What’s going on everybody? Merry Xmas Eve to you and your families. I know I haven’t been updating this blog like I should…but you know how life can get haha. Anyways, there has been a couple of speed bumps in my way (those of you who talk to me in person know what I mean), so I just wanted to give everyone a piece of advice today.

Be careful of how you conduct yourself out here in this shady industry. There are a lot of people who make a living off of other people’s dreams, and you need to learn to distinguish between the two. If you happen to be on the right path, expect haters. Expect fakes, and above all else, expect frauds that will be coming at you with their hands wide open trying to get something from you.

On another note, one of my producers from Fall Morning Music Group, Rob G., decided to leak some of the songs from the new mixtape on Youtube. Just goto Youtube and type in Heartz the Truth and you should see some of the songs. I hope everyone enjoys what they hear. I will be printing up CDs of the full mixtape once I get everything in. Hopefully I can get a copy to everyone!

Be safe over the holidays and start a fresh New Year!

One Love

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas…

New posts will be coming in the run up to New Year.

მიყვარს ეს სიმღერააა იუჰუუუუუუ =)))))) ერთადერთი საახალწლო სიმღერაა რომელიც მიყვარს =) ნუ koRn-ის Jingle Bells-ს  თუ არ ჩვთვლით =))))

We hope that everyone is healthy and happy and will make the coming a brighter one for all!!

All are welcome to Sunday Celebration at the Center for Creative Living, UCM Charter #801, at 1460 Koll Circle, Suite “C” – services in back. Need directions? Call (408)392-9090 or visit www.doti.info. Healing Chairs (come give or receive a hands-on-healing) starts at 9:30am, Celebration is from 10:00 to 11:30am. Dress is casual and Kids are welcome.

          This Sunday we will be honoring KWANZAA through songs, and ritual. Our talented soloist, Ronnie Grigsby and his partner Kevin Nickelson will present the story of Kwanzaa and its importance in the African American community. (Read more about Kwanzaa at the end of this issue of Joyful Noise.)

          Join us by wearing an African necklace, tribal gown, Kinta cloth, etc. to this service to honor our African-American family and friends.

Sunday January 3^rd Reverends Donna Zehner and Lynn Rogers will conduct the service “Prophecy and Predictions”

KWANZAA!

          Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States honoring African heritage and culture, marked by participants lighting a kinara (candle holder). On Sunday, December 27^th, join Ronnie Grigsby and Kevin Nickelson in the ritual of lighting the candles and describing their various attributes.

          Kwanzaa is based in part on traditional African harvest festivals but particularly emphasizes the role of the family and community in African-American culture.  Each day is dedicated to a particular principle (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith), and on each day one of the candles on a seven-branched candelabrum is lighted.  The celebration also includes the giving of gifts and a karamu, or African feast.

          It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year, primarily in the United States. Kwanzaa is considered one of the primary holidays within the U.S. Christmas and holiday season.  Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving.  It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated from December 26, 1966, to January 1, 1967.

METAPHYSICAL CLASSES

First and third Thursdays 7pm to 9pm

$15. or 2 for $25.

Want to become a UCM Spiritualist minister?

Thursday January 7^th join Rev. Doti Boon as she explains the Life Path Program and how you can achieve your ministerial license while taking interesting metaphysical classes. In only ten months taking two classes a month on Thursday evenings and one Saturday class a month you can become a Universal Church of the Master Licentiate Minister or Certified Healer Practitioner.

          In fact you might already have quite a few of the basics such as Chakras, Reiki, Huna, Auras, Past Life Regressions, Getting in Touch with Spirit Guides, EarthBound Entity Releasement, and Shamanism classes.  These classes will count as credit towards your ministerial credentials. Let’s get together and discuss this important life-changing course!

          Enter in and explore!  All are encouraged to make use of the wisdom and understanding that flows from the Infinite Source we know as God.

Happenings at The Center

Fri. Dec. 25^th – 11:00am to 3:00pm – Christmas in the Sanctuary – Join us as we gather for a FREE Brunch, gift exchange, songs and games. Please do not go through this holiday by yourself. The Center is a part of your spiritual community/family. Join us as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child! Exchange gifts and Play Games.

          Also, a good time to try and beat Rev. Doti at Boggle!

Thurs. Dec. 31^st – 8:00pm until 1:00am. – NEW YEAR’S EVE Join us as we celebrate releasing the old year – with a releasing meditation and honor the upcoming new year in an alcohol free environment. There will be music, singing, celebrating, finger foods, a fun movie and lots of hilarity as we shout in the New Year! 

Sunday January 3^rd – Choir Practice

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year from your

friends at the Center for Creative Living,

Rev. Doti Boon, Rev. Corky Whitacre, Rev. Michael Berry,

Rev. Donna Zehner and Debby Diehl.

The CCL Choir and all of its members sing you a happy

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Life is meant to be a joyous celebration!

      Love and Light,

                  Rev. Doti Boon

December 25th, 2009

Number 4 has been through a few scrapes. He’s an older guy, clean cut bald head, with smart glasses, and an awkward lip. When he looks in the mirror, he wonders where his hair all went, why things turned out the way they did, and regrets a few of the fistfights he’s had over topics as silly as baseball teams. Inspired by some old fool on The People’s Court. He was made in Inkscape, starting with a square converted to path, then turned into a pill shape. Half ellipses for ears, full ellipses for glasses and shadows, arrow shaped paths for hair, eyes, and lots of other shapes. And so on. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and happy holidays to the rest of you!

For me, life is the journey – not the destination.

The idea of going somewhere is more important than that of getting somewhere.

Of constantly moving, experiencing and growing.

‘Nostromo‘, as some of you may know is a word that embodies all of this in my eyes – a personal statement on several different levels. It is uniquely presented as (in my mind), and yet all at the same time; the lonely traveller, the distant land, the epic journey (the odyssey) and the vehicle of choice.

It respectively represents most clearly; myself, how I see the world, my attitude towards life and my work – and as such, come the new year it will become the symbol of everything that I do.

Overdue, and rightly so…

There is a saying that I once heard which said that the human race’s wildest eccentricities are its single most powerful feature.

Our unknown side.

Our ability to instantly create that which was never thought not possible.

To act upon irrational impulse against reason…

To love, by a simpler name.

This is to you, to the people who dream and act, who create – both for themselves and for others.

The idea of creation is a gift, to will a thought into life is genuinely magnificent.

So please, take care, and never stop creating…

Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and here is to 2010 being another year where music is forged, thoughts are brought into reality and love wins out.

To unashamedly steal one of the greatest phrases ever to grace my ears, just remember…

“This is our machine and nothing can stop it.” – Chris Wee, Jonathan Adger, Michael Anthony Wright and Rory Friers (And So I Watch You From Afar)

Much love.

Matthew Alexander Patton

It’s that time of year again. That time of year that we either love or hate. As kids, we all loved Christmas (if you celebrated it), watching the specials on TV, helping decorate the Christmas tree, and eagerly waiting for Santa to come down the chimney, through the fireplace (for me, he came through the vent, we didn’t have a fireplace), and bring us presents! As older people, we either enjoy whatever time off we get, and maybe buy a gift or two (either for ourselves or others), and just enjoy the holiday. That, or we become Scrooge and can’t wait for Christmas to be over with.

I am happy about the holidays this year. Mostly because it means a new office chair for me, and the new year is going to be a new decade! It’s going to be a very fresh start, and I welcome what the 2010s will bring us. What new fads will come about? What advances in technology will we have? I am excited about it!

I just got finished shoveling away all the ice and salting outside my house (there’s an ice storm here in Chicago, I’ll post some pics on Flickr later), and I am preparing for my brother and his family coming over, so I am going to rest a bit and then get ready. But, I hope everyone has a happy holiday this week, and a happy new year!

Happy Holidays!

-Tony

Is 2010 a new decade or just a New Year? Different people have different opinions on that topic. Whatever you decide, I hope you’ll decide to make 2010 a great one. What will you do with your 52 weeks – your 365 days – 8766 hours? Is it just me or do the days, weeks and months fly by faster than they used to? We cannot get back yesterday or a great day we had last year; we can just make the most of today…and tomorrow.

How will you make the most of this year when it comes to business? Will you vow to be more organized, spend more time with family, improve follow-up on leads, seize opportunities you have otherwise taken a pass on?

Realizing the economic situation affects most of us, how do you view your chamber membership? Do you look at the luncheons as the most efficient 1.5 hours you can spend per month? Do you check out the chamber advertising and sponsorships and consider them when planning your year? Are you taking full advantage of the free online resources and free Business After Hours and Ribbon Cuttings?

What will 2010 bring? Speaking for the Carol Stream Chamber, I can tell you it brings some new and unique opportunities. Watch for Member Benefits such as the new Mobile Alerts, a Leads Group beginning, a Candidates’ Night and a ‘meeting’ to help introduce you to ‘power partners’ and beneficial connections. We continue our Chamber Video Opportunity, New/Prospective Member gatherings and multiple Expos, so that you can have the chance to meet others, learn from others, and build your business through others.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, new decade…or not!

I never feel I am very good at doing rundowns of the year, because I always manage to miss out some insanely positive event and focus on the negative, or I feel I live too much in the moment to want to dwell on the past.  Likewise, I don’t really bother making New Year’s Resolutions because I don’t really ever feel I have to change anything instantly.  I don’t feel I have anything to give up in my life.  I guess I would like to finally pass my driving test and get a car in 2010, but I’m not going to make it a resolution, I’m just going to try and do it! If that makes sense.

Having said all of that, I feel as we come to the end of 2009 that I’m a lot happier now than I was this time last year. As I’ve said before, this is my first Christmas not working in retail, and in terms of the lack of stress and not having to deal with customers (nor low pay), it’s been bliss!  I’m away from the Perfume Shop and the people who work there, and that can only be a good thing.  What’s more, I’m doing my Careers Guidance course at uni and I finally feel like my life is going somewhere. I have some fantastic friends whom I’ve made this year, and my friendships which have endured for the last few years only continue to grow.  I feel like I’ve discovered more of myself as a person, and although I’m not 100% happy, who is?  I nevertheless recognise the improvement in my life, both in the things that have happened to me and in the evolution of myself as a person.  I hope it continues because I have plenty further to go and a lot more I want to accomplish!  But compared to my despondency about myself and my life at the end of 2008, things are looking up.

In terms of a blast from the past, today I was in town catching up with Hannah and Alex (we still have a lot to talk about!) and enjoying a Christmas coffee.  I treated us all to coffees in Starbucks (because it’s Christmas and I just got paid from the hospital – I think I have had a payrise! ) and it was just really nice.  Walking around the shops with Hannah, I saw some things I like (including a Juicy Couture iPod touch case.  I don’t have an iPod touch, and the case is hardly masculine in its pastel pink shade, but I want it.) but there was no point in spending money on Christmas Eve when the sales start Boxing Day, yknow?  Walking towards the bus stops at the end of our trip, I walked past Serena, the girl at the Perfume Shop who said that I was a thief, who said that I had bullied her – Hannah saw her first and offered a nice-bitchy comment (“I think she looks fatter?” Bless you girl!!!).  I didn’t really look, though I know she saw me.  I smiled at her, then walked straight past.

Hearing those untrue things said about me really hurt, but I have said my piece to my friends, and I’m over it.  Life goes on, and if they were talking about me 4 months after I had left the shop, then that’s a compliment in a way – I guess I made an impression!  But I’m over feeling mad, upset and angry about it – my life is a lot better now, and part of that is because the girls at the Perfume Shop are not part of it (excluding Henna, whom I see around uni from time to time).  I am in a good place – even if I get down about Mike etc., his friendship has really raised me up and helped me uncover and discover more about myself.  So instead of looking away, or storming past, I just smiled at her and went on my own way.  I’m on a new path, and it’s Christmas – why bother perpetuating any bitterness or regret? If that’s what she wants to do – well, she’s older than me and it’s sad that she doesn’t just move on because she should have more important things in her life.  I certainly have – and I know I’m talking about it now, but I really recognised that it just isn’t worth it anymore to cling onto anger.  I wish most people nothing but the best, and what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.  And I’m not dead yet!

So instead of being cheesy or cliché about Christmas spirit, I just wanted to say that even though this is applicable to any time of year (because hardship happens all year round), there’s nothing better than embracing the positive and letting go of the negative when you’re ready to and you feel you can.  I have a long way to go, but I’ve progressed from before and despite my own personal ups and downs, I’m in a much better place.  More than anything material, more than Juicy Couture iPod cases, that is the best gift I can give to myself this Christmas – allowing myself to be happy and to be proud.  I wish you all nothing but the best, please be proud of yourselves and recognise the good in yourself.  I know that Christmas is about giving to others and family, but we have to take some time to feel good about ourselves too.  We are all deserving of that!  So from the bottom of my heart, have a wonderful Christmas Day tomorrow, however you’re spending it – and take a moment just to look at yourself and appreciate who you are!  Love always.

Dwayne’s singing a carol, Emily’s nearly naked and Tim’s happy to see 2009 nearly DONE.  Join them along with Thorndike (looking very ho ho hoish in his hat) over at the Two Tops Bar!  Click on My Ghoulish Comic.

Emily mourns her ruined cashmere sweater while Thorndike’s sucking has become rather out of hand.   Tim doesn’t really mind.  Click on the image to join them!

Ho Ho Ho Everyone and see you in 2010!

I hope you all get what you asked for, personally I dont celebrate anything, but like to splurge this time of year.. hunting for a new lens! Just wanted to say Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah to everyone !

Stormtrooper also says Happy Holidays !

We always hear Jews say “oh, im such a bad jew” when they work on Shabbat or if they eat a cheeseburger or bacon sandwitch. But should this be the way the Jewish people view who’s a good/bad Jew? Shouldn’t the way one is measured as a good or bad Jew be measured by what acts of lovingkindness that one bestows on others. Or how one takes care of the world, of america, of their state, city, town home? While its always good to have a stable identity and some of that comes from observance, to make that the deciding factor is disturbing in some respects. As we look to the secular new year in a couple of weeks, may we wish for January first and on to be opprotunities of showing Jewish vales, because that is what makes a good Jew.

You’re at a holiday party, talking to the drunkest guy in the room.  Sure, he knows everyone there that you don’t.  Sure, he works in the industry you’re trying to break into.  And yeah, for a drunk guy, he smells kinda okay.  Do you keep talking to him?

Hell no.

Playing World of Warcraft for three years taught me one thing above all else: Drunk mages wipe parties.  In real life, a mage is someone who’s well-connected, powerful, and fragile.  If it helps, think of the head of human resources at your work, only as a sad chick who just got dumped and has final say over all payroll decisions.  Clearly this isn’t someone you want to cross, but you still need her around.  So when she comes up to you announcing that all men are scum, her cat is the smartest creature in existence despite its crossed eyes and proclivity toward running into walls and your raise has just made its way to her desk, what do you do?

Like a drunk mage, powerful and unstable people need ego strokes.  Gentle ones.  Really, really general ones.  Also, as you do this, you should back away slowly while smiling and nodding.

A real life drunk mage is a disaster waiting to happen, and since you’re now staring into the face of Christmas and New Year’s parties, you’ll be seeing them a lot.  They take all ages and all forms, and you must be ready.  Otherwise, the party will be a disaster of epic proportions.

Like a glass cannon, a drunk mage hurts everyone when he explodes.

Every year people sing about dreaming of a White  Christmas…well now it’s here and causing chaos! The snow keeps on falling but the rising panic that “things haven’t been done” has been replaced with a certain coziness and a realization that actually I’ve been saved from the hideous commerciality  of christmas.

So, the kitchen smells of mince pies, baking bread and coffee.I’ve tramped through the foggy, sloppy snow to deliver cards to various neighbours and thought how very lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place ( to be honest as I write I’m not feeling so lucky, “tinged with sadness” as someone just said to me, is an understatement) I’ve only got a couple of last minute, emergency things to make and then I might actually watch television for a change.

Here’s hoping 2010 is good for you and wishing everyone who has read and supported Witchmountain a very Happy Christmas and much love in the new year.

Peace xxx

best wishes for a warm and wonderful holiday season and start to 2010!

{images from flickr via 01, 02 and 03}

With all that is happening in my sweet America, it’s time to remember what really matters.  Jesus came as a gift to save sinners and God is in control.  He knows the past, present, and future and I am so glad. 

Even though the date we celebrate the birth of Christ is not likely his actual anniversary of birth, I still love to commemorate his birthday with a cake.  So that’s what my children and I will do today, as well as get our house prepared for tomorrow.  I fully intend to retell the Christmas account to my family, and to focus on the gift of Christ rather than all the negative that the world gives us.

Merry Christmas to you.  Prayers for a wonderful New Year.

Take the burden of care with love, spread the flame of love with ease and enjoy the care with warmth. Wish you a merry Christmas!

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who have come through to make First Night Westport 2010 possible this year. Please show your appreciation by supporting them!

…epic fail or not.

Here we go.

2009 has, in one way or another, threatened lives AND the things that make our lives worth living. Pero, buhay pa naman tayo, ‘di ba? =)

To each of you, who has made it through this year with me (and in the process, got splattered as my shit hit the fan),

Thank You.

1. Mom, for being amazing, for not asking, for asking, for loving her, and for loving Her.

2. Dad, you let me go when i needed to go, and for spending the evenings with me, sharing my beer because we were too cheap, for not closing your eyes as a fucktabulous wave wiped me out.

3. Gilbert, i love you, and who ever else you choose to date. Thank you for loving WITH me. Your room stinks, clean it, or close the door forever.

4. YOU. Thank You, for allowing me to love You, finally; for being the wonderful Being that You are and will be. Onward, to the rest of our lives.

5. Marie, you will always be Mother, and my blank piece of paper. Year after year, you somehow, make me better–writing, and then some.

6. Dinah, may mga bagay na kailangang pagdaanan. Makatatawid rin. Mahal na mahal kita.

7. Michelle, thank you, for believing.

8. Ogilvy-uh!

• Team of Country! We rock!
• Aaron…you know ayloveyoo, Boifwend!
• China! Ang nakakainis, alam mong sasaluhin kita, gaano pa man ka-stupid.
• Bear! You’re the best first partner, ever.
• James and Tolits…buti na lang, nagkita-kita tayo sa crossroads.
• Sarah, when I grow up… =)
• Jason, for always having my back =)   (Ummm…cookiesssss…)
• Bambi, call me.
• Peachy, again, thank you, for believing. CALL ME! =D

9. Sush, Geia, you guys are made with Care Bear stuffing, i swear.

10. Kanuts, kahit magulo, alam mong mahal kita. Kita tayo ulit, ang dami nang nangyari.

11. Xander. See you in Xanadu. We’ll sit on empty kegs as we empty  more!

12. RJAM! Dawson! I heart you, always. Every scratch, every bruise, I hold dear.

13. PKPH, up and forward…and beyond!

14. Trina Mundo, haller. Parang kahapon lang.

15. Anima, galingan pa natin.

16. CHULAS. + Loi, Por, JR…the best out of Uappy.

17. Ang mga Elises. Wonderful, beautiful people. Thank you, for making me one of yours. *Kuya, belly-bump*

18. Mona and Mike, nandun kayo kahit may sipon yung dramatic tear-fell ko. Mahal ko kayong dalawa =)

19. Miku, ano ba, lumipas na naman ang isang taon, kelan ang “let’s share a wave”?

20. Julius Kun, Tasha Kun, AJ zeester (and JT Kun)…sa pagkakaibigang trans-atlantic, trans-pacific at trans-nebula. KAMPAY.

21. Ray, Aki, Jeff, The Sea: Thank You, for Edumacating me, when I needed it the most.

22. Shirin, kindred. One and only. Nudge.

23. To the GBG, Hum, ROC, ang mga Alenton, sa lahat ng Kanyang mga totoong kaibigan, mga pinagkakatiwalaan, maraming, maraming salamat.

23. Sa lahat ng naapakan ko, nasiko, natisod, nahila ang buhok, pinag-hintay, napagtaasan ng boses, napagtaasan ng kilay, nasingitan sa pila, nasingitan sa parking, napagsarhan ng sinapiang elevators sa PhilAm…patawad.

Isang WASAK na Pasko at ASTEEGING Bagong Taon sa inyong tanan.

Ipasa ang Love!