Censorship is UnAmerican

Silencing the media.  Barring citizens from criticizing the government.  Such is addressed specifically in the First Amendment -- the FIRST Amendment.  Numero Uno.  Wouldn't that make it more important than even the sacrosanct Second Amendment?  Ya think?

I've enjoyed reading many of the blogs over at Patheos Pagan over the years, but this cannot be allowed to go unnoticed.  Linked is John Halstead's recent article at The Allergic Pagan.  It's hosted at the moment on Gods & Radicals because Patheos Pagan has removed it.

https://godsandradicals.org/2017/01/31/repost-read-this-before-patheos-deletes-it/

They delivered my sister's ashes to me today.  Except for the seemingly endless bureaucracy surrounding it, her death hasn't been real to me.  I didn't see her every day or even talk to her on the phone or online up until the last few weeks.  But I knew where she was.  I guess I still know exactly where she is -- in my back room, waiting for Spring to come.

It's really an ugly little white box.  I think I'm going to plaster it with glittery butterfly stickers.

She did not simply like to read. She read voraciously, fiercely, carnivorously. She would lie in wait and pounce on unsuspecting books. She would rend and tear the paper-flesh of fiction and nonfiction alike, leaving barely a binding or a smear of ink, then lie down in the shade, sated. -- 5/28/2012

Apologies

My apologies for not updating my scheduled pages this week.  My sister's health has taken center stage lately and my blog has been an after-thought while I focus on her.  I will be back in full force over the next few days and especially on Sunday with Druid Works.  So tonight, I'll leave you with one thought -- a saying my sister is fond of.

Be excellent to each other, my friends.

Getting back on track and setting a schedule

Hello, all.  It's been a little while.  I'm getting back on track here and will be writing more frequently.  :)

I'm setting up a loose schedule for categorical postings, such as Druid/Dedicant work, Opinions/Rants, Favorite Authors/Books.  Thursdays, I think, will be my Favorite Authors posts -- so you can pick up something new to read for the weekend.  I have many friends that are authors, and I want to highlight their work.

So, keep watching and reading this space and tell your friends.

Brenda

Questions to ponder: Names

Here are a couple of questions to ponder:

When you name a child or even a pet after a god or a hero from myth or history, what expectations do you have for their behaviors, personalities, and futures?  Do the stories influence your choice or is it simply that the name sounds "cool"?  Do you take into account the personalities and actions of those with the name originally?

And further, when you meet a person named for a god or mythical hero. do you have certain expectations of their personalities or behavior?

Do you believe that the name foreshadows the person?  In giving a child a name like Loki or Hercules, what characteristics are you hoping your child will display?

On Being Naive

Sorry, but you don't recognize me. Your knowing smirk only reflects what you think you see. You don't think I truly understand your pain, that I've never been where you are, so I couldn't know. Just because I'm quiet about my pain doesn't mean it's not there. I may not join in vilifying your monster, but that doesn't mean I haven't faced my own…and won.

Many see me as privileged, idealistic, and naive as to the way the world works.  In many ways, they're right.  I am privileged and idealistic.  I am not, however, naive.  To mistake my optimism for blinders is to grossly underestimate me.  I simply refuse to allow the monsters to win.  You may never see my pain or my scars, but understand this, I am battle-worn.  I have been tested and found true.