Christmas and New Year's Begins TODAY!

Yep!  Yep! Yep! I've decided not to wait until January 1st to begin my New Year.   And too,  I decided not to wait until Christmas to give myself a few much needed gifts.

 I figure why put off one or two weeks that I can do today?  Right?

Seeing how it's been years in the making, I resolved to cut a dozen or so stragglers (Most of which are blood related) out of my life once and for all.    With the exception of my three children, everyone else in that so called family is hereby gone from my life.  

Not that they will notice mind you.  Seeing how I am the invisible woman and all.  A Nobody! 

And yes, I have actually been told I am nobody in that family.  More than once or twice!  

After 50 plus years of trying to bond with these mindless and clueless assholes, and trying to be a "family,"  I've decided to say so long, fare thee well, adieu, bye-bye...GOOD RIDDANCE once and for all!  

Again, they won't notice.  Not that it really matters that they notice.    I notice!  And in this particular scenario, I'm the only one who actually counts!

And yes!  I'm a happier and more fulfilled person because I'm  going into 2014 without them!

After all these years of yearning to be a part of a family and never seeing it come to fruition, I am finally letting it and them all go!  Really and truly, with all my heart and soul, let them, and their endless stream of bat shit crazy dramas, GO!  

Hmm, I'm finally ready to do all that!  And I Have! 
Like I said, it's been a decision that's been years in the making.   While I have been slowly cutting family members loose one by one, some of which I had to cut loose several times, I can honestly say this is IT!!!!  This is the final good-bye.  And let me just say that cutting the ties this time around actually feels different.   In fact, it is different this time around.  Can't explain it.  It just is. 

Maybe the difference is I'm finally ready to let go.   To Really Let Go!  Yea, that sounds good!  Let's  go with that!

As for any non-related stragglers...you're already gone, gone, GONE!  And No!  I won't miss you cause you're Gone!    

*~*~*~*~*

Although...it does make you wonder why a person would continue to put themselves through endless heartache like I have all these years.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I already know why.    I know it  all boils down to acceptance.    Of course, that leads into my next question...why would anyone want to be accepted by a bunch of people who treat them like they don't even exist?  Or treat you like you've committed some crime or about to commit some crime?

*~*~*~*~*  

Though  it does play a huge part in the great scheme of things, for me it wasn't just about acceptance.  It was also about being seen.   Seen as a human being, a loved one, a member of the family.  

Sadly, when one of those ass hats finally did "see me" they treated me like I was some kind of outsider or some kind of foreign double agent.    Someone who had to get "special permission" or wait until an escort could be obtain in order for me to visit or be a part of a family situation, experience, etc.  

Is it me?  Or does that sound royally fucked up?

Okay, so to give you an idea what I'm talking about,  a few years ago when my mother was still alive,  my name was conveniently left off a list given to my mother's nurse.   It was a  list of mother's children and grand-children.   What struck me as odd, my one brother who had pre-deceased mother was on that list!    

So very nice to know that the dead get more respect and recognition than I do! oy!

At any rate, when I went to visit mother, I had to show I.D. and bring in my youngest son (who's name WAS on the list!) to prove I wasn't some Ninja  assassin or something!

And this is one of many examples of the horseshit stunts these fuck tards have pulled over the years.

 Hard to believe ain't it?  That THESE are the type of people I wanted to be with???!   Seriously!  oy!    Makes you wonder how really sane I am...don't it?

*~*~*~*~*

My long time friend and I had a rather intense conversation a few weeks back regarding all of this.    And he really drove the point home!

 He asked,  "Imagine there is a room with a dozen vicious dogs with rabies. Now, I ask, would you try to get in that room with them?"  (of course not! was my reply)  With hands on hips, and a very stern look, he then asked,  "Then why do you insist on being with people who are just as vicious?  Just as rabid?" 

Good point!   He's right!  (don't tell him I said that please!  *LOL*)   And it was at that moment that damn proverbial light bulb clicked on!   I guess I just needed that one last shove in the right direction.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm a little sadden that it came down to this.  But as I mentioned above, it's been years in the making.  There's only so much one person can take.   And honestly, I've taken more than my fair share.  Several times!

Seeing how it's Christmas, I decided that its time for others to enjoy the bliss of heartache and horseshit.  *Big Evil Grin*

Ahead of me is a new road.  A Road that is lit up with all sorts of bright lights.  Interesting!  I never noticed that road before!  Guess those new freeze dried bullshit wipers I got actually work!  Huh?  *LOL*

*~*~*~*~*

I've given myself the gift of   Making decisions, sticking to them, and making allowances where I need to.    


Merry Christmas Everybody!

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Watch & Share The Video

With the death toll in the Northern Rockies exceeding 1,400 wolves, it's more important than ever for people to stand up and be heard.

As part of our efforts to bring attention to this reckless killing, Defenders of Wildlife has created a powerful two-minute video that emphasizes why continued protection for wolves is crucial. It also illustrates what our nation's wolves could face if the Administration goes forward with their misguided plan to strip nearly all gray wolves in the lower 48 of Endangered Species Act Protections.

Please take a few moments to watch our video. Then help us continue to bring this issue into the national spotlight by sharing with everyone you know and by supporting our work to protect wolves and other imperiled wildlife!

With your help we will continue

• Fighting in Washington to stop the proposed delisting of nearly all wolves in the lower 48;
• Being on the ground in local communities to dispel ignorance and counter anti-wolf propaganda; and
• Working with ranchers, private landowners and others to pioneer non-lethal strategies so that wolves and livestock can peacefully coexist.

Defenders of Wildlife is America's leading wildlife conservation advocacy organization thanks to our scientists, advocacy work, legal team and supporters like you.


To Watch the Video, Please Click HERE

Watch & Share The Video

Brad Steiger Interview with Brent Raynes

If you are a fan of all things paranormal then check out Brent Raynes' interview with Brad Steiger over at AP Magazine (Alternate Perceptions Magazine) 

Here's the link:

http://apmagazine.info/index.php/component/content/article?id=476


Merry Christmas!

National Day Of Giving: No Kill Louisville Keeping the Dream Alive!

NKL'ers, Dec 3rd is a National Day of Giving #givingtuesday. 

Please support us http://www.razoo.com/story/No-Kill-Louisville on this day. 

All donations will go towards our "Keep the Dream Alive" Campaign and be added to our website.

To read more about our "Keep the Dream Alive" Campaign, click here: www.nokill-louisville.com

Missing Teen! PLEASE Share this Information on Your Social Networks!

This is Lacey Marlin.  She is 14yrs old and is from Xenia, Ohio.  Lacey went missing Thanksgiving night.

Please if you have any information contact Xenia Police Department 937-372-9901. 

You stay anonymous.  

Lacey Marlin

Be Thankful, Be In Gratitude and Just Be!

When it comes to being thankful and being in gratitude, I learned a few things over the years.  And the one thing that really comes to mind is how judgement of anyone is so damn destructive.   And how it only serves to not only perpetuate the current problem, but creates even more problems in  it's wake.  

While we each can justify why we judge someone (and ourselves), situations and events,  the fact of the matter is,  judgment takes away so much from us.  Both as individuals and as a whole.  

Judgment  robs us of precious energies that we don't always notice.  Until it's too late.

Judgment distracts us from the lesson(s) that are being presented to us at that given time.  Which in turn, forces us to repeat those same lessons over and over until we do finally get it!  

 *~*~*~*

For the last couple of months I've literally drained myself of energy all over judging one person in particular.  Judging this person (though well justified)  hasn't resolved anything.      And true to it's nature, my judgments have only serve to keep the issues going strong.  And too, creating  more along the way.

Though  I have had my say and made my stand, the judgment still looms over our heads.   It's a heavy dense energy that presses against and down on my body.  So much so that I finally said,  TIME TO GO HOSS!   The decision to let it all go and walk away from this judgment has come.  Because quite frankly, I'm extremely exhausted by it all!

Granted, I will ever invite this person back into my life, for doing so would only lead to more unnecessary bullshit.  And I for one have no desire to repeat the lessons this person brings!  Nor do I desire to feel weighed down by the burdens of constant judgments.  So with that said, I now forgive and close that chapter once and for all.  Giving thanks that I have enough sense to do this for my Self!

There's a lot more to be said, but I've decided that that too must be let go.  

This person knows who they are.  And too, they know what they've done and continue to do.  

My passing judgment on them doesn't stop them from being what they chose to be in this moment.  Nor does it change what they choose to do to others.  Perhaps one day in the not too distance future,  my forgiveness of them and expressing heartfelt thanks for all that I've learned from them will be the very thing that makes the want to change.  

One can only hope!

*~*~*~*

And just as a quick reminder...

Forgiveness is not the condoning of any acts that bring harm.  It is the refusal to allow to be weighed down by those harmful actions.  It is refusing to be made prisoner of whatever judgments arises from those harmful actions.  

Forgiveness is not about inviting that person that chooses to do harm back into your life.   It's about accepting whatever lessons they brought, using those lessons for your own personal growth.  It's all about  Relinquishing ownership of judgment of that person and allowing them to be who they choose to be.  Somewhere else!  Preferably far, far, FAR away!

Forgiveness is about saying good-bye, I wish you well, I wish you all the best,  to those who refuse to change.

Forgiveness is about remembering all that was taught, without being caught up in the dense energies of judgment.

*~*~*~*

Being genuinely thankful and bringing yourself into the Attitude of Gratitude keeps you where YOU are suppose to be!  Full of energy, vitality and joy!  It's not about them!  It never truly was!  And that my dearies is a powerful lesson greatly earned and learned!

I will end this blog with The Serenity Prayer...

*~*~*~*

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.

Amen.

*~*~*~*

Namaste Beloveds!

Creating Winter Shelters

Design Basics

There are many ways to build adequate shelter will all good designs sharing two qualities: strong insulation and minimal air space. The insulation is needed to trap the cats’ body heat, effectively turning the cats into little radiators. Empty air space needs to be eliminated in order to keep the amount of space that needs to be heated to a minimum. A well insulated large dog house will not work because there will be too much air space for the cats to warm. Likewise, a tight fitting space with thin, uninsulated walls won’t work either because the cat’s body heat will pass right through.

Smaller Shelters Provide Warmth – Build More, Smaller Shelters

With these design factors in mind, it is better to build two smaller shelters which will each hold three or four cats than one large shelter to house six to eight felines. With smaller shelters, even if only one or two cats go in, enough heat will be generated. But with the larger shelter, if only a small number of the cats use it at the same time, there will be too much empty air space for them to heat.

Wonderful Shelter Ideas, from Neighborhood Cats in NYC

Visit their website for photos and other ideas!

Winter Cat Shelter Made from Rubbermaid Storage Bin

This shelter was designed by CSM Stray Foundation of Kew Gardens, Queens, New York. Purchase a large Rubbermaid storage bin (a.k.a.  storage tote) with a removable lid. It’s important the brand is Rubbermaid otherwise the plastic walls may crack in frigid temperatures. You’ll also need an eight foot by two foot sheet of one inch thick hard Styrofoam, a yardstick, box cutter, and insulating material such as hay or straw.

To assemble:

1. Cut a doorway six inches by six inches in one of the long sides of the bin towards the corner. Cut the opening so that the bottom of the doorway is several inches above the ground to prevent flooding.
2. Line the floor of the bin with a piece of Styrofoam, using the yardstick and box cutter to cut the piece. It doesn’t have to be an exact fit, but the closer the better.
3. In a similar fashion, line each of the four interior walls of the bin with a piece of the Styrofoam. Again, perfect cuts are not necessary. Leave a cap of three inches between the top of these Styrofoam “wall pieces” and the upper lip of the bin.
4. Cut out a doorway in the Styrofoam interior wall where the doorway has been cut out all ready in the storage bin.
5. Stuff the bottom of the bin with straw or other insulating material (no blankets or towels!) to hold the wall pieces in place.
6. Cut out a Styrofoam “roof” to rest on top of the Styrofoam wall pieces.
7. Cover the bin with its lid.
8. This shelter is easy to clean by taking off the lid and the roof. It is lightweight and may need to be weighed down. A flap over the door way is optional.

Build a Shelter Using a Styrofoam Cooler

An adequate shelter for one cat can be made from a simple Styrofoam cooler available at any hardware store for about $6. Glue the lid onto the cooler, turn it upside down and cut a hole in one side (anywhere but in the middle of one of the long sides). The Styrofoam containers used to ship meat can be turned into shelters in the same way and can, depending on their size, house 3 to 4 cats. If you want to get fancy, get a large Igloo cooler and, with a jigsaw, cut a hole towards the left or right of one of the long sides. The attached lid will allow for easy cleaning.

Interior Insulation  - Insulating Your Cat Shelter

Putting insulating materials inside the shelter will increase the comfort and warmth of the cats. Insulation materials should only be used if the shelter can be periodically checked to see if they have gotten damp or too dirty and need to be replaced. If regular checkups are not possible, leave the interiors bare.

Straw, Hay and Other Good Insulating Materials

Straw and hay are good insulating materials to use. Straw is better than hay because it can absorb more moisture and is less prone to mold or rot.  Shredded newspaper will also work. One innovative idea is offered by Ellen Perry Berkeley in her book, “Maverick Cats.” Loosely fill a cotton pillow case with Styrofoam peanuts, the kind used to pack fragile items during shipping, and tie the pillow case closed. Then put the stuffed pillow case inside the shelter. The pillow case will conform to the cat’s body and wrap her in heat capturing peanuts.

Here is another simple shelter idea from one of our volunteers, thanks Jean!

Need to provide shelter for several cats? Purchase a 54” deck box (used to store deck furniture cushions). Cut a hole in the side for cat access. Then cut a board, fitting down the center, to separate the box into 2 sections.  One section can be filled with bedding, and the other section is used for feeding. Do not place water inside the shelter. Should the water spill the bedding and cats will get wet. When winter arrives, purchase a sheet of insulation board and cut it to fit the entire inside of the box. This shelter is lightweight and will need to be weighed down.

Source:  Alley Cats Advocates