There was erranding in my day this afternoon, and I took some pictures to share. Even better than listing the foreign license plates, I am going to give you a couple of visual representations of what I saw out the windshield of my Wee Walnut. I also spotted that one with wheat on it, but I couldn’t remember which state it was, damn, I can’t stand it when that happens. Saw another that was either Kansas or Arkansas, it was all “a’s” and “s’s” but it got past me. One Colorado and a Tennessee (would have taken a shot of that last one but the parking lot was backing up behind me, selfish bastards). 
Can you see this one? It says “Sweet Home ~ Alabama.” I loved it more than I should, then started singing the song.
And look at that! All the way from New York. Made me smile.
I travel some of the same streets over and over, to get where I need to go, there are only so many choices. On one corner I saw this. 
I had to drive around the block and come at if from the alley. They are moving this house, probably tonight, since it looks ready to just roll off any minute. It’s a cool way to save historic homes, and I am always so glad when folks make the effort. No clue as to where it’s going, but when I drive through this intersection the next time, it won’t be there.
Now we have a special treat. All the way from England, our dear Lizzie sent us this beautiful guy. 
As I said in yesterday’s comments when she mentioned her recent golden pheasant sightings, I have only seen these birds in exhibits, but I am knocked out every time by the brilliance of their coloring. Having them just “there” is truly wonderful. Thank you so much London Betty, what a gift you gave us today.
Speaking of gifts, when I got home, I found this on my gate. 
It is from my generous and fabulous neighbor Marlene (she’s Canadian!) who shares her bounty with me often. The bag (which I will treasure and re-use) was full of quilting catalogs and magazines. Oh yeah, fabric porn for old ladies. No doubt I will see tons of great items that I simply cannot live without, but will be forced to.
Remember how I told you not to leave your phone or camera unattended if Empress is in the room? Well, here’s why. 
You could end up with something like this, unbeknownst to you should you happen to wander off into the kitchen or down the hall.
And seriously, would Picture Thursday be complete without a gratuitous shot of Max? Adorned in a fetching kerchief, naturally.
Finally, the one you’ve all be waiting for, and then we’ll get to our card du jour. Ally refered to this situation yesterday. 
Of the three-lock entry into the Mayberry sanctuary, this is most entertaining to see. Thank you Daniel, for showing it to us.
“The Hungry Ghosts ~ obsessions, scarcity consciousness, attachment.
When the Hungry Ghosts appear on your path, they may not at first seem like Allies because they represent your constant focus on the past and the consuming desire to know the future, which rob you of your true present. But, in fact, they are here in the service of alerting you to obsessive thinking and addictions: they are masters at magnifying repetitive behaviors.
The message is for you to examine whether you are doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. ‘This time will be different’ and ‘I have control over this’ are false statements and a sign of deep denial of the truth.
Now is the time to let go of that thinking. Surrender your will, your life, your heart’s desires, and all that pains you, to the Divine. Order will be restored in your world.
The Hungry Ghosts also bring understanding about the distractions of life that seduce you into forgetting what you really desire. They are asking you to become aware that what others want and what the culture dictates will make you happy may not be what is best for you.
Do not get caught up in outside appearances. All that glitters may not be gold – at least not for you. Look beyond the veneer and you will find the true substance in your life. You deserve nothing less.
Challenger: When the Hungry Ghosts come to challenge, it is a sign that you have perhaps succumbed to the fear of lack, which is whispering in your ear that you will fail. Whatever it is you have intended, you have stayed too long in the desiring stage. Longing and yearning may have become your constant state of mind.
Are you comparing your experience with others? Do you envy their success or life accomplishments? Do you judge yourself only on your material gains? Are you afraid that there will never be enough of anything and none of your dreams will be there upon awakening in reality? Perhaps you have turned to compulsive eating, shopping, working, drinking, or a manifestation of depression. These things only distract you.
Let go of the illusion of lack, and accept things as they are: perfect, abundant, connected, meaningful expressions of the Divine. There will never be enough for the Hungry Ghosts that challenge you, for the only experience they know is scarcity. It is not your job to feed them. They will lose their power to haunt you. Trust in the abundance of Spirit so that they may become your Allies once more.”
