D.R. Wells's Blog: David's Musings and Opinions, page 3

February 15, 2023

Dogs Are Amazing

We refer to dogs as our best friends for a good reason. Owning a dog can bring joy and companionship into your life in ways you may not have expected. Here are some of the many ways a dog makes life better.

First of all, dogs can dramatically improve your mood. Studies have shown that petting a dog releases oxytocin, a hormone linked to happiness and relaxation. Dogs also provide unconditional love and support, which can be incredibly beneficial when dealing with difficult emotions or situations.

Having a dog also has physical benefits. Dogs require regular exercise, so taking them on walks or playing with them in the park can help you stay active and healthy. Additionally, studies have found that people with dogs recover more quickly from illnesses than those without pets.

Dogs also make great companions for social activities like going to the beach or meeting up with friends at the park. They’re always up for an adventure and happily join you wherever you go! They’re great conversation starters and help break the ice when meeting new people.

Finally, dogs provide us protection and security from potential threats or intruders. They’re loyal guardians who will alert us if something is amiss in our home or neighborhood – making us feel safer in our own space.

Owning a dog is a gratifying experience that brings joy into our lives countless ways! If you’ve been considering getting a pup of your own, these are just some of the many reasons it could be one of the best decisions you ever make!
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 15, 2023 14:44

February 14, 2023

Why I Love Sapphic Fiction

As a reader, I am drawn to sapphic fiction for its unique and captivating stories. Whether it's a romantic comedy or an intense drama, these stories explore themes of love, identity, and acceptance in entertaining and thought-provoking ways.

I'm also drawn to sapphic fiction because of its diversity. This genre has many unique characters and stories, from historical fiction to fantasy. No matter what kind of story you're looking for, something is bound to speak to you.

Sapphic fiction is also incredibly empowering. These stories often feature strong protagonists who are unafraid to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.

They show us that bravery is possible even when we feel scared or alone. Reading about characters who have faced adversity yet still come out on top can give us strength when we need it most.

I think sapphic fiction is an excellent genre with something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted romance or an intense drama, there's sure to be a book that speaks to you.

Plus, Sapphic Authors are among the nicest, most inclusive people you'll ever meet.

So if you're looking for your next great read, why not give sapphic fiction a try? You won't regret it!
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 14, 2023 10:51

February 13, 2023

Being Married

I have been married to my wonderful wife for 39 years, and it has been an amazing journey. From the moment we said "I do" until now, I still feel the same love and admiration I did when we first met.

Throughout our marriage, we have faced many challenges together and have come out stronger than ever. We have had our ups and downs like any other couple, but we always take time to appreciate each other and show our love. We understand that communication is vital in a successful relationship, so we always make sure to talk things through whenever there is a disagreement or misunderstanding.

My wife is my best friend and my biggest supporter. She is always there for me no matter what, and she never fails to make me laugh, even on the most challenging days. I am truly blessed to have her in my life, and I wouldn't trade this marriage for anything.

Marriage is beautiful when two people are committed to making it work. It takes hard work, dedication, understanding, patience, compromise, and love. If you are considering getting married or already married, remember that it will sometimes take work. Still, if you both put in the effort, it will be the most rewarding experience of your life!
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 13, 2023 20:04

February 11, 2023

The Rumors of Fleetwood Mac's Album

Fleetwood Mac's eleventh studio album, "Rumors," released in 1977, has long been heralded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. From its opening track, "Second Hand News," to its timeless classic, "Dreams," Rumors takes you on a journey through the raw emotion and struggles that had become the trademark sound of this iconic band.

The album itself was recorded during a tumultuous period for Fleetwood Mac. Christine and John McVie had separated earlier that year, and Mick Fleetwood had recently divorced his wife, Jenny Boyd. In addition, Nicks struggled with her own relationship issues with Lindsey Buckingham. All these conflicts contributed to the unique sound that made Rumors so successful.

The songs on Rumors have gone on to become some of the most popular in rock history, such as "Go Your Own Way," "Don't Stop," and "Gold Dust Woman." These serve as a testament to the immense talent of individual band members but also show how they worked together to create something so special. Fans worldwide still marvel at how rumored dysfunction brought out their best work.

The legacy of Rumours endures primarily due in part to its lasting impact on pop culture and music. But it is also a lesson in perseverance, showing us that success can be achieved even through difficult times if you stay true to yourself and keep striving for greatness.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 11, 2023 20:04

February 10, 2023

New Character in Sequel to "Walking Out of Time": Florencia Jaimy

Although still being debated if it will be published, I'm moving forward with character development for the next book. Many of the cast from "Walking Out of Time" are returning along with some new faces.

With that in mind, please allow me to introduce:

Florencia Jaimy had always been a curious person. She was always asking questions and looking for answers to the mysteries of life. But nothing could have prepared her for the day she discovered that she was related to ancient witches.

It all started when Florencia's grandmother gave her an old book with stories about witches from centuries ago. The book captivated Florencia, and she spent hours reading it, learning about the mysterious powers of these women. One day, while researching her family tree, Florencia stumbled upon a familiar name: Jaimy.

Florencia soon realized that this was the same last name as hers and that she was related to one of these ancient witches! She couldn't believe it at first, but after further research, she found out that her ancestor had been a powerful witch who used her magic to help people in need.

Florencia began to explore her newfound heritage and learn more about witchcraft. She read books on the subject, attended workshops and seminars, and sought advice from experienced practitioners. With each new discovery, Florencia felt more connected to her past. She began to understand how powerful witchcraft could be when used for good.

Eventually, Florencia decided to take things further by practicing witchcraft herself. She studied hard and eventually became proficient in many different spells and rituals. She also made sure to use her powers responsibly by only using them for good causes, such as healing illnesses or helping those in need.

Then, she was contacted by a mysterious figure from the "Coven of Midnight."
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 10, 2023 13:06

February 9, 2023

Why I Left My Corporate Job

I had a reasonably high-paying corporate job but couldn't stand the greed. The company was all about making money rather than helping people. I felt my work was meaningless and I was just a cog in the machine. So, after much thought and consideration, I decided to leave my job and pursue something more meaningful.

The decision to quit my job wasn't easy. It meant leaving behind a steady paycheck and the security of a regular income. But in the end, it was worth it because now I'm doing something more fulfilling and rewarding.

There are many reasons why people decide to leave their jobs, including stress, personal circumstances, feeling disengaged, career change, lack of growth opportunities, or simply not liking their boss. For me, it was all about being disillusioned with leadership, standing up against greed, and finding something more meaningful to do with my life.

Leaving your job can be scary but also liberating at the same time. It's essential to weigh your options carefully before making such a big decision.

It's been two years since I quit my job, but looking back on it now, I know it was the right decision for me. Taking the leap into the unknown can be daunting, but if you believe in yourself, anything is possible!
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 09, 2023 20:25

February 8, 2023

My Experience with Depression

My experience with depression, trauma, and anxiety has been a long journey filled with sadness and hope.

My story began when I was a child. I experienced traumatic events that left me feeling scared and alone. These experiences had a profound effect on me and eventually led to depression. Complicating it further, I experienced more traumatic issues in the military.

At first, I didn't understand why I always felt so sad. But as I got older, it became clear that these feelings were connected to the trauma. My depression made it hard for me to connect with people or find joy in life.

I eventually sought help from a mental health professional who diagnosed me with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This diagnosis helped me understand what was happening and gave me the courage to seek treatment for my condition.

While the road to recovery has been long and hard, there have been moments of hope. With the help of my wife, therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, I have managed my symptoms more effectively.

I still struggle with depression, trauma, and anxiety, but now I know how to cope better. There are days when it feels like too much to bear, but then there are days when I feel hopeful again.

My story is not unique; many people struggle with similar issues every day. If you're also struggling, please know that you're not alone, and help is available if you need it. Reach out to a mental health professional for guidance on your journey toward healing and recovery.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 08, 2023 09:50

February 6, 2023

The Prophet

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is a timeless classic filled with wisdom and insight. Written in 1923, it has been translated into over 100 languages and continues to be one of the most loved books ever written. The book consists of 26 prose poetry fables that explore topics such as love, marriage, friendship, death, and more.

The Prophet follows Almustafa, the chosen and beloved Prophet who has waited twelve years in the city of Orphalese for his ship that will take him home. As he waits to leave, he is asked questions on various topics by the people of Orphalese. Through his answers, we get insight into life's greatest mysteries.

Kahlil Gibran's writing style is beautiful and poetic. His words are full of emotion and meaning that readers can feel deeply. He speaks about universal truths that are still relevant today. He encourages us to think deeply about our lives and how we can live them more fully.

The Prophet is an inspiring book that will stay with you long after reading it.

It is a must-read for those looking for guidance or inspiration in their life journey. Whether you're looking for advice on love or trying to make sense of life's challenges, this book will provide you with the answers you seek.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 06, 2023 17:33

February 5, 2023

A Primer on the Scottish Witch Trials

The first mass witch trial in Scotland was the North Berwick Witch Trial which began in 1590 and lasted until 1593. During this time, somewhere between 70 and 200 so-called witches were put on trial, tortured, and even executed from the town of North Berwick. The passing of the Scottish Witchcraft Act in 1563 made witchcraft or consulting with witches a capital crimes in Scotland.

The Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597 was another major event. It is estimated that up to two-thirds of those accused during these trials were executed, and many more died under torture or while awaiting trial. These witch hunts particularly targeted women, who were seen as more vulnerable to demonic influence than men.

In 2021, Scotland apologized for these executions and pardoned those wrongfully convicted of witchcraft during this period. This apology came after centuries of persecution against those accused of practicing witchcraft in Scotland.

Although it has been centuries since these events occurred, they remain a dark part of Scotland's history and remind us that we must not allow such injustices to happen again.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_t...

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 05, 2023 14:57

February 4, 2023

What Is The Voynich Manuscript

One of the world’s most mysterious books is the Voynich Manuscript. The manuscript was discovered in 1912 by Wilfrid Voynich, a Polish rare book dealer. It is written in a strange script by an unknown author and has baffled scholars for centuries. The manuscript is filled with illustrations and handwriting in an unknown language.

Researchers have attempted to decode the mysterious text since its discovery, so far they have not been successful. Recent research suggests that the text may be related to the Hebrew or Latin languages, but this has not been proven. The illustrations could represent plants or astronomical events.

The mystery surrounding the Voynich Manuscript has captivated people worldwide for generations. It is presumed that if it could be deciphered, it would provide invaluable insight into our past and unlock secrets about our history that have remained hidden for centuries.

For those interested in learning more about this fascinating artifact, there are many resources available online, including articles from The New Yorker and Ars Technica and books such as “The Voynich Manuscript” by Raymond Clemens. Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library houses a digitized version of the manuscript which can be accessed online.

No matter your interest level in this enigmatic document, it will fascinate you with its mysterious contents and captivating illustrations!

Sources
https://beinecke.library.yale.edu/col...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voynich...
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-...
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 04, 2023 16:12