Chronicles of an Asatru Woodland Craftess: January 2007

You are a caring, kind, and selfless partner. Unsurprisingly, your love style is the most rare. You are willing to sacrfice your world for your sweetie. Except it doesn't really feel like sacrifice to you. For you, nothing feels better than giving to the one you love.

What's Your Love Style?

My Mom is simply Hilarious...

http://home.att.net/~hideaway_today/t041/xmas_santa.swf

Heron of Forgetfulness...

Heron of Forgetfulness...

Stanza 12-13:
"Ale is not as good
as it is said to be good
for the sons of men;
because the man knows less
-- he who drinks more --
of his disposition.

He is called the heron of forgetfulness,
he who hovers over ale-parties;
he steals the disposition of men.
By the feathers of this bird
I was fettered,
in the courts of Gunnlöth."

Those of you who are reading this will know immediately which night I am referring to...
I came across something tonight from the Troth mailing list where I read of another point of view on this (via a link provided):

"She was generally represented as a tall, beautiful, and stately woman, crowned with heron plumes, the symbol of silence or forgetfulness, and clothed in pure-white robes, secured at the waist by a golden girdle, from which hung a bunch of keys, the distinctive sign of the Northern housewife, whose special patroness she was said to be."

A symbol of silence? Maybe in silence in this particular piece of translation would be more appropriately referred to with deceit. I haven't perceived it that way, but it makes sense...and on that thought how could "heron of forgetfulness" be interpreted in Stanza 13? I'm still getting on my lore...so I am not as advanced as some so I'm also posting this to my friends in general (as opposed to just privately emailing those who were here that night)....Thoughts, criticisms?

In light of our recent talks of Neil Gaiman, I felt a bit inspired (or compelled?) to add this into the journal for those who do not read Neil Gaiman's journal.

"Apparently there was a book written by a Professor Giorgia Grilli, called Myth, Symbol, and Meaning in Mary Poppins - The Governess as Provocateur. I could rewrite the reviews, but I'd rather copy/paste, as the New Yorker did say it well:

The literary Mary Poppins is by no means an untroubling character. Indeed, at the end of the first chapter of the first book-in which she arrives as a shape hurled against the front door in the midst of a gale, assumes the form of a woman, bullies Mrs. Banks into hiring her, snaps at the children, and doses them with a mysterious potion after she gets them alone in the nursery-she earns only a qualified endorsement: “And although they sometimes found themselves wishing for the quieter, more ordinary days when Katie Nanna ruled the household, everybody, on the whole, was glad of Mary Poppins's arrival.” She is, in fact, very often “angry,” “threatening,” “scornful,” and “frightening.” She calls the children cannibals, jostles them down the stairs, and makes them eat so quickly that they fear they will choke. She has a habit of saving the children from horrifying supernatural experiences, it's true, but this would seem more of a boon if she herself hadn't brought them on in revenge for naughtiness. Often, she seems like someone who doesn't like children much. )"

This is supposed to be the idea behind the book, in my understanding. Then, on YouTube, there was a fellow by the name of Chris Rule who re-cut the original Mary Poppins, and below was the outcome.

...How fun was that?!

Beowulf & Grendel

So it was confirmed to me today that Neil Gaiman is in fact currently working on an American version of Beowulf.
Now, I normally hold Neil Gaiman in pretty high regards. He's very talented, his movies are great...and his books are great. I admire his chaotic and oddly alluring artwork very much. In fact, MirrorMask and Neverwhere are two of my favored movies. But I'm not sure what to think on this one. There are a lot of very well known names. I have no idea whether or not it will be a computer animated film or not, though everyone I've spoken to tends to think it's going to be of computer animation. There isn't a preview/trailor out yet, but I'll keep everyone posted. I know Neil's work, and he is good...but as far as I know, none of his work was done based on another's...so this should be interesting. Maybe I'm too traditional...I don't like stories like that being tampered with...that's why I couldn't get into "The 13th Warrior." It was a good movie, but I just couldn't enjoy it after I read Beowulf (when we read it in school, our teacher, believe it or not, showed us this movie).
If anyone hasn't seen Beowulf & Grendel though, I HIGHLY suggest it. This one was filmed in Iceland, the director (Icelandic born--I think now Canadian citizen?) is Sturla Gunnarsson. That's all I know about him, though...LOL. I'm not much of a movie person, but really dig the ones I do like. This one is more accurate to the story line...and it even starts out in the beginning with a nice, fairly accurate Asatru ritual blessing of their new Mead hall, which sent chills right up my spine, with it's "historical" accuracy. Apparently it's now available via amazon.com, not just amazon.ca, where it was originally "only" available.
Oh, and if anyone we know personally is interested in MirrorMask or Neverwhere, we do have them both...and LOVE popcorn & hot cocoa movie nights!! =D

Meme Bandwagon...

Adult Meme

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

Gas

2. What's the best place to eat a romantic dinner?

A romantic dinner? I don't know if I can recall...I really enjoy those swank country restaurants...don't think "farmer" Think "rich folk in seclusion"...lol. The entrees alone, at cheapest are $20 a person...appetizers have their own menu's...lol. It's not the cost, but the restuarants themselves. They are simple but elegant, with loads of historical value to them, decoratively/archetecturally...and are lit with candlelight and fireplaces. If we can afford a place like that, there's where my romanctic dream lies...along with something nice afterwards or before...like a capuccino and walk in a nice park (or around here, the trail by the museum, which has dozens of marked plants, trees, etc.,. Is that too much?

Another romantic dinner would be in some bizarre, completely anomalous restaurant, like where you sit on pillows-not chairs, and try foods with names that would be fun *attempting* to pronounce. Or like the Rainforest cafe, which is supposed to be like stepping into a forest...thunderstorms and all.

3. Last time you puked from drinking?

Only one time...my FIRST time, lol. Fuzzy navels, mixed drinks...berry stuffs, it was an interesting, small circle of friends party I decided to go to after having some major problems at home.

4.When is the last time you got drunk and danced on a bar?

Nope, but danced at the aforementioned party whilst drunkened...LOL...now THAT was fun.

5.Name of your first grade teacher?

Oh, I have no idea! I do remember the following: Something about Saddam Hussein was going on (this was the 2nd half of the 80s), a bomb drill, doing the daily Pledge of Allegiance and listening to the "Proud To Be American" song daily over the announcer.

6.What do you really want to be doing right now?

Riding horseback.

7.What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A professional dancer, artist, veterinarian/natural medicine "person" lol and gardener/decorator. I suppose they are not all out of reach, though as far as dancing, I'd rather leave that recreational. I only know what I've done by myself...I do wish someone would re-teach me the Waltz. I once learned it in the rain.

8.How many colleges did you attend?

2---A community college and the Everglades College (Alternative medicine). I must go to Clayton, yet...but this is down the road when we can afford a hefty down payment.

9.Why did you wear the shirt that you have on right now?

I just wanted to be comfortable.

10.GAS PRICES! First thought?

Where did I leave that horse?

11.If you could move anywhere...?

New England or Northern Europe somewhere.

12.First thought when the alarm went off this morning?

"I hate that sound!!"

13.Last thought before going to bed last night?

Started a meditation I read in "Earth Path"....I fell asleep. Woops. =/

14.Favorite style of underwear?

Oh, my! I suppose my style of undergarments are those that match/meet the custom needs of my attire, combined with my desire to keep the husband attracted to them. Luckily this isn't a problem!!

15.Favorite style of underwear for the opposite sex?

Oh, my again! I like silk stuff. :) Other than a Kilt with maybe NOTHING...lol...perchance a loin cloth would be, um, fun?

16.What errand/chore do you despise?

Ack, doing laundry for a family how many times a week gets boring real quick.

17.If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer at an art gallery?

In theory, I would...but I fear it would not be challenging enough for me...or stimulating enough after the first week.

18.Get up early or sleep in?

Tough choice. Methinks I'll stick with get up early. As much as I dislike the act of waking up early...I get much more done...I am more awake, more motivated for the day if I wake up early. Besides, there's NOTHING more wonderful in a common days activity than waking up..brewing a mug of tea, watering the garden and sitting outside, wrapped in a blanket listening to the progressive awakening of the birds as it begins to get light on a cool morning.

19.What is your favorite cartoon character?

Well, there was this one cartoon I enjoyed as a child..."Rikki Tikki Tavi." I cannot account as to whether I'd have the same affinity for it today or not, though.

20.Favorite NON sexual thing to do at night with a girl/guy?

Talking. Maybe simple dancing (in a friendly manner, of course...husband isn't much to dance). Guy or girl, doesn't matter to me!

21.A secret that you wouldn't mind everyone knowing?

Now, if I wanted to share my secret with you then it wouldn't be *my* secret...

22.Your favorite lunch meat?

I really used to enjoy roast beef, it's really been a while.

23.What do you get every time you go into a WAWA?

TAZO tea

24.Beach or lake?

I enjoy both, equally, but in different ways. =) IF I had to choose, it would be a lake in the woods.

25.Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual that was invented by people who died at 20?

NO! However, I do feel the modern "marriage traditions" are dry...without character or ardency. Handfastings are beautiful.

26.Who do you stalk on MySpace/LiveJournal?

No problems there, 'xcept on myspace a little.

27.Favorite guilty pleasure?

The only reason to feel guilty about any given pleasure is if you first think it's wrong.

28.Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?

I don't think I have anything to hide...

29.What's your drink?

Tea, tea and more tea. I also take pleasure in drinking mead...as a teen I made "non-alcy" mead, too...lol...which was similar. I like it as opposed to regular alcohol because it is made with honey.

30.Cowboys or Indians?

Historically speaking? Indians, definitely.

31.Cops or Robbers?

What are their uniforms? ;)

32.Do you cheer for the bad guy?

Oh, my...that depends on what the situation is.

33.What Hollywood star do you think resembles you best?

Yikes...I didn't even know who Jessica Simpson was until last month...was watching the news for a storm warning...lol. I always did slightly connect with some actresses from the b&w movies, but I couldn't give names. Does anyone else ahve any suggestions?

34.If you had to pick one, which cast member of "Lost" would you be?

The seclusive one that eats the leaves and berries under a tent of more leaves...lol. Oh, wait...this is a tv show, isn't it? Oops.

35.What do you want when you are sick?

Usually, I'd like to be left alone to heal. However, I would love the same treatment I give husband when he's sick...some warm herbal tea, a blanket and some soup consisting of chicken stock and those yummy organic veggie alphabet noodles (their probably 1/2 an inch long...lol). That man is so spoiled. ;)

36.Who from high school would you like to run into?

Arg...Unless dart practice and rope are involved, I've nothing to say to any of them. Though, there is one girl...Sandra. There was a huge mix-up--blowout in a situation that made me look really bad, despite my total lack of guilt (it was actually something someone else did...long, long story), which destroyed our friendship. Oh, do I miss her.

37.What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?

Some CD of Germanic folk rock, maybe something tribally ambient.

38.Norm or Cliff?

Am I too young to understand this question? I don't know what this one means.... =/

39.The Cosby Show or the Simpsons?

Simpsons

40.Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?

I cannot think of anything in particular.

41.Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work?

Yes...Computer is very friendly to me, and I wouldn't trade her friendship in for any other Acer.

42.If you could get away with it, who would you kill?

Oh, goodness! I don't think I have the heart for something like that...Though maybe I my ex, who doesn't leave me alone. I would consider sending him somewhere in the "Ring of Fire" region of Earth.

43.What famous person would you like to have dinner with?

Good question.

44.What famous person would you like to sleep with?

I never like these famous people things...typically these famous people are only famous because something about their genre or character is mainstream, one way or another. I've never been much for mainstream.

45.Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?

No, but now thanks you to I have to seek out an Oak tree and knock three times...lol.

46.Last book you read for real?

Just finished re-reading "Earth Path." A really great, non frou-frou Earth Spiritualist book. Also in progress with Taking Up The Runes.

47.Do you have a teddy bear?

Nope. I have a kitty that is literally the size/shape of a basketball. Red/burgundy in color with a tiny, pressed in face and beaver-like tail, named "Fat cat" by my dad when he was a toddler. Fat cat sits on our bed when it's folded because she matches the color of our sheets, and is obviously a little sentimental.

48.Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?

LOL!!! Allow me to ponder for a moment...When I was younger, I get into a tooth brushing frenzy and took a portable brush/toothpaste everywhere...school, work, friends houses...everywhere. So weird.

49.Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?

Can't say anything comes to mind, I don't have much attraction to the idea of going west for any reason other than attending a holistic college.

50.Number of texts in a day?

Texts? As in the cell phone? I probably go through 10 minutes of time a month on that thing, and it's not texting.

51.At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or relationship?

If I had to choose, it would be career...but it wouldn't be far off from what I'm doing already.

52.Do you go to church?

No, my mom didn't even baptize me...I found religion on my own, and it doesn't have a christian church behind it.

53.Pencil or pen?

Tough choice. Pencils are nice, because I doodle/sketch alot...but I like writing with pens...preferably a ball point of some type...but even more so I always enjoyed the feather pens I made with the berry Ink I make annually. ;)