Lara Gardner's Weblog

Here are some things that might help you navigate my blog:

1)  I cuss.  Sometimes a lot.  Sometimes a little.  But if you read much of any of what I have to say, you will undoubtedly encounter a cuss word here and there.  Ironically enough, the cuss words are more likely in the shorter posts because my shorter posts are usually random rants against something, thereby more cuss inspiring than longer blogs that tend to be more introspective.  Unfortunately, if you’re offended by cuss words, mine may not be the best blog to read.  So sorry.

2)  Names.  I found out the hard way that people might read my blog who know someone I’m talking about.  As a result, unless I know using a person’s actual name is one hundred percent okay, I use pseudonyms.  If you’re reading a blog and you know I’m writing about you, but I did not use your name, that would be the reason why.

3)  Comments.  I will usually post most any comment, unless it is really ugly.  For a while I had a policy of not publishing anything when the person would not tell me who they are, but I figured if someone wants to be anonymous, they must have their reasons.  I will post your comments even if you disagree with me as long as your comments are tasteful and respectful.  I am not easily offended.  I don’t care if you cuss, just no name-calling.  Calling me a fucking fat, uneducated idiot who is too stupid to read the fine print in a mortgage contract will not get you published.  (I actually received a comment that said basically that.)

Also, if it turns out that the email address you used to create the comment is a fake, I will spam the comment.

4)  I am opinionated, but this does not mean you have to share my opinion or that I am trying to convert you to my point of view.  I have my experiences and these experiences have contributed to who I am.  You have yours contributing to you.  I do not expect you to believe what I do.  So while I am opinionated, take me with a grain of salt.  Sometimes it is just fun to write about something.

5)  I am liberal.  I believe in global warming.  I am not a fan of George Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, et al.  I think all creatures are equal and have an equal right to live on this planet, so you may find me ranting about people killing bugs or other small things.  I do not align myself with any religion.  I believe there is enough evidence to support the tenets of evolutionary astrology.  I do not think someone has to be an expert on something to enjoy it.  I’m sure I have other “controversial” thoughts.  If this bothers you, don’t read me.

6) My spiritual life is mine.  I won’t shove my beliefs down your throat, although I might write about them.  By the same token, if you have a spiritual life that is yours, good for you!  However, I’m not in the market for an organized religion.  If you wish to proselytize, go visit the neighbors.

7)  Dharma.  When I talk about dharma, I am speaking as Arthur Jeon used the term in his books Sex, Love, and Dharma and City Dharma.  Basically this is the principle of living in the here and the now, experiencing where we are in this moment rather than getting caught up in the past or worrying about what might happen in the future.  I have many blog posts about this so if you’re interested in reading more, search the categories or do a word search.

8)  I have this blog because I must write and need to give the words in my mind an escape valve.  I am also writing books and articles.  The point of the blog is to get stuff out of my brain; it is not so I can be busy and important.  I am fully aware that a lot of what I say makes people want to tell me to get a life.  I’m not using this to write the next great American novel.  Rather it is exactly what I say it is, “Random thoughts on everything and nothing.”  This means a lot of what I say is pointless and trivial.  Actually most of it probably is.

9)  I like pen pals, or keyboard pals, as the case may be.  If you like what I have to say or just want to chat, shoot me an email at Lara_Gardner on msn.

Have a lovely day, and thanks for reading!