Sometimes in the evenings, when the neighborhood kids have been slipped their sedatives and gone indoors and the fuzz popping irritation of traffic seems like the crest of a distant nightmare, I go outside to listen to the Universe. Some people might call this God, but I figure by definition Universe pretty much encompasses all the possibilities.Anyway, I listen, and it speaks. Not a voices in my head kind of speaking, but more of a gentle but all-pervasive reminder that my life as a being infused and gifted with a relationship to the Universe is actually what's most important to me.
Occasionally I can hear the Universe laughing at me. This happens when I have blithely ignored sign after sign of trouble ahead, only to learn a lesson the hard and sometimes painful way. You see, the Universe warns me when I'm about to do something especially stupid. The problem is getting my primate brain to recognize the warnings for what they are.
I get especially disquieted when I see that the Universe has saved me from what may have been a disaster, a situation where the signs have been abundantly clear. For instance, I'm writing this from the security of a metaphorical palm that swooped down and carried me out of what could possibly been a mistake at best and a life-bending horror at the worst. This time at least, I'm seeing the signs, and I'm interpreting them in a way I feel is metaphysically correct.
At least in my experience, the Universe doesn't discriminate. Whatever your belief system or non-belief system, the Universe is the Universe, and it will warn you and guide you if you keep open to the signs. And when the Universe suggests something might not be the best of ideas, think about it. Maybe it's not what you want, but it might be what you need.
Showing posts with label Emmietales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emmietales. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2016
The Story That Will Not Go Away
This is the story that will not go away.
Now that I’m living in Philadelphia, now that I’ve made myself a fixture of my community, people still are curious about the odyssey that took me to Florida for eight years. Specifically, I get asked time and again about the infamous 2000 presidential election and the part I played in it. I suppose it’s one thing to have read the news and quite another to have lived through the news—to have made the news.
Well, all right then. For everybody who’s wanted to know my version for whatever reason, here it goes. If you don't particularly care for my politics, you might at least appreciate the importance of your vote--and that transcends parties and philosophies.
In 2000 I was living in Saint Cloud, Florida—a little place I affectionately called Cowgirl Helltown (no joke—my neighbors were cows). Saint Cloud is in Osceola County, just south of Orlando, and wasn’t one of the counties of contention in the election. Heck, I think Al Gore swept the county by more than 75%, I’m not sure.
Also at the time I was married to someone about as politically passionate as I was. We’d done a great deal of research on the Green Party, and when we moved from Orlando to Saint Cloud we’d also changed our voter registration from Independent to Green. Now I should point out that we did not own a television. We were hooked up to the Internet to our eyeballs, but otherwise we got our news from the radio and from print media. I should also point out that the Clinton years had been very kind to us.
Now somewhere in the summer of 2000 the idea of “Greens for Gore” took shape and started to gain momentum, especially in the greater Orlando area. Unfortunately the idea was not so much support for Al Gore as it was a desperate attempt to keep #43 out of the White House—he who talked about these great 52 United States and the use of subliminable messages. I mean it was unrestrained panic that the Fortunate Son might carry the election.
Let me mention that I have met Al Gore. It was in June of 1993, when he was Vice President, and I was working at Independence National Historical Park. He did a photo op with the park rangers, and since we all were working for Club Fed, we were presumed safe. I remember two things. He was nowhere nearly as wooden as one might think. I also actually got him to laugh at some joke I don’t remember.
Fast forward to Election Day 2000. We were nervous wrecks. We knew damn well what was on the line. We also knew that Gore wasn’t going into the election with an overwhelming majority. A second Bush presidency was a very real threat, no matter how many months we’d spent trying to wake people up. My husband and I got to our polling place early, gritting our teeth as we stood in line under a cloud of doom. Most of Osceola County had the same idea and the place was packed.
This is where the great joke that was the Florida election system comes into play.
When we’d lived in Tallahassee, the voting booth was automated. Winter Park had actually used computers. Not so Osceola. We were handed actual paper ballots along with a push pin, of all things. All we had to do is make a hole next to the name of the candidate we were selecting. This was my first fit of the day, but this slipshod method wasn’t the fault of the people working the polls, so I tried to let it slide.
Traditionally in an election with write-in spaces, the election committee provides some kind of writing implement (in this case the voting booth was very much like an elementary school desk with afterthought blinders to protect our privacy). I had been planning on quite a few write-ins, so you can imagine how livid I was that nothing had been provided. All right, now I made a big fuss, not just for me but for everybody else. Were we having our freedom to write in candidates taken from us?
The so-called election officials—cronies of somebody or other—didn’t give a damn, but the body of voters in the room and outside heard me and applauded my outburst. Well, applause is nice, but all I really wanted was a damn pencil!
Much later on, after a nerve-wracking day, we heard that #43 was the projected winner. We headed out to hang with the cows and try to come to grips with this disaster in our minds. But when we got home, suddenly the election was in contention, and it was our state that had done it. Having lived through the half-assed attempt at polling that we had that morning, it was no surprise.
We all know what happened then, so I won’t belabor the painful. But here are some quips from the time I found both amusing and disturbing.
"THOSE WHO CAST THE VOTES DECIDE NOTHING. THOSE WHO COUNT
THE VOTES DECIDE EVERYTHING." -- JOSEPH STALIN
DON'T BLAME ME - I VOTED FOR GORE... I THINK
MY PARENTS RETIRED TO FLORIDA AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY PRESIDENT
DISNEY GAVE US MICKEY, FLORIDA GAVE US DUMBO
DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR VOTE... LET KATHERINE HARRIS DO IT FOR YOU
BUSH TRUSTS THE PEOPLE, BUT NOT IF IT INVOLVES COUNTING
TO YOU I'M A DRUNK DRIVER; TO MY FRIENDS, I'M PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL!
ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE (MAY NOT APPLY IN CERTAIN STATES)
I DIDN'T VOTE FOR HIS DADDY EITHER
IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL YOUR BROTHER COUNTS THE VOTES
BANANA REPUBLICANS
GEORGE W. BUSH: THE PRESIDENT QUAYLE WE NEVER HAD
THE LAST TIME SOMEBODY LISTENED TO A BUSH, FOLKS WANDERED IN THE DESERT FOR 40 YEARS
CAMPAIGN SPENDING: $184,000,000. HAVING YOUR LITTLE BROTHER RIG THE ELECTION FOR YOU: PRICELESS
I ask you...this year, for this election, please take your civic duty seriously. Read up on the candidates and get your questions answered to your satisfaction. Don't leave your voice be unheard and your vote left in the hands of others.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Random Crap
Here's some random stuff of the moment.
If you could come back as a dress, which one would it be?
Something either deathy and gothic or poppy red.
What is your favorite color?
Purple, violet, amethyst…you get the picture.
What is your favorite junk food?
Kettle chips.
What are you most vain about?
Nothing. I’m not vain even where I should be.
What are you most shy about?
Everything. How’s everything for an answer?
If you could have somebody else’s body, whose would it be?
Do you mean I would exist in said body or that the body would be mine to play with as I please?
If you could have somebody else’s breasts, whose would they be?
Uck.
Who are your fantasy dinner party guests?
There are so many. But assuming I am the hostess of a dinner party for twelve, I would select Coco Chanel, Charlemagne, Eleanor Roosevelt, Richard Feynman (physicist), Mary Robinson (former president of Ireland), Kurt Vonnegut, Sally Ride, John Young (also an accomplished astronaut), Zsuszanna Budapest (womens’ rights activist), His Holliness the Dalai Lama, Gloria Steinem, and Carl Sagan.
Where is your favorite place to have a drink?
Drink? What am I--normal?
Whose wallet would you like to steal?
I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.
Whose diary would you most like to read?
Hilary Rodham Clinton’s.
What’s your least favorite food?
Tomatoes, mayonnaise, and organ meat .
If you were an inventor, what would you invent?
I’d invent something that would do all of my dressing and grooming for me.
What is your favorite car?
My long-gone garnet '91 Pontiac Sunbird.
When and where are you happiest?
I’m happiest in those wonderful moments at night when I’m relaxing in a scented bath with the day behind me and the comfort of sleep awaiting me.
What or who is your worst enemy?
I am my own worst enemy along with my evil sidekick Doubt.
What piece of art would you most like to own?
“Mary Magdalene” by Gustav Adolf Mossa.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
These days, it's my garden in my backyard.
What is your most treasured possession?
I have the fang of a rattlesnake my shaman mentor gave to me as a rite of passage.
Who is your favorite fictional character?
Myself.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A mortician, an aerialist, a lawyer…who knows?
What current trend would you like to see disappear?
I want to see anything extolling extreme thinness as some kind of virtue disappear.
Always…?
Always remember things can always get worse.
Never…?
Never doubt that things can get better.
If you could come back as a dress, which one would it be?
Something either deathy and gothic or poppy red.
What is your favorite color?
Purple, violet, amethyst…you get the picture.
What is your favorite junk food?
Kettle chips.
What are you most vain about?
Nothing. I’m not vain even where I should be.
What are you most shy about?
Everything. How’s everything for an answer?
If you could have somebody else’s body, whose would it be?
Do you mean I would exist in said body or that the body would be mine to play with as I please?
If you could have somebody else’s breasts, whose would they be?
Uck.
Who are your fantasy dinner party guests?
There are so many. But assuming I am the hostess of a dinner party for twelve, I would select Coco Chanel, Charlemagne, Eleanor Roosevelt, Richard Feynman (physicist), Mary Robinson (former president of Ireland), Kurt Vonnegut, Sally Ride, John Young (also an accomplished astronaut), Zsuszanna Budapest (womens’ rights activist), His Holliness the Dalai Lama, Gloria Steinem, and Carl Sagan.
Where is your favorite place to have a drink?
Drink? What am I--normal?
Whose wallet would you like to steal?
I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.
Whose diary would you most like to read?
Hilary Rodham Clinton’s.
What’s your least favorite food?
Tomatoes, mayonnaise, and organ meat .
If you were an inventor, what would you invent?
I’d invent something that would do all of my dressing and grooming for me.
What is your favorite car?
My long-gone garnet '91 Pontiac Sunbird.
When and where are you happiest?
I’m happiest in those wonderful moments at night when I’m relaxing in a scented bath with the day behind me and the comfort of sleep awaiting me.
What or who is your worst enemy?
I am my own worst enemy along with my evil sidekick Doubt.
What piece of art would you most like to own?
“Mary Magdalene” by Gustav Adolf Mossa.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
These days, it's my garden in my backyard.
What is your most treasured possession?
I have the fang of a rattlesnake my shaman mentor gave to me as a rite of passage.
Who is your favorite fictional character?
Myself.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A mortician, an aerialist, a lawyer…who knows?
What current trend would you like to see disappear?
I want to see anything extolling extreme thinness as some kind of virtue disappear.
Always…?
Always remember things can always get worse.
Never…?
Never doubt that things can get better.
My Grandfather's Legacy (1920-2003)
There is no greater gift than a gift that shapes the good character of a child. My grandfather was most generous in his giving and with his gifts.
If I know honesty, it’s because he showed me the value of the truth and of being forthright.
If I know tenacity, it’s because I watched him begin so many projects and never quitting until the task at hand was done.
If I know craftsmanship, it’s because he was able to bring his creations from a blueprint in his mind into a tangible reality.
If I know stability, it’s because he never left me down, never left me alone, and never left me feeling friendless.
If I know loyalty, it’s because he always put his family ahead of anything else.
If I know unselfishness, it’s because he taught me to be open-handed.
If I know love, it’s because he encouraged me to bloom.
Take the gifts. Cherish them. Share them.
If I know honesty, it’s because he showed me the value of the truth and of being forthright.
If I know tenacity, it’s because I watched him begin so many projects and never quitting until the task at hand was done.
If I know craftsmanship, it’s because he was able to bring his creations from a blueprint in his mind into a tangible reality.
If I know stability, it’s because he never left me down, never left me alone, and never left me feeling friendless.
If I know loyalty, it’s because he always put his family ahead of anything else.
If I know unselfishness, it’s because he taught me to be open-handed.
If I know love, it’s because he encouraged me to bloom.
Take the gifts. Cherish them. Share them.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Scarriemonster's "Ancient" History
I've been at this online thing long enough to have chronicled a good part of my adult life. In this case, I apparently have a Live Journal that goes waaaaaaay back to 2001. Shit disturbing is putting it mildly. Anyway, in the interest of full disclosure, I present the time warp link.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
My September 11, 2001 Journal Entry
I remember the many times I would lay on one of the benches in the plaza of the World Trade Center. Tower 1 was completed in 1970, and Tower 2 in 1973--hence, the rising, dominating figures of the Manhattan skyline are roughly as old as I am. Since I was a little girl, the towers held a fascination for me. Every time I went to New York, I would go and gaze up in awe at the towers and marvel at humanity's ability to create.
Today I wept at humanity's ability to destroy.
Every time I climbed to the top of Tower 1, I loved to go to the panorama windows. I leaned forward as far as the guardrail would allow me, looking down, looking up, in flight over this magnificent city. Of course, standing on the ground up against the building and looking up its length was quite an experience as well.
There's so much more tied into this disaster, I know. But in the midst of it all, I have to collect my own thoughts and center on that part that, somehow, I could deal with and I could grasp. There was an esprit de vie about those towers, and it's hard to believe it's gone forever.
And I think of the people, of the 200+ firefighters and about 80 policemen who lost their lives. I think of the 70,000+ people who worked within the World Trade Center Complex. I think of the passengers of the commercial jets which were turned into bombs.
And I think, is this a one-time event, or is this only the beginning of something more?
My mother launched into a passionate rant against my estranged husband. "He didn't call you. He couldn't even call you. How the hell could he not call you? See how you are? You were just as likely as anybody to be there this morning. How can he care so little?"
Well, I understood her rant, but I wasn't upset by the cause of it. After all, on this day I was surrounded by the people who mean the most to me, and I to them. Who can ask for more?
In closing, I would like to offer a Brujeria prayer, one that we used in the neighborhood vigil we arranged this evening.
From the skies descended
In triumph and splendor
Guadelupe, favor your children with peace
White flowers, red roses
You appeared to us
Once and for always
Favor your children, oh Guadelupe
Oh favor us, you children, with peace
On that note, go in peace, and be well.
Today I wept at humanity's ability to destroy.
Every time I climbed to the top of Tower 1, I loved to go to the panorama windows. I leaned forward as far as the guardrail would allow me, looking down, looking up, in flight over this magnificent city. Of course, standing on the ground up against the building and looking up its length was quite an experience as well.
There's so much more tied into this disaster, I know. But in the midst of it all, I have to collect my own thoughts and center on that part that, somehow, I could deal with and I could grasp. There was an esprit de vie about those towers, and it's hard to believe it's gone forever.
And I think of the people, of the 200+ firefighters and about 80 policemen who lost their lives. I think of the 70,000+ people who worked within the World Trade Center Complex. I think of the passengers of the commercial jets which were turned into bombs.
And I think, is this a one-time event, or is this only the beginning of something more?
My mother launched into a passionate rant against my estranged husband. "He didn't call you. He couldn't even call you. How the hell could he not call you? See how you are? You were just as likely as anybody to be there this morning. How can he care so little?"
Well, I understood her rant, but I wasn't upset by the cause of it. After all, on this day I was surrounded by the people who mean the most to me, and I to them. Who can ask for more?
In closing, I would like to offer a Brujeria prayer, one that we used in the neighborhood vigil we arranged this evening.
From the skies descended
In triumph and splendor
Guadelupe, favor your children with peace
White flowers, red roses
You appeared to us
Once and for always
Favor your children, oh Guadelupe
Oh favor us, you children, with peace
On that note, go in peace, and be well.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Vamping The Vampires (2010 Archive)
Philadelphia is an American metropolis with a thriving vampire community. But out of all the real vampires in the area, P. Rob Royal singled me out for a project about--of course--vampires. I wanted to share our (Facebook) correspondence with you.
P. Rob Royal June 17 at 7:18pm
Hello,
My name is Rob Royal and I'm an executive producer here at Channel 6. I'd like to talk to you about vampires. I need to get smarter about them. I would like to get a copy of your handbook. Can yo please call me at 484-664-8603.
Emilie Conroy June 17 at 10:49pm
I would be more than happy to help you to the fullest extent that I can, but as my schedule is so busy I prefer to use messaging or e-mail for communications. Let me give you the basics.
I am the elected Matriarch of the Order of Maidenfear, an international network of real vampires. This weekend we are celebrating our fortieth anniversary with an event we call the Ruby Solstice. Much of the vampire community participates in organized groups such as ours.
Additionally, I am the director and webmistress of Vampgeist Creative Media at http://www.vampgeist.com/ . Our main task has been to help people in the community and people outside the community find each other and successfully navigate media opportunities and traps. If you visit the website you will find a lot of information, all of which is freely available.
The Hybrid Vampire Handbook is available athttp://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-hybrid-vampire-handbook/2756708 . At the moment I'm contracted for several other real vampire book projects, including a conversational narrative about my personal experiences, a history of our Order, tales from the Vampgeist project, and a workbook in energy or pranic vampirism.
The world of the real vampire is multifaceted and always changing. It's been my experience that people find real vampirism even more interesting than the vampirism of film and fang. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
P. Rob Royal June 17 at 11:31pm
Thank you for responding to my message.
I have been reading information on the various websites you suggested since this afternoon. I have not been able to see a copy of the Hybrid Vampire Handbook, but we would like to read it.
I'm working with reporter Brian Taff to produce a report on vampires in our area.
As I'm sure you are aware, there is a renewed facination with vampires. Our network has a new TV show beginning and the newest Twighlight movie opens next week. But we're looking to give viewers insight into real vampire communities. Would you allow us to attend part of the Ruby Solstice? We would also need to interview someone about the vampire community. Could you do that video interview?
I've read some of your messages detailing what you do and don't do as a vampire ... kind of letters to educate people outside your community. I would really appreciate the opportunity to let our crew attend part of this weekend's event. We have attended and recorded Wiccan ceremonies in the past and have been very respectful.
You can respond via facebook or my email address: rob.royal@abc.com
Thank you again.
Emilie Conroy June 18 at 12:25am
Let me get back to you. I think I can provide what you're seeking, or if not I can point you in the direction of someone who does.
Unfortunately Ruby Solstice is a closed event, mainly to protect those in our group who do not wish to go public with their vampire lifestyles. I've been out in the open since 1988, and would have no trouble giving you a thorough and interesting interview--so long as no one is expecting Morticia Addams complete with fangs, cape, and a wooden coffin filled with the ground of my homeland!
I'm more aware of the pop vampire than I care to be, but it's all part of the package I suppose. For example, I have gotten e-mail addressed to the famous names in vampire fiction--Edward Cullen, Lestat, Celine from "Underworld", and the rest of the gang. That is, there are people who expect me to put them in contact with one of these characters, since I have the connections and whatnot. Sometimes I think a real vampire's biggest headache is the vampire fan!
Keep in touch, and take care!
P. Rob Royal June 18 at 12:47am
I thank you again for being willing to help.
Unfortunately for me, I'm trying to broadcast a report within the next couple of days. If at all possible, I would like to interview you tomorrow evening. You can reach me anyway that works for you ... facebook, email or my cell phone. Good night.
P. Rob Royal June 17 at 7:18pm
Hello,
My name is Rob Royal and I'm an executive producer here at Channel 6. I'd like to talk to you about vampires. I need to get smarter about them. I would like to get a copy of your handbook. Can yo please call me at 484-664-8603.
Emilie Conroy June 17 at 10:49pm
I would be more than happy to help you to the fullest extent that I can, but as my schedule is so busy I prefer to use messaging or e-mail for communications. Let me give you the basics.
I am the elected Matriarch of the Order of Maidenfear, an international network of real vampires. This weekend we are celebrating our fortieth anniversary with an event we call the Ruby Solstice. Much of the vampire community participates in organized groups such as ours.
Additionally, I am the director and webmistress of Vampgeist Creative Media at http://www.vampgeist.com/ . Our main task has been to help people in the community and people outside the community find each other and successfully navigate media opportunities and traps. If you visit the website you will find a lot of information, all of which is freely available.
The Hybrid Vampire Handbook is available athttp://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-hybrid-vampire-handbook/2756708 . At the moment I'm contracted for several other real vampire book projects, including a conversational narrative about my personal experiences, a history of our Order, tales from the Vampgeist project, and a workbook in energy or pranic vampirism.
The world of the real vampire is multifaceted and always changing. It's been my experience that people find real vampirism even more interesting than the vampirism of film and fang. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
P. Rob Royal June 17 at 11:31pm
Thank you for responding to my message.
I have been reading information on the various websites you suggested since this afternoon. I have not been able to see a copy of the Hybrid Vampire Handbook, but we would like to read it.
I'm working with reporter Brian Taff to produce a report on vampires in our area.
As I'm sure you are aware, there is a renewed facination with vampires. Our network has a new TV show beginning and the newest Twighlight movie opens next week. But we're looking to give viewers insight into real vampire communities. Would you allow us to attend part of the Ruby Solstice? We would also need to interview someone about the vampire community. Could you do that video interview?
I've read some of your messages detailing what you do and don't do as a vampire ... kind of letters to educate people outside your community. I would really appreciate the opportunity to let our crew attend part of this weekend's event. We have attended and recorded Wiccan ceremonies in the past and have been very respectful.
You can respond via facebook or my email address: rob.royal@abc.com
Thank you again.
Emilie Conroy June 18 at 12:25am
Let me get back to you. I think I can provide what you're seeking, or if not I can point you in the direction of someone who does.
Unfortunately Ruby Solstice is a closed event, mainly to protect those in our group who do not wish to go public with their vampire lifestyles. I've been out in the open since 1988, and would have no trouble giving you a thorough and interesting interview--so long as no one is expecting Morticia Addams complete with fangs, cape, and a wooden coffin filled with the ground of my homeland!
I'm more aware of the pop vampire than I care to be, but it's all part of the package I suppose. For example, I have gotten e-mail addressed to the famous names in vampire fiction--Edward Cullen, Lestat, Celine from "Underworld", and the rest of the gang. That is, there are people who expect me to put them in contact with one of these characters, since I have the connections and whatnot. Sometimes I think a real vampire's biggest headache is the vampire fan!
Keep in touch, and take care!
P. Rob Royal June 18 at 12:47am
I thank you again for being willing to help.
Unfortunately for me, I'm trying to broadcast a report within the next couple of days. If at all possible, I would like to interview you tomorrow evening. You can reach me anyway that works for you ... facebook, email or my cell phone. Good night.
Emilie Conroy June 18 at 1:13pm
I have to apologize. You had originally written I "I'd like to talk to you about vampires. I need to get smarter about them", and so I believed you were planning to take the time to research. I didn't realize how important rushing this story was. That being the case, I really can't do more than I've already offered.
Getting an inherently secretive community to open up about its activities is hard enough. Best of luck working with a tight time constraint.
I'm looking forward (in a macabre masochistic way) to seeing what these guys do manage to produce. Sure, it was an opportunity to talk about the vampire community as we know it, but I'm pretty sure anything I said would have been mangled and the whole thing turned into a one-ring circus. Sigh.
(2016 postscript--nothing ever materialized)
I have to apologize. You had originally written I "I'd like to talk to you about vampires. I need to get smarter about them", and so I believed you were planning to take the time to research. I didn't realize how important rushing this story was. That being the case, I really can't do more than I've already offered.
Getting an inherently secretive community to open up about its activities is hard enough. Best of luck working with a tight time constraint.
I'm looking forward (in a macabre masochistic way) to seeing what these guys do manage to produce. Sure, it was an opportunity to talk about the vampire community as we know it, but I'm pretty sure anything I said would have been mangled and the whole thing turned into a one-ring circus. Sigh.
(2016 postscript--nothing ever materialized)
Return of the Corvids
I'm the angel who plucked too many feathers out of her stupidly designed unaerodynamic wings due to a nervous habit and plummeted to earth.
And I'm the daemon who drank so much root beer and managed to giggle myself right up out of hell.
Today, we're your friendly neighborhood corvids...
RavenBlood and RavenBran!
But since neither heaven nor hell, nor angels nor daemons exist...
We don't actually exist either.
So you might want to take what we say with a grain of salt.
Welcome to this, our Statement of Porpoise. Raven, do they have porpoises at Sea World?
Uhhh...dunno Raven. Never gotten to feel around the dolphin tank to see for myself. I never saw the porpoise.
Oh. Well, anyway, instead of posting some lame crapman piece of bureaucratic bullcookies explaining why we are, we figured we'd do it this way. It's kind of like talking to us.
Except you don't get to ask us any annoying questions.
But we'll try and be helpful anyway. Raven, I'll let you handle this one. We're the Osceola Corvids. But I bet the folks are asking, what in Sam Hill is a corvid?
When did I become an orinthologist?
Raven bonks Raven on the head with a spherical cow and threatens to withdraw all sexual favors.
Okay, I give. Raven doesn't play fair. Anyway, porpoises are NOT corvids, so let's get that out of the way first. "Corvid" is a cutesy way of referring to the Corvidae family of birds. It's a big'un, too. But in the Osceola Corvids, we're principally concerned with two birds, the crow and the raven.
Why? Well, mostly because we feel a kind of affinity for these black birds. In the traditions of many cultures, these are creatures of magic, mysticism, and wisdom. Keep in mind that none of us think we're ACTUALLY the birds we favor--although having wings wouldn't be bad.
The subject, Raven.
Well tell me you wouldn't like to be able to fly?
At any rate, the Osceola Corvids are a bunch of creative and fun people who happen to identify with ravens and crows. Usually, a member will take a name for use among the murder (that's our equivalent of "flock") or for when acting as a member. You'll notice that we here are calling ourselves RavenBlood and RavenBran, and you probably deduced that these aren't our legal names. Uh, I hope you did.
Essentially we're all about friends getting together to be creative, express ourselves, and have a good time. Late night gatherings at various Denny's--
--they haven't tossed us out yet, and I applaud them for their tolerance--
--are a typical and frequent event. We're not hard to spot. We'll be the laughing crowd hidden in the back dressed, of course, in black.
The Eric Draven fashion is always popular--you know, the hero from the film, "The Crow" or the hero from the original graphic novel by James O'Barr? Of course no one thinks they ARE Draven, but it's fun to see what Crow statements people devise. The face paint is always popular, and many dress right down to PVC and electrical tape. Others wear their old but loved Crow t-shirts.
Even these two Ravens become Crows. It's not all make-up and costuming, though. We have people show up just as they are in everyday life, and that's fine too. Anything goes--but don't push us, because we do take that literally.
She's not kidding.
We also gather at The Nest, which is our own home. You'd be surprised. Very often we get into reading and/or philosophical discussions. Of course, we also get silly. A favorite activity is watching horror films or even "The Crow" for the millionth time, reciting along with the movie.
So who can become a Corvid? Well, usually we ask an interested person to hang with us and see if they feel at home with us. Interest is really the only requirement, although I prefer if new folks have a good sense of humor. There's no alcohol served at any Corvid function, but I still prefer members to be over the age of eighteen. Frankly, we may get into discussions of things or watch things deemed unsuitable for younger people, and we'd prefer not to get into a sticky entanglement with angry parents.
You understand.
I'm sure.
Pearls of Wisdom
"Well, DUH!"
"It's exactly the same, except almost completely different."
"This is a no-Zen zone for the next fifteen minutes."
"I'm king/queen of my cube!"
"NOT"
"Pro-Fucking-Choice!"
"Happiness is where you are, not where you'd like to be."
"AMAZON!"
"We need more people like us and fewer like them."
"If space and time are curved, then where do straight people come from?"
"Self-respect before respectability."
"We've been too nice for too long."
"That's not Spam, that's my husband."
"Silence is not protection."
"Oh, EVOLVE!"
"I love everybody and you're next."
"Unique, just like everybody else."
"Control your destiny or someone else will."
"Don't follow me, I'm following my bliss."
"Don't piss me off. I'm running out of places to hide the bodies."
"Don't start with me. You will not win."
"Eat right, exercise, die anyway."
"Your village called. The idiot is missing."
"Bubble wrap is cheaper than therapy."
"VEGETARIAN = Lousy hunter"
"So what about the speed of dark?"
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
And I'm the daemon who drank so much root beer and managed to giggle myself right up out of hell.
Today, we're your friendly neighborhood corvids...
RavenBlood and RavenBran!
But since neither heaven nor hell, nor angels nor daemons exist...
We don't actually exist either.
So you might want to take what we say with a grain of salt.
Welcome to this, our Statement of Porpoise. Raven, do they have porpoises at Sea World?
Uhhh...dunno Raven. Never gotten to feel around the dolphin tank to see for myself. I never saw the porpoise.
Oh. Well, anyway, instead of posting some lame crapman piece of bureaucratic bullcookies explaining why we are, we figured we'd do it this way. It's kind of like talking to us.
Except you don't get to ask us any annoying questions.
But we'll try and be helpful anyway. Raven, I'll let you handle this one. We're the Osceola Corvids. But I bet the folks are asking, what in Sam Hill is a corvid?
When did I become an orinthologist?
Raven bonks Raven on the head with a spherical cow and threatens to withdraw all sexual favors.
Okay, I give. Raven doesn't play fair. Anyway, porpoises are NOT corvids, so let's get that out of the way first. "Corvid" is a cutesy way of referring to the Corvidae family of birds. It's a big'un, too. But in the Osceola Corvids, we're principally concerned with two birds, the crow and the raven.
Why? Well, mostly because we feel a kind of affinity for these black birds. In the traditions of many cultures, these are creatures of magic, mysticism, and wisdom. Keep in mind that none of us think we're ACTUALLY the birds we favor--although having wings wouldn't be bad.
The subject, Raven.
Well tell me you wouldn't like to be able to fly?
At any rate, the Osceola Corvids are a bunch of creative and fun people who happen to identify with ravens and crows. Usually, a member will take a name for use among the murder (that's our equivalent of "flock") or for when acting as a member. You'll notice that we here are calling ourselves RavenBlood and RavenBran, and you probably deduced that these aren't our legal names. Uh, I hope you did.
Essentially we're all about friends getting together to be creative, express ourselves, and have a good time. Late night gatherings at various Denny's--
--they haven't tossed us out yet, and I applaud them for their tolerance--
--are a typical and frequent event. We're not hard to spot. We'll be the laughing crowd hidden in the back dressed, of course, in black.
The Eric Draven fashion is always popular--you know, the hero from the film, "The Crow" or the hero from the original graphic novel by James O'Barr? Of course no one thinks they ARE Draven, but it's fun to see what Crow statements people devise. The face paint is always popular, and many dress right down to PVC and electrical tape. Others wear their old but loved Crow t-shirts.
Even these two Ravens become Crows. It's not all make-up and costuming, though. We have people show up just as they are in everyday life, and that's fine too. Anything goes--but don't push us, because we do take that literally.
She's not kidding.
We also gather at The Nest, which is our own home. You'd be surprised. Very often we get into reading and/or philosophical discussions. Of course, we also get silly. A favorite activity is watching horror films or even "The Crow" for the millionth time, reciting along with the movie.
So who can become a Corvid? Well, usually we ask an interested person to hang with us and see if they feel at home with us. Interest is really the only requirement, although I prefer if new folks have a good sense of humor. There's no alcohol served at any Corvid function, but I still prefer members to be over the age of eighteen. Frankly, we may get into discussions of things or watch things deemed unsuitable for younger people, and we'd prefer not to get into a sticky entanglement with angry parents.
You understand.
I'm sure.
Pearls of Wisdom
"Well, DUH!"
"It's exactly the same, except almost completely different."
"This is a no-Zen zone for the next fifteen minutes."
"I'm king/queen of my cube!"
"NOT"
"Pro-Fucking-Choice!"
"Happiness is where you are, not where you'd like to be."
"AMAZON!"
"We need more people like us and fewer like them."
"If space and time are curved, then where do straight people come from?"
"Self-respect before respectability."
"We've been too nice for too long."
"That's not Spam, that's my husband."
"Silence is not protection."
"Oh, EVOLVE!"
"I love everybody and you're next."
"Unique, just like everybody else."
"Control your destiny or someone else will."
"Don't follow me, I'm following my bliss."
"Don't piss me off. I'm running out of places to hide the bodies."
"Don't start with me. You will not win."
"Eat right, exercise, die anyway."
"Your village called. The idiot is missing."
"Bubble wrap is cheaper than therapy."
"VEGETARIAN = Lousy hunter"
"So what about the speed of dark?"
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
Misheard Lyrics--Nine Inch Nails "Closer"
This is an old story, but a funny one.
The sharing of misheard lyrics has been great fun for decades. Remember back in the day when albums didn't come with lyrics, and you were left on your own to figure them out? Even when lyrics were made available, it was still fun to try and decipher what was being said. "Closer" is the song I remember best in this department. While so many uptight people were having trouble with the "fuck you like an animal" part, I was hearing goofy things.
Well, I always had a hunch that I was wrong, considering the rather explicit and lusty nature of the song. But at my first listen I know I heard "Easter Bunny", as incongruous as it may have been.
Then my compatriots either (a) also heard Easter Bunny, or (b) began hearing "Easter Bunny" because I'd put the germ in their minds. So it was an ode to the Easter Bunny for about two years, mostly because it was such fun
One day a buzzkill NIN fan actually went out of her way to quash the Cult of the NIN Easter Bunny by correcting our version everywhere she could. Granted, the actual lyrics make much more sense, but maybe Trent Reznor himself needs a little Easter Bunny from time to time.
The sharing of misheard lyrics has been great fun for decades. Remember back in the day when albums didn't come with lyrics, and you were left on your own to figure them out? Even when lyrics were made available, it was still fun to try and decipher what was being said. "Closer" is the song I remember best in this department. While so many uptight people were having trouble with the "fuck you like an animal" part, I was hearing goofy things.
Well, I always had a hunch that I was wrong, considering the rather explicit and lusty nature of the song. But at my first listen I know I heard "Easter Bunny", as incongruous as it may have been.
Then my compatriots either (a) also heard Easter Bunny, or (b) began hearing "Easter Bunny" because I'd put the germ in their minds. So it was an ode to the Easter Bunny for about two years, mostly because it was such fun
One day a buzzkill NIN fan actually went out of her way to quash the Cult of the NIN Easter Bunny by correcting our version everywhere she could. Granted, the actual lyrics make much more sense, but maybe Trent Reznor himself needs a little Easter Bunny from time to time.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
This Is Me?
1) What is your favorite TV show?
I get a kick out of the really crappy original movies SyFy stitches together.
2) What is your favorite book?
I like to think my favorite book is the one I haven't found yet. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie is a real page turner.
3) What is your favorite film?
I'd say the Matrix, unless it's the Matrix making me say the Matrix, in which case Run Lola Run.
4) What is the least romantic place to have a first kiss?
In the presence of your great-grandparents and your grandparents who are themselves engaged...
5) Where do you like to go on dates?
I like going to the airport, lying on the roof of the car, and watch airplanes come in for a landing over me.
6) Suggest a book for me to read.
Try Catcher in the Rye.
7) Suggest a movie for me to watch.
If you have never seen an Ed Wood film, do so.
8) Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a member of the opposite gender?
I wonder about it all the time, and then I shudder and recoil with horror. Periods or fly zippers...which would I choose...?
9) If you could be ten years older, would you be happier?
That would depend on what I had managed to pull off during those ten years.
10) If you could relive any period of your life, what would it be?
Why relive any of it? The whole thing's been different flavors.
11) If you could travel to any period in history, where would you go?
I'd like to go back and take a good look at the ancient Athenians and see if they were as wise and as noble as they're said up to be.
12) Design your own first question according to your own ideas.
You are a soda nut. Lately you have cut out the sweet stuff for your health, but you're given one opportunity to have one regular soda of your choice. What do you pick?
13) So, did you turn out the way your family expected?
You know something...the scary thing is...I probably have.
14) What is this all about and what the heck is really going on?
It's all in the lines etched into the shell of a turtle.
15) What do you think about the possibility life on Earth originated elsewhere?
I tend not to think about our origins so much as think about where we're going.
16) PVC, vinyl, or leather?
PVC, mostly because we're skintimate buddies. I've never been close with vinyl, and leather kills cows!!!
I get a kick out of the really crappy original movies SyFy stitches together.
2) What is your favorite book?
I like to think my favorite book is the one I haven't found yet. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie is a real page turner.
3) What is your favorite film?
I'd say the Matrix, unless it's the Matrix making me say the Matrix, in which case Run Lola Run.
4) What is the least romantic place to have a first kiss?
In the presence of your great-grandparents and your grandparents who are themselves engaged...
5) Where do you like to go on dates?
I like going to the airport, lying on the roof of the car, and watch airplanes come in for a landing over me.
6) Suggest a book for me to read.
Try Catcher in the Rye.
7) Suggest a movie for me to watch.
If you have never seen an Ed Wood film, do so.
8) Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a member of the opposite gender?
I wonder about it all the time, and then I shudder and recoil with horror. Periods or fly zippers...which would I choose...?
9) If you could be ten years older, would you be happier?
That would depend on what I had managed to pull off during those ten years.
10) If you could relive any period of your life, what would it be?
Why relive any of it? The whole thing's been different flavors.
11) If you could travel to any period in history, where would you go?
I'd like to go back and take a good look at the ancient Athenians and see if they were as wise and as noble as they're said up to be.
12) Design your own first question according to your own ideas.
You are a soda nut. Lately you have cut out the sweet stuff for your health, but you're given one opportunity to have one regular soda of your choice. What do you pick?
13) So, did you turn out the way your family expected?
You know something...the scary thing is...I probably have.
14) What is this all about and what the heck is really going on?
It's all in the lines etched into the shell of a turtle.
15) What do you think about the possibility life on Earth originated elsewhere?
I tend not to think about our origins so much as think about where we're going.
16) PVC, vinyl, or leather?
PVC, mostly because we're skintimate buddies. I've never been close with vinyl, and leather kills cows!!!
So I Was Asking Myself...
Well, this isn't any serious soul-searching or anything, but I've been asking myself a few things today. Hell, there may not be any answers, but maybe that's part of the fun.
1) Why do I enjoy doing laundry?
2) How can I use ketchup and barbecue sauce when I hate tomatoes?
3) Why do I have more patience for Max than I do for people?
4) How on earth can I manage to be an optimist?
5) Why do I always want to improve on everything?
6) Why am I unimpressed by what's supposed to impress me and impressed by qualities that are obscure?
7) Why is it that in the season I finally have a good understanding of football, the Eagles seem to be doing anything but flying?
8) What is it about photography that I hate so much? I mean, I'm not ugly, and yet I hate being photographed.
9) Where can I go where I can really fit in on most or all levels?
10) Who's the next person to be an influence on me?
Beats me folks.
1) Why do I enjoy doing laundry?
2) How can I use ketchup and barbecue sauce when I hate tomatoes?
3) Why do I have more patience for Max than I do for people?
4) How on earth can I manage to be an optimist?
5) Why do I always want to improve on everything?
6) Why am I unimpressed by what's supposed to impress me and impressed by qualities that are obscure?
7) Why is it that in the season I finally have a good understanding of football, the Eagles seem to be doing anything but flying?
8) What is it about photography that I hate so much? I mean, I'm not ugly, and yet I hate being photographed.
9) Where can I go where I can really fit in on most or all levels?
10) Who's the next person to be an influence on me?
Beats me folks.
Witchery Way
Pick up the skin of the wolf and feel yourself pouring in to fill its sleek contours. The fires in the distance dance with abandon, teasing the swift winds that sail through the air. Fire and air and sand and animal are all one at this place, this time, this hour. Tip just a bit of that powder of gila monster and cactus pear into the tea. Do the stars cling to you, clothing you as if by some mystical fabric? Reach out and embrace. Fear none. Throw yourself from the cliffs of the known and certain into the bliss gravity of the free fall. Let the wind lift you and guide you. Lose yourself to the celestial moment. It is done.
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