Peculiar word for our title, I know. But it’s one I like. And it pops up in Tarot definitions. A lot. Also, it fits (on several levels, the way I like a headline to perform). We were very productive and fertile-esque today. (Even though I injured my feet. SLIGHTLY! They’ll be fine, was just unprepared and mis-shod. Stand down, I am only mildly lame at this point.)
Let me back up though, because the activities actually began last night. Well, last night for us, early morning for many others. (Not you Corina, or LondonMabel, you guys are up during the same hours we are.) Dan had this brilliant idea the other night after work, while he was jogging his way around Mayberry. He decided that *I* would greatly enjoy being out there at 3 a.m. Walking, running, marching, trekking, whatever you want to call it, with him.
We went yesterday when he got home, a bit before four. It WAS delightful, and very calm. He has those two early work days now, so we may be doing it twice a week. I’ll keep you posted.
To start off THIS day, we visited the Springfield’s Farmer’s Market. It’s in the afternoon!!! (On the first page of that link there’s a picture of one of the lovely young women we met. That is her table below, where we traded her some paper dollars for some of that gorgeous produce.)
Radishes do NOT have to be purchased in the morning!
We got him some lunch and I found plenty of greenery to add into our salad blends. Very nice. But the carrots got sold out (only one stall had them). We ended up getting an adequate bunch someplace else, hence the issue with walking in inappropriate shoes. I’ll live.
Fountain in their library courtyard.
We’ll be going back. As many Friday’s as we can manage. And I’ll bring more/better hoof covers (and my wallet*) next time.
*Big long story, don’t ask. It worked out fine, eventually, with some help. But it was unpleasant there for a sec.
Want to see what I woke up to? Of course you do. Who wouldn’t? (Yes, that IS my bed, covered in clothing.)
Best nappin’ dog
ever
We heard Emmy walking around upstairs, then…. ta da! Our Grand Dog was just THERE. Found out later that she has a late work night.
Wait, there are two shots that turned out pretty good. So, you get a bonus. Same dog, new expression. (No change in the various garments though.)
Continuing to be adorable.
One more thing and then on to your daily draw. We saw this car coming down the hill as we neared home. (Also, foreign license plates were from the beginning of the alphabet category: Alaska and Arizona.)
You are driving a car
not a phone booth.
The sentiment is excellent. Sadly, the frame is illegal. Those stickers at the bottom are not visible, nor is the state. Too bad, I liked it very much.
On our card altar we have a lovely message. It came up sort of sideways, but my feeling is that it’s not so much about an opposite, or challenging definition, as it is about us striving for the optimum meaning behind this one.
Empress ~ 3
She is the ultimate mother, the very representation of Earth and the goddess; Gaia in all her fertile glory. The absolute essence of creation, creativity, and enterprising conception. All that grows and blooms and blossoms and produces comes from her. She is the embodiment of Woman.
Another way to describe her energy is to talk about safety. The emotional security of our house is dependent on it being a sanctuary, which it should always be. The goddesses Bride (pronounced Breed) /St Bridget is another version we see in The Empress. Of hearth and home, that’s her department. She reigns over the kitchen, as well as the bedroom (truthfully, that’s how we all got here), she is nurturing in every aspect of life.
Don’t be thinking she’s not a strong entity though, this is the very example of feminism in action. Goddesses and Queens are fully aware of their power and their influence. Being at home detracts not at all from their strength. As those of us who have given birth are well aware.
She never limits herself to only watching over mothers though, all creatures, all creations, are under her care. She is competent and capable, she is fruitful and true. When we have her as our Ally, our protector, our Mother, we know we will be fine. We will be guided and directed and protected.
Whatever we are working on right now is validated by our Empress, blessed by her loving smile and guarded fiercely by her joyful power.
Today’s Deck:
Robin Wood Tarot
Sounds like a nice night trek! Something about that really calls to me (perhaps because it reminds me of high school nights, sneaking out & walking to see my first love, LOL!). There is a special energy to being out in the world whilst others sleep.
Farmers’ Market looks wonderful, and, YAY, a happy Max surprise! So cute how he crawls under the clothes! (Of course, there’s not much of anything that dog does that isn’t super-cute!)
As always, LOVE the Robin Wood! Did you notice that The Empress has radishes in her basket, like your Farmers’ Market table??? I can’t even pick out a single sentence quote, because this whole message is just awesome! Love The Empress energy! Wonderful!
~
It was serenely cool. You would love it. Just our time of day!
He is very much like the HenCam woman’s secondary dog, his job is to be cute. And he does it wonderfully well. They both do!
I didn’t see the radishes this time, but once you pointed them out I remembered. It’s funny (and odd!) how items become visible in these illustrations when they feel like it.
J
10:18 p.m.
6-2-12
Silvia was reading an article about the top places to retire in America, and Eugene was listed! I’m sure it is because of the lovely people and healthful living, as personified by your market friend and the opportunity to trek at all hours of the day. (Although I’m sure one feels safest with a deputy sheriff by their side.)
~
Oooo, come retire here with Sylvia!
The other night we DID have some crime, but it was minor (just sorta wide spread, here). In the deputy’s neighborhood, but the thieves were caught (17 year old asshats).
I pretty much always feel safe.
J
10:41 p.m.
6-2-12
I think you’d really enjoy that time of day, especially this time of year. I have always loved being out and about then. And yes, a personal escort is always nice.
You’ll have to go to the Springfield Farmer’s Market on June 22nd by 3:30 (1530 in numbered people speak) because as an added bonus, you will be serenaded by the Tuba Ensemble. Yep, Xenatuba on her tuba.
I like the card, and the message…and the deck!
~
He was thinking that exact thing, you guys enjoy being out in it so much, he thought he’d share.
Yipee for an afternoon concert, we are SO there!!!
J
10:48 p.m.
6-2-12
I love farmers markets. And radishes! And sweet faced dogs.
~
Happy to provide them all for you.
J
10:51 p.m.
6-2-12
I would be very uncomfortable outside at 3 a.m., without appropriate company. Afraid of the dark and a general anxiety disorder contribute. Plus, I can’t see in the dark very well.
Great card! I love all the things about it.
~
The night (and early morning) are freaking fabulous! Don’t really need to see all that well, I made him bring the “poo light” (a tiny key-chain flashlight), just in case. Walking on the sidewalk turned out to be not so great, no depth perception in the shadows between street lamps, and we don’t have all that damn many street lamps up here. Wandering in the middle of the road though, that worked out very nicely.
J
10:59 p.m.
6-2-12
I too really like the card.I like the reminder of Empress as mother, as a guide, director and protector.
And I like farmer’s markets. I’m a big fan of buying and eating local, at least as much as one can be on an AmeriCorps stipend. Go you!
Max is just adorable in those.
As for your trip, I’ll email you next week and we can work out a plan. I’m excited to see you!
~
Aren’t limited funds and constricting budgets a pain in the ass? Blech. All food should be healthy and just free!
Sounds perfect. I’m excited about our meet-up too!
J
11:04 p.m.
6-2-12
Be nice to your poor feet! Pamper them, they are the only two you have.
I so wish our Farmer’s Markets were all up and running, but they don’t really get going for another couple of weeks. What few of them there are, sniff.
“We will be guided and directed and protected.” I can go for that.
Awww, sweet Maxie.
~
I did give my hooves a break today. Last night I cotton-balled them with Magical Blue Stuff. Tomorrow they should be all better and ready for walking again.
We have several Farmer’s Markets around here, most run year round. I’d heard about this one several times and am most pleased that we finally got there. On that website link I included there is an agency called NEDDCO (or something like that) which is in charge of setting up, running, and promoting these. See if you can contact them, maybe you’ll get MORE markets in your area. Worth a try, or an e-mail anyway.
J
11:10 p.m.
6-2-12
Oh nice! Our farmer’s markets haven’t started yet, though we’re getting lettuce and strawberries in the farm stands. And honestly, I have so darn many farm stands near me, the markets become redundant. The neighbors about a mile down the road are especially diligent about organic-ness and they’re sales table is on the honor system (there’s a money box to drop your payment into), so it’s easy to stop in. Hmm…now I want to go strawberry picking.
~
)
Organic and right down the road? Go there! And tell them we all said hello!!!
(Lol, which I know you won’t do,
but I would.
Let us know if you end up getting strawberries though. Recipes and pictures are ALWAYS welcome (and make great blog fodder, hint hint).
J
11:14 p.m.
6-2-12
(Hope the latenight writing went well.)
I do love The Empress…
~
Which works out nicely.
(Pretty sure everyone does.
And by that I mean the card,
as well as you.)
Mom
12:23 a.m.
6-3-12