"On victory, or death!"

There was once a time when both France and THe US of A were considered the meccas for free (and revolutionary) thought. Both were hand in hand leading the fight against the various human rights violators of the world-be it governments, tyranny, or good old fashioned ignorance.

Oh to be those beacons of hope again.

ex: Following is the translated lyrics to the French National ANthem:

"Ye sons of France, awake to glory,
Hark, hark! what myriads bid you rise!
Your children, wives and white-haired grandsires.
Behold their tears and hear their cries! (repeat)
Shall hateful tyrants, mischiefs breeding,
With hireling hosts, a ruffian band,
Affright and desolate the land,
While peace and liberty lie bleeding?

To arms, to arms, ye brave!
The avenging sword unsheath,
March on, march on!
All hearts resolv'd
On victory or death!

Now, now, the dangerous storm is rolling
Which treacherous kings confederate raise!
The dogs of war, let loose, are howling,
And lo! our fields and cities blaze! (repeat)
alt: And lo! our homes will soon invade!
And shall we basely view the ruin
While lawless force with guilty stride
Spreads desolation far and wide
With crimes and blood his hands embruing?

To arms, to arms, ye brave!...

With luxury and pride surrounded
The vile insatiate despots dare,
Their thirst of power and gold unbounded,
To mete and vend the light and air! (repeat)
Like beasts of burden would they load us,
Like gods would bid their slaves adore,
But man is man, and who is more?
Then shall they longer lash and goad us?

To arms, to arms, ye brave!...

O Liberty, can man resign thee
Once having felt thy generous flame?
Can dungeons, bolts or bars confine thee
Or whips thy noble spirit tame? (repeat)
Too long the world has wept, bewailing
That falsehood's dagger tyrants wield,
But freedom is our sword and shield,
And all their arts are unavailing.

To arms, to arms, ye brave!..."

Weasley

The newest edition to my life this year-my new kitten, Weasley. (note the red hair) Weasley so far, is the least annoying/pretentious cat I have ever met. I enjoy his company, and he seems to enjoy mine. I'm a sucker for animals, although I never thought I would be a cat person, I am a Weasley person, for sure.

Family Ties

THis article is about my brother, a Mr. Brandon Patrick. He is smart, witty, fun, and can rap on the spot like no one you know. (lol...that's actually true-although he wont often do it)

I am aways impressed with him, as I am with all of my family. I have been very blessed by an exceptional group of siblings. It's hard to keep up with us.

The Explorer: the voice of Marana

I need your help! (yes-you!)

It would be wonderful if you could go vote for my photo in a photo contest-and help me win!
Here is the link:

Fossil Photo Contest

My photo is of the blue tent in the top row, 5th over from the left.

VOTE VOTE VOTE
And pass this on!

One more...

Birthday, the biggest one so far.

*

This year's birthday was a big one. (numerically.) But instead of stress about it, I had a really awesome weekend that culminated in the best actual birthDAY I can remember in a long time.

I am to tired to blog it all out right now, but here are pictures. I am a very lucky girl.












Thanks to all of you who made this birthday such a great one.

Cusp

Hiya pals.

I just wanted to give you a heads up to let you know that the next 2 weeks are finals for me, which means it is not likely I will but updating much. I will, however, give you a projected overview of what may happen, along with the footwear involved:

December 1: Research Methods proposal presentation, and final exam. I will likely get an A on one, and at least a C on the other. Either way, I will pass the course, and never have to think about it again. (thank the Lord, and anyone else responsible)Flats.

December 3: Truth and Justice final paper due. This is likely to be a good paper, and the teacher may or may not be blown away. Boots.

December 4th-6th: THE BIRTHDAY WEEKEND and I have no idea what I am doing. If the Bear is around (and not broken in 3 places still) we will prolly be together, if not, I have no plans. I think I have been putting off plan making for this birthday, as it is a kind of big one (thanks, Dad, for reminding me this weekend) and I thought I would have had a lot more accomplished by now. (including some little ones) Ah well. A couple wrong turns, and I'm back on track. ALSO< it is Karima's birthday on the 6th, and if I am not gone, we will celebrate for sure. Sneakers, heels or boots, depending on the plans.

December 7: (my actual birthday) Final due for my trends class-maybe another 100% like my mid-term? Also, likely my last Omega Phi Alpha meeting as an active member. I may go get gelato at some point during this day. Sneakers.

December 9: Reading day, and by this day I will be done wit this semester (wooohoo) and almost done with school in general. Perhaps done with being on campus altogether. (this is pretty exciting, but I have no idea what comes next)No shoes, socks only, hangin out at work.

December 16: UGLY SWEATER PARTY! 8pm, meet @ my apt. Depending on how this goes, the next day may or may not be completely gross. Flats.

December 18: Shonda's birthday party and general mayhem. Again, depending on how this goes, the next day may or may not be completely gross. I'll be wearing heels.

I'm off to go study, write papers, wish I had a computer, and try to find a new/second job.

Life is busy right now, but it's on the cusp of getting WAY better.