tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27037845480934728112024-02-08T00:17:54.884-06:00The Fat Pagan<i>Naturally Fat, Naturally Pagan, Naturally Opinionated.</i>Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-47653575033336754042015-06-02T09:34:00.001-05:002015-06-02T09:34:47.717-05:00What is Paganism: Wicca<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xtkLaCw_eJA" width="480"></iframe>Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-78132284615119465542015-01-14T11:30:00.000-06:002015-01-14T11:30:01.044-06:00First Vlog!I have made my first vlog!<br />
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"What is Paganism" done entirely in American Sign Language! I am super excited. Here is the translation for the video. I realize now that I made a few mistakes and could have explained some things a little better, but it's great for my first time. I am hoping to make more videos in the future. Well, maybe!<br />
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Translation:<br />
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Hello! Welcome to the Fat Pagan (Signed "Thick Witch). My name is Kit, meaning baby fox. I have been a pagan for the past 10 years. About two or three years ago, I started studying American Sign Language. I love and cherish the language so much! In fact, I prefer signing.<br />
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Recently, I was searching on Youtube for "ASL + Pagan". I found VERY FEW videos, none of which were about the Pagan religion itsel. Now, I would like to discuss it; what's it about and what does it mean?<br />
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First, maybe you think that paganism is evil or Devil worship. Maybe your mental images are evil witches, Harry Potter, Charmed, etc. No, these are not part of Paganism.<br />
If not, then what’s paganism?<br />
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A label!<br />
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Whoa, a label? I just said religion!<br />
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Yes! It is a label.<br />
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Here is an example.<br />
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You know about the Christian religion? Christianity encompasses a variety of different sects; for example, Catholicism, Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, Amish, etc.<br />
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Paganism and Christianity are kind of similar. Paganism is just as diverse as Christianity. BUT, all Christian sects have common beliefs: the Bible is true; there is ONE God; Jesus; Jesus himself was sinless and holy; Heaven and Hell; the Final Judgment; and so-on.<br />
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Paganism has only one common belief. All Pagan people themselves identify as pagan. That’s it!<br />
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Now, some paganism examples are:<br />
• Wicca. Wicca has a long list of different sects but I won't be discussing them. Maybe I will discuss them later, on another video. But, a few examples are: Eclectic, Dianic, Faery, British Traditional<br />
• Reconstruction/Revivalism (R/R). R/R has many different parts as well, and maybe there will be a video too. Few examples: Egyptian, Greek, Romanian, Irish.<br />
• Gothic, list: Celtic, Deborean, Hereditary, Pictish<br />
• Witchcraft<br />
• Sometimes Heathenry<br />
Et cetera.<br />
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Now, Heathenry is included only sometimes. Many religions NOT included in paganism. Examples: Hinduism, Buddhism, Native religions, Shinto, really religions themselves label Pagan NOT. Depending on who you ask, Heathens sometimes call themselves Pagan and sometimes do not.<br />
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I think I'm finished. I described a little about what paganism means. I briefly talked about the different beliefs, but didn't really go in depth. Maybe a future video will describe some of the different beliefs individually and really describe in depth.<br />
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Any questions? Comments? Go ahead and type them below.<br />
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Now for a typical pagan goodbye: merry meet, merry part, merry meet again! Bye!Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-72133870444844611412014-10-06T02:07:00.000-05:002014-10-06T02:07:22.468-05:00Thoughts on JusticeWhat is justice? <div>
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"Morally right and fair behaviors or treatment."</div>
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Justice? </div>
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It is a lie, plain and simple. "Justice" does not exist in the real world; it is only present in our minds, never carried out through actions. </div>
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Where is the justice for the people who were literally blown to nothingness when the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki? </div>
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Where is the justice for the woman raped by her father, her brother, her lover, her friend? </div>
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Where is the justice for the parents who have to bury their newborn child?</div>
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Where is the justice for the antelope killed by the lion? </div>
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Where is justice? </div>
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<i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">TAKE THE UNIVERSE AND GRIND IT DOWN TO THE FINEST POWDER AND SIEVE IT THROUGH THE FINEST SIEVE AND THEN </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">SHOW</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> ME ONE ATOM OF JUSTICE, ONE MOLECULE OF MERCY. AND YET—Death waved a hand. AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME...SOME </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">RIGHTNESS</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED."</span></i> </blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">- The Hogfather, Terry Pratchett</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Today I heard a sermon in which the pastor talked about a story in the Bible where a man asked God why bad things happened. The pastor basically said good Christians should not question their god and instead trust Him and his "Plan." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Why should we tolerate the bad things that people do? It is not any divine power's responsibility to help us or protect us from negative experiences, whether you are a Christian or a Pagan. It is not the Goddess's job to forever hold us up, away from harm. A child does not learn by being forever protected. Do we really want to make this world just? Do we really want mercy and peace? Then we need to step up and make these things ourselves! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Justice. It does not exist elsewhere in the world, but we humans can make it, and help it flourish. </span></span></span></div>
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The world is unjust and unfair because we make it so. We can make the change. </div>
Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-62310484517218686792014-04-16T11:56:00.002-05:002014-04-16T11:56:43.424-05:00Coming of AgeWho here has heard about the <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/themediawitches/2014/03/prominent-pagan-arrested-for-child-porn/">Klein</a> and <a href="http://wildhunt.org/2014/04/the-florida-pagan-gathering-a-community-in-crisis.html">Frost</a> deal in the pagan community and also about the <a href="http://wildhunt.org/2014/04/pagan-community-notes-hexenfest-heathens-on-racism-the-frosts-respond-and-more.html">essays</a> written about racism in Heathenism? If not, I recommend reading up about it before we continue.<br />
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Basically, Kenny Klein was arrested for child pornography and happened to be a prominent pagan figure. This lead to a huge backlash in the community over child abuse and how we deal with it (or rather, how we don't deal with it). Out of that backlash the Frosts were targeted (and rightfully so) for their inflammatory section in their book describing in detail how to "sexually initiate" children.<br />
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I have heard from several people that ask why Klein is a "pagan" issue. Uh, what? <a href="http://phillypagan.tumblr.com/post/81346776987/why-is-this-a-pagan-community-mess">Philadelphia Pagan</a> has said it better than me (with much less cussing):<br />
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A <i><b>Pagan </b></i>author who wrote several books about <i><b>Paganism </b></i>and was an elder in a <i><b>Pagan </b></i>tradition was arrested for and confessed to possession and distribution of child pornography. Several people came forward about the abuse and inappropriate behavior they suffered at the hands of this <b><i>Pagan</i> </b>man, sometimes at <i><b>Pagan</b> </i>or <b><i>Pagan-dominated</i> </b>events. Some of those people were silenced when they first tried to talk about the inappropriate behavior by <i><b>Pagans </b></i>who wanted to protect their local Pagan community. </blockquote>
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But it’s not an issue for the Pagan community, because he also was a photographer. [sarcasm]<br />
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If you care more about the perception of Paganism by outsiders, who generally don’t give a shit about conversations we have with one another, than you do about cleaning up rape culture within Paganism and working to help victims… </blockquote>
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you’ve got your priorities all wrong. </blockquote>
Guys, <i>this is a problem within our community</i>. We cannot ignore abuse and the prevalence of rape culture within our own and then turn around and say we worship Goddesses and give women an equal footing with men. It's completely hypocritical! We all have known about predators in the pagan community for at <i>least</i> a decade, when I entered the pagan path. It seriously pisses me off when I meet pagans who feel as if it is somehow okay for people to silence the victims of abuse, or try to justify it.<br />
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In fact, on the Wildhunt's facebook page, this one guy... oh man. He was talking about how some children are more "sexually mature" than their age and how that's why it's somehow okay to ritualistically assault a child. <i>THAT VERY ATTITUDE CONTRIBUTES TO RAPE CULTURE. <b>STOP IT</b>.</i> A <b>child</b> is a person who is under the age of 18, <i style="font-weight: bold;">period end of discussion full stop</i>. When I was starting out, I could not find a coven or a mentor who would have dared take me under their wing because I wasn't 21! I had a very difficult time finding a coven who would take me when I was 18. Honestly, I feel that unless that coven is an open coven specifically meant for families, no one should be accepted or initiated into the coven until that person is 18 years old.<br />
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We as a community need to grow into the fact that, now we are become a bigger religion, there will be predators and we need to ostrisize them from us. We also need to <i style="font-weight: bold;">be there</i> for the newbies! However, that's for a different post.<br />
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<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-63188089068098790992014-03-19T12:30:00.000-05:002014-03-19T12:30:05.954-05:00Bulimia, Non-Purging TypeI've said this before, but I will say it again; I have an eating disorder. Now, after many years of not knowing, I finally found a name for what I do: bulimia, non-purging type.<br />
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It's a small subgroup of bulimia, with most people falling into the purging type and what most people think of when they hear the word bulimia. With non-purging, we don't vomit or use laxatives or diuretics. Instead we excessively exercise and/or fast. I do both of those things, but tend more towards fasting.<br />
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When I exercise, I will regularly go for two, three, or even four hours at a time, until I can no longer do anymore because I am shaking. One time I went to the point of complete exhaustion and couldn't lift myself from the floor. For me it always feels... good, actually, which is why I keep doing it. It's some kind of sick satisfaction in damaging my body. I know that it's wrong and yet I don't care. I must force myself to leave after an hour. I have now started "padding" my time by enjoying the sauna and Jacuzzi so I don't hurt myself so much.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.charterworld.com/images/yachts/Andreas%20L%20Motor%20Yacht%20(ex%20Amnesia)%20%20-%20The%20Jacuzzi%20Pool%20By%20Night%20With%20Lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.charterworld.com/images/yachts/Andreas%20L%20Motor%20Yacht%20(ex%20Amnesia)%20%20-%20The%20Jacuzzi%20Pool%20By%20Night%20With%20Lighting.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite, but I wish.</td></tr>
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When I fast, however, that's when the wrench is thrown in. It starts off sometimes by me being late one day and then going the rest of the day without food. Of course, when I get home, I am exhausted and so go to bed. Then when I wake up again I am late. Who cares if I don't eat, I think. It's not like going hungry for a bit will kill me... and then I become angry with my body for constantly bugging me with its requests for substance. I think, why can't you wait? Why can't you take from the vast sources of energy you have stored? Why do you keep bothering me?? My anger piques and it bleeds into my interactions with others; I become short and intolerant to stupidity and irritable. I get angry with my roommates for asking me to cook dinner. I get pissed when told to eat. All I want to do is anything else but eat. I become so sick of food. There is a kind of disturbing happiness at the pang of hunger going unfed. As it were, I sit here feeling the pangs and I know that my thoughts are wrong and disordered, but I think that I am happy to feel it because it means I'm a "good girl."<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/10802561573_8144b14bf6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/10802561573_8144b14bf6_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>After a while of not eating, something breaks my fast and then the floods happen. I binge and binge and binge, spending most of my money on food until my stomach screams both in agony and ravenous hunger. I can feel the pain of my stomach stretching to try and fit the plates upon plates but nothing quells the raging hunger. Truly and honestly, it's as if a thousand people were screaming, crying, begging to be fed and nothing you can ever give them will be enough.<br />
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And then comes the guilt and shame. It is devastating and all consuming. It's as if someone threw me into a dark hole and it has crippled me, suffocating me. I can't breathe, I can't eat, I can't sleep. All I do is beat myself up for "losing control." How can I do that to myself? What a slob! If you just had better self control.... and so the fasting starts again.<br />
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Other times it starts because of triggering. Someone, like my doctor or a peer or TV or anything, will say something and my dark thoughts grip me. For instance, when I went to the doctor recently, I was telling her that I have this eating disorder, but then the doctor turns around and talks about how "counting calories" are sooooo important and if I just didn't eat so much I wouldn't be fat. So, I don't eat at all. Or it might be that I have so naively weighed myself and found that I have gained (a lot) of weight. Or it might be that I need new cloths and I try to go buy some but I can't fit into something I want or don't have the money for it and so I think "if only..." Sometimes it's just by touching my body, feeling my belly or my legs or my arms. It doesn't sicken me anymore, but I do still have the longings.<br />
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Many times I think, "I wish I had a healthy relationship with food and my body." It's just a very, very long road...<br />
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<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-33459912320868897272013-12-09T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-09T10:00:05.784-06:00Holidays<br />
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Hey Pagans, how many of you are from exclusively Pagan families? Anyone...?</div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5SAsyoeTYY-d2mCbLoxRQACFPbUx07vyQZHRQO9Tqqf9NaqdzpQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5SAsyoeTYY-d2mCbLoxRQACFPbUx07vyQZHRQO9Tqqf9NaqdzpQ" data-sz="f" name="CvWFNQ0ivJk_eM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5SAsyoeTYY-d2mCbLoxRQACFPbUx07vyQZHRQO9Tqqf9NaqdzpQ" style="height: 195px; margin-top: 0px; width: 259px;" /></a>I am from a Catholic background, and now my immediate family is pretty solidly atheist (my mother is even an atheist priest). I am just starting out on my "own" (with roommates) and have little decorations for my apartment, but it's growing... however, my parents --specifically my mother-- has a crap ton of Christmas decorations that she has re-purposed into Hogswatch decorations. That's right, we now celebrate <a href="http://wiki.lspace.org/mediawiki/index.php/Hogswatch">Hogswatch</a>. For our purposes, Hogswatch can be on any day towards the end of the December month, and will probably be sometime after the 28th due to divorce and custody shit. </div>
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So it's pretty awesome for my family to have Yule and Hogswatch -- like having three birthdays! </div>
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Anyway, I think I will be making some of my <a href="http://theornamentgirl.com/blog/being-crafty/25-ways-to-decorate-clear-glass-orna/">Yule decorations</a> this year by hand instead of buying something. Wanna see? </div>
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<img alt="Clear Glass Ornament Balls 3-1/4in" border="0" class="lazy" data-original="http://ep.yimg.com/ay/bevfabriccrafts/68729393504ornament-balls-clear-glass-silver-tops-four-balls-box-3-1-4-size-15.jpg" height="391" hspace="0" src="http://ep.yimg.com/ay/bevfabriccrafts/68729393504ornament-balls-clear-glass-silver-tops-four-balls-box-3-1-4-size-15.jpg" style="display: inline;" vspace="0" width="261" /><br />
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<a href="http://ep.yimg.com/ay/bevfabriccrafts/clear-glass-ornament-balls-with-silver-tops-6-ornaments-box-2-5-8-size-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clear Glass Ornament Balls with Silver Tops (6 ornaments/box ) 2-5/8" Size" border="0" class="lazy" data-original="http://ep.yimg.com/ay/bevfabriccrafts/clear-glass-ornament-balls-with-silver-tops-6-ornaments-box-2-5-8-size-3.jpg" height="400" hspace="0" src="http://ep.yimg.com/ay/bevfabriccrafts/clear-glass-ornament-balls-with-silver-tops-6-ornaments-box-2-5-8-size-3.jpg" style="display: inline;" vspace="0" width="389" /></a></div>
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<img alt="kids christmas list inside glass ornament" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3960" height="400" src="http://theornamentgirl.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/kids-christmas-list-inside-glass-ornament.jpg" title="kids christmas list inside glass ornament" width="600" /><br />
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Aren't they adorable??? I would also like to make some Yule suncatchers, in honor of the Horned God coming back. Something like this...<br />
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COOL. I particularly like the silver leaflets inside. Perhaps some silver leaflets (aluminum foil?) in blues and purples for the Goddess and some gold leaflets (aluminum foil spray painted?) in reds and oranges for the God. I think I will also take some of the wire I have left over to make a mobile. Hmm....Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-12648411887710947992013-12-08T16:04:00.001-06:002013-12-08T16:05:44.819-06:00Musings on Suicide I thought about suicide. For many years, I contemplated whether it was worth it to leave the life I hated for something else. I didn't just hate my life either; I hated my body and resented my self. Every time I looked in the mirror, I loathed the thing looking back at me. Then, for years, I couldn't even look myself in the eye -- I didn't even turn on the lights to get dressed or use the restroom, because I didn't want to see my body. I hated every morning, because every night I wished I would die in my dreams. I was in a bad place mentally for a very long time, and I felt pain every day by just existing.<br />
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Now, I watch a law show about suicide. A woman was suicidal after the man in her life broke up with her, and the woman turned to another who supported the decision for people to commit suicide. The difference, though, is that the advocate was terminally ill and was slowly dying a painful death.<br />
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So I sit here and think about my beliefs on suicide, both assisted and self inflicted.<br />
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I've attended to a man who had <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/huntingtons-disease/DS00401">Huntington's Disease</a>, a neurological wasting disease. I couldn't imagine the kind of life I would have if I was suffering as he was. I would seriously consider ending my life while I could. Even in my family, I have seen certain cancers cause endless amounts of suffering -- the kind of cancers that you cannot recover from.<br />
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On the flip side, there are many diseases that are treatable and even curable if you have the help you need. Diabetes, for example, is treatable and manageable with a good support system and insulin. Some STIs and STDs are curable now, and many people can now improve their quality of life with medication. <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319">Celiac disease</a> is treatable with a change in diet.<br />
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So I think the physical illness side should be looked at as, can you have the quality of life that you want? Can your condition be improved with medicines, therapy, holistic healing, or a combination of things? What kind of death will you be looking forward to; a silent, painless death or a death proceeded by excruciating pain and anguish?<br />
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On the other hand, we have mental illnesses. As someone who suffers with depression, it can be a struggle day to day. As I have talked about, I seriously thought about suicide. The only reason I pulled away from that end was due to events in my life. What about others who aren't so lucky?<br />
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As someone who has been there before, I lean more towards trying to resolve issues with help. But also someone who has been desperately poor, I understand that the kind of help people need isn't cheap or easy to come by; even medication can be expensive. Perhaps we need to change, as a society, the way we view and treat mental illness and physical disabilities. Actually, there is no "perhaps" about it. There should be no reason why seeking help should be expensive or hard to find and keep. This too should be the government's job since we the People aren't doing it.<br />
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Anyway, back to the point.<br />
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It's not just depression that impacts people's lives, and help can vary for people. I understand that sometimes, for some people, things just won't get better. Sometimes Life just gave you a shitty hand and it's time to quit until the next go around. And if anyone chose to end their life, I would be sad and upset, but ultimately it's that person's choice.<br />
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<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1198362!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/story-suicide-1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="irc_mut" height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1198362!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/story-suicide-1107.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="185" /></a>Still, I ask that if you or someone you know is considering suicide, try reaching out to someone first. When you are at the bottom of the pit, take a step to the side and look up. Many times, when you finally reach out, there will be someone there. For myself, I was surprised to finally find that I wasn't actually alone and that there were people who did really care about me. Sometimes it was a teacher, other times it was kind-hearted students who embraced me. Sometimes it was my dog who looked up to me and was there for me when I cried. Now, it's my brother who depends on me for everything.<br />
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I can't say that I regret not taking my life; I am glad I didn't. However, I cannot also say that I can condemn those who do, did, or will because ultimately it is a choice that someone should make themselves.<br />
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Again though, there are more nuances in life than just black and white. There are some mental illnesses that cannot be treated currently, like being a rapist or child molester or a serial killer. Some things like narcissism aren't effectively treatable, and even depression and bipolarism are difficult to treat and manage.<br />
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So I guess I end my ramblings with this: I think suicide is someone's choice to make, but that every other option should be pursued before committing. Suicide is an extreme and final last resort. Regardless though, you can email me and talk if no one else seems to listen. And if you want to talk about it anonymously (or even help people through their problems) try this site called <a href="http://blahtherapy.com/">BlahTherapy</a>.<br />
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May you find everything you want.<br />
<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-82467584627077798732013-12-05T13:17:00.001-06:002013-12-05T13:17:46.731-06:00SHAMELESS PLUG: Tumblr<a href="http://fatpagan.tumblr.com/">I LOVE MY TUMBLR</a>.<br />
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YOU WILL LOVE IT TOO.<br />
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SOMETIMES NSFW.<br />
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<img alt="" class="image" height="708" src="https://24.media.tumblr.com/032921da2a1a9bd8f3d634b84510d5bd/tumblr_mlocl7wPBi1qkxrtro1_500.jpg" width="500" />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-60520139673342322732013-12-03T02:30:00.000-06:002013-12-03T13:58:53.118-06:00Why I Do Not Like PETA(REBLOG FOR UPDATES)<br />
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Seems like everyone is talking about PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) lately. As a Pagan, I dislike them a lot. As a feminist, I really dislike them. Why? For several reason, actually.<br />
<br />
They straight up <a href="http://www.petakillsanimals.com/">kill the animals</a> that they "rescue" for one. In 2011, PETA euthanized a record percentage of animals (95.9%), surpassed only by their numbers in 2009 (97.3%) and 2006 (97.4%). They rescued 2,026 animals, adopted out only 24 of them and euthanized 1,911. They are NOT animal lovers, for animal lovers would not kill as many as PETA has. Of course, this has been a trend for a long, long time. If you want a document of the most recent data (2010), <a href="http://www.petakillsanimals.com/downloads/PetaKillsAnimals.pdf">here it is</a> (pdf). Just this makes me gag.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=YYqwYIoXag4w8M&tbnid=c5VOi2SB1PWMaM:&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tumblr.com%2Ftagged%2Fpuppy%2520pictures&ei=hbyfUaXCHpD8rAGa8YHQCQ&bvm=bv.47008514,d.aWM&psig=AFQjCNEGYWROrqZpyS7YNgIAeAoaBPtkpg&ust=1369509381830924" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="461" id="irc_mi" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4k6wntVb51ruwpcao1_500.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="329" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a cute puppy to make you feel better.</td></tr>
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Next, we have the degradation of women. From suggesting Ben and Jerry's <a href="http://newfeministmom.blogspot.com/2008/09/peta-asks-ben-and-jerrys-to-replace.html">switch from cow milk to human milk</a>, to <a href="http://www.shakesville.com/2009/08/women-still-less-important-than.html">fat shaming</a>, to the <a href="http://menstrualpoetry.com/peta-girls-bikinis-draw-attention-cause">objectification</a> and <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2008/06/12/kind-to-cows-cruel-to-interns">torture</a> of <a href="http://menstrualpoetry.com/peta-easy">women</a>, <a href="http://perezhilton.com/2008-02-28-if-you-are-easily-offended-120#more-15029">over</a> and <a href="http://www2.tbo.com/news/offbeat/2008/jun/10/peta-mounts-slithering-protest-st-pete-pier-ar-134821/">over</a> and <a href="http://menstrualpoetry.com/peta-easy">over</a> and <a href="http://community.feministing.com/2012/03/16/peta-is-at-it-again-ad-aimed-at-bashing-womens-bodies-resurfaces/">over</a> again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WTF?</td></tr>
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How about PETA's <a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29104505">racists protests</a> and <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2003-02-28/us/peta.holocaust_1_animal-rights-peta-web-site-holocaust-survivor?_s=PM:US">anti-Semitic ads</a>? Or how about their use of <a href="http://www.shakesville.com/2009/06/please-tell-me-this-isnt-real.html">the murder of Tillman</a> to promote their views? How about PETA making light of a <a href="http://menstrualpoetry.com/peta-light-cannibalistic-attack">cannibalistic attack</a> where the murderer stabbed and decapitated his 22 year old victim on a bus? Again, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2002/11/13/peta021113.html">another murder</a> comparison? They also bought a grave site near Col. Sanders and put up a grave marker that mnemonically read "<a href="http://newsandtribune.com/local/x519374080/PETA-headstone-contains-anti-KFC-secret-recipe">KFC Tortures Birds</a>". From what I can gather, it has since been taken down. Here are some of PETA’s<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2010/03/top_10_offensive_peta_ads.php" style="background-color: white; color: #8b1a1a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;">worst ad idea</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">,</span> including “Feeding Kids Meat is Child Abuse” and a picture of a half cut up woman hanging from meat hooks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.commercialappeal.com/media/img/photos/2008/06/05/sun_c08words_t607.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://media.commercialappeal.com/media/img/photos/2008/06/05/sun_c08words_t607.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These women were left in the plastic wrap for one hour in 80 degree weather. PETA would never do this to cows.</td></tr>
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Last but certainly not least, <a href="http://speakingofresearch.com/2011/01/18/where-do-petas-donation-dollars-go/">their funds</a>: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"PETA’s 2010 donations totaled $33 million ($35 million if you add on
merchandise sales and other revenue). So where did your money go last
year? According to PETA’s 2010 annual report:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i>“<i>A vegans make better lovers</i>” campaign where PETA campaigners publicly made out on a bed on the streets of Nashville, TN.</i></li>
<li><i>Disruption of the Westminster dog show (Because animal lovers deserve to be targeted?)</i></li>
<li><i>A campaign comparing pregnant women to fattened sows to protest farmed meat</i></li>
<li><i>Dressing as a giant vanilla condom promote animal birth control in
Beirut (Because Beirut has few other controversies to deal with
currently)</i></li>
<li><i>PETA also says it has given over $843 thousand in grants to
researchers looking at animal alternatives. Sounds good right? But one
should do the math here. The amount is 2 percent of the money PETA spent
last year. In comparison, they spent 17 percent of their money (your
money) on fundraising to raise more money. In addition, research is
expensive (sad but true)… An $800,000 split among several researchers as
PETA has done…will not go far at all."</i></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
I do not support PETA. I do not recommend my friends and family support them either. Maybe they have done good work, but their bad overshadows their good by at least three times. Please do not endorse PETA nor donate to them. Here is another cute puppy to make you feel better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//0000/900/00/3/240903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//0000/900/00/3/240903.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawwwwwww <3</td></tr>
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Update 9/1/2012 --- When Shelby County, KY threatened to become a kill shelter after being a No Kill Shelter for four years, <a href="http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=10148">PETA "graciously" sent a gift basket</a>, "with a note thanking them [Shelby County Shelter] for their decision to start killing again
after four years. “Thank you for doing the right thing” wrote PETA in
its gift offering from <a href="http://www.allisonsgourmet.com/" target="_blank">Allison’s Gourmet</a> which included vegan cookies,* baked without eggs or dairy, because—<i>you know</i>—harming animals is wrong."<br />
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UPDATE 12/3/13 --- DAMN IT PETA, WHY WON'T YOU DIE??? UGH, the awful organization has again decided to turn their malicious gaze back on fat women. Do you know about <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2013/11/29/plan-b-completely-useless-for-fat-women/">Plan B not working</a> for women over a certain weight? Well PETA has decided that they will help by <a href="http://jezebel.com/petas-too-fat-for-plan-b-campaign-hits-a-shitty-new-1474994625?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow">initiating the "Plan V"</a>;<br />
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>"If extra pounds are thwarting a woman's ability to use Plan B, PETA's 'Plan V' could be the prescription they need," says PETA Executive Vice President (and mother) Tracy Reiman. "Going vegan is a great way to lose weight and get healthy—and it could help women regain control over their reproductive lives."</em></div>
</blockquote>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b9f7112706d2de2b86597d60095e9f99/tumblr_mnd5tnv1IB1rpsncgo1_250.gif" height="198" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b9f7112706d2de2b86597d60095e9f99/tumblr_mnd5tnv1IB1rpsncgo1_250.gif" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="250" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">/RAGE QUIT/</dd></dl>
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<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-82611681306603815872013-10-10T00:38:00.000-05:002013-10-10T00:38:59.360-05:00I'M STILL ALIVE!!!!For now at least. BAH it has been too long, but I promise a new post sometime tomorrow where I talk about some of the political things I have been thinking about. Hints you ask? Well alright then!<br />
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Some talking points: <br />
<ul>
<li>Natural rights of the Earth</li>
<li>Animal rights, specifically "animal feminism"</li>
<li>Veganism</li>
<li>The "cultural appropriation" of the phrase "coming out" </li>
<li>Possibly the US Shutdown, maybe, perhaps. </li>
</ul>
So things will get heated tomorrow, but I do have some other news:<br />
<br />
I was seriously thinking about adding a vlog to here and discussing some things specifically in American Sign Language. I am hopeful that adding a pagan voice to all the Christian ones will help Deaf people learn more about alternate faiths. Are there any Deaf people out there who would like to give me some talking points? And for the hearing people, there will be subtitles.<br />
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Hope to see you tomorrow!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlST_hC7oukfjpDN3SwX4PF_krZgKSWqu8acNO251oKQWkMVIjTUY7Zrzf8TqinO7-tbt50y3D0a4pZEysbQ_cZy-5aksv4cPgqKUCmH12wU2gf0CTQKjkm70etrzJ9GM7rwDLGSU9pdw2/s1600/23-calypso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlST_hC7oukfjpDN3SwX4PF_krZgKSWqu8acNO251oKQWkMVIjTUY7Zrzf8TqinO7-tbt50y3D0a4pZEysbQ_cZy-5aksv4cPgqKUCmH12wU2gf0CTQKjkm70etrzJ9GM7rwDLGSU9pdw2/s400/23-calypso.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calypso! Rights belong to the painter. </td></tr>
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<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-33512043340311837062013-05-23T13:17:00.000-05:002013-05-23T13:42:24.497-05:00DestinyI found this: <a href="http://paganprompts.blogspot.com/">Pagan Blog Prompts</a>. Oh, I am totally going to participate! Today's prompt is <a href="http://paganprompts.blogspot.com/2013/05/prompt-fate-destiny.html">destiny</a>; "what comes around goes around" and "everything happens for a reason".<br />
<br />
This is a hard prompt, especially posed right after all the <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/23/18438038-oklahoma-at-risk-of-more-tornadoes-as-storms-threaten-much-of-us?lite">tornadoes that stormed</a> through Central America, the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/23/woolwich-latest-developments-live">attack of a solider</a> in London and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/02/birmingham-murder-racially-motivated-police">murder</a> in Birmingham, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/23/swedish-riots-stockholm">riots</a> in Sweden, and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/may/23/stock-market-crash-central-banks">much</a>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/19/climate-change-meltdown-unlikely-research">much</a> more. They seem like shallow and cruel answers to the question of "why did this happen?"<br />
<br />
While I do think things happen for a reason, I am not naive enough to say that what comes around goes around and I am not cruel enough to say that things that happen are always good or that bad things happen as punishment for bad behavior. That would be exactly like sin, which I don't believe in, either as a Pagan or a liberal. Does the woman who was rape had it coming, because what goes around comes around? Does the parents of the children lost in the tornadoes care that things happen for a reason, and what reason could that <i>possibly</i> be anyway?<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&docid=VrA18DEQdYwm3M&tbnid=G3yyRR2J7EdZ9M:&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhiddlestonhugs.tumblr.com%2Fsearch%2FLaugh&ei=uVaeUf2wPIbm0QG22IGoDg&bvm=bv.46865395,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNHeRZ4HoimGoHS-FLvqtqInjvfx5A&ust=1369417786363755" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px none; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="319" id="irc_mi" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8h57jIOUE1qbf4k6o1_500.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sincerely, Loki.</td></tr>
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Now I believe in the gods. All of them in fact; I am a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytheism#Neopaganism">hard polytheist</a> (and also an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnitheism">omnist</a>). However, I don't believe They are all good or all evil. They are complex and cannot be fully described by us. I do feel like we humans project our own feeling onto our specific deity (see Westboro and their hateful god). But the thing is, They are <i>NOT</i> like us at all. They do not think like us, They do not love like us, They do not live like us. We are toys to Them, objects of fascination that They spend Their attention on. Deities have and pick favorites, and Deities have and pick enemies and even frienemies. The kinfolk of Loki have a saying, "May Loki laugh with you more than He laughs at you."<br />
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<div id="irc_mimg">
</div>
What reasons can we possibly gather from Deities that may or may not look like us but don't share much else? Sometimes the reason is obvious, other times obscure, and sometimes there is no reason at all. It reminds me of a story from <a href="http://farscape.wikia.com/wiki/Prayer">Farscape </a>where Aeryn Sun tells of her species' god:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Sebaceans once had a god called Djancaz-Bru.
Six worlds prayed to her. They built her temples, conquered planets.
And yet one day she still... rose up and destroyed all six worlds. And
when the last warrior was dying, he... he said, 'We gave you everything,
why did you destroy us?' And she looked down upon him and she
whispered, '<i>Because I can.</i>'" </blockquote>
So to get back around to destiny: I think that we have a purpose in life. I think that there is a loose plan for us, but it can change based on decisions we make. Sometimes our purpose in life is to die. It is an absolutely cruel but unavoidable truth. Sometimes your entire existence is only there as a lesson to others. Sometimes you carve out a purpose for yourself. Lots of times you follow the path that was laid out for you by society. <br />
<br />
I think that life is fluid, like water. I think maybe there is some plan, and maybe there isn't. Perhaps this is just by-the-cuff and these beings are just winging it. Perhaps there is some overall order to this madness.<br />
<br />
Maybe we are just a huge experiment. Maybe we are the control group, or maybe the experimental group. Who knows?<br />
<br />
What is important is that we focus on ourselves, our community, and our society. What we do know is that nothing will be fixed without us and no change will happen unless we initiate it. The only endgame is the one we let happen.<br />
<br />
And the only question I have is, why can't we just all get along already?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" id="irc_mi" src="http://csj.publishpath.com/Websites/wgs/images/social_justice_320_320_95.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 71px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace or Death</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-35663140663963222342013-04-27T15:41:00.000-05:002013-04-30T12:51:54.319-05:00Beltane! May Day is almost upon us! Soon it will officially be Summer, days of beaches and watermelon and camping and air conditioning! This season Beltane will span from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane">April 30th</a> to <a href="http://www.archaeoastronomy.com/2013.html">May 5th</a>.<br />
<br />
Want some ideas for Beltane (Beltaine, Bealtaine, Bealltainn, Boaltinn, Boaldyn, or May Day, whatever you call it)? Here are some non-ceremonial spells, recipes, and craft ideas!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://territoriesofarttherapy.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/may-bush.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="May Bush" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-213" height="300" src="http://territoriesofarttherapy.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/may-bush.jpg?w=230&h=300" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May Bush ideas! Click pic for source.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Decorate a <a href="http://www.museum.ie/en/list/topic-may-day.aspx?article=89810988-4de7-4977-89d7-a6cb7038c170">May Bush</a>! If you happen to have some leftover egg shells from Ostara, you can use these. Decorate with ribbon for the intentions you want for the next half of the year. <a href="http://www.themagickalcat.com/Articles.asp?ID=241">Here is a link</a> for color correspondence. Some suggestions would be colors for protection, fertility, and love.<br />
<br />
Scatter plant some flowers! You can get some <a href="https://www.cheapseeds.com/A-Z-Flower-Seeds.html">cheap seeds </a>everywhere, but I highly recommend looking at the native flowers in your area and planting those. Here are sites for the <a href="http://www.wildflower.org/collections/">US</a>, the <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/plants-fungi/postcode-plants/checklist-british-plants.html">UK</a>, and <a href="http://www.gardenguides.com/139191-list-french-flowers.html">France </a>(because I get a lot of views from there. Bonjour!). You can use them to "sow the seeds of desire" or whatever it is you want; just focus on what it is you would like to sow out into the Earth/Universe and either chant while you scatter, sing, dance, or whatever you feel like doing.<br />
<br />
Go to the <a href="http://www.srfestival.com/">Renaissance Festival</a>! The one here in Waxahachie, TX ends on May 27th this year. They might also have a May Pole you can attend! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloggingsense.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sun-Jar-1024x697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://bloggingsense.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sun-Jar-1024x697.jpg" border="0" class="decoded" height="217" src="http://bloggingsense.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sun-Jar-1024x697.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunlight Jars!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Make crafts! Here are some great things to make from my favorite craft blog. Spiral Goddess <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-spiral-goddess-salt-dough.html">salt dough plaque</a>, Sea glass <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-sea-glass-heart-pendant.html">heart pendant</a> (which you can also make hanging things with, and I am sure you can make any shape, like a <a href="http://www.barbedwireart.com/bwstorepics/Sun%20by%20Barbed%20Wire%20Art.jpg">Sun</a> [another <a href="http://www.lovebitsandpeaces.com/products/jewelry/necklaces/pendants/gold_wire_star_b.JPG">cool sun</a>], <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68153851/moon-necklace-copper-wire-wrapped">Moon</a>, or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95635297/shiny-spirals-barbed-wire-star-spring">Star </a>[an idea <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2009/12/tutorial-wind-a-star.html">how</a>]), <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-make-sea-shell-ornaments.html">Sea shell</a> ornaments and <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-make-sea-shell-wine-chimes.html">chimes</a>, fake <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-make-faux-deer-antlers.html">deer antlers</a> (really cool!), or this <b>REALLY AMAZING</b> <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-make-sunlight-in-mason-jar.html">Sunlight-In-A-Jar</a> (here is an <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-6-SOLAR-Powered-Mason-Canning-Fruit-Ball-Jar-LED-LID-LIGHT-Rustic-Lamp-/261191654205?pt=Bar_Tools_Accessories&hash=item3cd03c5b3d">eBay account</a> that sells the solar panel tops cheaper than anywhere else). <br />
<br />
<br />
Here is <a href="http://www.luckymojo.com/protectionspells.html">a site</a> that gives some pretty good protection spells and ideas for amulets. I don't really like giving ceremonial spells, especially links to other sites, because of ethical issues. If you choose to search for other ceremonial spells and rituals on the internet, know that they should only really be a template and that the most powerful spells you can do are the ones you make yourself. Perhaps soon I will post some spell bones/templates for y'all.<br />
<br />
Host a party. Make crowns of flowers and have contests to see who wins the title of May Queen and May King. One of the games can be a throwing contest. Have music and dance! Have a bonfire if you have the room, or make a small fire in your cauldron using rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, and <u><i><b>A LID</b></i></u> which is important if you need to snuff the flames. Make sure to <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Fire-Safety-and-You---Top-10-Fire-Safety-Habits-to-Live-By&id=2344064">practice safe fire habits</a>! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&docid=wVgXlATWh9NUyM&tbnid=chm7MetV7oTN-M:&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fminnesota.publicradio.org%2Fdisplay%2Fweb%2F2009%2F01%2F20%2Fobama_takes_office_appeals_for_hope_over_fear&ei=ujB8UYOlPIXs2AXi3YCACQ&bvm=bv.45645796,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNF9fdTlG3KTy0M2oGffiy0y-OpJiw&ust=1367179835326036" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px none; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="266" id="irc_mi" src="http://images.publicradio.org/content/2009/01/20/20090120_kenyanchildren_33.jpg" style="margin-top: 14px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maypole">Maypole</a>. You can either make an actual <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/269203/making-the-pole">Maypole</a> or you can make a <a href="http://homeschoolwitch.blogspot.com/2011/04/may-pole-mini-version.html">smaller one</a> from a <a href="http://www.nestlefamily.com/CelebrationCorner/Othercelebrations/Default.aspx?ArticleId=DBC459F0-7800-4A3B-B0B5-B85FA04FEF8C">paper towel roll</a> or small rod. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://everythingakasha.homestead.com/files/beltanepoems.htm">Poetry </a>is always <a href="http://hellopoetry.com/words/beltane/poems/">good</a>.<br />
<div id="irc_mimg">
</div>
How about some <a href="http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=2765">Beltane </a>stories for <a href="http://www.thepaganhousehold.com/guests/how-to-celebrate-beltane-with-a-4-year-old/">those</a> with <a href="http://pagandad.com/2009/04/childrens-story-for-beltane/">children</a>? <br />
<br />
Do some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methods_of_divination">divination</a>! Now is a great time, since it is the second time of year that the Veil is at its thinnest.<br />
<br />
Food! <a href="http://www.americanwiccan.com/beltanerecipes.html">Here</a> are <a href="http://www.unc.edu/~reddeer/recipe/rec_beltain.html">some</a> awesome <a href="http://autumnearthsong.com/2011/04/05/beltane-recipes/">recipes</a> for you. Candied <a href="http://www.sacredmists.com/free-beltane-recipes.html">Violets with Lemon</a> Poppyseed Cake, more <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/celebrating-beltane-recipes-sabbat-3154699.html?cat=22">recipes</a> for the <a href="http://www.wycksted.co.nz/default.aspx?page=information/beltane/beltane">Sabbat</a>, and <a href="http://recipesforapagansoul.weebly.com/beltane-may-1.html">some</a> with <a href="http://www.confessionsofakitchenwitch.com/2010/04/beltane-celebration-recipes.html">pies</a>! A list from <a href="http://www.mistresskalpanasrealm.com/mod/glossary/view.php?id=1366">A to Z</a>, and <a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanecooking/Beltane_Cooking.htm">more</a> with <a href="http://ravenrinspagannest.blogspot.com/2012/04/beltane-recipes.html">variety</a>.<br />
<br />
Other <a href="http://www.starcraftswest.com/beltane-lore.">things</a> I <a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanemayday/a/BeltaneFolklore.htm">found</a> that <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/confessionsofapagansoccermom/2011/10/have-you-met-rupert.html">are</a> <a href="http://wildhunt.org/2012/04/a-merry-beltane-4.html">worth</a> <a href="http://wildhunt.org/2012/11/beltanefiresocietypart3.html">reading</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/book_of_shadows/invocations/beltane_chants.asp">Last</a> but not <a href="http://witchery.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/beltane-chants-and-songs/">least</a>, some <a href="http://webspace.webring.com/people/nk/k_garber/belchant.html">chants</a> for you!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Bring flowers of the rarest<br />
bring blossoms the fairest,<br />
from garden and woodland and hillside and dale;<br />
our full hearts are swelling,<br />
our glad voices telling<br />
the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>O Goddess we crown thee with blossoms today!</i><br />
<i>
Queen of the Witches and Queen of the May.</i><br />
<i>
O Goddess we crown thee with blossoms today,</i><br />
<i>
Queen of the Witches and Queen of the May</i></div>
</blockquote>
Do you have any suggestions yourself? <br />
<br />
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<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-25939099668066179162013-04-22T12:27:00.000-05:002013-04-22T12:27:20.042-05:00List of Studies Related to HAES<div class="usertext-body">
<div class="md">
Here is a compilation of
all (or almost all) the links used by the moderators and other
supporters of HAES in various discussions on the sub-Reddit <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/askHAES/">askHAES</a>. This <i>isn't meant to be
comprehensive</i> and will not have every study available. This <b><i>is</i></b> meant to be <b><i>a backup</i></b> in case it is needed but is buried.<br />
<br />
All studies
listed have been screened to make sure there are no duplicates. If you
have a study that is not listed here, please post it in the comments!<br />
<br />
<strong>LINKS DIRECTLY TO STUDIES</strong><br /><br />
1) <a href="http://ebn.bmj.com/content/3/3/88.full">Naturalistic weight reduction efforts predicted weight gain and onset of obesity in adolescent girls</a><br />
2) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21829159">Intentional Weight Loss predicted accelerated weight gain and risk of overweight.</a><br />
3) <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/dieters-gain-more-weight-during-pregnancy/">Dieters Gain More Weight During Pregnancy</a><br />
4) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22443858">Eating in response to hunger and satiety signals is related to BMI in a nationwide sample of 1601 mid-age New Zealand women.</a><br />
5) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=intuitive+eating">List of intuitive eating related studies</a><br />
6) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3041737/">This
paper evaluates the evidence and rationale that justifies shifting the
health care paradigm from a conventional weight focus to HAES.</a><br />
7) <a href="http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v34/n11/abs/ijo201094a.html">Among
people who have ever been overweight or obese, just 4.4% have lost 20%
or more of their starting weight and kept it off for one year.</a><br />
8) <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa061883#t=articleDiscussion">Face to face format finds people still gain weight anyway</a><br />
9) <a href="http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/11/41">Reviews the
science of the failure of LTWLM (long term weight loss management) and
how most weigh management programs essentially ignore the overwhelming
body of research</a><br />
10) <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/askHAES/comments/1bpqqi/not_trolling_at_what_point_is_haes_considered_a/c9dshez">This comment that lists various quotes from studies that shows the futility of LTWLM is well-accepted in the research community</a><br />
11) <a href="http://www.jabfm.org/content/25/1/9.long">Obese and
Overweight individuals who eat 5+ fruits and veggies a day, exercise 3+
hours week, does not smoke nor drink has a lower mortality rate than
people in the "normal" BMI range who do not do these habits.</a><br />
12) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15585547">Human plasma ghrelin levels increase during a one-year exercise program.</a><br />
13) <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.0300-0664.2001.01456.x/abstract;jsessionid=C0B81F7000C9D24F8EC0CE7084FB81CD.d04t02?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false">Weight loss increases circulating levels of ghrelin in human obesity</a><br />
14) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430499/">Leptin reverses weight loss–induced changes in regional neural activity responses to visual food stimuli</a><br />
15) <a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/38/5/680.short">Energy expenditure and postprandial thermogenesis in obese women before and after weight loss.</a><br />
16) <a href="http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0050012">Combined Impact of Health Behaviours and Mortality in Men and Women: The EPIC-Norfolk Prospective Population Study</a><br />
17) <a href="http://motivatedandfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Diets_dont_work.pdf">Medicare's Search for Effective Obesity Treatment: Diets Are Not the Answer</a><br />
18) <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19325037.2005.10608206">The Relationship between Intuitive Eating and Health Indicators among College Women</a><br />
19) <a href="http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/Dieting-Does-Not-Work-UCLA-Researchers-7832.aspx">Dieting Does Not Work, UCLA Researchers Report</a><br />
20) <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM198603063141003">Physical Activity, All-Cause Mortality, and Longevity of College Alumni</a><br />
21) <a href="http://www.nutritionj.com/content/10/1/9">Weight Science: Evaluating the Evidence for a Paradigm Shift (ie fitness over weight loss)</a><br />
22) <a href="http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jobes/2012/460321/">All-Cause Mortality Risk of Metabolically Healthy Obese Individuals in NHANES III</a><br />
23) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23280227">Association of
all-cause mortality with overweight and obesity using standard body
mass index categories: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a><br />
24) <a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/69/3/373.full">Cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in men</a><br />
25) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1339917/">High levels of energy expenditure in obese women.</a><br />
26) <a href="http://www.marketingpower.com/AboutAMA/Pages/AMA%20Publications/AMA%20Journals/Journal%20of%20Marketing%20Research/TOCs/summary%20feb%2007/IsObesityfeb07.aspx">Is Obesity Caused by Calorie Underestimation? A Psychophysical Model of Meal Size Estimation</a><br />
27) <a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00198-005-1863-y">Body mass index as a predictor of fracture risk: A meta-analysis</a><br />
28) <a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00198-008-0688-x">(Low) Weight and body mass index predict bone mineral density and fractures in women aged 40 to 59 years</a><br />
29) <a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00198-008-0643-x">Risk factors for low bone mass in healthy 40–60 year old women: A systematic review of the literature</a><br />
30) <a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/63/3/433S.short">Putting body weight and osteoporosis into perspective</a><br />
31) <a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a439">Association between muscular strength and mortality in men: prospective cohort study</a><br />
32) <a href="http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/60/11/2667.full">Poverty and Obesity</a><br />
33) <a href="http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v30/n9/abs/0803279a.html">Childhood IQ in relation to obesity and weight gain in adult life</a><br />
34) <a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/?fa=main.doiLanding&doi=10.1037/0022-3514.57.6.1041">The role of ego-control, ego-resiliency, and IQ in delay of gratification in adolescence.</a><br />
35) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20824172">Physical
activity attenuates the genetic predisposition to obesity in 20,000 men
and women from EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study.</a><br />
34) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22069379">Physical
activity attenuates the influence of FTO variants on obesity risk: a
meta-analysis of 218,166 adults and 19,268 children.</a><br />
35) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22844403">Dietary factors impact on the association between CTSS variants and obesity related traits.</a><br />
36) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22642554">Obesity: lessons from evolution and the environment.</a><br />
37) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23277089">Epigenetic flexibility in metabolic regulation: disease cause and prevention?</a><br />
38) <a href="http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1555137">Association
of All-Cause Mortality With Overweight and Obesity Using Standard Body
Mass Index CategoriesA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis</a><br />
39) <a href="http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1555106">Does Body Mass Index Adequately Convey a Patient's Mortality Risk?</a><br />
40) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17670912">Impact of
smoking and preexisting illness on estimates of the fractions of deaths
associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity in the US
population.</a><br />
41) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22218619">Healthy lifestyle habits and mortality in overweight and obese individuals.</a><br />
42) <a href="http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3135022/reload=0;jsessionid=MKznHO6CGaFuzAea3pZb.4">10-year follow-up of diabetes incidence and weight loss in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study.</a><br />
43) <a href="http://europepmc.org/wicket/bookmarkable/uk.bl.ukpmc.web.utilities.redirect.RedirectPage?figure=F2/&articles=PMC3135022">Chart Showing Exact Rate of Weight Regain</a><br />
44) <a href="http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2012/niddk-19.htm">Weight loss does not lower heart disease risk from type 2 diabetes</a><br />
45) <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/160061/obesity-rate-stable-2012.aspx">In U.S., Obesity Rate Stable in 2012</a><br />
46) <a href="http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:HgQYSOmrVEIJ:www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0211.xls+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us">Age-adjusted Percentage distsributions of BMI among Persons 18 Years of Age and Over.</a><br />
47) <a href="http://www.aahs.org/medstaff/wp-content/uploads/ObesityMortalityNEJM20131.pdf">Association of All-Cause Mortality With Overweight and Obesity using Standard BMI</a><br />
48) <a href="http://www.cell.com/AJHG/retrieve/pii/S0002929707605436">A Whole-Genome Scan for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity</a><br />
49) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22131599">The effect of exercise training on obstructive sleep apnea and sleep quality: a randomized controlled trial</a><br />
50) <a href="http://sportsmedicine.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=sportsmedicine&cdn=health&tm=14&f=20&su=p284.13.342.ip_p1026.33.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//jrheum.com/abstracts/abstracts01/1655.html">The Efficacy of Home Based Progressive Strength Training in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial</a><br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<strong>LINKS TO ARTICLES, POSTS, ETC</strong><br />
<br />
1) <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2012/11/20/abstract-thinking/">Abstract Thinking: A Review of FCJ studies</a><br />
2) <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2011/10/12/requiescat-in-pace/">Requiescat in Pace</a><br />
3) <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-connection-between-ghrelin-and-leptin.htm#">What Is the Connection Between Ghrelin and Leptin?</a><br />
4) <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2013/03/26/sharks-and-jets/#comment-28164">Explaining the difference between the BRFSS Obesity tracking versus the NHANES Obesity Tracking</a><br />
5) <a href="http://thinkmuscle.com/health/obesity-health-metabolic-fitness/">Obesity, Health, and Metabolic Fitness</a><br />
6) <a href="http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/charging-fat-people-more-for-health-insurance/">Charging Fat People More for Health Care</a><br />
7) <a href="http://www.who.int/health_financing/documents/pb_e_05_1-universal_coverage.pdf">Understanding Universal Healthcare</a><br />
8) <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150999.php">What is Health? What Does Good Health Mean?</a><br />
9) <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153998.php">What Is Healthy Eating? What Is A Good Diet?</a><br />
10) <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120815174902.htm">Gut Bacteria Linked to Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Identified</a><br />
11) <a href="http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Obesity/38134">Gut Flora May Be Tied to Obesity</a><br />
12) <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/magazine/tara-parker-pope-fat-trap.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&">The Fat Trap: New York Times Report</a><br />
13) <a href="http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/are-low-income-people-at-greater-risk-for-overweight-or-obesity/">Relationship Between Poverty and Obesity or Overweight</a><br />
14) <a href="http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us/">Overweight and Obesity in the US</a><br />
15) <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16912548">Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and adiposity: contributions to disease risk.</a><br />
16) <a href="http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/content/35/1/69.long">Commentary: Current perspectives on obesity and health: black and white, or shades of grey?</a><br />
17) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNotqromxjQ">The Biologic Basis of Obesity: A Lecture by Jeffrey Friedman, MD, PhD</a><br />
18) <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/your-fat-is-trying-to-kill-you/2013/03/18/db91dfca-8678-11e2-999e-5f8e0410cb9d_story.html">“The most dangerous issue (for overweight people) is not being heavy per se but being sedentary,” Bente Pedersen</a> <br />
</div>
</div>
Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-47516605324942136882013-04-20T13:12:00.000-05:002013-04-20T13:12:02.154-05:00What IfWhat if you are not actually good enough?<br />
What if you don't realize the strengths that others strive to be like?<br />
What if you are in denial about your size?<br />
What
if it is really just a small number of people who scream at the top of
their lungs and convince others to follow their lead?<br />
What if we win against the hate, bigotry and intolerance?<br />
What if we don't?<br />
What if that person who is looking at you while you eat thinks you are disgusting?<br />
What
if that person who seems to be looking at you is actually looking
through you, entrenched in their own world, their own problems?<br />
What if someone says something hurtful to you today and you go home and don't eat again for weeks?<br />
What if you just punch them in the face, maybe mentally, maybe physically, and go on about your day?<br />
What if you are just looking for evidence to validate your own viewpoints for your own ends?<br />
What if the real evidence is being buried by the billion dollar industries that rely on our fears to make their profits?<br />
What if you are made fun of for doing something, like exercising or just shopping?<br />
What if you are not?<br />
What if it is you?<br />
What if it is me?<br />
What if it is us?<br />
What if it is them?<br />
What if you question yourself to death and never live?<br />
What
if you are never able to live up to your potential because you are so worried
about what others think of you instead of what you think of yourself?<br />
What if the hateful words turn to shame?<br />
What if the shame turned to anger?<br />
What if the anger turns to a sense of loss?<br />
What if that sense of loss turns into acceptance?<br />
What if that acceptance leads to internal peace?<br />
What if that peace is what you always looked for but couldn't find outside of yourself?<br />
<br />
<i>What if you died tomorrow?</i><br />
<i>What if you lived today?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"In
the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke it is written that the Kingdom of
God is within man; not in one man or a group of men, but in all men, in
you. You the people have the power, the power to create machines, to
create happiness. You the people have the power to make this life free
and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name
of Democracy let us use that power; let us all unite! Let us fight for a
new world, a decent world that will give men the chance to work, that
will give you the future and old age, security. ...Let's fight for a world of reason, where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness." </i></blockquote>
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<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-30350499915817207982013-04-11T20:03:00.000-05:002013-04-11T20:03:52.833-05:00Hashtag LoveI recently started to get onto <a href="http://fatpagan.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>, and boy am I glad I did. If you follow the HAES and Fat Acceptance movements, you will hear a lot about tags called thinspo, fitspo, pro mia, and pro ana -- thin inspiration, fitness inspiration, pro-bulimia, and pro-anorexia, respectively. While there are other, more fat friendly tags like healthspo and fatspo (although they are not entirely safe) and that fitspo isn't completely asshole-ish, I was graciously notified that there is another one. I fell in LOVE, people!<br />
<br />
It's <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/haespo">HAESpo</a>, and OMG what a wonderful idea. I have been tagging it for like a week now (but I have no idea why only three show up in that feeder box...).<br />
<br />
Let's have SAMPLES YES!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2WgMC55dKOEL5GVEA5Y_KHvZhHjlaaWaz8UjDt2bWQvckSJJ0TmW4vPhHeVAeKhpmzkOVDfhWC9bkMeka3XSfM7GrCbPbXImy9mCydnCDLp8__dquUsZGi7elRAonGR9JTd9iFpcgZaA/s1600/fat-text.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2WgMC55dKOEL5GVEA5Y_KHvZhHjlaaWaz8UjDt2bWQvckSJJ0TmW4vPhHeVAeKhpmzkOVDfhWC9bkMeka3XSfM7GrCbPbXImy9mCydnCDLp8__dquUsZGi7elRAonGR9JTd9iFpcgZaA/s640/fat-text.gif" width="464" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmocGCvlCx-ezkQx9RO1o0MZizr3MvLuEMLA5sCRUORWpJvcffP4mp5fiLU0dfB4oPr0rqVEhUHnqU4orM28tay0eRZm6RBsOB6lfyt2Av_appKDciUAeCr4112m5wDd9gezrQphNfLNfd/s1600/jadegoody1BIg2908_468x596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmocGCvlCx-ezkQx9RO1o0MZizr3MvLuEMLA5sCRUORWpJvcffP4mp5fiLU0dfB4oPr0rqVEhUHnqU4orM28tay0eRZm6RBsOB6lfyt2Av_appKDciUAeCr4112m5wDd9gezrQphNfLNfd/s640/jadegoody1BIg2908_468x596.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEACH BODY RECIPE - Step 1, go to beach. Step 2, done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS03y4dIbGn0HV1vh3wW1V7nQcYkKx1Dp1y6ZxUzEhc73nf3soB_Vozsm3twLwtYZn5b13X3etaudW5TvjfCta2zSDL5cyS9eRuON-hTxqaCpv1kiL9XOJBbx7lGxj3pfvNNWQ3Q3aZytc/s1600/Arizona+Trip+183.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS03y4dIbGn0HV1vh3wW1V7nQcYkKx1Dp1y6ZxUzEhc73nf3soB_Vozsm3twLwtYZn5b13X3etaudW5TvjfCta2zSDL5cyS9eRuON-hTxqaCpv1kiL9XOJBbx7lGxj3pfvNNWQ3Q3aZytc/s400/Arizona+Trip+183.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <a href="http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2013/03/18/be-a-part-of-the-i-embrace-body-love-campaign-and-my-upcoming-tedx-talk/">Embrace Body Love</a> submission.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wkTEgrHcGWEo_OxZSEQJL4ls_VUjo6e27wIxa12Wh5noQ8RhgZ6uSE1DPF_GLh8a4vJ165YiF91eCjNTuX50ADMTq-GAVjs9GI5C4lYwwDw-xLVK-G7t_1osfV1kmS0oBmOPgswbztBD/s1600/tumblr_miysgabvWs1s781soo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wkTEgrHcGWEo_OxZSEQJL4ls_VUjo6e27wIxa12Wh5noQ8RhgZ6uSE1DPF_GLh8a4vJ165YiF91eCjNTuX50ADMTq-GAVjs9GI5C4lYwwDw-xLVK-G7t_1osfV1kmS0oBmOPgswbztBD/s320/tumblr_miysgabvWs1s781soo1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcElYGn8VnTmhXSfG40jACIQ20FLJO2pIcHCVOYp6Eoz535EPh2-2Yvr6gYNl8zmTV27NUjdmGKzXwC0DanxX_GTSMiA2Pt-BFASoBK4DPYYBpi_R4iLfbP9HaLv6gTTN-gAfDsH6P5dF/s1600/tumblr_miysuesvFP1s781soo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcElYGn8VnTmhXSfG40jACIQ20FLJO2pIcHCVOYp6Eoz535EPh2-2Yvr6gYNl8zmTV27NUjdmGKzXwC0DanxX_GTSMiA2Pt-BFASoBK4DPYYBpi_R4iLfbP9HaLv6gTTN-gAfDsH6P5dF/s400/tumblr_miysuesvFP1s781soo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7qRkmgP48_iqLAMqLowNkiAJeilOqtpYWpxxfiaSJPlOUiF9LBKxCsNZbXXyNMx7AzHbX0TSjQd8loYMFbEDnrt9fP7yLK1x4ztXHC3KGae5d8FDpI7N3GhTIpPXcjUSjZTvmx6rQRNQ/s1600/tumblr_miyvdwUIn91s781soo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7qRkmgP48_iqLAMqLowNkiAJeilOqtpYWpxxfiaSJPlOUiF9LBKxCsNZbXXyNMx7AzHbX0TSjQd8loYMFbEDnrt9fP7yLK1x4ztXHC3KGae5d8FDpI7N3GhTIpPXcjUSjZTvmx6rQRNQ/s640/tumblr_miyvdwUIn91s781soo1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have a Tumblr, tag away! Also, tell me about it and I will follow you.<br />
<br />
YAY GO PEOPLE!!!!<br />
<br />
I hope that this will catch on and not be taken over by trolls. Of course, I expect some people to do just that, but don't let them win.<br />
<br />
Also, did I tell you just how much I LOVE haespo?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-25818052761079995892013-03-31T23:47:00.000-05:002013-10-10T00:58:40.970-05:00Fitness and Stuff, Maybe<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://msfitmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/swimmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://msfitmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/swimmers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fit, fat, fuck yeah! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before we start, let me say that <i><u><b>fitness - or even health - is not mandatory for anyone</b></u></i>. You don't owe it to anyone no matter what others say. If you don't want to exercise, or if you don't want to do whatever it is people tell you is healthy, that is entirely your decision. That is completely yours.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in fitness and healthy eating habits, please continue. <br />
<br />
Recently I became the moderator of a subReddit called <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/askHAES/">askHAES</a>. There came a <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/askHAES/comments/1bbh6y/performance_based_training/">pretty good post</a> that talked about fitness goals that I would like to share and discuss a little: <br />
<br />
<div class="usertext-body">
<div class="md">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Hello, HAES people.</i><br />
<i>I wanted to bring up a subject that I think some of you might find
worthwhile. Here's the deal: I'm not telling anyone here they need to
exercise or train at all. That's your call.</i><br />
<i>That said, if you choose to train, I'd recommend the following general rules. They're pretty simple.</i><br />
<ol>
<li><i>Throw away the scale (unless you're trying to make weight for a
tournament or something). This one's especially important for women.
I've seen girls literally go the scale immediately following a tough
workout to see what they've lost. Pointless. Weight is going to
fluctuate from day to day, and upon initiating serious training many
people will actually gain weight as their muscles begin retaining more
water as they adapt to the increased workloads. Seriously, stop looking
at the scale.</i></li>
<li><i>Pick a goal that you can measure. Here's the magic: <b>you get to set these</b>,
not society, not your friends, not your family. You. They're your
goals. When I ask people what their goals are, 9 times out of 10
they'll say, "I want to be in shape" or "I want to look better."
Neither are really useful, but the former is better than the last one.
Here's the deal: pick a few performance-based tasks which are <b>quantifiable</b>
(e.g. run a 5k in X amount of time, or squat 275 lbs., whatever) and
make sure they're reasonable for where you're at. If you've been away
from exercising for 20 years, it's probably unreasonable to say you're
going to run a marathon in 4 months. Stay away from, "I want to weigh X
in Y amount of time." That's a white rabbit you'll chase forever.
Pick good performance-based goals, and I promise you that your body will
adapt as it should.</i></li>
<li><i>Now, take an initial (honest) assessment of where you're at with
respect to your goals. Write it down. Don't bullshit the assessment.
Don't say, "well, I ran this in 20 minutes, but I was under the weather;
it was really 18 minutes." Nope. It was 20.</i></li>
<li><i>Develop a plan. If you're a novice, get smart or get some help.
Make sure the plan aligns with your schedule. Guess what, if you work
60 hours a week and have three kids, you're not going to be able to
stick with a program that calls for 4 hours of training 5 days a week.
You're setting yourself up for failure.</i></li>
<li><i>Train hard. No bullshit. No excuses. Get it done. When it's
time to train, that's all that's going on in your life. You're not
reading. You're not thinking about work, or your significant other, or
any of life's little dramas. You're not even worrying about where
you'll be with respect to your goals next week, next month, or next
year. You're only there to do the work. Anything less is a waste of
time. I see people at the gym on the treadmill for half an hour
walking, reading "Self" or whatever. I don't say a damn thing to them,
because it's not my problem. But, guess what? They're wasting their
own time. Why spend 30 minutes half-assing something, when you could be
doing it for real? It's your time. My time is a precious resource; I
have no intention of wasting it.</i></li>
<li><i>Re-assess regularly, but not all the time. I typically put
together 8-week training programs and assess at the 4, 6, and 8 week
marks. If you're starting off, you're going to need more time,
especially if you've got a busy schedule and don't have as much time to
dedicate it. For true novices, I build 16-week programs.</i></li>
</ol>
<i>Finally, a note. Forget about what someone's definition of attractiveness is. Train to <b>do</b>
something, not to look some specific way. This is another white
rabbit. Here's a truth: you're never going to be pretty enough for
everyone. That shit is subjective anyway. You know what's not
subjective? Trashing someone in a 5k when six months ago you couldn't
even finish one.</i><br />
<i>That's my take. Again, I stress that I couldn't care less whether
anyone here trains or not. Not my problem or my business. I only want
to give people here an honest look at how serious athletes think about
training. It ought to put your mind at ease. They don't care about
looks; they care about performance.</i><br />
<i>-Ragnar</i></blockquote>
I like this as it really does reflect the thought process of a "serious athlete." For a lot of athletes, and even fathletes like myself, measurement in physical progress is more important than physical appearance. The guys I work out with talk about running marathons, jumping hurdles, climbing mountains, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snatch_%28weightlifting%29">snatching</a> heavier, not about their weight. Their goals are performance based. Even if your goal isn't being able to run a 5k, you can make performance goals as well, like being able to walk up the stairs without almost dying halfway through (heh, this was my goal when I was starting out). Anyway, let's start at the top.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scbodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Training-to-increase-muscle-bulk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://scbodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Training-to-increase-muscle-bulk.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is "bulk."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1) Throw away that scale and never look back. Don't use the scales at the gym or in the locker rooms either. First, you don't know if they have been calibrated at all ever and second, if you have had body image issues in the past it will be triggering. I know because I do it sometimes and the difference between what you used to know and what it shows can either crush you back into unhealthy eating habits or will excite you into continuing the "trend." Just don't; I promise you will feel better about it. If you really, really need a scale, try a <a href="http://voluptuart.com/other-goodies-yay-scales-c-7_22.html">Yay! Scale</a>.<br />
<br />
By the way, while we are on the subject of muscles and retaining water, it is good to note now that women do not bulk like men do. Women don't have enough testosterone in their body to gain massive amounts of muscle quickly and are more likely to "tone" and build than bulk. <br />
<br />
And before you ask: yes, fat people can be toned as well. <br />
<br />
2) Goals are important, but they have to be attainable. It was a good year and a half before I was fit enough to run without joint pain, and about 8 months before I really noticed a difference in my stamina. Fitness is long term, but that doesn't mean you have to hate the journey. More on that later. For now, think about some good goals to set. I think you should probably take an assessment before you move into specifics, but again, more later.<br />
<br />
3) Honesty here will be a boon later, and <u><i>write</i></u>. <u><i>it</i></u>. <u><i>down</i></u>. so you can see your progress. If your goal is "being able to walk up the stairs without keeling over", go climb the stairs and count the number you make and the time you did it in. Note your breath, as in whether you were gasping or not. While Ragnar might have been harsh, it really is important that you are very honest with this.<br />
<br />
4) There is this great site that I will recommend forever. Bodybuilding.com is full of awesome resources for people of all fitness levels, from fitness articles to <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/guides/">already made fitness plans</a> to an awesome shop and more. With the fitness program, you can either try the ones listed or you can find a specific one for your age and fitness goal. I personally like LiveFit since it has a great progression built in along with specific exercises for specific days and all the information is already there. Yes, it does talk about weight loss but the muscle building results are amazing. <a href="http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/JamieEason/">Jamie Eason</a> (the one who created the program) also has a great head on her shoulders and doesn't shy from speaking her mind. <br />
<br />
Note: if you wander around the site, there is talk about weight loss. Ignore it, there is so much more than that.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/leremy/leremy1104/leremy110400016/9409749-gym-gymnasium-people-sport-exercise-workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/leremy/leremy1104/leremy110400016/9409749-gym-gymnasium-people-sport-exercise-workout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Options: you haz them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
5) I would say just to do your best. I feel my best when I work out that day and I feel like crap if I don't, so try not to lapse. If you feel like it is such a chore to go, then something is wrong. If you don't look forward to it, then try something different. Try karate or dancing or kickboxing or boxing or Pilates or yoga or something. There is literally hundreds of options. I think that if you really enjoy something, you will give it 100% and "train hard" for it, even if it is peaceful yoga. And if you can, try EVERYTHING at least twice, even if you think you might look stupid. Why twice? Because if you had a terrible time the first time, you can confirm it or have a better time the next. As for others, you can shake your head at their silliness, but unless they will hurt you or themselves (as in doing an exercise move that will F them up), just go on about your business. <br />
<br />
6) Yes, please re-assess. Go back to those stairs and do them again (write it down!). I suggest a 12 week program, or any of the ones on the Bodybuilding.com site linked earlier. Change your routine every 12 weeks too, or your body will adapt and you may not see any more improvement (depending on your goal, of course)<br />
<br />
Ragnar sums up pretty well, so I just want to say that I understand that everyone has different commitments. I totally understand having your schedule packed so hard even particles would have difficulty getting through it. Your fitness is yours and no one can tell you what to do. I suggest 30 minutes a day, but hell, it is just a suggestion. This is also why I suggest doing something you love; you will be more inclined to go. Exercise is also a very good stress reliever, and it doesn't have to be in the gym either if that causes stress. My mother hates group exercise and hates the gym, but loves walking outside. One of my friends loves to run but prefers outdoors. Another friend absolutely hates exercise in every form. To each their own. <br />
<br />
A nutrition post will be coming soon, but expect it over on <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/author/kitsuneyokai/">Fierce, Freethinking Fatties</a>.<br />
<br />
Do you have any recommendations? What do you like to do?</div>
</div>
Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-51868554618436522732013-03-26T22:33:00.001-05:002013-04-02T20:58:14.300-05:00Role Models?I was reading submissions on <a href="http://thisisthinprivilege.tumblr.com/">This Is Thin Privilege Tumblr</a> and a <a href="http://thisisthinprivilege.tumblr.com/post/46196330118/re-getting-hired-while-fat">few posts</a> have <a href="http://thisisthinprivilege.tumblr.com/post/46194260438/to-the-person-who-thinks-no-one-gets-turned-down-from-a">caught</a> my <a href="http://thisisthinprivilege.tumblr.com/post/46220025052/im-another-person-who-was-turned-down-for-a-job">attention</a> and made me think of <a href="http://thisisthinprivilege.tumblr.com/post/46253139325/thin-privilege-is-being-allowed-to-advertise-just">some issues</a> we have discussed about the Deaf Community in my college classes. Specifically, the lack of adult role models. In the Deaf community (btw, that capital D is not a typo. Capital D Deaf refers to the community of deaf people who are linguistically connected by ASL), schools don't typically hire deaf teachers for their deaf students. In fact, it is difficult for deaf people to get hired anywhere, especially somewhere public and with high volumes of hearing people. There are really no deaf role models; besides Helen Keller, what other deaf person in history do you know?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amptoons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/thin_trade_only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://amptoons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/thin_trade_only.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amptoons.com/blog/2008/02/01/mississipi-lawmakers-propose-banning-fat-people-from-restaurants/">Source </a>is actually very interesting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Taking this same thread and expanding it, what fat role models are there? Think back to all your teachers in your whole school career and count the number of fat teachers you had or saw. Include administration, security, and any other supporting members. Think about shows or actors/actresses that you either admire or admired when you grew up. What about in real life, when you go out to a restaurant and order food, what does your waiter or waitress typically looks like? In fact, what about when you enter sit-down restaurants and are put into the back where no one can see you; does this happen?<br />
<br />
What about on TV? How many fat actors or actresses get gigs that play the good guys? How many fat people do you see on regular TV shows that aren't being berated or made fun of? <br />
<br />
And here I am looking at the commercials for American Idol (I swear I am watching Criminal Minds!) and what do I see? No one that looks like me, even in the audience. Then a judge says "you look like a million bucks!" to some contestant and it reminds me of the awe and surprise <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk">that this woman received</a> because she wasn't conventionally pretty. Seriously, look at those people's faces before she sings and then directly afterwards, like it was a surprise or something that she could actually sing in a fucking singing contest.<br />
<br />
Anyway, thin privilege is being able to walk into any store and see models that look like you (let alone clothes that will fit you, clothes that will be cheap, and employees who don't look at you or speak to you in disgust). It is seeing movie stars and politicians (especially the women) and lawyers and CEOs and managers and doctors and biologists and especially those who run studies and teachers and anyone else in power who look like you that you can aspire to. <br />
<br />
Thin privilege is having role models that look just like you. Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-36206935490366541462013-03-25T14:30:00.002-05:002013-03-25T14:30:54.214-05:00Oh, Ostara!Ostara has past (it was this past 20th) but due to various circumstances, I will be celebrating on the 26th. This will be the first Ostara that I practice with my brother and I have a lot planned; so exciting!!<br />
<br />
Of course there is always the customary <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayhowtos/a/eastereggdyes.htm">egg dying</a>. I would love to do some <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayhowtos/a/eastereggdyes.htm">natural dying one time</a> with these recipes (OH AMAZING!), but it looks like we will have to fall back on regular dying.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/kristi/files/2010/03/Easter-eggs-hanging-from-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/kristi/files/2010/03/Easter-eggs-hanging-from-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cool would this be??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another great craft for Ostara is making <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=359765754131873&set=a.273870869388029.55848.273867192721730&type=1&theater">egg charms</a>. Basically you blow out the inside and then paint or dye the outside, then add herbs or various items inside. I would totally add a string so I could hang them up, perhaps gathering a bunch onto a mobile or inside "wind chime." It would probably be messy, but would be very good for kids!<br />
<br />
Another idea would be to make some <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-lady-bug-stones.html">ladybug stones</a>. How cute are these? This is a very easy craft with paint that more mature kids could do, and you can populate your house or garden with them. There are also ideas for butterflies and dragonflies. If you like crafting, I recommend <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/">this site</a>! From <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-bottle-cap-mancave-coaster.html">bottle cap coasters</a> to <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-book-of-shadows.html">Book of Shadows</a> to <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-make-wire-beaded-pentacle-pendant.html">pentacle necklaces</a> and recipes for <a href="http://recycledawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-make-feather-quill-and-magic-ink.html">writing ink</a>, it is impressive!<br />
<br />
My brother has also taken a liking to making God's Eyes. If you get some multicolored thread or yarn, you can make all sorts of cool designs. Here is a video that shows exactly how to do it, from beginning to end. <br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MyWsASgeRKY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
How about a <a href="http://apagantapestry.blogspot.com/2009/03/ostara-wreath.html">wreathe</a>? Or just some other <a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/ostaracrafts/Ostara_Crafts.htm">types of decoration?</a> Here are some more <a href="http://kitchenwitchuk.blogspot.com/2011/03/ostara-crafts.html">pictures of crafts</a>! That Ostara Tree looks interesting and very pretty. Now this has some <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/5-easy-ostara-crafts-pagan-kids-2880027.html?cat=25">very good ideas</a> as well, especially the eggshell candles and the Moon/Sun masks. <a href="http://pinterest.com/moon_fae/ostara-craft-ideas/">Pintrest</a>, and <a href="http://stayforaspell.wordpress.com/tag/ostara-crafts/">this blog for children</a> and <a href="http://livingpeacefullywithchildren.com/tag/ostara-crafts/">this one too</a>! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRB8rXiGV4TaAGomMGltyI3q9LgBxtYnBT_ojqVsuWlawfKAi_lTejosQhSaZ_V_sbJojJBbbydRp5OzVB2cNIhAiqCClyBNPc1auwkhpNgd5m2cIJUhjPskdRtT_H06nRg-yijvpPwA/s1600/042211_egg+candles_lit+in+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRB8rXiGV4TaAGomMGltyI3q9LgBxtYnBT_ojqVsuWlawfKAi_lTejosQhSaZ_V_sbJojJBbbydRp5OzVB2cNIhAiqCClyBNPc1auwkhpNgd5m2cIJUhjPskdRtT_H06nRg-yijvpPwA/s400/042211_egg+candles_lit+in+line.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maybe the simplest activity I will do with my brother is plant flowers or put a plant in a container for him to take care of. Since we can't have a pet at my place (and I wouldn't be able to take care of the poor thing right now anyway), a plant is the next best thing. I would like to start a <a href="http://www.alchemy-works.com/witchs_garden.html">Witch's Garden</a> with various herbs and flowers of my own, but perhaps we can start off small yet.<br />
<br />
That's it for now; have a great Ostara/Easter!Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-36052715414190377852013-03-08T12:57:00.002-06:002013-03-08T12:57:59.541-06:00Garden, Yay!Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay I love gardens!!!!!! I love planting and taking care of plants; they just bring a freshness to the place unlike anything else. However, I am stuck with a portable garden since I don't live in any one place for long. So, I have decided to give <a href="http://www.agardenpatch.com/#ordernow">this particular gardening pots</a> a try. I've seen them around and want to see if I can get anything out of them.<br />
<br />
I think I will be planting lots of herbs, but also a bunch of peppers. Gotta love those peppers, man! YAY YAY YAY YAY!!! I am so excited, can you tell?<br />
<br />
When I receive them and start planting, I will post again. Yay! (?)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shawnacoronado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GrowBox-Planters-Growing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="GrowBox planters growing on Shawna Coronado's balcony" class="aligncenter wp-image-1504" height="299" src="http://shawnacoronado.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GrowBox-Planters-Growing-1024x767.jpg" title="GrowBox planters growing on Shawna Coronado's balcony" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shawnacoronado.com/2012/07/does-the-growbox-container-garden-system-work/">Source is from another blog</a> talking about these</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-85119812108020633842013-03-06T11:53:00.000-06:002013-03-06T11:55:55.140-06:00Other Interests Are ImportantI was told, in no uncertain words, that I shouldn't focus 100% on one thing, that I should have other interests and hobbies other than whatever it is that I am currently focusing on. You know what? I think that person is right.<br />
<br />
So, I am interested in other things besides Health At Every Size (tm). I am interested in exercising, in healthy foods, in American Sign Language, in ASL Interpreting, in volunteering, in animals, in world religions, in cars to a lesser degree, in art and especially ceramics, in Paganism, in the news and goings on of the Native American population.<br />
<br />
I am interested in raising my brother and taking care of him. I am interested in getting a job where I can make more than minimum wage. I am interested in people and what they do and what they think and why they think that and why they do what they do and how they gather and where and why and who and what and when and how (I think this is called psychology and sociology).<br />
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planetseed.com/sites/default/files/usersdata/u6184/DSC_1724_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.planetseed.com/sites/default/files/usersdata/u6184/DSC_1724_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing, singing, teaching, and graduating. Diversity!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am interested in biology by a lot. I want to know what the body does, why it does that, how it does it, and what miracles it holds. For instance, during a pregnancy absolutely everything has to go JUST right in order to have a healthy child and if one thing goes wrong the body purges it (which is usually either a clump of cells - ie, your period - or a miscarriage). Or did you know that scientists can now create <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19827287">stem cells out of your skin cells</a>?<br />
<br />
I was originally interested in becoming a veterinarian for horses and livestock. When my dreams were crushed and I saw my first ASL interpreter and consequently my first deaf man, I decided to change paths. However, I am still ultra interested in science, as it makes quite a base for my personal beliefs. I especially like quantum mechanics and physics.<br />
<br />
I am currently learning about accounting and PC systems, along with my regular class courses of English, ASL, Interpreting, Fingerspelling, and PE this Spring semester. Who knows what I will be doing next semester!<br />
<br />
So then, what are you doing? What is your diversity like?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fsd2010.org/data/Image/phototheque/Fruits%20and%20seeds/Fruits_BCi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.fsd2010.org/data/Image/phototheque/Fruits%20and%20seeds/Fruits_BCi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, Herbalism!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-66814113712694920762013-03-02T09:40:00.001-06:002013-03-26T12:37:35.392-05:00Re: Anorexia and Disorder EatingAbout a month ago (and just recently <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2013/02/26/fat-and-anorexic/">cross-posted</a> on Fierce, Freethinking Fatties) <a href="http://fatpagan.blogspot.com/2013/01/fat-and-anorexic.html">I wrote about anorexia</a> and bulimia nervosa. I compared anorexic symptoms with dieting and made the correlation between eating disorders and dieting behaviors. Some comments were made and points were raised which I would like to discuss here more.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/72cac95261ac56381673027adca97dd4/tumblr_migm90113E1rbrco9o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/72cac95261ac56381673027adca97dd4/tumblr_migm90113E1rbrco9o1_500.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disordered Eating Recovery advice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First and foremost, I know that anorexia is thought of as a mental disorder and that there is some research that may point to anorexia being a <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2012/06/19/on-hold-with-atchka-and-harriet-brown-2/">biological/genetic disorder</a> as well in that the sufferer tends to have low leptin levels, which drive hunger/appetite. I understand that some people may be able to diet in ways that do not mimic an eating disorder, but for the majority - and every single person I know - "extreme dieting" is the norm.<br />
<br />
"Counting calories, fixation on weight, preoccupation with food or
cooking, and strenuous exercise are all dietary requirements for fat
people, but if you are thin you have an eating disorder." These behaviors are encouraged by society (at least in the US and UK) for people who are overweight or obese and are denounced for people who are not. My point is that dieting promotes disordered eating. Perhaps it was ignorant of me to compare fat people on diets to anorexic people; I apologize. <br />
<br />
However, even though debilitating, all consuming, dangerous dieting is part and parcel of anorexia, I disagree that not eating is involuntary. Not eating to an anorexic is as involuntary as smoking is to a chain smoker. They both know good and damn well what they are doing is dangerous and detrimental to their health, and both participate anyway. I like the smoking analogy because not eating is still a high for an anorexic like nicotine is for a smoker. And just like smoking, the person who is suffering from this disorder needs help to overcome it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljrhytNfcU1qhssv8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljrhytNfcU1qhssv8.png" width="320" /></a>As for choosing to diet, this is true in part. Someone who chooses to diet (or get bariatric surgery) are those who have an <a href="http://fiercefatties.com/2013/03/01/a-lesson-or-two/">incredible amount of pressure from society</a> to change their bodies, to change who they are. It is socially expected that a fat person is "actively trying to fix " themselves and if they are not, they are berated and insulted and concern trolled and shunned and passed over until they "do something" about themselves. <br />
<br />
So fat people go on diets that have 1,200 or 800 or 500 calorie limits or they just stop eating altogether until they black out. I personally know someone who quit eating for 5, 6, 7 days at a time and if she did eat, she would purge it. This woman would work out compulsively and force herself through the pain. She said, "once you get past the third day hunger pains, they go away and you don't notice them anymore." She was hospitalized several times for just passing out at seemingly random times to other people. She did this for her entire teenage years. This woman was 170lbs, 6'0" tall, with a BMI of 23 (on the "high side" of normal) and is my own mother. I have read this same story all over the Fatosphere as well; it is not uncommon. This is disordered eating. <br />
<br />
Another thing; while anorexia has existed for centuries it didn't become noticeable until 1970's, which happens to be the same time that diets came on the scene. From the <a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/anorexia+nervosa">Medical Dictionary</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"[Anorexia nervosa's] incidence in the United States has more than doubled since 1970.
The rise in the number of reported cases is thought to reflect a <i><b>genuine
increase in the number of persons</b></i> affected by the disorder and <i><b>not
simply earlier or more accurate diagnosis</b></i>." (emphasis mine)</blockquote>
<br />
I noticed a few other things on the Medical Dictionary that should be mentioned too:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Social factors. Anorectics are more likely to come either from
overprotective families or disordered families where there is a lot of
conflict and inconsistency. Either way, the anorectic feels a need to be
in control of something, and that something becomes body weight. The
family often has high, sometimes unrealistic, and rigid expectations.
Often something stressful or upsetting triggers the start of anorexic
behaviors. This may be as simple as a family member as teasing about the
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>person's weight, nagging about eating junk food, commenting on how
clothes fit, or comparing the person unfavorably to someone who is thin.</b></i></span>
Life events such as moving, starting a new school, breaking up with a
boyfriend, or even entering puberty and feeling awkward about one's
changing body can trigger anorexic behavior. <i><b>Overlaying the family
situation is the unrelenting media message that thin is good and fat is
bad; thin people are successful, glamorous, and happy, fat people are
stupid, lazy, and failures.</b></i>" (emphasis mine)</blockquote>
The diet culture we live in is recognized as a factor for anorexia. Thin at any cost, <i>any cost</i>. It is worth saying, however, that this disorder is thought to be caused by heredity, biological, psychological, and social factors and that the combination of these things are at play. "Research suggests that some people have a predisposition toward anorexic
and that something triggers the behavior, which then becomes
self-reinforcing."<br />
<br />
Now let me move specifically to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/atchkafatty/posts/133287720176514">Facebook comments</a>. Amber makes a great point; she objects that I said dieting and eating disorders are the same: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">"I
think it's important to make a distinction between the two because if
you say 'diets are eating disorders', it also opens up the idea that
eating disorders are diets, which trivializes the seriousness of
restrictive disorders. Generally speakin</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">g,
your average dieter does not have the 20-30 percent mortality rate that
your average anorexic does. Anorexia, sadly, is often fatal.</span><br id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[1]" /><br id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[2]" /><span id=".reactRoot[1].[1][2][1]{comment133287720176514_160605}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[3]">I'm
aware that this is not intended, but if one says 'A is identical to B',
the implication is that B is also identical to A, which I think is a
dangerous way of thinking. I have no doubt that dieting, in certain
individuals prone to disordered methods of thinking, may expand into
becoming an eating disorder. Both dieting and eating disorders can be
extremely dangerous, and both reflect on the disgusting narrow window of
what is considered societally[sic] attractive. But I don't necessarily think
saying they're the same thing is beneficial to either dieters or
anorexics."</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="_kso fsm direction_ltr" data-jsid="message">
The first sentence is a "All poodles are dogs therefore all dogs are poodles" logical fallacy. Everything else proceeds from there. There is no way that saying dieting is not disordered behavior. It <b>*is*</b> disordered behavior. It's not *<b>compulsive</b>* disordered behavior with an inability to see reality in the mirror. I do think dieting is dangerous, possibly just as dangerous as an eating disorder, especially what some call "crash diets" because studies show that those fat people who never diet are much healthier than those who diet. That said, there is a difference between <b>anorexia</b> and dieting; for example, it's the difference between a 3 pack a day asthmatic with an oxygen tank
and someone who only smokes when they drink and they only drink 3 times
a year. Anorexics are addicted to dieting; your <i>average</i> dieter is not. Anorexics have body dysmorphic disorder; your <i>average</i> dieter does not. That's not to say that these don't occur in dieters, just that the average don't do or have these things.</div>
<br />
I thank everyone who read my post and everyone who commented. Your opinions are valued and I appreciate them. Carry on!Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-80204239510337285062013-02-24T10:00:00.000-06:002013-02-24T10:00:01.702-06:00What Do You Desire?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/siu6JYqOZ0g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
This came across my news feed yesterday. It took my breath away.<br />
<br />
What do I desire? What if money was no object? What would I like to do with my life?<br />
<br />
I would.....<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><i><b>Do everything</b></i>. I would read a library or two.<span class="text_exposed_show"> I would hike mountains and ride horses and surf and
skydive and bungee jump and para-sail and cliff dive and cave dive and explore the sea
and experience space. I would visit the world and speak 6, 7, 8, 10 languages and try to comprehend other cultures and see exotic animals and taste the fresh air and hear the unearthly sunshine through the trees and touch the spark of Life. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">I
would found grocery stores in the middle of food deserts that would be
non-profit or at least would <span class="text_exposed_show">sink the
majority of the profits back into the business and surrounding
community. It would pay the employees at least a living wage - if not more-, and would provide benefits like Costco does. It would have a small time loan office where people can borrow money for necessities at a very, very low interest rate or perhaps no interest rate at all with the choice of giving what you can. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I would found a fully non-profit Temple that would offer
everything from yoga to meditations to affordable, non religious child
care that engages the children to worldwide celebrations that would raise money for community
action and benefits. It would have its own garden with food for the community as well as the Temple. Maybe it will even have goats for milk and chickens for eggs. And it would have a membership, and the members get to choose where the extra money goes every year, like a Board of Directors would. </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span>
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I would buy larges swaths of land and make them into preserves so no one could develop it. I would buy land and make it a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_burial">natural burial</a> ground like <a href="https://www.circlesanctuary.org/index.php/cemetery/circle-cemetery.html">Circle Sanctuary has</a>. I would advocate for legalizing hemp. I would also advocate for legalizing marijuana and taxing it. I would make a business out of Hempcrete and hemp foods and hemp building materials and hemp things.</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span>
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I would be an interpreter, a physical fitness coach, a veterinarian, a doctor, a judge, a lawyer, a psychologist, a sociologist, a biologist, an astronomer, a scuba diver, a High Priestess, a singer, a dancer, an actress, a politician, an advocate, a protester, a hermit, a public speaker. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Most of all, I want to <i>stay</i> <i>happy</i>. I want to go to bed every night and know I have done something good for someone else for nothing in return. I want to help people. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
What do YOU desire? Post in the comments!!!Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-24196016647906789362013-02-21T10:46:00.001-06:002013-02-21T10:47:21.987-06:00Ah, LupercaliaThis past week (Feb 13-15th) was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupercalia">Lupercalia</a>, as I am sure you pagans know. For those who don't, it's a general "Spring Cleaning" ritual that the Romans used to do. In (late) honor of this holy day, how about a cleansing ritual? No need to sacrifice two goats and a dog, either! /BoNuS/<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.agnescleaningservice.com/images/agnes_lady.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://www.agnescleaningservice.com/images/agnes_lady.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture comes from <a href="http://www.agnescleaningservice.com/">a cleaning service</a>. O_o</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, cleaning! Yay, fun. Clean your entire house/apartment/living quarters and make sure that you continually focus on cleaning. Think about all the germs you are killing and any potential diseases being avoided. Think about how nice it will feel to be in a fully cleaned house. Make sure you get the walls; inside the closets, cabinets, and pantry; all the corners; even under your bed. If you have children you can encourage them to participate and help them (because kids like helping but are really bad at doing it themselves. Plus, it is a good activity to teach cleaning habits...).<br />
<br />
Clean your altar too! Make sure to wipe off all the dust and pick up any tools you have and put them to your heart or head. Thank them for their service and charge them with love. If you have a permanent shelf, table, or place, clean the surface in a clockwise (deosil) motion. If your permanent place happens to be wood, you can take olive oil and lemon juice to clean it. <br />
<br />
When the house is clean, it's time for the (more) fun part: cleansing and warding!<br />
<br />
What you need:<br />
<a href="http://www.brassunicorn.com/leaderpages/sage.html">One or two Sage bundles</a><br />
Water<br />
Salt<br />
Candle<br />
Lighter or matches<br />
<br />
Decide now if you are going to first banish any negativity and then charge the house, or if you will just charge alone and make any appropriate changes in the amount of items. Place all the items in the northern part of your house (or wherever you live), where you will start. For the water, you should put some salt into it and stir it deosil three time, but make sure that you have a separate dish for salt as well. Bless the items for their corresponding Elements. Say something like:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Guardians of the North, Spirits of Earth, ye who are the ground beneath my feet and the bones of my body, I ask thee to bless this salt with protection and prosperity for the benefit of this house and those who reside within it. Blessed Be! (Trace deosil either on the dish or in the salt as you say this, charging it)<br />
<br />
Guardians of the East, Spirits of Air, ye who are the winds of secrets and the breathe in my lungs, I ask thee to bless this sage with protection and good will for the benefit of this house and those who reside within it. Blessed Be! (place hand over sage or have sage in hand and charge it with the intentions)<br />
<br />
Guardians of the South, Spirits of Fire, ye who are the catalysis for change and the spark of life in my soul, I ask thee to bless this candle with protection and righteous passion for the benefit of this house and those who reside within it. Blessed Be! (Charge the candle and then light it.)<br />
<br />
Guardians of the West, Spirits of Water, ye who are the persistent flow of of time and the blood in my veins, I ask thee to bless this water with protection and healing for the benefit of this house and those who reside within it. (Dip finger in water and stir deosil, charging it)</blockquote>
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Pentacle_background_white.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Pentacle_background_white.PNG" width="320" /></a>Pick up the salt and, depending on whether you decided to banish first or not, go around the house sprinkling the salt around. If you are banishing, say something like "I banish all the negativity from this house. No negativity may enter here." If not, say something like "I bless this house with the power of Earth (for the salt, you will change accordingly) and with the blessings of the Lady and Lord for the protection and prosperity (changing for the others as well) of those who live here." Imagine you are drawing a protective circle around the house that will reach above and below the house as well, like a bubble. Do this for each of the other Elements, except that the difference is that with the sage, candle, and sage you will draw a pentacle on every window and door, including any that are in the house (for example, the bathroom doors and windows into another room). Make <b>SURE </b>to get into any cabinets, drawers, doors, closets, attic, basement, and anywhere else things can hide. <br />
<br />
At this point, if you want to bless the house with a patron Deity or with the Lady and Lord, go ahead and do so. <br />
<br />
Enjoy your physically and spiritually clean house! Blessings. <br />
<br />Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-1840358437902860192013-02-16T23:06:00.000-06:002013-02-16T23:12:12.723-06:00What If It Never Stops?What if the progressive fight never ends? What if peace never comes, and equality of opportunity is never achieved? What if our struggle is in vain?<span class="userContent"> What
if, after all the civil rights battles we wage for all these different
reasons, there comes a new, more important battle? What if humans are
never equal, or have equal access? What if there is never peace? </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-H18AusfM_MGuns_DnjDj8eGfrfiVGHtLQ4XPPPLjg6QCMum2In1UQBV-UROE-NgWxhe5GFpwkdpRO8ibBmC3gdFGNVFnmE22G3m1pL_Vu6VszLLr6DDW6_D0ABAmqxAXsn6c98x4GYV/s1600/dali-atomicus-water-confusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-H18AusfM_MGuns_DnjDj8eGfrfiVGHtLQ4XPPPLjg6QCMum2In1UQBV-UROE-NgWxhe5GFpwkdpRO8ibBmC3gdFGNVFnmE22G3m1pL_Vu6VszLLr6DDW6_D0ABAmqxAXsn6c98x4GYV/s320/dali-atomicus-water-confusion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I feel. Also, <a href="http://chillipaprika.com/dali-atomicus-the-making-of-the-impossible-photograph-explained/">this isn't photoshopped</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="userContent">A friend reminded me why we should fight. Carol Steinel, from <a href="http://portlytruestories.blogspot.com/">Teh Portly Dyke </a>(and several other blogs) commented:</span><span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent">"</span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">Some
perspective (from just within my lifetime): When I was growing up,
people not only beat their children regularly, they were encouraged to
do so and applauded for it. I was forced to wear a dress to school
(even when it was below zero) because I </span></span><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">had
a vagina. When I came out to myself (in 1968), the fact that I was gay
meant that I could be hospitalized as a person who was "mentally ill"
and could be jailed if I acted on my desires. The thought that anyone,
anywhere would ever legalize same-sex marriage was BEYOND COMPREHENSION.
Segregation still existed, and lynchings were not only happening, but
applauded.</span><br id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[1]" /><br id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[2]" /><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[3]">That's
ONE PERSON'S (not even that long, really) lifetime. We are evolving.
We will continue to evolve. We will have equality, and peace, and when
we see what we've made of it, we will yearn for greater equality, and
greater peace. </span><br id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[4]" /><br id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[5]" /><span id=".reactRoot[463].[1][2][1]{comment10200561020734131_5806344}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[6]">This
is already happening. It has been happening. Don't let the news-media
and the drama of people who like to fight convince you otherwise."</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="userContent">Forty years ago, mixed race couples were abhorred. The thought of a black President of the United States was inconceivable. Forty years ago, Christian was the default and being anything else was career ending, and being homosexual was actively persecuted. Now, we just made history by electing <a href="http://wildhunt.org/2013/01/historic-religious-firsts-in-the-113th-u-s-congress.html">the first Hindu rep, the first Buddhist rep, and the first openly homosexual rep</a>. Two days ago, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/14/us-usa-gaymarriage-illinois-idUSBRE91D1H020130214">Illinois became the 10th state to approve same sex marriage</a>. All this and hundreds more examples like this happened in half a lifetime. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<a href="http://bobcargill.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/535132_10150690521932395_705822394_8026655_1008504104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://bobcargill.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/535132_10150690521932395_705822394_8026655_1008504104_n.jpg" width="207" /></a><span class="userContent">But looking forward, there is still much to do. From Deaf Pride to Fat activism to Feminism to Religious Equality, there is much left. We still struggle with racism in this country after 55+ years of progress, let alone sexism, which is in its fourth wave of combat. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent">I think that humans must be socially conditioned to segregate people and place them in neat, tidy labels. Take for instance the study that was reported saying <a href="http://now.msn.com/study-finds-9-month-old-babies-are-racist">white 9-month-old babies had a hard time</a> telling African-American babies' emotions apart (they were actually called "racist babies." Google it). When you consider that these white babies <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/05/08/babies-not-racist-insists-learning-study-author-">probably were not exposed to black babies</a> during the 4 month difference, it points more to conditioning than genetics. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
What about the fact that in the Middle Ages, <a href="http://sandradodd.com/sca/womenandwork">men and women (peasants) were fairly equal</a>, because when you have to literally battle every day against starvation, every body is important in tending the fields and the chick isn't taking shit from the dude about sandwiches and kitchens. And lets not talk about how bodies weren't <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathologize">pathologized</a> (but where still split; fat being viewed as more desirable. Only when someone suddenly lost a lot of weight did doctors start worrying).<br />
<br />
What about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_ancient_Rome">open (male-centric) homosexuality</a> in Rome? What about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_persecution_in_the_Roman_Empire">religious tolerance</a> that was shown in Rome, the same place we get our democracy from?<br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent">"</span>The religion of the Christians and Jews was <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotheistic" title="Monotheistic">monotheistic</a> in contrast to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytheism" title="Polytheism">polytheism</a> of the Romans.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-16">[16]</sup> The Romans tended towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretism" title="Syncretism">syncretism</a>,
seeing the same gods under different names in different places of the
Empire. This being so, they were generally tolerant and accommodating
towards new deities and the religious experiences of other peoples who
formed part of their wider Empire.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hughes_17-0">[17]</sup>
This general tolerance was not extended to religions that were hostile
to the state nor any that claimed exclusive rights to religious beliefs
and practice.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hughes_17-1">[17]"</sup></blockquote>
<span class="userContent">So then why has this changed? Where is the roots so we can kill it there? Why have we changed so much?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">No, seriously. Can anyone answer this?</span>Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703784548093472811.post-26354037455490930732013-02-10T14:02:00.001-06:002013-02-10T14:02:22.697-06:00Same Thing, Different Skin?Recently there was a discussion question posted on a religious facebook page I follow that was a submission by an atheist. "[W]hy believe in deities and supernatural without evidence?"<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[14].[1][2][1]{comment529849160387964_94636348}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[14].[1][2][1]{comment529849160387964_94636348}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[14].[1][2][1]{comment529849160387964_94636348}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"></span></span></span> <br />
<br />
Four of the first five comments said "faith" and is repeated again over the rest of the comments. Some said that there is no harm in believing in "<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[14].[1][2][1]{comment529849160387964_94636348}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[14].[1][2][1]{comment529849160387964_94636348}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[14].[1][2][1]{comment529849160387964_94636348}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">something that encourages you to be a better person."</span></span></span> One man even said "because... there has to be more."<br />
<br />
Can you guess which religion this question was aimed at? If you said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/witchcraft.paganism.wiccan/posts/529849160387964">Paganism, Witchcraft, and Wicca</a>, you would be right. Curiously, these are the same arguments made for Christianity (and other monotheistic religions). It seems that many pagans taken their old religion and just re-wrap it. Take the belief in Karma in our community: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/555309_10151241522807939_1814016393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/555309_10151241522807939_1814016393_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fear-based Karma sounds an awful lot like the Wiccan Threefold Law. It also sounds a like like the dogma of Christianity, where your actions can either land you in Heaven or Hell, and God is the judge and jury of you. Why? Why do this? Is it familiarity, or that you truly don't believe in anything else? Is it because you were sick of the company you had in your old beliefs and decided to put yourself elsewhere while still believing? Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with believing in the doctrine of Christianity, but please don't call it Paganism because it isn't. <br />
<br />
Now, back to the question and comments; why exactly do you need faith to believe in the supernatural and deities without evidence? Faith is a dirty word, and if there is absolutely no evidence, then there is no reason to worship or "believe" in something. "Evidence" is a tricky word, however, and can and is manipulated to suit the need of whomever is using it. Personally, I have my evidence through personal contact, results, feelings, and experiences. My "evidence" is mostly subjective. Is that enough to convince others, especially atheists or scientists? No, and I wouldn't try to because Paganism is a <i>personal </i>path. Again and again, you will come across the "personal path" tid bit around the community because it is true. I will not have the same experience as the covenmate standing next to me or the solitary doing the same exact ritual. <i>"Seeing, contrary to popular wisdom, isn't believing. It's where belief stops, because it isn't needed any more."</i> - Terry Pratchett<br />
<br />
Believing in something "because it doesn't hurt to have morals" is a poor argument. <br />
It's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_Wager">Pascal's Wager</a>. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The Quirmian philosopher Ventre put forward the suggestion that
"Possibly the gods exist, and possibly they do not. So why not believe
in them in any case? If it's all true you'll go to a lovely place when
you die, and if it isn't then you've lost nothing, right?" When he died
he woke up in a circle of gods holding nasty-looking sticks and one of
them said "We're going to show you what we think of Mr. Clever Dick in
these parts..." --Terry Pratchett</blockquote>
You can have morals without believing in a higher power. Not killing, stealing, or lying doesn't have anything to do with Gods or Goddesses, it has more to do with just being a good person in general. Perhaps some Gods and Goddesses care about whether someone does these things, but others couldn't care less and might even advocate for it if it teaches a lesson or is just fun entertainment. Some Deities are not good role models for morals as well. Take being faithful to one's spouse and the example of promiscuous Zeus. This kind of flawless role model is the structure of the omni-everything Christian God. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d15osn4tlmtdxb.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2003/03/img-Blake5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://d15osn4tlmtdxb.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2003/03/img-Blake5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hecate </i>by William Blake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Which brings me to another point: it has come to my attention that our Deities are being twisted. Hekate, for example, has been praised as a kind, motherly Goddess who cares about humans and their well being, especially the witches who worship her. Hekate is a night Goddess, a Moon Goddess, who presides over crossroads, fire, magick, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, necromancy, and sorcery, among other things. Her abode is the Underworld, and "Zeus the son of Cronos honored above all. He gave her splendid
gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea. She received
honor also in starry heaven, and is honored exceedingly by the
deathless gods." Hekate alone heard the rape of Persephone and did not come to her aid, then ten days after Persephone was missing, Hekate finally told Demeter. She was the consort of Underworld Hermes, and both were leaders of ghosts and the springtime return of Persephone. She was highly regarded, powerful, and dark, not some fluff-and-bunnies kind of Goddess. Many other Deities are getting personality lifts nowadays, and it seems like the trend is towards righteous, loving, all powerful, and caring gods. <br />
<br />
Lastly, there "has to be more"? Why? What if all of this is just in our heads, an idea that has persisted and only lasts for our short, troubled life? What is so wrong about saying there might not be an afterlife for our consciousness and the neural synapses that make "me" up will stop and decompose into the Earth? What if this is an elaborate lie to keep the masses in line? What if this world isn't real and only in our dreams we are alive? What are you scared of, that all of your hard work and dedication and rituals and spells and beliefs are empty and meaningless?<br />
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So, what do you do? If there really is nothing after this, what do you do? You do whatever it is that you were doing. What will you leave behind? The leaders in our community have done so much in their lives to further our causes, and they will forever be remembered; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selena_Fox">Selena Fox</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_McCollum">Patrick McCollum</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starhawk">Starhawk</a>, <a href="http://wildhunt.org/about/jason-pitzl-waters">Jason Pitzl-Waters</a>, <a href="http://www.patheos.com/About-Patheos/Star-Foster.html">Star Foster</a>, and even <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_RavenWolf">Silver Ravenwolf</a>. Even if you don't think you can do the extraordinary feats like these people have, you can do "small" things like volunteer somewhere, donate, or help someone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn_M_-b1DqrdM4uD9Av225HcIJ8nJ1WQjn1NG7ZhMnTZcnS64_C3jt1Jb_nQ2I6yjumRkc78hh_LmznqkcYWcOraT0i3KtO9kyJfjiotX0ft43QpsamVLmpT1klaNj9xfzh2P8PGq7sE/s1600/Lola_Bunny_Witch_by_Husck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn_M_-b1DqrdM4uD9Av225HcIJ8nJ1WQjn1NG7ZhMnTZcnS64_C3jt1Jb_nQ2I6yjumRkc78hh_LmznqkcYWcOraT0i3KtO9kyJfjiotX0ft43QpsamVLmpT1klaNj9xfzh2P8PGq7sE/s320/Lola_Bunny_Witch_by_Husck.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Anyway, Paganism isn't Christianity and shouldn't be made into just another flavor of it. For many, it was the doctrine of Christianity that made us leave in the first place. I just hope that this trend ceases before I grow old.<br />
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As always, the Pagan Disclaimer: everyone has the right to their own beliefs and can choose what they want to do and how they practice without harassment or prejudice. Do as you wish, so long as it doesn't trample on the toes of others and deny their rights.<br />
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Interestingly, the Lola Witch picture comes with a pretty cool article on <a href="http://witchywonderland.blogspot.com/2011/06/fluffy-bunny.html">Fluff Bunnies and (a new term for me) Diet Wiccans</a>. Pagans, Fluff Bunnies may be newbies or movie witches or whatever you want to call them, but<i> they are still our brothers and sisters in spirituality</i>. They are still our relatives. We can't discredit them or call them less of a Pagan because of what they believe, and that goes for the pagans I talked about above. Even Christo-Wiccans are still our relatives, despite how I feel about them. I firmly believe we are a family, and we should treat each other as such. Yeah, there is the crazy Uncle Ted who sucks his toes, and Grandma Silky who bakes weed brownies, and Brother Lambert who showers less than a French peasant did (history lesson, French peasants were known to shower only once a year), but they are still family. We should totally chastise and argue and even throw fits, but we should remember that we should spend just as much time congratulating, playing around, and having a merry time with each other. So, all in all, have a good time. <br />
Kitsune Yokaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395855731012641970noreply@blogger.com0