Sep 24 2012
I’ve always thought of the definition of the verb “to forgive,” as meaning to give over, give away or get rid of a weight I’ve been carrying. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves because by so doing we lift a weight off our hearts, lighten our load, and lighten up. 
Sep 18 2012
LET’S END THE ARGUMENT CONCERNING WHO MAY OR MAY NOT MARRY, BY REPLACING STATE RECOGNIZED MARRIAGES WITH DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
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The function of marriage as a social unite is the same as the function of a Domestic Partnership. The function of both involves a social contract pledging to provide protection, nurturance (both emotional and physical) and care for the parties involved “…in sickness and health till death do you part.” It is also a way to insure the children of the union (if there are any) will be cared for.
The definition of marriage should not be the providence of the state. Domestic Partnership should be the only thing the state defines and recognizes. This way anyone can marry whomever he or she wants as long as they’re the age of consent.
Marriage is the business of religion, not the state.
Following a religious or (in the case of Atheists) civil ceremony, anyone can then have their marriage recognized by registering with the state as domestic partners.
This would mean marriage between a man and women, between people of the same sex and even polygamous, or polyandrous marriages would all be equally recognized, and the rights and protections of the involved parties would then be protected as Domestic Partners.
Sep 11 2012
WHY VOTE?
Sometimes a cynical voice in my head speaks: “Since both parties, even some members of our Supreme Court, are now beholden to corporate interests, and money seems to rule our elections, what’s the point of voting?”
Then, I feel helpless and overwhelmed by sadness about what is happening to our Democracy.
Nevertheless, because I am basically an optimistic person, I answer myself: “This is true. However, there are sizable differences between each candidate’s goals and values. Even if there is corporate influence on both sides, the personal values, goals, and platforms of the candidates are important. Furthermore, if I do not vote, I am relinquishing every last hope I might have to influence the path of our collective future. By not voting I’m saying, ‘I give up, you do it.’”
I believe voting is important because even if my candidate doesn’t win, at least I’ve tried.
I believe in voting, because there are people with money and power who count on me giving up, so they can slide into office on the back of my apathy.
I believe voting is important because I want to have a voice. In spite of the wealth of forces assembled against it, I refuse to give up. I will not relinquish even the faintest possibility of having a voice.
And so, I continue to hope against hope. And I vote.
Aug 22 2012
Because of my son’s passion for horses, following his recommendation, I just watched the 2011 documentary movie “BUCK.” The movie’s about the life of Buck, a horse trainer, who has a profound understanding of horses, and has developed his own unique method of training them. The movie is inspiring and one worthy of repeated viewings. It had so much to say about the nature of horses and also the nature of people . The movie shows how a horse can be a source of growth and healing for people , through its capacity for mirroring and responding to the person relating to it.
Aug 08 2012
Mr K is 18 lbs. and is “one of the two the biggest not-fat cats,” my vet said he’d ever seen. Mr K’s parents were both ferrel cats so he has a wild temperament and is basically a one person cat, he loves me, although he seems to like my husband as well, and tolerates my house mates and some of my friends.
Aug 06 2012
Aug 04 2012
We just returned from Berkeley. My granddaughter and I had a wonderful time seeing the Gaultier exhibit at the De young museum in San Francisco.
Here she is with the manikins. 
Jun 22 2012
NEW WAND
She’d just finished her new wand, when the mischievous fairies stole it. One moment it was here, the next gone.
We searched everywhere.
Everyday we passed through our curtained doorway. Then one October morning, it hung at eye level barely clinging to the curtain’s edge.
The fairies had returned it before leaving for their Summer Lands.
We never knew why.
Madeleine Sklar©
Jun 21 2012
THE SILKY
“The cave!” her thoughts drew him. He plunged into chill water, swam with long strokes. Seals dotted the rocky coastal edge.
A cave’s dark mouth yawned. Sunlight through a high crevasse illumined its watery chamber.
He stared transfixed. She opened her arms and heart toward him. A moment, then vanished, forever.
Madeleine Sklar©
May 12 2012
Kitty Boy And Lucianna Take A Good Nap
Why is it that when my body is weak and in need of rest, I’m such a bad self mother? I tell myself in a mean inner voice,’ “Don’t be such a wimp. Get moving!”
And when my body says’ I’don’t feel good. I want to sit around and rest” or “I need a nap.”
I say, “Get moving. You’re just being lazy.”
Get the picture?
Even though my more enlightened, internal mama says “You need rest,” That self hardly gets listened to.
And so here I am, trying to type with half a brain, a head full of snot, and a postnasal drip, and I don’t know if this makes any sense. But I’m saying to you, “Love your body, be gentle with it, take care of your body as if it were your darling child, or your beloved, because it truly is. By being kind to yourself it will help speed your recovery since we all benefit from encouragement, love and respect.”
And, finally I’d say to you, “In other words: Do what I say, don’t do what I do.”
