babs
NEW & IMPROVED!
Sorry for the cluttered appearance -- but I've MOVED! After less than a month of using BlogSpot, I'm convinced that there has got to be a better way, so I packed up and am now in the process of moving over to TypePad! Come on over and visit!
Babs' New Site!
MYSTERIOUS LETTER
As was stated in the previous post, we found this letter in a collection of old coins. We have no idea of its origin or how we came to acquire it. The is letter dated October 11, 1861 written on lined paper folded in half vertically written in lead (or graphite) pencil. There is no salutation or personal words of affection. It is suggesting movements of the armies in the Civil War, discusses a shortage of water, and a conversation with a "negro waitess" It referred to the "Secesh." A section has been cut out where a signature might have been.
We were pronouncing "Secesh" with a hard "c". If we had pronounced it with a soft "c" as
Dave did, we might of figured it out before conducting a little investigating. So, yes Dave you were correct! (See, not all my questions are so tough)! Here is a more information on the word
"Secesh."
So many stories one could create with such a letter. Perhaps it was part of a diary. Perhaps a Confederate family member removed it from a Union Soldier. Maybe it was a letter to a fellow Union Soldier in another company. Then again, it could be a fake!
WORD TRIVIA
Does anyone know what the word Secesh means?
Allow me to share with you the same information that we possess to assist you in answering this question. While rummaging through some old coins to show our children, we came across a letter. It is dated October 11, 1861. The letter discusses the advancement near Chain Bridge and 1 1/2 miles from Lewisville. It refers to the Secesh several times. We had to research the meaning on the internet.
I'm curious if any of you know the origin, to what this word is referring, and the pronunciation?
I'll share more about this mysterious letter and this interesting word tomorrow.
THE PERFECT CHILD'S PET AND MY SUMMER SCIENCE PROJECT
My husband found a little snake outside of his office and brought it home for my youngest son. While playing with it outside it slithered away (he was devastated). A few days later my husband caught a skink racing around IN his office. It was mean and spent two days biting my son's little fingers. We talked him into taking it outside, where it hid in a hole never to be seen again. Seeing that he really wanted a reptile we did a LITTLE research and decided to purchase a
Baby Leopard Gecko.
These geckos eat crickets and several different kinds of worms, but the most common of these are meal worms. Meal worms are suppose to be kept cold.
Call me crazy, but I don't like the idea of having worms in my refrigerator. So, crickets it is! This is where more research could have been beneficial. We thought a couple crickets a week; how hard can that be? Catch them in your backyard or buy them at a bait shop.
First mistake: Geckos eat 7 1/2 inch crickets every other day.
Second mistake: Only one bait shop in town and they don't sell crickets. We started buying 5 dozen crickets at a time at a Pet Store some 45 miles away.
Third mistake: Can't just keep them in a bug jar. Now, why is it when you have a cricket in the house it chirps and seems to live forever? When you want the crickets to live in a bug jar . . . . they die?
My summer science project has been keeping a
cricket habitat. After piecing together research and trial and error here is the proper way to build and maintain a cricket habitat. Must have a large insect keeper with moist potting soil - not too wet - not too dry. For water to drink you can either place wet cotton balls or wet natural sponge in the keeper. They have to have pieces of cardboard egg cartons on which to sleep (it is essential these stay dry). Crickets eat apples, potatoes, and shredded carrots . . . . but their favorite is fish flakes! If you want them to hatch babies research suggests placing a bowl of moist peat moss in the keeper for the females to lay their eggs. Finally, keep the clear container wrapped in a dark cloth or dark towel.
I have managed to get a few babies out of the crickets. Unfortunately, it has not been enough to keep the Gecko fed. We are buying crickets about every nine days.
If you are considering a Gecko consider my experience: it has been more difficult to keep crickets than the Gecko. If you have experience, I would love to hear your wisdom.
Incidentally, the Baby Leopard Gecko has been the perfect pet for my son. Extremely gentle. Does not need attention, but will tolerate a child's affection. This makes it all worth while!
SO YOU WANT TO BE A PIRATE?
My oldest son age 6 wants to be a Science Historian when he grow up (Homeschool mom puffs-up with pride), while my youngest son, age 5 next week, wants to be a pirate. Until yesterday, I didn't think this was possible. Do you ever wonder if you are the last to know these things exist? You have to check out these
pirates. Be sure to scroll all the down the page for the full effect.
Yes! They have authentic ships, cannons, swords, and full costumes. Don't know how to be a pirate? Not to worry, they have pirate camps for adults and children.
FREEDOM WEEKEND
To celebrate freedom this weekend, I thought I would give our brains a break (but watch out for Monday). I will be posting tidbits.
Today's Tidbit:
Some of you may have remembered our discussion about bravery, well a friend of mine sent me this quote. "True bravery is arriving home late after a guys night out, being assaulted by your wife with a broom, and still having the guts to ask: Are you still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?
THE UGLY GREEN MONSTER
Jealousy, it destroys potential friendships and opportunities for growth. We have all experienced it. Perhaps we have felt it or have been the recipient of it. Neither of which is very pretty. I've been wondering about the difference between admiration and jealousy. Admiration is the ability to see other's strengths and gifts and hold them in high regard. We have all experienced this in one way or another. If we are busy looking for other's strengths and equally attentive to how we can serve others with our own strengths and gifts then there really isn't time nor room for jealousy.
I once read a quote, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."
When does admiration cross the fence and become jealousy? If we all have strengths is it jealousy, or is it just greed?
POLITICAL HERETIC IN A SMALL TOWN
I'm not even sure this is a coined phrase, but it accurately describes this story. She moves into a small town. Her husband holds a somewhat political position, not an elected official, but a position embedded in politics and controlled by county politicians. While his wife is busy moving into their new house he goes to register to vote and to get a registration card for his wife. He has been in the town a little longer than his wife and has established a trusting friendship with a county employee. He explains to his friend that his wife does not share the views or the political party that rules this town and asks the friend if this is going to be a problem. The friend replies, "It won't go unnoticed." "It won't go unnoticed?" "No, they look!" The local politicians look to see how people register and if the residents are not registered with their political party they are shunned. Their requests and ignored and denied!
Our girl has now lived in the town for over two years and has not registered. She fears repercussions for her husband if she registers according to her beliefs. She fears personal betrayal to register otherwise. When in doubt do nothing, but she can't just do nothing forever.
Well, what would you do if your politician asked you?
FEATURE ARTICLE IN BLADE MAGAZINE
In the September issue of
Blade Magazine a feature article written by editor Steve Shackleford exposed slander that was committed against New Jersey custom knife maker
Steven Licata by New York news station WCBS. You can read the beginning of this story on the
SCA web page; however, you won't find the story on the WCBS website as they are complying with requests made by Licata's lawyer and the legalities they now face.
According to Blade Magazine, reporter Cheryl Fiandaca sent a man to Steven Licata's home disguised as a potential customer. Licata gave this man a tour of his knives in his home while the man was taking pictures with a camera hidden in his glasses. Pictures of Licata's two year old son in close proximity to swords were taken. Licata explained that children of knife makers learn and understand the danger of such items and often become early apprentices. Then a few days later the Fiandaca and her news cameras appear at Licata's front door. Fiandaca immediately put Licata on the defense as a monster who makes weapons around children in a quiet neighborhood with a high school behind his house. "What about the high school," she asks. Licata replies that some of his swords sell for $3,500. Not much chance of these weapons falling into the hands of high school students. When the story aired it was further indicated that since Licata made knives that there would also be suspected drug dealing. Many have rallied around Licata to save his reputation as a custom knife maker and expose the slander for what it is.
You should also know that the article in Blade Magazine said this all started because of a neighbor who saw the little boy playing in the front yard with a toy sword and called the authorities; and most of Licata's machine work is performed in another location making his shed in the backyard mainly a hobby shop.
My summary: As a wife of a knife maker I can tell you that most people who pay over $300 for a knife are not going to use it for a weapon especially against another person. In fact, most don't even use these knives for hunting. People who purchase these quality weapons do so for collecting. I have two little boys and we have swords around the house. Have you ever picked up a sword? They are heavy! A two year old can not even lift one off the ground. Custom knife makers do not sell their craft to high school students for weapons. This was an unfair slanderous report and a fascinating feature article. If you have the opportunity to read this article I highly recommend it.
What is your summary?
ANOTHER WRONG ASSUMPTION
Somehow I make these assumptions that I don't even realize I have until I am faced with a situation. These preconceived notions of mine are sometimes on target. Just when I begin to pride myself on having discernment my vanity is realized with the real truth.
This happened recently in regards to organization.
I'm not an overly organized person. I mean I don't alphabetize the contents of my cupboards and I have stacks of paper around my house awaiting a final destination. When it comes to organizing events I take on a different persona. I expect planning, structure, and established activities. Once the correct initial planning is done I feel people can relax and enjoy the festivities knowing that everything is in its place and there are smooth transitions from one activity to the next. Without such the event seems tense and chaotic. I guess I assumed everyone felt this way and those who were not methodical just didn't know how to do it the "correct" way . . . until I was organizing an event with people who felt differently. It would seem that people with a different nature feel that structured activities are rigid, lack spontaneity, and stifle free flowing ideas.
How does one have a large event and make the vision come to fruition without planning and structure? Is it possible to have an organized event while keeping the spirit of spontaneity alive?
A MAJESTIC VIEW
My children have artistically rendered them with crayons, markers and paint. They have read about them in stories. They have even studied them in school and produced them in science experiments. While driving home from OKC they saw one for the very first time, a rainbow. Not just a partial rainbow peeking through the clouds, but a full arched rainbow stretching across from the Southeast horizon to the Southwest horizon. Each color distinctly visible. I could not have ordered a more perfect first rainbow. The glory was only matched by their bright smiling faces.
What majestic wonders of nature have you seen this weekend?
SEEKING BLOGGING ADVICE
I'll be away from my blogging desk today. I'm off to OKC for a bookclub meeting.
While I'm away I hope you veteran bloggers (anyone who has been blogging longer than me) will leave me your best blogging advice. I have been in the blogging sphere for a little over a week with little knowledge of the blogging rules.
Are there do's and don'ts to blogging? Is there a code (spoken or unspoken) that you suggest I follow?
Maybe you would like to share your idea of the essence of blogging? Feel free to also share your worst and/or best blogging experience. I look forward to your response upon my return. Have a great Weekend!
GUY TALK
We've all heard about "girl talk", but "guy talk" doesn't get very much recognition. I am attempting here to unravel this mystery. When men communicate with each other they seem to be able to read between the lines. Instead of saying exactly what they mean they speak in code and the recipient of this code is able to not only decipher the hidden meaning, but can deliver a camouflaged response. When an issue is addressed it is briefly confronted then as if a signal has been given the conversation quickly jumps to a less threatening subject . . . . like tools, cars, or maybe computers. Sometimes they will drift back to issue, other times it is left like a partially unwrapped present.
I have silently witnessed this phenomenon in action with little understanding that later requires interpretation. This ubiquitous phenomenon has even been portrayed in movies and guy commercials. They target guys, because girls just don't get it. No, when girls discuss an issue we will hash it out for two hours until everything that can possibly be said is exposed and exhausted. Then the next day if a new issue hasn't arisen, we will discuss it all over again!
What surprises me is that men don't talk to women this way. Is there a school that teaches men how to communicate differently among the sexes? Perhaps men have had to learn the hard way in how to talk with women through many failed attempts at communication?
How about you . . . do you use a different mode of communication when speaking with the opposite sex?
MAKE A PERSONALITY HYPOTHESIS
Having discussed music for the past few days has my mind on an incident that I experienced. When I'm getting to know someone I usually ask what kind of music they like. This somehow gives me a generality about their interests and a basis for which to make other inquiries. Years ago I asked this question to a female co-worker in her late 30's. She replied that she did not like music! Music has always been such an integral part of my life, I just couldn't swallow this statement. She further told me that she had found no use for music of any kind and didn't understand its appeal. To this day I'm still baffled.
Have you ever met someone who felt this way? Care to make a hypothesis to explain this concept to me?
SUGAR IN THE GOURD
Okay folks I'm hearing that you like music in its purest form. Modern day Country Music has its roots in Blues; but original Country Music comes from the mountains in the South. Music from the Appalachian Mountains is one of our favorites. It is sometimes called Hillbilly Music, or Old-Timey, or Old-Time Mountain Music. Here is a link to
Sugar-In-The-Gourd. Click on 40K or 24K and listen away. Disclaimer:
Not responsible for what you might hear. Don't forget to come back share your experience with me!
CATERGORIZING COUNTRY MUSIC
As long as we are discussing entertainment perhaps you can give your assistance to yet another quandary.
Country music. Many of you probably do not like Country Music, but have you heard any of it in the past few years? It has changed. It has changed so much that there is an
argument that it isn't even Country anymore. Many CM artists are even crossing over into other categories like Pop. Even though much of the sound is equal to Rock or Pop, there are still qualities to me that categorize it as Country. Lyrics, nasal voices, and instruments like the pedal steel. Yet, many argue that if the fundamental sound has changed by the use of excessive electric instruments it is not Country.
What makes Country Music country? Is there still enough distinction to even have a Country category?
CABLE TV
In the twelve years that we have been married we have never had Cable TV. . . . until a month ago. We always refused the solicited phone calls. This time they approached our front door. My husband answered it and they offered him a deal he couldn't refuse. (The outcome would have been different if I had answered). In this package I received high speed internet. (Okay, we are slow to coming into the 21rst Century). I can't imagine trying to blog with a dial-up connection, for this I am grateful. It's the Cable TV with which I have the problem. While I enjoy the programming, I am appalled with the amount of commercials. We watched a stand-up comedy special and timed the programming. In a 30 minute show, commercials occurred every 3-5 minutes with a total of 18 minutes of programming and 12 minutes of commercials.
In the old days we paid for Cable TV because there was no advertising to pay for the programming. Cable TV now has as much advertising as the major networks. I know because the commercials are embedded in my children's brains. It's non-stop quotes and jingles since we have received Cable. So, my question:
Why does society have to pay for the Cable channels?
ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS
Friday, it's just me and my Tahoe heading to T-Town for an afternoon of shopping. First purchase I approach a young beefy cashier. I guess I must of been feeling pretty good. Being a good female shopper I promptly whip out the credit card. He asks to see my I.D. He mumbles something. "Excuse Me?" He says, "Oh, you're a Scorpio, I just had to look. I thought to myself that anyone who could look me in the eye the way you did, well, she would have to be a Scorpio." Now at this point I have to ham it up a bit. Remember, I'm alone with no kids in tow. I'm also approaching forty and can't pass up any chances of safe flirtation. I respond, "Yes, I'm afraid I'm every bit a Scorpio. It's all true." He smiles with a raised eyebrow and says, "Really? Well, I'm a Scorpio too."
I don't place my faith in Astrology and I don't make any decisions based on the way the planets are aligned. But, when it comes to describing personalities I have to admit that there are at the very least a few coincidences.
What do you think?
Does your Astrological Sign acurrately describe you?
COME MEET US
Come meet the people behind the minds of "Talent" and "Skill." Whether it's talent or skill, I think this custom knife maker is pretty darn good! If you click on the artist you might even see a picture of me. Now, keep in mind that I don't always dress like the girl next door. I had been cleaning house all day and
Dave wanted picture. I rushed upstairs and tried to do something with my hair, then I sat on the stairs and my husband snapped the picture. Alright, Alright, enough excuses! Go have a look
jamblades.com.
Pandora has led us to the next question.
Is there anything that you like to do that you don't consider to be an area of personal strength?
TALENT VS. SKILL
When I started the entry on bravery I didn't realize it would lead to the Nature v. Nurture debate. But since that's where we are I would like your opinion on an on-going conversation in my household.
Talent says: We have a natural propensity of strengths. These guide us to certain interests. We dabble with these interests and find we have a knack for it. This guides us to further develop these strengths. If talent is not first present, we won't be very good at the project, task, or activitiy.
Skill says: We have a natural propensity of interests; but, most have the same capabilities as long as a disability is not a hindrance. If one is lacking in a particular area it is due to a lack of developed skill. One has to have the "want to" in order to succeed at a project, task or activity.
Talent then argues that a person without a natural ability can practice until they hurt and bleed and they will not be as good as the person with the natural ability.
Skill argues that is because the person didn't have the necessary background skills developed. Skill is like stacking building blocks.
Who do you think is right Talent or Skill? If you have a different argument, I can't wait to hear it!
BRAVERY PART TWO
Bravery to me meant the ability to conquer fear and face the challenge. According to the Oxford American Dictionary, this is actually the definition of courage. A brave act is the result of courage. I tend to agree with your comments. Bravery is innate and it also depends on disposition. Then we are left with more questions!
If bravery is innate does it make the act a true act of courage? Let's use the least threatening example of children. While one child might find it easy to speak on stage and greet the public, another child might be terrified. The second child would then see the first child as brave; but,
is this true since it was so easy?
When is something considered brave or just plain foolish? Common sense and self preservation certainly do have their place! While some would see my skydiving stunt as brave, others would say it was just foolish or a thrill seeking activity.
Just to let you know, my oldest has shown true courage! He conquered his fears! He swam across the pool without help! He jumped off the side of the pool! Then to prove something to his little brother, he jumped off the diving board!
I suppose my children's dispositions are what drive me to confusion. They are both very verbal and gregarious. So, when I see timid behavior in them I am surprised. But in reality I suppose we are all afraid of something!
Over to you!
BRAVERY
First, let me say that we are working on the posting problem so please keep trying!
The issue around my house this week is bravery. I consider myself to be somewhat brave. I have been skydiving and I had natural child birth with both my children! Then there is my most recent act of entering the blogging world. Now, I don't know how I would do under the line of fire. My husband, on the other hand, is in law enforcement and has too many incidents to count. (Not to mention all his other daredevil stunts from his youth). Then there are my two boys. My oldest will be seven next month. He has exhibited little to no acts of courage, but he talks a good game. My youngest turns five next month. Both boys have been in swimming lessons this week and have shown a lack of courage and confidence when faced with challenges. I'm talking shaking knees and trembling bodies on the low diving board!
Now, here are a series of questions for you: Can bravery be taught from studying courageous historical people? Is bravery self-taught through personal experiences? Or, is it just something you are born with? What helps you find your courage?
WELCOME
With the gracious assistance of Dave over at davidmsc.com, I am a new blogger! Is there such a thing as the "blog jitters"? Wondering, who is going to visit? Is anyone going to visit? If you are here I offer my thanks! Who am I you might ask. Well, as you can see by the links provided by Dave, I live in Oklahoma and I am a home school mom. As a home school mom, I have been instrumental in the process of creating a new home school educational support service, that is striving for a non-profit status. I have way too many projects going! I have a historical curriculum project in the works with an author friend and yes you guessed it . . . it's for children! I am also an artist. There's plenty of time and space to discuss these things at a later date! What I would like to do is begin a blog of daily questions. Questions to ponder. Dissecting questions of life that we are often too busy to think about during the course of our days. Questions that are Philosophical, Sociological, Political, Mystical and whatever other "cal" might present itself. So, please come back and visit with me again!
Type The Title Right Here!
And then type the entry down in this large box! If you want to "BOLD" something, just highlight the word that you want to "BOLD" and then click the letter B above, next to the word "Post." Same thing with Italics -- just highlight the word, then click the letter I next to the B!
Test Post
Howdy all -- this Dave (
aka BLTB!) doing a test "First Post" from Babs' Blog!
