Happy Halloween!

Have a GHOULISHLY good time this Halloween Weekend!

Don't drink and fly; you're better looking alive.

A Walk Down Memory Lane With Some of My Favorite Couples

I'm a reader. I'm a teacher. I'm a literature teacher. I belong to Goodreads. I have a library card. I could easily spend my salary at a Barnes and Nobel, in one day. I own more books that I do...anything else. If my house were to catch on fire, it would burn quickly and proficiently. Many days I would rather dive into a book than actually have a conversation with a real person. These elements prove that I am indeed a bibliophile.

I've been reading more than usual lately. Which to say, is A LOT and quickly. I was recently having a discussion with my friend MW about the literary couple in the Twilight Series. The conversation brought about a question in my mind..."Who are the most memorable literary couples out there?" I have started a list that I hope you will add to.

Heathcliff and Catherine of Wuthering Heights. One either loves or hates this novel. I am of the love camp. Their souls are tragically intertwined with one another. The love, the hate, the passion. Can happiness ever truly come to fruition without the eternal loss and suffering of something or someone? A Romantic idea and philosophy.

Romeo and Juliet of Romeo and Juliet. Really this needs no explanation. They are the archetype.

Henry and Claire of The Time Traveler's Wife. The patience. The love. The patience. The compromise. Did I mention the patience?

Janie and Tea Cake of Their Eyes Were Watching God. I'm weeping while writing, knowing what it took for them to find one another, and because of what they lost. However, how lucky for Janie to get to experience the kind of love that would cause one to say, "[Tea Cake] looked like the love thoughts of women. He could be a bee to a blossom - a pear tree blossom in the spring. He seemed to be crushing scent out of the world with his footsteps. Crushing aromatic herbs with every step he took. Spices hung about him. He was a glance from God." What luck to have found him.

Odysseus and Penelope of The Odyssey. She waited 20 years for his return. I don't think there needs to be any further explanation.

Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph de Bricassart of The Thorn Birds. Though their love is plagued with devotion, dedication, ambition, and loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church, it manages to transcend another level.

Arthur and Guinevere and Lancelot of any Arthurian Legend, The Once and Future King. The most famous of the love triangles. Romantic love, brotherly love, kingly love, and everything in between.

Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen gave us the character. GAWD gave us Colin Firth! Thank goodness for both!

*I'll be adding to this as you all suggest couples and as I think of more.

A New Addiction

...Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Series

If you haven't read them, start NOW! They are fantastic. I can't wait to get home to pick up the third book.

Because I'm An Ego Maniac

*photo courtesy of Bethie.

Denver, CO. 2008.

Obama v. McCain

Voting Extravaganza

A Voting Extravaganza to Support
Barack Obama
and the entire
Democratic Team
Live Music: Bluegrass, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Reggae & Funk
Free Family Fun: Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Jupiter Jump, Balloons, Clowns, Magic, Games &
Much, Much, More!!!
Live Broadcast by 98.7 FM - The Beat
Where: Haddad Riverfront Park
on Kanawha Boulevard
When:Saturday, Oct. 25
(Rain date: November 1)
10A.M. - 6P.M.
Bring Family, Bring Friends, Then Go Vote

The Lupus Lady

I have a friend who after being misdiagnosed with a stomach ulcer, skin allergies, sun poisoning, and countless other issues, was finally diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. She not only is faced with living with Lupus daily, but is doing so with a support group that is learning about the disease along side of her. Her friends and family are reading literature that she provides and being directed to websites to learn more about it while she is living it first hand. Because of this, she is asking everyone to educate yourself and help to educate those around you. Then if the time should ever come, you can provide the support that is needed and there is one more individual who doesn't feel so alone. Support and education have the power to heal.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that effects mostly skin, joints, blood, kidneys, brain, and lungs. With lupus, the body's antibodies become confused and not only attack the bad stuff, but also the good stuff like cells and tissues. Pain, discomfort, lesions, and damage to the body are symptoms and issues that are Lupus related. Luckily, for most people the effects of the disease are mild. However, for some it can become life threatening. If it isn't properly maintained it is quite painful.

Lupus affects most often women, and becomes prevalent during the childbearing years. This isn't to say that men aren't afflicted with Lupus. However, the likelihood for men is far less compared to females.

There is no known cure for Lupus at this time. However, daily they are learning more and more about the disease that affects over 1.5 million Americans a year. They have found that preventative measures can reduce the frequency of flareups and discomforts tremendously. There are also maintance drugs available to those that suffer from Lupus.

Just because Lupus is not considered for the most part to be fatal, it is however, debilitating in the sense that it affects a person's daily life, comfort, and quality of life. Skin rashes can lead to not only physical discomfort, but also image issues and mental discomfort. I've never met anyone who enjoys a fever and flu-like symptoms. The idea of your kidneys perhaps failing on you is not a pleasant thought either.

Much more research needs to be done to help find a cure for Lupus. Educating yourself and those around you is the first step. Finding the funding is the second. If you are interested in learning more about Lupus visit The Lupus Foundation of America. Unfortunately, there is not a local chapter set up in the state of West Virginia. However, my friend is currently working on starting a local chapter that is in direct affiliation with the National Foundations. She also has a facebook group that is dedicated to Lupus Education and helping to find a cure. Please check it out. Educate yourself. Educate others. Help find a cure.