Still preparing…… to panic, that is.

Posted on May 19, 2012 | 9 Comments

            I was plagued by freak-out dreams last night.  All stress induced, no doubt.  And all with the same theme:  finding out, repeatedly, what I had forgotten, left at home, didn’t pack, lost en route, just plain didn’t have.  It was horrible.

              I still slept okay, it was just not too restful.  Today I was like, “meh, I’m all New And Improved, no worries, we’ll be fine, I won’t even think twice about it.”  Until I texted Emmy about something and said, “for when we leave.  TOMORROW!”  And that’s when it hit me.  We’re leaving TOMORROW!

             But hey, as J.D.’s room mate called me last night, I’m Julie 2.0 Version, so this doesn’t REALLY bother me like it used to.  (Also?  I’ve been using that phrase all day to Dan.  Something not quite right?  I say, “no problem, two point oh version.”  And we just move past it.  Thanks Charles, even though I know you don’t read anything I write.)

             We ran some errands, picked up a few more necessaries (a tarp, for example, so Max’s dog crate may accompany us via the luggage rack, but we don’t have to see it or smell it or have it fall over onto someone in the backseat) and then we walked.

            In this water, just below the surface as I snapped the picture, is a beaver, or possibly a nutria, we don’t know which.  Either way, very nature-y out this afternoon.  We also saw some adorable duck families, complete with babies.

            This note was on the sidewalk, as we crossed over.  It was someone’s list of places that offer employment, or access to employment.  Wanna join me in doing a good deed?  Let’s all send this person mind darts, FGBVs, prayers, focused intentions, or whatever you like to call this type of energy, and help them get a wonderful, well-paying, and delightfully pleasant, absolutely perfect-for-them, job.  It’ll be like a Secret Santa, only better and more long-term. 

             (We can’t know how this turns out, but we can offer our good vibes in this individual’s direction and do it for the goodness of the act.)

           Speaking of positivity, when I went into the card altar room today I knew we weren’t going to use my working deck because I’d be taking the real one with me, plus the new one.  I just wasn’t sure what we WERE going to go with.  Turns out, we just skipped over Robin Wood and moved on to the next stack in our rotation.

“Treasure Chest  ~

An unforseen windfall of new abundance comes to you now!

Your prayers for financial support have been heard, and assistance is here for you now.  It comes in wonderfully unexpected ways.

Remain in a state of gratitude that says that the money is already here, even if there is no visible evidence of it yet.  When you feel grateful before the demonstration of supply occurs, it reveals your faith.  And your faith is the energy that draws riches to you without delay.  Affirm frequently: ‘thank you for all of the support, supply, abundance, and money that you bring to me.  I am grateful for these riches, which I use in Divine ways to bring blessings to the earth.’

Your supply may show up in the form of money, or it may come as new opportunities, brilliant ideas, or gifts from others.  Bless and honor Heaven’s gifts however they come to you.  Your gratitude ensures continued, overflowing abundance in your life.”

           Isn’t this awesome?!  I get re-enthused every time I look at the illustration and think about the message (it’s happened several times today).  And funny, that’s precisely HOW it’s supposed to be working!  Jot this one down someplace handy, and keep reading the affirmation, or better yet, let’s make it even more printer-friendly, and less Doreen-esque.

Thank you, Universe, for all of the support, supply, abundance, and money that is in my life now.  I am grateful for these riches, which I use in beneficial and generous ways to bring blessings to friends, family, loved ones, and all of life on the earth.

            Here is your Daily Dog, enjoy.   I need to go catch up on my replies, and then shuffle crap around The Burrow for hours tonight while I don’t mark enough items off of my lists.

Getting more patient with my Nana (and her faulty camera skills) every day.

         Oh, and before I forget, in case you were wondering, I found Daniel a pair of earbuds EXACTLY like mine.  He is now no longer music-less, and better yet (for me, because THAT’S the important part of this story), he doesn’t need to borrow anything of mine. 

            On the crafting front, I did locate (nearly behind the piano) two painted canvases that need to be stitched up.  I have SOME threads, enough to get me started, but I’ll be forced to stop in at a cross stitch/needlepoint shop while I’m in California (damn, what a hardship).  I don’t love the designs, but maybe one of you needs them, so they can go to a good home when they’re done.  Pictures tomorrow (TOMORROW!) as I put everything in a bag.

Today’s Deck:

Magical Mermaids And Dolphins Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue

Today’s Foreign License Plate Report:

Nevada and Iowa.

 

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Profound, but not very in-depth.

Posted on May 18, 2012 | 10 Comments

           Somehow I ran out of day, and now we’re meeting with J.D. & Co in less than an hour.  You’ll get to see Max, and the cards.  But not much else.  It’s gonna be a strange next-week-or-longer as we get ready to go and then go and then are gone and then come back.  Thank you all for  your patience with me.

“Transformation  ~  XIII  ~  Major Arcana

The central figure in this card sits atop the vast flower of the void, and holds the symbols of transformation – the sword that cuts through illusion, the snake that rejuvenates itself by shedding its skin, the broken chain of limitations, and the yin/yang symbol of transcending duality.  On of its hands rests on its lap, open and receptive.  The other reaches down to touch the mouth of a sleeping face, symbolizing the silence that comes when we are at rest.

This is a time for a deep let-go.  Allow any pain, sorrow, or difficulty just to be there, accepting its ‘facticity.’  It is very much like the experience of Gautam Buddha when, after years of seeking, he finally gave up knowing there was nothing more that he could do.  That very night, he became enlightened.  Transformation comes, like death, in its own time.  And, like death, it takes you from one dimension into another.

Exhaustion  ~  Fire:  Action  ~  9  (r)”

             I’m going to step in here and give a quick definition on my own.  Because this is reversed, it is very positive, instead of the meaning assigned in the guidebook.  We seem to have risen above the “workaholic” persona this illustration represents.  We’ve seen what is a priority (our loved ones, our true personal and spiritual life, never our jobs or material crap) so we don’t need that lecture here on where to find happiness.  What we do get is a reminder to be focused on appreciating those treasures and blessings we are fortunate enough receive.

“Moment To Moment  ~  Rainbows:  The Physical  ~  2

This card challenges us to move away from our preoccupations with other spaces and times, and stay alert to what is happening in the here and now.  Life is a great ocean in which you can play if you drop all your judgments, your preferences, and the attachment to the details of your long-term plans.  Be available to what comes your way, as it comes.  And don’t worry if you stumble or fall; just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, have a good laugh, and carry on.”

            That last message was repeating kind of what I said for the second one.  Add in our Transformation aspect, and it gives us a really nice validation, pat on the back.  The work we’ve been doing on our selves is starting to pay off nicely.  The Universe is noticing our dedication, and when that happens, we get gifts!

             Here is a present to JulieLanders, from Dan.  He was outside while I was grabbing an on-hold library book.  (Local folks, this is in front of The Kiva.)

Piano and taxidermy.

             And your Daily Dog.  Max greeted me with this special toy when I got home from my ride. 

But he got distracted.

 Today’s Deck:

Osho Zen Tarot (with additional commentary by me)

 

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Optically, and otherwise.

Posted on May 17, 2012 | 12 Comments

             It has taken me nearly a year, but I did it.  I’ve saved up enough pennies to go for a professional trim of my tresses.  Pre-children I did this every four to six weeks.  For someone who can’t stand the feeling of massages (or much touching at all),  I absolutely adore for someone else to wash* and blow dry my hair.  But not just “someone else” as in any old persons I know or am related to.  (Gah!)  No, must be by a certified and licensed stylist.

*The washing part isn’t all THAT enjoyable, but I can tolerate it, for the end result.

             I used to think that the reason I had thigh-length locks was because I studiously ignored what grew out of my head, and anyone could do THAT!  Turns out?  Not true.   (On several levels.)  I learned today this trait is sort of rare.  Huh.  Well, alrighty then.

               We are coming up on the 5th anniversary of my sister’s death, and our last shared birthday together, when I gave her a braid that was nearly three and half feet long, chopped directly off the top of my noggin.  I’ve had Kelli (family friend and hair maven extraordinaire)tending my disastrously messy ‘do since before I gave it all away.  I can only afford to see her about once a year. 

Remember though, I’m very short.

             She takes off about an inch to two from the bottom, gets rid of the point, and fixes my bangs.  She’s worth waiting for.  It’ll be another 12 months or so before the back of me looks that good again.

             Before I left for my much anticipated and exciting appointment this afternoon, I received a phone photo.  From our Long Term guest.  And her pal Ryon.

Half an hour before noon.

             They went for a quick trip to the coast.  It takes about an hour or so to reach Florence, the closest beach town to us.  Their trip was delightful, brief, and just what they both needed.

             Her greeting committee was very pleased to welcome her home.  She can do things like this now, because there is no fear of Max being in danger while she’s gone.  It’s quite nice for us all.

               Our card du jour is perfectly delightful as well.  Not one of the illustrations I adore (and freakishly reminiscent of that first Angels, Gods, and Goddesses picture from Tuesday) but the tone of it is just what we’ve been talking about with our Exceptional Life attitude shift.

“The Eyes of Beauty  ~  postive expectations, clarity  ~  25

When the Eyes of Beauty show up as your Ally, they require you to examine your perceptions.  Do you see the world as perfect and beautiful?  Can you retrace your steps from your past to now and see the perfection in the way reality has been created?

Truly, perception is everything.  A glass half-empty is the same glass half-full, yet so different according to how it is perceived.  The Eyes of Beauty remind you that if you move forward with conviction, all is well now and always will be.  You will see true prosperity as a result.  Expect to see beauty and you will attract your highest good.”

           Our Magnetic Attraction Law applies here in a huge way.  I love this message for that reason, because recently I’ve seen so much of WHY things had to fall a certain way, so that OTHER things could happen THAT way.  It’s true, when we look with love and beauty, we see love and beauty.  And are richly rewarded for it.

            This one did come up in the upright position, but it’s been helpful lately to show both directions, so I’m doing that again. 

 Contrary:

“As a Challenger, the Eyes of Beauty are a sign that self-centered fear, expressed through harsh judgement, is behind your current circumstances.  Are you seeing only the flaws in your situation or in another person?  Are you looking at what is wrong instead of what could be made right?  If you take some time to adjust your eyes and see things exactly as they are, you cannot help but admire their perfection.

Release your expectations and demands, and be with the truth of the way things are now.  You are whole and beautiful and perfect, and what you observe is, too.  It may not be exactly what you want, but perhaps in shifting your vision, you will find clarity and will see that it is exactly what you need at this time.  A total shift in perception is what is required now.”

 Today’s Deck:

Wisdom Of The Hidden Realm Oracle Cards by Colette Baron-Reid

Today’s Foreign License Plate Report:

Hawaii (times 2!), Why-oh-mee, Florida, and one sneaky bastard that got past me.  I have no idea where it was from.

Bonus Dog Of The Day:

We have a very political dog.

            Empress was trying to vote the other night, she needed help.  Apparently!

 

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Learning, Growing, Attentiveness.

Posted on May 16, 2012 | 13 Comments

             Ya know what we haven’t seen in a while?  Crap my son ordered and had delivered to The Burrow.  Like, remember those packages of gun parts and strangely designed jackets?  (Fine, the coat was actually kinda cool.)  Well, that’s been remedied.  He forewarned me recently that there were incoming parcels.  Max and I texted back that we’d be on the awares.

              Yesterday one arrived.  And since I had to go downtown anyway, I delivered it to his car while he was working.  He thanked me, but remarked, “now you don’t get to see what was in the box.”  Never fear, he sent phone photos.

Needful things.

             It turns out that there is a cuff key on (in?) the end of that pen.  Or maybe the end of the pen IS the key.  I have no clue how hand cuffs work, nor their keys.  (No Skye, not even the faux fur covered type, thankyouverymuch.)

A new family motto?

            That patch just screams to be made into a decorative cross stitch piece, don’t you think?  We’ll be joining him (along with room-mate Charles and his family) for dinner on Friday.  No doubt there will be pictures, or at least stories.

            Earlier this afternoon I had to admit defeat.  My zig-zag quilt top just isn’t gonna be ready in time for our Grand Tour.  I messed up the pattern again today, and it took all I had not to burst into tears and just throw my smooth-brained self elf to the floor in a screaming fit.  But, I did not.  I held it together, turned off the iron, and walked away.

           Too much pressure, the entire ordeal was just beginning to feel daunting more like a challenge than a treasure.  I can not add more stress (voluntarily and self-induced) to my life.  So I’m walking away from it.  Until we return. 

            I’ll forage around downstairs and find some other handicraft that can be my To Go project.  It won’t be quilting, most likely it’ll be needlepoint (very mindless and soothing).  You will be kept current as this develops.  Just thought you’d like to know where we stood with that one.  And share how very fucking evolved I’ve become.

              Speaking of growing and learning, in our Exception Life book the chapter I’m currently reading is about aging and acceptance.  We can fight and battle or we can graciously live in an honest and purposeful way.  At one point Louise says, “our thinking either makes us feel good or it makes us feel bad.”  I love that, because when we take a stance of negativity (like constantly bitching about how miserable we are now that we’re getting older) we simply make the bad shit worse.

              When we acknowledge our blessings (we HAVE a functioning body with all its working parts in tact!) and live in a joyful and intentionally positive way, accepting that yes, we do all age, then we are more at peace with the inevitable changes which just occur as the natural course of time.  Both Cheryl and Louise discuss taking care of their bodies, being attentive to staying healthy.  When we are aware of our selves, body/mind/spirit, we are better able to seek the positive and enjoy more and more moments every single day.  All of those small bits begin to add up, and before we know it, we’ve made massive improvements.

             The goal here, for us embodied folks, (every time around) is to learn, and to grow, and to help others.  The better over-all shape WE are in, the better we are able to do all those things.  Joyfully and with much fun.

            Wanna know what Empress and I did for fun today?  We took my Maximum Grand Dog on a short (nearly one mile) wander.  Up through the cottages and across the canal.

How well-behaved is THIS guy?!

             Did I ever think, in a million freaking years, that I’d walk for FUN?  No, I did not.  But, we change.  We learn.  We evolve.  We age.  It happens to all of us, so we may as well get some entertainment out of it, and not complain.  Because, truthfully?  The Universe is so NOT picking on just us.  Those wrinkles and aching places show up for anyone who gets to stay around this long.  One way to look at them is by being thankful that we CAN experience all of this.

             On our card altar right now we have a message from the

“Arboreal Creatures:

Panther, Panda, Sloth, Orang-utan, Chameleon, and Red Squirrel.

These animals make their homes in warm, protective trees.  With green, rustling foliage, these vital lungs of our world breathe out oxygen, inducing in arboreal messengers relaxation and sleep.  They counsel that your home should be your sanctuary, an oasis of calm, repose, and tranquility, from which you may venture refreshed.

Your home environment profoundly affects your wellbeing.  If it is a stressful place, finally it becomes a prison from which you wish only to escape.  Arboreal creatures advise that if your home life is unhappy, due to friction in personal relationships, because you bring your work home with you, or because your surroundings are made uncongenial by noise or disagreeable neighbors, it is time for a change, no matter how radical.”

 ”Chameleon  ~ 

Conceal ambition with patience until it is time to make your move.

Chameleon is at one with herself and her world, her senses subtle, artful, otherworldly, her very skin sensing her environment and mimicking the colors that surround her.  Be aware of subtle energies – the etheric vibrations that emanate from us all, psychic visions from afar – and trust to their message. 

In the tricky world of business, bide your time.  Become gray and unnoticeable, perfectly positioned to assess the myriad currents and independent ambitions at play – and only then, like the Chameleon striking at a fly, make your move.”

            Oh man, I adore reptiles!  And how cool is that last image?  Very welcome message too, I think.  It’s like a “be cautious” sign, especially if, for some of us, it needs to be applied in work situations.   Hmm, well I guess, in ANY situation.

Today’s Deck:

Animal Messages – Seek Inspiration From Your Animal Guides by Susie Green

Additional Daily Dog:

(because I took several to make sure we had one)

 

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Singularly, Dark and Clear.

Posted on May 15, 2012 | 11 Comments

           It is entirely possible that today’s post has only one topic.  A theme.  Maybe.  Hard to say, but right now, that’s exactly what it feels like.  As I said recently, I don’t know how folks PRE-write these things.  Mine are all more stream-of-consciousness posts.  (I’m sure you’ve noticed.)  So, to plan or stay with one subject, seems foreign to me.  Except, maybe not this time.

             Last night I sat with our new cards for a bit, and then I read the introduction in the accompanying guidebook.  THIS is why I like the guy, his words and his ideas.  Certainly NOT his art.  Here is a portion, written by one of his associates (Denise Harradine), for the deck.

“Everything in the Universe consists of energy and this is how we experience and create our lives.  Like attracts like, love attracts love, fear attracts fear, and so on.  This is the Spiritual Law of Magnetic Attraction.”

           We’ve discussed Universal Laws before, because they matter.  I really like the way this is addressed, so simply and yet so powerfully.

“Remember that what we think we want and what we really need are two entirely different aspects of us.  What we want is usually determined by our outward personality; we want things outside of ourselves to make us happy.  Our soul, on the other hand, tends to guide us to listen to the voice within.

This voice is full of infinite love, wisdom, and beauty.  It is you: it is your essence and when you listen to and act on that voice, that is when you  experience the most joy and peace.”

           Yes.  I’m very impressed with this group of folks from Australia.  It felt as if we needed to see more, so it became our message du jour. 

“The Goddess Of The Unknown  ~

A new chapter of your life is around the corner; remove fear & embrace the unknown.

Only through the darkness of night are we able to see the beautiful tapestry of light which streams from the stars above us.

This card is here to help you ease your fears about the future and of the unknown.  Even though you presently cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, you are being urged by the Goddess to trust.  You are always on the right path even when you think you’ve strayed completely off it.

A major chapter in the story of your life has recently come to a close and an exciting new chapter is about to begin.  Through the current emptiness, the seeds of a fertile new future sprout through.  Soon, you will see the light shining as brightly as ever.”

            This is the last card, alphabetically, and a good one.  I adore the darkness and all things subconscious, as well as the alphabet.  But you guys know that about me already, so, back to the message.  It’s like the death and birth concept, we end one thing to make room for another.  From the darkness of death we get the brilliant bright light of life.

           This illustration is . . . . meh, almost fine.  Not great, but it’s not uncomfortable.  Like some.  I don’t love it, but I don’t mind it being up here, under my name and heading.  Which, ultimately, was what helped me make my decision yesterday.  When someone googles around to find me, I want what they see to, if not represent me, at least to appear in a favorable sense, or what I perceive to be favorable and pleasing. 

            (Yes, we all know I’m horribly vain.  And I am VERY visual.  With huge ol’ freaking opinions.)

             Any picture or  image here sort of shines on me, or back TO me.  (And to everyone who shows up here and shares.)  When I looked through the deck yesterday there were simply cards that I couldn’t entirely get behind.  Not that it/they would reflect badly, just that some of them simply were not quite right.

            Continuing from this deck’s guidebook, there is a reference to how,

“…. according to Toni, it is only when we let go of ‘control’ that the eternal source of creation within each of us, streams through.”

             While I agree with his point (ironically enough), and will allow him to finish in minute, I still wanted to explain this decision, as clearly as I could.  And thank all of you for your support surrounding it.

           Back to Toni…               

  “‘Preconceived ideas usually only serve to limit or restrict the true essence of the creative energy that we each possess.’  He believes that this principle can be used not only to create art, but in every area of our lives.  Our intuition helps us to connect with our spiritual selves.  It helps us to connect to a timeless place that exists eternally within our  hearts; a place where all is energetically interconnected and nothing is ever truly missing.  Intuition is the guidance that stems from our soul.”

           Not much I need to add there!  How about we move on to the Daily Dog?

Is this all we’re doing today, Nana?

             When I work in the sewing room, he is less than thrilled.  Dan had court today, and then had to nap because it’s in the freaking DAYTIME, so it was just me and Max.  Machine piecing, some more.  (Except when I was out on the bike.)  Seriously, he is so patient.

Today’s Deck:

Angels, Gods, and Goddesses Oracle Cards by Toni Carmine Salerno

LateNight Quilt Update:

I had a minor mishap, but fixed it.  Made more good progress this afternoon.  As you can see by my Grand Dog’s exaggerated demeanor.

 

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