Sunday, June 28, 2009

Strange Gardening Buddy

Does anyone know what this insect is?


I have been seeing it around the garden I share with some friends.
I know no idea what it is, and I have seen it during the day as well as night.

Friday, June 26, 2009

MidSummer Blessings

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Midsummer.

I can't keep myself indoors long enough to blog lately.
And I won't apologize for that either.
This is my favorite season ... I feel closer to Earth Mother now than any other time of year.

My body vibrates in communion with dirt and plants in the garden. My soul happily hums with the rushing water in the creek that washes the mud and stress away as I swim and leave the mundane world behind.

At night the same world transforms yet again ... Fireflies light the trees with more majestic beauty than any holiday tree lights I've ever witnessed. And the Bats dip and dive feasting on bugs that would otherwise be feasting on me. Thank you my leathery-winged friends.

Midsummer Blessings to you all.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Monday Morning Meh

I see you in the hands of other lovers,
gracing their lips.
You have no discretion at all,
flaunting your affairs for all to see.
The world seems to zip by,
as I slowly muttle through.
Thus is my life, Caffeine,
now that we're through.

LMAO. Good Monday All.

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Local boy makes good

I just may have to get over my abhorrence of the color pink for this.
;)

My friend since we met in 8th grade has recently had a screenplay, The Pink Room, optioned.

Very cool.

And I am glad the rest of the world is finally catching up with me on how extremely talented I have always said he is.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Spirals, Walls, Spaces, Books, and Feeds (Part 1)

Spirals, Walls, Spaces, Books, and Feeds (Part 1)

It has been forever and a day since I truly 'ranted' on my blog ... well against something other than Big Oil.

But why is that? This is called RossoRaven's Nest of Rants. No one else on the internet worries about hurt feelings when posting.

This blog started out as MY place of venting because I found it too easy to start and stop journaling. I'm great at starting a journals. Picking out nicely bound pages with the raw edges, then neglect them when I find it easier to suppress issues rather than deal with them. My theory is that if I do this all publicly then I have more to be held accountable for or to ... whatever.

This brings us to my current rant that I am still trying to delay until I cool down a bit. Hence the "Part 1". It isn't like I haven't fired the metaphorical warning shot across the bows or in other cases use a slingshot to fling a few pebbles of red Kryptonite into a certain Fortress of Solitude I know.

I try not to be frivolous with postings, status updates, and tweets (new addiction). I have a huge amount of blogs I 'feed' upon, then of course there is always MySpace drama, Facebook friends, etc. So when I post something like "I'm spring cleaning out my body, mind and soul this week" and "detoxing my life as well as my body", why are the people in my life shocked when I get to having a serious NON-DIGITAL conversation with them? And yes, even my Clark Kent is not immune.

I'll continue Part 2, after I take a couple of days off from human drama. I need to hug some trees, and recharge my solar soul battery.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Shortly after Midnight ...

... on March 24th 1989, the Exxon Valdez grounded in Prince William Sound in the Gulf of Alaska.
Nearly 40 million liters of oil spilled.
Piss-poor organization clean-up planning by Exxon and a storm three days later further spread heavy crude oil across nearly 2,000 kilometers of shoreline.
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of living creatures died. Not to mention plant and sea life!
Despite record-breaking profits in the last 20 years Exxon has still NEVER paid the bill for the clean up AND in 2008, a US Supreme Court decision dramatically decreased the amount to be paid to the local people of Alaska in punitive damages.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Ms. Smith and Mr. Belvedere

You don't hear me brooding over a long list of things I miss from my years spent living in the 'Garden State', because there really isn't that long of a list.

I did make some great friends there, and I while I wish staying in touch was easier, I understand the Universe has it's own way of giving you what you need, when you need it, regardless of whether you want it or not.

April Smith is one of those friends I miss and admire. One of our first conversations was about the environment and Biodiesel. She and her father had wanted to convert a tour bus over ... and I am very proud of her; she did it!
Way to go April!

April Smith's Veggie Bus - http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=362FD73396F589AA

For more check out:

http://www.aprilsmithmusic.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/April-Smith-and-the-Great-Picture-Show/6635169891?ref=ts

www.myspace.com/aprilsmithmusic

17 Common Plants Poisonous to Pets

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Pothos
Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

ASPCA Tips Poisonous Plants

Keep in mind this is just a short list, just like with our human kids dangers to them lurk throughout our homes and yards. For more in depth lists:

Humane Society of the United States Poisonous Plant List

and

American Animal Hospital Association website

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Microchipping is not enough

Total peace of mind for pet lovers

One in three pets will get lost in their lifetime. Sadly, most of these dogs and cats do not find their way back home.

Together Tag's comprehensive service ensures that your dog or cat is protected and safe.

* How our innovative technology protects your pet
* Why it's the best pet ID and recovery service
* Why microchipping your dog or cat is not enough


Check out Together Tag, from the trusted creators of Dogster.com and Catster.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Star Light, Star Bright

1.1 km north of Hanover

1.1 km north of Hanover

Friday, January 16, 2009

To the man who began my corruption


Edgar Allan Poe's 200th birthday is this January 19th.


Dear Mr. Poe:


Thank you for the beautifully twisted dark humor that reached into my soul at a VERY young age and released my own dark sense of humor. I wouldn't have become the Raven I am today without your influence, Edgar.


Although I may die rescuing stray cats, as you did, thank the Goddess they have great treatment for rabies now.


Love and Absinthe Flavored Kisses,
RossoRaven


Thursday, January 08, 2009

When Progress Hasn't Progressed

I'm not posting this because I'm a pagan, or even because I am a woman. I am urging you to read this because as a fellow human being this sickens me beyond belief.

We Humans tend to pat ourselves on the back, and smile at the 'progress we've made' and 'how far we have come'. This article is further proof that the 'progress' is in small doses and small regions of a massive planet. I'm not talking about converting everyone to the same religion or way of living; variety is beautiful. But there are some basic rights you are entitled to just for being born, and true progress will be made when ALL humans respect those rights.


http://www.cnn.com:80/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/08/png.witchcraft/index.html

Monday, December 22, 2008

Welcoming back the Light


Every winter despite my denials and distractions I go into a darker withdrawn part of myself.

Which would be fine if my introspection wasn't so depressing, LOL. However since meeting my current circle of friends, those dark times are shorter and my cave walls have a candle of hope burning bright to show me the way out again.

I know I have raved about these friends more than once on blog postings, it is hard for me to take it in. All my life until now I could count the number of humans I considered 'close' on my fingers. [Side Note - A finger must contain 3 joints, a thumb contains 2.] Of those humans only one has remained close as the decades flow by faster and faster.


So you can see why having a large group of close-knit friends is just hard to comprehend. It isn't that we are all alike, although we all have things in common. And I am not putting any of them on a pedestal, we are all flawed in some area. Our ages, looks, beliefs and interests all vary. If I had to pick one unifying trait in all of us, it is that we not only respect differences in others, we see it as an opportunity to learn about something new. THAT in the small town I live in, and the closed-minds I was raised around is a precious gem indeed.

I celebrated the returning of the Sun this weekend with these amazing people ... just being around them threw bright healing beams of light into the dark tunnels of my mind where I was beginning to feel lost and lonely. Thank you Friends.

May everyone have a Safe, Merry, Happy and Blessed
Chrismukkahzaayule!

Friday, December 05, 2008

Cutest Kitten EVER!






Thursday, November 27, 2008

Giving Thanks Day

My opinion on the treatment of Native Americans aside today.

I have many things to be grateful for:

My MRI was negative for anything life threatening.

An injection yesterday that gave me a 6 hour break from pain,
without the side effect of being 'doped up'.

I have, not one but two, meals today to share with my families;
one by birth, the other family chosen.
Also thankfully the meals are 5 hours apart. ;)

I have a warm, safe place to live this winter.

And for my Clark Kent:
"Hold on
Hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell
Hold on
Hold on to yourself
you know that only time will tell ...
My Love, you know that you're my best friend
you know I'd do anything for you
My Love, let nothing come between us
my love for you is strong and true ...
You'll be strong tomorrow and we'll see another day
and we will praise it

and love the light that brings a smile across your face."

(Thank you Sarah McLachlan for the lyrics when I struggle for words of my own.)

And everyone please give thanks today, for what you do have.
Just for today at least forget to worry about what you do not have.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Obama won!

Congratulations President Elect Obama.
May you lead our nation well.




Friday, October 31, 2008

WHERE to go to vote on Election Day


Find your polling place if you don't already know.

PLEASE VOTE,
regardless of your choice,
this is making your voice heard.

Fair voting is a right and privilege
not everyone in the world shares with the US.

Not sure if you are registered and in Pennsylvania?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Treat Your Pets to a Safe Halloween

No Boo! Hoos: Treat Your Pets to a Safe Halloween

That parade of kids, adults—and yes, even pets—in funny outfits is due to arrive at your door next week, bringing all the sweet and scary joys of Halloween! But pet parents, as you carve the jack-o-lanterns and fill those bowls of candy, please be aware that your furry friends may stumble upon dangers you hadn’t thought of.

Warns Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services, which includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, “Many of our favorite Halloween traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals. As pet parents start to make plans for trick-or-treating or costumes, they should be aware of Halloween-related products and activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”

The following are just a few precautions you should take:


No Chocolate: Even if your pet has a sweet tooth, ingesting chocolate—especially baker’s and dark chocolate—can be dangerous for dogs and cats, possibly causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures.

No Sweets for the Sweet: Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures.

Dangerous Décor: Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

Don’t Play with Fire: Keep your pets away from jack-o-lanterns with lit candles inside—knocking the pumpkin over can easily cause a fire. And curious kittens can get burned or singed by candle flames.

Costume Caution: Please don't put your pet in a costume unless you know that he or she loves it. Costumes can cause skin irritations, obstruct a pet’s vision or impede his breathing.

For more information on having a safe Halloween with your pets, please visit our complete list of Halloween Safety Tips. And if your pet accidentally ingests potentially harmful products, immediately consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Mother Earth Harvest Fair

This weekend!

Mother Earth Harvest Fair:
A Celebration of Sustainable Living at
Spoutwood Farm

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Websites:
or
Spoutwood Farm Center, Inc., a community-supported agriculture and sustainability-education farm (nonprofit) located in Glen Rock, in southern York County, PA, is pleased to announce its Fourth Annual Mother Earth Harvest Fair, to be held this year for one day only:
Sunday, October 5th, 2008.

Combining the charm of an old-fashioned country fair, timeless traditional arts and crafts, and cutting-edge advances in green building and renewable energy, the MEHF is a celebration and showcase of healthy, sustainable, and balanced living in the Chesapeake bioregion. Areas of focus will include:

· Green Building, Alternative Energy, the Sustainable Household, Food and Farming, Nature and the Environment, Health and Healing, BALLEs, Sustainable Communities, Wisdom Traditions, and much more.

· Farmers Market with produce and products from local farms.

· A Children’s Village with crafts and fun for our younger guests.

· Farm animals and wildlife

· Food and drink vendors galore

· Music, storytelling, and costumed characters.

This year we are especially pleased and honored to announce special concert appearances by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Adrienne Young and her band, Little Sadie

http://www.adrienneyoung.com

We are also pleased and excited to welcome as Keynote Speaker organic entrepreneur

Judy Wicks of the White Dog Café in Philadelphia,

Founder of the Greater Philadelphia Sustainable Business Network
and the Business Alliances for Local Living Economies (BALLE) concept

Friday, September 19, 2008

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement

Man Arrested for Allegedly Throwing Canine to Her Death

Thanks to the diligence of the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) department, justice will finally be served to the man who allegedly threw his ex-girlfriend’s small dog to her death. The incident occurred on September 14, 2007—a year ago this week.

On that day, Farah Benoit returned to the Brooklyn apartment she had shared with former boyfriend Sherman Haynes to collect her belongings, including her three-year-old shih tzu, Zahara. Haynes would not allow Benoit into the building and began tossing her possessions—including clothing and a heavy cabinet—out of his third-floor window. Witnesses stated that Haynes grabbed Zahara by the throat and then threw the canine to the sidewalk below.

Benoit rushed Zahara to Manhattan’s Animal Medical Center, but with multiple broken legs, collapsed lungs and internal bleeding from the impact, the 15-pound dog soon succumbed to her injuries.

Haynes fled, and for a year avoided both the NYPD and HLE investigators seeking to question him. However, HLE continued to work the case, striving to pinpoint Haynes’s location. His use of a social networking website, plus information from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, ultimately led ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas to the door of Haynes’s new Manhattan apartment, where he was arrested on September 5, 2008.

Haynes was arraigned the following Friday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a felony. He also was charged with reckless endangerment, reckless endangerment of property, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal mischief. The NYPD slapped him with an additional charge of aggravated harassment for an unrelated incident. Haynes, 27, faces up to seven years in prison for the combined charges.

“This case is another sad example of a pet being used as a pawn for revenge in a domestic violence situation,” says Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “We see this all too often. I urge anyone leaving an abusive relationship to take their pets with them or place them, at least temporarily, with family or friends. Do not leave them behind, where they become easy targets.”

In an effort to address the high incidence of pets being harmed in domestic violence disputes, about a dozen states—including New York—have passed laws allowing pets to be included in orders of protection. Read more about the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Who you gonna call?



"Ray, when someone asks you if you're a god, you say ...'YES!'"

On September 4, 2008, Columbia Pictures signed on Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (writers for the U.S. version of The Office) to script a third film. No deals will be made with the original cast until the script is complete. Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ivan Reitman are consulting on the project, and Bill Murray will be involved on some level.

I can NOT put in words how stoked I am about this!

And Baby Brother, U and I are seeing this one together!
You know I loved the 1980s, but MY 1980s started rocking when you were born!

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

autumn

autumn

red orange yellow crunch
hikes in cool crisp air, fall scents
huddling 'round fires bright

- rossoraven 2008

Monday, September 08, 2008

Can our environment survive THIS woman?

As much as I'd like to see a female in office ... this IS NOT the one!

Sarah Palin

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/30palin.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Save a Tree and Still Send a Holiday Card

I've been a member of Care2 for years.
I try to visit once everyday to do the "Click to Donate".

Each click is donating their sponsors money, not yours!
It only costs 3 minutes out of my day to donate to several causes!

I know I sound like a PR person for them! LOL.
I love them!

They have holiday cyber greetings too.
Halloween Cards

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

’Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems...

"'Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems in a place perhaps you've seen in your dreams. For the story you're about to be told began with the holiday worlds of auld. Now you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't I'd say it's time you begun."
-Santa in Nightmare Before Christmas

I CAN NOT believe it has been 15 years since it's release!
http://adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/nightmarebeforechristmas/

I sense a Movie Night coming on!
Photobucket

I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke

There was just a borage of martyrdom in my Inboxes yesterday ...
all of which I was the implied as the bad guy.

You know me, my first reaction was 'yes I am the cause'.
I'm starting to appreciate the mood status on MySpace;
as soon as I changed my mood yesterday messages began to come in a full spectrum.

They ranged from supportive "I'm here for you" to "so you are the center of the universe, and taking credit for everyone's misery? Wow, you are a goddess!"

I think it was a combination of getting those emails/messages back to back, that brought me crashing back down to Earth, but at the same time cushioned my landing.

My friends are amazing like that. If I could wish anything for everyone in the world, it would be to have friends like mine.

Thank you all so much for kicking my ass when I need it and hugging me right after.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X23MoTtVplE

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Very cool.

I'm so crushing on this guy and his animation work!

Joaquin Baldwin - http://www.pixelnitrate.com/

I posted his animation Papiroflexia a while back and have since seen other animations he has done.

He is so talented and insightful!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Self-Contradiction

It is impossible for your friends to stand beside you,
to offer their support,
when you keep shoving them off balance.

Friday, August 01, 2008

New Beginnings


Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Simon's Cat Guy Does It Again!

Simon Tofield has added a third installment to his "Simon's Cat" animations.
So funny, and so true!


Sunday, July 13, 2008

A Funny Thing Happened on My Way

All my time in the Codorus Creek (above PHG) and at the gym's pool and no problems what so ever. I go swimming ONE time for a few hours at a friend's pool and I get an ear infection. WTF?!

It swelled to a point that I couldn't hear hardly anything, and the pain was going into my jaw, so I decided to go to the ER. The doc at ER said I have "Swimmer's Ear" and prescribed ear drop antibiotics and pain/inflammation drugs.

So pain-filled queasy off-balance me went to the pharmacy hoping for relief. I had my prescription filled and was out the door within 30 minutes (record time!). I backed out of my parking spot, and since my neck was so swollen my 'blind spot' increased a bit too much, I backed right into some one's parked truck.


I have gone my entire driving life accident free, until the last three years.
This is my second one. And this one is my fault.

I waited for the owner to come out of the store, and I was lucky that she (a police officer) was VERY nice about the whole thing. She even thanked me for waiting to tell her. Unfortunately I believe her 2008 Ridgeline is going to need an entire new bumper since it is all one piece.


Why can't I hit an OLD car!? Besides my own that is. The first accident I was involved in was with a HUGE week old SUV that made my Jeep Cherokee look like a Matchbox.

Ugh.

My advice - wear ear plugs when swimming, it'll save you money on your car insurance.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Eyes Wide Open

It is amazing how much you think you are seeing, then something comes along and really opens your eyes. Peeling away the blinders, allowing you to see a picture larger than you ever thought you could fathom.

Over the past few months the lessons have been coming one after the other. I'm blown away, I dwell upon it for days ... rolling it around in my mind's vast caverns of light and dark like a piece of hard candy on your tongue. You play with it, enjoying the taste and feel of it until the size diminishes and your palette cleanses itself.

As soon as my mind starts to let the lesson fade, and I am just about to fall into familiar thought patterns another presents itself in a different shape or flavor reinforcing what I loved about that first piece.

Before I really start babbling incoherently, it IS after four in the morning folks, I’ll just list a few of the things that have sparked a fire where embers were merely glowing.

1. An unforgettable experience with that wonderful sage Salvia Divinorum.
2. Reading “The Cure” by Timothy Brantley
3. Watching the documentary “Earthlings” by Shaun Monson

The feathered ones outside are beginning to sing their morning tunes ... it is time for this dark bird to retire to the nest at least for a few hours.

Keep your eyes open, "Carpe Diem Causa Panta Rei" (Seize the Moment Because Everything Is Changing).