The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Asking for a favor. I know there are talented and generous people here who might like to help. A local business is throwing an Alice in Wonderland themed event to benefit the Center. We need an animated Cheshire Cat. Basically, I just need him to appear, fade to his smile, disappear, and then loop back to him whole again.



If anyone would like to do this, I'd be very grateful. It will help us raise funds to feed people and assist them through emergencies.

Please just message me or leave a comment if you're interested. Thank you!

Dear Allie,



Sometimes a mother needs to encourage her little pumpkins, even when they're no so little anymore. This letter was inspired by you and by Caitlin. I envisioned my two little blonde girls on either side of me, tucked into a good book together. How many bedtimes did we push late while we were caught up in the richly painted worlds of our favorite authors? I believe a part of my soul will always walk with my little girls through Rudyard Kipling's garden with the great and fearless Rikki Tikki Tavi.



I miss those times with a heart-tugging ache, but I am so proud of you. You have grown into a beautiful young woman. I am proud of the work you have done at school this year and I'm looking forward to spending some Mardi Gras days with you in a few days, my girl who energizes the whole room just by being present.



I'm already grieving the Fall when you will officially step from my nest and fly off to college, but it will be a short-lived grief, overshadowed by the new accomplishments before you as you grow even more into the woman you are becoming. Listen, if you catch a faint glimpse of wingtips beside you, well...who said Mama Bird can't take a break from the nest now and again to watch you soar? I'll never be too far away or too busy.



Have I ever told you the character trait that I admire most about you? You are visibly and 100% YOU at all times. You wear the good and the bad right out in the open for all to see. You are so authentic and that is worthy of admiration. I appreciate your honesty even when I don't agree with you. It is a virtue to which you have remained true. You also have the integrity to admit when you're wrong...usually much later when the debate is over, but you always get there!



You are my bright and shining force of nature. I am grateful that God has allowed me to be your mother. Of the many hats I wear, that one is most cherished. It is such a privilege to know you and to be loved by you.



-Mom

COMMENTS

-

---

Joli
19:10 Mar 02 2011

I debated whether or not to post this here since it's a bit private, between myself and my daughter, but lifting people up is SO important. I hope this encourages you to lift someone up today. there's only one rule: Tell the truth. don't make up a praise...you're better off not sending anything.



Secondly, if you don't feel encouraged, I hope you can see in my words to Allie how precious her integrity is to this world. Your gifts are, too. Don't you dare stop being true to them, even if you feel nobody is looking or the going is too tough. The world likes to hold up a mirror to tear you down and discourage you. Don't fall for it!

---

captainglobehead
19:19 Mar 02 2011

That was very cool.

---

POST COMMENT

I try to encourage you. I see something special in you, though still nascent. I know you are reaching for wisdom, but I see you listening to the whispers of those who would poison your well. The whispers of those who are not reaching. Please do not champion the complacent! Do not mistake their applause for something of value, you beautiful creature.



You seem to know instinctively that your convictions are what will distinguish you in this world. You are right, but are you sure of yours? The world is only too happy to sell you its shiny packaged "new and improved" philosophy of coming out on top. It is rarely selfless. It is rarely enriching beyond the packaging which will eventually be discarded as the garbage it is.



In the Animal Kingdom, of which you are a part, make no mistake there, the most dangerous place is not the hunting ground. It is the watering hole where all must come to drink. Where are the crocodiles? Underwater. Waiting. Creating the illusion of safety to invite you in when you thirst and are vulnerable. Where are the lions? Stalking in the brush along the banks. Hidden, but real.



The world would tell you that to come out on top, you must be the crocodile. Or perhaps the lion. "Be at the top of the food chain!" Please know that these are lies, the whispers that poison the water.



You might also hear that it is also valuable to be like the wilderbeest or the deer, attentive, alert, ready to spring, and faster than any adversary, winning the race by your wits, foresight, and cunning. I would look you in the eyes and say again, "Lies."



I tell you, lovely lovely soul, that the wisest choice is to be the water. Be refreshing in this world. Strive to remain unpolluted by those who do not recognize your value. How many times have we seen foolish and shortsighted people pollute their own drinking source?



I don't offer you the fastest path. I don't advocate the obvious path. I suggest the path that I try to follow, the one I believe in with all my heart. The one I believe holds the most truth and the one that requires the strongest belief in your convictions, though it may not be easy and may take patience. But, my heart, I promise you that I have never heard of a lion or a crocodile carving through solid rock. Make a difference by being a difference. We have far too many who would strive to be the same. I believe in you. I am your cheerleader, and a kind word when you need it. I close my eyes and dream of the world which is better because you are in it...

COMMENTS

-

---

imagesinwords
21:58 Mar 01 2011

Superior advice, right there.

---

Deity
22:03 Mar 01 2011

This is amazing. Thank you for this beautiful revelation. ♥

---

BLOODLIFE
22:04 Mar 01 2011

You have a knack of nailing something right on target.

---

Selkie
22:09 Mar 01 2011

This is beautifully written and I loved the message :)

---

birra
22:44 Mar 01 2011

Your words are poetry in every form. They leave me often contemplating my life and how I live it. They inspire me to put aside the negatives and focus on what matters most.



I think I will carve these words digitally into my smart phone just so I can read you when I need to...

---

NocturnalMistress
23:11 Mar 01 2011

Joli, your words are an inspiration.



Thank you for sharing this lovely and awe filled message. :)

---

POST COMMENT

To Bloodlife and all who wished us well, you have your wish, as I certainly have mine. Our guy is just fine and mending up. He looks 100% better already. The reason he was a bit lethargic and even having accidents, was stress related to pain. We didn't know, but he'd ripped a toenail very badly and each time he stepped on it, the pain was excruciating. We thought his limping was related to his old accident.



The vet removed the nail in a little mini surgery and bandaged him all up. He was able immediately to walk on it better than before, even though it's a bit sore. He has antibiotics and some pain meds. Also...because Stabb is VERY bad and spoils him shamefully, he has gained 7 lbs which he has to take off. The vet wants him slightly under weight to help with pressure from his accident and any possibility that he will get arthritic.



SOooooo...we had to get a prescription dog food and chondroitin (sp?) treats for his joints. He can't have a scrap of people food or other treats. When he takes off the weight, he'll go to a maintenance plan.



But the best news is that he's wagging that tail again. Thanks for the well-wishing everyone.

COMMENTS

-

---

Selkie
17:57 Mar 01 2011

YAY! glad to hear that :)

---

Vampirewitch39
18:49 Mar 01 2011

Bad Stabb... no more treats. We want Meatball to be here for a very very long time. :) Glad to hear he is better. Give him some suger, kiss style, for us.

---

sPerAnZa
20:33 Mar 01 2011

I get the feeling that Meatball is still going to be getting helping off the dinner plate every once in a while. :)



That's wonderful he's doing so much better. I hope it heals fast.

---

Joli
21:11 Mar 01 2011

Thanks, everyone! He's doing great...chewing through that bandage when I'm not looking, too.

---

POST COMMENT