Tag Archives: cher

Settlement-ness.

Posted on July 9, 2011 | 14 Comments

            May I begin with good news?  Success, even, if I do say so my own wee self elf.  I finished the Number Four Kit last night!  Kept my ass in that chair until it was done. 

             Listening to some fabulous sing-along tunes, like,  Cher (duh), John Mellencamp (I have decided that I still like his music, even if I no longer like him all that much), some old Disney cartoon movie soundtracks (“Les Poissons, les poissons, how I love les poissons…“), George Thorogood (my fave is “You talk too much… “  but both Daniel and I are pretty damn fond of “one bourbon, one scotch, and one beeeeeer…“  -he even has that one as a ring tone).  

             Along with pretty much every Eagle song ever recorded, and the last five (or maybe eleven) albums Brian Setzer has released (he of The Stray Cats, yes I know, ironic as all hell, but click on the link/his name, and see how overwhelmingly sexy this man is, cat or not).

          When I took it in to the shop owner today (after the staging of this highly dramatic photograph), we had a very interesting conversation.

Me  ~  Here.  (Handing her the winter scene.)

Her  ~  Oh it’s beautiful!  I LOVE this one!  That cardinal button is just perfect!

Me  ~  Yeah.  It turned out nice.

Her  ~  Here’s the next one I want you to do.  (Handing me what we will now be referring to as Kit Number 6.)

Me  ~  Ah.  More cats.  The one I’m working on right now has cats too.  (I really have not started stitching that one, just sorted the beads and highlighted the chart so far, but she doesn’t need to know that.)

Her  ~  It’s not THIS one is it?  (This is how NOT brilliant this woman is…)

Me  ~  No.  It’s a new one.  The sunset-y one.  Remember?

Her  ~  Oh.  Right.  Yes.

Me  ~  We did this one already.  (Begrudgingly accepting Kit Number 6, and not even needing to do more than glance at it.)

Her  ~  I know.  It was one of the ones that was stolen.

          You know how we here in JulieLand (and other places) are all about kindness, understanding, and Unconditional Universal Positive Regard?  Well, here is the perfect example of someone who is constantly surprised when karma comes along and bites her in her selfish, penny-pinching, cheap, greedy ass. 

            This store is not big, hardly larger than a good-sized dining room/kitchen combo (in like, a medium sized house), and yet…. she continually has things stolen, broken, ripped open, and otherwise damaged, right out from under her narcissistic nose.  Wanna know why?  Because she is NOT a decent human being.  Ah well, ya know, I can only do SO much to better our world, and this is NOT a lesson anyone can teach Mrs. Chintzy.  (I have actually tried.  It’s a lose/lose type of situation.)

            In more wonderful and lovely news, both of my grand-dogs are here right now, lounging adorably on the guest bed.

            They are not as sad and pathetic as they would like you all to believe.  Their girls have just stepped out in search of food, and will be home any moment now (as I type this).  Earlier they were in the living room playing, alongside Axel. Who, in case you were wondering, is doing much better.  I replied to Ally in the comments on yesterday’s post that he has been having a bloaty belly issue recently.  But he seems to be on the mend now.  Whew! 

           And with that in mind, look what we got today on the card altar.  Laugh Out Loud is what I did when I turned it over.  Hope it helps everyone who sees this blog, as much as it helped our Grim.

“Miracle Healing  ~

Expect a miracle.  You have prayed for assistance, and it is forthcoming now.  The more completely you surrender your situation to God, the more rapidly you will realize your healing.

Heaven is completely on your side, and your prayers have been heard and answered.  You needn’t beg or petition for help, as your situation is already healed in truth.  The healed reality is one of several parallel realities currently available to you.  You have the choice, through your thoughts, emotions, and intentions, to experience the highest possible reality for yourself.

You access your healed situation through faith and gratitude.  To feel these powerful catalyzing emotions, say to the Universe, ‘I am tired of thinking about this situation.  I don’t want to deal with it any longer.  Here, I am giving the entire thing to You so that You can think about it and resolve it.  Thank You so much for taking care of everything.’  Then, detach completely from the situation.  See yourself placing it in the palm of God’s loving hand.  Feel grateful that your situation is now resolved, and be open to the creative solution that greets you.

Affirmation:  In truth, everything and everyone, including myself and my loved ones, are healed now.  I focus on this truth, instead of on illusions of fear.”

           All the regular Doreen disclaimers apply here, substitute any words that are more comfortable for you.  But, isn’t this a great message though?!  I am totally going to do this as a visualization, and write down the affirmation too.  I love handing crap off, and when we do this, it is not only less of a burden for us, but it makes the gods and faeries and angels happy too.

           (This is me going back to my chair, with ANOTHER freaking beaded cat kit…. Thank You Universe for continuing to provide me with work.)

Latenight update:  we just found out that I am four or five Brian Setzer albums BEHIND!  Ack!

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What We Need Now.

Posted on May 20, 2011 | 13 Comments

             We can’t get started tonight until I’ve acknowledged the day:  Happy Birthday Cher!!!   Okay, all better, we may now move along to the business portion of our post.  After yesterday’s uninspired draw at the card altar I have made some executive decisions about the direction we will be going.  As I’ve mentioned (probably 7 or 32 times by now) some decks are running out, and some decks I’m just sick to freaking death of.

            Not that this means a whole lot to those of you who have not actually SEEN the altar in person, but here’s what we are going to do, as we move around in the next few days.  I am replacing Sylvia’s small deck (with no guidebook) after this one we got today, that position will be where (the new rotation of) our Druid Animal Oracle will live.  Doreen’s fairies will be replaced by the deck that used to belong to my sister, another oracle deck, with fairly religious leanings, but I believe it is worthwhile.  It was much comfort to Gay and I really think the messages are good ones, it’s something about Angels & Saints.  When we get closer I’ll tell you more about it.

            We have a few more cards in the Celtic Shaman’s Pack, but when that is gone we won’t bring it back, I’m sure it has served its purpose for us here.  It will be replaced with a deck I wasn’t certain I wanted to incorporate originally, but over all it is pretty interesting (and some of the illustrations will provide plenty of fodder for jokes, J.D. has already deemed it as being just this side of pornography).  It’s called Self Care and it does not have a book either, the meanings are written on the backs.  Which gives us the opportunity to talk more about them.

           The new Mermaids and Dolphins will replace the angels when they run out.  The very last change I am making is by putting this new deck (that wanted to come home with me last week) in the spot where the Druid’s used to be, so we’ll see them on Tuesday.  I was reading that book this afternoon and it made me very happy.  This will be a terrific addition, and bonus… it’s from Australia!

           The Crystal Oracle was created by a guy named Toni Carmine Salerno.  In his accompanying guidebook he has some lovely information.  I’ll transcribe more as we get closer, but this caught my eye earlier and needed to be shared now.

“The Oracle stems from ancient Greece and Rome and was a shrine used to consult the gods.  Ancient Greeks and Romans would seek prophetic advice from The Oracle, which was usually symbolically represented by a statue of one of their many gods and goddesses.  Contrary to popular belief, the ancient Greeks and Romans were very spiritual people, albeit mostly driven by fear of upsetting the gods and goddesses who reigned supreme over the sky, earth, and water.  To appease the will of their deities, they sought advice from The Oracle before undertaking any significant course of action.  

However, as statues do not speak, guidance would need to delivered through a sign or event, which would in turn have to be interpreted as either good or bad.  The ancients, especially the Romans, believed in an endless array of superstitions.  Whether something would be interpreted as a good or bad omen depended on one’s personal thoughts and situations.  The Roman Emperor Augustus, for example, would not set off on a scheduled military mission if, by chance, he accidentally put his slippers on the wrong way in the morning, interpreting this as a warning from the gods.”

           You know how I am about history and word origins.  I thought this was entertaining.  He also talks about the development of oracle cards and some background on how people of nearly all cultures sought out guidance from Wise Women and Shamans, in the form of Oracles and messages of prosperity.  He doesn’t mention anyone calling themselves a radio, but we are still going with that as our most comfortable term.

            Here is what we have today, and then we will say good-bye to this deck.

“Nutrition  ~

People are chemically different, but everyone needs protein – a human body cannot exist on just sugar.  Treat your body with respect by feeding it nourishing and nutritious foods.  If you are good to your body, it will be good to you.”

           Right, we don’t talk much about food here, in terms of nutrition, because, well … I do kinda live on sugar, or at least, frosting.  It is a basic need of mine.  Sure, I monitor what else my body tells me I am lacking, but some bodies just require frosting.  And some require beer.  Here is what the Hurricane sent her father recently.

             It is a phone photo of Empress enjoying some pickled hops.  HERE is the article her sister wrote about the event.  And since we haven’t had any pictures of dogs lately, I would like to direct you here, so you can see my grand-dogs in all their glory while they cavorted together in Seattle last week (be sure to go back one page, there are two really adorable shots of them).

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More and More Randomosity, Plus Some More Synchronicity.

Posted on October 11, 2010 | 21 Comments

  This is not a revelation, sometimes I just notice obvious things, like my fabulous Cher switchplate from a few posts ago.  What I saw today, as I was sitting down here, was my lack of focus.  It’s not a lack of concentration, that I can do fairly well, it’s really a complete void in my ability to zero in on any one topic.  C’est la vie, more random flipping around in my odd little head for tonight then.

   I bought that lovely flannel remember?  And I don’t know what I will make with it, but whatever it is, it’ll be comfy.  Comfort is very high on my priority list.  Because of this I have a pillow that needs to be replaced, but due to the “can’t let go” aspect I also struggle with, I have been putting it off.  It’s old.  Really old.  Older than my children. 

Back before Daniel and I were married, but after that day in the gas station, we had been out for the evening, enjoying some adult beverages (even though I was not technically of legal drinking age until the week after the wedding).  We’d just slipped under the covers when the room began to spin.  I put my foot out to stop the motion, but we all know how this never works.  Instead I turned my head, and said, “Dan.  I’m gonna….”  At which point I barfed all over him, and the bed, and the bed-clothes.  He was, as always, amazingly calm.  He got up, helped me to the bathroom then proceeded to strip the disgusting bed and place everything into the tub.  He helped me get cleaned up and we spent the night in sleeping bags.  The next day he took me to a White Sale and bought me a super wonderful feather pillow.  Which I have hauled around with me ever since; to the hospital three times (for the birth of each kid), and once before that (to have my tonsils out), to several root canal appointments, on every trip out of town we’ve ever taken, and it’s still on the bed right now.  Except, it’s getting a bit … uh, worn.  And thin, and is less than fluffy.    That’s a pillow case I made, I don’t know, some time in the past two years.    Why yes, that IS a french seam.  Tidy ain’t it?  I can dress that sad and aged cloth container of feathers up all I want with new garments, but, it doesn’t make it any younger, or fresher.  I need to go get a new pillow.  Soon.

 

   And now a bit about snacks.  There is a movie called Mermaids that I really liked.  One, it was called Mermaids, but more than that, it starred Cher.  She was a mom who could only make snacks.  Everything she served her kids was on a toothpick.  That’s how I am, simple in food preparation.    Here are some my favorites, and they are difficult to find.  Lora commented the last time I took a picture of those coconut M & M’s.  They are terrific, but my children don’t like them.  Maybe it’s an acquired taste, like sardines or something.  The Bottle Caps have recently made a re-appearance in stores, and thusly, in my life.  We used to eat them when I was a kid.  Now that I’ve found them again, I can’t get enough. 

Fortunately I wasn’t eating them last night though.  I’d be dead right now and posting my blog from beyond the grave.  We were watching an episode of my favorite show (Craig Ferguson) with one of my favorite comedians (Louie Anderson) when I choked on a Jr Mint.  I mean it was totally blocking my airway, and I was seriously choking, to death.  The good part was that Jr Mints are soft, and they melt, so I didn’t die.  I did, however, breath minty-ness down into, and later out of, my lungs for a few minutes there.  When it was clear that my obituary wouldn’t read “cause of death: snacking”  Dan says, “are you okay?”  He had been on “wife alert” the entire time.  I could finally almost talk, so I nodded my head and gasped out mint-ly “yeah.”  A few more minutes passed and I said, “I thought you were going to need to Heimlich me.  Hey.   You CAN Heimlich me right?!”  He said he had been thinking the same thing.  And yes, his Red Cross card is current.  I won’t meet my ultimate demise via snacks if I just keep him next to me.  Forever.

   In our Card O’ The Day this afternoon I noticed an awesome “turn” of fun-ness (I won’t say coincidence because I don’t believe in them).  This Celtic Shaman’s Pack doesn’t have the traditional major/minor arcana.  It has categories that are slightly more eclectic: The Card of Vision, The Movers, The Empowerers, The Worlds, The Elements, The Totem Beasts, The Shapers.  This one falls under the heading of Elements, and it’s Air.      Cool draw huh?

   “The Colours of the Wind  ~  Empowerment of Air

A whirling disk of intermingling colours streaming outward from the centre.

The subtle power of the Air brings messages from far off places.  It can have a profound effect upon humankind, both for good and ill, because as with all Elements, it is untamed and wild.  It may blow the journeyer into strange places or take him/her by routes other than those usually taken.

Journey: Travel to the top of a hill and there invoke the power of the winds to carry you to the place where you need to be.  Make your own Song of the Winds to do this.  Travel safely, while observing all around you.  The Air will whisper answers to you, for the higher good of all.”

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Special Continued, with Angel Health.

Posted on October 1, 2010 | 18 Comments

  Today I am going to give you another wee glance into my head (Daniel finds it a frightening place, so he doesn’t go there often).  We have moved about eight times in our thirty years together.  (I’d like to make it nine, but as I mentioned here before, we’ll probably both die in this hovel.)  One house needed carpeting before we could unpack and toss our worldly goods around the place.  My Beloved and I went to a floor covering store, and after about fifteen minutes there, he declared me Taste Blind.  (He returned later with someone else’s wife and they chose the carpets.)

    In seeing my photos here, and in knowing me as you all do (or knowing me enough to form an opinion, which I fully encourage) you can see that I am not a fashion plate.  Dressing with style is a gene I was born without.  I have a difficult time when I read the description of what someone is wearing in a book, I can’t always picture it, unless it’s jeans and a t-shirt.

   Today I stopped at a neighborhood market I frequent on occasion, and chatted with the lovely young man behind the counter (he is getting ready to start a tattoo internship, and he has a one year old daughter).  He’s worked there for most of the summer and nearly every time I go in he has a kerchief on his head.  A bandana draped over the top of his hair and tied at the back of his neck.

   As I was leaving the shop, a delightfully attired young woman walked in.  She was wearing a cute little skirt and stripey tights.  The reason I mention all of this is that I think style and taste fall under the categories of our previously discussed special talents, skills, and needs.  I am needful of some sort of taste, style; others are extremely gifted in it.    The tattoo apprentice looks dashing with his headwear, the young girl looked playful in her fun hose.  I simply wear my Levi’s because they are comfortable.  (Maybe comfort is my style?)

     Last night it was getting chilly, so I went for a sweater, as I stood outside my closet door,  I had another realization.  We look past a lot of things we see every day.  They are just there, so we stop seeing them.    I don’t want to stop seeing some things.  I have them for a reason, so I want to remember how much I enjoy them.

   We have arrived, once more, at our Archangel deck.  This message is so obvious and yet, like looking past items we forget to notice, it’s worth reminding ourselves to focus on.    “Healthy Lifestyle  ~  Archangel Raphael  ~  Eat a healthful diet, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly for optimal health.

  You are co-creating your health by following your inner guidance about lifestyle habits.  I give you inner nudges to improve the way you eat, or to exercise, or to rest more often.  My prodding is not to nag you or rob you of all pleasure.  Rather, my urgings are in response to your prayers and affirmations for higher energy levels, increased well-being, weight loss, and a happier mood.  When you take excellent care of your body, your outlook and self-esteem naturally blossom.”

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Everyone is Special, and Up-side Down Structure.

Posted on September 30, 2010 | 6 Comments

   I actually did remember to take a picture of my mismatched back seat, so if this photo makes no sense to you, read yesterday’s post.  The back beige piece has been there since it was made in 1973, but the black sit-on part is the newer addition that we replaced, after the fire.  Can you see over in the corner?  Why yes, I am still driving around with a stack of quilted bags.

    Empress and I were talking today about one of my pool friends (okay, I was talking and she was trying not to yawn in my face).  I’ve mentioned before that this facility used to be run by Easter Seals, and that they cater to special needs adults and children (so obviously the employees are quite compassionate as well as patient).  One of the other women who attends my splash around class is in her 40′s, and I do not know what her exact limitations are but she is delayed to the point of needing a helper.   Having conversations with her is like talking to a very well-behaved 7 year old.  She is amazingly sweet and really observant.  I love chatting while we are in the water, about all kinds of things.  Recently she has been telling me about “Evita” and how she knows all the words to the songs.  She and I have the same taste in music, and our singing voices are comparable.

   I bring this up because it has occurred to me more than once, how we all have differing degrees of normal.  There truly is no such thing as that word, no one is “normal” or “average.”  We all have special skills as well as special needs.  When my niece was diagnosed with Asperger’s we were shown a list of things that should be watched for, and tell-tale signs of this widely varying condition.  Daniel noticed how many of those categories I fall in to.  Not exactly shocking, genetics are very odd. 

   In my own case, I have no problem with labels and titles.  If how I behave, and what my limitations are, fall into a group and I can throw a name out there to explain some of my individual tendencies, I’m all over it.  When these labels or titles are used in a negative sense, to intentionally cause harm (or as has been seen so often lately, to drive children to kill themselves) it is every kind of wrong.  Something I think can’t be mentioned too often, or be brought to our attention too many times.  Words are as harmful as they are healing.

    In our card draw today we have come back to my “working” deck, and we have a tweak to deal with.  The Emperor  ~  reversed  ~ 4 in the Major Arcana    This card has to do with power and stability when it is right side up.  Security and conviction.  Turned around, it doesn’t have the same strength.  It’s like a wobbly foundation, or an un-stable base.  The secure nature we find here in its direct form is now questionable and at risk.

    The Major Arcana cards can often be signifiers, or actual people in our lives.  They are the dominant characters in the forefront of our relationships, or they are us in our representative guises.  If a person around us, who we associate with strength or security, is feeling unsure right now, we need to help him/her to regain that balance.  If this feels closer to our own personal situation, we should look around and see what is unsettling our effectiveness.

    A mature attitude is what this card calls out for, to be less self-focused and more universally aware.  We all lead at times, and we are all guided.  For this to come up in a less-than-direct presentation we are asked to help straighten something out, with reason and great conviction.

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