Michele

Hi, Jumpjunkie. Biting cats are issues, no doubt. Especially because a cat bite which breaks the skin can get very badly infected very quickly - including housecat bites. I ended up with a very bad infection from a bite right next to my right eye because of one bite from an upset cat that I still own; 'twas my fault totally...but now I've learned, and so has she, that biting is not an option. First, a few "don'ts". Don't smack them - however gently - with anything. There are incredible numbers of nerve endings in a cat's face, near/on/by their nose; if they get damaged (and that's not hard to do...surprisingly easy, as a matter of fact), the cat will have issues scenting, moving in the dark, and so on. Don't swat the nose at all...not simply because of the above, but also because that's fighting behavior for cats. When my cats tussle, often scratches can be found on their nose. So your hand (to a cat, your paw) being used to strike tends to make them think they're being attacked (they are), and will react appropriately (for a cat, that's biting and scratching...). Do: when the cat is playing - and doesn't have a good grip at all on your finger/hand, push your hand INTO their mouths (not far, and not fast...you don't want to hurt/choke). They hate that...and it is an effective deterrant as they almost immediately try to back off from the intrusion. It takes a few times, but they get the message. I've done this effectively with Simon, who's a biter, and now when he bites (during rough play sessions), he doesn't bite hard...'cause he knows what's going to happen. Do: Have a toy they can bite, rabbit kick, scratch, and wrestle with next to you when you think kitty is going to bite. When he bites, and you've done the hand thing, give them the toy to fight with. Move it around, and make it an inviting target...and they will soon switch from biting you to biting it. Make the toy larger, but not bigger than them - about the size of your hand; and don't make it one of those catnip toys; that would be rewarding behavior with 'nip, and what you're trying to do is divert the behavior towards an appropriate object. DO: stop playing/interacting immediately after swapping the toy. Removal of the play will help enforce that this behavior is not appropriate. DO: know what triggers this. With Abby, I only get nipped when she rolls over to her back exposing her belly, and I rub on her belly. She'll grab my arm with both paws, and start nipping my hand. So I don't rub on her belly because that seems to trigger the bite behavior. Your kitty sounds fairly young - biting during play is a very normal behavior, and it's important to temper it to appropriate behavior early. As the kitty gets older, the biting will lessen; but it will never stop unless you work to stop it. Hope this helps...if you have any other feline questions, don't hesitate to ask. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well....no. It would be called a massacre at that point. A massacre of children. And without video, it would be called a massacre of innocent children. That's the issue; and that's likely why they got IED/grenades ('cause they look different than grenades, but who'm I to say...), put on the side of the road, and told "go throw/fight...". Because they didn't think they'd get fired on. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Erm....where's Ori? And the other young'un...Flyingwhatshisname... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Jakee. See, you understand the basic aspect of my post; that I had questions, and they were quite different from Broken's. Different from the outset, inasmuch as some do, in fact, suppose the existence of a diety. They are also more personally directed - more towards inside work, towards understanding things - than his are. What I find funny is that no-where, at all, did I ask anyone to answer my questions. I used them as an example of what sorts of questions I asked, as opposed to what questions he was asking. That is the bottom point in the post. I was not playing the game "you answer mine, I'll answer yours...", and in fact, those to whom I posed those questions - and continue to do so - are far more educated in that then is Broken...and likely anyone else here who tries to answer them. And that's not an insult to anyone; rather, it's like saying if I need canopy advice, I'll go get it from those who are expert in the field, and not rely on what I find on-line. Further, when I was first asking those questions, I was about 12-15, and the internet didn't exist at that time (yes, I'm old...LOL!) Before my post, I had been discussing tolerance, and intolerance. Apparently, the conversation went a different direction, and it's now in a place that I don't necessarily choose to discuss... The intolerace from some people towards those who have a spiritual life is amazing, and sad. It's very much something I'd like to discuss - and not simply christianity, but all faiths. The intolerance that people show towards any people of faith is abhorent, and that freedom is one of the basics of this country; the sociological aspects of intolerance, and of spirituality, rather than the 20 questions direction which appeared. And frankly, I find that rabid fundamentalists of any ilk tend to be boring; there is no room for others' opinions, no acceptance that for someone else, a position is acceptable; and yes, I'm talking about fundamentalists from *any* position...not religious in specific. It's interesting...I've asked Broken on another thread what he had against christianity, and there was no answer. I asked a similar question about that on this thread, i.e. why just attack christianity rather than all religion, and again, there was no answer. And to be honest, unless I understand where a person is coming from, there isn't much discussion to be had; rather, it's more bashing one another over the head with views the other doesn't share, and that gets trite, tedious, and is ultimately useless. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Chuck, I am adding my prayers to the others. It's not easy, fighting for so long; but it's worth it. It's really worth it. Keep fighting, and we'll keep praying, all right? You're not alone. All you need to do is ask those around you - and all of us - for whatever you need or want. We will do our damnedest to make sure you get it. Hang in there...and know that there are lots and lots of people in your corner. Ciels- and hugs! Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As Paj said, your questions - and subsequent responses - are mocking, insincere, and trite. I took you at your word, and tried to pursue a discourse with you. I don't care what you believe or don't. That's your right, and it's fine with me what you chose, ignore, or decide is correct. But I can't, in good faith, continue in the discussion when you are insistent on behaving less than adult-like; I have no doubt you've got reasons for the behavior, but it's not something I will encourage or condone. Further, and just to cut you off at the pass, it isn't because I don't have the answers (but I didn't ask the same questions you did; therefore, I don't have your answers for you...), it's simply because you're not willing to be intellectually honest, refrain from behavior unbecoming an adult, and I won't encourage that. When you've come to your senses a bit about this, perhaps we can revisit it. Until then, thank you for playing, and have a nice day. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Kris. Sorry you got that response from the nun. I had that question, as well, and was given a good answer - and that answer is the one that you quoted; which is to say, that the prohibition of marrying one's close relative wasn't given until later on. 'Course, I was about 10 when I asked it of a Catholic father, so it was a bit watered down for my age...and of course so was the question. Broken says: Actually, those weren't my questions. Mine were - and continue to be extensions of - questions such as: 1. Why is there so much suffering in the world. Shouldn't it all be peaches and cream? 2. What is my reason for being alive? Why am I here? 3. What is your reason for being alive? Have you discovered it? How? 4. How come I believe in God, see His work all around me, and yet still have doubts? 5. How come God would let people suffer in hell (or any religion's particular version of it)? 6. How can I be free and still obey God's laws? And how come the jews have so many laws??? 7. Doesn't science preclude any god, and if not, how not? 8. What is divine guidance? 8a. What is coincidence rather than answered prayer? How do I know the difference? Can I test it? 9. How does God work in my life? How does He know "each hair on my head", and why would He bother? 10. What are Angels, cherubim, and Seraphim? How come I can't see them? 11. Why does God love me? 12. How can I love more? Love even those who've done me wrong; badly, badly wrong? 13. Doesn't forgiveness mean it's o.k. to do it? And if I forgive someone, does that give them permission to do it again, and again? 14. Why is Mary respected in the Catholic religion, but plays a lesser part in other religions? What about the feminine aspect to judeism and christianity? Et cetera and so on. For me, it's far more personal, self-searching...and while that may be selfish, it's all I'm capable of at the moment. Sorry, I don't know why you haven't received answers to your questions. I don't know your answers (they weren't my questions, per se)...and I only know the beginnings of my answers. I did note, however, that you've restricted your questioning to the christian religion. Why is that? Why is it christianity that is only questioned by you, rather than other religions and spirituality? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lisa, the storm is moving almost directly north, as opposed to east as we are used to. So that's why it's sort of stripey, how the rain goes. The low pressure system slipped farther south than they were expecting, so the pattern's a bit off. It's raining gently down now, and it's 1 am. It's not thundering nor has there been any lightening that I could see (granted, I've been inside with the lights on, so who could tell...) I will take everyone's advice and ignore it. The warning, not the advice. I take sleep medication, so I probably won't hear any train, loud car, or fire engines (a station is just up the street...). If I do hear anything, I'll head into the tub... And no, Dave, the sky wasn't any color but grey from about 9 am on...humid and sorta cool for this time of year; maybe 70 during the day, and maybe 60 now...so off to bed I go... Thanks, everyone. Nothing will happen, which is why it's the stupid question of the day... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So, it's supposed to be stormy here tonight. Really. I know, it's the end of May, and it "never" rains in California, but it seems that this year, we're getting some free watering for our lawns. YAY! I went over to the local forecast from Wunderground.com, and read through the special alert. "Flash flood warnings for..blah, yada, et cetera." "Rain heavy at times, producing more than an inch an hour for the following areas et cetera." "...Some of these storms could produce heavy downpours... frequent lightning... small hail... and strong wind gusts over 40 mph. In addition... an isolated waterspout or small tornado is possible... especially across the Los Angeles basin." What? Let's read that part again... "Some of these storms could produce heavy downpours... frequent lightning... small hail... and strong wind gusts over 40 mph. In addition...an isolated waterspout or small tornado is possible... especially across the Los Angeles basin." Wind I can handle. Thunder and lightening? Easy, dodge the panicked cats, and go back to sleep. Heavy downpours are fine, I'm water tight. Small tornado? Like, a tornado wanna be, or a tornado tornado? See, that I dunno about. I've done some quick research; all advice is to get into the bath tub if you don't have a basement. I don't have a basement, but the bath tub? In my house, the bath faces west, with only the bathroom wall between it and the street. So what does one do in that sort of situation? And how does one know it's coming to actually take measures, especially if one's asleep? We don't have alarms for tornados. We get earthquakes. Those, for the most part, I can deal with. But tornados? Yes, I know we get them, but not here...in the desert, or in desolate flat areas. But in Los Angeles? Yikes. Any advice? Suggestions? I realize that this is a very very slight possibility, and that 99.999% chance it won't happen. But still...how weird to see that as the forecast for my area. And unsettling. I almost didn't post this, but I wanted to know from some of you vets how to handle it, should it actually defy the odds and occur. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, Walt...don't worry; I am certain that at some point our paths will intersect, and you'll see what you missed in the traslation... And Lindercles, Walt is too scared of me to lie... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh wow, Walt. Glad to hear both you and he are fine...sounds like an adventure to say the least. BTW, did he say Hi to you from me? Or do I have to paddle his hiney? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Go ahead, be an overexcited parent. My vet rocks. Simon, my adventure loving yet clumsy cat, jumped right into the wall one day. I watched him for a bit, and then picked him up. Dark, discolored gums, and that was all it took. Called the vet, brought him in, and she checked him out...nothing but a bit of swelling and bruising, in the end, as would be expected pounding into the wall...but nothing else. I felt so much better about it. And that made all the difference in the world. So if it will give you peace of mind, it's worth it. And if something did happen, and you hadn't gotten him checked, you'd feel like crud for a long, long time. So take him in...no vet worth their salt will think poorly of you. And good luck...he's not going to have fun passing them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed, Jakee. However, the same also holds true to those who tell others they're under mind control... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Adding my vibes and prayers to the rest, Shari. Heal fast, and heal completely! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Broken. I am not sure at all where you "learned" that it was not o.k to question matters of spirituality. I've been taught the opposite; ask, ask, ask...and then ask some more. Discuss, debate, define, repeat. And then ask more about what you learned from the first asking. At no point - literally never - have I been chastized by God, nuns, priests, rabbis, buddhists, et cetera for asking. I have, instead, been encouraged to do so. I'm sorry your experience isn't the same as mine, but I know what I've experienced, and it's diametrically opposed to what you say. Actually, in regards to scale, you are on one end, as you are as fanatical as those on the other, i.e. Heaven's Gate, Jim Jones, Islamic suicide bombers, and so forth. IIRC, there were many HG members who left the cult before the suicide. Same with Jim Jones. I don't think too many suicide bombers get out, but I'm not sure of that. Dcoes religion fuel false belief, as you say? In your opinion, no. In the opinion of many billions of people, it is not a false belief, but what they stand for. Some as stridently as you, most not. So it is only opinion when you state it's false...just as it's only opinion when it's stated as true. What I am advocating is simply this...that people are allowed to hold their own opinion and have their own experience about religion, spirituality, and God...and not be told that they are under mind control or told they are not open minded, or stupid, or arrogant. It doesn't serve your particular purpose, and frankly, it's getting tedious to hear the same argument over and over, nothing new...nothing different. I don't believe it's the church or synygogue or temples. Rather, the data suggests that there are far fewer people who attend church regularly, who don't believe, and who don't practice a faith on a regular, personal basis than in, say, the 50's. However, crime has risen across the board. Why is that? Dunno. But it would be equally as spurious to blame the christians as it would to blame those who don't attend a christian church (or similar institution of worship). So to claim that it's the Christian church (which, btw, I know many that accept homosexuality as fine, and those who are homosexual are welcome there...) that instigates incidents such as the Matthew Shepard situation is just as wrong as me saying "it's the godless heathens who don't attend church that did it; therefore, all godless heathens are wrong, horrible, and murderous." YAY, we can agree. In this country, we are tolerant of that which is within the law. If there are laws against it, it's likely something we don't tolerate. If there's a bill or an amendment in the Bill of Rights, then likely we should respect that, as that is what this country's based on. And one of the most fundamental rights is freedom of religion. Not freedom from it, freedom of religion. Small word - but monumental difference. It basically means that whatever god you worship, you can do so without persecution. It also means that if your religion is science, meaning that is what you believe in, do it with impunity. Same with atheism, and agnosticism, wiccan, jews, muslims, zoroastrianism, scientology, paganism, and on and on...you get the picture. Which means we, as a country, tolerate religion of choice for everyone...not just those you (or I) happen to personally agree with. And that's a damn fine thing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wasn't that an awful event? Very very sad. Worse, though, was Jim Jones, in Guyana. Mental illness is indeed a horrific malady, and one that is, when it's outcome is this, very sad indeed. If people make decisions with a sound mind, I can't question that, nor should I make judgment. Neither your example nor mine has anything to do with mainstream, everyday religion, spirituality, and life decisions. In that, then, is the difference. Mainstream religion and the outlier groups such as Heaven's Gate, Jim Jones, Om Shinrikyo, and so on. I've been to many churches and synagogues; I don't recall even one suggesting that I suicide. Sorry; I'll take my experience over your position this time; your specific argument holds no sway with me. You're welcome to try again, however. Sure I can. If you're not willing to acknowledge that racism and bigotry cost many blacks their lives via lynchings, brutal beatings, and fire bombs as recently as the 50's and 60's in the country, then you are ignoring the impact of racism and intolerance. If you are ignoring the many, many crimes against gay people simply because they are gay - i.e. Matthew Shepard - then you are, again, ignoring the issue of intolerance and "hate crimes." I can't help it if you can't see the big picture, but I'll keep trying to get people to see that tolerance is a key to a healthy society; and that screaming that religious people are mind-controlled because they believe in God is very intolerant. It absolutely is a shame. Addiction to heavy drugs such as that is indeed a shame. It has little to do with discussing spirituality, religion and tolerance, however, unless your point is that there are organizations which are "faith based" who step out and help those addicted to those nefarious drugs. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

"If you believe, you're under mind control." "If you don't believe (in my god), you will burn in hell." Same difference. Completely. What never fails to amaze me are those people who, in the course of their day, find themselves putting people down for a personal belief. Saying nasty things about their ability to think, to see, to have a different opinion than the watcher. "There are none so blind as those who refuse to see"...the mantra for those who're obsessed with other people's opinions, irrespective of which position they take. I've got plenty of my own -some wrong, some right - so I don't need to worry about anyone else's opinion. Me? I tend to think pretty independently. I also believe in God. Am I a paragon of virtue? Nope. Am I under some sort of mind control? Nope again. Do I think all folks who don't believe as I do will go to hell? Dunno...but in any event, it's not my place to pass that sort of judgment on someone else. This whole intolerance thing just gets me. Calling names, saying people are stupid for holding a belief, that they are non-thinkers, is just sad. Same with those who believe and make strong statements about others' opinions simply because they're different. (Frankly, I've seen less "you'll burn in hell" than I have "you are mindless/under mind control/can't think for yourself...maybe that says something...) Yes, it's intolerance. It may be a bit different from intolerance of gays, interracial marriages, and so forth, but it's still intolerance. And that's a shame. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Actually, if I've managed to understand the New Testament correctly, there's a whole lot of "jews as the chosen people" in that, as well. Therefore, it might not be correct to state that Christianity doesn't acknowledge the Jews. However, I believe you also might be mixing up "chosen" with "saved." That indeed is a different aspect altogether. (Micro, I'm missing you two times...how good it is to see you posting again...and yes, I knew that was the job when you and I first spoke of the interview. I am not surprised...and well done!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

But Micro, there never was a jewish holocaust, remember? At least, that's Ahmenejad's position... so they're not replicating anything. I've been watching the build-up of their arms, as well as the uranium enrichment, and switching from dollars to euros in their oil...it's not going to be pretty if things don't square out really fast.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." I John 4:16 Mary and Ed, not only have you dwelled in the arms of God (and He in you), you have raised children to honor Him, to love Him, and to follow Him. How amazing and glorious are you both. You are both wonderful examples of commitment, love, honor and respect. Anyone who can stay married for 50 years must also have a great deal of patience and humor...and for that, I think you both just rock. "Kahlil Gibran on Love When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. He threshes you to make you naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grinds you to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast. All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart. But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God." And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips." Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet Thank you both for being who you are. Now, make Chris get better so he can come fly with me! I've been waiting a very long time... (Mary, just a "private" note; the comments you sent over to me recently have been something I've been thinking long and hard about. I appreciate your time, and your love for a stranger has come through loud and clear. I very much appreciate you, your wisdom, and your lightheartedness. You're pretty damned cool.) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes... Actually, I do try to do that. Sometimes I get carried away, or a stalker pisses me off and I stray off topic, but mostly, I try to add either my opinion and/or some fact that someone may have overlooked. I try really hard to not play the player, but rather play the ball... Guess that makes me a hippie. My Dad would be proud! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Gimme a map, Jack...quick! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And if it's classical, I conduct! That's one reason I'm hesitant to get the car of my dreams - it's a convertible, and I know I will draw even more attention when I'm singing and dancing...as well as playing air piano and conducting the London Phil. But hey, even though it gets attention, people look and grin...so it can't be all bad; although they're laughing AT me instead of WITH me, I'm laughing at me too... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

For me, it was both writing style as well as implausibilty. I love the concept of the Feminine Divine, and the idea that Mary Magdalene had a girl named Sarah whose father was Christ. But this book was, frankly, rather rushed, and far more fiction than fact while being billed as "factual." Maybe it's because I've already read a lot about the Feminine Divine; Opus Dei, the Priory of Sion, et cetera. Maybe because I already knew of Da Vinci believing as he did, and read more factual studies and histories, and knew the idea of the Chalice being a woman rather than an object. To me, I guess, the plot was implausible and contrived, and people did things which just don't seem real. If I was reading Sci-Fi, unreality is the name of the game; same with stories about, say, Angels. But this was a disappointment both in the plot as well as the writing... I know it's a wildly popular book...but it wasn't for me. And I know that puts me in the minority, but hey, that's all right too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I was very disappointed in the book; there is no way I'll bother sitting through a movie of a book I didn't enjoy. Angels and Demons was better, but only by a bit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~