I am posting this poem because love is a very good but tumultuous thing. It comes and goes. It raises you up and then throws you to the pits of hell when it leaves. Even when you give and give and give, you seem to miss something along the way and that something comes back to haunt and torment you. So you forgot to say hello to Miss So and so, now she wants to destroy you. Or you happen to have said hello to someone that Miss So and so does not like and because you are showing love to someone else, she wants to destroy you again. Why cannot a person who is loving just be loved back? Why is love always so complicated?
Bertrand Russell:c
Three passions have governed my life:
The longings for love, the search for knowledge,
And unbearable pity for the suffering of [humankind].
Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.
In the union of love I have seen
In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision
Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.
With equal passion I have sought knowledge.
I have wished to understand the hearts of [people].
I have wished to know why the stars shine.
Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,
But always pity brought me back to earth;
Cries of pain reverberated in my heart
Of children in famine, of victims tortured
And of old people left helpless.
I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,
And I too suffer.
This has been my life; I found it worth living.
adapted
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Kanamara Matsuri a.k.a. The Penis Festival
As I was looking for new and interesting websites and places to spread the word about my new blog, I came across this article about Kanamara Matsuri or the Penis Festival, as called by foreigners.
Babibubebo.com says, "Every year Kanamara Shrine holds this festival on the 1st Sunday in April in Kawasaki, Kanagawa."
In case you are wondering, it's in Japan.
I have to tell you, this is pretty cool. I honestly did not know that the Japanese had such crazy festivals!!! You have to see the photos from this thing!!!
There is a legit reason why the Japanese in these photos are running around hugging and sucking fake penises and vaginas (in a very polite way mind you.) They are praying for protection against sexually transmitted diseases, married couple's harmony, business prosperity and so on.
A more important factor to take note of is that the people in this festival are celebrating their bodies, not shunning them. They are showing as much respect for their sexual organs as they would their face or their brains and they are not shy about it.
I think many western and middle-eastern countries should take note of this and learn how to love their bodies as much as they love their minds and stop treating sex like it is a disease. Stop treating sex like it is a terrible thing and learn to respect it. The human race and all other types of animals need sex to survive. Why can't we embrace it and learn how to have it in a safe, non-violent way?
If you'd like to read more, here is the link:
http://babibubebo.com/2008/04/07/kanamara-matsuri-festival-of-the-steel-phallus/
I love this festival. And now I'm going to get off my soap-box.
Cheers!!!
~Nika
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tapping Trees
I know what you are thinking...What in the world is she talking about?
I'm talking about tapping trees for sap to make maple syrup.
It's not usually the kind of thing I write about but it's pretty interesting. I've always wanted to do it and it's pretty easy. Plus, I make a lot of pancakes and I really love fresh maple syrup.
You have to find a maple tree that's at least 31 inches in diameter, drill a hole into the side and collect the sap. Then you have to boil the sap (a pretty decent amount of it) until its sugar content is about 67%. It will take a while. Finally, you have to filter it and can it.
There is a really informative pdf file on a Maine university website I found while I was researching the topic http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/7036.pdf . It gives you detailed instructions on how to make your maple syrup right at home without all of the fancy equipment.
We have a maple tree in our front yard, so I think I might give it a go.
Have a great week!!!
~Nika
I'm talking about tapping trees for sap to make maple syrup.
It's not usually the kind of thing I write about but it's pretty interesting. I've always wanted to do it and it's pretty easy. Plus, I make a lot of pancakes and I really love fresh maple syrup.
You have to find a maple tree that's at least 31 inches in diameter, drill a hole into the side and collect the sap. Then you have to boil the sap (a pretty decent amount of it) until its sugar content is about 67%. It will take a while. Finally, you have to filter it and can it.
There is a really informative pdf file on a Maine university website I found while I was researching the topic http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/7036.pdf . It gives you detailed instructions on how to make your maple syrup right at home without all of the fancy equipment.
We have a maple tree in our front yard, so I think I might give it a go.
Have a great week!!!
~Nika
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Cherokee Tears
As many of my friends and family know, I am part Cherokee, well, at least that's what my mother says.
I can see it though. I have found over the years that many of my thoughts and ideas are not exactly run of the mill caucasion -ish thoughts and ideas.
Anyway, this blog is not about me, I just wanted to say why I am posting this.
This blog is about remembering those who sacrificed their lives so that others can have what they have today.
On May 28, 1830 the Indian Removal Act was put into place so that any Native Americans living on this side of the Mississippi would move west of the Mississippi, thereby giving up the only homes that generations of Native Americans have ever known.
It is to my dismay that on May 23, 1838 the first "Cherokee Roundup" took place. This day is shared with the same day of the birth of my brother, we will call him Turtle.
Since May is the month that the Trail of Tears was born, I wanted to make a tribute to all of the people who suffered that trail.
May they rest in peace and may their children's children also have peace.
~Nika
Friday, May 23, 2008
Scenes from Space
My love for the stars has once again brought me to a place where only the heavens can take me, www.HubbleSite.org . I love outer-space and this site is the official site of the Hubble spacecraft.
It features a place where you can see what is going on in the heavens the same night you visit the site. You can also download photos to print out of pictures that the Hubble took while it was in space, build a miniature telescope and comet and even watch video of the latest discoveries.
There is also a section for teachers and a list of educational museums you can visit.
Have loads of fun at the HubbleSite!!!
~Nika
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Serving Others
Do you remember when you were little and your parents made you go to church (assuming you are Christian)? They used to tell you how Jesus was a servant and how back in those days when you entered a home the host would wash your feet.
I got to thinking about that sermon for some reason. I remember how innocent I was back then. I knew nothing of sex, drugs, violence or misfortune. I remember how willing I was to help others, how hospitable.
As I look back, I realize that I am still that same person, I still want to be helpful and hospitable towards others but I find that with the problems we face in society today, it makes me weary of who I should be this way toward. I know it is wrong to be judgmental. I know I should show kindness to everyone and give everyone the benefit of the doubt but how do I do that when people tend to be so cruel and take advantage of one another? I have been at the receiving end of that for a very long time.
I have decided that irregardless of how people treat me I am going to be kind no matter what. My grandfather used to say, "You cannot teach a dog to be kind by beating it." I agree. You cannot teach a person to love by hating them.
So despite all of the differences of opinion, of religion, of culture and of upbringing, I am going to treat everyone, even those who look creepy and untrustworthy, the same. I am going to be kind to them. Maybe some day it will save my life.
I got to thinking about that sermon for some reason. I remember how innocent I was back then. I knew nothing of sex, drugs, violence or misfortune. I remember how willing I was to help others, how hospitable.
As I look back, I realize that I am still that same person, I still want to be helpful and hospitable towards others but I find that with the problems we face in society today, it makes me weary of who I should be this way toward. I know it is wrong to be judgmental. I know I should show kindness to everyone and give everyone the benefit of the doubt but how do I do that when people tend to be so cruel and take advantage of one another? I have been at the receiving end of that for a very long time.
I have decided that irregardless of how people treat me I am going to be kind no matter what. My grandfather used to say, "You cannot teach a dog to be kind by beating it." I agree. You cannot teach a person to love by hating them.
So despite all of the differences of opinion, of religion, of culture and of upbringing, I am going to treat everyone, even those who look creepy and untrustworthy, the same. I am going to be kind to them. Maybe some day it will save my life.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Voting
The elections are just around the corner and the candidates are neck in neck but I still do not know who I am voting for.
How can I choose between a woman, a black man and a white man with so much experience? I can tell you this, I am going to focus on the issues.
I know that I do not want Roe vs. Wade reversed, so that crosses McCain of from my list. I cannot see us condemning even more people to death than what may all ready be condemned. Even if we ban abortions there is going to be some hack job on the side waiting for the business, let's face it.
I have always been a supporter of Hillary Clinton. I think she is a strong woman. Despite all of the pant-suit jokes and jabs about Bill, she has tried to fix health insurance, she has been for education and she did, after all, help clean up the economic problems from the last Bush. That is a big one. Not to mention, I don't think I'll have to worry about women's rights issues with her. That is another big one.
Now we have Obama. I don't really know what his policies are. Every time I try to find out, there is some interruption, or he and Clinton are fighting. With all of the bickering, it's like I'm at a family reunion. I keep thinking that I will just go to his website and read about it but again, I find distractions. I am going there right this instant.
If you want to find out more about the candidates, follow me to:
www.BarackObama.com www.HillaryClinton.com www.JohnMcCain.com
Thanks again and Happy Voting!!!
~Nika
How can I choose between a woman, a black man and a white man with so much experience? I can tell you this, I am going to focus on the issues.
I know that I do not want Roe vs. Wade reversed, so that crosses McCain of from my list. I cannot see us condemning even more people to death than what may all ready be condemned. Even if we ban abortions there is going to be some hack job on the side waiting for the business, let's face it.
I have always been a supporter of Hillary Clinton. I think she is a strong woman. Despite all of the pant-suit jokes and jabs about Bill, she has tried to fix health insurance, she has been for education and she did, after all, help clean up the economic problems from the last Bush. That is a big one. Not to mention, I don't think I'll have to worry about women's rights issues with her. That is another big one.
Now we have Obama. I don't really know what his policies are. Every time I try to find out, there is some interruption, or he and Clinton are fighting. With all of the bickering, it's like I'm at a family reunion. I keep thinking that I will just go to his website and read about it but again, I find distractions. I am going there right this instant.
If you want to find out more about the candidates, follow me to:
www.BarackObama.com www.HillaryClinton.com www.JohnMcCain.com
Thanks again and Happy Voting!!!
~Nika
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Vagina Monologues
Hi, everyone!!! I started reading this book last night called the Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler and it is really a page-turner! Well, the title itself begs you to read it but it truly is an interesting read. I have to admit that I was expecting it to be more shocking than it is.
I know many of you have probably heard of the Vagina Monologues. When I was at CMU, one of my friends acted in one of the many plays that are being held world wide about the book.
At first glance it seems like just another rant about men hating women and women hating men but it's not. It's a collaboration of stories about women and their sexuality, the good and the bad and even the incredibly sexy. It's also about helping women to learn how to be okay with being a woman.
If a man were to read it, I would say that he would get out of it that women love to be loved. That we don't like to be violated and that if you are gentle and kind and understanding, we could be your best friend forever. He would also see that lack of these things in some of our lives has brought a lot of misery to us.
I encourage you to read it. I found my copy at a local library and I'm sure you can find a copy either at your local library, college, university or book store. You can buy a copy at www.Villard.com .
If you have read it, please, let me know what you think about this book.
Have a great week!!!
~Nika
I know many of you have probably heard of the Vagina Monologues. When I was at CMU, one of my friends acted in one of the many plays that are being held world wide about the book.
At first glance it seems like just another rant about men hating women and women hating men but it's not. It's a collaboration of stories about women and their sexuality, the good and the bad and even the incredibly sexy. It's also about helping women to learn how to be okay with being a woman.
If a man were to read it, I would say that he would get out of it that women love to be loved. That we don't like to be violated and that if you are gentle and kind and understanding, we could be your best friend forever. He would also see that lack of these things in some of our lives has brought a lot of misery to us.
I encourage you to read it. I found my copy at a local library and I'm sure you can find a copy either at your local library, college, university or book store. You can buy a copy at www.Villard.com .
If you have read it, please, let me know what you think about this book.
Have a great week!!!
~Nika
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Housing Market
The housing market has taken an interesting turn as people realize that almost no one in Michigan has the money to buy a house, nor the desire to buy a house, on credit.
I believe it is to our advantage as consumers that the mortgage industry has taken a bit of a fall. Now they cannot charge us unbelievable interest rates because they have no one left to rip off. What I find hard to believe is that lenders would lend to people who are not financially well off, charge them very high prices and then actually expect them to follow through. I find it even more unbelievable that our government would tolerate such bad business in the first place.
These lenders have not only loaned money to people who cannot pay but they are selling the bad debts, getting their dues and then running. It is the people at the end of the line who are being held responsible for their stupidity, dare I say fraud...
We may have a long way to go before we reach bottom but from the bottom, there is only one way...right back up. So, hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen!!!
I believe it is to our advantage as consumers that the mortgage industry has taken a bit of a fall. Now they cannot charge us unbelievable interest rates because they have no one left to rip off. What I find hard to believe is that lenders would lend to people who are not financially well off, charge them very high prices and then actually expect them to follow through. I find it even more unbelievable that our government would tolerate such bad business in the first place.
These lenders have not only loaned money to people who cannot pay but they are selling the bad debts, getting their dues and then running. It is the people at the end of the line who are being held responsible for their stupidity, dare I say fraud...
We may have a long way to go before we reach bottom but from the bottom, there is only one way...right back up. So, hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen!!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A Great Website
Today I want to share with you a great website called www.TheNest.com. Basically, it is a website for married people. I love it because I never thought I would be married, nor did I prepare for it and this site has opened many doors for me. I know how it sounds but if you know me then you know why.
It has given me insights to how other married couples think and operate. The people are generally very helpful and there are sections about food, relationships, how to deal with the in-laws, home-decorating and many more. You can even localize.
TheNest.com is a very informative and social place to interact and I hope you will visit the site.
It has given me insights to how other married couples think and operate. The people are generally very helpful and there are sections about food, relationships, how to deal with the in-laws, home-decorating and many more. You can even localize.
TheNest.com is a very informative and social place to interact and I hope you will visit the site.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!!!
I know how hard it can be sometimes, especially when you have small children or teenagers (both of whom you have to keep a constant eye on.) That is why I have posted some links here for some stress relief, as well as given you my very own tried and true ways of relaxing.
As much as our significant others try to help us relax, sometimes you need a little extra tlc.
Here are my favorite ways of unwinding. Some things work for different days.
1. Go get a massage from a professional in an upscale salon. It may cost between $40
and $80 but the results are priceless. They will treat you like you are a queen
and you will come out feeling like you are floating. However, if you do go to some-
one in their house, or have them come to yours, don't be surprised if you have
interruptions. It is a home, not exactly where I would choose to take a mini-
vacation.
2. You know this one, soak in a bubble bath with some scented candles and relaxing
music. Be sure to turn up the heat so you aren't cold when you get out. Then
slather on some sweet smelling lavender lotion afterwards. Meijer sells some for
a good price, as well as Bath and Body Works ( I love their Lavender Body
Butter.)
3. Pick up a bottle of Blackstone 2005 Napa Valley Merlot or Arbor Mist Blackberry
Merlot and a bar of Hershey's Dark Chocolate. You can't go wrong here. Red wine
chocolate tastes awesome together!!!
4. Tell your significant other that you just want to sit on the couch all day and watch
a movie (Memoirs of a Geisha was what I chose, very good), eat Chinese food, and
play video games. Don't under-estimate this one. I haven't felt so relaxed than
when my husband did this for me. Even my kids jumped on board and
cleaned up while I relaxed.
5. Here are some other ideas I found on the web:
- http://www.sulger.net/soundsculptures/
- http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/healing.htm
- http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/othertreatment/a/masstech.htm
Good luck and Happy Mother's Day!!!
~Nika
I know how hard it can be sometimes, especially when you have small children or teenagers (both of whom you have to keep a constant eye on.) That is why I have posted some links here for some stress relief, as well as given you my very own tried and true ways of relaxing.
As much as our significant others try to help us relax, sometimes you need a little extra tlc.
Here are my favorite ways of unwinding. Some things work for different days.
1. Go get a massage from a professional in an upscale salon. It may cost between $40
and $80 but the results are priceless. They will treat you like you are a queen
and you will come out feeling like you are floating. However, if you do go to some-
one in their house, or have them come to yours, don't be surprised if you have
interruptions. It is a home, not exactly where I would choose to take a mini-
vacation.
2. You know this one, soak in a bubble bath with some scented candles and relaxing
music. Be sure to turn up the heat so you aren't cold when you get out. Then
slather on some sweet smelling lavender lotion afterwards. Meijer sells some for
a good price, as well as Bath and Body Works ( I love their Lavender Body
Butter.)
3. Pick up a bottle of Blackstone 2005 Napa Valley Merlot or Arbor Mist Blackberry
Merlot and a bar of Hershey's Dark Chocolate. You can't go wrong here. Red wine
chocolate tastes awesome together!!!
4. Tell your significant other that you just want to sit on the couch all day and watch
a movie (Memoirs of a Geisha was what I chose, very good), eat Chinese food, and
play video games. Don't under-estimate this one. I haven't felt so relaxed than
when my husband did this for me. Even my kids jumped on board and
cleaned up while I relaxed.
5. Here are some other ideas I found on the web:
- http://www.sulger.net/soundsculptures/
- http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/healing.htm
- http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/othertreatment/a/masstech.htm
Good luck and Happy Mother's Day!!!
~Nika
I won! I won! I won!
I just wanted to share some fun news with you about a contest I won on www.Stylehive.com. My cousin introduced me to this site. It's pretty cool. You can go there and find clothes and accessories and well, all sorts of stuff, but I just happened to win a contest the first week I was a member.
I was supposed to talk about who my favorite rock star is and why. So here is the link to the post and the prizes I won:
http://blog.stylehive.com/index.php/weblog/entry/giveaway-contest-and-the-winner-of-the-april77-gear-is/
This site is pretty fun, so tune in. :)
~Nika
I was supposed to talk about who my favorite rock star is and why. So here is the link to the post and the prizes I won:
http://blog.stylehive.com
This site is pretty fun, so tune in. :)
~Nika
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Sweet People
Hi! My name is Nika and I am really psyched to have you here!
On this blog I want to share with you some fun and fascinating things I have found on the internet and maybe a few funny stories from time to time. I will also introduce you to new-to-me and exciting books, websites, places and ideas.
I hope you never get bored here!!!
Sincerely,
Nika
On this blog I want to share with you some fun and fascinating things I have found on the internet and maybe a few funny stories from time to time. I will also introduce you to new-to-me and exciting books, websites, places and ideas.
I hope you never get bored here!!!
Sincerely,
Nika
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