling over the book, and immediately said, "Buy it!" (He is just the sweetest man in the whole wide world!) I gave him a kiss, and gladly handed it over to him to pay for it! And, not getting out of the store without a typical souvenir coffee mug with Cherokee NC written on it! I plainly decided that I just didn't need anything...and resolved to not buy anymore, until my husband spotted Indian Corn. He had been wanting that since he left Mexico. So, we bought two of the brightly colored corns and headed out to snoop around the town and reservation. It was the beginning of a very fun day!
I had my prized book, my husband had his cherished corn, and we got in the car to 'snoop around the reservation. Main street had all the trimmings of a nice little Indian town. The huge painted bears everywhere, statues of bronze Indians depicting transformation with forgiveness, and historical little log cabin buildings that once housed the tribal council hundred or more years ago!
That was interesting to see, even in a historical sense, what the reservation might have been like in days gone by.

After all the large painted bears, visiting the 'Tribal Coffee house (their version of Starbuck's) and walking around the mini mall areas, it was time to go deeper into the reservation. The places where usually only the locals dare to tread! The adventure was becoming more 'adventurous!

First, my husband needed to collect his thoughts, and get in the ' Indian mode! We sipped our lattes, and admired all the pretty buildings with rocks and wood adorning them... the swirled cement walkways, with imprints of cattails and swamp grass.

We crossed over the bridge that had the most creative branch type railing's...

And wondered if the drizzle was going to let up anytime soon?

It didn't matter about the slight drizzle though. The fresh mountain air, and smells of fresh greenery all around was a treat in and of itself.
The typical cars drove by, with the Indian slogan decals of feathers and dream catchers. One definitely got the impression that you were in a land of a different tenure. An ancient land, dwelt upon by an ancient people. The Eastern band of the proud Cherokee Indian.

Interesting thing about the Cherokees,(a very civilized tribe of Native Americans), is that they developed their own alphabet and written language.

An Indian named Sequoya was fascinated with the 'White mans ways of reading 'talking leaves (another term for a book). He holed away, and soon developed their own alphabet. The written language looks kinda funny... but the Cherokees are very proud about that accomplishment, and they have a huge wooden carving of Sequoyah standing in the middle of town. He is carved out of a single tree, and the base of the statue has names of the seven clans of the Eastern Band of Cherokees.
If you notice the face of the carved Sequoyah, he is crying. I am sure that is in honor of the 'trail of tears......... (historical event of the forced removal of the Natives from their ancient lands in the mid 1800's).

It was very impressive to stand near this wooden carving. Its amazing that someone can carve into wood, a figure that can exude such emotion, and capture with such reality, the mood, feeling and look of a people that belies the feelings of hopelessness and despair, as the US government started rounding up the Indians during the Indian removal act.

So the story goes, and how a Great Great Great Grandmother on my fathers side was given away as an infant to a family to be raised, as she was unable to care for her infant during the long forced march on the 'Trail of tears.
It must have been a very heartbreaking moment, to hand your infant child over to some one else to raise, knowing full well, you would never see it again.
What an epic example of a mothers love.

She endured the inevitable pain and loss, in order to ensure that her child would live. And that is the 'story of Cynthia Black. My Fathers Great Grandmother.

The Eastern Band escaped the forced removal that the other Cherokees had to endure, when they were relocated west of the Mississippi, on the forced four thousand mile march... leaving behind millions and millions of acreage to the greedy and thieving White European intruder. Namely, our past President Andrew Jackson. A known Indian hater...
And, discovering Gold in North Carolina did the Indian no favor either. The White man simply wanted their land, and they took it. And the Indian way of life changed forever.... and so it goes.

The statue with carved wooden tears reminds one of the unforgettable pain and atrocities committed against the Cherokees, and many other tribes alike.
Tribes like the Eastern Band of Cherokee remain on original grounds. They claim to have been here some 10 to 14,000. years ago, never relocating to another land.
It is interesting to hear them talk of 'their land. You sense the respect for all living things, all animals, and respect for the plants and water and even the insects. The Native Americans truly are the keepers of the land, and have a deep love for their reservation, in the Mystical Smokey Mountains.

The importance given to Sequoyah and the remembering of the old ways is evident if you notice, or know what to look for. The people have written various things in their own language. Welcome signs have Cherokee, display monuments with their alphabet, and even road signs. The 'tribal coffee beans we bought had the Cherokee language, basically it is everywhere. However, though you see it written, I did not once hear it spoken. Perhaps that is saved for tribal gatherings or the elders at home? I suppose most of the younger generation of Cherokees are so assimilated into European culture that they are embarrassed to speak their native language. Which, much to the dismay of the elders, will bring about an extinction of the language. Some are working very hard to preserve the spoken and written Cherokee, but it remains to be seen if it will truly survive time, as the people have somehow managed to do.

Even though the sign reads Welcome Center, we had already made ourselves welcome by wandering around town, attending events, shopping and relaxing. It was now time to investigate further..... and try to see how the 'real natives lived.

Driving a bit down the main street, we turned off on a little side road. I couldn't help but notice a few particular items; like the name of some of the side roads, the speed limit sign that was ancient, and in comparison, the brightly painted fire hydrant! Such contrast is such a short space. As you turn a corner or two, you come upon little log structures that used to house the tribal headquarters. One such structure had been burned out in the inside, but the rock solid logs still stood firm. We drove on, and found some little houses out in the 'weeds, dilapidated old cars overgrown with weeds, and mysterious shacks in the woods. I imagined that one to be haunted for sure, or housing some old medicine man that chants into the night on a full moon~

The various sights were interesting. Road sign written in English as well as Cherokee, old corroded speed limit signs, and bright red fire hydrants.

The little old log cabin structures, that previously were the tribal headquarters.

It was a clash between the new and the old... as seems to be the norm with most reservations these days. You will find the most poverty stricken houses full of rusted old cars, and boarded up windows, two or three dogs wandering around an un-kept yard, in the same area as a multi million dollar casino...with bright flashing neon signs. What a complete set of opposites. One extreme to another....

The life of the modern day Native American on the Reservation.

I loved the old log cabins. Too cozy.... and reminiscent of a better day. A day when it mattered to have the winter wood cut, and corded and stacked, drying for the winter fires. A day when you were lucky to have a house at all! What amazes me is now-a-days you have a house start to fall apart after 30 years. These log homes are still standing after hundreds...of... years. Granted they are a bit rough, but they are still a standin'! Just don't make um like they used to!

I asked someone once, why the Indians keep all the old 'dead and rusty cars in their yards? I was told that it is a sign of wealth. Something along the lines of...Look, I had a great car. They just don't like to haul em off to the salvage yard. A funny trait common to a lot of Indians.... on a lot of reservations. I asked someone once, why the Indians keep all the old 'dead and rusty cars in their yards? I was told that it is a sign of wealth. Something along the lines of...Look, I had a great car. They just don't like to haul em off to the salvage yard. A funny trait common to a lot of Indians.... on a lot of reservations.

All in all the reservation was one of the prettiest I have ever seen. Snuggled into the Smokey Mountains, and with a beautiful river running right through the middle of town, and miles upon miles of green foliage, trees, and flowers, it is easy to see why the Cherokee have called this land home. Driving down a few more gravel roads, we pulled alongside a river. I couldn't resist a few photos of the water, and trees that were overhanging. Large boulders lined the banks, and I had to look twice not to think I was seeing Gold in them thar rocks!..... I swear they had streaks of pure gold running right through them.

The green foliage was everywhere, and I had a great time with the camera.

Beautiful green ivy grows up the banks from the street. And, if you look close enough you can see the famous 'smokey stuff lingering amongst the trees...

Mystical I say!

So, after all the fun on the reservation, we realized we should be heading out.

But, that is another story. Stay tuned, you wouldn't want to miss this one!

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Cherokee North Carolina..Mockery of a culture.

2009-09-27T01:04:00.000-04:00

It has been a long hot and humid summer, and it was time to take a weekend off, and just get away! Chuy and I didn't even bother to pack. We grabbed our coats, I grabbed the camera, and we were off.
I had read about an Indian Cultural event being held in Cherokee North Carolina, on the actual Cherokee reservation for the Eastern band, so we decided that would be the perfect weekend 'getaway! So, with the Eagle feather on the rear view mirror to guide us, and Chuy getting into the 'Warrior Spirit', we headed out.

First, in a northernly direction from Fayetteville, and then eventually heading west, way out to the western most tip of the state of North Carolina. About a 5-6 hour drive, give or take?
As we drove, not much changed as far as the scenery goes until the elevation started climbing, and we started heading into the famous 'Smokey Mountains. (They don't call them Smokey for nothing!) These mountains emit whiffs of trailing fog, lingering mist's, and smoke like wafes throughout their mountain tops and throughout the valleys. It's as if there are thousands of campfires burning here and there. It is very mystical and mysterious looking.

While driving, I began to imagine all sorts of ideas what this place must look like, tucked up deep in these mysterious mountains. Were we heading into a long lost valley of mystical Indian figures? Perhaps tipi's here and there? Certainly a leather clad, braided and feathered Indian or two will be looming about?
I imagined all the old West movies. The old 'John Wayne type, with the Indians riding old paint ponies and galloping with their feathered headbands flowing in the wind. Painted faces, and a bow and arrow in hand. Surely, after this long drive, and winding deeper and deeper into these mysterious looking hills, I figured we must be in for a very unique cultural experience.
Well, I was right on one point, we were in for a very unique cultural experience, just not the one that I had imagined.

When we finally passed the little sign, almost hidden in the brush, that announced you had arrived on Cherokee land, and we rounded the next corner.... we were met with what one might term: The commercialization of an aging reservation.

Still, I had hopes of experiencing true Native American culture at the event we were to attend that evening.

Driving down main street, you see business's that have capitalized on the Indian theme. However, the merchandise is right out of China. Plastic bows and arrows, fake dreamcatchers with magenta and purple colored feathers, cheap imported blankets from Mexico that are suppose to pass for Indian woven rugs..... all kinds of cheap crap..... and its sad.
I had hoped to see authentic hand made Native craft. Some one had even managed to put up a tipi in the parking lot?

We entered 'Cherokee just in time to catch the evening session of their 4th annual cultural event gathering. We paid our $10.00 and entered the tribal campgrounds. What first struck odd to me, was the tribal grounds were smack dab in the middle of the city (reservation). They were modern! Cemented, covered, and new buildings. The second thought I had, was that there were no visible Indians vendors. Usually at an event such as this, there would be little booths with Indians selling all sorts of handmade crafts. You would find bundled sage wands, jewlery, drums, leather purses, moccasions, rattles, beaded things. The only booth that was open, was a frybread booth.

Ummmm, ummmmm. I tell you what! It just about beats my Grammas Scandinavian Krum KaKa recipie! Frybread is some sort of dough, deepfried, and topped with melted butter, cinnamon sugar, with a touch of powdered sugar! Delicious!
Of course, my sweet warrior husband knew my hankering for a Frybread, and made sure I had one. (Thanks sweetie!)

We 'pulled ourselves away from the frybread stand, and headed over to the 'modern bleachers facing their stage.

What grabs you first, and this is usually at any Indian event, is the drum. There is usually a steady beat in the background somewhere. Its relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.
Then, the dancers begin to gather. In all their brightly colored regalia and long black hair, they position themselves, and wait upon the MC to announce them. At this time, the MC gives a little talk about the dance. He speaks of its origins, what tribe it came from, how it got its meaning, and what the dance is called. He speaks of the importance of the dance to the community, and will speak of who the dancers are, what tribe they are from, and he always thanks them for being there.
The drum hits a stronger beat, and the people start to move...... in step with the beat and each other.

As I watched this centuries old band of Indians dance, I saw a familiar sight,they acted as one. As a community of people. Their dancing showed the secret to their survival as a people group. They include everyone. Everyone has a role, everyone comes together seperatly, to dance as ONE.

First, the announcer introduced the dance. In this case, the first dance of the night was the 'Ant Dance. The speaker spoke how ancient this dance is to the Cherokee's, and that over the centuries the people have observed and learned from the lowly little ant... how it scurries about this way and that, getting things done. The speaker made sure we were all aware of the moral to each dance. The dance teaches the people how to live, to respect and learn from nature and the animals God the Creator gave us.
The dance had men and women, teenagers and small children. They grouped up, and with the beginings of the drum, they started moving around, with hands held up close to the forehead with their fingers sticking up moving around mimicking ants feelers.

I noticed it took all of the community to make the dance. No one was left out, grammas and grandpas alike were included. Around and around they moved, no one missing a beat as the drum, (the heartbeat of the people) beat a steady rhythm. I saw smiles, and humor, and everyone moved as one. We enjoyed the dancing and the drum, and the funny Indian humor as the speaker talked and told of interesting little things that the ant does.
There is not much complication to the movement of the dance. No one notices if you miss a step, or take a break. The people keep moving. Around and around and around. They patiently and with stamina keep moving.

Sometimes, its just a blurr of color and people as they become one.....

The Woman move with pride in their faces.
They stare straight ahead, arm bent with a shawl or feather fan held precisly in front. They tilt the chin slightly up, and their long black hair flows behind, giving slight ripples as they bend and dip to the beat ... the never ending beat of the drum.
You see children trying their serious best to keep up the endurance of the dance. With the most serious of faces, they follow alongside a Mom or Dad, and have to trot sometimes to keep pace.... amazingly you see the grand mother dancing with regal stature and poise, as must her ancestors thousands of years before her danced. They dance to remember, to learn, to become one of the community. When they are in dance, there is no individual, only a community of people moving as one blended unit.
It was a very moving and touching thing to see.
And I am grateful they allow others to observe.
In watching the Indians dance, you have a peek into living history. A millineum old people group, still enacting dances thousands upon thousands of years old. Living history.....

As the evening wore on, we watched the Buffalo dance and learned that a long long time ago, the Cherokee people remembered a type of Buffalo that used to inhabit the Carolina region. (That had to be a LONGGGG time ago). There dance re-enacts what their ancestors lived with. And we saw a funny little dance where they took a beaver tail, tied with strings on both ends. Two Indians sat a ways apart from each other, and pulled the tail back and forth between each other, as members of the dance broke free to try to hit it with a stick they were carring in their hands.
I guess the moral being or showing, how it takes a whole community 'giving it a try' to get even one beaver? Anyway, again the tribe acted as one unit. No individual's...only the group. And the entire group acting as one in the dance.

So, we had finally seen real Natives, real authentic dancing and drumming, eaten real frybread....
It was getting late, time to find a motel and get some sleep. We would explore the town the next day.
Stay tuned...to be continued!

And then we have this...

2009-09-24T06:12:00.001-04:00

Thousands of patriotic Americans, for the pursuit of the freedoms of all peoples, have pledged their lives to serve in our Military. In the face of war, they do not back down...they sign up and enlist and serve, often at risk of their lives, and more often than not, at loss of limb, never to be again what they once were.
They don't ask for Glory or sympathy, and especially not your pity.
They are warriors...the true warriors of the land..................

Many a soldier that I have talked to answers me this..." I go there to fight the enemy, so they (the enemy) wont come here. I go to keep YOU safe, so YOU don't have to fight.

They lay down their lives, to save ours. To preserve our freedoms, and rights. They believe in their American Flag, and salute it. They stand to attention when a Flag is brought into the room, and they die defending it.......

And, in surfing around on the Internet, I come upon a picture like this.....and wonder why? Do our soldiers serve, face death and loss of all familiar to them, often sacrificing limbs and time away from their families.... for this?

This man in this picture...is he what our soldiers are fighting for?

Veterans Hospital~ The Walking Wounded

2009-09-24T06:04:00.010-04:00

The buildings are large and brick and colonial. They stand,looming against the skyline like some regal established institution. Impressively they fly flags up the boulevard to the impressive wide mansion like front steps... That is the "official" and very impressive entrance to the Veterans Hospital, most visitors enter there.
But, for the wounded warriors needing immediate care, they find their entrance way in the back of the building where it is posted: "ER Entrance".

The soldier arrives in pain, and in hopes of finding relief and caring hands to provide the much needed medical attention. What the warrior finds in passing threw the ER doors, is a reception counter with no one at it. No friendly greetings or caring attention, but instead an adjacent waiting room hosting all kinds of people sitting quietly in the chairs, looking weary and tired. Some look in pain. It's as if the room had a silent code that you come and sit down and endure, without question.

Some of these warriors joked around, and some sat quietly. Some walked around in obvious pain.... but, no one was complaining. They had long ago learned the discipline of 'endurance, and something in them still stands strong. Some lingering spirit of the true warrior. The Warrior that stares death in the face, yet recoils not. That when faced with a choice to run and save his own life, he stands with his wounded buddy,perhaps giving his own life to save another's.

I saw all this valor and strong spirit deep in the haunting eyes of these men and women. I saw the commitment to battle, no matter what. The common code among them learned a long time ago, on some forlorn battle ground, or some muddy cold foxhole.
These, our warriors, the protectors of our land, sitting valiantly, enduring their ill treatment. War heroes of renown, of battles long ago fought,that ensured our freedoms of today. They paid the price, often with limb and life...

I was put in their realm today. I had to visit that Veteran Hospital,sit in that 'adjacent waiting room, and feel ignored for hours on end. I couldnt help but look around now and then and wonder at the lack of care and concern that this hospital was providing. In scanning the crowd, I dared not look them in the eye, confirming to them that I too now saw them in their state of fallen grace. For,
at this place, they arnt the brave war hero's, fighting for the land, but simply worn and torn and tired souls, hanging on to what shred of dignity that is left for them. I couldn't help but see the old shredded camo's, the beards overgrown, and the red weary eyes. I quickly looked away, for I knew they didn't want my sympathy, nor my pity, for these are the Brave, the Strong, the Warriors of our land.
Had I not visited there today, I really would not have understood.. ....
Please remember these, our tired warriors, the men and women that went in our place, to ensure our freedoms....
Freedom to pray. To hold sacred assembly. To honor God.
Pray for these souls....
God Bless...
~Valerie~ Fort Bragg Fayetteville, North Carolina

There is new stuff coming....

2009-09-12T01:25:00.000-04:00

Stay tuned for my new stuff... I have been busy running around the net learning and trying out this and that template...
I think I might have a few nailed down..........and it has been one long agonizing decision making process.

I will never ever again take anything 'computer or internet related' for granted again. This stuff on here, making it all work is science. I guess that is why there is a major in 'Computer Science at college.... ha.

Ok, gotta get back to developing my new web sites.
I will certainly post them here when i get um! As an after thought, I put a photo of Jesus on here, just to make this post a bit more interesting! This is how he looked a long time ago, when he was in the Mexican Military. Funny huh!

Later..

Banditas Blog: Still learning Johns way...

2009-09-08T20:12:00.001-04:00

Banditas Blog: Still learning Johns way...

Still learning Johns way...

2009-09-08T19:09:00.002-04:00

Well, it seems that we have a new layout on here for posting. Looks good from this end! As you may very well know by now, I am conducting an online experiment about John Chow.com. He has a website that offers a free down loadable ebook.
Well, I downloaded it, and decided to make a project of following everything he says to do.
One problem.... the advice isn't too specific...you have to do a lot of learning on your own. I suppose John figures that if you got to his website, then you probably know a bit about what you are doing................
WRONG JOHN! I know very very little.
But, it is my experiment, and I don't want to give up just yet.

See ya around the blog!

LOGOS... and decisions....

2009-09-07T21:55:00.005-04:00

Here is a quicky.... found it at www.vistaprinting.com for a fee, they imprint it on all sorts of stuff...your stationary, your business cards.. that may come later, for now I just need a cyberlogo.
I like this one, it says my name...and my domain name. I would of just used MOSSO.com but that domain is already taken due to it being some sort of cloud hosting? Web server?

I think about this one for a bit....
Later.

Oh no, a logo too!

2009-09-07T20:30:00.005-04:00

The research goes on and on and on...yawnnnnnnn.........

Now I have found information that one must have a specific logo design........
I guess a logo quickly identifies you...you know, its a brand of sorts. When a person see's your logo, they immediately think of you, your work, or your company etc.

I know that making a really original, professional, and edgy logo cost money...so I am going to open my office 3. program,( of which I have NO idea of what I am going to do) and
play around with making images with my name below... ( I see another headache coming on..)
I'll save whatever I do, and then try to use the image of the logo until I have the money to have a professional make me one!
GEEEEZE...its geeky. Ha.....haaahahaaa. I will post it on here as soon as I can figure out how to save it, and then upload it on to my blog..... (this learning curve is killing me!)

Banditas Blog: Baby steps for Big goals...

2009-09-07T12:03:00.000-04:00

Banditas Blog: Baby steps for Big goals...

Baby steps for Big goals...

2009-09-07T11:46:00.004-04:00

Well, I have really accomplished a lot toward my goal. First of all, I didn't just talk about it, I actually took action and did it! I bought two domain names, and have been reading all about John Chow.com and his ideas, suggestions and rules for making money on line.
I have challenged myself to try to earn at least $1.oo...... (not to much to ask for?)

I am documenting on another blog, the effort, time and headache involved in this experiment.
I have NO idea what I am doing, and I am only taking John Chow's word for it, that I can make money on line.

I have been reading his e book, from his website at www.johnchow.com I have found it fairly helpful. However, it seem more geared for amateur webbloggers, not newbies like me....
But, since he is supposedly a successful blogger...I am sticking to analyzing him. It would be too confusing to be jumping around do different Blog Moguls, with each one suggesting their way of doing it...
So, after checking John Chow.com on Alexa and Technocrati for about a month...and in seeing John Chow's blog very consistent in his stats...I am still opting to base my model on him.

Besides, what really won my heart for John's blog, was the video he took of his home in China.
It has been in his family for over four generations...and is still standing.
John Chow must find a sense of comfort and pride in having roots and memorials like that.
If I was John, I would forbid it to ever be torn down...ever.
So, I just wanted to let Banditas Blog in on my latest ventures...and its getting fun to see where this will all go.

Later!
Ps) Soon you can follow me at : http://www.valeriemosso.com

and maybe also at the other site I am setting up: http://www.johnchowblog.com
See you here or there!
God Bless!

Facebook Experience

2009-09-02T18:51:00.003-04:00

Well, that was different!
I participated in a on line social networking thing called Face book.
I gave it my best try, and must say, I don't care for it at all.

I got all kinds of emails telling me who posted what...and this and that. Very distracting to my other on line business.
I found myself falling into reading all sorts of things.
People ranting and raving about our government...
causing me to want to rant and rave about our government.
In all reality, what can I do?
Start a personal revolution?

In all reality, there is not much us average citizens can do, because we are all so busy doing what we need to do, just to stay above water....
Who has time or the resources for a revolution?
We would go bankrupt!
Revolutions are for people born under oppression, and the idea of a revolution wont fare well with people born in freedom, and living in that freedom. Even if it is being corroded.
It will take the next couple of generations to wake up to the fact that they are no longer free as their grandparents were...and by then, they wont know what to do.
I predict in about 20o more years or so, the people will finally revolt.
We will be long gone, only a memory to them.
They wont have any idea what living in a free world was all about.
It will be something written about and studied in history classes....
Just as we read about "The Red Coats are coming" Paul Reveres famous line...and the Boston Tea Party...etc.

So, I face this second day of September, deleting my Face book account, and feeling all the better for it because there is NOTHING I can do.
I must concentrate on what is immediately in front of me, the task ahead, the goal I have for our family.

So, Good bye Face book.
It was a weird experience to say the least.
As for any others I left behind on there, I am sorry.
You can always use the ole fashioned idea of emailing or simply calling me to see what I am up to!
Take care....
Val

Ahhhh Sweet September!

2009-09-01T22:08:00.003-04:00

September First.
New beginnings.
Indian Summer, fall just around the corner.
Politics all in an uproar.
People expressing rage and discontent
some say even a revolution is at hand...

September.
Back to school.
Vaccinations looming, at the governments command and demand.
I will not.
You should not.
Don't.

September.
The last of summer, not quite fall.
A month of 'in-be-tween.
Leaves still green.
Squirrels busy gathering,
Fireflies long gone.

What will this new year bring?

I think I will make twisted branch furniture and sell them at the fleamarket!

~Jewish Weddings First-Century Style~

2009-09-01T00:27:00.008-04:00

~JEWISH WEDDINGS FIRST-CENTURY STYLE ~ prt. #2

When a Jewish young man wished to marry a particular young woman, it was customary for the prospective grooms father first to approach the girls father with the proposal of marriage. The two men would discuss this possible union including the price offered by the groom for the bride. If the girls father agreed to the suggested amount, the two men sealed the agreement with a toast of wine.
The potential bride then entered the room whereupon the prospective groom proclaimed his love and asked her to be his bride. If the young woman wished to be his wife, she accepted his proposal at this time. The validation of the agreement made by the engaged couple was the presentation of a gift by the groom. He offered it in the presence of at least two witnesses. As he gave the gift, usually a ring, he said to his intended bride, "Behold you are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel."
Arrangements were also made right then concerning the terms of marriage. A written contract listed the time, place, and size of the wedding as well as recording the dowry and terms of maintenance of the marriage. This binding document called a "KETUBAH" was kept in the brides possession until the consummation of the marriage. Finally, this first part of a two-part ceremony was concluded by the toast of a glass of wine. The whole ceremony was called the "SHIDDUKHIN", or engagement.

The Bible refers to the status of the prospective bride and groom as "espousal" or "betrothal".
It meant that the two people were committed to each other as much as a married couple would be. The only parts of the marriage not yet completed were the formal "HUPPAH" ceremony followed by their physical union. This betrothal was considered so binding that the only way to break it was by an actual bill of divorcement.

The groom then departed, but not before he assured his bride with the promises of building a home for her and returning to complete the marriage ceremony. He usually took a year to prepare her new home which often consisted of an addition built onto his own fathers house.
The bride was expected to remain true to her groom as she prepared herself and her trousseau.
She lived for the day of his return for her which would be heralded by a shout from the members of the wedding party. The impending return of her groom was to influence the brides behavior during this interim espousal period.

The typical Jewish wedding took place at night. As soon as any members of the wedding spotted the moving torches signaling the grooms approach, their cry echoed through the streets, "The Bridegroom is coming!" The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia tells us, "Mirth and gladness announced their approach to townspeople waiting in houses along the route to the brides house."
Upon hearing the announcement, the excited bride would drop everything in order to slip into her wedding dress and complete her final personal preparations for marriage.
Rather than the groom entering the bride's house, the bride came out to meet him. (RAPTURE) The two, accompanied by the their wedding party, returned together to the grooms home (HEAVEN) for the marriage ceremony. Following the public ceremony, the newlyweds entered their bridal chamber to be intimate with each other for the first time. After this union, the groom came out and announced to the wedding guests, "Our marriage is consummated."
Upon receiving the glad news, the wedding party began a "festive" seven-day celebration. The celebration lasted seven days only if this was the first marriage of a virgin girl. During this time the bride and the groom stayed with each other in seclusion. At the end of this time of privacy, the groom would present his unveiled bride to everyone in attendance. The newlyweds then joined in the wedding feast with the guests.

*** JESUS THE GROOM, BELIEVERS THE BRIDE!***
In the Bible, God describes mankind by such unflattering examples as dumb sheep, foolish builders, temporary grass, vipers, ornate tombs, and blind leaders of the blind. Of course these and other disparaging descriptions fit us all too well. But, because of Gods great love, He has other, quite compassionate ways to describe His feelings toward those who respond to His offer of salvation.
He gives us such wonderful titles as sons, joint heirs with Christ, beloved, and children. One of the most tender terms used to describe us is "The Bride, the Lambs wife."
We just reviewed customs surrounding first century Jewish betrothals and weddings. Now lets explore how these might relate to us a Christians today! Then, lets seek to uncover the possible prophetic information presented in these ceremonies.

In eternity past, God the Father and God the Son planned our salvation. The Bible states concerning God, "He hath chosen us in him BEFORE the foundation of the world."
ephesians 1:4 They settled the price long before the offer of salvation was given to us.
We see God the Father as the "father of the groom" and because Jesus is actually the creative person of the Godhead, He stands in as the "father of the bride".
How encouraging to realize this offer of love was not an afterthought of God. In fact, the scripture refers to Jesus as " the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
Jesus (in the form of man) also steps into the role of the prospective groom. He offered HIMSELF as the "price" for us, His intended bride. God actually says about us, "For ye are bought with a price".
After the plan was established, this loving proposal of salvation was given by Jesus to all mankind. God explains that everyone has the opportunity to respond to His offer.
The Bible says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handiwork...There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard."

God also warns us that everyone understands who He is, so when people reject this proposal of love they are "without excuse."

When we answer "YES" to Jesus' offer of marriage, we become His betrothed.
This arrangement is secured by the return of Jesus. God says, "Ye were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Our "engagement ring" of promise is none other than the HOLY SPIRIT of God himself.

Imagine, too, that just as the Jewish bride of long ago held the written promise of marriage commitment (Ketubah) in her hand, so the prospective bride of Christ today holds the Bible in her hands. These written promises from Jesus describe His everlasting love and commitment.
On the night before His Crucifixion, Jesus drank a glass of wind with His followers. Lifting the cup He declared, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." Paul reminds us that Jesus commanded , "This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me".
Just as the groom in a Jewish marriage toasted his espoused bride, so we, by the communion cup, remember our betrothal to Jesus and the supreme price He paid for us.

Jesus said He must leave us in order to go back to His Fathers house and prepare our new home. He promised ALSO to return to gather all those who constitute His bride and transport them to this new home. This parallels exactly the ancient marriage customs!!!
For nearly two thousands years, Jesus has been in heaven "preparing a place for us!"
In Gods time, Jesus will ..."descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God... We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR: so shall we ever be with the Lord!

This catching away, called by many "THE RAPTURE", is pictured in the Jewish marriage custom. The groom comes to the brides home and brings her back to the wedding ceremony which is held at his FATHERS house. This is the same house where he has also prepared a home for her. (Us Christan's!)
Although we, the bride of Christ, have known for nearly two thousand years that Jesus would return for us, we have only been able to say, "He's coming back-maybe in my lifetime"/.
We have, of necessity, spent a portion of our lives involved in mundane matters since we didn't know the exact time of His return. However, just as the first-century bride reacted excitedly when she heard the shout across town announcing the impending arrival of her groom, so we as the listening bride of Christ should react when we hear the call, ahead of Jesus arrival, "The bridegroom is coming!"
The wedding celebration of seven days is carried on by the guests WHILE the bride and groom spend this time in seclusion. At the end of the seven days the groom brings his bride out and her veil is removed for the first time, so all the guests can see her beauty.

This is a picture of the seven year celebration in heaven which occurs simultaneously with the seven year time of tribulation transpiring on earth...(thank God we are not here!)
The culmination of this time is described in the Bible. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb."
Revelation 19:6-9 is actually a prophetic hymn anticipating the marriage of the Lamb and His bride after He has begun His reign, and He will not begin His reign on earth UNTIL he has conquered the kings of the earth led by the Anti-Christ.
The Jewish wedding, a perfect picture from beginning to end of Jesus' love for believers, should melt our hearts with appreciation. The prophetic picture is quite accurate, bringing us once again to see that God has woven many time clues in the scriptures for us to discover.

.....I hope you have enjoyed this excerpt from "Forbidden Knowledge, or is it?" by D.A. Miller.
I know that this book has often comforted me when I contemplate the horrible evil that is befalling this earth, and how dark and evil the 7 year tribulation will be.
Thanks to the Love of the Lord for his bride, he is going to spare us this time of unprecedented evil.

Look up, for your redemption draweth near.......
Its almost time to get married!

Where is Mankind headed and when?

2009-08-31T22:46:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends, Family and whoever may read this.

I am going to post part of a book on this blog, that I read many years ago. It has brought me extreme comfort when I observe the troubled times us Christians are living in.
Over the centuries there has been much debate about an event that Christians call the RAPTURE.
The topic has been criticized, debunked, and even called an 'escapist theory'. I have heard it said that Christians only believe in a rapture because they think they deserve to 'escape tribulations, or the Tribulation.
Yes, its true! I definitely want to escape the seven years of Tribulation that is coming on the earth. It will be a time of extreme deception and hardship to all who are living on planet earth.
A false messiah will arise and take complete control over all mankind, requiring a mark to be put in the hand or forehead. This is commonly known to Christians as the 'Mark of the Beast'.
If you have read the Bible, you know that it tells us that whoever takes this mark will not inherit eternal life with Christ, but will be thrown into the Lake of Fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.
Down the centuries, many have speculated when the 'Rapture could happen. Some have set actual dates...and have been disappointed. I personally believe the Rapture could not have occurred any sooner than this century, and particularly these later years/. The advancement of technology, the computer age, and now the World Wide Web is the catalyst needed to speed us into the final days of mankind, on this earth, as we have known it.

Times are changing, and changing fast. We are speeding to the end of the age. But, we know this already because Jesus said that we would recognize the signs of the end of the age.
Jesus's disciples also had concerns about the 'end. But, they didn't yet understand that Jesus died for a yet unborn 'church. So, with parables and examples, Jesus did leave us very direct clues. A person needs to realize that we are following a 'Jewish Messiah, that died for the JEWS first, and then us Gentiles later. We are lucky to be grafted in to the Jewish plan....
So, in that light, let me present this thought.

To be able to understand the times we are living in...and even to understand a Jewish Messiah, we MUST comprehend some 'Jewish stuff!

On that note, I will post below, and on another post (Jewish Weddings First Century Style part #2) a part of a book I have that gives alot of insight into what we are facing now in 2009. With all the talk of Armageddon, the Anti Christ, the Rapture, the Mark of the Beast and all the questions and fears those topics produce, the following passages should ease some of the fears and questions that we all have....
I know it did for me!

Thanks for reading..
God Bless.

**** Forbidden Knowledge, or is it? ****
Author: D.A. Miller
IS Book Number 0-939513-75-7

Chapter 2
Where is Mankind headed and when?

..."Are events in the Middle East leading to some type of Armageddon? If so, does God give any information in the Bible as to when these world shattering events might occur? Does God tell us when the Rapture and the end of the world will be?
Before we answer these specific questions from a biblical perspective, lets look back at a group of worried men living during the time of Christ on earth. These men, disciples of Jesus, had questions about their futures, much the same as we do. The truth that Jesus would soon be leaving struck panic to their hearts.
Jesus in His usual calm manner comforts His followers by saying,

"Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know and the way ye know."

Thomas, who became famous for his habit of verbalizing his doubts, pleads. "Master, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?"
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME." John 14:1-6

To understand the full impact of these words on His disciples we must look into the customs of the times. In so doing we will realize the great calming influence these words must have had on
His worried followers.
In fact, for nineteen hundred years, millions of readers have been inspired by the words and stories of Jesus written in the four Gospels of the New Testament. Jesus, here in His soothing words to the disciples, had alluded to the marriage customs of the day.

**** JEWISH WEDDINGS ****
Throughout the New Testament, God uses the analogy of a bride and groom to describe the relationship of Jesus to the church. As a groom pledged love to his bride, so Jesus committed His love to believers, pledged to return for us and promised us an eternity spent with Him.
The people of Jesus' day fully understood the betrothal (A pre-marriage agreement similar to an engagement) and marriage customs of which He spoke. However, we in the twentieth century need to look at these ceremonies as they were during the first century, to fully understand the significance of Jesus' teachings. This understanding not only deepens our appreciation of God's love for us, it also gives us added insights to prophetic events and offers comfort in a time of world unrest.

Read these scriptures: John 14:1-6, Ephesians 5:23-32, Revelation 19:7-9, 21:9 and 22:17

...continued on next post : "Jewish Weddings First Century Style".

Gramma's old Bible

2009-08-03T13:29:00.022-04:00

After the passing of my beloved Grandparents; Elmer and Hazel Afseth, I often found myself pondering what words of wisdom they might impart to me pertaining to some circumstance and situation I was in. Well, they are gone now, so I have to use my imagination or memory.
On one particular day, browsing an old well worn Bible of Gramma Hazels, I read the front cover and back, an area all filled in with Grammas scribbles and jots of wisdom that she must have hurriedly wrote as she sat in church listening to a sermon.

I really enjoyed reading what she gleaned from the sermon, and considered worthy to be written down in her bible for her to ponder later, and remember.
So, here are some of the scribbles (deciphered) for your enjoyment as well.
And I write here, quotes from Gramma Hazels bible that she wrote by hand over the years. ..........

"...My Saviour's love triumphs over condemnation"

"...The Blood of Jesus keeps on cleaning us up from sin..."

"...Warn the LOST or we will be responsible for their Blood..."

"...The measure of our Love for the Lord, measures our love to the brethren..."

"...We find REVEALED knowledge through the Word..."

"...To him that OVER COMETH2, will I give..."

"...If the Lord is not Lord of all, He is not Lord of anything- This pertains to our lives-
We must let him be Lord of all..."

"...We are saved to please God, not to escape Hell only- We are a witness and a testimony
John 4:20"

"... 318 times the Word declares the coming of Jesus..."

"...Matthew 6 THE LORDS PRAYER..."

Our Father in Heaven
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day,our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the Kingdom and the
Power and the Glory FOREVER. Amen.

"...Romans 5:8 and John 10:1..."

"... Long Suffering with Joyfulness..."

"...70 AD The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed..."

"...Wisdom is when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech..."

"...Daniel and Isaiah had visions of the Anti-Christ..."

"...Exodus 20 The Ten Commandments"

"...2500 years from Adam to Moses..."

"...Luke 13:24 The unsaved's peril..."

"...Romans 10:10 Confirm with the mouth..."

"...Pray the hardest, when it is the hardest to pray..."

"...Psalms 42:1-11..."

"...Acts 1 Jesus (40 days after death)..."

"...Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6..."

"...You are what you believe- You will become what you say..."

"...You can find him in the Bible, you can find him in many churches,
But until you see him in the mirror-you have a long way to go..."

"...We don't have a ministry, We ARE a ministry..."

"...Philippians 4:13..."

"...I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me..."

"...If you are self centered, you will self destruct..."

"...As faith moves the hand of God, so does fear move satan ..."

"...Healing Matthew 19:18..."

And the most important scripture that says it all:

" For God so loved the World, that he gave his ONLY begotten son,
that whosoever will believe ON HIM, SHALL BE SAVED..." John 3:16

Thank You Gramma for leaving such an awesome legacy of love,thru the words you wrote in your bible that still speaks to us today. Though you are now gone, You will NEVER be forgotten. I love you. Val.

The third property is the charm!

2009-08-01T22:31:00.036-04:00

Once upon a time ago, in a far off desert land, there alighted (what we call snowbirds)... and there they made their home in the desolation of the Sonoran desert. It seemed crazy for anyone to willingly leave the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, but migrate they did!

One by one, family came for a visit to see just WHAT was so special about this desert that drug part of our family so far away? Well, I first noticed there was lotsa 'couch time on that new comfortable brown leather sofa...... and Bill O'Rielly to get every one all rilled up!
But, that isn't enough to convince a die hard Northwesterner like me.....
Apparently others in our family thought likewise, as soon, others began the migration south to see what was really going on down yonder....
It all began with two sisters getting together on the telephone giggling about a plan to live closer together...at least in the same state! So, the one sister still in the Northwest, decided to come on down (grabbing her husband with her) and check it out.
Here is where it gets rather hairy........Uncle Pat had spotted a really nice waterfront piece of property and he wanted to check it out...... So, the two brother in laws got out the map and charted a course to find this property.
When all the "MAN" talk got done, Joan was getting anxious to get going and see this place......make up was all done, hair combed, now just for those slow men to get ready...geeeeze!
So.....off to chart a boat. This property was somewhere up river so it seems!
AS the boat chugged and chugged along, Bob was pointing out the extremes that could happen by living so far upstream.
The Boat was always breaking down....
You have to deal with the Nile River Virus, cause there are so many mosquito's...
And, you never know when one of those Mexican 'wetbacks' might come sneaking up on your dock at night! The more dad talked, the less enthusiastic Pat and Joan felt.....soon, they just wanted to turn around and head back. Obviously, homes on the water were NOT for them!!!
(No matter HOW BEAUTIFUL THEY LOOK!)
Joan just decided................Forget that one! I don't know how to swim anyway!
So, with that trip wasted, the disgruntled group headed back to the land and sand.
(But, it was a nice trip....)
Uncle Pat is worried that he is giving up such a nice home....he really did want that one you know! However he has plan B under the cuff. A couple more properties to look at......so, we will see if the next one is a better deal!
Back home, everyone finally came to the conclusion that living way down river, and ON the river was just not practical after all. Too many cons, and not enough pros....
~Sigh~ on to the next one.
Luckily enough, this property was on the ground, on the sand, and easy to access. You didn't need a boat to reach it, and it was very pretty.
Pat wasn't too sure about it though, due to the extensive yearly maintenance required. He didn't feel up to the paint job, and the landscaping. He had wanted to come to the desert for more freedom, not MORE work. Heck, he had worked hard all his life....and he wasn't looking for more.............so............ sorry Joan, Pat put his thumbs down on this one too! Maybe, just maybe, the next property will be the one!
You know what they say, the third is the CHARM!!!!

Ok...after a long boat ride, and the house was wrong...(too close to the water), then driving all the way out on some dirt road to look at a really beautiful charmer with plenty of room for all the kids and grand kids.....(too much maintenance)....I now sense that Joan is getting a bit to the end of her rope...........eeeekkkk hold on Joanie, maybe the third one is the charm!
So the fearless foursome commandeerd the little Green land rover, and head out on some GPS guidance system...... who really knows where they are going, but, I heard its toward some "Castle" or "Dome" or something eerie sounding like that....
Have fun guys!...See ya there!
During the drive, and while enduring the bumps and dust and rocks......Joan leaned over to whisper something into Pats ear. Something like this..."Pat, I' ve had it! Just BUY the next property we look at". "I am tired of shopping around, and I MEAN IT!"
Pat took one look at the intent look on Joans face, and knew she was serious.
So, after a 4 and a 1/2 hour drive, they finally arrived at the "THIRD PROPERTY", and boy was everyone relieved to just squeeze out of that little green torture chamber!
By now, Pat remembered what Joan had told him, and decided upon this one to buy.
Hey, the price was excellent...and well, yeah, it needs a little fixin up, but so what? He figured now that he is retired, he has plenty of hobby time....and fixin up the home should be a rewarding experience! So, Pat started showing Bob around the place, pointing out what all the property had as little extras....(some firewood already down!) Lots'a rocks....no need to mow a lawn!
And Joanie got so excited about the house that she started right away to see if they had the cash on hand to give the down payment.

Pat started calling the bank, telling them to put a "SOLD" sign out front....he couldn't remember the last time he felt this good, and had such a cool new dig to call home!

Everything was going sooooooooooo good, that is until brother-in-law Bob found the moonshine. OOOOPs.............
Needless to say, in their extatic mood of celebration, everyone started dipping in, until the entire jug was empty, and everyone was a hootin and a hollerin, and making such a ruckus that the local sherriff had to show up.

The Sheriff was nice enough to let the two ladies off the hook, but the fellows had to be put behind bars...The Sheriff threatened to throw away the key....and he just might have, because they sat and sat and sat in there weeks on end.
Sherrill resorted to preaching, and trying to arouse local sympathy in a grassroots, or should I say (sandroot) movement of protests to let the guys out of the slammer.
But, no matter how much she preached, the townspeople just turned a deaf ear to her pleas..... they had seen this type of thing all too many times before. As far as I know, she is still there to this day, preaching and hoping to gain the rightful release of Bob and Pat...........
I don't know what happened to Joan. I think she is sitting in the pews somewhere, listening to her sister preach.....
Well, there is an old fable floating around the place now..... its been a good 50 years since the ole two rabblerascers were locked up. Its been said that the Ghost of Pat still haunts the bar, and on a full moon you can hear bottles clinking and if you try hard enough, you can smell the whiff of ole moonshine.....

As for Bob........he was never seen nor heard of again. Its been told that he dug a secret tunnel out back of the cell, and he escaped.
Whoooooooooo knows???????????????
Just beware of the 'Third Property' the next time you go a looking....

There was a time when...

2009-08-01T21:53:00.007-04:00

This song is woven from the very fabric of our land, our flag, our nation.
It should be on every radio station, and every American should be proud.

I remember standing every school morning, placing my hand over my heart and saying the 'Pledge of Allegiance" to the American flag flying in the corner of our room.
One girl didn't have to, she just stayed sitting down 'cause she was a Jehovah's witness or something. We all thought her a little bit odd........ I mean, what does our American flag have to do with her religion?
I remember carrying a huge old American flag with my prancing yellow horse named Fella in a parade in Snohomish. We were very proud of that, me and my horse.
The flag is just material.... we know that. However, the significance and meaning woven into that material is what keeps good men going when facing enemy combat or prisoner of war concentration camps.
The Flag is our symbol. No one else in the whole wide world can claim those colors or combinations.....it is OURS.
We need to believe in our individuality of our nation amongst the world. We stand alone in sovereignty as a nation..........
so far....

" CONSTIPATION" by: J.H. Tilden M.D

2009-08-01T20:51:00.004-04:00

When Dad arrived at Fayetteville, with a bunch of books that I loaded into the R.V. and he brought them here for me..... I began unloading them and looking for room in the bookcase. One particular little green book caught me by surprise. It was titled "Constipation". I thought for half a minute that it must be a kinda joke book ....... upon opening it, I noticed it was written in 1939 by a REAL medical doctor.
I couldn't help but glance thru it....and had a few chuckles, and snickers.
I wonder how much importance we actually place on constipation nowadays....that is; until we find ourselves locked in a bathroom with the agonizing condition....... wondering if "IT" will EVER COME OUT? And, sighing with GREAT relief, and Thanks to God when it does plop on out...

I thought you might enjoy a few precerpts..........

....."Rule number #1. must be observed:
Never Eat Unless Absolutely Comfortable in Mind and Body from the Previous Mealtime?
(Val says Whhhaaaaaaaattttt?)

And here is another one:
"Constipation is an affection- it is not a disease; hence, whatever the cause is, it must be sought out and removed. (?)
"To use anything -any ONE remedy or any hundred remedies- is equivalent to limiting cause, and that shows a fallacious understanding of what constipation is. No cure can come from a treatment based on a false conception of cause and cure. (?)

And here is the humdinger.......
"As to cause, it is as impossible to find a single cause as it is to find a single effect or a single remedy. The causes and effects become a tangled web,as we see causes becoming effects and effects becoming causes.....
(Ummm, OK!)

Anyway....here's hoping to ya all that you are enjoying a constipation FREE summer.

Arizonian Reunions of all sorts!

2009-08-01T18:50:00.020-04:00

Sorry for the upside down, sideways, mixed up photos. My photo editor is crazy right now, but, I am going to post this blog anyway.
This spring was a fandangle mixture of reunions, new beginings, endings of old things and new hopes birthed.
I finally got my son back..... and my sanity. Enough said about that.
You must be able to tell by the smile on my face, that I am happy!
We were also blessed to see Braydon again.... the first time for the parents, second for me. He had grown alot since last fall, but then again babies do that!
Jessica, Nancy and baby all looked healthy and happy. So good to spend time with the family again!

Then there is the times in the desert....
Goofing around in the poppy fields. Mom and I grabbing what we could before the farmer made his rounds and caught us pilifering off his crop!
Matt and Dad hit a car show, and we all made it to the castle dome mine!
My favorite photo is of Matt bowing before the white cross.....

It was warm, dry and pleasant. I just love the desert now....cant get it out of my bones, so to speak.
The humidity of North Carolina wrecks havoc for the old people like me.

I got to see my favorite father in law again...and felt bad leaving him. We dont speak the same language, but we manage to communicate somehow....
All in all, by the time I flew back home on June 25th (Michael Jacksons D day) I was excited to get back home to my family here.
Hope ALL my family everywhere is doing good, and please stay in touch.
All my love,
Val.

The "Polictcally Correct" Obama 10 commandments

2009-07-21T14:46:00.003-04:00

The Ten Commandments According to Obama...

After observing Obama on the campaign trail and during his first six months in office, we have concluded that our President lives and governs according to his own set of "Ten Commandments." They're certainly NOT the Ten Commandments you learned in Sunday School. In fact, many are the direct opposite! To prove that our conclusions are correct, you will find a link to source documentation for each commandment on the Patriot Update web site.

I. Thou shalt have no God in America, except for me. For we are no longer a Christian nation and, after all, I am the chosen One. (And like God, I do not have a birth certificate.) SOURCE

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, unless it is my face carved on Mt. Rushmore. SOURCE

III. Thou shalt not utter my middle name in vain (or in public). Only I can say Barack Hussein Obama. SOURCE

IV. Remember tax day, April 15th, to keep it holy. SOURCE

V. Honour thy father and thy mother until they are too old and sick to care for. They will cost our public-funded health-care system too much money. SOURCE

VI. Thou shalt not kill, unless you have an unwanted, unborn baby. For it would be an abomination to punish your daughter with a baby. SOURCE

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery if you are conservative or a Republican. Liberals and Democrats are hereby forgiven for all of their infidelity and immorality, but the careers of conservatives will be forever destroyed. SOURCE

VIII. Thou shalt not steal, until you've been elected to public office. Only then is it acceptable to take money from hard-working, successful citizens and give it to those who do not work, illegal immigrants, or those who do not have the motivation to better their own lives. SOURCE

IX. Thou shalt not discriminate against thy neighbor unless they are conservative, Caucasian, or Christian. SOURCE

X. Thou shalt not covet because it is simply unnecessary. I will place such a heavy tax burden on those that have achieved the American Dream that, by the end of my term as President, nobody will have any wealth or material goods left for you to covet.

We hear ya, soldier!

2009-07-21T10:23:00.005-04:00

Subject: SOLDIER RESPONDS TO MJ'S DEATH.....
This is written by a young man serving his third tour of duty in
Iraq.

Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news
interesting....

Likewise, soldier, we hear ya. Lets keep it all in perspective.

Bandita
____________________________
The following was written by a soldier...
Okay, I need to rant.

I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael
Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an
entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent
millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many
people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and
I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point
of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their
minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the
country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to
flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to
hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a
freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What
about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those
Soldiers=2
0who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war,
still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the
United States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where
are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over
them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a
Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank
God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the
sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off
their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop
Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS
for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every
service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY
recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people
can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE,
those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for
them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have
been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never
make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit
songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat
and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.
Remember these five words the next time you think
of someone who is serving in the military;

"So that others may live..."

Isaac
__________________

Gratitude

2009-07-20T11:42:00.005-04:00

How do you say thank you to God when you are so grateful that your voice breaks when talking, and tears flood your eyes when realizing his workings.
How do you begin to realize that he WANTS to do good things for his children?
How can we feel worthy of such unconditional love?

When you have nothing left but to cry out to God for Mercy...
For forgiveness, for ONE MORE CHANCE.....
and then you get that chance plus a thousand more.....
how do we begin to say thank you?

We SAY thank you with our mouths (that he formed) with our voice's (that he created) with the breath we breathe that he freely gives us.
How can we say thank you to so great a Creator that we are only alive because he permits our hearts to beat this very moment...?

So many things I have wanted to do in life.

I wanted to build a log house at one time, I wanted to be a journalist or psychologist, I wanted to run an import/export business, I wanted to give my children all their hearts desires; horses, motorcycles, a nice home, Godly upbringing, lead them to the path of a successful life.
I wanted to understand indigenous peoples and their cultures and figure out where God fits in with them... do they need missionaries? Are they better off left alone with their own traditions and ways? Must they be saved the same as the anglos?
I wanted to learn the entire Bible, and save its words in my heart.
I wanted wisdom and knowledge.
I wanted people around me, to socialize and be in company with.
I, I, I, I........ ME, ME ME......

Then, I realized at a certain point in my life that its NOT all about ME... its not the 'I WANT that counts.

When you survive a husband committing suicide, a son that was kidnapped, a daughter running around somewhere in the world without the shelter of loving arms and family....
When you give up all you have in this world and become a vagabond of sorts...not really knowing where your head will rest.... When you see your son come home, full of love and learning, and now a man. When you see your daughter becoming a woman and you like what you see....

When you realize that you were born into a family that taught you about morals,about God,about what is right and wrong, and helps to assure that you walk that path...
When you WAKE UP, in whatever way that it happens to you, you realize that all is left is gratitude and thankfulness.

A deep Thank you to God that surpasses all understanding.
A deep calm that he is in control, and will never let you down.
A deep resignation that he is God and you are NOT.

When, and IF you are ever privileged enough to experience that, you then just want to put your arms around God and say, "Thanks".

Thanks from all that I am. Thanks for being God. Thanks for the air I breathe, that my heart still beats. Thanks that you love me, more than I love myself. Thanks for saving me from myself...

That I may be less, and that YOU may be more....more than me, more than my ego, more than any expectations of this earth.
Walking in that simplicity, and loving like that is my gratitude to my God and all that he has done for me.

Dont feel sorry for me......
I have all that I will ever need.

Thanks God..... more than words can say.

Yours Forever,
Val

Symphony of the night in Fayetteville

2009-07-20T11:13:00.006-04:00

The Sun is preparing to set.

You can tell by the glimpses of the sky you see through the dispersed tree's. The sky is beset with scattered clouds tinted with a wash of pink and deep gold, bringing breathtaking shades of unearthly color to their previous dull shade of gray.

The woods behind the house seem to darken, welcoming the coming night.

It is hard to tell the exact time of sunset here in Fayetteville. The terrain is composed of slightly rolling hills littered with tall leafy trees. You don't see a clear horizon with a setting orb of gold...... (as in the desert).

Somehow, you sense the end of another day.
Then the symphony begins.
Similar to the beginning notes of a Mozart concerto.... you hear a faint crickett, layered with the songs of a thousand frogs, and the night Acadia tones in right on time. Soon, the woods are alive with sound, amazingly, much louder than during the day. So loud do these night creatures sing, that it drowns out your own conversations and thoughts.
I fought the loud sounds for a while...
I went in the house to talk, or call on the phone, or to just get away from all the chattering and singing and chipping and chirping...
'but one evening, sitting out under the mosquito netting, I just listened.
I heard all the sounds in even tempo....
some louder than others, all distinct from one another.
I realized that this was a symphony of the night, and it would benefit me to listen.

To just still oneself long enough to appreciate something so simple as the sounds of the night made by silly little insects of the woods.
To realize that God even blesses the dark following the light....

God Bless

4th of July already...

2009-07-04T12:14:00.002-04:00

March 2nd to July 4th....
So much to catch up on. The trip to Arizona. The reunion with my son in the desert. The calm life found in the desert. New friends. New Church. New Pastor. New outlook on old life.....
Now, back in North Carolina where all is green and vibrant, and chirping and buzzing and singing of life all around.....
Humidity not dry heat. Sweating profusely verses heat exhaustion. Flurry of excitement meeting a deploying soldier.
(I thought our troops were coming home, not going in?)

New ideas. New ways to achieve old goals.....

Hope in the struggle of life.
Laughter and amazement at the 'southern way of doing things....
Interesting days.
Oooops, havent bought my fireworks yet...
Southern barbeque planned today.
Life.

Later...
Bandita.

Sage Advice

2009-03-01T22:15:00.003-05:00

I came upon this email and really enjoyed what it had to say. I had never really thought about it before, but WHY do we yell when we are angry? Is it because we are afraid the other person wont hear us?

Anyway, I enjoyed this 'sages advice, perhaps you will too~

A sage asked his disciples:

'Why do people yell at each other when they are upset?'
The disciples thought for a while, and one said, 'We lose our calm and so we yell!'
'But explain to me, why do you yell when the other person is right next to you?' asked the sage.
'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you yell at a person when you're angry?'
The disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the sage.

Finally the sage explained...

'When two people are angry at each other, there is a distance which arises between their hearts.
To cover that distance they must yell, to be able to hear each other.
The angrier they are, the louder they will have to yell to hear each other through that great distance.'

Then the sage asked...

'What happens when people are in love? They do not yell at each other but talk softly.
Why? Their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small.
The sage continued, 'What happens when their love for the other grows even more?
They do not speak, they only whisper. Their hearts come even closer with love.
Finally they need not even whisper... they only look at each other and that's all.
That is how close people are when they love each other. The heart is like one.'

Then the sage said, '

The lesson here is this:
When you disagree do not let a distance come between your hearts.
Relationships are far more important than specific outcomes.
Do not say or do things that increase the distance between hearts,
else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you may not find the path to return.'

1-5" inches of Snow? WHAT?

2009-03-01T15:40:00.002-05:00

Ok, February lingered on and on, and I have forgiven it for that, however, the appearance of March isn't making a very good impression so far. Weather forecasts of 1 to 5 inches of SNOW predicted for Monday, the first week of March which consequently is the day I am supposed to board a plane and fly out of this place.

It seems that North Carolina doesn't let go so easily.

This is very unsettling. I had all my hopes based on a early Spring. The Iris's are up, poking their long slender green leaves above the ground, the squirrels are busy jumping from tree to tree and all the little green buds are now on the ends of all those dead looking branches.

So, what is this new twist of nature? SNOW? NO, I refuse to accept that.... it must go away, it must not snow, its pert near Spring!

OH NO! Does this mean more time to find things to do around the house again?

I guess its time to get that newest cleaning recipe from Mom, and see if the 'miracle formula really works as well as she says it does.....

Sigh....

Or, I could go back to my endless 'internet researching again..........

MARCH 1st 2009...Its official! February is FINALLY OVER!!!

2009-03-01T01:00:00.003-05:00

The Spring Iris plant is up, and I am so relieved that the month of February is officially over. Now on to better things. I did alot of Internet research this past month, and I learned alot. Mostly that to achieve any success at all in most any online adventure, you need to start with a domain name, you know, like the http://www.name.com/ thing.... and then, all the top dogs of internet anything, recommends a website to make your presence known on the internet.

Of course there are all those freebie sites.... like; homestead.com or angelfire.com that offer free websites and the like, but, its also very obvious that it is FREE.

To be taken seriously, you must have a domain name and url.

So, I have all of the month of March to decide if I want more of a presence on this internet....and if so, what I will do with it.

In the meantime, I have a flight to catch out to Arizona on Monday, and that means not much time on here for a bit.

So long February..good riddance. Welcome Spring and Sun and Fishing, and what-have-you.

March I will find a nice OUTDOOR hobby..............

Not sure what yet... so the hunt goes on, in some many different areas of my life...... I hope to land someday, and IF that happens, you will be the first to hear about it.

Meantime, over on Twitter.com, I kinda like the lifestyle of a certain Stephenfry. He runs around La Paz Baja California, swimming with the whales, taking pics of the sea lions, scuba diving and then posting all the tantalizing pics over on Twitpic.com.........what a life!

Hmmmmmmmmm, now if only I could find a way......................

AmeriaMex ... combining countries into world regions now? Psst, NWO in progress!~

2009-02-28T16:28:00.004-05:00

(Ariticle from Washington Post..)
In my opinion, for what its NOT worth, is that we are witnessing the obvious propaganda of the unfolding of the NWO. Hang on folks, we are in it now.....
Soon our kids will be singing: "Amerimex, Amerimex, God shed his grace on thee.... "
Sorry for the 'pasted article, but, this one I couldnt resist......
Bandita.

,.."You may have heard the rumor that, as a result of a bloody drug war that has claimed more than 7,000 lives since January 2007, Mexico is on the verge of being declared a "failed state."Drawing a lot of its oxygen from cable demagogues and talk radio, the chatter intensified several weeks ago when the Pentagon issued a report warning that our neighbor -- along with Pakistan, no less -- could face a "rapid and sudden" collapse because "the government, its politicians, police and judicial infrastructure are all under sustained assault and pressure by criminal gangs and drug cartels."

How's this for pressure? The police chief in Ciudad Juarez resigned last week after drug traffickers began to make good on their promise to kill police officers in that city until the chief stepped down.The Mexican drug war is the real deal, and so is the threat to both Mexico and the United States. The casualties are mounting. The killings are becoming more brutal, and now include the beheading of soldiers.The cartels are essentially terrorizing the Mexican people in the hopes of convincing them to put pressure on the government to relent in its efforts to put the bad guys out of business.
Take it from someone who has known Mexican President Felipe Calderon since before he took the job -- back when we were in graduate school together nearly a decade ago -- that's not going to happen.Calderon was brave enough to take on the drug cartels by arresting their leaders, confiscating their product, and -- most importantly -- seizing the large shipments of cash that they need to operate. And he's smart enough to know that letting up on the pressure before the task is done would only make matters worse and basically hand Mexico over to the drug lordsMeanwhile, there is no question that Americans will pay a price if the drug violence spills over the border.
Just a few days ago, the U.S. State Department issued a blunt travel advisory warning Americans with plans to travel in Mexico to be extra careful."Recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades," the advisory reads. "Large firefights have taken place in towns and cities ... and during some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.

"Firefights will put a crimp in the tourist industry. But, Mexicans are quick to point out the irony. Here Americans are worried about their safety in Mexico when one of the reasons the Mexican government is having such a difficult time fighting the drug cartels is because the enemy has plenty of money and guns. And both are coming from the north.According to most estimates, about 90 percent of all the cocaine flowing into the United States comes from Mexico and about 90 percent of the guns seized in drug-related violence come from the United States.
Former President George W. Bush and Congress deserve credit for pushing through $400 million in emergency aid in the Merida Initiative to help the Mexican government fight the cartels.And even though Mexico is still waiting for delivery of most of those funds, there were signals this week that the Obama administration understands the stakes involved.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced new measures to prevent the violence from spreading to this side of the border and told Congress that the issue demands the "utmost attention." Attorney General Eric Holder called the drug cartels a "national security threat" to the United States and said Americans "simply can't afford to let down our guard."Even so, this business about Mexico on its way to being a "failed state" is just a lot of hot air.

The rumors of our neighbor's demise have been greatly exaggerated.A country of 110 million people, Mexico is still a functioning democracy with press freedoms and bold leaders, like Calderon, who are tackling the issue of drug violence head on. There is plenty of reason for optimism.Frankly, one reason the doomsday talk about Mexico catches on is because it distracts Americans from our own problems. (NOT!!..its media propaganda...)

I learned a long time ago that, for many of my countrymen, Mexico serves a purpose in tough times by providing something to which we can feel superior.Even with the banking bailouts, mortgage crisis, a plummeting stock market and rising unemployment, the thinking goes, we can at least be grateful that we're not Mexico.For Mexican-Americans like me, that's cold comfort. I expect a lot more of my country -- the United States -- than I do the country that my grandfather left behind a hundred years ago when he legally immigrated north.

And right now, what I expect is for all Americans to realize -- and for the Obama administration to never forget -- that it's impossible to feel safe when there is a wildfire in the neighborhood.The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette.

Online Monkey business...

2009-02-26T00:31:00.003-05:00

I do have a life other than being 'Online. I clean my house, do dishes, wash clothes, make lunches and dinners, walk the dog, take in the mail, greet other inhabitants of the house as they pass by, and generally live the basics of a mom and housewife.

Isn't that just exciting!

Other than all the above, I have found some spare time to delve into this online monkey business. I am up to my ears, or should I say eyes, in anything and everything to do with being 'online.

Its not such a bad thing really, and I have read a thousand websites and blogs and posts where others seem to be making it their entire life.. but I cant help but wonder, how healthy is it to be sitting at this desk, staring endlessly at this screen, with electronic typed words, and rearranging my body every now and then when I feel the strain of one position too long.

I suppose if one found a really lucrative and meaningful reason to keep on with that ritual, like making vast amounts of money or something, I suppose its justifiable....but, would I really want to spend my life, making money that way?

Its very isolating. You never meet 'real people, or hear real voices, other than when fancy websites blurb on with a preset voice that booms out at you, from some electronic looking person that is animated on the screen.

I think that being 'online can be constructive in limited measures...but then, you would be going against all the voices of the online guru's that imply you have to put in the time, to make the dime..... hmmmm.

So, it all boils down to choice.

Do you want to put in the time, staring at a screen and hitting at a keyboard, or make your dime at someone else's whim, or dictation of how to spend your glorious 8 hours a day?

Does it really matter at all?

The mind justifies everything we do in this life... and right now, mine is saying, just give it a try.

Ok.

Make Money Online...and so it goes...

2009-02-24T01:08:00.002-05:00

OH my Goodness....
I have never seen so many advertisements, blogs with advertisements, and just plain ole hoopla of making money online!
In my time of February Research, which by the way, is quickly coming to an end as we near the 28th, has been mind boggling to say the least.

One particular little guy, a supposed 13 year old kid has become quite the online blogmoney maker. I decided to narrow my research down to a few successful bloggers, and freelancers.
And, mind you, that has not been an easy task either. To narrow down a few choices out of millions that are to be found on good ole Google is monumental.
But, narrow down I did, and I am happy to say, I am learning more in this little adventure that I have in just about any other adventure I have taken.

This Internet, which should be second nature to me by now, isn't.
I am reading about RSS feeds, T3 leads, SEO, on and on and on.......
And then there is the 101 affiliate programs you can buy, that all promise to make you a millionaire in 30 days. That for sure is a laugh, because any one with a half way reasonable mind would be doing that!

All in all, it has been interesting to read what people all over the world are doing on this internet, and I am coming away with a distinct feeling that others are utilizing this tool far more than I ever have. I almost feel stupid that I haven't done more with this, other than frivolous emails and the like.
So, on to my final days of research....
Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn, and some sleep to REFRESH and UPLOAD more info tomorrow.

Freelance Writing? What...?

2009-02-20T21:10:00.004-05:00

Well, with February dragging on, and the full 28 days that comprise this month, I decided to take all the free and open time that my life currently possesses and check out some of these annoying Google Ad sense advertisements that keep looming around on just about everything, everywhere on the internet.

One entire week, I searched, followed links, read and read, and cross linked a thousand different web sites and .com's, and Blog webs, and Vlogs, and you name it, I read it.

I now have a certain condition called; Internet Overload.

I feel myself drawn to this computer screen, knowing that just a few typed words will open the huge never ending vista to another online world.

What I have found is millions, trillions, and more trillions of bits of encrypted information flowing across my screen. Enough information to help even the dullest of people succeed at something!

It actually befuddles my mind, and I am trying desperately to stay afloat in this online sea of information.

What I have decided to do, is to try to narrow down what I think interests me the most, and to focus on learning about that topic, inside out.

This may take some time, because it now seems that I am having a very hard time in the narrowing down process. There is just too much on here that tempts a person to go take a look, and see what this new website offers.

I am beginning to wonder if any of them work at all?

But, in the course of this investigation, I have read where people are actually making a 6 figure income by freelance writing. Of course I realize that it took some time for them to be in that realm of figures, but, I wonder, why not me?

Everyone has to start out somewhere. All life's journey starts with a step, albeit, for me it will be a very little baby step, and very hesitant at that. But, as I mentioned in my last post, February doesn't have a whole lot to offer me anyway, but a home bound existence, so I may as well be learning something with all this free time.

Of course, this is a mere experiment that all my free time is affording me at the moment, and knowing how life is, it may all change overnight. That has been my luck. But for now, I am safe in studying and learning all that I can about free lance writing.

What seems to be frustrating, is that not all web sites that you can join up to post your work on is as easy as 1,2,3. Some sites actually want you to enter Html, or add hyperlinks, or add an embedded tag........ and in my mind, I say .............WHAT IS THAT?

So, I admit, I go back to some site I found and follow along what another person has done. I look up the portfolio on the author and read that she has a Masters degree.....and I almost give up with thoughts that I am no where near that .......

But, since its only me using up free time, and it is February, I decide that I may as well bear with this for a while, and just see what I can do.

Now, I am not promising ANYTHING!!! I may throw up my fingers in dismay, and just get a normal job, but, for now, I am a student of freelance writing. That sounds fun! And a bit concocted, but if other freelancers on the web actually have a Masters degree and are working on their PH..then I am in good company.

Wish me luck as I enter yet another adventure in this thing called life!

The maze continues.

Disclaimer: The logo on top is copied from another website, and is not an original from the author of this site.

Behind the Scenes during February...

2009-02-20T01:18:00.008-05:00

~OH February!~

Its becoming a month I love to hate. Long, dreary, chilly, teasing of spring, and disappointing you with a rainstorm. The only lively thing about February is Valentines Day, and even that is cheesy. I have come to realize that February for me, is one long month, and thankfully its only 28 days long. I have also come to realize that taking a winter break to such places as South Mexico where the sand is warm and the Sun is hot, is not such a good idea.

Its great while you are there, but unless you intend to stay there permanently, and unless you live in a very warm climate, the coming home part of such a vacation is just plain disappointing, and in a very short amount of time, one finds oneself day dreaming away about all the fun in the sun just a short time ago.

So, February for me has, is and probably always will be just one long dreary month!

Coming home in early January from South Mexico left Chuy refreshed for his days back at his job. For Julieanna, freshly tanned and relaxed, she found solace in returning to her routine of school, school, and school. As for me, I became an official home bound and bored person.

I took my break from blogging ( a pleasant pastime to while away the hours) and realized it was too soon for Spring cleaning, and with not much desire to be outdoors in the drear...I tried my best to stay occupied at something!

I did find a few things, and I am almost ashamed to admit that they are very elementary things. Stuff that should occupy a child's mind. However, occupy myself is what I did, and I suppose I will share them with you, for the sake of my neglected Blog.

Here goes my late winter, not yet spring confessions of February.

First of all, I start out my day by hearing the early morning weather report on TV, in Spanish. Chuy is usually the first awake, (that counts for the Spanish news channel) and is out the door before 6:00am. I await the dawn, as it is still dark out. At first glimpse of a sunrise, I look out the window to surmise for myself what the day looks like. And, for a long time now it has been much the same. I see a rather dreary, dead looking bunch of tree trunks and branches with no leaves, or with dead leaves still clinging on them, that somehow didn't fall off last autumn when they were supposed to.
That view is nothing new, and unless there was an unexpected snowfall, of which has only happened once this year, there is nothing remarkable to wake up to. Or at least to want to venture outside to investigate.

So, after the daily visual of the same ole, same ole, I change the channel of the TV off of the irritating and annoying Spanish chatter. I have come to really enjoy an old TV series that used to air when I was a little kid. You might remember the show. Its called: "The Beverly Hillbillies"...

Well one morning, as I almost skimmed past it, something made me hesitate. This particular segment was about "Granny" and her being manic about her housecleaning, so "Jed" makes it his business to find a housekeeper for Granny. Of course at first Granny objects ferociously, and is offended by the thought of her not doing the cleaning, but, after Jed and his banker figure out a scheme to trick Granny, she obliges. Well, the story went on, and it was funny and hilarious, and I became compelled to watch another segment and then another one after that.

I was feeling happy, and comfortable, and something felt so familiar with that show, and then I realized what it was.... Granny was reminding me of my Grandma Hazel. I had to smirk at all the similar oddities of the two. My Grandma Hazel was also always cleaning something. And, when her house was in a state of perfection, she would go on to someone else's house. I have enjoyed that show so much, and now have made it a permanent part of my early morning routine. It is funny how we can find comfort in something so silly as an outdated TV series.

Well, I am always a little disappointed when that show is over each morning, because I realize that I have hours and hours to try to find something "Constructive" to do with myself. So, usually by the time the show is over, its time to let Chivas outside for her morning routine.

Lately, that has been a chore in and of itself because if Chivas gets even one little glimpse that the grass is cold and wet from rain, she doesn't want to go outside. I try to nudge her with my foot, I call her in a high pitched voice, (that she usually responds very well to), and I have tried walking out the door before her in hopes that she will follow. Nope, she wont. So, we are still working on that one.

I have hopes for Chivas that one day she will be trained to perfection, and I wont have to be dreaming of calling Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) to come and help me out with my stubborn little Jack Russell.

In between Chivas morning routine, and thinking about that pot of coffee I need to brew, I glance outside the window again, just in case something has changed in the past 30 mins or so. And, usually its just the same. Sometimes, I catch sight of a squirrel running around doing something... and I think of the old adage about "squirrelling things away for winter".... and I ponder on old wise sayings... like; 'The Early Bird gets the worm". Those sayings just make me feel guilty for some reason, so I stop thinking about them.

With the coffee brewed, I of course grab a mug of it and walk past the window again, and again I look out, just in case there is something I missed the last time I walked past. And, usually there is nothing new, or changed. That is a great past time of mine now days. Looking out windows.

I think many deep things about life, while looking silently out cold paned windows that fog up with my breath until I have to back away and find something else to do.

As I head thru the house, there is Chivas trailing right behind me. Sometimes I think, what a life. I have all day to myself to do anything I want to do, and I cant seem to find anything that I really want to do. Then, I look down at Chivas, who is looking up at me, and I grab a cracker and proceed to make her do her routine of tricks. Chivas becomes instantly enlivened and happy, and starts in her little jumping and dancing and doing about 5 tricks at once, until I take control of the situation and calm her down to perform in a more orderly manner.

So, I admit, I have used some of my days in February teaching new tricks to Chivas retinue.

She can sit, lay down, rollover, stand back up, walk on her feet, dance around on her back feet in a small circle while I say, "Dancy Dancy".... I think I have a circus dog in the making!
And, for February, we came up with a couple new tricks.

Chivas can now climb into the small opening of a poncho (that is laying down on a bed) and make a small turnaround once she is inside the poncho, and stick her head back out the opening and it looks like she is wearing a poncho. She does this on command, and it is hilarious.

The other grand new trick, is that Chivas will jump up on my chair, while I am sitting in it at the computer, and make her self wedged between me and the back of my chair, and she will just sit there until I say, "Cracker?" At the sound of "Cracker" she stands up on her hind feet, placing her paws on the back of my shoulders, and just stays there until I pass a cracker over my shoulder for her.

So, with emails read, and Blog posts made, and Internet news read, and the "Beverly Hillbillies" over, and the coffee done, I get up to go check out the window again.

Nothing much has changed since the last time I checked, except that this time, I think I see a green bud on the end of 0ne of the dead looking branches. And, at the sight of that small speck of green, I suddenly feel great. I look around the surrounding woods, and see more green, and suddenly the day is not so bad. Funny how such a little thing as a green budding branch can give one a surge of hope. Winter doesn't last forever. And, thank God so doesn't February.

Cpl Chris Mason KIA .... War on Terror was real for him...

2009-02-12T09:03:00.004-05:00

*Cpl Chris Mason KIA November 28 2006 ~

* Fallen but not for forgotten.*

Cpl Chris Mason KIA - Speaks 16 Days Before his death.
This video at one time was posted all over the net, picked up by FOX News and others, even President-elect Barack Obama viewed it and remarked in this email to David J Van Deusen: From: senator_obama@obama.senate.govDate: June 25, 2007 5:47:52 PM CDTTo: mailto:%5E%5E%5E%5E@earthlink.net

Subject: Message from Senator Barack ObamaDear David:Thank you for writing about the war in Iraq and for shari More..ng a video by Cpl. Christopher E. Mason. Cpl. Mason's death is a tragedy, and he will be remembered as a hero. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.-----------------------------Here is the Original unedited Video of Cpl Chris Mason speaking... PRCA Cowboy / Cpl Chris Mason spoke these words while standing in the sand Nov 12, 2006. He was ambushed and killed 16 days later by Al-Qaeda terrorist near FOB Summerall in Iraq.

At the time of his death Cpl Mason was "holding tight and standing firm."In this video Cpl Chris Mason speaks the flollowing words...

"This is the time in our life that we are making history, this is our moment. We chose to come into the Army knowing that we would probbly be sent over here, but we chose that anyway, because we choose to believe that the American flag we wear on our right shoulder stands for something that's greater than Ourselves, greater then where we are from, we're the fabric that holds the flag together."He also ask the question:“You need To Ask Yourslf...What would the world be like without the influence of America in it? Because of America this world is a better place"and then goes on to say:“If you think the influence of America has not played apart in history for the greater good of the world...than I feel bad..."Because of America this world is a better place, and the people of this world are given better opportunities with each day that pasts"-CplMason 12Nov2006- KIA 28 Nov 2006.

February...time to contemplate~

2009-02-05T20:40:00.003-05:00

To be honest, it feels really good right now just to be thinking of daily life in the month of February. It was quite a LONG chore making all the posts to this Blog about our trip to Mexico. I can promise you, that won't be happening again for a lonnnnng time~!
When we first got home, which ironically was on the eve of the 31st that turned into the 1st as we were driving home......(so we didnt have much of a New Years Celebration...) I could see the relief in Julieannas face, actually it was a collective sigh of relief. Ahhh, home sweet home. We all just plopped down our suitcases and kinda flopped for a day.. there was only one little looming problem left to solve. Yep, you guessed it. CHIVAS~! There still needed to be a 5 plus hour drive to Atlanta Georgia (and back) to retrieve the little mutt from her baby(dog) sitters.
The only consolation about that, was we got to see Chuys sister again.`
We did wait a few days, and headed out.
Needless to say, Chivas was extatic to see her long lost owners again, and so were we happy to see her. Its rather wierd how a little mutt can grab your heart and make a place there.
It was good to be back home in Fayetteville. Chivas,and all of us settled in to face the rest of the winter...and it was alot colder than Mexico.
Julie resumed her second semester at school, Chuy went back to work, and ME, well, I had the Blog to attend to.
So, its back to normal life. February is here...the cold chill is in the air, and I dont really have much to 'Blog about any more~!
Ok...a collective sigh ya all~!

Maybe something will pop up now and then? We will just have to see about that.

For now, taking a break.
Thanks for following along....
Hope everyone is coping with '09 so far, and all the political nonsense of "YES WE CAN~!
I just see this country as becoming one FAT mess ... more and more each day .....
What really gets my political GOAT...is that the statement has been made (on Yahoo) that this Presidential Administration is parting with the "WAR ON TERROR" statement.
All I can say is..."OH REALLY"....

so, if there is no more need of worrying about this 'war on terror, or if there never was a need in the first place (which I am inclined to believe) then can someone answer me WHY so many great young American men and women are now dead and in the grave over that statement.?

It was so very real for them! And, it has become so very real for all the familys that have lost a child, mother, father, grandaughter, grandson, to this WAR ON TERROR.... I feel that this Administration first needs to apologise to all the DEAD Americans, that fought hard, trained hard, and gave their lives, for the now defunct verbiage: "War on Terror".... after that, and when all our troops are safely back on American soil, then I suppose they can just trash the WAR ON TERROR... verbiage.....

(...very rude so far in my book....)

I say our new man in charge had better watch his words...... the American Blood that was so genuinely spilled for those words still speaks.
So, enough for now.... But, all in all, if there is no more verbiage about the WAR ON TERROR, then I suppose I am now free to make any statement about it I so chose, without the fear of being labeled a 'terrorist?
Crazy world we live in........ getting crazier every day I say.

I vote for Rush Limbaugh for President. I think he could set a few things straight around here.
'enough for now..
!~ Have a good day. !~

Dedicated to the thousands of DEAD Americans that did their best to fight the "WAR ON TERROR" and to them, it was TERROR..... plain and simple.

Gone, but NEVER forgotten.

...at last

2009-02-01T21:11:00.023-05:00

It was finally DECEMBER 31st 2008....

We had arrived in Mexico City from Cuernavaca early in the morning. We took a whirlwind tour thru the Templo Mayor area near the magnificent Cathedral that inhabits the uttermost downtown center of Mexico City. This huge Cathedral and Zacalo takes up blocks and blocks of space.... and is very enthralling once you enter it and see all the ornate decorations.... its mind boggling.
What I was amazed at was all the different representations of Jesus Christ. He was a long haired Jesus in one area, then a Black Jesus on the cross in another area, and in some pictures he was simply the typical White Jesus with Mary hovering around him. I don't understand all the different representations but it was interesting. We heard a little bit of sermon in Latin, and some Christmas hymns....(OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL)and we heard the Huge pounding Church bells ring. We talked to poor little begging Indian women, and Chuy managed to get her to laugh and smile...... and we walked around ALOT!
We knew we didn't have much time to fit this all in, so it was done in a rush.....
but, it was a very nice ending to our visit to Mexico.
We turned in the Rental Car without much trouble as to the accident we had been in... (thank God for the insurance). And, we caught the rental car shuttle over to the airport...checked our bags in...... and hasta luego..we were off for home.
What a wonderful trip.
Ahhhhhhh.
I hope you enjoyed reading along with me on all these posts.... and I hope the photos and little narrations were interesting for Gramma and Grandpa and anyone else that has followed along!
See ya around...(probably North Carolina for a while). \

All our love,

Valerie, Jesus and Julieanna.
December 16th thru December 31st 2008

Finally, on the plane, kick off the shoes, and enjoy the ride....
I beleive that Chuy finally sighed a huge breath of relief... he succeeded in safely getting two American women all across Mexico and back, in ONE piece.

Yep, we were all done in by now.

Julie has a bunch of glass pottery in her backpack that she is going to carry on the plane.....
I guess it was getting pretty heavy!

Cathedral in downtown Zacolo of Mexico City.

Inside is very ornate, and it is heavily guarded by obvious policia everywhere.....

Ancient remains of an old temple, that was constructed by Indians long before the Conquistadors arrived and built the Cathedral.

Our little Hotel in Mexico City..... only a block or two from the main downtown Cathedral and Templo Mayor....
For being so near to historical sights...it was only $24.00 dollars a night.

Cathedral in background...

I took this picture for Gramma Sherrill.... dont ya just love this door?

Chuy standing amongst his ancestors....... the original inhabitants of Mexico City.

Goverment building of all Mexico, right here in Mexico City.

Banditas Blog

SOLDIER DOWN

ITS TIME

Tarry with me here a little longer...

Teddy Bears sit so still

I'm dressing up your bears today Vaughn,sweaters, overalls, soft socks and booties-all onto soft fur teddy bears, lifeless.All the pieces of cloth bought in your name-...sit in dust, amidst that which was left: a mess.

Author: Broken hearted mommy with empty arms.

Well, fall is definately here now...

Mexico

What we create today, is tomorrows memory.

Change is in the air

Pitbulls in the Dog World. Owning and training a Pitbull

Summation...

A Diamond in the foot~ A Childlike approach to prayer and faith

Memory of you... twenty years gone...

Giving of Thanks

WHY? WHY NOT?

In The Vancouver Sun – Making Money on Twitter | John Chow dot Com

Alpha Chi Induction UNC Pembroke

Get Super Affiliates and CPA Networks to Send YOU Floods of Visitors!

Facebook Inspiration for mass marketing!

UCLA STUDY: Search the Internet, Activate Your Brain

Hello From Las Vegas

Becoming Chivas...

Technology... changed the world

Remembering Gramma...and Grandpa and birthday time.

Remembering Gramma...

Azteca Warrior Golden Eagle

Ok...sorry for the Tests....

Bye Bye John Chow, (as far as the experiment goes!)

The Heart

Handicapped College Student carries on~

Celebrating ONE year in Fayetteville September '08 to '09

Digital Cameras...

Going to classes with Julie! ~ Wheeeeeee fun!~

First week on the job as 'Carsens assistant'~

Veterans Hospital Experience with my Daughter~

Exploring Cherokee land~ Day 2

Cherokee North Carolina..Mockery of a culture.

And then we have this...

Veterans Hospital~ The Walking Wounded

There is new stuff coming....

Banditas Blog: Still learning Johns way...

Still learning Johns way...

LOGOS... and decisions....

Oh no, a logo too!

Banditas Blog: Baby steps for Big goals...

Baby steps for Big goals...

Facebook Experience

Ahhhh Sweet September!

~Jewish Weddings First-Century Style~

Where is Mankind headed and when?

Gramma's old Bible

The third property is the charm!

There was a time when...

" CONSTIPATION" by: J.H. Tilden M.D

Arizonian Reunions of all sorts!

The "Polictcally Correct" Obama 10 commandments

We hear ya, soldier!

Gratitude

Symphony of the night in Fayetteville

4th of July already...

Sage Advice

1-5" inches of Snow? WHAT?

MARCH 1st 2009...Its official! February is FINALLY OVER!!!

AmeriaMex ... combining countries into world regions now? Psst, NWO in progress!~

Online Monkey business...

Make Money Online...and so it goes...

Freelance Writing? What...?

Behind the Scenes during February...

Cpl Chris Mason KIA .... War on Terror was real for him...

February...time to contemplate~

...at last

I'm dressing up your bears today Vaughn,
sweaters, overalls, soft socks and booties-
all onto soft fur teddy bears, lifeless.
All the pieces of cloth bought in your name-
...sit in dust, amidst that which was left: a mess.