Open Head, Pour Out Mind

Protein Bars

Chasmodai — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:59:08 GMT

August 11, 2008 Weather today: 103.3°F | 81°F, humidity 7% Clear skies, visibility 10 miles, UV 6 out of 16, air quality index: good for ozone, moderate for particles current moon phase waxing gibbous 78% full The heat isn't too bad, especially if we can stay hydrated and in the shade. We didn't leave the house after 9:00 a.m., and probably won't go out until 7:00 p.m. I've been experimenting with no-bake bars because today it would be absurd to use the oven. No-Bake Protein Bars The point of these was to come up with something a little more nutritious and lower in sugar than a standard candy bar. These came out a bit crumbly. They won’t travel well. They are very rich and filling, and small portions are recommended. I’ll keep fiddling with the recipe until it’s moister and more chewy – maybe use honey instead of agave, maybe double the applesauce - comments welcome Dry Ingredients: 1 cup quick cook oats 1 cup oat flour 2 cups dry nonfat milk powder ½ cup Naturade Vegetarian Protein Booster 1 scoop Benefiber 2 tsps Wilson’s Meringue Powder (takes the place of egg whites) 1/8 tsps NuNaturals White Stevia Powder 1 cup carob chips, or chopped nuts Wet Ingredients: 2 cups peanut butter (no sugar added) ½ cup agave nectar ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 tbsp. liquid lethicin 1 tsp vanilla extract Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly in a bowl except for your carob chips or nuts. It’s important to blend everything well, since the stevia powder is very concentrated. Mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl until well blended. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a large spoonful at a time. As the mixture stiffens, you may want to mix it with your hands. Rub the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, similarly to cutting flour into butter. When it’s all mixed together, mix in the carob chips, nuts or other add-ins. Next, knead and squeeze the mixture. Use a lot of muscle, and work it for at least five minutes. It should reach a point that it holds together well when you squeeze it. Line a jelly roll pan or rectangular baking pan with foil or waxed paper. Butter the paper, (or just be prepared to peel the wrap off the bars just before eating.) Press the mixture firmly onto the pan, using compression to form a tight, even rectangle. Use a spatula to press it down evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. Cut into small rectangles about the size of small protein bars. Good with a glass of milk or juice.

For Greg McKendry

Chasmodai — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:32:55 GMT

The ultimate sacrifice Golden One Corn and grain, Sun Must Fall, Open Hand, Seed to Corn to Seed Rain and Sun, All to Grow, And to Feed, Horn and Need Would you give your life for live? Would you die to feed them all? Would you go a-willing as the man to his bride? Would you do what must be done? Would you hold back nothing, not your breath, not your body, not your fear, not your pride? Chorus Would you bring light to the dark? Would you sing the summer’s song? Would you speed the growing, rushing toward the coming pain? Would you do what must be done? Would you be the golden one? Would you spring up laughing, trusting fate like the grain? http://www.cauldronfarm.com/asphodel/choir.html

Meme and Variation: One Word

Chasmodai — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:54:23 GMT

From KHLF Meme and Variation: One Word Parameters: 1) You can only type ONE Word. Just ONE! 2) You can only use each word one time. 3) Copy my questionnaire, change my answers to yours, and post it in your own blog with these instructions. 1. Where is your cell phone? recycled. 2. Where is your significant other? meeting. 3. Your hair? hot. 4. Your mother? hospital. 5. Your father? phone. 6. Your favorite thing? youngsters. 7. Your dream last night? pleasant. 8. Your dream/goal? octogenarian. 9. The room you're in? quiet 10. Your hobby? clay. 11. Your fear? averageness. 12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? comfortable. 13. Where were you last night? couch. 14. Something you're not? wealthy. 15. Something you were? young. 16. One of your wish list items? upgrade. 17. Where you grew up? everywhere. 18. The last thing you did? bath. 19. What are you wearing? clothes. 21. Your TV? off. 21. Your pet? asleep. 22. Your computer? noisy. 24. Your mood? still. 25. Missing someone? baby. 26. Your car? dirty. 27. Something you're not wearing? shoes. 28. Favorite store? none. 29. Your summer? best. 30. Love someone? yes 31. Your favorite color? purple. 32. When is the last time you laughed? today . 33. Last time you cried? afternoon. 34. Who will reply to this? unknown.

I Have A Writer's Star!

Chasmodai — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:19:55 GMT

I've been on Helium since April, and I finally earned a writer's star! It's the cute little blue one. You can see it here: http://www.helium.com/users/416227 You can also read my articles there. There aren't that many, yet. Does that mean I'm a "real" writer now?

Kathy Lee Gifford Maligns Pagans

Chasmodai — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:41:45 GMT

I read an email on a list about this, and then watched the video online. The link is pasted below. It's a Today show program about weddings, with quizzes about wedding traditions. When a question comes up about the history behind the tradition of the wedding ring, one of the answers mentions ancient Pagans. When repeating the possible answers to the questions, KLG makes the reference, "those nasty, bad Pagans." (as I recall.) I called the executive producer of the Today show and left a voice message. I was polite. I tried to convey how deeply hurtful KLG's words were. I want the Pagans of the world to know she said this, and I want her and the Today show to know how inappropriate it is. Bah, she's probably homophobic, too. In case you think I am overreacting, remember the words of Pastor Martin Niemöller: "In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew; And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up." Here is the email: Here is a link to the video of KLG its at about 4:41 in to the video. http://www.msnbc. msn.com/id/ 21134540/ vp/25368216# 25368216 or try this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25368216#25368216 To call the producer of the Today show... dial (212) 664-4249...press 1, then request to speak with Jim Bell from the person who answers. You'll be transferred. Letters of complaint will not do much but national product boycotts will make them aware of what a force Pagans in America are, if you want to see stuff happen quickly start a Pagan boycott of products sold by advertisers on NBC, and MSNBC, also their sister stations, SciFi, and USA. Don't forget NBC's parent company is GE... yes that's right General Electric, look them up on the Internet and find out what they own and boycott their products and do it vocally and nationally. Please remember that any letter you write, or phone call you make, you are representing all of us, so... no cussing, or name calling... be polite, intelligent, and clear, spell check, and try to use proper grammar. B*B* Ray

Ahh, I Remember It Well!

Chasmodai — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:07:24 GMT

Borrowed this from Khrysso: If your eyes are so much as passing over these words--even if you just randomly stumbled into my blog, even if we aren't on each other's friends-lists, even if we don't interact often--just as long as you're reading this blog entry, you're invited to... Invent and post a response to this blog entry consisting of a COMPLETELY MADE-UP, COMPLETELY FICTIONAL memory of you and me. It can be anything you want--good or bad, credible or outrageous--BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE. Post it here, not to my Testimonials or PM. Then post these instructions in a new entry in *your* blog. And be prepared to be surprised (and/or maybe mortified) at the responses. That's all. Got it? Okay, just do it! :-)

Siren Weaves a Vocal Spell

Chasmodai — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:25:12 GMT

I am still soaring from Wendy Rule's concert last night. I have heard people criticize singers for showy riffs and vocal gymnastics that lack soul. Wendy effortlessly moved between voices and vocal stylings in a way that expressed her art and moved us all. It wasn't just sophisticated music, perfect pitch, inspired lyrics and effective use of dynamics. It was as if her voice wasn't just one instrument but several, all of them being used smoothly and seamlessly to the best possible effect. Her vocal agility wasn't showy - it was expressive. There were times when I thought the whole audience was feeling it all at once - we were hushed, breathless, expectant, sighing at resolution. Right now I'm listening to Deity. While the CD is fantastic, there is nothing like Wendy live.

Wendy Rule Is Coming To Las Vegas!

Chasmodai — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:03:35 GMT

Internationally renowned Australian Pagan visionary songstress Wendy Rule will bring her stirring and sensual dark cabaret to Las Vegas for one night only at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 20th at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas, (UUCLV), 3616 East Lake Mead BLVD. Fiercely independent, Wendy has managed to carve a unique path through the musical mainstream, and has emerged with five major albums and a string of side projects to her name. Wild, passionate and empowering, Wendy's live show weaves together ritual, music and magic to take us on an otherworldy journey of depth and passion. With a voice that moves from soaring heights to intimate whispers, Wendy draws on her deep love of nature and mythology to cast a truly unique spell. Since 2001 Wendy has toured extensively through the USA, UK, Europe and Australia and has gained an international following that recognizes her truly unique vision. Renowned for years amongst the world's alternative spiritual communities, Wendy is now deservedly gaining a much broader following. She is about to embark on her 11^th international tour. This will be a rare opportunity to experience one of Australia's most enigmatic and prolific artists. Immerse yourself in her unique musical magic. Agave Spirit Grove, a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, and an affliliate of the UUCLV, is presenting this rare opportunity. Tickets are $20.00 and will go on sale $7:00 p.m. at the door. Seating begins at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments and CDs will also be sold. For further information call the UUCLV office at (702) 437-2404, http://uuclv.org/ http://www.agavespiritgrove.org/

Moral Hygiene and Moral Decay

Chasmodai — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:42:09 GMT

The Eliot Spitzer scandal reminds me of something that I read somewhere about "moral health" - that the test of whether a person is truly moral is whether their conduct is the same regardless of who is watching. So here is your six month moral checkup: Do you drive exactly the same way when there are no police around as you do when there are? When your sig other, (spouse , boyfriend/girlfriend is not around, (add plural if you are poly,) do you do things that would bring about the end of the relationship(s) if you were caught? Are you kinder to people when someone you look up to is watching, (such as guru, minister, preacher, boss, professor, mentor, priest or priestess.) Do you tell children and subordinates to do as you say, not as you do? If your dearly departed grandmother were looking over your shoulder, would she be clucking her tongue and shaking her head? Poor Eliot. If he had been taking care of his moral hygiene, none of this would have happened.

Are You My Friend?

Chasmodai — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:50:28 GMT

If you are, then I would really like to know these things about you: 1) Are you currently in a serious relationship? I am married, monogamous, completely loyal and committed, and more in love every day - even when I'm annoyed as hell. 2) What was your dream growing up? Once I dreamed I was weaving a magical tapestry... Oh, you mean, what did I want to be? I remember saying I wanted to have a secretary instead of being one, but that's about it. I didn't start cultivating life dreams until I was older. 3) What talent do you wish you had? Definitely music 4) If I bought you a drink what would it be? Depending on the time of day and where we are, coffee, vitamin water, boba, herb tea, or a pint of microbrewed stout. 5) Favorite vegetable? broccoli 6) What was the last book you read? The Safe Congregations Handbook 7) What zodiac sign are you? Scorpio 8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where. Just plain ear piercings. I had them redone after they closed - does that count as an extra piercing? 9) Worst Habit? Second guessing myself 10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? If I recognize you, definitely. If you are a Tribe friend I haven't met, and I knew that you aren't an axe murderer, definitely. Sometimes I am tempted to stop and ask frail elderly ladies if they want a ride but I haven't done it yet. I'm afraid I'll scare them. 11) What is your favorite sport(s)? hiking, skiing. Is camping a sport? 12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude? I think of myself as an optimist but sometimes catch myself being negative. 13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? Wax philosophical about the deeper spiritual lessons of plans being ruined by mechanical objects. 14) Worst thing to ever happen to you? That's tough to talk about. Some traumatic things have happened to me, and it's hard to say what was worse. But everything is good now. No worries. 15) Tell me one weird fact about you. I think this whole list is full of wierd facts about me. 16) Do you have any pets? Three black cats. We decided to rescue black cats because we heard that they are the last to be adopted. 17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly? I would panic and start shoving junk mail and dirty laundry under the couch. I probably wouldn't be happy. 18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!) You seem like someone I would like to meet and get to know better. 19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary? Don't spend much time thinking about clowns. 20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? My weight. 21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Definitely your conscience. 22) What color eyes do you have? Hazelish goldish greenish 23) Ever been arrested? No 24) Bottle or can soda? Bottle. Sugar free 25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? remodel my kitchen 26) (I made this one up) Chocolate or vanilla? hmm. candy: very dark chocolate. coffee: vanilla, sex: vanilla, ice cream: chocolate 27) What's your favorite place to hang at? home 28) Do you believe in ghosts? Absolutely 29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time? camping, esp in a place with a lot of nature and very few people 30) Do you swear a lot? Only if I've been watching a lot of Deadwood or The Sopranos 31) Biggest pet peeve? People who have no awareness of how they impact the people around them. 32) In one word, how would you describe yourself? Neurotic 33) Do you believe/appreciate romance? yes 34) Where is your home sweet home? Las Vegas, NV 35) Do you believe in God? Yes, but the way I experience divinity is not something anyone can put in a box. I don't even experience "belief" in a way that can be put in a box. 36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you? Yup 37) (BONUS!) What movie can you watch again and again? Just one? Right now, it's Cloverfield. No, Nightmare Before Christmas. No, wait. Elizabeth. Strange Days. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. The Postman. Mad Maxx. The Turning Point. Breakfast At Tiffany's. The Exorcist. The Sound of Music. Fiddler On The Roof. Star Wars. Flashdance. Sorry, it's impossible to list just one.

Twang

Chasmodai — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:24:29 GMT

I just invented a new cocktail. I call it Twang: Mix up one pitcher of Crystal Light Sunrise in Classic Orange Add four packets of Emergen-C in Super Orange Add citrus vodka to taste, and serve on the rocks It's especially good after a long hard day of playing the didgeridoo, chanting, and choral singing.

Blog As Confessional?

Chasmodai — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:59:45 GMT

Recently I read an e-zine article entitled, "Six Signs That Your Spouse Is Likely To Cheat." Or something to that effect. One of the signs was something like, "He does a lot of church volunteer work." The reasoning was that people who do a lot of "good work" use that as a justification for the bad things they do. Sort of a way to be blind to how bad they are. That got me thinking. I know a LOT of UU church volunteers being one myself, and while they are mostly really good people, they are human, and being a volunteer doesn't make a person a saint. And to a certain extent, I can see how a person might define themselves according to the good work they do while remaining blind to their moral flaws. I think I may have done that. Still processing that one. I'm usually not a big fan of the concept of the confessional, because confession is followed by absolution, and the sinner sins again. But a positive thing about confessing is that it might help prevent people from hiding their moral faults from themselves. I wonder if a blog could be a useful confessional tool? For example: I bought some cashews, ate them in my car, and did not share them. I was late for an appointment, and exagerrated the reason to make it look like I had a better excuse. Tomorrow will be better.

Why Blog?

Chasmodai — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:05:50 GMT

Lately, I've been asking, "Why blog?" And I've listed some of my purposes for blogging: To describe joy, pain, life experiences To explore and develop personal philosophy As a vehicle for processing self-awareness To rant about an irritation To communicate an idea To report a change As a sounding board As something to do with my thoughts To solicit feedback on any of the above So, I wonder, why do YOU blog? Is it like a conversation you would have with your friends IRL if you were sitting at a table together over coffee? Is it like the letters people used to write to each other and send snail-mail? Is it the makings of a book? I've noticed that some blogs are very self-focused, while others may be focused on a profession or on events. Would love to know - what does blogging do for you? What does reading the blogs of others do for you?

Crack The Whip

Chasmodai — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:12:35 GMT

Lecture to self: I can run around all day like a hamster on a wheel. I can spend my days in "reaction" mode, reacting to the stimulus around me: Pile of laundry on floor: do wash Phone rings: answer, volunteer, spend an hour solving a problem One kid hits the other on the head: Intervene, referee. mete out discipline dryer buzzes: empty and fold clothes. And so on, until I drop exhausted on the bed at the end of the day and remember that I've let my driver's license expire and the kids need dental appointments. I've spent the whole day on trivia and the important things are left undone. Or, I can maintain some control over my day. I can start by looking at my calendar and schedule and to-do list and start PLANNING. I could even set the timer for 20 minutes and do the things I tend to procrastinate, and when the timer goes off I can go on Tribe for ten minutes as a reward. Actually I do this for a while, then forget for a while, and when things pile up, I remember to start doing it again.