Atwater Vitki

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  1. Atwater Vitki

    I'd like to take this opportunity to Welcome you to the forum! Thank you for joining and I hope you'll find our little Family of Friends to be a place you come home to on a regular basis. We always enjoy new perspectives and fresh ideas, so let's hear yours! Blessings of Peace, Al

  2. Atwater Vitki

    I'd like to take this opportunity to Welcome you to the forum! Thank you for joining and I hope you'll find our little Family of Friends to be a place you come home to on a regular basis. We always enjoy new perspectives and fresh ideas, so let's hear yours! Blessings of Peace, Al

  3. Atwater Vitki
    I'm convinced Bishop, Puddles has become a new favorite and I'm searching for more new stuff from Micheal "Puddles" Geier...in the meantime here a few I've found that are really out of it. BTW - Thank you for bringing this fabulous artisan to our attention!! Blessings of Peace, Puddles Pity Party Play-List https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=VBmCJEehYtU “Royals” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=W3DXW9q5Gys “Another Falls” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UOL8loJdY-w “I Started A Joke” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wZ5yyw8xKh8 “My Heart Will Go On” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hBl3k4APdI4 “I Who Have Nothing” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=jlDgVxq-6-0&list=PLz65BQoKWgkmeVq_ca1Yc7OMWb_vDvGKA “Lonely Guy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MNrIQBOiYs0&list=PLz65BQoKWgkmeVq_ca1Yc7OMWb_vDvGKA “Puddles Luvs Paul” https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLz65BQoKWgkmeVq_ca1Yc7OMWb_vDvGKA&v=xOgTYsoQpKI&feature=player_detailpage “Fantasy Love” https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLz65BQoKWgkmeVq_ca1Yc7OMWb_vDvGKA&feature=player_detailpage&v=NqjcvnIfRoo “Eels Go Live” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=L8IBD25-3I0 “You Don't Know Me” http://www.elvisroyale.com/home.html "Elvis Royale" https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WyHVk7-3LbI “Metallica Cover” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbRSs35vkQk&feature=player_detailpage “Hallelujah” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhl8LbtayeI&feature=player_detailpage “That'll Be The Day” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1HtrbMy4mU4 "Living in Ruins" ….annnd one for the Prince that started this whole line of silliness! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFlZC1G7urs&feature=player_detailpage “All 7 Performances of Prince Poppycock on AGT”
  4. Atwater Vitki
    Von- Excellent! Sounds as if the young man has options and that is something I've always felt is a key to any kind of recovery. When a person has no options the hopelessness and dwindling of resources takes it toll until there is nothing. People can not operate very well with nothing. When a person has options, the hopefulness and healing seems to exponentially grow. Good on you and your church for truly making things available to him and the mother. And as you say "Now" it's time to see what they do with these many blessed options in front of them. Blessings of Healing and Peace,
  5. Atwater Vitki
    This was precisely the same situation I was in a couple years back with a neighbor when I also came here looking for some help/answers...the outcome was almost the same as it began to draw me into the drama until I finally just backed off in as diplomatic a style as possible. It took 2½-3 months, but the couple finally stopped by and asked "why" the group* and myself had stopped coming by....they always had delightful, homemade coffee/tea and snacks avail and "counseling nights" became almost like social night instead of pastoral counseling or professional help. One of the other neighbors took the direct approach (I was not liking what had to be said)....and told them outright...if "they didn't want to get beyond their situation, they won't!" Another friend even told the gal how utterly selfish she was by placing the focus of her son's addiction on her. If all we ever discussed was how this "terrible catastrophe" affected the mom...well then not much sense in giving help to the son. Naturally myself, nor anyone here, knows this person in your church or what is best for her, but it's starting to sound like another very familiar story in the "Addiction Cycles" and that is loved one's of the addict becoming the victim and by proxy becoming the focus of help. (As I look back this was the case with my own parents and my trouble 35 + years ago) The mother you are dealing with may not actually want help (subconsciously) for her son so the focus can remain on how hurt she is. Frankly, this may be the perfect time to solicit the idea that the mom get "Professional Help" or stop worrying about her already "dead" son. I know, I know...sounds so cold and hard, but sometimes that is what is needed for the emotions of others to take a back seat and the ADDICT to get help. As the pastor, perhaps being very direct and open with her is the only means of getting the message through, I don't know...but in the meantime.... My prayers and energies are with you Von, while you go through this seemingly impossible dilemma with a member of your church. Blessings of Healing for all concerned *the group - consisted of a trained/licensed psychologist (who lives in our complex) and several close friends of the couple, I was there strictly as a pagan priest, which was the family's chosen religious affiliation.
  6. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our growing family of friends here on the forum. We're glad you could joins us! As you feel the need, join us in the discussions and let us know a bit about yourself. It's always a pleasure getting to know new folks. Blessings of Peace, Al

  7. Atwater Vitki
    It's in the link above "Intervention" but here it is again in plain link/text whatever ya call it! http://www.aetv.com/intervention/video I was afraid for my sister as well and her watching to let her "see" the effects regarding her daughter...Sis is now a dedicated watcher and even has favorite episodes because she relates and also realizes she's not alone in the world. If this Mom has internet a quick Google on Addiction Intervention pulls up a "million" links...something should be of value/interest to her there. Blessings of Peace and Healing to all concerned.
  8. Atwater Vitki
    I'll split the "confusion" here Von... ...I guess I jumped to a conclusion that wasn't there upon reading it over several times...so anyway...we're beyond that now! It seems you are already doing what should be done and the only really productive thing, keeping the door open but limiting the exposure. From my personal experience it was those who did that for me that helped more in the long run than anyone. Those that kept harping on the woes of others "because of" my addiction fell on deaf ears. The only other thing I can think of is for the family and mother...perhaps watching a few episodes of "Intervention" will help. If nothing else the mom and family can see just how universally destructive and heart wrenching addiction is. Often it's some of the simplest things said that make a huge impact to family. The counselors on that show are spot on as far as I'm concerned. And yes, continued prayers and sending Healing Energy is all the rest of us can do, even when it doesn't appear to be doing any good at all. Blessings of Peace,
  9. Atwater Vitki
    I feel so helpless at this very moment because I too am a "recovered addict" who has battled the mighty Heroin Dragon for some 35 years. Unfortunately what Mark said is absolutely correct "if the parties involved do not wish to kick their habit,there is nothing anyone can do." and beyond that there is virtually nothing that can be done to help the addict, regardless if s/he is family or foe, loved one or hated adversary. There are times when three and a half decades later I still battle this Dragon on an hourly basis, let alone daily. "Today I will not use" is a mantra I have began each day with since 1979 and thus, I must consider will probably be there everyday of the rest of my life. (Having recently quit smoking cigarettes, that will probably be a daily struggle as well! ) Okay, so enough of the helpless "can't" stuff....what your wife and son's Mother can do is continue to emotionally love him, support him and pray for him. Let him know that no one has given up on him so when he has had enough and wants to quit the Heroin... everyone is still willing to be there for him. There is probably nothing of greater emphasis I tell anyone in this position. And you know already that you don't hate your son, you hate the choices he is making. So be mad at the choices, not him. Only you know how best to express your love and support of him and how to chastise his choices, not him...no one can tell you how to best do that, only you, your wife and he know what language and circumstances work best for y'all. I felt so incredibly lonely regarding most of my family because they told me things that were not supportive, were condescending and destructive, things I had to make a choice about. Not that "it's either Heroin or family" doesn't enter your vocabulary, I'm sure it does, but it's all in how he is told that that makes all the difference in the world. Be strong and supportive of your son, be angry at his poor choices and make sure he understands the difference....that is probably the best advice I can ever pass on to anyone in this terrible situation. It is tough loving someone that you hate what they do to themselves, but you and your wife will find a way to get through to him, even if it takes another long while. You are as strong and spiritual as anyone I know here Von, and you have our prayers for all of you. Blessings of Peace and Healing,
  10. Atwater Vitki
    Nope he ain't as far as I know....butt....on the topic of quitting smoking..... 22Feb14 for my wife and 03Mar14 for myself in having slayed this dragon...or at least critically injured it. I'm so proud of Kay who quit cold turkey the day she had oral surgery and hasn't lit one up since Feb 22. It took me a couple weeks to finish a pack having 3 then 2 then 1 a day until a puff here and there to totally quit by Mar. 17. 10+ weeks for Kay 6+ weeks for me...think it may well be a done deal this time! Congrats Murph on quitting, even if ya did start back up hopefully that's a "quit again" by now and all is going smooth. Loss of someone as close as you and Holly were is a rough thing to go through, smoker, non-smoker or wanna be one or the other. I can't think of anything more stressful than loss of a loved one. Hope things are going better for ya in that dept regardless of the tobacco issue. Blessings of Peace, most of all....Blessings of Healing,
  11. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  12. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  13. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  14. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  15. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  16. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  17. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  18. Atwater Vitki
    I also agree very much with that sentiment and suggest this be the end of the "writing style" debate. At this point I feel the best all Members can do is either return to the topic of Misconceptions of Welfare Fraud or expand on the effects of it, but please, let's stop the banter and side tracking. It is beginning to show a rather poor light on many of the Membership. I will suggest to the Section Moderator that the topic be closed if folks can not remain civil with each other. It's a shame it has to come to this once again on a sensitive topic. Thank you.
  19. Atwater Vitki
    This topic has sure taken a 180º turn from what it started off as...
  20. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our little family of friends, glad to have you join in the fun! Blessings of Peace,

  21. Atwater Vitki
    And...it was refreshing indeed. Thank you High Priestess Cat Bland for your 3½¢ worth of "opinion" I am certain there will those who will retort horrendously, but I repeat, I found your response refreshing, honest and very on point to the responses to this topic. Anyone who feels they received a bit of a bashing or harsh opinion, perhaps think about what was said before over reacting like she said. We all learn from the honest assessments of others, even total strangers. If we can't take a bit of critique then we've made the conscious choice to stop growing as a person and that too is "unacceptable" in my book. Timothy, if you didn't know it before, you should know it now...you have a wonderful partner in life on many levels...as they say in some parts o' da world.."You gots yursef a keeper!" Blessings of Peace,
  22. Atwater Vitki
    Being hypocritical in nature is being a hypocrite no matter what label one puts on it. We've covered this aspect of people and religion in many topics so I need not bother with a bunch of redundancy, but yes, I agree that "most" of the time this attribute of humanity is pointed out in the wealthy, but applies to the poor as well, just on different levels. In today's world the whole idea of pre-k and pre-school is basically just a babysitter as so many couples have to both work now days...one, usually the Mom, has to work just to cover the pre-school fees and second car payment! ( hmmm...Go figure...hmm ) Too many parents are lazy and don't want to put in the effort to teach their own children so there is many dynamics going on in this failing area of society to narrow it down to just one thing being the root of the problem. I agree that if we got society back on track of simple 1-12 and college, we'd be far better off. Jobs that my wife and I had years ago with just a GED and HS Diploma now require BA and BS degrees and in some areas we worked, even Masters now. I simply don't buy the explanation we're given that it's because of "technical advancements" either, I mean assembly and machining haven't changed that much since we enjoyed the good pay of those jobs. More like business have made it a priority of weeding out the "have's" from the "have not's" when it comes to college degrees for a great number of reasons but the difficulty of the job description really isn't among those many reasons. Anyway, you make some good points and I agree that we are making life way to complicated when all most of us need is simplicity. Blessings of Peace,
  23. Atwater Vitki
    Keep the curiosity and adventure alive in young lad! It is good he has motivators like y'all!! Blessings of Peace,
  24. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al

  25. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al