Betsy Snow White Bibliophile

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  • Writing Challenge – Day 28

    Writing Challenge – Day 28

    Day 28: Post five things that make you laugh-out-loud.

    I feel like I should add a disclaimer that I am, in fact, a laugher. I laugh a lot, and at seemingly everything. So…almost anything can make me laugh out loud. My husband and I just crack each other up all the time. It is a thing, I love it, and I think it is how the two of us stay sane. I love to laugh, and I will do it as much as I can. So…here is a list of things that will make me laugh every time.

    1. Those stupid pet videos of animals tripping, falling, jumping into things, making crazy faces, or the gif of the fuzzy cat saying Diabetus. I will watch them again and again and cackle. It is sad, and also makes me deliriously happy. diabetus cat  mqdefault
    2. Acher! I love this cartoon with all my heart, and it often makes me laugh out loud. Shit Snacks! archer
    3. The My Favorite Murder podcast. This is a new obsession of mine, and the hosts (Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark) are so funny. And, yes the subject matter can get heavy, but Karen and Georgia keep it fun and often laugh out loud funny. It has often been listed in the top ten comedy podcasts on Itunes.  Check it out! 427
    4. The Smartest Man in the World podcast. My celebrity crush, Greg Proops, talking about whatever takes his fancy, and keeping me laughing out loud at work. I absolutely love Greg.  Greg’s website. smartestman_4232
    5. Christopher Moore books. If you have never read a book by Christopher Moore do it. I recommend Dirty Jobs, as it is a personal favorite, and more than that recommend the audio book read by Fisher Stevens. But seriously his books are so ridiculously funny that I quote them constantly and crack myself up. So good.  Christopher’s Website chrismoore

     

  • Writing Challenge – Day 27

    Writing Challenge – Day 27

    Day 27: Conversely, write about something that’s kicking ass right now.

    I am in the middle of a time of burgeoning creativity. I can feel ideas and thoughts bubbling up in me all the time, and it feels amazing. I love the times in my life when I feel ready at any minute to write something, make something, paint something, or re-purpose something.

    Creativity
    Link to photo home.

    For me, creativity comes and goes in waves. I am lucky that I do have the ability to force creativity when I need to, but this free flowing abundance of creative energy is always a treat when it comes to call. Although, it does lead to the unique and wonderful problem of what I should work on first. All this creative energy can be overwhelming in the best possible way.

     

  • Writing Challenge – Day 26

    Writing Challenge – Day 26

    Day 26: Write about an area in your life that you’d like to improve.

    I am a master procrastinator, and while I thrive on doing things last minute, I wish I could break myself of the habit. I have written some amazing last minute works for classes, but then I always think that if I could have only started earlier I think the work could have been more well rounded and developed.

    I have been doing this since I was quite young. In high school I distinctly remember creating a poster and a presentation about the Roman Gods for one class in 15 minutes the morning it was due. I completed it, did my presentation, and got an A. But there was absolutely no need for that stress. I knew it was due, I just procrastinated.

    definition-procrastination

    So, yes, if I could change any one thing about myself I would stop procrastinating, and start doing things right this moment.

  • Writing Challenge – Day 25

    Writing Challenge – Day 25

    Day 25: Think of any word. Search it on google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image.

    I asked my husband to give me a random word and he gave me golem.

    Golem_Screenshot_04-1920x1080-9e4bd58adafc482a87f4d14236aa2e20

    The townspeople saw them coming, the two creatures; one coming from the coastal mountains and the other from the frozen North. Houses were boarded and the streets emptied, as they braced themselves for the arrival.

    One is made of metamorphic rock with eyes like fire. He was forged by a magician of skill to be his messenger and protector. For thousands of years he has been serving, and today he is on a mission.

    One is made of ice with eyes like a blizzard. He was forged by a sorcerer who was seeking assistance and company. He has served him faithfully for years, and now he has been sent to this place.

    The two meet in the middle of town; the eyes of the hiding occupants watching their every move. The two stop, and speak in tones too low for the townspeople to hear. Then they turn and head back the way they came. After a couple of hours, it is clear that the golems are not set to return.

    To this day that town tells stories of the day the golems came. The rumors of their conversation abounds. They were exchanging messages from their makers, or recipes, or they are the last of their kind and they were looking for a connection. No one knows for sure, but no one will ever forget.

     

  • Writing Challenge – Day 24

    Writing Challenge – Day 24

    Day 24: Write about a lesson you’ve learned the hard way.

    Not everyone will like you, and that is okay.

    Generally I am a well-liked person. I make friends fairly easily and can get along with almost anyone. But every once in a while you meet that person who does not like you, for seemingly no reason, and you just have to accept it and move on. I worked with a girl for a while who was consistently rude to me, and no matter what I did I could not get past that. So, I stopped trying. I accepted that she did not like me, and she may never like me, and that was okay. Eventually I left the job, and several months later this same girl approached my mother to ask how I was and say hi. So…you just don’t know. But, not everyone will like you, and that is more than okay.

    344576f8d38561edf76145f7f6dd286f
    Link to photo home.

  • Writing Challenge – Day 23

    Day 23: A letter to someone, anyone.

    Dear Universe,

    It is time for a change. I have been working in the same job, same department for 9 years with no hope of a promotion or a raise. Every chance I have had of advancement has disappeared with the managers who offered it. I am sick of being used for my knowledge and skills, with no reward. So, it is time to go.

    Please help me clear the way to find a new position which uses my skills, and my degree. That allows me to grow and have space to evolve and advance. That gives me the funds to pursue other dreams and aspirations. A new position that gives me the opportunities I deserve with my degree and working knowledge.

    Point me in the right direction, guide me to the best fits, and make my resume stand out. Get me in the door and let me sell my skills.

    Thank you in advance.

    Betsy

  • Writing Challenge – Day 22

    Writing Challenge – Day 22

    Day 22: Put your music on shuffle and post the first ten songs.

    1. Purgatory Dance Party – Polkadot Cadaver
    2. Little Sister – Jewel
    3. Lieee – Tori Amos
    4. Dead Heaven – Gary Numan
    5. Snow-Hen of Austerlitz – Rasputina
    6. Ever Dream – Nightwish
    7. Depraved Uncut – Tartan Terrors
    8. Wonderboy – Tenacious D
    9. Sacred Stones of Stonehenge – Kellianna
    10. Do It With A Rockstar – Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra

     

    I have eclectic taste in music. There were also about 5 tracks that were from audiobooks, but I did not post those. They included books by David Sedaris, Terry Pratchett, Patti Smith, Henry David Thoreau, Kim Harrison, and Anne Rice. I am a fairly eclectic reader too.

    Also, I have tickets to see Rasputina in August, and before the show we are going to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    ac3f55aa9b77a993ac0968b2e3b89bd6
    Link to photo home

     

  • Writing Challenge – Day 21

    Day 21: What three lessons do you want your children to learn from you?

    First off, I feel like it is important for me to state for the record that my husband and I are childfree by choice. Neither of us has a particular drive to be a parent, and the idea of having children because we feel societal pressure to do so just seems like such a bad idea. However, this being said, we are a fabulous aunt and uncle. So…I am going to approach this as what lessons do I want my Nieces and Nephews to learn from me. Or really any children I encounter in my life.

    1. Different is not bad – My nieces (my nephew is 2 so he is not quite as aware) know that I am a witch. They have come to my house to celebrate sabbats. We talk openly about this. We have also had open conversations about LGBTQIA issues, other religions, racial issues, and feminist issues. This is partially because my brother and sister-in-law are amazing and open themselves, and do not have a problem at all with me discussing heavy issues with their children. That is amazing and I feel like I am helping shape these fabulous, open, non-judgemental kids.
    2. Honesty is the best policy – I do not like to be lied to, who does. So don’t do it. Just be honest with me.
    3. I am here to talk about anything. – No judgement from me. Come talk to me about sex, drugs, drinking, being a republican, whatever. I am not here to judge, just to listen and advise if I can, support if I can not.

    That is the big important stuff. I hope my nieces and nephews take this much from me if nothing else.

  • Beltane Blessings – A Witchy Post

    Beltane Blessings – A Witchy Post

    It is Beltane and in honor of the day I am using a Tarot Spread from Llewellyn called the May Queen.

    May Queen

    May is a time of fertility and high spirits. By Beltane, the dark time of the year is a distant memory and the possibilities of life seem sweet. Use the May Queen spread to regain or confirm a sense of abundance and safety. If you have a specific question in mind, ask it as you shuffle the cards. Shuffle the cards and place them in positions one through five, as shown.

    mayqueen

    Position 1: Safety. Emotional security. What you need to feel safe. Where are you secure in yourself? A seemingly negative card describes a situation that needs your focused attention. Work with the energy of that card to produce feelings of safety.

    Position 2: Abundance. Feelings of plenty. Abundance may encompass monetary prosperity, but it also describes the emotional breadth of your life that is full and sweet. A challenging card directs you to constricted energy flow; by releasing the block of a challenging card, emotional abundance will follow.

    Position 3: Regeneration. Exploring the possibilities. The bold action needed to grow and flourish. A challenging card will show you the block that keeps you from your heart’s desire.

    Position 4: Love. Emotions and relationships. All forms of love, from friendship to sexual passion. Only you know your heart. Look at the suit of the card: what does it tell you about your life right now? (Wands = passion or anger; Cups = love or friendship; Swords = loving the intellect, heartache, or painful decisions; Pentacles = sensuality, the body, or the value you place on love; Court Cards = personal characteristics in your relationships; Major Arcana cards = the big picture, karma, or the spiritual aspects of your relationships.)

    Position 5: The Future. The present conceivable outcome based on the flow of cards one through four. What story do the cards tell? The lessons to be learned and the potential for growth. How does position three, regeneration, relate to the future?

    1. Safety: Page of Wands (Reversed) – My place of safety is within my creativity, but I can also use it as a crutch and an excuse. I also have a bad habit of procrastinating which is always pushing the limit of what I am capable of doing. I need to be smart and do my best work and best thinking early when I am at my highest self and most creative.
    2. Abundance: King of Cups – My abundance lies in my creativity. If I learned nothing else from my mother it was how to make something out of nothing. I need to make the most of this.
    3. Regeneration: Five of Cups (Reversed) – I need to make the most of new friendships and relationships. And also keep myself open to the return of old relationships. Or, be social, Betsy!
    4. Love: Four of Pentacles – Per the chart above I feel stable, and somewhat possessive of my love, which is true. I am in love with our love, in all it’s aspects.
    5. The Future: XX Judgement – I am coming to a time of renewal and new beginnings. It is time for a good hard look at myself, and some decisions about where I am heading. It is time to start a new part of my journey.

    It sounds like my future is auspicious. I am working on a Job spell, so hopefully much of the tarot reading is an omen toward that. I hope you have a beautiful Beltane.

  • Writing Challenge – Day 20

    Day 20: Post about three celebrity crushes.

    My celebrity crushes are always a little odd. And usually they exist because a person is funny. I love people who can make me laugh.

    1. Greg Proops – I have loved him since Whose Line Is It Anyway? the original British version. His podcast The Smartest Man in The World is by far one of my favorites, and I started listening fairly early on. I am working on getting to meet him, even if it means a trip to California. If you are unfamiliar with him it is worth it to check him out. I also find myself dropping proopisms constantly.
      SMITW-Planet
      Greg’s Website
    2. Ron Funches – Another comedian, I found him when he performed live on the brief television version of The Nerdist. Immediately I was hooked. He has since been on @Midnight multiple times, and on the shows Undateable and Powerless. And I have tickets to see him perform in July!!
      ron-funches-headshot_1
      Ron’s Website
    3. Amanda Palmer – I have loved Amanda Palmer for a long time. It began with the Dresden Dolls, and continued through her solo albums, and her book, and still I love her. I have met her multiple times. I have introduced multiple people to her music. She still speaks directly to me. Her Ukulele Anthem is inspiring and beautiful and I am linking a version below. She is also married to one of my all time favorite authors, so… Amanda Palmer – Ukulele Anthem
      Amanda-Palmer-by-Allan-Amato
      Amanda’s Website