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Buckskin Gulch – The Delirium
After the Thanksgiving festivities, Amji, Yoshi, Greg, Steve, Sarah, Joey and I took off for another one of our adventures. We were going to attempt to hike the world's longest slot canyon (~43 extra-long miles) from Buckskin Gulch (or rather Wire Pass) to Lee's Ferry. We arrived at the border between Utah and Arizona after driving hours into the night and navigating a dirt road full of gashes and holes that required the response time of a fighter pilot to navigate.
We set up our tents around 1:00 in the morning and intended to go to sleep. The forecast predicted that it would get down to 30 degrees that night. All of our sleeping bags were rated to approximately 25 degrees so we thought we were fine. The night sky was SPECTACULAR! I didn't bother setting up a tent because I wanted to see the stars. I got into my sleeping bag but had trouble getting warm. I stayed up watching the stars and tried to take advantage of friction to keep my toes from freezing over. It wasn't all the effective. Turns out that it was 10 degrees that night!
Yoshi, Greg and I left camp early to drop one car off at Lee's Ferry. Greg came along for the ride because his feet were freezing and he hadn't fallen asleep yet either. It took us three hours to drop off the car and make it back to the trailhead. When we returned the rest of our crew were just getting ready. The hike is one of the most beautiful trails on Earth. I've done it before and I was really looking forward to the second day – where the Fountain of Buckskin Gulch jets clean drinking water right out of the canyon wall.
We brought extra supplies and I even brought an inflatable pontoon because on the second day the canyon runs into the Paria canyon, which is filled with a steady flow of clean waist-deep water. We intended to push it a bit with the weight on the first day and float all our heavy gear on the rest of the trip. Steve is a chef and he had prepared all kinds of great meals for us – including steaks, mmmmmmmm.
We explored each bend as the day continued and in the early afternoon we ran into a gentleman that was on his way back. He warned us that there was a section of wall to wall mud ahead that we could not pass through without just going through it. We were hoping that this time of year would help us avoid any of these muddy regions, but we had no intention of letting a couple of muddy spots stop us. So we pressed on. When we came to the muddy spot I took my shoes off, pushed through it, dropped my pack and then came back to ferry the crew on my shoulders.
My plan didn't work as I had intended. I shuttled Yoshi across, her pack, Sarah, and then her pack, but by that time I was in the second stage of hypothermia. My entire body was uncontrollably shaking and I had cut my toes on some sharp rocks. The guys had to fend for themselves. They all pushed through the cold like champs. Then we took a break to clean up and warm ourselves up. We stopped to eat a really late lunch and then started moving again.
As the sun set I took note of how tired I was. I hadn't stayed awake this long for years, certainly not on a day that required nonstop hiking. It was already starting to get cold enough that we couldn't stop moving without getting uncomfortable. Then we came to another muddy spot. This one wasn't very long. In fact, we had seen a tree that had fallen from above about 10 minutes walk back. So all the guys walked back and heaved the tree on our shoulders and then threw it over the muddy region. All but Steve made it over without getting muddy. We kept on.
We were walking with headlamps now because the depths of this canyon were competely dark. Then we hit another muddy region. We decided to just tough it out and go for it. So we put on our neopryne socks and quickly discovered that we had to traverse the mud without shoes, otherwise we would lose them. Mud after mud after frozen mud. The ice broke on our shins, and the mud stank of left over feces that had washed down the canyon. Our guiding hope was that once we reached the Paria river we could clean up, then make a nice warm dinner with our stoves, and then get into our sleeping bags and warm up (we had hand warmers and feet warmers set aside for this part).
Delerium and exhaustion started to set in. Greg tried to start a mutiny and said he was going back when he saw a dropoff with a section of wall to wall mud of unknown depth on the other side. I said I'll try it out and if its not too bad then we can keep going. He agreed to this. It was only knee deep. The mud finally let up and we hiked for another 2 hours. Then the mud started up again. At 11:30 it was 10 degrees, we were all in our shorts, rolled up pants, swimming suits, or as in Amji's case his underwear, covered in mud almost up to our waists, exhausted from the 85 pounds on our backs, thirsty and ready for dinner. The end still wasn't in sight.
Then we hit the drop off – place where we had to climb down with ropes. The only problem was that on the other side of this ledge a mud lake awaited us – one that was so deep that it would require us to take our packs off and swim them across. The group was devestated. We were almost at the junction with the Paria river where clean water awaited us and now we had to head back. We could not sleep in our sleeping bags like this, we could not hold still for more then 30 seconds without freezing. Our only choice was to head back, through the night, back through all the mud pits!
We broke into two groups, dumped the nonessentials and started back as quickly as we could, hoping that we would reach the end before we reached our end. Amji, Yoshi and I were in the back group. My new shoes were one size to big and with the constant mud they were slipping from side to side with every step. It was impossible to walk fast. We decided our strategy was to walk for 20 minutes and then take a 3 minute break. Over and over we encouraged ourselves waiting for that next break. On the third break we all sat down on ledges that lifted the weight of our packs off our shoulders and instantly we were all asleep. The cold got to Yoshi first and she woke up and revived us. We couldn't believe that we had all reached the dreams stage instantly.
We pressed on and when the sun came up we began hallucinating. We saw people that weren't there, I saw huge red dragonflies playing with each other. Amji grabbed my arm and said "We need to keep walking." I tried to tell him that I was walking but then I realized that I wasn't. Yoshi was losing all feeling and needed to move faster to warm her body up. She went ahead of us and ended up missing the only turn on the trail. When Amji and I made it to the exit it was hailing on us, Yoshi was missing, and our rescue ride (the first team) was not there to pick us up. We dropped our remaining gear and excuted a plan to find Yoshi. She had pressed ahead and then realized that she missed the turn. She turned back and missed the turn again and walked all the way to where we originally parted. Then she turned around again and this time found the exit turn. She had dropped her entire pack and tried with all her last energy to make it out. We were all very glad to be back together.
Then we waited and continued to freeze. All feeling had left my feet over ten hours ago at this point. After two hours a truck drove through and we begged the driver to take us to the nearest town. We looked like we were covered in shit, and technically we were. He tried to be courteous about our smell, put blankets down over his seats, and drove us toward the paved road. Just as we made it to the road we saw Sarah driving my car towards us. We were happy to finally find out that everyone was safe.
The hotel was the best I've ever had. Hot endless water in the shower. Soft beds. Warm! It really helped us see the simple pleasures in life a whole new way! Life is amazing.


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On this day (8pm, Radio 1) in 1994 CARCASS' Rock Show session was aired. Introduced by Claire Sturgess who took over from Tommy Vance the year before.
You can find the four tracks from this session on Wake Up and Smell...
Daily Noise - Dec 06, 2017
23 Years Ago: Radio 1 Rock Show airs CARCASS session
Daily Noise
Sunday, 18 Feb: 27 Years Ago
DISSECTION complete The Grief Prophecy debut demo
Saturday, 17 Feb: 24 Years Ago
DARKTHRONE release Transilvanian Hunger
Friday, 16 Feb: 39 Years Ago
SKIDS release Into the Valley b/w T.V. Stars
Thursday, 15 Feb: 18 Years Ago
KATHARSIS release 666
Wednesday, 14 Feb: 35 Years Ago
ROCK GODDESS release Rock Goddess
Tuesday, 13 Feb: 46 Years Ago
HAWKWIND record Silver Machine
Monday, 12 Feb: 35 Years Ago
AMEBIX release Winter (don't let your death catch you)
Sunday, 11 Feb: 16 Years Ago
METALUCIFER live at The Live Station, Tokyo
Antti Klemi: Influences of Infinity
Neige: Amesoeurs Album Inspiration Part 2
Fursy Teyssier: Amesoeurs Album Inspiration Part 1
Mark Rainbow: Life Influences
Verst: Selected tracks of inspiration, influence and reverence from wasted urban youth to contented rural isolation
Mr Sid: A playlist of tracks I fucking love that have been influential, in some shape or form, in the creation of Slaves!!

subset: commoncrawl


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December 9, 2013
To save the West's forests, scientists must first learn how trees die.
Some environmentalists are getting behind enhanced oil recovery.
In the Rocky Mountain West, more than 4 million acres of federal public land are rendered off-limits because there's no way for the public to access them.
Why guns, politics and saguaros don't mix.
Fishing reform drives inequality in coastal communities.
Energy Department ordered to stop collecting fees for construction.
Parts of the Gateway West project are still open to veto from the BLM.
Editor's Note
A writer's love of reading while walking in Nevada's Great Basin desert.
Book Reviews
Photographs by David Freese, Foreword by Naomi Rosenblum
A review of Survival Skills by Jean Ryan.
A review of Wild Ones: A Sometimes Dismaying, Weirdly Reassuring Story About Looking at People Looking at Animals in America by Jon Mooallem
Heard Around the West
Dear Friends
Daughter Abby Quillen has assembled two anthologies of her father's columns; a steady stream of visitors have come by our Colorado office.


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There's trouble on the inaugural podium for P-E Obama. And, no it's not about Yo-Yo Ma. Some gay folks and those who are gay-friendly are ticked that the Rev. Rick Warren, the conservative evangelical pastor of Saddleback Church, is giving the invocation. That's the same Warren who supported Prop 8, and opposes gay marriage and abortion rights … and who has been a serious friend of President Bush.
In a chat last week with the Wall Street Journal, Pastor Rick compared "gay marriage to incest, pedophilia and polygamy and repeated the inaccurate charge that without Prop 8, conservative preachers could be prosecuted for hate crimes. He described 'social gospel' Christians of the 20th century as closet Marxists."
Yes, as we've noted, this is an example of The O trying to reach out to evangelicals of the conservative variety. Yes, he could have played it safe with a Rev. Jim Wallis type, but no. During the campaign, folks liked how Obama tried to connect with people who disagreed with him — and now he's doing it… and seriously feeling the heat some of his most fervent supporters. Equality California is circulating a petition asking Obama to take back his invite..
"By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign said in a letter to Obama. "We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination."
Sarah Posner in The Nation wrote that "Warren represents the absolute worst of the Democrats' religious outreach, a right-winger masquerading as a do-gooder anointed as the arbiter of what it means to be faithful," she added.
The O responded Thursday saying "I'm a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans," but said it was also "important for Americans to come together despite disagreements on certain social issues."
And Warren's Saddleback community has reached out to folks with AIDS, both in the U.S. and internationally. It's a hate the sin, not the sinner kinda thing.
Here's Beliefnet.com's Steven Waldman's interview with Warren from last week, and his defense of Pastor Rick. Check out the video.


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
JINJIANG INN HARBIN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER is 3 star Hotel located Harbin, Harbin. This Hotel was built in 2008. This Hotel's room amenities include Television, Connection for laptop, Air conditioning; This Hotel's facilities and services include gift shop, business center, fitness club, tour desk, concierge, parking lot, Laundry facilities, Elevator/lift;


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Outcome statements should be able to describe what students should be able to do within the context of real life roles at the culmination of their learning experiences.
Engineering schools around the world are turning to virtual reality to transform the way their students learn.
This infographic works to clearly outline the process behind writing learning outcomes, by breaking it down into an equation.
Nancy Thomas (Inside Higher Ed) explores the relationship between post-secondary institutions and democratic elections. The article examines the responsibilities of higher education to engage students in the democratic process, be non-partisan, and use elections are learning experiences for their students.
In this TED talk tech entrepreneur Michael Bodekaer introduces us to virtual labs that can engage students on a whole new level. Bodekaer used the success of flight simulators as a model for building a virtual laboratory simulator that gives students to chance to perform real experiments and grow significantly as learners.


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"Our Chicago area facility offers clients the benefits of a fully functional facility at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated site," said Gerald Perritt, UTi senior vice president, contract logistics for the Americas.
"Clients can select from a full range of options without investing in staff, equipment, or systems," he said, "UTi's knowledgeable staff has expertise in managing any merchandise from pharmaceuticals to auto parts."
In addition to shipping, receiving, and cross-dock operations, the site offers inventory management, order consolidation, materials handling, reverse logistics, packaging/repackaging and kitting and quality inspection and rework. The facility has 30 dock doors, two drive-in doors and 33 trailer stalls.
The nearly 200,000 sq. ft. facility, located at 800 Bilter Road in Aurora, Illinois, provides easy access to the I-88 Farnsworth Interchange. With a 32-ft. ceiling height, racking and storage space is optimized. The secure facility has 24/7 central station alarm monitoring, CCTV monitoring and ESFR sprinklers to ensure the integrity of the goods warehoused. A full complement of technology solutions are offered including EDI, barcode scanning and SAP supply chain solutions.


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It's Jobs Friday. That means the monthly Wall Street guessing game, "Will they or won't they hike?" will kick off after the federal government lets the world know how many
Struggling search engine company Yahoo Inc. said it plans to cut about 15% of its workforce as part of a $400 million cost-cutting effort intended to "simplify" the troubled Internet
The number of Americans hired and the total quitting jobs both surged to nine-year highs in December, reflecting a more dynamic labor market that's starting to push up wages. Job
Shell says it is cutting 2,800 jobs in a pre-planned administrative move as plunging oil prices find a floor. The oil giant says in a release Monday that the job
The private sector added 200,000 jobs in September, payroll processor ADP said Wednesday, in a possible sign that the government will report that employment growth rebounded after slowing the previous
The last jobs report, released on the eve of Labor Day weekend, was billed by many as the most important
News that employment growth slowed for the second straight month in September renewed concerns about the economy and weakened the
Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, keeping this key indicator of labor market health near historic lows. The
Payroll growth slowed in August as employers added 173,000 jobs in a key report that could help the Federal Reserve
The number of Americans filing initial applications for unemployment benefits fell to a 42-year low last week in the latest
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since late February. But the increase
Due to the Fourth of July market shutdown Friday, the monthly employment report dubbed "Jobs Friday" will be renamed "Jobs


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Just in time for back to school, legendary educational podcaster Mignon Fogarty joins us for a discussion of Christmas Grammar. Topics include the language of Christmas carols, properly formatting your Christmas cards and letters, and even the true meaning of "Xmas." Also, you'll learn how you can buy a piece of Christmas history and how to make some fun Christmas cookies. Finally, we've got a bonus entry in this month's round of the Jingle Brawl!
00:00 – 01:28 Intro
01:28 – 03:41 We Need A Little Christmas Now
03:41 – 05:42 All I Want For Christmas is News
05:42 – 10:35 Mignon Fogarty Interview
10:35 – 15:31 Christmas Carol Grammar
15:31 – 22:56 Holiday Card Tips
22:56 – 28:25 Controversial Christmas Language
28:25 – 39:37 Mignon's 5 Golden Things
39:37 – 43:26 Jingle Brawl Round 8
43:26 – 45:44 Copy Editor's Jingle Bells (written by Mignon Fogarty)
45:44 – 48:04 Wrap Up
48:04 – 52:54 Outtakes
"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" United States Marine Band
"Jingle Bells" Performed by Kristen Nowicki
(The embedded player for the episode is bellow the links & the Jingle Brawl Poll)
New Christmas Cards in The Can't Wait For Christmas Store
M&M Cookie Recipe
Grammar Girl Episodes
Joy to the World
What Child is This?
Holiday Card Tips
Grammar Girl Cards
The Grammar Devotional Book
All of Mignon Fogarty's Books
Grammar Pop App
Vote Now In The 2016 Jingle Brawl
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


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The shovel is the turned-up part in the front (the "nose") of a ski or snowboard.
Middle of the ski, under the bindings (under the boot).
Rear of a ski, snowboard or any other device of its kind.
The edge is the metal part on the sides of the ski's base. It allows the board to grip on hard snow.
Sharpening (part of regular maintenance) keeps it a cutting edge.
This is the underside of the ski or snowboard. It is the part that allows you to slide.
It is usually grooved to facilitate circulation of water, a residue from snow that melts on contact with the ski.
Waxing consists in the cold or hot application of a special paraffin wax, which then allows the base to glide better.
This is located in the centre of the ski and plays a major role in its stiffness and solidity.
Snowboarding is a boardsport performed on snow using a board strapped to the feet.
Its appearance and boom in France dates back to the 1970s, and it was integrated into the Olympic Games in 1998.
Unlike skiing, snowboarding is performed with both feet strapped to a single board, and therefore requires a very specific technique
in order to move about properly.
The bindings make it possible to connect the skier's boot to the ski/snowboard.
The bindings are made up of two parts: the rear part allows you to wedge the boot with vertical pressure, while the front part holds the toe of the boot. These two parts are equipped with a spring system, allowing one to disconnect from the skis in the event of a fall.
There are several systems for the various disciplines. However, the basic principle is that the foot is flat and fastened extremely well in order to obtain maximum support on the edges.
This is defined by the width of the ski in three points: the shovel, the waist, and the tail. The deeper a cut, the greater the difference between the shovel-tail widths, and the more parabolic the ski.
This is the radius of the circle made by the edge of the ski when it carves a turn. This radius is an important technical datum, as it characterises the ski's performance in a turn. A straight ski has a large curve radius, which causes some difficulty in initiating the curve, but it provides stability in a straight line. On the other hand, a parabolic ski has a short curve radius, which facilitates entering a turn to the detriment of maintaining a straight line. A ski having too pronounced of a curve radius behaves badly on a steep slope: a stiff ski, it only rests on its shovel and tail, and the waist doesn't touch the snow. The curve radius depends on the length of the ski and the widths of the shovel, the waist, and the tail.
Flex designates the suppleness of the ski or snowboard at the three main points: the shovel, waist, and tail. In other words, it is your equipment's degree of flexibility. The possible combinations of flexibility dimensions range as widely as the lines and programmes that define the manufacturers. Ski equipment must be flexible to perform tricks, while rigidity is essential for speed.


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Rita Dove to Receive the $20,000 Stone Award for Lifetime Literary Achievement
The Stone Award was established in 2011 to highlight the work of the creative writing program at Oregon State University's School of Writing. Literature, and Film. The award comes with a $20,000 prize. Professor Dove, the Commonwealth Professor of English at the University of Virginia, will accept the award next spring in Oregon.


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Here Comes Google China
As reported earlier, Google decided to go into China a while ago. I spoke to Sergey about this very question a year ago, and he expressed his reservations and his thinking – on balance, Google in China, even if it's playing by the Chinese government's rules, is a good thing. Weds, Google will make it official (Seattle PI). They're in – they're not standing up to the Chinese government. (Apparently, the DOJ and Wall St., Google can say no to. China….not so much.) The site will be google.cn (not live yet).


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Welcome to Patricia Youngquist, The Last Leaf Gardener's blog. I'm an author, photo-artist, bird-lover and urban gardener living in NYC. My book, "Words In Our Beak Volume One," set in my rooftop garden is told by Cam, the female cardinal, pictured above. For hard-cover info, click on the first icon in the sidebar (L), for soft-cover info click on the second icon in sidebar (L). I also have a website, patriciayoungquist.com. Click on the third icon in sidebar (L) to visit.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.


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The Exquisite Hotels of Camana Bay
Camana Bay Taking a vacation in Camana Bay is a visit to paradise thanks to Ken Dart, and Dart Realestate. The food is...
Why You Should Consider Investing with Real Estate Crowd Funding
The main idea behind crowd funding, regardless of the industry, is to come up with an online platform where buyers and...
When Should I Get A Financial Advisor?
Many people are not sure when, and if, they need a financial advisor. They may feel as if they manage their money just fine. This may very well be the case; however, a financial advisor can help to make a client's money work for them.
7 Top Real Estate Investors in California
There may be a number of ways to get into California's real estate market — wholesaling, joint ventures,...
Stress-Free Ways to File Your Taxes
Tax season is a time of year that most people look upon with distaste. As a result, many fall into the trap of putting off filing for as long as possible. Sure, nobody enjoys filling out the paperwork, but it is still important to take care of it sooner rather than later, especially if you want to avoid any sort of legal problems with the IRS. Fortunately, for the vast majority of individuals, filing taxes actually brings about a nice return, and who doesn't want a check coming in from the government?
Big Names in NYC Business
The greater New York City area has long been a hot spot for new businesses to develop themselves. It is no surprise...
Big Names in College Alumni
Harvard alum Andrew Farkas , CEO of Island Capital Group and has made a name for himself in New York City Real Estate. Farkas still has strong ties to his alma mater, and has funded organizations like the Hasty Pudding Institute, a theatrical group at Harvard.
Should CEO's be Rewarded for Successor's Success?
At the largest companies, CEOs and boards are evaluating anywhere from a dozen to nearly three dozen potential successors on an ongoing basis, says Dennis Carey (read more from Dennis Carey on the Harvard Business Review), vice chairman at Korn/Ferry International who has recruited CEOs to Tyco International, 3M and American Standard and who writes frequently on the topic of talent development.
Small Businesses Make for Better Communities
Small business are great for the economy. They not only add more capital into the American economy, but they also are...
Public Relations Firms in the US
No matter which public relations firm a client chooses, he or she does so for the betterment of their public image. Public Relations firms include Mark Allen & Company, Ketchum Inc., Vocus and Cornerstone, among many others.


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The aftermarket specialists at HPerformance have released the first details and images with their modified version of the Audi TT-RS, from the previous generation.
The Audi TT-RS signed by HPerformance has been fitted with the carbon ceramic braking system from the R8 GT, with an H&R stabilizer, with Bilstein coilovers and much more. The most important part of the model is found under its hood where both the matte black and the glossy white ones are getting the same 2.5 liter turbocharged gasoline burner. The total output has increased from the standard 340 HP (250 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque to 500 HP (368 kW) and 710 Nm (523 lb-ft) of torque.
HPerformance has also announced that it's currently working on an engine upgrade which will bring the total output to an impressive 700 HP (515 kW), which is modern supercar range. The significant number will become available by installing the upgraded turbocharger, HJS racing cats, specially developed exhaust system, aluminum intercooler, optimized intake manifold and much more. HPerformance says that the white car has a clutch upgrade while the black one has a step 3 DSG adaptation. More details on these upgrades remain unknown for the moment, along with their price list.


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What I'm Reading
Still trying to push through this book. It alternates between some fairly gorgeous descriptions to awkward and unrealistic dialogue, which leaves me completely baffled.
What I'm Writing
Plot, plot, plot!
What Else I've Been Up To
When GATES OF THREAD AND STONE releases August 8 next year, it will be available in all formats--hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
So however you like to read (or listen to) your books, it should be available :) Woot!
Also, a couple weeks ago, I suggested posting the first lines of our mss on twitter with the hash tag #firstlines, and enough people jumped in that we trended! That was so much fun.
Scroll through the hash tag for some awesome first lines! (Including mine :P)
What Inspires Me Right Now
*points up* :D
What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme that helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends. If you'd like to join in, you can find the link widget on Jaime's and Erin's blogs.
December 18, 2013
What's Up Wednesday 12
Posted by Lori M. Lee at 7:00 AM
Labels: what's up Wednesday
What's Up Wednesday 12
Lori M. Lee
what's up Wednesday|
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From staff and press reports
United Blood Services showed their support for Winston County by presenting 2 checks to Winston Medical Center on
August 8.
United Blood Services presented a $3000 donation to Winston Medical Center for the Winston Medical Center Disaster Relief Fund. The hospital management hopes to begin dispersing this money soon to employees of Winston Medical Center.
"On behalf of all the Winston Medical Center Employees, we thank you," said WMC interim CEO Paul Black.
United Blood Services also presented a check to Winston Strong. The group donated $10 for every person who donated blood at the last local blood drive.
Rhonda Weaver of United Blood Services donor recruitment supervisor noted that they hope to do a similar event in the future.
"We want to be partners with Winston Medical Center in caring for the community. We really want a partnership feeling and we are here to help," said United Blood Services' center director Lee Hartmann.
United Blood Services is a nonprofit community blood center, providing blood and blood products for local area hospitals throughout the United States. They exist to make a difference in people's lives by bringing together the best people, inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research and embracing continuous quality improvement.
For more information about United Blood Services visit their website at unitedbloodservices.org.


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What the Animals Taught Me – Book Giveaway!
We are giving away a copy of What the Animals Taught Me: Stories of Love and Healing from a Farm Animal Sanctuary by Stephanie Marohn. Check out this excerpt and don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win the book!
Unconditional Love Lesson #10:
Every Moment Is a Sanctuary
The heart of the healer is a four-chambered heart, says Angeles Arrien. It is not enough to have an open heart. For health and healing in all realms of body, mind, and spirit, the heart must be full, clear, and strong as well.
My heart gives a leap of joy when I greet an animal. My heart jumps in joy to meet the heart of that animal. I feel my four-chambered heart open, full, clear, and strong. It could not be that way if the animals had not taught me how to create a sanctuary within. With an inner sanctuary, my sight is the vision of my heart, which, heedless of accepted practice, guides me to ever more openness, strength, fullness, and clarity.
With an inner sanctuary, we welcome ourselves home in each moment of our lives. With an inner sanctuary, we can create sanctuary everywhere we go.
The Animal Messenger teachings revealed to me the true meaning of sanctuary: a place to feel safe, a place where one can be completely oneself, a place of supported independence, a place to live and die in peace, a place of deep connection on a heart and spirit level, a place of love, honor, and respect for all beings.
With an open, strong, full, and clear heart, we can create sanctuary in every moment of our lives. Welcoming each moment, we walk the Way of Welcome and extend sanctuary to everyone we meet, offering a place of peace even in a passing interaction. You might think it is exhausting to walk through your days bringing love to every moment, but it is actually energizing. What saps our energy is the energy it takes to try to ignore the pain of the world and to shut off the connection that is our natural way. If we meet the world with love in our hearts—and a silent communication of caring takes only a second—we return home feeling stronger from the moments of acknowledgment that we are all connected.
In the Way of Welcome, in the unconditional love of the full, open, clear, and strong heart, we bring love and respect to all our relationships. A traditional Lakota Sioux prayer begins "Mitakuye Oyasin," translated variously as "All my relations" or "All my relatives" or "We are all related," an acknowledgment that all elements of the natural world are connected, that every tree, rock, plant, animal, person, insect, bird, frog, snake, and so on is our relation.
In passing each heated stone into the sweat lodge for sacred ceremony, the fire keeper says, "Mitakuye Oyasin," in recognition of the stone people. Those praying in the lodge often begin and end their prayer with the phrase, honoring all our relations and the oneness of all. Some people use it as a sign-off in letters and emails. I say it in thanks to the moment because, when I am welcoming the moment, I am feeling one with all creation. "Aho Mitakuye Oyasin," I say, in gratitude for the beautiful world around me and for the joy of living life with the Animal Messengers.
All my relations.
Reprinted with permission from Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, What the Animals Taught Me by Stephanie Marohn is available wherever books and ebooks are sold or directly from the publisher at www.redwheelweiser.com.
WIN THE BOOK! Enter a comment below and you will automatically be entered to win a copy of What the Animals Taught Me by Stephanie Marohn. Winner will be announced on March 20 (winner will be notified via Care2 profile). Good luck!
Mandi A.
Winner: Please email Samantha at firstname.lastname@example.com to claim your new book. Thanks to everyone who entered!


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$2.00 Sale: $1.79
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This layout was created for a challenge of at Scraps of Darkness that I didn't post in time. Shucks! Ah well! The challenge was Dr. Darkness' Interpretation Challenge. The topic to interpret is "Fade" and we were to use mediums. I chose age as my interpretation because I have been freaking out lately about my age. My changing skin, slowed metabolism, random gray hair, etc. This was therapeutic for me because it reminded me that age is just a number. The quote on the page reads "There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. -Sophia Loren. The title word "Fountain" was cut with my cricut on black paper and I painted it with some starburst colors shot from Lindys Stamp Gang that came in the awesome January Scraps of Darkness kit. the words "of youth" was also cut with my circuit and used some stickles. Stamped some flowers with the awesome stamp that came in the kit and misted them with lindy's and inked them with Distress ink. Love how this turned out. Oh, and those awesome butterflies were made by the ultra talented Renea (reaneaboquets) Aren't they just stunning? They came in the kit, too and were the perfect addition to this project.
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Money. It's a hot-button topic. This can be especially true with married couples, but it doesn't have to be stressful or divisive. You can have fruitful financial discussions with your spouse – conversations that will get you both on the same fiscal page. The important thing is to talk; sweeping money issues under the rug is not good for your bank account or your relationship.
Here are a few, simple topics to start your money management conversation:
Determine your spending styles: Are you a spender and your spouse is a saver? Opposites do attract, they say. Strike a balance between your styles. Spender, commit to saving a percentage of your discretionary income. And saver, resist the urge to judge your spouse's spending style and loosen the grip on your wallet once in a while.
Track your spending: Ever wonder where your money goes each month? Track your spending so you can make the necessary adjustments to meet your financial goals. Our free budget worksheet can help you set up a plan and track spending.
Know your debt: One person's debt becomes the other person's debt in marriage. Establish what level of debt you are comfortable with and create a plan to reduce your shared debt if needed. Remember: The type of debt is important. Money spent on education (student loan debt) is productive debt as opposed to debt resulting from a luxury purchase. (Get help reducing debt by downloading our free e-book: The Debt Management Guide.)
Set a time to review your finances each month:It is important to review your bank statements, investment statements, and bills at least monthly to keep current on your balance. Look for mistakes, like being charged twice for the same debit card purchase. They happen more frequently than you might think.
Divide money management tasks: Determine who will pay the day-to-day expenses and monthly bills, who will manage the portfolio, who will track the budget, etc.
To merge or not to merge … your bank accounts, that is:Some financial advisors suggest married couples have a joint account for household expenses and individual accounts for discretionary spending. Decide if this, or one joint account, works for you.
Share financial decisions:Because your spouse's finances directly affect your finances, it's a good idea to make money decisions together. Leaving the finances to one person can leave the other in the dark, which can lead to frustration or overspending. It's much easier to reach financial goals when you're working together.
Managing your money doesn't have to be a task that sets you at odds; it can be a unifying endeavor. Money and marriage can go hand-in-hand. So break out the bank statements, enlist the help of a financial advisor, and start talking about your fiscal goals. Do it together, and together you'll reap the rewards.
Having a plan will increase your odds of achieving your financial goals. Download the marriage and money worksheet today.
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Christian Living
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by J. Austin Bennett
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(A series by Dr. Larry Lilly on continuing education and the imminent start of the new school year promjpted the resubmission of this article. We can all make a big difference.)
J. Austin Bennett
Class begins at 8:00 A.M. sharp. The frowns and worried expressions tell the sad story.
There will be a test on Friday. The skimpy booklets conceal the overwhelming difficulty of the subject. The title of this book that intimidates even the most stouthearted in the group - "SEE SPOT RUN."
John, who weighs over 240 pounds already sports sweat stains on his freshly pressed shirt. Theo, in the next seat shifts uncomfortably awaiting the inevitable call to discourse on the day's topic. The setting is the mandatory GED class at the Federal Prison Camp in Terre Haute, Indiana.
"If kids come to us [teachers] from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important!" - Barbara Colorose
None of these men, who now have families themselves, had that benefit during childhood. The Bureau of Prisons demands that each of them attend classes for approximately seven hours each day until they can pass the GED or High School Equivalency Test. It is not only a daunting task. It is intensely humiliating. If they fail, these men will be forced to repeat the entire process again and again, ad infinitum.
Imagine, if you will, visiting with your children. They tell you about the sports they play, their friends and the toy they just received from their grandmother. Then the conversation shifts to what they learned in school yesterday.
"Dad. Is there an easier way to do long division?"
"Dad. What does 'serendipitous' mean?"
Or this one: "Dad, why was the invention of the printing press so important?"
It wasn't important to you. . . IF . . . You can't read! . . . . . . . Embarrassing?
I learned to read before I attended kindergarten. My father, a pharmacist, and my mother who held a supervisory position in civil service held the concept of learning in high esteem. They constantly read and read to me. As a child, my natural curiosity impelled me to venture into that wondrous land of books. All kids are curious. How many have parents who take the time to feed that insatiable curiosity?
Many of today's youth are latch key kids. The parents work two and sometimes three jobs. The goal is to be able to pay for more "things", usually things bought on credit. After all, we have to maintain a high standard of living. Right?
As far as learning is concerned, isn't that why we have teachers? Of course, you can remember all the great teachers you had in school. Were there more than five? If so, thank your lucky stars.
Teachers today contend with problems that didn't exist a few decades ago. No longer are the main problems talking and passing notes, chewing gum or tardiness. When the students show up at all, the teacher's first concern is for his or her safety. School entrances are equipped with metal detectors, armed police officers and drug sniffing dogs. These precautions are necessary. The police aren't the only ones that are armed. Is there anyone who doesn't remember Columbine?
Many schoolteachers have adopted a bureaucrat's vision. Let's go through the motions and survive to collect that pension. Control is the issue and if a student happens to learn something, well . . . . . . that's a bonus.
This situation did not originate in a classroom. That arena is only the showcase for the symptoms. The cause is absentee parenting. When a child's primary companionship and mentor is a television set, or worse a video game, what result can any reasoning person expect? The price is the highest rate of teenage suicide, unwanted pregnancies, drug addiction and youthful murder of any developed nation on planet earth. For many kids, the home that provides the most consistent nurturing is a gang. At least, there they can be accepted for what they are; an illiterate time bomb looking for a place to explode.
Those who stay in school face challenges unknown by previous generations. Man's knowledge now doubles every five years. Today's students must acquire the know how to function in a world where technology advances exponentially.
"The simplest schoolboy is now familiar with truths for which Archimedes would have sacrificed his life." - Ernest Renan
It all begins with reading. Without the ability to read, nothing else can happen, nothing good that is! And reading begins in the home. It starts with parents who love to read and, since pre-school kids are natural imitators, the rest is easy. For this to occur, those of us who are parents need to find time for our children before they no longer have time for us.
So, how are you doing? Are you waiting to welcome back Mr. Kotter? There are precious few of them out there. As rare as are great teachers, so should great parents be plentiful.
"As we read the school reports on our children, we realize a sense of relief that can rise to delight that, thank Heaven, nobody is reporting in this fashion on us."
- John Boynton Priestley, 1894 - 1984
Ah, but someone is! If you are a Christian, you already know that the records are being kept and, as Mr. Priestley referred to, in Heaven! Are you passing the ISTEP test as a parent? Do you know a youngster with whom you can read? A comic book isn't a bad thing if a kid can read it. Our kids are our future.
It doesn't take a village to raise a child. One loving and nurturing adult mentoring a four year old can make an impact on this world long after we leave it.
Inculcate a love of reading in a child this week. By the time he's forty, who knows what could happen? Instead of struggling through "SEE SPOT RUN", that tyke might cure cancer, write a great novel or stand in a pulpit. Because of you, he may even feel as Erasmus did:
"When I get a little money, I buy books. And if there is any left over, I buy food."
- Desiderius Erasmus, 1466 – 1536
J. Austin Bennett Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.
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Lollapalooza 2017 Day 1 Schedule
All 2017 Lollapalooza After Shows
React Presents & C3 Announce Some Of The Official 2017 Lollapalooza After Shows
React & C3 Presents are thrilled to announce some of the Official 2017 Lollapalooza Aftershows, taking place at Chicago's finest nightclubs and music venues, starting on Wednesday, August 2th through Sunday, August 6th.
Tickets will go on sale Friday, June 2nd at 10 AM CST. Check out the complete list of React and C3's after shows below. Be sure to follow React Presents on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for pre-sale codes to select after shows.