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 |  Life, Adventure, Family, Writing what else is there? Random thoughts. |
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WELCOME TO: GEMINI RISING   UPDATED INTRO 28 MAY 2024: Just a little about me. I've been married for 32 years this past NOV and currently live in Southern California, but I grew up in New Hampshire. I've got 2 boys who are young adults. I work as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. I enjoy my job a lot. Still. If you can believe that. I love to write. Thankfully both of my boys achieved Eagle Scout. My Scouting days are over and I'm back to focusing on my writing. I like to get out in nature, drink coffee and watch football. Here's a little bio about my zodiac. GEMINI: Gemini, the sign of the Twins, is dual-natured, elusive, complex and contradictory. On the one hand it produces the virtue of versatility, and on the other the vices of two-facedness and flightiness. The sign is linked with Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth, and its subjects tend to have the graces and faults of the young. When they are good, they are very attractive; when they are bad they are more the worse for being the charmers they are. Like children they are lively, and happy, if circumstances are right for them, or egocentric, imaginative and restless. Their good qualities are attractive and come easily to them. They are affectionate, courteous, kind, generous, and thoughtful towards the poor and suffering - provided none of the activities resulting from expressing these traits interferes too greatly with their own lives and comforts. Geminians can be successful in many walks of life though their general characteristics tend to make them unreliable. They are often skilled manipulators of language, in speech and writing, and may be: debaters, diplomats (though in politics they are more interested in theory than practice), orators, preachers (brilliant rather than profound), teachers, authors, poets, journalists, or lawyers. This is me. I am a Gemini. Pure, Raw, passionate. The NEW focus of this blog is to share my adventures, travels, random thoughts, book reviews, thoughts, opinions, and writing adventures from actual writing, writing/editing tips, marketing, research. I'll get there. BLOG ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SEPTEMBER 2024: I participated in the
![Merit Badge in Nonfiction
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Congrats on your Honorable Mention in Blog Week Birthday Bastion 2024](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/type-Nonfiction.gif) Big thanks to WakeUpAndLive   for hosting the contest! OCTOBER 2024: I participated in the
![Merit Badge in Halloween
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Congratulations on completing the 13 Poetic Days of Halloween.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Halloween-2026567.gif) Big Thanks to Lyn's a Witchy Woman  for hosting the contest!Find me at: WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee Previous GRATITIOUS Warning, that I decided to keep in case I post about something that might offend.  WARNING I intend to be open, honest, and forthright. No topic is off limits from religion to you name it, I'm going there. If you think you might be offended...back up now - this blog isn't for you. For those who "dare"  check out the "Gemini Rising..." 
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| I thought I'd keep it simple today. It's been a day. I worked last night, slept until about 11, then I went and bowled in a tournament for my 500 Club, and now I'm visiting WDC before heading off to sleep some more before work. That said, I was going through my merit badges here on WDC and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you: ![Merit Badge in Positivity
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*^*Confettio*^* Happy 20th WdC Anniversary! Here's to many more years of reading, writing and reviewing! *^*Confettig*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Positivity.gif) . ![Merit Badge in Good Vibes
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Thank you for participating in [Link To Item #2133333] Day One Task. And
Good Vibes to you!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/Kudos-Good_Vibes.gif) . ![Merit Badge in Lil Bad Bee
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Congratulations on your new merit badge! Thank you for supporting the Writing.Com community with your inspirations, participation and activities. We sincerely appreciate it! -SMs](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Lil_Bad_Bee-1134558_8.gif) . ![Merit Badge in GOT: House Targaryen
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On behalf of [Link To Item #got] and all the craziness it stands for thank you for participating in the 2024 games and congratulations on winning 2nd Place. Your team did it and you should be very proud of yourself for such an amazing accomplishment! *^*Heart*^* ~ Gaby](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-GOT=58_House_Targaryen-1994693_10.gif) . ![Merit Badge in Rock Star
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You're a ROCK STAR for helping out by judging the 2020 [Link To Item #quills] !](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Rock_Star.gif) I love the smile in Positivity. It's just uplifting. I'm a "Good Vibes," kind of person and try to keep the vibrations high. I think Lil Bad Bee is cute and I'm kinda partial to "Rock Star," because it's a great way to show your appreciation and support and I appreciate all the "Rock Stars" I get. I also like the Game of Thrones House Targaryen badge because I worked for it. What are you favorite WDC Merit Badges? |
| Yesterday, I had a rare opportunity to fit in some exercise so instead of going to gym, which I was very tempted to do, I decided to go take a walk around the lake. Mind you, I don't walk like I used to. Walking a mile would take me about 17 to 18 minutes. Now it takes me about 23 minutes and yesterday I was averaging about 25 minutes a mile, but I'm just thankful I could walk. I walked 2.95 miles and I was only going to go 2 miles, so I was really proud of myself hitting 3 miles. I stopped about 3 times. Once to eat a snack and enjoy the view. Once to take pictures of the trees and then another snack time. I was good to be in nature and just hang out. Nature has a way of just calming the soul and letting you know it's going to be okay. The water levels in the lake were high, which was nice to see since this is California and water is highly regulated in this state. There's a tree grove in the lake that I always pay attention when I walk past. Back in 2013, when boy #2, Joey, was a Tiger scout, him and his Tiger buddies, Ryan and Michael, helped to plant the trees in the grove. It was my first outing as an assistant den leader as well. We planted a lot of trees in that grove and honestly, the boys did the work. I have pictures of Joey watering the tree once planted and nailing a support as it was a baby tree. The boys were all smiley and happy to do the work. Innocent in a way. All the boys enjoyed the scouts and Joey eventually got his Eagle in 2023. Anyhoo... I walked past this grove and all the trees are now young "kids" and stand up on their own without supports. They look much bigger than the babies we planted. It was so heartwarming to see trees. Now mind you, some trees didn't make it, but these trees all looked healthy and happy. Question: Do you like to take walks? Where? Around the neighborhood? With the dog? |
| Sharing some miscellaneous thoughts on Val Kilmer. (how I'd like to remember Val...) I don't know why Val's death announcement hit me kinda in the chest, but it did. I immediately annouced I was going to have a Val Kilmer marathon on Thursday (my day off) and watch Top Gun, The Doors, and Tombstone and enjoy a glass of Rum and Coke. I felt I owed that to him. Why? What made Val Kilmer so special I wanted to do that? Maybe because my first Val Kilmer movie was Top Gun and he was the best looking redeemed asshole I ever saw on screen.  His acting came natural, and I appreciated that. Val was about 10 years older than I when he made Top Gun. I was about 17 - an impressionable age for a young adult. I wanted to follow his character. His Batman movie was okay. The Doors was amazing as was Tombstone. After Batman, I don't remember too much of his movie work - maybe the Island of Dr. Moreau and The Saint. I heard he was difficult to work with, and he favorite Native American causes. Honestly, I don't know much about him outside of his acting. I know he was married, divorced, had 2 kids and I remember watching a documentary about his losing his voice and how supportive his kids were. From the bottom of my heart, I'm thankful that Val Kilmer made those entertaining movies. They touched people more than you know. Eaglet update! The Eaglets have names: Sunny and Gizmo. I actually kinda like those names! From the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Cam update: Jackie and the chicks awoke this morning surrounded by chilly air and snow! After a yoga stretch, she checked on the chicks then climbed up to the back porch. While Jackie called out to Shadow, the chicks sat up together posing perfectly to introduce themselves to the world as Sunny, the bigger chick and Gizmo, the smaller sibling. The chicks are 4 weeks old now and weigh about 5-7 pounds. At 9 weeks old, they will be fully grown! There will be many “firsts” for them in the days to come as we see them grow and mature. Their leg muscles will get stronger, as we've already seen with Sunny, allowing them to stand and navigate better around the nest. Sunny and Gizmo now appear to be best friends as their sibling rivalry has greatly diminished. They pal around, sleep cuddled up and yesterday were discovering and nibbling at each other's beaks in a very gentle way before dozing off together for an afternoon nap. Link: https://friendsofbigbearvalley.org/ |
| Well, I thought it was time for an EAGLET UPDATE: In this update, the Eaglets are getting bigger and Shadow brings some more stuff to the nest. The narration on the FOBBV cam says Shadow was bringing in shade, but if you ask me, they gotta make that nest a lil bigger because the eaglets are getting bigger. Shadow enjoys some dad time with the eaglets and Jackie finds a fish to eat. Today, was a rare day off. It was Cesar Chavez here in California and it's a state holiday. I usually work the holidays, but I've been a lil bit tapped out, so I decided to take the holiday off. My husband had it off, too we decided to go to Ventura and have some fish at Andria's, the local fish restaurant. Andria's has been around a while. It's mom and popish, and the appeal is the fresh taste of the fish. I had Cod fish & Chips. I ate the fish, but didn't have room for the chips. I got the clam chowder but could only eat half. The clam chowder is okay. It's kinda thick and doesn't have a clamy taste and they put carrots in it. My clam chowder is much more "clamy." haha. . It's kinda pricey - for 2 meals, our cost was $92.00, but honestly, I think we were just happy to get out of the house and enjoy the day away for a little bit. It's about an hour from my house, but well worth the visit. FLOORING UPDATE: We're set to go the week of 21st April for the new flooring. Can't wait. Do you have a favorite getaway you like to go to when you have some time? |
| Thoughts on Hemmingway. I saw a mention of Hemingway on the newsfeed and I thought of the word, "Inspiration." If anything, Hemmingway was a writer who was inspirational in his style and his themes - and a quick micro thought came to mind - in a similar fashion, Suzanne Collins (author of the Hunger Games) is also inspirational. I remember reading "The Old Man and the Sea" in High School, and boy was I glad. It was a refreshing break after "The Grapes of Wrath." . My Hemingway basics were that he was in the war, served as an ambulance driver and he wrote about life experiences. Turns out he couldn't join the military because of his poor eye sight. DID YOU KNOW? He won the nobel prize in literature in 1954? I also didn't know that he served as a journalist during the landings at Normandie and was present during the liberation of Paris. That's some history there. Some of Hemingway's themes include, love, war, travel. Nature is a place to find rest. I do like how Hemingway treated nature as a place of rest, a place to find adventure, a place to enjoy. Do I remember reading "The Old Man and the Sea." Not really. I remember the writing was tight and to-the-point. I had to refresh myself on the plot. Santiago goes fishing, goes to far out and catches a marlin but the sharks eat it as he's coming back to shore. What's the meaning? What do you take away from reading the story? Perservence? Bravery in the face of adversity. Finding one's personal strength? The sea is cruel and chaotic. Can we take it that life is cruel and chaotic? Can we tame our lives? Is "The Old Man and Sea" a metaphor for Hemingway as his life began winding down? There's so much more to Hemingway and I just scratched the surface. He died of suicide in 1961 by a gunshot. Surprisingly, his father, sister, brother, and granddaughter all died of suicide? Was a biological link? Who knows... Question: Did you ever read Hemingway? Thoughts? Impressions? Did Hemingway's writing or his life's story inspire you? |
| Tacos! Where I'm at in SoCal, tacos are a big hit. You can do tacos all kind of ways. I kinda like the Chipotle hard shell tacos with the carnitas and I get them with pico and lettuce. But there are a lot of business vendors who specialize in tacos. There's a whole business in taco vendors who cater. I'm looking for a good vendor who caters right now for National Dispatcher's Week. It's a challenge when you don't have connections, but I'm working my angles. Last year we had a lady come out who brought her flat top grill. I think 'blackstone' style flat top grills work the best but you can you can use any ol' grill. It's all about the flavor of the meat and there are plenty of mom and pop businesses my way who do a good taco! A good vendor also brings the sides: rice beans chips salsas limes onions & cilantro and small to med corn tortillas.  Yum! Taco Tuesday is seriously a thing in my neck of the woods. Question: Do you like tacos? What kind? |
| The Eaglets are looking for shade today with Jackie watching over them. You can see that one is clearly bigger than the other. It's kinda hot here in SoCal - it hit the 90's where I was at today so I definitely understand that they might need some shade. When it's hot out my way, I can feel the heat suck the life out of me and I don't want to do anything. Took son #1, Andy out to BJ's to celebrate his birthday. He's 23 tomorrow. I can't believe how quick the time has flown by!! Lots of good memories hanging out with Andy at Hurricane Harbor, bowling birthday parties, scouting and camping adventures. I remember one time when he was 14, we went on a backpacking trip with the scouts near Ojai called Bear Creek. It was a good 5-7 mile hike and we packed in our camping equipment. Thankfully we didn't see any bears. I was responsible for lunch so I packed in pitas, tuna fish and cuties for the people. we needed filters for our water. It was a good experience and I was very proud that I was able to do it. Can't say I've been to Big Bear to go camping, but I was up in the Lake Arrowhead area in 2019 for a week with the scouts for summer camp. Lots of hiking on that trip. Ah, nature! It really is soothing to the soul in a way. Question: where do you like to go camping? |
| It's time to Name the Eaglets! Friends of Big Bear Eaglet is taking names for the Eaglets. If you want to buy a chance to name the lil Eagles you can visit their webpage and donate: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/fobbv-chick-naming-contest-fundraiser/ It's a fundraiser so if you've been entertained by the Eaglets, and feel so inclined to donate, I say go for it. The eaglets haven't been up to much - just eating and wingspanning. One eaglet pooped right on Jackie. It was actually kinda gross soI won't link that, but Eaglet pooping is explosive, I'll say that. here's yesterday's video from the Bird Cam: Here's a cute story about Murphy who thought a rock was an egg: Okay, that's enough about the eaglets for today. I really don't have any misc thoughts for today. How's this: Drink water. haha. Question: What would you name Jackie & Shadow's Eaglets? |
| I heard the new "Hunger Games" book was out and bought it ASAP. It's called "Sunrise on the Reaping" and it'a about Haymitch's games. Honestly, I can't wait to read it. I was completely intrigued by the 1st Trilogy of books, Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Hunger Games & the series is dystopian fiction. I'd define dystopian as set in the future and a bit bleak. It explores extreme social & political systems in the future that I think are oppressive. Thus the story is often about the human spirit and exercise of free will. Usually a rebellion of some sort is involved. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the future, stifled by political/social systems requires a 'reset.' I suppose that's the intrigue of dystopian fiction. What did we do to ourselves in the name of science that ruined our civilizations? I think the new "Planet of the Apes" movies (#1 being Rise with James Franco) does a good job of being in the moment and exploring deeper thinking of our actions. What did Hunger Games mean to me? I saw the first movie on video and it blew me away. Jennifer Lawrence was phenomenal in that movie. Her acting tugged on the heartstrings and was believable. I read all the books after that and went and saw the movies in the theatres. I thought they were great "what if" movies that explored a lot of complex topics from the simple things that bind us together as humans and that government, while good intend, has lost it's way and has become out of touch with with the people they are suppose to support. I'm looking forward to reading the book about Haymitch. A recent interview with Suzanne Collins said she wanted to explore the following themes: Of media and propaganda used in society so I'm looking forward to seeing the book from that angle. Are you a Hunger Games Fan? Why or why not? Do you plan on reading "Sunrise on the Reaping?" Enjoy this reading by Suzanne Collins: |
| EAGLET UPDATE from BIG BEAR: Well, here's Shadow hanging out with his Eaglet Mini Me: Well the video I shared was marked private, so I'm taking it off the link. Sorry guys. Big Eaglet showing off his wings: Go here: https://www.facebook.com/FOBBV/videos/1411918359961005 The eaglets have gotten much bigger from last week. Looks like it's a nice sunny day. Curious about eagles now I did a little research. Eagles for the most part, pretty much mate for life, but if one dies, believe me, they'll find another mate. And sometimes, a male will even kick out another male. Let's just say Shadow is Alpha Male. According to Friends of Big Bear, Jackie was hatched in 2012 in Big Bear. Her parents were Ricky and Lucy. From a USA today 2023 article: Big Bear resident Sandy Steers lives half a mile from where Jackie was born and watched her grow up from a distance. "You could see her practicing flying, you could see them (Lucy and Ricky) bringing her food," Steers said. "I stood there for hours every day just watching because I was fascinated. That got me hooked and then I just wanted to see more." Steers eventually raised 10K for an eagle cam and kept it trained on Jackie. In 2017, she had her first romance with an Eagle named Mr. B. They had a couple of eaglets, but then a new eagle came to town. Shadow came to Big Bear in 2018 and chased off Mr. B. (guess Mr. B was a whimp as an eagle?) How does an Eagle mate? It's kinda awkward if you ask me. I suppose there has to be some eagle attraction going on, but the male gets on the female's back and they jiggle and after a couple of seconds it's done. Finding a good mate usually happens in the fall and then the couple start nest building in Dec and Jan. According to the USA Today article, Jackie is the BOSS. She's determined, serious and expects gets her way. She's bigger than Shadow (females eagles usually are) and is the main defender. Shadow stands up to Jackie from time and time and Jackie seems to like that, according to article. Jackie and Shadow had eggs hatch in 2019, 2022, and 2025. I've also included a link to a history of Jackie and Shadow. What's next for Jackie, Shadow & Eaglets? Well, I guess the eaglet have to get bigger so they can "fledge" which is basically learn to fly. The Eaglets will be in the next for about 11-12 before they get their juvenile feather and start to "fledge." AND I FOUND A NEW EAGLE COUPLE!! This couple is on 2 Harbors, Catalina Island. They're called Chase and Cholyn. They're an older couple, about 27 years. They've laid of couple of eggs and we're just watching for the eggs to hatch. Here's the time line: 3/9: Laid first egg. Expected hatch around 4/15. 3/13: Laid second egg around 21:16. Expected hatch 4/18. There's not a lot of video on these guys - there is a live cam, but I couldn't find many video snippets. I'm on eagle watch for the eggs though... References: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/animalkind/2023/03/05/big-bear-bald-eagle-li... https://journeynorth.org/tm/eagle/annual/facts_fledglings.html https://www.facebook.com/FOBBV |
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