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 Life, Adventure, Family, Writing what else is there? Random thoughts. |
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WELCOME TO: GEMINI RISING   UPDATED INTRO 30 JUNE 2025: Just a little about me. I've been married for 33 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. CURRENT BLOG PROJECT:
RULES: 1. Blog has to be more than 2 paragraphs, some people have tried putting a one-liner response. That won't cut it. 2.You need to respond at least once every week to other participant's blog posts. This is a 7 week activity= 7 blog responses within each of the weeks. It's fun getting to see what others noted that you might have missed or hadn't thought about. 3. You don't need to blog everyday, catch-ups are allowed if you want to go for the bigger prize award. But each entry must be a separate entry. So, if you do all 51, you'll have 51 entries. 4. Please tag me Lyn's a Witchy Woman   in your entry so I can keep track of your entries for the prizes.5. Posting in a book is preferred to keep the forum from being clogged. You can use any book you want. RECOGNIZATION: 10-24 Entries, MB plus 10K Awardicon 25-50 Entries, MB plus 25K Awardicon 51 Entries MB plus 50K Awardicon Merit Badges Collected from Virtual Blogging &Virtual Blogging Friends: ![Merit Badge in Let Dreams Take Wing
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To my upcoming virtual traveling blog companion. Dream big and fly high!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Let_Dreams_Take_Wing-2335469_1.gif) 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  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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Hi Lyn's a Witchy Woman Well, I’m on the party cruise with all my buds Princess Megan Rose  SandraLynn  WakeUpAndLive AmyJo-Downhill slide begins!   Krista Sung'manitu  Richard ~ Looking for Luck!  Noisy Wren  and we’re coming into port at Anchorage. Someone was saying the Northern Lights where wicked in Fairbanks and we had to go see them, so in a semi-tipsy stupor, I rented a helicopter to take us from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Everyone wanted to jam in the helicopter. I made the party buds cough up some extra dough and we got a Blackhawk helicopter to take us that had been decommissioned from the Army. Who knew Fairbanks, Alaska was in the middle of the state? Alaska is HUGE! It can be a lil challenging maintaining that just right balance of tipsy and some people don’t do helicopter rides well. I have a cast iron stomach and nothing makes me puke – not even an Army helicopter. The party people made it to Fairbanks and our pilot acted as our guide. He took us to the Birch Hill ski lodge where the sun was due to set at 11:37 PM Alaska Daylight Time! What did we care? We kept right on partying. Our pilot, Gus, made sure the munchies never ran out. We danced the night away. I asked the pilot if Sarah Palin or Lisa Murkowski lived in Fairbanks. He just frowned at me and gave me another drink. Time flew by and before you knew it Alaska lived up to its motto – “Land of the Midnight Sun.” The sun set. Gus rushed us up to the roof and WOW. The Aurora Borealis was in full view! Hues of greens and oranges danced in rhythmic waves before us, singing a silent song of harmony. We were all mesmerized. And one by one we all fell asleep. The next thing I know the pilot was tapping me on the shoulder. “Time to get up and back on the helicopter. You’ve got a cruise to catch!” |
| Hi Lyn's a Witchy Woman I maybe 57 now but I visited Space Camp in Huntsville, AL in 1993 when I was 25 years old. I love space so the park blew me away. It had Saturn 5 rockets that were built to size, a mock up of the Space Shuttle and a model of the American Space Shuttle next to the Soviet Space Shuttle (Russia did away with the USSR and became the Russian Federation DEC 1991). In fact, there were mock ups of Soviet capsules and even Soviet mission patches. I still have some of those in my photo books. While I was there, I did spin around in a version of a multi axis trainer. That was a lot of spinning!  I’d love to take Sung'manitu and SandraLynn along for the ride. I can’t say I know them well, but I was touched that Sung'manitu sent me a merit badge before our Blogging adventure open so I’d want to do the multi axis trainer with him. I supposed I was up for more adventures when I was 25. Now that I’m 57 I don’t want to ride a roller coaster with more than one loop. Both Sung'manitu and SandraLynn have a sense of adventure and a good sense of humor (at least what I know about them) and for me, that’s who I’d want to try the multi axis trainer with to build team skills. When I went to Huntsville, I went with Kathy and Dave. At the time we were attending a non-commissioned officer school in Anniston, Alabama and we did a lot of off duty stuff together. All of us were pretty easy going, easy to laugh, and hard workers. What did it feel like? I barely remember. There was a lot of spinning, and yet, I don’t remember it being terrifying. I didn’t mind the sensation, but getting out of the trainer took a bit because your head was still spinning. That said, I don’t remember that sensation lasting long. Other things I’d like to do at Space Camp is fly in a jet simulator, build a heat shield, and launch a rocket. Honestly, a week at Space Camp is not enough for me! I just went to Alaska last year on a cruise so I'm going to take Princess Megan Rose Sung'manitu WakeUpAndLive AmyJo-Downhill slide begins! and a couple more folks on the cruise boat! |
| Misc Thoughts: Well June is winding down and it's been a busy month out on the blogs for the Bard's Hall contest. I've enjoyed visiting all the blogs but it does take me away from other things I need to do on WDC - like catching up on my emails!  Work Adventures I had to go to downtown Los Angeles today for my 4 hour overtime shift. It's about a 40 min on the freeway, but I usually take the Metrolink which takes about an hour. I don't mind. I appreciate the peace of mind I get not having to worry about the traffic. The Metrolink trains are usually very clean. I usually walk up from Union Station to the PSAP which is about 10-15 mins. I don't mind but in the last 10 years there's usually homeless encampments out and about. Today, it was fairly clean and the tents were closer to Union Station at the park. The sidewalks were tent free but there were a couple of drugged out zombies sitting in front of the Federal Bldg. There was a good faith effort to clean up the graffiti from the ICE riots but there's still plenty of "F-Ice" graffiti to find. I've only got a 4 hour overtime shift, but right now, it's the only CASH overtime in town. Everything else is time and that's wouldn't be so bad but we can't use the time. Why? Because we're short personnel. If anything, we've been on a hiring spree, but that's probably going to slow down because the City is FLAT A$$ BROKE. We need at 650 working bodies and we've probably got bet 500-550, closer to 500. I make enough money to pay my bills, but if I want to buy gas, I should work some overtime. Living in California is not cheap. Quote of the Day: "Honesty is an expensive gift, do not expect it from Cheap People." Question: Do you take a train when you travel or go on vacation? Why or why not? |
| I've been cruising the boards and newsfeeds and I've seen a couple of posts with music videos in them and I got to thinking how music - or a special song at a certain time in our life can really touch us. It can motivate us, stir our heartstrings, make us remember a memory, or tug on our emotions for a lifetime. One such band for me is the Beatles. They're positive message early in my life has really carried through my life. They have a song for every occasion. I would have to say my favorite are George Harrison songs and I would rank "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as one of my favorites. Why? Hard to say. Harrison's lyrics are gritty in this song, but I think it's the frequency of the song that has resonated with my soul over time. Then there's Duran Duran. For me, early Duran Duran was inspirational, creative and innovative. My favorite Duran Duran song is "Lonely in your nightmare." and lyric: "It must be lucky weather when you find the kind of wind that you need," an inspirational quote that has lingered with me since I was a teenager. maybe your teenage years are the most influential of your life? Food for thought. |
| "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." -- John Lennon Very true. Today was Station Fund Day. I always enjoy Station Fund day. I get to take care of the station. I process polo shirt orders, pick up last week's orders, count the money in the change box, deposit money at the bank, clean the break room and tidy up the patio. There's not enough time in the shift. Got off work at 2, came home and slept, got up and made my Mexican taco skillet before going back to work at 9 pm. Sigh... What's your life been like this week? |
| In accordance with California law if you want to be a CCW holder, you need to take a 16 hour class. Personally speaking, I'm fine with it. I was introduced to guns when I was 18 in Basic Training. We had two weeks of intense training with an M16 Rifle. Also in basic, I had training with a 38 pistol. Throughout my Army career I've shot various guns to include a 45 caliber pistol, 9mm pistol, M203 grenade launcher, and an M60 machine gun. I "grew up" learning gun responsibility. How to take it apart, clean it, zero a weapon, fire a weapon, and I've never been afraid to not fire a gun. Getting my CCW in the current climate in the state of California is a smart thing to do and I'm always up for good training. My class was held in Piru, about 20 mins from me. I'd never been to this range, but it was well laid out . There were lots of firing bays which was nice. It was a like finding a hiding gem close to home. Fees were about standard, which, unfortunately were/are high in California. The first day was on a Saturday. We had four hours of law, which went by quickly. Our instructor was very knowledgeable and patient. We went over a lot of scenarios and applied the law to see if we were legal or not. We had to bring out own lunches because we were out there so after a quick sandwich lunch in my car it was time for the range. For LA county we need to fire 24 shots at 3 feet, 5 feet, and 7 feet to qualify with our gun so we did drills starting at 10 and 15 feet. It was fun to get out and shoot. The temp was in the 90's though, and sadly, bet 2 and 230 I was a heat victim. I had to sit out about an hour in the shade, drinking water and using a cloth to wet myself down to cool down. Once I was recovered, I was able to finish the drills. I did the class with 3 other guys. And on that first day, I was the only one with a headshot. The next day, Sunday we started at 8 am again. We did 3 hours of law and then watched a slideshow presentation regarding mental health which is mandatory. After another 30 min sandwich lunch (I ate canned chicken, pita, cuties, and chips both days) we were off to the range for more drills. I was fine this day. The temps were in the 80's and I brought more water to drink. I was also very good about staying in the shade when needed. We started the qualification shoot around 315 pm and it took about 45 minutes to finish. When it was over, we cleaned up, put our guns away and got our certificates. I uploaded my certificates to the Sheriff's website and I'm just waiting my final appointment to go down and get my permit. The website says it takes 6 weeks, but I suspect it will be closer to 8-12 weeks. I would definitely recommend my instructor and his business and I'd go back for more classes. I really appreciated his patience and his teaching style. I need to write him a testimonial when I find some time. Actually, I'm kind of amped to take more gun classes, but time is not my friend. Maybe when I retire. |
| Just a little about my CCW... I thought I'd talk about my CCW, which seem relevant in light of the riots in Downtown LA (DTLA). While, I don't work at the downtown PSAP, every so often I have to go there on a special detail or another work related issue. DTLA is not for the faint of heart. It's changed over the years. When I was first hired in Feb 2000, I could park at the nearest parking lot, 2nd/Spring for $3.00. 25 years later that parking lot is gone. Now, while there are still parking lots in DTLA, they cost $9.00 at day. In Feb 2000, DTLA was clean and bustling. Staring in 2015, (or at least that's when I noticed it) DTLA became a sleeping ground for the homeless. There are tents everywhere. There's a lot of mental illness and drug use with homelessness and parking and navigating to the downtown PSAP became rough. Homeless people have been known to assault us dispatchers. They have vandalized our cars. They sleep in the middle of the sidewalk so you have to walk in the street to avoid them. I have many more stories. When I go to DTLA to work there I ride the train to Union Station and walk up to the building. It's 10 minutes. 10 minutes of anxiety as I have my head on a swivel to avoid danger. I thought it would be wise to obtain a Concealed Carry permit in LA County, especially if I have to work DTLA. Every county is different when it comes to getting a CCW. Riverside and San Bernardino counties take 2 months. LA County takes 2 years. I'm almost at the END of that journey. I applied for my CCW in AUG 2023 and fingerprinted that month. After a year, I had finally a 10 minute interview - over the phone. Then I waited another 6 to be approved to take a 16 hour class with my firearm - and I had to qualify with that firearm. The cost has been ridiculous! Firearm Safety Certificate: $30.00 Put the Gun in my name: $20.00 Application for a CCW $45.00 Fingerprints: $50.00 Cost of a 16 hour firearms safety class: $700.00 I'm still waiting on the final approval and call to go to the office and pick up the permit. Now you know why I why I wanted to get a CCW. In light of the riots in Los Angeles, especially DTLA, I think it was a sound and wise decision. In California, the only person who is going to watch out for you is you - or your husband - if you're lucky. NEXT: My CCW class |
| What a busy day! There's a lot of stuff I want to share with you, but I don't want to be overwhelming either! I want to share the Strawberry Festival and my CCW experience, but that will have to be for another time. I had an extra day off because I asked for PM time to go to an eye doctor appointment. It worked out because I was able to visit with a retired co-worker who came from Arizona to visit with friends. We had a nice visit. When I told my husband I was going to the "Country Deli" he said I had to try the skirt steak. My friends laughed at me because I wanted to try the Chicken and waffles, but I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't eat the skirt steak. Lori said, "Sounds like a Seinfeld episode!" She wasn't kidding. The skirt steak is good so next time I'll have to have the chicken and waffles. My eye doctor appointment went well. My prescription didn't change and I was able to order a new pair of glasses. I tried my best to catch up on WDC tasks. There was a lot. Emails, Show off Your Best, the Veterans Group, and Blogs. I got to more blogs, but there are more to get to and I don't want to neglect my own items. After dinner, Joey (Boy #2) and I went to Dollar Tree and Walmart to buy 4th of July decorations to take with us to Catalina Island when we go on our mini vacation. We also enjoy a nice Menchies ice cream. RIOTS Los Angeles is rioting again. How it effects me? Well, our downtown PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) the MCDC (Metropolitan Communications Division Center) has been high graffiti'd and it's too dangerous for those 911 dispatchers to work out of that building so everyone is now working out of my PSAP, in the Valley. Trust me, the VCDC is a much more safe location. Yes, the riots are stretching city resources which are all ready stretched thin. Ah, tomorrow is another day. Off to do my habits before going to bed! |
| 57 Turns have come and gone. I feel okay, but i'm definitely on the achier side!! After working last night, I came home, took the dog to doggie day care and passed out cold. Didn't get up until 210 pm. Put on a load of laundry, did my habit heroes, and put the dishes away. Did a quick shopping trip and then the hubby and I were off to Le Chene, one of our favorite places to eat for birthday dinner. I just want to give a shout out to my work peeps who went out and found a 24 hour donut place at 1230 am in the morning. They bought 3 doz for the watch for my bday! Totally made my night and made me feel special. Anyhoo.. the Hubby and I made it to Le Chene. I ordered the Pork Chop Charcuterie and Brent got the Beef Bourgoiuon. (sp?). The restaurant is sooo far out there in the hicks, there's no cell service so you have to put your phone for a few. The day was low key, but I'm not going out there and partying like I'm in my 20's anymore. Now some of birthdays in the 20's - fun times. One birthday, I was in Berlin either 22 or 23 and me and my friend Rhonda went bar hopping down one of the Kurfurstendamm and up the other. 35 years that has absolutely no appeal for me, but it is a good, fun memory. |
| Just wanted to catch up with my own blog before I catch up with a few blogs for the Bard's. Boy #2 finished up the Spring semester today at College. I think he grades are going to be passing and I think he enjoyed the classes. He's got the summer off and fall picks up in Mid August. We've already signed up for the fall - US History, Critical Thinking & Writing, Architechtual Drafting, and College Algebra. This summer is another summer of Adulting. We'll be doing some driving lessons and cooking. I told him to enjoy the week and we start next Thursday with adulting. The Eaglets Gizmo still hasn't fledged yet. Sunny is keeping herself in the area and Jackie & Shadow and keeping an eye on her. I think Sunny is still working on her landings which aren't the most graceful of things. Mom & Dad still feed the eaglets and Sunny knows were her meals are at. Habit Heroes I'm doing habit heroes again this month. It's my 2nd month. I think I've ironed out the bugs so I'm happy about that. Romance/Love NL I turned in my upcoming Romance/Love newsletter and it has to do with flowers. There was no feedback for my last NL, but I posted a question on my newsfeed if you want to answer it. The feedback will go in my NL. Val Kilmer Val Kilmer's passing still resonates with me. I don't really know why. I know I enjoyed his movies and his characters. Maybe because he was to my age? Death can come for us any time, I suppose. I just found Morten Harket from A-ha has Parkinson's. More teenage heroes getting fragiler, though I do believe Morton's story is very inspiring. I saw them in Concert back in 2022 with co-worker at the Hollywood Bowl and it was an amazing experience. I'm glad I went. A couple of WDC members submitted Val Kilmer Crosswords to
 and AmyJo-Downhill slide begins! Still busy, but I tomorrow night off for my Birthday and then next week I have some extra time off to visit the eye doctor. Okay, that's life in general. Hoping I can catch you guys on some fun soon with my adventures at the Strawberry Festival and My CCW (concealed carry) class. Smiles to all Steph |
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Despite the turmoil of those years with civil rights unrest, the Vietnam war years, and the like, music always carried us through. 
