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Ignorance is NOT Bliss.
I've been thinking alot about ignorance lately. Someone asked a question on q&A last month about the "gap" in the world today, and my immediate response was: Ignorance. Everyone agreed with my statement, but there wasn't much satisfaction, because just knowing that ignorance exists, doesn't make it easy to fight.
As tensions have continued to grow in the middle east and militant islam extremists are being compared to Nazi automotons, whose children are bred with a sole purpose of furthering their cause, my frustrations have only grown. When the president of Pakistan writes a book and is forced two days later to retract his accounting of bounties paid his country by the CIA for capturing key members or Al-qa'eda, my frustrations grow.
Today they reached a boiling point as I read the following article:
There is great debate as to whether the internet cultivates or helps to alleviate ignorance. For my part I did an extensive search and found virtually no relevant sites about ignorance that were not masking some other personal agenda. Much of the information being handed out online to "fight" ignorance, is in fact promoting it.
I posed the following question on qna. I found the answers both saddening and enlightening as to the "devil may care" attitude taking over the world.
What can we do to fight Ignorance?Posted: 48 minutes ago
Tags: ignorance, knowledge, intelligence, peace, politics, sociology, Philosophy, People
Answers (5)very simple, random acts of kindness !! think about it, it makes sense......
Posted: 45 minutes ago
 Get rid of religion, and the Democratic and Republican parties and you will go a long way towards fighting ignorance.
Posted: 45 minutes ago
Great question Rebekah! I say one way we can fight ignorance is by creatively finding ways to motivate and encourage people to continue to learn and have an open mind.
Posted: 41 minutes ago
 What about you? I'm going to sound like a preachy activist here, but stop and think. Don't bury your head in the sand! Is there a religion, culture, movement, political stance or other area that you find yourself lacking in knowledge. Take a few moments right now and educate yourself carefully about something you don't understand. Then share what you've learned with someone else who needs to know, maybe we can keep schoolgirls from being stoned and young boys from strapping explosives to their chests. Accepted!I've been accepted as one of ten participants in this years Ghost Ranch Writing Retreat in Oracle this summer, I'm quite excited to workshop the novel version of "Butterflies" there and they seemed really positive about the marketability of the concept, so hopefully the week working with editors and agents will nab me a sale. It gives me a deadline to have the manuscript ready, if nothing else and all I have to worry about now is paying to get there. lol.
The week has been a blur of pain, labcoats and cat naps. I had all my medical tests finished up this week, so hopefully I'll have some answers on Wednesday. Let's just cross our fingers.
I've been busy working on my websites. I'm doing a very extensive Literary Calendar for thedailymuse.net which is time consuming, but I think will ultimately be a big draw to the site, and I've already gotten emails from people wanting to be notified when the launch of aurelmontgomery.com happens, so things are moving along.
I had an article published on Success.com this week (as Aurel) , and submitted to a few other ezines. My goal is to get one out a week, but we'll see.
I'm dreaming my novel for Nano and having fun learning all about the NSA and intelligence from some great online groups, so I'm feeling a bit more relaxed about November.
And, I was also accepted as one of ten members of an AMAZING online critique group, LDSmindspill. We are required to do daily excercised and offer feedback, and I just love the group already.
Ok, enough about me. Oh wait, that's the point isn't it? I GET to be egotistical here and pretend that people care. Editor for WritingNews.org and other minutae.I've been accepted as the newest Editor at writingnews.org a news information source for writers. This will be my first official endeavor under my nom de plume, Aurel Montgomery and along with preparing for Nano in November I'm striving for an official Nov. 1st launch date of thedailymuse.net, my inspiration and resoure site for authors, also edited cheifly by Aurel. Beyond that I'm shooting for a Jan. 1st launch date for aurelmontgomery.com. I've met a very talented graphic designer that I'm excited to be working with for that project.
My novel for Nano, The Twelve, is undergoing daily structural and character changes which I hope to have ironed out by Nov. 1st.
I'm also applying for the Akademie Schloss Solitude fellowship, a 6-12 month artists residency program in Germany, so I'm working on getting my application materials polished for that. Wish me luck. VindicationLest I forget why I love to hear Stephen King talk about writing, a timely quote:
Read the full article from the Washington Post here. Yes, I've become a hermit...…as my parents feel the need to almost continually remind me. I'm not sure who it was exactly, that decided that was a bad thing. I'm beginning to think there may be something to it all.
For your money, here's what my daily hermitting entails: Organization: Trying to fit 30 years worth of ideas, writing, instruction on writing, research and journaling into some sort of easily accessible "less than mess," so that I can concentrate on actually writing. It's a work in progress, but it's getting somewhere. My system is at least mapped out and backed up, if not completely filed and indexed yet. Reading: Books on writing, screenwriting, promotion, philosophy, new and classic novels, instructional newsletters, rss newsfeeds, email and of course the occasional US Weekly or fun web site to give my brain some down time. Promotion: Work on framework for promotion including an under construction author's website as well as a website for other writers and business folk. Also putting together ideas for a newsletter to go along with both sites. Actually Writing: I haven't kept solid track of my output for each and every day, except to say that I try to push my self a little bit farther today than I was able to stretch yesterday. I'm still working on 'Broken Butterflies,' however, now in novel form. I also spend time on several other projects, blogging or journaling pretty much every day. Naps: Ok I admit it, occasionally my body just says, "NO MORE!" This Week: is especially crazy for me. I'm attending my first online Writers Conference this week and barely have time between sessions to breathe let alone take the nap my head wants. But, I'm finding it a great networking and learning experience and highly recommend it. It's free, and I can attend in my pj's! What more could a girl want. Speaking of conferences, I had to cancel my reservations in LA for this year's Screenwriting Expo. After attending the past two years, it will be missed. But unfortunately bills, and my health have to come first. Hopefully I'll be back next year. I've also decided to participate in this year's National Novel Writing Month, where I will endeavor to complete a 50,000 word novel, start to finish during the month of November. So consider yourself forewarned. If I don't return phone calls or emails, I'm either trying desperately to get my word count, or sleeping. Feel free to act as my conscience and keep track of my progress. I have a few ideas percolating for this project and can't wait for November to start. (And I'm already 3 weeks behind on Grey's Anatomy, thank heaven for DVR's) Ok, I promise not to become a total hermit for life, there are some movies I want to see, and I still have to go to doctor's appointments…so I hereby pledge at least one non-hermit activity per week!!! And yah, Dad I promise I'll get that cost comparison you want done...Does that count? If this doesn't make you smile...Need More? Ok Go, A Million Ways (sorry, couldn't get the videos to embed here, go on get out, follow the links!)
An Update and Thank YouI just wanted to post a thank you to all my family and friends who have been so supportive over the last weeks and especially days as I've been dealing with my "mystery illness". After visiting the Neurologist yesterday he left me with two options, MS or a Stroke and sentenced me to a battery of more testing which will hopefully quickly identify which of the two it is.
I admit the thought of either is a bit daunting and has kept me deep in thought over the past two days trying to adjust to the idea and frustrated at my increasing symptoms. But it's really out of my hands at this point, and all I can do is thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, try and get some rest and I'll keep you posted as soon as I have more to tell. It means so much to me to know that I have so many people who care about me and are worried about my condition.
Thank you and my love to you all!
Rebekah On 'Sisterz in Zion'Quote:
--Chieko Okazaki, 'Borders, Boundaries and Bridges', BYUH Cross-Cultural Leadership Conference From the 'Sisterz in Zion' website I'm not sure if anyone else caught the premiere of the documentary film 'Sisterz in Zion' that aired between conference sessions today, but it brought up so much emotion for me. It felt like a flashback through so many different parts of my life, everything from living in New York, the MTC, my mission, being the only active member of my family, or a minority member at school, feeling left out around the Utah or Cali girls, teaching Sunday School, even attending summer camp at Carroll College, when I was 12.
I literally felt as if I was watching a part of my soul on the screen. I realized how much I treasure my time spent among culturally diverse people and how much of who I am today came from those experiences both in Hawaii and New York. For those who didn't catch it, it's basically follows a group of minority girls from Manhattan who travel to Utah for the first time to attend EFY. It's really a simple concept, but very effective. I highly reccommend it.
For more info: www.sisterzinzion.com
Family AlbumJust a quick link to some pics my bro posted of the fam at the beach (minus me :-( I overslept and missed my ride to cali.) Kids are too darn cute though, had to share. Quote My Photo Album On Admiring My SisterThe following is from my sister's blog. For anyone who doesn't know, my sister is almost 10 years younger than me, and she's been through alot. In addition to dealing with addictions that took root at a very young age, she has already been through a difficult marriage, difficult delivery, and a constant battle to regain the trust of those she loves. She has also seen many friends die from drug overdose. Just this past week, another of her friends, a kid I had met on several occasions died of a heroin overdose. I think this makes a total of 8 and she is only 21 years old. At thirty, I haven't lost a single friend to anything, so I can't even imagine what that must be like. It also gives you a glimpse of what it has been like for us over the past years, wondering if she would be the next one to die. Today, her future is looking much more secure. Things are not perfect, but to see her interacting with her son, smiling and laughing without any chemical help, talking openly about her addictions and attending meetings through the church is something I wouldn't have thought possible just six months ago. I'm so proud of her. For the first time in my life I feel like I have a semblance of what I've always wanted, a real relationship with her, and I just want to see her succeed so badly. For the first time in a long time she has goals and dreams of things she wants to accompllish, and I want to help her with those goals. She has even been an inspiration to me, reminding me of all the things I clung to for support not so long ago and awakening in me a desire to return in one way or another to that life. Theresa, know that you are in my thoughts at all times and in every prayer. So many people love you and want to see you succeed. Your son loves you and he understands your struggles. He is proud of you and so happy to have his "ma-ma" back. I love you! Quote Life goes pretty smooth when you're doing the right thing! Why I hate having guns in the house.ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A sheriff’s deputy showing a handgun to friends at his birthday party accidentally shot himself in the face, killing himself, authorities said Saturday." - MSNBC
So unbelievably sad, especially for his fiance and others who were present at the party. Granted, alcohol was likely a a factor, but I've never been comfortable with guns in the house. My family hunts, and my dad keeps a hand gun close by for protection. They've never made me feel safe. There are just too many possibilities for tragedy, that could be eliminated if the guns weren't around. Yes, we keep ours fairly secure, locked in a closet, but there have been times, when I've found that closet eerily wide open. I'd rather learn to defend myself, disarm someone who has a gun than try and fight back with one. I also don't think I could live with myself if I ever did use one, taking a life, even in self defense. It would haunt me my entire life. Anyway, enough ramblings on that subject for now, sure to get some comments in defense. lol.
Related Headlines from MSNBC News:
‘We would have shot him more,’ sheriff says of SWAT team’s actionsa) I'm sorry? 68 bullet holes isn't enough!!?? b) Don't we have, like a justice system in this country, ya know trial by jury or something like that? I guess it doesn't apply if you kill a cop. What won't it apply to tomorrow? That's a slippery slope there folks. Talking about Windows Live QnAGotta sympathize with the following post from Jana. I couldn't have said it better myself. : Quote "Windows Live QnA Things I'm Totally Addicted To Right Now1) Windows Live QnA: http://qna.live.com 2) Peanut Butter and Huckleberry Honey Sandwiches 3) Black Cherry Vanilla Diet Coke 4) Opera Browser: http://www.opera.com/download/ 5) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Time by Jeff Davidson 6) Wikipedia: http://wikipedia.org 7) Mind Stereo: http://www.transparentcorp.com/products/mindstereo/ 8) My Aloha Breeze Tower Fan 9) Charlie and Lola on Playtime Disney 10) Finding the PERFECT email program Poor Little RyeBye.Sadly, I'm not the only one spending time in the hospital and getting poked and proded with needles lately. We had to take Ryland into the ER last night after he woke up screaming and I went in to find him throwing up and acting very unresponsive. They ran every test you can think of on him, including a spinal tap (ouch!) to check for spinal meningitis. They kept him in the hospital last night, thinking he had somehow ingested something he shouldnt have, but are now thinking he may have had a seizure and are keeping him at least another night. Poor little guy. Everyone keep my little angel nephew in your prayers. Thanks. What color should your eyes be?Just a little fun for today, thanks to Jeana for this! Go find out what color YOUR eyes should be! They tell me:
Hmm, that sounds about right to me. I never seem to have what they say I'm supossed to have, maybe that's why people can't figure me out all the time. Oh well. Who want's to be figured out? Updating: My computer and myselfI've spent so much time lately updating my computer and trying to get it in perfect working order so I can write uninterrupted, that I'm beginning to feel like I need to upgrade myself. My brain is fried by all this computer mumbo jumbo, half of which I don't understand. The half that I do understand is what is giving me a headache.
I did come across a few interesting programs that I like so far. I'll talk about them if I decide to keep them on.
I'm feeling much better, for those that have been asking. Mostly just the numbness in my left hand now and some memory and very mild speech problems (forgetting words, words coming out wrong), but I've gotten my muscle strength and energy back so I can pretty much go about my day as normal. I can't even get in to see the Neurologist until the 3rd of October, so there isn't really anything I can do but wait and try to ignore it.
I did have to drop my Humanities class I was talking last night, because I had missed a major test the week before and was set to make it up last night. The only problem was I thought last night was tonight. I was a day behind, and then I couldn't get anyone to drive me to go makeup the test, so no test, no passing class. The teacher is really strict. Oh well, I should be able to get a full refund with a doctors note. I'll just read the book myself and probably get more out of it than listening to the teacher talk about what we are not going to have a chance to cover in class, and what we might cover in class for half the class period.
Not being able to drive is the worst part though. I miss my freedom! Talking about: What the Heck?Quote "What the Heck The above is from my brother's site, check it out and leave him fabulous coments so he will be shamed into finishing it and putting up lots of pictures of his adorable kids :-) Update: My Junk Mail PhoneI talked about my phone being spammed in an earlier post. I found this on the company web site today:
 I feel so vindicated, and just a little bit scared of the calm before the storm.
The Name Game - Part DuexAfter giving alot of thought to the subject, and trying on a few names that just didn't seem to click, I've finally decided on a pen name that I feel good about. If you'll recall, I had considered using my initials R.L., but, I found when I did searches there were too many other writers with some sort of initial combination and the last name Montgomery, so it might be a bit confusing. I decided to go with the phonetic pronunciation of my initials: Aurel Montgomery The name is completely original for writers in any genre, and the name is more often masculine, so it has that gender neutral appeal I was looking for. On the bonus side, when I looked up the meaning of the name Aurel the allusion to philosophical writing seemed to be a good omen. It is a variation on the Roman Aurelius:
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I definately have a lot to say about my life right now. I am so proud of myself for overcoming an addiction. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, and something that I struggled with for a very long time. But I am so proud to be the person that I am today! I haven't been this happy in a long time. I have learned alot through this whole experience and probably the best thing is that I can be forgiven. I love that I can be a Mother again to my son Ryland and that when he looks at me I know in my heart that he loves me. What a great feeling. I truly do not understand what I was running from for so long, LIFE IS AMAZING!
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