Identity

Religion is a HUGE topic right now in America. I should say religious intolerance!
This is the number one reason I wanted out of the country I called home. Unless you're a Christian 'you're in a religion that is considered a cult, and/or you follow or worship the devil.' It's sad and pathetic. I shouldn't say all say this, or even feel this way, but I will state the large majority do. This includes my own biological family.

I was a Christian for 41 years of my life, and a devoted one. I have an addictive personality though. So, when I do something I do it all the way; both feet in; swimming all around. I dive in head first and stay until I'm all shriveled up.

I was a Sunday school teacher, and a preacher to anyone who would give me two minutes of their time. This all changed when the veil was lifted and I started to see the hatred humans were pouring out onto one another "in the name of Christ." Exactly when and where does it state, in the book written by various men, during various times, that it is okay to spew judgement and hatred. Don't interpret bible verses to fit your anger. Read the two verses before, and at least two after the one you choose. Take it in it's orginal context, not out of it to fit your mood. Read the entire book, not just certain chapters or books in the book. It's filled with so much: lessons, guidance, love, sensuality, horror, fear - it's filled with everything you could imagine or want from a movie and more.

Right now America's anger is geared towards those that worship inside a Mosque.

Don't get me wrong - I despise those that did what they did on September 11, 2001. It hits my life VERY close to home! I despise those that did what they did, and all those they are tied to. However, this does NOT mean I hate all Muslims. What a narrow minded person and way of thinking that would be. This would be as bad as me stating I hate ALL Christians. I don't - just the crazy, over zealous and hate filled mongers of the faith that use it, or hide behind it as a crutch.

Jesus was a good teacher, filled with love for all. Think about it though. So was Buddha, and many of the Gods and Goddesses of the Celts, Hindus and others that worship multiples, the Great Spirit and others. We all follow the same - we just choose to call them something different.

Do not be afraid to open your heart, mind and soul to learn what is out there.

The worst thing to do is shut down, and not to continue to educate onself to the other religions. Doing so teaches hate and intolerance.

Don't hate - Educate!

Weekends

(Photo taken in Oftersheim, Germany)

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you just want to stay home on a weekend?

I mean stay home and clean, do household stuff, hide from the world and be with those you love - or alone, or is this phenomenon just in my realm?

I came back from Ireland. A land I fell completely in love with, a land I'm still trying to figure out why on earth my great grandfather left; a place where I felt completely at home. Now, I just want to go back - stay there and never leave.

I'm sure vacations hit people like this regularly, but for me it was a first, and a bit weird. Do I still want to go back and live? Sure, of course I do. Will I? Who knows honestly? I know the military installation I work on right now is closing come 2013-2015. So, I will be looking to move. So, maybe!

Because of this feeling though, I have the desire to stay home, in my nest or cocoon - just myself, my daughter and our dog. Hide from the world so to speak. I'm not depressed, just need to gather my reality again.

After all - for goodness sakes - I'm stationed in Germany and I love Europe. I'm still trying to adjust to some of the attitudes and quirks of things here. Seems like I'd have the hang of things here - it's my fourth time living in this land. *SIGH!*

So, this weekend - I'm cleaning and doing crafts - YAY!

Happy weekend all :0) I'm sure I'll be posting photos of the cleaning. Oh joy! hahaha!

Blogging is fun...and should be shared!

I found a great site where I can swap stuff. Some stuff is through the mail, some online like this swap from Swap-bot. It was to follow ten bloggers. Well, I am following them, and quite a few more now. I'm loving it. Not all are on Blogger, but you can check them out and enjoy their lives as well. Isn't life about meeting new people and loving life?

Blogs I'm following thanks to Swap-bot's "I'm a Blogger, Follow Me!!!" swap.

1. Crystal's is a variety blog of all kinds of goodies, plus she guides you to other blogs that do give-aways and such. If you have time be sure to go by.

2. Tima's blog "Living in Dar" is truly an adventure. She's witty and fun. If you've never heard of Dar...then what are you waiting for? Check her out now.

3. M for short's blog "Fun as you make it" is like talking to a really good friend on the phone, with the added bonus of photos. Her blogs are refreshing and positive. Be sure to stopy by and check her out.

4. Ambrosia's blog "Birth of a Notion" shows a life of someone that is truly dedicated to writing and being a true friend. She's right in the middle of a real life change right now and moving. She finds time to stay dedicated to her blog.

5. Joni's blog "~TrainMama~" is quite encouraging and will show you some other wonderful bloggers. Dig deep into her blog and find her. She's so giving that you get to know her through her sharing. It's really quite wonderful.

6. ScrappinAuntie's blog "A little bit about" starts off with a reminder to think positively through affirmations with a nightly statement she puts up. It's a great reminder for us to be thankful. I really liked that, and so much more about her blog. Stop by and fill her up with some more happiness.

7. Jessica's blog "Sparsile Vacivity" is wonderful and witty. She speaks my language - geek, and I love it! She reminds me of my friends back home in Texas so I really enjoyed her wittiness. Stop by and giggle a little.

8. Rochelle's blog "Three Turns to Home" has some incredible embrodering, makes me want to pick up my Grandma's old work and do it all! But I loved how she talked about her kids. You can tell they are the light of her life. Keep her son in prayer as he heals from surgery. Her daughter is pushing independance and loving life.

9. Shary's Mama Fish blog "blog.sharylove.com" is all about Mommihood. I love her points of view on breastfeeding. I agree with much of what she says here. I think more Mom's should breastfeed. It's best for the baby. Plus, there is no other connection like it. Trust me when I say your children are less fussy and, I think, are more connected to you in life. Well, read for yourself.

10. Glenda's blog "Sweet Daisy Dreams" is giving and read like the letters we used to write back in the day of letter writing. She is not afraid to recommend others in her blog. I really enjoyed wandering around her blog, and look forward to seeing more in the future. Travel on over and check into Glenda's blog.

These were my partners...but because of them I found quite a few other blogs that I am now following. For instance I found DIY Taraism and it's just fun!
I have many more and I will be sure to tell you about them...but I think 11 is enough for one day. Be sure to follow if you enjoy their writing as I did.

Hugs and blessings to all tonight.

Will blog about Ireland soon...can't wait to share the photos!

A hunt for color in the land of the gray? No Problem!

I found Ireland to be a bit gray . . . when you looked up and leaned over to the side, hanging onto the railing with your toes. Other than that - I found Ireland to be full of color, love and passion. A passionate country my Great Grandfather left in 1886.


I went to visit, got there and wondered why on earth he ever left this amazing land. The people are magnificent. The country is beautiful and rich with color. The food is okay...but the food is cooked with a passion often missed. The trains were a mixture of passion poured through a seive, sprinkled with warmth of a hug.


It's a land I cried when I left, and will celebrate when I return. It's the land that stole my soul. My sweet Ireland I will return.

I went knowing I had a photo scavenger hunt/swap of sorts to complete. So, I went with colors in mind.


1. Red is such a key color in marketing and decor in business now. It's hard to miss. Here in the Frankfurt airport the color is splashed throughout the eating areas.

2. Is a little orange beauty that was growing right outside my friend's home near Dublin, Ireland.

3. The handlebars on the Green Touring bus in Dublin are BRIGHT yellow. Loved it.

4. I LOVED that the post boxes were green. At least the ones I saw were.

5. This little blue Molly was in several places throughout Dublin. I spotted her on a second story window as well.

6. The purple gummy postbox was too cute. I spoted it in a bag of Roundtree's Randoms which are a variety of gummy candies, and quite yummy!

7. The pink flowers were growing inside the Trim Castle in Trim, Ireland

8. The doors of Dublin are known world wide. However, you don't really see many brown ones, so I really loved this one. It was one of my favorite doors.

9. The street art is just as popular in Dublin as it is in other places in the world. It's not as bad as it is in Germany. So, I appreciated the art I saw here. These little black robots were wonderful, and only in a few places.

10. Finally, the churches/cathederals are sprinkled all over Dublin and Ireland. Although I'm not Christian I do love churches and all the beauty that goes into decorating them. The candles represent such a sense of peace and love for me. The white of the candles and the flames always make me hope that someday all religions will learn to coexist!

I loved photo scavenger hunts. This one allowed me to use my own passion for photography as an art and think way outside of the box.

If you'd like to see them individually check out my Flickr. If you liked, or didn't like, the images let me know by leaving a comment.

Have a great day!

Dee's Country Cajun Potato Salad

Dee's Country Cajun Potato Salad
Originally uploaded by NikonLady

I made this potato salad after trying to find a recipe for a good potato salad online. Sure, I found some, but being a kitchen witch, I'm never satisfied with other's recipes. So, off I went to my cauldron...I mean kitchen and created this recipe. It contains Borel's Cajun Zing season, flavor: Cajun Country Ranch Dunk-n-dip. You can find their FANTASTIC seasonsings here: http://www.borelscajunzing.com Try them it's awesome!

Recipe:
4 Russett potatoes (cubed and cooked)
1 Orange pepper (cut and cubed)
1 medium carrot (peeled, cut and quartered)
1/4 Large onion (cut into small squares, or your desired shape and length)
1 package Borel's Cajun Zing (any are great, but I used: Cajun Country Ranch Dunk-n-dip)
5 T mayonaise
2 T yellow mustard

Mix together and enjoy! You can serve this hot or cold, mine was cold. ENJOY!!!!

Swapping

If there is one thing I love it's to make other's smile. I know one way that is really easy to do that as well - it's to Swap. I've discovered Craftster.org through my daughter, and I am completley addicted to the site. WEEE
I also discovered Swap-bot.com through a friend on Craftster. They are both great sites. I like Swap-bot because they have postcard swaps, and online swaps. Things like filling out questionaires and sending them to others. You get to learn about others, and meet people. It is really great.

So, I have fallen back into the happy world of swaps. I used to do scrapbook swaps. They filled my waking hours to make the perfect page. I ended up stopping work on my own books until I was only doing swaps. So, then pretty much ended my scrapbooking.

Then, I lost everything in a flood in 2004, and my friends from the swaps sent me wonderful stuff. It replinshed my supplies some and I was able to scrapbook more. Shortly after that I had surgery, then lost my job. Being a single mom it was tough. We were homeless, I had no job and was recovering from a really bad surgery.

I never lost hope or belief in life and love of others thanks to those women in my swap buddy arena. They saw me through some very hard times. I stayed in contact with a handfull of them over the years, and recently thanks to Facebook I got back into contact with the one I was closest to. (Hugs Jacki!) I look back on that time that so many ask how I survived that time.

Well, my swap buddies helped me through it. I'm a positive person...but just having someone to talk too helped me so much. It wasn't about the stuff the sent, but the friendships that were discovered and bound.

So, for all of my past, present and future swap buddies - Hugs and much love. Friends don't always have to be the ones you live in the same town with, they can be someone that you may never meet face to face...but you have this string that you already share that connects your soul to mine...we just have to find it in the mixture of strings in the world.

Love and hugs all...love and hugs!

Military Life

I've only known one life style - MILITARY!

I was born into the Army life, have worked for the military, with the exception of two companies. I love my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am a photographer and graphic designer for the US Army. My first job out of high school was a graphic artist for the USAF. I support the Troops - all the way!

A few weeks ago the big honchos in Germany informed us that they were closing our Post. I didn't react like others. I just said OK! Yes, I have return rights that I can use. However, that is NOT why I reacted so calmly. It's my life. Every two to three years it's time to move. Now that I'm back in the government system - I'm happy.

So, I have two years to enjoy Europe. I want to stay longer - but that is the will of my higher power if I'm going to go to England, or somewhere else. My dream and desire is to go to England first. We'll see. All of my energy, hopes and desires are to get to the UK.

I'm in Germany and I love it. I'll enjoy my time here and see as much as I can. Currently I'm planning a trip to a different country each month to spend a weekend or more. I'm here to explore and learn, and darn it that's what I'm going to do! Our first trip this month is to Ireland. Next month maybe Greece. We'll see.

So, enjoy your life where ever you are, and be thankful for all you have. Things can change at the drop of a hat. It's all in how you accept the news that affects everyone.

Blessings of love and light!

100 Things

100 things that make me happy
1. The sound of my daughter’s laughter
2. The way my parents still look at one another after being together for over 50 years, and married for 48 of those
3. Knowing my daughter turned out so well, even though society states Single Parent children are a nuisance on society
4. That I have the right to choose my own religion. (Thank you to all the Troops!)
5. Being an Army Brat
6. Watching my dog “squidgy” on the ground
7. Knowing I have no regrets for things I’ve done in life
8. Watching sparrows
9. The purr of a cat
10. Holding my Grandma in my arms as she left this life
11. Remembering her golden rule – If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all. You can always find something nice to say. You could be the only person that day to be kind to that person.
12. Knowing it is okay to cry
13. Seeing an old ’57 Chevy, and knowing it’s a ’57 Chevy!
14. Loving my job
15. Giving a compliment, and meaning it from the bottom of my heart
16. Being able to listen to others, while keeping it to myself
17. Having a good relationship with my Dad
18. Living my dream of being back in Germany
19. The taste of GOOD barbeque
20. Hearing birds sing
21. Watching fish swim
22. Driving
23. Listening to music
24. Seeing a baby be born
25. Seeing someone smile
26. Peanut butter and Nutella sandwich
27. Knowing I never have to eat my Grandma’s peanut butter frosting again!
28. Watching baseball live
29. Being a kitchen witch
30. Hearing the bagpipes played properly
31. Bunnies
32. Chocolate when it reaches that stage when it’s squishy between your fingers
33. The taste of a freshly made glass of sweet iced tea
34. The feeling I have after cleaning
35. Learning to accept myself
36. Giving and receiving unconditional love
37. A good fart
38. Not letting my medical problems rule my life
39. Children with red hair
40. The Chicago Bears (yes, still!)
41. The fact that I do NOT like the San Antonio Spurs!
42. A cool breeze on a hot day
43. Having time to myself
44. Being kissed passionately
45. Going to the zoo
46. Watching bugs
47. Being positive
48. Getting up early, before anyone else and walking around the house
49. A hug from my Dad
50. Daisies
51. A relaxing walk
52. Being accepted
53. Not feeling like I have to compete to make a point, or be heard
54. Giving a hug
55. Talking with my Mom for hours
56. The shape of my Mom’s face
57. Memories of my brother and I growing up
58. The smell of my daughter’s hair
59. The feel of a child’s hand in mine
60. How grass feels between my toes
61. The sound of water hitting the shore
62. The feeling of relief after I’ve finished a good hard cry
63. Laughing
64. A smooth landing
65. Penguins
66. Hearing a child discover something for the first time
67. Seeing an older couple holding hands
68. Ladybug’s
69. Hot chocolate made from scratch with mini marshmallows
70. Campfires
71. Being kind
72. Getting home after traveling
73. Knowing that I can still find love, but being okay with being single
74. Not being afraid to speak my mind, finally!
75. Being Pagan, and not having to identify with any single religion
76. The smell of Spring
77. The cold starkness of winter
78. Loving my pets, but treating them like animals
79. Pink, green, orange, and yellow
80. Knowing how to compose a good photo
81. Giving money to beggars and not feeling like I need to explain my actions
82. Big cities
83. Rock and roll
84. Disney animated movies
85. The memory of my first real kiss
86. Accepting I am an artist
87. Loving to learn
88. Vanilla ice cream in a cone
89. Europe
90. A fresh praline
91. Cooking
92. Surfing the internet
93. Blogging
94. Sing Star
95. The smell of a fresh clean towel
96. Making new friends
97. Going home
98. Realizing I can do it
99. Accepting others for who they are
100. Realizing I could do more, maybe I should do a thousand…

I love the fact that Germany is so safe. I haven't felt this safe in decades!
For instance, here they provide parking for women closer to the exits. They have special taxis for women.

Thank you for the feeling of safety!

I'm glad to be here again!

The beginning travels into the vegetarian world

This is my first attempt at vegetarian cookies. Mind you they do have butter, but it could easily be margarine to become a vegan recipe. I found it on an eggless website. I used chocolate chips instead also. I have to let you know they are a bit dry, but that's the butter. I think margarine would make them much more moist. They're different, but they worth the adventure. Will I visit the Krispie Kookie realm again? Probably not.

I plan on becoming completely vegetarian this year. It's best for my body. I'm not doing it for ethical reasons. I come from a long line of cattle ranchers. Now, my parents do ranch Irish Dexter Cattle, but they raise them as pets. Seriously! My folks do not sell or kill their cattle. It's costing them a fortune, but my Dad is happy. My Mom loves the calves, and names them all. They raised ducks and chickens as well. All of the chickens have been killed by wildlife, and not my parents. They do eat the eggs though. This is where I make the stand as well. I will not turn from dairy or eggs.

This choice is also for me, not any other reason. I enjoy eggs, and I like cheese. I like a good ice cold glass of chocolate milk as well. So, I will remain an lacto/ovo vegetarian. I have no desire to go vegan. I am happy for those that do it, that is fine for them.

I do not believe that ranchers and farmers are causing global warming. I do believe that if these people are left to keep all of their animals that the methane would be determintal to the earth. So, I support all ranchers and farmers. I have no problem with hunters either. As long as they don't sit up on a blind and shoot deer/other animals like they are fish in a barrel. That annoys the hell out of me. Be more like my Uncle and get down with a bow and arrow and hunt like a real hunter.

Okay, I didn't mean to get on a box about vegetarianism. I'm simply trying to post a decent cookie recipe.

So, here it is:

Krispi Kookies (the way I made them)

Krispie Kookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups plain/all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup soft butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 cups rice krispies/puffed rice
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
Sift together the flour and cinnamon.Set aside.Cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy and light. Add dry ingredients with the rice and chocolate chips. Mix well.

Drop by level tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cookies are a pale golden brown.


Try them, you might like them...they're like a sweet crumbly butter cookie.

Lines and Shadows

Lines and Shadows
Originally uploaded by NikonLady

In life I have always loved butterflies. In the last three years I've really been compared to butterflies as well. My growth in my spiritual path and in general.
A very dear friend told me when I left Fort Hood that it was if I came out of my chrysalis and was finally learning how to fly. When I got my assignment in Germany he told me it was time for me to truly stretch my wings and fly free, discover myself and life. I've been doing just that for six months. I'm truly at peace and I'm flying again.
Recently I found out that my assignment was going to be cut a bit shorter than I was led to believe. Instead of taking the same road all the others did. I chose to be positive about it. A co-worker even told me that I was taking quite a positive attitude towards everything. Well, growing up as an Army Brat the one thing that is constant in our lives is Change!
I will live where I'm meant to live as long as I'm meant to live here, then I'll move on to the next place.
Just as a butterfly's life is designated to be for a certain amount of time, so is mine. I'll cling to the mesh for as long as I'm meant to. Then, I'll let go and float.

Blessed be...

Discovering

Oh, joy and oogie happiness! I've discovered Crafster.org (thank you DD!), and I am completely addicted.
You know what I love about the site? You can't join a swap until you've been part of the site for at least a month, and have posted 15 times. Now, babbling people like me can do that in one sitting. However, you can't just be on there racking up points for saying things like - "great" "wonderful" "hi" - no you have to make a contribution, or sincerly ask questions. It's truly a wonderful new addiction.

Now, because of Craftster I've discovered a bunch of incredible crafty people. I'm reading blogs, and learning stuff. I'm loving it. Really I am.

Discovering - it's what life is all about!

Giggly time

I've found that thing called PEACE again. I'm curling up with it and holding on tight. I'm so happy right now in life it's awesome. You know what? I deserve it. I've had enough strife in my life. I'm thankful for the choices I've made, the friends I have, and most of all the family I have in my life.

I've been quite giggly lately. Actually, down right silly. But I'm glad. It's a nice change of pace. I know...those of you that KNOW me...are thinking...Um, Dee??? When are you NOT happy?

Well, I have been way too much in the last few years. Some of it had to do with some friends, or people I THOUGHT were friends that walked out of my life - and left an ugly mark as they did. Kind of like that mark that you get in your...well, you get the point.

I'm happy...and I just wanted to say thanks!