We went to Atlanta with the intention of seeing the Tutankhamun exhibit which elya kindly got tickets for as a belated birthday present to me, but we got COMPLETELY LOST because I got directions to the High Museum (where it was last time) and not the Civic Center, so we parked at the High and started walking... 30 minutes later we looked at a map and realized we were only halfway there, and the ticket is only good for a certain entry time. I was very upset, cursing and on the edge of tears because Egypt is of great spiritual significance to me and this would be the SECOND time I had missed my chance to connect with it here. My partner comforted me by promising that we'd get tickets and go before the exhibit ends in May (this is a big sacrifice because ze hates going to Atlanta and the tickets are expensive). So as not to waste the day, we went to the Botanical Gardens by following the signs I'd spotted on our walk (surprisingly easy! we actually didn't get lost!).



( on the way down, walking through Atlanta, and exploring the gardens )

( in the conifer garden I met the most amazing tree... )

We went to Atlanta with the intention of seeing the Tutankhamun exhibit which elya kindly got tickets for as a belated birthday present to me, but we got COMPLETELY LOST because I got directions to the High Museum (where it was last time) and not the Civic Center, so we parked at the High and started walking... 30 minutes later we looked at a map and realized we were only halfway there, and the ticket is only good for a certain entry time. I was very upset, cursing and on the edge of tears because Egypt is of great spiritual significance to me and this would be the SECOND time I had missed my chance to connect with it here. My partner comforted me by promising that we'd get tickets and go before the exhibit ends in May (this is a big sacrifice because ze hates going to Atlanta and the tickets are expensive). So as not to waste the day, we went to the Botanical Gardens by following the signs I'd spotted on our walk (surprisingly easy! we actually didn't get lost!).



( on the way down, walking through Atlanta, and exploring the gardens )

( in the conifer garden I met the most amazing tree... )

We went to Atlanta with the intention of seeing the Tutankhamun exhibit which elya kindly got tickets for as a belated birthday present to me, but we got COMPLETELY LOST because I got directions to the High Museum (where it was last time) and not the Civic Center, so we parked at the High and started walking... 30 minutes later we looked at a map and realized we were only halfway there, and the ticket is only good for a certain entry time. I was very upset, cursing and on the edge of tears because Egypt is of great spiritual significance to me and this would be the SECOND time I had missed my chance to connect with it here. My partner comforted me by promising that we'd get tickets and go before the exhibit ends in May (this is a big sacrifice because ze hates going to Atlanta and the tickets are expensive). So as not to waste the day, we went to the Botanical Gardens by following the signs I'd spotted on our walk (surprisingly easy! we actually didn't get lost!).



( on the way down, walking through Atlanta, and exploring the gardens )

( in the conifer garden I met the most amazing tree... )

( music sharing! )

Usually I share based on what I've been listening to lately, but this time I am sharing songs that have strong spiritual meaning to me. In this post: Dream Art Science, E.S. Posthumus, and Dead Can Dance. Dream Art Science found me on myspace and invited me to check out their music, and when I did I was utterly swept away. They create spiritual music, based on ancient Egyptian religion and some very unique concepts of their own (that I do not really understand). Their sound really touches me, but even more than that their lyrics stir me. I wish I could explain how MUCH their lyrics speak my own heart, speak my spirituality in many ways. E.S. Posthumus was introduced to me by Cynosis, who sent me one of their songs in a mix which she composed just for me. I loved the whole thing, but the song "Nara" just set me on fire! I shared it with Hannah and Lily, who experienced it in a similar way -- this incredible spiritual experience, like when you hear a new piece of wisdom that resonates deeply in you. I had to buy the album, and the whole thing affected me in nearly the same way! Listening to it is... amazing for me. I've never been so touched by music without lyrics (at least, without English lyrics -- some have lyrics in other languages, which sounds like an integral part of the music to my ear). Dead Can Dance caught my eye at a used CD store -- I took Spiritchaser home and listened to it non-stop for ages, in the car and in the house. It's also mainly lyricless, with singing in glossolalia (what some call speaking-in-tongues). I find that especially beautiful, very expressive, and it feels even more 'true' to my ear than lyrics. The few songs that do have lyrics really inspire me.



Belenen's favorites -- April 2008 mix


(  - - - - samples of all songs and lyrics for some - - - -  )

[Poll #1175846]
(ignore the poll if you didn't download)

( music sharing! )

Usually I share based on what I've been listening to lately, but this time I am sharing songs that have strong spiritual meaning to me. In this post: Dream Art Science, E.S. Posthumus, and Dead Can Dance. Dream Art Science found me on myspace and invited me to check out their music, and when I did I was utterly swept away. They create spiritual music, based on ancient Egyptian religion and some very unique concepts of their own (that I do not really understand). Their sound really touches me, but even more than that their lyrics stir me. I wish I could explain how MUCH their lyrics speak my own heart, speak my spirituality in many ways. E.S. Posthumus was introduced to me by Cynosis, who sent me one of their songs in a mix which she composed just for me. I loved the whole thing, but the song "Nara" just set me on fire! I shared it with Hannah and Lily, who experienced it in a similar way -- this incredible spiritual experience, like when you hear a new piece of wisdom that resonates deeply in you. I had to buy the album, and the whole thing affected me in nearly the same way! Listening to it is... amazing for me. I've never been so touched by music without lyrics (at least, without English lyrics -- some have lyrics in other languages, which sounds like an integral part of the music to my ear). Dead Can Dance caught my eye at a used CD store -- I took Spiritchaser home and listened to it non-stop for ages, in the car and in the house. It's also mainly lyricless, with singing in glossolalia (what some call speaking-in-tongues). I find that especially beautiful, very expressive, and it feels even more 'true' to my ear than lyrics. The few songs that do have lyrics really inspire me.



Belenen's favorites -- April 2008 mix


(  - - - - samples of all songs and lyrics for some - - - -  )

[Poll #1175846]
(ignore the poll if you didn't download)

( music sharing! )

Usually I share based on what I've been listening to lately, but this time I am sharing songs that have strong spiritual meaning to me. In this post: Dream Art Science, E.S. Posthumus, and Dead Can Dance. Dream Art Science found me on myspace and invited me to check out their music, and when I did I was utterly swept away. They create spiritual music, based on ancient Egyptian religion and some very unique concepts of their own (that I do not really understand). Their sound really touches me, but even more than that their lyrics stir me. I wish I could explain how MUCH their lyrics speak my own heart, speak my spirituality in many ways. E.S. Posthumus was introduced to me by Cynosis, who sent me one of their songs in a mix which she composed just for me. I loved the whole thing, but the song "Nara" just set me on fire! I shared it with Hannah and Lily, who experienced it in a similar way -- this incredible spiritual experience, like when you hear a new piece of wisdom that resonates deeply in you. I had to buy the album, and the whole thing affected me in nearly the same way! Listening to it is... amazing for me. I've never been so touched by music without lyrics (at least, without English lyrics -- some have lyrics in other languages, which sounds like an integral part of the music to my ear). Dead Can Dance caught my eye at a used CD store -- I took Spiritchaser home and listened to it non-stop for ages, in the car and in the house. It's also mainly lyricless, with singing in glossolalia (what some call speaking-in-tongues). I find that especially beautiful, very expressive, and it feels even more 'true' to my ear than lyrics. The few songs that do have lyrics really inspire me.



Belenen's favorites -- April 2008 mix


(  - - - - samples of all songs and lyrics for some - - - -  )

[Poll #1175846]
(ignore the poll if you didn't download)

Happy April 1st -- don't let anyone fool you today, heh. (don't think I've ever attempted an April Fool's joke, doubt I ever will -- even if I tried it would fail miserably because I can't lie worth a damn)

So. I was going to take more photos to go along with this, but I have been on a nocturnal schedule which makes taking photos difficult (am natural-light obsessed). I have some belated thank-yous for birthday gifts! In the order they arrived:

jenniology sent me an AMAZING painting of two Egyptian women/goddesses! One in green with a lotus circlet, and one in red with the sundisk and horns on her head (Isis or Hathor?). It's on papyrus! so I'm keeping it wrapped up until I get a good frame for it. Jenny, this is SUCH an amazing gift! Nothing thrills me more than being given original art, especially by the artist hirself! ♥ Thank you a million times! And thank you for the sweet card.

kmiotutsie gave me a stained glass star, which is... WOW so amazing! I have it hanging on the wall in my living room right now, but soon it is going in my sanctuary ♥ that I DO have photos of. ( five photos! ) & she also got me a crystal pendant which is really awesome because I had been craving one. I'm not sure what I want it for yet... not just for wearing, I might make it into a pendulum. Thank you so much Firekat! You rock! You know me so well. :D

cynosis sent me a wonderful mix CD with a long hand-written note! including the important parts of lyrics. I have only listened to a few songs so far but I am LOVING what I've heard. (holy crap, the song "Nara" is thrilling me down to my bones, wow, shivers) And the note means a LOT because I LOVE having samples of people's handwriting. It's like a little piece of you, a little expression of your individuality. Thank you Cynosis!

mme_furiosa sent me a postcard from Sri Lanka!!! How cool is that? It's from a Moken village, where a once nomadic people now lives. She chose it because she and I both have gypsy spirits ♥ Thanks Francesca!

In other news, I got a HealthRider for myself from craigslist for $35, haha! My parents had one when I was a teen, and I used to listen to music and use it and go into an absolute trance. It is FUN, no I'm totally not kidding. It is like a combination swing and see-saw and it totally brings out my little kid self! I love it! They should have named it the FunRider -- but then all the people who want to punish their bodies rather than enjoy them wouldn't have gotten it, heh. It's so fun! I'm really wishing I could take it to Glasgow with me so that I could share it with Hannah. Ben likes it too :D

Happy April 1st -- don't let anyone fool you today, heh. (don't think I've ever attempted an April Fool's joke, doubt I ever will -- even if I tried it would fail miserably because I can't lie worth a damn)

So. I was going to take more photos to go along with this, but I have been on a nocturnal schedule which makes taking photos difficult (am natural-light obsessed). I have some belated thank-yous for birthday gifts! In the order they arrived:

jenniology sent me an AMAZING painting of two Egyptian women/goddesses! One in green with a lotus circlet, and one in red with the sundisk and horns on her head (Isis or Hathor?). It's on papyrus! so I'm keeping it wrapped up until I get a good frame for it. Jenny, this is SUCH an amazing gift! Nothing thrills me more than being given original art, especially by the artist hirself! ♥ Thank you a million times! And thank you for the sweet card.

kmiotutsie gave me a stained glass star, which is... WOW so amazing! I have it hanging on the wall in my living room right now, but soon it is going in my sanctuary ♥ that I DO have photos of. ( five photos! ) & she also got me a crystal pendant which is really awesome because I had been craving one. I'm not sure what I want it for yet... not just for wearing, I might make it into a pendulum. Thank you so much Firekat! You rock! You know me so well. :D

cynosis sent me a wonderful mix CD with a long hand-written note! including the important parts of lyrics. I have only listened to a few songs so far but I am LOVING what I've heard. (holy crap, the song "Nara" is thrilling me down to my bones, wow, shivers) And the note means a LOT because I LOVE having samples of people's handwriting. It's like a little piece of you, a little expression of your individuality. Thank you Cynosis!

mme_furiosa sent me a postcard from Sri Lanka!!! How cool is that? It's from a Moken village, where a once nomadic people now lives. She chose it because she and I both have gypsy spirits ♥ Thanks Francesca!

In other news, I got a HealthRider for myself from craigslist for $35, haha! My parents had one when I was a teen, and I used to listen to music and use it and go into an absolute trance. It is FUN, no I'm totally not kidding. It is like a combination swing and see-saw and it totally brings out my little kid self! I love it! They should have named it the FunRider -- but then all the people who want to punish their bodies rather than enjoy them wouldn't have gotten it, heh. It's so fun! I'm really wishing I could take it to Glasgow with me so that I could share it with Hannah. Ben likes it too :D

Happy April 1st -- don't let anyone fool you today, heh. (don't think I've ever attempted an April Fool's joke, doubt I ever will -- even if I tried it would fail miserably because I can't lie worth a damn)

So. I was going to take more photos to go along with this, but I have been on a nocturnal schedule which makes taking photos difficult (am natural-light obsessed). I have some belated thank-yous for birthday gifts! In the order they arrived:

jenniology sent me an AMAZING painting of two Egyptian women/goddesses! One in green with a lotus circlet, and one in red with the sundisk and horns on her head (Isis or Hathor?). It's on papyrus! so I'm keeping it wrapped up until I get a good frame for it. Jenny, this is SUCH an amazing gift! Nothing thrills me more than being given original art, especially by the artist hirself! ♥ Thank you a million times! And thank you for the sweet card.

kmiotutsie gave me a stained glass star, which is... WOW so amazing! I have it hanging on the wall in my living room right now, but soon it is going in my sanctuary ♥ that I DO have photos of. ( five photos! ) & she also got me a crystal pendant which is really awesome because I had been craving one. I'm not sure what I want it for yet... not just for wearing, I might make it into a pendulum. Thank you so much Firekat! You rock! You know me so well. :D

cynosis sent me a wonderful mix CD with a long hand-written note! including the important parts of lyrics. I have only listened to a few songs so far but I am LOVING what I've heard. (holy crap, the song "Nara" is thrilling me down to my bones, wow, shivers) And the note means a LOT because I LOVE having samples of people's handwriting. It's like a little piece of you, a little expression of your individuality. Thank you Cynosis!

mme_furiosa sent me a postcard from Sri Lanka!!! How cool is that? It's from a Moken village, where a once nomadic people now lives. She chose it because she and I both have gypsy spirits ♥ Thanks Francesca!

In other news, I got a HealthRider for myself from craigslist for $35, haha! My parents had one when I was a teen, and I used to listen to music and use it and go into an absolute trance. It is FUN, no I'm totally not kidding. It is like a combination swing and see-saw and it totally brings out my little kid self! I love it! They should have named it the FunRider -- but then all the people who want to punish their bodies rather than enjoy them wouldn't have gotten it, heh. It's so fun! I'm really wishing I could take it to Glasgow with me so that I could share it with Hannah. Ben likes it too :D

I've been friends with quite a few cats over my life -- Kanika is in a class all to herself. She's definitely the least affectionate cat I've ever met. Every single time you go to pet her, she has to sniff out your intentions first. Those few occasions when she doesn't immediately run off, she only tolerates one or two strokes before she threatens to bite you -- and you BETTER pay attention. She only rubs against you when she wants something, and if you make the mistake of thinking she's being cuddly, she looks at you as if you are unbearably stupid and resists your advances. Very rarely she will be in a lovey mood and come sit with me (in between the keyboard and me, of course) and THEN if I try to put her down she will bite me! crazy cat. She does seem to react with concern and cuddles when I'm really upset, but it only lasts about a minute, heh.

BUT she's also the most clever animal I've ever known. We lock her in the bathroom when she's being annoying, so she figured out how to unlatch the door and get out! Nowadays we have to put a brick in front of it if we want to keep her in more than a minute (she can still get out but it takes longer). She knows it is okay to use claws with Ben, so she does, but she never, ever uses them on me. If her litter box is dirty, she will get my attention by tearing around maniacally, and then darting for the box as soon as I look at her. (I'm always impressed that she's so good at communicating with me, so it always works) She plays tag (which I've never known any other animal to play, and she even taps you!) and fetch (much better than any dog I've known, since she will FIND it if it disappears from her line of sight), and with Ben she 'plays' attack. She also plays her own version of soccer by herself which is SO cute -- she bats the ball from paw to paw, tosses it in the air, and dumps it in the 'goal' (which is usually Ben's shoes).

Her favorite toy EVER is this fluffy sparkly pink puffball, which I find hilariously ironic because her personality is such a hardass. She doesn't seem to see the irony though, heh. She loves to play fetch with it and often drops it on the desk when I'm on the computer -- if I don't throw it she will toss it right on the keyboard or bump it against my mouse hand. So I fling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way and she goes tearing after it with this adorably excited chirrup.



( a video of Kanika playing fetch! and several photos )

also, go link me to your wishlist if you haven't already! I mean it! I'll throw 'Nika on you if you don't! (if you don't have one at least tell me a few things that would be on it if you did)

I've been friends with quite a few cats over my life -- Kanika is in a class all to herself. She's definitely the least affectionate cat I've ever met. Every single time you go to pet her, she has to sniff out your intentions first. Those few occasions when she doesn't immediately run off, she only tolerates one or two strokes before she threatens to bite you -- and you BETTER pay attention. She only rubs against you when she wants something, and if you make the mistake of thinking she's being cuddly, she looks at you as if you are unbearably stupid and resists your advances. Very rarely she will be in a lovey mood and come sit with me (in between the keyboard and me, of course) and THEN if I try to put her down she will bite me! crazy cat. She does seem to react with concern and cuddles when I'm really upset, but it only lasts about a minute, heh.

BUT she's also the most clever animal I've ever known. We lock her in the bathroom when she's being annoying, so she figured out how to unlatch the door and get out! Nowadays we have to put a brick in front of it if we want to keep her in more than a minute (she can still get out but it takes longer). She knows it is okay to use claws with Ben, so she does, but she never, ever uses them on me. If her litter box is dirty, she will get my attention by tearing around maniacally, and then darting for the box as soon as I look at her. (I'm always impressed that she's so good at communicating with me, so it always works) She plays tag (which I've never known any other animal to play, and she even taps you!) and fetch (much better than any dog I've known, since she will FIND it if it disappears from her line of sight), and with Ben she 'plays' attack. She also plays her own version of soccer by herself which is SO cute -- she bats the ball from paw to paw, tosses it in the air, and dumps it in the 'goal' (which is usually Ben's shoes).

Her favorite toy EVER is this fluffy sparkly pink puffball, which I find hilariously ironic because her personality is such a hardass. She doesn't seem to see the irony though, heh. She loves to play fetch with it and often drops it on the desk when I'm on the computer -- if I don't throw it she will toss it right on the keyboard or bump it against my mouse hand. So I fling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way and she goes tearing after it with this adorably excited chirrup.



( a video of Kanika playing fetch! and several photos )

also, go link me to your wishlist if you haven't already! I mean it! I'll throw 'Nika on you if you don't! (if you don't have one at least tell me a few things that would be on it if you did)

I've been friends with quite a few cats over my life -- Kanika is in a class all to herself. She's definitely the least affectionate cat I've ever met. Every single time you go to pet her, she has to sniff out your intentions first. Those few occasions when she doesn't immediately run off, she only tolerates one or two strokes before she threatens to bite you -- and you BETTER pay attention. She only rubs against you when she wants something, and if you make the mistake of thinking she's being cuddly, she looks at you as if you are unbearably stupid and resists your advances. Very rarely she will be in a lovey mood and come sit with me (in between the keyboard and me, of course) and THEN if I try to put her down she will bite me! crazy cat. She does seem to react with concern and cuddles when I'm really upset, but it only lasts about a minute, heh.

BUT she's also the most clever animal I've ever known. We lock her in the bathroom when she's being annoying, so she figured out how to unlatch the door and get out! Nowadays we have to put a brick in front of it if we want to keep her in more than a minute (she can still get out but it takes longer). She knows it is okay to use claws with Ben, so she does, but she never, ever uses them on me. If her litter box is dirty, she will get my attention by tearing around maniacally, and then darting for the box as soon as I look at her. (I'm always impressed that she's so good at communicating with me, so it always works) She plays tag (which I've never known any other animal to play, and she even taps you!) and fetch (much better than any dog I've known, since she will FIND it if it disappears from her line of sight), and with Ben she 'plays' attack. She also plays her own version of soccer by herself which is SO cute -- she bats the ball from paw to paw, tosses it in the air, and dumps it in the 'goal' (which is usually Ben's shoes).

Her favorite toy EVER is this fluffy sparkly pink puffball, which I find hilariously ironic because her personality is such a hardass. She doesn't seem to see the irony though, heh. She loves to play fetch with it and often drops it on the desk when I'm on the computer -- if I don't throw it she will toss it right on the keyboard or bump it against my mouse hand. So I fling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way and she goes tearing after it with this adorably excited chirrup.



( a video of Kanika playing fetch! and several photos )

also, go link me to your wishlist if you haven't already! I mean it! I'll throw 'Nika on you if you don't! (if you don't have one at least tell me a few things that would be on it if you did)

( my wish list )

and my full amazon list is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/120JTNJ7ULO8J/

my friends' wishlists (for my reference):( . )
kat: http://kmiotutsie.livejournal.com/256211.html?style=mine
ali: http://aliyna.livejournal.com/1041217.html?style=mine & http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/MHGCZD84J5H/
jenny: http://www.hintbug.com/hintlist/details.aspx?iid=12985
kelley: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2RYJBPATUS336
andrea: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/11S95NGM596LS
katya: http://blood-4-deniro.livejournal.com/63493.html?style=mine
janna: http://www.thethingsiwant.com/jannabanna/list/wishlist/
kori: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JKUGXTXZBO9S
gayle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/I6DDZSX2XZNF/
lia: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/VL6G0RIZPVQG/ &
http://del.icio.us/sylvanfae/wishlist
kels: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3PPB4HTRD4E5M
kristen: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/LR7197LS7UKR
jess (ladywind): http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=wishlist&id=3W1DY3ZL34W1U
sarah (mermaiden): http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/21WVFHCVOUS5Q/ref=wl_web/

( my wish list )

and my full amazon list is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/120JTNJ7ULO8J/

my friends' wishlists (for my reference):( . )
kat: http://kmiotutsie.livejournal.com/256211.html?style=mine
ali: http://aliyna.livejournal.com/1041217.html?style=mine & http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/MHGCZD84J5H/
jenny: http://www.hintbug.com/hintlist/details.aspx?iid=12985
kelley: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2RYJBPATUS336
andrea: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/11S95NGM596LS
katya: http://blood-4-deniro.livejournal.com/63493.html?style=mine
janna: http://www.thethingsiwant.com/jannabanna/list/wishlist/
kori: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JKUGXTXZBO9S
gayle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/I6DDZSX2XZNF/
lia: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/VL6G0RIZPVQG/ &
http://del.icio.us/sylvanfae/wishlist
kels: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3PPB4HTRD4E5M
kristen: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/LR7197LS7UKR
jess (ladywind): http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=wishlist&id=3W1DY3ZL34W1U
sarah (mermaiden): http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/21WVFHCVOUS5Q/ref=wl_web/

( my wish list )

and my full amazon list is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/120JTNJ7ULO8J/

my friends' wishlists (for my reference):( . )
kat: http://kmiotutsie.livejournal.com/256211.html?style=mine
ali: http://aliyna.livejournal.com/1041217.html?style=mine & http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/MHGCZD84J5H/
jenny: http://www.hintbug.com/hintlist/details.aspx?iid=12985
kelley: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2RYJBPATUS336
andrea: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/11S95NGM596LS
katya: http://blood-4-deniro.livejournal.com/63493.html?style=mine
janna: http://www.thethingsiwant.com/jannabanna/list/wishlist/
kori: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JKUGXTXZBO9S
gayle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/I6DDZSX2XZNF/
lia: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/VL6G0RIZPVQG/ &
http://del.icio.us/sylvanfae/wishlist
kels: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3PPB4HTRD4E5M
kristen: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/LR7197LS7UKR
jess (ladywind): http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=wishlist&id=3W1DY3ZL34W1U
sarah (mermaiden): http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/21WVFHCVOUS5Q/ref=wl_web/

Self-education update: I got way behind on posting my list, but I've spent the last couple of days catching up on my brief ratings and reviews so I could share with you.

For the newbies and the short of memory: I call this self-education, because I read to expand my mind (and enjoy myself). Some are fiction, some aren't -- but every book is a collection of thoughts from someone else, and by comparing/contrasting my way of thinking with the ways presented in the book, I can broaden my views. My brain also runs differently when reading -- I can't explain it but it makes my ways of thinking more organized somehow. It's like mental stretching, I suppose -- it makes me more mentally limber.

( how I star them: )

1. The Merlin Effect by T. A. Barron (YA sci-fi) ✰ ✰ ( ... )
2. The Girls Next Door: Into the Heart of Lesbian America by Lindsy Van Gelder & Pamela Robin Brandt (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
3. The Magic and the Healing by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
4. Under the Healing Sign by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
5. The Healing of Crossroads by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
6. Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (historical fiction) ✰ ✰ ( ... )
7. Ramses: The Son of Light by Christian Jacq (historical fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
8. Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters (YA fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
9. Just Another Kid by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
10. Beautiful Child by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
11. Twilight Children by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
12. Closer To The Light by Melvin Morse, M.D. (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
13. Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
14. The Canopy by Angela Hunt (christian fiction) ✰ ✰ ( ... )
15. The Glass Harmonica by Louise Marley (sci-fi/historical fic) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
16. Cat Talk by Carole Wilbourn (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
17. The O'Connors: Roses and Rain & Shadows in the Mist by Karen Young (contemp. romance) ✰ ✰ ( ... )
18. Between Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey (contemp. romance) ✰ ( ... )
19. Acorna's Quest by Anne McCaffery & Margaret Ball (sci-fi) ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
20. Acorna's People by Anne McCaffery & Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (sci-fi) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
21. The Godmother by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (sci-fi/fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
22. Song of Sorcery by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
23. The Harem of Aman Akbar by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
24. Lord of the Two Lands by Judith Tarr (historical fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
25. The Search for Fierra by Stephen Lawhead (sci-fi) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
26. A Woman Like That : Lesbian and Bisexual Writers Tell Their Coming Out Stories by Joan Larkin (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
27. The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
28. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
29. I Have Chosen to Stay And Fight by Margaret Cho (non-fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
30. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
31. The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan (historical fiction) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )
32. The Infinity Concerto by Greg Bear (fantasy) ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ( ... )

11,621 / 13,000 (89.4%)

Never having kept track of my books-read before, I started out with the goal of 132 books in a year. HA! then cut it to 88 books, but since the year is 3/4 over and I'm not even half there, I've decided to change it again -- to a page count. I'm going for 13,000 pages this year, and so far I have 11,621. ;-)

Currently reading:
The Serpent Mage by Greg Bear (fantasy)
Bi any other name: Bisexual people speak out by Loraine Hutchins and Lani Kaahumanu (non-fiction)

Self-education update: I got way behind on posting my list, but I've spent the last couple of days catching up on my brief ratings and reviews so I could share with you.

For the newbies and the short of memory: I call this self-education, because I read to expand my mind (and enjoy myself). Some are fiction, some aren't -- but every book is a collection of thoughts from someone else, and by comparing/contrasting my way of thinking with the ways presented in the book, I can broaden my views. My brain also runs differently when reading -- I can't explain it but it makes my ways of thinking more organized somehow. It's like mental stretching, I suppose -- it makes me more mentally limber.

( how I star them: )

1. The Merlin Effect by T. A. Barron (YA sci-fi) ( ... )
2. The Girls Next Door: Into the Heart of Lesbian America by Lindsy Van Gelder & Pamela Robin Brandt (non-fiction) ( ... )
3. The Magic and the Healing by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy)
4. Under the Healing Sign by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy)
5. The Healing of Crossroads by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy) ( ... )
6. Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (historical fiction) ( ... )
7. Ramses: The Son of Light by Christian Jacq (historical fiction) ( ... )
8. Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters (YA fiction) ( ... )
9. Just Another Kid by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ( ... )
10. Beautiful Child by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ( ... )
11. Twilight Children by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ( ... )
12. Closer To The Light by Melvin Morse, M.D. (non-fiction) ( ... )
13. Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn (fantasy) ( ... )
14. The Canopy by Angela Hunt (christian fiction) ( ... )
15. The Glass Harmonica by Louise Marley (sci-fi/historical fic) ( ... )
16. Cat Talk by Carole Wilbourn (non-fiction) ( ... )
17. The O'Connors: Roses and Rain & Shadows in the Mist by Karen Young (contemp. romance) ( ... )
18. Between Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey (contemp. romance) ( ... )
19. Acorna's Quest by Anne McCaffery & Margaret Ball (sci-fi) ( ... )
20. Acorna's People by Anne McCaffery & Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (sci-fi) ( ... )
21. The Godmother by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (sci-fi/fantasy) ( ... )
22. Song of Sorcery by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (fantasy) ( ... )
23. The Harem of Aman Akbar by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (fantasy) ( ... )
24. Lord of the Two Lands by Judith Tarr (historical fiction) ( ... )
25. The Search for Fierra by Stephen Lawhead (sci-fi) ( ... )
26. A Woman Like That : Lesbian and Bisexual Writers Tell Their Coming Out Stories by Joan Larkin (non-fiction) ( ... )
27. The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn (fantasy) ( ... )
28. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling (fantasy) ( ... )
29. I Have Chosen to Stay And Fight by Margaret Cho (non-fiction) ( ... )
30. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey (fantasy) ( ... )
31. The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan (historical fiction) ( ... )
32. The Infinity Concerto by Greg Bear (fantasy) ( ... )

11,621 / 13,000 (89.4%)

Never having kept track of my books-read before, I started out with the goal of 132 books in a year. HA! then cut it to 88 books, but since the year is 3/4 over and I'm not even half there, I've decided to change it again -- to a page count. I'm going for 13,000 pages this year, and so far I have 11,621. ;-)

Currently reading:
The Serpent Mage by Greg Bear (fantasy)
Bi any other name: Bisexual people speak out by Loraine Hutchins and Lani Kaahumanu (non-fiction)

Self-education update: I got way behind on posting my list, but I've spent the last couple of days catching up on my brief ratings and reviews so I could share with you.

For the newbies and the short of memory: I call this self-education, because I read to expand my mind (and enjoy myself). Some are fiction, some aren't -- but every book is a collection of thoughts from someone else, and by comparing/contrasting my way of thinking with the ways presented in the book, I can broaden my views. My brain also runs differently when reading -- I can't explain it but it makes my ways of thinking more organized somehow. It's like mental stretching, I suppose -- it makes me more mentally limber.

( how I star them: )

1. The Merlin Effect by T. A. Barron (YA sci-fi) ( ... )
2. The Girls Next Door: Into the Heart of Lesbian America by Lindsy Van Gelder & Pamela Robin Brandt (non-fiction) ( ... )
3. The Magic and the Healing by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy)
4. Under the Healing Sign by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy)
5. The Healing of Crossroads by Nick O'Donohoe (YA fantasy) ( ... )
6. Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (historical fiction) ( ... )
7. Ramses: The Son of Light by Christian Jacq (historical fiction) ( ... )
8. Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters (YA fiction) ( ... )
9. Just Another Kid by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ( ... )
10. Beautiful Child by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ( ... )
11. Twilight Children by Torey Hayden (non-fiction) ( ... )
12. Closer To The Light by Melvin Morse, M.D. (non-fiction) ( ... )
13. Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn (fantasy) ( ... )
14. The Canopy by Angela Hunt (christian fiction) ( ... )
15. The Glass Harmonica by Louise Marley (sci-fi/historical fic) ( ... )
16. Cat Talk by Carole Wilbourn (non-fiction) ( ... )
17. The O'Connors: Roses and Rain & Shadows in the Mist by Karen Young (contemp. romance) ( ... )
18. Between Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey (contemp. romance) ( ... )
19. Acorna's Quest by Anne McCaffery & Margaret Ball (sci-fi) ( ... )
20. Acorna's People by Anne McCaffery & Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (sci-fi) ( ... )
21. The Godmother by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (sci-fi/fantasy) ( ... )
22. Song of Sorcery by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (fantasy) ( ... )
23. The Harem of Aman Akbar by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (fantasy) ( ... )
24. Lord of the Two Lands by Judith Tarr (historical fiction) ( ... )
25. The Search for Fierra by Stephen Lawhead (sci-fi) ( ... )
26. A Woman Like That : Lesbian and Bisexual Writers Tell Their Coming Out Stories by Joan Larkin (non-fiction) ( ... )
27. The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn (fantasy) ( ... )
28. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling (fantasy) ( ... )
29. I Have Chosen to Stay And Fight by Margaret Cho (non-fiction) ( ... )
30. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey (fantasy) ( ... )
31. The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan (historical fiction) ( ... )
32. The Infinity Concerto by Greg Bear (fantasy) ( ... )

11,621 / 13,000 (89.4%)

Never having kept track of my books-read before, I started out with the goal of 132 books in a year. HA! then cut it to 88 books, but since the year is 3/4 over and I'm not even half there, I've decided to change it again -- to a page count. I'm going for 13,000 pages this year, and so far I have 11,621. ;-)

Currently reading:
The Serpent Mage by Greg Bear (fantasy)
Bi any other name: Bisexual people speak out by Loraine Hutchins and Lani Kaahumanu (non-fiction)

A few weeks ago I rearranged our bedroom, turning it from a place I hated to a place I love! Ben is much happier too -- now it feels like we have two rooms instead of only the living room. I created a photo-tour of my bedroom, because a video would require clothing due to the mirrors. And this is easier!

( photo-tour of my bedroom )

And now I shriek with joy because OMG PRESENTS!!!! From Kate (clown_frog) and Firekat (kmiotutsie)!!! Kate sent me a glitter bar (YAY!!!! glitter-wearing is so magical ♥), giant purple bath-fizzy ball, HENNA kit (can't wait to try it!), a bunch of stick-on wooden ladybugs (ladybugs always remind me of my childhood, I remember seeing a family of them in the bark of a tree and being absolutely delighted), cinnamon votives (that REALLY SMELL LIKE CINNAMON OMG, and strong too!!! I am going to use them in my sanctuary ♥ ♥ ♥), and best of all, a clear violet glass perfume vial. It is so incredibly delicate and wonder-of-all-wonders, made it here perfectly intact! All the way from Scotland! And that is magic from God/dess if I have ever seen it.

( the delicate violet-tinted vial! )

And from Firekat!!! A Mercedes Lackey book (a staple of fantasy reading, whom I've never tried!), Inga Muscio's Cunt (borrowed and read most of it, now yay I can finish it! plus who wouldn't want Cunt on her shelf?), a GORGEOUS mini-journal with handmade paper and a vivid-violet & burgandy cover, three lovely deep purple agate slices, and... a violet and emerald translucent glass gazing ball!!! also completely undamaged! I am soooooo loved!!! Firekat said she prayed that it would get here safely, and it's perfect. ♥ I'm awed!

( the violet & emerald glass ball! )

A few weeks ago I rearranged our bedroom, turning it from a place I hated to a place I love! Ben is much happier too -- now it feels like we have two rooms instead of only the living room. I created a photo-tour of my bedroom, because a video would require clothing due to the mirrors. And this is easier!

( photo-tour of my bedroom )

And now I shriek with joy because OMG PRESENTS!!!! From Kate (clown_frog) and Firekat (kmiotutsie)!!! Kate sent me a glitter bar (YAY!!!! glitter-wearing is so magical ♥), giant purple bath-fizzy ball, HENNA kit (can't wait to try it!), a bunch of stick-on wooden ladybugs (ladybugs always remind me of my childhood, I remember seeing a family of them in the bark of a tree and being absolutely delighted), cinnamon votives (that REALLY SMELL LIKE CINNAMON OMG, and strong too!!! I am going to use them in my sanctuary ♥ ♥ ♥), and best of all, a clear violet glass perfume vial. It is so incredibly delicate and wonder-of-all-wonders, made it here perfectly intact! All the way from Scotland! And that is magic from God/dess if I have ever seen it.

( the delicate violet-tinted vial! )

And from Firekat!!! A Mercedes Lackey book (a staple of fantasy reading, whom I've never tried!), Inga Muscio's Cunt (borrowed and read most of it, now yay I can finish it! plus who wouldn't want Cunt on her shelf?), a GORGEOUS mini-journal with handmade paper and a vivid-violet & burgandy cover, three lovely deep purple agate slices, and... a violet and emerald translucent glass gazing ball!!! also completely undamaged! I am soooooo loved!!! Firekat said she prayed that it would get here safely, and it's perfect. ♥ I'm awed!

( the violet & emerald glass ball! )

A few weeks ago I rearranged our bedroom, turning it from a place I hated to a place I love! Ben is much happier too -- now it feels like we have two rooms instead of only the living room. I created a photo-tour of my bedroom, because a video would require clothing due to the mirrors. And this is easier!

( photo-tour of my bedroom )

And now I shriek with joy because OMG PRESENTS!!!! From Kate (clown_frog) and Firekat (kmiotutsie)!!! Kate sent me a glitter bar (YAY!!!! glitter-wearing is so magical ♥), giant purple bath-fizzy ball, HENNA kit (can't wait to try it!), a bunch of stick-on wooden ladybugs (ladybugs always remind me of my childhood, I remember seeing a family of them in the bark of a tree and being absolutely delighted), cinnamon votives (that REALLY SMELL LIKE CINNAMON OMG, and strong too!!! I am going to use them in my sanctuary ♥ ♥ ♥), and best of all, a clear violet glass perfume vial. It is so incredibly delicate and wonder-of-all-wonders, made it here perfectly intact! All the way from Scotland! And that is magic from God/dess if I have ever seen it.

( the delicate violet-tinted vial! )

And from Firekat!!! A Mercedes Lackey book (a staple of fantasy reading, whom I've never tried!), Inga Muscio's Cunt (borrowed and read most of it, now yay I can finish it! plus who wouldn't want Cunt on her shelf?), a GORGEOUS mini-journal with handmade paper and a vivid-violet & burgandy cover, three lovely deep purple agate slices, and... a violet and emerald translucent glass gazing ball!!! also completely undamaged! I am soooooo loved!!! Firekat said she prayed that it would get here safely, and it's perfect. ♥ I'm awed!

( the violet & emerald glass ball! )