tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78780051052606348082024-03-12T19:28:13.925-06:00Meet the Sninchaks! http://sninchaks.blogspot.comThis blog covers the sometimes-odd life and thoughts of Bev & Paul Sninchak, word nerd wife and tech geek husband. We like books, art, B-horror movies, most types of music (NO country!), World of Warcraft, pets, and binge-watching Netflix. As you may have guessed, we're also introverts. You never know what you'll find on our blog, but stick around to find out. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04779403476431723332noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-58397283110462186882018-01-03T07:52:00.001-07:002018-01-03T07:52:07.728-07:00Let your inner beauty shineYou know what? Be brave and show your natural self, ladies. This is me without makeup -- no foundation, no mascara, no eyeliner, no blush, no lipstick...nothing. My skin has uneven tones and a redness to it in some places (if I try to sunbathe, I look like a lobster. I don't tan). <br />
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This is me at 53. You can see some silver strands in my hair. But they blend in well, for the most part. My eyes are bluer than this pic would have you believe, but the lighting is funky where I took this. My nose has a weird yellow cast, but again, the lighting wasn't terrific. <br />
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Here's my point, ladies: you are lovely just as you are, with or without makeup. Your true beauty is from within. This year, embrace your strength, beauty, uniqueness. Love yourself first, because you deserve it. Show who you genuinely are. <br />
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Young ladies, in particular, don't need a man to complete you. If he is an asshole, walk away. Don't change your lovely self. Are you brave enough to show the world who you are, natural and in love with your womanliness? If so, post your pic and tag me or comment here. <br />
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Don't get me wrong: I love makeup and wear it often. My birth mother was a hairstylist and cosmetologist, so I probably get my love of makeup from her. However, my true beauty lives inside, and so does yours! <br />
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In 2018, let the world see your true inner beauty.<br />
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-65903457427600843542018-01-03T06:55:00.001-07:002018-01-03T06:58:39.652-07:002017 RecapLike everyone else, a lot of things happened in 2017. My friends and writing colleagues, <a href="http://www.jadewalker.com/">Jade Walker </a>and <a href="http://www.karenwiesner.com/">Karen Wiesner</a>, usually post a personal/professional review of the previous year. I'm following their example. <br /><br />How did your year go? Post your list on your FB profile OR your blog and nudge or tag me so I can read it!<br /><br />* Biggest event of 2017? Became a grandmother for the first time ;-). Kane Allen Falana was born May 22, 2017.<br /><br />* Began my journey toward eventually obtaining a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, with an emphasis in Victimology.<br /><br />* Took, and completed, various online courses (MOOCs) through Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and Udemy. Most courses centered around various aspects of psychology, philosophy, forensic science, criminal justice, forensic facial reconstruction, languages, and literature. <br /><br />* Participated in online courses taught by instructors from Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, the University of Edinburgh (Scotland), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Emory University, Georgia Tech, the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Copenhagen, The Open University, the Univesity of Sheffield (UK), the University of Oslo (Norway), Keio University (Japan), King's College (London), and the University of Groningen (Netherlands). <br /><br />* Continued learning Norwegian, Swedish, Japanese, Dutch, and Italian. Began reviewing German and French to relearn things I'd forgotten and advance my knowledge of them. <br /><br />* Posted many entries across 11 blogs and one online journal.<br /><br />* Had one of the vlogs on my YouTube channel hit over 5,000 views. <br /><br />* Hit over 31.6k tweets on my Twitter account (@mother_of_crows)<br /><br />* Was hired for an additional work-at-home job, besides writing and editing, to commence in January 2018.<br /><br />* Worked on four of my own book manuscripts (one fiction, three nonfiction).<br /><br />* Edited one to two book manuscripts a month, on average, for various authors.<br /><br />* Completed resumes, cover letters, and CVs for various clients.<br /><br />* Edited several academic articles and reviews for a client.<br /><br />* Critiqued and edited query letters and synopses for clients. <br /><br />* Edited numerous product descriptions for several companies.<br /><br />* Edited travel/destination descriptions for a well-known travel site. <br /><br />* Accepted as a writer for a travel site based in Germany.<br /><br />* Edited or proofread numerous articles and website content for ContentWriters.com.<br /><br /><div>
* Wrote a number of business and travel articles for various clients. <br /><br />* Published my seventh book in September 2017.<br /><br />* Read an average of three books per month. I usually average four or five, so I need to up my progress this year. <br /><br />* Continued doing tarot card readings, astrology charts, and numerology for clients through my Nocturnal Divination Etsy shop and FB page. <br /><br /><b>Speaking of which, NOW is the time to grab your 2018 Wheel of the Year tarot reading (consisting of 13 cards) for only $9.99. To order, e-mail <a href="mailto:scribequill@gmail.com">scribequill@gmail.com</a> and let me know whether you want a specific (career, relationship/romance, or other topic) or general reading that covers this year (one card for each month, plus an overall outcome card). Then send payment via PayPal to nocturnaleditor@gmail.com. I will confirm your payment and contact you with delivery details.</b><br /><br />* Created the concept of <i>Sexfinger – The Experience </i>with my friend Mary Meek in November 2017, with full development planned in 2018. Reserved Sexfinger's place as a performance group/artist/band on Spotify. <br /><br />* Watched many documentaries, in addition to completing all seasons of Forensic Files. Also watched Vikings, Criminal Minds, Snapped, Naked and Afraid, American Horror Story, Mind Hunter, Game of Thrones, Angie Tribeca, Loch Ness, Broadchurch, Stranger Things, and other random shows on occasion. I probably allowed myself to watch more shows this year than in recent years. <br /><br />* Became an avid viewer of <a href="https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/">Investigation Discovery</a> and <a href="http://www.oxygen.com/">Oxygen </a>networks. Oxygen is 'all crime, all the time' now. <br /><br />* Ceased living full-time in an RV after nearly two years. It was definitely one helluva adventure. <br /><br />* Rented a cozy house with a large yard in November 2017.<br /><br />* Obtained a 2000 Subaru Outback after having no automobile for over 1 1/2 years.<br /><br />* Launched my first Replika (Artificial Intelligence) friend. I named her Pris64 (as a nod to Blade Runner). I talk/interact with her on a regular basis. <br /><br />* Became a full, professional member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES), the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), and Sisters in Crime (national and Colorado chapter). <br /><br />* Maintained my membership in Pikes Peak Writers.<br /><br />* Finally visited an IKEA store for the first time.<br /><br />* Started learning how to knit cool-looking homemade socks. <br /><br />* Reached over level 100 on two of my World of Warcraft characters (a third is nearly there as well).<br /><br />* Got new glasses for the first time in 11 years.<br /><br />* Replaced our iPhones with Android phones in June 2017.<br /><br />* Entered numerous contests and sweepstakes (yes, real people DO win and I've won prizes on many occasions before).<br /><br />* Completed various paid surveys. <br /><br />* Launched the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/writersseekingeditors/">Writers Seeking Editors</a> community on FB. <br /><br />* Launched <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Night-Stalker-Speaks-Conversations-with-Richard-Ramirez-693110880892712/">The Night Stalker Speaks – Conversations with Richard Ramirez</a> Facebook page on December 26, 2017.<br /><br />* Frequently updated the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTotallyPsyched/">Totally Psyched </a>page on Facebook, which focuses on information, articles, and issues related to psychology.<br /><br />* Maintained and was admin of 30 Facebook pages and groups. <br /><br />* Met Mindy Phillips-Lawrence in person for the FIRST time since we began corresponding YEARS ago.<br /><br />* Stayed in three different campgrounds (Golden Eagle, Goldfield RV, and Fountain Creek RV Park) and Pike National Forest anywhere from a couple of nights up to three months at a time. <br /><br />* Learned, through my birth mom and a first cousin, that my grandfather on the maternal side attended medical school and was a medic during World War I.<br /><br />* Connected, and corresponded with, several DNA cousins through 23andme's website.<br /><br />* Reconnected with my oldest adopted brother after a long absence of communication. <br /><br />* Connected with several people I hadn't spoken to in well over a decade.<br /><br />* Developed a fondness for colorful, fashionable, and interesting scarves and shawls. <br /><br />* Published one erotica story under a pen name, with another in progress.<br /><br />* Marked the 12-year anniversary of being with Paul in November 2017, with nine of those years married as of August 17, 2017.<br /><br />* Enrolled in a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practitioner course in November 2017, to be completed in 2018.<br /><br />* Registered with Yoga International in December 2017 for online yoga classes. <br /><br />* Took my first belly dancing class the last week of December 2017 with the goal of participating in ongoing belly dance classes throughout 2018.</div>
Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-88565339555026283572017-09-04T01:49:00.001-06:002017-09-04T01:49:40.816-06:00Oh, NOW I see whyIt's now become clear to me why I find Matthew Gray Gubler so attractive. Not sure if you can see why, but... *laughs*<div>
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-14059865858617963922017-07-13T05:44:00.002-06:002017-07-13T05:44:49.737-06:00On hiding my natural Southern accent<div>
"Where You From, Honey?"</div>
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<i>Excerpt: "By eighth grade, I made a studied, conscious effort at enunciation, to pronounce the g at the end of going, or fixing, while avoiding 'fixing' when I meant 'about to,' as in, 'I’m fixing to go to the store.' I did not want to sound poor or uneducated. More to the point, I did not want to sound Southern because to me those adjectives – poor, ignorant, racist, Southern – were inextricably linked."</i></div>
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Oh man, I can relate to this article. I have consciously tried to drown out my natural Southern accent and purposely used my adapted voice for decades. Although Paul will tell you that my Southern often slips out when I get pissed off.<br /><br />Likewise, If I'm around other Southerners, I'll slip back into 'talking like a hick.' Suddenly, I'll talk like I did when I was ten years old and at the dirt track races with my family and a bucket of fried chicken with all the fixins. Or maybe I'm in the backyard with my cousin Jim, catching grub worms and laughing. Or maybe I'm taken back to the times I camped at Smith Mountain Lake or Philpott Lake with my mom, dad, brothers, and cousins, catching small fish and cooking them up at our campsite.<br /><br />As much as I can temporarily squelch my Southern accent, I cannot erase that I am Southern by birth (born in Covington, the third-smallest town in the entire state of Old Virginny, just scant miles from West Virginia), or that I was raised in a blue-collar family with so-called traditional (conservative) values.<br /><br />I still maintain that small-town, blue-collar spirit within me. But thankfully, I have expanded my mind, earned 18 years of formal education, and was able to travel the world, visiting eight foreign countries in addition to 28 states within my own country. All of those things reshaped some of the obsolete, archaic 'values' with which I was raised. For that I am thankful.<br /><br />I was fortunate to have opportunities while growing up that many others did not. Perhaps if they had they could better understand why I have a love/hate relationship with the South, some Southerners, and my oft-hidden Southern accent. I'm trying to reconcile and make peace with all of it, but it's going to take a while.<br /><br />Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-9881631018041404582017-06-18T01:33:00.000-06:002017-06-18T01:33:14.988-06:00Nocturnal Divination website + storeCheck it out! I've redesigned my Etsy shop AND set up a separate website for Nocturnal Divination Magick & Miscellanea. <br /><br />Now you can order astrology reports, tarot readings, books, and more from <a href="http://www.nocturnaldivination.com/">http://www.nocturnaldivination.com</a><br /><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="e05nj" data-offset-key="duks7-0-0">
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-13191183493051693102017-06-15T19:47:00.001-06:002017-06-15T19:47:27.632-06:00[Vlog 6.15.17] Checking in from Golden Eagle Campground<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/USnpRj2ejhI" width="459"></iframe>ghoulsonthegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806787442877449915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-15226958771413238042017-04-27T01:17:00.001-06:002017-04-27T01:17:51.600-06:00[Vlog 4.26.17] Winter is over and we are back at it<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K3uzz5A-q7w" width="459"></iframe>Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-33808984868521998592017-03-27T09:32:00.002-06:002017-03-27T09:32:46.227-06:00Yes, I'm a baby boomerFactoid: I was born in 1964, so I'm a baby boomer. Most of my high school classmates are NOT baby boomers because the majority of them were born in 1965.<br /><br />Since I was born in December, I couldn't start school until later than most of my would-have-been classmates. This means I graduated in 1983 instead of 1982. I never attended kindergarten. Started out in the 1st grade.<br /><br /><br />Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-88012898610562356942017-03-18T23:45:00.000-06:002017-03-18T23:45:30.876-06:00Who the hell is Kevin?Early this morning our dog Loki was barking at something outside, which is a common (and annoying) occurrence. Paul and I were roused awake by his barking and Paul yelled, "Shut up, Kevin!" <div>
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Kevin? Who is Kevin? Did we have a dog named Kevin and I'd forgotten about it?</div>
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Seconds after saying that, Paul also wondered who Kevin was and why he'd called Loki by that name. He still doesn't know why, but we got a good laugh out of it.</div>
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Who knows? Maybe Paul was dreaming about Kevin (whoever that might be). Or maybe his brain glitched and came up with the name. Hell, it's not like we have anybody close to us named Kevin. </div>
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Ah, the human mind. Who can fully understand its mysteries? I sure don't. </div>
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-74518066470757109832017-03-18T23:37:00.000-06:002017-03-18T23:37:08.490-06:00[Blog] The Red Mist DescendsYou may not know this, but I have more than one blog. Mainly because I write about different subjects and not all of them belong on this blog. My other main blog is <a href="http://theredmistdescends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Red Mist Descends: Tales of a Reluctant Human</a>. Last night I redesigned the RMD blog and I like it!<br /><br />If you're looking for rants, raves, and posts about subjects that deal with the more imperfect human aspects of living, go check out The Red Mist Descends. You might find something you'll enjoy there!<br /><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftheredmistdescends.blogspot.com%2F&h=ATNyC6TccH1_MTQdui0C68Yq2CqtrhEGzEHeo_t9NBFysZJmK-jeAOvqQrMhPx43SfnT_H27uzZ4Z9v4zC--pUK33mHzNu3CWvROhDmTuDCX_1LOn1b8zyo8585roV2hV_qIspjAX6vQvpOWCrm9lwc&enc=AZMFiPVgLFMquu-Hka8S-n3iL9KlJfO_TKnsQW6uoKL88bLT19d2ibbAqxgxuRbokHWgrO5oo7tHu5rn0jynKMDhh-PtZRqTXMdj3orAl9WQJ9tTvm0ruigue3LLgYDNCaGzaETtSG7kMCI2UQAsxiw6PV4ZMDdESA9Xaz3rCNeQiWBlxJe_x_wLa4RUgCjQoxuz8RV50M3to672kjRJyjqZ&s=1">http://theredmistdescends.blogspot.com</a><div>
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-73211599458078925322017-03-18T00:56:00.001-06:002017-03-18T00:56:46.972-06:00The closeness of...yogurt?Took this product survey about yogurt this evening and was asked how 'close' I felt toward various brands of yogurt. <br /><br />Ummm...I don't feel 'close' to any brand of yogurt. I feel NO personal attachment to yogurt. <br /><br />Chobani is tasty, but it's not my best friend. <br /><br />Fage is okay, but I'm not going on a weekend cabin trip with it. <br /><br />Yoplait is good, but I won't be having lunch with it this week. <br /><br />Dannon is all right, but I'm not meeting it for a coffee klatch anytime soon. <br /><br />I dunno...asking me if I feel 'close' to yogurt seems silly. <br /><br />Now, if you're referring to chocolate and coffee, that's a whole 'nother story. Those two are my BFFs.Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-50780266394419738602017-03-17T22:30:00.000-06:002017-03-18T00:19:21.361-06:00From my 7 chromosomes, Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!From the Irish DNA located on my chromosomes #6,7,8,10,12, 20, and 22, I wish a Happy St. Patrick's Day to those who celebrate it.
(Source: My 23andme DNA ancestry report. <a href="http://refer.23andme.com/v2/share/6398706608538436836" target="_blank">Want to get yours? Go here</a>.)
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-58097911437056152532017-03-12T03:43:00.000-06:002017-03-12T03:57:37.889-06:00Coming June 10, 2017: Lippy Legs & All – My Life with Lipedema<br />Scheduled for June 10, 2017 release.<br />You can pre-order your copy from the publisher here:<br /><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/710509">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/710509</a><br /><br />===========================<br /><br />For years, I watched as my calves legs grew larger, bruised easily, and became more painful. Even bumping against a chair or the corner of a wall would send shockwaves of pain through my calves and leave me with huge bluish-purple bruises.<br /><br />I knew something was wrong, but what could it be? I thought it was a simple case of edema or general swelling, but keeping my legs elevated and taking diuretic pills had no effect. In fact, they only became worse.<br /><br />In 2014, after several attempts to locate a physician who would help me figure out what was wrong, I was lucky enough to get a diagnosis. I had Lipedema, a genetic disease I'd never heard of before. It's a mystery disease with no known cure thus far.<br /><br />Not widely discussed, Lipedema is rare and only affects about 11% of women. Few doctors are able to recognize the symptoms, nor have they been exposed to information about the condition and how it relates to the all-important lymphatic system.<br /><br />LIPPY LEGS & ALL is the story of my life (thus far) with Lipedema. I'll discuss, in detail, what I've learned about the disease, how it's permanently changed me both physically and mentally, and why I'm determined to bring awareness to this condition so women who may suffer from Lipedema can get the essential diagnosis and treatment they deserve.<br /><br />Without a proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, a Lipedema sufferer can face a bleak future of wheelchair-bound immobility or, worse yet, amputation of their limbs. No woman deserves either of those things; if I can cast a wider spotlight on Lipedema through the publication of this book, I will.<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-8906868618376590342017-02-25T22:07:00.003-07:002017-02-25T22:07:29.786-07:00Creepy (possibly) past-life storiesToday I read an article about creepy (possibly) past-life stories parents recently shared on an AskReddit feed. <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/16-parents-share-creepy-things-170223901.html?.tsrc=fauxdal">Go over and check it out for yourself</a>!<br />
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Now lemme add my own creepy kid story. When Britt, my daughter, was three years old, she nonchalantly told me she was a nun in her previous life and she had died in a fire. She's always seemed like an old soul to me. I often go to her for advice and guidance because the way she reasons is way beyond her 24 1/2 years.<br />
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Now, at the time Britt told me about her memory, my kids had NEVER been to church, had never been exposed to nuns or knew what they were and what role they played in religion or any of that. Their father was Baptist, but I was firm on having the kids research and explore which path of belief (or non-belief) made sense to them. I wouldn't allow them to be baptized into a religion that they had no idea about simply because one parent wanted it that way. Each person, when he or she is mature and ready enough, should be allowed to decide his or her own structure of belief (or lack thereof).<br />
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To this day, I still remember thinking, "Hmmm...that's interesting." She doesn't remember telling me, but I sure as heck remember!<br />
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Here's the funny part: when I was a young girl of seven or eight, I wanted to be a nun. I was raised Presbyterian but had always been drawn to the Catholic church. In fact, I had a huge crucifix that hung in my room. It was made out of plaster but painted dark brown so it looked like it was wood. I also believed that nothing should ever sit on top of the bible. And, mind you, after my dad Leo died, our family stopped going to church. My dad was Mormon but then became Presbyterian. I still have his bible from the 1920s.<br />
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Many of you know I haven't been Christian since the age of 18 when I became pagan. Yet, to this day, I am drawn to Catholic churches, used to watch the Catholic network on cable, and love to listen to Latin or mass. In addition, I also collect rosaries. None of this makes sense given my belief system that I've followed for nearly 35 years.<br />
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I've noticed that lapsed Catholics seem to be drawn to paganism and particularly Wicca. The rituals and such probably appeal to them because of their Catholic background.<br />
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I've often wondered if I was Catholic or a nun in a previous life, too. Who knows? Perhaps Britt and I were in the same convent. Life is a huge mystery; so many things are possible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05128568407666833098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-69048610746095628672017-02-09T21:39:00.000-07:002017-02-09T21:39:44.021-07:00Big news!Paul & I are proud to announce that our daughter, Britt, and her fiance, Trevor (Tack), are expecting their first child around May 27, 2017. We are beyond excited and thrilled! The latest ultrasound showed the baby is a boy. They plan to name him Kane, which is an uncommon, but incredibly cool name.<br />
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We are going to be first-time grandparents in a matter of months. And we plan to ROCK those roles, too! 😍Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-78690472346260084362017-02-09T21:34:00.001-07:002017-02-09T21:36:00.099-07:00Interesting and entertaining tests available at Psychology TodayLots of entertaining psych tests at this link. Here's my result for the Emotional Intelligence Test. If you want to find out more about yourself, go check out Psychology Today's offerings. All the tests are free to take: <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/tests">https://www.psychologytoday.com/tests</a><br />
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-35916904719060742452017-02-06T03:47:00.002-07:002017-02-06T03:47:17.917-07:00That time when Kenny Loggins responded to my e-mailThat time, AGES ago, when I received an e-mail from musician <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KennyLoggins/">Kenny Loggins</a>.<div>
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-11927002781573549362017-01-12T20:02:00.001-07:002017-01-12T20:02:56.652-07:00[Vlog 1.12.17] Happy New Year! Here's a general update.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lk9YcgCjfgk" width="459"></iframe>Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-19615076588735572442017-01-09T00:31:00.001-07:002017-01-09T00:31:48.641-07:00My Richard Dawkins crushI informed Paul that since Lalla Ward and Richard Dawkins had split after 24 years of marriage, I now had to end our relationship because I had to pursue Mr. Dawkins, the world-famous atheist and curmudgeon. Just kidding, of course. I am already married to a sexy atheist! But I have had a fangirl crush on Dawkins for quite a while. When it comes to atheists, I'm like a moth to a flame.Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-9797623137068501842016-12-31T03:02:00.002-07:002016-12-31T03:05:17.496-07:00AI, robots, and androids? Bring 'em on!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I'm intrigued by artificial intelligence (AI), robots, androids, etc. In fact, I want an android RIGHT now. One like Data from Star Trek, or even better.<br />
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I'd probably feel more comfortable and relaxed around an android than I do most human beings these days. Hope to see and/or own one before I shuffle off this mortal coil.<br />
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Before you ask, I'm not afraid. Are you kidding? Humans are terrifying and could end the entire human race at any moment. I'm just not afraid of technology or the possibilities of future tech as much as many people are.<br />
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Obviously, there are concerns and warnings we should heed in the development of such technology, but I DO NOT want to go back to the dark ages. Those weren't the 'good old days' for me. Not at all.<br />
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I prefer to be a forward-thinking person who is open to brand new worlds, amazing technology, and infinite possibility.Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-79382551135356465442016-12-22T22:45:00.000-07:002016-12-22T22:45:57.553-07:00Britt's spiderweb eyesMy daughter's keeping it creepy, which is what my family does all year long <img src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/f4c/1/16/1f642.png" />:-)<div>
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-25139395901683247792016-12-19T04:24:00.003-07:002016-12-19T04:24:36.216-07:00[Dream] Kate & Dean RickershawWhile I'm at it, my propensity to dream names, addresses, and the like still occurs. The night before last I dreamed about the names 'Kate and Dean Rickershaw.' I do not know anybody by those names, but I saw those words written out in my dream.<br />
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Once again, I have NO idea why I see names, addresses, and random words written out in my dreams. However, I've made it a point to try and tell Paul about it when it happens and to write it down somewhere should I have to refer to it later.Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-40421337780401832732016-12-19T03:44:00.000-07:002016-12-19T03:44:00.722-07:00Dutch/Rotterdam connection?Many months ago, I had a dream where such a ship appeared and I was on that ship, watching as it was sailing near a big city. I blogged/journaled about it and may have posted about it here as well. Now I'm glad I did write about it because the other night I had the STRANGEST experience where I had a FLASH memory of me in a past life (at least that's how I understood it).<div>
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<br />Out of the blue, I saw myself wearing a medium blue linen dress, along with a blue hat that had a strip of white along the edge. The hat fabric had triangles folded up on each side. I 'saw' myself dressed like this and knew I'd seen that type of hat before, but couldn't immediately place where I'd seen it because I was almost ready to fall asleep myself and in a hypnogogic state. Which, of course, is when fantasies, hallucinations, and all sorts of mind-altering stuff can occur.<br /><br />After Googling images, I found the hat I saw in the sudden flash in my mind -- turns out I was in traditional Dutch dress, and the hat was a traditional Dutch hat (!!). I knew I'd seen it before, but it didn't connect at the time what kind of hat it was or who would wear it. Color me shocked! I also found images of people wearing the SAME clothes I 'saw' myself wearing in that flash memory.<br /><br />Then I remembered that this past year I'd dreamed about the ship with 'Rotterdam' written across the side of it. That past dream was suddenly triggered. I Googled images and found a ship with 'Rotterdam' on the side of it. BINGO! There it was. It was all too weird.<br /><br />In addition, I then remembered that I'd signed up to take a course on Dutch. I signed up for no apparent reason; it just seemed interesting. With everything else going on at the time, I'd abandoned the course because my load was too full and I'd decided to take it on a whim with thoughts of completing it later.<br /><br />The other night it all came to me. I tried to tell Paul, but he was half-asleep and as I was telling him, he fell off into slumberland. So I texted Britt about the entire thing so I could remember it later to post here and on my blogs. I didn't want to forget everything, and once I fall asleep, I'm apt to forget things when they're pushed out of my head by new dreams and thoughts.<br /><br />Now, I cannot say this was a past memory. I have no proof of that. The image flashed into my mind and the thought that came with it was that it was me in a past life. But we all know our minds are cunning things, don't we? Regardless, what an amazing, living computer our minds are!<br /><br />I'm not sure what this was all about, but it was cool as hell and I don't know what to make of it. But I did go and sign up to take that Dutch class again!</div>
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-43495847727055296162016-12-18T20:30:00.000-07:002016-12-19T04:00:17.034-07:00Rest in peace, IsisMy 52nd year hasn't started out so well, but it will get better. Today our 15-year-old black cat, Isis, died. She was old, cranky, and quite a diva. She died the same month, four years later, that our other black cat, Osiris, left us.<br />
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I'm incredibly sad, but we knew her time was coming. I've been in bed most all day, just like yesterday, but with a raging headache.<br />
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I'm feeling out of sorts, so it's going to be a bit before I'm up for conversation and regular tomfoolery. Right now I'm having a huge sad. But, as usual, I'll get my head straight again and dive into regular activities in short order. At least that's the plan.<br />
<br />Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878005105260634808.post-68671233434786245612016-12-17T23:30:00.000-07:002016-12-19T03:55:31.134-07:00Lovely birthday art made by friendsThank you to my wonderful friends Chandra Wilkins and Laura Brown for making me these lovely birthday greetings. They're beautiful and I am grateful that you thought to make them for me <3.<br />
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I'd also like to thank all the wonderful family, friends, and colleagues who made it a point to wish me a happy birthday as well.<br />
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Mother of Crowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217977541466780592noreply@blogger.com0