Today's Goddess: Vesta
Feast of Vesta (Rome)

Themes: Home; Love; Fertility; Peace
Symbols: Fire; Donkey; Veils

About Vesta: In Roman mythology, Vesta was part of every fire. As such, Vesta commands the sacred fires of the hearth, the heart of spiritual and emotional stability in your home. Today was one other festival days, Christianized as the Feast of the Ass, which is a sacred animal to her. Traditional offerings for Vesta include homemade bread and salt cakes.

In works of art, Vesta was never shown directly but always depicted her in veils, possibly to honor her importance in Roman society. The vestal priestess was one of the few people considered suited to negotiating peace during war threats.

To Do Today: The first month of the year is a good time to think about the spiritual warmth in your living space. Ask Vesta to kindle those fires anew. Do this by lighting any fire source you have handy-a match, a candle, the oven, a pilot light-or, alternatively, just turn on a light as a symbolic fire. Be sure to keep this lit all day. When a fire goes out on Vesta's day, it's considered a bad omen, indicative of love being lost. To encourage peace on any battleground you're facing this year, light a white candle (the color of truce) and put it in a window to invite Vesta's presence (being sure it's safe to do so, of course). Then take a piece of bread outside, breaking it into small bits so the birds can carry your wish of harmony across the earth.

From "365 Goddess" by Patricia Telesco

The Goddess Companion

Wisdom rested on the ark of the covenant.
From the ark she moved to the cherubim.
From the cherubim she moved to the other cheribum.
From the second cheribum she moved to the threshold.
From the threshold she moved to the courtyard.
From the courtyard she moved to the altar.
From the altar she moved to the temple roof.
From the roof to the wall, from the wall to the city,from the city to the mountains, and then,
from the mountain, Wisdom moved out into the desert.
~Talmudic Poem, 279C.E

Life would be easier if Wisdom stayed in one place. We could look for her there and know she could always be found. We could leave her there knowing that, when we needed her, she would be waiting for us.

But the wise ancients knew better. They knew that Wisdom is never at rest for long. We find her here one day, there another. One day we find her in a book, the next day in the open sky. One day we discover her in the soulful comment of a friend; the next day a painting speaks to us.

We must never stop looking for Wisdom. For no one is ever fully wise; we are always on the way. And Wisdom moves before us. She cannot be confined to one truth, one idea, one dogma. She will always escape the prisons we build for her. Only the vast desert is large enough for her. The desert, and the stars ~ for the entire Universe is Wisdom's home.

From "The Goddess Companion" By Patricia Monaghan

Sharing what has been shared with me. Enjoy.


Year'Round Sabbat Tree

If you dread having to take the Yule tree down each January, then try something different. Consider leaving the tree up the whole year, merely changing the decorations to fit each Sabbat. Of course, if you have a real tree this may not work. You will need to put your real tree to soil as soon as the season is over, but consider purchasing an artificial tree for the remainder of the year. If you buy an artificial tree after the Christmas season, you are almost guaranteed a sale price. Here are a few decoration ideas for the coming year.


Yule

You shouldn't have any trouble finding Yule decorations. In keeping with the Pagan holiday, and not the Christian one, you may
want to choose ornaments that reflect natural scenes or animals. Some of the traditions of "Christmas" are in fact Pagan in origin, so why not use them on your Yule tree. During the season, purchase sprigs of mistletoe and holly (if they come without the berries, you can easily fashion synthetic ones from beads). Lay the sprigs on top of the tree branches. Baby's Breath (which usually adorns roses) may also be used in the same manner, depicting flakes of snow on your tree.

What tree would be complete without lights? Instead of multicolored light strings, purchase bulbs or strings in single colors such as blue (to represent the Goddess) and yellow (for the God). White or clear lights can be used and will enhance the appearance of snow if you have used Baby's Breath.

Common tree toppers are very Christian in nature (the Star of Bethlehem or the Angel). With a little time, you can create a topper that is truly Pagan. Consider buying a sheet of poster board. Cut a crescent and\or a sun shape. You can use both together or separately. Cover the crescent in tin foil (Silver is the Goddess's metal) and the sun in gold tin foil (available in craft stores). Using glue and glitter (or glitter pens), out line the moon and the sun in dazzling sparkles. Glue crystals or stones in designs. Attach your topper by way of wire. Fasten one end of the wire in the center of the topper (in the back). Set the crescent over the top tree branch and twist the wire around it until the topper is secure. These tree toppers can be used for more than one Sabbat. If you are at a loss as to what to use for a topper for Midsummer (for example), the sun will do perfectly. You may also use the toppers as altar ornaments when not in use on the tree.


Imbolc (Candlemas)

One of the symbols of Imbolc is the candle, representing the illumination in one's life. Your Imbolc tree can be decorated with candles galore. Using a medium sized tree for example, you will want to purchase about 15-20 thin white candles. I don't recommend tapers, as they aren't balanced well. Using silver glitter spray paint, spray each candle. Allow them to dry. Purchase two sheets of white poster board and 15-20 white plastic clothes pins. Spray each clothes pin with gold glitter spray paint and allow to dry.

Now, find an object that is circular, such as a soda can. Trace 15-20 circles on our pasteboard and ut them out. In the center of each circle, draw a small X . Cut the X out and attempt to fit one of the candles through. If they won't fit, lengthen the cut marks. Make sure when the candle fits through that it is a snug fit. Using lavender lace, also to be found at craft stores, glue the lace on the top of the circle, being careful not to cover the X. When everything is dry, fit all of the candles into their poster board holders. Attach the clothes pin onto one side of the poster board circle and attach them both to a tree limb. Any lavender lace you may have left over can be used for the tree.

On any branch that does not have a candle, take a length of lace and tie it onto the branch in a bow. If there are any other colors that you associate with Imbolc, you can use colorful ribbons instead. Silver and gold decorative beads can be used in lieu of the ribbons or along with them. The crescent and sun tree toppers can be used again for Imbolc. If you don't wish to use them, use your imagination and fashion a topper made of candles.Small decorative wreaths in a variety of sizes can be made or purchased. There should be one small enough to fit snugly over the top of the tree. Instead of large candles, attach small white birthday cake candles to the wreath.


Ostara

The vernal equinox is the coming of spring. Your tree should reflect that. Since colored eggs are Pagan in origin, decorate your tree with the little plastic eggs available at the coming of the Easter season. Separate the egg, and close it with a piece of ribbon or string inside. The ribbon should be made of spring colors such as pink or light green. Tie the eggs to each limb of your tree. Inside the branches, set small craft birds. These little birds can be purchased at craft stores and reflect the return of the wild life. In honor of the birds, use small circles of white netting and fill them with bird seed. Pinch all of the ends together an secure it with a ribbon. Tie the loose end of the ribbon to any empty branches. When it is time to change the decorations on the tree, scatter the bird seed on the ground outside.


Beltane

Beltane is another rite of spring as well as being a fertility festival. Your tree can become a decorative maypole. Cut lengths of different colored ribbon that measure the length of the tree. Secure each ribbon to the top of the tree with a bow. Allow the ribbon to hang to the bottom of the tree (not the floor). In between the ribbons, decorate the tree by securing silk flowers to the branches. Since this is a Sabbat that reflects both the God and the Goddess, you should use the tree topper you made for Imbolc (both the crescent and the sun). If you don't want to use the Imbolc topper, fasten dozens of flowers above where the maypole ribbons originate. These flowers should be above the bows at the top of the tree.


Litha

This is the God's Sabbat. Decorate the tree with anything that reflects the sun. Affix silk sunflowers and marigolds on the tree branches. On opposing branches, tie ribbons of gold, yellow, and orange. For added fragrance, make pomander balls from oranges (a sun fruit). This is a very simple craft.

Using whole, un peeled oranges, tie a ribbon around the circumference of the fruit. Secure the ribbon to the fruit by use of small sewing pins, pushed all the way in. Using a thicker needle or pin, poke rows of holes up and down the fruit. Push whole cloves into the holes. Allow the fruit to dry outside or on a sun touched windowsill for a week before hanging. Hang the pomander by the ribbon on a thick, secure branch.

Top your Midsummer tree with the sun topper you made for Imbolc. Since this is the God's holiday, you might want to place your crescent on your altar until the next Sabbat.


Lammas/ Lughnassad

Lughnassad is the first of the harvest festivals. Fall is coming. Decorate your tree with fall colored ribbon (dark orange, mustard yellow, and red). If they are available, place dried corn or dried wheat stocks inside your tree. Fall flowers also add a lovely touch. Sunflowers and marigolds work just as well for Lugnassad as they do for Midsummer. Both flowers usually bloom in later summer. If you don't have any animals about, decorate your tree with dried bread slices. Lay 6 pieces of wheat bread on a plate and allow them to dry to a hard consistency. Using a skewer or chopstick, punch a hole in the top of the slice large enough for a thin ribbon to pass. String your bread slices onto the tree branches.

If you are feeling modern, decorate your tree with sports paraphernalia. Lughnassad is also known as the Sport's feast. Set golf balls, baseballs, or a small football inside the tree.


Mabon

The second harvest festival and the Pagan Thanksgiving, your Mabon tree should be similar to your Lughnassad tree (of course, without the golf balls!). In lieu of wheat stalks and dried corn, collect colored leaves from a park or your backyard. Spray the leaves with clear hairspray and allow to dry. Attach them to your tree with alternating ribbons. If you are hanging a red leaf, use a yellow ribbon. If you are hanging a yellow leaf, use a red ribbon. Using a small grapevine wreath (again, available at craft stores), attach acorns and walnuts with a little bit of craft glue. Weave ribbons in and out of the vines. Place the wreath over the top of your tree.


Samhain

There are so many different things you can do for a Samhain tree.

Start by decorating your tree with little effigies of witches and black cats. If you can't locate any ornaments like these, purchase Halloween greeting cards with different covers. Cut out the pictures and fasten them to poster board for stability. Cut a small hole in the top and hang them from different branches with black and orange ribbon. Most craft and dime stores now sell "Halloween" lights in the shape of little jack- o-lanterns. String these lights as you would "Christmas" lights. Instead of ribbons, beads, or garland, drape your tree in fake spider webs. Cover the entire tree. Remember, the more you stretch the webs out, the more realistic they look. Attach little plastic spiders into the web.

The little tissue ghosts you made as a child look fabulous on a Samhain tree. Gather two white tissues per ghost. Lay the first tissue out flat. Roll the second into a tight ball and place in the center of the first tissue. Gently squeeze the first tissue around the ball in the center. Tie it off with a thin black ribbon. With a felt pen, draw a little face on your ghost. Hang them from the branches.

For an interesting and unique Samhain tree topper, purchase a costume witch's hat. Simply set it over the top of your tree.

The Goddess Companion

Tomorrow will be my dancing day,
I would my true love would so chance,
to see the legend of my play,
to call my true love to my dance.
Sing, O my love, O my love,
my love, my love.
This have I done for my true love.
~Traditional Carol

In Greece, this was the period called the halcyon days - the weeks before and after the winter solstice. The name comes from that of an ancient heroine, Halcyone, who loved a fisherman named Ceyx. A dream told her that her beloved had died at sea, and so she stood thereafter by the seashore, finally catching her lover's body as it washed to shore.

Transported by grief and unquenchable longing, Halcyone burst out of human form into the shape of the first kingfisher, and her dead mate magically revived and joined her in the same shape. So kindly did the Greek divinities look on this loyal love that they blessed the couple. Now, when the kingfisher is ready to lay its eggs, a calm descends on the sea until they hatch. These are the halcyon days, a term used of any period of calm and peace.

From "The Goddess Companion" by Patricia Monaghan

Today's Goddess: Samjna
Nobel Day (Various Locations)

Themes: Knowledge; Learning; Excellence; Reason
Symbol: Walnut (the mind)

About Samjna: In Hindu tradition, this Goddess is the source of all conscious thought and action. Her name even means "consciousness," and she is the patroness of learning, reason, logic and knowledge.

To Do Today: Every year at this time, the Nobel Prize is awarded for mastery in chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace keeping. It is a time to revel in humankind's achievements and limitless potential for good, motivated by Samjna's gentle leadings.

To honor this Goddess and the people who have achieved the pinnacle of what she represents, spend some time enriching your mind today. For instance, you might read field manuals applicable to your career to advance your knowledge; watch educational television; go to a library, or perhaps donate to its shelves some old books that you no longer read; organize a local reading group for improved literary appreciation; or turn off the television and engage in intelligent conversation for mutual edification. The options here are limitless.

For a Samjna charm that improves conscious awareness and your reasoning powers, carry a shelled walnut. The shape of this nut equates to the mind. Eat this at the end of the day to internalize her power for thoughtful actions.

From "365 Goddess" By Patricia Telesco

The Goddess Companion

"Mother most amiable, mother most admirable,
mother of good counsel. Virgin most prudent,
virgin most venerable, virgin most renowned.
Mirror of justice, seat of wisdom, cause of our joy, Mystical rose, tower of David, tower of ivory,
house of gold. Arl of the covenant, gate of heaven, morning star. Queen of angels, queen of patriarchs, queen of peace." ~Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today is the feast of a special Goddess: Tonan, the Great Lady of Aztec Mexico, who has survived even into present times. But she does not wear her fierce Aztec mask anymore. Rather, she is pictured as a dark woman, wrapped in a serape, surrounded by flames, the moon under her feet. She is Guadalupe, the Virgin Mary of Mexico, a figure who absorbs the earlier Goddess and sustains her in the life of her followers.

Guadalupe, the matron goddess of the Mexican people, came to her people through a vision. Juan Diego, a Nahutl Indian, saw an apparition on a hill where Tonan's temple used to stand. The lady spoke to him, telling him to build a church to her there. He went to the area bishop and told him of the apparition on Tepeyac hill. Several times he was rebuffed, until finally he brought a claok full of roses, in midwinter, to the bishop. The miracle established the desire of the mother to be back among her children, under a new name, but still protective and loving. That is the miracle celebrated on today's feast - and behind it, the miracle of an important goddess' survival among subjugated people.

From "The Goddess Companion" by Patricia Monaghan

Today's Goddess: Lucina
Saint Lucy's Day (Sweden)

Themes: Banishing; Kindness; Charity; Health; Protection
Symbols: Candles (light sources)

About Lucina: Lucina means light, and judging by her description and attributes, it is very likely that this Swedish Goddess was the prototype for Saint Lucy. Lucina is a mother and guardian, offering fertility, protection, and well-being. In worship, Lucina is often represented by a simple, lit candle.

To Do Today: To chase away winter's oppression and darkness, Saint Lucy's festival is one of lights and charitable acts. Saint Lucy is the patroness who protects against winter throat infections, and commemorating her (or Lucina) today keeps one healthy.

Begin the day in Swedish tradition by lighting a candle to represent the goddess's presence. After this a breakfast of coffee, saffron buns and ginger cookies is traditional fare. Coffee provides energy to give of yourself, saffron is often used in healing spells, and ginger promotes success in all your endeavors today.

To manifest Lucina's energy and keep the goddess close by today, carry luminescent stones like moonstone or cat's eye with you, then visit hospitals or elder homes in the spirit of giving of yourself. Lucina will bless thoseyou visit, and you, with well-being, productivity, and safety.

From "365 Goddess" By Patricia Telesco

Elder's Meditation

"Peace... comes within the souls of men when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the Universe dwells Wakan-Tanka, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us." --Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) OGLALA SIOUX

If we are to know peace we must look within ourselves. In order to do this, we must learn to be still. We must quiet the mind. We must learn to meditate. Meditation helps us locate and find the center that is within ourselves. The center is where the Great One resides. When we start to look for peace, we need to realize where it is within ourselves. When we experience conflict we need to pause for a moment and ask the Power within ourselves, "How do you want me to handle this? What would you suggest I do in this situation?" By asking the High Power for help we find peace.

Creator, help me to find peace.

http://www.whitebison.org/

The Goddess Companion

Wake up, people! Open your eyes! Wake up!
Move quickly, like people of light!
Draw clouds forth from the sky's quarters.
Draw clouds full of snow to us here!
Snow falling now means water in summer.
Come, ice, cover my fields!
In four days the festival starts, when we assemble
to call down snow in abundance.
~Pueblo Dawn Call To Winter Feast

Throughout the world, the darkest time is also the time of the greatest celebration. One reason is simple: busy people, bustling about to gather enough food to survive through the winter, have less time to tell stories and to feast and to sing. But there is another reason that is not so obvious: the belief that the activities of human beings during the winter somehow empower the earth to keep turning on its axis, progressing slowly toward the new seasons yet to come.

Stories have traditionally been vital in this quest for continued order in the universe. Each winter, people would gather to hear the old myths recited by the hearth-fire. This was the children's school, the time to learn the rules by which humankind was expected to live. It was a continuing education program for adults, too, who each year heard the familiar stories anew, with deeper meaning. But the stories did more than just educate people. In a mysterious and magickal way, they also linked humans to the cosmos. Just as the sun set at the anticipated time, so we were to tell the right story on the right night. We thus were bound to the cycle of the seasons in a deep and meaningful way.

From "The Goddess Companion" by Patricia Monaghan

Today's Goddess: Bamya
Sada (Persia)

Themes: Victory; Banishing; Protection; Overcoming
Symbols: Light; Fire

About Bamya: In Zoroastrian tradition, this Goddess guides the sun god Mithra's vehicle through the sky. Mor important, as the Goddess of twilight, her presence signals the beginning of today's festival.

To Do Today: As the sun sets in Iran today, a huge bonfire will be ignited near a water source to
symbolize the power of light to overcome darkness and the power of good to overcome evil. For us
this means accepting our power and potential to overcome any obstacles that life may bring in any season.

Too often our lives seem overwhelmed with obligations, and we find ourselves feeling lost in the seething sea of humanity. Bamya's counsel today is to learn how to swim in that sea by recognizing the ability of one person to truly make a difference - be it within yourself, in the life of another, in a specific situation, or in the world.

At sunset today, light an orange candle (or another one the color of twilight) and greet Bamya with this prayer.

Lady of gentle twilight, I welcome you. As the sun sets on this day, let things from the past that I no longer need to bear also fade away. Teach me to leave them behind as easily as you leave behind the daylight. As darkness falls, grant rest to my unsettled spirit so that I can rise tomorrow renewed and whole. Bamya be with me. So Mote it Be.

From "365 Goddess" By Patricia Telesco

Elder's Meditation

"In order for our children to survive in the world, they need a firm understanding and belief in the basic principles of sharing freedom and respect of individuality." --Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

There is a saying: Tell me, I'll forget; Show me, I'll remember; Engage me; I'll understand. The adults need to determine what the younger generation is learning. The principle of sharing keeps the youth from being greedy and selfish. The principle of freedom teaches the youth about choices, decisions and consequences. The principle of respect keeps us from playing God and becoming a controller of all things. We need to learn these lessons so we may demonstrate them for our children.

Great Teacher, help me to understand Your principles.

http://www.whitebison.org/

So many are once again trying to diagnose this woman's kid as though they are a psychiatrist with Asperger Disorder. The following website describes in detail what Asperger Disorder is and even has the DSM-IV's Criteria for Asperger Disorder. I suggest many here read it thoroughly. If you feel your child may have Asperger Disorder please take your child to a Psychiatrist and/or therapist.

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html

Ok before anyone else who isn't a professional psychiatrist tries to diagnose this woman's child please read the following. It's from the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)... the "Holy Bible" that all Psychiatrists use. If you feel that your son shows a lot of these symptoms for ADHD or ADD then please get an appointment with a therapist and/or psychiatrist.

DSM IV Criteria for Diagnosis of AD/HD

Either 1 or 2
1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as school work or homework)
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
g. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
h. Is often forgetful in daily activities

2. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level

Hyperactivity
b. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
c. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
d. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
e. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
f. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
g. Often talks excessively

Impulsivity
h. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
i. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
j. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)

B. Some hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before 7 years of age

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school or work and at home)

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder.)

If he had a learning disability he wouldn't be able to read things that are above his grade reading level. It's only when he has to read the stuff from school, at his grade reading level, does he become disobediant and disruptive.... at least that's what she says.

Ok your've taken away privledges, taken away things he holds near and dear, you've even spanked him for his disobediant, defiant, and disruptive behavior. Yet, he still refuses to read. Sorry to say it... there's nothing else you can do. We can sit here and suggest fun and interesting ways for your son to read but the plain facts are, your son is being a selfish brat. He doesn't want to read. Let him be. Let him fail in his reading class. Punish him for his poor grades. If one more teacher gets in your face accusing you of being a bad parent, tell them to kiss your effing arse. Tell them you have tried everything to get your son to read and even went as far as to ask a bunch of total strangers on the internet for advice, yet he still refuses to read. Tell them that if they think they can do a better job they can come home with you and they can try it themselves. You, singingmyheartout, need to understand, that your son is probably the kind of person who has to learn the lessons of life the hard way. Let him fall, fail, and deal with the consequenses of his failure and learn that being a defiant brat isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Also, I suggest you tell your father to mind his own effing business. I don't know why your father lives below you, but it's time to cut those apron strings so to speak. Father dear needs to get the hell out of your life. He can't undo the hell he put you through as a child. Don't let him try to sooth his guilt through falsely accusing you of child abuse. If I was you, I'd get as far away from him as I possibly can.

Have you ever thought of family therapy for you and your son? Just a thought. His father is overseas... you are struggling basically as a single mother... family therapy couldn't hurt.

And please do not mistake my abrasivness as a personal attack. This is how I am... I'm a bit rude, crude and b!tchy. It's nothing personal.

Besides, I've been where you are. My oldest son, who is now 16, was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 8. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when he was 11. Talk about disobedient, disorderly, rude, and disruptive in the classroom and at home... my son was all those things and then some. I have been through hell and back trying to get my son to do the work he needs to do in school and at home. Now that he's older and we have the ADHD and Bipolar managed with meds and therapy, he admits that at times he's just a selfish brat and says to hell with everyone and everything. Kids are not innocent... they can be extremely selfish and self centered.

If this is why you are trying to get tips on how to make your son read, guess what I have the answer. So far no one has come up with the simplest of solutions. If your son is refusing to do his homework, get tough and be the adult! Here's a novel idea... it's called grounding. Make some consequenses for his actions. Ever tried taking away different privledges or his most prized possessions as a consequence for not doing his homework? As a last resort ever tried spanking? Ever tried giving rewards when he does do his homework? Sounds to me that your child is brilliant for sure... brilliant at manipulating you. He's a kid... and at one time or another all kids hate to do homework.

great video!

If I was blowing up, you'd know it. This is me... the outspoken b!itch. I'm not angry. No I don't think anyone would "like" to hear about hour your child is abused. However, if you need to vent, I'm here. I'll listen. No, I haven't directly hurt my children. However, I've indirectly hurt them by staying with abusive men and putting myself in certain situations that get myself into a world of trouble such as illegal drug use and abusing alcohol. However, I've stopped all that type of behavior, thankfully.

But it's ok for you to judge me? You judged me saying... "...thats a damn twisted view...thats bad on your part." What we have here thumper is two people who have been through a world of sh!t and are very passionate about our thoughts, opinions, and beliefs. Get two people like that together and there's bound to be fireworks. I wonder what that would be like in bed.

Ok now I take offense to that. I've got a criminal history. I've had many misdemeanors against me... everything from domestic violence to firearms charges. I have several mental illnesses... Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and PMDD. My children have mental illnesses... Bipolar, ADHD, and PMDD. Such things don't necessarily make you a bad parent. The criminal charges just mean that you've made some bad choices, which we've all made bad choices in our lives. The key is do we learn from our mistakes. I know I have. And having a mental illness doesn't necessarily make us a bad parent or incapable of being a good parent. Severe mental illnesses can inhibit you from being a proper parent. But many people all over the world suffer with mental illnesses and yet are successful parents.

And you know the first thing I here out of noncustodial parent's mouths is them *****ing about how they have to pay child support, how much child support they have to pay, and how they are threatened with jail time if they don't pay that child support. Is your money more important that making sure your child(ren) have everything they need? It takes a hell of a lot of money to raise a child. Sorry if a child is a leech on your wallet but it takes money to raise a child.