Michele

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!! And...tol' ya. Much love to the whole gang.. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If anyone is thinking of suicide, please reach out one last time. There are people who know and understand that darkness, that never-ceasing pain. People who understand what it's like to sit at the edge of the abyss and feel the pull to slide down into it. There are people who understand, who care more than you'd believe, and who will hold your hand all the way back from the edge. Do not think you are as alone as it seems - there are people all around you who know that blackness intimately, who've fought it...and are willing to help you fight it, too. Call someone. Tell someone. Write a note to a virtual stranger - me - and know that you'll be heard. Reach out one more time...'cause there is help; there is a life after this blackness, there is a way through and there can be happiness again. I know this; and I promise you this, too. Just reach out one more time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I was dreaming the other night; I dreamt I went on a small-ship cruise in the Alaska sound, and that all day, all night there were Orcas swimming 'round the boat. It was the best dream I've had in a long time. I love orcas; there is something amazing about "killer whales"; their song, their familial bonds, and their culture is just fascinating to me. So I cruised the net looking for an old link that I had lost. Sadly, when I found it, I read that there would be no streaming vid/audio for the Johnston Sound research center this year. Huge disappointment. However, I did find the link to see "Shamu" (who isn't really Shamu any more) live in the San Diego Sea World. Link here... And I've also uploaded a few of my favorite orca shots taken at the same stadium. Some day, I'll really go on that small-ship cruise....'til then, I'll satisfy myself with the occasional - or more frequent - visits to Sea World. Enjoy! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Do me a favor; give Lori a giant hug from me, and tell her I think she's a fantastic Mom. As for Dilla, if she is being rambunctious, then she is doing much better; the Doctors will find out what's wrong, and get the treatment she needs. And she'll be the little wonder child she truly is. It's so good to know that she was happy to see the rest of the gang; give all of them a Michele hug (pick up and squeeze gently!), and tell them I love them all. Continuing with the prayers, of course...and thanks for all the updates. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Do NOT teach your pet to flush the toilet. Sure, it sounds fun and pretty handy, too. But it carries one hell of a risk. What? I can hear you say that now. "Michele, you are out of your mind. What risk can there be?" Ah, well. Not to the pet, per se, but to YOU. Simon, the genius devil spawn from darkest hell cat, apparently learned how to flush my potty. Not that he used it, no...but he could flush it. At about 2 am one dark, cold night, I discovered this. I woke to the sound of the toilet flushing...laying there, in the dark and cold, woken from a sound sleep by water swishing, it can get really interesting in your head. I was on my feet quietly but quickly, before I had processed the likelihood of a burglar, rapist or murderer using my potty before he got to work on his dastardly deed...I crept down the hall, and peered around the slightly opened door of the bathroom...and there was Simon, both paws on the flusher thing, looking at me with great innocence and fun. See, the risk isn't to the pet; rather, it's to you, of having a massive heart attack at 2 am. As for visitors, there is no private peeing in my house. There is always at least one cat in the potty with me...'cause they know I'm somewhat captive at that point, and have to pet them. Well, except for Simon; he just likes to flush the toilet. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry, John. B/C/I=Burma, China, India theatre in WW2. One of the least talked about theatres. Ever seen the movie "Merrill's Mauraders"? "Bridge over the River Kwai"? Those were about B/C/I... Dad, at 19 years old, coming from New York City, enlisted Decemeber 8, 1941. As he tells it, he'd seen trees, but they grew from concrete squares in the streets - never had he seen a jungle, let alone a copse of trees; had not seen a snake except in the zoo, and the only cats he knew roamed the streets of his area...and yet, there he was, in India. He speaks not simply of the war, but of the culture differences and the environmental differences, which were huge and challenging. It was an experience to be sure...and he was able to come home, unlike some of the others he served with, as well as most of a regiment of British soldiers he and his unit were working with. He says those were "the bloody days," and won't talk about it much. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Again, Bob, as is echoed throughout this thread, your love for her lit her up, made her shine, and brightened the world. And her love for you was - and remains - endless. It is the eternal gift, the one thing which survives through time and space; where other things fade or change or disappear, honest, pure love does not. It remains, a beacon of hope, faith, and joy to help tide you through the rough spots in your grief. In the midst of your grief, then, remember that you are eternally, perfectly loved; that your love for her allowed her a different world; that her love for you allows you now to be comforted. Be easy; and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My continued love and prayers to everyone, including the other three...give a hug to Lori for me, and tell Deeeeeeeela that she needs to get better soon 'cause she's worrying me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Vibes and prayers for you, Dave. May your grandma's passing be easy, quick, and without fear; and may your loss be tempered by the joy you had knowing her. I am having a rough time with all the loss lately; and I know how hard it is to say Good bye. You're in my prayers, and I am thankful that you were able to get up to be with her at this time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Love on Dilla for me, and know that my prayers are being sent. She will be fine - she's such a darling one...and a fighter! So rest in the Promises you know to be true, and also know that many are praying and vibing for you, her, and Lori. Hang tight - and please update us as you can. And yes, it will stop. In time. As someone else said, this time isn't something we can go around, so we must just go through. What comfort is there is knowing that you're surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones...and we're all going through together. Love you- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My father fought in the B/C/I. Doesn't talk about it too much, except on rare occasions. Very, very tough circumstances; was wounded, and permanently disabled... and once flew over the Himalayas to China at one point, strapped on a bail out rig and the engines went out...but never jumped; an engine came back on in time. Found a snake sitting on his chest one night when he fell asleep on watch, and once woke up to find a black leopard licking his face. In B/C/I, things could get you that weren't even the "enemy," and you had wet, stinky feet all the time... I thanked him again for his service, when I saw him today. He hugged me. And I was glad I thanked him. The light in his eyes was special and perfect, and will be remembered for a very long time. Thanks to all who have served, all who are serving, and all who will serve. Thank you. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

me...

She is. She is completely at peace. Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

For one of the first times ever, I'm struggling with something to say. All I know now is that Shannon was all about love and fun and laughter; and to get there, it seems, I need to cry a lot about this. But I have this strange mental image of her meeting St. Pete at the Pearly Gates, screaming she's a dirty pirate whore, what the hell was she doing there!!! And where was the wine, anyway? Fly, girl. Fly, swoop, chase the clouds, dance on raindrops and sing aloud. Know that your leaving has left a space in us, that will, in time be filled with memories; but for right now, it's a gaping wound that only tears and grief fill. Love you, Shannon. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Geezus. I got a note from her the other day; she was so excited and happy to be doing this. I am breaking apart right now... Vibes and many, many prayers to her family and fiance. Know that she loved - was passionate about - all of you; spoke of you often and was finding the love she had for all of you returned a thousand-fold. She will be missed desperately, and we know your loss. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to pm any one of us. We will make sure you all get whatever you need. Blue skies, our silly happy love - blue skies. Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I don't think there's such an issue with overpopulation vis-a-vis threatened, vulnerable, and endangered species. As for big game "trophy" hunting, I think that is atrocious as well. Hunt plentiful species for food? Sure...but not to just say "yeah, I rock! I killed that Grizzly from 400 yards away with a sniper rifle...ain't I grand!!!". And I don't care what nationality the "trophy" hunters are; it's unnecessary, creates an imbalance in the local environment, and I'd much rather see the breeding target those species on the edge of extinction. Just my views though... ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Morning, Richards. I didn't think you were suggesting we should...I just hit your post to reply to as it was the last in the line. Sorry if you thought I was bonking you. Not in the least. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Absolutely not. Once an animal is placed on the vulnerable list, I think that any hunting should be harshly punished. Yes, even those who do it as a tradition...because if the animal disappears, they won't have the tradition anyway! Certain animals traditionally hunted, such as whales, have a long gestation period and in the humpback population, records show that there is a 66% chance of survival of the calf once it's born. That means 1 out of 3 die. Which means that the population will grow very, very slowly. It takes two to have a baby. Two of three survive. One female can have several calves over time, but will it be enough to replace her and the father, and still grow the population one more so there is growth rather than stasis? The cycle is a hard, hard one to break, and will take decades to repopulate from the early 19th century hunting, but it's happening. Same thing with, say, Great Whites. It is unknown how long the gestation is, and it is also unknown it's survival rate of live young. Because of that, and because the repopulation has not occurred *(although there might be other reasons for that, such as the solitary aspect of the animal makes it hard to know for sure, et cetera), killing them - especially just for fins - makes it a potential issue. Once you take out the apex predators, there will be enormous repercussions down the line... Same with rhinos, tigers (especially Sumatran), and elephants. Hunting is the primary reason for extinction...and thus the creation of vulnerable/threatened/endangered lists. And they should be absolutely honored and respected. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFL. See, that doesn't work either. Know how I know? I rescued a cat last year that lived with a 4 year old pit. Took a while to trap her (2 weeks), as she had been left behind when the tenants moved...and they didn't bother to take her along...like they did with the dog. I met the dog; very docile and loving, and so this cat likely was alpha animal at that house. Well, the tenants were the animals, but whatever. It took me a while to get Abby to relax and realize no fighting was needed here; she never scratched people, but two of my other cats had good solid bloody scratches...now, just over 7 months later, she fits in just fine. She's a sweetheart, in fact. Not having to fight to stay alive does wonders for animals...and people, for that matter. So no, Pits aren't the answer either. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

***I don't know what it means but Smokey read it and couldn't stop laughing for 5 minutes... it must have been a good one...[/quote} Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Green grapes...crisp, cold, juicy green grapes. Cantaloupe...with a bit of salt on it. All berries...love them. Nectarines...delightful. Summer fruit...yummy! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed to a point. I disagree that it's good to have any animal fear you. Respect you? Absolutely, you're the Alpha. Obey you? Of course. Be socialized properly? Well, that's a whole 'nother topic altogether. Hitting is not good. The reason pushing the finger/hand farther into the mouth is that the reaction of the animal will be to back off...and it will also associate, over repeated events, that when they put their teeth on you, it results in them getting your hand in their mouth farther than is comfortable. It doesn't carry the same risk to the cat's nerve endings the same way repeated bops might. It doesn't instill fear in the cat. And it most certainly is an extremely effective way to stop it's biting. The reason I tend to hesitate to use fear tactics is that most of the cats I've ever known have this weird tendancy to retaliate. They don't like being scared...so they can - and often do - retaliate in ways that are uber-unpleasant, but are associated in establishing heirarchy. Peeing, spraying, and pooping inappropriately are all ways cats use to re-establish their dominance. And if it's you they're trying to re-establish dominance on, it's very likely you'll crawl into bed and into a puddle of kitty urine. Not at all an enjoyable event...and it can be a really self-defeating cycle. So, during rehabbing and/or resocialization, when working with a cat that bites, I tend to use the methods above - fingers farther in, and then replacement of target. It's a very natural behavior for a cat; it's just not acceptable to be the target of that behavior. So re-direction is a vital aspect of behavior correction if it's natural and normal behavior, like biting at under a year old. BTW. Simon added the following: "/*ygfadfzr". I don't quite know what it means, but he thought it was important enough to walk the keyboard for, so pay strict attention. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Apparently, Orca can, and do, kill great whites. So I'll not go swimming with alligators, sharks, or orca...thanks. Make mine a pool! (except I used to be terrified that sharks and 'gators could come up through the drain..... Yes, I was young...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Those damned flying monkeys. I'd scream, run from the den into the bathroom, hide in the tub with all the available towels on top of me. Terrified me no end...thus I never saw the end of the movie until I was able to handle the monkeys...and neither did Dad. He'd take me out of the tub, remind me it was make believe, and then read to me in the bedroom until I went to sleep. LOL! But the other most scary creature(s) were the Night of the Living Dead zombies. I only saw that movie once, and only until the zombies were out in force. Couldn't handle it, and I was older then. Just couldn't handle it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOLing at you... Thanks for the compliment...I appreciate it! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~