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"When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn't a sign that they don't understand one another, but a sign that they have, at last, begun to."-Helen RowlandApparently, there is a movement here in California to ban divorce. Can you believe it? Now I understand that the man behind the movement is doing this as a satirical statement in regards to the passing of Prop 8 last year, but I find it dangerous all the same. You remember Prop 8 don't you? That was the proposition "protecting the institution of marriage" by denying the civil right of marriage to the gay community. The divorce ban's author, John Marcotte, puts his mission this way..."Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more."Marcotte would need about 700,000 signatures by next March to get the measure on next year's ballot. A tall, and very expensive order. If it does make it there however, and passes, it would amend the California Constitution to disallow divorce for married couples, but instead it will allow annulments. So, it seems there is somewhat of an out clause if you find out after marrying your perfect someone that he/she is an adulterer or a spouse beater, or maybe a compulsive gambler or any one of a million things that can range from mildly irritating to completely dangerous.Ok, yes, I know this is all being done in jest, but I really do find it dangerous all the same. What if the idea actually took off? What then? You can't go back and un-ring that bell. Marriage is wonderful. I love being married. I highly recommend it, but it is not without it's challenges! Every marriage will go through trials, and sometimes even moments of devastation, but if you are as lucky as Alan and I, you can ride them out and actually grow as people. It takes a lot of work to make a good marriage, but I also know that sometimes folks get married who never should have. I saw that with my parents, who fought every day of their 50 year union. As a child I used to pray they would get a divorce, so the screaming would just stop already.Two abusive people one marriage license. Sigh.Sometimes it's best to stop while you are behind. At least it gives you a chance to stop, catch your breath, think things through, and move forward for the good of everyone. Prop 8 was a hateful thing. I support Gay marriage, because I can't see any real reason not to. I hope one day the people of California will grant that right to the Gay and Lesbian community. I will be right there supporting them all the way! This, however doesn't seem like the way to go, if anything, it's a big sarcastic distraction from the real issue... civil rights.Marriage should be about love.Period.If it's about anything else, it won't work. Just ask the 50% of straight couples who divorce each year. -CarlyMovement Under Way In California To Ban Divorce
"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!-Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836Imagine a cold, early December night. You are out for a stroll, when suddenly you hear the distinct rattling of chains. You know you heard them... or did you? You shake your head and continue on with your stroll, chastising yourself for being nothing but a nervous Nelly. After all, there is a big full moon in the sky to light your way, and you have walked in this park before, many times in fact. You can even hear the distant sound of Christmas music wafting from the charming Carousel in the park. There's nothing to worry about, and yet, that nagging feeling remains that someone, or something is watching you!The air is bitter cold. Why did you even think to take a walk in the woods on this bone-chilling cold late autumn night? Why did this sound like a good idea? Do you even know how far you have walked? A lot of thoughts can pass through your mind when you are out for a walk, and your only companion is solitude. Perhaps it's time to turn back, and head back home for a hot cup of tea to warm your thoughts. As you walk you begin to smile as you hear the Christmas music playing louder, and you hear the sounds of the children laughing. You feel at peace and completely comfortable as you continue along that road back home.You smile to yourself as you glance up the hill to see the beautiful holiday lights that surround the Carousel. So pretty. What could there possibly be to fear?Suddenly from behind you hear something running toward you, and you turnaround to come face to face with the Krampus! Your mother always warned you to mind your manners because if you didn't, the Karmpus would appear and thwack you one with his hefty chains, and now he has!With a deep evil laugh, he strikes out at you, striking you on your bum, and without so much as a "Hi, how are ya," makes his way into the darkness!As you stand there stunned, rubbing your freshly spanked bum, you now know... some legends are true!Beware of the Krampus on the night of December 5th! The eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas!LOL.Like my little cautionary tale? I hope so. I absolutely love the legend of the Kampus. I came across the it a few years ago, while looking for something new about the holidays. How can you not just thoroughly enjoy a Christmas legend that has just a hint of Halloween to it?
While America doesn't do much about Krampus day, in Europe it is a huge deal. According to Wikipedia, in the town of Schlaming, Styria, over 1200 "Krampus" (actually men dressed as Krampus, from all over Austria), attend a huge holiday gathering in honor of the mischievous fella, and carry with them chains, and sticks, and wave huge cowbells to warn of their approach. His purpose is to punish children who were bad during the year, by stealing their Christmas packages and spanking them on the rear. So, I suppose if you have been a good little boy or girl you have nothing to worry about... right? LOL. One day, I would love to visit Austria so I can see this festival for myself! Doesn't it sound like great fun?Were you a bad boy or girl this year?Will the Krampus be showing up at your house?(Insert the sound of rattling chains here) ;)-CarlyKrampus (Wikipedia)Santa's Not So Little Helper (The Morning News)
"When you are special to a cat, you are special indeed. She brings to you the gift of they're preference of you,
the sight of you, the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand."-Lester B PearsonWeekend Assignment #295: Even in Tucson, things can get a bit chilly on December nights. What is your favorite way to keep warm?Extra Credit: What is the temperature setting on your thermostat?-Karen, of the blog, Outpost MavarinWhat is my favorite way to stay warm? Well, you see it all right there in the picture! Dylan is my little cuddle buddy when it's time for bed, he just loves to sleep alongside me, between myself and Alan. When I sleep alone, on Sunday nights, he sleeps on a pillow right next to me, and sometimes, he cuddles on my right shoulder. Not only is it heartwarming, but it is body warming as well. He takes care of me, and I always feel loved. My boy Hendrix sleeps on a chair near the bed. He will sometimes wake me for hugs and kisses, which is just fine. He is my little boy as much as Dylan is. It's cold outside, but it's warm in my house, with Dylan and Hendrix around!Extra Credit: My thermostat currently reads... 70 degrees inside and 52 outside. But that won't last for long. The weatherman says tonight will be a very cold 32 degrees, and there is rain in the forecast for this weekend, with possible snowfall early next week! If there is, you can bet I will post photos so be sure to check my blog next week!-Carly
"It takes 8, 460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and one nut to scatter it all over the road."-UnknownEMPS #66: UNDER THE HOOD. NOW CLOSED!Here's one I think most of our male participants might enjoy. Simply lift the hood of your automobiles, and photograph the your vehicles inerds! Show me the engine, the spark plugs, the oil filter, the fan, you know, whatever you find UNDER THE HOOD! For those of you who don't own a vehicle, show us a part of your bike, skateboard, or even photograph your favorite pair of shoes to walk in!
Extra Credit: Choose a specific part of the engine, and point to it. Label it using your photo editing software. You know... like you see above.
**PLEASE READ**
This Monday Photo Shoot closes next Sunday, at 9:00 PM ET. Please be mindful of the date and time because I will close the comment thread right at 9:00 PM, in order to prepare for the following week's assignment. You have nearly a full week to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the link. PLEASE REMEMBER... the link you leave must be specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. NO HYPERLINKS will be accepted! It is a good idea to double check the link you leave, as it will be the one I use for the Linking List. You are responsible for it's accuracy. Also, if you play, please link to the assignment so others can find it and participate along with us.
Linking List for EMPS #65: Giving Thanks! 11/23/09
NOW CLOSED!
1. Fredamans
2. Suzanne
3. Karen
See you next Monday with an all new assignment!
-Carly
