What I Just Saw

It wasn't wings like this. They were more like butterfly wings, but made of pure light, and I could see through them. They were small, not human sized. The reason I share this graphic is because the motion is similar to the motions made by these wings. It was not a fairy, at least I did not perceive it as being so. 

I did a search for "light wings" and "light butterfly" after the fact. That is how I found this image.

It did three little swoops and then disappeared.

I am wondering if it might have been my little friend Lafayette, showing me that he is still with me, looking after me as he always did.

The presence was utterly benevolent. It was not a human spirit, nor, as I said, do I believe it was a being such as a fairy. 

I don't have much to say as I don't want to overanalyze it. I felt that it was a benevolent presence. I am happy for its visit.

~Cie~

Modern Medicine and Vaccines

I agree with the thought that modern medicine treats symptoms rather than cause of disease in the majority of cases. People in Western society tend to be over-medicated, particularly as we grow older. When people are unhappy, doctors give them a pill. This approach really does nothing to get to the root cause.

While I am concerned about additives being put in vaccines, it seems clear to me that vaccines actually have helped stop the spread of certain diseases that were far more widespread before people were vaccinated for them. I certainly don't advocate calling child protective services or putting people in jail for not vaccinating. However, when people stop vaccinating, diseases such as measles and mumps start making a resurgence.

It seems to me that taking an all or nothing approach isn't the answer. We need to examine what problems there may be with our current system of vaccination. Nonetheless, it seems clear that vaccinations have helped control certain diseases. 

Personally, I'm not going to take the chance that I might get a disease such as tetanus or polio. In my line of work, we also have to get the flu shot every year. That one is a bit more of a crap shoot as to whether it will be effective or not, as the flu mutates.

I see the anti vaccine movement as taking the "throw the baby out with the bath water" approach. Certainly we should examine the current system to see where improvements could be made. However, I would not want to go back to a world where diseases such as measles and mumps were rampant. A balanced approach is best.

~Adam~

Reminisced

A short concept film about love and loss. Beautifully put together. Perhaps she intends to make it a longer film at some point. Even if this isn't the case, it stands on its own.

Why are there some people we just can't get out of our hearts, while in other cases it's obvious that the connection has run its course and that's okay? I write about love, but I honestly can't say I understand it. In fact, the older I get, the less I understand about love.

~Rose~

Religion and Community

Although I tend to be critical of organized religion, one aspect I tend to approve of is community. People involved in a church may come together in a positive way, as these people are. There are several benefits to this sort of gathering, including forming bonds with others and spending an enjoyable time in the company of like-minded people.

The problem with organized religion is the intolerance that is often inherent in religious communities. A similar-minded outsider would be welcome, but someone with a very different mindset, even if said visitor were tolerant, would likely be treated with suspicion if not outright disdain.

If we could all learn to open our minds to one another's viewpoints and beliefs, and respected such, even if we didn't share the same belief, we could create a greater world community. Then we could join together in love and tolerance. It may seem a foolish idea, but I believe that one day it may be possible.

~Ellie~

Happy Birthday Father Roger

In truth, I don't know the Good Father Roger. This was a video I stumbled across while looking for something else. However, it got me thinking.

Father Roger seems a companionable sort, a bit of a colorful character who enjoys telling a story and likes seeing others happy. One might say that Father Roger seems to embody a truly Christian spirit. 

I would far rather listen to someone like Father Roger, and would be more likely to take his words to heart, than to listen to one of these hate-mongering sourpusses such as Bill Donohue. That's the fellow who said that marriage wan't about love, it was about having children, his point being that same sex couples shouldn't be allowed to marry because they can't have children. 

My question for Bill is if marriage isn't about love, why the hell do it? We live in modern times where one neither needs to be married or to have sex outside of the bonds of marriage in order to conceive a child. If I really wanted a child, I could go to the sperm bank and have a doctor perform a medical insemination. By having this procedure, I could skip the whole loveless marriage business while also avoiding sex outside of marriage. 

In any case, if Christianity is to survive, it needs a whole lot more Father Rogers and a whole lot fewer Bill Donohues.

I hope that Father Roger had an excellent birthday. He seems like a nice chap who deserves good things.

~Naila~

In Search of Beowulf

Remembering Lafayette

I've been working on creating a tattoo in memory of my dear and special feline friend. It will go on my left shoulder. The artwork is by Kami Diox. You can check her out at kamidiox.tumblr.com or kamidiox.deviantart.com

Although I miss Lafayette very much and I wish I could feel his presence the way I feel Gem's (I.e. hugs and warmth) I've been dealing with things. I sensed Lafayette "saying" to me:

"Don't be sad, Mommy. I was happy living here with you. I had a happy life. I'm okay now. I still love you."

Now, I know a cat probably wouldn't use those exact words, but that's how his emotions translated to me. The thing about it is, I receive emotions. My brain translates them into sentences I can understand.

I told Lafayette that I love him very much too and always will, and I will be happy when we're able to meet again. I miss having him come sit up on my shoulder when I lie down. I miss him kneading me. Heck, I even miss the fact that he always stuck his butt right in my face when he sat down on me. Why that cat couldn't be face to face with me, I'll never know. But no, it was always "whoop, here's my butt!"

I like my new job, and Gem and I are doing a lot of writing together on "Fetch."

I haven't been able to continue with my Supernatural rewatch yet. Lafayette always used to sit with me when I was watching and making notes and such. I think I'll be able to start again soon. He'd want me to.

For anyone who think that sounds stupid, well, I guess you think that sounds stupid. However, I sense that he really would want me to do this.

I believe that's all for right now.

 

~Cie~