Friday, May 26, 2006

An Open Letter...

An Open Letter to the Pagan Community…. And actually People In General…

I have been trying to find a positive way to say the things I feel I need to say, but I’m coming up against a wall about this, with no other way to express my thoughts and feelings but bluntly. Big surprise there, huh? So here it is….

What is your problem?

It seems that lately all people are doing is whining, complaining, bitching, putting out negative criticism in very hurtful ways, and condemning others who are trying to do positive things for the community. This one says that they are being singled out and attacked for no good reason; that one criticizes how a project or event was done or conducted; another one feels left out or ignored or shunned…. I could probably go on and on with that, but I won’t bother, I think you get the idea.

My response is simple:

Get over yourselves.

I don’t care who you think you are, when it comes to doing positive things for the community at large, everybody is on the same level. I don’t care how many titles or letters you have after your name, or how much money you have. No one is better than anybody else. When events and projects are planned, there are certain ways that things need to be done to ensure a positive outcome. There are procedures established for how things will be accomplished, and rules about what will or won’t be allowed to happen that are clearly designated and delineated. When you do something that very clearly goes against and violates those rules, you’re going to get called on it. Don’t expect anything different. You wouldn’t tolerate it if someone did something like that to you. If you do something wrong, don’t try to turn it around to make it someone else’s fault, and shift the blame.

Feel like something wasn’t done the way you think it should have been done? Step up to the plate, offer to help with a project or event that is being planned, get involved and volunteer. People who sit on the sidelines and do nothing to help have no business complaining about what is and/or how things are done. If you think you can do a better job, then open your mouth, get off your butt, and do it! If you have an idea of a project or event, step up and put your idea out there. I’ll help if I can, if it’s something positive for the community. So will lots of other people. All you have to do is speak up. Stop criticizing people who are making the effort if you aren’t willing to.

Feeling left out, ignored, or shunned? If you want to be included, open your mouth and say so. I don’t read minds, I don’t know who has what to offer. Unless and until you express an interest in doing something, I won’t know it. So don’t go around saying you don’t get included in things because nobody likes you. That’s just bunk. Don’t expect a handwritten, gilded invitation delivered on a silver platter. There isn’t one single human being on this planet who deserves or is entitled to that. We are all the same under the skin. Same hearts, same flesh, same blood, same bone.

Don’t condemn or criticize something or someone that you know nothing about. Take the time to get to know a person, to learn about a religious or spiritual tradition before you take pot shots at it or them. Have an open mind and be willing to communicate and understand another’s point of view, even if, and especially if it seems to be different than your own.

Enough.





Thursday, May 25, 2006

Lyrics in My Life

There are some songs playing on the radio these days that I enjoy and I wanted to share some of the lyrics with you. Yes, most of them are country songs! lol
Enjoy!
Love,
Myriah

If Heaven - Andy Griggs
If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight

When the fireflies start their dancin’ on the lawn
And supper’s on the stove and mamma’s laughin’
And everybody’s workin’ day is done

If heaven was a town it would be my town
On a summer day in 1985
And everything i wanted was out there waiting
And everyone i loved was still alive

Chorus:
Don’t cry a tear for me now baby
There comes a time we must all say goodbye
And if that's what heaven's made of
You know i ain't afraid to die

If heaven was a pie it would be cherry
Cool and sweet and heavy on your tongue
And just one bite would satisfy your hunger
And there’d always be enough for everyone

If heaven was a train it sure would be a fast one
That could take this weary trav’ler round the bend
And if heaven was a tear it'd be my last one
And you’d be in my arms again

Chorus:
Don’t cry a tear for me now baby
There comes a time we must all say goodbye
And if that's what heaven's made of
You know i ain't afraid to die


"Every Now and Then" - Garth Brooks
I walked down to the park last night

Warm breeze stirring up a soft moonlight
And my mind started drifting to way back when
Yes I do think about you every now and then

The other day I saw a car like you used to drive
I got a funny feeling down deep inside
And for the briefest moment I felt a smile begin
Yes I do think about you every now and then

I love my life and I'd never trade
Between what you and me had and the life I've made
She's here and she's real, but you were too
And every once in a while I think about you

I heard a song on the radio just yesterday
The same one you always asked me to play
And when the song was over I wished they'd played it again
Yes I do think about you every now and then

I love my life and I'd never trade
Between what you and me had and the life I've made
She's here and she's real, but you were too
And every once in a while I think about you

I've been layin' here all night listenin' to the rain
Talkin' to my heart and tryin' to explain
Why sometimes I catch myself
Wondering what might have been
Yes I do think about you every now and then
Every now and then Every now and then


"I'll Be" - Reba McEntire
When darkness falls upon your heart and soul.
I'll be the light that shines for you.
When you forget how beautiful you are I
'll be there to remind you.
When you can't find your way,
I'll find my way to you.
When troubles come around,
I will come to you.
I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.
And when you're there with no one there to hold.
I'll be the arms that reach for you.
And when you feel your faith is running low.
I'll be there to believe in you.
When all you find are lies.
I'll be the truth you need.
When you need someone to run to .
You can run to me
I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.
I'll be the sun.
When your heart's filled with rain.
I'll be the one.
To chase the rain away.
I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.
I'll be.


I Can't Unlove You - Kenny Rogers
Postcards and letters
And pictures made to last forever
To be boxed up and tossed away
Knickknacks and souvenirs
In an afternoon, they're out of here
They'll disappear without a trace
But what they mean to me
Can never be replaced

I can't unthink about you
I can't unfeel your touch
I can't unhear all the words
Unsay all the things
That used to mean so much
I wish I could unremember
Everything my heart's been through
And finding out it's impossible to do
Oh, it's no use
I can't unlove you

Intesrtates and old songs
Like time they go on and on
I guess I could learn to do the same
I could wake up without you
These two arms not around you
Tell myself it's meant to be this way
No matter how I try
I can't change

I can't unthink about you
I can't unfeel your touch
I can't unhear all the words
Unsay all the things
That used to mean so much
I wish I could unremember
Everything my heart's been through
And finding out it's impossible to do
Oh, it's no use
I can't unlove you

I wish I could unremember
Everything my heart's been through
And finding out it's impossible to do
Oh, oh, it's no use
I can't unlove you


My Wish - Rascal Flatts
I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

and if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
more then anything, more then anything,

My wish, for you,
is that this life becomes all that you want it,
to your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you,
and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and you always give more then you take.
Oh More then anything,
Yeah, and more then anything,
My wish, for you,
is that this life becomes all that you want it,
to your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.


Life Ain't Always Beautiful - Gary Allan
Life ain't always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down,
it can break your heart

Life ain't always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road
at the end of the day

But the struggle makes you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has it's own way
of takin' its sweet time

[chorus]
No, life ain’t always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life ain’t always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride

Life ain’t always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin' all these lonely miles
And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream,
but life don’t work that way

But the struggles makes me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has its own way
of takin' its sweet time
No, life ain’t always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Hey, life ain’t always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride


I Can't Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt
Turn down the lights,
turn down the bed
Turn down these voices inside my head
Lay down with me, tell me no lies
Just hold me close, don't patronize -
don't patronize me

Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power
But you won't, no you won't'
Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't

I'll close my eyes, then I won't see
The love you don't feel when you're holding me
Morning will come and I'll do what's right
Just give me till then to give up this fight
And I will give up this fight

Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power
But you won't, no you won't'
Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't



Bring It On Home - Little Big Town
You've got someone here
Wants to make it all right
Someone to love you more
Than I have right here
You've gotta bring it on and I'll hold you tight
A hand to lead you on through the night right here
I know your heart can get
All tangled up inside
But don't you keep it to yourself

When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
When the weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

You know I know you
Like the back of my hand
You know I'm gonna do
All that I can right here
Gonna lie with you
Till you fall asleep
When the morning comes
I'm still gonna be right here
Yes, I am
So take your worries and
Just drop them at the door
Baby, leave it all behind

When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
When the weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

Baby, let me be your safe harbor
Don't let the water come
And carry you away



When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
When the weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me
Oh, bring it on home
Oh, bring it on home to me
Home to me
Oh, bring it on, bring it on home to me

You've got someone here wants
To make it all right
Someone who loves you more
Than life right here


Saturday, May 06, 2006

Pet Peeves


Pet Peeves

This will also be a “letter to the Editor” to be sent to all our my local area newspapers over the coming days….

I have two older dogs, Sam, a 15 y/o female Black Lab, and Lady, an 11 y/o female Black and Tan Coonhound. I have had the joy of the companionship and love of these two sweet girls since they were puppies.

I moved to a new home in August of 2005 in a mobile home park, which had restrictions about the size of dogs that could live there. Unfortunately, my girls are a little bit bigger than the 20 lb limit, so I couldn’t bring them with me. Fortunately and thankfully, two of my dear friends, who I have been living with up to then, gave their consent to my leaving Sam and Lady with them for the time being. I provided their food, and went to visit as often as my schedule would allow. The girls were comfortable there, in a large house, with plenty of outdoor room to play in on their lead lines, and with the company of many feline friends.

My friends, who are a retired couple, were wonderful in their love and care of Sam and Lady, and I am so very grateful for their compassion and support in keeping my girls with them for as long as they did. As time passed, it began to wear on them a little. Being retired, they want to be able to travel, and the dogs were going to pose a problem in this regard. Another issue that became apparent was that Lady (nicknamed “Booger” as a puppy due her personality) wasn’t very happy that I was no longer living there. She started acting out by peeing on the floor even after having been outside on her line for a couple of hours (in nice weather). Sam was developing bladder capacity issues (old bladder equals shorter times between having to go), and while during the day it wasn’t too much of problem as long as someone was home, this carried over to during the night, resulting in shortened and disrupted sleep times for my friends.

A couple of weeks ago, my friends told me in a very positive way that it was time for me to make other living arrangements for Lady and Sam. I knew that this was bound to happen at some point in time, and had done some inquiring at kennel facilities in my area, but wasn’t coming up with anything. So, I needed to talk with the Manager of our mobile home park, explain the situation, that I needed to bring my dogs here while I looked for another home for them. He was reluctant, but gave me permission to do so, but only for a week or two. They needed to be out by May 5th. Well, that was yesterday, and my girls are still here, and I don’t know what I’m going to do, because I can’t keep them here any longer without putting our lot lease in jeopardy.

Since they've been here, there have been no peeing incidents with Lady. So the possibility that she was "pissed off" that I wasn't there with her is a definite possibility!

I have called literally every veterinarian, animal shelter, kennel, and humane society in my area, asking for help, to no avail.

I have been told by several of these locations that my dogs are too old to even be considered for adopting out. Nobody would want to take on the responsibility of the care of dogs of their ages, because there are liable to be health problems in the next couple of years.

I was told that their advice, and my “best bet”, was to just have them euthanized, put to sleep.

I am totally stunned by this attitude, and totally heartbroken that there is apparently no other alternative.

Why is it that dealing with older animals who are healthy and lively is such a problem?

Why should they have to be put to sleep just because there is no place to care for them in their old age?

Why isn’t there such a thing as a retirement home for older domestic animals? A place where dogs and cats and other family pets could go to live when circumstances such as mine, or even the death of their human companions, leaves them with no place to live? A place that is not a cage in a kennel, but a home, complete with couches and pillows and beds. A place with safe access to the outdoors, and a caring staff of people who will be there all the time to love and care and play with them?

I don’t know what the result will be with my girls in the next few days. I am so very sad that I may very well have to put them to sleep. Because it’s not fair. They don’t deserve it.

I know one thing for sure. I am going to start working to try to establish such a place as I’ve described above. A Retirement Home for Older Domestic Companion Animals. With all the comforts of home. I’ll find a way to make this a reality, whether it’s from grant funding, winning the lottery, or finding a philanthropist somewhere who is willing to help me build this place.

If you want to help, let me know…..

~Myriah