Amethyst's Offerings

I cried today for you my friend,
soft tears of sorrow for your pain…
I cried for all your anguish and loss,
and for your cherished thoughts.

I cried today for you my friend,
I was there in spirit to hold you close
as I felt all the tears you held inside
as you did what had to be done.

I cried for you today my friend,
for all the things that could have been
and yet, were not
for a lifetime of love, sometimes bittersweet
ahh..the memories.

I cried today for you my friend,
out of love and concern
for your well-being. And the hopes
that somehow you felt my presence
and know that you are loved.

8/5/08 Shae mcQuoid

 

 

I wrote this for a friend who was dealing with a death in the family, but I released it again today for those who also have a need to hear words from those who care.

RING!!!!!! “Oh Jebus”, I groan to myself.  “AGAIN?”.  I roll over in bed and instinctively look in the darkest corner and see two shapes this time.  One I know extremely well, and the other that is beginning to annoy the hell out of me.  “WHAT do you want now, and why did you bring reinforcements?” I ask non too nicely.  The elf chuckles and speaks to his companion, “George this charge of yours is more than a little snarky when awakened.  No wonder you like her”.  George looks at me a bit pointedly as if to say “straighten up cher, there are things to be done”.  I comply and soften the tone of my voice…a little.  “The question still stands”, I say to the elf.  “What do you want, and why is George with you”?  The elf bows to me and does the unexpected.  “My apologies for awakening you, Madame, but I’ve been busy and could not come at an earlier time”.  Yeah, my jaw almost hit the floor, since majority of those who come do not offer apology nor explanation. Recovering somewhat, I wait patiently.  “You remember we spoke about your definition of love last we met?”, asked the elf.  “I remember” I tell him.  “Tonight I want to ask about family and what that is”, he tells me.  I look over at George as if to say “seriously?”, but he has seemingly  have decided to take a nap in the corner.  I look at the elf who has removed his hood to stand before me.  He is as I remember yet maybe a little taller somehow.  “I don’t frighten you”…it was more statement than question.  “I’m not sure I have enough common sense to be afraid”, I tell him laughingly.  He also laughs.  “I think you’ve fought so hard becoming who you are that you choose to not show fear”, he tells me.  “It’s a nice theory” I reply, to which he laughs again.  “The sarcasm is a good defense for you..keeps all those who don’t look close at the real you on the outside”.  “So those who do get inside that wall, would they fit your definition of family?” I smile, and tell him that yes I guess they would.  “So family is not all about the blood” he asks?  I sigh…”family by blood relation often disappoints us”, I tell him,”they are close enough to us in our daily lives that they have power to shift us off balance.  Those that we add to our ranks, friends that accept us for who we are, warts and all and still accept us anyway, those are cherished and are, in my world..family.  A tribe that has each other’s back, their best interest at heart, and can chide or cajole one another into pushing ourselves to grow”.  “L’amour est plus fort que le sang”, he asks? “Oui”, I tell him.  “Love is indeed stronger than blood”.  “It nourishes us and helps us find balance when we have to deal with the cruelties of our mundane world”.  “I am learning that” says the elf.  “I am having to push aside old fears and learn the complexities of family, the ones I have made into a family of sorts”.  He seats himself beside me on the bed as he muses to himself.  I say nothing but listen and watch.  “Family  by blood has power of a sort to heal and harm, and yet they exert it as they will without rhyme or reason at times, while those who we’ve made into family also have that power and often do not step across that line, but are more apt to reach out to heal instead of harm”.  “Would that be correct”, he asks me suddenly as if he’s just noticed that I am still here.  “I have found it to be that way” I tell him softly.  He nods.  “I thank you cher, for your patience, and your insight.  I will speak with you again I am sure” he smiles.  I smile as well, knowing full well that it will most likely be in the dead of night and I will be as cranky as ever. The elf stands, seemingly to have grown still, so I find myself looking upwards at him.  He bows once more, turns to George who now has shaken the cobwebs off and is preparing to leave.  George turns to look at me before they depart, and smiles and touches my face.”Vous êtes aimé un peu”.  I smile and bid them both goodby.  Laying back on the pillows, I think over both this conversation as well as the previous one.  Knowing that the questions asked of me are things I have already learned, I am curious as to whom they are really for.  Ah well, maybe that’s for a later midnight visit.  chuckling to myself, I snuggle back among the covers and fall into a deep, restful sleep…one without dreams.

I’m perusing the feeds on Facebook today since although I am off and should have slept in, I am awake.  Reason?  The Princess feels that I am to spend time with her and see her off for her day when I am home…and I enjoy our time together, so I get up.  Sometimes I go back to bed for a bit, but  today, I settled in with a cup of coffee and some reading of status’s from others.  Some make me chuckle at their humor, others make me read further into links posted, still others make me shake my head at the lack of common sense.  For instance, one status that combines both a link and lack of common sense is from someone who posted  link from natural news on the revamping of the definition of rape by the FBI.  http://www.naturalnews.com/034354_FBI_rape_definition.html

It basically says:”Rape” is:…penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”  Effective next year.  Yet the link goes off on a rant on the TSA and why nobody from NOW is going off on the invasive rape of those choosing to fly.  Apparently the author had a bad experience, and has decided that such screenings made up from the horror of 9/11 constitutes rape.  I’m guessing they forgot the words “without consent of the victim”…When one chooses to fly, they also accept the rules and regulations of said screenings as the norm at being able to do so before boarding a plane.  I know its flawed, most systems are.  But after watching planes go down, and destroy lives and security of this country, it’s more of a “better safe than sorry” kind of thing.  A little common sense and a balanced view of what rape is and isn’t would be more prudent for this author IMHO.  Rape isn’t about sex, but about power and control, and satisfying perverse desires.  Not people being overly ambitious in how they do their jobs before they allow one to get on a freaking plane.

 

Now on to the next one….someone posted about  not being able to join a church because their spouse had been married previously.  Now according to many churches dogma , one is considered to be committing ADULTERY if one marries, divorces, remarries.  So the church won’t allow  people to join their rolls claiming to be a member, yet one is free to come and worship and give your money(especially that).    Now I know they have their rules, after all that is one of their main tenets..rules and laws that one must follow..all man made of course because as I understand it(and I could be wrong cause what the fuck do I know from following such a path for years only to walk away and make one for myself?)..apparently the only charge put forth by Jesus…the head honcho as it were, for those calling themselves by his name…is that LOVE is the be all end all of what one is to use as a yardstick.  Now I am no expert by any means, but it seems to me that a great many , sitting on judgmental rules committees of said churches seem to be cutting off their nose to spite their face.  Nobody is perfect, and some who marry early do not even get the concept of what true love really is, so its common for it to play out as one ages.  And truly, who has the right to say they can’t claim a label when we all are far from perfection?  And what of those who want to join said church?  WHY? What about it would add anything to your walk with god?  To be able to lay claim that you are a (insert denomination here)gets you where exactly?  For me labels are divisive more than inclusive and tend to give some feelings of superiority that they are correct in their narrow-minded beliefs that theirs is the only way to achieve salvation/ascension.  Too constraining for me, which is why I can no longer walk that path, but do respect those who find it suits them.  I am just not a fan of rules man sets down and yet uses those same rules to exclude those who would be an asset to their community.  So for those who feel the need to set themselves up to join those exclusive little cliques…be sure its what you need in life..not just conforming to the status quo.  God finds you where you are no matter the path you are on or the one(s) you deal with on a daily basis.  It’s about being true to who you are and learning to love what is within.  Not what others demand you to be.

 

I’m often amused, aggravated, bewildered, but always entertained by the status left in the feeds.  Which is appropriate I guess since it is social networking after all.

 

PEACE OUT

It’s easy enough to whine about not having..especially in this time of  unemployment, colder weather, distance between people we care about.  And yet, as one lifts our head from our present situation to observe our surroundings, we see people who are losing their homes,and cannot afford to feed their families. Their children are asking Santa for basic necessities instead of their endless list of toys for Christmas.  We may not live in the grandest of homes, have jobs that are fulfilling to us other than they pay the bills(mostly), but as I look at my tree that is full to the gills with gifts for Brae(have mailed the other little people their things), and know what is on her list that she has asked Santa for and what is sure to show up in the living room…it is embarrassing really to know that one little girl is so blessed that she has more than her share.  I do not regret that really, because I never want her to know what its like to go without, nor do I ever want her to realize that life isnt always fair, she will learn that soon enough as she grows and learns her own lessons.  What I do want her to learn is that she is blessed by people who love her, who will do whatever it takes to protect her, provide for her and yes, spoil her because she is a priceless gift.  I also want her to know that others are not so fortunate.  The news is inundated with stories of children harmed by others, losing their young lives because of others selfish acts of violence.  I want her to know that this time of year is touted as one of love and compassion, but that we should show that to fellow human beings all year round.  I want her to know that its ok to want to kick someone ass for hurting others, that its ok to show sympathy for those who cry and to empathize with those who feel they dont fit in.  I too, forget to tell those around me what they mean to me, which is a shame really because they are an important part of my life.  They don’t realize their importance in my day sometimes, for which I am to blame because I neglect to speak up.  I am blessed beyond belief, with family, friends,work, and if I am neglectful to tell you all who grace my life…consider this my missive of thanks for all you do.

 

PEACE OUT

It’s been a long ass week for me.  I’ve been off work for almost 5  wks, so getting back into the routine is little hard on these aged bones of mine.  If I was back in my 20’s might not be so hard I think…Anyway, with  the work and  the familial duties, are endless loads of laundry that a small child creates, house to clean, dishes to wash, and lest we forget the extra curricular activities that come with this holiday season.  The princess is involved in some outside things so off we go.  Sleep falls way down on my list of things to do, so when I get the opportunity to do so, I take it.  So I’ve finally gotten the princess to bed, and I have laid myself down.  Dark falls and my eyes close.  I’m finally falling into a blissful sleep, when suddenly I hear ~RING! RING!~ wha? Where the hell is the noise coming from? I think I am awake, and as I look around the room, all I see is darkness…shaking my head, I burrow back down into the covers and once again close my eyes.  ~RING! RING!~ Ok..THAT is definitely some sort of bell.  Once again I open my eyes .  “Wakey wakey”, says a sarcastic voice.  I look and there in the corner  he stands.  I would call him an elf, because of his stature, but he looks nothing like the mythological ones depicted this time of year, but instead stands robed in some sort of hooded robe and all I can see really is his dark red eyes peering out at me in the darkness.   “What the hell do you want and why are you waking me up”, I snarl.  Yeah, am not the most pleasant of beasts when awakened prematurely.  He laughs.  “Don’t like the bells?”, he asks..”are they not part of this time of year?”.  In who’s world I wonder.  “Yeah”, I say.  “If one is singing a carol like I heard the bells of christmas ring, their old familiar carols play, mild and sweet their songs repeat, of peace on earth goodwill to men”. ” Or if one is passing by stores and see the bell ringers of an organization who professes that love and goodwill yet is prejudiced against those who either live outside their biblical beliefs or dogma.  ” The “elf” man laughs.  “They did tell me to expect a certain amount of sarcasm, but I’m inclined to believe that they might not have given me a full picture”.  “Who the fuck are they, and why did they send you here?” I ask.  “”You know who they are ” he snarls at me.  “And they sent me to speak with you”.  “Your timing sucks ass”  I tell him.  “I’m tired and not in the mood to hang out with one who finds it funny to ring fucking bells in my ear”.   I’m not at my best being awakened rudely so probably if I was more alert I might have thought about whom I might be speaking with, but that thought never occurs to me.  Suddenly he chuckles.  “I can see why you have been entrusted with truth”, he says.  “They chose well”.  Fine…I think…they  chose well..for what I’m not inclined to think about at the moment.  “So why are you here”? I ask, just barely maintaining some sort of civility, because after all, I am damned tired.
“I came to speak to you about love” he tells me.  “WHAT!?!?!?” “You wake me out of a blissful sleep that I so desperately need  to speak to me about a human concept that the majority of people wandering around have no clue as to what really is?” I ask him incredulously.  “You know” he tells me.  “Fine..let’s get it over with”.  I say.  “Are you asking or telling me?”  “I’m asking you for your definition” he says.  FFS I think to myself.  I am awakened by a bell ringing elf otherkin(only description I can call upon) to explain what the hell love is.  “Is there a reason for this?”, I ask him.  “There is” he says”.  I sit waiting for the explanation, but there is nothing forthcoming .  I sigh heavily, and begin.  “Love for me, in my opinion, is a verb..meant to be put into action.  Without acting upon the feelings one feels for others or for one’s self then it becomes merely yet another word in the english language that has lost value and is purely lip service.”  “So are there great things required for this action?”he asks.  “Not always”, I tell him.  “Sometimes nothing more than being there for a friend to vent is a way of showing love”.  “And yet, it is a sacrifice of sorts, is it not”, he asks again.  “I guess that is one way to look at it”, I tell him.  “Let me see if I understand you.  You feel that if one does nothing to back up the words of love spoken, then its not truly love, correct?” “correct”.  He pushes back the hood, and I get a glimpse in the shadows of a face that seems disfigured, which explains his penchant for shadows perhaps.  I see a smile, almost a grimace really upon his face.  “I was told that you love fiercely, those that you feel belong to you”, he begins.  “I can see now why they sent me to speak with you”.  He chuckles.  “Thank you for speaking with me and giving me your opinion”.  He bows.  “I will let you go back to sleep now”.  And with that, the room is yet again clothed in total darkness.  I shake my head, then begin to once again burrow back into the bedcovers and find that sweet spot that provides deep release from the mundane plane of awakening, thinking as I do so, that it would depend upon whom one asks if that is really true for one learns many things while supposedly asleep.  I smile, then drift away.  To sleep.  Definitely.  Not. to. Dream.

I’ve been running a lot as of late.  The princess is involved in Girl Scouts, a worthwhile community service group that exposes her to other girls,  and gets her involved in the thinking of others(always a good thing).  So since most in this area celebrate Christmas, I too, am involved in that preparation.  It’s not that I mind it, because gifts, food, parties have always been part of our home if not the celebration of what many project this season is about.  Many pagans also celebrate Christmas, some because they like it, others because many of us come to this path late and have been inundated since we were children and have come to expect it.  Nothing wrong with that, although if one listens to the faith that claims this time of year, it amounts to sacrilege  at not “worshiping” their deity.  Solstice which happens near the time of year, was a time for slaughtering the animals(so they didn’t have to be fed during the winter…very practical), the last feast of the year was had among friends, family before the long cold winter months set in and everyone was disconnected by harsh weather, famine…so too does the celebrations of Christmas happen, when we feel more charitable toward others, giving, sharing of ourselves, food, host parties, connect with family and friends.  Lot of love and happiness spread around right?  One would think so.  So why am I constantly hearing of people stealing from others, loud harsh judgments of people , based upon their lack of sheepish behavior at their lack of immersion in the whole “oh holy night” scenario.  Why get bent out of shape at that? One needs to be concerned with their own salvation..and yeah, that occurs even on pagan path, although probably not the way others might think.  We need to know who we are to grow and learn to love ourselves ..so for me, that is salvation of a sort.    I’ve seen too many on secular path who follow blindly without knowing why they do so, or even liking themselves very much, let alone loving themselves.  They are quick to point out the flaws they see, never seeing what they project to others.  So how can one love others if  they cannot find it with themselves.  I use this part of year for introspection, revamping, culling, of people, things, parts of path….sometimes it is painful, othertimes, not so much.  The thing I prefer to remember this time of year though is about love..it’s shown in the gifts I give, comments I may make, things I show others.  I don’t work this time of the year..mainly because I am usually way too busy running for school functions from when mine were younger and now for the little people.  I concentrate on what is within me rather than what others expect of me, and besides, in my house, there are always candles lit ~smiles~.  So why celebrate?  Think of it as a sloughing off of all that has built up over the year…things that might need tweaking, building upon.  this is that last hurrah before we pull inside ourselves and do a little seeking..an isolation if you will from all that would distract us.  The dark days of winter are traditionally barren, but nature isn’t still by any means.  While she slumbers, new leaves are being born within the branches, animals gaining strength for the coming season of rebirth.  So too, do we also need to experience that.  For me, this is the real reason for the season.  I choose to appreciate the starkness of self, the quietness of being alone, the building of new avenues of self, of my path, to cherish what I have achieved, and anticipate what is to come.

I’ve been privy to some talk lately about when, how and where to share the inner workings of one’s path.  The general consensus of many who know their shit is that they don’t.  It’s not that they (or I) want to keep people from knowing exactly, but it’s more of a “I worked damned hard to get here, and so should you” kind of thing.  Too many fluff wander around from group to group, forum to forum gathering up others advice, workings, knowledge and use it in asinine, irresponsible ways, without giving credit where its due.  Sometimes people give out something to help others without expecting any type or remuneration and that’s fine, but for others to grab it and run with it like it’s their bone..that is just wrong.  I’ve seen people ask “what are the best magic(k)al forums”…Well..that depends on what one is looking for I guess.  If you are seeking  people who are knowledgeable in their path and who will speak on things to help guide others find the information they seek, then those might be a little on the rare side.  There are those groups who have people who will offer discourse on every topic under the sun, and yet do not practice magic(at least not in a recognizable form)..if that is what you seek, there are plentiful.  Then you have those who post and every spell, prayer, working known to man  and lay it out there for any and everybody to scarf up and that is reckless and  ignorant to say the least.  Magical workings without the required experience and knowledge can lead to hugs problems, both for the practitioner as well as for those who come into contact with that energy.  So back to the original query.  To share or not?  From my personal perspective, I have no problems sharing with a select few that I know are responsible enough to handle the information and use it as it works for them.  I have learned from personal experience though to not offer that on a public forum.  Why?  well, because I learned it, its my work, and sometimes things that work for me will not work for others.  Just because I had success doing something one way, doesn’t mean others will.  For me, the knowing of when and where as well as the what to share is a sign of maturity in one’s path.  We all go through phases where we do stupid things and give way too much of ourselves and pay the price for it.  It’s often a hard learned lesson, but learn from it we do.  Or at least some of us do.  I’ve seen some continue to be seemingly oblivious as to how they are being used by others for their own personal gain.  I know its a personal decision, but for me, it’s a no-brainer.  Unless I know you well, or know the path you walk..you probably won’t be privy to anything I know, not even what elements make up my path.  It’s best for all concerned..mainly me, possibly you…but eventually all.  Enjoy your journey.

Today it rains.

Cold, wet, falling

as if a bucket has been dumped from the heavens

Dark skies, winds cutting right through me

as if the sword it wields holds power to cut me in half.

 

Today it rains

My body curses it with all it holds

inside its shell

Pain exudes like the nerves are a light

emanating from my inner being.

 

Today  it rains

and I am not a fan.

 

 

It always seems that people have a way of defining others.  I understand that to label others  is a reference point, so that one can either decide who we are in relation to their world.  What I don’t understand and probably never will is why they want to force others to fit into a round hole when they are clearly the square peg.  I’ve read others blogs and see the comments from some who’s only reply in amongst all their blah blah blah is “you need to join a group”.  Fuck that shit! Why and where does it say somewhere that one “must” do this?  I understand that in  the sometimes madness of our path, the magic, the finding of ourselves and trying to walk in a balanced manner, we can seem a little out there , different from the “norm” and even from others that walk a similar path.   But to join just to be included?  I think not.   So why do we join groups? Some do so because it feels “safer”..They can let the “higher ups” take the heat from society, and when they have no clue which way to walk, they can be pointed in the “right” direction.  Yeah I know I’m putting all these in quotation marks..it’s because I’m full of snark,lol.  That type of philosophy doesn’t apply just to the pagan people.  It also falls within those who are considered mainstream faiths.  The one behind the pulpit or considered leaders in the community make all the “rules” sling the dogma and doctrine so that all one has to do is put their nose upon the ass of the one in front of you and follow the smell of the bullshit.  Doesn’t matter the group.  One becomes a sheeple if that is the mode you take and refuse to question and seek for yourself.  I much prefer the solitary road of my path.  I seek out knowledge, from various places, surround myself with a cor group of friends in which to spin things, then take it and apply it when and where it works for me.  How hard is that to understand?  Apparently it is for many.  they just cannot wrap their head around why someone would not want to “join” a group.  I’ll explain it to them..even cut down on some high dollar words and not try to slip them any kool-aid….Most groups are lock-stepped in their thinking.  One must conform to teachings of theologies, doctrines, dogma, beliefs.  In a sense Stepford Witches.   Where does that leave wiggle room for an independent thought process? Answer is simple..it doesn’t.  I know many who don’t follow the complete teachings of a particular faith, and yet espouse it all the time…but my question is ..does that make them a ___fill in your fav faith here__, or has one changed it?  Lot of room for debate there depending upon whom one wants to ask.  I choose not to define myself by a particular label.  Witch I like..has lot of connotations that scare the bejesus out of others, and makes others raise their eyebrows~grins~…pagan will do since it is just descriptive…HUMAN is perfect because I am…weak, frail, strong, able..all and everything and yet nothing more than simple being.  Living in a small southern town, I try not to hide who I am..but don’t make a habit of being “in your face” with my path because hey, southern living can be more biblical than the holy land if you catch my drift..Full of those who are sincere and want to pray for my soul, and those who are full of shit because they need to sweep out the piles of feces in their own lives before daring to suggest others need to do so.  In actuality, they are both a bit misguided because I don’t need saving and I’ll bet that I am more closer to walking as their Jesus said to do than they are since I choose to help others, treat people with respect(no matter what path they walk),and refuse to judge others by what I think they should be.  It’s not just those in secular paths that do this however, and that can be a bit more puzzling to me.  One I understand where their thinking comes from, anything outside the “norm” is “wrong”, but for those that walk outside in similar fashion also judge the same way.  Why is that?  I would think that  they would acknowledge that while its different than theirs, it is still  acceptable because it belongs to you…Doesn’t always work that way because they still using some archaic yardstick in which to judge others.  Newsflash asshats….YOU do NOT define who I am, what I believe or how I live.  I get to do that.  So accept that, or move the fuck on.  Makes no difference to me which one you choose to do.  As long as you do it and do so NOW.  I refuse to answer for my beliefs, join a group because it’s “safer”(for whom  is probably debatable), nor will I justify my reasoning for you or anyone else.  My life, any part of it, is not up for discussion/dissection by you or anyone else…I get to choose…it’s why I am smiling at the scowl on your face now…My life, my choice…it is what it is..your approval is not needed nor accepted.

 

PEACE OUT

This is the time of the year when people’s minds and hearts turn to celebrating holidays of their particular paths.  For the Jews, its Hannukah, Kwanzaa for African-Americans, Christmas for the Christians, and Yule for those of a pagan persuasion.  Some people celebrate combinations of any and all of those just listed..candles, certain foods, gifts.  But in the midst of all this I keep hearing rhetoric(from all sides) about who’s holiday is correct and should be celebrated.  In truth, this time of year would definitely have a pagan bent(if one is going to use the term to mean one not walking an abrahamic faith), celebrated thousands of years before the church added it as a celebration of christ’s birth. In 324A.D., Justinian the emperor of Rome(A.D. 527-565), recognized it as an official holiday, “Dies Natali Invictus”, the birthday of the unconquered sun, the day of winter solstice, end of Saturnalia.  Amazingly enough the church also claimed this date as Christ’s birthday “christ mass” in order to sway the heathen into falling into line and joining the church reform.   Yet still some of the pagan beliefs are still tied with the date, with the evergreen tree, gift giving, family togetherness with food, celebrations.  So why is it that people get so bent out of shape if one is wished “merry christmas” or “happy holidays”, or the fact that politically correct people try to incorporate all faiths in the symbols of the season?  Personally I think its because some get too wrapped up in false teachings.  They don’t do the research about what traditions started where or why, nor are they willing to concede that they might not be correct in their dogma.  One faith feels that the date belongs to just them so I hear religious rhetoric from many..leaves me shaking my head.  Whatever one is wished in the spirit of the holiday could you not just accept it as such without making a federal case over it?  Doers it really have to be an exact sentiment?  I always think of this time of year as a time of peace…the days are shorter, the nights longer so family is gathered in closer. One finds ways to be creative in being tied to the house due to weather, so can concentrate on things that we often let slide when the outdoors calls us.  I love gifting to others, seeing the look on their faces when they open what I have given, knowing that I took time to consider them as a person.  Is this time religious?  No, because I am not a religious person..I am however a spiritual person, and that is something I carry with me 365 days of the year.  See, for me, its not about saying the “correct” saying when I wish someone good cheer during the holiday season…its about that spiritual connection of the season, the warmth that I carry with me for the coming year.  It’s about caring about myself, checking the path I walk, making sure that it feels like it fits well on my shoulders, tweaking it some as I move and grow.  Too often people wrap their cloaks of religious beliefs around them as if it keeps them “safe” from being coerced into believing in another’s faith, but that is ludicrous.  If one believes in a set path, then how is one person’s greeting that may be different than  what you say going to cause you harm?  If you truly walk the walk and its not all religious dogma that spews out of your mouth, rhetoric that you repeat verbatim, then you have nothing to worry about.    Religious beliefs are guaranteed by the constitution..an inalienable right that the forefathers of this country believed in deeply, and I believe they would be deeply saddened that one faith demands that they are the ones that get to dictate  how holidays are celebrated.  It’s about respect..for one and all.  So the next time you are inclined to have a knee jerk reaction to what someone does or does not say to you this holiday season…check yourself and ask yourself why…the real reason..not some crap you hear from someone’s pulpit, not some tale from long ago, based upon someone’s skewed version of history..but the real reason it unsettles you.  When you can do that..shut the fuck up, accept it in the spirit it was given and move the hell on with buying your gifts, baking special goodies, and the thousand of other chores you dream up for yourself.

 

PEACE OUT