tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71830242877392943762024-03-14T06:26:21.600-04:00Revolution ~ EvolutionIsms, Ologies and Thought Provocations...
The Evolution will NOT be televised!Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-400747205249560502013-01-17T00:28:00.000-05:002013-01-17T00:28:06.873-05:00New Year's Revolutions <div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeVRCQvDnjniMrPkqK0HFpp5pmd-6WcTumE82nl-r4bqYiASI4wWSlJTqsedjX67E3mxiYphR-6MbnXqr7IsUFoZreln1yesGKI9K1GVBNpIhrcSVfDXg7rwGsj-GAMfqub5QFGApdnXJ/s1600/new+year+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeVRCQvDnjniMrPkqK0HFpp5pmd-6WcTumE82nl-r4bqYiASI4wWSlJTqsedjX67E3mxiYphR-6MbnXqr7IsUFoZreln1yesGKI9K1GVBNpIhrcSVfDXg7rwGsj-GAMfqub5QFGApdnXJ/s320/new+year+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I find it difficult to
keep resolutions, any type of resolutions- at the beginning of the New Year or during other
times as well. But since 2012 was so challenging for me [resplendent
with rewards and feats of personal growth,] I thought it fitting to
write up a goals list akin to a resolution list. So I sauntered
upstairs and took out my paint markers and a giant sketch pad. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I love
writing notes to myself on <b>giant</b> paper, I tend to revisit them that
way.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyvOcl6KnQiLlyeftOvUcH-e7louA7B26lWsbg-TeF8FQJQR0PR2_-7A0_OpclHdqNgwX5-T-GM0-l2J5cO3FHy5yh91vo5eP_r2-pXjTeP4sm4R4nq3we6bKM0PfppDfa4OKrh6TtiqL/s1600/drawing+pad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyvOcl6KnQiLlyeftOvUcH-e7louA7B26lWsbg-TeF8FQJQR0PR2_-7A0_OpclHdqNgwX5-T-GM0-l2J5cO3FHy5yh91vo5eP_r2-pXjTeP4sm4R4nq3we6bKM0PfppDfa4OKrh6TtiqL/s400/drawing+pad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goes great with <b>fat</b> markers.</td></tr>
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I titled it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2013</b>
<b>Re</b><i><b>v</b></i><b>olution</b> <b>List</b>.</span> It was a typo.
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Or was it?
</span></div>
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Here is what I came up
with, in no particular order.
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1~ Do ONE creative thing
(for my-Self) each day.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2~ Listen- <i>with Love</i>-
to my body's messages.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3~ Let my-Self feel <i>all</i>
of my emotions:
</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b> the pleasant, the
unpleasant, the neutral.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>4~ End comparisons of
my-Self to/with others.
</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>5~ Accept what is
with grace, patience and detachment.</b></span></div>
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In the last some-odd weeks
since the number on our checkbooks changed, I came down with the
dreaded flu. Yup, that flu. I also suffered a nasty sinus infection
and a skull-aching maxillary infection. I had to listen to my body's
messages.</div>
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By default, I have quit
smoking [again, and finally] and cut out certain foods which hurt me
when I eat them. I am on the mend. Slowly but surely.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPXjadLLAJwBShV6nLvb231jK81GXmzK7tv6_HuC1DkgoNvGlrjL9HO_ortuADHQqYKJuLHwYncPngsNcGwYg27twQo4gFTJIkma2S-9MpkboyIXM1d4qza1Pm3IUbo0qU84pqyeEV7e8/s1600/NBC-Revolution-Promo-Preview-1x01-042.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPXjadLLAJwBShV6nLvb231jK81GXmzK7tv6_HuC1DkgoNvGlrjL9HO_ortuADHQqYKJuLHwYncPngsNcGwYg27twQo4gFTJIkma2S-9MpkboyIXM1d4qza1Pm3IUbo0qU84pqyeEV7e8/s640/NBC-Revolution-Promo-Preview-1x01-042.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was collecting moss like this relic here, but I am back in the swing of things...<br /><b>OR</b> I have greased the wheels so-to-speak.</td></tr>
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Something about being as
ill as I was with the flu was quite telling. Being down for the count
for days on end offered oodles of reflection time. Asking myself how
I was regularly spending my time and energy when I was “well”
became a serious inquiry. For too long to note, I did not let myself
feel my true emotions. I knew this but I still busied myself behind
fun activities and with “friends” who <i>didn't get it</i>. I was
naturally the life of every party. (That will never change, I <i>am</i>
super-fun!)
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I escaped in manners which
seemed healthy at the time, all the while, I suffered deep down and
was unaware of my suffering. It was only after I moved into the place
I live now that I was able to let down my hair in a safe, timely
manner- my own time.
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Without other people to
entertain or answer to, I come home every day and call each and every
shot. Good mood or bad, I don't have to say hello to anyone but my
cat, and her expectations are low, yet I get unconditional love from
her- and the sporadic free-range turd- but that's another story.
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In being ill, I had days
on end, laying about, drinking tea and juice and water, napping as I
cried. I cried for days. I was harboring something damaging <i>other
than germs</i>. I had years worth of a strong facade to peel back.
You know how when you need a new roof on your house, you can
re-surface it 2X before you have to strip it and start anew? That is
exactly how I felt. I re-surfaced my self, but those shingles needed
to finally go, they were not holding up any longer. Tears became my
carpenters.
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Revolution #3:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Let my-Self feel all of
my emotions:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">the pleasant, the
unpleasant, the neutral.</span></b></div>
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I honestly thought that I
had to keep up a stony face to get through, but all I ended up doing
was stuffing pain and rage and other heavy emotions deeper into an
abyss. I didn't know how to access it all. It was too big. The years
of disappointment and sadness melted into anger and shock. How to
un-knot that mess? How about the flu?</div>
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Perfect!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmMihCAsebsaZassSr_wXdXLQnP2_iMT2ePGuNHuWZ9wQK9os8JX8nTDs8l7Q5Ao3qPpMPeuOr6CvfxbLoamoZnrJTChxxBYzIQTPDN1dlmc7BRHFb_McsDETB2NEtu2L6rYsqjfaNX66/s1600/bad+mood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmMihCAsebsaZassSr_wXdXLQnP2_iMT2ePGuNHuWZ9wQK9os8JX8nTDs8l7Q5Ao3qPpMPeuOr6CvfxbLoamoZnrJTChxxBYzIQTPDN1dlmc7BRHFb_McsDETB2NEtu2L6rYsqjfaNX66/s320/bad+mood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I honestly believe it was
my emotional tipping point that lowered my immunity and resistance to
germs. Had I felt emotionally stronger, my body would respond in
kind.
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One thing I know 100%
well- it is my body.
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No doctor could say a word
to me otherwise. I truly am a case of “physician, heal thy self.”
Since I could remember, I knew <i><b>what</b></i> was behind any
ailment I suffered from, much to the confusion or argument of
physicians- with the exception of my favorite doctor- Dr. Yang, my
TCM physician, who always listens- with his <i>entire</i> <i>being</i>.
One human to another. I Love him!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Wait-
I digress.</i></span></div>
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It is of perfect timing
that I got so physically ill.
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In a small, strange way, I
am actually thankful I got sick!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EvGSTtoFgYK3LIXMxka9ErQGVNJvY_iEBaJgDXj46OfJ_iiHQasBwctAPle4pP8VsqpxynaMgrW0B2pfjEPg60TUNEeyYiEHTNIZ6C07CkS_qtDqug_y14IBvlYOaWc0MFieNxIZrW-1/s1600/vegan-living-with-non-vegans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EvGSTtoFgYK3LIXMxka9ErQGVNJvY_iEBaJgDXj46OfJ_iiHQasBwctAPle4pP8VsqpxynaMgrW0B2pfjEPg60TUNEeyYiEHTNIZ6C07CkS_qtDqug_y14IBvlYOaWc0MFieNxIZrW-1/s640/vegan-living-with-non-vegans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I don't fit in... but that's okay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Revolution #5:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Accept what is with
grace, patience and detachment.</span></b></div>
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<br />
</div>
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Being that ill acted as a
reminder to me how I was poisoning myself with bad habits, choices,
thoughts <b>and</b> actions. I was not acting as <u>gentle</u> to
my-self as I want to be. In a week and a half time, I have been
through hell. Flu is no joke as it is, but top it with not one but
two serious infections, and subsequently, an emergency oral surgery-
and VOILA! That is my 2013 New Year's intro smash-hit!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5seFr3raU9rEZTFfxvdsJukE2tuwdIg1IBTm_hQLFY4jPapkgtHA7lmOKBlh-sFYYQ9SrE1LJmQF3Y-3zpDDvlQhKZVDNuvnAMoJa0rEP20StdkLhutatWnHxYUZoD2fzeV3cKcREaxcP/s1600/threelittlebirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5seFr3raU9rEZTFfxvdsJukE2tuwdIg1IBTm_hQLFY4jPapkgtHA7lmOKBlh-sFYYQ9SrE1LJmQF3Y-3zpDDvlQhKZVDNuvnAMoJa0rEP20StdkLhutatWnHxYUZoD2fzeV3cKcREaxcP/s400/threelittlebirds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Marley knew...</td></tr>
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As a result of this germy
contemplation, I really commit to be as loving to me as I can. Ciggs
had to go. Again. Bye-bye! I want to nurture my body (and spirit,)
appreciate it and feel energized by what I put into it. I have also,
by default, slowed my alcohol intake to a minimum. Other than my
visit on New Year's Eve out of state, I have been barely imbibing at
all. I noticed how puffy and foggy I feel when I drink any booze. I
am not saying I am quitting, but my natural inclination is not there
as it was, so that is just fine with me. It is an empty-calorie
depressant also, and those are two negative things I need not. I did
agree to feel my emotions. Drinking covers certain emotions and
heightens others, so a break is in order as far as that goes. Food
does the same.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDuMlPJuTF71o_Wny5nX22Qofu8JYtVnk6mHMpDMS9mGf4UnbIWLabznd7z1film6470y0G2fTfJ1EPDiDPWNEoYUfwq-QJLUzM1easCiDRCYOXVzwVpTlAvygiJPJe0NwkJbmabKhQ6c/s1600/feelings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDuMlPJuTF71o_Wny5nX22Qofu8JYtVnk6mHMpDMS9mGf4UnbIWLabznd7z1film6470y0G2fTfJ1EPDiDPWNEoYUfwq-QJLUzM1easCiDRCYOXVzwVpTlAvygiJPJe0NwkJbmabKhQ6c/s400/feelings.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All are correct.</td></tr>
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Certain foods cary
resonance vibrationally that renders them comforting or stimulating
or calming, etc. Nutritional value aside, I am suggesting their
spiritual and emotional resonance. There are certain phrases which
are common knowledge in our language and have become idioms which are
likened to this very subject: “<i>cool as a cucumber</i>” being
one of them. I dare you to munch on a cuke when you are pissed off,
you won't stay as mad as you were- I promise... It really works! Too
much hot and spicy foods can actually agitate your disposition.
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So, in thinking about
listening to my body's messages- with Love- I am lead to respond, in
kind. Aversion to dairy, I hear you loud and clear. Craving slightly
bitter greens- time for escarole salads. Our bodies will guide us, if
we choose to and know <i>how</i> to listen.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislrnZJChI-6wnTaxwqoVqBugLGoaiCJU8u11nYwUd90RrQhxOLfLDUNXKv3iEiuKMAyLBl44yhgEzFzmRaglW-5j9GWjCdAwd5Jv5oL7huLYNniPFgLEmWGU8YfHuQY6g_may0RC11l0s/s1600/listen+with+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislrnZJChI-6wnTaxwqoVqBugLGoaiCJU8u11nYwUd90RrQhxOLfLDUNXKv3iEiuKMAyLBl44yhgEzFzmRaglW-5j9GWjCdAwd5Jv5oL7huLYNniPFgLEmWGU8YfHuQY6g_may0RC11l0s/s400/listen+with+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn it up!!!</td></tr>
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</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Revolution #2:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">I listen- <i>with Love</i>-
to my body's messages.</span></b></div>
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<br />
</div>
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A few years ago, I decided
that I wanted to be the healthiest person I knew. I eschewed my
depression and fought it with healthy habits like walking, dancing
and meditating. I had no money to speak of, and many details of my
life were pointing in a dark direction. I didn't let that stop me. I
was positive that the universe would provide the perfect
circumstances and people in my life, and it did! I was eating a 95%
vegan, high-raw diet, because that is what my body really craves and
excels with. And my entire world changed in a year and a half time.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Without giving too many
details, I will just say that some of the changes in my life over
that 5 years since then were not the healthiest, and I was unable to
continue eating my favorite ways, but this is now, and I make new
choices daily!
</div>
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I bless the wisdom I have
gained and let the rough portions of the lessons go. I am moving
through the painful parts, and past the negative habit parts into
that self-made space from way back when, when I decided to be really
healthy- body, mind, heart and spirit.
</div>
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Sometimes we need a period
of intense detox to clear the gunk before we beam with light and
health. Knowing what works <i>gently</i> and what throws me into
detox-shock, I can take <i>my time</i> getting to <i>my</i> perfect
homeostasis. I am not interested in how it works for anyone else.
Their journey is theirs. My journey is mine.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ospvAI3Ewri98rxjz4DCwGQb3kP1ERbl4ImJP9_8Z_dENCuYt_qpTm1hku_GI36ngAiQuO3zSgxjTD3Ocj7T13A_Ge5YbJLJtP7gw54xTKdLKe7Y90gdit6ZTLk7UsCS90SNTYxSqYko/s1600/friends2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ospvAI3Ewri98rxjz4DCwGQb3kP1ERbl4ImJP9_8Z_dENCuYt_qpTm1hku_GI36ngAiQuO3zSgxjTD3Ocj7T13A_Ge5YbJLJtP7gw54xTKdLKe7Y90gdit6ZTLk7UsCS90SNTYxSqYko/s400/friends2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>True</i> friends don't judge!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Revolution # 4:</span></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">END comparisons of
my-Self to/with others. </span></b>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which brings me to this
essay, this journal entry, this blog. I am doing one creative thing
today: writing it down. I write for myself, not knowing if I will
share it or it will ever be read even if I do. That's fine. I know
that the only things worth doing are done for myself, nobody else.
And if they reach someone or speak to another person, that is a bonus
round. I am grateful either way.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Revolution #1: </b>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Do one creative thing
[for my-Self] each day!</span></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6phOPUFnXTSKhmT-gyzp6LKCezSOZX0Cs55Hx7nlDaHV_mg7QBjWcJ0G9WTCzCCdPTPs0S5TUTezlZWdGVy6AMkefLIrM13Jt5F50PhR6oJhID070fkBTAp2D5Tyrdi7KIk4u0miiCmT/s1600/note+to+self.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6phOPUFnXTSKhmT-gyzp6LKCezSOZX0Cs55Hx7nlDaHV_mg7QBjWcJ0G9WTCzCCdPTPs0S5TUTezlZWdGVy6AMkefLIrM13Jt5F50PhR6oJhID070fkBTAp2D5Tyrdi7KIk4u0miiCmT/s320/note+to+self.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P.S. Try to be Kind, Loving & Gentle (to your-Self) this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-47986124784689339932012-10-07T13:27:00.000-04:002012-10-07T13:28:13.785-04:00Balancing Act Ellipsis<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In the last two days at work, I suffered 5 glass cuts on my hands/fingers. Aside from the discomfort and inconvenience of these occurrences, I am being forced to analyze this (that's my Virgo Sun rearing her meticulous head) energetically. My co-worker at the frame shop- M. (who I rarely work with) is a spiritual ally as well as a friend- was startled by my bloody mayhem and said :</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
“<i>Violet, you are out of balance and <b>need</b> to ground yourself.”</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Truer words have not been said.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxHtuNMJmNfj_ZcSxXKCePJ81q9dM5vqDuvp2P7zocb9kX4YicJbjKaeEs7KiwY0tDxmn5tJFUQtQwgjVbvJ02DPx9VDjkMYfeIPMtNPuQ9p-Ap-1CO6_bqaIbv_hdBgS1ka8yIdNr2U5/s1600/bandaids1900a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxHtuNMJmNfj_ZcSxXKCePJ81q9dM5vqDuvp2P7zocb9kX4YicJbjKaeEs7KiwY0tDxmn5tJFUQtQwgjVbvJ02DPx9VDjkMYfeIPMtNPuQ9p-Ap-1CO6_bqaIbv_hdBgS1ka8yIdNr2U5/s320/bandaids1900a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm stuck on Band-Aids, 'cuz Band-Aid's stuck on me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a cut on my left
pointer knuckle/base, another on my left thumb knuckle, one on my
right inner thumb crux, one on my right ring fingertip AND one on my
outer right pinky fingertip!
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our hands represent that
which we grasp or hold. I clearly had not been able to grasp the
brevity of my emotional world, that much is obvious. My body
manifested reactions to the sublime workings of my Heart and Soul.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is perfect timing to
be reminded of the delicate <i>balance</i> of life as the Sun
transits through Libra. Libra, oft represented in imagery as the
scales remind us of balance, of dichotomies and of fairness. A Libran
will listen to an entire anecdote and judge it based upon balanced
fairness. (Versus the Gemini who will listen to and pose both sides
of the story- in efforts to be thorough and well-informed, often
without making a judgement about it at all.)
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpipcOI7_xZ96AMGvkr5ptASbu8lihGolmX6-9aakLCZ7Y1yf5OTgcFcfMpqXdZBo2hLuxgezNIQZVR9tkI490klZ1Xu3IYnYesKKTsfz6jhshPGLswdBhpqOltJ9yjpfNmJP0Nx0sJslq/s1600/broken_glass-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpipcOI7_xZ96AMGvkr5ptASbu8lihGolmX6-9aakLCZ7Y1yf5OTgcFcfMpqXdZBo2hLuxgezNIQZVR9tkI490klZ1Xu3IYnYesKKTsfz6jhshPGLswdBhpqOltJ9yjpfNmJP0Nx0sJslq/s320/broken_glass-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shattered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Interlude- the Science
behind said slices:</u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Glass is known as a
super-cooled liquid. Molecules of heated silica (imbued with a flux
during the melting stage for stability) are mechanically or manually
poured out and pressed or rolled out into sheets to cool, forming
what we call glass. Although we usually think of glass as a solid, it
is not. It is a fluid whose molecules move so slowly they appear as a
solid to the eye. If you have ever worked with panes or sheets of
glass, you may be familiar with the quasi-bendy quality- especially
if you have pushed a large sheet to it's limit and it shattered in
your hands. Ouch!
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I woke today, I
started thinking of the glass-cut correlation and my balancing-
energetically. I did not cut myself on mat boards (representing an
Earth quality, being made of cotton pulp) or with tools (representing
Metal) but with glass (representing Water, the emotional world.)
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Admittedly, I have been
out of balance emotionally lately. For some time now, emotional
lessons have been extra stringent and heavy, due to my resistance of
them. I was not ready to delve into the shadows of that world, being
intense and scary. Heartache and heart-break will do that sometimes,
and I made a pact with myself some time ago to allow myself a safe
place to experience and immerse myself in it when I have the space
to.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At times, life does not
work as we plan it to, does it?
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDIUgx-7fcTIVh-F7BPfxKE2XNFrUVl124poOGNajblLPxfCqjYkuNCSbiRtnvxot5xF67dNSc2fc6BNJpkLwSvj3KVnn7m6BTDFDp-11Dk7-V53TvB9KAbWOLdTTKmi5fndm3pPeR0LY/s1600/Lovers+card+Mary-El+tarot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDIUgx-7fcTIVh-F7BPfxKE2XNFrUVl124poOGNajblLPxfCqjYkuNCSbiRtnvxot5xF67dNSc2fc6BNJpkLwSvj3KVnn7m6BTDFDp-11Dk7-V53TvB9KAbWOLdTTKmi5fndm3pPeR0LY/s400/Lovers+card+Mary-El+tarot.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Mary-El tarot deck. <br />
One of my favorite Lovers cards ever. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For months now, I have
been resisting a grieving period necessary for the emotional growth I
am needing so desperately. Touching upon the grief, tiny periods of
release have popped up at the most inconvenient of times, like when I
am at work, or while riding the bus. <i>“I will revisit you later”</i>
I told the emotions, but never finding “the right time” I
suffered silently, eating and swallowing the pain that so desperately
cried to be released in physical and spiritual form. It festered and
grew which made matters worse in the long run. I couldn't bawl at
work, on the bus, etc. Timing is of essence sometimes.<br />
It has been
months since I <u>really</u> cried. When I had access to the tears,
had the space <i>and</i> the time to, tears dried up and went away.
It was like “holding it” when you need to pee; the urge just
dwindles until you cannot wait any more.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can't wait any longer.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even though I have no
tears at this moment, I welcome them when they deem fit, and in the
meantime, I will embrace the healing process in other forms. I am
finally excepting the harsh reality of what got me to this place, the
dark <i><b>and</b></i> the light of it. I had compartmentalized the
two aspects for far too long, seeing <u>only</u> the dark or the
light. Therein lies the pain. The two cannot exist with out each
other.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being an Earthy lady, it
sometimes takes <i>physical</i> signs for me to correlate the deeper
recesses- not all the time though, just when I need it to. (I am not
suggesting that always I need an ailment or accident to manifest for
my <b>sight</b> to be crystalized, but on occasion it has happened,
and it helped. How do we spin out of control? Nobody is perfectly
balanced 100% of the time, <i>nobody</i>!)
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaE8-Pq6ggnmvLJrCa3hAghlbpEP_fh3oq4GVM4WZH9BsISZWEvA3A4osFfBombArqEjOW9UGaPajSLRNZdqItItOxCnHfQ2yY3VP0191iF5icVqjTuwDIY31M11VDXsYqut0gUB1lV-J/s1600/yin_yang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaE8-Pq6ggnmvLJrCa3hAghlbpEP_fh3oq4GVM4WZH9BsISZWEvA3A4osFfBombArqEjOW9UGaPajSLRNZdqItItOxCnHfQ2yY3VP0191iF5icVqjTuwDIY31M11VDXsYqut0gUB1lV-J/s1600/yin_yang.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yin-Yang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Libra, the opposite of
Aries on the Natal wheel, represents the WE in life, the partnerings
experienced in life which bring us lovers and business/working pairs,
versus the Arien <b>I </b>we all put forth. Libra energy heralds the
balance and lessons learned in the world of We. Following Virgo's
period of analysis and subsequent healing, Libra moves us forth onto
the next step of life's processes of the experiences we take on as we
grow. I like to think of Virgo as the pathologist, one who gathers
detailed information and views the physical scenario to create a
healing plan. Libra is the partnering of the healing.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In this suffering, I am
the pathologist, the doctor <u>and</u> the patient. Physician, HEAL
thy Self!!!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Okay then. Here we go.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Viewing life as an
ellipsis, I seek a center point to view experiences from- the
grounding point on a mathematical compass. Experiences and lessons
cycle and re-cycle throughout our lifetimes, pleasant and unpleasant.
To say to the Universe: <i>“I no longer want to experience this”</i>
before we understand the meaning of the exact point of the path we
are on would be like short-changing one's Self. I don't want to do
that. Conversely, repeating uncomfortable lessons, experiences and
patterns could insinuate a deeper Karmic issue at hand which needs to
be dealt with energetically in another manner.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Awareness: I have
literally <i>cut myself</i> off energetically to the deep emotional
world which seeks to embrace me through this trying time. I return to
the fearless state of Knowing this, and I am able to transform this
seemingly-alarming energy into a positive experience where I continue
to grow and trust the process. AHA!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXqmS99K-GrP5Je_FleH6IlOLn4s3JFanv6xh0GzyKyMt6Wqozgflst_b-zA4Z2qwmLJa3cjbV5ItaQ6nPojIV1lxrFWbbOGkU2P5T7poPsnmLEo2EvVaWhvReYglfbvPwE2zKNwzx26u/s1600/forest_path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXqmS99K-GrP5Je_FleH6IlOLn4s3JFanv6xh0GzyKyMt6Wqozgflst_b-zA4Z2qwmLJa3cjbV5ItaQ6nPojIV1lxrFWbbOGkU2P5T7poPsnmLEo2EvVaWhvReYglfbvPwE2zKNwzx26u/s400/forest_path.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PATH of least resistance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Assessing my wounds
(pathologist) I am in charge of the healing path I choose to put into
play (doctor) and experience the healing which is taking place
(patient) as I share this process here, aloud.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fortunately, I have been
creating works of art and writing, copiously- throughout this entire
“rough patch.” Looking at the fertile body of work flowing forth
from my Soul and through my hands- which have bubbled upward and out-
I see that I have been expressing my rich Emotional world all along,
sometimes delicately and at other times, fiercely. The Emotional
world <i>balances</i> itself out, given space and time to. Thank you
Libra, for bringing this to my attention.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Isn't it attention and
presence which leads to grounding one's Self? It serves as a giant
step at least!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_puikIX3XdK0Z6JCfdj3tCED4I4AoBb4IwfE5Z2TGL-Ta8XuvAkkQD-zChucuaSUfnvkUcb9zCcvk_kit0-z-qk1wguQHaAB3E3uB__1J8FAWpgJRNNmKMrGYLsOxpmLjNaW5VxcHTRD/s1600/ma'at.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_puikIX3XdK0Z6JCfdj3tCED4I4AoBb4IwfE5Z2TGL-Ta8XuvAkkQD-zChucuaSUfnvkUcb9zCcvk_kit0-z-qk1wguQHaAB3E3uB__1J8FAWpgJRNNmKMrGYLsOxpmLjNaW5VxcHTRD/s320/ma'at.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ma'at weighs our hearts against a feather... <br />
I have been heavy-hearted to say the least!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Apprehension (fear) leads
to blocks of the necessary flow towards our higher Self's validating
and healing experiences, or at least slows them down. Like glass.
Slow to flow. I allowed my wounds to slow me down. I needed to. It
hurt too much to delve in. But it does not any more. I see the path
and move forward on it toward the goals I made, stopping to smell the
flowers along the way- an imperative step in human development. Some
flowers smell glorious, others make us sneeze. I will walk on,
resting when I need to, pushing forth when I need to, sharing when I
need to, retreating when I need to- all the time, blessing life, in
gratitude and with grace.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keep on walking the path!</div>
Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-20570628092259244322012-08-25T02:11:00.001-04:002012-08-25T02:11:26.398-04:00Believe in People
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc4lfG41XDpJqmqYiQk5i2SlzMsr3zqjXOKT3CwX3BCaE3lzPdzh2qnNttXCc8wGdSit29-3MFSUJA33rJCAqcQSFn8CduFtXhK7Ez1deVE0RkkMNHgIHslkMWRn4A1bIRafudQXatNea/s1600/BiP+Her's+to+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc4lfG41XDpJqmqYiQk5i2SlzMsr3zqjXOKT3CwX3BCaE3lzPdzh2qnNttXCc8wGdSit29-3MFSUJA33rJCAqcQSFn8CduFtXhK7Ez1deVE0RkkMNHgIHslkMWRn4A1bIRafudQXatNea/s1600/BiP+Her's+to+Love.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I ask a lot of the
Heavens. I ask a lot from/for Life. I ask for LOVE, Growth/Lessons,
Change, Acceptance of What IS & Peace - to name a few. But when
I am in the throes of my darkest moments, I <i>always</i> ask for a
sign. And I ALWAYS receive one- at least one.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was an Autumn morning
as I was walked to work in the drizzling rain. Feeling despair about
my less-than-healthy relationship* at the time, I asked for a sign.
Upon stepping on a curb of the street a block from my job, I saw
this:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBS2bXnh3_3ebuXpHPTtrnV7XkyVEJPLc8NcylHSX-qRcuAwzgxbNnFkDF-djt2EDvUAO7eF7NmREG-V1x1mMIfx3wjS-NcC5xmUoCImHMa3JmHSdqGStz_s61ESUMCds1JdFxBxL4RCp/s1600/always+choose+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBS2bXnh3_3ebuXpHPTtrnV7XkyVEJPLc8NcylHSX-qRcuAwzgxbNnFkDF-djt2EDvUAO7eF7NmREG-V1x1mMIfx3wjS-NcC5xmUoCImHMa3JmHSdqGStz_s61ESUMCds1JdFxBxL4RCp/s400/always+choose+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Immediately, I felt
something heavy, even if just a wee bit, <i>lift</i>.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was just what I needed.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Choosing LOVE.</b></i>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
YES!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In spite of the lack I was
experiencing in the Love department*, I was reminded that I was in
control of this one thing. This one <i>very</i> <i>huge</i> thing.
<i><u><b>Love</b></u></i>.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Love IS Everything.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Love is the catalyst for
the growth, change, acceptance and peace that I ask for. Love is the
strength which holds me up when I fall. Love is the patience that I
need to sustain my hard lessons. Love is the seed of possibility I
plant for my future self.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And Love starts with me.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3UJsNbJP7H3KhSiSBatK1rpOMB4ecEzxSO5c2pZvnTUYQukil-r0lvTIiUVTKR5KvCiQMmHiRZKu8yDHmPE6lMCd6nupu3uN2AYzxuZV9ZcDydJ0GWC0uXWduJixeY2agMTwHU2GetOM/s1600/anne+frank+BiP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3UJsNbJP7H3KhSiSBatK1rpOMB4ecEzxSO5c2pZvnTUYQukil-r0lvTIiUVTKR5KvCiQMmHiRZKu8yDHmPE6lMCd6nupu3uN2AYzxuZV9ZcDydJ0GWC0uXWduJixeY2agMTwHU2GetOM/s640/anne+frank+BiP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a few years now, I
have been lifted by specific public art around New Haven. It started
with the Anne Frank mural on the side wall of a gay bar on Crown
Street. Who is not inspired by the Strength, Hope and Love that Anne
had? </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fast forward to last year with the <i>Love</i> curb message. I
did not know that also was done by the same artist. I knew he made <i>at least</i>
one more, since I found this another down-trodden day when I was walking to meet up
with my mother after work:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkugQhixtN1VgF4gr9bkH-0UHFBIzEoZe0xKyptNQYe_EfzaO90N8cG0HFol3H89Eoh0Tjswm5gWTFcOm8V5koZ_oTSOy5y_d4tvArOXs_MokbnO6GLgWPxJF80rQhghM6x62rvH1KLPLw/s1600/climb+all+obstacles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkugQhixtN1VgF4gr9bkH-0UHFBIzEoZe0xKyptNQYe_EfzaO90N8cG0HFol3H89Eoh0Tjswm5gWTFcOm8V5koZ_oTSOy5y_d4tvArOXs_MokbnO6GLgWPxJF80rQhghM6x62rvH1KLPLw/s400/climb+all+obstacles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fast forward again to last
month. I was at work and my boss' wife was reading the New Haven
independent (an online newspaper) and came upon an article about the
art and artist who I am referring to and asked if I knew him. <i>(Not YET.) </i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He goes by BiP. Believe in
People. He is from New York, but trains in to New Haven to share his
messages with us {Blessed}New Haven folk. I was so excited to learn
about his prolific art in town. I had no idea he created so much for
us! I still take it personally, knowing that when an artist touches
one single person, it changes them, and they did their job well.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Well done BiP!</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIqg_B3jDhFa9TrDr0T8lmk5JnSUPfhcdY1Gd4sMsLlOLW3Xhku6Fv15VPVW4uEfDpQOtRffOOI-_kpQFv6RphkktfCADZk91anzit46xDtDQcfD1_tWN3eGu8kERTLD9WOCC0eFhCkJG/s1600/compassioniceberg-BiP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIqg_B3jDhFa9TrDr0T8lmk5JnSUPfhcdY1Gd4sMsLlOLW3Xhku6Fv15VPVW4uEfDpQOtRffOOI-_kpQFv6RphkktfCADZk91anzit46xDtDQcfD1_tWN3eGu8kERTLD9WOCC0eFhCkJG/s640/compassioniceberg-BiP.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tonight, I was reading
that article again and found a link to an earlier article:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/believe_in_people_strikes_again/">http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/believe_in_people_strikes_again/</a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
which had a link to more
curb-side messages, and a map that BiP made for us folks to use so we
can walk around downtown and appreciate all 23 <b><i>Encurbagements</i></b>:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=201818218529438610871.0004b1e0a61ba2d6adc7c">https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=201818218529438610871.0004b1e0a61ba2d6adc7c</a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I cannot wait to print it
out and walk the town. Knowing that someone is willing to risk
getting arrested for art with positive messages inspires me very
deeply. I want to let him know how much his art has helped me on
rotten, rough days, how I walk out of my way to read those 2 curbs I
knew about (before tonight) and I want to hug him!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After reading these BiP
articles and others linked & related to it, I <i><b>Believe in
People</b></i> more than ever!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-49803792090203568192012-08-22T00:47:00.000-04:002012-08-22T00:47:44.021-04:00Playing Possum<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I type this from the steps
of the condo where I lay my head. (The condo- not the cement stairs.)</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Smoking and drinking on a Tuesday night.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYecmWSmZehT-TpZuBBsl5qcb8L_5tdAQKINUj8Gk5_PKCW19leexHQR_z6tbAi4c6oVaa5W61B4P8eAPKvjTFoHKJbYC3qZgfLhIry_dQhsBKSVtQyd99NQGA5ZDVInNc-obxFxoEEY_/s1600/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYecmWSmZehT-TpZuBBsl5qcb8L_5tdAQKINUj8Gk5_PKCW19leexHQR_z6tbAi4c6oVaa5W61B4P8eAPKvjTFoHKJbYC3qZgfLhIry_dQhsBKSVtQyd99NQGA5ZDVInNc-obxFxoEEY_/s320/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A car nearby is trying to
turn over it's engine- to no avail.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I get it, <i>trust me</i>.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm feeling <i>stalled</i>
because I deny myself feeling <i>worse</i>.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why do we do this? By we,
I mean me.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Why do I do this?</b></i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My head is spinning and I
cannot remember the last healthy night of sleep I had in ages. I am
overwhelmed by all my life's changes which have erupted like lava
from the heart of the recent slumber of Pele. Some of the changes are
positive and some are pained. Perhaps I fear and reject the changes <i>I
asked for</i>.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tcH-2qWvNyBzxpHiTpRmE39q0xX0V9Q61layg3HYMvi_UhbYnQUV6_GfPQWvtTPk75cARFYMD1YuKXM8AJOa7Yc-_4gAmP5q3t2-CMrERHwjG4MhnQjKV8WNEziCdIQHFL7GNw9bIuEe/s1600/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tcH-2qWvNyBzxpHiTpRmE39q0xX0V9Q61layg3HYMvi_UhbYnQUV6_GfPQWvtTPk75cARFYMD1YuKXM8AJOa7Yc-_4gAmP5q3t2-CMrERHwjG4MhnQjKV8WNEziCdIQHFL7GNw9bIuEe/s320/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Oh great, another lesson is coming on.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Eek!</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some folks juggle ups and
downs with ease. Not I. Not now, at least. Either way, I end up
feeling clobbered by the pins. They do not make Excedrin for that
type of headache. Regardless of the new and wonderful experiences
change brings or the struggling it can also bring, stress is an
after-effect. Or a during-effect. In the throes of expansion and
contraction, it is easy to feel immobilized, even if momentarily.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sure, I say my mantras and
prayers and stuff, but I am not sure how much it has helped lately. I
still judge myself harshly when I am not perfect. I am <i>never</i>
<b>perfect</b>. Nobody is perfect, but <i>some</i> accept this fact.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><b>My
reality check just bounced.</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the flip side, I make
the <i><b>perfect</b></i> Whiskey Sour- <i>extra</i> sour.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjJddXUrLQMG5XIZjVJKAbiBouYF-zrRjpFAYaH8u47ErQsseSsYB9u63RNCuBCrmnP4ZKIiAelcT_qbIxcTZNOq4gEre3ENM5PwCaeBF1tXvcXAXLEdKQ7GAf1YcLm_w3k6DuKcHlBAo/s1600/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.21+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjJddXUrLQMG5XIZjVJKAbiBouYF-zrRjpFAYaH8u47ErQsseSsYB9u63RNCuBCrmnP4ZKIiAelcT_qbIxcTZNOq4gEre3ENM5PwCaeBF1tXvcXAXLEdKQ7GAf1YcLm_w3k6DuKcHlBAo/s320/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.21+%233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><u><b>Recipe
time:</b></u></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Into your favorite mug-
juice one and a half fat, fresh limes.
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Add a squirt of agave
nectar to taste- and stir.
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toss in ice and lots of
whiskey- I prefer bourbon for this drink.
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sip and <i><b>blob</b></i>
on.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where was I ?</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the steps of a building
situated on a busy street, I am reminded of * the passing of time,
the acceptance of failures and the joy of be-ing. (*As cars pass by
and lights change. The stalled car has totally died & The
crickets' symphony blends with the song of the peepers.)
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRbnRxBmVYnWnqh0tBnpbvxo5YzXccLvHTXUVluOn8JEnvs5Im8oY3C_0EiCs23_nT7JSOrZcvV1O9vFVUKsS3qc82cfC1bk6NKflPJoEJI2OKiYvwUCM82WJr48yqPhAUb06QFKEOgik/s1600/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.20+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRbnRxBmVYnWnqh0tBnpbvxo5YzXccLvHTXUVluOn8JEnvs5Im8oY3C_0EiCs23_nT7JSOrZcvV1O9vFVUKsS3qc82cfC1bk6NKflPJoEJI2OKiYvwUCM82WJr48yqPhAUb06QFKEOgik/s320/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.20+%233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No matter what, I am like
a cat. I always land on my feet. Sure, I may be a bit tattered and
worse for wear, but that's the stuff strength is derived from, no? I
put so much focus on the dualities of life that I must <u>force</u>
myself to stop and look at the bigger picture: Will this pain last or
hurt in 5 years' time? I doubt it. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Am I less of a person for having
doubts? Nope.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Charge on!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I need to find a way
to get a grip on my worrying and obsessive thinking. When the
physical sensations of this addiction takes hold, I am unable to
meditate or focus clearly. My sleep, work and personal communication
suffers- deeply. It is easy to crawl into some dark hole and wait for
this stage to pass. I do a lot of talking myself off a proverbial
edge. Such a drama queen, I know, but f*ck it, I cannot berate myself
<i>further</i> for being <u>human</u>.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank <i>Godzilla</i> that
as an artist, I can channel this craziness into something tangible
and beautiful, or I'd be completely screwed. Maybe it's all part of
the bigger plan. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
IF there <i>really</i> is one.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjekHNOWXHS-K4k9TFKzL8mkE8NA1CpfgsHm9cFTtxOkf2-FD1SW8YHbKhbfmMYzsU3jTCHSnr5JMVSuGCXqjr3QR5ze_wGz37PmFd1-mg6kLnJc-HSGDbPxhW6Q0qmqrPonWtrJgQGH/s1600/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjekHNOWXHS-K4k9TFKzL8mkE8NA1CpfgsHm9cFTtxOkf2-FD1SW8YHbKhbfmMYzsU3jTCHSnr5JMVSuGCXqjr3QR5ze_wGz37PmFd1-mg6kLnJc-HSGDbPxhW6Q0qmqrPonWtrJgQGH/s320/Photo+on+2012-08-21+at+23.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh crap, my cocktail is
getting low. Dang! At least I still have smokes. And crickets
serenading me.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was doing some synastry
astrology last night for a friend of mine and decided to look up some
alternative interpretations of my chart while I was at it. Half of it
was about being a rule-breaker, a teacher and a non-conformist. The
other half was about my psychic senses and lean toward metaphysics
and the occult. Spot on. But I knew that. Why act surprised?
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So of course, I will step
to the beat of another accordion. I will delve into the macabre. I
will feel deeply when others do not. Time to accept it. Time to
accept <i><b>me</b></i> more fully. Time to be patient and trust the bigger plan!!!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A sweet, pale, little
possum just walked past me, inches from my feet, not looking up or
paying any heed to me.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J6OUBnOT5mQfWxllWG4v8CtJ_zME5_4h7HgecRknhPWLqQw9UQVX1q7cTpI1an_b6_5PIa88jiZEG19Ev7jIbZRWjbYlNero7Ubq6-0vW6ziDS8SrPAZxHFZ45W1Zgygdl7V1-Ow_B7b/s1600/possum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J6OUBnOT5mQfWxllWG4v8CtJ_zME5_4h7HgecRknhPWLqQw9UQVX1q7cTpI1an_b6_5PIa88jiZEG19Ev7jIbZRWjbYlNero7Ubq6-0vW6ziDS8SrPAZxHFZ45W1Zgygdl7V1-Ow_B7b/s320/possum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><b>A
sign! </b></i></span>
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“<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><b>Opossum</b></span></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">:</span>
In Dreamtime, opossum is the master performer, for he is a true
chameleon at heart. His favorite game is ‘hide and seek’ for
opossum hides from his true self and then seeks that same truth when
he suspects that no one is looking. Opossum teaches us that wisdom is
the journey within our own hearts. The key is to see through the
smoke of illusion and to pierce the darkness of the night to discover
that we are inseparable from our Creator.” </span></span></span>
</div>
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<a href="http://www.cathyginter.com/TOTEM.html">Link to the above quote.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.drnikki.com/Modalities/Totem/NikTotLSOpossum.html">Another cool site about Possum Totem Energy</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Okay, I'm off the edge
now... And off to bed, where I hope to sleep better than last time I
tried!</div>
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</div>
Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-19950474243676077442012-08-05T00:56:00.000-04:002012-08-05T00:56:35.806-04:00Openings<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTU4N2_wqtFAe7vmNsjW79niNLm0WmV1fj-pcpu7Q9EfUvozwS-myFMalrdwqO02DOtwycRxh_GhQ5YfSNgEV5JzslD0_0FDvaN2ldWcZhDXdn2buPyDkR9hmR7nETUhEmij-qUsXZOct/s1600/opeinig+up.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTU4N2_wqtFAe7vmNsjW79niNLm0WmV1fj-pcpu7Q9EfUvozwS-myFMalrdwqO02DOtwycRxh_GhQ5YfSNgEV5JzslD0_0FDvaN2ldWcZhDXdn2buPyDkR9hmR7nETUhEmij-qUsXZOct/s320/opeinig+up.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">As I
soften the tattered edges of my archaic belief systems, I am blessed
with opportunities to open up channels of connecting and healing . </span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">As I
open up the channels of re-invented communication, I am blessed with
opportunities to experience new and profound love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus;">As I
open up the channels of new and profound love, I am open to
regenerative life.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I
say yes to life... </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">a
thousand times: </span><br />
</b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: large;"><i>YES!</i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuHbA4Q4N_X5be8r-tyk4swiFILTVma9jjxUgJZs_eAA89R1E0UEmxQ8FL1-P6fVEgf0fVNAH8odXdd_wsuLkXLoQYiWcr5qCQXjwe5vPvCBJXWHCvwNLqhG9QpN60W8kA4-UeaWvIgSL/s1600/change-resistance_monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuHbA4Q4N_X5be8r-tyk4swiFILTVma9jjxUgJZs_eAA89R1E0UEmxQ8FL1-P6fVEgf0fVNAH8odXdd_wsuLkXLoQYiWcr5qCQXjwe5vPvCBJXWHCvwNLqhG9QpN60W8kA4-UeaWvIgSL/s320/change-resistance_monster.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">It has been an eventful week. In the last week, my world has shifted in leaps and bounds. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">Leaps and Boundaries, actually.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">Mine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;">{Both.}</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">In the true essence of change, I observe and honor the differences between then and now. Harboring differences only keeps us separate from one another. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><b>Me-VS-You. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">This serves no-one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">It is in the realization of how we are alike that we flow in peaceful essence of acceptance of what is. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">What IS</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzSmXkquRue13wsEx7IFS9jcI7JLX_OwWLLAKameKXrrNGuO6Id4ndRVqvgT9TYf4en3O282qCX410K1TP-GuViqA6uMaETwSf2zhhwP6OIiNhcEizrdPU9gHOHWkOMgGdqEI4Aa9xqNs/s1600/evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzSmXkquRue13wsEx7IFS9jcI7JLX_OwWLLAKameKXrrNGuO6Id4ndRVqvgT9TYf4en3O282qCX410K1TP-GuViqA6uMaETwSf2zhhwP6OIiNhcEizrdPU9gHOHWkOMgGdqEI4Aa9xqNs/s200/evolution.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">How often do we operate from a stringent core conviction of what our preconceived notions lead us to conduct our emotions and behaviors from? Are we reactionary and habitual or do we roll with the punches of the unexpected without presumptions?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">It has been due to the utmost blessing that I have been presented with revisitations to past truths which are no longer so. The universe has tested me, pop-quiz-style, to weigh my growth and strengths against that which no longer suits me: outdated skepticism born of the sharpest cynical nature, bogged down with resentments and hurts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGPJBfrZ90wz9ggstmhe6Yt7-vE3AhNUq-l2Fs_SVy7kyMsKDKNcCsklqz3psJXtQNDWAs1hggcfF6X8PYdGexISrzG4_KbM2MV149hH0IUNlytvBc-IeTPlDoDIgRI52OCEDE01PuT7W/s1600/chickenpopquiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGPJBfrZ90wz9ggstmhe6Yt7-vE3AhNUq-l2Fs_SVy7kyMsKDKNcCsklqz3psJXtQNDWAs1hggcfF6X8PYdGexISrzG4_KbM2MV149hH0IUNlytvBc-IeTPlDoDIgRI52OCEDE01PuT7W/s320/chickenpopquiz.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">Sometimes we <i>love</i> wallowing in human misery. We choose the shadowy world wrought with suffering and stoic self-righteousness.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">Perhaps due to familiarity...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"> Serving us- how?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><i>Exactly</i>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">But in admittance of imperfection, we rise and move beyond this phase- hopefully. And when we do, we experience an illumination of the most brilliant sort. Illuminating the truth of who we really are, and with that knowledge, we can forge forward from there. Next step. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxlvwuALR8UXY94M0fKjwPJosmvYrzOeva0jecIIrptsQYLHgSILTCwdZYHknoT1Pl8m2iy1G9hB7omjNXJy9Cvg8tRJhMeUFJfVsiaBbY757Up2QsbnZwKC7x3mv2V_ueVt4Hpu6xmWD/s1600/reptile%252Csnake%252Ceats%252Cherself%252Ceating%252Cfutile%252Crighteous%252Cself%252Cdestructive-f683c274a67bc9c407ddb7fe674e72ae_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxlvwuALR8UXY94M0fKjwPJosmvYrzOeva0jecIIrptsQYLHgSILTCwdZYHknoT1Pl8m2iy1G9hB7omjNXJy9Cvg8tRJhMeUFJfVsiaBbY757Up2QsbnZwKC7x3mv2V_ueVt4Hpu6xmWD/s320/reptile%252Csnake%252Ceats%252Cherself%252Ceating%252Cfutile%252Crighteous%252Cself%252Cdestructive-f683c274a67bc9c407ddb7fe674e72ae_h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">We as humans seek conflict and drama to divert attention from otherwise confusing and disturbing sensations within our mental and emotional worlds. Often it shows up as conflict in personal relationships and utter disappointments. Rather than admit the sublime hurts we experience, we act out. Usually, like less than our highest selves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;">But what if you let down the wall of convicted egotistical stoicism?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfe2kYTkW-iyEh73DT5MKcMZC01iudlp5d94q9PSk5ihVOSuN2m84q6nomthCokMRhtvRZZ7ioDDs914ufDo_AE0TnFkFmc6KVuNhPiwo55PTWgrAEGgCUryT9gaYu9lMXxFixA97aJaM/s1600/Be_the_change.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfe2kYTkW-iyEh73DT5MKcMZC01iudlp5d94q9PSk5ihVOSuN2m84q6nomthCokMRhtvRZZ7ioDDs914ufDo_AE0TnFkFmc6KVuNhPiwo55PTWgrAEGgCUryT9gaYu9lMXxFixA97aJaM/s200/Be_the_change.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Your world opens up.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: large;"><i><b>The Universe says Yes to you if you say YES to the Universe's lessons and tests.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">Would you rather trade one pain for another, if the new discomfort brought you bliss in the end? Or would you choose to cling to the past, in efforts to surround yourself with the familiar smoke and fog?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn84uyZ9oOvice_G1FnRmWqGrc5EjKoyqG1ujjJEvlGPZNqtlWf_v5NsKUeAMn5wHsNxpRUmHwSmYmW3ru39GmsSn8RM5wghuAwJQgfzDROLaI3ipV79yxLhJF6Kw_meMh20weTAHbfp7/s1600/change-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn84uyZ9oOvice_G1FnRmWqGrc5EjKoyqG1ujjJEvlGPZNqtlWf_v5NsKUeAMn5wHsNxpRUmHwSmYmW3ru39GmsSn8RM5wghuAwJQgfzDROLaI3ipV79yxLhJF6Kw_meMh20weTAHbfp7/s400/change-1.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: x-large;"><b>YOU decide.</b></span></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-46209864647877050632012-08-01T00:48:00.000-04:002012-08-01T00:48:55.059-04:00Attack of the 50 Foot Green-Eyed Monster!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjc6oaHDuLZFMlpclW-PeD4fBKclrM37OcvHKW37OcjYvGjonl2c1m6h6jABOqbWgVeE786OLc3Dmj4hBpJro5fISLQzINfVz9KNnMR6ZGIT_wahKX3yN9QlA9NxHPi-k1W2C6whopLavJ/s1600/darwin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjc6oaHDuLZFMlpclW-PeD4fBKclrM37OcvHKW37OcjYvGjonl2c1m6h6jABOqbWgVeE786OLc3Dmj4hBpJro5fISLQzINfVz9KNnMR6ZGIT_wahKX3yN9QlA9NxHPi-k1W2C6whopLavJ/s320/darwin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
How does one, in the midst of evolution, defend against the direct blows of jealousy? Merely challenging it and denying it's presence is not enough. Fact of the matter is, jealousy can be subtle and sneaky as well as overt and torrential. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jealousy has been an ugly opponent of mine for as long as I can remember. Rather than fight with those who were acting out of jealousy towards me, I intended to deal clear-headedly with the resulting snare. Often I did just that. But, being human, I have gotten caught in the tangled net on a few occasions. On the other hand, I have been jealous of others a handful of times, usually envying <i>perceived</i> situations, like their life's ease re: financial wealth and the grandiose adoration some shamelessly receive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Admittedly, I wanted to not struggle being impoverished, and feel oodles of doting love- regardless of deserving either.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGYzveQh8aEaj0A2XET0gWJTrkWVzXLoSvGHep2-TQMR9qa5cU9Nu-vga_a5EUemaJiW9fxfSPrj5b3KWLCKNOHjygbkcS6P6uYeVO-2jvL2PpL2wCaDj0o86I98wvdrNF6h_NW5sIVFp/s1600/percieve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGYzveQh8aEaj0A2XET0gWJTrkWVzXLoSvGHep2-TQMR9qa5cU9Nu-vga_a5EUemaJiW9fxfSPrj5b3KWLCKNOHjygbkcS6P6uYeVO-2jvL2PpL2wCaDj0o86I98wvdrNF6h_NW5sIVFp/s320/percieve.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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In the recent weeks, I have been experiencing the caustic pangs of the jealousy focused on me. I humbly accept my talents as a gift from the great spirit, and use them lovingly in homage to all those before me, and to educate and inspire those currently and after me.<br />
Same goes for being a warm, compassionate human bean.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpRS8bdDXMWg0SI-az4n2OIW3zNRVF6t4xAwk0tsIoFe6TeKhNDH1cezsYCaAju8Zfe5JNVZO1R3n6BAhec9BsKf3s3CCMqESxqrj5qspgVP898DF7Nx1euDeI7ooL8E7tu-G-u9yg6t_/s1600/bean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpRS8bdDXMWg0SI-az4n2OIW3zNRVF6t4xAwk0tsIoFe6TeKhNDH1cezsYCaAju8Zfe5JNVZO1R3n6BAhec9BsKf3s3CCMqESxqrj5qspgVP898DF7Nx1euDeI7ooL8E7tu-G-u9yg6t_/s320/bean.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Being given attention and thanks for sharing my gifts and lovingness with others has sparked a handful of green-eyed monsters to attack! From those I believed were loving friends to peers and strangers, I have been feeling like I have been blitzed and side-swiped. I have been lied to, and lied about. I have watched as people try to outshine me the moment I express joy and a sense of fulfillment. I have had my belongings stolen and my creations both destroyed as well as copied outright.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And although that feels crummy when I discover this monster:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not going to kill me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I move on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stuff is stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My art is my own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love creating, and will make more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRlBQ3WyuUBAV-BYNEUY02p_bIOVcAoJzGq1YqtQC5JBuWPZNwfeu9GgHX6WceQYDGuaecTGAInl5fXVa9UjRyZyuSj71GSmrFoxazLBF7ImVL_Fr3T4N7pYFpxPOvUc5Fhelxvk094rK/s1600/no+stealing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRlBQ3WyuUBAV-BYNEUY02p_bIOVcAoJzGq1YqtQC5JBuWPZNwfeu9GgHX6WceQYDGuaecTGAInl5fXVa9UjRyZyuSj71GSmrFoxazLBF7ImVL_Fr3T4N7pYFpxPOvUc5Fhelxvk094rK/s1600/no+stealing.jpg" /></a></div>
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What I don't love is the dank, dark place it comes from. The place which seethes and rusts the sparkle of our spirit. I want to get a handle on it so it does not effect me so negatively. Time to do my meditations and chant. Time to pray and write for a spell. Time to love me and my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But almost more importantly- time to look waay down, deep under the surface, and see just what I did to contribute to this or how- I too, am a greenie-meanie!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3_W3D5VZONIO_orA1wJFcJKhmtSrYRiWCL9ccCOka7wy2Z54-XqAyTUBc-c-cXns8EqDH5iLeQKA33UXB4mmvtrIU0qpPRm3yv7ndp0BCqAqZ6aepnRURCdqiFDRAzyo0eH3ZOHHh39V/s1600/big+bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3_W3D5VZONIO_orA1wJFcJKhmtSrYRiWCL9ccCOka7wy2Z54-XqAyTUBc-c-cXns8EqDH5iLeQKA33UXB4mmvtrIU0qpPRm3yv7ndp0BCqAqZ6aepnRURCdqiFDRAzyo0eH3ZOHHh39V/s320/big+bite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~Take a big bite.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chew it slowly.~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I boastful or egotistical? Do I put others down? Have I taken something from another, either figuratively or literally- willfully or accidentally?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where do I fit into this uncomfortable equation?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sensation of jealous pangs is a warning symptom that one is displeased with a certain situation. Otherwise it would be take form of another emotion/reaction. One may be instead- inspired, pleased, happy for another, contented, satisfactied, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2vbEAok7JC4x2j070TP41sNIiNrVeIY2I4ijRqYjuy0yp0j_9YyUHRB88avhlsS3Ry-eAQQ1KYEotU2lrDwD7jfCmcjlRn2G8IAVQN0NLOWOTw7b0-PfuvhO76pmZPXGOCRRja4oNBG6/s1600/contented+frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2vbEAok7JC4x2j070TP41sNIiNrVeIY2I4ijRqYjuy0yp0j_9YyUHRB88avhlsS3Ry-eAQQ1KYEotU2lrDwD7jfCmcjlRn2G8IAVQN0NLOWOTw7b0-PfuvhO76pmZPXGOCRRja4oNBG6/s320/contented+frog.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
When I feel my best,<b><i> no matter what the situation or circumstances are surrounding my life,</i></b> I am at peace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel connected with all living beings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I understand the pendulum of extreme high points and low points, and accept them as fleeting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I take little to nothing personally.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AND</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I openly radiate love within and outside of myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, I am not in a perfect state of zen-like serenity all of the time, chilling with non-attachment to outcomes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, I am human. I elate, I suffer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lather, rinse, repeat.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6Qa6SG8p31tPwF-N1WhqBdlXFTCV_gNBt1sKh_zFtl3rP9VZqK8KKX5qgmTAmE-6njn4KfE84VF_wJxT97Cg8TItIp8-VK6iNx9DbLIp8T7IzZplj820s6pcMtjlF-9-pHhSnNebTApk/s1600/rise_above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6Qa6SG8p31tPwF-N1WhqBdlXFTCV_gNBt1sKh_zFtl3rP9VZqK8KKX5qgmTAmE-6njn4KfE84VF_wJxT97Cg8TItIp8-VK6iNx9DbLIp8T7IzZplj820s6pcMtjlF-9-pHhSnNebTApk/s400/rise_above.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So, amongst my earlier fit of victimized shock and "how-dare-<i>so-and-so</i>" I self-posed the question:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How do I rise above this?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Exactly where I am.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NOW.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jealousy is based on speculations. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most speculations are not based in any semblance of fact. Based on that information, it is safe to say that jealousy in and of itself is a conjecture. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One which I simply cannot afford to entertain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I took a step back- after I calmed down- and breathed in the peace which is my true state. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It took a little while. I admit it.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdppibhGXyJT2LqFRDlpLEc24_E4M4I5PLGMzlTwn4-XfiyfIKlT17kdThRjuLIiFsSMQcgKuHWaTwIJQM9rq9IHuqqOTq5BSa5uyoxW1B0BY28p7Gu0SvfI8o-P0Tv39doUP9H1SX8I3c/s1600/peaceful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdppibhGXyJT2LqFRDlpLEc24_E4M4I5PLGMzlTwn4-XfiyfIKlT17kdThRjuLIiFsSMQcgKuHWaTwIJQM9rq9IHuqqOTq5BSa5uyoxW1B0BY28p7Gu0SvfI8o-P0Tv39doUP9H1SX8I3c/s400/peaceful.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have no control over the choices or intentions of others. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am only in control of my own reactions to life around me. I can choose to let certain emotions drift off, and replace them with new ones that are fruitful and pleasant or at least-neutral. By giving in to the negative thoughts/emotions and meeting them with equally high energy, it propagates the same stressful situation, even if it has a different face. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why not compost the scraps of icky emotions into a delightful mulch, and feed your garden of spirit?!?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshg3XTDyB-10mMEaOBA1sULXSE05JUMH1S4meEQzpPfqw2fHFzjI02UQpGS14RuVOPtQnlc37WSgvVaBvPegQPWSmPryWmcUwTP7F4cKNMQh3lnnHcvHRFjbcUPpr5gMimya8uPhD8oTX/s1600/multch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshg3XTDyB-10mMEaOBA1sULXSE05JUMH1S4meEQzpPfqw2fHFzjI02UQpGS14RuVOPtQnlc37WSgvVaBvPegQPWSmPryWmcUwTP7F4cKNMQh3lnnHcvHRFjbcUPpr5gMimya8uPhD8oTX/s400/multch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-87913921601911807252012-05-04T08:53:00.000-04:002012-05-04T08:53:02.959-04:00Z is for Zenobia<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG2FP4VFgXw0ZyZzbltRvvAW4zKZb-eUaeGMEUywwJSHLIXAZbxC_CN8sQnadT1qYDE2os6ZABhZ9rK7ZnPiIkLSsEziids09rRgA7ELMwBLzMhWqFNSyOk0XrMXW3q1slNiMo0_OmxV2/s1600/IMG_0519+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG2FP4VFgXw0ZyZzbltRvvAW4zKZb-eUaeGMEUywwJSHLIXAZbxC_CN8sQnadT1qYDE2os6ZABhZ9rK7ZnPiIkLSsEziids09rRgA7ELMwBLzMhWqFNSyOk0XrMXW3q1slNiMo0_OmxV2/s400/IMG_0519+-+Version+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zenobia died in my arms.
Her tiny body could cary on no longer. She was always a petite little
girl but in her final months, she dwindled away to next to nothing.
Her spirit stayed strong even through her pain and suffering. I know
that her strong spirit is one reason she held on as long as she did.
The other reason is me.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Throughout her lifetime,
Zenobia was my best friend, my progeny, my sidekick, my protector, my
confidante. She understood me on levels which no human ever did, and
I suspect, never will. We spoke an unspeakable language of the soul.
When I felt ill or upset/depressed, and could not call aloud for her,
I would call to her <i>psychically</i>- and she came trotting in-
<i>every time.</i>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We had entire
conversations without a spoken verbal language.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zenobia also appeased me
when I attempted meow-speak, although I could swear I heard her
giggle at me under her tiny kitty breath.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She was interested in
literature. I kid you not, she enjoyed reading. And by reading, I
mean she sat next to me or on my lap as I read, listened to the words
as I said them in my head and even had her personal preferences as
per genre and authors she enjoyed. As a tiny kitty, I went through
this mystery novella jag reading <i>“The Cat Who...”</i> series.
An outspoken siamese helps his human solve mysteries, and the author
went to great lengths to alliterate the kitty's spoken yips and maws.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I read those words,
Zenobia would imitate- <i>aloud</i>- the cat's chat in the book. It
was absolutely darling. And entirely brilliant.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zenobia proved the adage
“BIG things sometimes come in small packages.” Maxing out at
<i>maybe</i> 5.5 lbs., ZZ was always dainty and light on her feet.
With a bold attitude, she would defy gravity and perform wacky
tricks. Her fetching skills were worthy of a kennel club event. As an
amateur acrobat, watching her static flips, often from a stand-still
starting position, would impress even the Cirque Du Blah Blah.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like many a witchy
familiar, she was always present for healing and divination and
circle. And when it was bubble bath time, she was present. Dipping a
paw or two into the water, tail swaying in as well was a regular
pleasure for us both. Seeing as how I spend many hours soaking as I
read, bath-time was also a special ritual.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Since her passing, I still
feel her presence during those events. I feel her jumping up on the
bed and siding close to me. Fletcher, her 20 year old mate, does too.
There are even days when we both see her faded shadow run across the
room. Weekly or so, I see the shower curtain move when I bathe. She
lets me know she is here in spirit.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was about 4 months ago,
when I was experiencing a very trying time. I came into my room to
lay down and unwind and was feeling tearful. I look down at my <i>white</i>
blanket, and found a <i>black</i> whisker. Quickly, I dismissed it as
mere coincidence. I went into the bathroom to wash my face and
returned to find another one waiting for me where I found the first
one. I have moved since Zenobia died. She never lived in this
apartment with us. It is not possible that I found her whisker by
chance as this blanket was newer as well.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zenobia had black
whiskers. Fletcher has white whiskers.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From beyond the veil, she
left me a gift. Two actually. Those affirmations let me know that no
matter the earthly space or time measured, we are always together.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
9-3-1992 to 4-27-2011</div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-4292001059776686062012-04-29T23:21:00.000-04:002012-04-29T23:21:30.585-04:00Y is for Yes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFrBoP2P2pyvVOdFNSzTcYjhLkMg-rffx_oqpA4KUccvqe15iz-RzvPJxvw9vxVUICtGzUUKTWDBo2_Y1RSCC61ZDMB6U8hAFL3scmwuDiqAZQSZ1gOLZYGIeX_dtkStoIxR2yFBKr4C3/s1600/yes-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFrBoP2P2pyvVOdFNSzTcYjhLkMg-rffx_oqpA4KUccvqe15iz-RzvPJxvw9vxVUICtGzUUKTWDBo2_Y1RSCC61ZDMB6U8hAFL3scmwuDiqAZQSZ1gOLZYGIeX_dtkStoIxR2yFBKr4C3/s200/yes-7.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I found this challenge
quite challenging. To write on a topic with thematic <u><b>and</b></u>
alphabetical guidelines really stretched me past my comfort zone
folks. I skipped a few days of writing to take care of “real life”
and myself/my needs. With this and one more post left, I am grateful
I agreed to do it and stuck to my guns with minor wavering.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was not without
unforeseen glitches along the way.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Who doesn't have events
beyond their control?
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't know of anyone who
does.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So in keeping with the
promise I made to myself about posting essays, I have, on days I
wrote <i>yet wasn't eager to write</i>, made use of a cheat
sheet/topic reference list which I created two weeks prior to the A
to Z challenge's maiden voyage. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That list has been a go-to many a
day.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like with this post.</span></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh sure, I wrote twice
today already, but since I really want this to be over, I shall
stretch.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And in this pushing, I
will grow even more.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg422-F4E55-4VX41Sq4P9CTYUWjOYgydhHPksKeFawcsS3l5X0nr2dXoUqeYfXdYPOCoVg-YExmyXprbN4CFxHMQQwk3rXxqJct7zPrtHW4IcQHhlji0p1wvi9_PpsYIZO3QTRclMhLh1_/s1600/say-yes-bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg422-F4E55-4VX41Sq4P9CTYUWjOYgydhHPksKeFawcsS3l5X0nr2dXoUqeYfXdYPOCoVg-YExmyXprbN4CFxHMQQwk3rXxqJct7zPrtHW4IcQHhlji0p1wvi9_PpsYIZO3QTRclMhLh1_/s320/say-yes-bc.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Proving to yourself that
you can do things, which at first survey seem easy, yet are not as
easy as you originally thought, is a challenge in and of itself. It
is a real boost to the system though. Like sticking to a new diet or
exercise regime, taking on something that propels you usually goes
against current habits, and breaking them, even a little bit, is not
a cake walk.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxF51t5bZ4tGJh1EM32Fwh86NGwuXNZpImu0u5JmAEznNcJ2zBfT9hEvUTMbroXoLbulZPLVLr3zhkL5HSU1Zt8FpxAiL4Un8BLUV51JDEEja9juSzMZ6rvj_NZCqF90EXSG4AZWUtwkC/s1600/i-would-venture-to-say-hell-yes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxF51t5bZ4tGJh1EM32Fwh86NGwuXNZpImu0u5JmAEznNcJ2zBfT9hEvUTMbroXoLbulZPLVLr3zhkL5HSU1Zt8FpxAiL4Un8BLUV51JDEEja9juSzMZ6rvj_NZCqF90EXSG4AZWUtwkC/s320/i-would-venture-to-say-hell-yes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
</div>
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Today I want to talk about
YES.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I said Yes to accepting
this challenge. <br />I wanted to write about poignant issues filling
my heart and head and life and share these contents with
cyborglandiers, i.e.: you folks.
</div>
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I wanted to grow as a
writer and instill a new level of creative discipline into my daily
goings-on.
</div>
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That is not what ended up
happening.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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What did end up happening
is this:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I wrote and wrote about
subjects from my heart. I shared interests in ways I enjoy developing
my soul. And I couldn't care less about the discipline of a writing
practice. I got that. The letter limitation was a different story,
but I approached that as a student's outlook and had fun regardless.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: magenta;"> Like
anything in life- it is how you approach it- </b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: magenta;"> your attitude dictates the real outcome. </b></i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCePx7Bzje00M113vSot8MhzKHERdsfUghPcgUesmJfjsBbW-PBC6pWR6MlG2-vuEQcJmuIqXUh2I2VBTYXIU-GD6FqiNvcSSLhJdqZn98ysV8xZmIvN2WJTt2rgGTJfh4cZzoxuTAf-i/s1600/yes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCePx7Bzje00M113vSot8MhzKHERdsfUghPcgUesmJfjsBbW-PBC6pWR6MlG2-vuEQcJmuIqXUh2I2VBTYXIU-GD6FqiNvcSSLhJdqZn98ysV8xZmIvN2WJTt2rgGTJfh4cZzoxuTAf-i/s400/yes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"> I said yes. </span></i></b></div>
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<br />
</div>
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I want to say YES to many
more creative ventures, </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
YES to many more limit-pushing [yet small and
gentle- for starters] challenges</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and YES to evolving.
</div>
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I had no idea what I would
actually get out of doing this, but I enjoyed it more than I would in
certain ways and less in others.
</div>
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Predictions are
meaningless so often when it comes to our intentions.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I subscribed to and
commented on blogs I would have not read any other time. I feel like
we taught each other pertinent things about <i>seemingly</i> useless
or random (only to others...) subjects and fascinated one another
with sharing our personal mysteries. Who knew that some folks who
“usually” blog about life and cars and work have passions for
such unrelated things? Who knew that the cynics were as sweetly
sensitive as they can be sarcastic? Thanks to this <i>sometimes chore</i>
of a challenge, I know this now, and have a greater appreciation for
you.
</div>
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I thank all the readers
who may or may not continue following and send lovey interweb hugs to
anyone reading this blog ever ever.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyRm6pfTO7MdmnHOFWB4cO9OAh6Qnuzwx8NoEJYJcO_VO0yz59-wfdDwl_9EFpiIsyp5PNtI3OTdb7nNeM3Fhx6EPBRQ5Nnr-RRjLJEbobyQYLDNKVB4ewrF3C1SIn7tH-8wH6NhNIlFM/s1600/vote-yes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyRm6pfTO7MdmnHOFWB4cO9OAh6Qnuzwx8NoEJYJcO_VO0yz59-wfdDwl_9EFpiIsyp5PNtI3OTdb7nNeM3Fhx6EPBRQ5Nnr-RRjLJEbobyQYLDNKVB4ewrF3C1SIn7tH-8wH6NhNIlFM/s320/vote-yes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To
say yes, you have to </span></span></span><a href="http://www.famousquotesabout.com/on/Sweat"><span style="color: #2d6c8c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sweat</span></span></span></a><span style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
and </span></span></span><a href="http://www.famousquotesabout.com/on/Roll"><span style="color: #2d6c8c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">roll</span></span></span></a><span style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
up your </span></span></span><a href="http://www.famousquotesabout.com/on/Sleeves"><span style="color: #2d6c8c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sleeves</span></span></span></a><span style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
and </span></span></span><a href="http://www.famousquotesabout.com/on/Plunge"><span style="color: #2d6c8c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">plunge</span></span></span></a><span style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
both hands into life up to the elbows. It is easy to say no, even if
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.famousquotesabout.com/on/Saying"><span style="color: #2d6c8c;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">saying</span></span></span></a><span style="color: #434343;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
no means death. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br />
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333839;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span><a href="http://www.famousquotesabout.com/by/Jean-Anouilh"><span style="color: #2d6c8c;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jean
Anouilh</span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrJFQ8_2JKASl0zOWGOuL_qrXiG_A5HSPcr4St-SOsoigb_czl6MVPR52GLXtHAQeT8mlVs_CNqa42OAVBuaXUETDTQJBRO_F6AkUs2gNPlt2sELXDVf1C-06WtPAaBTABBr1hsOeSnnF/s1600/Poster_201203_Mar-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrJFQ8_2JKASl0zOWGOuL_qrXiG_A5HSPcr4St-SOsoigb_czl6MVPR52GLXtHAQeT8mlVs_CNqa42OAVBuaXUETDTQJBRO_F6AkUs2gNPlt2sELXDVf1C-06WtPAaBTABBr1hsOeSnnF/s400/Poster_201203_Mar-1.png" width="308" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I say Yes to getting out
of my comfort zone.</span></b></i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I say Yes to calling my
own shots and boundaries.</span></b></i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I say Yes to YES!!!</span></b></i></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-89293498350008529232012-04-29T13:30:00.000-04:002012-04-29T13:25:17.047-04:00X is for Xizang<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIttNMWFdvB732xqXOFg-MyjEgT87wNoY0Q_82MMDUKGOqJAXnlEpI6B4R1F2_Tr0rdHXDCiz0muodzzjf8t-_sRmD0CJ6wU0v-qw8kofQCT2Ol2QHhLjI_590YddJZn7MI6NUnCOfR6P/s1600/TibetFlag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIttNMWFdvB732xqXOFg-MyjEgT87wNoY0Q_82MMDUKGOqJAXnlEpI6B4R1F2_Tr0rdHXDCiz0muodzzjf8t-_sRmD0CJ6wU0v-qw8kofQCT2Ol2QHhLjI_590YddJZn7MI6NUnCOfR6P/s400/TibetFlag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Xizang</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: HiraMinPro-W3;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
|ˈ sh ēˈdzä ng |</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chinese
name for </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville-SemiBold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tibet
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I remember when I first
got it into my head that I wanted to visit Tibet. I was monitoring a
class of children as they took annual standardized tests, and I was
in a classroom not my own. It was downstairs in the fifth grade wing,
in a room reserved for Geography and Social Studies. Across from the
teacher's desk where I sat, was a map of Asia.
</div>
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As I looked at the map I
began thinking about Tibet- which has been called the birthplace of
all things.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijfn0jl3Q1ExEl5AvFoZsFq-QINpJvvTz6k5wPMBR4nP9dajVT4ayA6xWm8vBQWBg_f2X6N8DpWqTk_iZLb2hop-145RaEO4KKlHxOKHYeleIzcaH2hkdqo35Rm1C8LuPXnD3-gczR8MG/s1600/tibet-map-large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijfn0jl3Q1ExEl5AvFoZsFq-QINpJvvTz6k5wPMBR4nP9dajVT4ayA6xWm8vBQWBg_f2X6N8DpWqTk_iZLb2hop-145RaEO4KKlHxOKHYeleIzcaH2hkdqo35Rm1C8LuPXnD3-gczR8MG/s400/tibet-map-large.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mused about the Dalai
Lama and monks/nuns garbed in saffron robes. I pondered about
meditation and chanting and Buddhism and what is implied by being
called <i>the birthplace of all things</i>. I considered the Chinese
occupation and deaths of over 200K Tibetan people about or before
1950. I wondered how long the trek out of Tibet took the people who
were excommunicated, and the Indian people who gave them a new place
to reside. I thought about folks who were told that Buddhism was no
longer an option.
</div>
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AND
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I daydreamed about yaks
and sherpas and strings of prayer flags.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6vBi8zTqnGJxEXGGjINoJltpdD-C-630CYCkpQn2fp7iGRuskiO8J-BWmaUQmLtNoaxMDoA_p-vbm7YA81XLV70hXOKanSt0hzeW66yNTEjkrB3VGuWFySLYdU3ibBpa9DVQJPqMsF6V/s1600/tibet-nepal-446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6vBi8zTqnGJxEXGGjINoJltpdD-C-630CYCkpQn2fp7iGRuskiO8J-BWmaUQmLtNoaxMDoA_p-vbm7YA81XLV70hXOKanSt0hzeW66yNTEjkrB3VGuWFySLYdU3ibBpa9DVQJPqMsF6V/s400/tibet-nepal-446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #990000; color: #f1c232;"> The prayer flags are left to blow in the breeze even when they become shredded. </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #990000; color: #f1c232;"> Then they transform among the elements. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Perhaps less than a month
later, a group of Tibetan monks came to our school. The monks lived
in a monastery in India, and had grown up there since infancy. I
cannot remember why they were specifically drawn to being at our
school...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For whatever reason, they
came to our middle school and were giving us a gift of a sand mandala
and opening/closing chanting performances. I was blessed to be asked
to come to the auditorium and help supervise the students. (I felt
totally loved that day. I was not scheduled to take my students to
the event, but my boss called me down at the last minute.)
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I arrived as they walked
out into the cement floor and sat down, lined up at the front of the
open area- just in front of the stage. The monks did not want to be
up, they wanted to be on the same level as we all ARE.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The men were all between
19 and 60-something. They were dressed in fine robes of the highest
quality fabrics and wore these majestic headdresses that looked like
horse mane mohawks made of garnet flora/plumage.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One by one the men started
out with an awe-inspiring (because it literally makes you inspire...
take abruptly deep breaths in, to merely watch <u><b>and</b></u> hear
this!) cyclic chanting.
</div>
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I swear that they can be
heard on the CD/soundtrack for <i>Heaven</i>.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Their voices, being added
one by one, melted and layered smoothly with each another's
seamlessly. It looked as if they did not take breaths at all. If you
have not seen or heard cyclic chanting, it is impressive at the
least.
</div>
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I was so moved, I decided
to take a seat in the rear of the auditorium, where, I am convinced,
the reverb and acoustics were best anyway.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhCMayskA8SYMsyjGEv6TYf6fMbCy8NqYE95v_NHUxWuXsG9Ef6cmD8CV9714mTRFxdWOKWpoeqH1uTsQBHe0hyphenhyphenuVSHrv07nCL8EuwFvuUp5CemDANwRmUo4yJn9Qagl2rzTpTzz0JxIB/s1600/1tibet_beauty_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhCMayskA8SYMsyjGEv6TYf6fMbCy8NqYE95v_NHUxWuXsG9Ef6cmD8CV9714mTRFxdWOKWpoeqH1uTsQBHe0hyphenhyphenuVSHrv07nCL8EuwFvuUp5CemDANwRmUo4yJn9Qagl2rzTpTzz0JxIB/s400/1tibet_beauty_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> The flag's colors represent the Traditional Chinese Elements. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> White/Metal.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Blue/Water. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Yellow/Earth.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> Green/Wood.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Red/Fire. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I in-visioned monks, many
many years ago, chanting on the edges of sky temples in the Himalayas
sending vocal-waves of prayer up and out... and the holy sound
carrying on forever.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The power of vibrations
made by their voices opens one up inside.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I listened, I felt my
heart burst open and the instantaneous connection of myself with the
monks, the students and all living beings on the planet. (Like some
Kundalini bursting alive event!) The opening chant lasted for over an
hour. It threw me into reverie about the movie <i><b>The Dark
Crystal. </b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
remembered the scene</span></span> with the “<i>Mystics</i>”
chanting- which sounded like these gentle men before me.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
{Oh Jim Henson, you are
greatly missed!}
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a kid, I was drawn to
the Buddhist ways. (That was the platform for my argument for being a
vegetarian when I was a little girl, Buddhists, and Hindus too... Not
that it made my family accept the fact that I didn't want to eat
meat. But that is another story for another day, I promise.)</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When the Tibetan monks
stopped the opening blessing chant there was a silence in the
building like none other. We were all pin-drop quiet in the
auditorium, and you could see how these children were effected as
deeply as we adults were, it was beautiful!
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxo3kIPzRG4MhbuPjmXomFct7hgY8IU2YekE0VqU04Q87M5wqnJ3oAcbcqvgTmerJ6Oa1JrLmtVwAtyxZ1Xb8Wm8w4M29o8cnJSMBJyszJTEZH7rt5gu-7BK00nDruh62rZLt5GwH5kz9/s1600/Sand_mandala_tibet_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxo3kIPzRG4MhbuPjmXomFct7hgY8IU2YekE0VqU04Q87M5wqnJ3oAcbcqvgTmerJ6Oa1JrLmtVwAtyxZ1Xb8Wm8w4M29o8cnJSMBJyszJTEZH7rt5gu-7BK00nDruh62rZLt5GwH5kz9/s400/Sand_mandala_tibet_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #990000; color: #f1c232;"> It was similar to this, but they had 3 foot long tubes used to tap the sand into the less-specicified outline/area than shown in this photo here. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #990000; color: #f1c232;"> Sitting on the floor, they sand-painted directly on the cement. </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few deep breaths later,
we drew closer to watch them create a sand mandala.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are not familiar
with this art form, let me fill you in:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A sand mandala is a moving
meditation, each colorful sand grain is laid out with intention as
per where it is to go. An ornate pattern relating to a prayer or
honoring a sutra is <i>painted</i> before your very eyes. Then after
many labored hours, the sand is blown away by the wind, reflecting
the impermanence of everything- both good and bad.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being a photo/art teacher,
I had a camera with me. I took some snaps of the monks at work (NOT
using my flash though,) making the mandala, which turned out dark and
grainy since the lights were very low. I printed one specific photo
from that day's events to show my friends, which I did.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I do not know what
happened to that film, or the photo. As a very organized woman, I
keep my film strips and proof sheets ALL in ringed binders, dated <u><b>and</b></u>
in chronological order.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But that roll of film and
proofs and single print is gone.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Poof.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><i><b style="background-color: #990000;"> Talk
about non-attachment and impermanence, huh? </b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I may not have the
pictures, but I will forever have that wonderful experience!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-49633383641135680512012-04-29T13:23:00.000-04:002012-04-29T13:29:39.825-04:00W is for Weight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1L9PhibyMProz_FYRoxDZu6kVzMRHwwjOU2C5An2qxTWOzyjlmCMaMw8neiIfsD5wjNNHN4bmUS-BXDjzIwRhAPKXEPI-jyFNdcU8agFng6Z-NP8jOv1TLmTgMzeo2wRMHB2xHaCS52A/s1600/Atlas_holding_our_world_by_KarimDesign_deviantArt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1L9PhibyMProz_FYRoxDZu6kVzMRHwwjOU2C5An2qxTWOzyjlmCMaMw8neiIfsD5wjNNHN4bmUS-BXDjzIwRhAPKXEPI-jyFNdcU8agFng6Z-NP8jOv1TLmTgMzeo2wRMHB2xHaCS52A/s640/Atlas_holding_our_world_by_KarimDesign_deviantArt.png" width="376" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #444444;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Atlas</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"> by Karim Design </span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is it that weighs you
down? Is it worries about work or money or relationships? Is it
literally poundage on your frame? Is it philosophical in nature?</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thinking often about this
subject, I have come to realize that I am more weighed down than I
wanted to look at. I have harbored toxic emotions which seethed
beneath the surface poisoning my heart and mind. I have become
someone I did not see myself as becoming.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Funny how we can have such
distorted views about ourselves!
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have taken steps back
from the things which I was aware were weighing me down. I have
gained valuable perspective and am actively addressing the issues at
hand. But it is not enough.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like the onion, we are
multi-layered and may even bring forth tears when peeling back those
layers!<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lH-ZiRPpMCruUN6l0m8msPjaSduU5jV4_KrAP5nqjJliMlRWEzcpq9tfePIO5qwSgMwjLeXBBrRMnLj-TdsnA5IkUar55KwyMSTPIz2mAXzCKoYPRf9D1oxdBHwkn_IRZGno7C6Li1G_/s1600/onionny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lH-ZiRPpMCruUN6l0m8msPjaSduU5jV4_KrAP5nqjJliMlRWEzcpq9tfePIO5qwSgMwjLeXBBrRMnLj-TdsnA5IkUar55KwyMSTPIz2mAXzCKoYPRf9D1oxdBHwkn_IRZGno7C6Li1G_/s320/onionny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let's face it, we all want
to alleviate the stressors in our lives. Feeling stressed out and
full anxiety is not a pleasant experience, but feeling <i>the need to
NOT feel them</i> is like adding another layer of stress.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pushing against the water
of emotions is futile. Trust me, I speak from experience.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Earlier this week, I was
blessed to see and face one of my most intense stressors of my life.
I was asked not how I felt about them, but why I thought they were
the way they were. In pondering this strange question, I thought of
the reasons.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After a little while, I
realized something huge:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> If I spend my energy
and time and thoughts and emotions fixated on the painful holding on
of these stressors in my life, </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> I become the pain. </b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I may wear a different
mask, but I become it nonetheless.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whether I was taught to or
expected to or volunteered to take the weight of the world upon my
shoulders, I can always choose to change that dynamic.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: medium;"><i><b style="background-color: magenta;"> I
choose to shed that layer of the onion NOW. </b></i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I often remind myself:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Do not
invest in fears related to the past.</b></i></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thinking about where we
have come from and what decisions we made which did not serve our
highest power are natural. Dwelling on them and berating yourself for
them is counter-productive. As it is important to honor your light
and shadow sides, you must remain in balance between the two, for
no-one is all light, and no-one is all shadow.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Patiently reminding
yourself of the weighty issues you wish to release and then <i><b>lovingly</b></i>
letting them go, thanking them for the layer of protection they gave
you, and explaining that you no longer need them, can be helpful.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This goes for excess
mental, emotional AND physical weight.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF350xJ19DmkNnBP0TwnPhZlhL8xBA8oMtBLrc-I4lgP91odvAjDgaLRIsSX8OH9EFPvS79yX0trLtW2ftGu8NOg60J0looXC0uSuKTgH7_UAzpe7bdgWzncUu0REVQyna1nrsNBDu1Jq8/s1600/Weight-Loss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF350xJ19DmkNnBP0TwnPhZlhL8xBA8oMtBLrc-I4lgP91odvAjDgaLRIsSX8OH9EFPvS79yX0trLtW2ftGu8NOg60J0looXC0uSuKTgH7_UAzpe7bdgWzncUu0REVQyna1nrsNBDu1Jq8/s320/Weight-Loss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We could all spend
lifetimes going over the root cases of pain, so we may avoid the pain
in the future, but I think that is too much retroaction and keeps you
chained to the past. By releasing the need for holding onto the
pain, you create more space to feel good, or at least neutral. And
more often than not, if you still need to understand the painful
foundations, you will do so in due time, naturally. Revisiting
stressors with a non-attached heart does not sting nearly as much...
if you wish to at all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9qlYu5ICf_bLdQmr0u6qdUcV4WVJ6A7KL4YzFZ3NEgdkx94EQsWnvMAFINiWpfzDjYx6al4zha3T2V_4amXgo3P1BZGmcRLSHkOnyhnrVU1-8QQaigx-u8H51qjc5VWgIn1YtJKpWQPM/s1600/Green+Turtle+Release_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9qlYu5ICf_bLdQmr0u6qdUcV4WVJ6A7KL4YzFZ3NEgdkx94EQsWnvMAFINiWpfzDjYx6al4zha3T2V_4amXgo3P1BZGmcRLSHkOnyhnrVU1-8QQaigx-u8H51qjc5VWgIn1YtJKpWQPM/s400/Green+Turtle+Release_big.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some helpful <i><b>affirmations</b></i>
to help release that which weighs us down.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I say them in the shower,
in the car, while on a walk, or most-likely, in my head <i><b>and</b></i>
heart.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjKZ0fbG5Rh_AH62sWPRm2HpEzLcUMPpZxrqdnpgY3564srATr11kFuMdEG_1OEhUPsNTKAyO2e51x82pdnO4277BMyOjASrT5iO8Wj0rXdwmWekYlqvvv45zngdJnTV9P2Q3a8Js997d/s1600/cage+and+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjKZ0fbG5Rh_AH62sWPRm2HpEzLcUMPpZxrqdnpgY3564srATr11kFuMdEG_1OEhUPsNTKAyO2e51x82pdnO4277BMyOjASrT5iO8Wj0rXdwmWekYlqvvv45zngdJnTV9P2Q3a8Js997d/s400/cage+and+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I release the need to </b>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(_fill
in something you are addicted to- it can be a food, a drug, a person,
a habit, a belief, a thought, etc._)</span> </i>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>and I lovingly let it
go, making way for better things to come into my life.</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Today is a new day.</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And one of the simplest,
but a favorite of mine:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I am Safe and Loved.</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>P.S. I am not suggesting
that you carry on in a bad relationship, in a job you hate, in anger
and frustration, eating poorly, etc. instead of adding or replacing that stuff with healthier
habits. </i><br />
<i>But clearing space in your spirit and soul makes the healthy
choices easier to make! </i></div>
<br />Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-50123835076007153142012-04-28T00:11:00.001-04:002012-04-28T00:12:49.429-04:00V is for Void<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0Petmos7I8bPBFoAmZoQq0MW4fDPZEDOEhLNL1HyjWFpnvMCngod4ABJwxnpfpz80I2OgZtKwHoU45AnJ_4fEi50QniYlhfY2O9mYwUpogvJZ5dGjVlghZUQrO5rnPl2gUjd7CtvO4qV/s1600/vacuous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0Petmos7I8bPBFoAmZoQq0MW4fDPZEDOEhLNL1HyjWFpnvMCngod4ABJwxnpfpz80I2OgZtKwHoU45AnJ_4fEi50QniYlhfY2O9mYwUpogvJZ5dGjVlghZUQrO5rnPl2gUjd7CtvO4qV/s400/vacuous.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #7f6000; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><i><b> Void </b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Vacuous.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vacant. Vacuum.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For my youth years, I
spent too much time, energy and efforts in attempts to utilize my
intelligence. I did not wish to ever be slack-brained. I even judged
those who were simple-minded. I felt that a certain level of
ignorance was indubitably unforgivable. I believed myself to be
somewhat superior than those who <i>seemed</i> empty headed.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many a sunrises have
crested since then, and I am starting to be less and less inclined
towards judging those who come across as vacuous. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I figured that we
are all born of the same divine stuff, so who am I to judge? </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
More and
more, ignorance looks blissful.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After decades of mental
chatter and consistent thinking, a rest from my mental gears'
spinning sounds perfect.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm_4CYr8WesGGOk1YlS8OgaXdYHk1FL0zyQe5AlbuzFnvVl17DgS-79Vkq-_V8P77mTUdC_9qVi2kdLICe3g-PATUordo6AbpLwDN8lPIWC1UYuuDs45vtPWS2yO-L_VGH8CiHoXPM42Y/s1600/vaca.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm_4CYr8WesGGOk1YlS8OgaXdYHk1FL0zyQe5AlbuzFnvVl17DgS-79Vkq-_V8P77mTUdC_9qVi2kdLICe3g-PATUordo6AbpLwDN8lPIWC1UYuuDs45vtPWS2yO-L_VGH8CiHoXPM42Y/s400/vaca.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i style="background-color: cyan;"> I need a brain
vacation. </i></b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Setting aside time to
meditate or spontaneously using meditation for a grounding and
calming tool, has taught me a great appreciation for
vacuum-headedness and consciously seeking the void.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Zen Buddhists pay great
homage to the Void, believing it to represent the space where
creative birthings and the great source of all resides. They paint
Enso Circles representing the perfection of the Void.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Serenity and peace are relatives of the void.</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>And all creative ideas are born of it.</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIrIO7HUjf_ijDsmGz8LOEbgZITGAcwpjW-F1rP22dLpiiA_YyZmLYnBQxnvqy_7VbXSDo63M4oXn1jBAV9mfxvif2Q6PmGHpRznXYUPWhyphenhyphenQb0ObvMHKHWVEegAMFE_ij4G_6-4pEMIFO/s1600/IMG_3782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIrIO7HUjf_ijDsmGz8LOEbgZITGAcwpjW-F1rP22dLpiiA_YyZmLYnBQxnvqy_7VbXSDo63M4oXn1jBAV9mfxvif2Q6PmGHpRznXYUPWhyphenhyphenQb0ObvMHKHWVEegAMFE_ij4G_6-4pEMIFO/s400/IMG_3782.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I find the quiet poetry of
the Void calming and inspiring in itself, and pass this on to my
expressive side...</div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-27755241595356830122012-04-27T23:10:00.004-04:002012-04-27T23:10:59.693-04:00U is for Unraveling<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzJrefzB2o58qhRnPiMNQXCdetStN153sjZGCc7ryz6I4UiPRHlD6MWWEtaLlHRm7IBmKzshKV0jUfB-EXdaAEhCGmi-PhCMoFe9t7319bDNwKaW6MBvMkgSLsseB-qJeJM8fsjQ8TKcA/s1600/25-44_flame_art_unraveling_fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzJrefzB2o58qhRnPiMNQXCdetStN153sjZGCc7ryz6I4UiPRHlD6MWWEtaLlHRm7IBmKzshKV0jUfB-EXdaAEhCGmi-PhCMoFe9t7319bDNwKaW6MBvMkgSLsseB-qJeJM8fsjQ8TKcA/s320/25-44_flame_art_unraveling_fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b><i style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"> Unraveling. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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In a person, it may
insinuate an undoing of sanity, a break-down of control, or perhaps a
splitting up of characteristics and/or personality.
</div>
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To most, this may come off
<i>slightly unsettling</i>, hard to watch even.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But what if that person
was all knotted up?
</div>
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What if they were coming,
going, confused and overwhelmed, and a little <i>unraveling</i> would
help?</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpENar5PzpKLW4k7IzawdNDL8B8KT1wwWzfkR0cMNIJXp4RAPIEwad4JJh8LuheVZuou6TN9BZJBD2Ybx9hYqdCBTWtTC8Ej7859TLl6XArgHKeaijbkvD113uUBbml5OV84MDhMnVdqf/s1600/unraveling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpENar5PzpKLW4k7IzawdNDL8B8KT1wwWzfkR0cMNIJXp4RAPIEwad4JJh8LuheVZuou6TN9BZJBD2Ybx9hYqdCBTWtTC8Ej7859TLl6XArgHKeaijbkvD113uUBbml5OV84MDhMnVdqf/s400/unraveling.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #a64d79; color: #f4cccc; font-size: x-large;"> To the tangled, I
dare suggest: </span></b></i></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shake loose the tight
grips of perplexity.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gently tousle the throes of
limitations.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">&</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Free yourself from the
chaos of the past.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<br />
</div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-63196566680233630072012-04-25T00:08:00.000-04:002012-04-25T00:08:03.390-04:00T is for Tarot<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7I4CoSzyJDc-RCMWo84LOsR3l3d0bbaU9LBVd0E8CM0_fHgmNRD4mj3gVqoSEmrnnGVN6zK7k7heY2IyPX4Y7G0D81064kk6VkNTJE8lzhfRhL9et0wzBL1368bh2WyxHN75Xm2H3F5x/s1600/simpsons-lisa-with-tarot-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7I4CoSzyJDc-RCMWo84LOsR3l3d0bbaU9LBVd0E8CM0_fHgmNRD4mj3gVqoSEmrnnGVN6zK7k7heY2IyPX4Y7G0D81064kk6VkNTJE8lzhfRhL9et0wzBL1368bh2WyxHN75Xm2H3F5x/s400/simpsons-lisa-with-tarot-cards.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #38761d;"><i> "</i>Oh no, NOT<i> The Happy Squirrel!" </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It's no
<b><i>secret</i></b> that I <b>adore</b> tarot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VR7az9Opd_HobpIawAIEPZBU4lOCzdYqN1y7t4dUVayt0EdmS2ovAqNnTtJcQfxIuzOEdInHMiXDUyJLzZZbfVUXwg35iLA9C-ZRMgmjH4BI8lZMcSZYDd4wnbVhvqvNYDnPhmihqDw6/s1600/secret1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VR7az9Opd_HobpIawAIEPZBU4lOCzdYqN1y7t4dUVayt0EdmS2ovAqNnTtJcQfxIuzOEdInHMiXDUyJLzZZbfVUXwg35iLA9C-ZRMgmjH4BI8lZMcSZYDd4wnbVhvqvNYDnPhmihqDw6/s640/secret1.jpg" width="520" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"> VERY awesome </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Secret Tarot</span></i></b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">deck by Lo Scarebo</span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I collect decks of tarot as tools of
divination as well as works of art. </span></div>
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In my possession, I have <i>dozens</i> of decks. Some I read from, some I do not. </div>
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A select few are reserved for my use only, and I use a very small
handful of decks for my readings for others. Through the years, I have traded decks, gifted them
to others, and even lost a few along the years. </div>
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I figure that they
are in their perfect homes now.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHoMTC4SyW6gfBicVnJTAtXBiGjHWz9Neo9KuLa34I7130TbJUEWf7hAudoMYbP7fw-H4TbUadF7lFbBDKg0g9UXEs0s7nzhc60z2QXZIq0a7FFaPHY97MX2FIwFIIVy1Bxg_FPFYc2oU/s1600/decks+galore!.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHoMTC4SyW6gfBicVnJTAtXBiGjHWz9Neo9KuLa34I7130TbJUEWf7hAudoMYbP7fw-H4TbUadF7lFbBDKg0g9UXEs0s7nzhc60z2QXZIq0a7FFaPHY97MX2FIwFIIVy1Bxg_FPFYc2oU/s400/decks+galore!.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: inherit;"> Not <b><i><u>my</u></i></b> <i><b>exact</b></i> collection- but you get the idea... </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Since I
took up reading the cards, I have frequently been asked to read for
people. I even did some public reading events at psychic fairs. It
was <i><b>many</b></i> <i><b>many</b></i> <i>moons</i> ago when I
worked at those events and I wasn't too into it back then. I felt
pressured and required to read for folks who I did not jibe with.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqKOz9gAZ5AmO6Qy-1bYIqoj2pwrEpeWKDcb61CmOBSHfFtImh818IJBLy0jKywVbBK2BXST5VWjys4mesihYNVSiAnaiRcLCXPGYG-zpEu2Xr__dDHPuLZtFaNDxkMYg0gWNZFVInvpq/s1600/Dakini2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqKOz9gAZ5AmO6Qy-1bYIqoj2pwrEpeWKDcb61CmOBSHfFtImh818IJBLy0jKywVbBK2BXST5VWjys4mesihYNVSiAnaiRcLCXPGYG-zpEu2Xr__dDHPuLZtFaNDxkMYg0gWNZFVInvpq/s640/Dakini2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> From the groovy 1978 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b><i>Secret Dakini Oracle</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> Deck </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know
better now as I hand-select my querants and feel comfortable
declining a reading at will. I do not hold back as per why either. It
often is the girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband who insists that
their mate get a reading with me.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Come
on, if they wanted a reading, they would ask themselves.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So- no
thanks.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAhOuWLAYe9CUkeFboV2s5gySyMqdKxNxh7WnvQR53to_-fDWkAhiXPFB5FEkueB9p6s5lj-Jc95EPDtaKN5Q4GPKyLMFwEj64z-be5F8IXwd5DZs-vvsmwltqlptlXg2OfsbOUul9ieu/s1600/RW_Tarot_00_Fool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAhOuWLAYe9CUkeFboV2s5gySyMqdKxNxh7WnvQR53to_-fDWkAhiXPFB5FEkueB9p6s5lj-Jc95EPDtaKN5Q4GPKyLMFwEj64z-be5F8IXwd5DZs-vvsmwltqlptlXg2OfsbOUul9ieu/s400/RW_Tarot_00_Fool.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"> a classic </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Rider-Waite</i></b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #e69138;">card </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I
was around 10 or 20 years old, I was at a party where I met another
young woman who read tarot <i>for her w</i><i><b>ork!</b></i>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She was
completely aloof, overly confident <i><b>and</b></i> overtly stunning
to look at.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I saw
her read some <i>seemingly</i> ornate tarot spreads for people
without contemplation, as if she were a robot. Folks literally sat in
awe, huddled around her feet as she read the cards.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I
looked on and was simultaneously curious <u>and</u> repulsed by these
exchanges.
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI-yMTUvFExAFD6JXG5TF2zODnuYf79lANf7qOKwePODtSLSOC_0LQM_jK5ywMMgHRQARRKfR40jQSFOCNETdaJLCaKEL9m9bjF8FL1JYpW40XCQrPAQzPZnieyMdV0cqk47QOW5DkUl9/s1600/XVIII+The+Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI-yMTUvFExAFD6JXG5TF2zODnuYf79lANf7qOKwePODtSLSOC_0LQM_jK5ywMMgHRQARRKfR40jQSFOCNETdaJLCaKEL9m9bjF8FL1JYpW40XCQrPAQzPZnieyMdV0cqk47QOW5DkUl9/s400/XVIII+The+Moon.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="252" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"> From the </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Aquarian Tarot </span></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I asked her a question about for how long she was a reader and where she picked up this skill. Not answering, <i>or even pretending she had ears,</i> she rolled her giant eyeballs in a circle and turned her now <i>less than pretty</i> head away from my direction as she forcefully exhaled her <i>cliche'd</i> plume of <i>clove cigarette</i> smoke.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Okay then.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfQNGdiULmEQwOvS_CLGCkWF-gNtrMiJw_K3fitK0FakPLj5xqUKj7RotOyovI8_159Lu2h-ij6Wu2MY3ft0TpZ5xKhbcNDB1PdaB4Hgx7loQ14_HiCYcGHSgDqTQg5xujRoSTropjRuc/s1600/judgement.+housewives+t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfQNGdiULmEQwOvS_CLGCkWF-gNtrMiJw_K3fitK0FakPLj5xqUKj7RotOyovI8_159Lu2h-ij6Wu2MY3ft0TpZ5xKhbcNDB1PdaB4Hgx7loQ14_HiCYcGHSgDqTQg5xujRoSTropjRuc/s400/judgement.+housewives+t.jpg" width="251" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"> From the campy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><i>Housewives</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"> deck </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At
first, I was impressed when I saw her instantaneously read the cards
for people. Personally, I spent much longer reading them and
interpreting their meanings. I wondered if I wasn't as skilled a
reader, like we all believed she was.
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Silly
me. </i>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As if
speed validates the skill of <i>any</i> reader.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJVFQEI3CtuntNxXlQrC5VoSNCLRNZGEtufFVnzDMiadHqOKBpdiOjsphyphenhyphendXmCfbcRBQ4gSX9axXcSLws3mQ3zXsiErAYB_zes6mBhtUsPoWDcGF2GWm7X9pXOv5DnNSi7zqRyiiAlbeI/s1600/barbara+walker+tarot+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJVFQEI3CtuntNxXlQrC5VoSNCLRNZGEtufFVnzDMiadHqOKBpdiOjsphyphenhyphendXmCfbcRBQ4gSX9axXcSLws3mQ3zXsiErAYB_zes6mBhtUsPoWDcGF2GWm7X9pXOv5DnNSi7zqRyiiAlbeI/s640/barbara+walker+tarot+cards.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="596" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> Barbara G. Walker</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> knows her stuff! </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"> Check her deck out!!! </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #660000; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Fast
forward what seems like eons-</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I do
not suffer the insecurity of reading for anyone- with use of any
divination tool or without. I derive much joy and a deep sense of
connection to my fellow souls when I read for them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOUwQJCtKMN4F1cV_MS6yJx1rMdXhFw5W_wCLA2umTdSlrmBHKTkimiGIjV_4-hIE4KSUNW00B90hpA2xySCwC9aEbic8-1JEysNnMU6K0PukZFk8A6dYXCTpsBHXf9jr3wsjeRfNVvqd/s1600/2-high-priestess-cosmic-tarot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOUwQJCtKMN4F1cV_MS6yJx1rMdXhFw5W_wCLA2umTdSlrmBHKTkimiGIjV_4-hIE4KSUNW00B90hpA2xySCwC9aEbic8-1JEysNnMU6K0PukZFk8A6dYXCTpsBHXf9jr3wsjeRfNVvqd/s400/2-high-priestess-cosmic-tarot.jpg" width="221" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; color: cyan; font-family: inherit;"> Cosmic Tarot card </span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I read tarot for myself, I especially feel connected to all those who have read or created decks of tarot before me. I love the cryptic images & the obvious images.<br />Each card is a gift, a lesson, a symbol of truth.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AXpfENWzfYZpJIa0ymJXwUat7JaUGKDAVSi2MeJh8_GYP3vEQ4-A3LbUNed9ZnBELhmVRfXRhWR7nDJ9UFJM-lq6D20gfAMNxfwA32eAVfEG0e62a-ovSg0BiMGCCe-ykspUem043VUs/s1600/dreamer+d:o:m.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AXpfENWzfYZpJIa0ymJXwUat7JaUGKDAVSi2MeJh8_GYP3vEQ4-A3LbUNed9ZnBELhmVRfXRhWR7nDJ9UFJM-lq6D20gfAMNxfwA32eAVfEG0e62a-ovSg0BiMGCCe-ykspUem043VUs/s320/dreamer+d:o:m.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> Daughters of the Moon</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b4a7d6;">'s version of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">The Fool</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b4a7d6;"> card </span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Any Tarot-Related Questions? </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Post below...</span></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-22986159532562455132012-04-23T23:58:00.001-04:002012-04-23T23:58:11.733-04:00S is for Silliness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdrYkKhPm-hCV7NiCuep2T6f7GyNycra4PjIRN5m8c_5MlCLUKoteZjcCpNHBpm1ULATAh5JnrTDu4CYArhkKet5xuixc5j2wNsyDuaV-MJTk4lnn2rr0b8m40lkfmIaDRvEQCLi_kW6F/s1600/laughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdrYkKhPm-hCV7NiCuep2T6f7GyNycra4PjIRN5m8c_5MlCLUKoteZjcCpNHBpm1ULATAh5JnrTDu4CYArhkKet5xuixc5j2wNsyDuaV-MJTk4lnn2rr0b8m40lkfmIaDRvEQCLi_kW6F/s320/laughter.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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Being a huge fan of
laughter and humor in general, I love <b>silliness</b>.
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Wit and brainy amusement
have their place, as do slapstick and punny revelry. But on any given
day, after a long day at work or in thought, I enjoy winding down
with some silly shows that give me the giggles.
</div>
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: #0c343d;"> You do
not need to be in the company of other people to laugh aloud! </b></i></span></div>
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<br />
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Laughter is perfect at
<i>almost</i> any time. It exercises the muscles and organs withing
the abdominal area, releases endorphins and dopamine into the system,
helps you relax while relieving stress <b>and</b> feels great. The
Japanese even invented at-work laughter clinics! In the USA, there
are hospitals and medical schools promoting and encouraging <i>laughter
as medicine</i> to complement traditional allopathic therapies. How
fabulous!</div>
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<br />
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Here is a short list of
what silly shows currently make me guffaw and snort and chuckle till I have
tears actually running down my face:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhnXXQw18pTogJw6YSf5VBFITlokqzGuf1EQzuezJiR02Nyfo88g43PrbfR4TbxRzWK5wol5x29u1xK8TxE5h5ECDDx6o6a0-WUeOeSc9Vcrzsua7EvDZIecZWyr4_T3W4BumsInGjN-1/s1600/_30rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhnXXQw18pTogJw6YSf5VBFITlokqzGuf1EQzuezJiR02Nyfo88g43PrbfR4TbxRzWK5wol5x29u1xK8TxE5h5ECDDx6o6a0-WUeOeSc9Vcrzsua7EvDZIecZWyr4_T3W4BumsInGjN-1/s400/_30rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>30 Rock</b></i>
{chock full-o-priceless characters- I Love them <span style="font-style: normal;"><u>all</u></span>}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFPIkBW_91_fi8Vs6BT0n7ql49dEMHnTFR4hmHpewXQ9edGSKHjnInuJoypz3QLGIyRWeasOyiwElnFJc4WU8gtWtZMm7KTyH7Ch_TXaSktPctsTM-2dBZriQMsnkt4rguo0XorFu0LNu/s1600/kenny+and+ashleigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFPIkBW_91_fi8Vs6BT0n7ql49dEMHnTFR4hmHpewXQ9edGSKHjnInuJoypz3QLGIyRWeasOyiwElnFJc4WU8gtWtZMm7KTyH7Ch_TXaSktPctsTM-2dBZriQMsnkt4rguo0XorFu0LNu/s400/kenny+and+ashleigh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Eastbound And Down</b></i>
{like a toilet you can quote}</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNDNN-hA_pecmzpmjmeqg0PPouZLU8FvuZy2AWNvL7hCY-K5rb5Q7HK7HyfQlveZtxOkwI4EwynN3t7p1HmRqu1764lVQbADLiYMCZNwY30TWGN4KOKzY7lX8vxslza2Jl5NLZzu2ESK0/s1600/Louie-FX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNDNN-hA_pecmzpmjmeqg0PPouZLU8FvuZy2AWNvL7hCY-K5rb5Q7HK7HyfQlveZtxOkwI4EwynN3t7p1HmRqu1764lVQbADLiYMCZNwY30TWGN4KOKzY7lX8vxslza2Jl5NLZzu2ESK0/s400/Louie-FX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Louie</b></i>
{acerbic yet palpable}</div>
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And the micro-sized silly movie
list, those which <i>never</i> fail me, no matter how cruddy a day I may have had:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J4PG-KcDGGakcuYPv9dIpJydkRRSjOhopXqf3C0NPLSUPAHMDO2fnE_YCcoYnfrC0rasH-jAmYK6KkJcSLnHOOjo1izfWOyu5_JdZ4uzLzCXmT5h8tVFvPAehjYfeyuyWmY2cyjvj9I7/s1600/The-Big-Lebowski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J4PG-KcDGGakcuYPv9dIpJydkRRSjOhopXqf3C0NPLSUPAHMDO2fnE_YCcoYnfrC0rasH-jAmYK6KkJcSLnHOOjo1izfWOyu5_JdZ4uzLzCXmT5h8tVFvPAehjYfeyuyWmY2cyjvj9I7/s400/The-Big-Lebowski.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>The Big Lebowski</b></i>
{existential hero story}</div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmHnTtPBMKGu3ujDZZCb7HdO6aR83K0f_8Y8OpZDFPxtTSTMhL84Tdehesk7_I5P1nVVvt5UM1TKcwrclXBDcyOsAZoW_6E3bkRAXZ97zkijFQgdLewMFoScPqF8js6HSkPd1iWhK734B/s1600/new+years+eve+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmHnTtPBMKGu3ujDZZCb7HdO6aR83K0f_8Y8OpZDFPxtTSTMhL84Tdehesk7_I5P1nVVvt5UM1TKcwrclXBDcyOsAZoW_6E3bkRAXZ97zkijFQgdLewMFoScPqF8js6HSkPd1iWhK734B/s400/new+years+eve+train.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Trading Places</b></i>
{feel good tale of reversal}</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQScfWrUwR77R2HXLZrxEiwfnL33Ry8mqd4GiXGjuL64CcED7rvWcQ2voujjgFU_xdwMzCsK4iY6KWLQJ9E6ZwaZFl4wAhWKhMosKXc4NPxYEhEMQ003cZ9tdPrmx4BNptpTX4y8T22ke/s1600/blades-of-glory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQScfWrUwR77R2HXLZrxEiwfnL33Ry8mqd4GiXGjuL64CcED7rvWcQ2voujjgFU_xdwMzCsK4iY6KWLQJ9E6ZwaZFl4wAhWKhMosKXc4NPxYEhEMQ003cZ9tdPrmx4BNptpTX4y8T22ke/s400/blades-of-glory.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Blades of Glory</b></i>
{improbable drivel/amazing crap...priceless}</div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: #0c343d;"> Why not
counterbalance the stresses of life with a laugh or two? </b></i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-40414239537419801832012-04-22T12:52:00.000-04:002012-04-22T12:52:50.322-04:00R is for Respite<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHIz5B-7vp617iVaGPNive1OORloxMlsOvLL1RgthGCmYU13E2WExRzEzk_aCOEW0UYIRpaGqsMVCpsZMb_-iBZJ0mryYKy2FjamA0ruxFjTyX3bpyx5as62cCgpxKFhLzCPCFTDcjxnP/s1600/respite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHIz5B-7vp617iVaGPNive1OORloxMlsOvLL1RgthGCmYU13E2WExRzEzk_aCOEW0UYIRpaGqsMVCpsZMb_-iBZJ0mryYKy2FjamA0ruxFjTyX3bpyx5as62cCgpxKFhLzCPCFTDcjxnP/s200/respite.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's face it, we all need
a rest some times, especially from the crummy stuff.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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I have been working very
hard, at both of my paid jobs <i>and</i> on my personal growth. It
has been longer than a month since I gave myself permission to DO
nothing. To take a day off <i>for real</i>. Yesterday was an attempt
at that day off. But I ended up cooking and doing housework (and
<i>thinking</i> way too much) all day instead.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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I woke this morning with a
sense of urgency. Already abuzz with my wheels spinning, I felt
compelled to get right up and make something I forgot to make
yesterday. Talk about fixated!
</div>
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Drive like that doesn't
<i>feel</i> good.
</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8E1NRFNHCgAB1kmgHgKJFB0WW-d-uRFS1piTDvWi5_ZsySkZIP5smWEG4k9sklv3U579AhgEx3raOQfgHErryCLKPQLVxKcGM5yP99xvq6-2KouXZPB-4V9kZZywjMSbDk7cydjdZFPN/s1600/relax-cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8E1NRFNHCgAB1kmgHgKJFB0WW-d-uRFS1piTDvWi5_ZsySkZIP5smWEG4k9sklv3U579AhgEx3raOQfgHErryCLKPQLVxKcGM5yP99xvq6-2KouXZPB-4V9kZZywjMSbDk7cydjdZFPN/s400/relax-cow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: #6fa8dc;"> Ommmm Mooooooo </span></i></b></div>
<br />
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And here I am, typing away
on my true day off, writing this darned post about <span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>respite</b></i></span>,
when I need one so badly. This is my 5<sup>th</sup> attempt at
writing the “<b>R</b>” post. None of them read how I intended
them to read. My venture to guess is because I'm feeling a wee bit
fried by this challenge.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<u>What I learned through
accepting the A to Z challenge:</u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~I <i><b>am</b></i>
already a dedicated writer, whether or not I write daily, at a
certain time, or share it or not- there is no contention about my
love for writing.</div>
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~I must stop this insanity
with following rules. It's not my style and when I adhere to these
unrealistic “guidelines” I end up frustrated. I am not a linear
person. Point taken.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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I need a respite from <i><b>any</b></i>
opinions and judgements.
</div>
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I need a respite from
anxiety and over-exertion.
</div>
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I need a respite from
others' icky moods and fears.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4srIfrzN45PcmFiPNc68sfeg20QPGNNxiDDWwJUnsrB5cii9lofNHkFnE6Guz5BoAVXy2BbJabJaChB6ltdaemWbj7H_VB8azXrBZhE6aGd0cee1aY9sMajnK0x4AmEWULXOwovsGMMhyphenhyphen/s1600/dog+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4srIfrzN45PcmFiPNc68sfeg20QPGNNxiDDWwJUnsrB5cii9lofNHkFnE6Guz5BoAVXy2BbJabJaChB6ltdaemWbj7H_VB8azXrBZhE6aGd0cee1aY9sMajnK0x4AmEWULXOwovsGMMhyphenhyphen/s1600/dog+bath.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Respite
for today:</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">A healthy brunch followed by a bubble bath!</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-38412399776584593352012-04-20T00:56:00.001-04:002012-04-20T00:57:03.901-04:00Q is For Quiet<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-28pLhq3-wdMX6yfo3zBA5-n5O9OuBe4eeCr8Bv5PFsaAxzyYfOXtOw6v-4c-fNluFRupfW0cTPwvgY7eMEzUKLIzbbbc-Fqqe6_Kt256DUQV3nZ3CNmnX7dPl9hSlFD3Oy53R882p_Wi/s1600/IMG_0689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-28pLhq3-wdMX6yfo3zBA5-n5O9OuBe4eeCr8Bv5PFsaAxzyYfOXtOw6v-4c-fNluFRupfW0cTPwvgY7eMEzUKLIzbbbc-Fqqe6_Kt256DUQV3nZ3CNmnX7dPl9hSlFD3Oy53R882p_Wi/s400/IMG_0689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Quiet the mind.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Quiet the voice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Quiet the ego.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">And know peace.</span></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am so excited to be <i>this
close</i> to living alone again.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I eagerly anticipate days and days- <i>with no talking</i>.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I cannot wait.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Be</u> <u>the</u>
<u>peace</u> you wish to see in the world.</span></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-59537612959552861222012-04-20T00:40:00.000-04:002012-04-20T00:40:02.902-04:00P is for Prayer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some nights I sleep better
than others. I always hope to get a nourishing, restful night of REM
goodness, but that isn't always the case. Depending on my dietary
intake earlier that day/night, the planetary workings &/or my
mental and physical cycles, I may get little or no sleep at all.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But one thing remains
consistent in my sleep patterns.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>My waking.</i></b></div>
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<br />
</div>
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In spite of whether or not
I wake naturally, by alarm clock, or <i>eek!</i> against my will, </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I
do the same thing every day:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnkBUnXYWVB_pZXXLcb1e6bJ7UFKLSwkBTivLFczZxyv7xCf8GwyItpRLZ2v2wC3qN8go2SfwXB-MM3lZZ0-BPuo7YYBNwtjVMkpmq3bsudRkVVe_xCV-vVG4NKCFuRH0AD4smA-JgXfu/s1600/Photo+on+2011-08-22+at+21.40+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnkBUnXYWVB_pZXXLcb1e6bJ7UFKLSwkBTivLFczZxyv7xCf8GwyItpRLZ2v2wC3qN8go2SfwXB-MM3lZZ0-BPuo7YYBNwtjVMkpmq3bsudRkVVe_xCV-vVG4NKCFuRH0AD4smA-JgXfu/s200/Photo+on+2011-08-22+at+21.40+%233.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><i><b>I
say a little prayer.</b></i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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As a teen and very young
adult, my concept of prayer was a negative, dogmatic one- by default.
Having in my youth been exposed to the extremes of those driven by
religious fervor, by people influenced by the aeriest-faeriest of
bells and whistles <i><b>and</b></i> atheistic folks, I was turned
off by anything that was not tuned in <i>from</i> <i>within me</i>.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Truth
be told:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I
was convinced that most people were nuts.</span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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And I was also convinced
that <i><b>prayer</b></i> was reserved for those individuals who were
trying to beg or manipulate natural energies at work. Why would I
want any part in that? I witnessed people trying to “pray” the
“devil” out, to no avail, because <i>devil</i> is a false concept
in the first place. I also witnessed wealthy, educated white people
chanting to some Hindu gods for some more of whatever they desired. I
even witnessed others denounce the existence of <i>anything</i>
beyond their precious intellect and ego... Which sounded like an
inside-out prayer to me.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
word prayer is defined as:</span></u></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">prayer</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: HiraMinPro-W3;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
|pre(ə)r|</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;">noun</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a
solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or
an object of worship </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>:
I'll say a prayer for him </i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">|
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>the
peace of God is ours through prayer.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">• </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville-SemiBold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
prayers</b></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">)
a religious service, esp. a regular one, at which people gather in
order to pray together </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
500 people were detained as they attended Friday prayers.</span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">• </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">an
earnest hope or wish </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
it is our prayer that the current progress on human rights will be
sustained.</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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My deep, dark, sinking
depression had me all bound up inside for far too long. My spirit was
thin and choking, I lacked the joyous luster I held so dear and my
much-loved activities no longer resulted in an iota of satisfaction
anymore.
</div>
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I tried everything I could
think of, I went to therapy, even tried big pharma's pills for a tiny
bit, I exercised and changed my diet, talked my friends' ears off,
journaled till my hands cramped up, and <i>nothing</i> helped much.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>I was convinced that it
never would improve.</i>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being the avid reader that
I am, I came across a book that had been popular in my inner circle
for over a decade. Most of my friends read it already, and for
whatever reason, I never did. I picked up a copy of <i><b>The
Celestine Prophecy</b></i> from the local book swap. Now, I enjoyed
the read, but by no stretch was this book a genius read. Yet
something struck a chord within me that resonated off the pages and
into my heart.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Awe
and Gratitude!</span></b></i></div>
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<br />
</div>
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The book brought to light
an idea of sending loving, vibrational intentions and appreciation
toward the auric field which all living things emanate outward. I
speak that language so I felt a symbiotic connection to the message
in the book. Having remembered the exit greeting from a{strange and
smelly} yoga class I took years prior, I noted that Namaste' is the
word used to acknowledge one another.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Namaste'.</i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The
light within me honors the light within you.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<i><b>The Celestine
Prophecy</b></i> made me want to Namaste' outward to all that is and
was alive, on a regular basis, for quite some time. And in that
gentle, honoring space, including my actively practicing gratitude, I
found it easier and easier to let go of my past judgements about what
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>prayer</i></span> was.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_tIrgMVa5y9lZ-iILW5Co7HwrmhwvPOpjimcflbkHp667IEhtAesn3mtkaqCj_Gioro3vKs7spfJGDlME3f4Ga8phbN6a6O1fbyNqwuBsv_aORAGLTLrwe3EjOfOywtoUDBbFOGkHX90/s1600/IMG_0664+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_tIrgMVa5y9lZ-iILW5Co7HwrmhwvPOpjimcflbkHp667IEhtAesn3mtkaqCj_Gioro3vKs7spfJGDlME3f4Ga8phbN6a6O1fbyNqwuBsv_aORAGLTLrwe3EjOfOywtoUDBbFOGkHX90/s400/IMG_0664+-+Version+3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: #e06666;"> Namaste', Nature! </span></b></i></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I said prayers to help
others heal on all levels, to alleviate pain and suffering in the
world, asking for guidance and focus- whatever I saw fit to pray for.
Now, the dark clouds did not disappear in a burst of <i>a-ha</i>
lightning, but I now understand <i>my</i> part in it, knowing that I
have some control over how I react to the murky waters. I rely on my
strengths more and more & external influences less and less. I do
whatever I need to do to feel grounded and loving. Living
intentionally (with love) has become my main focus.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">More
recently, I use prayer daily to start my day.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Before I even get out of
bed, I say a little prayer, sending out my daily intention to the
great beyond:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bless me,</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bless Fletchie,</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>and </b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bless Everyone I come into contact with today.</b></i></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3evdkM-xQH2g-5i_BHtzfjkQtDMj0iygeAZUKzB7dzPqpAr4CyJzDhCZvJAxc4Rtdynmm6fj8nGLTK7CU1FM8wnT5CJw326jddaRur3QW8_dEo55G3ds3cWIncq-BozvvtR0x3sLEyijb/s1600/IMG_0516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3evdkM-xQH2g-5i_BHtzfjkQtDMj0iygeAZUKzB7dzPqpAr4CyJzDhCZvJAxc4Rtdynmm6fj8nGLTK7CU1FM8wnT5CJw326jddaRur3QW8_dEo55G3ds3cWIncq-BozvvtR0x3sLEyijb/s400/IMG_0516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">{Fletchie!}</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So simple, yet sending out
a gentle reminder to the universe that I intend to experience blessings, I
figure it can only help.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Blessings,</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Violet</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-48025118187781284132012-04-17T22:01:00.000-04:002012-04-17T22:01:04.347-04:00O is for Origins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXCJBqepBby0m4Q6atmYwSsntY_AQV7469jU4mEc29mK9vsTfA5BJCvPWxYF35IFeQQNEd97cok98pq3Dn3SToKBUG7Pndi50D3A3QRbfXER9H7cA9Qa3Gky1BHTLGL0B7LQoQDSooHrM/s1600/family+tree+blank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXCJBqepBby0m4Q6atmYwSsntY_AQV7469jU4mEc29mK9vsTfA5BJCvPWxYF35IFeQQNEd97cok98pq3Dn3SToKBUG7Pndi50D3A3QRbfXER9H7cA9Qa3Gky1BHTLGL0B7LQoQDSooHrM/s320/family+tree+blank.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where did you come from?<br />
How do you identify yourself?<br />
What is your ideal vision of how you
wish to be perceived?</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eqWRhU01wOSHEllZI4SbVt8j09svAQ0KzJtxT-La_5WFCnLN7uaFoUotvnd0r7e_MpQxhZ2OVy1LakLaDFbFRLvxCRJ805sLm2lM5PKC-bAXWu9UVhnlEcBqNzFmK-aPFfUUg88V-jxP/s1600/smithsonian+peoples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eqWRhU01wOSHEllZI4SbVt8j09svAQ0KzJtxT-La_5WFCnLN7uaFoUotvnd0r7e_MpQxhZ2OVy1LakLaDFbFRLvxCRJ805sLm2lM5PKC-bAXWu9UVhnlEcBqNzFmK-aPFfUUg88V-jxP/s320/smithsonian+peoples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Our past
does not define us, yet it influences us all.</b></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I think about my
origins, a few points immediately come to mind. Firstly, I think of
my upbringing and my child-life experiences, I think about that which
was related to my socioeconomic identity, my family and my peers. I
also think about my heritage, both my family tree whose branches were
tangible and the lengthy off-shoots beyond my reach. And lastly, <i>and
most importantly, I believe,</i> I think about my spiritual life, my
karmic history and past lives.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId8Y38lKHBcFd8QU76g1uRz-RR5RPQfaRr9wGN_J4B7dkMOSa_HSoKd2eWS4hn_pbkSOMDqP02Nih2QvD7Z9YK4AQSGXjs4l5sK7fUkJ6oaIHtBLrn4clA4WNK8D-v1sFdlPHExwLyVSC/s1600/Sophia-+one+soul+many+bodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId8Y38lKHBcFd8QU76g1uRz-RR5RPQfaRr9wGN_J4B7dkMOSa_HSoKd2eWS4hn_pbkSOMDqP02Nih2QvD7Z9YK4AQSGXjs4l5sK7fUkJ6oaIHtBLrn4clA4WNK8D-v1sFdlPHExwLyVSC/s400/Sophia-+one+soul+many+bodies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #0b5394; color: #e06666;"> One Soul, Many Bodies </span></i></b></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am one of those people
who believes that the immeasurable part of us recycles into the
primordial soup and back again. Call it reincarnation or whatever, I
have my own theory about it. This is not that post though, sorry.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remembering past
incarnations as a healer, a midwife, a shaman, a guide, I find much
of what seems natural to me in this lifetime to be perhaps related to
living other lifetimes. Hence, <b>origins</b>.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzr9JN5lNvKmQoVNY4F8ih1gLB2-TEBLuKYQHw88HE1DoYW11wSUO0p7Gy0pYb6W9GhioOWsCFSLPX6sfCQ0-8PbWDzct1DY8BSyyddJkBA42qUCt62uFidiw84YHn8uyZ2sjEwXtK4kx/s1600/You_Are_Here_Milky_Way1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzr9JN5lNvKmQoVNY4F8ih1gLB2-TEBLuKYQHw88HE1DoYW11wSUO0p7Gy0pYb6W9GhioOWsCFSLPX6sfCQ0-8PbWDzct1DY8BSyyddJkBA42qUCt62uFidiw84YHn8uyZ2sjEwXtK4kx/s400/You_Are_Here_Milky_Way1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>It
is where my soul came from that </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>really</b></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>
matters.</b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can eschew the
admonitions of others related to my past, both in this body or
another, but it really doesn't matter what anyone thinks, as long as
<i>what I believe</i> feels right.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I know who I am, I know
where I came from.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
AND I know where I belong.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I think about my
origins of life in this time, it <i>feels</i> pretty uncomfortable.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yet when I think about my
life in other times, I get a sense of strength and purpose which
supports what I am creating in the now.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the presence of
experiencing my true purpose paralleling with karmic memories, I
experience a sense of validating freedom and enlightening of my
spirit. It is when I feel this way that I know I am on the right
path.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is also easier to let
go of the belief structures based on and tied to the origins of my
upbringing when I take a soul-full life-time into consideration.
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWH-Hw4bCT9g2HhA70fwKw5pMyexSKFBllHevNJuRN977040iFcpASUcee9Y_ncYrTgHz2rc1DiFvAHoM85ICXxtRu0211uzP2-l92dc6s9AGjfTorfaOBzFByH4MSv89sUNaNIQvWi92/s1600/didnt-believe-in-reincarnation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWH-Hw4bCT9g2HhA70fwKw5pMyexSKFBllHevNJuRN977040iFcpASUcee9Y_ncYrTgHz2rc1DiFvAHoM85ICXxtRu0211uzP2-l92dc6s9AGjfTorfaOBzFByH4MSv89sUNaNIQvWi92/s400/didnt-believe-in-reincarnation.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Suddenly,
twenty or so years </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>means very little</b></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>.</b></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I meet and will continue
to meet people I knew from past lives. We will continue to grow
together.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Hello again. </span></span></b></i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lovers and friends often
travel with us over and over, as do family members. Crazy to think
that my mother could have been my brother a hundred years ago, and we
could be playing out a past drama which was unresolved <i>back then</i>,
in this timeline.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Origins</b></i></span>.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Expanding the view of
existence one moment at a time.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One lifetime at a time.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01eK5uPlUnlAU69tVoqUesuxukrrQDFCTJGQq8_HYD9fCCdO6AW0foB0edupRFYPjdB-6qq4c_HTByCD7mb9S1lGX7apZoLM6kao5nMMS96PErhuIi6vvmAI8LCu0SVWuMZvMWpe4CJ6b/s1600/220px-Reincarnation_AS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01eK5uPlUnlAU69tVoqUesuxukrrQDFCTJGQq8_HYD9fCCdO6AW0foB0edupRFYPjdB-6qq4c_HTByCD7mb9S1lGX7apZoLM6kao5nMMS96PErhuIi6vvmAI8LCu0SVWuMZvMWpe4CJ6b/s400/220px-Reincarnation_AS.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-18344320463472622882012-04-17T00:17:00.001-04:002012-04-17T00:17:17.295-04:00N is for No<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uqj2mXnIjDzLGfaMf5U9Mh7VIHQhDuDFMWJW0rEDWRbw9xND8vvHo92QtKuohz_B3keT5hNfgRz8mj6rK28cgd4EGbfuesRya7savJq5WqtXGiD2Og7A4HKFA0m6m4SJtUQ45p2vlvfJ/s1600/say-no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uqj2mXnIjDzLGfaMf5U9Mh7VIHQhDuDFMWJW0rEDWRbw9xND8vvHo92QtKuohz_B3keT5hNfgRz8mj6rK28cgd4EGbfuesRya7savJq5WqtXGiD2Og7A4HKFA0m6m4SJtUQ45p2vlvfJ/s400/say-no.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> No</i></b>
as in: </span></h2>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No, I do NOT want to
talk about it.”</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No, I cannot help you
with <i>yet another thing</i>.”</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No, I am not interested
in doing the same old things over and over and over...”
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No is such a liberating
word.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is also accused of
being taboo, as some negative curse, depending upon who you ask.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH40oa4in8O_wx7a47rckNLCSsadPksTutN7Ir7voRkFR3wateUuwtolzgIgIDaZ_ur8gG17jzAaQr7RLBs4MsxAMky0cvIbS-zJHi5dXmScM1ORVy7E8d-BN2ea5bPvaMqtTGLT3Z086/s1600/49-say-no-to-yes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH40oa4in8O_wx7a47rckNLCSsadPksTutN7Ir7voRkFR3wateUuwtolzgIgIDaZ_ur8gG17jzAaQr7RLBs4MsxAMky0cvIbS-zJHi5dXmScM1ORVy7E8d-BN2ea5bPvaMqtTGLT3Z086/s320/49-say-no-to-yes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After what seems like a
lifetime of reluctant <i><b>okays</b></i> and resentful <i><b>yeses</b></i>,
I relish in the pure freedom of NO.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ead1dc;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #0c343d;"> Just
because someone throws you a ball does not mean you MUST catch it. </b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some of us were raised to
be yessers.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes I will do that for you
and make your life easier.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I willingly and
subsequently suffer as a result of this giving nature, since I am
sooo generous and compassionate. How righteous.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Wrong.</b></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That behavior turns anyone
into a pseudo martyr.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I simply cannot get behind
the martyr thing.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>No thanks.</b></i>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VCplDKLo8WL-3fMFdMUsjiUdbdgTbweKR5y1gvWYshYErUS0e-wLRclhZXdlamLtsqdZ2CDjpa3CzkKsCtUrpQI0PMcz7Hw4-N2ylVaTc_FiE0fRSlz-qiZ_rDfKKdFWNMIvaXMI0cRA/s1600/Say_No_Go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VCplDKLo8WL-3fMFdMUsjiUdbdgTbweKR5y1gvWYshYErUS0e-wLRclhZXdlamLtsqdZ2CDjpa3CzkKsCtUrpQI0PMcz7Hw4-N2ylVaTc_FiE0fRSlz-qiZ_rDfKKdFWNMIvaXMI0cRA/s320/Say_No_Go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Living more thoughtfully
than in recent months, with healthier boundaries, I have forced
myself to say NO much more than I ever have in the past. If I
continued to say yes yes yes, I would have nothing left to give. The
no list includes support, friendship, empathy, resources- those
characteristics which <i>are</i> noble to have in healthy ratio.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>If
I give out more than the lion's share, then I am just a selfless
fool.</b>
</i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having been the fool
before, I became angry at myself and at the people who were seemingly
un-giving. Then I felt even worse.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Better to rethink than
react in that manner.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I found that I have grown
past certain friends since my fresh dose of no-ism. People expect you
to be the person they identified with when you met, especially if
they themselves have not changed. (I specifically refer to friends
and others of long standing.) </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrPmR2SEUm0MWYzRQFmjfLXjn7A8Quk6-A5O5KZn3m_AT8wT0RE9nJ6xEVT9dAzZqr47pQfY3xnux7ZTze2P3LSBP0IIa3Xz5eW2Gotdhh-FskrAynHcFTFgyovZfqRrlK7d3-Omw2c5d/s1600/opinion_no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrPmR2SEUm0MWYzRQFmjfLXjn7A8Quk6-A5O5KZn3m_AT8wT0RE9nJ6xEVT9dAzZqr47pQfY3xnux7ZTze2P3LSBP0IIa3Xz5eW2Gotdhh-FskrAynHcFTFgyovZfqRrlK7d3-Omw2c5d/s320/opinion_no.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not the type of person who
switches sentiment off and on in a snap. I process slower than that
and with much contemplation about the situation.Although intellectually, I
know what healthy parameters are in relationships, I spent years
behaving as if I did not. I gave and gave until I was wiped out.
Getting nothing in return will do that to a person.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is <i>not</i> the
first excursion with NO in my life. I have vacationed in NO-land and
even had a brief timeshare there, but as my jobs, friendships,
lifestyle and communication approach has drastically changed, I slid
back into the pre-destined selfless giver <i>yes</i> mode.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ead1dc; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #0c343d;"> What
can I say, I love big, I give big. </b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Regardless of the
intention to lovingly assist and help eliminate another's suffering,
which are positive traits I believe, it is the entire picture of the
giving characteristic which needs to be viewed. Hence, my giving
pursuit being paused for a station identification.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is safe to say that I
am going through a life makeover.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am keeping some of my
favorite accessories and staples but willingly am letting go of so
much outdated baggage.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
NO room for it any more.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCcIxj2e_MpC6lxfCqxmLFrU9DURAMSTPMbpDjTquqv5_mFZbHJWMw2n83sdyQj511pisHaGYvVDd6zXalL9pHB9cGpnNifCo1iOziUtBIz0rJtUC6Dmhpljm8y5FjIpXjUS74mPZcqjE/s1600/polls_nein_owl_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCcIxj2e_MpC6lxfCqxmLFrU9DURAMSTPMbpDjTquqv5_mFZbHJWMw2n83sdyQj511pisHaGYvVDd6zXalL9pHB9cGpnNifCo1iOziUtBIz0rJtUC6Dmhpljm8y5FjIpXjUS74mPZcqjE/s320/polls_nein_owl_.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No, I do not want to hear
some horrible story or about a depressing subject.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No, I do not want to give
up my only free day in the studio to work crap wages in order to
promote someone else's shop.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No, I do not want to eat
something that I know will make me ill, just because it's the <i>polite</i>
thing to do.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I replace it with a big,
fat yes to the things I adore and make me feel great.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-38856313590433932362012-04-16T20:40:00.001-04:002012-04-16T20:40:46.572-04:00M is for Meditation<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DHMu9eWZehWY4c2mrRVw62iwU50cParldZGbF_sn4xZ5q_DRhrThv_xSeRyWedMUmde66J03PMpXkdKprOSwGOHVComCPxS0QWcbILHs-VdEqEZWraqmIOORu9qLr890bRi3tBhAiQWw/s1600/likeom_02.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DHMu9eWZehWY4c2mrRVw62iwU50cParldZGbF_sn4xZ5q_DRhrThv_xSeRyWedMUmde66J03PMpXkdKprOSwGOHVComCPxS0QWcbILHs-VdEqEZWraqmIOORu9qLr890bRi3tBhAiQWw/s320/likeom_02.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meditation has become a
very dear friend of mine as of late, especially Mantra Meditation. My
saving grace. I could use Saving AND Grace every chance I get! I have
fluctuated in my evolution/development on so many levels. I grew
intellectually as I stagnated financially. I expanded creatively as I
reverted emotionally. The scales of ideal balance are not as evenly
weighed as I ideally wished them to be, after all <i>I am human</i>.
Taken into consideration that <i>I am human</i>, I must tune up this
balancing act with a tool kit which does not merely contain wrenches.
I require the full gamut of survival and <i>thrival</i> tools.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ca6KHQNezJgwSlmjPRHvAFVf5ZR6gL_m1YVGTYuUE0R5S_VhDvwJi0dLQmdljRoyEd00sxEEBVINH4hlGNyoZuvAqmeqXjSKDj8tz1TmrB-MEFTUoFylCnd-KLvgE37a9h02lQV4sL04/s1600/cats_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ca6KHQNezJgwSlmjPRHvAFVf5ZR6gL_m1YVGTYuUE0R5S_VhDvwJi0dLQmdljRoyEd00sxEEBVINH4hlGNyoZuvAqmeqXjSKDj8tz1TmrB-MEFTUoFylCnd-KLvgE37a9h02lQV4sL04/s400/cats_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cfe2f3;"><b><i> Being by the sea grounds and centers me. </i></b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It astounds me when I
think about my resources for living. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am blessed to have many
creative resources and I cannot help but revisit many of them when I
find myself struggling.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fitted with scientific
information describing the brain's function, I can remove severely
emotive behaviors and replace them with cool, logical and factual
understanding. Nurturing the creative spirit, I can focus on
expressing tones of be-ing and translate them into a visual language
which is tangible and accessible to me and my viewers. Gently
removing the unnecessary commitments which drag me down or hold me
back, I then can accomplish my own promises to myself and rightfully
shine.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of my favorite, yet
not unchallenging tools for living is Meditation. Quieting the mind
is no easy feat, not when you have racing thoughts <i><b>and</b></i>
are a smarty, both of which I openly admit to. Discovering the
discipline to train and contain this mental speedway takes plenty of
practice, patience and time.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br />
</div>
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In the past, I have been a
student of certain modalities of meditation. I practiced
Transcendental Meditation for a chunk of time. I went and meditated
with a group of Shambala Buddhists for another chunk of time. After
seeking Guide-ance from beyond my humanness, I intuitively discovered
ways to meditate that resonated with me very clearly. I found
mantras. Yummy, peaceful mantras. Phrases or sounds which calm and
restore my balance. Vibrational yoga, if you will.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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By adding a new mantra to
my mix, I found it easier to focus my breath and release tension and
worry in a shorter period of time than without using a mantra. A
mantra can be a simple syllable which corresponds to a specific
energy center within your body or as complex as a sanskrit chant.
Either way, you will be effected as you use intention to channel
energy into peace of mind. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkVozKJDYhJMdQO1bPjrc-GBXYlsY0N7EN6vDJbgwDDnQMMaDVyNHQBfEHmzULxNbw14stiZazlyJIsi6ZYR4i1V4NEjlL8_qxDUBLM1NZGQPxMBszEAsu76jvzK85KTgjzORet0XlYm4/s1600/drive+the+buddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkVozKJDYhJMdQO1bPjrc-GBXYlsY0N7EN6vDJbgwDDnQMMaDVyNHQBfEHmzULxNbw14stiZazlyJIsi6ZYR4i1V4NEjlL8_qxDUBLM1NZGQPxMBszEAsu76jvzK85KTgjzORet0XlYm4/s320/drive+the+buddha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #666666; color: #eeeeee;"><i> Once one realizes we are all connected, may we drive in the carpool lane? </i></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Whether you have a special sacred place in your home to meditate, go out in nature, meditate as you wash dishes or <b>drive</b>, it is the quieting of the mental chatter that is the main point!</div>
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<br />
</div>
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If energy can neither be
created nor destroyed, then what can you do when you are a bundle of
nerves? Shift those currents from one path to another. Sure, it takes
digging out a new course to travel on, and that pretty much is hard
to do, but like any positive change, is worth it. I actually found
quitting smoking less hard to do then changing my thoughts and mental
behaviors- which I still work on daily. Our minds are always with us,
urging beliefs based on perceptions and resulting emotions, but that
does not render them real or worthy of buying into! When we do
something obviously bad for us, like smoking, we see direct results
from that behavior, so it is easier to commit to changing that habit.
I am not saying it is an easy shift, but it is logical and obvious.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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One thing I love so much
about meditation is the space it created within me. I found there is
this open, existential flow I surrender to when I meditate regularly.
</div>
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My wits become sharper, my
patience with myself and others' expands and I take much less
personally.
</div>
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Jackpot!</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-28024180712862013522012-04-16T00:46:00.000-04:002012-04-16T00:46:31.444-04:00L is for Lowe's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzszD9d0FdJWhyphenhyphenAlKi6cDvk1BOjOmXbKBU1050yHNojYy3gdID7VeIcjU1kx07QLlyJrx08_x95idsxbNfQRHanbRVVALLAfiN7snEdrLpregaf-KZRkdLO1MkcqKBTW8hCZzzzcVJi2o/s1600/lowes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzszD9d0FdJWhyphenhyphenAlKi6cDvk1BOjOmXbKBU1050yHNojYy3gdID7VeIcjU1kx07QLlyJrx08_x95idsxbNfQRHanbRVVALLAfiN7snEdrLpregaf-KZRkdLO1MkcqKBTW8hCZzzzcVJi2o/s320/lowes+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lowe's. Yes that Lowe's.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is a story about
LOVE. And how I found LOVE at Lowe's.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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No, I didn't run into some
hot handy character in the lumberyard (although I wouldn't mind that
at all,) and fall head-over-heals for them. Instead, I ran into
someone much more pivotal.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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It was a few months ago. I
was helping my mother in her search for the perfect kitchen
sink/faucet. Deep shopping conundrums here, people. As I was pointing
out this or that model, I bumped into a dear friend from my past.
Boom!
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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“Holy crap!” we
exclaimed at each other, before she promptly introduced me to her
husband.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Wait...<i> Husband?!?</i></div>
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<br />
</div>
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I had no clue she had a
new b.f., nonetheless a new hubby. I was speechless, for like- the
third time in my entire life. After sharing niceties via shock a'la
sinks and faucets, we promised to call one another and, very soon,
get together, which we did.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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I left without a sink.
Instead, I left with a sinking feeling 20 leagues deep.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Here was this friend of
mine, shopping with her new mate, and I watched passively as they
weighed options regarding a kitchen renovation, together. They were
quietly blissful during which what may be overtly perceived as merely
mundane acts, yet which mean so much more. Witnessing the two of them
blew my corners apart.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_SCtUuvjTqNC2Cjf3LWPrSwIBz2kUw4V7kbPCq-ihMv-vJVNdOeHMfP9rZFRtZUmLYJBc-6Pire49odCVfE1gMvu7_lVA-EWZBGA23Mw9Q2flX0JYq0-oEmLjmRu6SkNZPHUEFdz3MZj/s1600/loweslearn2grow.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_SCtUuvjTqNC2Cjf3LWPrSwIBz2kUw4V7kbPCq-ihMv-vJVNdOeHMfP9rZFRtZUmLYJBc-6Pire49odCVfE1gMvu7_lVA-EWZBGA23Mw9Q2flX0JYq0-oEmLjmRu6SkNZPHUEFdz3MZj/s320/loweslearn2grow.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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My awareness about my
at-the-time relationship became crystal clear at that precise moment.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I wanted to be renovating
a kitchen with my lover, my partner, my other half. And yet, I knew,
if I stayed with the person I was with, I would never have that.
EVER. Was I willing to sacrifice that level of connection, shared
nesting/planting roots goals and the idea of being an US- <i>forever,</i>
for him? Not a chance.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAuOC3rVVDtK-6Xo4LEmNVTICG3iP3Ugf4uZOQ9f6_ox9bIeHL8jxyVZ9ivlj8qv9sNdM-xhc7CTYs2s5plmjwqYPVcMkGwXgzYwX4tne-p_BFdBHjNnbtS8WoQ8HdmZ9Xn1hLhybilKJ/s1600/lowes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAuOC3rVVDtK-6Xo4LEmNVTICG3iP3Ugf4uZOQ9f6_ox9bIeHL8jxyVZ9ivlj8qv9sNdM-xhc7CTYs2s5plmjwqYPVcMkGwXgzYwX4tne-p_BFdBHjNnbtS8WoQ8HdmZ9Xn1hLhybilKJ/s320/lowes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Fast forward a week or so,
and I met with L. for a lovely visit. We chatted it up and filled in
the gaps since we last connected. After hearing her story, I was
completely convinced about what I wanted and deserved. Sometimes I
need a push in the forward direction, and seeing people happy
together and obviously in love as they shared something trivial made
me realize that if I want to have that too, I have to make the space
for it to happen.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Please note, I am not
superficially basing my entire relationship upon this event alone,
yet it represented a larger issue at hand.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Time has passed and it is
the Love I still wrestle with. To exchange the ratio of sending my
Love outward with my Love going inward has been a challenging,
conscious effort. After all, Loving yourself is a strangely worded,
abstract concept for most folks. Most respond: “Of course I Love
myself!” and yet contradict this statement with their behaviors and
reactions.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I knew it was high time I
retrograde all that Love I need, back to myself. Give me what I seek.
Treat me with the compassion I require and deserve. Set new wheels in
motion. And I also knew what that meant.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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One must give one thing up
to gain another.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6W33PGH8gOI2yarVpUDEBwbpcbQKqbH3N79NvrNqXwVJF_Zakhr6jmq2ybz363ZQ8XaCoa__LOJ_tB7vXlbtlO04eqh5Byt_p32ehFZ-IlANpIxqa39xNV2fNJOPkzn4-4L_t3WCEMfh/s1600/never+stop+improving.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6W33PGH8gOI2yarVpUDEBwbpcbQKqbH3N79NvrNqXwVJF_Zakhr6jmq2ybz363ZQ8XaCoa__LOJ_tB7vXlbtlO04eqh5Byt_p32ehFZ-IlANpIxqa39xNV2fNJOPkzn4-4L_t3WCEMfh/s320/never+stop+improving.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today would have been <i><b>our</b></i>
anniversary, not that it would have been worthy of a celebration had we stayed together- but where did I find myself?</div>
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At Lowe's. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Purchasing that
sink/faucet I was initially shopping for months ago. Feeling pretty
crappy about still longing for the Love I dream of. Secretly wishing
everything worked out more satisfyingly. But we must all face the
reality of our existences. I shook it off as best as I could and made
plans to hang with friends later instead of wallowing. And while
waiting at the check-out aisle, I started fantasizing about what
could have been.Until they walked in. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An
adorable, in Love, newlywed couple buying supplies to build something
together.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAz4rysuUW2ER_mlSiSttJZasD2s9Jf2Q0UPJZ1yxwdPO04unYvkIlc9Ky7H7J985aSahLWAjMY_qWlmz_kBkMxKDb0ZKi-jyOun8NNPojIla9FJWknsjVkCQ2rWfOmzZ4Z53eJV69oAg/s1600/lowes-home-improvement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAz4rysuUW2ER_mlSiSttJZasD2s9Jf2Q0UPJZ1yxwdPO04unYvkIlc9Ky7H7J985aSahLWAjMY_qWlmz_kBkMxKDb0ZKi-jyOun8NNPojIla9FJWknsjVkCQ2rWfOmzZ4Z53eJV69oAg/s320/lowes-home-improvement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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Instantly, I straightened right up and snapped right out of it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Discover Love at Lowe's.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Love yourself, and your
perfect lover will follow. </div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-10350157517904590452012-04-14T16:52:00.004-04:002012-04-14T16:53:34.607-04:00K is for Kali<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJarKMaAri3Smc-ML_ytbzZ3hn6G2jwEjRmTc3fKhj3My3cKVD1LULIUOb2L15YjaK8_mJxWCPqTSygD67K5TQO_R0Qlw2D1-Owwz4zDOD5GQJ1brjsViMuOhUi5YJW1fzK53obIMEOFnn/s1600/Kali.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJarKMaAri3Smc-ML_ytbzZ3hn6G2jwEjRmTc3fKhj3My3cKVD1LULIUOb2L15YjaK8_mJxWCPqTSygD67K5TQO_R0Qlw2D1-Owwz4zDOD5GQJ1brjsViMuOhUi5YJW1fzK53obIMEOFnn/s400/Kali.2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kali is the Hindu Goddess
of Awakening. She is sometimes seen as a violent deity and is often
depicted in the throes of bloody acts. She is a Tantric Warrior! In
art, she is black <i>or</i> blue, has four, six or eight arms, and
inevitably is surrounded with at least one sword and severed head*!
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;"> Kali
Destroys to Create. </b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kali is the force of transformative change. She is the bringer of life
<i>through</i> death. Her path is strewn with with annihilation that
is both necessary and pained. She is the consort of Lord Shiva and
many times is portrayed in artwork standing on his chest! Seen in the nude she is free from illusions put on by others! Needless to say, her image
is not one of sugar and spice. </div>
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Alternatively, she can elicit quite an
uncomfortable response, much like her energetic influence does.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd4IEbmEsLHJg5RRjSl1hDSF6ZclQmH4qXzTSuEjAcT9WHcEuFwiiayI5nu1iXvvhmm-I0-Ze-_esz-B1AAwl1IygRRW5hAqRK9DUF10elEpyEj6CD81EVCgiS_ehZSt8NA5JjzRxYGex/s1600/kali+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd4IEbmEsLHJg5RRjSl1hDSF6ZclQmH4qXzTSuEjAcT9WHcEuFwiiayI5nu1iXvvhmm-I0-Ze-_esz-B1AAwl1IygRRW5hAqRK9DUF10elEpyEj6CD81EVCgiS_ehZSt8NA5JjzRxYGex/s400/kali+3.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #073763;"> She
is my favorite Goddess. </b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She cuts away the
unnecessary influences- and not gently, mind you! She does not
quietly close the door to open a window, she smashed the wall in
order to let the elements in.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are stuck in a rut
either mentally or emotionally, call upon her powers to help you
change that, but know, it will be a dramatic change. Personally, if I
notice I need a change, it is usually after a while has gone by and I
am in dire effort I seek that change, so her level of intensity is
welcomed.
</div>
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<br />
Kali energy is not for
every circumstance though. Calling upon her for help gives you some
pretty strong mojo, so be careful what you ask for! You just may get
it!
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevyHzNjDccH-Xk97RBntA7EkTTerE2PQCgpJ-SdeHDGQLYFZ1UbJ9uRYmh1GrK8SHCTF7UNLrrc4ci2hp-8cW2DimoQdlScyJOF-_k4w4UJJs9QW8EcfFCvYzVMgJZCS7-97e4IgNd6l7/s1600/Kali22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevyHzNjDccH-Xk97RBntA7EkTTerE2PQCgpJ-SdeHDGQLYFZ1UbJ9uRYmh1GrK8SHCTF7UNLrrc4ci2hp-8cW2DimoQdlScyJOF-_k4w4UJJs9QW8EcfFCvYzVMgJZCS7-97e4IgNd6l7/s400/Kali22.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the right setting, Kali
can infuse you with the strength to claim your own power to change
(through destruction,) but only if those changes are truly intended
out of need, <i>from your heart</i>, or YOU will be the recipient of
her destruction!
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like any majik, calling
upon powerful spirit energies must be done with the utmost intention
of purest heart and soul. Any intent of spirit done out of malice or
for personal gain will surely result in negative results, mark my
word!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So what would one call
upon Kali for? Kali is a dear friend and mentor when you need to
break a bad habit. Perhaps you are addicted to a negative person,
behavior, substance or way of thinking- and it is taking it's toll,
literally ruining you, quickly or slowly- that is a perfect time to
ask for Kali to help. She shows you how to wield a scimitar to slay
your own dragons, teaches the proper moves, then hands you one of
your very own!
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwQF23IOwncJFmv1sv-EOpodwQaIyWW3bGFwP1OyLouUw5W7BBUKr7i9DhNV04B_8FIvr-3AC6M-kkAXHnOnjpw7bFfzTE4hK9h8v02mKh1egHBwuD4tKBV4z_3WwJ9bQ5QsYGhXMUxv3/s1600/kali+ma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwQF23IOwncJFmv1sv-EOpodwQaIyWW3bGFwP1OyLouUw5W7BBUKr7i9DhNV04B_8FIvr-3AC6M-kkAXHnOnjpw7bFfzTE4hK9h8v02mKh1egHBwuD4tKBV4z_3WwJ9bQ5QsYGhXMUxv3/s400/kali+ma.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*Swords represent air, the
mental realm- and in Kali's case, her sword represents Knowledge. The
severed head is the human aspect, the ego which must be slain to make
way for the creative energy to flow in.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
Creation Destruction Creation Destruction
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1ybX39NuIGMiVNSmAW88RwdZwuOdrCwnOxGg-iupbYglCa1lydtxGKM8oJk2HAS1zLSikqk-UTsSNtJw4MDKZUjCjjQXxvVopwP1ARBHcE0shN1HsflMwWSLvRXXsNFztE04AwmXgxLg/s1600/kali_main_or.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1ybX39NuIGMiVNSmAW88RwdZwuOdrCwnOxGg-iupbYglCa1lydtxGKM8oJk2HAS1zLSikqk-UTsSNtJw4MDKZUjCjjQXxvVopwP1ARBHcE0shN1HsflMwWSLvRXXsNFztE04AwmXgxLg/s400/kali_main_or.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #674ea7; color: #d9d2e9; font-size: x-large;"> Such is life. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-79065370738839039982012-04-12T00:37:00.001-04:002012-04-12T00:37:57.503-04:00J is for Journaling<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfInIbuQvrh6YJutqygIJtqfEQdeIFiL_NRWxrCiDJj7RSijbFqypWzhb3ZpnaEeKVHKmMDfSw4sJiBmQ-gfs0ajk9RDSwhHJI3GCB2ogD1zP02_Q6blxAZrwngj31Rp3dQs7QAHKqFqO/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfInIbuQvrh6YJutqygIJtqfEQdeIFiL_NRWxrCiDJj7RSijbFqypWzhb3ZpnaEeKVHKmMDfSw4sJiBmQ-gfs0ajk9RDSwhHJI3GCB2ogD1zP02_Q6blxAZrwngj31Rp3dQs7QAHKqFqO/s400/IMG_1714.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I thought J was for Joy,
but I had a long day and my Joie De Vivre left the building. I
contemplated J being for Jealousy, but nobody wins with that big
monster. J is also for Juniper, Jonquils and Jasmine, but I just
don't feel like prattling on about plants. Blah Blah Blah, etc.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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Journaling it is then!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At any given time in my
life, since I was about 8, I had a journal <i>or three-</i> of some
sort. It all started out like many young girls' journaling journeys
do, with a Diary.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>As in
<i>“Dear Diary...”</i></b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peel back the layers of
adult language and some intellectual maturing and I <i><b>still</b></i>
do the same thing.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I write my thoughts and
feelings down in reaction to my life.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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When I was a little
sprout, I wrote about my teachers, my peers, my family and whomever I
was wrapped up with- in my heart, in my diary. Nothing has changed,
aside from the fact that I do not have a tiny little lock on the
journals I write in.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's cathartic at times
and irritating at others to keep a journal. Getting those long days
out on paper can be the just the venting I need, but if all I did was
have a series of unfortunate events, or I feel depressed to the maxx,
I need to escape that mire and laugh, not spew. If I turn to writing
it out on that kind of day, I may dig myself deeper into an even
worse mood. Yuck!</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSqBhmwmKVSVbbAZdgeGddrEeG8jxR_Bg6NOZ3KVAhCJ6Z60yJ2KwSvGMhWS1x5gfuJJ_gdd0vgOscCej67UQtRwfoySaAbZrC40S4EVbl4mBoT2_S8xwePgusjsxgeO8EezHt8PWJCrv/s1600/artists+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSqBhmwmKVSVbbAZdgeGddrEeG8jxR_Bg6NOZ3KVAhCJ6Z60yJ2KwSvGMhWS1x5gfuJJ_gdd0vgOscCej67UQtRwfoySaAbZrC40S4EVbl4mBoT2_S8xwePgusjsxgeO8EezHt8PWJCrv/s400/artists+way.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
About six long years ago,
I started journaling first thing in the morning, as suggested in the
book <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Artist's Way</b></span></i>, but lost juice a month or so into it.
That habit didn't stick so well. It felt like work, and work before
I get out of bed might as well be pleasurable, right? </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That
definitely was not pleasurable, but it was <i>helpful</i>.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Journaling first thing
when I woke up let me get all that sleepy headed commotion out of my
brain and onto paper. It let me voice my fears and anxieties before I
began my day. It also helped me remain focused and clear the<i> proverbial </i><i><b>Air</b></i>.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">On second
thought, it </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>was</b></u></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
a great idea!</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Journaling
is a meditation, is therapeutic, is an exercise. </b></span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I usually journal daily
and find that it frees me up to access deeper parts of myself, parts
which may take much longer to appear had I not allowed myself to
clear the space for them to rise to the surface. My creativity even
amplifies when I journal devotedly, since I jot down ideas for visual
projects instead of filing them away in the chaos of my mind. My
emotive awareness becomes even more apparent to me <i>by my merely
looking at my handwriting</i> as I free-write, which shows me areas I
need to address, dismiss or ponder some more. The sheer joy I receive
from writing, no matter how delightful <b>or</b> awful I believe the
entries are, becomes my own intimate experience that nobody can judge
or intrude on in any way. I rather appreciate that fact. For some,
journaling is their only way to connect, even if nobody reads their
words. The process of releasing that which is within is essential to
us all.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Some fun Journaling
theme/book ideas:</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Artistic Journal- use
collage &/or art supplies to express what's in your
heart/soul/mind.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Poem/Haiku a Day Journal.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Food Lovers Journal-
include recipes and photos!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A Healing Journal- to
honor your own restorative progress.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Journaling Options <i>I
LOVE to USE</i>:</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bring your journal to a
place you never would think to, and write-</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Try it at a busy bar, in a
church, in a parking lot on a rainy day. The sky is the limit!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Log your day from the
exact time you begin writing the first word and work backwards
through your entire day.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Try to write from a
perspective as yourself at 8 or 88.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>My favorite papers
to journal on include:</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Graph paper spiral
notebook [4x4 squares per inch,]
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Silky, hot-press cotton
paper journal made of a heavy stock,
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Notebooks I can draw or
paint in that are not so thin that the goods bleed through.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I will write in pretty
much any notebook, journal or log.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>My favorite writing
implements include:</b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fountain pen. YUM!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Felt-tip <i>Sakura</i>
India ink pens- in 005 point <b>or</b> slightly thicker.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rollerball flowing gel ink
pen. Smudgetastic-o!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But if it writes, I
wouldn't even mind using a crayon!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: orange;"> Joyous Journaling to
you all! </b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-73129009955358055832012-04-10T01:37:00.000-04:002012-04-10T01:38:11.063-04:00I is for Inspiration<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxOgANUpPZOjymP6gy92McXFR-SoNJc3vqJ_fGYssXhCUfSTORbJS6aRy4g0ZJONVKs4GKVU1uw_uRVa9hi2WF2l_okqe51YycULiAuY-KyvPIBgUb802Z3WQYN__DytBT3B5smMQ34ND/s1600/green-last-supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxOgANUpPZOjymP6gy92McXFR-SoNJc3vqJ_fGYssXhCUfSTORbJS6aRy4g0ZJONVKs4GKVU1uw_uRVa9hi2WF2l_okqe51YycULiAuY-KyvPIBgUb802Z3WQYN__DytBT3B5smMQ34ND/s400/green-last-supper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-large;"> I am Inspired. </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most of the time I am
awake, I am dreaming up ideas I plan to materialize creatively. I
covertly wish there were more hours in the day, days in the week, or
another top-secret me to cary these plans out. But since there are
not, I will settle for lots and lots of lists of projects I am always
working towards or working on.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Since I am in flux a'la
living quarters, I rely primarily on the pottery studio to fulfill my
creative needs. I am truly blessed to have access to a community
studio and also work there teaching visual/clay arts. I know that
someday, very soon, I will also land my newest awesome home where I
can again revisit at length- my old friends: stinky, oily paints,
richly sensuous fabrics, pebbly primitive canvases and much much
more! Even art supplies inspire me!</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Part of what inspires me
so is the passion and integrity of other creative people, be they 7
or 67, an artist is born, not made. I believe everyone has
creativity, but not all creative people are artists. Such is life. I
accept that I will never be the next prodigious pianist. I am fine
with that.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: large;"> I honor myself where I am
creatively, </span></i></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: large;">as I honor my studio-mates and students where they are
creatively at as well. </span></i></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Working and living in such
limited spaces has caused me to push out of my comfort zone as well
as free up my desire to tightly grasp my vision. This resulted in a
more flowing, less judgmental, easy creative process. I know that
these few years have not been in vain. I will, when the time is
right, return to having a home studio where I will create so much
more than ever before, so much looser and with a different focus. I
am excited for that to happen. In due time. The perfect situation
will present itself.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Back to inspiration:</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What has inspired me in my
students, both young and older alike is their trust in the process.
Most are completely reliant upon the lesson or plans or directions as
to how-to... but once they understand the steps, I give them space to
explore and make decisions as well as mistakes. I step in when the
time dictated I need to do so. I notice that some people really do
rely on my advice or help. At first, this came across a bit needy and
off-putting regarding some folks, but after I stepped out of the
dreaded ego zone, it was easier to be present, compassionate and
lovingly help. </div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After all, it IS my job.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>{ How do <u><b>I</b></u> come across
needy and off-putting? }</i></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I watch as the kids are
completely enraptured with all steps of making pottery, which is- so
fun and awesome to do. They behold themselves and their pots with
total awe, regardless of shape or size. Some use the same 2 glazes
over and over, experimenting with application. Others want to try
each one once. It is the tenaciousness of their vision that inspires
me, the same tenaciousness that brings them frustration and joy. It
brings me frustration and joy, yet the joy far outweighs the
frustration by far!
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can always make more. I
love the impermanence factor with pottery. At any stage in it's
production, things can go very very awry, and they do. Practicing the
act of not expecting, one does not feel let down... well, not really.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dust to dust, literally.</span></i></b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have always had a
project or challenge objective in the studio, but more recently, I
was inspired by this installation of Julie Green's work titled <i>Last
Supper</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">{<a href="http://www.greenjulie.com/thelastsupper.html">Check it out HERE!</a>}</span>
which features a series of hand-painted blue-on-white plates
depicting specific meals requested by death row inmates. The story as
well as her work touched me deeply.</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkj1x5mlBcEgPsRXtCXuwh6Ugp5vNlg1L8GPNT2oZkjfOouAgfm3bo2BL6dROZA1AJ3itFmgU0xbMwBqAWBcYt9sg7LKBngdSU9xfN3bm26RsGch8wenzPrd84o1OAgZo1SyqPUajaRn0/s1600/green-+louisiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkj1x5mlBcEgPsRXtCXuwh6Ugp5vNlg1L8GPNT2oZkjfOouAgfm3bo2BL6dROZA1AJ3itFmgU0xbMwBqAWBcYt9sg7LKBngdSU9xfN3bm26RsGch8wenzPrd84o1OAgZo1SyqPUajaRn0/s400/green-+louisiana.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><i> You can read about the inmates/requests on her website... </i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My life has, as of the
last few years, been riddled with death, loss, transformation and
grieving, so Green's work speaks to me on a guttural level.
Retrospectively, my work has been reflective of these shifts, these
chasms created by the dynamic change. One cannot be unmoved.
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am moved, deeply moved.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><i> Whoaaaa. </i></span></span></div>
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I am inspired to reflect
<i>my</i> changes. </div>
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To embrace the losses, to work through these cycles and
create beautiful, ugly, elaborate and mundane works that mirror my
experiences, hopes, dreams and fears.
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Inspiration [in/of art] IS
inspiration [to breathe in.]</div>
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<br /></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183024287739294376.post-17420372028284226582012-04-09T22:14:00.000-04:002012-04-09T22:14:52.753-04:00H is for Health -VS- Happiness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LQYfoaYIEO1lcmVEV2Za9OrjRqm1YAkqbBXT73Kv9RZU_sn-12B6mrsR01g5xOeMRs5NVZy508UtNxFd1VViOFCzgauU_uVYeSE5tFdJ0PWiItqC7-JduKG6-g34a00QAJsz7yaJ8e7m/s1600/IMG_0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LQYfoaYIEO1lcmVEV2Za9OrjRqm1YAkqbBXT73Kv9RZU_sn-12B6mrsR01g5xOeMRs5NVZy508UtNxFd1VViOFCzgauU_uVYeSE5tFdJ0PWiItqC7-JduKG6-g34a00QAJsz7yaJ8e7m/s400/IMG_0265.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6aa84f; color: yellow;"> Sunny Sunflower, Oh So Happy! </span></div>
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Many of us understand that
health is a wholistic term. We are not <i>just</i> our bodies, but
have a body with a mind, a spirit and emotions. The four elements are
at play. Our Body reflects the Earth, the materialization of matter
fusing with intent. Our Mind reflects the Air, the
mental/intellectual component of ourselves. Our Spirit reflects the
Fire which animates and activates us into forward motion, fueling our
primal drive and connecting us to all living beings. Our Emotions
reflects the Water which flows into the cracks between the other
elements, fusing them together with feelings.
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Being healthy can be so
subjective, depending on who you ask. Ask a M.D. If you are healthy,
and you may get a different answer than a psychotherapist would tell
you, and yet an even more different reply than a shaman may give. But
it is truly only your-Self who can dictate your states of your actual
health.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDp8Q_yngKmY4NLII2ZCawCIOoiOcq_Bz4IDRJhS1v2Z_5WvsUpQPhk9wwrX0ITeWnDopZMxsFxqpG5j-MV_pMFRZkGHPapd2AQ6qpH7qYxARBVZEpndteX3MEdglEq6n0XHuXwpv31nr/s1600/IMG_1216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDp8Q_yngKmY4NLII2ZCawCIOoiOcq_Bz4IDRJhS1v2Z_5WvsUpQPhk9wwrX0ITeWnDopZMxsFxqpG5j-MV_pMFRZkGHPapd2AQ6qpH7qYxARBVZEpndteX3MEdglEq6n0XHuXwpv31nr/s400/IMG_1216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #3d85c6; color: #f4cccc;"><b> Playing <i>Scrabble</i> makes my brain happy & healthy! </b></span></div>
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When I feel off, I ask
myself one or more of these questions:</div>
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How is my body
functioning, are all my organ systems operating properly? What is the
state of my mind, am I thinking clearly and understanding the
analytical processing in my brain? Where do I sense I am spiritually,
am I grounded and centered, aware of my soul's purpose, sensing the
vibrational connections outside myself as well as within? When I
survey my emotive field, am I open in my heart, operating from a
place of Love, or am I reacting to situations and people in my life
out of Fear?<br />
Then depending on my reactions, I go deeper for the
reasons how, why or why not.
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<b>I love analysis,
especially related to my health and healing.</b></div>
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Some folks think we need
to be happy in order to actually be healthy. I disagree. Yes,
happiness is a great feeling, but it cannot remain a constant 100% of
the time. Life is so filled with ups and downs, full of joys and
disappointments, yet none validate or dismiss the others. Such it is
with happiness and health. Our bodies can be functioning in tip-top
order, yet our heart may be broken. Our emotions could be clearly
focused and positive, yet our bodies can be quite unwell. All
elements of health depends on the individual and their intentions.
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Operating patiently from
an open heart, with gratitude, has made my life smoother and less
pain-full, <i>when I am in that space</i>. I am not <i>there</i> each
and every moment of my waking or even my sleeping hours.
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I am not perfect, nor do I
wish to be.
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(Releasing the need to
strive for <i>{the all-impossible}</i> perfection <b>has</b> freed me
up to BE happier though.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0SXIHJSaN5I3SL5G-_3_r4De2LQK7KxLiZO5gUiGeRxIfkKK0RNfUeF9Z9wfGVSZ7NUYmA21IB2BZzDtqWukcv-IQK6-4hC0eaaMRnne7-MtQDp1hnKzZ2MUDif5JsP8mD5qipoZ5jg2/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0SXIHJSaN5I3SL5G-_3_r4De2LQK7KxLiZO5gUiGeRxIfkKK0RNfUeF9Z9wfGVSZ7NUYmA21IB2BZzDtqWukcv-IQK6-4hC0eaaMRnne7-MtQDp1hnKzZ2MUDif5JsP8mD5qipoZ5jg2/s400/IMG_4078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04; color: orange;"> Enjoying time with loved ones makes my heart very happy! </span></div>
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There is no ideal model
for ultimate health for us <b>all</b>.
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<i><b>Being Healthy</b></i>
is so specific and unique, like us, that regularly taking the time to
survey your health <i>inside and out</i>, is a good idea for anyone.
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You may even find that you
are doing better than and are healthier than you thought.<br />
Which
may make you happy!
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Be you healthy, happy <i>or
not,</i>
</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">the best healer of all is
Love.
</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Love yourSelf.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Love others.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Love Life.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Be Love.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Love.</span></b></div>Violethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697833087953922332noreply@blogger.com0