From Live Beta March 25th, 2001

The following is the introduction I had written for my website on Geocities, posted March 25th, 2001.

I’m a Sagittarius, year of the Dragon kind of woman. I like being outdoors, having a great coffee in the city mall, spending too much time in bookstores, traveling around on a shoestring budget, comfortable shoes, Civilization 2, Carmageddon 2 and Caesar3, cats (predatory animals in general), writing, reading, sewing, quilting and embroidery, yellow smiley faces, being on the Internet, publishing online, Wicca, nature, tulips and wildflowers, ascii art, Raggedy Ann, taking pictures but not so much being in them, history, my family, Christmas and Halloween.

My favourite colour is deep dark red. My favourite food is chocolate ice cream with nuts and sauce. Though I have found a really great vanilla flavour called Vanilla Storm but its not always available. My favourite smells are vanilla and lemon, not together. My favourite place to travel to is British Columbia, Canada. My favourite time of day is very early in the morning. My favourite time of year is a tie between Spring and Winter. I don’t like people who are fussy nit-pickers, they usually look for ways to stab you in the back. I like people who enjoy life but aren’t agressively perky about it.

I used to write to penpals around the world and trade postcards and coins with them. I met my husband when we were both 14 and began writing as penpals. I still like to collect postcards and old Canadian coins. I enjoy learning new things about computers and the Internet, history and nature. I can’t ever see myself being one of those tidy, organized people. I live in chaos yet I know where everything is, until someone moves it. I always have projects on the go, half done or not quite started yet. No doubt that tells you a lot about the kind of person I am. But, if you’re the sort of person to sit there feeling superior we’ll never get along anyway. :)

Is Scorpio Compatible?


Scorpio Pig and Sagittarius Dragon?

A love match between Scorpio and a Sagittarius should move forward slowly, they need time getting to know each other on a deep, significant level or else they run the risk of jumping in too far, too fast. This relationship could be over before either partner even realises it’s started if they’re not careful! Their patience will be very richly rewarded. Sagittarius thrives on change, on the new and the exciting and on the power of positive thought. Scorpio loves intimacy and always seeks to strengthen emotional ties. Early in the relationship, Sagittarius could feel hemmed in by Scorpio’s rapt attention and high expectations for love. If Scorpio can control their emotions, these two are in for satisfaction and excitement.

Both Scorpio and Sagittarius see each day as an adventure (or in Scorpio’s case, a compelling mystery) and as an endless opportunity to explore, to probe and to learn. While Sagittarius may get fed up with Scorpio’s stubbornness and inflexibility, Scorpio could be thinking their Sagittarian lover is just a little too hot-headed. They’ll enjoy learning together, and travel could be very beneficial for this pair. Their relationship is one of movement and action.
Pluto and Mars rule Scorpio, and Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter. Mars is the God of War, opening the door to Scorpio’s determined, courageous character. Mars, when combined with Pluto, represents rebirth and renewal. Jupiter focuses on philosophy, optimism, luck and travel. These planetary attributes – of growth, expansion and masculine energy – can combine to create a sustainable relationship of mutual admiration.
Scorpio is a Water Sign, and Sagittarius is a Fire Sign. Sagittarius is the spontaneous partner, heading wherever their whim leads them, while Scorpio’s motives are more subdued, less easy to read. Even if they do misinterpret each other’s motivations, crisis can be averted. If these love mates agree that their relationship is significant, their devotion and affection will see them through.
Scorpio is a Fixed Sign, and Sagittarius is a Mutable Sign. Sagittarius gets the urge to jump around from project to project, so Scorpio’s stamina is vital for the realisation of any task undertaken by this pair. Lucky for this Scorpion partner, Sagittarius notices all the work their mates put in – and they definitely show their appreciation when they know it’s needed. Scorpio can be stubborn, exacting and demanding, so this mate needs to give their Sagittarius love their personal space if this relationship is to succeed.
What’s the best thing about the Scorpio-Sagittarius relationship? The security and flexibility they can give one another. Once they open up and learn to appreciate their different philosophies on love and life, these two have the potential for steamy relations, deep connections and heartfelt respect. As long as they communicate and celebrate their differences, this will be a passionate relationship.

Chinese sign profile: Dragon

The Dragon is one of the most powerful signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Lucky as well. Dragons are giving, intelligent, tenacious and know exactly what they want and are determined to get it. Further, they can easily influence their peers and often find themselves the centre of attention in social situations. As if all this wasn’t enough, Lady Love is the Dragon’s best friend. The rest of the Dragon’s friends are always keen to hear what their Dragon pal has to say, and when it comes to dispensing advice, the Dragon is the best one to do it.
It’s ego that can get the Dragon into trouble, but even so, this larger-than-life creature has an ability for initiating projects and keeping everyone motivated. According to Dragons, it’s their natural born right to lead the way. As luck would have it, Dragons are likely to achieve considerable material wealth during their lifetime, although they aren’t motivated by the pursuit of money. That said, Dragons are quite the opportunists, forever searching for ways in which to consolidate their considerable power. And power it must be, for a weakened Dragon is a sad sight, a creature that refuses to take defeat with even a modicum of grace. Question authority? That’s what the Dragon does best!
The role of leader is the only one the Dragon wants, a better position to give orders and be king of the hill. They are good leaders, too, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to succeed. Crossing the Dragon is never a good idea — the Dragon’s flame can burn! A valuable life lesson for this clever creature would be to absorb the principles of flexibility, compassion and tolerance. Being high and mighty can serve to inspire others, but it also keeps Dragons from living their life to the fullest. If Dragons can learn to balance their quest for results with an appreciation for the little things, their life will be more than worthwhile.
The most compatible match for a Dragon is a Monkey or Rat.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility : Pig and Dragon

Very Good
This is a good match and has great potential. The Dragon will be taken in by the friendly Pig and in turn the Pig will find the Dragon’s energy to be scintillating. Both enjoy social outing and share a certain confidence and understanding in the relationship.

Pig Personality
Pigs are very peaceful, caring, tolerant individuals who live life to the fullest. If they don’t have anything interesting to do Pigs will immerse themselves in household chores and do it to perfection. Pigs are very peace loving individuals and they will do anything for the sake of family and friends.

Pigs are big time money spenders. They love good food, clothes, jewelry and sty
lish homes. They will do good in any profession that demands creativity. They are very enthusiastic when it comes to taking on responsibility and will also jump in to give a helping hand to colleagues.

Pigs are very strong companions. They make very warm and caring lovers but back off when their partner gets too opinionated. Pigs are very warm individuals but they may come across as reserved in public. Pigs have a great thirst for knowledge. Because of this nature they make never become easily bored with life.

Dragon Personality
The Dragons are free spirits and are a bundle of energy. Conformance to a rule does not stick well with the Dragon. They are energetic, enthusiastic people who can also be pretty aggressive. The Dragon can see the route in a situation when others see only blind spots. Because of this Dragons can be very good leaders. Going after what they want is part of their nature and they will find ways to overcome obstacles and win in any situation.

Dragons love to do things on a grand scale. They love good food, big gestures, big ideas and live “a la mode”. They love nature and spending time outdoors. They are not big time on home-related activities but they respect and protect their home and family.

Dragons are emotionally very self-sufficient people because of which they are often not disappointed people. Friends and family love them.

Effective Advertising for Canadians

002557_v2_300x250-3en


There’s a pretty effective ad. I came across this ad on the site for the York Region newspaper. Someone had sent me a link to follow to a story they had printed. Anyway, I was struck by that ad with the maple leaf falling down. I even went to the site for the Nature Conservancy .

How to Build a Snake Hibernaculum

snakehibernaculum

I’ve been watching one of those animal shows today and they were talking about snakes. At one point they showed a hibernaculum of garter snakes leaving in the Spring. Made me think about how we could encourage garter snakes or at least help them to survive by having something like that in our garden. I’d also like to build a bat house to encourage more of them too. We used to get a lot when we lived in Alliston. They eat a ton of bugs and only come out for about an hour just as the sun is going down. All the rumours about them being dangerous are a bit overdone. They may have rabies true but that is the extent of the danger.

Meanwhile, back to the garter snakes. I found information about building a snake hibernaculum on the Toronto Zoo website. I don’t know if my Mom would be interested. Not that she is afraid of snakes at all but her garden space is mostly spoken for with all the plants she already has and those she is more than likely to find to add during the garden season.

Would you build a winter home for snakes? In Ontario we don’t have to worry much about poisonous snakes or any other kind of poisonous creature really. Rabies are a bigger worry.

How to Build a Hibernaculum
1. Select a well-drained site protected from cold winds, with good sun exposure (south-facing).  Ensure that surface and ground water flows away from the site (i.e. build on upland areas).  If not, drainage pipes below the frost line may be required to prevent flooding.
2. Your snake hibernaculum can be sized to fit the available space, but it must be deeper than the frost line (at least 2 meters deep).  Snakes prefer an overwintering site that is close to the water table, but not flooded.  Moist air ensures that snakes do not dehydrate over the dry winter months.
3. Place rubble in the bottom to create chambers for the snakes.  Chambers created at different depths allow the snakes to move vertically and horizontally to select a preferred temperature/humidity microhabitat.
4. Concrete blocks or PVC drain pipes (with holes cut into the sides along the length of the pipe) can be used for entrances and passages to allow the snakes multi-level access.  Snakes use these passage ways to move to the bottom of the pit and into the underground chambers.  It is necessary to hand place the concrete blocks to ensure that a space or tunnel extends down into the bottom of the pit at each of the corners.  Continue to fill the pit with larger rocks, old concrete blocks and slabs, maintaining as many openings and chambers as possible.
5. Cap with an insulating layer of smaller rock rubble.  Be sure to leave the entrances open and keep the top clear of shrubs that may grow as the site matures.
6. Protect emerging snakes from predators by having cover objects such as logs, rock piles, brush and uncut grass nearby.
7. In the spring (mid April to late May), monitor your site to determine if wildlife are using the hibernaculum. Don’t get discouraged, it may take several years before snakes “discover” your hibernaculum.

Wild About Gardening has more information about building hibernaculums for toads and how to keep frogs in your pond as well.

The Chess Mess Test

16175535028851879383

Vamp Amber had this one. Your result for The Chess Mess Test…

The Queen’s Knight

Congrats! Only 4-5% of the population score this!

The Queen’s Knight is armed with rose-colored glasses. The mundane comes to life and nature becomes expressive of spirit. The interesting thing about this Knight is the ability to switch from fantasy to reality. There are exceptions to the rule, but this is the type that may have had imaginary friends as a youngster. Their stuffed animals also were great companions. The Queen’s Knight will see the good in almost anyone or anything – but their depth of emotion can remain hidden even from themselves. Circumstances tend to reveal sudden responses.

Not all life is rosy and this Knight is not exempt from disappointment or frustration with humanity. They may feel incompetence when dealing with their own ethical values. Things aren’t simply white black, but a grand battle of Good versus Evil. Evil must be reckoned with but Good shall eventually win. It is not that they fight evil, but that they fight for the essence of moral good. Doing something good is quite satisfactory for them and indeed increases their happiness. It is when something is not reciprocated to them that they are saddened and disappointed by others. They learn that others aren’t as self-sacrificing.

The Queen’s Knight is dominated by an inner world of intense feeling and deeply rooted ethics. They seek to form their life based on their views. They are highly curious of those around them so are readily accepting of others unless their values are being threatened. They promote insight and understanding amongst others and contribute well thought ideas. They however can be a bit too idealistic.

Check out my other tests!

Changeling Type | Mage Sorter

Take The Chess Mess Test at H ello Q uizzy

China Patterns in Nature

P1050548

I love the look of the blue devil (chicory) and queen anne’s lace together. That blue and white like a natural china pattern , also known as delftware . This was the best of the photos I took, trying to get them to look the way I was seeing them. Still not perfect but it has the elements of the feeling.