start a new religion

I had a really good entry. I was in the zone and then my computer disconnectd. Yikes have to get back in touch with my soul to write that entry again.

... dig for diamonds, hunt for buried, sunken, and otherwise lost treasure. The whole business tweaks my excitement meter, even tho’ I realize most of the world’s fields have been combed over by schemers, dreamers, adventurers and corporate bandits for the past 3 centuries… Nevertheless, I’ll bet the “odds” of striking a little “paydirt” are at least as good as winning the lottery – and how many people are feeding that machine!? Once again, I just can’t supress these “genetic” urges … oh, so you think I’m full of it, do you? Well, that 80 yr. old in the photo is my mom, doing the shovel & bucket in a little known Arkansas diamond field. (A bonafide played-out gemstone pipe, still yielding tiny stuff and mostly jade, but worth every penny of the admission) Granted, the image lays waste to any “glamorous” associations one may have attached to the pursuit, but hey, if it can make mom feel 40-something for a whole afternoon, it’s ok with me! So if anyone knows of a good karat-picking spot… (suuuurrreee!)

While I must admit I have experienced this urge to found a new religion, (on several occassions, and not always when mentally impaired, either). At least I have had the maturity to think it through and conclude that it’s probably not such a good idea. For one thing, it’s not very “original!” Been done … and while there’s always room for improvement, I think this idea of “showing people the light” tends to end badly … as a number of historical events seem to indicate (crusades … 911 … heavens gate). And “badly,” not only for the subscribers, but especially the poor “innovaters! (or should I say “authors?”) Besides, haven’t most of the religious “bases” been covered? (unless we want to go somewhere really silly like oh, worshipping Aliens?) Hmmm … No, that’s been done too, come to think of it. OK, maybe the aliens were more like a heaven limo-service, but that’s close enough for me … whatever… too many new religions ending in “kool-aid parties” for my taste. But I feel myself beginning to digress, so let me just say that if anyone out there has had experience in this area, I’d love to hear about it. (but no prosyltizing, please, yuk-yuk!)

Hare’ Cathi, Hare’ Cathi
Cathi, Cathi, Hare’ Hare’
Hare’ beth, Hare’ beth
beth, beth, Hare’ Hare’

members will have to chant this mantra 108 times each morning, especially when they are stuffing cash into envelopes addressed to me. Shaving the head and robes are optional.