Don't  send out a search party if I don't log in for the next 20-30 days. I start phase one of my pre-deployment training tomorrow. I don't know if I will have 'net access, or the time to stop by. Our days start early and will be ending late. I'll probably be too worn out to even turn on the laptop, trying to keep up with, and keep in check the younger guys and gals. It is all training I've done before, but it is required for every unit heading overseas.

I'm only allowed one checked bag, and one carry on bag this trip. We will be issued everything we need prior to training, and will be bringing back 2 checked bags. My Deployment Alter is packed, however it will not be going along on this trip. It is in my footlocker, which will be shipped in a container before we leave to deploy. (About 2 months from now, give or take a few days)

I will probably be back online around the 4th-5th of July.

Blessed Be

I had to recreate my alter and tools in a deployable version. I can't take my existing altar to Iraq with me, as shipping space, as well as space in my living area, is limited. Thus, I needed to recreate my altar in a portable version.  The hardest part was finding a new athame and making sure that everything is unbreakable, and easy to pack. I'm not sure as to what is available in Iraq, so I want to make sure that I take all that I can. Some things are easily found in the size I need, others, not so easy. But it seems that I will be able to fit everything I will need for the first couple of months, at least. Once I'm there, I will have a better feel for the things I need, and the things I can aquire or make there. I will need to cleanse, consecrate and dedicate everything again once I arrive, as Customs will need to inspect everything before it ships, and I will not have time to do so before they ship the container. I did not take an alter the last time I deployed, a mistake that I will not make again. Such is the life of a warrior.

I also will be shipping a small portion of my library in the same shipment, as well as some Army required items. I am limited as to the weight, so I can't ship as much as I would like. So I'm setting up some boxes, with items I want to have, but not as necessary as the others, that my daughter will mail to me as soon as I ask for them. They will, in turn, be mailed back upon completion of my tour.

The countdown to deployment has begun. I ask that good thoughts and smoke be sent to assist my soldiers in dealing with this. The Morrigan, and Cerrunos have given me their blessing, but extra energy is always appreciated.

Had to take a pet cat to be put down today. :(
A little history. I've had this cat for 17 years. I was her first human servant (Cats have servants, not owners). In 2006 I gave her up to MaxFund, a No-kill shelter, as I had no other options due to a deployment to Iraq, and no one to take her. When I returned, 15 months later, she was still at the shelter. I went and got her and brought her to my new home. I couldn't ask for a better ending. She walked into the carrier like she knew she was going home.

Fast forward two years, I am again facing a deployment to Iraq. However, this time I have the option of keeping my pets, as my daughter will be living in the same home. However, Whiskers, the cat (My sweet old woman) is getting old, and is showing her age. She's having problems getting up to her favorite spots, as well as getting into and out of the litterbox. She's been diagnosed with an acute case of arthritis, and has two strange growths on her skin that the docs think could be cancer. I don't want my daughter to have to deal with a cat's medical problems while I'm gone. And I definitely don't want her to have to deal with waking up to a dead cat some morning. She will have enough on her plate as it is. She will be the person responsible for paying the bills, and careing for the other cat, Tigger. As well as keeping up her grades in college. Her grades are tied to her tuition. The better her grades, the less she has to worry about tuition. Her grades fall below a C+ average, then she will have to get a job to help pay her tuition. If she keeps a B+ or better average, tuition is paid in full.
So after weighing the options, take Whiskers back to MaxFund, or have her put to sleep, knowing she didn't do well at the shelter the last time, as she hates being caged, and her quality of life would not be what I would consider as adequate, I opted for euthanasia.
Logical decision process out of the way, I had to deal with the emotional process. 17 years is a damn long time. I knew every hiding spot she would be in, what she would eat, what she would turn up her nose at, exactly where and how hard to pet her, and she in turn knew exactly what she could get away with, and when. She seemed to even know when I was feeling sad, or out of sorts. Kind of like a wife, I guess. :LOL:

At any rate, the time came faster than I wanted, and the process at Dumb Friends League was easy, respectful, and painless. At least for her. Not me. I am not ashamed to admit shedding more than a few tears. I can only hope that she see's fit to become my spirit guide. I would be honored if she did.

Circle cast, and forgivness asked for, and guiding smoke lit to guide her to the SummerLands.

This poem helped me, as it has helped others, and perhaps it can help more:

The rainbow Bridge

Just this side of The SummerLands is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Many people ask me "How is it, that a Wiccan can serve in the Military?" Particularly those that have a basic knowledge of Wicca. What many do not realize is the fact that many Paths use the term Wicca, or Wiccan. And those Paths can believe different things. Just like those that follow the Christian Path. Many Christians also do not think military service is possible under their beliefs.

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will" Part of the Wiccan Rede. Many think that the Rede is like the Christian Commandments. It is not a commandment from the Gods, it is only good advice. Well, at least as far as MY Path is concerned. Others may see things differently. My Goddess is a War Goddess. She has given me Her Blessing to serve. I believe that by serving in the military, I can help limit the harm that that may befall those that cannot or will not protect themselves. I also believe that Self Defense is Nature's way. The Gods made self defense an animal instinct, in order to help protect each species from dieing out. Sometimes it still doesn't work. Especially when mankind becomes involved in the killing off of that species. :(  My service in the military is a form of protection. Mothers protect their young, herds protect the herd. Many of Natures creatures protect their territory, to ensure that the group survives. Is this any different from me protecting my country?  Sure, sometimes the protector does not survive the fight. That is also Natures way.

Music is used many ways. It is used to speak out against the powers that be. It is used to express the politics of the singer or band. It can be used to promote peace, or war. It can also be used for pleasure, and meditation. Music is part of our lives, no matter how we see it, or use it. I personally see music as a medium through which we can connect with others, no matter their politics or beliefs. And it can help with my meditation.