We shall begin today with a shameless plug an update. Remember when my daughter published a book? Well, she’s doing a “what I learned” post over at Chuck Palahniuk’s writing place where she has a regular column. On publishing. And authouring novels. And journalism. And all manner of reading/writing related topics. It’s interesting and educational. (I’m not just saying that because I gave birth to her either.)
In movement news, it was bike ride day. And it was NOT a comfortable 34 minutes/5 miles, let me tell you. The ambient temperature right now is actually hovering in the high 50s (I got back about an hour ago and it’s not changed much). However, the damn rain in my face was significantly colder! And sting-y. Otherwise, no problems. Wore my hideous raingear and all cables stayed in place. I had a second there, as I got home and stripped out of my wet clothes, when I was almost feeling sort of smug.
Then later I sat down with my cup of cut-up grapefruits (healthy snack!) and read about a local woman who bikes everywhere. In a skirt. With her two young sons on-board. And her groceries. And has done, for like, more than a year now. I was immediately put in my place. Soundly!
Yes, I’m really proud of my dumpy self elf. I’ve made some HUGE life changes. I’ve added nearly an entire decade onto my lifespan, I’m so stupidly healthy now. I am not, however, in as good a shape as THAT person. Moral? Acknowledging our achievements is terrific. Terrific! We could be doing it so much more. Getting all better and snobbish about our accomplishments is terrible. Terrible! Perspective is totally the key here, people. That, and consciously maintaining a positive balance.
Lesson learned. Moving on. In our card altar room we’ve returned to the category of
“Walkers Between The Worlds:
Tiger, Hippopotamus, Water Buffalo, Beaver, and Elephant.
We do not always think of these messengers in connection with water, but it is vital to their well-being and intrinsic to their natures. Swimming powerfully from island to island, Tiger colonized Bali and Java and strove for Hong Kong; today, she swims in the vast rivers of the Sunderban’s mangrove swamps, perfectly adapted to drink its salty waters.
Hippopotamus cruises in the waters of Africa, and Buffalo in the rivers of Asia; Elephant moves gracefully through the waters of the Bay of Bengal, and bathes daily for her health.
Walkers between the worlds counsel that you too should inhabit two planes. Neglecting the spiritual in favor of the material will cause our inner essential selves to suffer, but because we are of the material world we must also attend to its demands. These messengers also advise us that the needs of both work and home must be finely balanced for fulfillment and happiness.”
“Tiger ~
Passion and adventure beckon.
Secure within her own sensuous, controlled power, Tiger stalks silently, invisibly, through the magic of the night, securing what her heart desires. Swimming languidly through ancient lakes she conjoins with the water’s adaptability, mystical energies, and intuitions. As a messenger, Tiger brings you fresh adventures to change your path, new passions to awaken your heart, and endows you with her powers. Take what she offers and you can transform your life.”
Big cats don’t count as “cats” for me. These creatures I adore. Tigers top the list. Maybe it’s because of their connections to water, now that I think about it.
Funny how “balance” was a word that I was inspired to go with and then that’s so much of what this message is about as well. Ha, I love it when that happens.
Oh, almost forgot. I shared my newest Hawaii picture with you guys, but didn’t get around to flipping the page on our Out Houses calendar. It’s actually pretty cool this month.
Especially cute is the extra decoration over that door. Nice touch. That’s the sign of a truly creative person. Of which, I am not. Although I can definitely appreciate it in others.
Final bit of business, your Daily Dog. Who has been SUCH a great help today (not precisely) while Dan and I rearranged boxes, made seemingly endless trips up and down both indoor and outdoor staircases, shoved furniture around, emptied out those VERY last, last few remaining items from the truck bed, and argued over how the hell all of this shit could SOMEHOW fit into The Burrow.
Waiting for his girl.
Empress worked a very long day, so we finished up with what could be done without her. HE, on the other hand, just wished she was “home” with the rest of us.
Today’s Deck:
Animal Messages – Seek Inspiration From Your Animal Guides by Susie Green
Now don’t go beating yourself up!! You deserve a bit of smug – you earned it girl. You’re not being mean to her just feeling happy and glowy. Makes me think of my Mamas tales of 40/50s Catholic fears – not only a sin to do something ‘bad’ but a sin to even think about something naughty. There’s only you in your head and you have to rate yourself high – celebrate your achievements!
Really trying to move forward with new projects – but feeling a little thwarted. Have signed up for a lampshade course which I’m super excited about . But the start date has been postponed as there aren’t enough applicants – fingers crossed for June!! Light me up Tiger.
Love the Dog of the day photo – but very poignant, waiting for the one you love.
~
“Light me up Tiger.” Exactly! Fingers crossed that the prefect number of fascinating folks show up for this class. I’d go!
(Thanks. You are the best cheer leader!)
J
1:43 a.m.
5-5-12
From the ever-delightful Sure Thing via the tweeties:
Hello lovely lady. I am a strange mix of energy & lethargy today. And you ARE creative. Have you seen your crafts? *shakes head*
~
Hello! Hope your Cinco De Mayo is fabulous and festive.
Maybe somewhat creative, but not tastefully clever.
(Good to hear from you.)
J
1:47 a.m.
5-5-12
Ugh, rain in your face… this is why I’m SOOOO impressed that you stuck with your outside daily movement resolution through the entire winter… you do have every right to be damn proud of yourself for that! But, you’re right, smugness is never a good thing.
Love, love, love Tiger’s message! Very much in alignment with Henry’s super-powerful reading for this weekend (focusing on the full supermoon)… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCNSN5-cCKo&list=UUWJUbweIFXsBkb2m5OsTp-g&index=1&feature=plcp . And, speaking of adjustment, and going after our heart’s desires, there is a movement encouraging global meditation for financial freedom, prosperity, and higher consciousness for all, at the time of the full supermoon… they’re calling it “World Liberation Day,” and you can read more here: http://consciouslifenews.com/5-2012-world-liberation-day-united-effort/1127845/ .
Awww… waiting Max.
~
Wow. Don’t you just want to kiss him on that shiny head of his? I do. Also, before I forget, have you noticed his cool Pentacle? It’s lovely, although he doesn’t wear it everyday.
Huge message there, seriously huge. I got chills and had to pause twice.
Big, massive message.
Yikes, the energy a worldwide prayer like that, on a full moon, could generate is just so exciting! I’m in. If Em’s home I’ll have her go outside with me and we can do it together. THANK YOU!!!
J
3:59 a.m.
5-5-12
I’m taking the old crone’s walk around the lake tonight. Gonna soak up some positive energy. : )
~
Hope it was wonderful! (And VERY energetic.)
J
10:13 p.m.
5-5-12
Well, I am proud of your acomplishments. Smug away.
~
Aw, thank you so much!
J
10:15 p.m.
5-5-12
I’ll second Fokker.
I could use some fresh adventures in my life. And ‘awwww’ on the Max pics.
~
He and I had quite the day, wait until you see the newest Daily Dog.
J
10:21 p.m.
5-5-12
I’m on both Fitocracy and My Fitness Pal, and that’s exactly what it’s like– on MFP I look like the complete fitness goddess, but then I go to Fitocracy and my workouts are pathetic. I think it’s actually helpful to have both experiences.
I’m not sure we’re going to be able to see the full moon tonight! dang. The energy is still there, I know, but I’d love to be able to see it. We’re completely socked in today.
~
I think it’s good to have both as well. Not that I believe we should be put in “our place” but that it’s nice to have this perspective. Which we can then see has an actual purpose and a balance to it.
I’ve got an account on MFP, it is JUST like SparksPeople that Dan uses/used. Kind of a busy website for me, but it works for tracking right now, so I’ll stick with it. Not doing any of the joining-in just yet though.
J
10:27 p.m.
5-5-12
No supermoon here. Just clouds.
Someone, somewhere said, “Comparisons are odious.” The only comparison you should be making is to yourself and then only if it is good. I’m proud of you so I’ll just do smug for you!
~
You guys are so sweet! Thank you.
J
10:35 p.m.
5-5-12