R E F L E C T I O N S

Maybe the quote "God is love" is the best explanation. For some reason I'm having more spiritual thoughts than usual. Maybe because it's my birthday this week. I don't know.  I was brought up as a Catholic but organized religions seem to cause more problems than they solve. Some religions are more violent than others. <> <> <> <> <> "In my Father’s house are many mansions." Is God too big to fit into any one religion? It would be a great comfort if I could  find one that "fits" me. Does each person, being unique, have her own path to God? <> <> <> <> <> I do believe in God. But I’m not sure of God’s identity or how to react. I am aware of a longing (my yearning) for something more than just this life followed by nothing. It is not just an instinct to survive because many people commit suicide to stop the pain they feel in living. It is not the fear of ...

I was playing around with different fonts and colors when it occurred to me that there was an easy way to hide a message within a document on your PC.  HIDDEN MESSAGE --> The secrete message is hidden here. I hope you enjoyed this post! How it's done: ~Just type as usual. ~Highlight the text you want to hide. ~Pick a color to match the page color. Use white text color on a white page and so on. To read the message you only have to highlight the text.  Example: There is a hidden message in this post above the words  How it's done:  . Note: For an Email message highlighting the invisible area is also required in order to read it. Copying and pasting the text on a document page will show the message without highlighting it. It won't be hidden. Also, this will not work with some document programs like word processors.  If it doesn't work in a document program then send it as an email. If you try it...

I thought up this code myself.  Maybe I saw it somewhere and forgot where but as far as I know I figured it out myself.  Of course others must have also thought of this code. See my earlier post for an explanation of the code: http://johns-spot112948.blogspot.com/2009/08/easy-to-use-yet-difficult-to-solve-code.html I'm sure experts will have other ways to solve this code but it will be unsolvable to the average person. 1. Both the person sending the code and the person receiving the message must have the same reference text.  In this way the code can be solved only by having a copy of this text. 2. The code is numerical using a set number to space out the words. Example of a reference text: "I must tell you how much I enjoyed making up this code. The hope is that this code is difficult to solve." (The space number will be 7) Using this reference text I compose my new message: 1474787117 To find the solution to the message: Remove the spacer number 7...

I used a spreadsheet program to keep track of the storyline while writing my novel.  I've heard of using index cards, blackboards, post-it-notes, etc. A spreadsheet seems to be the best way. First you'll need to learn how to use a spreadsheet.  I use the Microsoft Works Spreadsheet that came with my PC.  There are more sophisticated spreadsheets but this one is all you'll need.  You can arrange the details to what works best for you.  Use the instructions provided with the program to learn how it works.  It will be worth the effort. I set mine up by columns for chapter, page, characters and action. I use just enough detail to jog my memory. If I want to change the order of the plot's action I can easily find the details. If I want to add a chapter between the chapters I've written I just add a row. If I want to make a change I can instantly find what chapter and page it's on. Of course with each change you make you must adjust the detai...

Here's a website from Cornell  University I just learned about and I want to share it with you. Here's the link: Birds Here's their blog link: Round Robin I especially like the videos and birdsong recordings. A few videos: ROBIN BLUE JAY CARDINAL

The first video is from a post on the AGENCY ON RETURN OF LOST ILLUSIONS.  http://igin57.blogspot.com/ I found the next video:

I don't drink alcohol because according to my doctor it may induce a seizure. Several years ago I had a major seizure while I was asleep. I was rushed to the hospital and started on medication.  After several minor blanking out episodes my medications were adjusted.  Now I'm OK. Sometimes I wonder if I should try a small drink.  Now I drink alcohol-free beer. I like O'Doul's with the green label. I've had one small glass of sangria without any problem. I saw a documentary on Netflix about the history of absinthe.  I didn't know the drink was banned until about 2008! "A potent green aniseed-flavored liqueur  that turns milky when water is added.  Prepared from wormwood,  it is now largely banned because of its toxicity." It's a very strange drink. I'm sure the combination of herbs has something to do with its effects. It can't just be the alcohol! Watch the Netflix film.  It's very good. Here is a sho...