Do or Do Not- There is No Try

Merry Meet,

How glad I am to see you…please wade through all the packing supplies…so sorry to have not been around…it is crazy, we are down to 25 days and there is so much to be done…

I have spoken to all my patients and they are aware my massage office will be closed from May 10, 2012- Aug. 15, 2012…they know I will miss them, but they know this is something I must do and they stand behind me…I am blessed

American Boudica Publishing is under control of Chris Bilton until my return in August 15, 2012…you will soon be able to see his work at the Rotherham Art Festival

School is going well…Feng Shui has been quite interesting…Today is my final…then a whole week of spring break…my next class will be in Chinese Medicine while on the paddle…I am actually excited about this…a netbook was donated for me to use for my studies while on the road…we also got a printer donation…the school is aware I am on the paddle and is working with me…Blessings are abundant

The Circle of Boudica will close on May 2, 2012 until Aug. 15, 2012…if you are in need of Guidance, please contact my Bard Chris Bilton…Beltane is fast approaching and I am so excited…if you wish to join me let me know:)…I will have Pastor Scott from Atonement Church Bless the Blue Horizon on 4/29/2012

The gardens will be somewhat overgrown this summer…dad will be here to care for them until my return…I have been trying to catch everything up before I leave, but alas there are only so many hours in a day…my plants are strong enough to make it until I get home…I will joyfully clean it up when I get home…

Tristan will be married tomorrow…I am sad not to be there, but she has promised to send pictures and video…young Matt will be a nice addition to the family…his actions and reactions have me happy with him…I feel she has chosen well:)

The Vagina Monologues went wonderfully…we had a packed house at the Zephyrhills Lyons Club…great fun and great message…if you get the chance I highly recommend it

The Sunshine Paddle is only 25 days away…my nerves are on high…trying to make sure we have everything…painted and lettered the truck…packing, unpacking and packing again…begging for donations…checking in with every state and rechecking with the coast guard…prepare for the worst/hope for the best…I took the Florida’s Boaters test and passed…so much to do and so many gizmos to learn…getting them all registered and all paperwork turned in...I am excited about the blessing of the horizon...I am happy Pastor Scott agreed to help…Debby will be here on May the 10^th…she too is making ready to get under way with me…

Life will be back to Normal in August…until then, feel loved…you can write the address on the site (they will know my mail stops on route) or call and leave messages for me on that phone as I will call home daily…

Many Blessings,

D

Hypoglycemia

Merry Meet,

I was told that my body was fighting me 6 months ago…quitting smoking after over 20 years of hard addiction…losing weight…the tremendous amount of exercise I had started doing…the doctor told me I was not diabetic, but I did have hypoglycemia…really I paid no attention- he could have told me I had a sprained ankle…so much to do…I just kept going and added in meditation when I thought of it

About a month ago, I started having bad panic attacks and having a hard time speaking…I had no idea these were symptoms of this new calamity that had entered my life…I made an appointment with the doctor when I noticed how aggressive I had become…he sat me down to have a long chat with me…this was far more serious than I had originally thought

With yet another new menu plan…I started moving forward about a week ago…cigarettes will continue to be a thing of the past…I will continue to push my body…at this point I have lost 100 lbs…meditation is an everyday thing now…now I will also need to check my blood several times a day…Yuk

Your next question is about the paddle…it should not be…Janis, Marilyn, Steve, Chris and  Myself have been doing research…I can and will pull this off…we do need donations now:)

I am the Girly Pirate…The Lady Blue Horizon is ready to ride the waves…all gear is stowed…she and I are ready, willing and able…I am about to start 30 mile timed runs with and against the current…I found an awesome Landing flag from Amazon.com (this is also where Chewy’s life vest came from)…anyone who wants to paddle with me just give me a call…it would be great

Massage is going well…the clients are being supportive…they have seen my follow through…though they may think I am crazy, they know I will pull this off…we have such fun and many are finding information from everywhere…it has made time in the massage room fun and productive…I will be closed from 5/10- 8/15/12

American Boudica is being handled by Chris Bilton in my absence

School is going well…it is getting easier to concentrate and comprehend now that my blood is balancing…I was having a hard time

March 20th is almost here…I am so excited…what color candles will you burn…will you be watching the sky…I will be dancing by the Ostara fire…I am so excited

I am putting as much as possible in shut down mode so that Walter and Dale can hold the fort down while I am gone…I am glad that Janis is going…I feel by North Carolina, I will be passing exhaustion into ‘the state of robot’…she knows how to reach in that hermit shell and keep me going…if I need to slow down I will, but it is not my plan- it is my back up…if you would like to send a letter by kayak, I will carry 50 letters up…have your person meet me at the landing to pick it up…all of my internet friends are welcome to come…if you live near a Landing, please stop and say hello

I have heard every negative POS about this paddle…while some places have bent over backward to help…others…well we will just say they did not have time…I no longer have time for the negative nor will I make time for it…my focus is between school and the paddle…it does not mean I do not love or care about you- it does mean I will not get sucked into anyone’s vortex of crapp- I just do not have time

For those who have a free hand I could use some help…I will now get used to a new eating paradigm and continue to ready for the trip…continue to work on my bachelors…

May 15^th is coming…where will you be???? I will be in a kayak to show the world that  women mean something and there is life after hell

 Blessed Be,

D. Cooper-Rooney, LMT

Busy…Busier…Busiest

Merry Meet and Good Day to You,

How be you this fine day…I am well and verily busy…I am thankful you made time to catch up to me…I know my schedule has gotten crazy…

Massage has been a delight…I have had a few clients who have given me a real challenge…this has been difficult as some of the specialists in this area think all therapists are hookers…fighting those predisposed notions is a pain, but the clients are worth it…

School as of late has been awesome…sadly Political Science has now ended and I got an A…YEA…it was exciting and fun…it was a class based in history...I did a paper on Patrick Henry 'Give Me Libety or Give Me Death'…I had a blast, but I do not think the teacher will ever be the same :)

American Boudica has been working- albeit at a snail’s pace…Chris and his granddaughters have started the children’s book and doing a smashing job…I miss being able to write everyday…it has given Chris time to develop his painting…the paddle will soon be done and we can get back to pen and paper…I miss hearing the stories from across the pond too I have to admit:)

The Circle has a low rumble about Ostara (March 20)…I will be having a meal and the a Bon Fire…love can only grow when it is shared…for those who cannot attend, write on a slip of paper 5 things that make you happy- flip it over and write on the opposite side 5 things you do to make others happy and mail it to me- I will place them in the fire for you:)

The SunshinePaddle is now under the 90 mark…I am starting to put everything together…appearances and practice have me fairly wiped out…in a good way though…I am glad to finally have the truck and camper situation for the ground crew secured…now gas, food and lodging areas…my push for donations is on and it feels like I am fighting an uphill battle…one I feel needs fought…

My mom is now home and running around with her friends…I am sure she has tested the sewing machine to make sure I did not blow it up…lol…Dad has been up with Dansir and Tristan in North Carolina…sounds like they are having fun

With all the recent rain and warm weather, the yard is springing back to life…I try to get to as much as possible…I just have not had as much time as I need out there and Dad is not home…maybe soon

I have been channeling my inner Captain Phil…’you can sleep when you’re dead, now get back to work’…isn’t he also the one that said ‘I know why lions eat their young’…lol...another shot of Flodgers please…I can get through this

Reducing Hot Flashes (always ask your doctor)

2 teaspoons of cohosh root
1 teaspoon of don quai root
2 teaspoon of sarsaparilla
2 teaspoon of licorice root
1 teaspoon of chaste tree
2 teaspoon ginseng root

Low boil together in 3C water for 1 hour- 3T local/organic honey…remove from heat and steep for 1 hour…strain into colored glass bottle…add 1C Brandy and seal for 2 weeks in cool dry space…no more than 3 Tablespoons in 8 hours…

I am glad to see you well and ready for spring

Blessed Be,

D

Girly Pirate in the House- Yule Tide Rollin

Merry Meet,

Here are your presents…it is just a few things I thought you would like…I know I have not decorated this Christmas- I am not Christian, nor was Jesus born in December but this holiday season has been called Christmas and should be left alone….politically correct is for stupid people who do not believe in tradition...

I thank you for asking about massage…the line of the body has me entranced and finding the plane of the muscle works the mind with the body…there has been so much chatter lately, that music has hardly been played…my clients have been doing well and it is great to see them enjoying so much motion...great energy

School has been hard work, but what a great class…Naturopathy is natural medicine…I want to be an ND…this is why I study so many hours…my grades have to be the best to get funding…I finished the class this week with an A…my next class starts Jan. 2

American Boudica has been quiet…the crone computer is at the doctor…I hope to see her at the start of February…Doctor Dave takes good care of her…Chris has been working with many different mediums- paint, digital, photo…really interesting things come from his mind…

The Circle has been a place of reflection and prayer this week…I wanted a quiet holiday so, I made sure all was wrapped up last week…I made sure in the Circle, parents have gifts to put under trees and food for the table…thank you for the donations…I will be having the holiday meal here…please call to let me know if you will attend (813)907-6279…I would love to hear your voice:)

The SunshinePaddle has been working me quite hard both mentally and physically…I went to Sarasota to pick up the Blue Horizon…strange how much I missed her…maybe like so many seamen before me, my boat has become a part of me… George at EconomyTackle is awesome…had her waiting at the beach for me…Lee and I rushed through the paperwork and he sent me to George at the beach…the Girly Pirate jumped in the Blue Horizon and off they went in the Gulf of Mexico…way too cool…just a happy Pirate…I must have been on Santa’s good list…I am excited to have so many people pitching in to help, it is a really positive charge…if you have equipment please call  (813)907-6279 or you can make a donation thru paypal

It has been unseasonably warm   this year…many blooms are still in production here…looking around there are bursts of color everywhere…I should be in pants by now, but I am still in shorts…hmmm…

I have something to work the mind- Who would you invite to dinner? Pick 3 people…alive or dead…if dinner was served and all you had to do is eat and converse, how would that conversation start?

Please make time to make at least 1 person smile- it would be better if you could make them laugh…just sayin…this will release hormones to help the body keep itself healthy…both theirs and yours…May your holiday be special

Blessed Be,

D

First Press of the Flesh

Merry Meet,


I have been so busy…I am glad we have a minute to sit…would you like some pomegranate juice over ice?? Okay, I am ready, put your feet up and I will fill you in…

Massage has been awesome…clients have been helping me plot my trip and bringing in information…if you did not know I have the best clients in the whole world…the energy has been so great it over flows everywhere…my license renewal came in the mail…I feel bad that so very many could not afford to renew…I am thankful my parents believe in me that they would help me through this renewal process as the Dept of Health has made it so hard for Massage Therapists…did you know I have to take more continuing education than a nurse…kind of blows the mind when you think about it

School is going…I just keep reminding myself I will soon have a degree and I can get through this…it is not a hard subject, the teacher is…we will just say some teachers could teach you about dirt and have you excited to learn about it…while others make you want to smack someone with a wet noodle…anyone got a noodle?

American Boudica Publishing is still on hiatus at the moment…Chris has been MIA due to problems with his Virgin phone service…

In the Circle we had a waterside prayer session…it was beautiful and an attendance of 20 was the biggest we have seen in person…I feel a sense of community rather than government will get us back to work

The Sunshine Paddle has been a lot of work…my muscles are sore from working out…I have also been filling out a ton of sponsorship requests…I have also written letters to the Shark Lab, USF and the Audubon to see if they want any data collected while I am out there…I got to meet up with the Girl Scout Counsel of West Central Florida today at their HQ...it is a neat building…I will meet with Tami Longaberger next week;)

When I was MUCH younger, I was a brownie and then a girl scout. When my daughters were younger, no troops were really available to them (they were USN Sea Cadets out of Tampa). After meeting with 2 young women today, I feel the program has gone through a revamping so to speak…I was so VERY IMPRESSED…I know many of you have not enrolled your girls, as at one point the program seemed to be all about cookie sales…one young lady sat and explained what was available now to the young ladies of the area (camping, swimming, kayaking, etc…), it warmed my heart to see what the program has become...Juliette Gordon Low would be proud…I had no idea how much it had changed or that so much was available again…if you have a daughter, check out your area and get her enrolled (it is not the same as 4H and does not give the same lessons- it would be great if they could do both)…if you do not have a daughter, buy a box of cookies and kill 2 birds with one stone…a young woman raised with a good sense of self and self esteem is FAR less likely to get beat…the very sweet women left me feeling better about the future…it sounds like they will try to pull a kayak day off;)

The animals get a little upset with me doing so much research…Chole shredded a book I had gotten for my daughter…when Quintus is ready for me, he throws himself across my feet with a loud sigh…with so much rain, they have not been allowed out much… it has been fun to watch Chole play in the puddles when they do go out

With so much rain the flowers are giving great fall color and each bloom looks more spectacular than the last…mowing is back to every 3 days…our fig has set fruit…I had never seen a natural long stemmed rose until this year…blooming happy this year

Do you have an mp3 player you like, that is easy 2 use, with lots of storage??? My friend Tim is helping me find one I can take with me on the kayak…I do not want apple as they can be a pain in the posterior…also looking for a dependable tablet…please message me your thoughts

Well my child, I need to study...I have to take my midterm tomorrow...I also need to work on more logistics for the trip too...lol...channeling my inner Capt. Phil...sleep is for the dead;)

Blessed Be,

D

Oak Pollen and Puppy Poop...Happy Valentines Day

Good Day to You,


Here is a heat pack for your sinus…yes, it is oak pollen season here is beautiful Wesley Chapel…sorry I have not been around, but with my sinus so swollen the headache has kept me close to home…I have started training the puppies…

Massage has been shut down for the last 6 days….I will be back to work tomorrow…I am thankful for understanding clients

American Boudica has started print production of Book 3- Other Peoples Karma…Book 4 is currently in writing production…Chris and Rose will be naming Book 4…it will be cool to see what they come up with…

School is currently like nails on the chalkboard…I love math, but they don’t want the answer, they want the formula…with my head either pounding with pollen or Nyquil it is not going well…I may not get an A;(

In the Circle of Boudica we will soon be welcoming 3 babies…spring has started here in Florida and the Imbolc celebration was beautiful…I was given some beautiful pink and red candles…we had some left over and I burned them for Valentine’s Day…Ostara Feast starts March 19-21…The spring equinox will happen March 20th at 11:21 p.m. (eastern standard time)…I am starting to gather the items I will need…

The animals have all been suffering through the high pollen too…seems like the puppies go to the bathroom A WHOLE LOT…the 3 older dogs and the cat have been coughing…I got Walter a pooper scooper for Valentines present…lol…he actually liked the color of the set

The garden and lawn have started blooming…I was excited to see the Lily Bulbs pushing through…the lawn is getting the pretty spring green…the bird of paradise has started putting up green leafs…I will take pictures next week

Well I need to lay down as my head is pounding…one more stroll around the house with mop in one hand the toilet paper in the other…may you have a peaceful week…may cupid shower you with love…and most of all…may all your dogs go outside;)



Much Love,

D

Sermon from the Purple Planet

Good afternoon my children…let me welcome you to the purple planet…it is my great good fortune that you have come to share today with me…I have been asked many questions and I thought it would be a good time to talk…

I know money is beyond tight…I have been asked how I can stay so positive…I have had a hard life and even when I made good money, I raised so many children…I was always broke…children’s hospital bills and such have always held my credit down…so what is happening now is nothing I am not used to already…my heart goes out to those who have lost everything…they are not used to being poor…this is a new world to them…not one that is being handled well…IT WILL NOT LAST FOREVER…many hear those words, but do not understand them…they were not ready for the current situation to last this long…when it does come to an end…where do you want to be…I want to be better educated…I want to open a new health and care office…I would like to see my books at a selling point…to accomplish this I must stay focused…I do not have time for the energy that would be used by negative vibes…at times I hurt…I see many of my family and friends lose jobs, businesses, homes…I then stop and think about life…my own personal life has crashed in a major way about 12 times…each time I was left with nothing, but my family and friends and had to rebuild from the ground up…every time this happened, I became stronger…instead of wallowing in self pity, I picked myself up, dusted myself off and tried to make better choices…let me be clear…this was NEVER an easy process…I was never so stupid as to give away my family…during these times, I actually did what one person called ‘circling the wagons’…I pulled everyone closer…I made it into a time of unity and team work…this way I was never alone, they never had to worry and everyone was on the same page…do not be afraid of looking or sounding stupid…talk to those you love, be honest and have no fear…a loved one beats taking a psychotropic meds…they may not always say what you want to hear, but that is what being and having real friends is all about…I am blessed…I have many friends and a wonderful family…I am working on my degree (just made Dean’s list for the second time)…by moving my business home, I still have one…though it is slow…it is still going and growing…how great are my clients…I now have a publishing company and 2 books on the market…The Circle of Boudica assemblage has been a congregation of wonderful people…though I am not making much money, I am building a solid foundation for the future…It is a lot to be positive about…

I have been asked about how Walter and I resolve money issues…all money made goes into one account…on the wall hangs a calendar…EVERY bill or paycheck is on it…it is color coded…this way we can both see what is paid, what needs paid or how much money was made…he has taught me that marriage means equal partnership and responsibility…I made the calendar and keep it up to date…he never asked this of me…why would I do it…fair question…it used to upset me in prior relationships, that I would turn over all the money I made and never knew where it went…as long as the bills were paid I never really cared, it was just the point…I never wanted him to feel that way…though I basically handle the money, he has a say and knows what is going on…it does not matter who makes more when it all goes to the same place…it has never been his or mine…it is all ours…a different concept than most have…it works for us though

Children are really amazing creatures….it does not take much to make them happy…for those who can not give what they once gave their children…please stop beating yourself up and make better choices…money is tight…your child may have to go to public school…it will make a better adjustment if you do it before you put the home in jeopardy…I was told of some people not wanting their children to go to the local school because the school was crap…this may be true, but I ask, what are you willing to do to change it…I worked 2-3 jobs…the most important thing is to make sure my children are well educated…I brought in extra supplies…I would barter and beg to get anything the teacher might need in the class room…I checked homework…if the child was not holding up their side, I would raise hell…if it was the teacher, I would speak to them…I was never a jerk…probably because mom was a teacher for 35 years…if that did not get me anywhere, I would go to the principal…I only had to go to a superintendant once…because I would take time to go drop stuff off…the teacher felt support and the child was in a good environment to learn…I did get ticked off at a school once…while living in Clearwater, I did home school my twins…when I moved into Tampa, the twins knowledge was far ahead of children of the same age and they had to be put into gifted class…they may want $100 sneakers, but will be happy with kicks from Kmart…shopping at the thrift store does not make you a bad parent…for those who are sports junkies…my friends tell me now you can watch craigslist.org…if the stuff does not get mutilated, people post it…my friend in Maine thought her son was going to have to drop out of pee wee hockey because he had out grown the equipment and she could not afford new…she found a complete set up for him…best part was she got it free…mostly what they want is time with you…a card game (free) means as much as a trip to the movies ($50)…bowling ($25) beats the amusement park ($150)…if you are less stressed by the money you spend, then your company is more enjoyable



I think in about 3 years we will be okay…you see those in Washington are doing us no good and we all know it…when we have the ability to get rid of the current regime, I believe the American people will be better off…in the end…I think, WE, the American People need to grab our bootstraps and pull ourselves out of this…stop screaming at each other and take time to help each other…the next Thomas Edison walks among us now…I do not know who he or she is yet, but under pressure such as this real genius is born…how would I make changes…the healthcare bill needs to be fixed in favor of the patient…the FCC would have a TV moral code to enforce…that would include all cable TV…stop pushing drugs off all kinds on TV…Sunday blue laws should go back into effect…this would benefit both the worker, the worker’s family and the business…if you are on unemployment for more than 60 days you need to volunteer for a state or local agency…this benefits the worker and the state…no…I don’t have all the answers…just some really good ideas…yes, as a matter of fact, I have brought several up to state and local government…I was born Bostonian…Politics is in my blood…the Floridian in me states I should not find blame, only ways to fix the problem



My medical advice for today…if you want the most natural form of medicine…look for practitioners who believe in ‘Integrative Medicine’…these are people who have education in conventional and alternative medicine… why take pills if you can do something natural…why do something natural if you need a pill…Integrative Medicine can draw from both…this way the patient gets the most complete service…

May you be blessed to look inside and like the person you find…if you do not, work on the changes in your life to make it happen



Blessed Be,

D

Good Tired

Merry Meet,


It has been a hard week…glad you had time to chat me up…I have some ultra-chocolate supreme cake…want a piece…it is quite tasty and the best anti-depressant on the market…

Massage has been good…I love my clients and my job…Monday I worked with terminal patients…this is not easy…it is the best part of the job…for a few moments, you get to relieve pain and leave behind good/strong energy…I also work on the care giver as most of them usually get forgotten and need to recharge too…when getting my taxes ready for the accountant…I noted the amount I had done for free…these are just for those who could not afford…the grand total is 3 (average) a week x 52 weeks in a year @ about $30 per session = approx. $4700…double from last year…I have a policy…I will not let someone hurt over money…I have around 450 clients…when people had jobs they came to see me and had no problem paying me, Times were good…people do not have jobs/money right now, times are bad, I will not turn my back on them…they chose me as their healthcare provider…good times and bad we go through it together

In school I am in the last week of English Composition 2…it is a work HEAVY class…though I really feel like I have learned and accomplished a lot…Mr. Drinkall gave me much to ponder…the class was really interesting and my classmates made it fun…happy I took it on a bunch of levels

Chris has been of infinite help and patients this week…other than promotion of ‘Love is Like an Onion’ there has not been much accomplished at American Boudica…we did get the news that we have made it into the Ingram Catalog of Books for ‘Friends, Family and Funerals’ and ‘Love is Like an Onion’…I feel tickled that they thought that much of my writing…

Some days you the windshield…this week I was the bug…I woke to a blown heat pump…the stove caught fire…and the washer blew apart…I was ready to choke on life…the stove fairy waved his wand and sent me a new stove…the heat pump was fixable…thank god it was not that bad…I fixed the washer…to say the least I spent a few days on the angry little red planet…I am now back to planet earth…yes, I did spend time doing deep breathing and it does help…

In the Circle of Boudica this week….I have been exposed to many money issues this week on many different levels…I am 45 year old and barley make enough to survive…I know this is more than most so I give prayers of thanksgiving…when you have to sit and have conversations with people about money…it never goes well…one could in fact suffocate on the negative…or you can pick yourself up…do the best you can…be positive and keep trying…in my marriage, all of our money (what ever Walt and I make) belongs to the house…I keep I highlighted calendar of the bills and income hanging on the wall…we ride the waves together and hit the rocks together too…equal…a package deal…in other relationships that I have had in the past, it was not that way and usually caused the end of the relationship…another reminder…some words once spoken can not be taken back…this is a very important point to ponder

As many of you know, we have a new (and the last) addition to the family…His name is Chole Capone…he was born on 12/19/10…that makes dog #5…my limit…he is so sweet and Quintus loves him…did I mention, we have 2 baby sugar gliders…the cat keeps shaken his head at me…I have Chole in training so he is not allowed to visit yet…Quintus has been funny…very protective of Chole…the Chihuahua that needs to protect my Pit…to cute…Chewy Bitems is great with both pups…Draco and Shinara try to stay in the chairs out of reach…an hour in my house is better than any show on TV…I am blessed that they are all so sweet

Life is not all good all the time…when bad things happen…you can freak out…then do you deal with it or let it take you down…even if you deal with it, it may take you down anyway, but you did the best you could…and that does make a difference…you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again…make a new plan…do not be ashamed to ask others for help…yes, you may have to listen to a war story or an ass chewing, but help whether it be wisdom or a favor…be honest and try not to be too dramatic-they have 1000 people with the same story…what you have may not be much, but always seems more when you share…nothing…not even this economy…will last forever…when something gets you upset…ask yourself honestly in 5 years will it mean anything…if the answer is NO…forget it…if the answer is YES…then take time to figure out how to approach it in the best form possible…it is quite rare that anger will get you any where…while money has been tight I sit home…as you know…we play a lot of cards…I refuse to pay $50 to go to the movies (ticket, popcorn, drink and candy) for 2 people…not when I can watch it at home for $15…many people are feeling bad because ‘I can’t afford it’ are hard words to say…here in Florida life is hard…it will not last forever…if we help each other…at least we have each other…which in my opinion beast the hell out of going it alone

Sinus Headache Pillows

Cut two pieces of material 10"x4" and sew together
Making a bag , leaving one end open stuff your bag with the ingredients given after mixing well in a bowl

1/2 of flax seeds

1 part crushed spearmint leaf

1 part crushed peppermint leaf

1 part lavender buds whole

1 part eucalyptus leaf

1 part rosemary leaf

Stuff your bag with the mixture and then sew up the end



I have been asked about answers surrounding our government…I have several…I would rewrite the healthcare bill to benefit the patient instead of the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and the AMA…I would tell everyone who is on unemployment over 60 days they have to volunteer 10 hours a week if they want that check…people will invent new companies to get back to work or the community gets work done to fill in for the many who had to be laid of…win/win for everyone…all welfare recipients should have to pee in a cup…I do not mind feeding a family in need, but I do have a problem buying food for someone to get drugs…this country is great and everything we need to make it better is right here…I wish our leaders would open their eyes to that fact

I love you all…please always remember…Tomorrow is another day;)

Blessed Be,

D

Dee Unplugged

Merry Meet,

I am so glad ya all had time to visit...have a coffee…so much has been happening…it’s a story to tell…you look well…I guess we all have gotten used to things being bad, the stress point has passed…I have made time for introspection as I have learned so much it takes time at my age to absorb it all;)

Massage is quite amazing…I have been so into the muscle…every client got at least 5 extra minutes…I really don’t think they minded though…to follow the contour of the muscle until its natural end is enthralling…the muscle never lies and always remembers…each is like a book written unto itself…at the moment, I am learning a thermal technique…it exposes the muscle in profile…how totally cool is that?

English Comp 2 is a work heavy class…My final paper will be on cancer…if you want a copy let me know…it will be in word format…I did papers on prayer in school and the death penalty this week…just so you know, I am for both…I agree with a moment of silence…this way every child can pray to their own God, but still share the bonding, calming moment…the death penalty…I disagree with the supreme court, I feel if you commit treason against this country or continually harm children…you need to meet Mr. Sparky (Florida’s name for our electric chair)…at present you can only get it for capitol murder…it is not my job to judge you, I am just allowing God to sort it out

American Boudica has been working slow, but well…the cold here in Florida has had me running…Chris has had great patience with me on this…we are starting to ready book 3 for the printer…the children’s book is coming on swimmingly…Book 4 is really fast becoming a masterpiece…

The Circle of Boudica has been counseling a lot of people…money has been a big issue…with so few having jobs, it is creating hardship everywhere…it has done my heart great joy to see so many that pitch in to help…I have been burning a white candle for hope and a blue one for spirit…

In the cold snap we got this week…my pipes burst and my central heat and air unit froze up…poor Walt came home from work to a cold house and no shower…our bank account is now stripped, but everything is now working again…Walter and dad fixed it all…glad I do not have to look at a service bill

My indoor plants will all be up potted today…the guava trees have held on so far…I have extra kitchen ivy…you can come by and pick some up…the mother plant is 26 years old today…I also need to clean up my lucky bamboo…I put my Christmas cactus outside to rejuvenate…

Everything in the yard is hibernating except the fish…they have slowed down a lot…during the winter I only put feed out if it goes above 65f…otherwise the only thing you do is fowl the water…the next warm day we have I will make some compost tea using pond water…it will give the fish fresh water and the plants macro nutrients…I have also been throwing out bird food at night…our birds are not used to the cold and need to eat for heat…

The gliders have been well…quiet due to the cold…they got a new wheel for Yule and have been quite happy with it…the dogs have been funny…the puppy has had them all on the run…he is very much the little tornado with teeth…it is quite sweet how they each take turns watching over him…Chewy is often tasked with the job…I don’t know what they will do when he is able to jump…lol…

Have you stopped to laugh at life…from where I sit; there is a lot to laugh at…I live in a state where the good old boys rein supreme…our current governor here in the great state of Florida looks like Skeletor and has about the same manners…

We have the wonderful sheriff of Polk County…Grady Judd…he aint no joke, but he does make me smile…I think quite highly of him….this is the man that when the newspaper asked him how come they shot a suspect 58 times, his honest answer was ‘because we ran out of ammunition.’…lesson learned, don’t shoot a cop in Polk county…he has now arrested some guy from Colorado…the man wrote a hideous book…I hate the thought of the book even being out there…it puzzles me how he is going to be able to take this to trial though…the constitution provides for freedom of speech and print….you have the right not to buy it…you have the right to protest it…but you do not have the right to arrest over it, unless you can prove it was used in process of a crime…if the guy gets off, he can sue…this is a time when the counties and state have NO money…I agree they guy is scum…it is my true hope Grady can pull this out…God loves fools, children, drunks and moral country boys…lol…

People often asked me about the wildlife in Florida. The day I moved down here this was the headline-

A plainclothes policeman followed a suspicious car moving erratically along U.S. 19 in Clearwater. What made it suspicious was that the car appeared to be driven by a 3 1/2 foot iguana. "He had his claws on top of the wheel," a police officer drily explained. "It's not every day you find a lizard driving a car." The officer called for backup and followed the car for two miles without incident - which is better than many warm-blooded drivers can do. After checking, the police found John Ruppell slumped low in the driver's seat beneath his pet iguana and charged him with drunken driving. The iguana, whose name was Finley, was taken to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Yes, here in Florida I learned to laugh…it is really a great state…down here we chase of armadillos instead of raccoons…I have been swimming with manatees and dolphins…the northerner in me is always watching for gators…the Indian lore is truly deep…I really do love this place

Well I hope you got a smile.

Blessed Be,

D

DUDE…Can you feel it?

DUDE…can you feel it…it is the release of the second book- worldwide!!!!!


How do I explain how much work goes into one book…I am blown away…being both publisher and author is not easy…I am so happy…Chris and I were doing the happy dance over the phone…if you do not want to order it online, you can go to Barnes and Nobel or Boarders with the ISBN #978-1607439516…if you are not in the USA you can go to your nearest large book retailer and should be able to order it using the same number…I never thought I would be an author and now I have 2 books in print…I am so amazed…I could not have done it without Chris, Walt, Rose and Dale…

I have been asked a few questions about American Boudica…I will try to answer

What is Boudica?

Boudica is a woman in Britain who fought against the Romans for freedom. I have fought most all my life for those who do not have…a freedom fighter of sorts…and I was American…as Chris and I played with the idea of a book, the name seemed to find itself.

What is the book about?

Love is like an Onion in the next adventure in the Boudica series. I find it a fantasy with something to be gleaned from every chapter, but I wrote it…I am slightly bias about it. In this book we travel the world…we spent hours on research to keep as many details as correct as possible…it was a lot of fun and I feel that reflects in the writing

What prompted you to write your books?

With all I had been through in my life, I had many stories to share…I met a wonderful writing partner on MySpace…we had spoke for several months before we found our direction…once we got into a working rhythm the books flowed…my husband and his wife have been very supportive in every way…the books flowed as a product of the amazing energy

How long does it take to produce a book?

The first took about a year and a half …this book has taken us 2 ½ years…the first book went quite smooth…due to upheaval in the current economy, we have hit roadblocks at every juncture (i.e. the cover took 3 months to get straight with the printer)…I often tell people the closer you get to the completion the more it is like being pregnant…it could be anytime now, all the way up until you see it on Amazon…it is like them laying the baby on your chest for the first time and then you can breathe…it then becomes a labor of love

What do you want people to take with them from the book?

Along with fact is fantasy and vice versa…much of American Boudica is taken from real life situations with fantasy woven in to protect either myself or others…the heroine is over 40 and has been through much…there are many lessons to be found among the pages, but I feel what she represents is the love of family and friends…also loyalty and honesty seem to run deep with her…personally, I hope it opens people’s minds and makes them think

I love our printer…they have been great…when my computer crashed and I lost everything…they helped Chris and I get everything together…I am really blessed and hope people like it…I will have some copies here for sale…I can hardly wait to get the first one in my hand…by the end of next week you will be able to search inside the book…it will also be out on e-book and kindle at that time…OMG…this is so cool

Many people have asked how I can stay positive in the current situation our country is in…it is not easy…I try to focus on what is positive in my life and work in that area…what I mean is, if massage is slow many people would bitch…for me it is time to write or study…I hear stories from people everyday about how bad things are…I try to focus them into a positive way of looking at things…laugh out loud once a day for no reason…it really does help…I was born in Massachusetts and I am made of some pretty strong stuff…9/11, nor a bad president will hold me back…as my mother would say…’The government is burping while the economy is farting’…the only way I can see out of it is for people to work…no one is going to hand you a job…what can you think of or do different that might make you some money or create jobs…being a Transplanted Floridian, I can tell you nothing good happens fast…we understand the words ‘hunker down’…many are worried because the holiday will soon be here…please remember, it is not what is under the tree, but the love that surrounds it…hugs are the best presents…take care of the children and try to make a decent meal…fill the home with love and laughter…this is what it is all really about;)

Blessed Be,

D

If I go crazy, will you come with me?

Merry Meet,


How have you been….come in, sit down, relax…it has been a long week and I am quite tired…it has been chilly (about 65-70f this week)…I guess winter is setting in…I turned the heat on last for the first time this year lastnight…I see you came in all bundled up

Well, massage is always a good place to start (or at least my favorite)…I had to put the warmer on the table today…the clients said it felt 'toasty'…keeping in touch with your clients is important, but doing so without being a pain in the ass is an art…I will be doing a paraffin massage special the 12-20th of Dec…one hour for $30…this is one of my favorite things to do and every client who has had this massage calls it Shangri-la…for more info give me a call (813)907-6279 and I will be happy to fill you in and book your appointment

School is going well…English Composition is a pain in the ass…I can see Ms. Kiernan, my high school English teacher, looking down from heaven laughing at me…I am working hard and know it will make me a better writer

Speaking of writing…I have had book 2 at the printers for almost 2 months and am waiting for it to finish processing…we had to resubmit another cover (#3)…I have been checking Amazon everyday to see if the book has posted yet…the waiting is worse than being pregnant…In the next 90 days, Chris and I will produce 2 e-books…One will be a children’s book…this will be something parents can print out, kids can color and both can use to make a craft project…the other is a book on herbal remedies…I will keep you posted…if you are wanting one of the power points e-mail Chris or Myself , put powerpoint in the subject line and we will get one right out to you...  

The Circle of Boudica has had great energy…I am getting ready for Yule…a young lady from Ireland that we helped out during Thanksgiving Skyped me…she had walked 2 miles to use a friends computer…she sang holiday carols to me…it was so beautiful…such a wonderful present…this year is very hard…many are going without…anyone who has new or gently used toys or clothes, I have a number of children who will need Santa this year…any help is always appreciated…please contact me

Walter and I just celebrated our 12 year anniversary…for my present, he put a membrane on the roof…it is awesome…it was quite funny too though…my dad told him not to take his shirt off while he was up there…he did not listen and got burnt to a crisp

I attended a Heartlink Networking meeting with mom this week…this is a women in business networking group…although none of us had the same service or products…it was great to share information and meet new people…I usually hate those type of things as people are usually so phony…this was NOT like that at all…the women were down to earth with great ideas…when we left I felt recharged

The animals have been frisky in the cold weather…Quintus is almost 6 weeks old and is fairly housebroke…though being woke at 4 am to take him out really bites…it sure beats stepping in puppy poop…Chewy is very jealous of the puppy, but at the same time mothers him…the gliders are well…I think the cold weather slows them down…the fish have gone to the bottom of the pond…they stay there until its above 70f

A young man came and asked dad if he had some small jobs that needed done…I put him to work by the front gate cleaning up all the dead weeds…I was impressed with the job the young man did…the drive is all clear now…the roses around the yard are in full bloom…the word lovely doesn’t seem to do them justice…dad’s fence flowers have been in bloom for the last few weeks…the big purple/blue flowers remind me of a big quilt

At the end of the day…I feel lucky and blessed…my family is doing good…I have fabulous friends… great co-workers…amazing animals…this is not to say I don’t have my moments, but even those do not seem to come that often anymore...my little world is a cool place to be

I am troubled about the question that looms over Florida’s head about offshore drilling…I think honestly it should be stopped at all costs…it has been proven there is not much oil there and if a rig let go here in Florida, the damage could be done to the gulf stream…after all the studies I have seen over this last oil spill, I will not eat fish from the gulf for several years…BP will NEVER pay or be made to pay for all the damage they have done


Cinnamon Herbal Tea

9 Cinnamon sticks

3C water

Simmer Cinnamon sticks in water for 20 minutes

Strain (you can add milk and honey or 1 shot of buttered rum)

Drink hot

Cinnamon is known to improve circulation, ease cold symptoms, relieve stomach upsets, reduce menstrual cramps and regulate blood sugar and insulin

Warnings -

• Do not take more than one cup of cinnamon tea if you are pregnant

• Avoid cinnamon if you suffer from a high fever or have an irritable bowel syndrome





I know this is a busy season…thank you for taking time to chat with me…hanging out with you is always so much fun…may your smile warm the hearts of many

Blessed Be,

D

I am what is called a transplant…

Okay, I am here…thank you for the cold soda….it has been hot and humid…here in Florida we have 4 seasons- 1) snowbird, 2) love bug, 3) surface of the sun, 4) hurricane…I am what is called a transplant…this is a person who was not born here, but has moved here and refuses to leave…


I started out in Massachusetts…my dad owned a horse farm (over 500 head) in a small town called Mansfield…mom was a teacher in North Attleboro and then Sharon…we then moved to Norton…my world changed…mom was still teaching…dad went to work for Fernandez Supermarkets and then for the Paul Deva State School for the mentally handicapped…Grandma and Grandpa were in Maine…Auntie was in New Hampshire then she moved to Foxboro…New England was my playground…what a great place to grow up…I was taught the country way…it gave me strength

At 18, with new baby in hand, I moved to Millington…Tennessee was very beautiful …my husband had changed into a hardcore drunk…my son came down with whooping cough shortly after we arrived and I was alone…my husband brought home a roommate, Mark…he was from Ohio…my neighbor Sandy, from Texas…what great people…they helped keep me busy and safe from my abusive husband…I learned it was not where you were from that made you a good person

From there I moved to Virginiabeach…this is when I learned what I was made from…I love Virginia…though I will probably never set foot there again…I met so many very fine people and was blessed with 34 out of the 38 children that were entrusted to me…it is also the place that many horrid things happened to me…a bitter/sweet thing…during these many years, I had moved back to Massachusetts a few times…neither place seemed to be me anymore…I went on the road

Booking bands took me all over the country…I learned a deep love for this country and the people in it…every mile spun by…I looked in every town I passed through…nothing seemed to fit…I was blessed again with many wonderful friends and adventures that I will carry forever …

When I arrived here in Florida…I came across the I95 Georgia border…it was crazy…it was wild…I went across a bridge to see a homeless person in couture fashion… I stopped at the first bar to have the owner sign some papers…there was a news story about an iguana being pulled over on suspicion of a DUI…at this point my life was unwinding from a huge horror show…for the first time in ages, I felt like I belonged…I quit booking bands…I got 3 jobs and sent for the kids…I felt safe…life started to slow down…many from my past have tried to come here to hurt me…I was blessed with fabulous friends and governors and the bastards were sent packing…my first license in this state was given under court order…I continued to work hard…I met a nice man…when we met, he had never been married or had children…he was from New York City and had never been to the country…we got married…he got me, the twins and my pit, Cosmo…soon we were looking to buy a house…my parents, I, the twins and assorted animals dragged him out to the country…poor thing…I think he was freaked out for the first few years…I love Florida…alligators knocking on peoples doors…manatees swimming up from behind you…birds of every size and color…year round growing season…flowers and fruit are abundant…being here isn’t just living, it is peace to both my mind and soul…It is here I learned to grow…

When I was diving I got a sinus infection and older Jamaican woman made this for me…I was right as rain the next day…I wrote it down and have used it several times since…it is good for the flu or a cold…without the rum, if you put it over ice, it is an immune booster…

Jamaican Hibiscus Drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water

• 2 cups dried hibiscus blossoms (Find in Jamaican or Mexican markets; sometimes called sorrel blossoms)

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 cup sugar, or to taste

• Jamaican rum (optional)

Preparation:

In a 4 quart stainless steel pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the hibiscus and ginger, simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, then cover and steep for 4 hours. Strain and sweeten with sugar to taste. Chill and serve over ice, can be served with good rum, the amount according to your taste.

Yield: 2 quarts

Life is good…make time to enjoy it…

Blessed Be

A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood

Welcome to my new blog home. It is raining here in The Chapel this afternoon. Many are complaining, not me...the heat of summer abates, it washes everything clean and I don't have to water the garden. Grab you a drink, sit down and let us chat about all that is going on...

Massage has been going well. The clients are doing well this summer. With so much time out of doors the aqua therapy has been working. I (and the clients who are doing it with me) am finding much more flexibility and my tone has really improved. I am still working my menu...I am now down 25 lbs, the clients have lost a combined total of 102lbs and we are all feeling great.

As a student, I am privileged...I have wonderful doctors and nurses to help me...I have clients who are willing to be test subjects...It helps that I am going to a great school. I feel very spoiled. At present, I am in herbology and botany. I really feel like the class expands the mind on how it all works. Week 1 was packed with work, herb table, herb paper and a quiz. I am now in week 2 and we need an herb recipe. Anyone got any ideas?

Chris and Rose are on vacation in The Isle of Man. We got the upload date from the printer and book 2 should be on the shelf by 8/15/10...YEA!!!! Many surprises come up in Boudica's life and now we will see them all play out.

I have been trying to work out all the ins and outs of government bidding. Right now the bonds are so high, I do not get how they think a small business can reach them. If anyone has bonding details they want to share, I am listening...

Mom has been in North Carolina visiting Tris. Dad is in Massachusetts visiting Tory. Dansir is getting ready to leave to New Hampshire helping a friend move. OMG...the property is quiet. The car and truck both broke down this week, but Harold saved the day. The 4th was quiet for us with everyone gone. Walter and I mowed the lawn, played Wii and enjoyed food. Dansir came by for dinner and we watched TV. When Dansir left we went to sleep, about 9p.m...About 3a.m. we woke up...Walter said "Want to put off those fireworks?", needless to say we were on the lawn at 3 in the morning putting off fireworks in our jammies...quite funny. He has been working all day putting my new office together. It is going to be so cool. I am quite excited.

The animals are doing well. I am looking for a home for 2 of the sugar gliders. It is time. Shinara is going through a phase where she thinks she is a little dog. She keeps trying to jump in my lap like Chewy Bitems. Walt bought the pond fish a new air pump. It was cool to see them flutter around the pond.

The garden is growing by leaps and bounds. I am getting ready to do a hard cut back. With dad being up north the weeds are growing faster than what I can pull them. When Happy gave me the crate myrtle, I made 10 clones from off shoots at its base. I am proud to say 6 are doing well and are ready to up pot. Dad's Topsy Turvy thing is still bearing fruit. It and the hanging baskets are loving all the rain. I am just not sure what to do with all these tomatoes.

May you all be Blessed,

Dorraine Cooper-Rooney, LMT