Let's Talk About Love

Sagittarius Horoscopes

(Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Next Week

For the Week of Dec 28th, 2009 -- Your sense of adventure is in full gear this weekend. Seeking new experiences can put pressure on an ongoing relationship since you may be easily bored. Connecting with someone far away or from a different culture, though, should be your cup of tea. Hit the road and explore unfamiliar places to expand your horizons and fuel the fires of desire.

Well, it's true. I do like to travel. In fact, I am very antsy these days. That is not unusual for this time of year or for me most of the time. Most likely, I will be staying put for the winter, which is probably a good thing. I've been thinking about love lately. This can be an intellectual appreciation. In this case it goes a little deeper...right to the heart.

I carry a small copy of Kahil Gibran's The Prophet with me...I found it at a book sale at the Woodstock Library a few years ago. It reminds me of my brother, Chris. We both had a fondness for it back in the day. We read passages from it at his funeral...I'm not being morbid...it was an act of love. Whenever my hand brushes it accidentally, I think of Chris and smile. Real love does make you smile. All the angst and torment is a crock. If I want drama I'll see a Broadway show.

I'm no Pollyanna, but a little pain goes a long way in relationships. If it hurts all the time, what is it? I dunno, but it's not love. I am quite mushy by nature. During a movie or a song or a conversation I can become misty-eyed in seconds. Hugs and kisses are second nature to me. I'm all for love. If I have to hit the road for love I'm packed and ready to go, but not down a one way street. I believe you give everything for love...and in return you receive everything. Am I a romantic? Perhaps. Better to embrace love than hide from it...what is a safe distance...and why? Oh, I'm waxing philosophical again...Sagittarians do that. We have big hearts and strong intellects, it's said. We're too straightforward at times...I suppose that is true, but that's just who I am. The wanderlust does take me on occasion, but I love home sweet home...and home is where the heart is.

pic~yours truly & art by shari elf~i love it :)

horoscope~tarot.com

O, Death!

O, Death! It's like 'oh dear', but a bit more final, but is it really? Lately, death has been active in my circle of friends and acquaintances. It's the holiday season. There is an expectation of cheer and good feelings...sometimes unrealistic...that attaches itself to this time of year. It can be a set up to a let down. My own approach this year is to just go with the flow. This may be due to hangin' with death more than usual. Many people find death scary, even terrifying. They try to bargain or negotiate terms...not usually a successful effort. When death comes it is a ready or not situation for most people. There are those who live close to death for a time and come to realize this is inevitable. Some welcome him. Some resist until the end. They will not go gently. I do not invite death or welcome her at this stage of my life. Feeling very blessed with the people and opportunities I have keeps me wanting more of life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoIebIKNS4s

An ending is necessary for another beginning. Chaos and destruction clear the way for order and construction. Death is part of that cycle. Not only our bodies die. Hopes and dreams die. Hatred and bitterness die too. If this didn't happen we could get stuck in a rut, going deeper and deeper on the road to nowhere. The death of a lifestyle can seem devastating at first...it's supposed to be. Later, a new way of life can prove to be the best thing for you. Death has done you a big favor, though, at the time it didn't feel that way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAs4L9AKUKk

I've been attracted to dark things as long as I can remember. I love Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, vampires, zombies, werewolves and haunted houses. Death fascinates me because there is a finality and yet an unknown element of a netherworld. Today is Winter Solstice or Yule, the shortest day and longest night. The burning of the yule log symbolizes the first fire of a new beginning. The sun will now grow in strength again. An end and a beginning celebrated for centuries...death of the old, birth of the new.

I'm going with the flow with Death too. After all, do I really have a choice? It's been a year of death for me on different levels. My foundation crumbled and turned to sand in an hour glass. I did the free fall for a while. Then I landed on my feet, a tad wobbly, but still standing. The future, though uncertain, is looking good. Death is death, always there busy taking care of business. That's as it should be. I'll be taking care of business too, enjoying the rocky road. Until we meet at that fork in the road that takes me to the next level, I'll give Death her due and appreciate all I have in this life. I'm quite healthy, not so wealthy and getting wiser by the year.

pic~dia de los muertos~oaxaca 2009

videos~o brother, where art thou? good one!

There's A Turkey In My Freezer

When I left work Wednesday evening I received a frozen twelve pound turkey, courtesy of one of the doctors in our office. I didn't realize I would be the recipient of said fowl, so I was slightly taken aback for the moment. What was I going to do with this bird? My oven has been out of commission since March and I don't see a new stove in my crystal ball. Yes, I have one. Thanksgiving dinner was being prepared by my brother and sister-in-law. My contribution was the wine. I plopped the gobbler in the backseat. As I drove home it occurred to me many people close to me are out of work or have been this year. I knew who tom turkey was going to feed. My blessings are many and though I constantly whine about my job, I am happy to have it. Never in my memory have so many people I know been unemployed for long periods of time. Everyone has scaled down almost everything they do. This is the holiday season. It is a double edged sword, opening wounds old and new. It is a festive time, whatever holiday you celebrate. This year people are more subdued. There is a serious undercurrent holding us back. The unsettled feeling that we haven't bottom out quite yet. Life does go on and we hang on for the ride. Sometimes, when there are less frills, you begin to see other things in a different light. It becomes clear what really is valuable. Your family, friends and health are the things to treasure. We all have each of those to a greater or lesser degree. This year will be odd for me. More changes. At first, I resisted, but now I realize it really is futile. I'm going with the flow...again. New things are on the horizon. It's looking brighter at the end of that crazy tunnel. So off I go, turkey in tow, heading for more change and actually, nervously, looking forward to it.

pic~natalie & ian thanksgiving 2009...sooo cute!

Lost and Found

We are all products of our life experiences. Our perception is naturally filtered by memories of things real or imagined that happened as we wander life's pathways. I have noticed people will confide very personal information, at times much more than I care to know. There is a certain intimacy and trust between a health care provider and patient. When I have been a patient I recognize the vulnerability I feel, so I get it.

People have confided mind-boggling information to me over the years. Infidelity, alien abduction and cannibalism are on the list. I call it the confessional effect. They may or may not see me again. If they do, it will probably be quite a while between visits. I am a stranger, but we are in a personal relationship for a very short time. Some see you as a captive audience and will try to cram their life history into the minutes you are together. Others are just compelled to blurt out a story that must go 'round and 'round in their brain. I have even had a couple of patients kiss me smack on my mouth. Yuck! 'I just wanted to thank you'. No, you wanted to be a perv. You never know what's going through a person's mind. The room is quiet while I image their heart. The light is low so I can see the computer screen. Minds wander. Best you don't know that itinerary.

Back in the 80's I worked as a supervisor in a large medical center. Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology were separate departments, but our isotopes were stored in a common hot lab. I met Julie when she worked in Nuclear Cardiology. Every morning we would prepare for the day, discussing life and love, the usual small talk. One morning she ran in waving her left hand. A celestial blue sapphire glistened in the fluorescent light. The surrounding diamonds completed the tiny universe on her finger. She danced around the lab in delight. 'I designed it myself...' and proceeded to tell me about the proposal, the wedding plans and how many children they wanted. Cloud nine! We worked together for about a year after that. We soon lost touch. When I started a new job years later one of my first patients was Julie's dad, who had a background in nuclear medicine. I would ask for Julie and we would chat for a while.

When the Twin Towers were destroyed the list of people killed and missing was posted on a daily basis. The acrid smell of dust and death hung in the air for a week. There was that morbid compulsion to check that list every day. We knew of losses in the community. Most households were touched by death and disbelief. Then I saw Julie's name. We had not spoken to one another for many years, but I spoke to her dad not more than a month before that abomination.

The following year her dad came in for testing. We looked at one another. I told him I was sorry. He nodded, then we morphed into the same conversation we had every year about half-lives of isotopes and detection devices. That and the care of roses constitutes our yearly conversation to this day.

Two years after that Julie's dad and mom came in for tests. When her mother came into the room I could see her watching me work out of the corner of her eye. I thought I should say something. I told her I was so sorry. Then I told her I remembered how happy Julie was the day she came in wearing her sapphire engagement ring. Her mom was silent for a moment. Then she said 'They never found that ring. They never found Julie. We had a memorial service for her. Two weeks ago they called to say they found something of Julie's. A bone fragment. I cannot do this. I cannot keep burying my daughter. I told my husband not to tell me anything else. Nothing." I said I was sorry, so sorry. She shook her head. We finished the procedure. I took her hand and helped her sit up. She held my hand. She said 'Please don't take this the wrong way. It's just that I can't stand to look at you.' I knew instantly what she was telling me. I have a daughter, too. When she looked at me, how could she not wonder what Julie would be doing?

I helped her to her feet, feeling a strange bond which is difficult to explain.

They come back to our office to test their hearts each year, though their hearts have been through a test no heart should have. Her dad comes to me for his test, her mom goes to the other room. They came in yesterday. I saw her watching me out of the corner of her eye.

White Noise

Traffic has been brisk on my little corner of the world. Ambulance sirens mingling with rumbling fire engines and the random roar of the bikers across the way have kept the decibel level high since last night. When the air is just so and the moon is at a certain phase I can hear the Long Island Rail Road's plaintive train whistle. It was one of those nights when all the sound effects mingled into a kind of white noise phenomena. It became quiet, so quiet that it was eerie. I was working on my vampire tale, which I had neglected while soaking in mezcal and cerveza in Oaxaca. Usually, I get right in the groove. It's like a movie is running in my head. I can hear the dialogue and visualize the quick, the dead and the undead plotting and scheming as they enact my story. Not happening last night, not at all.

It was a windy night for a walk, but it felt cool and invigorating. Wet leaves were a slippery carpet. The smell of autumn in New York became those damp leaves and the scent of pepperoni pizza hot out of the oven at Marcella's. Strolling down Union Turnpike, heading for home, I realized the vampires would not be joining me on my return. I'm still distracted, in a good way, by creating assemblage pieces inspired by poetry or excerpts from books. It was back to the drawing board.

I'm working on a piece based on the poem 'Kingman Run' by Scott Wannberg. 'Tonight, Maybe...' also written by Scott, was my inspiration for my Oaxaca workshop piece, which I love. 'Kingman Run' is about love and loss. It's one of the most beautiful poems I know. The sketches are done. The parts are being collected and connected. It's small, like a precious jewel. I hope I can make it shine.

Meandering Home From Oaxaca

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Nov 9th, 2009 -- You are uncharacteristically shy this weekend or, at least, less open with people you don't know very well. Seeking the safety of close friends allows you to socialize without the pressure to impress anyone. Escaping to a quiet place with a sensitive individual allows you to show your vulnerability, which will only make you even more desirable.

A quiet place sounds lovely! Vacations are great. All that eating, drinking and making merry is good for the soul. Oaxaca is a magical place, especially during Dia de los Muertos. Spirituality combined with fiesta equals the best of both worlds. Homecoming is welcome though. It was good to have a bit of time to wind down and get back in the groove, hopefully, not the rut.

Things seem calm here at the moment, but I sense it's that before the storm deal. I'll enjoy it while it lasts. The holidays, or horrordays as a friend of mine describes them, are looming on the horizon. The Floridians will be here for Thanksgiving. It will be wonderful to see them again!

This will be the first Christmas I spend away from my daughter since she was born. It will seem odd, but life can get much stranger than that. This has been a year of letting go. Some say that makes room for more in your life. I'll get back to you on that one.

Mitla Cemetery~Dia de los Muertos~Oaxaca 2009

The Black Madonna and The White Car

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Sep 21st, 2009 -- You may be held accountable for every word you say this weekend, which can put a crimp into your social game. Yet being more circumspect demonstrates your maturity and commitment to maintaining harmony. Since one careless comment can put a chill in the air, think twice before openly expressing what's on your mind.

Hmm, this may make our Pictionary Tournament a bit more challenging next weekend. Yes, it's game night and the sky's the limit. Due to a previous dance injury, Twister is out for active participation, but I will be happy to referee. Oh, but wait. I may put a chill in the air by expressing my opinion. Maybe I'll just hone my Pictionary skills by doodling on napkins while my compadres twist the night away. That will demonstrate some level of maturity I should think. This may put a crimp in my social game.

Sometimes I take myself too seriously. It happened again yesterday. We were going to visit the shrine of the Black Madonna of Poland, Our Lady of Czestochowa, in scenic Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It's about a two and a half hour drive from Queens. Helen was doing the driving, for as my friends and family know, driving is not my thing. Yes, I have a car. It's a 1988 Dodge Shadow with under 35,000 miles on it. 'Nuff said. Usually I'm ok rolling along the highway, but yesterday I had this feeling before we left that there would be an accident with a serious injury.

Not us, but somehow we might need to pull over and assist in some way. The thought passed through my mind and left. We had a quiet uneventful drive, in fact we made good time. The weather was custom made for strolling. The sun was warm, the air was cool with a sky that was pristine blue. The tiny red chapel looked like something from a fairy tale with a small ebony spire reaching for that cloudless sky. As we opened the door, darkness enveloped us until our eyes adjusted to the prismed light from the stained glass windows. Our Lady gazed at us from her portrait, surrounded by sweet roses, pink orchids and rainbow shades of chrysanthemums. No one else was visiting at that moment. There is a certain energy at sacred sites that attracts the human soul. The religion or denomination is irrelevant. This is an ancient universal source that channels itself through different venues be that magnetic fields, sacred wells and waters, stone formations or even timeless groves of trees. That's the energy we could feel in the womb like semidarkness of that chapel. It was nurturing and invigorating simultaneously. It is a blessing in the true sense of the word. As we left the soft light and opened the door to the radiant sunshine we gazed upon acres of tombstones, mementos of lives lived. It certainly put things in perspective.

On our way home we experienced the joy of maneuvering through the Lincoln Tunnel and downtown Manhattan by car on a Saturday night. Did I mention the San Genaro festival? Oh, for a cannoli. That took just about as long as the drive from Pennsylvania. While crawling through the tunnel I had that image of an accident float into my brain. In fact, it dallied there while we were having lunch, but I just ignored it. I never mentioned it. From past experience I have found if these events do transpire people tend to hold the seer accountable in some way. If it's just an anxiety thing, whatever. Now, Helen is not one who would hold me accountable. On the contrary, she might be slightly alarmed. My point is, what's the difference if I show or tell? Fuggetaboutit...

At last we were on the final leg of the return, even exceeding 30MPH on the parkway when, you guessed it, traffic slowed and we were merging left.

I heard Helen say 'This must have just happened, there's glass all over the road."

As we inched by I looked to my right. A young guy in a baseball cap was frantically running from the scene, his expression anguished. He ran toward a group of people who had stopped to help.

On the side of the road a white car was completely overturned, four whees in the air, it's top accordioned into the elevated chassis. I saw no one lying next to the vehicle. The ambulances had not arrived. We inched along a few more feet and traffic started to move. We picked up speed. I was home in no time at all. Helen drove into the night with one last wave.

When I got into my apartment I couldn't shake a sadness. Accidents happen all the time. I live at a very accident-prone intersection. Squealing breaks, screeching tires and the stomach wrenching crunching impacts are no strangers to me. I've called many a 911. For some reason that poor kid running for help and the soul or souls in that white car got to me. My brain understands this might have nothing to do with those annoying flashes of images but my heart mourns for all at that tragic site.

Yes, I had a glass of wine or two while I pondered my reaction. It was then I concluded I was taking myself too seriously. In the light of a new day I still concur. It feels good to agree with myself. I've had these dreams and impressions as long as I can remember. Some other members of my family do too. I'll bet you have similar experiences once in a blue moon. I think it's natural. I doubt I'll ever know what to do about it. I leave that to the Black Madonna, Isis, Kali and the pantheon of deities who make up our universe. It's in good hands

Pluto Direct

He's baaack! Pluto has been retrograde for the past five months. Today he's on the direct path.

This brings secrets to the light. Hidden motives or misdeeds will float to the surface of your cosmic pond. That little light that shines will expose those naughty things swept under the rug.

The candle in the window will illuminate that dark corner where unfinished business is piling up to the ceiling.

All this psychic detritus has been accumulating, just waiting for Pluto's return. This is a great time for new starts, getting the project off the ground or cleaning house, be that physical or emotional. This is the time to look in the mirror and get honest with yourself. Despite old Mercury's backward motion, Pluto will help you see that light at the end of the tunnel. After all, he lives in that tunnel and knows all the in's and out's. Now's the time he's feeling generous. He will share some of his knowledge and let you in on solutions for illusions.

All you need do is open your eyes and see. Pull the veil of excuses from your weary head. It's way to heavy to wear these days. Feeling overwhelmed? That's all right. Now take a deep breath and let it out. Ok, one more breath. Now, things don't look that bad, right. Pluto, smirking from the underworld, is on your side today. Dig in and start sorting or writing or whatever it is you've been 'waiting for later' to do. You will find, despite Mercury's best efforts, you will move forward. It's true, we may have to go to some dark dark places. Only a glimmer of flickering light guides us at first.

Then, as we plod along the path the light becomes brighter, more steady. There are less brambles and gnarly roots to trip us and make us stumble. Or are they just easier to avoid because our eyes are truly open this time around? It's still difficult to see the end of the path. There are quite a few twists and turns yet to come. Hey, that's what makes this journey interesting. Pluto may actually be smiling at this point. You've come a long way, baby! You know how it is on the road less traveled.

You may be a bit muddied. Perhaps a bruise and a few scratches here and there. It comes with the territory of exploring your options. There is a time for rest and a time to persevere and continue even when you ache. You will accomplish amazing things this time. I hear Pluto is feeling very generous to those who compete in his version of a reality show. You will find rewards beyond measure. They come from your heart and soul.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Dark Tunnel produced by the Lord of the Underworld. It's sure to be spellbinding.

Mercury Retrograde

Stopped by the Silver Moon diner last night. Sat in my favorite booth so I could watch the Q46 disgorge her passengers and continue the roll down Union Turnpike to Kew Gardens. That's the beginning of the line. The Silver Moon is the end of the line. This is true in more than one way. When we were kids the urban legend of the neighborhood was that all the escapees from Creedmore, the state mental hospital in the area, would board the Q46 after climbing down the bedsheets and ride it to the last stop. If they headed west it was Kew Gardens and the NYC subway station, their subterranean escape route. If they mistakenly headed east they would ride to the last stop, the Silver Moon diner. We did have a few Creedmorians back in the day. One gentleman removed all his clothes because he was certain he could fly without their encumbrance. What he did accomplish was having Mrs. Licausi seventy-five year old mother take flight after encountering his naked self in her backyard while she was hanging laundry. She attended mass on a daily basis after that incident, convinced the devil incarnate had tried to drag her to the bowels of hell. Nature boy was so shocked by her screams he willingly returned to Creedmore telling the police she was a very scary woman. It's all relative.

I'm sure this took place while Mercury was traveling retrograde. Many misunderstandings occur during this astrological time frame. Usually Mercury is retrograde three times a year. This year it happens four times. I'm not surprised. It's been quite the upside down year.

I just bumped into one of the neighborhood bikers. Well, not literally. He's back in town early proclaiming summer to be done. The boys are thinking of wintering in Florida after the hurricane season. Maybe they're getting older. I didn't bring that subject up during the conversation. In fact, I try not to bring that subject up at any time these days. With Mercury retrograde no good would come of it.

Even my horoscope for next week contains a warning I intend to heed.

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Sep 7th, 2009 -- You love adventure and freedom, and you may get a bit of both on Friday. But then it's time to pack up the toys, put away your big dreams and settle down into a cozier and quieter scene for the rest of the weekend. Be careful about what you say to a sensitive person since a careless word or two can trigger a relationship explosion.

Fair warning about careless words. Mercury goes retrograde again tomorrow. That can lead to communication snafus. I don't even need Mercury's assistance to do that, although this can put salt in any wound I inadvertently inflict. My awareness is raised, my radar activated. Woe to the unsuspecting sensitive people I know.

Saturday I will be with family and friends celebrating my sister(in-law's) birthday. I will be very discreet. Really ;) It will be good to see everyone again. Here's hoping we all feel that way after the festivities. Oh Mercury, you old trickster!

Not A Ghost Of A Chance

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Aug 31st, 2009 -- You always strive to do your best to be sensitive when it comes to matters of the heart. But there are times like this weekend when it's hard not to trigger strong reactions in others. While it's wise to speak softly and act with self-restraint, it may be impossible to maintain the peace. Be nice and move on. It's not your fault if others can't take the heat.

So there! It's not my fault. Well, we all know where the blame game goes...nowhere good. Usually all parties have done their fair share of good and not so good. Besides, I need my energy for haunted houses. Today I did some exploring and some constructing. It's been a good day!

I'm working on a haunted house project. Altering things to make them spooky is right up my alley. I couldn't resist. As inspiration I took a walk to an old farmhouse that has a ghost or two in residence. I've been visiting that house for over twenty years and things are usually calm and quiet. One rainy day my daughter and I wandered to the farm for a classic car show. The raindrops and shiny cars were wonderful photo ops and I got some great pictures with my trusty Nikon SLR. Then we went into the farmhouse for a tour...and to get out of the rain. We may have been the only ones walking through at the time. When I went to take some pictures my camera's flash kept failing.

I adjusted the settings a bit and took a few more pictures. The lighting was low. It was getting late. We headed home. Next day I had the film developed. The cars and reflections were awesome. I was quite pleased. Then I came to the indoor shots. They were very subdued, having an almost old fashioned look. In each picture strange lights emanated from no visible source. I recognized that phenomena. There was some other energy in the farmhouse. This was particularly visible in the kitchen and the living room. Those are the two rooms my daughter and her friend told me they saw old fashioned ladies from time to time. Volunteers do don period dress on occasion, but these were not those occasions. Children are innocent. They see something, they tell you what they see.

I have always felt peaceful and at home at the farm and in the farmhouse. So have my daughter and her friends, who are all quite grown up now. It's no coincidence that my daughter brought her new daughter to the farm on Pow Wow night. Any spirits who may be at the farm seem most beneficent. They seem to be at peace. So on this late summer night as the crickets sing their song, I end my ghost story. Not scared? Well, that's the last thing our ladies would want!

Jingle dancers~no, they're not ghosts :)

Summer In The City

The Moon in your sign on Friday should lift your spirits. Yet stern Saturn's lurking nearby to hold you accountable for your actions. A serious re-evaluation of your assets can make the rest of the weekend worthwhile even if it's not a lot of fun. Do the hard work of dealing with tough issues now and better times are sure to follow.

That's good advice. Better times always follow, usually not soon enough for us. We can wax philosophical but let's face it, we want better times all the time. It's quite natural to desire this. As we all know, life is way too crazy for that.

There was a lot of rough water in the great ocean of life this past week. Here in New York we've been having a heat wave, thunderstorms and all. Then there's Hurricane Bill churning up eighteen foot waves. That's great for surfers, but it creates deadly riptides. Those riptides have been devastating for many people trying to navigate life's summer seas. Downright treacherous to some. Others are knocked into uncharted waters, barely able to recognize a familiar landmark, they flounder. This unfamiliar territory may be a blessing. It may be a place to shake off the toxic residue clinging to their spirit. Perhaps the people in this new place are nurturing and uplifting. Living with endless negativity destroys the soul. Constant threats and innuendos erode confidence and good humor. This new place, though uncharted, may be a safe port. It may be a place to heal that wounded spirit and to grow in a more joyful natural direction.

I have been whining about the heat and humidity, I confess. There is respite in any air conditioned room or building. It's quite a simple and direct solution to an unavoidable situation.

Sometimes things come out of the blue and we cannot see a simple solution. That's the time to stop. Do nothing. Wait. Listen to the universe. The answer is there. It's not easy to quiet your mind when you are reeling, but when you can a whole new world is at your disposal. Nature has a way of balancing itself. That goes for human nature, too. Karma is cool, very cool. I'm all for spending very little energy on those who have wronged me and mine. I like to channel some good energy in a positive direction and then let it rip! Now, it's out of my hands and into the universe. I can go about my business getting back on my feet again and taking some baby steps. After all, if I find myself in new territory it's time for some exploring. The natives seem friendly and most helpful. New York is an amazing place, steamy or not.

Then there is the healing change of scene therapy. I do believe we're heading south of the border soon. Oaxaca, isn't it? Dia de los Muertos is all about transformation and spiritual healing. Perfect timing.

Angel in Oaxaca

Fussin' About Elvis

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Aug 17th, 2009 -- Friday's fussy, but Saturday and Sunday can be your friends this weekend. Listen to the advice of a person you trust who is able to get you back in balance if you've lost your cool, fallen into despair or given up on a relationship. Healing may not happen over night, but having a more objective perspective will get you on the right track.

Heard on the news Elvis died thirty-two years ago today. The good news is the radio station I listen to is playing so much of his music. No, I'm not going there. The past usually repeats itself. Enough said. It was such a pleasure to listen to him. I've been a fan of his almost since I can remember. Part of the magic of music is it's ability to transport us back to a memory, kind of an aural time travel device. Right up my alley.

I've been writing about time lately. At some stages of life you have a sense of timelessness. As your personal time goes on you hear the clock ticking louder for one reason or another. This is a good thing. It reminds us to live. It's not necessary to do wild and crazy things. If you've been meaning to I would suggest getting a move on your next adventure. If you've been there, done that there is still the miracle of everyday living we all take for granted. What a foolish thing to do. What is more precious than everyday? Those are the things you will remember in more detail than some of the big occasions you think you will be celebrating. The mind is funny that way.

You may remember sitting having a cup of tea with someone dear. Maybe a spontaneous drive to the beach on a steamy summer morning. Everyone piling into a VW bus after making baloney sandwiches and Kool-Aid for the trip, laughing and horsing around all the way. How about watching a babe take his first steps? That expression of apprehension, then glee is amazing.

Catching fireflies on a summer evening and realizing how fragile and beautiful they are is a gift.

Snow forts and snowball fights were best at night. Chasing mosquitoes in the middle of the night (sorry Jane! I know I'm compulsive) until they were squashed was an obsession. Still is.

I haven't fallen into despair. Far from it, I feel invigorated and full of enthusiasm. Some great things are in the works. I'm also very blessed to have people I trust help me get back on my feet when I am off balance. It's good to hear the King and enjoy a few moments of nostalgia. Soon I'll be back to writing about vampires, parallel time and supernatural stuff. Maybe I can work Elvis into the storyline. If not I know his music will continue to inspire my memories and my imagination. Thank you. Thank you very much!

Hold On...I'm Buzzing

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
For the Week of Aug 10th, 2009 -- The Moon in your 7th House of Partnerships should provide all the stimulation you can handle this weekend. The challenge is to find some emotional ground upon which you can stand in the midst of whirling winds of change. Attractions flicker like candles that will be extinguished if either of you holds on too tightly.

General Weekly Love Horoscope Influences
Passion gets pumped up on Thursday after a cold beginning to the week. Maybe it's the frustration started earlier that encourages an adventurous spirit this weekend. Still, don't allow moments of magic to cut off your connection with common sense. Over-estimating someone is a fast track to disappointment, so maintain a bit of emotional balance.

Finding balance is a common theme today. Many of us have busy lives that we coordinate with family and friends' busy lives. We buzz around our hive-homes working to create a harmonious life. Our fellow hive members do the same in their own way. Sometimes there is so much buzzing and hovering we forget to take a break and appreciate one another.

I am blessed to have family and friends close by and to the north, south and west. Although I may not see all of them as frequently as I would like I hold them dear to my heart. I've been tidying up which is a major project for I am not tidy in any sense of the word. In my quest for some semblance of organization I periodically come across an old photo, birthday or holiday card or similar now faded relic. This results in a pause in tidying and a smile or tear. Then on to the next target of tidy with similar results. I just feel like giving everyone a big group hug! Some are starting new families, others are empty nesters and some are close to the end of their life's journey. Still, they are all vital members of the hive. Young and old, they are all sweet as honey to me.

Killer Beez ~ Villainess Soaps

Elliot & Kumar on a sleepover

A Mystique of Violence

"There is a hardly a nation on earth today that is not to some extent committed to a philosophy or to a mystique of violence. One way or other, whether on the left or on the right, whether in defense of a bloated establishment or of an impoverished guerrilla government in the jungle, whether in terms of a police state or in terms of a ghetto revolution, the human race is polarizing itself into camps armed with everything from Molotov cocktails to the most sophisticated technological instruments of death. At such a time, the doctrine that "war is the will of God" can be disastrous if it is not handled with extreme care. For everyone seems in practice to be thinking along some such lines with the exception of a few sensitive and well-meaning souls."—Thomas Merton (The Asian Journals, 1968)

In the U.S.A., at this time when at least an incremental step is being considered by Congress toward legally guaranteeing that all citizens have some form of health-care coverage, the pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies are spending record sums to advertise the benefits of the status-quo. This would be the same status-quo that has enriched insurance companies for many years while leaving millions of citizens young and old uninsured or cheated out out of the often unreliable and over-priced coverage that they might barely afford. The same status-quo that has allowed pharmaceutical companies, with the collusion of our government representatives (most of whom are heavily-lobbied and campaign-funded by these very companies), to make huge, unjustified profits. What does this massive surge in public relations spending by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies, to the tune of millions of dollars a day on all media advertising, tell you? Does it perhaps beg the question of why so many members of Congress are dragging their feet, trying to dilute and delay legislation until it amounts to a practically meaningless change in the national health care system? Does it explain the resistance from mainstream television and radio spokespeople to real change in the system, or the voice given to disreputable hack doctors and scientists that have suddenly been enlisted to resist this change? Does it throw some light on the motivations of extreme right-wing corporate shills like Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck, Medved (and too many of their clones to mention) in their efforts to vilify President Obama or anyone wanting to at least try to set up a slightly more equitable and efficient health care system in this country so that we might take another step toward becoming a civilised nation? V.M.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Is it part of this mystique of violence to deny health care to those least able to afford it? That will soon become most of us unless we take a big step in the right direction of health care reform now. I have worked as a health care professional for my entire working life. I have been a recipient of health care as a patient. The consensus of opinion among my coworkers and fellow patients is the same. We need health care reform now. VT

Editorial~Viggo Mortensen at Perceval Press

picture~warning on my gamma camera

Leaving a Trail of Bread Crumbs

For the Week of Aug 3rd, 2009 -- Romantic fantasies are fun, yet there's a chance that you could start to believe in them this weekend. The Moon in sensitive Pisces opens up your feelings but may shut down your brain. If you're going to follow your heart, protect yourself by leaving a trail of bread crumbs so you can find your way back home to reality.

If I'm relying on a trail of bread crumbs for protection my brain may have shut down already. It certainly didn't do Hansel and Gretel much good. Though, come to think of it, they did have a happy ending. Not so much for the witch, but karma and all...

Fantasies have their place in life. If you can't imagine something how can you manifest it? Living in a fantasy is a way of life for some. They become quite indignant if reality injects itself into their world.

Real life is fine for me. If I want fantasy I write my vampire tales, read a good book or watch a movie. I do have an active imagination. It comes in handy after working a day in the real world. Creating art or writing is a great outlet. Some say my outlook is a bit dark, but there is much humor in the dark areas of imagination too.

I've been fascinated by the supernatural since childhood. Being raised Roman Catholic instilled a belief in the supernatural, as all religions do, I guess. We have saints in heaven, sinners in hell, Satan lusting for our souls, angels watching over us, demons trying to possess us and many crosses, scapulars and rosaries for our protection against harm. How about the prayer we said right before going to bed? "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless....every possible relative and friend is included." Sweet, isn't it? There is a natural progression to curiosity about other supernatural phenomena.

I do enjoy creating my alternate worlds where time lines may run parallel with other worldly beings being the norm. Who doesn't have a soft spot for a zombie...at a distance?

My grandmother had a collection of books which contained myths and fairy tales. I devoured them when I stayed at her house. The first book I proudly got from the library at age six was Norse Mythology. Thanks Nana! I was blessed to be surrounded by book lovers and storytellers. It was and is a natural way of life for me and mine. My daughter is a voracious reader who still tells people I read The Hobbit to her at bedtime when she was knee high to a grasshopper. Children love ritual. It is a comfort for them to have the familiar routine ease them into sleep. We would read a story, make up a story, usually about adventures with her friends and sing songs. One summer night I was joined in a refrain of The Muffin Man by three adolescent boys outside in our community yard. They ran away laughing when I peeked out the window, but I think it brought back memories of their not so distant babyhood. We all remember being tucked into our bed. She looks forward to doing the same for her daughter.

So, I'll settle down for the evening. Writing a scene about a steampunkian vampire timekeeper explaining time travel to a shape shifter should be fun and fulfilling. Of course, I will be wearing my St. Theresa scapular which say "Whoever dies wearing this scapular shall not suffer the eternal fire~Our Lady's scapular promise." It's all about that ounce of prevention.

Cross~Oaxaca 2008~Josefina Aguilar~now in my home sweet home :)

Dancing Under the Crescent Moon

General Weekly Love Horoscope Influences
Feelings grow tender this weekend as loving Venus enters emotional Cancer on Friday. It's hard not to take things personally and, perhaps, be a bit less trusting than usual. It's tempting to dig into old wounds, but that's only helpful if you are committed to healing and finally letting go of the past.

Eeeeewww! Not digging into anything, thank you!

Is less trusting possible? I guess. So I have issues. Who doesn't? Please, don't take it personally. I'm still feeling so peaceful since attending the Pow Wow. It's always such a positive experience. Christine has been to the Pow Wow since she was a baby. It was so beautiful to see her there with her own little girl. So many familiar faces danced by in the circle around the bonfire. I felt all warm and fuzzy.

Dancing Under the Crescent Moon

Soft clouds envelop the moon, releasing

the pale crescent as the wind gives chase,

dappling moonlight on the sacred circle.

We come to dance around the fire once

again, meeting old friends and new

souls, joined in a joyful celebration of life.

Renewed hopes and cherished dreams still

bind us as one under the summer constellations.

The hunter and the archer make way for

the ladies of summer as they rock in the darkness.

Drums and singing fill the night air as

we weave around the golden fire, snaking

our way to eternity and yet another summer.

The spirits smile and join the dance.

Spontaneous free form :)

Jingle dancer

Time Travel & Tea

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Jul 20th, 2009 -- You love your freedom more than most, but could find yourself trying to manage everyone else this weekend instead of having a good time. Yes, you're a great friend or partner for maintaining sanity and protecting those you love. But if you're looking to play without worries, it's wise to avoid crowds or groups and seek out a quiet place with one easygoing individual.


Hmm. The Pow Wow next weekend should be interesting if that's the case. Who knows what the dynamic will be? Still, this is advice I will seriously consider. I will behave :) It's so worth it!


General Weekly Love Horoscope Influences
The week gets off to a somber and slippery start, which is not the ideal foundation for relationship bliss. The weekend, unfortunately, is hardly much better. While new adventures are possible, try to stay calm when circumstances change unexpectedly. Normalcy will return...eventually.





Hah! Normalcy. What's that anyway? I work with radioactive material, stress hearts both at work and home, and write about vampires. That is my normal. I'm quite comfortable with it.

Each of us has their own definition of normalcy, I'm sure. The important thing is that it's the right fit for you. If others choose to judge you that is their prerogative, as the song goes. It's such a waste of time and energy, though. Each day is so precious. The way you spend your time is sometimes defined by the reality of earning a living, caring for others or circumstances 'out of your control.' That control thing can be a sticky wicket. I've found control to be an illusion for the most part. We have far more control over our lives than most of us choose to admit. If we did admit that fact we would then need to take responsibility for controlling our life, our destiny.



In my second book I deal with this in a roundabout way. The characters, mortal and not mortal, have an opportunity to go back in time and possibly change the outcome of a pivotal event in their life. Would you or wouldn't you change something in your past? I drag string theory and brane theory into play, so I give my characters some leeway. Would you choose to keep your life on track or would you choose another path at an earlier crossroad? I think about these things from time to time.



At this point in my life, knowing what I know and having done what I've done, I would not change a thing in my past. The good, the bad and the ugly have combined to make my life what it is now. I'm liking where I am. Right now I'm feeling restless, kind of unsettled. Part of my journey is complete. A new road is most appealing. This is not to say what I have isn't enough. I am blessed beyond measure with my family and friends. You just never stop growing in different ways. The spirit reaches out for the source of it's energy. It is a wonderful feeling to know there is not enough time for everything you could do in one lifetime. That gives impetus to learn and experience as much as possible while you're able. My characters get to time travel or live for hundreds or thousands of years. I get a kick out of that. Sometimes, it's not all it's cracked up to be. Me, I'll keep on keepin' on as long as I can. I heard a famous romance novelist used to lie on her chaise and dictate her very successful novels while sipping tea and eating bon bons. Nah! Not really my style, but when the time comes to retire my walking boots I may consider it. Maybe sipping Long Island Iced Tea though.







brane=membrane
Astrology~tarot.com

picture~work, yes...

Another Reason Why I Don't Keep A Gun In The House

Another Reason Why I Don't Keep A Gun In The House

The neighbor's dog will not stop barking

He is barking the same high, rhythmic bark

that he barks every time they leave the house.

They must switch him on on their way out.

The neighbor's dog will not stop barking.

I close all the windows in the house

and put on a Beethoven symphony full blast

but I can still hear him muffled under the music,

barking, barking, barking.

and now I can see him sitting in the orchestra,

his head raised confidently as if Beethoven

had included a part for a barking dog.

When the record finally ends he is still barking,

sitting there in the oboe section barking,

his eyes fixed on the conductor who is

entreating him with his baton

while the other musicians listen in respectful

silence to the famous barking dog solo,

that endless coda that first established

Beethoven as an innovative genius.

~Billy Collins

with permission from Perceval Press :)

photo~on the job...peaceful, isn't it?

Addicted to Looking for Love

As the entire planet is aware, Michael Jackson died suddenly this week. People in almost every country reacted emotionally with tears or by celebrating his life with song and dance. It seems his family and closest friends and confidants were saddened but not shocked by his passing. Tragically, it seems that Michael continued to search for love that eluded him despite the adulation bestowed upon him by millions of fans. He surrounded himself with people who told him what he wanted to hear. His dearest friends, who would tell him the truth, were shut out for the most part.

Most of us only hear what we choose to and believe what we want to believe. We all create our own reality. When that reality becomes toxic or pathological there may be a little voice inside us that whispers, then screams "Enough!!" The choice to heed or ignore that voice belongs to the individual.

Maybe you have been in a situation where it benefits others to keep you in a precarious state. Perhaps you have been the one who keeps another in an emotionally debilitated state to fill your own need. This is the world of the enabler. It is a shameful despicable place to reside.

I do not know the cause of Michael Jackson's death at this point in time. Sources say he had been receiving Demerol injections for pain on a daily basis. If that is true, it is probably criminal. It is a moot point, though. I'm sure that is the least of it. The sycophants and enablers that surrounded Michael reinforced his insistence on medicating himself. It gave them access to him, while his genuine friends could only hope and pray from a distance. This is an all too familiar celebrity scenario. Perhaps prosecuting those individuals to the full extent of the law will send a message to others doing the same. Sadly, I doubt it. Fame and fortune attract the jackals.

We all channel divinity. We are from the same universal energy. Some have an incredible link to that energy, that divinity. We call them geniuses. Whether exploring the stars or becoming a rock star they take us beyond the mundane limits. We are transported to another dimension by sharing the magical energy. Michael Jackson was a genius, no doubt, and will continue to take us higher with his music and incredible videos.

I listened to interviews with Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy and Deepak Chopra, all of whom knew Michael Jackson for many years. They were devastated by his death. Even his family lawyer was so furious he vowed to expose 'the truth'. I wonder what good this will do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roRcIoO1iQY

Last year I had a discussion with a dear man who lost a loved one to suicide as have I. I said how sad it was. He agreed and then he said "You do know some people don't want to be saved. He was determined to end his life on this earth and he finally did. I hope he has the peace he never had here. I don't feel guilt or sadness or even anger at him. He did what he had to do."

You may argue that Michael Jackson did not commit suicide. True, he did not take his own life, but each day he played Russian Roulette with it. I don't know, it is tragic.

I do agree with those who say he will live in his music. That is an amazing inheritance he left the world and we are in a much better place for it. He was a boy-man as Paul McCartney said. We could never love him enough. He never could love himself. I hope he watches from out there and sees and feels the love the world has for him. Prayers for his family and friends who loved him beyond words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrXi70KmXgQ

Deepak Chopra on Michael Jackson

The Love You Save~haunting lyrics today

Dia de los Muertos, Oaxaca, Mexico 2008

Restraint Is A Good Thing?

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Jun 22nd, 2009 -- Your easygoing attitude might not go over so well on Friday night. There's some picky people around you who may not appreciate your outrageous sense of humor. Have fun, of course, but a little self-restraint will probably cast you in a better light. Look for a friend to help you make a new connection or provide a dose of common sense to cool you off.*



Yes, those picky people do have attitude. Well, that's all right. After all, I do find many things amusing, even picky people. Perhaps I should hang with the Capricorns I know. They usually display a good deal of common sense. The trouble is I'm not feeling very restrained. In fact I could say I'm downright rambunctious at the moment.



I have a lot on my plate right now. It's mostly good stuff so I'm very psyched and feeling good. As per usual my problem is focus, but I'm getting better at setting priorities. My book is almost complete. I do love my vampires so it's difficult to end their story. The solution is a second and third book. Yay! There are other things I'd like to write about like Ice Maidens and androids (not the same story :) but for now I'll stay with the undead.



Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca should be wonderful. Mr. deMeng is teaching some doll making in the deMengian tradition. I'm thinking creepy funky and very cool. Bee Woman makes jewelry and I do multi-media stuff so doll making is a new venue. It's great to work out of your comfort zone, though I must say things are very comfortable in Oaxaca. I dream of having a studio there where I could work outside in a garden setting. You never know...



Right now I'm working on some paper dolls for an AlphaStamps exchange. Next, some Ancestor ATCs for a Red Lead exchange. Then, oh happy day, charms for a Floral/Leaf exchange at AlphaStamps. I love making charms and Leslie over at http://www.alphastamps.com/ has amazing metal, shell and sparkly things for them as well as a treasure chest of other goodies.

I've made a few sketches for a Tarot deck, but that's on the back burner until the book is published and I'm holding a copy in my hand. It will be my reward for turning the vampires loose on society. Please, not all of them are pure evil...just a few. Maybe a whole bunch, but is that so different from our 'real' world? Not so much.



Yes, I do write too. It's good to keep those creative juices flowing. Just to keep myself in check and maintain an easy going but inoffensive attitude I resorted to shoe therapy today. Found a very shiny red slingback and a bronze metallic closed toe sandal. This may mean nothing to you, but to a Sister of Imelda it is a very good thing. Now I will give away two pair to charity. Otherwise I would probably need a shoe room which would be deliciously decadent, but not in keeping with my new 'keep it simple' lifestyle. At the moment it is still a work in progress. I'll let you know how that goes.

Hope you all are enjoying the Summer Solstice. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!


*Thanks http://www.tarot.com/
Chipboard doll of Leslie from AlphaStamps

In The Moment

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Jun 15th, 2009 -- Being of service to others might not sound like your idea of having a good time this weekend but it still can work to your advantage. If you have a job to do, it might be more fun than you might expect. And, if you're just helping out someone, there's a chance that what starts out as a chore could turn into your kind of party.

Just finished reading Excuses Begone! by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I love reading, listening to and/or watching Dr. Dyer because he's always delivers such a positive message. No coincidence he suggests being of service to others is the key to happiness and wholeness. Obviously, it's in the stars for me. It's no secret though. All the things people do for me, whether large or small acts, make me feel better in some way. The reverse is true. Something as simple as a smile can change a moment from tense to calm and cool.

Just the same, I am feeling a bit tense today. Maybe I need a smile...maybe a scotch. Though I get the concept of living in the now my old worry habit is hard to break. When it comes to family and friends it's difficult to accept the now thing. I am working on this.

I finished these mini assemblage refrigerator magnets for a swap over at AlphaStamps. For some reason I chose black and white birds as a theme. I like the way they turned out. Yes, I'm addicted to glitter of all textures and colors. German scrap too...metallic, rainbow colors and all those cute birds and flowers...oops! I digress. Problem is the magnets are hard to photograph so I used another bird photo for this post. It kind of sums up how I'm feeling at the moment. Not to worry though. According to Dr. Wayne I'll be my carefree jovial self any minute.

Pic~thanks Patti at tuscanrose.com

Some People

Some People


some people never go crazy.

me, sometimes I'll lie down behind the couch

for 3 or 4 days.

they'll find me there.

it's Cherub, they'll say, and

they pour wine down my throat

rub my chest

sprinkle me with oils.



~Charles Bukowski



Thanks Perceval Press, yeah...

Full Moon & Roses

Spent time collecting rose petals in the garden today. I'll be trying my hand at making beads from the petals. Seems pretty straightforward...pick petals, dice 'em up, heat with some water, heat again next day, heat again next day and voila! Rose paste for forming beads. Let you know how that works :) It was a lovely day to be outdoors. Sunny, warm and breezy...about 80' It's supposed to rain again for the rest of the week, but the weekends have been beautiful.

I remember a vampire flick titled Blood and Roses. It was a contemporary tale about vampires returning after the war with the usual blood sucking, but there was a scene in a greenhouse with roses and thorns and finger pricks and fangs, anyway, it was very creepy to the teenage me. Despite that emotional trauma I still love roses and vampires.

I'm joining Horror Writer's of America, an organization that speaks for itself. They are a most supportive group and are very generous and encouraging to newbie me. My vampires are feeling most welcome. They may be the lightweights in this group of characters. Hoping they'll be seeing the light of day, so to speak, soon.

There's a Ken doll that's just aching to transform into a vampire, one of the scary flying ones from my book. I have a few ideas involving bats, wings and watch parts. Of course, I do have a Barbie that giggles and I'd love to turn her into a vampire just for spite but I'm not sure how that will work.

The full moon usually has it's way with me. I do get a little loony sometimes. That can work in my favor creatively. It is really ok to be a tad crazy once in a blue moon. Everyone is.

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Jun 8th, 2009 -- Sticking to a schedule might not be your strong point and could be especially difficult this weekend. Plans shift unexpectedly, promises are forgotten and facts are fuzzy. Pleasure arrives when you're spontaneous, so give yourself permission now to change your mind and adjust your course of action whenever you feel like it.

Yes, like I don't anyway. Well, the planets seem to be aligned for fuzziness so I may as well go with it.

Vampires aren't the only beings with sharp teeth. Ouch!

Heavy Metal

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Jun 1st, 2009 -- You may have to wait on the sidelines on Friday but the rest of the weekend should be excellent for getting lots of attention. The Moon entering your sign on Saturday puts you in the spotlight where you can let your enthusiastic personality shine. Playing hard, not hard to get, is a game that you are almost certain to enjoy now.

General Weekly Love Horoscope Influences
Slow down and enjoy the pleasures of the senses this weekend when alluring Venus enters earthy Taurus. The power of a good meal, sweet music or a tender touch can lift any one's spirits. There is so much of life to love and when you connect with that feeling it makes others want to connect with you.

Good news! Been invited to a Louisiana Craw Fish Boil, Long Island style, on Saturday. That's sure to be a good meal. So comforting to know the stars are smiling on the festivities. There's sure to be plenty of friendly people in fine spirits.

Things have been a bit topsy turvy here. It seems to have become the norm over the past year or so. Can't say that I'm getting used to it, but I certainly have become much more philosophical than pragmatic. I've decided to distract myself by trying something new. I signed up for an online doll making course given by Nancye Williams. The dolls are primitive and pretty. I'm thinking primitive and edgy once I get the hang of it. The basic doll making uses poly clay and wire. Think of the possibilities :)

I may take a metal embossing class too. I've done some embossing and really enjoy it. Learning a few new techniques will be fun. Mmmm, metal good.

Now, if there was just a class for turning your brain off for a little while...been dreaming about wisteria.

Metal~Oaxaca 2008

Walala Wa Sala

That roughly translates to 'you snooze, you lose'.

There is a raging thunderstorm rumbling by right now. Half an hour ago the sun was shining down on my little garden. Pam, a Jehovah's Witness stopped to ask for my daughter as I was planting marigolds along the edge of my tiny parcel of earth. They had many conversations before she moved to her own place. The lilies are up and growing. My bargain rosebush, with blooms the color of the best sunset you ever saw, is full of buds again for the fifth year. A couple of sparrows were so engaged in courtship they flew right into Pam. I'm not sure who was more surprised. We spoke of the joy of a garden. How people just stop to chat as you're poking the earth or pulling some weeds. A beautiful neighbor once came running across the street with two ice cream cones for me and Christine as we tended the flowers. Another neighbor asked permission to pick a bachelor's button for his lapel each morning. That was from the first garden I planted here. Just some wildflower seeds, but what a show! Crimson poppies, bright yellow sunflowers, lemon colored evening primroses and daisies in starched white bloomed all summer. Oh yes, and those sky blue bachelor buttons.

Although retired, he rose the same time each morning. Walking to the corner deli for his morning paper in sartorial splendor, he said he felt the boutonniere was the finishing touch. I'll say. He was the eyes of the neighborhood. I'm not sure when he slept. If there was someone suspicious near any one's car in the wee hours he would be on the phone with security. He was a delight to talk to whether working in the garden or shoveling snow. He and his wife were devoted to one another. She died about six months after he did. She told me her heart was broken and she would see him soon.

The point I mean to make is to appreciate each minute. A garden is a microcosm of life. When it's dormant in the winter we plan for the spring. Springtime brings green shoots from bulbs that overwintered. In fact, they need that chill, that dormancy to regenerate and bloom anew. Summer brings the lush life. Flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables at their peak of fragrance and flavor, just ripe for the picking. Autumn, my favorite season, makes preparation for the sleep of winter. The transition from growth to rest is celebrated 'round the world. On Halloween or Dia de los Muertos, the thin veil that separates the living and dead lifts for a day or two. We celebrate the memory of those we loved and feel them ever closer to us for a brief time. It reminds us to show love and appreciation for those we care for while we can.

The storm is over. The sun is shining through the clouds. Ozone makes the air smell clean and fresh. People are back out trying to salvage their barbecues. Thunder rolls in the distance, but it might just roll the other way. Thinking I need a new skull fence for the Goth garden. It will have to wait for the Halloween sales in the Fall. I think it has an old fashioned look about it.

So, I've Been A Little Cranky

General Weekly Love Horoscope Influences
There's a tendency to turn a small matter into a major deal this weekend. Whether it's a little comment that stirs a negative reaction or a moment of sweetness that spurs dreams of lifelong romance, try not to lose your sense of proportion. Keep your feet on the ground to avoid losing your head now.

My feet are on the ground. My head is in the clouds. Lots of stuff happening on the home front, but it's time for that one-day-at-a-time mantra. When I'm feeling relatively helpless I get a bit testy. Sequestering myself away from the general public is to our mutual benefit. I actually got a chunk of writing done. Vampires adore morose attitudes. Then, it was time for a change of pace.

A couple of weeks ago a few of my patients decided to give me a mini-course in Yiddish. Living in New York City my entire life has given me much exposure to this rich expressive language. Many expressions I take for granted are Yiddish. For example nudnick, mensch, schlemiel, punim, yenta, bubele and oy are sprinkled in my conversational English. There's not as much Yiddish spoken here these days. Times change. It was fun to hear it and try to pronounce the words without massacring them.

I happened to comment about this on Twitter and one of my sweet tweets recommended Born to Kvetch by Michael Wex. I decided to get the audio too for obvious reasons. It's a wonderful history of the Yiddish language. What a refreshing change of pace. I listened to a couple of the CDs while Spring cleaning and not only learned a thing or two but had a good chuckle or three.

Let's face it. Most of us are born to kvetch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnaZqHy2ZHE&feature=related

Such a punim! Oy bubele :)

Lost In Candy Land

Vickie

Your horoscopes for Monday, May 11, 2009
General Weekly Love Horoscope
Passions continue to sizzle as alluring Venus and energetic Mars track closely together in enterprising Aries. Making bold moves and acting impulsively can create some awkward moments. Yet, as long as you live in the present, instead of trying to lock in love forever, mistakes are not likely to have lasting consequences.

Ah yes, those awkward moments do happen. Mistakes, well, who doesn't make a mistake once in a while. As far as lasting consequences, you never know. Living in the present is a much more comfortable place to be. I've been trying to save my energy for the here and now for the most part. There's so much going on it pays to stay focused. There was a time I longed to see the future, but I've reached a point in my life where the universe can surprise me. That certainly has been the case for the past year or so. Now I see all the effort to control most situations is an exercise in futility. I'm not condoning anarchy, but I do see a pattern of organized chaos. We do what we think is best and then we watch life unfold as it will. Next, we scurry to pick up pieces and reassemble the puzzle of life to the best of our ability. Sometimes it looks even better than the original image, other times not so much. In the grand scheme of things it probably doesn't matter all that much. The idea is to stay in the game until we come to the end. In a way we all win.

When my daughter was little her favorite board game was Candy Land which we played ad nauseum. There were obstacles and shortcuts, good guys and bad guys. We always played 'til the end when some one, guess who, won. It took forever. You just kept on that path until you get where you're going. Real life isn't quite so straightforward, but you get the idea. Just keep on truckin'. Don't stress about tomorrow. Treat the past gently, it's a done deal. So, that leaves us with the present, right here, right now. That's a good place to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PjjwkqMXfc

Coldplay~lost in candyland

What Do You Mean, Paranoid?

My daughter swears I am the most suspicious person she knows. Trust issues. Post traumatic stress stuff, what have you.

Well, I swear some one is watching Natalie. I feel it in my bones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doFKkuzoawM

The Police~thanks Sting :) & Kumar