My thesis needs help!!!

I am in this damn dance class that is requiring me to do a thesis paper. I have it all , accept the conclusion. So I am posting it here in the hopes that someone can give me a tip or two on how to "wrap" it up! So here ya go!

Comparing Pagan Ritual Dance to Native American Ritual Dance

For eons early man has been dancing in order to connect with their gods or deities. They danced to
appease and ask help of the spirits and gods. Early hunters were prompted to dance as a way to pay
respect to the animals they hunted and depended upon for survival. Dance was a way for indigenous
peoples to be in touch with ancestors and deceased loved ones. Ritual dance was also a critical tie to
ceremonies and tributes within said communities and belief systems.



This paper will be taking a look at both Pagan Ritual Dance and Native American Ritual Dance. It will
show how without knowledge of each other, they became very similar acts. Trying to keep in mind that
these dances originated in different time periods on separate hemispheres. So , onto the facts!



Pagan Ritual Dance

For Pagans , Ritual Dance has been a crucial form of religious right. There are many different dances

for many different reasons. For every Sabbat (a meeting of Pagans to worship) there is a specific

dance , chant & ceremony. In all of these Rituals , there is a “call and response” that is adhered to.

When a Priest or Priestess (the person chosen to lead the group) calls out a chant, the coven (group of

practicing Pagans) is expected to respond by either repeating , calling out , or executing a dance phrase.

Pagan Ritual Dance was never meant to be technically profound , as it is a means for the Pagan to be in

touch with the spirits , deities , or elements. There is really no right or wrong way for these dances to be

performed , mostly because they were never meant for a physical audience. The following will touch

on the different times , reasons , and actual acts of these significant Pagan Ritual Dances. Almost all

Pagan Ritual Dances begin by “calling” to the elements , that are held in high regard to the Pagan.

These elements are tied to nautical directions. For example Earth is associated with North , Air to East,

Water to West , and Fire to the South.

Yule-

Generally Yule dances consist of a small gathering of Pagans , holding hands in a circle. Moving right

to left , while chanting. The actual chant and footwork varies from coven to coven. In some there is a

series of stomping motions , hops , leaps , and exaggerated steps. Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice , happens around December 20^th to the 23^rd. Yule was initially

celebrated by the Germanic peoples (as a festival) , and has been absorbed by the Christian holiday of

Christmas. Dances conducted during this celebration are extremely simple and hold a strong sense of

family and togetherness. Another type of dance done during Yule , is called The Sword Dance.

Breaking free from the tradition of gathering in a circle , this dance is a procession. There are 6 to 8

dancers , that hold ceremonial swords. The participants use the swords to make various geometric

shapes and designs , and rap the swords on the ground at precise moments during the dance. Often the

dance is concluded with a “mock” death and a revival by a “healer”. The celebration is ended with

assorted foods and wine for all who attend.

Eostar , Spring Equinox-

This Sabbat marks when Pagans “shake off” the coldness of winter, to embrace all of the things that

come with Spring. Again the specific rights to this celebration differ from coven to coven. The general

concept of this ritual is to “cast off” all inner things that bind the Pagans who participate and to begin

anew with the coming of Spring. For example one may choose to cast away guilt that binds them.

Participants engage in calling of the elements , to start. Each attendee can choose whatever they want to

cast out, but is urged to find something that is the most meaningful to them. Gathered by peers each

member is asked by the Priest or Priestess , “What binds you?”

The coven members then cast out their chosen “binder” by going to the elemental direction that was

appointed to them by the Priest/Priestess , and spinning counter clockwise. Spinning counter clockwise

is said to release these embodiments. Once the Priest feels that the circle has been cleansed , he/she

calls out , “what does your spirit need?”

Each attendee states what they “need” and the Priestess then cues the next steps. Again the appropriate

elemental direction is taken , and the participants are told to spin clockwise. The Priest then decides

when the dancers have achieved acknowledgment of the deities and calls the dance to an end. Before

the ritual has been declared over , the coven gathers in a circle and shares with their peers what they

have asked the spirits to bless them with. The group thanks the spirits for hearing their “prayers” and

closes the circle. They then partake in food and wine before departing from the celebration.

Beltane, May's Eve-

This Sabbat begins on or Near April 30^th and is commonly associated with The Maypole Dance.

Beltane marks the beginning of the growing season, Summer. The Maypole is a phallic symbol and the

dancers that encompass it are representing of the female reproductive organs. This ritual is about

fertility.

There are a few different types of these dances. This one is less known and is ribbon-less. Dancers

form a large circle facing the Maypole , standing shoulder to shoulder. Typically this is done with an

even number of men and women , but there aren't always an even number in a coven. Most times there

are a few people in a coven that will act as a band and play some folksy type of music for the event. If

no such people are present a drums can be played or recorded music is played. Once the music has

begun , the dancers grasp each others hands and take four large steps forward , while looking upward

to the sky. They stop for 2 beats and gaze upon the Maypole. They then , keeping rhythm to the music ,

take four large steps back to where they began. While stepping they are sending energy through their

feet down into the Earth, with grounded firm motions. Next they release hands , turn right (counter

clockwise)and skip forward 16 paces. They then reverse (clockwise) and skip another 16 paces. They

then turn to face the Maypole once again returning to their original positions and once again grasping

hands until the music stops.

Another type of Maypole Dance , includes a ribbon and requires an even number of men and women ,

or dancers made to represent an even amount of men and women. Much like the preceding dance , the

pole in the center of the circle is the main focal point for the dance. Women stand 1 step in front of the

men , with their backs to the Maypole. Men face the Maypole in a larger circle outside of the women.

Both grasp the ribbons that are attached to the pole , with their right hands. As the music begins the

women move clockwise , going in front of the first man and behind the second , repeating this motion

over and over. Meanwhile the men are doing the same motion but in a counter clockwise movement.

Once the ribbons get shorter , the music winds down and the ribbons are tied off. Because Pagans

believe that “everything comes full circle” , the ribbons will be saved for the next years festivities and

burned symbolically , as a vision of death and rebirth. Once again ,the celebration is brought to an end

with a large feast of fresh fruits and vegetables along with wine.

Lughnassad- Oat Harvest

This Pagan holiday marks the days when the first oats are being ground into bread and is celebrated

near the 1^st of August. Coven members are gathered in a circle around several large wooden or clay

bowls that are brimming with freshly made bread. Dancers stand shoulder width apart passing smaller

bowls to their right chanting , “Now do I give thanks for an abundant harvest, the seed which was

planted in the Spring , now gives us life.” Once the bowls have made 1 full rotation , the

Priest/Priestess then fills them with bread and passes them back to the circle of coven members. Now

each member is to take a bite of the bread and pass the bowl to the left , to the next in line. Once again,

when the bowls have made a full rotation , the group chants , “Light does not die , it just turns into

another form.” The Priest/ Priestess then encourages the participants to engage in any movement they

feel compelled to do. The elements are thanked for blessing the coven , and the circle is closed. The

coven ends the ceremony with more bread , fall vegetables , and red wine.

Pagans are rather secretive about their rituals , and we are lucky to know as much as we do about them.

So far , each dance has incorporated a sense of unity , togetherness , family , food , and drink. Most of

these rituals are executed in a circle and done in a specific place. All of the dances are comprised of

natural movements that most humans are capable of.

Native American Ritual Dance

Dance in the Native American culture is abundant and varied. Music and dance combine culture ,

spirituality , and expression – all of which are held as an important right to the Native American

peoples. For these people dance is a way to maintain cultural identity , satisfy community and family

responsibilities , and enjoy the feeling of belonging to a group. Either for ritual , ceremonial , or social

reasons these dances were never meant to be entertainment – but they can be very entertaining. The

next part of this paper will be taking a look at a few different Native American Ritual Dances , how

they are performed , and what significance they hold to these peoples. The vocabulary of movement in

all of these dances are generally the same ; jumping , kicking, stepping , stomping , spinning , whirling.

All movements that compose most Native American Dance.

The Bear Dance- By the Ute tribe of Colorado , this dance is performed in late May or early June. This

dance is meant to depict mating or courtship. This tradition dates back to the 15^th century. It is also

meant to welcome the arrival of Summer. According to legend the bear brings special powers to make

one strong. The people were anxious to be outside with the coming of Summer , and related that to the

waking of a hibernating bear.

The Bear Dance took place in an open field surrounded by a fence made of woven brush or branches in

the shape of a large circle. Both men and women wore large colorful plumes as they danced. The

women wore brightly colored shawls. The women selected partners by flicking the fringe of their

shawls at one of the men. The dance begun by the dancers being divided into two lines of couples. One

of the dancers was chosen to play the role of the “cat” , who used a switch to encourage the dancers to

move faster. Spectators lined up at the outermost area of the fence. The couples then face each other

and shuffle away from each other and back. Keeping their feet to the rhythm of the singers that were

sometimes accompanied by instruments such as morache and rasps. The exact dance motions are only

taught to the people in the tribe and are not to be passed on to anyone outside of the community. This

dance lasts for 4 to 5 days and ends when the first couple drops to the ground from exhaustion.

The Sun Dance – This ritual is celebrated in Late June , and participants include several different

tribes such as the Cheyenne , Crow , Shoshone , and the Ute. It marks the last of the buffalo hunts and

happens to coincide with the Summer Solstice. It is meant to call on the powers of the Sun for

regeneration.

Historically this dance was fraught with self mutilation , but the Native Americans no longer observe

those acts, as they do not want to be labeled as barbaric. Today's Sun Dance is a favored large event ,

lasting four to eight days. On the first day a large circular area , that has been chosen by the elders , is

cleared and is where the ritual is to take place. The most senior elder then locates a suitable tree that is

to be used for a center pole. This tree is trimmed and placed upright in the center if the circular area.

This is intended to symbolize a unity of Heaven and Earth. This is where all prayers and various ritual

acts will take place for the duration of the ceremony. On the second day as the sun rises , the ritual

continues. Antone who wishes to dance at this time , is allowed to , while the ceremonial dancers

prepare for the ritual.

Once the main dancers have readied , the tribes drummers begin beating a slow rhythmic beat and the

main Sun Dance actually begins. The dancers make small spirals with exaggerated steps as they move

to the rhythm of the drums. While dancing the participants keep a constant gaze on the sun and recite

prayers taught to them by mentors who pass these traditions down generation to generation. Originally

men were pierced and tethered to the center pole , this is no longer done. Now dancers are just tied to

the pole. While dancing the men were continually pulling on their tethers , trying to break free. This

was intended to symbolize triumph over obstacles. Those who have not broken free of their tethers by

sundown are then assisted by the mentors that taught them the ceremony. If one did not break free on

their own accord they were not allowed to teach the dance to others , and were expected to repeat the

ceremony in the next year. A magnificent feast prepared just for the ceremonial dancers is then

presented to them. Attendees were not permitted to eat until the dancers have begun eating , then an

extremely large potluck type meal ends the ritual.

The Corn Dance – This ritual takes place during the beginning of Spring (around mid March) and is a

tradition of the Santa Clara Pueblo Indians. This dance is intended to ask the spirits for favorable

weather , abundant rain , and bountiful crops. It is performed by young tribe members (all past puberty

but not quite adults) , symbolizing young corn stalks that contain both male and female properties.

The dance begins mid day , when the sun is at it's highest point and continues until nightfall. The young

women are dressed in eye-catching regalia that consists of vibrantly colored dresses , white wrapped

leather moccasins , and large head pieces painted yellow and turquoise. The young men arrive with

white painted upper legs and hands , wearing kilts that have bright and intricate geometric designs. An

equal amount of the young men and women are lined up female on one side and male on the other ,

forming two strait lines. Dancers lift their feet silently grouping into circles and then back into parallel

lines. In unison , both sexes dance keeping their steps to the rhythm of the large round drum being

played in the distance. They will dance for the next five to seven hours , changing the patterns that they

make as the song “directs”. There is very little information on the exact motions that are made , as this

is a sacred tradition held by the Pueblo people. Once the sun sets , the dance is brought to an end. As

they have for hundreds of years they then indulge in vast amounts of traditional foods like breads ,

hominy , and different kinds of chilli.

The Hoop Dance – This ritual is observed by the White Mountain Apache. It is held on nights of the

full moon , throughout the year. This ritual is intended to heal sick or ailing peoples.

The person in need of healing is seated on a hand woven blanket facing east , in the middle of a special

ceremonial dancing area. An equal amount of young men and women (normally 4 of each) surround the

ill person. I boy and one girl stand at each of the nautical points - north , south , east , and west. A

medicine man is present and marks the beginning of the ritual when he starts to sing. The young men

are holding hoops made from pliable branches. The young women are holding cross-like figures. Once

the medicine man begins singing , the young ones shuffle forward toward the “patient” , until they are

within arms reach. The young men hold their hoops over the ailing persons head until the hoops

encompass the ill person's head. The young women hold their cross-like items over the “patient's” head

standing at the four nautical points at which they began. Through a cue in the song , the dancers raise

and remove their items , and return to their original positions. This will be repeated until the medicine

man has sung four songs. An elder then enters and sings for the medicine man , so that he can

participate in the actual dance. At the beginning of the 5^th song the medicine man then approaches the

young man standing at the east point. The medicine man then takes the hoop from the young man and

places it over the ill person , once again encompassing them. The “patient” is then turned to the south

and the hoop of the young man standing there is placed over the ailed person. This is repeated until all

of the hoops are around the ill one. As the hoops are utilized all of the cross-like items are placed in the

medicine man's hands , and then placed on the “patient” in the area(s) that are being troublesome. This

ritual is not ended until the medicine man feels that the sick person is healed , and can be repeated four

to eight times in one night.

The Buffalo Dance – This ceremony is held by the Tewa Pueblo Indians in the harshest parts of winter.

It is a celebration of abundance , a prayer for snow and good hunting. It is symbolic of triumph over

famine.

Eight men are adorned with bells on their ankles and a full pelt from a buffalo. Each dancer also holds

a six foot ceremonial spear in his left hand and a gourd rattle in his right hand. They all wear a head

pieces made from green willow branches. They are evenly dispersed to the four directions of the

compass. One at a time , each dancer makes a circle around each of the seven other dancers. Making

galloping motions and hunched over to resemble a buffalo. They also move their heads in a fashion

much like a buffalo “rooting” with their horns. Once the dancer has circled each of the other dancers , it

is the next dancers turn. The dance is done when all of the dancers have had a turn. The celebration is

capped by a enormous feast , that much resembles American's Thanksgiving , that is attended by the

entire tribe




.In both Pagan and Native American Ritual Dance we see ; people gathering in a circle, executing

natural almost primitive movements , a sense community , and enjoyment of food and family. Actions

that both cultures/religions carry out due to their symbolic values , prescribed by the traditions of their

forefathers. Due to the symbolic nature , there is really no limits to the vocabulary of these dances.

However these dances are profoundly similar despite the fact that they originated on separate

hemispheres , during different time periods. All of this is extremely fascinating to me , their beliefs not

being exactly alike , but the ritual dances being connatural.  

I'm still here!

I can't believe I made it through the first 2 weeks already! Considering the whole family has been sick for the last week , I think I've done well. I just wanted to "check in" & let my status be known...LOL.

I got to see a few wonderful things these last 2 weeks. I saw a man with rainbow colored hair pick his butt in public. I got to see a Competitive Native American Dancer. There was the guitar player that played my all time favorite band's music (that I embarrassingly sang along with). I saw someone that I went to elementary school with. Last but not least , I saw myself overcome struggle & press on. This whole school thing is going to be really good for my family & I!!!!

Now that I have shared , why don't some of you tell me a few interesting things you have seen in the last few weeks??? Hope you all have a great week!!! Thanks for reading!!!

Returning to College.

I have started school again. It is taking a lot out of me!!! I have to get used to being very disciplined about how I use my time. I may neglect my blog until Spring Break. I am taking "Looking at Dance", Intro to Drawing , CPR, PE, and a Computers class.

Dance is SOOOO out of my element!!! I was lead to believe that the dance class was a writing class that did an overview of the history. But to my horror the damn instructor made us get  up & dance!!! I  am so terribly uncoordinated , that I could mess the "Chicken Dance" up. The drawing class is hella cool!. I just need to be taught technique. I have no 3D skills. CPR is a 4 day class so I'm super stoked on that! Just 3 more classes & I will have my CPR card. I have yet to go to a PE or Computers class , as the Computer class is on Fridays & I have to attend an orientation for the PE class today.

I really just wanted to let my readers know that the reason my blogs will be sparse due to my hectic schedual. I will try really hard to keep going , but I can't make any promises. I hope you all have a great week and all is well! Good day friends!!!

Continuing Old Laws Still in Effect - 7 states left! #8

Vermont-
Tying a giraffe to a telephone pole is prohibited.
In Barre , all residents shall bathe every Saturday night.
It is illegal to paint landscapes in time of war.
Women must obtain written permission from their husbands to wear false teeth.
Denying the existence of God , is a serious crime.
It is illegal for vagrants to procure food by force. Apparently if you have a good job & a stable home it is okay to procure food by force.

Virginia-
State law requires all bathtubs to be kept outside.
Children are not permitted to trick-o-treat on Halloween.
Driving while not wearing shoes is prohibited.
In Norfolk a woman cannot go out without wearing a corset. Also spitting on a sea gull is not tolerated.
It is illegal to tickle women.
In Lebanon it is illegal to kick one's wife out of bed.
Not only s it not legal to have sex with  the lights on , one may not have sex in any other position than missionary.
Flipping a coin in order to see who pays for coffee , is illegal in Richmond.
Swearing at someone over the phone is punishable by $100.00 fine.
No one may work on Sundays.

Washington-
Lollipops are banned. No exceptions.
In Bremerton , it is illegal to shuck peanuts on the streets.
In Seattle it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 ft in length.
Sleeping in an outhouse without the owners permission is prohibited.
Painting polka dots on the American Flag is illegal.
In Wilbur it is illegal to ride an ugly horse.
The entire state prohibits fake wrestling.
Breastfeeding in public is illegal.
A license is required to sell condoms .

West Virginia-
It is unlawful to own a red or black flag.
Doctors & dentists are not allowed to put a woman under anesthesia unless a 3rd person is present.
If you wear a hat inside a theater you may be fined.
Snoozing on a train is considered an offense.
Children may not attend school while their breath smells of "wild onions".

Wisconsin-
All yellow butter substitute is banned.
You are allowed to marry your house.
Cutting a womans hair is unlawful.
Kissing on trains is illegal.
Don't wake a sleeping fisherman , as it is illegal.
In La Crosse  , it is illegal to play checkers in public , as well as worrying a squirrel.
Next time you start a riot in Wisconsin remember that it is illegal to use a laser pointer to do so.

Wyoming-
 In Newcastle , it is illegal to have sex in a store's walk-in freezer.
Cheyenne citizens are not allowed to take showers on Wednesdays.
Women are prohibited from standing within 5 feet of a bar while drinking.
You may not take a picture of a rabbit during the month of June.


Whew!!!! I got it done before the New Years Party began !!!! I hope that you all enjoyed it ! I'll be back next year to regale you with more wonderful stories or rants!!!! Happy New Year to all my readers!!!!

Continuing Old Laws Still in Effect - 14 states left! #7

Pennsylvania-
All fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires.
There is a ban on men becoming aroused in public in Allentown.
Dynamite may not be used to catch fish.
Fireworks stores are forbidden from selling fireworks to Pennsylvania residents.
It is illegal to have sex with a truck driver inside a toll booth in Harrisburg.
No man may purchase alcohol without written permission from his wife.
No one is allowed to sleep on a refrigerator.
State law prohibits singing in the bathtub.

Rhode Island-
Any marriage where either party is an idiot or a lunatic is null and void.
It's a misdemeanor to keep more than 11 inoperable vehicles in front of a house.
Throwing pickle juice on a trolley is considered an offence.
Wearing transparent clothing is highly illegal.
Having sexual relations while unmarried is illegal , but if caught both parties get fined only $10.00.

South Carolina-
State law mandates that if any man promises to marry a woman , the marriage must take place.
Every adult male must bring a rifle to church on Sunday in order to ward off Indian attacks.
Horses are to wear pants at all times in Fountain Inn.
It is considered an offense to get a tattoo.
Communicating with a woman by means of obscene gestures is a jail-able offense.
Giving or receiving oral sex is illegal.
 Alcohol consumption or sales is banned on Sundays.
It is LEGAL to beat your wife on a Sunday morning on the steps of the state courthouse.

South Dakota-
Hotels in Sioux Falls are required to have twin beds. These beds must be a minimum of 2 ft apart. Having sex in between these beds is forbidden.
It is illegal to try to convince a pacifist to renounce his beliefs by threatening him to arm wrestle.
Laying down & falling asleep in a cheese factory is considered an offense.
Movies that show a police officer being struck , beaten , or treated with disrespect are forbidden.

Tennessee-
"Crimes against nature" are prohibited.This includes any sex that is not between a man & woman and oral sex.
Driving is not to be done while asleep.
Women calling men for dates is prohibited in Dryersburg.
Hollow logs may not be sold.
It is illegal to gather and consume roadkill.
Frogs are banned from croaking after 11 pm.
Stealing horses is punishable by hanging.
You may not shoot any game other than whales from a moving vehicle.

Texas-
In Dallas it is illegal to possess realistic dildos.
There is a law against pigs having sex on the city airport's property in Kingsville.
Kids possessing unusual haircuts is considered illegal in Mesquite.
Shooting a buffalo from the 2nd story of a hotel is an offense.
It is illegal to milk another persons cow.
Urination on the Alamo is strictly prohibited.
In Lubbock County, is it illegal to drive within an arm's length of alcohol - including alcohol that is in someone else's blood stream.
Flirtation using eyes or hands from either sex , is illegal in San Antonio.
State law forbids anyone from having a pair of pliers in his possession.
A person can be legally married if he or she introduces their significant other as husband or wife more than 3 times.

Utah-
A husband is responsible for every criminal act committed by his wife while she is in his presence.
Birds have the right of way on all highways.
It is unlawful to fish while on horseback.
Drinking milk is required by all state residents.
No one may have sex in the back of an ambulance , if it is responding to an emergency call.
In Salt Lake , no one may walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin.
Throwing snowballs will result in a $50.00 fine.

Still 7 more... I have to add them on another page as they will not all fit ! Almost done!!! LMAO

Continuing Old Laws Still in Effect #6

New York-
A fine of $25.00 can b imposed for flirting. This applies to men more than women. A second offense could require the culprit to wear a set of horse blinders.
Men wearing pants & a jacket that do not match , is unlawful in Carmel.
Teaching your parrot to speak is okay , but teaching it to squawk is illegal.
It is illegal to shake a duster or dust  mop out a window.
It is forbidden to shoot a rabbit from a moving trolley car.
It is unlawful to jump from atop the Empire State Building.
Women are permitted to walk about topless , as long as it is not used as a business.
To cut down on the ever growing graffiti problem , it has become illegal to carry an open can of spray paint.

North Carolina-
 A marriage can be declared void if either of the 2 persons is declared impotent.
Fights between cats & dogs are prohibited in Barber.
Because people were using them for cheap furniture, it is now illegal to take & sell milk crates.
Elephants are not allowed to be used for plowing cotton fields.
In Horny Town , massage parlors have been banned.
It is illegal to roller blade on a states highway.
It is unlawful to have sex in a church yard.
It is against the law to sing off key.
Oral sex is considered a crime against nature.
While having sex , you must stay in the missionary position and have the shades pulled.

North Dakota-
Beer & pretzels may not be sold at the same time in any bar or restaurant.
One may be jailed for wearing a hat while dancing.
It is illegal to keep an elk in a sandbox in your back yard.
In Collierville all bathtubs must be kept in the backyard.
In Waverly , horses are prohibited from sleeping inside or in bathtubs.
It is illegal to lie down & fall asleep with your shoes on.

Ohio-
It is unlawful to kill a house fly within 160 ft of a church , without a license.
A policeman may bite a dog to quiet him , but the reverse is a fine-able offense.
 Breast feeding is prohibited in public.
In Centerville , cats are not allowed to scare horses.
In Cincinnati , anal intercourse is banned.
In Cleveland , catching mice without a license is unlawful.
It is illegal to run out of gasoline.
In Ironton , cross-dressing is strictly prohibited.
Getting a fish drunk is punishable by jail time.
Owners of tigers must notify authorities within one hour if the tiger escapes.

Oklahoma-
Anyone arrested for soliciting a hooker must have their name & picture shown on television.
Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings.
In Clinton, molesting an automobile is illegal.
Fish may not be contained in fishbowls while on a public bus.
People who make faces at dogs , may be fined or jailed.
It is forbidden that anyone has the hind legs of any animal in their boots.
Wearing boots to bed is punishable.
One may spend a year in jail or receive a $2,500.00 fine if caught giving or receiving oral sex.
Tattoos are banned , no exceptions.

Oregon-
Dishes must drip dry.
Using canned corn for fishing is unlawful.
In Eugene, it is illegal to show movies or attend a car race on Sundays.
In Hood River , juggling is strictly prohibited without a license.
Anyone with a "bad reputation" is prohibited from distributing malt beverages.
In Willowdale , no man may curse while having sex with his wife.
It is unlawful for any animals to have sex in any city limits.
It is illegal to buy or sell marijuana , but it is legal to smoke it on your own property.
Whispering "dirty" things into your lover's ear while having sex is considered unlawful.
No more than 2 people may share a single drink.
One must be wearing "suitable clothing" while bathing.
Roller skates are not to be worn in restrooms.
People may NOT whistle underwater.
Oregon is the only other state besides New Jersey , where you may not pump your own gas.


I promise to have these wrapped up by the end of the year... LOL that means more today . I just have been so busy. I hate that I feel compelled to finish what I have started. I hope you all enjoy!!!

Continuing Old Laws Still in Effect #5

Sorry  I have taken way too long to type up ANY entries lately. There just has been a lot going on with the holidays & all. I hope all of you had fantastic holidays! Enjoy!!!

Nebraska-
A man is not allowed to run around with a shaved chest.
Barbers are forbidden by law from shaving a mans chest , in Omaha.
If a child burps in church , their parents may be arrested.
It is illegal for a mother to give her daughter a perm without a state license.
It is illegal for bar owners to sell beer , unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup.
It is unlawful to sleep in a hotel/motel naked.
In Lehigh , it is illegal to sell doughnut holes.
In Waterloo , barbers are forbidden from eating onions between 7am and 7pm.

Nevada-
In Elko , EVERYONE walking the streets is required to wear a mask.
In Eureka , all men bearing mustaches are banned from kissing women.
In Las Vegas, pawning your dentures is unlawful.
Sex without a condom , is considered extremely illegal.
It is illegal to conceal a spray painted shopping cart in your basement , in the city limits of Reno.

New Hampshire-
Any cattle that crosses state roads is required to be fitted with a device that gathers its feces.
It is unlawful to inhale bus fumes with the intent to induce euphoria.
One is prohibited from pawning the clothes "off your back" to pay off a gambling debt.
On Sundays , citizens may not relieve themselves while looking up.
In White Mountain National Forest it is illegal for anyone to pick up litter. A $150.00 fine can be imposed for  "maintaining the national forest without a permit".
Machinery may not be run on ANY Sunday.

New Jersey-
In Cresskill all cats are required to wear 3 bells to warn birds of their location.
It is unlawful to delay or detain a homing pigeon.
It is considered a punishable offense to slurp soup.
It is against the law for a man to knit during the fishing season.
It is illegal to offer cigarettes or alcohol to the animals in the local zoo.
It is unlawful to throw a bad pickle out onto the street.
In Newark , it is illegal to sell ice cream after 6pm , unless the customer has a note from their doctor.
Raw hamburger is not to be sold , at all.
On highways , you may not park under a bridge.
There is no horse racing allowed on the turnpike.
Pumping your own gas is unlawful. All gas stations are strictly full service.

New Mexico-
It is illegal to have sex in your car unless it has been fitted with curtains & they are drawn.
It is forbidden for women to appear unshaven in public.
In Las Cruces , it is illegal to carry a lunch box down main street.
State officials ordered 400 words of "sexually explicit material" to be cut from Romeo & Juliet..

Hope those made you all grin!!! I'll be back to finish the list up. Good day all, thanks for reading.

Yet More Arbitrary Laws Still in Effect #4

I fairly certain I left off with Kansas. Enjoy!

Kansas-
It is illegal to throw knives at men wearing stripped suits.
Servers are forbidden to serve wine in tea cups.
It is illegal to catch frogs in tomato patches.
Whale hunting is prohibited.
One may be punished for putting ice cream on cherry pie.
Rabbits may NOT be shot from motor boats.
It is against state game regulations to use mules to hunt ducks.

Kentucky-
Sending a bottle of beer , spirits , or wine to a friend as a gift is punishable by a 5 year jail sentence.
All nude people in your home must be registered by the state.
State law mandates that anyone who has been drinking is "sober" until they have lost the ability to "hold onto the ground".
In Frankfurt, it is against the law to shoot off a policeman's tie.
A license is required to walk around nude on your own property.
It is illegal to marry the same man more than 3 times.
Women are not allowed to buy hats without their husbands permission.

 Louisiana-
It is illegal to gargle in public.
It is illegal to rob a bank & then shoot the teller with a water pistol.
It is illegal for a woman to drive a car , unless her husband is waving a flag in front of it.
Mourners at a wake may not eat more than 3 sandwiches.
Tying an alligator to a fire hydrant is prohibited.
Rituals that involve the ingestion of blood , urine , or fecal matter are punishable by the fullest extent of the law.
Taxi drivers are prohibited from having sex in the front of their taxis while they are on shift.

Maine-
It is illegal to catch lobsters with your bare hands.
It is illegal to blow one's nose in public.
It is unlawful to tickle a woman's nose with a feather duster.
Shotguns are required to be taken to church in the event of a Native American attack.
You may not step out of a plane that is in flight.

Maryland-
You may NOT curse within the city limits of Baltimore.
It is illegal to take a lion to the movies.
Eating while swimming in the ocean is unlawful.
A $100.00 fine will be assessed to anyone who attempts to foretell or forecast the future.
It is illegal to mistreat oysters.
Women may NOT go through their husbands pockets while they sleep.
People wearing sleeveless shirts in a public park will be fined $10.00.

Massachusetts-
 A woman is not allowed to be "on top' in any sexual activity.
Alcoholic "Drink Specials" are strictly prohibited.
Bullets may NOT be used as currency.
Children are permitted to smoke , however they may NOT buy cigarettes.
In Holyoke , it is illegal to water your lawn while it is raining.
If you get caught eating peanuts in church , you may be jailed for up to a year.
In Salem it is unlawful to sleep nude in a rented room , even if a couple is married.
It is illegal to put tomatoes in clam chowder.
One may NOT , at any time , crap on their neighbor.

Michigan-
State law indicates that a married woman's hair legally belongs to her husband , therefore she cannot cut her hair without her husband's permission.
In Detroit , it is illegal to sleep in a bathtub.
It is illegal to loiter in any city morgue.
In Rochester , if a person is caught bathing in public they must be wearing a bathing suit that has been inspected by a police officer.

Minnesota-
A person may not cross the state line with a duck atop their head.
Every man in Brainard is required to grow a beard.
Hamburgers may not be eaten on Sundays.
In Harper Woods , it is illegal to paint sparrows & sell them as parakeets.
It is unlawful to tease skunks.
Men having the smell of garlic , onions , or sardines are required by law to brush their teeth before making love to their wives.
It is unlawful to smoke while in bed.

Mississippi-
Having sex out of wedlock or with someone that is not your spouse is punishable by a $500.00 fine and/or 6 months in prison.
In Temperance , you may not walk a dog in public unless it it wearing a diaper.
It is strictly prohibited for a man to become sexually aroused in public.
"Unnatural Intercourse" is highly illegal , even if both parties consent , and can result in a $10,000.00 fine and 10 years in prison.

Missouri-
Children may buy shotguns , but not toy cap guns.
Bothering or worrying a squirrel is against the law.
Minors may buy tobacco and rolling papers , but not lighters.
Frightening a baby is a violation of the law.
In Natchez , it is offensive to buy & give an elephant intoxicants.
Milk men are prohibited to run while delivering milk.
No more than 4 unrelated people are allowed to rent a home. This is due to anti-brothel laws.

Montana-
It is considered a felony for a wife to open her husband's mail.
It is illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your vehicle , without chaperonage.
It is illegal for married women to fish alone on Sundays , and it is illegal for unmarried women to fish alone at all.
In Whitehall , it is unlawful to operate a vehicle that has icepicks attached to its wheels.
This state has just recently allowed the production of caviar.

I just love finding the bizarre laws that still stand. I will keep going until we get through all 50 states. Have a great day all!

Continue of Random Old Laws still in Effect.#3

Here we go again. More of the arbitrary laws that are still in effect. I think I got to Illinois.

Illinois-
A state law mandates that all bachelors shall be called "master" rather than mister , when being addressed by their female counterparts.
It is illegal to speak English , the officially recognized language is American.
In Champaign it is prohibited to pee in your neighbors mouth.
In Chicago law forbids eating in a place that is on fire, it is illegal to give a dog whiskey & kites may NOT be flown within the city limits.
In Galesburg  a $1,000.00 fine will be assessed for beating rats with baseball bats.
It is illegal for women that weigh over 200 lbs to ride a horse wearing shorts.
It is unclear what it has done to the bar business , but it is illegal to serve alcohol to the feeble minded.
It is illegal to drink beer out of a bucket while sitting on the sidewalk.

Indiana-
Spiteful gossip & talking behind another's back is a punishable offence.
Baths may not be taken between the months of October & March.
It is illegal to sell laughing gas with the intent of inducing laughter.
Mustaches are illegal if the bearer has a tendency to habitually kiss other humans.
No one may catch fish bare handed.
Oral sex is illegal & may carry a jail sentence.

Iowa-
Don't plan on running up a "tab" in Iowa , it is illegal.
Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants.
One-armed piano players must play music for free.
In Ottumwa it is illegal for any man to wink at a woman he does not know.
You may shoot Native Americans if there are more than 5 of them on your property at the same time.
A husband is not allowed to take more than 3 gulps from his beer if he is cuddling his wife after having sex, or just holding her in his arms.

These crack me up... Hope they do for you too! I will be posting more at another time. Thanks for reading.

Continue of Random Old Laws still in Effect. #2

Colorado -
 It is illegal to bring your horse or pack mule above the ground floor of any building.
In Denver it is illegal for any barber to give a massage to any nude customer , unless it is for instructional purposes.
In Logan County , it is illegal to kiss a woman while she is asleep.
It is illegal to ride a horse while intoxicated.

Connecticut-
A pickle is not officially a pickle unless it bounces.
In Bloomfield , it is illegal to eat in your car.
In Devon , it is illegal to walk backwards after sunset.
If any dog in the entire state is found with a tattoo , it must be reported to the police.
It is illegal to dispose of used razor blades.
You can be stopped by the police if you ride your bicycle more than 65 miles per hour.
 You may NOT educate dogs.

Delaware-
It is illegal to get married on a dare.
You may NOT sell dead people for money with out a license.
 It is illegal to fly over any body of water , unless one is carrying sufficient supplies of food & drink.

Florida-
Having sexual relations with a porcupine is strictly prohibited.
It is prohibited for anyone to walk or run topless within 150 feet between the beach & the street.
The molestation of trash cans has been banned.
Florida deals with its prostitution problem by giving its prostitutes spending money , a five year banishment , and a bus ticket out of town.
Rats are forbidden to leave ships docked at Tampa Bay.
An elephant left tied to a parking meter is legal as long as the parking fee is  paid , as if there was a car parked there.
In Miami it is illegal to imitate an animal.
It is illegal to fart in public after 6 pm on a Thursday.

Georgia-
In Atlanta , it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a lamp post or telephone pole.
In Gainesville one can only eat chicken with their hands.
It is illegal to use profanity in the presence of a corpse.
All signs are required to be written in English.

Hawaii-
It is illegal to annoy any bird while in a public park.
Coins are not allowed to be placed in one's ear.
It is illegal for any shooting gallery to offer alcohol as a prize for a contest.
You may be fined if you do not own a boat.

Idaho-
It is illegal for a man to give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing less than 50 lbs.
You can be reprimanded for fishing from the back of a camel.
Riding a merry-go-round on a Sunday is considered a crime.
Walking along the street with a red-tipped cane is unlawful.
Unmarried couples who engage in sex can be jailed for up to 6 months.


I will continue the list on another day. I hope these made anyone who read them smile!

Random Old Laws Still in Effect

I thought I would lighten my entries by listing old laws that I have found that are still in effect. Some will make you laugh & some will make you shake your head. These are going to be listed alphabetically by state.I probably won't list all 50 states on this post Have a good read!


Alabama-
It is illegal to stab yourself to gain someone's pity.
It is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.
Putting salt on a railroad track may be punishable by death.
You may not have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at any time.

Alaska-
In Alaska it is illegal to whisper in someones ear while they are moose hunting.
Kangaroos are not allowed in barber shops at any time.
While it is legal to shoot bears , it is illegal to wake a sleeping bear for the sake of photography.

Arizona-
A man can legally beat his wife , but no more than once a month.
Donkeys are not allowed to sleep in bathtubs.
Oral sex is considered to be sodomy.
You may not have more than 2 dildos in any given home at one time.
A decree declares that anyone caught stealing soap must wash themselves with it until it is all used up.

Arkansas-
It is illegal to buy or sell blue light bulbs.
It is illegal to mispronounce the name of the state , Arkansas.
In Little Rock , dogs are not permitted to bark past 6 pm.

California-
A $500.00 fine will be assessed to anyone who detonates a nuclear device within city limits.
Animals are banned from mating publicly within 1500 ft of any tavern , school , or place of worship.
You are not permitted to wear cowboy boots , unless you already own at least 2 cows.
It is illegal to drive more than 2000 sheep at one time down Hollywood Boulevard.
In Los Angeles courts it is illegal to cry on the witness stand.
A man is legally entitled to beat his wife with a strap no wider than 2 inches, unless he has permission from his wife. Permission must be granted prior to the event , as is strictly stipulated.
In Los Angeles you may not bathe two babies in the same tub at the same time.
In Ventura County , cats & dogs are not allowed to have sex without a permit.


That all I can type for the night , as I am unable to copy & paste from my sources. I hope they at the very least, made you chuckle. Have a smile filled and possibly inspired day. Thank you my readers.

Prevent the loss of someone you love.

 Oregon is a leader in at least one category, but its nothing to be proud of …..Suicide is the topic today. So if you are wanting a lighter reading experience , then you might want to read another day. During this holiday season, there are some people who will find depression overwhelming. This leads to suicide.

I have in the last year lost four people that were close to me , 2 from suicide. I have strong feelings about this topic. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder several years ago , I have battled bouts of severe depression. I have on 2 occasions tried to end my own life. Looking back at these decisions , I get very ashamed & angry with myself. With depression being the biggest factor in suicide rates , all I can do is keep on my medications & stay positive. Remembering what is important is crucial for fighting off the severe depression. I will urge anyone who is feeling like they need a way out & anyone who is contemplating suicide to call this # 1-800-273-8255. This is a confidential call & someone WILL help you.

Early this year (2010)my family lost a close member , to suicide. All I can keep thinking is that , how can someone follow through with that , having what he had going for himself. He was just making plans to return to school so he could provide for his very young son. It made me angry that he had left us to care for those he left behind. It enraged me that he had done this to MY family. To this day I have still not forgiven him. He left behind a son , who probably not even remember his father.

Which makes me wonder. Do these suicide victims think about these loved ones they are leaving behind , as they draw their last breaths? Do they realize , after it's too late , that they do not want to depart this world? Do they truly understand how loved & missed they will be when they are gone?

While depression is very easily treated , these rough economic times make it hard to keep our loved ones from feeling blue.

Just a few months ago I lost a very dear friend , who I never in a million years thought would take his own life. His story is a little different. I hadn't known this person for very long , but he was one of those people who leaves a very defined impression. I wont use names for other peoples privacy. Those who know me , know who I am talking about. This person was always happy , always laughing , and always surrounded by loved ones & friends. When I heard of his passing I was completely appalled! I actually didn't believe it until I went to his celebration of life. I kept waiting for him to turn the corner & ask “What are all of you crying about?” , as if it was a huge joke. Some of the things that were said at the celebration of life , have stuck with me. I had never known this person to have “dark” tendencies. All that any of his loved ones could conclude is that he was in an enormous amount of pain. We can guess all we want , but ultimately these questions will go unanswered.

I think a closure “ritual” is a wonderful way of casting the 'why' & 'what ifs' away. My husband & I went to the place where we had met our dear friend , which happened to be a spot on the river, to say our final goodbyes. As we approached the spot on the river , a rainbow appeared to both of us . Minutes later there were 2 rainbows right in the middle of the river , right on the spot where we used to hang out. I felt at that very moment , that my wonderful friend was okay , where ever he was.

I would like to conclude this entry with the reiteration of , if you feel like you are depressed , seek help. There are ways to make these feelings go away. Suicide is NOT your only option. Think about those who love you before you make any rash decisions. Something as simple as a phone call can save heartbreak & anguish for those you love and those who love you!

I'm sorry this hasn't been a more uplifting entry. I'm trying to write things that I am passionate about. I promise I will make some of you laugh at some point! I hope something stuck with you from this particular blog & I hope you all have a blessed day!

Teen Pregnancy

Since ancient times women have been bearing children as early as 12 years old. Now that humans are living for much longer our society frowns on teenage pregnancies. Having a biased opinion on the matter , I will try to view both sides of this highly controversial subject.

The facts are that teen pregnancy costs the U.S. at least $7 billion dollars annually.
Just under 1/3 of all girls in the Uniteed States will get pregnant before they graduate high school. Every year more than 750,000 teenagers will get pregnant. These are sobering statistics.

Whats worse are the consequences of these pregnanies. Only 1/3 of teen mothers will graduate high school. And only 1.5% of these graduates will complete college by age 30. The most disturbing (to me) is that 80 % of these teen moms will end up on welfare.

But enough with the statistics. What I really want to get down to is how these teen moms produce new generations of  failing children. The children of teen moms are more likely to go to prison and are more likely to have teen pregnancies themselves. Children born to teen mothers have lower birth weights , are less likely to succeed in school , and are at higher risk for neglect & abuse.

I can say 1st hand that being a teen mother is a terrifying experience. I had my oldest child when I was 16 years old . I was absolutely clueless! I was scared and unsure in my abilities to care for my daughter. Thankfully we both endured those times and are much closer than most moms & daughters. If I pass on only 1 piece of advice to my daughters , it is not to get pregnant before they become successfull adults. Big emphasis on the ADULT part !!! Being the intelligent kids they are , they can finish my 'rant' about getting "knocked up" before I can. Thats how often they have heard my "preachings".

Trying not to be a hypocrite on the matter is very objective. I was a teen mother, but do not endorse it in any way. I have and do shake my head when I see teens that are pregnant. Not that I feel like I am better than any of them but I feel sorry for them. If these young mothers really knew what they were about to experience , they would be in constant anguish. The journey they are about to embark on is filled with sleepless nights and worry and is not something I would wish on any teenager.

Having said that ,  my family is living proof that there are teen mothers that transcend the barriers that come along with teenage pregnancy. There are very few benifits to having children very early in life. The only one that comes to mind is being able to retire earlier. But statistics say only about 20% of teen moms will have the opportunity to retire leisurely. Again I hope to blow this statistic 'out of the water'. I have graduated high school & am currently attending college for my Bachelors Degree in Applied Science. However I will not graduate college until I am 34.

I kind of lost what direction I was taking this entry to , but all my points remain valid. I was hoping to give some relevant speach on how our country as a whole has lost perspective on what is important. Enstilling hope and knowledge into our youth , letting them all know that the future is theirs to build , as long as they make rational decisions.

My only words of wisdom are , be smart when having sex. Use protection that not only prevents pregnancy but STDs too. Be mindful that 1 bad decision can & will effect the rest of your life as well as others. Learn from other peoples mistakes , do not repete them!!! Be humble , the rest of the world has much to teach us all!

Hopefully by the time my  children are adults , there will be NO unintended pregnancies. All babies wil be planned , wanted , and loved!!!

I hope that wasn't too much rambling!
Live well & have a blessed day!!!

Marijuana Vs. Alcohol

It has become alarmingly appearant that our Government has made some terrible judgement calls concerning the laws against Marijuana. While keeping alcohol legal , when we are all aware of the health risks. Now some states are defying our federal governments laws , however these defiances aren't without their consequences.

In our country alone there are thousands of deaths directly linked to alcohol consumption. There are a great number of other problems that come along with alcohol use. After many years of testing marijuana has been found to have many medicinal properties , as well as textile uses. If our government would recognize these uses rather than criticize the effects , I think we could become a lot more self sufficient as a country.

 One reason behind keeping marijuana illegal could be that our government recieves more revenue from it being unlawful to consume or possess. There may be other factors that contribute to our conservative leaders not passing marijuana laws that allow people to use & consume this plant made by nature. There are ways to make fuel from hemp seed oil , and production of this fuel would be 8-10 times more economic than petrolium products. Not to mention the lesser effects on our eco systems.

Our brains are equiped with THC recepters and our body acctually produces its own THC in small amounts. THC is the natural compound that produces the mild euphoric effects of marijuana. This compound has been found to relieve many symptoms of illnesses , conditions and diseases.

 Statistics concerning this debate , are rather disturbing.  Alcohol  ranks at the dangerous end of the toxicity spectrum. So despite the fact that about 75 percent of all adults in the United States enjoy an occasional drink, it must be remembered that alcohol is quite toxic. Indeed, if alcohol were a newly formulated beverage, its high toxicity and addiction potential would surely prevent it from being marketed as a food or drug.In 2006, a total of 22,073 persons died of alcohol-induced causes in the United States. This category includes not only deaths from dependent and nondependent use of alcohol, but also accidental poisoning by alcohol. It excludes unintentional injuries, homicides, and other causes indirectly related to alcohol use as well as deaths due to fetal alcohol syndrome.

This is a remarkable statement. First, the record on marijuana encompasses 5,000 years of human experience. Second, marijuana is now used daily by enormous numbers of people throughout the world. Estimates suggest that from twenty million to fifty million Americans routinely, albeit illegally, smoke marijuana without the benefit of direct medical supervision. Yet, despite this long history of use and the extraordinarily high numbers of social smokers, there are simply no credible medical reports to suggest that consuming marijuana has caused a single death.

So I will let you , the reader decide which is safer? Why on earth our government would promote the sales of alcohol & not the sales or distribution of marijuana? What is America doing???

I thought this would be some food for thought. Hope you chew on it for a while & it pleases your palate! Have a blessed day!!!

Today & Manners

After much thought about what people may want to read , I have decided to write/type about our societys total lack of etiquette and manners.

As a child I was always told, by my parents & grandparents, to "mind your manners". Raising my own children I can appreciate that lesson in life & apply it often. I believe "Please" & "Thank You" and "Excuse Me" are all phrases every child should learn. The more involved I get in my childrens social lives the more shocked I am at how many other families have little to no value in being polite. Again , the very wealthy are the only people who commonly take etiquiette classes.

When did it become acceptable for a young girl to burp or fart in public & just laugh it off? When were boys & girls taught that "sassing" or talking back was acceptable behavior? Why on earth were young men taught that calling women "Bitches & Hoes" was a "cool" thing to say ? What ever happened to respecting one's elders? These are examples of why I believe mankind as a whole is degenerating , QUICKLY!

I can only hope that my children pass on the manners I have passed on to them , like a fantastic family recipe. If enough people instill these very easily taught lessons to their children our world might be a bearable place to be in the future.

For now thats all I can think of to type. I hope this makes people think about how they conduct themselves in their childrens presences. Hope you enjoyed it . Have a blessed day!

The Way Things Are

The world has become a heartless place, that is the way things are. When did society become so caloused and obscessed with material possesions? What happened to neighbors caring for each other? Why are we as a general population concerned with the starving children in other countries when there are pleanty of children starving and homeless in our country? Answers, I have none.

I am a single mom that has struggled for the better part of my life. It is my belief that the American dream is all but dead. All I want is for my children to succeed and prosper. This seems like a fairy tale to me. All I can do for my offspring is give them the knowledge of my experience. Sadly most of my experiences are filled with woe & heartbreak. It would seem that if they had been born with "a sliver spoon" in their mouths they would have all of the requirements for success. Is that what America is made of ? Is there any place in the world that cares for their popluation anymore? What future if any will we have if only the rich are given the opportunities that should be available to us all?

What is our country as a whole going to do when money has no value? I for one gladly await the days when we are forced to barter with chickens , eggs & vegitables. When we go back to simpler ways. A time when a community will band together to build homes for newcomers. A time when you provde a service you will be compensated equally. A time when no one person is valued more than the other, or given opportunities that others are not. A time when it will be completely safe to send our children out to play & not worry about what may happen. This is my dream.

Unfortunately the rich are given better health care when the poor go without. They have luxurious homes when others have none. They can buy their way out of troubles with the law , a expence that others would spend their whole lives in prison for. Ohh yeah , they get bigger tax breaks from the government as well. Way to go America! I know I seem to be rambling but as I see it .... This is the Way Things Are!!!