Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Pleasant Surprise
M-SB's grandmother gave us $500 to help us out for our engagement. We are getting some much needed living-room chairs (just 2 sorry all!) and groceries... and paying for Taunih's cremation (not what I wanted to spend it on... but necessary at the moment. Thank you BABA! She is Polish.
Taunih Shikhara
Born January 24th 1991
Flame-Point (colour-point short-hair) Female purebred Siamese cat registered with the ACA (American Cat Association)
Magical familiar and dearest friend to Theresa K. Scarlet Jory
Mother of 2 litters of kittens then neutered in 1995 (she has carried stuffies to bed since her last litter)
As a kitten she loved hiding under the blankets
She was a wonderful and caring mother, but really needed me nearby to be midwife to her
She developed a fear of heights when pregnant with her first litter as she had tried to hop up somewhere high and fell
She also feared traffic, but walked wonderfully in her harness in parks
She was command trained to 7 or more commands
By the age of 2 she could cast circle and sit patiently through rituals
By the age of 5 she would cast her own circles around my own and guard my space
despite her tough warrior attitude, Taunih was very attuned to emotions and was a great comfort in many times of need
She loved the old rocking chair where she would sit in my lap as I read a book and rocked
Over the last 4 years, she would sleep at the head of the bed between my and M-SB's pillows
She got along well with the the 4 other cats and the visiting dogs from my good friend and ex-roommate
She had her teeth pulled 2 years ago, and M-SB nicknamed her "gumms"
She has had other nicknames: Taunihfers, Purry, Love, Mum, Fire Cat
She developed mammary cancer in September 2002 and had the tumors removed October 2002 (given 3 months to live)
The tumors returned in March 2003 and the mammary glands were removed July 2003 (52 staple-stitches later)
The tumors returned October 2004 attached to the abdominal wall
She lived a comfortable life, well loved and long past when we were informed she would die of cancer
She was well loved and will be dearly missed
She was euthanized today at 11:15AM
May she pass easily to the Summerland, Blessed Goddess take her to you! So Mote it be.
---
I am comfortable with my decision as she had stopped eating and was severly losing weight. She had truly began to suffer over the last 3 days. It showed in her thinness and her walk. It was her time. Once I figure out how to do it, I will have a photo series posted on my webpage (homepage... not this one) and put a link to it for all to visit.
Know that my coven-mates and husband are supporting me through this, bless them, I am so very grateful.
And if you are thinking of asking me how I am doing... please don't do so in person for about a month.
Flame-Point (colour-point short-hair) Female purebred Siamese cat registered with the ACA (American Cat Association)
Magical familiar and dearest friend to Theresa K. Scarlet Jory
Mother of 2 litters of kittens then neutered in 1995 (she has carried stuffies to bed since her last litter)
As a kitten she loved hiding under the blankets
She was a wonderful and caring mother, but really needed me nearby to be midwife to her
She developed a fear of heights when pregnant with her first litter as she had tried to hop up somewhere high and fell
She also feared traffic, but walked wonderfully in her harness in parks
She was command trained to 7 or more commands
By the age of 2 she could cast circle and sit patiently through rituals
By the age of 5 she would cast her own circles around my own and guard my space
despite her tough warrior attitude, Taunih was very attuned to emotions and was a great comfort in many times of need
She loved the old rocking chair where she would sit in my lap as I read a book and rocked
Over the last 4 years, she would sleep at the head of the bed between my and M-SB's pillows
She got along well with the the 4 other cats and the visiting dogs from my good friend and ex-roommate
She had her teeth pulled 2 years ago, and M-SB nicknamed her "gumms"
She has had other nicknames: Taunihfers, Purry, Love, Mum, Fire Cat
She developed mammary cancer in September 2002 and had the tumors removed October 2002 (given 3 months to live)
The tumors returned in March 2003 and the mammary glands were removed July 2003 (52 staple-stitches later)
The tumors returned October 2004 attached to the abdominal wall
She lived a comfortable life, well loved and long past when we were informed she would die of cancer
She was well loved and will be dearly missed
She was euthanized today at 11:15AM
May she pass easily to the Summerland, Blessed Goddess take her to you! So Mote it be.
---
I am comfortable with my decision as she had stopped eating and was severly losing weight. She had truly began to suffer over the last 3 days. It showed in her thinness and her walk. It was her time. Once I figure out how to do it, I will have a photo series posted on my webpage (homepage... not this one) and put a link to it for all to visit.
Know that my coven-mates and husband are supporting me through this, bless them, I am so very grateful.
And if you are thinking of asking me how I am doing... please don't do so in person for about a month.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Presentation over!
Well I did my presentation. Commentary from students was that I was good and knowledgeable... better than the teacher. But I was rushed. I had only 10 minutes instead of the 20 minutes I was supposed to have. We watched a movie in class first (and cut out the last 15 minutes of that to leave room for me to talk). The movie was Goddess Remembered, the first of the Donna Read Trilogy on Goddess Spirituality... and the most feministic in its distortions of history, archaeology, anthropology and religion. Ahh, well. I had better get an A or A+ on the presentation (20% of my grade)!!! I will have to be at the next class in order to answer questions that students did not get to ask at the end of my rushed presentation. Well, yay me!
Now back to transcribing for my interview analysis. Actually... I think I will go get a movie and take a break.
And eat supper.
Now back to transcribing for my interview analysis. Actually... I think I will go get a movie and take a break.
And eat supper.
Energy Survival
This is an absolutely retched week for chaos and work and stuff and stuff and stuff! I should be GIVEN shared in the Hansen's beverage company for the amount of Energy Drinks I am surviving on right now. And I went to their website and found these awesome drink! Oh how evil... we can order online! Mmmm... smoothies too... and teas... and soy beverages. You know what? Just check out their home page and go from there.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Spirit
When we make a choise to start down a spiritual path devoting ourselves to this divine and to being clergy in whatever form, Spirit begins to make changes in our lives. These are changes for the better. Spirit begins to remove from us the things/events/activities/people that are not constructive to our personal growth or ability to follow the path we have chosen. The more we fight these changes, the more difficult they seem to be. M-SB often tells me "be the cork" and just go with the flow. It is all happening for a very good reason. There must be change... static eventually leads to stagnant.
To all those who are making these kinds of choices and experiencing Spirit making changes in your lives...
"be the cork"
Change is good, even if it doesn't feel like it at first. Spirit knows what we need and don't need in our lives and at what time and for how long. Trust yourselves, and go with the flow, it will all work out in the end for the better.
To all those who are making these kinds of choices and experiencing Spirit making changes in your lives...
"be the cork"
Change is good, even if it doesn't feel like it at first. Spirit knows what we need and don't need in our lives and at what time and for how long. Trust yourselves, and go with the flow, it will all work out in the end for the better.
Strange Day
Do you ever get one of those days?
My day was supposed to be sleeping in till 11AM, comfortably getting redy for work, paying nasty parking tickets, going to work, coming home to make supper for lonely me as M-SB works overtime, and bust my ass on homework and studying for an exam.
The actually was: being woken by several phone calls before 10AM (most I have no recollection of), rushing out with no food for the day to get my sister from my parents' place in Dorval to get her to her doctor here in NDG, make it back in time to pay my nasty tickets (one of which I didn't have to pay because the meter was considered broken), and get to work on time (just barely), to having a wonderful joyful day at work, driving home to explore some small streets and see nice looking homes (none for sale unfortunately), get home to find M-SB home already!
I am starting to cook pasta for supper (will mix it with copious amounts of parsley and some lemon, vegetable oil, and romano cheese). Yes, I looked at some of my exam material. I missed a month of class and am very lost. I will eat and do my interview transcriptions and analysis, then get back to studying.
It has been a strange day. I feel like my emotional state and energy went through a rollercoaster. I am exhausted!
Damn, I forgot to call for a dentist appointment and cancel a Banking appointment, but did get an appointment to see my undergrad thesis advisor on Thursday. I feel pulled 30 different ways... and very unfocused. I was also confused to wake up and find no kitchen chairs. They are at a friend's place for a inner she had with guests last night... but I had forgotten.
Supper in front of the TV... I think we will watch Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves while we eat. (And I do not CARE if people thought it was stupid or that Kostner sucked with his accent, I like it, so ... FNEH!!!)
My day was supposed to be sleeping in till 11AM, comfortably getting redy for work, paying nasty parking tickets, going to work, coming home to make supper for lonely me as M-SB works overtime, and bust my ass on homework and studying for an exam.
The actually was: being woken by several phone calls before 10AM (most I have no recollection of), rushing out with no food for the day to get my sister from my parents' place in Dorval to get her to her doctor here in NDG, make it back in time to pay my nasty tickets (one of which I didn't have to pay because the meter was considered broken), and get to work on time (just barely), to having a wonderful joyful day at work, driving home to explore some small streets and see nice looking homes (none for sale unfortunately), get home to find M-SB home already!
I am starting to cook pasta for supper (will mix it with copious amounts of parsley and some lemon, vegetable oil, and romano cheese). Yes, I looked at some of my exam material. I missed a month of class and am very lost. I will eat and do my interview transcriptions and analysis, then get back to studying.
It has been a strange day. I feel like my emotional state and energy went through a rollercoaster. I am exhausted!
Damn, I forgot to call for a dentist appointment and cancel a Banking appointment, but did get an appointment to see my undergrad thesis advisor on Thursday. I feel pulled 30 different ways... and very unfocused. I was also confused to wake up and find no kitchen chairs. They are at a friend's place for a inner she had with guests last night... but I had forgotten.
Supper in front of the TV... I think we will watch Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves while we eat. (And I do not CARE if people thought it was stupid or that Kostner sucked with his accent, I like it, so ... FNEH!!!)
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Rites of Passage: Scholarly Work
We were talking about Rites of Passage and other scholarly research on the subject... here are some links and quotes...
Mircea Eliade:
"In each case we are confronted by the same mysterious act - the manifestation of something of a wholly different order, a reality that does not belong to our world, in objects that are an integral part of out natural 'profane' world."
Rudolf Otto: theories
Durkheim
Eliade: Sacred vs Profane, sacred time/nature/self
GEERTZ: "Another definition is by Clifford Geertz. He defines religion as (1) a system of symbols which acts to (2) establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by (3) formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and (4) clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that (5) the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic" (Geertz 1985: 4).
Victor Turner:
first site
and
second site
and
third site
Mircea Eliade:
"In each case we are confronted by the same mysterious act - the manifestation of something of a wholly different order, a reality that does not belong to our world, in objects that are an integral part of out natural 'profane' world."
Rudolf Otto: theories
Durkheim
Eliade: Sacred vs Profane, sacred time/nature/self
GEERTZ: "Another definition is by Clifford Geertz. He defines religion as (1) a system of symbols which acts to (2) establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by (3) formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and (4) clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that (5) the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic" (Geertz 1985: 4).
Victor Turner:
first site
and
second site
and
third site
*blink blierry blink*
Tired...
Planning a wedding can be frustrating. M-SB and I are starting to get replies back from our invites to an engagement dinner. So far coming: us (obviously), our closest covenmates (and facilitators of the ceremony), my parents, my sister and niece, my Nanny, his mom and her partner, his grandparents. Still waiting to hear from his sister and brother and their partners. His dad was axed form everything. Ask him not me! ANd this morning, my Nanny calls begging one of her sisters to come. I didn't want extended family or we'd have to invite aunts and uncles and cousins, too. this is just supposed to be a small immediate family dinner... so everyone can meet, since it will be the first time for everyone.
So, now I am awake. Well, I should be. Jen is dropping off Daxia (her lovely, well-behaved female Great Dane).
I am ready and prepared in advance for my class today on Rites of Passage.
And look at this... I am actually being diligent about my blog for a change. Time for breakfast!
Planning a wedding can be frustrating. M-SB and I are starting to get replies back from our invites to an engagement dinner. So far coming: us (obviously), our closest covenmates (and facilitators of the ceremony), my parents, my sister and niece, my Nanny, his mom and her partner, his grandparents. Still waiting to hear from his sister and brother and their partners. His dad was axed form everything. Ask him not me! ANd this morning, my Nanny calls begging one of her sisters to come. I didn't want extended family or we'd have to invite aunts and uncles and cousins, too. this is just supposed to be a small immediate family dinner... so everyone can meet, since it will be the first time for everyone.
So, now I am awake. Well, I should be. Jen is dropping off Daxia (her lovely, well-behaved female Great Dane).
I am ready and prepared in advance for my class today on Rites of Passage.
And look at this... I am actually being diligent about my blog for a change. Time for breakfast!
Saturday, March 27, 2004
Hmmm... class
Well, I think class went ok. It would have been nice to know the book they need was out of print earlier (like when I ordered it) so I can search for another to replace it. Now it is too late and we scramble to get second-hand copies.
WELL!!! If students go to Amazon Canada and search for the book, they will find that there are 37 second-hand copies availabvle for as little as $3.00.
They met one of the Level 3 students to hear a bit about what Level 3 is like. Then I led them through a short guided meditation. I hope they met a guide. They can do this on their own further to communicate with their guide or just enjoy their astral sacred space. Lastly, we talked about the evaluations of their Energy Test. I hope it was an interesting learning experience for them. They will now take turns creating sacred space before each class. This will be wonderful to work in their sacred spaces. Great work to all! I am so very PROUD of you!!!
WELL!!! If students go to Amazon Canada and search for the book, they will find that there are 37 second-hand copies availabvle for as little as $3.00.
They met one of the Level 3 students to hear a bit about what Level 3 is like. Then I led them through a short guided meditation. I hope they met a guide. They can do this on their own further to communicate with their guide or just enjoy their astral sacred space. Lastly, we talked about the evaluations of their Energy Test. I hope it was an interesting learning experience for them. They will now take turns creating sacred space before each class. This will be wonderful to work in their sacred spaces. Great work to all! I am so very PROUD of you!!!
Morning...
I am not saying it is good, yet. Just early. I have to be at work in 10minutes. It was SOOOO hot in my apartment last night. Spring is definately here! We are having cleansing rains, washing away the snow... and cleaning my car, too!
Friday, March 26, 2004
Great Surprise!
Mark called me to go pick him up from his overtime at work. He had gotten a cool overhead projector with a computer hook up for me! COOL! I can hardly wait to play with this! It is heavy though and I WILL NOT leave it in storage there. In a couple weeks, I will test it out in class.
And I finished tidying the kitchen and writing up my lesson on Rites of Passage. Mark is making supper right now. I love him! We will watch more X anime while we eat.
Then... must figure out the test results in order to write up evaluations for the students. Some students were absolutely OUTSTANDING. Halian Len did a fantastic blend of Judaism and pagan ritual to bless his book of shadows His energy was very neat and tidy and focused (much better than usual) without leaving anything of himself (energy-wise) behind. Christaine's energy work was absolutely lovely, potent and focused with a wonderful Book Blessing. She even brought her own roll-up sacred space... very ingenious! Kira's vibrant Green energy was very eye-catching. And Frank... his stillness belied an intense and clearly focused energy. They are who truly stood out as notable. Everyone passed... even the one student who came with a hang-over and managed to do the test successfully despite her state, that was a good challenge... and hopefully a good lesson learned.
And I finished tidying the kitchen and writing up my lesson on Rites of Passage. Mark is making supper right now. I love him! We will watch more X anime while we eat.
Then... must figure out the test results in order to write up evaluations for the students. Some students were absolutely OUTSTANDING. Halian Len did a fantastic blend of Judaism and pagan ritual to bless his book of shadows His energy was very neat and tidy and focused (much better than usual) without leaving anything of himself (energy-wise) behind. Christaine's energy work was absolutely lovely, potent and focused with a wonderful Book Blessing. She even brought her own roll-up sacred space... very ingenious! Kira's vibrant Green energy was very eye-catching. And Frank... his stillness belied an intense and clearly focused energy. They are who truly stood out as notable. Everyone passed... even the one student who came with a hang-over and managed to do the test successfully despite her state, that was a good challenge... and hopefully a good lesson learned.
Better
Now that I have had a nap of about 3 hours, I am feeling somewhat better, and MUCH less frustrated by small things. Taunih's problem is not a small thing... but the puke was.
After tidying my kitchen a bit, I will look over my Level 2 students "report" sheets from their test last Saturday. I promised they will have time after the meditation tomorrow to speak one-om-one with me and Autumn to explain how they did. They all did very well and we are so very proud of them. Oh shoot! I have to make photocopies for them!!! Darn it. I guess I will be making a short stop off at the copy centre before class tomorrow. I will also plan the next APRIL agendas for both Level 3 and Level 3. The Level 3's will be learning about Rites of Passage. I get to introduce them to Van Gennep's theory of study: concept of liminality.
After tidying my kitchen a bit, I will look over my Level 2 students "report" sheets from their test last Saturday. I promised they will have time after the meditation tomorrow to speak one-om-one with me and Autumn to explain how they did. They all did very well and we are so very proud of them. Oh shoot! I have to make photocopies for them!!! Darn it. I guess I will be making a short stop off at the copy centre before class tomorrow. I will also plan the next APRIL agendas for both Level 3 and Level 3. The Level 3's will be learning about Rites of Passage. I get to introduce them to Van Gennep's theory of study: concept of liminality.
Quick Update
I just got in from a Leadership workshop that was scheduled for WAY too early in the morning.
The kitten died around 2AM in his sleep.
I just came home to lots of cat puke in my kitchen and Taunih's bandaging all bloody and messy. I am off to the vet with Taunih to rebandage as I just cannot do this solo. And going to clean the puke now. This is just too fucking much for me!
The kitten died around 2AM in his sleep.
I just came home to lots of cat puke in my kitchen and Taunih's bandaging all bloody and messy. I am off to the vet with Taunih to rebandage as I just cannot do this solo. And going to clean the puke now. This is just too fucking much for me!
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Worry
The kitten is now not looking so good. He is having a terrible time trying to breathe. All that energy might have been the great burst of energy before death. But we are not giving up on him yet. If he lives till morning, then his chances are good. Let's all pray thay he does.
Kitten
He purrs!!!!! It is SOOO damn cute! He needs a name... something SURVIVOR-like.
I have some suggestions:
Marthanas (Irish for "surviving")
Ceandana ("willful" in Irish)
Any other suggestions?
I have some suggestions:
Marthanas (Irish for "surviving")
Ceandana ("willful" in Irish)
Any other suggestions?
New Addition... so much for homework
Well... the Gods are against me for homework! WHY!?!
We have a new temporary addition to the family. A 10-day-old kitten. He has been constipated and not well fed for nearly 6 days. Poor thing! So skinny! and left for dead to freeze! Once warmed, well, he certainly has a stong set of lungs! He is sucking about 0.5 CC of formula every 15-20 min. He does not have a lot of strength. He was among a batch of 3 kitten dropped of by an SPCA volunteer, who thought they were dead so left them outside in a box till she could get to see vet to take the "bodies". Much to Jen's surprise... one was actually alive just barely. Now he is on towels near my heater in the office with Bagheera (my big black male cat) checking him out. Jen and I will share care duties. Jen is at work right now. So I took him. She will pick him up at 7pm so I can go get M-SB and my laundry from my Mom's. Then we will discuss how to arrange shared care. An owl also said she could help out too. Thank you! He is a cutie. Dark tabby... maybe long-haired, dunno yet.
So much for homework before I pick up M-SB.
We have a new temporary addition to the family. A 10-day-old kitten. He has been constipated and not well fed for nearly 6 days. Poor thing! So skinny! and left for dead to freeze! Once warmed, well, he certainly has a stong set of lungs! He is sucking about 0.5 CC of formula every 15-20 min. He does not have a lot of strength. He was among a batch of 3 kitten dropped of by an SPCA volunteer, who thought they were dead so left them outside in a box till she could get to see vet to take the "bodies". Much to Jen's surprise... one was actually alive just barely. Now he is on towels near my heater in the office with Bagheera (my big black male cat) checking him out. Jen and I will share care duties. Jen is at work right now. So I took him. She will pick him up at 7pm so I can go get M-SB and my laundry from my Mom's. Then we will discuss how to arrange shared care. An owl also said she could help out too. Thank you! He is a cutie. Dark tabby... maybe long-haired, dunno yet.
So much for homework before I pick up M-SB.
Long Day
And it is only 5pm....
But it went well, just the same. My Methods class (methods of the study of religion) has asked us to do an awesome and fun final assignment! We have to either do an application to the Masters Program in Religion or do a Research Grant Application. They are both fun ans useful! Best of all, I din't have to hand it in till the end of April!
Today, is my good friend Jen's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! She is sad today. She had planned to go to Hurley's with all the coworkers at the vet clinic... but most cannot go. I am broke at the moment. But I do have a good plan to make it up to her! As she does not read blogs... I can squeel here. M-SB and I got her a box of mini Toblerones and a funny card. I will also get her some much needed stuff (so she can stop borrowing from me) 2 wine classes, an ice-cue tray, a cork screw, and the ingredients for After Eight drinks.
I have to get cracking on homework. Much is due April 6-7 and not allowed to be late!
I just got an email from my brother!!! He invite me and M-SB out to his place in BC for our honeymoon! I think it is a great idea! I get to visit and see a new place! It would save us tons of money as we would have room and board covered! I love my brother! And I get to see the nephew! It is so strange seeing my almost stoic brother so very... *evil grin* cutsie... with the baby! I am so happy for them. I hope to have a baby too after M-SB and I get married.
I have to try to get this damned interview analysis done by Monday and study for an exam!
Another of Taunih's tumors ruptured. It is messy, but the vet says they must drain. She is doing well otherwise.
But it went well, just the same. My Methods class (methods of the study of religion) has asked us to do an awesome and fun final assignment! We have to either do an application to the Masters Program in Religion or do a Research Grant Application. They are both fun ans useful! Best of all, I din't have to hand it in till the end of April!
Today, is my good friend Jen's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! She is sad today. She had planned to go to Hurley's with all the coworkers at the vet clinic... but most cannot go. I am broke at the moment. But I do have a good plan to make it up to her! As she does not read blogs... I can squeel here. M-SB and I got her a box of mini Toblerones and a funny card. I will also get her some much needed stuff (so she can stop borrowing from me) 2 wine classes, an ice-cue tray, a cork screw, and the ingredients for After Eight drinks.
I have to get cracking on homework. Much is due April 6-7 and not allowed to be late!
I just got an email from my brother!!! He invite me and M-SB out to his place in BC for our honeymoon! I think it is a great idea! I get to visit and see a new place! It would save us tons of money as we would have room and board covered! I love my brother! And I get to see the nephew! It is so strange seeing my almost stoic brother so very... *evil grin* cutsie... with the baby! I am so happy for them. I hope to have a baby too after M-SB and I get married.
I have to try to get this damned interview analysis done by Monday and study for an exam!
Another of Taunih's tumors ruptured. It is messy, but the vet says they must drain. She is doing well otherwise.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Taunih
She is still doing well. I got her over to the vet where the new Stagiere, Jillian, help me rebandage her. The vet looked at her and was amazed how well she is doing despite the leaking tumors. [MAGIC and all your good thoughts and energy] She burst another pocket full of blood and liquid. UG... but is doing well. The vet was amazed that the tumors are not attacking her internal organs as they normally would. He suspects she may live a few months more or so... with constant rebandaging.
Thank you all for your warm wishes for my feline familiar!
Thank you all for your warm wishes for my feline familiar!
Well !
Well, the government made a financial error on my bursaries... in my favor for a change. I have to go pick up my bursary for a grand total of $174. The school will automatically take $161 to pay off the rest of my fees, and I will get a whopping $13 and change! Great. I am SO thrilled... *excuse the sarcasm* I mean elation. At least I won't owe Concordia anything more.
On the home front, I know people are wondering how Taunih is doing. Well and not at the same time. Her tumors are constantly leaking blood and fluids. I now keep her bandaged all around the mid-riff, and she now wears cute white jammies to hold it in place. She doesn't seem to mind the bandages or the jammies. She is quite mobile. She doesn't hop UP on things anymore, but she has no difficulty trotting down the hall, using the litterbox or climbing into your lap. She is eating decently for an old cat, though has lost much body mass. I suppose that is usual for old cats, my Nanny's cat did the same. I have been asked if i will be putting her "down" soon. I just can't justify putting her down when she is active and otherwise healthy, can't justify putting anything down just because there is some work involved in caring for her. But last night, I worried. When I changed her bandages, her tumors sprayed huge pools of blood and fluid (about a 1/2 cup worth) on the kitchen floor. It was scary. I had to wake M-SB to help me out. This morning she seem as fine as usual, curled on her blankie in her jammies. I am going over to the vet just before work to have assistance changing the bandage again. The vet might take a peek at her.
Schoolwise... I am skipping my ethnography class... again. I was too sick the last three weeks to go. Today, I am skipping because I did not get my Interview Analysis done. I will start working on it as soon as I get back from work. I still need to schedule another interview.
On the home front, I know people are wondering how Taunih is doing. Well and not at the same time. Her tumors are constantly leaking blood and fluids. I now keep her bandaged all around the mid-riff, and she now wears cute white jammies to hold it in place. She doesn't seem to mind the bandages or the jammies. She is quite mobile. She doesn't hop UP on things anymore, but she has no difficulty trotting down the hall, using the litterbox or climbing into your lap. She is eating decently for an old cat, though has lost much body mass. I suppose that is usual for old cats, my Nanny's cat did the same. I have been asked if i will be putting her "down" soon. I just can't justify putting her down when she is active and otherwise healthy, can't justify putting anything down just because there is some work involved in caring for her. But last night, I worried. When I changed her bandages, her tumors sprayed huge pools of blood and fluid (about a 1/2 cup worth) on the kitchen floor. It was scary. I had to wake M-SB to help me out. This morning she seem as fine as usual, curled on her blankie in her jammies. I am going over to the vet just before work to have assistance changing the bandage again. The vet might take a peek at her.
Schoolwise... I am skipping my ethnography class... again. I was too sick the last three weeks to go. Today, I am skipping because I did not get my Interview Analysis done. I will start working on it as soon as I get back from work. I still need to schedule another interview.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
AAACCCKKK ARRRRGGGG
I feel like crying! I hate COODDDEEE! This is driving me mad.
:-(
One of my students, I hope will be able to redeem the butchery I have just done to my blog.
:-(
One of my students, I hope will be able to redeem the butchery I have just done to my blog.
DAMN
All that work and energy that could have been spent on another project!!!!!
I mixed up my dates and thought I was supposed to present my article tonight, but it is for next week. DAMN!!! I really needed the time for another project that is past due. On the good side, it is done and I don't need to work on it any further.
I mixed up my dates and thought I was supposed to present my article tonight, but it is for next week. DAMN!!! I really needed the time for another project that is past due. On the good side, it is done and I don't need to work on it any further.
Last bit of the Article... then off to class to do a PRESENTATION on it
ECOFEMINISM
In Paganism, ecospirituality is as important as Goddess spirituality. This goes back to how the Goddess is immanent and not transcendent, how She IS the world. Pattick describe the development of an environmental ethic. However, she mentions that ecofeminism is NOT the same as Paganism. Ecofeminism can exist in any religion, it just happens to be prolific in Paganism and Goddess Spirituality. In ecofeminism, woman is associated with the earth. Both are considered sacred and in need of balancing. Pattick drops us a couple more good names for further research: Mary Daly, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Simone de Beauvoir (to whom Concordia has a building devoted). The female body is explored as sacred in all its aspects, and changes and cycles... from Maiden to Mother to Crone... a common Triple Goddess theme.
CONCLUSION
Well, I originally thought I would greatly dislike this article as being too over-biased in feminism... or even feminist extremism (femiNaziism), but am quite surprised and please it was not. Pattick concludes with some intersting notes about how all religions are beginning to focus on the environment, but how "Paganism currently seems to offer the most coherent combination of ecospirituality, psychospiritual development, and reverence for the divine feminine." (Pattick: 230) She does not state that it is a leading religion, but suggests that it may one day challenge the world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) for a place among them.
In Paganism, ecospirituality is as important as Goddess spirituality. This goes back to how the Goddess is immanent and not transcendent, how She IS the world. Pattick describe the development of an environmental ethic. However, she mentions that ecofeminism is NOT the same as Paganism. Ecofeminism can exist in any religion, it just happens to be prolific in Paganism and Goddess Spirituality. In ecofeminism, woman is associated with the earth. Both are considered sacred and in need of balancing. Pattick drops us a couple more good names for further research: Mary Daly, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Simone de Beauvoir (to whom Concordia has a building devoted). The female body is explored as sacred in all its aspects, and changes and cycles... from Maiden to Mother to Crone... a common Triple Goddess theme.
CONCLUSION
Well, I originally thought I would greatly dislike this article as being too over-biased in feminism... or even feminist extremism (femiNaziism), but am quite surprised and please it was not. Pattick concludes with some intersting notes about how all religions are beginning to focus on the environment, but how "Paganism currently seems to offer the most coherent combination of ecospirituality, psychospiritual development, and reverence for the divine feminine." (Pattick: 230) She does not state that it is a leading religion, but suggests that it may one day challenge the world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) for a place among them.
And more... of the Article...
SHAMANISM & Native American Sprituality
Because of the focus on reverence of Nature and learning to connect and communicate with it, Pattick note the interest and appeal of these traditions to women. Also there is a recognition of rites of passage, which have been lacking in our modern Western culture. Pattick blends in Buddhism in this section of her article as well, for its love of all sentient beings, but notes its exclusion of nature. I find this to be Pattick's weakest section and feel she really could have further expanded on this much more.
Because of the focus on reverence of Nature and learning to connect and communicate with it, Pattick note the interest and appeal of these traditions to women. Also there is a recognition of rites of passage, which have been lacking in our modern Western culture. Pattick blends in Buddhism in this section of her article as well, for its love of all sentient beings, but notes its exclusion of nature. I find this to be Pattick's weakest section and feel she really could have further expanded on this much more.
Back to the Article...
WICCA
This tradition was invented/discovered by Gerald Gardner in the 1940's and became public when the British Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951. It was introduced to America by Raymond Buckland and his wife in the 1960's. Wicca emphasizes balance and offers gender polarity and equality in its practice. Pattic then goes on to describe the social organization of those practicing Wicca. She describes the coven which Starhawk describes as "a Witch's support group, consciousness-raising group, psychic study centre, clergy-training program, College of Mysteries, surrogate clan, and religious congregation all rolled into one." (Pattick: 215) However, Pattick completely excludes the masses of solitary practitioners!! She finishes off her discussion on Wicca with the role of the priestess in the coven and how this is appealing to women as "the feminine is held in high esteem." (Pattick: 216) And, while there may be egalitarian rule in a coven, the priestess takes precedence. I found that Pattick focus too strongly on the traditional Gardnerian coven format, for not all covens (even many Gardnerian ones) follow this exactly. The tradition of Wicca does, however, provide a sense of history and lineage.
FEMINIST WITCHCRAFT
Pattick describe the conflict of the Women's Movement with Goddess Spirituality in the 1970's as Goddess Spirituality was considered a distraction from "needed" political work. It was later amalgomated as writers like Merlin Stone and Zsuzsanna Budapest becam publishing scholarly work and political/spiritual activist works.There seemed to be a pull toward women-centered and women-only Paganism... thus Dianic Wicca and Witchcraft evolved into being. Pattick mentions that class is another area of conflict. However, I do not know where she got her information, but I very much disagree with it. She claims that most Wiccans are upper-middle-class, white, English, educated professionals; and that the working-class rebels go into anarchist and feminist groups: chaos magic, New Age travellers, feminist witchcraft. Lastly, this movement blend in with the ecology movement as Starhawk becomes one of the most influential people speaking and writing about environmental, feminist, spiritual and political activism.
This tradition was invented/discovered by Gerald Gardner in the 1940's and became public when the British Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951. It was introduced to America by Raymond Buckland and his wife in the 1960's. Wicca emphasizes balance and offers gender polarity and equality in its practice. Pattic then goes on to describe the social organization of those practicing Wicca. She describes the coven which Starhawk describes as "a Witch's support group, consciousness-raising group, psychic study centre, clergy-training program, College of Mysteries, surrogate clan, and religious congregation all rolled into one." (Pattick: 215) However, Pattick completely excludes the masses of solitary practitioners!! She finishes off her discussion on Wicca with the role of the priestess in the coven and how this is appealing to women as "the feminine is held in high esteem." (Pattick: 216) And, while there may be egalitarian rule in a coven, the priestess takes precedence. I found that Pattick focus too strongly on the traditional Gardnerian coven format, for not all covens (even many Gardnerian ones) follow this exactly. The tradition of Wicca does, however, provide a sense of history and lineage.
FEMINIST WITCHCRAFT
Pattick describe the conflict of the Women's Movement with Goddess Spirituality in the 1970's as Goddess Spirituality was considered a distraction from "needed" political work. It was later amalgomated as writers like Merlin Stone and Zsuzsanna Budapest becam publishing scholarly work and political/spiritual activist works.There seemed to be a pull toward women-centered and women-only Paganism... thus Dianic Wicca and Witchcraft evolved into being. Pattick mentions that class is another area of conflict. However, I do not know where she got her information, but I very much disagree with it. She claims that most Wiccans are upper-middle-class, white, English, educated professionals; and that the working-class rebels go into anarchist and feminist groups: chaos magic, New Age travellers, feminist witchcraft. Lastly, this movement blend in with the ecology movement as Starhawk becomes one of the most influential people speaking and writing about environmental, feminist, spiritual and political activism.
Carob
I got sidetracked today. A dear friend introduced me to carob as I am allergic to chocolate. YAY!!! I can eat this, it is yummy and almost like chocolate. This website CAROB has some great info.
And more Article Presentation
Paganism has been a venue for Women's Spirituality and Goddess Spirituality. The word stems from the Latin paganus meaning country folk and used to be a pejorative term for non Christians, specifically folk traditions. Today, it is an umbrella term for most/all magical, ecospiritual and goddess worshipping peoples. The most common and widespread of these is Wicca, according to Pattick. However, due to the rapid growth of these religions, it is impossible to get an accurate numerical estimate of thsoe practicing. There is mixed views on the NeoPagan origins. Some hold that it is paleolithic, prehistoric and harkens back to ancient goddess worship, but I believe that is purely circumstantial with no concrete proof. while others argue that it is a very recent construction. Ursula King states that "women do not really need history to justify their religion, for whether there was a religion of the Great Goddess in ancient times or not, there certainly exists one today." (Pattick: 207) Yet, people seem to need some lineage, some connection and validation of ancestry, some sense of tradition. Pattick then goes into a rambling listing of the foundings of some of these Pagan views: medieval superstition, Burning Times, Renaissance, occultism, gnosticism, alchemy, Qabbalah, 19th century freemasonry and druidry, Western mystery traditions, Order of the Golden Dawn (Yeats and Crowley), Ordo Templi Orientis, Theosophy, New Age movement, ecospirituality and so on. Pattick does an interesting comparison of New Age and Paganism on page 210. Esentially, Paganism is non-authoritarian and non-dogmatic. "Diversity of doctrine and praxis is part of its appeal." (Pattick: 210) Other aspects of Paganism include: polytheistic acceptance (dualistic or montheistic: all gods are one god, all goddesses one goddess), earth-based (reverence of nature and celebration of seasonal changes) and body-honouring (honouring and celebrating the body and life cycles)... everything is sacred. It is appealing for women as a means to heal, feel empowered and balanced.
Pattic then explores several NeoPagan traditions: Wicca, Femenist Witchcraft, Shamanism & Native American Spirituality, and Ecofeminism.
WICCA
This tradition was invented/discovered by Gerald Gardner in the 1940's and became public when the British Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951. It was introduced to America by Raymond Buckland and his wife in the 1960's.
Pattic then explores several NeoPagan traditions: Wicca, Femenist Witchcraft, Shamanism & Native American Spirituality, and Ecofeminism.
WICCA
This tradition was invented/discovered by Gerald Gardner in the 1940's and became public when the British Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1951. It was introduced to America by Raymond Buckland and his wife in the 1960's.
More Article Presentation Work
A quick history lesson on the Women's Spirituality Movement is Elizabeth Pattick's next focus. Here too, she drops some interesting names: Charlene Spretnak, Esther Harding, Joseph Campbell, and Merlin Stone. These are some of the movers and shakers of new thinking and scholarly works in history and the influence of the Women's Spirituality Movement (WSM). She claims that this movement grew out of feminist theology, Paganism, and Jungian Psychology. (Pattick: 200) There is the rise in the emphasis of strong female figures in history and mythology, with the claim that sociaety was once matriarchal and woman honouring/empowering. However, Pattick reminds us that throughout history the social status of women is not affected by the existance of Goddesses. India is an example of this with its "Law of Manu, which dictates that women must be 'protected' by men throughout their lives 'in youth by their fathers, in married life by their husbands, and in old age by their sons. A women is never fit for independence." (Pattick: 202) Yet in modern Western culture, this is quite different as Pattick looks at Goddess ontology. The Goddes is personified and yet not. Clearly, she is considered immanent and not transcendent. As Starhawk describes Her, "The Goddess does not rule the world; She is the world." (Pattick: 204) The Goddess is perceived as within, a symbol of healing (self-healing and planetary healing). She also symbolizes female empowerment and independence.
Taking a break to find lunch now.
Taking a break to find lunch now.
Grrrrr.....
I am not doing well for making my blog look how I want. Heck... I am not sure exactly what I want. *sigh*I want deep rich burgandy and blue, but where and how? How do I make the whole background change from white to deep blue?
Anime and the start of my Article Presentation
Yup, got another addiction. I just finished watching the 7th episode of "X". It is about the Japanese 7 dragons of Earth and 7 dragons of Heaven doing battle for the end of the world. Interesting. MUST SEE MORE!!! I will pick up another 2 DVD's from Block Buster on Thursday.
See more here: http://www.animenfo.com/animetitle,705,nznowh,x_tv.html
Or here: http://www.spcnet.tv/anime/xtv/anime_xtv.shtml
Now I am back to homework. SIGH....
---
The article has some good points and some way off points. "Women in New Religions: Goddess Spirituality" by Elizabeth Pattick. It is rife with feminist perspective and the inaccuracies that come with that bias, but does occasionally his the side of academic here and there.
She begins with looking at the Divine Feminine in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition. Here she raises the issue of male dominance in the religions and how these patriarchal traditions have effected the roles of women socially. She also mentions how women have attempted to regain/recognize the feminine within these traditions. She starts with Christianity and the cult of Mary (virgin and mother), dropping the names of two scholarly authors Carol Christ and Judith Plaskow... great for if you want further information! Then she discusses the vision of Lilith (as Adam's first wife, as creatrix, and as independent woman) in Judaism. Other feminine figures are Asherah and Shekhinah and Hochmah. Here I have to divert onto a tangent of Kabala to explain some of them. (insert short kabala lesson) Shekhinah is the feminine side of G-D and Hochmah is Wisdom, later called Sophia in Latin and also worshiped by Gnostics and women reclaiming the divine feminine. Pattick then compares the virgin-whore dichotemy in the 2 Mary's and how mary Magdelene is now being honoured as a disciple of Christ and perhaps His bride, by some women. "The concern of goddess spirituality is to put the Goddess back at the centre of existence and spiritual xperience, with or without a male consort or equivalent." (Pattick: 199) The last bit of this train of thought was her discourse on Thealogy, how it grew out of feminist theology and goddess spirituality. "Thealogy gives primacy to symbols rather than to rational explations which are so prevalent in theological thought." (Pattick: 200)
*more to come as I read and think it through... that sums up the first 6 pages.
See more here: http://www.animenfo.com/animetitle,705,nznowh,x_tv.html
Or here: http://www.spcnet.tv/anime/xtv/anime_xtv.shtml
Now I am back to homework. SIGH....
---
The article has some good points and some way off points. "Women in New Religions: Goddess Spirituality" by Elizabeth Pattick. It is rife with feminist perspective and the inaccuracies that come with that bias, but does occasionally his the side of academic here and there.
She begins with looking at the Divine Feminine in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition. Here she raises the issue of male dominance in the religions and how these patriarchal traditions have effected the roles of women socially. She also mentions how women have attempted to regain/recognize the feminine within these traditions. She starts with Christianity and the cult of Mary (virgin and mother), dropping the names of two scholarly authors Carol Christ and Judith Plaskow... great for if you want further information! Then she discusses the vision of Lilith (as Adam's first wife, as creatrix, and as independent woman) in Judaism. Other feminine figures are Asherah and Shekhinah and Hochmah. Here I have to divert onto a tangent of Kabala to explain some of them. (insert short kabala lesson) Shekhinah is the feminine side of G-D and Hochmah is Wisdom, later called Sophia in Latin and also worshiped by Gnostics and women reclaiming the divine feminine. Pattick then compares the virgin-whore dichotemy in the 2 Mary's and how mary Magdelene is now being honoured as a disciple of Christ and perhaps His bride, by some women. "The concern of goddess spirituality is to put the Goddess back at the centre of existence and spiritual xperience, with or without a male consort or equivalent." (Pattick: 199) The last bit of this train of thought was her discourse on Thealogy, how it grew out of feminist theology and goddess spirituality. "Thealogy gives primacy to symbols rather than to rational explations which are so prevalent in theological thought." (Pattick: 200)
*more to come as I read and think it through... that sums up the first 6 pages.
Monday, March 22, 2004
Energy Drink
Ahhh... Must invest in Hansen's. Gods know... I buy and drink enough of their energy drinks! Hope this boosts me enough to al least finish some homework tonight.
oh well
I feel like I was hit by a truck. I am SOOOO exhausted. I ate lunch and replaced the bandages on Taunih. And then crashed, like all my energy was SUCKED out of me!
I am still reading homework. But s..l..o..w..l..y... At least it is interesting, if a bit overly feministic.
Taunih's cancer tumors are looking really gross. I don't know what to do any more. She is not in any pain, so I cannot justify putting her to sleep, just yet. I love my feline familiar. I do not want her to suffer either. SIGH. It will be a decision by Saturday I think.
I am still reading homework. But s..l..o..w..l..y... At least it is interesting, if a bit overly feministic.
Taunih's cancer tumors are looking really gross. I don't know what to do any more. She is not in any pain, so I cannot justify putting her to sleep, just yet. I love my feline familiar. I do not want her to suffer either. SIGH. It will be a decision by Saturday I think.
I truly dislike the look of this blog...
I need to ask for help to make this look more how I want. But until then... I wil start trying to keep a regular blablabla...
I am considering getting a tattoo of 2 Chinese characters for Honour & Devotion on the inside of my left wrist. You can look up the characters here: http://www.copycaps.com/chinese/ChineseCharacters.html#
I am also busy working on homework. YES, I AM working on homework today. I have a goal to do 2 chunks today. I will finish reading me Paganism & Feminism article for "Religions of the 21st century: and anthropology course" and prepare a written analysis and 20 minute presentation. I Will also really try to work on my Ethnography Interview Analysis that was due sometime last month. I am not sick this week, so I have a bit more energy.
M-SB and I led a decent ritual with our new potential dedicants last night... and he is assigning them the homework assignment for the next time we meet. Cool.
I am off to get some lunch and do homework... later.
I am considering getting a tattoo of 2 Chinese characters for Honour & Devotion on the inside of my left wrist. You can look up the characters here: http://www.copycaps.com/chinese/ChineseCharacters.html#
I am also busy working on homework. YES, I AM working on homework today. I have a goal to do 2 chunks today. I will finish reading me Paganism & Feminism article for "Religions of the 21st century: and anthropology course" and prepare a written analysis and 20 minute presentation. I Will also really try to work on my Ethnography Interview Analysis that was due sometime last month. I am not sick this week, so I have a bit more energy.
M-SB and I led a decent ritual with our new potential dedicants last night... and he is assigning them the homework assignment for the next time we meet. Cool.
I am off to get some lunch and do homework... later.
Three Fold Promise
Be true to my word
Be true to my path
Be true to myself
Be true to my path
Be true to myself
