Casual Bloggers Anonymous

Ahem *clears throat* um, my name is Cheryl and in case anyone hadn't noticed (cry for attention) I haven't written in months. OK. All jokes aside, this 30-something chick is back into the throws of college pursuing a new career. So with all that entails...long story short, blogging has taken a backseat to the books...err, as in third row in the mini van to be exact. At times I've felt guilt (direct your attention to exhibit A) about being a card carrying member of Casual Bloggers Anonymous...and then there's that novel I've written a whopping 3 pages into...but I digress. Overall, my main goal is to finish school so that's where 90% of my focus lies these days.  And who knows? I may even start a 'casual' blog about it! *wink wink* Meanwhile, I received an impeccably timed invitation to guest blog (I was hype) from one of my favorite bloggers! Tampa's own Clark Brooks is not only a darling but writes a witty blog guaranteed to start your day off with a laugh or two.  Be sure to check him out, along with a few words from yours truly. Ridiculously inconsistent trickle of consciousness: Today's guest author: Cheryl Williams 

It was the summer of 1986.  My family was the first black family to live on this street, in this "neck of the woods", since God knows when. One of the white families who neighbored us, came by and introduced themselves. They seemed friendly and I quickly made friends with their daughters. I even remember the fresh baked cookies they brought which my mother refused to let me eat. She did not trust strangers bearing gifts. Then one fine day someone left a particularly exciting gift... lit papers left flaming in the summer breeze alongside the ditch in front our house. 

Fast forward twenty-some odd years; this area (including the county as a whole) is more diverse. You'd think they'd be used to use by now. Yet in still, every now and again someone with ill intent, drives pass and deliberately throws their fast food wrappers/trash into my parent's lawn. A solemn reminder that "you're kind ain't welcome 'round here." Last month, during the night someone bashed in their new mailbox. That hadn't happened in years... but it too was nothing new. Racism is nothing new. In fact, it's and issue all Americans inevitably experience in their lifetime. It's better than it used to be but still lurks like a cancer, seeking anywhere it can infect society -- a constant reminder that some cannot stand to see others prospering. In their eyes you are less than human and hence do not deserve "certain inalienable rights".  

However, nothing could be further from the truth.  As far as my parents are concerned, they are good, hardworking people who have EARNED everything they own, don't judge a man by his roots but his deeds, and sought a wholesome community to prosper, raise, and educate their children within. To add insult to injury, my father is a disabled American veteran who fought for this country, survived the 60's, and paid his dues ten times over. Yet, small minded, narcissistic, sociopaths disrespect him simply because he was born black. He is a man with pride and stands tall. Each time he's repairs another vandalized mailbox he's says, "they'll never change."  

I understand his resolve, and it's times like these I reflect and wonder where society is headed. Is he right? Maybe I'm naive, but I wholeheartedly believe race relations will continue to get better in this country and abroad in spite a few neanderthals. Prejudices of any sort will never be eradicated but milestones have been made as mankind evolves.  Meanwhile, its the former that breaks and tests the heart as I seek reasons not to despise those who hate. God help. Some day race will not nearly matter as much as the content of one's character.  I once wrote a sentiment that I now return to, "many desire a life free of pain and persecution; yet if we are to truly live, it is to do so in spite of it."  In spite of these isolated incidences, they have no regrets as life here has been pleasant overall.  

Rants: Cosmos & Current Events

Venus transition - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Unbeknownst to me Venus merrily skipped past our Sun...  

Unfortunately, I missed seeing this epic event (live). Worldwide this was highly anticipated and significant -- especially to astronomers -- as it was the last time Venus will make a cameo appearance in our lifetime. Likewise, astrologers and spiritualists found it just as significant. This is where it gets interesting. Outside of the realm of science, planet Venus is commonly viewed as the astronomical embodiment of all things feminine. Going further, it symbolizes the divine feminine or "goddess" of love, fertility, and communication. Whereas the Sun represents the divine masculine.

"Venus passed between the Earth and our Sun on June 8^th, 2004, and initiated an eight-year cycle known as the “Venus Transits”.  The Venus Transits cycle is a rare celestial event that occurs every 113 – 130 years, when Venus eclipses the Sun two times – at the beginning and at the end of an eight-year period (Govinda)." 

Notably, the ancient Mayans perceived the second Venus transit as a milestone of sorts; indicating the coming of a new era, set to emerge... wait for it... wait for it... yep, you guessed it, 12-21-12. I'm sure you've already made the obvious connection between the Venus transit and The Age of Aquarius -- aka and often referred to as the "The Age of Enlightenment".  In the spirit realm, the first and second Venus transit(s) are profoundly significant as they signify "the return of the divine feminine", and in theory, "she" [feminine energy] has just awakened. What does all of this mean for us? Well, ultimately Venus transitions are meant to restore spiritual balance in the world.

According to this philosophy, the energy of the society has been out of sync (for lack of a better term) for quite some time -- for centuries the focus of mankind's affairs has been rooted in patriarchal societies, politics and dogma that show little respect for feminine wisdom (e.g. compassion, healing, nurture, transformation). In other words, too much masculine energy has tipped the scale; catalyzing naked aggression, fear, wars and injustices throughout history. Venus transit(s) are thought to rekindle the hearts' of man and put the our planetary family back in a right relationship. All in all, once the masculine and feminine energies are equally yoked, balance will be restored in the world. Admittedly, it all sounds like an elaborate fairy-tale but honestly, what doesn't?

Time will surely tell.

Resolve

This is no "Dear John" letter to the blogosphere. 

I've been experimenting with blogging and freelance writing nearly four years. Openly exploring topics, engaging interesting people, sharing and expounding upon ideas and concepts is rewarding.  It all began with a thirst. Now, I find myself hungry...

Over the past year, I managed to churn out posts and a newspaper or online article or two to keep things current. Yet, I confess the desire to write had eluded me beyond a simple case of writer's block. This bothered me. Yet, the not understanding why part bothered me more. Meanwhile, creating without motivation felt cursory and unimaginative.  

Refuse to do anything that means anything, half-heartedly.

These days, I've been quite preoccupied, quite frankly, with getting my shit together! I funnel all energy into my job and studies. In these quiet moments, I tend to daydream. I dream of visiting Italy and similar places, but first things first.  Back to reality.  

Eager for a fresh start, long before the hooray of New Year's 2012 I was thinking of ways to get unstuck. As far as blogging goes, I figured taking it in a new direction would jog the mojo! The focus on esoterica, and the more often than not, grim state of current events was becoming laborious on my psyche. I needed to balance things out with something lighthearted. So, I created my second blog, Tooth Faerie Cherie.  It's now May, and I've written six posts and yet to put out another freelance article. Refuse to do anything that means anything, half-heartedly. If not, God help! Herein lies the inner struggle. I dared to ask myself, "Was I falling back into the very self-sabotaging mindset I've worked so hard to break?"  Nevertheless, my disinterest with writing and matters outside my current situation lingered, and with guilt. How could I let my enthusiasm for writing wane? How could I neglect my projects? Then one day spirit said, "Just be." I was being too hard on myself. Recognize this is also self-sabotaging behavior. It occurred to me...we have every right to manage our lives and everything within it how we see fit, as long as we're productive and at peace. 

Overall, I dedicated 2012-2013 towards my immediate goals. Still, I felt  a sense of guilt for putting my freelance projects on the back burner to simmer. Remember, there's no need to stress what is already a given. Specifically, GOD given. Through the Creator, I know I will never cease to create as long as there's breath in me. Whatever is in our purpose, we are compelled to do no matter what space or time we're in. Besides, we cannot control anything but our behavior. Knowing when to let go is key to emotional balance. In my case, I needed to trust in the spirit and allocate my time and energy as it guided me to.

Speaking of entering the 30+ club... I found myself in a new and exciting phase in my life where I'd much rather "be about it" more so than talk about it! I spent a great deal of my life fearing failure, judgement and the unknown because I lacked a sense of self. I tell ya, feeling lost in this world is a frightening and difficult experience. It took pain, time, effort and GOD'S grace to build the self-confidence I have today. And at times I still struggle with doubts and fears but leaning on the Lord makes dealing with negativity easier.  In that regard, at this point in my life I have exhausted words -- they no longer fill in the blank. As a grown woman whose learned a thing or two about life and herself, I love who I am and want to tap my feet versus my hands! It's no wonder the paintbrush is more appealing than the pen these days. A camera, a pottery chair, a recipe, a dance floor, a road trip... you name it. I'm ready to live and love again. 

Knowledge lends itself to us as long as we're open and have faith in ourselves, GOD and embrace the journey (life) before us. At the risk of sounding cliche, we all have different paths that aid us in our wisdom and understanding. For myself, it is being in a mode of continual curiosity, creativity, learning, and human service that keeps me centered and most importantly, evolving. To wrap up, I'd like to end by sharing a video I came across (not to be confused with baseless, end times propaganda) on the web. The narrator, who calls himself "Jonathan", made intelligible arguments as he spoke candidly about the basis of human knowledge. What is it? And how it can elude or empower us. I enjoyed it very much.  It helped clarify many of the thoughts and feelings I've come to through my own life experiences. How does this all relate? I'll just say, common knowledge is inherently that in which we already know... and what we already know, is that which is inherently within us. 

Latest Techie Topic: Losing Internet in July?

An epic Internet #FAIL Blog (post): 

And a little birdie otherwise known as Twitter, informed me of the latest glitch in the matrix... 

"Hackers infected a network of probably more than 570,000 computers worldwide. They took advantage of vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows operating system to install malicious software on the victim computers. This turned off antivirus updates and changed the way the computers reconcile website addresses behind the scenes on the Internet's domain name system. The DNS system is a network of servers that translates a web address - such as www.ap.org - into the numerical addresses that computers use. Victim computers were reprogrammed to use rogue DNS servers owned by the attackers. This allowed the attackers to redirect computers to fraudulent versions of any website. Read more" 

The FBI arrested six hackers from Estonia; all involved in the Internet scam which left 568,000 computers affected by malware. Since their arrests in November 2011, the agency began the work of repairing by "installing and running substitute" servers in order to reroute computers back to authentic DNS/sites.  

However, restoring the overall integrity of the Internet is costly and time consuming. Thus far, the FBI successfully rerouted 208,000 computers - of which 85,000 are in the United States, according to federal authorities. Of course, there's 360,000 computer left to be rerouted behind schedule. March was their original deadline. It is now April.

In New York, a federal judge granted an extension until July 9, 2012. Hence, the looming "Losing Internet Service in July?" catchphrases you've been seeing lately. In order to facilitate this massive DNS overhaul, the FBI has posted a website (www.dcwg.org) via one of its security partners, that end users can use themselves in order to detect whether or not their computer(s) has been affected. And if so, the site has the capability to fix the issue. Therefore, the FBI is encouraging people to take advantage of the site. If you're computer doesn't have it's DNS act together by July... then quite frankly, you're just SOL.

At first, it sounds like something straight out of one of Bill Gate's geeky nightmares.... and I was skeptical of its validity. After researching the topic, it seems legit.  So, for my fellow skeptics and those whom [understandably] wish to avoid government interference as much as possible; Norton Internet Security also detects DNS changes. According to a statement from one of Norton's community forum leaders, there is no need to run a security scan from the FBI's website if you are already using their Anti Virus/Internet Security software: http://community.norton.com/t5/Norton-Internet-Security-Norton/Will-Lose-Internet-in-July/m-p/701503/highlight/true#M201451. 

Happy surfing!