Michele

I wasn't aware he had a soul to offer.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well done, Jack! Congrats to you and your (growing) family! Hey, Mac? You've got a really cool grandpa...take good advantage of all he has to offer...and you'll be just fine. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I was so far in sensory overload the video is hysterical. The video guy finally got me to do the whole 3 practice touches (cause I was ignoring my isntructors instructions...not sure why, but apparently I was), but on the third practice touch, I actually deployed. The only thought in my head was "one, two, deploy!!!" and then I had a canopy. Of course, I couldn't breathe, and I wouldn't touch the toggles; I was scared it would collapse the canopy. So I drifted around for a while, and finally got the courage up to steer. And then, of course, I had to find the airport...I eventually found it, and crossed the runway at about 300 feet, made a 180 turn, and promptly got crosswind somehow. I landed on my feet but fell over on my side. Yes, we had a long talk. And yes, it didn't happen again. And yes, it's only funny in hindsight... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ah, the age old debate between free will and fate....a good one to ponder. I haven't any time right now to say more than this... Yes, there is fate. And Yes, there is free will. And yes, some people get "lucky" and some don't. Racing the clock today, so if I can, I'll post more later. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

While the Balfour Declaration was made in '17, the land of Palestine was assigned to the UK by the League of Nations (the predecessor to the United Nations) as a mandated territory, that included all of what is considered Israel today, as well as Jordan. The Brits were, at the same time, trying to get the Arabs to fight the Ottoman Empire, and so promised them land, as well. Because of all of that, the UK was unable to appease both sides of the coin (the hatred between the Jews and Arabs goes a really long way back...centuries and centuries). Along came this asshat Hitler, and on his way to dominate the entire world, he kills 6,000,000 Jews. That brought the issue to to fore, but again, because of the animosity between the Arabs and Jews, the UK handed the problem to the United Nations to handle. The Nation of Israel was not recognized until the declaration was read in the UN, on May 17, 1948, by David ben Gurion, who later became Israel's first prime minister. The declaration was fully supported by Harry S. Truman, the US president at the time. The Gaza Strip, which is being vacated as we speak (well, read, anyway), was part of an UN mandate of partition in 1947 to become an independent Arab state. In 1948, an Egyptian military encroachment into Gaza (on their way to Tel Aviv...) was stopped by Israeli forces. A ceasefire was established between Egypt and Israel, with the Egyptians remaining in Gaza. Shortly thereafter, thousands of Palestinian refugees inhabited the area, and remained there to this day. In 1956, during the Suez-Sinai war, Isreal occupied the Gaza strip, but left once international pressure built up. In 1967, the 6 Day War (June 5-10), where Israel fought on a three-front basis...Syria, Egypt, and Jordan all aggressed into Israel, and Israel battled hard. While it lasted only a few days, the Israelis managed to make it very close to the capitals of all three nations, and thus a cease-fire was acheived...and this time, the Israelis did not leave Gaza Strip, and this time, political pressure was not as strong (as their fears had been borne out). And it really goes back much farther than "just donate land." The Israeli people were denied a homeland for many centuries, abused and persecuted for centuries. Because of their religious beliefs (and that belief remains significant, strong, and traditional), the place for them was their homeland, "that God promised the land of Abraham to the Jews as their "home,"...which was roughly where Israel exists today. Do I think the vacation of Gaza is a good thing? Only if it works...and that remains to be seen. It's definitely a touchy issue, and I can see both sides (although I find myself more in line with the Jewish thoughts rather than the Palestinians), and I hope it works. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You're correct, and I apologize. I mischaracterized your statement utterly unintentionally. I shall go back and edit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not sure (and isn't that great? I love not knowing, because then I can learn...). I really don't know. What do you think? Perhaps. But perhaps that's also a way of defining/dismissing the mystical aspect of life. If it is a NDE, that would challenge a group of people who firmly believe there is no survivial of the soul...and so an "easy" explanation is that it's a chemical imbalance or the body's way of making the last few moments bearable...and why would the body make the last few moments bearable anyway, if there is no soul? Wouldn't that in and of itself indicate the presence of something more mystical and spiritual rather than just experiencing misfires of the neurons of the brain? Good, interesting question. I would hope that some respect is shown to all points of view, and not simply anger raging for the sake of raging...(not directed at you, Shropshire...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And I agree with you. But intolerance isn't what we're talking about, is it? We're talking about a line which Chuteless crossed, which is play the ball and not the player. Is it hard to avoid the PAs? Absolutely. But it can be done, and I think Chuteless' position would only be made stronger if he were able to do it. I speak a bit about spirituality, God, and different books, and yet most people don't slam me. Why? Because I do everything I can to not play the player....and stick with the ball. I too am sick of seeing those who have strong faith lambasted each and every time they post; they are drowned out by people who tend to be vitriolic in comments and also those who've had bad experiences. But their anger is misplaced, and I think that respect needs to be shown to everyone...including those who don't hold the same opinion as I do. Canuck said: I can certainly see the disrespect here...his post is rife with it. But a PA? Not really. His position is that the Bible is not real; that it was written by humans; that animals may be "smarter" than humans give them credit for; that there is scientific evidence which contradicts biblical theory; and that the bible is used for intimidation tactics. But there really isn't anything there about Chuteless, at least that I could see. Do I agree with Canuck? No...but that doesn't mean that he's personally attacked me and my belief. What's excellent about this whole thing is the view of free choice that is apparent in both sides of the coin...and that, to me, is a fascinating issue unto itself. If I've managed to misread Canusk's post, please show me where it contains a PA...and I'll reconsider my thought (but I'm no greenie, so it prolly won't matter anyway...

Heaven would be incomplete without animals...I believe that all living things have a soul...even spiders (but I hope they get a different corner of heaven than the one I'm in....). Chuteless, simply because people don't agree with you and your position does not mean that they are unintelligent. Rather, it means they have another opinion. Some of your posts are interesting. This one was simply a PA. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No they don't. At least, not without a lot of direction and instruction. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

***So the trick becomes - how do you tell strays from pets? [//quote] That's not too hard, once you become used to feline behavior. Cats that tend to be standoffish even after seeing you several times are usually strays. They have experienced life on the "streets" and have lost or lessened the ability/desire to trust humans (which is a learned behavior, unlike canine behavior). Cats that are fully de-socialized or have never had positive human contact are considered feral. They tend to be the ones who run if you get within 10 feet; hunt in the garbage cans incessantly, and are not spayed/neutered (kittens around). They tend to be mangy, filthy (as in grime and layers of it, not just rolling in the garden dirty), and generally pretty skinny no matter how much is fed (parasite infestation from fleas and other biting insects). If a cat comes to you, or if he doesn't run when neared by a human, he's likely not a stray, just a cat running 'round the neighborhood. There are two cats currently around my place. I can't get near them for anything. They've been hanging around for several years. They know I'm "safe" but they won't let me approach at all. I believe that they were both neutered, because one's a male (no marking stench), and one's a female (no heat, no kittens), but both are scroungy and skinny. There are two other cats which hang around, and both are pets. Molly (the cat) lives next door but often meets me on the back porch wanting some lovin' and dinner. Big Grey Guy is someone's cat, because he loves his belly rubbed, and won't move out of my way if he's got the sunny spot on the walkway. Both are clean, with good coats, and no fleas (as far as I can tell), and both are very healthy weights. Does the above always tell you? Nope...but it usually does. BTW, Thanatos, there's a product called Folex which is an amazing spot cleaner for carpets. It also handles the smell of marking. I used it on a bad Koolaid spot in my living room (from the previous people), and it took the old, red spot out. I've used it when a rescue hasn't quite figured out the litter box, and my house does not smell like cat pee. I swear by it, and recommend it to anyone with either stubborn stains (like cat marking urine) or stinky carpets. And...it works on grass stains on your jumpsuit, too. This is a very nice bonus, especially for me. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

More prayers being said, and faith being kept... Rock on Rico!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Buh bye, Donn. This is indeed most excellent entertainment! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

!! I just posted two shots of Simon over on the Pic of the Week thread. He's one of 5, and I had to bottle feed him he was so young when I got him (saved him from being put down...). He's had some developmental problems, but he's doing really well now. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sinker, you've got a great family, and it's nice to see you all! Dilla is looking great, and Mo is looking like a 2 year old. Hannah is just gorgeous, and Gabe is so adorable...Lori looks good. You? Meh.... Here's a shot of Simon, my snowshoe Siamese. I've been working on my photograpic stuff lately, and was going for the condensation on the outside of a cut crystal glass. Simon got curious....and stalked the crackling ice before he realized it won't hurt him or me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I know you love that guy, Dom, and I know he's in good hands. Just really watch it carefully for a bit, especially if the wound is open (to the air, dirt, and whatnot). Cats aren't quite as able to fend off infections as we humans are...and that's what I'm most concerned about right now; the potential for infections. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, all right? I'm not good for much, but man, I know cats! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, I read through the post, saw the double meaning, debated about clearing it up...and left it. I wonder what that says about me? LOLOLOL! Yeah, what Nightengale said! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dom. This is the resident cat lady here. Do these things in this order, all right? 1. Cat goes to the vet (if it's a $$ problem, let me know. I don't have much, but I can borrow some for the vet visit if necessary..). If you choose not to (and good Lord, please don't choose not to...) clean his wound very carefully with hydrogen peroxide and clip the hair around his wound (shave it if you can). Cover it with a sterile gauze patch, and don't let him worry it. Watch him for disorientation, and visual issues (bonking into things, not as quick chasing his favorite thing, string play is difficult or poor aim). If any of those things are occurring, I'll come down with a carrier and bring him to my vet (at my cost). Head impacts are dangerous, and don't often manifest right away. Same thing with infection. Also watch his food and water intake over the next several days. If they are different, to the vet immediately. Also, watch his personality...if it seems really different (unusual aggression, unusual and significant hiding, et cetera), he needs to be seen. 2. Make sure photos are taken of the cat's wounds. Again, I'll be happy to drive down and take some digital for you, if there isn't a digi around. 3. Call the Humane Society, and make a report. Especially if he does this a lot... 4. Call the police, and make a report. Since there's been a while between the shot and the call, the cops generally won't do a lot; perhaps simply take a report. Start a record of the behavior, if nothing else, and be aware that had others started the record, you might not've had this to deal with. 5. If he's not neutered, get him neutered right away. There are low cost neuter clinics in the area, and it will help his wandering a whole lot. As someone who does cat rescue, and someone who will drive from SD to SF to bring a cat to a new home from a bad one, I care about these critters (all critters, frankly). I want to say "very very well done" in not beating the shit out of him, because I know it would've been nearly impossible for me to replicate your action. Thank you for keeping your control, and I'll buy you a beer for that. If I ever found out who did what was done to Penguin, I'd take him apart, put him together again, and take him apart one more time (him being a general term, not specific in this case). Please, please please get your cat some care. Please. PM me if you want to, but please please please get him some care. And lots of love to him from me... And a quick note to those who have neighborhood cats fishing in their ponds...please don't shoot the animal. I've seen amazing success with low volt electric fencing buried underground, and it is far more effective (and doesn't take as much time as the shooting method) than a pellet gun. And frankly, it's less expensive than buying a gun, and paying for pellets, and obviates that whole "discharing a firearm in city limits" thing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, I hadn't realized that. It would take resizing to make it fit, and I'm being a lazy ol' girl tonight. Resize if you'd like, and you're right, it is a spectacular photo. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Here's one I took this summer, while I was back east (well, in the middle of the country...that's 'back east' to me...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Man, welcome to the club.....we need to go get some coffee soon....hope you're well, and that this just adds to your experience bucket and not any other bucket. Glad you're alive. Hugs to you!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Most Excellent Entertainment, eh, Donn? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And that has anything to do with all this how? LOLing!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFLMFAO!!!!!!! Brilliant. And very funny. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sarah, landing a canopy is not an easy task. I fought long and hard with gear fear - terrified of the entire canopy ride. It would take me hours to get ready to jump...and sometimes, I just couldn't do it. I'd feel dejected, discouraged, and very similar to you: this sport isn't for me, no matter how much I love it...and how much it does for me. After a series of pretty bad crashes that didn't break me only because I'm short, fat and flexible, but managed to bruise me significantly enough to make me go to the Dr., I decided I'd give it one more go. I took Jim Slaton's canopy control class. And lo and behold, there were some issues inherent in my 210 that were equipment related. Once we got that sorted out, then we worked on me. I was doing things - sometimes very subtlely - that made it impossible for me to land properly. So I learned, and I learned, and I learned. And I stopped feeling like a sack of potatoes being flung at Mother Earth. I actually started to understand - not simply mentally, but in my body - what the right timing is, and what sight pictures are, and when the flare is right and when it's wrong. Does that mean I started standing up every landing? Oh hell no. I still regularly land on my front and rear bumpers...but I'm also on my feet more often, too. And I know when it's right - in my body I can feel it. Your profile shows that you have a great connection on the physical side of things. In Ballet, for example, were you able to nail absolutely every attitude, every plie, every jete in the first hundred times doing it With full amplitude and perfect toe points every time? No? Let's look at weigh lifting. Did your bicep definition happen immediately, within 73 reps? No? What about your quads? They got defined in 73 reps, right? No? What you did when you didn't get it right, that damned jete which should be more split, or higher, is you worked on it. You took classes. You practiced. It's the same in skydiving. Your kenetic connection will serve you well once you get your head out of the way, and stop thinking so much, and start feeling it more. Take a canopy control class with a good ground school. And whomever told you that skydiving was easily learned, and that landing a canopy is simple, is full of beans. Go tell them to pound sand. Take classes, like you did in ballet, practice and repeat, like you do at the gym, and learn the art of skydiving. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~