Fire Ceremony

Yes!  I did my fire ceremony on the blue moon!

I built my fire, watched it build in strength.
I called for my Goddess, for the Universe,
for their energy and wisdom.
I watched the smoke as it rose up into the heavens.
And I slid my paper of "old things"
into the flames,
watching it curl and flame up,
smoke rising, ashes drifting
to be no more.

I felt my spirit lighten as the heavy load of the past was lifted.
Then slid my paper of "new things" into the flames,
watching it curl and flame up,
smoke rising, ashes drifting
replacing the past
with new hopes and dreams.

I twirled and danced, my hands raised to the sky
letting my heart and soul
commune with the things around me.

Then I sat and watched the flames,
the fire, die into embers.

And I used this Navajo Prayer:

Today I will walk out, today everything evil will leave me,
I will be as I was before, I will have a cool breeze over my body.
I will have a light body, I will be happy forever, nothing will hinder me.
I walk with beauty before me. I walk with beauty behind me.
I walk with beauty below me. I walk with beauty above me.
I walk with beauty around me. My words will be beautiful.

Afterward, I slid an angus beef hotdog onto a stick,
and cooked up a delish treat
to celebrate.
I tipped my ice cold beer to the heavens
and smiled.

I hope you did something memorable to celebrate this Blue Moon!
The next one is July 31st - 2015 !!!!

Blue Moon

When I read the blue moon rises at 7:13pm, I decided on the spur of the moment that I needed to head out to "my" mountain - Superstition Mountain.  I grabbed the tripod, the camera and Sadie (and all the junk! that goes with traveling with a puppy! hahahah)  and off we went.

Cruising down the freeway, huge orange sunset glow in my rear view mirror and the Eagles singing "welcome to the Hotel California...."   The only thing that might have made the moment even better would have been an ice cold beer sitting in the console.  *grin*

I really like being out near my mountain. There's a peacefulness there that is hard to describe.  As the sun set, the insects began chirping louder.  There's a soft breeze, and of course, my own anticipation to see the moon rise over the mountains.  I stood in awe as it drifted up over the horizon.... and was jerked back to reality every time Sadie pulled on her leash.  lol   I have to admit, it was an experience taking her with me on a picture jaunt for the first time.

Now, its 8pm and I am sitting in my backyard, camera set up at the moon, and just lit the campfire, and yes, an ice cold beer!  Ahhhh, this is the life.   (More on the Fire Ceremony in my next post!)

Blue Moon Tonight!

The full moon will begin to rise at 7:13 p.m. PDT Friday.
The next blue moon won't be seen until 2015.
A blue moon doesn't mean the moon will actually change color--it's the rare occurrence of two full moons occurring in the same calendar month. (The first full moon in August happened on Aug. 1.)

The last time a blue moon happened was on New Year's Eve 2009. The next blue moon will occur July 31, 2015, according to moongiant.com.

Get out there and catch a glimpse of the blue moon!

Thursday's rant

Sometimes I wonder:  Do I care if anyone reads this?  No, not really. So why write it?  Sometimes its just to express myself.  I'm an introvert, and keep a lot of things inside.  Maybe that's not good, but a history of bad relationships has made the problem worse for me.  I am (mostly) content to live out my days here in my little house, with my little dog, running my errands and jaunts to places to take pictures.  I work at a job that's not overly fulfilling in the bigger sense of the word.  But its a job, I do mine well, and I take pride in keeping what's my responsibility on the up side of things.

I'm sitting outside here in the Valley of the Sun (where its currently 98 degrees in the shade).  Sadie has the run of the yard.  She just climbed into the planter box -- full of cactus, but she doesn't seem to mind! -- and flopped down, just enough that her nose peeks over the edge.  She's eyeballing her tennis ball.  I wonder sometimes if she thinks it will move all on its own!  After about 20 seconds of eyeballing it, she pounces out and on top of the ball.  lol she's really a nutty dog sometimes! But she's also a joy, and good company.

Today could have been a very rough day if I hadn't had a project to keep me extremely busy.  It helped me to ignore the little problem for the time being.  And I was grateful.  (Maybe some day I'll mention it - but for now, I need to keep it to myself.) 

In the meantime, my yard is prepped. My fire pit is centered in the patio, with said bucket of water next to it. My two chairs are ready to be sat in. I also am going to use my "Goddess" candle in a candle holder, mostly for looks.   The things I want to burn are on my desk.  You can't imagine how hard this is going to be.  But it needs to be done.  I can't decide if I'm more excited, or more worried. Maybe its more about being anxious about the future.

Ok. that's my little bit for today.  Time to do real life things again. 

Boring

Another Monday comes and goes.  Weeks.  Months.  It's amazing how time flies past us, in little chunks.

Work was busy as Mondays usually are.  After work, I hit the gym.  2.99 miles in 45 minutes.  Just couldn't get that last lil bit!!!  It's been a week since I had gone -- and I need to get back in the habit.  It's amazing how quickly we lose a habit, and how hard it is to make a habit!  But gym time is good for me.  I believe I feel better when I go; believe that nothing seems quite so impossible when I take the time for me to de-stress and decompress for a while.

Didn't post this yesterday, I stretched out to watch a show on PBS and fell asleep before the opening credits hit the screen. Musta been tired!  But when I do that, I end up being awake at 4am and wondering what to do with myself.    Now it's Tuesday afternoon. Another work day has gone by.

Heard in a chat room yesterday: 

Ladies love outlaws, Guys hate in-laws.  

A couple of the girls and I were talking during lunch the other day about plans for the weekend.  I happened to mention that Friday isn't just a full moon, its a blue moon!  H. laughed at me and asked if I was going to do any "hocus pocus" -- I just laughed back and said "Of course! You should know me by now!"  So I told her about the fire ceremony; I think she liked the idea, asked if she could throw her husband.... well, ok, not really, but we laughed about it anyway :)

There was a potluck at work today for lunch.  I forgot all about it, didn't bring anything.  But the 'old me' had a hard time sitting there watching everyone else eating cheesecake, lemon meringue pie, brownies... yeah, you get the idea.  I had to get up and walk away 15 minutes before my lunch was over to remove myself from the temptations that were starting to creep up. 

Sorry for the boring post.  Its just been a tough week.  Hope yours has been better!

Stay-cations

Staycations are all the rage this year.  With little money to spare for a glam vacation, people are opting to stay home and vacation that way.  When you think about it, its not a bad idea! 

Most people who live in a town become accustomed to certain places to shop, go to the park, back and forth to work.  They don't often stray far from the usual paths.  We humans are funny that way!  But if you're going to do a staycation -- do it up right!  Check on the internet, or go to your local Visitors Information place and find out what people who choose your town as their vacation place are seeing or doing.  A local chamber of commerce, or historical society, might have places of interest.  Maybe a local museum or two.  State parks are another option.

I'm always trying to get out and about.  After I moved to Arizona, I started heading out in ever widening circles, going to parks, uptown, downtown, the next town over -- just to see what's there.  I've found some very interesting places.  About 20 miles away, there's Canyon Lake.  (left) And of course, my fav Superstition Mountain.  When I headed into downtown Mesa, I found very large sculptures along the main sidewalks -- very cool!  The historical district has some beautiful old homes to look at.  It just takes a little bit of effort to find something interesting.  Next to the Phoenix Zoo is Papago Park, with its "hole in the rock".  (And its free!) (right)

With a little effort on your part, you too can make your staycation memorable!

Desk Top

Have you ever taken a good look at the top of your desk?  (if you're like me, it tends to get messy during a busy work week!)  This being Sunday, I like to clean it off, start the week fresh.  But I got to wondering about the things that end up on a typical desk:  Empty cups.  A stray spoon.  Papers, of course.  Assorted pens.  A pair of scissors.  A couple of books.  A polished rock, its lavender.  A seashell.  A little bit of sand (must be left overs from the New Moon ceremony!).  A tube of lotion.  Chapstick.  Oh, here's my Starbuck's card!  Camera. and of course, my cell phone. 

Truthfully, there are other things on my desk, but they sort of belong there:  monitor, printer, scratch paper, cup of pens ... you get the idea. 

But what do those other items say about a person?  dishes means I got lazy at one point about taking things to the kitchen.  Books that aren't yet read, but I want to.  Does that mean I'm putting it off?  Chapstick and lotion for those nights after my shower when I feel the need to 'spruce up'.  But the rock, the shell, the sand -- all earth elements.  Maybe its my way to feel connected again.

I also keep a right angled piece of cardstock stuck along the edge of my monitor.  Because I like to pin things to it that make me smile.  A couple of fairies that say "Believe".  Picture of a plaque that says "Take a deep breath, you're HOME now."  and "Don't piss off the faeries".  There's still room to add things that I find along the way. 

Sometimes visual reminders make us smile at the end of a long work day.  :)

What's on YOUR desktop?

Full Moon Fire Ceremony

Traditions and rituals are what keep us connected and give us a sense of belonging.  Life after 50 means things are different than they were 20 years ago.  I used to have several traditions such as dinner was always at the table, no TV, no radio, and we talked.  (I have to admit, when I blended my family with another, there were four kids who were new to this tradition and it took them a while... but now its one of the most often remembered times.. )

But now that I'm over 50, I miss some of the traditions, so its time to find new ones that fit into my lifestyle, and how I feel about life.   Living in Arizona, I am curious about the Native American Indian culture and customs, the way they're spiritually connected to Earth.  Take, for instance, how in writings I've found, they refer to Earth, or Mother Earth, as if its a living entity, whereas the rest of us just say "the earth" as if it was a commodity.  And I find I prefer that spiritual way of thinking of this planet we live on.

I was looking around for something to do on the Blue Moon - the second full moon in the month of August.  (We haven't had a blue moon since Dec 2009!) - and I found a Fire Ceremony for the Full Moon. (I found this one here )

Fire Ceremonies are wonderful during a New Moon, when you want to introduce newness into your Life. This Native American ritual is easy, simple and an awe-inspiring event.

Each brings something to burn that we would like to rid from our past (in Full Moon) that will burn, turn to smoke and release into the ethers. This allows the past energy to move along to its highest spiritual progression path.  We may bring pictures, drawings, or intentions written on a piece of paper for the past or the newness. For the past, after we have burned and released it, then we have something prepared that is written down on a clean sheet of paper. This would be something new that we would like to call forth from God. For the newness, the prayer request is then burned and released into the ethers thereby replacing the past. 

I think the key factor here is the symbolism of replacing the past with something new.  That seems perfectly awesome to me!   So a quick run-down of things to have on hand:  In a place where you can build a small fire, (don't forget a bucket of water for fire safety!) you will also need something to represent the past:  picture, drawing, or a list on paper of the things you'd like to leave in the past.  You'll also need something written on a clean sheet of paper for something new.  

Around your fire, call your Divine Source that gives you peace (God, Allah, Spirit, Archangels, the Universe), start with a prayer - don't forget to end with a prayer - of thanksgiving for the prayers that will be answered.  After you've called your Divine Source, place your items of past energy into the fire, watch them turn to ashes, released into the ethers.  Then place your new list into the fire, watching it turn to ashes as well, to replace those old energies.

When its time to move on, having something to do helps us; when we can see that list, the symbolism of something turning to ashes because its over, can be a big help.  I've always said its the little things that made a big difference.  Even if you can't be here in the Valley of the Sun, perhaps your spirit will feel it -- I'll be outdoors on Friday night, will you?

 

Dreamin'

Its Sunday, 4am and I'm wide awake.  I woke up because I had a bad dream.  I was at the shopping mall, had parked my car, and when I came out, found out it was stolen.  Its odd how little details are all wrapped up in dreams.  I was in Cupertino, CA, at Vallco shopping center, which I remember because I had to call the police.  I can still see the empty parking space, because "I always park in front of where I tie up my dog.''  Anyone who knows me, knows I'd never do that!  The cop was someone I knew from a different place of employment, all grown up now.  :)  I was with my mother, my daughter and my brother.   When the policeman showed up, because my car is newer, the minute the VIN was identified, a printout spit out from the shopping mall phone, and from the dash of my car, warning the 'driver' that the car had been reported stolen and would shut down in five minutes.   (lol whoa, only in a dream, huh?)   Yep, that woke me up.  It felt so real, I had to get up and look out, make sure my car was really there.

Of course, waking up and getting up, meant I had to take Sadie out as well. 

And while she's snoozing comfortably again, I'm wide awake, and my alarm will go off in 20 minutes. 

I feel like there's a huge empty place inside of me. 
While yesterday was busy enough, it was just that: busywork.
Simple tasks, usual chores, entertaining the dog.
No good chats, no interesting conversations, nothing social.
Not that I need a lot of social.
I just miss him.
I miss our conversations.
They're not the same any more.

New Moon's Hopes

Did you try the New Moon ritual with me?  If so, do you find yourself thinking about the things you wrote down?  things you wished for?  Come Friday, on the Full Moon (which is a Blue Moon, by the way!) we'll check our list and see what manifested itself!  I know that one of the things I wrote was wanting to smile more often.  And I know this week that I already did!   


A lot of it was job related, I was helping out in the fabrics department on the floor.  I know this dept well, I set up my own fabrics dept when I helped open a new store (back when I was living in Ohio), so that's what I've been helping with - the layout of the department was done mostly wrong, and needs some desperate help to get caught up.  But what made me smile a lot were the comments and questions from customers.  It's so nice to talk fabrics with others who like it as much as I do.  Yeah, I don't sew that much any more; maybe its the creative process that goes along with a fresh piece of fabric. :)

The other hopes will have to wait until Friday..... Can't wait! 

Sadie n' Things

It's nearly 9am, Good Morning!  It was an OK night, and promises to be an OK day - as long as I find things to stay busy with.  Sadie the Pup has been keeping me busy.  After it rains here, the patio is quite the mess, so Sadie and I were out early, hosing it off so it would dry before she wanted to come out and play.  But its been so humid, it hasn't quite dried.  I'm out on the patio with my netbook, and she's snooping around the yard in dog fashion.  There's a yappy little dog in the house behind us, but she's indoors; must be a door open so she can hear Sadie outside, and is yapping up a storm.  Sadie, being the good dog that she is, barked a couple of times as if to say "Hey, I'm out here, and you're being a doofus, so be quiet."  Then she ignores the barking, and flops herself into a sunny spot.  But only as long as I sit out here. lol

I took her for an early morning walk, and she's the funniest dog.  Oh sure, she wants to sniff around at everything, but I keep the leash taut and never stop walking, so she's good about keeping up.  When we round the last corner of our block, however, she's pulling at the leash, wanting to go faster.  So I pick up the pace.  And she still wants to go faster, her little head turns around to look at me as if to say "Come on, you can do it, let's boogie!"  So I break into a jog.  She runs faster, looking back, "c'mon, c'mon, faster!"  And we jog past 9 houses, all the way to ours.  She's learning which driveway is ours, turns right in and heads for the door as if SHE owns the place.  And frankly, she sort of does right now. lol

A little fetch in the backyard with a semi flat tennis ball and she decides she's going to run back and forth, back and forth in the puddle, getting completely muddy, of course!  It will soon be time to get hosed off and into the house --- for a nap I hope!  lol

As for me, I am attempting to my mind busy, occupied, thinking of other things, because if I don't, I find myself feeling too alone in the world.  I should plan a vacation, or a drive somewhere.  An overnight stay even.  But all of them seem to lead to the beach, and that's not in the cards for me. At all.  I sometimes think that maybe I should just do it - and get it out of my system.  Or would that just hurt even more?  Sometimes it isn't easy trying to figure that part out. 

Hey -- Welcome to the weekend!!

Chocolate Heals

Experience the delicious dark side 

of cherries and chocolate. 

Dark cherry pieces and 

dark chocolate flakes 

swirling in creamy 

Bordeaux cherry amaretto ice cream 

for a taste sensation that's wickedly good. 

Trust me.  

It IS wickedly good.....  

I'm off to have a dish right now ... 

it's just been that kind of day.......

Ever have one of those days where you keep very busy because you know if you stop, it'll hurt?  That's how my day was. 

Short notes

Finally Friday.  Finally.  I'd say I'm ready to relax, but I'm still keyed up.  On edge. haven't been to the gym all week, but am still down 3lbs.  Too hot to eat.  Things don't taste good.  Puppy keeping me busy.  All these little things add up.  It was nice to sleep through the entire night without having to get up.  That made me smile this morning.  :)

I spent a lot of my day at work in Fabrics, helping my store get that all together again.  Still more to be done, major flipping going to happen early Sunday morning.  I"ll meet my friend Helen there, and we'll get loads done.  Can't wait!  It's exciting to touch fabrics again.  I'm very tactile when it comes to that.  I love to touch and feel each of the different textures.  Broadcloth. Cotton Club. Duck. Muslin. Satin. Each one has a unique feel to it.  Plus, there's a whole creativity thing going on when you imagine "What can I make out of this?" with every different fabric that comes in.  Some of the prints that come in you begin to recognize the designer, and that's pretty fascinating.  Both Helen and I have a background in fabrics, and we think alike.  Which goes a long way toward building our friendship. 

Sadie discovered mud puddles yesterday.  When it rains, there is a huge puddle that forms just off my patio.  Once she stuck a paw in, it was back and forth, back and forth, just running in the mud.  Very comical!  But now she's gonna get a bath--- smelly dogs don't get in bed with me!  hahaha

I've been yawning since I got home, would love to lay down and snooooze. for a while.  But don't see that happening until bedtime without a miracle --- or would Benadryl do the trick?  (Don't worry, I'd never do that!!!) 

In the meantime, my day was quiet and uneventful in the chat department. 
Wishing I could sit and play some mindless trivia for a while, but the pup has other ideas.
More later.... welcome to Friday!

And he tells her....

She started talking with him several years ago on the computer; the place they met or the reason their friendship began neither remembers any more. But the friendship grew; they talked about everything from politics to religion to UFOs.  They shared memories of their pasts, and dreams of their future.  Years pass and the friendship deepens even more.  There's a mention of "a silver ring made from a spoon."
And he tells her he loves her......

One day, she tells him "I want us to meet..."
And he tells her, "Not yet"

She allows him to distract her over the summer
with backgammon, photos, boho blogs,
and assorted other ventures.
Another spring rolls around
And she says "I'm coming over to meet you..."
And he tells her "You can't."
She asks, "Why not?"
And he tells her "I'm married."

Her heart is crushed and she cries.
But they keep their friendship
alive with talks and backgammon.
But something's changed.

Simple conversations aren't as easy any longer.
She asks "How was your day?"
Even though she is afraid of the answer.
She questions their past conversations,
wondering what part was truth,
and what part was lies?

She sees his 'nick' flash on then off again
as her phone beeps with a text
And he tells her "be home in an hour"

Wishing him "sleep well"
is the hardest thing to do any more
because as she says it, she can't stop
the image that comes to mind now.

The thoughts make her sleepless;
eating has become rote.
There's nothing she can do. 
Anger only goes so far. 
He's a bastard for lying.
And she still keeps trying.
And he tells her "You mean so much to me"

@LDPoetry 2012

A Blue Moon

Be Ready!  Our next full moon is August 31st.   and this one is special!! Read on:

The full moon occurs once every 29.5 days. This essentially means that there is one full moon every month. However, as we know, every month but February has at least 30 days in it, which presents the potential for two full moons in a month.  August 2012 is one of these unique months, which will have two full moons. There was a full moon on August 2nd, and another full moon on August 31st.  (For those who are superstitious in regards to full moons:  two special days in August of 2012!)

The term Blue Moon usually refers to the second full moon in a given month. When people say "once in a blue moon" they are speaking to the rarity of the occurrence of a second moon happening in the same given month.  Our last on occurred on December 31, 2009.

Ok - quick show of hands:   How many of you are quick to say "must be a full moon"  when something strange happens, or when too many coincidences occur together?? hehehe I knew it, me too!!

Here are a few superstitions I found, just for fun:

The occurrence of a blue moon is the perfect time to plant the seeds of long-term goals that will blossom in the sun of a future day.

If you want to get unexpected money, go outside under the full moon, open your pocket or wallet, and say nine times "Fill It Up".  Within a few days you will be surprised with an unexpected amount of money.

In the United States, the Moon seen over the right shoulder brings good luck; the Moon seen over the left shoulder brings bad luck.

No Lies, Just Love

 

How well do men understand how women think? and feel?  If you listen to country songs, you'd guess "not at all" hehehehe   And maybe there's a bit of truth in that.  Our experiences in life dictate to a degree how we'll react in situations, and how we think about the way others feel in certain circumstances.  And maybe it doesn't matter that men and women think differently, maybe its more that we learn to get along in spite of our differences.

I've tried to be kind here as I tell my story, without sounding like I'm Bitter.  Angry.  Vindictive.  I'll be the first to admit I have those feelings on occasion.   I try to tamp them down when I feel them rising up, because no good ever comes from carrying all that around with you.  Besides.....

The truth of the matter is this:   it takes two

One to tell lies

One to allow the lies to be told 

 

I started this blog with a direction, and now I've lost my focus.  Even though we've semi maintained our friendship, I have noticed that I ask fewer and fewer questions .... 

Ask no questions, Hear no lies!

Is that how a friendship works?  Not for me!

Faeries and Puppies

Thoughts during my days this week are fleeting; I really should be writing things down.  Puppy-hood is a lousy stage when you're trying to get sleep at night!  So here it is, almost 6pm, and I've been busy here.  I swiffer'd the tile floors -- and Sadie chased the mop head.  I scrambled up some ham and eggs for dinner, and of course she was right there under my feet.  I am sitting  outside in order to do some writing, because when I sit inside, she wants to sit in my lap.  When she's outside, she's free to roam without a leash -- and she seems to like that pretty well!  Of course, there are birds to chase, leaves that dance on the breezes, and other things to chase around in puppy fashion.   It's a dog's life!

Oh!  A good friend shared something with me.  Seems there is an island off the Maine coast, Mackworth Island, where folks can build little faerie houses - the only rules are you have to build them with local materials found on the island.  (You'll have to Google them - there are just too many to put here!)

But how fascinating that must be!  Being an architect, designer, interior decorator even!  Your own little faerie house, just waiting for a faerie to claim it as its own. :)  I really like the thought of this, and plan to do it when I take walks out in the desert.  What a good way to be watchful.  If you know you're going to build something, as you begin your walk, your eyes will be watching for any little treasures you might find in order to build your little faerie home..... a leaf, pine cone, rock, twig.  And you can leave a non intrusive mark of your own that claims "I was here!"  I'm going to try this next time I'm out wandering a desert somewhere :) 

Hugs!

There is a blog I follow that I find fascinating.  A woman is sharing her journey after conquering her drug addiction.  There is a lot of pain, a lot of stark truths and a lot of self examination and anger.  But who better to share those things with others who may be struggling than one who's been there?  And of course, with any sort of blog that deals in unpleasant things, she has many comments, among them the standard "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."   Someone posted the following after that comment:  

"What doesn’t kill you leaves you scarred and bitter.

That’s not really true,

but I say it to annoy the sheltered twits

who say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Usually the worst thing that’s ever happened to them

is a bad manicure; how would they know.

What makes you stronger is the love of friends,

family, or even strangers when you need it most.

Somehow that seems to manifest when needed,

and when you’re ready to accept it."

And he's so right.  What makes you stronger is love.  It doesn't matter what the source of that love is -- it helps us to know there's someone out there who cares. Along with love, I find that traditions and routines can help us cope with things that have become too much for ourselves.  And while some may find it a source of strength to adhere to the original saying about becoming stronger, I don't think we feel or see the effects of that until much time has passed.  What we need is something that helps in the present -- Love.

You never know where you will find it; but if you open yourself, it will find you in many astonishing places.  It's like my morning hug from Marco - just that little bit of human touch goes a very long way.  And sometimes its not the hug you get, but the hug you give that makes you feel it, too.  So if someone looks like they might need a hug -- give them one!

Footprints

Every day

a little more

slips away

further

from reach

like the tide

that slips in

sluicing over

any footprints

that may have

been left behind.

@LDPoetry 2012

Puppy Watch 8.20

Wow.  How easy it is to forget what it's like to have a puppy.  The last puppy I had, a pit bull named DaisyMae, was back in 2000.  At the time, I was a stay at home mom, so it wasn't so bad doing the puppy training.  With Sadie, and working days, means she's left alone a few hours until my son gets up.  From the grumpy look on his face, I gathered she got him up rather early this morning.  lol

I need to remember to reduce my fluids in the evening -- because if I need to get up, she also wants to get up and go out.  1AM is no time to be wandering the backyard on a work night!!! And no more 'snooze' is allowed on my morning alarm.  I need to get up and moving, ready by 5:15 so there's time for a quick walk around the block with her.  She loved it; its a really nice time to be out, I have to admit.  Gonna take some adjustment for ME rather than her.  lol

Today, it was 108, so I let her play in the hose for a little bit, wet her down, then soaped her up for a bath in the hose as well.  She didn't seem to mind at all!

Wish I had something more interesting to tell .... but my day was a typical Monday for the most part, and I'm tired like I am on Mondays as well.  lol

Tuesday:  I didn't post this I see.  It was pretty much the same today.  I am standing here at the stove, fixing some beef and broccoli stir fry, and trying to catch up on my computer time.  Sadie us right under foot -- because she wants to be near me?  or near the beef she can smell?? hahaha  Another fun evening ahead, I'm sure.  Can't wait for the weekend when I can catch up on my sleep. :)

Memories on FB

I'm not a real fan of posting much on Facebook about my own status, what I'm doing or thinking, or telling the world what I had for dinner.  I'm finding some of the groups that have a page are more fun to read and post in.  They're usually pretty topical, or they're a certain group of friends with a history. 

I really enjoy perusing one called "You know you're from Santa Clara when ..." because its like a small town newspaper for a specific community.  Back when I was growing up, Santa Clara was a smaller town, before the big dot com computer boom.  There are so many memories of good times.  Things like the Shell station on the corner where Dad always bought gas.  There was usually a give-away of glasses, or steak knives.  (On my recent trip home, I noticed my mom STILL uses one of the steak knives!)

Its so nice to read about familiar places, from familiar names.  Small town newspapers used to keep that sort of thing going.  Someone posted about a familiar burger joint .. Red Barn.  I can remember going there on days when school was early dismissal.  We felt like big shots going in and ordering our meal -- without adult supervision! 

I know many of you have those same kind of memories about places you've lived.  If you're lucky, there's a group for you to share with, others who share your same memories!

Puppy Watch, 8.19

Our first night went pretty well.... although that probably depends on your point of view.   Bedtime and its into her cage.   Whine.  Whine.Whine.  Whine. Whiiine. Whinnnnne.  Yeah, no sleep to be had this way.  TV on for noise/comfort.  Whine.  TV off for darkness.  Whine.  Hmmm. first night, new place, yeah.  Dogs like to be part of a pack.  Guess I'm it?  lol besides, I'm an old softie.  OK.  Into the bed.  Sadie curled up next to me and fell right to sleep.  She doesn't move during the night near as much as my granddaughter does.  lol

I think the "thing" that will hardest to figure out is morning.  When I wake up, its time to pee.  She's a puppy and feels the same, I'm sure!  So I wonder how this battle will go?   hahaha Only time will tell. :)

Because of the heat and humidity today, I decided we'd better get our walk in early.  So off to the park we go.  Its my plan to get her used to riding in the car. She has a special travel seat, so that helps.  We got all settled in, with a little whining of course, but settled in just the same; and off we dash to the park.  We wandered a short 20 min route there, talked to a few people, chased a few birds, barked at the ducks.  We took a short cut across the grass that dips down; at the bottom of the dip, the grass was soaked and when her little paws hit what looked like grass but sunk her paws into a puddle, she tried dancing her paws out of it really quick.  Wish I'd had a video of that! 

We got done with our walk, came home and had breakfast. Afterward, Sadie proceeded to make a few Nascar laps around the backyard again.  Makes me smile just thinking of it!

Busy morning, 845am and she's sacked out for a morning nap.  ahhhhh, the dog's life :)

Don't Fade Away

There was a time a while back when I thought, hoped, assumed, that eventually some day I wouldn't have to make treks to family outings, gatherings, events, or celebrations alone.  But year after year has passed, and I'm finally at a place of acceptance, where I know that this is how it is, how its going to be.   Once you lose that hope, the image fades, and you no longer can imagine it.  But life continues.  We go on.  

I found a new Willie Nelson song today, called "Don't Fade Away".  Wish I could find a youtube of the song, but here's a snippet of the lyrics:

Don't fade away
Hold on to your dreams
Through waves of suffering
The tide will turn again
Don't fade away

All that you've seen
All that you've done
Don't say it's over
You hold the key
Unlock the sun

May all of you find your dreams!

Puppy Day!

Today I drove to visit my daughter and granddaughter.  We ate at Buffalo Wild Wings (simple chicken wrap for me!)  and then I swam with my granddaughter for an hour.  (only a little pink this time!)  The purpose of going down there, however, was to pick up my daughter's dog, Sadie.  A cute little pug who's very smart - and also has just a little bit of attitude!  She's a lovebug when she wants to cuddle, though :)

Of course, driving home, I'm sure she was wondering where her own "people" were.  But she settled in for the long drive ( 2 hours) and it went well.  When we got home, there were three new toys in the middle of the floor for her, and she pounced on them right away in true puppy fashion.  She also dashed around from room to room checking every nook and cranny for goodness knows what kind of treasures a dog looks for!

But the most comical was taking her into the backyard.  She was free to run without a leash, and she managed to find her own path to run circles -- just like Nascar laps!! -- zooming around and around.  I think she perfected 20 laps in the semi dark before knocking into a potted cactus.  lol 

She finally seems to be finished with her perusals for the evening, and is sitting here at my feet, all well behaved.  But we shall see what tomorrow holds!

New Moon Superstitions

Ok, I found this and just HAD to post it to ya'll ....

New Moon and Superstitions

Being without money when seeing a new moon is thought to be unlucky but if a person has some coins and turns them over without taking them out of their pocket, they will have plenty money over the month ahead and the wish that's made while turning the coins will be fulfilled.

New projects should be started at the time of the new moon while country-dwellers have long held the opinion that the time of the new moon is the time to plant crops.

In America, the new moon was used by lovers, who would glance over their right shoulders, take three steps backward and then say the following verse:

  "New moon, new moon, true and bright,

  If I have a lover let me dream of him tonight.

  If I am to marry far, let me hear a bird cry;

  If I am to marry near, let me hear a cow low;

  If I am to marry never ,let me hear a hammer knock."

~~~

Hope I dream tonight! and hope no hammer knocks! 

New Beginnings Ritual

As the sun sinks in the west, 

and twilight falls, 

the new moon will rise.

 

I sit myself down on the floor.  My basket of things is next to me, and there's a small stool in front of me. I call the elements:

     Earth.  Wind.  Water.  Fire.

I light my candle to call Goddess. 

And I let the energy swirl around and concentrate on the new beginnings I want to manifest.

My hand takes up my pen and write in my notebook.

When all is said and done, I release the energy.

And I smile.

for that is one thing I wrote for this month:  to smile more. :)

Passage of Time

A red letter day here at Gal's place:  Today was my anniversary at work -- 11 years now.  Where has the time gone??  And how did I spend my day, you might wonder?  I spent 2 hours of today helping maintain the bolts of fabric.  I liked Fabrics and Crafts a lot.  There is nothing like being able to touch all the different textures of fabric, the beautiful prints, the array of different colors (I'm a very tactile person!!).  I did that for five short years.  Funny how the body remembers the moves needed to "diaper fold" a bolt of fabric, slip on a rubber band and shelve it in its proper location.  It's been more than four years since I did that, but some of the color names were still the same.  Sometimes there's no need for change, and I find comfort in knowing that. :) 

Because every bolt of fabric has a rubber band on it to keep it from flopping around and getting frayed or dirty, the best location to keep a few spares is on your left wrist!  As I was driving home from work, I noticed I still had a "bracelet" on my arm.  *giggles*  ahhh, just like the old days !!

Happy Anniversary to me!

Sleepy Time

Almost 10 pm (Thursday) and I think I got past that sleepy stage, which means I'm feeling awake again.  And I should be so tired.  It was a very busy day at work, I stopped at the gym and did a long workout as well.  I'm not sure where the day went, but it sure zoomed past.  Before I knew it, dinner was over and I was trying to get caught up on my internet time. 

Some days, I get rather interesting email.  Somewhere online my path crossed with someone who's living in the Valley of the Sun, and was raised in the Bay Area like me.  The email included his phone number, and a challenge to text him ... should I ???   Another email was forwarded to me by a friend who does a blog.  She's been approached by someone who is an online marketer/promoter and she wanted my opinion of what he does and should she think about making her blog into a website?  So far, he didn't actually say much more than he thinks there is a market for her blog.  Wonder just what all that means!?!?

3pm Friday afternoon now.  I fired up my laptop and found I'd written but not posted the entry :)  I guess I must have fallen asleep after all!!   and now its the weekend!

Life, and a boat

Do you ever feel like life is like a boat on water?

 Sometimes its simple....

 Sometimes its rough.....

and sometimes its just tied to a dock?

New Moon, New Beginnings

The time for New Moon is almost here.  I'm going to post my thoughts today, one day early, because we'll all have a New Moon at a different time.   When you're ready to do your own ceremony, obviously feel free to adapt this to what works for you.  That's what I'm doing as well.  (If you need a reminder, the list of things you'll need is here .)

Sit in a comfortable place, on the floor, at a table, and mentally create a sacred space.  It can be as simple as closing your eyes, centering yourself, and visualizing the space around you filled with energy.

As you call the Elements, start with Earth. Touch each item that represents the element.  Pick up your jar of sand, maybe let it run through your fingers if it feels right, and say something as simple as:   'I call the Element of Earth to attend and add energy to this sacred space'.  Finish calling the other elements:  Wind, Fire, Water.

After calling the Elements, take a moment to honor Goddess, ask her to look favorably on this ritual that you offer up to her and light the candle for her.

Take a few minutes to sit quietly. Reach out to the Elements for additional energy and power. Fill the space around you with their power and energy and reflect on the new moon as an opportunity for new beginnings. An opportunity that we are offered over and over again.

Take your notebook and write something along the lines of:  I will manifest these things that I desire and need in my life and I will do so without harm to anyone else.   Then begin to write down what you need to create in your life. It can be a few things or many. Large or small, tangible or not.  Concentrate on manifesting these things in your life without harming anyone else.

Release the energy that you have created with this work and send it out into the universe to do your bidding.

Thank the Goddess for her presence in your life and put out her candle.

Thank the Elements for loaning you their energy and ask them to return to their own realms, putting out their candles (if any).

Bring yourself back to normal time/space, ground the energy creating your sacred space.

I'm adapting this little ceremony from a website I found, you can access it here if you'd like to read more.  I think the important part of this is learning to focus on the things we need, things we desire.  I believe our minds work in mysterious ways.  And once we create a focus, even when we're not consciously thinking about the how's to get our desires to happen, our minds are tricky and work on it constantly.  (For example, if you're trying to find new love in your life, maybe your mind changes something in your routine, and you end up on a different road, a different location, a new place to meet people!)  And just maybe, putting your desire to paper helps you create your goal, gives you some purpose to work toward.  And if nothing else, its fun to try new things :) 

Can't sleep?

 

 Saw this on Facebook - I wonder how much truth there is in it??? :)

Rat Race

For years, we were told "Happiness is just around the corner - if only we'll work hard, earn money..."  

And a friend found this cartoon that certainly puts a good spin on how life feels lately.  (If you paste in the URL for the animated version, its pretty cute!)

And our conversation about this turned to comparing life in the present to life say 100 years ago.  

To me, it seems as if life "back in the old days"  had a purpose.  And you knew from a young age what that purpose was... mostly it was to survive off the land you were living on.  It was hard work, and you learned to count on your neighbors, and were always willing to lend a hand to give back.  Because that's what you did.  Nearly every task you did during your day had meaning, it meant something in terms of how your life was going to be the next day, next week, or next month.  

Do we have that in our present lives?  How many tasks do you do during your own day that have no relevance to how your life will be in the coming days related to that task?  We go to our jobs, we earn our money -- but then what?  Do we ever find the happiness that's right about the corner?  Some people do.  Some people learn how to find balance.  Some learn earlier than others, some not at all.  

Happiness doesn't arrive like a package on UPS -- its in the little joys each and every day.  

It's certainly not related to how much money we earn, or how much stuff we buy.

Consume less, live more.

Miss Sadie

Life is about to become interesting around here shortly.  And busy!  There is going to be a new addition to the 'family' unit!  Her name is Sadie, and she's a four month old pug.  My daughter got her, and forgot how much work puppies are.  With her work schedule and such, she's decided that a dog is too much right now, and asked me to take her.  And I agreed.

We took her with us on a family vacation drive in the car, and she was very well behaved.  Puppy-like, which was expected, but a good dog overall.  It will mean several daily walks I suppose.  My alarm clock will need to be set even earlier for a short time. hahaha.  Boy, this is going to be interesting :)

I haven't had a dog since 2004.  And I've become rather accustomed to doing as I please now that my kids are raised and my time is my own.  But she will also be good company, and hopefully will like to go on hikes and picture taking excursions with me as well!!

yeah... nap time

Didn't find time to post on Monday - it was a very long day.  Sleep eludes me, but I vowed not to open my laptop last night.  Sometimes those quiet early morning hours are a good time to be alone with thoughts that aren't clouded by dishes in the sink, a to-do list, or bills that need to be paid.  It's the time when your mind tends to do its own thing, when your conscious hides those kinds of thoughts.  It can be a magical time of day, if you let it.

But there needs to be time for sleep; maybe I need to switch up my priorities in the evening.  I had a whole mind full of thoughts to write about here, but the afternoon heat caught up with me, and its tugging my eyelids down.  I think a short nap is definitely in order.  :)

It Hurts

Hopes
that lasted years
became possibilities
when you said
you loved me too

Dreams
that said someday
became shattered
when you told me
the truth

Reality
that's like a brick
weighs me down
and I can't let go
of us

Time
like a dark cave
looms ahead
stretching forever
quiet and alone again

@LDPoetry 2012

Fill Your Cup

All of us from time to time feel as if there's something empty inside of us.  I have always thought there are certain cups within each of us that we need to fill;  spiritual, mother, father, music, nature, the arts, productivity.  Each of these things can't be filled by anything else, although some try -- with booze, drugs, sexual promiscuity -- you get the picture.  

But we all have a self cup as well that needs to be filled.  We're not much good to anyone else if our own cup isn't filled.  So often, we put others' needs before our own.  But in order to be helpful or inspiring to others, we need to be that for ourselves first.  And that only comes from taking time for ourselves each morning, before trying to be good for the world. It’s not selfish, it’s required.  How many of you grew up like I did, thinking the only right thing is to think of others first?  I'll repeat that:  It's not selfish, its required.

We all have needs that go unmet, apart from spiritual needs. Problems develop in relationships because we hope and expect that others will meet those needs, even when we’re not sure what those needs are. Our lack of filling our own cup creates an emptiness -- leaving us with nothing to give to others.  We're often pushed and pulled in a hundred different directions.  Like Bilbo in The Fellowship of the Ring, we feel “thin, like butter scraped over too much bread.”  Sometimes there's just not enough to go around. 

 

If you’re feeling used-up and empty, spend some time on self–nurturing. This doesn’t have to be a fabulous vacation.  It's about the little things - small daily gifts to yourself, little ways to feed your spirit with beauty and rituals that make you smile and give you pleasure.

When you nurture yourself with love and beauty, you fill your own cup so you can help and give to others. Find some simple ways to take care of your own needs so that you can care for others from your own fullness rather than emptiness.   It could be as simple as stopping at a flower shop and purchasing a single red rose.  A soft scented candle (small votive candles are usually less than 50cents!) to fill a room with a favorite scent.  A long bubbly bath, a glass of wine, or both!  It isn't something that I might suggest-- its something that gives you pleasure, nurtures your senses, and fills your cup.

Find something that fills your cup today! 

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning, and my long weekend is over.  The last long weekend for a while now.  This week will seem interminably long, as I'll have five days at work.  Yikes.  And long in other ways as well.  I have some serious work to do at the gym.  My goal is to drop another 10 lbs and I've been struggling lately.  I tell myself its OK to take a break, to let my body adjust to the changes already, but those are just excuses for being somewhat lazy lately. 

Sunday morning and my long Saturday night is finally over, too.  One day at a time is a good motto, but sometimes a day is too long.  One hour at a time is more manageable right now.  Sometimes to get busy, to get motivated, I'll stick on my headphones, play some mp3s while I'm trying to get started, to stay motivated. It's hard not to be moving around when Robert Palmer starts singing "... you're gonna have to face it you're addicted to love..."   Love the beat to that song, good tempo to start a workout with.  But the one that makes me stand up taller, hold my head high, is a song by Mika - "Big Girl You Are Beautiful" -- it inspires me, and yes, I'll admit it, when this comes on at the gym, I want to DANCE along with!!!!

Sunday morning, and after sharing this video, 

(and watching it three times), 

I'm ready to get up and start my day ... I hope you gave a great day as well!! 

Real women have curves - in all the right places!

iChing

In trying to determine how to plan out this week for myself, I turned to the iChing:

Strength is in the feet.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Have confidence.

There is not enough of a foundation yet to set forth in this situation. Pushing ahead won't work. Have patience.


(patience is one thing I'm all out of)

The hexagram 34 changes to 32 :

Heng is telling you that the only sure constant in life is change. When mistakes are made in a particular strategy the same mistake is often repeated. It does not show strength of character to formulate the same strategy (even if it has worked in the past). Rather it shows a weakness in your refusal to adapt and change. There will always be obstacles in life. Some may be often repeated. If a strategy that has worked several times in the past does not work now then change your strategy. It is also about inertia and complacency. You should always be focusing on self-renewal and not becoming complacent. Avoid stagnation.


And that last part is true.  I've often said that I keep repeating things / lessons over and over, most having the same outcome.  So, maybe that part is true:  I refuse to adapt to change from time to time, maybe more often than not.   Guess I have my work cut out for me this week.

FootBall !!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??

Only 25 days to kickoff!!















It's fun to follow a team or two!

Cardinals, because I am a 'zona Gal
SF 49ers, because I grew up on them
Giants, because I Like Manning!   *winks*