Married to a Witch

Not once but twice the man committed to the witch. Bound to her through a handfasting ceremony he later signed a legal form pulling the knot tighter.

Was it because of his love or the Love Potion Spell the witch cast? Perhaps bit of both. I think he likes being married to a witch. He's my husband.

I know hubby has taken quite a bit of ribbing being married to a witch. Standing around the barbecue pit with his buddies flipping burgers, I heard him asked, "So, like, does she put spells on you?" followed by a bucket full of manly ho, ho ho's. Husband just smiled. He knows that indeed I did put a spell on him shortly after we met - with his permission of course.

He supplied me with a snippet of his hair. "Go ahead, put a spell on me," brave-hearted potential lover said before dubiously eyeing the anthame (witch ceremonial knife) and adding, "A good one."

I didn't use all his hair at once. First, using a few strands, I cast a spell that he'd be happy, healthy and play good golf. In time we fell in love so I wrapped the remaining strands of hair around my finger like a ring before carefully slipped it off to soak overnight in Cleopatra oil. When the moon was lustfully plump and bright one Venus night I knelt before my altar and chanted (actually cooed) words of love to him. When I mentioned the love spell he laughed saying, "Cool" whereas a sister witch declared "Oh my goddess alive! You'll never get rid of him." And, to this day, I never do want to get rid of him. That's another spell anyway.

Before marrying legally (muggle way) we had had a handfasting ritual, and although my wedding day was superb, the handfasting was magically beautiful with lots of laughter during the holy affair. It took place in the early crisp winter morning of New Years Day 2001 in a wooded countryside with the wedding party and guests in their sleep attire covered by down jackets and complete with woolen gloves. The bridesmaids were several Barbie dolls dressed up in glittery costumes like Fairy Princesses, which I'm sure they really were.

The deep green winter clothing and earthy scents created a lively energy to the ceremony. The rapid running of the overflowing river was our music. A circle was drawn around the area where our personally written vows would be exchanged. The officiating priestess-witch donned in flannel nightgown and woolen leggings read the vows aloud before binding our hands with a red ribbon signifying we were as one. It was a fun, loving, enchanting event.

In time we decide to renew our vows. He likes being married to a witch. He can handle it. That's what he tells the guys.

Handfasting is an ancient ritual for a couple to agree to live together for a year and a day. During the ceremony the couple's hands or wrists are bound together with a ribbon or cord wrapped snugly in a figure eight hence giving the ceremony its name. Today "tying the knot" comes from the tying of the cord or ribbon. The vows were similar to modern day marriage. If all went well the agreement was renewed. If not, I guess they divided up the furniture, goats and chickens. It was a common practice amongst the ancient Celts for many centuries and remained a legal union in Scotland until 1939. Although there are a few ideas of the purpose of handfasting - an engagement or actual marriage contract - it was a time to decide if they'd make a good life together. There are other handfasting rituals, such as drawing a circle around the ground where the wedding party stands symbolizing a power place where only good can enter there in. And with a marriage that's all we still hope for.

See what readers are saying about my novel, "The Skye in June" at http://www.juneahern.com on comments page.

July's People by Nadine Gordimer

In July's People Nadine Gordimer presents a scenario laden with fears. Written in 1981, the book presents a South Africa afflicted by near-worst case Cold War disintegration. With rumoured external support, the urban black population has instigated a revolution of sorts, transforming the cities into war zones. No longer "nice" places to be, they are no longer home for decent white liberals like Bam and Maureen and their youngsters.

Twenty-five years on, it is this aspect o July's people that grates. The scenario now seems horribly and, perhaps, naively, simplistic, improbable. At the time, people saw things differently, from a perspective that is difficult to communicate to anyone who did not live in through the Cold War.

But then this is an unimportant point. We do not criticize Orwell for the passing of 1984 without Big Brother. Neither do we regard Huxley's current lack of either Bravery or Novelty as a restriction on the relevance of his book to our world. Similarly, the scenario of Margaret Attwood's Handmaid's Tale makes the novel both possible and successful, but its likelihood is no more probable as a result of this well-conceived fiction.

So Nadine Gordimer's scenario, once accommodated, can be taken as a given, an imagined premise upon which the free-standing substance of the story both develops and succeeds, and then this becomes a strength of the book, not a weakness.

Bam and Maureen, long-time employers of a "houseboy" called July, decide on flight. They pack what little they can in the bakkie - a go-anywhere, basic truck of local manufacture, and set off, mother, father, their two boys, and July, their "boy" to seek safety. Bam bought the truck for bush trips, weekends when they might commune with nature in a limited, controlled way, protected from the harsher demands of Mother Nature by the maintained proximity of a retreat to urban protection.

But now the laden truck is driving into new territory. The city is uninhabitable and the journey to July's rural home area is potentially one way. And so the white-black, black-white relationships of employment, protection, patronage, reliance and condescension are reversed - or at least questioned. And so the liberal white family must come to terms with the precarious necessity of rural poverty. They discover things in themselves that a sophisticated city gloss has hidden or suppressed. They realize how dependent they have been upon status, a commodity not valued in a fundamentally more cooperative way of living.

July's People is presented from Maureen's perspective. She is thirty-nine, a fundamentally confident, though constantly doubting, forceful mother and wife. As the book progresses, she tries to preserve the memory of the family's former life as a way of protecting herself and her brood from the threats of new unknowns. Their "boy", July, is generous, kind, but also pragmatic, and realizes he must make sacrifices on their behalf.

July's People is ultimately enigmatic. It remains undermined to a degree by the hindsight-rendered unlikeliness of its scenario. Its most powerful statement is the way in which the sensibilities of the urban sophisticates are questioned by mere natural necessity. It is a short book, but feels much bigger, much more of a statement as a result of Nadine Gordimer's pithy, abrasive style.

Just as the rural poor find a use for everything, Nadine Gordimer wastes not a single phrase or even word, and neither does she consume more than she needs. The book's prose is economical in the extreme, the language sometimes pricking like the thorn bush described. It remains a moving book about culture and social identity, despite the unlikeliness of its setting.

Philip Spires
Author of Mission, an African novel set in Kenya
http://www.philipspires.co.uk

Michael, a missionary priest, has just killed Munyasya, a retired army officer, outside the cathedral in Kitui, Kenya. It was an accident, but Mulonzya, a politician, exploits the tragedy for his own ends.

Daily Nuggets Cafe Lounge

Four housewives who are friends since their teens. They live in a very quiet compound where everyone knows everybody. They meet here in Daily Nuggets Cafe Lounge every 9 to 10 o'clock in the morning every Mondays to Fridays. Four beautiful women who are all accomplished professionals although they have different kinds of life styles they still manage to be friends for life. Each of them has a life story that are full of fun, intrigues, or out of this world experiences that are very interesting for us to know and to learn from.

I was sixteen when I met Pete, Cham and Gorge. We were all freshmen way back then and since we were all in great shapes, funny and attractive that we were known as the "Campus Girls" in our University. We were very popular because everyday we tried to alter our school uniform to make it look fashionable. We wore the same style of hair. We were always on our heels. We always wore our make up on and always full of enthusiasm even we had our heavy loads of assignments. We were like the easy go lucky students who do not care of what life will bring us everyday. We enjoyed our youthfulness and we are always on the edge and free.

Pete, Cham and Gorge were so petite back then while I was more on the shapely gal among them. Every now and then we always have suitors to follow us around. There were no days that we were not invited to a party or a lunch or dinner. Our days were always full of fun. Our motto was "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cindy L.

And now up to this time we are still friends. Everyday we meet in our nearby cafe in our compound, the famous Daily Nuggets Cafe Lounge. This is our favorite place to hang out.

Monday Blooms

This morning I was 5 minutes late. As I approached the glass door of the cafe I already saw the three of them giggling together into something very interesting. They were seated in our favorite corner nearby the window where we could all see the people walking by and people who come and go to the cafe. As the glass door slides automatically when I entered they easily catch my all smile greeting to them. "Hey what happened this morning, you usually come 5 minutes before time?", asked Pete. "Ya, but you seemed so fresh this morning, any good news?" Gorge teased me as she gave me a hug and a cheek to cheek kiss. "Come on tell us the news", Cham grabbed my right arm to sit near her. So here we were sitting. I sat near Cham on my right side while across me was Gorge with Pete on her left side. Then I started to tell them what happened with me this morning. They can tell my excitement while I told them the love-making that I just had with my husband. I blushed while I told them, 'Hey guys you wouldn't believe this but I came five times! I was really so dead exhausted my husband woke me up with all his kisses all over me and we had just had a fantastic sex this morning so that I got up late from bed to make my usual morning choirs. Whew! here I came late!" as I giggle so sweetly to them making them jealous. "Wow!" the three of them said it in chorus with their eyes wide and cheek all blushing as we all giggle together that made all the people in the cafe looked on us.

"Hey, hey, hey guys, something here sounds wonderful with all of you this morning! What will you be having now, the usual?" Asked Tonette on her waitress white uniform with pink head cap and apron, always looks nice on her everyday, as she approached on our table for our orders. "Yes, you're right and leave it on me, its my treat", I winked on her and gave her a blow kiss, while the three clapped their hands as soon as I said it.

We finished our one hour morning break away from home today with all of the things that happened between me and my husband's love-making. Like all men have their boys talk, women have their girls talk too in time like this.

Before I went to my house, I first passed a small supermarket in our compound to buy for my menu for dinner. My husband is a chef, so once in a while I have to impress him in my cooking. I reached my doorstep, and went straight to my kitchen and put all my ingredients for today's dinner in the fridge.

I don't usually prepare for lunch because my two boys who are now in their college only go home every weekends. Both of them stay in a very comfy dormitory nearby their University. My first son is now on his 3rd year in college taking up Medicine while my second son on his 2nd year taking Business Ad. Mondays and Wednesdays, my husband comes home before 7 pm and the rest of the days except on his off days Saturdays and Sundays, he comes home 12 midnight. It's Monday night and I cooked his favorite menu that I invented myself and he likes it very much.

I like to write on every day living that we encounter in our life. And in this Daily Nuggets Cafe Lounge, I will have the opportunity to share our readers how we cope up everyday with our families, husbands, wives, and children and to our community and environment as well.
Check me out in here: http://lovebytesonair.blogspot.com/

10 Signs a Man is Not Ready to Commit

Okay, ladies, I know you have these conversations, because I have them all the time with my girlfriends: how do you know a man is ready to commit to you?

We've all heard the conventional wisdom that a man should pursue you, should show an interest in being with you, should take you out and wine and dine you. And, for those of us that are Godly women, we have to add the provisions that he must attend church, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and a whole lot of other conditions that go along with it (be kind to his mother, respectful of His pastor, somewhat familiar with the Bible, etc., etc.).

But, once you get past all these 'qualifications', how do you know when a man is really ready to commit - to you? I am going to look at that question today in the reverse, and give you the 10 signs that say the man with whom you are involved is definitely not ready to commit. They are as follows:

1. He is Noncommittal and Vague About His Feelings

You can never quite get him to admit to the depth (or shallowness) of his feelings for you. You are 'okay' or 'alright'.. He hasn't made any proclamations about what you mean to him, how important you are to him or what he thinks about you. In the best-case scenario (if your man is not particularly talkative), he shows his feelings, even if he doesn't tell you about them. He is polite, courteous and responsive to your needs. He cooks for you. He mows the lawn (unasked). Or something along those lines. The worst-case scenario? He doesn't share any of his feelings with you because he doesn't have any. The deepest feeling he has for you is the aforementioned 'alright'. And nobody wants to be just 'alright'.

2. He Doesn't Share His Plans With You

You don't know how he spends his free time. You don't know who his friends are. You don't know what his goals are. Yet he seems to have a whole, entire and active life completely apart from you. This is definitely a bad sign. If you are not a significant part of his current life, you are probably not a significant part of his future plans either. If you are in a new relationship, give it some time. But if you still know very little about him after dating him for several months (or several years), this man is quite happy to keep you right where he has you - on the outside looking in.

3. He Doesn't Answer the Phone When You Call

Yes, I know we all get busy sometimes. I don't answer my phone at least 30% of the time (I have to work and sleep, you know). But what if he rarely or never picks up? Or he only calls you in response to a message (or several) you've left on his phone or because he sees your number on his caller ID? Bad, bad, bad signs. A man who is interested in you wants to talk to you. No matter what else he has going on - work, family, children or whatever. You should be a priority to him (or at least your phone calls should be). If you are not, you need to re-consider him being a priority in your life.

4. He Hasn't Introduced You to Anyone (or Introduces You as 'My Friend')

Okay - this is simple. If a man has not introduced you to anybody he knows (and he at least has a mama, a couple of friends, co-workers, or somebody), you are probably not very important to him in his life. Why do I say that? What's one of the first things you do when you meet someone (that you really like)? Introduce him to your friends or invite him to go with you to different functions. Men are not so very different from us - if they love having you around, they will invite you to be where they are. And, in the normal course of those invitations, you will meet people who are in his life. If you haven't, then beware. And, closely related to this sign is this one:

5. He Doesn't Tell Anyone About You

When you talk to him, he may mention conversations he's had with his family or friends. He tells you all about these conversations where he discusses baseball games or the basketball finals he watched on tv, the repair he's having done to his car or how his boss is getting on his nerves. He may even mention to these aforesaid friends and family his weekend plans. But, then you catch on to something - he told them what he was going to do, but not with whom he would be doing those things (namely, you). A simple oversight? An overriding need for privacy? Possibly. But, more than likely, he is not ready for anyone to know of your existence in his life. This could be for a number of reasons, but none of them are good. So, keep up with his mentions of you in his life - it is an important indicator of intent and the seriousness with which he takes your relationship.

6. He Talks About His Future in Terms of 'I'

When he talks about where he's going to live, what job he plans on getting or what school he plans to attend, it's all about him. "I'm" going to move to Florida or "I'm" going to go to the University of Nevada. Or, even when he talks about things that could conceivably involve you, like a future trip, moving from his apartment to his house or even a movie he plans to see, for heaven's sake, still no mention of you. What should this say to you? That he's still thinking of himself in terms of being single. It has not yet occurred to him that the relationship he has with you could become more serious. All those "I's" and lacks of "we's" is his subconscious way of telling you that he does not consider you to be his serious partner.

7. He Doesn't Take You Out

Sure, he likes spending time with you - but only in the privacy of his home. Or you have limited outings like to the movies (where nobody can see you) or to the deli to pick up a sandwich at the place around the corner from his house. You don't do the 'big' dates like charity functions, birthday parties, family events or the like. This should tell you something: This man is not ready to be serious with you. A man who wants to be with you will spend time with you in a variety of places - both publicly and privately. And even if he's not personally very interested in going to the museum, eating out or seeing a movie, he should at least be willing to give it a shot if it means pleasing you. Beware of a man who limits your activity to one specific type of place.

8. He Only Calls Late (aka Treats You Like a Booty Call)

Right. I know that we are all Christians and we are not engaging in late-night conversations with inappropriate men. But, just in case this applies to you (and you are accepting those late-night calls), just understand that he is not serious about you. If he only calls late, you have to ask yourself: what is he doing between the hours of 8am and 9pm? Why can't he call then? Is he involved with someone else? Is he married or recently separated? Or does he simply see you as a way to get his needs met (whatever they are)? Unless he works a really odd shift, there is no reason that your guy cannot call you at a reasonable hour. Do what seems right to you, but know that late night calls do not equal serious intentions.

9. He Doesn't Share Personal Information

Have you ever asked yourself why you don't know where your guy lives? Or where he works? Or you're not even 100% sure of his last name? Unless you are truly just disinterested (or aren't inquisitive enough to ask him), it's probably because he doesn't want you to know. And why doesn't he want you to know? He could be hiding something. Or, most likely he doesn't consider your relationship to be serious enough to share the serious information about his life with you. Don't think so? Try asking him those questions the next time you see him. His answers (or lack thereof) will speak for themselves.

10. He Doesn't Take an Interest in Your Activities or Your Future Plans

We've already been over the fact that he doesn't tell you his future plans. But now, to add insult to injury, he doesn't ask about your plans either. Why is this such a bad thing? Let me ask you something - to what kind of people do you fail to ask questions like these? That's right - acquaintances or people you barely know. You even talk to your boss (who you can't stand) about what you plan to do for the weekend. Yet your guy doesn't ask? Very suspicious. Suspicious enough for you to rightly think that he simply isn't interested in knowing. Or else - he'd ask. And, believe me, no matter what else you think about him, he is perfectly capable of asking something he wants to know. He'd 'ask' about his paycheck if his job stopped paying him. He'd 'ask' about his monthly payments if he got a new car. He can 'ask' you what your future plans are - if he wants to.

So those are 10 good signs that the man with whom you are involved has no intentions of being serious with you. He may be a good guy - fun to hang out with, good to his dog, kind to his mama - but he has not reached the level of being ready to be committed (at least not to you). If it is a new relationship (a year or less), wait a while and see. But if it has been over a year, your best bet is to keep your options open. Don't let the opportunity to be involved with someone who is commitment-minded pass you by while you wait on your guy to get a clue. Again, do what you feel is right for you, but put yourself first. Honor your own needs. And try to be with someone who gives you that same respect. And, as always, pray, pray, pray! God will save you even when you don't want to save yourself! Trust in His guidance and He will always see you through.

And, if you're curious, the next chapter tells you five steps to discovering if your guy is 'the one'.

Excerpted from The Single Black Woman's Guide to Christian Dating. For more, visit http://www.christiansinglewoman.com/ to read excerpts and buy your copy today!

The Undiscovered World In Your Bathroom

Sighing Avril stepped into the shower. Late again she thought. Her boss was going to be ranting at her as usual.

As the warm water caressed her face Avril felt light-headed and closed her eyes reaching out to the wall for support. To her surprise she found that there was no wall and when she opened her eyes she was sat on a rock that appeared to be in the middle of the ocean.

Suddenly aware of her nakedness as she had been within the shower she clasped her hands to her breast and tried to cross her legs. To her amazement she found that this was a most difficult task. Looking down she realised that she no longer had legs but a tail that was vibrant with colour, similar to that of a rainbow trout. Looking upon herself she reeled in amazement to find that seashells adorned her breasts with which to keep her dignity and that her hands had intricate webbing between the fingers.

Unable to take this all in her eyes rolled back in her head and she fainted, falling from the rock into the ocean below.

"Deianeira, Deianeira whatever's the matter" a strong yet soothing voice engulfed the ocean around her.

Waking gradually she opened her eyes to see a beautiful young woman before her. "I always worry when you go to the land of man that you will forget who you are and not come back." Puzzled Avril looked around her and found that she was completely submerged within the water and yet could breathe with no difficulty in a place that appeared to be some kind of home underwater. "What are you talking about and where am I!" She exclaimed sternly.

"I was afraid this might happen" replied the woman. "You stay there for too long and you forget." What the hell are you talking about" said Avril anger now bubbling within her voice.

"I am your sister Lyssa and your real name is Deianeira, Avril is an alias that you use when traversing in the land of the humans."

Puzzled and afraid Avril looked at the woman who claimed to be her sister. She was breathtakingly beautiful with the same kind of tail as her own and long blonde hair that fell in ringlets on her back. She wore the most beautiful pearl necklace that was decorated with intricate shells throughout and looked at her with sadness through pretty blue/green eyes.

"Deianeira you are home, you are just a little confused from your journey." "Why do you keep calling me Deianeira?" exclaimed Avril calmly.

"Because you are Deianeira, the Chieftain's daughter, my sister and partial ruler of Endonae." "You went to the human land a few weeks ago, the longest any of us has ever been to a life that had been set up by our kind for us to observe the humans and learn from them." When water touched your face it reminded you of who you were and you were brought back home by the magic contained within your soul."

Coming around a little Avril started to remember her life as a Sea Sorcerer and remembered that she was in fact named Deianeira after her mother.

Adam is an expert when it comes to choosing bath taps and will give out advice for when you are shopping for your thermostatic showers.

Celtic Wedding Bands For Men - Meaning and History

Celtic jewelry is far more than simply decoration, despite its artistry and its beauty. The common symbols found on Celtic jewelry designs are ancient, and their meanings and histories are profound. By learning about the significance of Celtic symbols, you can enjoy a greater understanding of the rich cultural traditions of your ancestors.

If you are considering a Celtic wedding band, you may be captivated by the timeless quality of the spirals, whorls, knots, and other symbols you come across. While some meanings remain lost in the mists of time, there are many beautiful stories associated with Celtic symbols, some dating back to the Druids, and the Pagan rituals that were practiced in Celtic lands before the conversion to Christ.

Since the end of Pagan times, Christianity has been a focal point of Celtic symbolism. The classic, Celtic Cross, with its ringed center, was thought to derive from Pagan sun worship, but the symbol evolved, and it became a way to express the idea of eternity. The ringed cross is just one popular symbol in Celtic tradition.

Another facet of Celtic symbolism is the spiral, or whorl, with its distinctive, curving lines. Each circular spiral is thought to represent the journey through life, and the spiritual growth that a person will accumulate over the course of a lifetime. You will find ancient Celtic art treasures that feature these whorls, often in the form of borders.

Groups of spirals are a common feature of many of the great masterpieces produced by Celtic artisans during the Insular Art period. The Insular Art period was a profoundly creative time for the master metalworkers and artists of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. During this period, Irish art treasures such as the Book of Kells, and the silver and gold Ardagh Chalice, were created, and they still captivate the world, with their intricate, ornate beauty.

Beyond Celtic Crosses and spirals and whorls, knot work is one of the most prevalent symbols you may find on a Celtic wedding band. Knot work is an exquisite feature on the richly designed pages of the Book of Kells, an illuminated text depicting the word of God.

The knot work is meant to express the interconnectedness of all things, and the endlessness of God's own love. Knot work adds real beauty to the Book of Kells, with its depth of design, and its hypnotic, curving lines. It also adds beauty to modern Celtic jewelry designs, bringing great dimension and visual interest.

Not every symbol found on men's Celtic wedding rings dates back to the Insular Art movement. Some newer symbols emerged, as Ireland's strong storytelling tradition brought new tales to the people. One of the most romantic, charming stories of Irish culture is the Claddagh story. This romantic tale has led to the newer symbols you will find on an Irish Claddagh Wedding Ring. The Claddagh Ring may seem more familiar to you, as many celebrities, such as actors, politicians, and musicians, wear it, and it remains a popular choice for a men's wedding ring.

The story of the Claddagh is quite simple, but it is genuinely touching. When an Irish fisherman, Robert Bruce, was kidnapped, far from his native land, he was forced to toil in a goldsmith's shop, far from the woman he left behind. He never lost faith in their love, and he fashioned a special ring, featuring two tiny hands clasping a crowned heart, to show his faithfulness and his undying adoration of her.

Choosing a classic Irish Claddagh Ring for your own wedding band still references the symbols of the past, but in a more whimsical way. Whether you choose ancient symbols of eternity and faith, or the more modern romantic symbols of the Claddagh, you will still be wearing a piece of history. You will find that your Celtic wedding band becomes a part of you, just as your ancestry will always be a part of you. For an event as powerful and symbolic as a wedding ceremony, the classic symbols of the Celtic people are uniquely appropriate.

As you search for the perfect Irish wedding band, you can reference these symbols and stories, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs of your own people, throughout history. And you can share the touching symbols of love and loyalty with your bride, perhaps choosing a Celtic wedding band for her, as well.

L Maher is a content writer who writes and researches about gorgeous and extraordinary Celtic jewelry, as well as Irish culture and history.
Get more information regarding Celtic wedding rings.

How To Make Lanyards

Lanyard is a simple device make to carry things and is made up of rope or some similar material that can be hanged around the wrist or the neck so that it is easy to carry things. It is of great use as you can use it to carry stuff like cell phone, digital camera, handy cam, flash drives, or even sward, for which it was intensively used in the history. You can make this for oneself or can even gift this to someone.

It is very easy to make a lanyard. If you are confused on how to make lanyards, then you just need to follow right steps at right time to make a good lanyard. The most important factor determining the quality of lanyard is the type of material used to make it. You should use the best material to make lanyard. A person can use flexible, elastic and preferably thin and also small plastic rope to make a lanyard.

A person can make a lanyard using various techniques but then most of the techniques are time consuming and also complex. One of the most simple and express methods of making lanyard is using round knot technique, which is also popularly known as crown knot.

Follow the steps below carefully to make a lanyard using plastic small rope. The steps are:

- One should see what length of lanyard does that person wants and accordingly take 2 plastic laces and then tie both to them-self so that they are stuck together and not tied together.

- Now, one can expand the two plastic that now formed four separate strings far from each other. Randomly select one to be north and rest accordingly east, south and west.

- Take the west string over the north one and similarly north one over the east and east over the south and finally south over the west.

- After this pull the strings tightly and you will have the first knot.

- The person can keep on making the knots depending the length of the lanyard the person wants.

Ricky is the owner of a discount lanyards site. Visit his site to find how to make lanyards for yourself or sell it as a business.

Sailor Costumes - Want an Easy and Fun Costume This Halloween?

One of the best things about Halloween is that you can be anyone or thing for a few hours, and no one thinks it's weird or out of this world. One costume that lets you be someone different for a while, but isn't so out of character or personality that you feel uncomfortable, is a Navy Sailor.

Sailor costumes are available for everyone in the family, even the family dog. A man or woman in uniform will catch everyone's eye at the Halloween party.  

The great thing about dressing up as a sailor is your ability to be a sexy sailor, pirate, captain, or even the famous Popeye. These costumes are available in all sizes so if you need a plus size costume you have many options when it comes to being a sailor for Halloween.

The general make up of a Navy costume is to include blue or black, white, and gold. There are accessories that go with a sailor costume are the hat, and neckerchief. The typical sailor costume has solid white, black, or blue pants and top. Make sure you choose a bell-bottom pant. The top should be a matching color to the pant and around the neck should be a neckerchief or bandanna tied in a square knot.

If you want a more formal sailor costume, go for solid black, blue, or white pants or skirt without the bell bottoms, add a double-breasted jacket with brass buttons, and a sailor cap. Don't forget to add white shoes, stripes on the shoulders and awards pins on the front of your uniform.

For the ladies if you want to go a bit sexier with your sailor costume, choose a short navy or white dress, add some hose and heels and a sailor cap. Most people will understand the sailor costume as soon as you put the cap on.

Need more ideas for your sailor Halloween costume? Check out Sailor Costume Ideas, where you will find many more ideas on how to create your sailor look for this Halloween season.

Ann Tracy is always on the lookout for fun, affordable and easy costumes. Stop by http://sailorcostumeideas.com for more information on costumes for this Halloween.

Survival: Day of Reckoning 3

"Jeeez Buddy, look at all those fires." Eddie could see seven distinct columns of smoke rising from the direction of town. Even as he spoke the eighth smoke column made an appearance, but not a dark gray, brownish one like the others, this one was jet black with angry streamers of red and orange shooting through it.

"Oh shit!" "Not the gas station!" As he spoke the world suddenly brightened from that direction and there was a monstrous thunder-like "BOOM" and the black cloud was thrown outwards and upwards with an expanding ball of fire in it's center.

After a few seconds the mushroom of the fireball started breaking up and the original, inky black smoke began rising again, with flames licking and crackling around it.

Eddie broke his open-mouthed stare with another "Oh shit" although this time it was almost a whisper. Tugging on his parka, he started to break into a run but thought better of it and slowed to a trot, his head starting to pound and the smoke columns doubling and tripling in front of him.

Reaching his pickup truck he yanked the door open while chucking the first-aid kit behind the cab. There was a whimper beside him as he slid into the front seat and he leaned back just in time to avoid being slammed by Buddy who was scrambling into his designated co-pilot's position.

"Ow!" "Watch it, Bud!" Then grunted as one of the big dog's feet found purchase on his groin when the Lab turned to get settled. The bile was rising in his gorge again and a cold sweat broke on his brow. He thought he might faint but the waves of blackness receded as he squinted at his big friend.

"One of these days, Buddy" "You're going to cripple me in your enthusiasm," he rasped. Buddy merely looked back, with his tongue hanging out, (go now), "Yes, we're going" and turned the key in the ignition.

Nothing. He tried it again and got just the faint click-click of a dead battery. Cursing under his breath, Eddie jumped out of the truck and nearly had his feet go out from under him as another quake rumbled around them.

"Hold on, Hold on," he heard himself shouting, as if from a distance, and down he went. "Buddy, Buddy!" The roller coaster waves slowed then stopped. The big Lab bounded out of the truck and looked expectantly at him. (hurt?) "No, No, just scared I guess."

He got up from the dirty packed snow of the driveway and opened the truck's hood. After a couple of minutes testing connections and jiggling wires he slammed down the hood and got inside to turn on the ignition.

A small sound alerted him to Buddy's impending leap onto the front seat and just in time he shouted "No!" effectively canceling Buddy's jumping up with him and also commanding the big dog to sit. There was a barely audible whine from that direction as Eddie turned the ignition key again.

Nothing, not even a click. "Damn" he swore getting out of the truck and slamming the door. "Well Bud," he looked over at his brown friend, "Let's go over to the Sisters' place, maybe we can borrow one of their rigs to get into town." Knowing that charging the battery would take more time than walking the half mile to his nearest neighbors, he grabbed the first aid kit and without hesitation opened the truck door again.

Reaching under the seat he felt the familiar hand grips of his Ruger Blackhawk. Slamming the door again, which got a jump out of Buddy, Eddie clipped the holstered six-shooter to his belt and searching in the utility box on the pickup bed came up with a full box of semi-jacketed shells for it.

With the shells in his pocket and the sidearm handy to touch, Eddie felt a little more secure and whistled to Buddy. "Let's go!" The big dog bounded after him as he left the driveway towards his neighbor's place. (kammi?)

"Yeah, Kammi's place" he said as he kept a watchful eye for the inevitable leap from Buddy. " Hey!" he warned "Knock it off or we won't go that way." With what could only be described as a 'sheepish grin' Buddy settled back down on all fours, and galloped to catch up.

It took less than ten minutes to walk to the Sister's houses. "More like a compound" he muttered under his breath as they walked up to the gate. He looked up at the tell-tale so it could get the print from his retinas and spoke clearly, "Hey girls, Eddie and Buddy here, open up!"

With hardly a sound the big steel gate withdrew into the concrete abutment on the edge of the pavement. Buddy, who had been barely controlling his eagerness, was off like a shot for the first house in a line of three. All three were two storied, the second storey overhanging the bottom floor. All three also had buildings attached and outbuildings scattered behind them, no vehicles were visible.

A door opened in the blue-ish house on the end and he heard a muffled curse, " Gotta train that dog," he mumbled to himself. Prepared for the scolding he knew was coming, Eddie walked up to the door trying to exude innocence and little boy charm.

He was met with an exclamation of "Oh, are you hurt?" "Eddie what happened?" and all of a sudden the entry way was filled with the excited questions of three women and the slobbery greetings of three big dogs. As he stumbled inside there were hands helping him, hands feeling the head wound and other hands brushing off the snow and road grime from his last meeting with the earthquake.

"Hey, one at a time, please" he said to the women, "Need to borrow a rig to get to town." Eddie plumped down into the chair offered and accepted the cup of hot wine while Andy, the eldest, unwound his turban wound dressing and examined his Buddy trophy.

She circled a finger in front of his face and commanded,"Track this." He did and then a light was shining in one eye, something wet touched inside one ear, then the other. "Earthquake?" "No, he answered, "Just Buddy playing Dogzilla." There were a couple of chuckles at this. "Damn near knocked me off my feet when I opened the door." That came from a slightly chunky gal dressed in tie-dye tee shirt and blue jeans.

"Eddie, you gotta start training that dog." This was from the other twin, 'Agatha', dressed like Arabelle, the chunky one. All three were tall, blonde, blue-eyed, good looking women in their early thirties. "Viking Queens" he used to call them in college, where they all met.

"Uh, speaking of dogs,",,,,he began, but was interrupted by (no, no, not now) sounding as if it were echoing in his mind. "There are four of them now", he thought as his gaze swept the room. All four Labs were sitting as if at attention, in an orderly straight row, staring at him.

"Hey, look at that" Aggie was pointing at the dogs. "Ever see them sit like that?" As this got the girls in a heated discussion, Eddie took a drink of wine before looking back at the dogs. (listen old one, tell shes) he got the impression that this sending was from the first dog, a bitch, and mother of Buddy. There was a surprising sense of command in the thought and even more surprising was the agreement he read in Buddy's eyes and those of the others. (not now)

Having been a Boy Scout (Eagle) and concerned with being prepared ever since, Woody created a blog Affiliate Agendas/Emergency and Disaster Survival that incorporates articles on survival equipment, ethics, food and water storage as well as tips on weapons, sustainability, mind-set, and medical issues. A major medical issue that would complicate any survival plans is diabetes. Discover a way to solve this problem and reverse your diabetes at http://affiliateagendas.com/emergency

Jazz Up Outfits With Hair Accessories

Hair accessories embellish women of all ages. There are numerous options to transform your little girl into a princess. A popular choice is hair bows. Hair bows come in every color and design imaginable - from traditional choices for everyday styles to korker bows for an exciting look. A hair bow is the perfect touch for any girl and is available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

Mothers usually shop for and purchase expensive outfits for their daughters. Although cute, they might only be worn a handful of times since children outgrow their wardrobe so quickly. Likewise, it is very normal for women of all ages to spend large amounts of money on fashionable, name brand clothing. Hair accessories provide an alternate and less expensive way to enhance and increase one's style quotient. These accessories tend to last for years. Wearing them with many of the items already in a woman's closet can add variety to an everyday outfit. The cost to appear trendy becomes significantly less. Women can look chic and fashionable with their collection of hair accessories without spending a fortune.

Nowadays, several online sites showcase a large selection of different hair accessories at discount prices. They offer many versions of traditional hair bows and fun styles called korker hair bows. A hair clip is a great way to add a subtle accent to your hair. Hair flowers that clip on just like a bow provide a touch of color. Bejeweled headbands are easy and hassle free to sport. A floral or gem encrusted headband can change the appearance of any outfit in a jiffy. These cute and classy variations, matched with the right outfit, can stun and attract attention.

In addition to simply being a fashion statement, these accessories are a necessity for hair that is growing out. Using them makes it easy to gather and clip hair to the side, to tame unruly bangs and to keep the face free of long wispy hairs. Hair flowers are great when trying to jazz up any outfit. They are very versatile and have become an essential component of a woman's wardrobe.

Giving the gift of a hair accessory can show your friends how fashion forward you really are. Simply use the hair accessory to adorn your wrapped gift. Not only are you creating a beautiful look, you'll also impress the other partygoers with your chic sense of style. A great new idea is gifting these hair accessories at baby showers. Start the new baby out right by giving her a collection of bows, flowers, headbands and clips that will keep her feminine and trendy.

Hair accessories provide an interesting spark to any attire. Little girls to women of all ages adore them. Choices range from small traditional everyday styles to more daring and unique choices. These add-ons take credit for imparting a dramatic and striking effect to the girl's ensemble. Sparkly clips, bow hair bands, hair flowers, korkers and headbands are all very popular no matter who you are. From small and plain to glamorous and extravagant, hair accessories often make huge fashion statements.

A wide range of hair accessories including hair bows, hair clips, and hair flowers are available at unbeatable prices on http://www.RibbonTwist.com.

Mar Vaglia, The Despair Of A Bogina (Chapter Seven)

This was not a dream turned in to reality but a fantasy of carnality being lived by Giantuvis, as he made use of the goddess of lust and desire, Mar Vaglia to fulfill his every smutty illusion that spared no act regardless of weather it bore decency or not; for this was not of the topic. For Mar Vaglia and Giantuvis were of a mind to carry out all that had been in their inner being while their minds created other possibilities for their bodies to realize as his tongue and root did not spare Mar Vaglia's rose or any other place where sensual arousal might be obtained; as he and she were implicated in what could be hailed as a war of sensuality. All as if in a struggle in which both would constantly emerge victorious in its numerous climatic points, where actions mimicked those of typhoons for intensity and the devastation they were taking upon their emotions.

Mar Vaglia, for her part had become as any mortal woman would in her sighs of ecstasy as this was the lust she had always longed to feel aimed at her as opposed to simply coming from her. She feeling penetrations in to her very being that went beyond the body she had presented herself on to Giantuvis and in to the foundations of the deity, she in fact was. A sensation it was of being ripped apart by the lighting bolts of Zeus yet the emotional drainage went beyond as she experienced even what the deities in Mount Olympus had not been able to deliver on her in their powerful yet calculating ways of copulating. She had given all her lust to Giantuvis who had taken it and was returning it in full, for his desire was inspired purely out of the need to return it to whom required it the most.

Mar Vaglia, in fact experiencing her own power to the point that slight hesitation went about her that she perhaps had yielded too much of what was hers yet it was with crazed ambition that her sexuality was being assaulted to her delight which would not be quenched regardless of how much she was made to groan. This as all the while she held on to the branch of a tree as if her very immortality were dangling from it. It being such a sensation that elevated all of her senses to points unknown as she lost contact of her own actions or words she uttered, in what at times seemed a dread that she might actually loose her existence and be cast in to oblivion yet this held little regard as she was involved in a war in which their would be only conquerors.

Giantuvis, had lost conscious of who he was as he took the goddess he had grown to adore as well as fear yet neither held him captive, as he delivered back the lust he had obtained, on to she who in his eyes was now his harlot. Her rose being but a portal to her paradise which his root entered at will as he gazed in to her eyes, to see despair as he unleashed all the fury of the forces, she herself had given him while he simply was her master; though the fact that she was a deity did increase his lust even beyond that which had been granted him. She was a bogina, to be feared and respected yet this did not matter; for she was his to do with as his sexual appetite dictated and nothing could be done nor did Mar Vaglia herself which it to end or be altered from what which had developed in to a titanic struggle.

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled New York's Opera Society which is now available on Amazon.