Gosh To Long!!!!!!!!

Okay, I suppose for sure you feel I fell off the earth or forgot how to write ( not that I have ever truly known), or worse yet forgot you my friends. Some of it is far from the truth, the ability to write...mostly true.

I have come to grips with 2010 for the most part, it was a very trying year for me. I had to remember that how we feel about something for the most part is how life will be lived. If we feel sad or overwhelmed that is what life will be like everyday, twenty four seven. For me over all that has not been the way I have lead my life, drowning in sorrow, rather I have always tried to find the good in very bad thing that has happened around me and to me in my life. However the loss of my mother threw a temporary road block in my way, one that seemed as tall and as wide as the universe. One that would take me a while to get through. Yes time has a way of healing but it was up to me to use that time wisely, which for sometime I had lost my way. This month was probably another plateau I had to reach for it was my mothers birth month and the first without her. That was hard to deal with in itself, but adding to it was finding out on the same day that a very dear friend in Second Life had passed away, Sabrinna Nightfire who at 51 died of cancer. She had died the night before on March 6th 2011. She was a giver to SL and a friend to so many people. She will be truly missed.



I now embrace the fact they are gone, ones I have loved so dearly either as family or friends, and carry with me their wonderful uniqueness in fond memories.
That If I believe we go on and which I do, then they are in a good place and I will see them again. This is what I hold on to day and night, and so I go on till my time will come.

I have always had my faith and it maybe hard to believe since I had grieved so badly for so very long, but I suppose that was a symptom of the human condition that we all share. Yes time helps us to understand that we don't have a choice in the fact we go on and really we have no choice but to except what comes. Believing in God and pray for understanding then eventually a gentle peace comes and allows healing and acceptance. If we don't believe then we just come to terms with the fact we die and are dead. So much evidence for me anyways says there is a loving God and that he has given me peace now to heal. Whether we have faith or not the time will come that we all will find out the truth!

Its very hard in a world that is changing with so much destruction with loss of life, pain and suffering, changes in the economy, loss of jobs, families being torn apart to believe that there is a place that one will go on to that is so beautiful and full of love, all I can say is that we must trust and have faith that it will be so. I feel the hardest thing for the human race to believe in is what we cannot see, but having been given the ability to have faith is what we must trust in more than we ever have during these troubled times. To give unconditional love to one another while we are here, to show compassion for our fellow man. That just might help change the world for the better.



God Bless,
Butterfly Laa

Christmas Time

Merry Christmas!




These Photos are of a contest I am in on Dreams Island in SL my first attempt at a building contest lol



If you would like to see these the contest is still going on at Dreams in SL will be there till the 19th of this month of Dec many awesome builds there!!
Click for slurl to Dreams Contest!

Merry Christmas !!

A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

That is a lovely Prayer.... we should all this year bring great love to our fellow man, and give joy that we are here to do so. Let kindness and good desires be our intentions and carry this into the New Year with renewed spirits.

I have had a very rough year.... I was in the hospital twice and my dear Mother passed away June 12th 2010. She was a kind and lovely women..she shared so much of her life with so many on this earth not boldly but sometimes in the background not calling attention to herself. I have much to be thankful for, that I was her daughter and she not only my mother but my best friend. I am also thankful that I learned so much from her to be able in spirit to carry on a part of her knowledge and love of this life within me. I am also thankful I lived through both illnesses this year, and am very thankful to God for this. Must be I still have some things to complete here! Thank you Dear God that you are my light and love, and that you have given me life to do your will....

This holiday season I pray you have a renewed spirit full of love for yourself and others, full of kindness and good will to all. That you can carry this on all of your days. That jealousy, hatred, fear, anger and sadness can be washed away from you, that your spirit be lifted with the light of God. That you walk in harmony with God to do his will on this earth in every good way. This I pray for all my family, friends and those I don't even know yet. Amen

Hi to all thank you for following me

Hi its been a while since I have written I plan to write soon again.. I have many things to write about .......... smiles many of you don't really know me only parts of me and lately many know lots more of me. I will explain that soon! I had been told once I have many facets and its true! Only things is that person was very unaware of what was being said to me. Soon will reveal some more facets of me, and what we all need to know! Blessings till then tc !

Svarga is Back!!

I love to tour around SL, some places I go have been here for ages. I like to go and reminisce about the fun times and long time friends I have met in some of these places. One was Svarga, had been in sl a long time, however some time ago wasn't in Sl anymore.... When I want to explore these days I go to the showcased places, and low and behold Svarga was on there. I thought to myself this must be a mistake but click and there I was. I don't know how or why or how long it will be here but come see and take a walk in the past!

Click to Enter Svarga

Its a wonderful Second Life

Thank you to Sam Lowry for the You Tube film.
I went to visit this very cute and magically displayed project by Zachh Cale... when your finished visiting lunamaruna at the entrance click project Z will take you to another one. Other Sim project you can get from the film, many of them are very extreme builds,
and will take a while to go through them. Enjoy!
Click here for lunamaruna

To Live The Simple Life In SL

We all begin in Second Life wondering what its all about....and when we think we know we find out we really didn't... and then discover its a much larger learning curve emotionally, besides all basics we must learn. For some of us we find our place in time, whatever that maybe that makes us feel we "ARE" a part of both worlds in one, giving a sense that Second Life really is a part of our Real Life.

I have been with a group now for almost two years in Second life and I found a place my heart is happy and feels I have found home. I have never met more kinder people than these anywhere in Second Life since I began ..can contribute that to only I had not found where I belonged yet:) We eventually find our home..and I believe it begins with the heart finding its path, being that we are all human.

I know some people come here and don't think about anything but its a game and they find out shortly that its not. There are groups for those still young, to play in welcome centers and greeters to help them.

When and if they find their niche here, there is no turning back because its such a part of who you are in real life, a part of you that you haven't maybe been able to express before.

I love where I am here now and the people I associate with..its all good and so much me...

The world right now is in strife and we need to focus good energy towards helping to make it what it should be again!!

I wont reveal where I live to you all here, but will show you some pictures over time, IM me if you feel you want to be a part of spiritual things meet kind people like you, ones that know... from their hearts loyal and true to their word.

Big Talbot Island State Park

Big Talbot Island State Park is another favorite spot for me to go in Jacksonville, in fact some of my paintings are from views I have seen on the diverse State Park grounds. This park features a breathtaking coastal habitat covered with oak, holly and magnolia, along with sea-oat covered dunes overlooking the ocean. Hiking is a favorite activity on the scenic nature trails and fishing, canoeing or swimming on the Nassau Sound shoreline is tough to beat. Rumor has it that the island is haunted, particularly in the spooky Houston cemetery and Tamaquan Burial Grounds just outside the entrance.



SOME OF OUR MARSH LANDS AROUND THE PARK AND IN IT

Come out and enjoy the pristine Big Talbot Island shoreline from the overlook at the Bluffs. From this comfortable vantage visitors can enjoy the weather and view the water sculpted trees that line the shore. A quick 10-minute walk along the trail will give you access to the shoreline where you can walk among these once mighty oaks and pines that have fallen victim to nature's storms and erosion.




SOME OF THE ROCK FORMATIONS ALONG SOME OF THE BEACH AREAS AT THE PARK



BLACK SKIMMER WORKING ON GETTING SOME LUNCH!

There are tons of things to do at this park from just laying back and watching beautiful sunsets, sleeping the night there and waking up to awesome sunrises to boating,fishing, swimming, hiking trails and much more.. I enjoy finding sharks teeth there and a few pretty shells you can find on occasion. I love walking among those fallen trees although their fate hasn't been the best for the environment, it brings an interesting scene to part of the beaches of this park.


WHEN THE TIDE GOES OUT CREATES SMALLER PLACES TO GO OUT ...BRAVE PEOPLE LOL

Cummer museum of Fine Arts

Click here to see the Cummer Museum and Gardens

Hi everyone, this time of year when the weather begins to cool...... well slightly cooler lol, I love getting out more and doing a few things. One of my favorite places in Jacksonville to go to is the Cummer Museum. It was built in 1959, long before I discovered and it is the largest museum of fine art in Northeast Florida, housing about 5,000 pieces of work. It not only houses these fine pieces and several other forms of art, its landscapes are to die for. You can go outside to the lovely gardens that runs along the St Johns river, where many a wedding has been performed, or as I do just sit after a long walk through the museum to have some lunch.

The museum also has a learning center, which young and old can enjoy. So.... will send you a link letting you know where I have last been in Jacksonville, and if your ever in the neighborhood you might just know where to find me!! I hope to be back soon writing as usual lately real life has called me again... tc and enjoy



Click here, Take a ride on the Annabelle Lee River Boat

After a long day at the Cummer Museum, take a ride on the Annabelle Lee River Boat its wonderful to travel on the tour trips, you can also reserve for Weddings, Reunions, or just to party! I took my sons long ago on a sightseeing ride on the Annabelle and on that trip was a magic show... they loved it. Now a days I take trips on it just to feel the fresh breeze and the lovely lands along the St Johns River.

Finally if you cannot get on the Annabelle for any reason we do have many water taxi's and for a small amount of money he/she will take you all around the river! Nice ride fun place to meet people also!

In Remembrance 9 11

Comments and Graphics - Layouts - Photobucket

On September 11, 2001 many firefighters, police officers and other officials and civilians lost their lives due to the ignorance and hate of others. Our heros didn't concern themselves with their own comfort but unselfishly were more concerned about others - even to the point of losing their lives. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."


CLICK HERE WE SHALL NEVER FORGET

Those involved in the clean-up worked sometimes in very unhealthy conditions breathing dust and smoke all day long. They went through the emotional turmoil of finding body parts, but also found wedding rings to give as a small memorial to the families of the deceased.



Retired FDNY Lt. George R. Kreuscher recalls the morning of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in his book; his son responded for FDNY

Click here to hear the Song "A Hero"
Here are the words to the song;
A Hero
A charity song for children who lost
a firefighter/police parent in the 911 attack.

The morning froze in silence
as the terror filled our hearts
we stared in disbelief at what we saw.
Through the dust we felt so helpless,
wishing that we could have known.
We hold our families close, as we watched them fall.

Some people didn't waiver, they had a job to do.
There was nothing that could keep them away...

Oh, it's a special kind of hero
who would sacrifice themselves - so I could spend another day with you.
And for all the fallen heroes who saved a life that day
your courage unites a nation, and we'll remember you.

So many people crying, walking in a daze
holding pictures of their loved ones
through an empty haze.
Our Heroes didn't falter, they held out a helping hand
remembering their own children, as they rushed inside again.

They didn't waiver, they had a job to do
and some never made it home that day.

Oooh well remember you. We honor you, salute,
respect and cherish you.
Not many people can do the duty that
you knew on that cold September day.

Lyrics by Amy Matthew ASCAP 2008,
music by Karen Mack from KAR Records.

The initial numbers are indelible: 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m. Time the burning towers stood: 56 minutes and 102 minutes. Time they took to fall: 12 seconds. From there, they ripple out.

* Total number killed in attacks (official figure as of 9/5/02): 2,819

* Number of firefighters and paramedics killed: 343

* Number of NYPD officers: 23

* Number of Port Authority police officers: 37

* Number of WTC companies that lost people: 60

* Number of employees who died in Tower One: 1,402

* Number of employees who died in Tower Two: 614

* Number of employees lost at Cantor Fitzgerald: 658

* Number of U.S. troops killed in Operation Enduring Freedom: 22

* Number of nations whose citizens were killed in attacks: 115

* Ratio of men to women who died: 3:1

* Age of the greatest number who died: between 35 and 39

* Bodies found "intact": 289

* Body parts found: 19,858

* Number of families who got no remains: 1,717

* Estimated units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center: 36,000

* Total units of donated blood actually used: 258

* Number of people who lost a spouse or partner in the attacks: 1,609

* Estimated number of children who lost a parent: 3,051

* Percentage of Americans who knew someone hurt or killed in the attacks: 20

* FDNY retirements, January–July 2001: 274

* FDNY retirements, January–July 2002: 661

* Number of firefighters on leave for respiratory problems by January 2002: 300

* Number of funerals attended by Rudy Giuliani in 2001: 200

* Number of FDNY vehicles destroyed: 98

* Tons of debris removed from site: 1,506,124

* Days fires continued to burn after the attack: 99

* Jobs lost in New York owing to the attacks: 146,100

* Days the New York Stock Exchange was closed: 6

* Point drop in the Dow Jones industrial average when the NYSE reopened: 684.81

* Days after 9/11 that the U.S. began bombing Afghanistan: 26

* Total number of hate crimes reported to the Council on American-Islamic Relations nationwide since 9/11: 1,714

* Economic loss to New York in month following the attacks: $105 billion

* Estimated cost of cleanup: $600 million

* Total FEMA money spent on the emergency: $970 million

* Estimated amount donated to 9/11 charities: $1.4 billion

* Estimated amount of insurance paid worldwide related to 9/11: $40.2 billion

* Estimated amount of money needed to overhaul lower-Manhattan subways: $7.5 billion

* Amount of money recently granted by U.S. government to overhaul lower-Manhattan subways: $4.55 billion

* Estimated amount of money raised for funds dedicated to NYPD and FDNY families: $500 million

* Percentage of total charity money raised going to FDNY and NYPD families: 25

* Average benefit already received by each FDNY and NYPD widow: $1 million

* Percentage increase in law-school applications from 2001 to 2002: 17.9

* Percentage increase in Peace Corps applications from 2001 to 2002: 40

* Percentage increase in CIA applications from 2001 to 2002: 50

* Number of songs Clear Channel Radio considered "inappropriate" to play after 9/11: 150

* Number of mentions of 9/11 at the Oscars: 26

* Apartments in lower Manhattan eligible for asbestos cleanup: 30,000

* Number of apartments whose residents have requested cleanup and testing: 4,110

* Number of Americans who changed their 2001 holiday-travel plans from plane to train or car: 1.4 million

* Estimated number of New Yorkers suffering from post-traumatic-stress disorder as a result of 9/11: 422,000

Out of the Rubble We Stand Tall Read About the 9-11 Flag and its Journey across the USA
Firefighters 'pay it forward' by helping rebuild Arkansas town destroyed by tornado
Escorting 9/11 memorial has a special meaning for Jacksonville fire supervisor


MORE TRIBUTES AND MEMORIALS CLICK HERE


GOD BLESS ALL OUR HERO'S AND FAMILIES THAT HAVE FALLEN, AND TO THOSE THAT STILL LIVE ON!

Person of the Week: The Babies of 9/11 in Their Own Words, 9 Years Later
Diane Sawyer talks to the childrne nine years later click here to see
Home site of children of September 11

THE CHILDREN OF 911 ART;



Fire Fighters
"It's not something you do, It's something you are"!!!!!!!
From this most horrible event that American soil had ever seen, came faith and courage and strength among the American people, to never give up in our beliefs, or our people and for the things we hold near and dear. To strive from that day to bring a new beginning as the New York Firefighters say its not about what happen on Sept 11, 2001 but its now about Sept 12th and there after. Its all about making change to help our fellow man, and for giving thanks we are a strong Nation, united, and out of the rubble to bring forth the ability to Pay It Forward. We shall never forget!!!!


This is dedicated to all firefighters and to the man I love, to say Thank You!!!
Click here to listen and Thank You

CLICK HERE THE PAY IT FORWARD MOVEMENT

PLEASE VIEW THIS WHEN YOU CAN