New Year's Revolutions

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. 

I love writing notes to myself on giant paper, I tend to revisit them that way.

Goes great with fat markers.

I titled it 2013 Revolution List. It was a typo.

Or was it?

Here is what I came up with, in no particular order.

1~ Do ONE creative thing (for my-Self) each day.

2~ Listen- with Love- to my body's messages.

3~ Let my-Self feel all of my emotions:

the pleasant, the unpleasant, the neutral.

4~ End comparisons of my-Self to/with others.

5~ Accept what is with grace, patience and detachment.

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.

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.

I was collecting moss like this relic here, but I am back in the swing of things...
OR I have greased the wheels so-to-speak.

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 didn't get it. I was naturally the life of every party. (That will never change, I am super-fun!)

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.

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.

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 other than germs. 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.

Revolution #3:

Let my-Self feel all of my emotions:

the pleasant, the unpleasant, the neutral.

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?

Perfect!

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.

One thing I know 100% well- it is my body.

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 what 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 entire being. One human to another. I Love him!

Wait- I digress.

It is of perfect timing that I got so physically ill.

In a small, strange way, I am actually thankful I got sick!

Sometimes I don't fit in... but that's okay!

Revolution #5:

Accept what is with grace, patience and detachment.

Being that ill acted as a reminder to me how I was poisoning myself with bad habits, choices, thoughts and actions. I was not acting as gentle 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!

Bob Marley knew...

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.

All are correct.

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: “cool as a cucumber” 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.

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 how to listen.

Turn it up!!!

Revolution #2:

I listen- with Love- to my body's messages.

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.

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!

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.

Sometimes we need a period of intense detox to clear the gunk before we beam with light and health. Knowing what works gently and what throws me into detox-shock, I can take my time getting to my perfect homeostasis. I am not interested in how it works for anyone else. Their journey is theirs. My journey is mine.

True friends don't judge!

Revolution # 4:

END comparisons of my-Self to/with others.

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.

Revolution #1:

Do one creative thing [for my-Self] each day!

P.S. Try to be Kind, Loving & Gentle (to your-Self) this year!

Balancing Act Ellipsis

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 :

“Violet, you are out of balance and need to ground yourself.”

Truer words have not been said.

I'm stuck on Band-Aids, 'cuz Band-Aid's stuck on me!

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!

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.

It is perfect timing to be reminded of the delicate balance 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.)

Shattered

Interlude- the Science behind said slices:

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!

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.)

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.

At times, life does not work as we plan it to, does it?

From the Mary-El tarot deck.
One of my favorite Lovers cards ever. 

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 will revisit you later” 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.
It has been months since I really cried. When I had access to the tears, had the space and 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.

I can't wait any longer.

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 and the light of it. I had compartmentalized the two aspects for far too long, seeing only the dark or the light. Therein lies the pain. The two cannot exist with out each other.

Being an Earthy lady, it sometimes takes physical 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 sight 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, nobody!)

Yin-Yang

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 I 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.

In this suffering, I am the pathologist, the doctor and the patient. Physician, HEAL thy Self!!!

Okay then. Here we go.

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 no longer want to experience this” 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.

Awareness: I have literally cut myself 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!

PATH of least resistance

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.

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 balances itself out, given space and time to. Thank you Libra, for bringing this to my attention.

Isn't it attention and presence which leads to grounding one's Self? It serves as a giant step at least!

Ma'at weighs our hearts against a feather...
I have been heavy-hearted to say the least!

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.

Keep on walking the path!

Believe in People

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 always ask for a sign. And I ALWAYS receive one- at least one.

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:

Immediately, I felt something heavy, even if just a wee bit, lift.

It was just what I needed.

Choosing LOVE.

YES!

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 very huge thing. Love.

Love IS Everything.

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.

And Love starts with me.

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? 

Fast forward to last year with the Love curb message. I did not know that also was done by the same artist. I knew he made at least one more, since I found this another down-trodden day when I was walking to meet up with my mother after work:

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. (Not YET.) 

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.

Well done BiP!

Tonight, I was reading that article again and found a link to an earlier article:

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/believe_in_people_strikes_again/

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 Encurbagements:

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=201818218529438610871.0004b1e0a61ba2d6adc7c

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!

After reading these BiP articles and others linked & related to it, I Believe in People more than ever!

Playing Possum

I type this from the steps of the condo where I lay my head. (The condo- not the cement stairs.)

 Smoking and drinking on a Tuesday night.

A car nearby is trying to turn over it's engine- to no avail.

I get it, trust me.

I'm feeling stalled because I deny myself feeling worse.

Why do we do this? By we, I mean me.

Why do I do this?

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 asked for.

Oh great, another lesson is coming on.

Eek!

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.

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 never perfect. Nobody is perfect, but some accept this fact.

My reality check just bounced.

On the flip side, I make the perfect Whiskey Sour- extra sour.

Recipe time:

Into your favorite mug- juice one and a half fat, fresh limes.

Add a squirt of agave nectar to taste- and stir.

Toss in ice and lots of whiskey- I prefer bourbon for this drink.

Sip and blob on.

Where was I ?

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.)

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 force myself to stop and look at the bigger picture: Will this pain last or hurt in 5 years' time? I doubt it. 

Am I less of a person for having doubts? Nope.

Charge on!

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 further for being human.

Thank Godzilla 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. 

IF there really is one.

Oh crap, my cocktail is getting low. Dang! At least I still have smokes. And crickets serenading me.

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?

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 me more fully. Time to be patient and trust the bigger plan!!!

A sweet, pale, little possum just walked past me, inches from my feet, not looking up or paying any heed to me.

A sign!

“Opossum: 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.”

Link to the above quote.

Another cool site about Possum Totem Energy

Okay, I'm off the edge now... And off to bed, where I hope to sleep better than last time I tried!

Openings

As I soften the tattered edges of my archaic belief systems, I am blessed with opportunities to open up channels of connecting and healing .

As I open up the channels of re-invented communication, I am blessed with opportunities to experience new and profound love.

As I open up the channels of new and profound love, I am open to regenerative life.

I say yes to life... 

a thousand times: 

YES!

It has been an eventful week. In the last week, my world has shifted in leaps and bounds. 

Leaps and Boundaries, actually.

Mine.

{Both.}

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. 

Me-VS-You. 

This serves no-one.

It is in the realization of how we are alike that we flow in peaceful essence of acceptance of what is. 

What IS.

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?

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.

Sometimes we love wallowing in human misery. We choose the shadowy world wrought with suffering and stoic self-righteousness.

Perhaps due to familiarity...

 Serving us- how?

Exactly.

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. 

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.

But what if you let down the wall of convicted egotistical stoicism?

Your world opens up.

The Universe says Yes to you if you say YES to the Universe's lessons and tests.

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?

YOU decide.

Attack of the 50 Foot Green-Eyed Monster!!!

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. 

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 perceived situations, like their life's ease re: financial wealth and the grandiose adoration some shamelessly receive.

Admittedly, I wanted to not struggle being impoverished, and feel oodles of doting love- regardless of deserving either.

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.
Same goes for being a warm, compassionate human bean.

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.

And although that feels crummy when I discover this monster:

It's not going to kill me.

I move on.

Stuff is stuff.

My art is my own.

I love creating, and will make more.

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. 

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!

~Take a big bite.

Chew it slowly.~

Am I boastful or egotistical? Do I put others down? Have I taken something from another, either figuratively or literally- willfully or accidentally?

Where do I fit into this uncomfortable equation?

Right here.

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.

When I feel my best, no matter what the situation or circumstances are surrounding my life, I am at peace. 

I feel connected with all living beings. 

I understand the pendulum of extreme high points and low points, and accept them as fleeting.

 I take little to nothing personally.

AND

 I openly radiate love within and outside of myself.

Unfortunately, I am not in a perfect state of zen-like serenity all of the time, chilling with non-attachment to outcomes. 

Again, I am human. I elate, I suffer.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

So, amongst my earlier fit of victimized shock and "how-dare-so-and-so" I self-posed the question:

How do I rise above this?

Love me.

Exactly where I am.

NOW.

Jealousy is based on speculations. 

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. 

One which I simply cannot afford to entertain.

So I took a step back- after I calmed down- and breathed in the peace which is my true state. 

It took a little while. I admit it.

I have no control over the choices or intentions of others. 

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. 

Why not compost the scraps of icky emotions into a delightful mulch, and feed your garden of spirit?!?

Z is for Zenobia

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.

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 psychically- and she came trotting in- every time.

We had entire conversations without a spoken verbal language.

Zenobia also appeased me when I attempted meow-speak, although I could swear I heard her giggle at me under her tiny kitty breath.

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 “The Cat Who...” 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.

When I read those words, Zenobia would imitate- aloud- the cat's chat in the book. It was absolutely darling. And entirely brilliant.

Zenobia proved the adage “BIG things sometimes come in small packages.” Maxing out at maybe 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.

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.

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.

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 white blanket, and found a black 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.

Zenobia had black whiskers. Fletcher has white whiskers.

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.

9-3-1992 to 4-27-2011

Y is for Yes

I found this challenge quite challenging. To write on a topic with thematic and 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.

It was not without unforeseen glitches along the way.

Who doesn't have events beyond their control?

I don't know of anyone who does.

So in keeping with the promise I made to myself about posting essays, I have, on days I wrote yet wasn't eager to write, made use of a cheat sheet/topic reference list which I created two weeks prior to the A to Z challenge's maiden voyage. 

That list has been a go-to many a day.

Like with this post.

Oh sure, I wrote twice today already, but since I really want this to be over, I shall stretch.

And in this pushing, I will grow even more.

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.

Today I want to talk about YES.

I said Yes to accepting this challenge.
I wanted to write about poignant issues filling my heart and head and life and share these contents with cyborglandiers, i.e.: you folks.

I wanted to grow as a writer and instill a new level of creative discipline into my daily goings-on.

That is not what ended up happening.

What did end up happening is this:

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.

 Like anything in life- it is how you approach it- 

 your attitude dictates the real outcome. 

 I said yes. 

I want to say YES to many more creative ventures, 

YES to many more limit-pushing [yet small and gentle- for starters] challenges

 and YES to evolving.

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.

Predictions are meaningless so often when it comes to our intentions.

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 seemingly 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 sometimes chore of a challenge, I know this now, and have a greater appreciation for you.

I thank all the readers who may or may not continue following and send lovey interweb hugs to anyone reading this blog ever ever.

To say yes, you have to sweat and roll up your sleeves and plunge both hands into life up to the elbows. It is easy to say no, even if saying no means death.

-Jean Anouilh

I say Yes to getting out of my comfort zone.

I say Yes to calling my own shots and boundaries.

I say Yes to YES!!!