GREAT NEWS

My perseverance on my temp job has paid off. I worked my ass off for ten straight days and I must say it was worth it. I will be working at the store I helped remodel for one more week and then I will start working at the store that is closer to my home after that. Both store managers came up to me Wednesday to give me the good news. I am so happy that I don't have to file for unemployment.

This might not be a dream job but I think I will truly enjoy it. I like working with the public and enjoy helping people out. In this economy I can't complain. I was lucky to find a job so quickly. I didn't miss one day of work. Of course, I wanted to find a job. Some people who lose their jobs take unemployment for as long as they can. It would drive me crazy to not work.

Enough about my good news. Does anyone else have good news to share?

SIS BJ aka Aleena

GOODBYE

All I can say is good bye.
Please forgive the short notice.
Really sucks that things aren't working out.
I hate to go.
Leaving this blog is so hard.
Forever will I be grateful.
Our chats have been fun.
Of course I will visit.
Lost I will be.
So long.

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

POETRY

I have stated before that I would like to have at least one poem published this year. I have been writing many poems. Some okay, some very bad. None of them are great. After reading many poems from on-line poetry mags, I realize that I have a lot of work to do. The other day while I was at the book store, I made it to the poetry section in search of how-to books. The poetry section was very small. I was able to find only one how-to book.

The Complete Idiot's Guide To Writing Poetry by Nikki Moustaki. For a guide for idiot's, the book is full of helpful information. There are many fun exercises and a lot of good advice on how to write and not write poetry. There is a chapter that tells you the best way to get a poem published.

I am hoping that this book helps me out. I am on the look out for more how-to books that might prove to be more helpful. Do you use how-to or self-help books? Do you find them to be helpful?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

SUPPOSABLY OR SUPPOSEDLY

I have heard many times that supposably is not a real word. If it is not a real word then why do I hear people use it all the time? I don't just hear it from everyday people, I hear supposably being used on the radio and T.V. A few weeks ago I was watching The History Channel. It was a UFO show about Roswell and Area 51. Several times during this program I heard the word supposably. It wasn't used by the people who were interviewed, it was used by the narrator. Now, I was very sick when I watched this show so maybe I heard the guy wrong. He could have said supposedly,which is a real word.

I looked up both words to see if I could find definitions for them. This is what I found on Wiktionary:

Supposedly: adverb; as a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.

Exp. People from other planets have supposedly visited Earth in flying saucers.

Supposably: adverb; able to be be supposed or conjectured.
Exp. 1914 Emily A. Smith, The Life and Letters of Nathan Smith
The portrait here is supposably the well-known one of Samuel Finey Breese Morse....

If supposably is not a word, it is a 'fake' word that has been used for almost a hundred years according to the example above. I found a discussion on the Internet about these two words. According to one person, both words are real. He found them in the Oxford English Dictionary. I don't have that dictionary, so I can't verify it.

Is supposably a real word? I don't know. I have used it myself from time to time. I try to correct myself when I do. What about you? Do you think supposably is a word? Have you ever said it in place of supposedly?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

The Leanan Sidhe

The Leanan Sidhe (shee) is a faery or spirit who inspires artists, poets, writers, and musicians. You can think of her as a faery muse, but she isn't your average muse. She will bring you great genius but can cause you to go mad or die young.

There are a few artists I can think of who might have been touched by The Leanan Sidhe.

Vincent van Gogh: Great artist. Went mad and cut off his own ear(maybe). Died at the age of 37 from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Genius composer. I'm not sure if he was mad or just deliciously crazy. Died at the age of 35.

Elvis: King of Rock and Roll. One of the greatest singers ever. Died at the age of 42 after a great career as a singer and actor.

Michael Jackson: King of Pop. Another great singer. Died at the age of 50 after a turbulent life.

There are many more artists that I can name that may have been touched by The Leanan Sidhe. These artists names will live on forever.

Can you think of anymore artists who may have been touched by The Leanan Sidhe? If she came to visit you, would you let her in or would you tell her "No Thank You"?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

Superbowl

I'm not a huge football fan, but when my home team is in the Super Bowl I get just as excited as everyone else. This Super bowl Sunday I will be rooting for the Indianapolis Colts. Of course I will enjoy watching the commercials as well. There are usually a few that I get a big kick out of. As much as I want the Colts to win, I won't be disappointed if the New Orleans Saints win. After hurricane Katrina they deserve something great to happen. I could imagine the parties they will have if they win. They will fit right in with Mardi Gras. What ever you do, don't tell my husband that I would be okay with the Saints winning. He might be able to turn this whole state against me. Who are you rooting for in this Sundays Super Bowl? SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

Just Ramblings

Not a whole lot going on right now. I can't seem to even come up with somrthing to blog about, so I will just ramble.

I finally got my car back from the shop. I missed my little car. The rental they gave me was a too big for my tatse. The insurance company couldn't get anything right so it took a little longer than usual to get my car in the shop.

Business is slow where I work. My boss is thinking of closing both stores down. I feel bad for him because he has had his stores for over 20 years. It is going to be hard for him to do something else. Of course that means I have to go job hunting. Something that I am not looking forward to.

The sun is now shining its warming light every now and then. I wish the weather could make up its mind. We have had snow, rain, freezing rain, warm weather and now bitterly cold weather all within a couple weeks. Very confusing on the body.

That's it for my ramblings. Do you have any?

SIS BJ AKA Aleena Ravenwood

S A D

No, I am not sad. I'm referring to Seasonal Affective Disorder. It happens in the winter when people don't get enough sunlight. Symptoms include sleeping too much, little energy and depression. I'm not sleeping too much( who has time for that) nor am I depressed. What I have is lack of energy. I'm tired as soon as I wake up and it continues throughout the day. My minds feels as foggy as it has been outside for the past few days.

Normally I am not affected by seasonal changes. This year is throwing me for a loop. I have so little energy that it is hard to concentrate on anything that I am trying to do. I have been trying to read up on Celtic myths and Faery lore because that is where I draw most of my inspiration for my poetry. I can't seem to get my mind out of this fog. I need sunlight. Hopefully Mr. Sun will decide to grace me with his presence soon.

Do you suffer from S A D?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

Guardian Dragon

We have talked about Guardian Angels on here before. I believe we all have one in some form or another. In fact, we probably have more than one.

One of my Guardian Spirits is a Dragon. You see, I have a great fear of driving. Years ago I was shopping in an Oriental themed store and I was looking at some dragon charms made of Jade. The sales lady told me they were for safe travel and they were to be hung on the rearview mirror of your car. Of course I had to snatch it up.

My Dragon friend has been hanging in every car I have driven since the day I found him. When I am driving and start to feel nervous, I reach over and rub the charm and ask my Dragon friend to protect me. The Dragon on the charm is an Eastern Dragon (think Oriental), but when I ask for his protection he appears to me as a Western Dragon (think King Arthur type dragon),flying right above my car ready to grab hold with his talons if needed. He is a beautiful Dragon. Black with jewel like cobolt blue scales scattered about his body. I relax every time I imagine him.

My Dragon friend visits during bad storms as well. He sits atop my house ready to protect it and its inhabitants from strong winds and falling trees. He is a great friend to have around and I always thank him for his presence.

Is my Dragon friend real? I don't know,but the thought of a Dragon being there to protect me and those I love brings me great comfort.

What about you? Do you have Guardian Spirits that are different from you Guardian Angel? If so, what do they look like?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Blackwood

Poetry

For this new year I have decided to try my hand at writing poetry professionally. In the past I have written poetry for my eyes only. The only time I have shared my poems is on this blog. I am usually a very private person. Blogging on this site is the most I have "talked" to anyone in a long time. Just ask my sisters. They can only keep me on the phone for a couple minutes. Putting myself out there is going to be hard. My hopes are to have at least one poem published by the end of this year. Of course, I would love to have many more published.

I have been reading up on how to write poetry professionally. Poems need to have metaphors and similes in them. I'm good at similes, but not so much at metaphors. Their definitions are so close that they can be confused with one another.

Metaphor: n. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison.

Simile: n. A figure of speech in which two essentially unlike things are compared, often in a phrase introduced by like or as.

I have now challenged myself to work very hard at understanding and using metaphors in my poetry. This means reading a lot of poetry and finding the metaphors within them. At least I will enjoy the endeavor.

My question to you is: Do you use metaphors and similes in your writing? If so; which one comes easier to you?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Blackwood

Almost Here

Good morning everyone. I'm filling in for Brandy today because she isn't feeling well. I'm sending healing thoughts her way.

I am almost done with Christmas shopping. Just a few things left to get. Candy for the stockings and new toothbrushes that the kids get every Christmas. I know, who wants a toothbrush for Christmas. I am happy to say that they actually like getting them.

We have done our family tradition of going to see holiday light displays and eating at White Castle. We don't have one in town so we look forward to the trip to get our Sliders. I remember dad taking us all the way to Indy just to go White Castle. Thank goodness we don't have to drive that far anymore.

While I will be happy that the stress of the holidays will soon be over, I will be sad when it ends. The day's won't seem as magical when the wait is over. I am looking forward to getting up Christmas morning to watch my little ones open their presants. They are so excited they can hardly wait. I am getting excited as well. I feel like a kid again waiting for Santa to show up.

How about you? Are you ready for Christmas?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

CRAZY ABOUT WINTER

Call me crazy, but, I LOVE WINTER!!

I love snow flying around me as if I were in a Snow Globe. I love the feel of cold crisp air kissing my cheeks turning them a rosy hue. I love the snow covered trees and the beauty of Black Crows against the white landscape. I love the way wind whips around me tossing my hair about my face

Children making Snow Angels and Snow People always brings a smile to my face, remembering that I too was once a child and enjoyed such things. I still enjoy them, just not with the same innocent joy of a child.

I love Winter clothing. Sweaters, coats, hats and scarves, all in a variety of colors and styles. My hair always looks best in Winter. It is so much easier to straighten my curly hair and keep it that way.

Cuddling on the couch, wrapped in warm blankets with my family and watching holiday movies with them gives me feelings of warmth and love. There seems to be more laughter at this time of year in my house. The girls trying to figure out what is under the tree and hoping Santa visits them soon.

I love the feelings that Winter brings to me. Love, joy, laughter, warmth of heart and all around good cheer!!

What do you love (or hate) about Winter?

THERE IS ALWAYS JOY TO BE FOUND

THERE IS ALWAYS JOY TO BE FOUND

In the childs infectious laughter
In the twinkle in their eyes
In the sound of a bubbling brook
In the clouds up in the sky

In the squirrels scampering in trees
In the way they ask for corn
In the beauty of Natures gifts
In the hopes of spotting a Unicorn

In the wonder of sparkling crystals
In the way snow covers trees
In the fun of sledding down hills
In the way we shout with glee

In the times we spend with family
In the way we laugh and sing
In the hugs and love we give them
In the joy of gift giving.....

~~ALEENA RAVENWOOD


Where do you find joy?
Feel free to add to this Never Ending Poem!

SIS BJ

TRADITIONS

Every year in November my small town holds a Downtown Christmas festival. And every year my girls and I go on a Mommy / Daughters date. We don't care how cold it is or if it's raining or snowing. We always have fun no matter the weather.

We start out the night by watching the small parade, eagerly awaiting for Santa to make his entrance. I love watching the excitement in my childrens faces. I'm sure they see the same in mine.

After the parade we walk around town listening to Christmas Carolers and going into all the stores to what fasinating things we can find. Of course we love when those stores have cookies and cider. Who wouldn't like a free treat?

As we are walking around the stores, my girls look for their yearly Christmas ornament. Every year I buy them a new ornament so when they grow up and have their own Christmas Tree they have a good start on the decorations for it. I put their name and year they got it on the back.

When we put up our Christmas Tree we have fun talking about the times we got them. My hope is that they will do the same with their children.

We love the memories that this yearly tradition brings us. I can't wait to add this years memories to them!

My question to you is: Do you have any traditions that you cherish?

MISSING

I'm used to losing my keys and sun glasses,but lately odd things have come up missing.

First it was all of my spoons. One by one they went away. I don't know where they could have gone. Where ever it is, my steak knives followed. Now I am waiting to see if my forks decide to run away also. Maybe there is a land where all the silverware go when they don't like you anymore. I could just see them laying around in the sun someplace beautiful instead of being at my house doing what they were made to do. Maybe someday they will come back to me. I'm not holding my breath. I fear they are gone for good.

Now my Birth Certificate is missing. It should be with the others. I guess it didn't like me either. It must want people to think I wasn't born. That's not fair. I need my Birth Certificate. Now I have to apply for another one and that's a pain in the butt. I wish it would come back to me. I promise I will be nice if it does. I'm not holding my breath. I fear it's gone for good.

Someday, when I no longer need these things,they will come back from their mystical lands. They will tell me they are sorry for running away. I'm not sure if I will forgive them. Probably I will.

Have you had anything odd come up missing? If so, where do you think they went?

If your see my things,please ask them to come home.

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

My Little Rant

Before Halloween even rolled around, stores were already putting Christmas merchandise on their shelves. I just walked into a store today and they have Christmas Trees up. I'm now starting to see Holiday themed commerials.

By the time Christmas gets around I will be sick of it and I won't be able to remember the real reason for the season. I'll just be ready for it to be over with. Before you know it, Christmas merchandise will start showing up in July. The Holidays are depressing for some, why make them suffer sooner.

When is enough, enough? When are they going to let one Holiday get over with before they start with another? I bet next month you will start seeing things for Valentine's Day.

I will admit, it was nice being able to buy Chocolate Covered Cherries in October. But hey, it was chocolate.

That's my little rant for today. Do you have any?

SIS B.J. aka Aleena Ravenwood

SHADOWFEST

SHADOWFEST
by Aleena Ravenwood

The night grows dark as the ancient ones roam
They come to visit their loved ones homes.
Light a candle, say a prayer
Let them know you hold them near.
Eat good food, drink warm cider
Share some stories by the fire.
Celebrate this Shadowfest
With love and laughter for your guests.
As the sun comes up and your loved ones leave
Wish them all a Bewitching Halloween!

* * *

All Hallows Eve, Hallowmas, Day of the Dead, Pooka Night, Shadowfest and Samhain(pronounced sow-en, meaning summers end). These are some of the names for Halloween. October 31 is not just a night to dress in costume and go trick or treating, it is a night to celebrate and honor your deceased loved ones, be they family, friends or pets. It is believed that the veil between the worlds is as its thinnest making it easier for spirits to roam the Earth.

There are many ways to celebrate the love you have for your lost loved ones on this night. One of them is by holding what is called a Dumb Supper. A Dumb Supper is a meal eaten in complete silence to which the spirits of your deceased loved ones are invited and served their favorite foods. I don't know about you, but my family can't eat a meal in silence. If it is the same with you, try talking about your loved ones and the silly things they used to do.

Another way to honor the spirit of your loved ones is to sit around a bonfire and instead of telling scary stories, share some of the times that your loved ones scared you. As an example( Barb and Brandy should remember this one), our Dad would gather us all up in his pick-up, drive us out to Okie Pinokie, drive down a long dark lane with the head lights off while telling us scary stories. He would stop in the middle of a circle drive surrounded by trees and scare the bejeebers out of us. Or the times that he would put a gorilla mask on and chase us around the house until we were ready to wet ourselves in fear.

In Mexico they have a day of great celebration called the Day of the Dead. With skulls and skeletons they parade around to honor their dead in a joyous fiesta. They even have cakes and cookies shaped in skull and skeleton motiffs. Sounds like fun to me.

Whether you hold a Dumb Supper, share stories around a bonfire or join in a parade of dancing skeletons, remember your deceased loved ones on this All Hallows Eve.

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

Childhood Dreams

As a child, I dreamed of being many things. The first was a Paleontologist. I wanted to dig around in the dirt and find fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric things. I thought it would be fun to find the leg bone of a T-Rex.

The next thing I wanted to be still involved digging around in dirt. But it wasn't fossils I wanted to find; it was treasure. I dreamed of being an Archeologist like Indiana Jones. I wished to travel all over the world in search of lost civilizations and ancient artifacts.

Though my childhood dreams never came true I enjoy watching shows and reading books about them. I am always excited when something new is discovered. When they dig up fossils of creatures they didn't know existed or when they unearth a new tomb in Egypt or a new site at Stonehenge.

My question to you is: What were your childhood dreams?