Happy Valentines day

Few folk have seen a Fairy,
But I found this one for you.
If you believe with all your might
She'll make your dreams come true

Happy Valentines Day to All

Spring Time Smudging

Hi to all, A friend ask me about smudging the other day so I thought I would post about it. Spring is a great time to do this as a yearly event. Also when you remodel a home or apartment. So happy smudging !!

Bee

SMUDGING HISTORY

Smudging is the common name given to the sacred smoke bowl blessing.
Saging is a powerful cleansing technique from the Native North American Tradition. Smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance. It is the art of cleansing yourself and your environment using simple ritual and ceremony. For thousands of years smudging has been a part of Native American tradition but now its power of cleansing is available to everyone.



A Tradition From The Mists Of Time

It is impossible to say for certain when smudging began. Perhaps early civilizations came to realize, through sheer trial and error, that the smoke generated by setting alight particular herbs had beneficial effects for humanity. Certainly many cultures have an old tradition of driving animals through smoke to kill off pests and diseases. Now a days modern science has proven that certain herbs do indeed have cleansing powers, acting as strong pesticides.
Aside from this beneficial and practical aspect of burning herbs, humans have become aware that smoke ascends to the heavens - to the world of spirits - almost as if it were acting as a spiritual messenger.
The idea of purification through smoke is certainly not the sole preserve of the Native North Americans.
Most rituals have some element of cleansing, and incense or herbal smoke mixtures that are burned. Around the world - from China, India, and Southeast Asia, to Europe and the Western world- many countries have used some form of smoke or smudging for ritual and clearing.

How to Smudge

An abalone shell is the accustomed Native American vessel to use for holding the sage. However, any small, flat, heat-proof container will do.

Leave the sage as is, tied with the string in the bundle. Light the sage and let it flame for a minute or so. Extinguish the flame so the sage is smoldering and smoking.

Take the smudge container and using circular clockwise movements, encircle yourself with the smoke. The Native American custom is to use a very large feather from a poultry bird, such as a turkey. Using the feather, fan the smoke all around the room going around windows and doorways. I always say a prayer as I do this asking for all negativity be released, opening up for all that is good and holy. If possible, open some windows and doors to allow the smoke to leave.

You can do this for the whole room and even the whole house. Start at the most northerly room and working again, clockwise, through your home, let the smoke from the sage permeate throughout. Try and finish off the smudging process by ending up at an open door. You should have come full circle around your home.

Bee’s Way

Sweep the whole house( besome broom if you have one). The goal here is not to clean the floors, but rather to imagine 'sweeping' the house of its negative energy.
Techniques vary, but I like to combine the swept material from each room into one pile, and sweep the full bunch outside. And, I do recommend sweeping the material outdoors, rather than into a dust pan. This process has a more 'ceremonial' cleaning feel to me; pushing the old dirt and energy outdoors is very liberating!
Light a white candle, then use it to light the sage stick. Before 'smudging' the room, fan the smoke over yourself first. Then, walk through the room counter-clockwise, fanning the smoke over the walls, windows, toward the ceiling etc. Stay focused on your intention - to clear negative energy.
Continue this through every nook and cranny of your home. When sufficiently smoky, extinguish the sage in a fire-safe receptacle, and follow the same instruction for the sweet grass. While smudging with sweet grass, remember to visualize your intention - you're inviting positive energy into your home.
Now's a good time to open those windows. If you have one, hang a wind chime near the bedroom window. Nothing moves stale air like the soft song of a wind chime.
note: If you must speak while performing the clearing, keep your voice at a whisper, speaking only positive phrases. Also, I recommend clearing a home regularly, especially after an argument, during life transitions like breakups or divorces, or after unpleasant guests leave.

“I burn sage first, and follow up with sweet grass."

Whenever I have done this, it has never set off any of my smoke alarms, which I have found very strange indeed. Now it MAY set off yours, so be prepared to disconnect it during your smudging and be SURE to re-engage it upon completion of your smudging.

I say a little prayer over and over as I do my smudging, asking the 'powers that be' (Spirit of the sage) to remove all negativity and unwanted energies.

"Sage is the most potent herb for smudging but you can also use cedar and sweet grass. "

Lore on the month of February

1st February Brides Day St Bride is a saint with pre-Christian origins - she was originally a Celtic goddess - Brigid or Brigantia. Brigid was goddess of fertility and was associated with water and wells. One of the saint's miracles was changing her bath water into beer for some visiting priests to drink, which may be one reason why there are so many wells dedicated to her.

2nd February Candlemas / Groundhog Day There are a lot of weather rhymes associated with Candlemas - mainly about not trusting nice weather in early February.

If Candlemas be fair and clear,
There'll be two winters in the year.
If a hedgehog casts a shadow at noon,
Winter will return.

In America the hedgehog in the rhyme is replaced by the groundhog. On this day the groundhog is meant to emerge from winter hibernation. If the groundhog can see its shadow (in other words if it's a sunny day), it will be frightened by it and will go back into its hole for a further six weeks hibernation and there will be more wintery weather.

9th February - Hurling the silver ball This ancient handball game takes place at St Ives in Cornwall, England, on the first Monday after February 3rd. The game is played in the town's streets and on the beach. The game starts at 10.30 am and the person holding the silver ball at noon wins a crown piece.

14th February - Valentine's Day This is the day for lovers and birds. Nowadays we choose our valentines and send them unsigned cards. In the old days men and women used to put their names on slips of paper and draw lots as to who should be their love for the day.It was believed that this was the day that birds chose their mates. What bird you saw on this day was meant to foretell the type of person you would marry. Another way was to put some bay leaves under your pillow and you would dream of your future husband or wife.

18th February - Death by Malmsey On this day in 1478 the Duke of Clarence was drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine in the Tower of London. No he didn't fall in drunk, he was murdered on the orders of King Richard III.

---Entry revisied 4:18 02/04/08---

Please note, Blog entry title; "LORE " on the month of February"

It seems I have a fan, I am posting some additional history below as was noted by a veiwer. (See comments.) The blog info on Feburary came from a UK website on Feburary lore.

Link below.

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/conkers-and-ghosts/february.htm

I am sure No one would believe that the Duke of Clarence was drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. -->I would never use a butt of my honeywine wine for such a deed!! <--- :-) I tend to believe more the explanation of the the comment below. Although now I am intigued I will research this history..

Remember the word LORE also is = to; legend , belief, and folklore.

Info Noted;

18th February entry about George Duke of Clarence totally incorrect. George was executed privately in the Tower of London on the orders of his brother King Edward IV. His brother Richard, later King Richard III, having failed pleading for mercy with the king, had already left the capital before Clarence was executed.He was most probably beheaded. The drowning legend comes mainly from Shakespeare, and More, both writing anti Richard propaganda, and is most probably a comment on his alcoholism than such a bizarre means of execution, unknown in reality anywhere in history. Leave Richard III alone!

23rd February Collop Monday Lent is traditionally when Christians did not eat meat, butter, fat, eggs or cream. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. So on the Monday before collops of meat were eaten - see our Lent special for the recipe.

24th February Shrove Tuesday Lent is a time when Christians are meant to give up their sins and ask forgiveness. As Shrove Tuesday was the last day before Lent, it was a day for enjoying yourself with pancake races, Shrove football and Shrove skipping. See our Lent special for more details.

25th February Ash Wednesday Lent begins on this day. The day's name comes from the custom of making an ash cross on people's foreheads. There is one game you are allowed to play at this time of year without being told off, and that is marbles. The marbles season lasts between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

27th February - Red Feather DayThe pupils of Sir John Cass' School, London, commemorate their school's founder on the last Friday in the month. They wear red turkey feathers. Apparently as Sir John was writing his will he coughed up blood on to his quill pen. What a nice way to remember the great man!

The Rules For Being Human

When we were born, we didn't come with an owner's manual; These guidelines make life work better.

1.You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's the only thing you are sure to keep for the rest of your life.

2.You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called "Life on Planet Earth". Every person or incident is the Universal Teacher.

3.There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of experimentation. "Failures" are as much a part of the process as "success."

4. A lesson is repeated until learned. It is presented to you in various forms until you learn it -- then you can go on to the next lesson.

5.If you don't learn easy lessons, they get harder. External problems are a precise reflection of your internal state. When you clear inner obstructions, your outside world changes. Pain is how the universe gets your attention.

6.You will know you've learned a lesson when your actions change. Wisdom is practice. A little of something is better than a lot of nothing.

7."There" is no better than "here". When your "there" becomes a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that again looks better than "here."

8.Others are only mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another unless it reflects something you love or hate in yourself.

9.Your life is up to you. Life provides the canvas; you do the painting. Take charge of your life -- or someone else will.

10.You always get what you want. Your subconscious rightfully determines what energies, experiences, and people you attract -- therefore, the only foolproof way to know what you want is to see what you have. There are no victims, only students.

11.There is no right or wrong, but there are consequences. Moralizing doesn't help. Judgments only hold the patterns in place. Just do your best.

12.Your answers lie inside you. Children need guidance from others; as we mature, we trust our hearts, where the Laws of Spirit are written. You know more than you have heard or read or been told. All you need to do is to look, listen, and trust.

13.You will forget all this.

14.You can remember any time you wish.

**Auther unknown**

Burns NIght Poems

To A Mouse.

Wee sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie,O, what a panic's in thy breastie!Thou need na start awa sae hasty,Wi bickering brattle!I wad be laith to rin an chase thee,Wi murdering pattle!

I'm truly sorry man's dominionHas broken Nature's social union,An justifies that ill opinion,Which makes thee startleAt me, thy poor, earth-born companion.An fellow mortal!

I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve:What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!A daimen icker in a thrave'S a sma request;I'll get a blessin wi the lave,An never miss't!

Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!Its silly wa's the win's are strewin!An naething, now, to big a new ane,O foggage green!An bleak December's win's ensuin.Baith snell an keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an waste,An weary winter comin fast.An cozie here, beneath the blast,Thou thought to dwell,Till crash! the cruel coulter pastOut thro thy cell.

That wee bit heap o leaves an stibble,Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!Now thou's turn'd out, for a' thy trouble.But house or hald,To thole the winter's sleety dribble,An cranreuch cauld!

But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,In proving foresight may be vain:The best-laid schemes o mice an menGang aft agley,An lea'e us nought but grief an pain,For promis'd joy!

Still thou art blest, compar'd wi me!The present only toucheth thee:But och! I backward cast my e'e,On prospects drear!An forward, tho I canna see,I guess an fear!

Address to a Haggis.

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin'-race! Aboon them a' ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy of a grace As lang's my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Your pin wad help to mend a mill In time o need, While thro your pores the dews distil Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight, An cut you up wi ready slight, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like onie ditch; And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive: Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive, Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve Are bent like drums; The auld Guidman, maist like to rive, 'Bethankit' hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout, Or olio that wad staw a sow, Or fricassee wad mak her spew Wi perfect sconner, Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash, As feckless as a wither'd rash, His spindle shank a guid whip-lash, His nieve a nit: Thro bloody flood or field to dash, O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread, Clap in his walie nieve a blade, He'll make it whissle; An legs an arms, an heads will sned, Like taps o thrissle.

Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care, And dish them out their bill o fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies: But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, Gie her a Haggis!

Burns Night Recipe's

Hi To all, With Burns Nights approach I thought I would in a few blog entry's give a little insight about this Scottish tradition.. Here are two tradition Burns Night Recipes...

I thought they were interesting..


Bee

PS: For future referance-->Just say "NO" to Haggis !!


Cock-a-Leekie Soup.

1 boiling fowl 1-1.5 Kg (2-3lb)
1 onion, quartered
400-800g (1-2lb) leeks, cut into inch long (2-3cm) pieces, white and green kept separate
Stock from boiling fowl
1 bay leaf,
some parsley
6-12 prunes, soaked overnight (optional)
salt and pepper

Put the bird in a large pot and nearly cover with water, add herbs and salt and slowly bring to the boil. Skim, cover and simmer until tender, approximately 2 hours. Remove the bird, and allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile add the green part of the leeks to the stock and and add the prunes and continue to simmer. Cut the meat from the chicken into smallish pieces and return them to the soup, with the white part of the leeks. Simmer for a further 10 minutes. Check the seasoning and serve. Soup is generally better the next day, so if you have time, try and prepare it in advance.

* To make a Vegetable Soup, omit the boiling fowl and the stock and substitute with a vegetable stock.


"To most of the world the word haggis is synonymous with Scotland - and Burns Suppers in particular - and it's been so since Burns penned his immortal Address To A Haggis. "

Typsy Laird (sherry trifle).

1 Victoria sponge cake,

sliced 300g (3/4lb) raspberry jam

1 wine glass of sherry

2 tablespoons brandy or Drambuie

Home-made egg custard (see below)

300g (3/4lb) raspberries

2 bananas (optional)

250 ml (1/2 pint) double cream

1 tablespoon caster sugar

Toasted almonds Custard:

250 ml (1/2 pint) milk

150 ml (1/3 pint double cream

2 egg yolks

50 g caster sugar

Few drops of vanilla essence

Place the sponge in the base of a large glass bowl and spread with the raspberry jam. Mix the sherry and the brandy and sprinkle evenly over the sponge allowing it to soak in. Next add a layer of raspberries and sliced bananas.

*To make the custard, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla essence until pale and creamy. Heat the milk and cream together in a saucepan until boiling point then stir into the egg mixture. Once it is well blended, return to the pan and stir continuously over a low heat until the custard thickens. Pour into a dish and allow to cool. When quite cool, pour the custard over the layer of fruit, spreading evenly. Next whip the double cream, add sugar to sweeten and spoon on top of custard. Decorate with toasted almonds.
Serves 6-8.

Burns Night

Burns Night January 25

Robert Burns ( 25 January 1759–21 July 1796) (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard) was a poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best-known of the poets who have written in the Scots language although much of his writing is also in English and a 'light' Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these pieces, his political or civil commentary is often at its most blunt.
He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement and after his death became an important source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among Scots who have relocated to other parts of the world (the Scottish Diaspora), celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic culture during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature.
As well as making original compositions, Burns also collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His poem (and song) Auld Lang Syne is often sung at Hogmanay (New Year), and Scots Wha Hae served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well-known across the world today, include A Red, Red Rose, A Man's A Man for A' That, To a Louse, To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir, and Ae Fond Kiss.
Burns Night, effectively a second national day, is celebrated on 25 January with Burns Supper around the world, and is still more widely observed than the official national day, Saint Andrews Day, or the proposed North American celebration Tartan Day. The format of Burns suppers has not changed since Robert's death in 1796. The basic format starts with a general welcome and announcements followed with the Selkirk Grace. Just post the grace comes the piping and cutting of the Haggis, where Robert's famous Address to Haggis is read, and the haggis is cut open. The event usually allows for people to start eating just after the haggis is presented. This is when the reading called the "immortal memory", an overview of Robert's life and work is given; the event usually concludes with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Burns Night Supper

Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalised haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day. 25th of January
The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the haggis.

THE FORMAT FOR A BURNS SUPPER
Chairperson's opening address A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace.The company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. A piper then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem To a Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi' ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife.It's customary for the company to applaud the speaker then stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky. The company will then dine.

A typical Bill o' Fare would be:

Cock- O- Leekie- Soup

Haggis warm Reeking rich wi' Champit Tattis Bashed Neeps

Tyspy Laird (sherry trifle )

A Tassie o' Coffee

The Immortal MemoryOne of the central features of the evening. An invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today.Toast To The LassesThe main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in Burns' life. The tone should be witty, but never offensive, and should always end on a concilliatory note.ResponseThe turn of the lasses to detail men's foibles. Again, should be humorous but not insulting.Poem and SongsOnce the speeches are complete the evening continues with songs and poems. These should be a good variety to fully show the different moods of Burns muse. Favourites for recitations are Tam O' Shanter, Address to the Unco Guid, To A Mouse and Holy Willie's Prayer.The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme

The Nine Muses 3

Hi To all, Well this is the third and last entry on the 9 Muses. Very interesting talented ladies wouldn't you think? They look to have had a whole lot a fun as well.

To the 9 Muses I say:

"In Veno Veritas"

Many sparkling glasses of wine to all

B.

Melpomene; is the muse of tragedy in spite her joyous singing. She is represented by a tragic mask and is sometimes seen with a garland, a club and a sword.

Calliope; is the muse of epic poetry. Her name means "sweet voice". She and god Apollo were the parents of Orpheus, the great musician.

Polymnia; is the muse of sacred and rhetoric poetry. She has also been called the muse of geometry, meditation and agriculture. Polymnia is also seen veiled.

The Nine Muses 2

Euterpe; is the muse of lyric poetry. She is represented with a flute. Her name comes from the Greek 'Euterpein' meaning "to please".

Thalia; is the muse of comedy and of playful and idyllic poetry. She is represented by a comic mask and is also seen with a crown of ivy and a crook.

Urania; is the muse of astronomy. She is represented with a staff and a celestial globe. She can fortell the future by the position of the stars.

(Seen here wearing blue sitting with Calliope)

History Of the Muses

Hi to all, This is really fun lore... I love the Muses.

*~*

Bee

In Greek Mythology;


These are "the Nine Muses".. I will do them in three blog entry's..

Bee

History Of Muses

According to myth, after the gods of Olympus defeated the Titans, they asked Zeus (king of the gods) to create a group of new divinities whose task would be to sing the praises of that great victory. After Zeus coupled with Mnemo-syne ("memory") for nine consecutive nights,the muses were born at Pieria, at the foot of Mt.Olympus. Besides being divine singers, each of the nine muses had a different talent and was presented with a symbol.

Erato; is the muse of love poetry and mimicry.

She is seen with a lyre and sometimes wears a crown of roses.

Klio; is the muse of history. She is often seen sitting with a

scroll accompanied by a chest of books. She introduced

the Phoenician alphabet to Greece.

Terpsichore; is the muse of dance and song. She is often seen dancing with her lyre.

POEM FOR THE DAY

"The Autumn"

Go, sit upon the lofty hill,

And turn your eyes around,

Where waving woods and waters wild

Do hymn an autumn sound.The summer sun is faint on them --

The summer flowers depart --

Sit still -- as all transform'd to stone,

Except your musing heart.



How there you sat in summer-time,

May yet be in your mind;

And how you heard the green woods sing

Beneath the freshening wind.

Though the same wind now blows around,

You would its blast recall;

For every breath that stirs the trees,

Doth cause a leaf to fall.



Oh! like that wind, is all the mirth

That flesh and dust impart:

We cannot bear its visitings,

When change is on the heart.

Gay words and jests may make us smile,

When Sorrow is asleep;

But other things must make us smile,

When Sorrow bids us weep!


The dearest hands that clasp our hands, --

Their presence may be o'er;

The dearest voice that meets our ear,

That tone may come no more!

Youth fades; and then, the joys of youth,

Which once refresh'd our mind,

Shall come -- as, on those sighing woods,

The chilling autumn wind.



Hear not the wind -- view not the woods;

Look out o'er vale and hill-

In spring, the sky encircled them --

The sky is round them still.

Come autumn's scathe -- come winter's cold

--Come change -- and human fate!

Whatever prospect Heaven doth bound,

Can ne'er be desolate.



By
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I dedicate this poem to all my dear friends that are going through sad times and are grieving for loved ones lost..

Many Hugs

Bee

Poem of the day !!

If You See A Faery Ring ~ William Shakespeare

If you see a faery ring

In a field of grass,

Very lightly step around,

Tip-toe as you pass,

Last night faeries frolicked there,

and they're sleeping somewhere near.

If you see a tiny faery,

Lying fast asleep

Shut your eyes

And run away,

Do not stay to peek!

Do not tell

Or you'll break a faery spell.

The Harry' EST-> States & Towns

Hi All, I found this info on Amazon I thought it was so cool the winner of the Harry'-est town got a $5000 donation to the towns library from Amazon Books. I think they got this survey number from the books that were ordered only through amazon.com. But how cool!!

Bee

The Top 100 Harry-est Towns in America

1. Falls Church, Virginia
2. Gig Harbor, Washington
3. Fairfax, Virginia
4. Vienna, Virginia
5. Katy, Texas
6. Media, Pennsylvania
7. Issaquah, Washington
8. Snohomish, Washington
9. Doylestown, Pennsylvania
10. Fairport, New York
11. Woodinville, Washington
12. Princeton, New Jersey
13. Webster, New York
14. West Chester, Pennsylvania
15. Williamsville, New York
16. Fredericksburg, Virginia
17. Port Orchard, Washington
18. Decatur, Georgia
19. Larchmont, New York
20. Downingtown, Pennsylvania
21. Canton, Georgia
22. Woodstock, Georgia
23. Williamsburg, Virginia
24. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
25. Bel Air, Maryland
    Suwanee, Georgia
    Middletown, Delaware
    Herndon, Virginia
    Powell, Ohio
    Sebastopol, California
    Northville, Michigan
    Grass Valley, California
    Orange Park, Florida
    Aspen, Colorado
    Collegeville, Pennsylvania
    Mill Valley, California
    Park City, Utah
    Newark, Delaware
    Dallas, Georgia
    Norcross, Georgia
    Chatham, New Jersey
    Laurel, Maryland
    Plymouth, Michigan
    Littleton, Colorado
    Sonoma, California
    Grand Blanc, Michigan
    Great Neck, New York
    Warrenton, Virginia
    Warwick, New York
    Clermont, Florida
    Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
    Morrisville, North Carolina
    Fallon, Nevada
    Stone Mountain, Georgia
    Brighton, Michigan
    Poulsbo, Washington
    Rockville, Maryland
    Estes Park, Colorado
    Mount Airy, Maryland
    Placerville, California
    Hillsborough, North Carolina
    Erie, Colorado
    Chardon, Ohio
    Woodside, California
    Lake Stevens, Washington
    Ballston Spa, New York
    Alpharetta, Georgia
    Plainfield, Illinois
    Howell, Michigan
    Bothell, Washington
    Ojai, California
    Loganville, Georgia
    Bronxville, New York
    Hendersonville, North Carolina
    Redmond, Washington
    Scarsdale, New York
    Los Altos, California
    Alexandria, Virginia
    Lawrenceville, Georgia
    Ithaca, New York
    Emeryville, California
    Ambler, Pennsylvania
    Parker, Colorado
    Golden, Colorado
    Fort Mill, South Carolina
    Morris Plains, New Jersey
    Westlake Village, California
    Lilburn, Georgia
    Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
    Sandpoint, Idaho
    Auburn, California
    Charlottesville, Virginia
    Lake Villa, Illinois
    Castle Rock, Colorado
    Marietta, Georgia
    Saline, Michigan
    Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
    Monroe, New York
    Abingdon, Virginia

#100 Granbury, Texas

The Harry-est States in America

1 District of Columbia
2 Vermont
3 Utah
4 Washington

5 Massachusetts
6 Maine
7 New Hampshire
8 Wyoming
9 Maryland

10 Connecticut
11 Colorado
12 Oregon
13Virginia
14 Idaho
15 Delaware
16 Rhode Island
17 New York
18 California
19 New Jersey
20 North Dakota
21 Minnesota
22 Alaska
23 Pennsylvania
24 Wisconsin
25 Montana
26. Illinois
27. Nevada
28. New Mexico
29. Michigan
30. Arizona
31. Nebraska
32. Ohio
33. Iowa
34. Missouri
35. North Carolina
36. Kansas
37. Georgia
38. Indiana
39. Tennessee
40. Florida
41. Texas
42. South Dakota
43. Hawaii
44. Kentucky
45. West Virginia
46. Oklahoma
47. South Carolina
48. Louisiana
49. Alabama
50. Arkansas
51. Mississippi

Anything to sell a Newspaper

Hi to all, Well the New York times has not disappointed again.. Their lack of journalistic respect has been pushed to the fore front of news once again. You think with all the plagiarism that has been exposed about the NY Times you would think they would like to keep a handle on the bad press they get of late?? Although I have not purchased a NY Times newspaper in 30 years.. I saw early on their lack of creativeness and responsible journalism.. I am sorry for those who have been so discouraged by this latest stunt..
It seems a statement made by a pastor in Kansas fits this situation perfectly;

The NY Times has coveted their neighbor's possession and called it ambition.


Here is a copy of a press release provided by JK Rowling's and Bloomsbury Publishing.



Bee



Who did not get it spoiled :-)





10:01 AM PDT, July 19, 2007


Bloomsbury, the UK publishers of the Harry Potter novels, issued a press release today in response to copies of the final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, being released prior to the 'UK, US and worldwide embargo time agreed with retailers, suppliers, and all third parties involved of 00.01AM British Summer Time on Saturday July 21st 2007.' Being 'extremely dismayed' of the breach, the publishers note the worldwide embargo that the publisher's customers in 93 various countries 'robustly support' and is being enforced 'without exception.'

The press release also contains statements from author JK Rowling and the publisher in regards to some media outlets releasing unauthenticated information against the specific the wishes of Jo Rowling and the publishers. Jo Rowling said today, in a statement:




"I am staggered that some 'American newspapers" have decided to publish purported spoilers in the form of reviews in complete disregard of the wishes of literally millions of readers, particularly children, who wanted to reach Harry's final destination by themselves, in their own time. I am incredibly grateful to all those newspapers, booksellers and others who have chosen not to attempt to spoil Harry's last adventure for fans."


UK publisher Bloomsbury goes on to comment in the press release on the worldwide embargo that the publishers customers in 93 various countries, 'robustly support' the 12:01am BST embargo on the books. The publisher also issued a thank-you to the many media outlets around the world who have supported their efforts and not released speculated information prior to the release. In part the statement reads:
We would like to thank our customers and suppliers again for their full support given in so many different ways. We would also like to thank the worldwide media for their own observance of, and strict policing of, the embargo to preserve the secrecy of the plot for the readers of Harry Potter.




This is syndicated from The Leaky Cauldron

Mountain Sprite

The Mountain Sprite

In yonder valley there dwelt, alone,

A youth, whose moments had calmly flown, '

Till spells came o'er him, and, day and night,

He was haunted and watch'd by a Mountain Sprite.

As once, by moonlight, he wander'd o'er

The golden sands of that Island shore,

A foot-print sparkled before his sight --

'Twas the fairy foot of the Mountain Sprite!

Beside a fountain, one sunny day,

As bending over the stream he lay,

There peep'd down o'er him two eyes of light,

And he saw in that mirror the Mountain Sprite.

He turn'd, but, lo, like a startled bird,

That spirit fled! -- and the youth but heard

Sweet music, such as marks the flight

Of some bird of song, from the Mountain Sprite.

One night, still haunted by that bright look,

The boy, bewilder'd, his pencil took.

And, guided only by memory's light,

Drew the once-seen form of the Mountain Sprite.

"Oh thou, who lovest the shadow," cried

A voice, low whispering by his side,

"Now turn and see," -- here the youth's delight

Seal'd the rosy lips of the Mountain Sprite.

"Of all the Spirits of land and sea,

" Then rapt he murmur'd, "there's none like thee,

And oft, oh oft, may thy foot thus light

In this lonely bower, sweet Mountain Sprite!"

By,Thomas Moore

Sentiment for Today

A poem for all time, a poem for all people.....

Bee

*~* If *~*

A poem by Rudyard Kipling


If you can keep your head when all about you

are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

*~*

If you can dream and not make dreams your master;

If you can think and not make thoughts your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same:

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

*~*

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings,

And never breathe a word about your loss:

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

*~*

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much:

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

The Tiniest Fairy

Hi All and a Merry Christmas,

Some of you may have read this story but I really think it is worth a second read..
Such a sweet an lovely tale..




A Yule Story for Children ~ The Tiniest Fairy
~Author: Lady Abigail


In a time before time had been named, when life danced as a dazzling rainbow upon the mystical Earth, magick lived inside each earthen creature. Some, the big ones, were having a harder time seeing the magick now, than in the past. They were starting to forget that magick is all around you, if only you believed.Alicia was a small and tiny earthen spirit with sparkling blue eyes and a pinched up nose; even in the fairy world, where all things are small, she was the smallest of them all. Her home was deep inside the strong and twisting roots of a big Oak. It was safe and none of the winter cold snows could find their way a in. She loved playing around her cozy and warm home with her mom and dad. They would play hide and seek and she could easily hide in the corners or under the furniture. They would read books by the fire light and sing songs that only the fairies knew. Alicia was frightened of the other earthen creatures, as well as of what might be outside her cozy home under the big Oak. She had never been out before and saw no reason to go into the “outside.” When company came over Alicia would not come out of her tiny seed pod bed. When the Bunny family who lived next door came to visit, she was frightened that being so small, one of the many bunny babies might accidentally hop on her. She would only peek over the beds edge with her tiny pinched nose when the Gloends, a family of glowworms; came to visit, because she wanted to see where the warm yellow glow was coming from. At dinner one evening, Alicia’s mom and dad told her that soon winter's hold would be ending. That frightened Alicia since she only knew the winter and could not imagine what might happen if it was to end. They explained to her that in all the magickal world, it was her magick that would call in the changing of seasons and the turning of the great wheel. On the eve of the next night Alicia, her mom and her dad would go on a journey into the forest. Here, there would be a great gathering and all the mystical creatures of Earth would see her gift of magick. But Alicia shivered with fear -- what was this wheel and how can she stop this magick and changing? She liked things just as they were and didn’t want anything to change at all. She didn’t want to go to a gathering where so many would be. She didn’t know what this gift was that she was to give. What if she got lost and no one could find her? Or maybe the others would see her. Maybe they would not like her or make fun of her or laugh at her being so small. Her greatest fear was that maybe she had no magick. She had not seen it. She couldn’t fly like her mom and dad, she kept falling on her elbows. She couldn’t make things like flowers or snowflakes like her mom and dad; all she ended up with some ice that melted. She couldn’t even make light with her wand. How would her parents feel when they found out, what would she do? Even as frightened as Alicia was of going into the “outside, ” she was more frightened of what others might think of her. She didn’t want to disappoint her mom and dad, so she decided it would be best if she hid. She would go into the “outside;” no one would look for her there. She would not go very far. Just far enough away where she could hide until the gathering was over, and then the change would not happen.Alicia’s mom was roasting acorns for the great gathering’s feast and her dad was busy polishing up his ice wand. Alicia knew no one would see her leave, or think she would go into the “outside” alone, since she never had before. With her wand in a small bag tied to her waist, Alicia carefully opened the door of her house and stepped into the “outside.” She closed the door quickly and quietly so her mom and dad would not hear it creak. Then, she turned to see what was here in this “outdoors.” It was white everywhere. She walked along for a little while when all of a sudden “crunch” she sunk into the snow up to her wing tips. It took a bit of work but she wriggled her way up and out of the snow. Now she was really cold and she could see it was getting darker. The bright bluish color of the sky was now turning a purple hue with streaks of red and yellow. She wasn’t sure, but if night was coming she had to hide quickly. If she could fly just to the edge of the forest she would find a place to stay until the gathering was over and then she could go home again. Then it would be safe because nothing would change. That is what she wanted.Alicia was frighten and getting colder, but she had made up her mind. She had to do this, or everything she knew was going to change forever. She shook herself off and looked toward the forest edge. With all her will and might she jumped up and began flying forward. Then back a little, then up, then down, then around in some circles and then slower and then faster and then it happened. Bang! She flew right into a tree branch hanging low weighted heavy by the snow. Alicia did not know what exactly had happened as she rubbed her head, but when she rose up again out of the snow it had gotten very dark. She could see tiny lights twinkling above her now. She looked around trying to figure out what direction to go. By now the gathering must be over and she could go home. Everything would stay the same. But which way was home? Alicia couldn’t see where to go, so she didn’t want to try to fly. What if she hit another tree, it was dark now and she couldn’t make anything out, plus her head still hurt from before. She had to be very careful deciding what way to go now. All of a sudden, she heard someone calling her. “Alicia, Alicia.” She felt her body begin to shake so hard that the tiny ice cycles that had formed on the tips of her wings, tinkled like little bells. As she turned around to look behind her, she saw a woman lying on a big pile of fur blankets. She was not a fairy, but she was beautiful, dressed in a green, red and white gown. Hundreds of earthen creatures stood all around her, many Alicia had never seen before, but none were scared or frightened at all. Although Alicia didn’t understand it, she wasn’t frightened either.There seemed to peace about this woman, it was something calming. “Alicia, I have been waiting for you. I need your help.” the Lady said. “Waiting for me?” Alicia asked. “Yes, Alicia, ” she said. “Its dark now and we need your light to light the way, so that we can see what lies before us.” “My light?” Alicia asked, remembering she had not been able to make her wand light before. “It’s your magick Alicia, your magick that will call the light from within me.” the Lady said.Alicia slowly began to walk toward the woman. That’s when she saw that this quiet lady was going to have a baby, and she was going to have it any moment. All the fears and worries Alicia carried with her were beginning to melt away, just like the ice on her wing tips. As she looked into the meadow green eyes of this lady she wanted more than anything else in her small life to make a light for her.Alicia, still trembling, took her wand from its little bag, and raised it up. With every magickal hope she had ever had, she put her energy into lighting her wand. The lady smiled gently at her and in that instance there was a great flash of light which came from the tip of that tiny wand. It was a brilliant luminous light which filled every corner of the night. As Alicia held her wand high she looked over to see that now the lady was holding in her arms a baby; a wonderful little baby boy. Suddenly, she understood it all, everything her mom and dad had been telling her. This was the magick, this was her special gift. Alicia, the tiniest of all fairies, she was the one who carried the spark, the spark which released the light of the world and the turning of the wheel of life. In her tiny being she had carried that magick, the magick to unlock the power of love and understanding for the world to share. Standing in that brilliant light, Alicia understood who the Lady was and the importance of this baby. She was a part of the rebirth of the Light. This baby was the Light again reborn of the Goddess. The beautiful Lady was the Goddess of life, and Alicia was that spark of magick which survives all time and through which we find boundless possibilities.Soon the edge of the forest was filled with earthen creatures and spirits from all over the mystical world. Alicia’s mom and dad watched their fairy child as she beamed with joy. The Lady holding her baby boy, blessed all those who shared in this time of magick as the feast was served and great happiness was shared by all. Alicia didn’t even notice that she was floating on the air. She was no longer weighted down by all her silly worries or fears. She knew that even though she was tiny she had the power to light the world. Now she understood, magick is all around you if you only believe, and trust in yourself.So each year as you light a candle to call the light, remember the tiniest fairy, for it only takes one tiny spark to give light unto the whole world.

*~* I just had to share this *~*

Nature's Guardian Angel

By Josephine Wall

Gliding through the heavens, natures guardian angel keeps a watchful eye on the earth an her children, rejuvenating and replenishing where needed.

As she passes high above, the fruits of her labors can be reflected in her billowing cloak.

Beauty abounds under her loving and vigilant care.

This was my Birthday card from my hubby

Look closely at her to see all her splendor..

Sparkling Bee

Semper Fi

Hi All This is a copy of a letter from my MM group shared by another MM whose son was serving in the Middle East.

May God Bless and protect all our troops Until their return !!

Semper Fi

Tess



Marine Moms Save a Marine...…Well sort of. HAD to share this with you all.We've had a huge Support Our Troops drive going and have been sending our Marines and other soldiers care packages. We divided the packages into food products, male personal items and female personal items.One of our Moms (names have been deleted to protect the innocent!) sent us this message.
This is a little long (I apologize), but please make read - promise you will enjoy it!

To top off my son's email he was able to call yesterday!!! I've just been in absolutely the BEST mood. Not only did he call, but we were able to talk for a long time and it was so wonderful. He shared so many stories and had my laughing so hard. He wanted me to thank all his "Moms" and to let ya'll know that he and his fire team received their care packages and they were a wonderful morale booster. He said all of them had the Channel 11 footballs in their care package and they were out in the open area throwing the footballs around and other Marines were asking, "Hey where did ya'll get the footballs?" My son said at first they would all respond, "The Houston Marine Moms!". He said after awhile they were all laughing and they would just say "Our Moms". He said they call the footballs their WMD's. I asked why and he said that when the lights go out at night they all throw them really hard at each other and just have the best time. He was laughing so hard sharing these stories with me. He had me rolling. He told me how wonderful the care packages were and wanted me to tell everyone thank you. He said that one guy we'll call "Marine X" did get a girl care package and everyone was giving him a hard time. My son said, "Marine X got some really nice smelling lotion and everyone really likes it, so everytime he goes to sleep they steal it from him." I told my son I was really sorry about the mistake, and if he wanted I would send Marine X another package. He told me not to worry about Marine X because everytime I send something to him Marine X thinks it's for him too. He said when my husband and I sent the last care package Marine X came over to his cot picked up the box, started fishing through it, and said, "What'd we get this time?" ) My son said they had the most fun with Marine X's package. He said he wasn't sure who we were sending the pack to, but the panties were size 20, and he said one of the guys got on top of the humvee and jumped off with the panties over his head and yelled, "Look at me, I'm an Airborne Ranger!!!!". He said one of the guys attached the panties to an antenna and it blew in the wind like a windsock. He said it entertained them for quite awhile. Then of course, they had the tampons. When he brought this up my imagination was just running wild, but I let him continue. My son said they had to go on a mission and Marine X wanted the chapstick and lotion for the trip. He grabbed a bunch of the items out of his care package and got in the humvee. As luck would have it he grabbed the tampons, and My son said everyone was teasing him about "not forgetting his feminine hygiene products". My son said things were going well, and then the convoy was ambushed. He said a Marine in the convoy was shot. He said the wound was pretty clean, but it was deep. He said they were administering first aid but couldn't get the bleeding to slow down, and someone said, "Hey use Marine X's tampons". My son said they put the tampon in the wound. At this point my son profoundly told me, "Mom did you know that tampons expand?" ) "Well, yeah!". They successfully slowed the bleeding and got the guy medical attention. When they went to check on him later the surgeon told them, "You guys saved his life". If you hadn't stopped that bleeding he would have bled to death. My son said, "Mom, the tampons sent by the Marine Moms by mistake saved a Marines life." At this point I asked him, "Well what did you do with the rest of the tampons?" He said, "Oh, we divided them up and we all have them in our flak jackets, and I kept two for our first aid kit". I am absolutely amazed by the ingenuity of our Marines, and can't believe that something that started out as a mistake ended up saving someone's life. My sister said she doesn't believe in mistakes. She said that God had a plan all along. She believes that female care package was sent to Marine X to save our Marine. Either way ladies our efforts have boosted the morale of many Marines, provided much needed items for our troops, AND saved the lives of a Marine! God bless each of you for your efforts and hard work, and God bless our Marines!