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delurkr · 1 year ago

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Anne and James and sibling OCs in 1948

1948 being the year Anne and James married. Penelope is Anne's sister, and everybody else is James's family.

Cropped sections are further down. There's some connections from @108garys 's Super Massive Family Tree that play into everything (here's their portrait of older Penelope), and I'll leave it to them if they want to refresh everybody on the details. (Edit: 108garys gave lore in the notes). Some of the OCs have more lore than others, but I'm not getting into it here or doing deep dives about personalities and all that, so I just stuck together very non-deep little likes/dislikes/favorite activities lists for everyone. But first some notes on the art:

I went for a balance between dressy and casual, so most of these wouldn't be everyday outfits but none of them are formal either.

Nobody has naturally curly hair. Shirley has a perm, and Anne and Penelope use only curlers. (Unlike the other two, Penelope doesn't curl it every day).

If Anne's dress looks piecemeal that's because it is. Around 1948 was when women's fashion was transitioning from shorter wartime styles (minimum fabric) to longer hemlines, but ofc most women didn't just toss out all their old clothes, so the new things they bought were in the new style, while they also continued wearing what they had and sometimes altered their shorter things in various ways. The white border on Anne's dress is a recent addition, and so is the embroidered pocket because big pockets were also fashionable and it was intended to make the border look more like it belongs.

Shirley uses a brace, a built up shoe, and sometimes a cane due to effects from having polio when she was very young.

Bob has been in the U.S. Army for four or so years and he's currently a corporal. If part of his uniform is inaccurate then oh well because there were some details I just wasn't finding clear answers on (do point it out if you know something that's wrong tho). Also that's his hat he's holding in case it's hard to tell.

Ok now for the other stuff:

Anne, age 17 -

Likes: Dancing; recycling; Frank Sinatra music (don't spread it around); telephone party lines; the scratchy sound of crossing things off her to-do list.

Dislikes: Noisy children; poetry; men's cologne; bleached blonde hair; house pets; wrinkled clothes; rain on her hairdo; complainers; people with bad posture; anonymous love letters; being late; people who are late; unraked leaves; these peasants (most of the boys at school); being told she's too opinionated.

Favorite activities: Growing plants, mostly flowers; taking the mick out of James ❤

Penelope, age 8 -

Likes: Bicycling; puppies; reading, mostly fairytales; sticky sweets; movie stars.

Dislikes: Mud; talking to strangers; not having had her first kiss yet; never getting the lowdown after Anne's dates.

Favorite activity: Eavesdropping on the phone party line with Anne.

Shirley, age 24 -

Likes: Card games; chickens; picnics; reading; red on just about anything.

Dislikes: Snow; frogs; Bob; the sound of her own voice.

Favorite activity: Canoe rides to read on the open water. Her preferred victims to accompany her are James (she'll use her oldest-sibling authority for as long as she can) and whoever she happens to be dating (is that a weird date? idk but she calls it a no-go with a guy if he can't handle the quiet time).

Bob (Robert), age 22 -

Likes: Arm candy; being outside; cheating at card games; beer; animals, especially wildlife; pulling practical jokes on April 2.

Dislikes: Peas; serious conversations.

Favorite activities: Hunting; chasing women. (These things are not connected).

James, age 19 -

Likes: Holidays; history; picking dumb arguments; playing hockey when the pond freezes over; reading; PDA with Anne ❤

Dislikes: Waiting; hand-me-down clothes; being called Jimbo; having glasses.

Favorite activity: Finding money on the ground.

Clarence, age 11 -

Likes: Pocket knives; pirates; model train sets and dollhouses type stuff.

Dislikes: Surprises; hugs; getting up early; "old" people; getting his picture taken (that one's partly a joke, because I accidentally drew him looking a little moody for no reason).

Favorite activity: Fixing appliances and things around the house (under supervision because "fixing" is a bit of an overstatement. He can take things apart but has yet to learn how to properly put them back together).

Kathy (Katherine), age 7 -

Likes: Parties; collecting things; Brothers Grimm-style fairytales; terrible creature horror B movies.

Dislikes: Bugs, especially bees; nightmares from the terrible creature horror B movies.

Favorite activity: Poking dead animals. Trips to the butcher and dead mice found in the attic are her lifeline for now until she starts doing dissections in school. She definitely doesn't store said mice under her bed in jars she stole from the kitchen.

Cool so now that everyone is sufficiently grossed out I'll leave it here for now 😊 Stay tuned I guess because sooner or later I'm going to follow this up with the three youngest when they're older, around 1959 because that was a happening point in time for them. And lastly, 108garys is free to hate anything I wrote because we share the OCs but I consulted them on very little of this lol.

#this post is kind of a mess #but never mind everybody look at mah babieees #fanart #my art #anne clarke #james clarke #tdpa ocs #super massive family tree #midcentury tdpa #midcentury supermassive #the dark pictures anthology #little hope #not gonna tag tdim but that is relevant

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crossroadsfossil · 4 years ago

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Fake titles!!!

"Giving matches to paper dolls"

"Making wishes out of Airplanes"

"For wheat is still wheat when mistaken for grass at a distance."

" you've got time to grow"

"Letters to myself"

"I begged god to spare you, 10yrs later he got the memo and knocked my front teeth."

-im sorry this^ title is so long-

"You and have a long walk home."

"We decided not to cry."

send me a made-up fic title and i'll tell you what i would write to go with it

"Giving matches to paper dolls"

OTGW fic.

When Wirt was finished with high school, he decided to take a gap year, encouraged by his stepdad, who also offered to help fix up an old car. Wirt chose a moped.

His stepfather held up a hand when Wirt wheeled the moped into the garage. Wirt stopped and waited, his stepfather massaging the bridge of his nose before turning around and entering the house. Less than three minutes later he returned with a photo album, an almost manic grin on his face. Wirt ended up learning a lot about his stepfather’s own gap year, and his moped. His stepfather suggested he go south.

Looking back on it, Wirt realized that was probably not a great choice. He might not have ended up going through the kudzu covered wall in the rain and ending up nursing what he hoped wasn’t a broken ankle.

The woods were dark, and oh so familiar.

plot: return to The Beyond. World hopping Wirt and Greg. Eventual Beast Wirt.

"Making wishes out of Airplanes"

Plot: The thing about living in large cities was that light pollution drowned out all stars. The heavens could be raining down wish bearing stars and no one in the city or its suburbs would be able to see them.

That’s alright. Izuku was used to taking terrible situations and transmuting them into success like an alchemist of old. He did it when he was young, he would do it again.

He just hadn’t counted on Tomura being sent back in time with him.

"For wheat is still wheat when mistaken for grass at a distance."

Inko Midoriya could once move mountains. If you gave her enough time and a spoon, she would show you a new valley where it used to be. Marriage and the birth of her son had provided her the opportunity to retire - something she took with both hands and would refuse to give up.

Or it had been until she had seen what Izuku was being sent into, what even the top ten couldn’t prevent from happening to her son. She was... disappointed. She had expected more of them and, well. There were few things that could prompt her into leaving retirement. Izuku was always one of them, and when he asked how to save a person, well.

She pulled out the small black book with her cyphered contact list and began to call in favors and upon old friends.

" you've got time to grow"

One of the first things he was told after being taken in by the commission was that he was to be called Hawks. Which was fine. He liked it. It sounded cool. It sounded badass.

The second thing he was told was that he was being placed in a home. A pair of foster parents, carefully vetted. His mom had always told him to slow down, to not go as fast. Clearly, he didn’t listen to her. He didn’t regret it. Now, now he was forced to slow down. Bandages pulling at his back and shoulders, the echoing pain dulled by creams and medication. That wouldn’t stop him normally but the driveway that was half a kilometer to the road hindered him. The fact that the nearest town was an hour's drive beyond that was another factor. Until his wings grew back, if they grew back, he was stuck at his parent’s retirement home.

“Hawks, honey, the farmhands are almost here.” His mother said, phone in hand. “Your mom says they picked up lunch on the way back. From the glee in her voice, I think she got several buckets. I swear.” She sighed fondly and left. Minutes later he heard the front door open, and the tromping in of several sets of feet. With a sigh, he got up and limped down to the dining area.

At the threshold, he froze, seeing people he didn’t want to ever see again, and especially not with his mothers in the same room.

“Hawks.” Spinner said, surprise written over his face. The heads of the rest of the league snapped hard toward him, surprise and creeping dread over everyone’s face.

"Letters to myself"

If Phalnex could have written a letter to his past self, he would have encouraged another post. Any post. Any position would have been better than where he was currently. Yes, there were benefits but he would not consider this one of them.

A large feline purred as he entered the hanger. It was the largest of the lions- that was what the humans were calling them. He wasn’t sure what their fascination with comparing wildlife to creatures they had on their homeworld. He saw where they drew the comparisons, but still.

“Oh thank fuck.” A familiar voice said. His ears swiveled to pinpoint where the holder of the voice was and he spotted her held between the lion’s front two paws.

“Vin.” He greeted. The Midoan smacked the paws until they loosened enough for her to wiggle out from between them. She offered him a sympathetic look as she sped by him. As soon as she cleared the door, he was being picked up, scruffed as if he was a kit.

Gods, he couldn’t wait until that pilot returned. This lion was ungodly clingy without him.

"I begged god to spare you, 10yrs later he got the memo and knocked my front teeth."-im sorry this^ title is so long-

This would actually be a series, a trilogy to be exact. Age/roleswap.

I begged god to spare you, -

If there was one thing Izuka was worried about, it was this year’s UA internships. Tokoyami was doing his best to reassure him, but even the antics of darkshadow (who was doing her best to imitate an overly fluffy utahraptor) weren’t easing the twisting in his stomach. Something felt wrong. He wasn’t sure what it was, but when the interns had left with his sidekicks, something trilled at him to go with them, even though Recovery Girl had assured him that between herself, Apex and Ravine, they would be fine. There was a knock and then Ochako stuck her head in. She had that look she got when dealing with Bakugo and paperwork in the same room- a mix of exhausted and simmering annoyance.

“Guess who found trouble?” She said. Izuku groaned and let his head thump the table.

10yrs later he got the memo -

The two children before him were pale-haired, short, and one of them was looking at Izuku like he dared the hero to come closer. Toshi was letting Recovery Girl look over his arm, inspecting her work before moving on to Enji. The fire-user was giving a glare towards Toshi that, were his flames capable of shooting from his eyes, his classmate would be ash already.

The smaller of the two children clung to, what Izuku assumed was his older brother. Both were too skinny, and the smaller (younger?) of the two looked several minutes away from toppling over.

“I’m Izuku.” Midoriya greeted. The kid that bit Toshi snarled and reached out a hand, only for it to be grabbed and pulled away.

“Shigaraki.” The smaller sibling interrupted, shooting his brother a look. A silent conversation passed between them, and Izuku let them. No one knew what their quirks were, but judging by the fact that the yakuza had them, he was sure it was powerful and dangerous. Worst case scenario, he asked for Miss Eri and got Tenko in here to provide a pep-talk.

and knocked my front teeth. -

“Babysitting?” Touya asked, dropping his bag and removing his shoes. Tenko nodded. Around him, there was what appeared to be the entirety of Tenko’s comic collection. One child was eagerly engrossed, chattering excitedly at his brother. The brother glared at everyone, tracking their movements. He hoped Tenko had told his boss that he wasn’t keeping the brats overnight. Being roommates with a hero-ling was one thing. Being dragged into a literary trope was another, and as much as he enjoyed his college courses on such books, he didn’t want to live one.

Tenko got up and pulled Touya into the hallway, just far enough that they could talk but not far enough that Tenko couldn’t lean back and keep an eye on them.

“Midoriya-san is working on placement, but well. He was of the opinion that our apartment was the safest place for him. The yakuza are after them.”

Touya snorted. Of course Tenko got dragged into this.

“Well, Deku isn’t wrong. We’ve got what, four heroes and an almost doctor here? If Himiko can make it, we can add one spy to the list.”

“She’s not a spy.”

“Uh-huh. And Iguchi hasn’t adopted half his class.” Tenko opened his mouth to negate that statement but a pale-haired child peered around the corner.

“Who’s a spy?” of course that was what interested the angry child.

"You and I have a long walk home."

This would be a FMA fic, mostly because I want to just have shenanigans as Ed and Al get kicked off a train and have to walk back. Post the end of the series and they go through a town they’ve been through before. Very soft and very sweet. Some Teacher!Edward and alphonse getting to do a lot of things he couldn’t the first time around, like pet all the barn cats and fondle the freshly washed wool and being buried in cuddly sheep.

"We decided not to cry."

"The tears of a mermaid.” Ginko set the small bottle on the witch’s desk. She picked it up, tilting it before leveling a skeptical glare at him.

“These certainly aren’t.” She set the bottle down, but stopped him as he went to put them back in his pack.

“It doesn’t mean I don’t want them. I do want the story. What happened to the real tears?”

Ginko smiled, sitting down. The witch leaned over and lit another stick of incense. He voiced his thanks before launching into the story.

plot: mushishi episode basically. Will contain mermaids, mer-other things, and some potential murder.

#dashboard games #Vin Robles #BNHA fic #FMA fic #Well ideas at least.#dadzawa adopt dabi #Mailbox

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flyingthehedge · 6 years ago

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Bone Magic Series: How to Ethically Acquire Animal Remains

So now that we have covered many of the historical and modern uses of animal remains, how do you go about acquiring them? The good news is, you have several options to legally and ethically acquire bones, furs, feathers, teeth, and claws, you just have to know where to look! I understand not everyone has access to large expanses of woods to find animal remains or trekking through a forest looking for bone may not be your thing. I get it! And because of the internet, it's now easier than ever to acquire animal remains, even for those that are against killing animals, like myself.

Nature Walk

This is how I have acquired most of my animal remains, most of which came from my dad who is an avid hunter (well he used to be) and therefore out in the woods a lot! He stumbles on animal remains all the time and brings them all home. I'm fortunate enough to be given many of the things he finds, and I use them as decor and in my magical practice. You simply need to venture out into the woods and keep an eye out. If you are hiking common trails, especially in a park, you're likely not going to find anything because others have been there before you. Besides, you're not supposed to take anything from parks, but I know people do anyway. Find a wild place, where few people travel and walk the local wildlife trails. Deer wear some pretty clear paths through the woods; these are great places to start. Don't be surprised if you don't find anything on your first walk. You'll likely take a lot of walks before finding anything, but that's part of the fun!

Roadkill

This is an easy way to get animal remains, but not a very pleasant one! Furthermore, there are several downsides to using roadkill remains. First, you run the risk of coming into contact with an infectious disease, including rabies and even leprosy! A word to the wise, if you live anywhere near armadillos, like I do here in Georgia, leave their remains right where you find them! They are notorious for carrying leprosy and no one wants to be a lepper, although you'd certainly have that old world witchy vibe going on. Second, many of the bones may be broken or otherwise harmed. Its the side effect of being hit by a car! Third, the animal remains will need to be cleaned of any remaining flesh, and the process doesn't always smell very nice. I'll cover that move in the next post. Please make sure you follow all local laws regarding roadkill. It is illegal in some areas to touch roadkill, but I won't tell.

Hunting/Hunters

If you are a hunter, you can save the remains of the animals you have killed. If you aren't a hunter but don't mind that someone else did the killing, the check out the local animal processing business. Hunting season is year round, meaning something is in season all the time, so hunters are constantly bringing in animals that need to be processed. In Georgia, you can pick up white-tail deer, turkey, wild boar/pig, rabbit, waterfowl, and even bobcat and coyote remains if you get lucky. After they have processed the animal, there are bones and pelts left over. Some of the processing businesses will sell these; some may even give you parts for free! Some smaller businesses are just happy someone is taking it off their hands because a lot of times the unused remains end up in the trash.

Butcher Shop/Grocery Store

There is a couple of option here. One you can buy meat with the bones still in the meat and remove them yourself, or you can ask the local butcher if they have any leftover bones you could buy. Yes, they usually sell the bones here because people like to use them in cooking stock. Keep in mind that cooked bones are more brittle than uncooked bones, but you are more than welcome to use cooked bones. I've seen several witches do it with good results.

Online Stores

Not interested in getting your hands dirty? Not to fear! There are tons of great shops online that ethically acquire animal bones, usually from animals that died of natural causes. Do some research on the companies though. While they may advertise that they ethically and legally sourced the animal remains, you can't be too careful. Be wary of exotic animals and always make sure to check whether or not the animal is listed as endangered. It is illegal to own any remains of an endangered animal unless there is proper paperwork detailing it came from healthy populations or it is from before 1973.

So what shops do I recommend? Curious Nature sources all of their remains from roadkill, zoos, or a byproduct of another industry, such as farming. They purposely try to learn as much as they can about where the remains come from, to ensure they are ethically sourcing their product. You can read more on their stance here. One of the best stores and a personal favorite of mine is The Skull Store. Like Curious Nature, they actively search for ethically and sustainably sources animal remains, not to mention they work with conservation programs, wildlife rehabilitation, and education programs. They never commission an animal to be killed; instead, they purchase animal remains from sustainable sources such as zoos, farms, indigenous peoples, and old collections. Furthermore, they work with law enforcement and wildlife enforcement agencies to help catch poachers and smugglers. You can read their full policy here. This is one of my favorite online sources as they take action in the wildlife community. Another shop I love is Of Moth and Moon. I've ordered from their shop and received some amazing little curiosities. It's a small family business and all of their animal remains come from nature, owl pellets, roadkill, natural deaths, or are the by-product of an industry or pest control. You can request items to come strictly from nature, roadkill, or natural death if you don't want to support an industry that profits from killing animals.

Your Pets

Yes, you can get animal remains from your pets, while they are still alive and well I might add. My cats shed fur, whiskers, and nails all the time. Any of these could easily be used in magical practice. Sometimes a pet may lose a tooth or need to have one extracted. You can ask the vet for that tooth! My chickens constantly shed feathers. I am completely covered up in feathers right now! When your pet passes, you can also opt to have them preserved or use their bones in your practice, if that doesn't bother you too much.

***

No matter how you decide to acquire your animal remains, please never kill an animal simply to harvest something from it. That's highly unethical and the spirit of the animal will not be pleased. Please follow all local laws and regulations regarding animal remains. I think by now most American witches know they aren't supposed to be picking up feathers, but use your best judgment. If you do come across animal remains in nature, approach it with respect and caution. Disease is a big factor, but the spirit may still be hanging out around. If you sense that it is, ask if you may approach and touch the bones. If its a no, simply thank the animal for its time, leave an offering and move along. If it does allow you to touch it, make your intentions clear and known and ask if you may take a bone or several with you for your magical workings. As of yet, I haven't been told no! You may find the bones are empty, especially if they have been there a while. I would still approach respectfully.

How do you find animal remains to use in your practice?

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Bone Magic Series

Introduction

A Brief History of Animal Remains in Magic

Bones and Skulls: How to Use Them in Magic

Furs and Pelts: How to Use Them In Magic

Feathers, Fangs, and Claws: How to Use Them in Magic

How to Ethically Acquire Animal Remains

Cleaning and Preserving Animal Remains

Working With the Spirits of Animal Remains: Crossing Over & Contracting

Feeding Your Bones

Throwing the Bones + Build Your Own Bone Tarot

#hedgewitch #hedge witch #witch #witchy #witchcraft #pagan #neopagan #occult #wicca #wiccan #tradcraft #bone magic #magick #witchblr #witches of tumblr #pagans of tumblr #spells #skulls #bones

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thelittlestcheshire · 5 years ago

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+ Hey Mom!

Dear Maman;

I don’t know why I keep writing you, perhaps it’s because in some ways - I feel like you’re the only one who’d understand everything; even if you’re not here to listen. Grand-maman keeps telling me just how similar you were at my age, for years I thought she was just confusing me with Effie, or Ella. A few lost marbles in her old age, but over Christmas, she actually gave me your journals. I suppose this isn’t the way you would have wanted me to learn about you, but they help. It gives me hope that, maybe, if you were still alive today, you’d actually be able to talk me through all of this. I suppose we Andrieux women are forged in fire, perhaps like that quote about the stars. Withering, dying, beautiful, brilliant. From all the stories, I can’t imagine arrière grand-mère’s tale is much different the rest of ours, I suppose I wish I knew her better when I was still able to.

I wish I could write to you to tell you about how wonderful things are going here, how the clouds have cleared and we’ve finally reached the end of the tunnel but I’m afraid that’s not quite the case yet. I keep having the nightmares, every night I wake up screaming. Reaching for you, trying to stop it - feeling almost as if your blood is back on my hands and I’ll never quite be able to clean it off of my skin. I feel like they’re actually getting worse, I’m sorry maman. I keep hearing you’d want me to move on, but I can’t. I let you down, I’ve probably let you down so many times over the years it’s not funny. With him, for following down the path you went down you’d never want me to follow down. I’m sorry I still can’t shake the feeling that it should have been me, that you should still be here.

Sometimes it feels like I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing; like I’m being torn in different directions all the time, and I thought coming back to school would make things easier but it’s even worse. All I want is to go home, but I don’t even know which home anymore. Manhattan, Paris, Luxor? Nothing feels right. I still feel like that poor little lambie, maman. “Birds and the butterflies, pecking out its eyes” and all. Sometimes, I think the sensation is getting worse. Perhaps it’s thanks to everything going on here with the circle.

I’ve been drinking again, Emmett has been too. Sometimes, after the nightmares, I still call him and he talks me down like when we were children. I don’t tell him about the circle, about what’s going on here, I can’t bring myself to hear the concern I’m certain you’re feeling as you watch from above. You’d be so disappointed in me, drinking, sleeping around, trying so desperately to keep father happy and failing every step of the way. I haven’t been going to Mass, I haven’t gone to confessional, I’ve been letting you down every step of the way. And yet, when I read your journals, I feel closer to you than ever before. You made so many mistakes, and yet, you became the best mother a girl could have ever asked for - we were so lucky you were ours, I just wish you never had to go.

I wish I could go back in time and change it, I wish I knew who pulled the trigger, I wish I could tell him how much I hope he burns for everything he did to you and our family. If we have answers, nobody will tell me, maybe it’s for my sake, maybe it’s for his, maybe it’s even for yours. You weren’t the type to wish ill on others, grand-papa says that’s the one trait I got from my father. I just hope you understand why I feel the way I do, that you don’t hate me for the anger, for the guilt, for the throbbing pain I feel sometimes when someone says your name.

I’m back in therapy again, I think you’d be happy about that - he’s pushing me, but it’s helping. I still refuse to do the homework he gives me, there’s no way I’m bringing mental health packets anywhere near these people, they’d eat me alive, but I think he’s starting to understand why a bit? Not that I’m telling him the truth either about the Circle shit, I told him something about a bitchy cheerleader named Barbara who likes to torture people and while I don’t think he’s completely buying it, he’s not pushing. Sorry for the language, I’m trying not to swear in this, I promise I remember how much you hated hearing those words.

In some better news, Logan’s doing better! At least, that’s what he keeps telling us. I’m scared, he lied the last time things were getting bad, and I’m not there to keep an eye on him. I’m not there to intervene and take care of him if he needs me to, I’m here. I keep reminding myself Jonah is right there, that the better twin has him and it’s going to be okay. That none of us are ever going to let him down again because we can’t afford to lose him, but I’m scared. I’m always scared lately, I really wish I was able to cut out my heart at this point. All of these emotions would go away, it’d no longer matter how much I think about everything going on as I stare at my ceiling late a night because it’d no longer hurt. I wish I could, but I can’t. Human biology hasn’t gotten there quite yet, I’m afraid. Let’s add that to the list of things I’d like to happen, probably after bionics - Mass Effect style.

Impossible wishes, but maybe you’d get a chuckle from them.

Jamie and I still can’t see eye to eye, it’s the same old argument. He slept with my boyfriend, he refuses to apologize, and he’s massive jerk every time I see him and I react. I think he knows it upsets father when I react, so he’s doing it to keep his spot as the favorite without competition. as if I’d want that spot. I’d just love it if father would actually show up next year for Christmas so I don’t have to give his presents to the secretary to deliver to his office, but that’s about it at this point. I’m sure things would be different if you were still here, I really miss you. I can’t believe it’s almost been ten years.

Otherwise, I know I mentioned Emmett is still my emotional support human, but did you see he’s going to propose to Camellia. Jamie’s throwing a fit, screaming everyone’s too young, but I know Cam - it’s going to be a long engagement anyway. I’m happy for them, I wish you had been able to meet her. You’d love her, she might be a model but I swear I’ve never seen anyone light up at the words “poisonous spider” the way she does. She’s so down to earth, I’m looking forward to meeting her father the next time he’s in the states. I’ve heard so much about the famous wildlife photographer, Pascal Lima, but meeting him? That’s going to be amazing. Jonah is doing well, he has a new girlfriend, he’s still photographing all the dogs he gets to pet and turning it into a scrapbook - I wish I was more like him sometimes. So full of life, so happy to be alive. I miss him a lot this time, but I suppose it’s okay. I have my own electric bright spot keeping my on my toes here.

I’ve written to you about Elliot before though, so I suppose in this exercise, you already know exactly who I’m on about. I wish you could meet him, Lucy, Ian, Adrian, Callie, and Sora, they’re some of the best friends a girl can have - you know? I’m used to this feeling, but sometimes, I wish I could actually have confirmation for this gut feeling - that you’d like my friends, that you’d be happy I found people who make me feel good about myself regardless of all the fucked up things that have happened. That leave me feeling like, that maybe, someday, if I put enough hard work in, maybe I could actually matter and be more than just a person who existed. Like I could actually go after my dreams and make it, if I wanted to. Anyway, let me cover the rest of what I want to discuss and wrap this up. I’m sure heaven has better things to do than reading a letter your daughter wrote.

I don’t know how guardian angels work if it’s actually a thing and what-not, but if it is - I need you to do me a massive favor. Please send someone to keep an eye on Effie and Ella. I’m really worried about them, they look up to me so much, and the last thing I want is for them to become fucked up like me. To become so disappointing their own father can’t even look at them without being reminded, that one, that one destroyed my family. I’ve noticed Effie counting calories, I’ve heard the puking she’s tried to hide in the bathroom. Logan and I are trying to nudge her towards help gently, I don’t know what will set her off, but I can’t watch another sibling go down the path of destruction and yet, I don’t know if my attempts to help will make things worse or keep her safe. And Ella, she’s already asking to go to the MAC counter, for leather pants and crop tops. She’s so young, I can still remember braiding her hair and watching Sesame Street during breakfast with her. She’s growing up so fast and I want to pull her back, hand her a doll, and say “no, you need to enjoy this before it’s too late; before you spend your nights worrying about children at home and ‘that test was an A-, how could you let everyone down with an A-, you’re a worthless, disgusting person for being less than perfect.’”

Before you turn out like your big sister.

Maman, did you feel this way with Tatie Adeline? Were you this scared, looking at your decisions and praying that she wouldn’t make your mistakes, that she’d be better? I feel like I failed the girls, that I failed you, and I don’t know how to fix any of this. I’m trying my best, but maman, please, if it’s possible, help me keep her from making my mistakes. From feeling like alcohol is the only thing that’ll keep her together once everything feels like it’s about to shatter on the floor around her, from getting testing for STDs at least once a month because she thinks flings are better than heartbreak, from believing - even for a second, she’s not worth more than every single star in the sky or that I don’t love her and Effie with every fiber of my being. Help me do a better job of filling your shoes so I do better by them than I did for myself.

I’m sorry I’m writing about my problems again, I promise it’s not all bad here though. Remember what I said about my friends? Lucy and I might vacation this summer if things go to plan, I think I’m going to try to drag Sora to a few baseball games this year, and Elliot genuinely makes me feel like music - it’s strange to think about sometimes. I’d say don’t ask, but, it’s not like you could if you wanted to. My boys are a pretty good pick me up, Ian and Adrian - of course, even with everything going on in all our lives. I’m okay, really - I’m doing better, it’s really great here. So please don’t do that thing with your nose, if that’s something you’re able to do up there. Can’t say I really know for sure what the deal is, but I hope you’re okay.

I love you, maman. I’ll write to you again soon.

Love always,

#//so this is long and I'm emotional #//ask me to tag if I forgot any tws #murder tw #death tw #blood tw #violence tw #drugs tw #Anonymous #alcohol tw #alcohol mention tw #vomiting tw #vomit mention tw #eating disorder tw #answered #all of my heroes died all alone ( musings )#musings ( elswood family )

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adalheidismimisbrunnr · 5 years ago

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Daily Rituals

When we embark on a spiritual path, sometimes the path gets twisted and we feel we lose our connection to the Divine. This is totally normal and shouldn’t get you down! Sometimes we are too busy with the mundane to cater to our spirituality. But there are ways to include simple daily pagan rituals into your routine without a fuss. You don’t have to do every single one every day, pick and choose a few you could fit into your schedule and try to remember them. The key is to create a habit of your daily pagan rituals so that you don’t forget or don’t feel too guilty if you do! Without further ado, here’s my list of 30+ simple, daily pagan rituals.

30+ Daily Pagan Rituals

1. Light a candle

Many of us pyromaniacs already love burning candles in our homes, so why not make it a part of your daily pagan rituals? Light a candle and say a quick prayer of gratitude to your god or goddess or ancestors. Then go about your day.

2. Offerings for the Gods

Everyone thinks offerings are complicated…here’s a little secret – they’re not! Offerings can be anything you feel your god or goddess would enjoy food, beverage, water, incense, herbal blends, art, and poetry. Some gods enjoy a nice black cup of coffee in the morning. Some enjoy a portion of your dinner at night. Some prefer the scent of patchouli incense. Incorporate offerings into your daily routine and watch the blessings roll in!

3. Offerings for the Ancestors

Same as above – make offerings to your ancestors one of your daily pagan rituals. Did your granny like to steal sweet n’ lows? Add a couple to your ancestor altar for her. Did your Uncle enjoy bonfires? Light a candle for him in the evening.

4. Rise to Greet the Sun

If you’re an early riser, this should be a simple one – rising to greet the sun. Sit outside with your coffee and watch the sun rise. Bask in the glory of the star that gives life to this planet.

5. Runic Stadhas or Yoga

Edred Thorsson talks about runic stadhas in his book Elder Futhark. These are similar to yoga positions. So, whether you enjoy yoga or feel a connection to the runes, try physical positions like the runic stadhas or yoga on a daily basis. Even if you only do one or two in the morning to get your day started or in the evening to relax and connect.

6. Go for a Walk

Simply going for a walk outside is enough to relax you and re-connect with Mother Earth. Don’t have a lot of time to fit in a walk? Instead of sitting at your desk for lunch break, take your lunch outside and go for a walk afterward. Even if it’s only a ten-minute walk.

7. Dream Journalling

Keep a journal at your bedside. Before you even set foot on the floor in the morning, write down your dreams in a dream journal. This is a simple, yet effective way to tune into your higher self and gods – through dreams. The more you journal your dreams, the more dreams you will recall.

8. Meditate

You don’t have to meditate for an hour or even a half an hour. Pop in a set of earbuds and listen to a ten-minute relaxing guided meditation for free on YouTube.

9. Nature Signs and Omens

Throughout your day, pay attention to any nature signs or omens. This could be anything – a praying mantis on the windshielf, a blue jay that seems to repetitively visit you, a cloud in the shape of a heart, a snail that’s entered the house, etc. The gods and ancestors often use nature to communicate with us. This is one of the most enriching daily pagan rituals in my practice.

10. Light Incense

Just as you light a candle for your gods or simply to re-connect, light incense on a daily basis. Something about the scent of incense in the air puts me into an otherworldly state of mind. It is relaxing and grounding, too.

11. Read a Spiritual Book

Take fifteen minutes out of your day to read a spiritual book. Whatever topic you’re studying in the realm of paganism, set aside a little time daily to read and absorb what you are reading. Knowledge is power, after all.

12. Love Your Pets

Whether you have a dog, horse, or a hamster, set aside some time every day to love on your pets. This doesn’t seem like a pagan ritual, but anything done with intention and in a routine, can be a ritual. And what’s more pagan than loving on animals?

13. Light a Red Candle in the Kitchen

Keep a red candle in your kitchen. Light it in honor of the ancestors who came before you, who cooked hearthside to feed and nourish their families just as you do today!

14. CleanseYourself

One of those self-love daily pagan rituals is cleanse yourself. You don’t have to do this daily, but I promise if you do take up the practice, you won’t regret it. cleansing removes the negative debris stuck in your aura, helps to relax you, and to ground you after a long day of work.

15. Love Your Family

One of the most pagan things to do is to honor and love your family. Think back hundreds of years ago – what did your ancestors’ value back then? Life, love, and family. They focused on survival and did what they had to do to feed and care for their families. And it’s a good thing too, because you’re here because of them! Honor your ancestors by loving your family every day. Spend quality time with your family as a daily pagan ritual. Othala.

16. Write in Journal / BOS

Keep a record of your spiritual journey, traditions, and thoughts by writing them down in a spiritual journal or Book of Shadows. Take five minutes a day to write something down – even if it’s just your emotions or your thoughts in that moment.

17. Wear a Stone

Choose a stone to wear on a daily basis. This is a simple, small daily pagan ritual to do in the morning. If you can’t wear it, then put it in your pocket. Choose stones for protection, grounding, energy, etc.

18. Pray to the Gods

Take time in the morning while you’re getting ready for the day or take time just before falling asleep to say a simple prayer to the gods. Prayers of gratitude are best. The more grateful we are for the gods’ presence in our lives, the more blessings roll in.

19. Visit the Garden

Whether you keep an elaborate garden or just have a few plants and trees in your yard, take some time in the early morning or the evening to pay the garden a visit. You never know what wisdom the plants, trees, and wildlife have to share with you. I find garden visits comforting, peaceful, and enlightening.

20. Exercise

How is exercise a daily pagan ritual? In this modern day and age, everyone is so busy and sedentary. We don’t have the time to work out. But here’s the thing – we were gifted with these bodies by the gods/universe/ancestors and so we should be grateful for them and care for them just as we care for our spirits. Even if you just go for a run in the morning, do something to get your heart pumping every day. Make the gods proud.

21. Brew a Cup of Tea

Make brewing tea a daily ritual. Enjoy choosing your own loose-leaf herbs, hearing the tea kettle whistle on the stove, and then pouring the hot water over the herbs. Sit down, be quiet, and sip your tea while waiting for the Divine to speak to you.

22. “Smudge” Your House

Along the same lines of smudging yourself, smudge your house to rid it of any negative vibes or spirits. A quick smudging does the trick, even if it’s only ten minutes.

23. Rune or Card of the Day

Something I enjoy doing in the morning, draw one rune or one tarot/oracle card for the day. It might give you a sneak peek of what’s to come or just provide some sage advice. Either way – drawing one rune or card of the day is one of the easiest and enlightening daily pagan rituals.

24. Use Herbs in Cooking

Have a garden with herbs or vegetables? Use them in your cooking on a daily basis. If you don’t have a garden, choose spices from your kitchen cabinet for specific purposes. For example – cinnamon for money. Sugar to sweeten up situations and people. Rosemary for love. Etc.

25. Pray to the Ancestors

Just as you pray to the gods, pray to your ancestors as well. They enjoy hearing from you too.

26. Freshen Up Your Altar

Clean up your altar on a daily basis. This means dump those ashes off your incense burner. Dust off any dirt or debris. Refresh your offerings. Etc. Make your altar a place worthy of the gods and ancestors.

27. Gaze at the Moon

On nights when the clouds are clear, go outside and gaze at the moon. Feel the lunar rays on your skin.

28. Plan the Next Sabbat

Take time to plan the next sabbat. Write down ideas on traditions, rituals, food, etc. This is a fun daily pagan ritual to do with the whole family (if they are pagan, as well).

29. Call a Pagan Friend

On days you feel you need an extra boost of comfort or confidence, call a pagan friend. There’s nothing like talking to someone of like-mind and kindred spirit.

30. Ground and Center

With how crazy life can get, making grounding and centering a part of your daily pagan rituals can really do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Even if you touch a tree before going inside or walk around outside with bare feet, both of these rituals help.

31. Plan the Next Esbat

Just as planning the next Sabbat can be fun, so can planning your next Esbat. Plan an aura-cleansing bath on the New Moon – what herbs will you use? Will you use sea salt or epsom salt? Plan to do a releasing ritual on the next Waning Moon. What will you do next full moon? Write down your thoughts and ideas.

32. Research Your God/Goddess

In addition to reading a spiritual book once a day, spend a few minutes doing further research on your god or goddess. This can be online or in books. Read your god or goddess’ mythology, folklore, and history. This gives honor to your god or goddess and enriches your relationship with them.

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ericvick · 4 years ago

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West Facet Tales: Indeed, I noticed the ‘suspect’ functioning on Athelwold St.

It was scarcely 15 earlier 7 a.m. about three months in the past when the day turned definitely odd seriously rapid.

I experienced just gotten back from my morning wander-about, which experienced a small exhilaration over and above the norm. It was a person of the 1st good times of spring, pleasant adequate where I could sit out on the front porch with my espresso and not have to pretend it was heat. I was nonetheless inside pouring my coffee when the phone rang. It was my spouse.

“Hey, a law enforcement officer just arrived up to me as I was leaving the house for function,” she explained. “They had been asking if we experienced viewed the suspect this early morning.”

My muscle tissues seized up and there was a silence on the telephone.

When the police are wanting for suspects all over in this article, it’s not fantastic information at any time of the day. I wondered what had transpired – a shooting…a hit and run…Was my auto intact? How did I overlook all the motion when I was outside before?

It had been a rather tranquil early morning aside from that one appealing twist. But I experienced viewed no proof of police issues. Resigning to the thought that far more violence had long gone down, I questioned her what she advised the law enforcement.

“I advised them you experienced observed the suspect,” she explained more than the cellular phone.

My coronary heart level jumped. I hadn’t noticed something. I questioned her why she would notify the law enforcement that I was concerned and, if record dictates the present close to right here, I possibly did not want to be involved in observing any suspects.

She paused, then laughed – which I imagined wholly inappropriate. “I’m talking about the coyote you observed,” she explained, figuring out she experienced provided me a cardiac moment. “The police are out hunting for a coyote. I guess anyone referred to as.”

That early morning, the exciting twist in my stroll was viewing a coyote arrive out of nowhere and jet down Athelwold Street at what seemed like the speed of gentle – dodging an oncoming school lunch shipping truck. It was a startling moment, and odd, but 1 you move on from. It is amusing how wildlife has returned to this side of Dorchester.

This was my 2nd coyote sighting in excess of here, and while this sort of matters are prevalent in Cedar Grove or Decreased Mills, on this significantly-denser side of Dorchester, they are anything uncommon indeed.

About 10 a long time back, I seemed on as a few turkeys dropped out of the sky on July 4 and landed on my neighbor’s do the job truck. It was surreal at the time. I even despatched in a picture to the Dorchester Reporter – and they ran it with exhilaration. At present, you see turkeys about right here 4 or five periods a 7 days. A total family of them life in Mother’s Relaxation Park like they have the position. They’re like squirrels now – just yet another part of this odd city landscape.

So, sure, I did place the suspect that morning, and if any BPD brass would like to swing by, I’m offered for questioning.

Speaking of suspects – There has also been much too substantially real violence – non-coyote similar – above the past couple of months all around in this article. Two weeks back, when we experienced firm from out of town keeping with us, some youthful gentleman squeezed off 8 gunshots at an enemy in the street a couple of blocks absent from our house. He strike no a single, but the gunfire was sufficient to established the community on its aspect. It is a actually disagreeable truth to have to make clear to guests that this kind of things do not come about that frequently, and that there is no explanation to be fearful. Of program, there is enough reason to be terrified when you hear a firearm blasting in the street.

The younger man was arrested on the place, criminal offense scene tape was deployed, and K-9 pet dogs scattered in every single course to do their sniffing. The kicker in this article is that the child was from Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury – actually? I appeared him up and he experienced absent to Shrewsbury Substantial, wherever he was a quite excellent hoops participant. This is occurring more and more: Youngsters from the suburbs coming into our neighborhood and thinking something goes. There must have been ample warning signals of this young male going off track for the superior persons of Shrewsbury to just take note. But which is just it: Far too generally they ship their issues off to Dorchester, Mass/Cass, and other locales. A essential problem proper listed here and now is the suburbs stepping up and using care of their issues simply because I’m developing impatient with their dysfunction exhibiting up on my street and leading to mayhem. Imagine me, we have our personal troubles we do not want theirs, much too.

Cleanin’ Up – May well 1 was the working day for the annual citywide thoroughly clean-up in the neighborhood, and the West of Washington neighborhood affiliation was out in whole pressure. My youngest daughter and I always strike up the Oliver Wendell Holmes Faculty, a horribly disinvested college in the Boston General public College portfolio. It’s a tall order just about every year to attempt to cleanse it up, but kudos to my daughter, Taryn, who experienced a real excellent plan. She place on her roller hockey skates, grabbed a $2 trash picker, and rolled away. We were carried out in no time. You can guaranteed get a good deal carried out on wheels!

As an apart, a substantial kudos to Councilor Andrea Campbell’s business and the BPS functions crew for getting rid of prominent and long-standing gang graffiti on the school. Immediately after a calendar year of my 3-1-1 phone calls produced quite tiny progress, they acquired motion in a couple of day’s time past 7 days. Now which is really Loving Your Block – or no matter what they connect with it now.

Farewell to pals – I cannot conclude this column without the need of providing tribute to two prolonged-time West of Washington citizens – Neil Hogan and Arthur Sutton. These two adult males ended up gentleman of the 1st get, cherished this neighborhood, and put in a long time listed here. Equally handed away in excess of the final numerous months.

Neil was the very first and only neighbor I’ve ever experienced in my grownup existence, and in all probability the greatest subsequent-doorway one particular everyone could question for. A generous guy and a heck of a fisherman, he was a life-very long Dorchester resident who was described at his funeral as a “cool gentleman.” I concur, but so a great deal additional can be mentioned of a person who will be skipped.

Arthur Sutton lived at the base of Athelwold Street for an eternity.

Lots of might have viewed his name on the municipal ballot a handful of occasions. He had a seat at the conclusion of the street, and he sat there frequently. He produced keys for all people in his workshop on Norwell, and at a single time ran a quite fantastic neighborhood assembly. I achieved him initially at the polling position 17 decades in the past when he was encouraging people today to vote. He normally had the good phrase. I’ll skip seeing him at the polls this slide.

Seth Daniel has been a resident of the West of Washington community for the last two many years, and enjoys re-telling tales of the oddities and edginess that are portion of residing in that element of Dorchester.

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#Athelwold #Facet #functioning #Noticed #suspect #tales #West

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wanderbitesbybobbie · 4 years ago

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2020, Please Slow Down. I Can't Keep Up.

I’ve been sick for three days because the past 72 hours had been rough. I was in a whirlwind of emotions the moment November 11 came into the picture. Today, I spent the whole day in bed, I’ve been trying to catch some quality rest. But, to those of you who knows about my disorder, you know I always have a hard time sleeping. My sleep schedule is just terrible. My stomach has been upset, I don’t know if it’s the food I ate, or because I am just too overwhelmed. I find it very challenging to keep pace with everything. I just had to shut my eyes and shut everything down for a while.

November 11 started like normal. That morning, I was on a phone call with a client and I was overly excited for closing a huge deal. As I tapped on the “End Call” button, one of my closest friends delivered a dreadful message. “Lee passed away.” I stared at my phone for a few seconds, blinked, and read the message again. Am I still asleep? Am I having a bad dream or what? I was stunned, in shock, in major disbelief. Quick flashbacks came to me and I started crying. What? This can’t be happening. I was just chatting with Lee about Ms. Universe a few weeks ago. We were just chatting about a certain stage play we both watched on YouTube. He was my seat mate in high school for the longest time and the first ever person who brought me and introduced me to Rockwell Mall. He was one of the few people I became close with as a high school transferee. I flew out of the country a few years after college, but despite the fact that we didn’t see each other much, we still remained friends and kept in touch until his last days. He was the type of person who would call and ask how I was when I was abroad. He sang me songs every time I felt down way back our high school days. We shared the same circle of friends. We laughed and worried about the same things… about pets, about animals, about theater arts, about traveling, about beauty pageants. Just a few months back, he posted his illness on Facebook and I told him to have faith. It was not alarming at that time, seeing his outlook and the way he composes himself. He was cheerful, positive, and full of life. Lee’s death was a huge blow for me and it was just hard to digest. My heart is still breaking. He played a big part of my youth, and those bubbly and fun memories will always remain.

November 11 wasn’t done. It was raining the whole day as if the skies were crying for Lee’s sudden demise. I drove to pick up Mom from the office and got stuck on the road for three hours. I watched through my wind shield as the wind blew off some ads on the billboards. The strong wind turned umbrellas upside down. It was frightening. It was draining. The moment we got home, I was too tired to cook and so I ordered whatever was convenient. The winds became stronger, and I knew that an enormous typhoon was about to hit Manila at that time. I prepared emergency lamps. I was at home when it happened. The winds started howling scarily and I was hearing glass windows shattering nearby. The lights flickered on and off until it finally blacked out. Everyone was anxious as NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) put Manila in an Emergency Alert Situation. Weather updates were somehow delayed and so I relied on an international weather bulletin. I was worried sick for my relatives down south, they haven’t even recovered from the previous typhoons yet. But then again, Typhoon Ulysses came underestimated. It caused havoc and great damage to thousands of people not just in Manila. The whole Luzon is weeping, crying for rescue as of this writing.

This was only one day. One of the longest days of 2020. This year, I can never say “Best Birthday ever!” or “Best Summer so far!” because the whole world spent most of those months in quarantine. 2020 is full of wrath and anger and danger as it started with bush fires in Australia, killing almost half the population of wildlife. 2020 came with the Amazon burning, with buildings blazing and collapsing in the Middle East, with great floods in Jakarta, with strong earth quakes and typhoons in the Pacific. Most of all with the horrid Covid pandemic that took a lot of innocent lives, that made our nurses and doctors cry of exhaustion, that made the great division between the rich and those in poverty, that made people from all over the world suffer in anxiety. The list of entries just doesn’t end. Every month, 2020 has another appalling entry.

As much as I would like to shed some positivity given our current situation, nothing seems to come clear to me. As I write this blog entry, my countrymen in Cagayan Region are drowning in floods caused by the Typhoon Ulysses and the overflowing of Magat Dam. Marikina and Rizal are drenched in mud. Some of my relatives in the Bicol Region have lost their homes from Typhoon Rolly. The bridges collapsed. Roads are not passable. Rescue is just so near, yet so far. It seems to me that as the days pass, we all recommence to brace ourselves. We don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel coming any time soon. We prepare. We succumb unwillingly to what else 2020 has left in store for us.

But then again, this is the sad reality. No matter how hard I try to make it sound less dramatic, it is what it is. I am the voice to many who find it difficult to take in every piece of what’s happening. It is overwhelming. Anxiety levels have gone up beyond normal. Fear of the future and of what’s gonna happen next is in the minds of many of us. The uncertainty that comes with the succession of dispiriting events linger amongst us. Many are jobless, thousands have lost their livelihoods, people are dying of hunger, frustration, exhaustion, and the worst part… is losing whatever you’ve worked hard for, whether it’s a career or a business or losing your loved ones as if life is a mere hair strand.

I am lucky, because even if I have a mental incapability of absorbing everything all at once, I have the resources to help me cope with it. I have medications to keep me calm, I have a psychiatrist monitoring my mental health, I have numerous outlets. I worry more not for myself, but for the people who do not have these resources. I would like to reach out to that minority, the people who suffer in silence, because of a society that dictates that Mental Health is something you’re supposed to suppress and get over with.

WAKE ME UP WHEN 2020 ENDS

I was excited to celebrate the New Year. I was excited for 2021. I’m just so done with 2020, that I wish to skip November and December and go straight to 2021. I WAS JUST SO THRILLED, but then again I have a Mental Disorder. My hopes would always be partnered with doubt. My anxiety asked me back, “What makes you think it gets better in 2021?” For a while, I held on to that thought. I was uneasy, I was upset, but the occurrences happening around us now are things and events that we have no control of. These are things that go beyond our power. What we can manage though is how we react to our circumstances. YOU CAN’T ALWAYS CONTROL WHAT GOES ON OUTSIDE, BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTROL WHAT GOES ON INSIDE. Something at the back of my mind tells me that it gets better. THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. 2020 IS JUST A LONG TUNNEL. I took my schedule diary and begun writing my plans. This is it. Life doesn’t stop here. The world will keep on revolving and evolving. I figured, if I keep on dwelling about what has happened and what is currently happening, it will eat me up alive. Eventually, I’ll end up weak with depressive thoughts and severe anxious distress. Now, I am focusing more of what I can do in the future. What can I do to make living more meaningful? How can I extend my help to the people in need? How can I be a part of that change that I’ve always wanted to achieve? I have decided to choose which energy to feed. The positive or the negative.

LIFE was never a problem to be solved anyway. Through the loss of a friend, the fear of the future, the uncertainty that comes with everything, I have learned so many lessons in more ways than one. 2020 may not be the best, but it was a whole year full of life lessons. It was like a movie, a series of unfortunate events, we just can’t wait to see how it’s gonna end. Maybe it was meant to teach us something. Maybe, this is God’s way of showing us His handbook about living life. Faith is what keeps us strong. According to Murphy’s Law, “whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.” Whatever that’s going to happen will happen, whether we worry or not. The choice is ours.

Lastly, we are not alone. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! These may be the darkest days of our lives. I know it’s terrifying, but sometimes the unfortunate things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the most wonderful things that will ever happen to us. Keep up the faith and keep on praying! We may not understand everything now, but everything is planned according to God’s will. The Lord is watching.

Be contented with what we have now, cherish the people we spend our lives with. Because our lives are only borrowed, it was never ours to keep.

To you reading this… I AM WITH YOU THROUGH PRAYERS.

NOTHING IS PERMANENT IN THIS WICKED WORLD-NOT EVEN OUR TROUBLES

-Charlie Chaplin

When things happen that I can’t control, I feel powerless. I long to follow God’s plan, but how can I when all I see is vastness surrounding me? There’s no paved road pointing the way and no one there to offer a helpful word of advice. (Genesis 21:14).

Emptiness can be scary. It reveals our insecurities, telling us we are alone and validating our fears. But with God, emptiness doesn’t equal loneliness. During those times when we don’t have a clue which direction to go, we can let the stillness push away all distractions so we sense God’s presence more than ever. He will calm our anxious thoughts and give us the direction we seek. “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left,” (Isaiah 30:21).

When hardships come, it’s easy for me to slip back into my familiar pattern of what-ifs. “What if it doesn’t work out? What if God doesn’t answer my prayer?” My need to know the outcome takes over. I come face to face with the unknown, and I panic. I forget that God’s promises never change.

We will have struggles, and sometimes we have to stay there a while. So when we feel stuck, we can trust that God “will never leave us or forsake us.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11)

In Memory of Lee Tuazon, a son, a brother, a good friend, and a ray of sunshine to many.

2020, Please Slow Down. I Can’t Keep Up. was originally published on WanderBitesByBobbie

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tipsycad147 · 5 years ago

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Everyday Paganism: List of 30+ SIMPLE Daily Pagan Rituals

When we embark on a spiritual path, sometimes the path gets twisted and we feel we lose our connection to the Divine. This is totally normal and shouldn’t get you down! Sometimes we are too busy with the mundane to cater to our spirituality. But there are ways to include simple daily pagan rituals into your routine without a fuss. You don’t have to do every single one every day, pick and choose a few you could fit into your schedule and try to remember them. The key is to create a habit of your daily pagan rituals so that you don’t forget or don’t feel too guilty if you do! Without further adieu, here’s my list of 30+ simple, daily pagan rituals.

DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism.

30+ Daily Pagan Rituals

1. Light a candle

2. Offerings for the Gods

Everyone thinks offerings are complicated…here’s a little secret – they’re not! Offerings can be anything you feel your god or goddess would enjoy: food, beverage, water, incense, herbal blends, art, and poetry. Some gods enjoy a nice black cup of coffee in the morning. Some enjoy a portion of your dinner at night. Some prefer the scent of patchouli incense. Incorporate offerings into your daily routine and watch the blessings roll in!

3. Offerings for the Ancestors

4. Rise to Greet the Sun

If you’re an early riser, this should be a simple one – rising to greet the sun. Sit outside with your coffee and watch the sun rise. Bask in the glory of the star that gives life to this planet.

5. Runic Stadhas or Yoga

Edred Thorsson talks about runic stadhas in his book Elder Futhark. These are similar to yoga positions. So whether you enjoy yoga or feel a connection to the runes, try physical positions like the runic stadhas or yoga on a daily basis. Even if you only do one or two in the morning to get your day started or in the evening to relax and connect.

6. Go for a Walk

7. Dream Journalling

8. Meditate

You don’t have to meditate for an hour or even a half an hour. Pop in a set of earbuds and listen to a ten minute relaxing guided meditation for free on YouTube.

9. Nature Signs and Omens

10. Light Incense

11. Read a Spiritual Book

12. Love Your Pets

Whether you have a dog, horse, or a hamster, set aside some time every day to love on your pets. This doesn’t seem like a pagan ritual, but anything done with intention and in a routine can be a ritual. And what’s more pagan than loving on animals?

13. Light a Red Candle in the Kitchen

Keep a red candle in your kitchen. Light it in honour of the ancestors who came before you, who cooked hearthside to feed and nourish their families just as you do today!

14. Smudge Yourself

One of those self-love daily pagan rituals is smudging yourself. You don’t have to do this daily, but I promise if you do take up the practice, you won’t regret it. Smudging removes the negative debris stuck in your aura, helps to relax you, and to ground you after a long day of work.

15. Love Your Family

One of the most pagan things to do is to honour and love your family. Think back hundreds of years ago – what did your ancestors value back then? Life, love, and family. They focused on survival and did what they had to do to feed and care for their families. And it’s a good thing too, because you’re here because of them! Honor your ancestors by loving your family every day. Spend quality time with your family as a daily pagan ritual. Othala.

16. Write in Journal / BOS

Keep a record of your spiritual journey, traditions, and thoughts by writing them down in a spiritual journal or Book of Shadows. Take five minutes a day to write something down – even if its just your emotions or your thoughts in that moment.

17. Wear a Stone

18. Pray to the Gods

19. Visit the Garden

20. Exercise

21. Brew a Cup of Tea

Make brewing tea a daily ritual. Enjoy choosing your own loose leaf herbs, hearing the tea kettle whistle on the stove, and then pouring the hot water over the herbs. Sit down, be quiet, and sip your tea while waiting for the Divine to speak to you.

22. Smudge Your House

Along the same lines of smudging yourself, smudge your house to rid it of any negative vibes or spirits. A quick smudging does the trick, even if its only ten minutes.

23. Rune or Card of the Day

24. Use Herbs in Cooking

25. Pray to the Ancestors

Just as you pray to the gods, pray to your ancestors as well. They enjoy hearing from you too.

26. Freshen Up Your Altar

27. Gaze at the Moon

On nights when the clouds are clear, go outside and gaze at the moon. Feel the lunar rays on your skin.

28. Plan the Next Sabbat

Take time to plan the next sabbat. Write down ideas on traditions, rituals, food, etc. This is a fun daily pagan ritual to do with the whole family (if they are pagan, as well).

29. Call a Pagan Friend

On days you feel you need an extra boost of comfort or confidence, call a pagan friend. There’s nothing like talking to someone of like-mind and kindred spirit.

30. Ground and Center

31. Plan the Next Esbat

32. Research Your God/Goddess

In addition to reading a spiritual book once a day, spend a few minutes doing further research on your god or goddess. This can be online or in books. Read your god or goddess’ mythology, folklore, and history. This gives honour to your god or goddess and enriches your relationship with them.

https://otherworldlyoracle.com/simple-daily-pagan-rituals/

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professorsaz · 6 years ago

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Game of Thrones: Season 8 Storyline: by a fan.

This starts much before Night King (NK) breaks all hell loose on The Wall.

Bran sends ravens to every nook and corner of Westeros warning them about NK and his army for immediate evacuation of the North. The plan shared is for everybody to fall back south and gather at King’s landing, as Bran saw them all. NK is for over a thousand years so he’s got to have a big ass army. Bran heard their screams as he saw them running at top speed towards them. The dead never sleeps, remember? An army of a million dead and growing. Not less than a hundred giants, bears, wolves, rabbits, ravens, horses, children of forest bloody any life that is dead is a +1, alongside those thick, cold, dead eyed white walkers with a million of dead foot soldiers & of course the Night King himself alongside the dragon. Picture this army running towards you in full speed lynching everything they touch along the way. Crazy blue eyed giants smashing trees making way, and the dragon. You know nothin Jon Snow of the magnitude of a vigorous untiring almost immortal dragon. In this storyline Bran, our new “Three Eyed Raven” is very responsible as he should be. He hacks in dreams and minds of all life in the world creating a soul circle using that white tree, broadcasts them LIVE TV on the horror that’s coming and it’s faster and more effective than sending ravens, and yes including Cersei and other crazies, everyone. Now our heroes and citizens of the west are running there ass off making haste especially the northerners and the people in the east are freaked out. Not to forget the neuron freezing cold, pitch black darkness with fear of the unknown. There are women, old, children and the weak and sick. They need to carry food, war provisions, their cattle, and pets. You get the gist. Interesting fact, if they leave there animals behind, you know what! Anyhow on receiving Bran’s visions in dream, Tormund and Ben clear the wall and nearby lands are evacuated. This evacuation process was not overnight. It was an ongoing process for many months as Bran informed everyone well prior, as he is keeping a close eye on NK’s movements and he is responsible. The plan is to sail for Essos through narrow sea to Dragons bay (Slavers bay, east) with the entire westeros population. According to Bran’s calculations even all of westeros gathered together cannot stop them.

Job Allocation: Iron islands assigned to build ships, Kings landing for building amours, weapons, scorpions basically war stuff. High Gardens, River Run and other fertile places food and water. People and army of Drone have already sailed for Bravos. All these preparations go on for months. While all this is happening, Tyrion, Missandei, Varys, Davos, Sam and other diplomats alongside the ones who cannot fight sail beforehand uses existing ships. The diplomats alongside Daario Naharis will gather army, aid and council to the leaders of the east in planning for the Great War if it comes to that.

Now NK and his army have arrived at the wall and shattered by the dragon. Overall 90% of westeros has evacuated towards south. The rest 10% consists of (couldn’t evacuate, got caught, bad luck, and so on), you know what they are now. The NK army is moving so fast, untiring. Same cannot be said about the living. More and more bodies are added to NK army as they move forward. Although Bran did his very best in evacuating every life, especially wildlife (controlled by him), tribe people and nomads in forests, but some got left behind. Keeping eye on NK is getting more and trickier as he is freezing Bran’s ravens to death adding to his army. Folks, winter have come and the night is darkest and full of terrors, for real this time. This is his hour as he reigns supreme (NK).

Note 1: In S7, Dany asks Snow to ride the dragon, whereas in here she asks Tyrion. The logic is simple; animals never forget those who rescue them at time of crisis. Hence Rhaegal, the green one has grown fond of the dwarf & Dany acknowledges that. Moreover, Jon is better on the field + he doesn’t have any history or connection with the dragons. A dwarf riding a dragon is a sight to see, poetically speaking, would make a perfect song.

Note 2: Direwolfs are mystical creatures, out of the ordinary like the dragons. As we know Ghost use to roams around freely beyond the wall. Animals are intelligent creatures and understand danger. He has fought the dead many times to know what’s out there. He has gathered all the direwolves from beyond the wall and the north to save them from certain death and more fuel for the dead army. Ghost is way too tiny in the show. In our storyline he is Hugeish++ as a Direwolf should be. And yes he found Nymeria. We want to make all of them happy who cried in S1 when she ran away to save her life and Arya. She works hard for her age. She deserves it.

Note 3: Show runners have rushed the long night and made it short night. Fans waited so long, in here it lasts long. None of that traveling from Winterfell to Dragonstone in one day bullshit!

Note 4: Horses have saddles but hard ass dragons don’t. That’s so stupid. Both dragons are saddled. We will continue this in the pages to come.

Note 5: The spirits of the past three eyed ravens guide Bran in his visions and council him. They also help in creating that human spirit chain, remember LIVE TV.

Now back to the present.

As the dead approach closer and closer south, panic grows alongside fear. Only a handful of people have seen the dead in real and fought. Rest has no clue. Psychology says it’s the unknown that’s scarier. Kings landing is packed and overflowing with population. The climate is getting colder and darker by the day like never before. Evacuation process is on the rise as more and more ships sail towards Essos. Bran is having issues keeping a live track on the dead as NK is freezing his ravens in blizzards. Our heroes have arranged for a defense army in case of emergency. As the last of the ships sail out of landing the dead arrive destroying what’s left reducing the population from 90% to 85%. For the first time our heroes saw the true face of horror with their own eyes as the dead line up on the shores of Kings landing screaming in madness as the NK gets down from his dragon, takes a slow walk to the shores as he looks hard at the sailing ships with his cold blue eyes & that grim facial expression. Yes it will be dark. Winter has come folks! Both literally and f.

Our heroes have sailed half way across the Narrow Sea with a shy of relief, that the dead cannot cross the water. Then something happens, small drops of snow dropping all around the sea water. “Winter is coming” is for Westeros only. The East is hot as fuck. Now for the first time ever snow falls on the narrow sea. Right in that very moment, when everyone looking at each other saying WTF??

Bran calls for an emergency meeting in the middle on the sea. After becoming Three Eyed Raven, nothing is surprise anymore. Then something happened that blew his balls off. He says this in the meeting, “This is the long night & NK is stronger than ever”. “He is freezing the narrow sea”. Bran saw this before he calls everyone, “the Night King got on one knee, slowly moved his hand towards the sea and put his finger nail on the water. The water started freezing and freezing”. We are not safe anymore, anywhere, Bran says. He adds “Now it meant only one thing, war and death unlike any”.

Spoilers: NK froze the entire sea in a couple of months.

The battle of the west will be fought in east. How dramatic. The “Great War” will take place in the famous Essos that we keep hearing. According to this storyline the war will take place Far East, as east as east can go. The edge of the world, the end of the known world just like it is far beyond the wall. The logic is, the living got pushed back and back till to the very edge where there is no where left to run or hide and then it begins…

The east has never seen cold weather. And now it snows like the Arctic. The NK freezes the entire sea in just a couple of months, solid ice as our heroes prepare their final stand.

Note 6: Advantage of having the Great War in Essos. Yes it will be dark but not as dark as Westeros. So our viewers can see the action.

The Great War armies:

On the side of Living:

Jon & the north men. Tormund & the wildlings. Bronn and the south men. Brienne, Jamie, Sandor, Gendry, Beric leading the rest of Westerosi and Dornish armies. Dany & Tyrion on dragons. Qyburn & co with his huge scorpions & wildfire flame throwers. Grew worm & the Unsullied. Daario and second sons. Jorah & the Dothraki. Arya, Jaqen and the faceless men. All the Red Priestesses from around the world. All other sorcerers and magic users. Iron bank and the Braavosi army. Armies from Astapol, Meereen, Qarth, Yunkai, Pentos, Myr, Volantis and all other cities, villages, tribes in the dragon’s bay. Ghost, Nymeria & the dire wolves. The Greyjoys & the iron fleet. The Golden Company and other mercenaries & finally Bran with an army of ravens. Every one joins as it’s going to be epic.

Behind them inside the walls, deep in the ancient cribs, are the women, children, old and the sick who cannot fight, yet they are there as there is nowhere left to hide. If the above list fails they die anyway no matter where they hide. So it’s wise to stick together and die together.

Note 7: Bran keeps all the rescued animals safe in the crib as he follows Jane Goodall, David Attenborough, Dr. Micha(Gambia),Animal Aid Unlimited & PETA, so should everyone. Be kind to animals, it’s all part of positive karma.

On the side of Dead:

One hundred strong in the art of war white walkers. Not less than a 100 Giants. Blue eyed children of the forest. Countless dire wolves, bears, serpents, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, ravens, sea creatures pretty much any animal, bird that is available in Westeros and Easteros which can be used as a weapon, along with an army of a million dead soldiers and the uber famous NK, the dragon and power of ice and frost.

The Great War: Finally!

Let’s create a location for the war. It’s Far East, at the edge of the known world. An ancient city, abandon due to reasons unknown. Somewhat looks like Meereen big much bigger with huge walls. There is an enormous open land as far as a raven’s eye can see, connected to the city which can fit easily a million more or less. In addition it has forests surrounding alongside water bodies like rivers and seas for the ships and drinking water. Water is life. Don’t waste water. Rain water harvesting, ground water recharge and water reuse filtration systems are the keys to survival in the future. Else we will all die a terrible death out of hunger, thirst and dryness. Help! Somalia from drought.

Note 8: Fun Fact:

Our heroes are low on energy because of lack of food, water, nomadic traveling, constant stress, fear and n number of things, but high on spirits.

Defense Setup:

City walls are mounted with huge scorpions with DG (dragon glass) bolts for the giants, dragon, white walkers and other beasts. Wildfire catapults mounted all over. Both dragons are mounted with dragon glass on their heads like a unicorn so are the horses and Bran’s ravens. The dragons are saddled for better flying experience with weapon holders and mounted crossbows. For dire wolves design changes, small dual horns like a female antelope on their heads for faster impact alongside special spike bodysuit made of DG. The elephants have DG spikes on their trunks, legs and tail, well saddled with weapon holders and cross bows. The path to the city and the ground positions are mounted with spike walls of Fire woods and DG placed at strategic locations. All the non fighters are inside the walls in the crib with the rescued animals and birds.

Bran’s Security: It’s tight, well thought out with plenty of booby traps and star characters as body guards like Gregor the mountain is one of many. Yes he is an ass clown and everyone is scared of him. But for the NK he is just another pussy as he knows it.

Front Lines:

Dothraki side by side with elephant army, behind them other horsemen like second sons, westerosi, golden company and so on, behind them foot soldiers, behind them the Unsullied. The Red Priestesses just outside the gates providing heat and light to the fighters by their magic in this chilling cold and face of terror. The sorcerers, witches alongside Faceless men mount the walls and gates while dragons patrolling the sky, the iron islanders the water, dire wolves alongside wildlings patrolling the forests. Wildfire catapults and scorpions are mounted at every possible location. BTW you can have any COC troop formation you like my Lord!

Note 9: Millions on dead rampaging on frozen blue narrow sea is a sight to see.

The dead; have arrived at this ancient location lynching and growing at every step on the way from beyond the walls in the west till this far east.

They stop. All of them, as the NK measure the situation. The dead outrank the living 5:1, more so they have giants, myriad blue eyed beasts, forest children and a big group of very strong white walkers with icy weapons than can easily bring down any heavy set. He takes his sweet time as the living take a gaze upon the true meaning of horror, as the men breath heavily and shiver as they gaze upon a wall of giants and sky full of ravens visible waiting at a distance.

The world goes quiet and waits while as they hear 200,000+ panting at the same time in a pin drop silence atmosphere.

The famous A1 camera right on time for Bran when he says “so it begins, now” as the NK lifts his finger & the dead march forward screaming & storming in, with an actual storm by their side.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The Great War has started as both armies about to collide. We waited 9 years for this.

Living Vs Dead. Epic* #onceinalifetime #thegreatwar #livingvsdead #gots8 #gotfan

The screams; the bloodshed; the turmoil; and true meaning of dread and bravery fueled with emotions at the oddest of places, the battlefield.

Note 10: Night King has gone rogue++. He is raising dead immediately. You fight; you die, fall down then back up. No wait no delays. He wants to strike fear in the hearts. The age of men is over (feat. lord of the rings).

Note 11: Dead blasting off when stabbed by VS or DG causes visual distraction during the fight, that too when fighting side by side in such hefty numbers.

The End:

At the end, of course the dead have the upper hand. The NK moves towards Bran. Fighting and breaking every trap, warrior and weapon on his way as he gets closer. I kind of like the idea of Arya stabbing the NK but the way it’s presented in the show is silly. We are going to make some changes to that. Firstly the NK is so fucking strong and cold, he is a God for Christ sake, an immortal probably more than thousand years old, how could Arya move and breathe when the NK is holding her throat as she tricks him and stab with the change of hand. Am I to believe that Arya’s reflexes are better than a God? Certainly not, that’s stupid. As NK nears Bran he would face many opponents like Gregor, Brienne, Bron & more who are good at one on one combats distract him while Arya is heat/light powered by multiple red women so she can survive NK’s frost. After all its “song of ice and fire”, and Brandon with his warg abilities strengthens her as NK can snap her neck like a mosquito. Jaqen slips her a magical potion before the war begins which increase speed and reflexes a thousand times for a fraction of time. Yes the main war is still going on and the living are getting hammered by the White Walkers.

At the end as NK nears Bran, Arya sneaks up & jumps on him, as NK grabs her dagger hand and neck, a spring loaded VS blade appears from under sleeve and she stabs him. This entire process is executed in milliseconds. As she wouldn’t last more than a second in his grasp, in spite of having many protections. Yet she suffers severe neck injury and trauma as she was touched by the NK himself. He blows up along with all the dead as Arya drops senseless on the ground. One more second and the NK have squeezed her to ashes. Bran jumps out his chair, crawls towards her to check.

Aftermath:

Peace is finally achieved.

Dany return to Meereen where she belongs with Darrio and rule the east ending slavery. Tyrion sits on the iron throne as his skills are best suited for the job. He was unanimously voted by our lead characters and Emmy awards. Lands and titles of westeros are fairly divided amongst the leads from where they belong and deserve. Jon goes back north of the wall to live along side Ghost and Tormund, visits winterfell often. Grey worm goes with Missandei to her family island. Cersei and Jamie live happily in Casterly Rock as they always wanted, being together. The nights watch is still there as an ancient order of glory and to punish the guilty. Varys serves both east and west. And Arya, the hero of the new world awakes after being in coma for a couple of years. It’s a huge celebration. Everyone has gathered at Winterfell like in the lord of the rings last scene.

Spoilers: Even Tyrion was deeply injured and lost his new best friend when they killed the blue dragon and ended its carnage.

Yes NK is gone but the winter is still on. Not as cold and dark, yet enough.

Last Scene:

The camera takes a journey from a raven’s(albino) eye, starting from the far east where the great war was fought moving all the way towards the far west, far beyond the wall. At the edge of the world, as west as west can go. A cave covered in permanent snow. As the raven moves inside the deep dark cave, there sits a woman facing her back towards us, with shiny long white hair having peculiar clothes. The camera slowly moves towards her front and sees her holding a baby on her lap. The camera slowly rises up towards her face, blue eyes. The End: Thanks for reading.

If?

If this story is made to a movie or series; expressions, emotions will play a bigger role rather than out of the world GCI which is also required. Plot understanding and perception is vital for all the characters while acting. Everyone must be on the same page as the director and story writer on how they visualize it. Many things cannot be written down on paper or explained verbally. It’s a matter of perception that needs to be visualized.

The Night King of the real world is Plastic. WHO? wants to fight the real Great War, for glory and future of our kids. Be vegan, grow empathy, love animals, plant a tree, save water & be less “greedy”.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/game-of-thrones-coat-of-arms-shield-1722710/#

Thank you.

-by Saz.

#gameofthrones #gots8 #storytelling #hbo #tv #tv show #tv series #game of thrones #got season finale #got spoilers #got season 8 #got season eight #jon snow #jonsa #got ending #got endgame #got final season

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the-jessica-fan · 5 years ago

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10 Best Beaches in Chicago you must Visit Once

Chicago is considered to have a wide variety of neighborhoods; but, no matter which city you choose to live in, there will always be a beautiful beach nearby.

Take a look at Chicago's 10 best beaches

1. North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach is located in Lincoln Park and is one of Chicago's most popular beach destinations. The beach features a unique beach house with over 22,000 square feet, offering activities for all ages and some of the best views in Chicago. If you want to have lunch at North Avenue Beach, head over to Castaways Bar and Grill for some seaside burgers, ice cream and delicious drinks. You can rent bikes on the beach and lease a wakeboard or paddleboard to step it up a notch. Take a walk among the numerous vendors who sell shoes, sandals and other special souvenirs.

2. Leone Beach Park

From 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, Leone Beach Park is open daily. This place is located in the neighborhood of Rogers Park and is the largest beach in Chicago. Leone Beach Park is a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. With metered parking, there are two different parking lots. In 1966, Leone Beach Park is named after an employee of the park who is named after Sam Leone. Sit in the middle of Chicago and enjoy panoramic views. The green, grassy area here is great for picnics, yoga and meditation, or for an afternoon nap.

3. Foster Beach

Foster Beach isn't the overcrowded Chicago beach you might imagine; but, because of its fantastic location, it attracts a wide range of people. For picnics, family reunions, birthdays and other events, most tourists meet in the park. The Chicago Full Moon Jam is a unique event on Foster Beach. The jam features flame dancers, bands, and other fun events. If you follow the trail and head towards the hill, you'll find a lovely spot to relax in the loneliness with great views of Chicago.

4. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach

Dogs love to hang out on the beach, and what dog owner won't spend time playing in the ocean with their pup? For you and your pet, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is the perfect spot. It's great because it's not as busy as other Chicago dog beaches / parks. This would be a great beach to start if you want to test the waters. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is within walking distance of Wrigley. If you don't get used to being around other dogs, we recommend bringing them here before you hit a larger beach like Montrose.

5. Oak Street Beach

Spend some time at Oak Street Beach, and it's easy to imagine that you're actually in the Caribbean. The white sandy beach and crystal clear waters make this the perfect place to swim, rent chairs or bikes, play volleyball and enjoy a magnificent view across the horizon. You can access the beach from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.-this is a great place to enjoy the sunset. Only when the lifeguard is present between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm daily, you are allowed to swim. Get off at Clark / Division if you take the train–there are also buses available. Since this beach is close to the city action, several cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels are within walking distance. Take a break and enjoy Oak Street Beach for a couple of days.

6. Ohio Street Beach

Ohio Street Beach is a wonderful beach for all ages. Located in front of the skyscrapers, the contrast between natural beauty and manmade features makes the landscape quite stunning. It's a 10-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile. The sea is great for swimming, kayaking or canoeing. During the summer, it gets busy on weekends, but the beach is wide and long enough to fit everyone. In the area there are bathrooms, cafes and other services. If you want to swim in Lake Michigan, this is a great place to do it.

7. 12th Street Beach

Would you like a nice beach to stroll along? 12th Street Beach is a great place to take a leisurely walk. The beach is located in Burnham Park on the Chicago Museum Campus. It's open from May 25th to September 3rd and it's a great place to swim. Parking is available for a fee and a delicious Mexican restaurant called Del Campos offers Mexican food and hot dogs for booting. There are on-site restrooms. This beach, with the museum in the background, is picturesque. The water is always calm, so it would be the place to bring it if you have a paddle board.

8. Rainbow Beach Park

Rainbow Beach Park boasts stunning views of the Chicago skyline in the distance and is located in the southern part of Chicago. This park is one of the few that offers free Wi-Fi to visitors. Whether you want to work on the beach or just relax, you're going to be connected. Rainbow Beach Park is great for swimming and has lifeguards on duty in the summer months. This beach isn't pet-friendly, but kids can enjoy the variety of wildlife around the beach park. There is a grill for people enjoying picnics to use. There is also a fitness center, a gymnasium, a handball court.

9. Kathy Osterman Beach

Located in the north of Chicago, Kathy Osterman Beach–formerly known as Hollywood Beach–is not the biggest beach in Chicago, but a lovely beach to relax and enjoy in the afternoon. This beach attracts mainly local residents. If you enjoy cycling, the beach offers bicycle parking for your convenience. There are on-site bathrooms as well as a fishing pier, a volleyball court, benches and shallow water that is great for swimming. There are various activities at Kathy Osterman Beach during the summer months as it is close to Lincoln Park. Lifeguards are in duty between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm; however, from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, the beach is accessible.

10. Montrose Beach

A beach with free Wi-Fi some may think it's the best thing in the world, others will do their best to escape online life. It's a nice option to have, either way. Now, if you need to, you can do your beach work. For others, you can rent kayaks or jet skis on the beach for an adventurous time. Take a look at' The Dock' and enjoy some delicious cocktails, fresh fish and other exclusive dishes. Take advantage of the north end where dogs are allowed if you have a pup and want to take it to the beach. The south side is a great place to watch birds as there is a migratory bird population. Most tourists swear that the best beach in Chicago is Montrose Beach.

When you are planning to Visit these Places don’t worry about staying. Spoter is free Rental listing Website you can find best vacation homes in Spoter. Spoter are very professionalized in finding Houses for rent in Illinois Chicago ,best houses for 1bhk rent in Illinois Chicago, 2bhk, 3bhk rent in Illinois Chicago, Best vacation rental in Illinois, Best vacation rental apartments, Best vacation houses for lease in Illinois Chicago, Best vacation rental homes.

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super-stella-us-blog · 5 years ago

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10 Best Beaches in Chicago you must Visit Once

Chicago is considered to have a wide variety of neighborhoods; but, no matter which city you choose to live in, there will always be a beautiful beach nearby.

Take a look at Chicago's 10 best beaches

1. North Avenue Beach

2. Leone Beach Park

3. Foster Beach

4. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach

5. Oak Street Beach

6. Ohio Street Beach

7. 12th Street Beach

8. Rainbow Beach Park

9. Kathy Osterman Beach

10. Montrose Beach

When you are planning to Visit these Places don’t worry about staying. Spoter is free Rental listing Website you can find best vacation homes in Spoter. Spoter are very professionalized in finding Houses for rent in Illinois Chicago ,best houses for 1bhk, 2bhk, 3bhk rent in Illinois Chicago, Best vacation rental in Illinois, Best vacation rental apartments, Best vacation houses for lease in Illinois Chicago, Best vacation rental homes.

#Rental Apartmentrental Homerental

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howellrichard · 6 years ago

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Eco-Friendly Vegan Leather: Everything You Need to Know

Hiya Gorgeous,

I was blown away by the response to one of my recent blog posts, What the Fast Fashion Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know. I know how passionate this community is about the environment, animals and other humans. But your overwhelming positivity, support and enthusiasm for this topic really knocked my socks off!

Your excitement also left me more determined than ever to band together to save our precious planet. When our individual contributions start to add up, we have the power to change the world.

Something else stood out to me about the fast fashion blog post: I got a lot of questions about my favorite ethical, sustainable and cruelty-free brands. Many of you wanted more specific eco-friendly shopping how-tos and tips. I’m thrilled to say that today’s post is the first in a series all about that—and we’re kicking it off with the ultimate guide to vegan leather!

What’s the problem with leather?

If you read my post about the fast fashion industry, then you’re already aware of some of the issues that come along with exploiting animals for their fur, skins, etc. Animal agriculture requires massive amounts of land, water, fuel and feed. This industry is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the world’s transportation systems combined, and percent of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared to make way for pastures or for growing feed crops (source).

When it comes to leather specifically, the picture doesn’t get any better. The leather tanning process is often incredibly toxic. People who work in tanneries or live near them are exposed to harmful chemicals used to process, treat and dye animal skins. This often takes place in developing countries where child labor isn’t regulated, proper waste management systems aren’t in place, and workers aren’t well-protected or paid (source).

And our innocent animal friends endure horrific conditions. They’re often confined to overcrowded indoor spaces without access to sufficient food, water or fresh air. They suffer through painful procedures without anesthesia (like castration and branding) and face countless other forms of unimaginably cruel treatment (source).

We can do better. Animals, other people and the environment do NOT need to suffer for our wardrobes. That’s where eco-friendly vegan leather alternatives come in!

What is vegan leather?

Two vegan leather alternatives you may have heard of are PVC and PU. PVC is a petrochemical product that is heavily processed from start to finish. Many companies have moved away from using it because it requires fossil fuels to produce, contains toxic chemicals like Phalates (not safe for the environment or people!) and creates an enormous amount of waste (source). If you see PVC or its derivatives on a tag, you can bet it’s not a sustainable vegan leather alternative.

What is PU leather?

PU (polyurethane) is a popular vegan leather alternative. Many brands say it’s more eco-friendly than PVC, but do a little research and you’ll find a lot of mixed opinions. Some say that PU production results in just as many toxic emissions and waste as PVC, and that calling it sustainable is simply not true (source).

PU proponents, on the other hand, say that it’s a better option than animal exploitation and overall its environmental footprint is smaller than that of leather. My team and I did a lot of research on this since we know PU is widely used by the brands we’re sharing later in this article. There’s no easy or straightforward answer, but for the most part we agree that PU does less harm than leather.

A note on conscious consumption.

That brings me to an important reminder: Products of all kinds (purses, shoes, sheets, kitchen tools, you name it!) are only as sustainable, ethical and kind as the company they come from… no matter what they’re made of. Know the brands you buy from. Learn about the materials they use, their factory standards, how they treat their workers and how they manage waste. A purse made with PU from a brand with strong environmental and social practices is very different from a similar bag from a less conscious brand.

And here’s a hint: If a brand doesn’t provide clear, specific info about how they’re protecting people, animals and the environment, proceed with caution. Companies who prioritize this stuff speak up about it. Let’s demand more transparency!

Love the environment as much as I do? Get more sustainability tips and my free Starter Kit:

A peek into the future: more sustainable vegan leather alternatives!

Some brands are creating truly innovative vegan leather options out of organic and recycled materials. They’re more eco-friendly than the standard alternatives we discussed above, but are often more expensive, harder to find and not as broadly appealing (either because they don’t mimic the leather look and feel people want, or aren’t as high-end looking). But as the demand for sustainable vegan leather grows, I suspect we’ll see these options continue to improve and become more widely available.

Here are some of the coolest, most innovative materials that stood out to me:

Piñatex: Fruit is even more awesome and versatile than I thought—this incredible vegan leather is made from pineapples! It’s beautiful, watertight and durable. Plus, the company that manufactures it has some fantastic sustainability and social practices (learn more about them here). My fave cruelty-free watch brand, Votch, has an entire collection of piñtatex watches.

MuSkin: This vegan leather is made from another one of my favorite plants—mushrooms! More specifically, it’s made out of the cap of a parasitic, inedible variety called Phellinus ellipsoideus (source). I don’t see a whole lot of MuSkin products available yet, but I bet that’ll change soon.

Apple peel leather: You read that right! An apple a day does more than just keep the doctor away. Companies like Veggani are using industrial apple peel waste to create environmentally friendly pieces like this gorgeous crossbody bag.

Recycled materials: Recycled rubber, recycled car tires, recycled plastic… oh my! Lots of companies are repurposing materials that would otherwise sit in landfills (or the ocean, rivers, forests, etc.) by creating shoes, bags, belts, etc. out of them. Rothy’s, for example, uses plastic water bottles to make their super cute (and machine washable!) shoes.

Get the ultimate guide to eco-friendly vegan leather alternatives—the best materials, top brands and more!

18 Eco-Friendly Vegan Leather Alternatives

There are so many wonderful companies out there dedicated to making fashion a kinder, more eco-conscious business, and I’m thrilled to highlight some of them today! This list is purely for your info and to support you on your eco-friendly journey—I’m not sponsored or getting paid to promote any of these brands.

Note: These brands use a variety of materials. There are plenty of options if you want to avoid PU!

GUNAS (maker of high-end purses, wallets and shoes) believes that just being vegan isn’t enough—they’re looking out for other humans and the environment, too. And here’s something that really sets them apart: They encourage conscious consumerism. So rather than pushing you to buy fast and often like so many of the brands we’re familiar with, they want you to take your time and make careful decisions. I love this more purposeful, minimalist approach!

Whatever the season or occasion, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of vegan leather shoes from Bhava. I’m eyeing these strappy sandals—what color is your fave? Bhava also does a great job explaining some of the problems with leather and fast fashion, along with what they’re doing to change the face of footwear.

Svala helps protect animals in more ways than one. Not only is their line of purses and wallets cruelty-free, they also donate a portion of the profits to charities like WildAid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade. Svala also buys carbon offsets to reduce their environmental footprint and uses recycled plastic bottles to line their bags—yay!

Rafa makes beautiful, hand-crafted vegan shoes in Los Angeles, California. While they keep a few things in stock, most items are made to order. This allows the Rafa team to dedicate time and quality craftsmanship to each unique pair. Check out this short and sweet video about how (and why!) they do what they do.

This is a trend I didn’t think I’d see again—fanny packs! HFS Collective’s belt bags are designed to “free you from your baggage.” That means more hands to pet every pup you meet, carry green drinks and do other stuff you love.

I mentioned Rothy’s in last year’s eco-friendly holiday gift guide, and this is still one of my fave brands for comfy shoes that can be dressed up or down. Their pointed toe flats are the perfect versatile basic. The uppers are made of 100 percent post-consumer water bottles, and the other parts of the shoe are made of a mix of recycled, non-toxic, vegan materials. Even their shoe boxes are biodegradable!

A pair of easy-to-wear slides is a must-have for the warmer months of the year, and Indosole has totally nailed an eco-friendly option. Not only do they come in some great colors, they also give a second life to a pervasive waste product—car tires!

Noani (meaning No Animal—yes!) has vegan leather belts for everyone in your life. They use innovative eco-friendly materials like eucalyptus and apple fibers. Plus, they’re committed to maintaining safe, fair working conditions for everyone involved in creating their products.

I love how transparent VEERAH is about the materials they use to make their luxury, sustainable, vegan shoes (check out a detailed list here!). Plus, can we talk about these gorg bright blue pumps made from apple leather? Anyone who thinks eco-friendly and fashionable don’t belong in the same sentence should get a load of those!

MooShoes is a vegan leather lover’s dream. Unlike the other brands on this list, this store is a hub where you can get goodies from a variety of cruelty-free brands. Their NYC location was the first cruelty-free retail store of its kind when it opened back in 2001 and they’ve since expanded to LA. But no worries if you’re not close to either of those locations—the website is easy to use and jam-packed with shoes, bags and more that’ll satisfy all style sensibilities.

I think that Angela Roi makes some of the most beautiful cruelty-free purses out there. That said, I’d love to see them expand the info available on their site about their sustainability practices and working conditions. Transparency is where it’s at, folks!

Looking for some comfy kicks for walking the dog, running to the store and everything in between? You’ll love Native Shoes, which are cruelty-free AND easy on the planet. In fact, Native has committed to making all of their products 100 percent lifecycle managed by 2023 (learn more about what that means here).

This circular purse from Hozen is so cute! And there’s a lot more than meets the eye here—Hozen donates 10 percent of their profits to Mercy for Animals (one of my favorite orgs!) and makes their products in small batches to avoid wasteful excess stock.

Nae (stands for No Animal Exploitation—so good!) has something for everyone. These desert boots are a great wardrobe staple. And who doesn’t need a simple, everyday black belt?

One of the wardrobe essentials I’ve had trouble finding in cruelty-free form is a vegan leather moto jacket! Then I came across this piñatex stunner from Altiir. It’s certainly not cheap, but could be a worthwhile investment if you wear it a lot and keep for years to come.

Labante London makes gorgeous purses, wallets and other accessories out of recycled materials. According to their website, they’ve already saved 10 million plastic bottles from languishing in landfills! I’m a big fan of this functional, timeless wallet.

Beyond Skin has a wide range of sandals, boots, heels, flats and more available in a variety of fun prints and fabrics. They’re also really upfront about their business and sustainability practices, which means you can buy with confidence. And how about these must-have mustard sandals? Love!

Have a favorite sustainable, cruelty-free brand I didn’t mention? Shout them out in the comments below!

I want to hear from you!

What other topics would you like me to cover in this eco-friendly series (home goods, skincare/makeup, etc.)?

Peace & cruelty-free fashion,

The post Eco-Friendly Vegan Leather: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

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backyardnomads-blog · 7 years ago

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

– Mark Twain

PLANNING YOUR NEXT SUMMER ADVENTURE at the Canadian Rockies?!

We have created just the thing to help in your planning, with activities that could easily keep you busy for a couple weeks. Jasper has so much to offer, that everyone can find something to suit their interests, budget, & vacation goals.

1-16 Hiking.

TREKKING THROUGH THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS is probably on most visitors’ “to-do” list when they arrive in Jasper. While some prefer a more leisurely stroll throughout Jasper’s fantastic trail routes closer to town, there are also great options for more advanced hikers seeking longer, more wild hikes. Whichever type of experience you’re looking for, there are definitely something out there for you! 6 favorite trails to get you started: Valley of the Five Lakes, Horseshoe lake (watch a VIDEO of cliff diving), Sulphur Skyline Trail, Bald Hills Day Hike, The Morro Summit Day Hike, & Opal Hills Day Hike. For a FULL LISTING of fantastic trails in the Park, check Out these 40+ HikeJasper.com!

Learn Safety Tips at Parks Canada to

Protect Yourself & Your Pets

Out in Bear Country!

2-16 Tours

IF ITS YOUR FIRST TIME at the mountains or you’re simply looking for an expert guide to take your adventure to the next level, then consider taking a tour with one of Jasper’s local companies! Experience & local knowledge make these worthwhile experiences whatever trip you choose to embark upon. Each company offers unique adventures from rafting, hiking, food, motorbiking, climbing, or star gazing…just to name a few, there is bound to be one you & your family will love!

Check Them Out Here:

Canadian Skyline Adventures, Walks & Talks Jasper, Rockaboo Mountain Adventures, Jasper Motorcycle Tours, Jasper Food Tours, Sun Dog Tours, Maligne Adventures, Maligne Lake Boat Tours, & Jasper Photo Guide.

3-16 Hit the Water…Canoeing, Kayaking, & Rafting!

GORGEOUS EMERALD LAKES & sparkling blue ponds sprinkled throughout the National Park is stunning! What better way to admire it than getting soaked in its whitewater rapids (Jasper’s Whitewater Rafting, Jasper Rafting Adventures, Maligne Rafting Adventures, Jasper Raft Tours & Rocky Mountain River Guides) or gently gliding over its breathtaking water safely inside a canoe (Sun Dog Tours & Wild Current Outfitters Canoe Adventures). If you want to really experience it, you can always try out scuba diving with one of Jasper Dive Adventures ‘ certified PADI Scuba Dive Instructors.

4-16 Jasper Tramway

A TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION, the Jasper Sky Tram is a great family pick, plus once you make it to the top you can enjoy the bird’s eye view of the town of Jasper along with the full surrounding mountain range! We generally like to go once every few years, especially to catch the beauty of different seasons. While you’re up there, stop by their cafe for some well deserved lunch after a hike from the peak or grab a hot chocolate on your way up, no matter which way you’re headed this is an experience you won’t want to miss out on!

STARGAZING EXPERIENCE

Jump on the tram for Dinner & Star Gazing

A Top A Mountain!

~September 2018 & October 2018 Packages~

5-16 Miette Hot Springs

RELAX OUTSIDE THE POOL to soothe your muscles & mind while soaking in the mountain views! It is a truly unique experience that the whole family can enjoy this summer. Miette Hot Springs’ doors open from 9:00-11:00pm, it is a budget friendly option with single entry or day passes! If you’re staying near Jasper, try out two other hot springs locations Banff Upper Hot Springs & Radium Hot Springs if you don’t mind the drive…they won’t disappoint!

6-16 Whitewater Rafting

CHECK THIS OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST & sign up today! Exhilarating & fast paced this adventure will get your blood pumping & totally soaked! With skilled guides, you can enjoy the challenge whatever your own skill level is at without worrying about getting left behind, as well as enjoying their local information about sites as you pass by. There are two fantastic companies in Jasper that offer rafting, so check both out to find the right fit for you! Rocky Mountain River Guides & Jasper Rafting Adventures.

7-16 Maligne Lake Boat Tours

MALIGNE LAKE BOAT TOURS provides exceptional boat tours that take you up close to the glacier mountains & Spirit Island, soak in the views enjoying style & luxury! Among other activities, also try out canoeing, kayaking, hiking, & grab lunch at their restaurant. This can be a romantic way to spend time with someone you love or simple capture up close scenic views.

8-16 Horseback Riding

EXPLORE THE WILD by taking a horseback ride through Jasper’s trails to spot wildlife in their domain & make fun memories with friends & family! If you’re not an expert rider, its no problem because they will teach you the basic instructions before you head out, along with knowledgeable trail guides. Explore two stables close to the town of Jasper: Jasper Riding Stables on Pyramid Lake Road & Jasper Park Stables at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

9-16 Pyramid Lake & Spirit Island

ONLY MINUTES FROM THE TOWN, you will be quickly swept away by the breathtaking views & clear waters. Take a short walk across the walking bridge over to Pyramid Island for a picnic lunch or impromptu photo shoot! In fact, it is such a gorgeous backdrop, that weddings are a common sight during the warm summer months. Along the way you can also find trails to hike either along the shoreline or further into the mountain. If you make it up there, you will pass-by the Pyramid Lake Resort, a year round hotel offering a dining restaurant, as well as, outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy like boat or bike rentals.

10-16 Glacier Skywalk

FACE YOUR FEAR OF HEIGHTS & bring your camera along too because once you’re standing on glass out there with spectacular views at your fingertips you’ll appreciate capturing that memory! Check out this VIDEO to learn more! For information about fees, parking, & hours read their website.

Find out About the Parks Canada Discovery Pass & Camping Prices for Jasper National Park!

(Travelers 17 years & younger are NOW FREE!)

11-16 Athabasca Falls

SPEND THE AFTERNOON meandering down through a glacier waterfall until you finally arrive at the bottom where the water merges into a lake! Admire the gigantic rocks that have been smoothed & shaped by the harsh conditions. The Athabasca Falls is a very busy tourist location during the summers, although the winters are just as pretty too! There is a large parking area, but due to high traffic, it does fill up quickly so be sure to come early. Read about more information regarding directions, photos & video here!

12 -16 Maligne Canyon

TAKE THE SCENIC HIKE through this beautiful landmark that is open during both the summer & winter months. If you do get the opportunity to travel to Jasper in the winter, do make time to see the ice caves & frozen waterfalls! No matter which time of the year you choose, there are great sites to see here. “Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the park, dropping to a depth of more than 50 metres at some points” (banffjaspercollection).

13-16 Hit the Beach to Swim!

BEAT THE HEAT BY COOLING OFF while you’re out in the wild this summer, by hitting any number of great public beaches throughout the Park. We also stop by lake Annette, it has fantastic picnic areas & tends to be a hot spot for locals & tourists alike, learn more here: Lake Annette, Patricia Lake, & Lake Edith. With hundreds of lakes throughout the Park there are many other options to choose from, check out explorejasper.com for more locations. For those rainy days, take the kids to the Jasper Aquatic Centre downtown Jasper for gym, pool, & boudlering (rock climbing wall).

14-16 Mountain Biking

GET YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING with fantastic downhill trails to challenge your body & test your resolve. Find a great list of trails at singletracks.com & explorejasper.com. No matter your fitness level or personal goals, there is definitely a trail out there for you that will be worth writing home about! Parks Canada offers important information before you hit the road regarding safety, rules to follow, & trail signs.

15-16 Helicopter Tours

SPEND A LITTLE BIT MORE for a flight of a lifetime! Beat the crowds & instead opt for an exclusive view of the Rockies that not everyone has the privilege of experiencing. Find more information at Rockies Heli Canada, Peregrine Helicopters, & Canadian Skyline Adventures.

16-16 Rock Climbing

A PLAYGROUND FOR ROCK CLIMBERS, Jasper is the perfect place to test your skills. To find that perfect spot, you can read about potential locations from others who have already found some great ones: mountainproject.com & thecrag.com. For more guided tours, check out Rockaboo Mountain Adventures.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains offers a fantastic vacation spot that provides adventures for everyone that keeps them coming back for more! Check them out! “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

#jasper

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josephkitchen0 · 7 years ago

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Fire Evacuation Procedures for Your Livestock

By Mary Wilson – The year 2013 was an informative and challenging year for Half Creek Farm in Bickleton, Washington. In late July and early August, we got our first “opportunity” to give farm fire evacuation procedures a try. We pretty much sucked at it.

I raise Kiko goats, British White cattle, Gotland sheep, a llama and a Holstein heifer. We also run a small herd of British Guernsey milk goats. We are raising geese, a zillion free-range chickens, ducks and three dogs.

Our animals are generally very gentle and used to us handling and touching them. We don’t have any craziness here (in the livestock sense). This fact led me to anticipate that should I ever need to put our fire evacuation procedures to the test, it would be a fairly simple thing to load all my gentle, well-behaved animals into the horse trailers and canopy and, away we’d go. Hah! That is not what happened.

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First, and foremost, you need to realize that all those friendly, sweet, easy to handle animals become raving lunatics when they sense something is wrong. My sweet Daisy (one of the British White cows) jumped her enormous girth (which I had no idea was even possible) onto a four-foot cattle panel and squashed it in half to escape the loading pen I’d thrown together. In spite of my warnings of oncoming barbecue weather, it took hours to lure Iris (the other British White heifer) into the horse trailer. That’s when I discovered that two of these girls weren’t going to fit in the horse trailer. So I took Iris and the llama to our friends’ farm in Goldendale (30 miles), dropped them off, and headed back. Daisy was having none of it, and ended up never being loaded out.

All of the meat goats were loaded up into the big horse trailer and hauled to Centerville, Washington (40 miles). When I arrived to unload the goats I discovered that one of my really nice registered Kiko doelings was crushed in the load. Not only is this heartbreaking, it’s a financial hit, as fire evacuation procedures are not cheap!

I unloaded the goats into the pasture provided by a friend’s farm and fed them to help settle them down. I was sharing a fence line with her goats, which made me nervous, and I didn’t have time to reinforce the fence between the two herds. This proved problematic, as the hay is always greener on the other side, and her herd broke through the fence and mixed with mine. That meant that a few months after I got my herd home I had to have the whole group blood tested for CL and CAE. Another expense I hadn’t counted on from our fire evacuation procedures.

I didn’t even try to move the poultry as part of the fire evacuation procedure, choosing instead to shelter in place. We have a large area behind one of the barns that’s void of grass and debris, and we put food and water out hoping for the best. The dogs stayed with us the whole time, traveling in the trucks while we moved livestock. The cats disappeared into the woods, not bothering to look to us for saving them.

Then we loaded the dairy goats and took them to a third farm. The dairy goats were near kidding and we were worried about them. We’d spent a lot of time and money having them AI’d and didn’t want to lose anyone. The people who owned the farm worked, which meant the girls would be alone for the day. They also didn’t know much about goats, so couldn’t tell when kidding was imminent, leaving us to check on them often. This farm was 25 miles from us on a side road.

Just when you think you’re finally set, you realize you’ve only begun with the hassle of the fire evacuation procedure. Once you have your animals moved, you are then responsible for making sure they get fed and watered. This was a really expensive challenge for us, as all of our shelter farms were about 30 miles away. We got up each morning and loaded up hay and buckets, and headed out to each farm to care for our animals. We couldn’t leave extra hay just sitting at our host farms because they had animals as well and their animals didn’t know our hay from their hay. So each day we’d drive out, feed and water all our animals, make sure they were doing okay, then in the evening we’d repeat it. One of the farms put the llama and the British White out on pasture so we didn’t have to do anything with them. This was so nice!

As we had feared, one of the British Guernsey dairy goats did indeed kid. We found her and her kid on one of our evening rounds and took her home, figuring if it got bad, we’d put her in the back seat of the car and run for it.

Dave made runs around our house and property with the Bobcat to help provide protection. There were tons of flying ash pieces in the air, and for weeks after the fire they remained on every surface on the farm. It’s amazing they didn’t start more fires as some of them were really large.

We brought the animals home in waves, about five days later, and then sat down to make a new fire evacuation plan for next time. We live in the rural west and wildfires are a fact of life. We have to be prepared to evacuate. However, remember there are many other reasons to evacuate, or to be prepared for disasters. From floods, to earthquakes, to volcanoes, we pretty much have it all and should be ready to provide for our animals as well as our families. With this in mind, I’m sharing with you some of the things that might help you in times of uncertainty.

Level 1=Get Ready, Level 2=Set, Level 3=Go!

We began waking up to heavy smoke in the air and flying pieces of ash. The fire departments sent trucks down to warn everyone to get ready for fire evacuation procedures (Level 2). They started advising steps to take to help minimize damage if the fire overran their fire line. It was a tense time. The smoke in the air was a constant reminder that all was not well.

Another thing to remember is that local wildlife is also on the run. Once your animals are out, open your gates, fill the water troughs, and close up your barns. You don’t want others running from the fire to be cut off from escape, or trapped in your barn thinking it’s safe, or full of your hay.

Pay close attention to local authorities and when you are moved from Level 2 to Level 3, assume you won’t be permitted to re-enter your place once you’ve left. All your animals need to be rescued before this point.

Finally, try to make sure valuable farm equipment is under shelter, and you’ve cleared around the shelter as much as you’re able. By now we’ve all had it drilled into us to clear a defensible area around our houses, but you should also have that same area around your barns and storage shelters. No debris, scrap lumber, or usual farm “stuff” should be banked up near any structures. If it’s valuable enough to keep, put it under cover; otherwise toss it, or put it in a pile in the middle of a clear field and away from structures.

So, I’ve told you how we did it, now I’ll tell you things that we would do differently, and things we’ve learned for the first time we executed our fire evacuation procedures.

1. Your tame well-behaved animals will become strangers. They won’t follow you like they always do, they won’t pay attention to the dogs, they’ll run everywhere but where you want them. Have a good livestock handling area set up in advance. It will make your life easier anyway so just do it. Sturdy aisles, good-working gates, and a well-built loading area will make things so much better.

2. If you have a lot of animals be sure you have room for all of them at host farms. In the case of a fire, you can’t just board at your neighbor’s because he’s boarding somewhere too. You need to be far enough away from the disaster to provide safety. Setting up reciprocal agreements with other farmers in advance is something you can do this week!

3. If you have a lot of animals and it looks serious, start moving them when you reach Level 2 of your fire evacuation procedures. You may not be allowed back if you wait until a Level 3 and have to make several loads.

4. On your final trip, leave a horse trailer at the host farm. When you return to check on your animals the next morning, bring plenty of hay and store it in the trailer. This way you can take a more economical vehicle for the rest of the fire evacuation procedures as you won’t have to haul hay every day.

5. Make sure all of your animals have positive identification on them, whether it’s a brand, an ear tag or tattoo. Have current pictures of unmarked animals and keep accurate records of where everyone went. It’s easy to lose animals while they are hosting at someone else’s farm, especially if everyone is working and there’s no one to watch your animals.

6. If you have to leave an animal behind, don’t chain them, or contain them where they will be trapped. Place them in a cleared area with enough food and water for 72 hours. Don’t rely on automatic waterers as you may lose electricity.

7. Make sure the host farms have all your contact info. Place contact info on your door when you leave.

8. When you have completed your fire evacuation procedure, put a sign at the end of your drive, advising fire and rescue that you have evacuated. You don’t want them to waste precious time going in to check to make sure you are safe when you aren’t even there.

9. Be sure to take important papers like registrations, health records, and vaccinations.

10. If you are unable to evacuate all of your animals, you need to decide which genetics are the most valuable. Prioritize if you can’t take them all.

The 5 P’s of Executing Immediate Fire Evacuation Procedures:

People, pets, and livestock

Papers — important documents

Prescriptions — medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids

Pictures — Irreplaceable memories

Personal computer

Before a Fire Evacuation Procedure:

Make a list of priorities. What will you pack when you leave? Write it down so that if it ever comes up, you can pull your list and begin loading the car.

Keep a kit: This should include a first aid kit, some emergency tools, a battery powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, a spare set of car keys, credit cards, cash, water, non-perishable food, blanket/sleeping bag, a waterproof tarp, all packed in a backpack or carryall so you can grab it and go. Keep several packed and in handy places, like one in each car, and one in the utility room.

Always establish two escape routes in case of disaster.

When you leave your home:

Leave your electricity on and a light on!

Move flammable furniture to the center of the room.

Close shutters, blinds, and heavy drapes. Remove light-weight drapes and curtains.

Close fireplace screens and dampers.

Shut all interior and exterior doors and leave them unlocked.

Place a note on the front door stating names of all evacuees and your destination/contact info.

Place a ladder outside for roof access.

Originally published in Countryside 2014 and regularly vetted for accuracy.

Fire Evacuation Procedures for Your Livestock was originally posted by All About Chickens

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bestnewsmag-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Bestnewsmag

New Post has been published on https://bestnewsmag.com/beauty-and-the-beast-becomes-highest-grossing-pg-film-ever-in-u-s/

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Becomes Highest Grossing PG Film Ever in U.S.

“Beauty and the Beast” beckoned “Be our guest,” and audiences answered Highest

Disney’s stay-movement remake of the 1991 original earned sufficient, as of Sunday, to turn out to be the very best grossing PG-rated film of all time within the U.S. With $487.7 million at the domestic container office, the film passed “Finding Dory” ($486.3 million) to earn the name.

“Beauty” does not, however, preserve the crown while taking into account earnings overseas. That award is going to “Frozen,” that’s made $1.28 billion globally in 2013, as compared to the 2017 film’s contemporary overall, $1.19 billion. “Beauty” continues to be showing sturdy in theaters (it made the top five regionally this past weekend), so there may be a danger is should bypass its icy competitor. But both way, it’s a win for Disney.

RELATED Dan Stevens Legion FX Dan Stevens on ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Sequel Talk

In truth, the studio is chargeable for four of the pinnacle ten PG-rated films at the home container workplace — “Beauty,” “Dory,” “Frozen” ($four hundred.7 million) and 2016’s “The Jungle Book” ($364 million). The relaxation of the top ten is “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” ($474.Five million); the original 1977 “Star Wars” ($461 million); “Shrek 2” ($441.2 million); “E.T.” ($435.1 million); “The Secret Life of Pets” ($368.Four million); and “Despicable Me 2” ($368.1 million).

“Beauty and the Beast” is cutting-edge the eighth maximum grossing film inside the U.S. General and the 11th maximum inside the world. Emma Watson stars as Belle and Dan Stevens plays the beast. Bill Condon directed from a screenplay written by using Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. It opened in U.S. Theaters on March 17 and has waltzed past one field workplace file after every other ever due to the fact that.

5 Reasons To Hike To The Highest Point In All 50 States!

Add the thrill of the 50 high point challenge to your bucket list of life long goals and you won’t be disappointed! Would you believe that America offers a vast array of thrilling high and low mountain adventures? Mt. Washington at only 6,288 feet, the highest point in New Hampshire, once held the highest recorded wind speed ever observed by man at 231 MPH! If you try to take on Washington’s Mt Rainer, you will be hiking on an active volcano just 150 miles from the infamous Mt. Saint Helens volcano. Other states highest “peaks” are literally in the middle of suburban neighborhoods, such as Delawares Ebright Azimuth standing tall at 448 feet! The 50 high point challenge offers both the thrill of a Himalayan expedition and the ease of a, “walk in the park” you never thought existed. Take some pride in our great country and explore these fun adventures in your own backyard. You will be surprised at how many states high points are located on famous trails such as the Appalachian, offer difficult mountaineering challenges, or take you off the beaten path to unique places away from the crowds. Here are the top 5 Reasons why you should climb to the highest point in all 50 states!

1. Another Excuse to Get Outside

Of course, the number one reason to start “high pointing” is to give all of us another excuse to get outside, find adventure, breath fresh mountain air and travel this great country from sea to shining sea. When you start “high pointing” you will scratch that outdoor itch every time. Not only will you get a great hike under your belt, but the outdoor adventures surrounding each high point range from kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping and the list goes on and on! Each high point offers different wildlife, such as the herd of Bighorn Sheep on New Mexico’s Wheeler Peak, or the wild Grayson Highlands Ponies on Virginia’s Mt. Rogers. National Parks and landmarks are also near highpoints, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park just 90 miles away from Texas’s Guadalupe Peak or Mount Rushmore only 30 miles from South Dakota’s Harney Peak.

2. Offers Opportunities for Everyone

The second reason is to spend more time with family and friends on trips that you can enjoy with anyone! No matter what age, gender, or disability, “high pointing” can be enjoyed by everyone. Since there are 50 different high points to climb, the high points across this great nation range from a drive up parking lot with wheel chair access, such as Florida’s Britton Hill, to an intermediate family fun hike like New York’s Mt. Marcy, to an all out 14 day expedition with a glacier crossing on Alaska’s Mt Denali (the highest point in North America). Taking on the 50 high points gives you a unique opportunity to spend time and plan trips with an array of family, friends or fellow hikers regardless of their skill or love for the outdoors.

3. Conquering Challenges

Just visiting all 50 states is a challenge all to itself, but actually planning a trip to a certain location to accomplish a certain goal becomes a very hard sought challenge. Some hikes such as Illinois’s Charles Mound are on private land and access can only be granted a couple weekends during the year. Other points offer greater challenges, such as Wyoming’s Gannett Peak, which has the longest round trip of any of the high points of nearly 50 miles. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a goal all the way through to fruition. Whether your goal is to take down the highest point in your home state, all the states in your region, or take on all 50 states, “highpoints” is a goal worth setting. This goal will be sure to keep you going for years to come. The real reward begins while sitting around with family and friends planning the next challenging high point to conquer.

4. Unique Cross Country Travel

Too often we get stuck in our comfort zones and end up only hiking, camping, or exploring in our own regions of the U.S. When we do end up planning a lavish trip, we end up backpacking across Europe or the Australian outback. Make your next big vacation a road trip to high point with more than just a hike, visit a place you never expected to visit, like hiking Louisiana’s Mt. Driskill. The high point is within minutes of where the infamous Bonnie and Clyde made they finally stand in a hail of bullets. Since you’re “high pointing” in the South you might as well eat some good BBQ. Stop in the town of Ruston, Louisiana just 20 miles east on I-20 just off Exit 84, and pick up the World Famous Scatterload sandwich from Brister’s Smokehouse for the best BBQ and sweet tea I’ve ever had. By adding the high points to your goals, you will end up traveling to all kinds of unique locations off the beaten path. Find new unique opportunities for photography, adventure, and places to eat that aren’t listed on yelp, or the cliche locations everyone visits!

5. The Views are Spectacular!

We all love to hike and camp, but nothing is better than adding a spectacular view to an adventure. There is something special that touches the souls of every man and woman when we can stand atop a mountain and gaze out as far as the eye can see! I never expected to stand atop so many “flat” states like North Dakota’s White Butte that stand tall in the Little Missouri National Grasslands, and be able to take in a 360-degree view. I encourage you not to underestimate any state on the map because every state will surprise you! From hundreds of waterfalls near Alabama’s Cheaha Mt to hundreds of high Sierra lakes surrounding California’s Mt. Whitney!

I hope this article inspires you to get outside more often and enjoy the challenge of the great outdoors with friends and family

The First Beast of Revelation 13 – Who Is It?

Prophecies in Revelation are full of mysteries and wonders. They speak of beasts and angels and other things that clearly are not physical in nature and yet what is shown therein is the reality. We are in the last days and the promise is that at this time all things will be known including the identity of the two beasts described therein. The second of these bears the number 666 while the first roams the earth and is worshiped in all places.

My reincarnation brought me back with an urgency to undo the lies and overturn the work of evil and religious deception. Between lives, a vision showed that the work would commence at the age of 45 years. At that time the Spirit came upon me with such force it was impossible to move and it commissioned me.

“Tear down the wall of churches, go out to the people and bring back the young.” Were the words I heard in a loud clear voice. Three visions followed and the last was my face on a screen. The year was 1983 and a long time before computers became a household item or the Internet was invented and yet these are the screens on which my face now appears.

The first vision showed me an image of Jesus Christ preaching to a mob on a hillside. The second showed that I had replaced him. While it sounds far-fetched the Internet is the highest hill there is and since 1996 my work has been published on it to break down the wall.

The latter started with the first beast. The Spirit gave me the vision to explain who and what that is. In it, a group of people was gathered on a hill and before them was a prop holding aloft a large stone with a perforated center. Pointed towards the rising sun the rays penetrated the hole to form a magnificent star of perpetually moving rainbow-coloured rings. Central to them was the right-angled cross.

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