Hi, My name is Keri and I live in the Cascade Foothills in Duvall, WA (The Pacific Northwest of the U.S.). I'm a fifty one year old, single, retired woman with three adult, atheist daughters and I also am thrilled to have two young grandsons. I have been skeptical most of my life (I was raised in a Christian home, but we seldom went to church or practiced the religion) and about 5 months ago I finally realized that I am an atheist. It was such a freeing experience! I am interested in and fascinated by many of the sciences, I love the outdoors and related activities (the cabin I live in actually backs up to the national forest and is across the street from a lovely little lake), my interests include politics (I'm a lefty), animals, reading fiction and nonfictions, movies, the environment, music, crafts, feminism, baking and canning, the internet, board and computer games, and I am a volunteer at a therapeutic horse riding center for people with disabilities. I love to connect online with others, but find my atheistic views are often discouraged and unwelcome on facebook, pinterest, etc. Im tired of only sharing part of who I am and what I believe in, and am looking for like minded people to have discussions with, to learn from and share myself with :) I'm on the shy side, but am also friendly and kind, and I truly believe in humanism and in being a good person (and not for the promise of an afterlife or kudos). I love where I live and am really happy in my life currently, but I am pretty isolated up here in the mountains and am seeking friendship!
Hi Keri
52 year old married Englishman here. 3 grown up kids (2 girls 1 boy) and one 18 month old grandson. Never been a theist. We're a diverse bunch here and we take people as we find them. No need to feel incomplete here.
Thanks for making the effort to sign up and join in.
Welcome to HAF. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F2922%2Fcheersi.gif&hash=d22c932723fd55512134b1ae98b018246ccbb424)
Regards
Chris
Notes for new members.
The Rules. (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=1522.0)
Users who comply with forum rules will graduate to full membership after 10 posts.
Till that time your ability to post is limited to the "Getting to Know You" (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php#2) section of the forum.
It is our hope that this small restriction improves the overall atmosphere of HAF.
Some threads you might find interesting.
Where did you get your username from? (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5133.0)
10 Things About Yourself (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=4940.0)
Tell us A Bit About Where You're From (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8215.0)
Photography (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=7607.0)
Non-religious pet peeves (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=6917.0)
Pets...what do you have? (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=7.0)
Favorite Song, with video (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8830.0)
How to tell your family you are an atheist. (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5111.0)*
"Rules for Conducting a Discussion" by Dr. Mortimer J. Adler (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5631.0)*
*You will need 10 posts before you can add a post to this thread, but you can read it at any time.
Thank you for the welcome, Chris! I'm looking forward to getting to know members - and am happy to be part of a diverse and accepting group.
Keri
Hello Keri
I come from NZ, we have a small town here called KeriKeri, slightly north of the fantastic Bay of Islands, where as the Bay of Islands has lots of interesting fish in the ocean, KeriKeri is well known for its superb fruit, especially oranges.
Welcome aboard the Happy Atheist.
Once you have made it beyond the 10 post (getting to know you) honeymoon period, I would be keen to know more about your interest in feminism, especially with regards to the difference between feminism and humanism. I am sure you are simply for equality but unfortunately I think feminists get a bad unfounded reputation.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 09:41:41 PM
Hi, My name is Keri and I live in the Cascade Foothills in Duvall, WA (The Pacific Northwest of the U.S.). I'm a fifty one year old, single, retired woman with three adult, atheist daughters and I also am thrilled to have two young grandsons. I have been skeptical most of my life (I was raised in a Christian home, but we seldom went to church or practiced the religion) and about 5 months ago I finally realized that I am an atheist. It was such a freeing experience! I am interested in and fascinated by many of the sciences, I love the outdoors and related activities (the cabin I live in actually backs up to the national forest and is across the street from a lovely little lake), my interests include politics (I'm a lefty), animals, reading fiction and nonfictions, movies, the environment, music, crafts, feminism, baking and canning, the internet, board and computer games, and I am a volunteer at a therapeutic horse riding center for people with disabilities. I love to connect online with others, but find my atheistic views are often discouraged and unwelcome on facebook, pinterest, etc. Im tired of only sharing part of who I am and what I believe in, and am looking for like minded people to have discussions with, to learn from and share myself with :) I'm on the shy side, but am also friendly and kind, and I truly believe in humanism and in being a good person (and not for the promise of an afterlife or kudos). I love where I live and am really happy in my life currently, but I am pretty isolated up here in the mountains and am seeking friendship!
Welcome to the forum. You certainly seem to have a very rounded range of interests and I think you'll find that
you will enjoy plenty of opportunities to participate in sociable conversations which reflect your personal affinities. While the shared background here with a few exceptions is atheism, there is a lightness of touch and a great deal of personal warmth amongst the members. The moderators are a supportive and tolerant bunch as I have had cause to be grateful for on more than one occasion.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 10:08:47 PM
Thank you for the welcome, Chris! I'm looking forward to getting to know members - and am happy to be part of a diverse and accepting group.
Keri
;D
Word to the wise, don't take anybody too seriously ;)
Hey Keri!
Another Englishman here, 40, Father of two and not a lefty, but I won't hold it against you :D
Sounds like you've come to the right place for all you're looking for so get stuck in and have fun.
Just a random question to get you going, what type of shoes do you like to wear? I want style colour, make and whether they match your handbags... Welcome.
Hello and welcome to HAF, Keri. Thanks for that comprehensive yet concise introduction. I look forward to reading more from you, and seeing your contributions to our discussions.
I hope that you enjoy your time reading and posting here! (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg814.imageshack.us%2Fimg814%2F7%2Fwelcomebluesmiley.gif&hash=af423e2e268b20fea04a9fa45d5649fe879aecd1)
@ Stevil and En_Route - I really appreciate the welcomes! I had never heard of the town of KeriKeri before and am delighted to add that to interesting info in regard to my name...and oranges are one of my favorite fruits. I am new to forums in general, so any advice is welcome as to what I should know, do etc... and yes, basically my interest in feminism is about supporting equality and as well as supporting law enforcement and educating regarding rape. I am a very domestic person (in the sense that I have been a homemaker most of my life and enjoy many aspects of that, ie: canning and baking) and it often surprises people that I strongly support equality and women's rights and very much consider myself a feminist. I think in a broader sense I would define myself as a humanist, though not in a religious sense at all - just that I think people have a duty to love, respect and care for each other regardless of differences, whatever they may be. I went through a transformative process in the 90's where I gave up most of my rather undefined but theist leanings while I was raising my kids as a single mom. My children had and have a lot of influence on me - I have learned at least as much from them as they have from me. I lost my very effeminate, gay son when he was 16 - he taught me so much about accepting and celebrating people. I was very much a "let everyone else think for me", almost conservative kind of person until my children challenged me! I embraced atheism very recently after many years of wanting to believe in heaven (because I wanted to see my son again). I just didn't want to let go of that hope. What surprised me though was that letting it (and my son) go made me so much stronger and freer. I don't get much support or tolerance in my daily life for my views (I live in an ultra conservative, theist centered area and most of my family are theists with little tolerance for different views) currently so keep to myself a lot. I'm looking forward to having conversations here!
I can't imagine what it must be like to have a child die. I don't even want to try and think about it to be honest.
@recussant - thank you! @scissorlegs - LOL, I hope my answer at the very least, will surprise you! My shoes never match my handbags. The reason for this is that I am a paraneoplastic syndrome cancer survivor with some neurological damage and I wear a brace on my leg to assist me in walking. The brace is built right into an athletic looking type shoe that is black and silver and has this cool dial feature on the heel that tightens the "laces". Some ski boots have that feature, it's pretty cool. I think fashion is fantastic, but I'm kind of clueless. I had to go look at my handbag to see what brand it is - it's an XOXO, shiny black patent leather with studs and turquoise, pink and orange flowers on it! I like a little touch of funky with my bland. ;D
@ tank - yeah, pretty much as awful as you'd imagine, but he was an awesome person and I mostly am just really grateful to have been his mom.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 11:32:58 PM
@recussant - thank you! @scissorlegs - LOL, I hope my answer at the very least, will surprise you! My shoes never match my handbags. The reason for this is that I am a paraneoplastic syndrome cancer survivor with some neurological damage and I wear a brace on my leg to assist me in walking. The brace is built right into an athletic looking type shoe that is black and silver and has this cool dial feature on the heel that tightens the "laces". Some ski boots have that feature, it's pretty cool. I think fashion is fantastic, but I'm kind of clueless. I had to go look at my handbag to see what brand it is - it's an XOXO, shiny black patent leather with studs and turquoise, pink and orange flowers on it! I like a little touch of funky with my bland. ;D
Now there we go! Fantastic bit of interesting info from a seemingly impotent question!. But I still don't see why you can't strive to achieve the match - not that I don't appreciate an image of your florally adorned patent leather...
Sorry to hear about your son. We'll all be joining him in due course so there's something to celebrate...! My Atheism is a source of much comfort when contemplating the loss of loved ones, and my Nihilism allows a certain cynical humour to cut through the grief. Grimace-on, eh?!
Hi Keri and welcome! Sounds like you will be an awesome addition to our happy little group. I hope you enjoy it here. I am sorry to hear about your son.
@ scissorlegs - in reassessing the matching qualities of my handbag and brace/shoes I realized they do in fact match to a degree, ha! The shoes are pretty neutral, so the only bag they probably wouldn't compliment are an evening clutch. Somehow the steel of the brace and a rhinestone bag seem like they wouldn't be likely bedfellows.
I think you are the first person who has understood what I meant by my atheism freeing me in terms of loss! I truly feel far more comfort now than when I longed for an afterlife. I'm interested in nihilism, though aside form knowing it's basic premise that life is meaningless, I know very little else. Grimace on, indeed!!
Hi Ali! I was beginning to wonder if there were any other women here ;) Thanks for the condolences.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 16, 2012, 01:24:19 AM
Hi Ali! I was beginning to wonder if there were any other women here ;) Thanks for the condolences.
Don't worry there are plenty of your gender here, most of whom strike terror into my heart. A male- dominated clique this is indubitably not. I too was sorry to hear about your sad loss. As parents, it is probably what we dread most. I am glad you have been able to come to terms with it and have obviously have found solace and uplift in celebrating and cherishing the time you had with him.
Thanks, En_Route! I shall try my best to live up to my gender's reputation, lol!
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 09:41:41 PM
Hi, My name is Keri and I live in the Cascade Foothills in Duvall, WA (The Pacific Northwest of the U.S.). I'm a fifty one year old, single, retired woman with three adult, atheist daughters and I also am thrilled to have two young grandsons.
Welcome, you certainly live in a lovely place. And you've definitely come to the right place for interesting, sometimes heated but always lively, discussions with a diverse group.
I'm a 57 yr old, single, hoping-to-retire-this-year, Californian woman whose main interests in life are reading and cats (hence the screenname). There's an Edward Gorey cartoon that has a cat sprawled lazily over a stack of books, and the subtitle "books, cats -- life is good". If I were inclined to get tattooed, that's the tattoo I'd get. Just not sure where.
Keri, I said hi in the thread about 'where are you from', but... welcome again! I'm really glad to meet you. :)
You sound like an interesting, strong lady - a survivor and a fighter. I'm sorry to hear about your son. I'm also happy to hear that the way you've moved on has helped make you stronger, and helped you heal some. *hugs*
I'm really looking forward to getting to know you, more! Like you, I'm also a humanist... and like you, I enjoy doing stuff in the kitchen, and my purses also tend to have fun colours and/or flowers on them. ;D
See you around the forums, I'm very glad you're here!
Thank you, bookscatsetc and amicale for the welcomes! I'm really looking forward to hearing more from both of you in the forums! ;D
Hello
Useful tips:
Don't feed the Asmo, or at least keep your distance and use a long stick.
You needn't be nice to Old Git as he'll only forget anyway, oh but you're a humanist, be nice if you must.
Tank loves Korean cuisine and would appreciate any dog recipes you can find.
Be careful with Scissorlegs, he is an unapologetic rightest and will seek to exploit your labour.
Determined Juliet, BooksCats, Phinx, Amicale, Ali and Budhorse are all very nice, if you do what your told and ply them with chocolate.
If BooksCats says something is poetic don't think it's a compliment.
Phinx is annoyingly clever.
Amicale likes cats but besides that she's OK.
Ali eats all our food, don't bother looking in the HAF fridge 'cause she'll have eaten everything.
If you see Budhorse on her horse don't stand too close as she will probably fall on you, oh and her horse also bites.
I suspect En_Route is a Tank sock puppet.
Recusant is seems perfectly fine, that's why amongst such a bunch of weirdos I suspect him most.
McQ, I can't tell you about him, he's always watching.
Guardian, I'd say watch out for him but there's no point, he's too stealthy.
Don't ask what happened to Whitney, we have our suspicions but we'd Tank you not to ask.
Stevil is a New Zealander but some people like him anyway.
Ecurb Noselrub and Animated Dirt are our tamed christians, mostly tamed.
Keri
Now you have more than 10 posts you can add an avatar and text to your signature to personalise you posts. An avatar is a good idea, well at least it helps me ;D
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 16, 2012, 08:03:34 AM
Hello
Useful tips:
Don't feed the Asmo, or at least keep your distance and use a long stick.
You needn't be nice to Old Git as he'll only forget anyway, oh but you're a humanist, be nice if you must.
Tank loves Korean cuisine and would appreciate any dog recipes you can find.
Be careful with Scissorlegs, he is an unapologetic rightest and will seek to exploit your labour.
Determined Juliet, BooksCats, Phinx, Amicale, Ali and Budhorse are all very nice, if you do what your told and ply them with chocolate.
If BooksCats says something is poetic don't think it's a compliment.
Phinx is annoyingly clever.
Amicale likes cats but besides that she's OK.
Ali eats all our food, don't bother looking in the HAF fridge 'cause she'll have eaten everything.
If you see Budhorse on her horse don't stand too close as she will probably fall on you, oh and her horse also bites.
I suspect En_Route is a Tank sock puppet.
Recusant is seems perfectly fine, that's why amongst such a bunch of weirdos I suspect him most.
McQ, I can't tell you about him, he's always watching.
Guardian, I'd say watch out for him but there's no point, he's too stealthy.
Don't ask what happened to Whitney, we have our suspicions but we'd Tank you not to ask.
Stevil is a New Zealander but some people like him anyway.
Ecurb Noselrub and Animated Dirt are our tamed christians, mostly tamed.
Tank told me to say that I most definitely am not his sock puppet.
Hello, Keri! You've just added another grandparent to our ranks, excellent. (The others being me and Tank.)
I'm not a lefty any more than Siz, and not wholly in favour of all brands of feminism, either. But I don't have enough teeth to bite you, so you'll be OK. I hope you enjoy it here.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 16, 2012, 02:58:47 AM
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 09:41:41 PM
Hi, My name is Keri and I live in the Cascade Foothills in Duvall, WA (The Pacific Northwest of the U.S.). I'm a fifty one year old, single, retired woman with three adult, atheist daughters and I also am thrilled to have two young grandsons.
Welcome, you certainly live in a lovely place. And you've definitely come to the right place for interesting, sometimes heated but always lively, discussions with a diverse group.
I'm a 57 yr old, single, hoping-to-retire-this-year, Californian woman whose main interests in life are reading and cats (hence the screenname). There's an Edward Gorey cartoon that has a cat sprawled lazily over a stack of books, and the subtitle "books, cats -- life is good". If I were inclined to get tattooed, that's the tattoo I'd get. Just not sure where.
On your tail?
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 16, 2012, 08:03:34 AM
Determined Juliet, BooksCats, Phinx, Amicale, Ali and Budhorse are all very nice, if you do what your told and ply them with chocolate.
This is pretty accurate. ;D I'm another regular lady-poster. :) Welcome.
Welcome, Kerri!
Sorry to hear about your son.
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 16, 2012, 08:03:34 AM
Hello
Useful tips:
Don't feed the Asmo, or at least keep your distance and use a long stick.
You needn't be nice to Old Git as he'll only forget anyway, oh but you're a humanist, be nice if you must.
Tank loves Korean cuisine and would appreciate any dog recipes you can find.
Be careful with Scissorlegs, he is an unapologetic rightest and will seek to exploit your labour.
Determined Juliet, BooksCats, Phinx, Amicale, Ali and Budhorse are all very nice, if you do what your told and ply them with chocolate.
If BooksCats says something is poetic don't think it's a compliment.
Phinx is annoyingly clever.
Amicale likes cats but besides that she's OK.
Ali eats all our food, don't bother looking in the HAF fridge 'cause she'll have eaten everything.
If you see Budhorse on her horse don't stand too close as she will probably fall on you, oh and her horse also bites.
I suspect En_Route is a Tank sock puppet.
Recusant is seems perfectly fine, that's why amongst such a bunch of weirdos I suspect him most.
McQ, I can't tell you about him, he's always watching.
Guardian, I'd say watch out for him but there's no point, he's too stealthy.
Don't ask what happened to Whitney, we have our suspicions but we'd Tank you not to ask.
Stevil is a New Zealander but some people like him anyway.
Ecurb Noselrub and Animated Dirt are our tamed christians, mostly tamed.
*With her mouth full* This is all true, but notice Puddig didn't bother to tell you about himself. Typical. Let me.
Pudding is hilarious and cryptic, but don't get too close; he'll steal your hat.
Welcome and you have my condolences. As I have managed to avoid the list you will just have to find out about me on your own.
Quote from: Scissorlegs on July 16, 2012, 11:53:15 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 16, 2012, 02:58:47 AM
There's an Edward Gorey cartoon that has a cat sprawled lazily over a stack of books, and the subtitle "books, cats -- life is good". If I were inclined to get tattooed, that's the tattoo I'd get. Just not sure where.
On your tail?
Possibly. I could get all sorts of eyebrow raising and amusing assumptions made about it, and it wouldn't show up under undecorous circumstances.
I'm not female, I don't live in the wilderness, and have never ridden a horse. I think we'll get along just fine. Welcome to HAF!
I feel welcome. Nice and squishy inside. Thanks all!
OoOooo, your avatar looks delicious... (is that weird to say? I'm going to say it anyway)
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 17, 2012, 05:09:21 AM
I feel welcome. Nice and squishy inside. Thanks all!
Hmm, nice and squishy is nice, bu I prefer warm and soft. Welcome!
My middle daughter says that my canning hobby suits me well, because it's practically the only time she gets to see me dance and swear and she finds both very amusing. She, on the other hand, swears like a sailor. I think it's a requirement for living in NY City. She wasn't that way when I sent her off to college 10 years ago... I rather like her smart mouth.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 17, 2012, 05:46:27 AM
My middle daughter says that my canning hobby suits me well, because it's practically the only time she gets to see me dance and swear and she finds both very amusing. She, on the other hand, swears like a sailor. I think it's a requirement for living in NY City. She wasn't that way when I sent her off to college 10 years ago... I rather like her smart mouth.
:D That's funny. When I was in highschool, I didn't swear often (then again, I was also Christian back then, so that came with its own baggage). By university though, I tended to start more. Not deliberately, really; I suppose I just picked up the habit. :D And then to my surprise and amusement, once I graduated and started working here and there and became an adult, I felt more free to swear around my own mom... and I suddenly realized what a mouth she has on her! ;D Now we both shoot our mouths off around one another, and it can be pretty funny sometimes to see her coming in from work, going "Goddamn, it's F'ing hot out there! My F'ing coworkers drove me insane today! I need a damn drink!" ... and I just burst out giggling.
Well, I'm late to the party, as usual. But your introduction is intriguing, and I look forward to hearing more from you. Welcome to HAF!
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 09:41:41 PM
...and about 5 months ago I finally realized that I am an atheist. It was such a freeing experience!
Congratulations! Many here can relate to what you have said about a freeing experience.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 11:37:53 PM
@ tank - yeah, pretty much as awful as you'd imagine, but he was an awesome person and I mostly am just really grateful to have been his mom.
And he was very lucky to have you.
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 17, 2012, 05:46:27 AM
She, on the other hand, swears like a sailor. I think it's a requirement for living in NY City.
Most definitely!