Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend Today

I had fun with this website http://www.festisite.com/cardgame/

You can be king or queen for the day.

Sagittarius Horoscopes
Next Week
For the Week of Dec 29th, 2008 -- You may be uncharacteristically shy and private on Friday. If you need some time away from other people you should take it. On Saturday, though, the Moon fires into your 5th House of Romance and you will be ready to play. You need someone willing to have fun since serious people are bound to leave you cold.

General Weekly Love Horoscope
The love planet Venus shifts from the intellectually idealistic domain of Aquarius to the dreamy and emotional realm of Pisces on Saturday. The way to intimacy will no longer pass by the head but is direct through the heart. Be gentle with the object of your affection and take the time to let romance simmer slowly instead of rushing it or relying on strategy to make the magic happen.

Serious people don't leave me cold. Some of my best friends are serious. My very best friend is a Capricorn, for Pete's sake! However, she did turn over a new leaf and is beginning to relax and enjoy herself more often. If it wasn't for Helen, I don't think I'd be heading for Oaxaca in the fall, but we BOTH are going! Heaven help the locals. A born-to-fun-again Capricorn and an unrepentant Sagittarius are going south of the border for deMeng de los Muertos 2009.

Yeee hah!! I have started my pyramid conditioning program, Rodney Yee's 'Burn Yoga', resistance (where the heck are my weights) and, yuk, recumbent bike riding. I just get up and do it. If I wait I'm doomed to procrastination, I just won't. I think I just need a more serious approach to this program. Who better than a serious person could prod me into compliance with myself? I need serious people in my life. They give me balance, which is not easy. There is a klutz side to me, believe it or not. No, serious people do not leave me cold. I have a warm spot in my heart for the serious people in my life. Believe me, I know a lot of Capricorns, and those Libras, let me tell you. A sense of humor is a godsend, but sometimes you need to get serious.

Sam Levenson said, "Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it is; we'll find it."*

Leslie over at AlphaStamps is having fantastic give-aways this week.

It would behoove you to take a peek!

http://www.alphastamps.com/blog/

*quote from today's Writer's Almanac

Horoscopes from tarot.com

Thanks again to Artella for the cool link :)

84' in Oaxaca today!

Ebenezer and Nosferatu

"Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind- stone, Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog days; and didn't thaw it one degree at Christmas." A Christmas Carol ~ Charles Dickens

Now, I don't want to be Debbie Downer on Christmas Eve, but some people have cold, cold hearts. Charles Dickens knew about that. It's been mighty chilly here, but it would be like a day in the Bahamas compared to Ebenezer's corazon. If he didn't literally see the light I wonder if he would have become a vampire himself. He seems to have been almost there psychically and physically.

Whether it is Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or Solstice, this is the season of light coming out of the darkness. The days are slowly getting longer. That's good for most of us, but there are those who prefer the darker days.

You know I just had to get back to vampires. Here's a little holiday card for the nosferatu among us.

Good cheer and god bless us, each and every one.

Shout out to Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker, Clement Moore and Debbie Downer

12/25/08 ~ Oaxaca weather report 81' and clear

Solstice 2008

Here's a link to Newgrange Winter Solstice 2008, a 5000 year old neolithic monument, restored in the 1960's and 70's. It's quite beautiful, a true spiritual experience.

A blessed Winter Solstice to all.

http://www.servecast.com/opw/211208/archive150.html

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Dec 22nd, 2008 -- A little self-restraint can make the difference between looking cool and attracting romance or feeling foolish and being frustrated. Passion is a great thing, Saggie, but when it's held back now you become much more interesting. Rather than rushing ahead, it's holding back that will draw the right person to you.

Well, I guess those blinking Christmas light earrings are out. That's all right, I can be demure and quite sophisticated when I'm in the mood. Let those cards fall where they may.

thanks to http://www.spaceweather.com/

I can't help thinking of Juan when I watch this :)

Do you see the zig-zag lightening pattern in the corner of the photo? Looks like Mitla.

thanks to tarot.com for the sage advice

Cloth of Dreams

Timeless love is not about cherubs, harps and fluffy clouds. Each lover pays a price for a love that truly endures a lifetime. It is worth everything you pay. December 20 is the birthdate of Maude Gonne, the beloved of William Butler Yeats. Though they never married, she remained his muse for life. Oh yes, she was a true Sagittarian.

Aedh wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams

W B Yeats



Pop over to Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor and listen to a love story.





http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2008/12/20




Thanks Artella!
Picture, the lovely Maude ~ Wikipedia

Wild Imperfect Wisdom

The Queen of Pentacles card reversed suggests that making material quantity or trendy indulgences the foundation of this Queen's success or identity may create a false sense of deprivation, want or burden. Rather than finding pleasure or gratitude in earthly gifts, she may struggle with neglect, false sexuality, resentment or vanity or take superficial pride in spending money in an effort to keep up, buy love or entice a man. Be aware that you could succumb to her influence and fall into the same trap of living only for the moment. Humble gratitude and understanding for what has real value and meaning for you or simply honoring womanhood for her most abundant gifts and glorious, wild imperfections might be the message here.

Wild imperfections are us. I could not resist the artistry of lovely Jane Wynn. See, there was this wisdom tooth and she made it into a very funky pendant and...well...I found pleasure in an earthly gift. It is so cool. There is another beauty en route, but that is a gift for a dear friend. So, no peeking for now. These special treasures have an aesthetic value of their own.

There is a tremendous difference between living only for the moment and living in the moment.

Thankfully, I've come to a point in my life where I am letting go of the past with less trauma than I thought possible. Future goals and dreams are inspiring and hopeful, but appreciating the right now, who I'm with, what I'm doing, what I am experiencing right now, is much easier for me. There will always be distractions, life is like that, but actually being here feels so good.

Jane Wynn ~ Wisdom Tooth Pendant http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=41668

http://www.astrology.com/ ~ Daily Love Tarot

South Pole Sailing

Dear Vickie,
Here is your Daily Feng Shui Tip for Sunday, December 14
Intrepid explorer Roald Amundsen planted a Norwegian flag in the South Pole on this day in 1911, claiming discovery of this land after locating it in only 57 days of searching. Sometimes it can seem like traveling during the holidays can take that long as well. If you want to travel through this season with ease and grace, it is highly recommended that -- before departing to go anywhere -- you download and then pack a picture of what's called 'The Mystic Knot' in Eastern lore. This knot is believed to untangle and traveling snafus when carried on your person. And should you encounter any out of the ordinary delays or upsets, be sure to take the knot out and rub it three times with the hand you write with. This should smooth things out in no time at all!

I've been thinking about Antarctica again. My Feng Shui Tip just reinforced my growing obsession, one which resurfaces from time to time. Please don't be misled. I still love Oaxaca.

I check the weather conditions (91F today, high 80's this week) and imagine being there, warm and toasty, but Antarctica, cold, beautiful and desolate has always held a strong fascination for me. How do people live, even thrive, under such extreme conditions? Why do some willingly explore these forbidding places, knowing their lives are in peril?

The expeditions--tourist type--look amazing. I found one that connects from Buenos Aires, another place I long to visit. Maybe this can happen. Anything is possible, I suppose. This looks like a job for the image board. It's time for a new one :)

Now, what about love?

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Next Week
For the Week of Dec 15th, 2008 -- A funny conversation can open the door to romance this weekend. You may not have to go far from home to connect with someone in a friendly way that could heat up quickly. As long as your approach is playful, others will want to play with you. Humor could be your most attractive element for pulling someone to you now.

Humor pulls me to someone, too. A sense of humor would probably be a great asset in Antarctica. That and The Mystic Knot.

Antarctic wildlife ~ d j jennings 2007

Mystic knot

Moonshine and Killer Beez

Though tonight's full moon is the largest full moon this year, it may not be the wildest.

Many studies have been done regarding the effect of the full moon on human behavior. Most have concluded there is none.

Anyone who drives a cab may disagree.

Anyone who works in health care, especially emergency rooms, may have a very different opinion. Even my boss, a true skeptic, asked this question two days ago.

"Vic, you know about these things. When is the full moon?"

He had good reason to ask, many people, patients and staff members, were off the wall.

Personally, I like full moons. Sometimes I charge water or gemstones or any old thing, by calling down the moon. Abundance or protection spells are especially effective during a full moon.

Moon festivals are lovely~poetry, cakes and sake~how could it be bad?

At times I enjoy the company of lunatics, so long as they aren't dangerous.

Today I received some deliciously scented soaps from Villianess, one of which is Killer Beez, made with honey, cream and a touch of pepper.

There are at least two people I know who might enjoy this soap.

I'm favoring Dulces en Fuego, made with musky bitter chocolate sweetened with vanilla and touches of citrus then positively inflamed with black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Wowser! Full moon mania, no doubt.

I tend to write my strangest and sometimes my best scenarios during full moons. Not very surprising for a vampire aficionado.

Some other strange lunar facts:
-- The moon is moving away as you read this, by about 1.6 inches a year. Eventually it'll be torn apart as an expanding sun pushes the moon back toward Earth for a wrenching close encounter.
-- There is no proof the full moon makes people crazy. (See my personal observation above)
-- Beaches are more polluted during full moon, owing to the higher tides.

Space.com Stories
Comet Threat More Constant Than Thought

The moon will rise Friday evening right around sunset, no matter where you are. That's because of the celestial mechanics that produce a full moon:

The moon and the sun are on opposite sides of the Earth, so that sunlight hits the full face of the moon and bounces back to our eyes.
At moonrise, the moon will appear even larger than it will later in the night when it's higher in the sky. This is an illusion that scientists can't fully explain. Some think it has to do with our perception of things on the horizon vs. stuff overhead.
Try this trick, though: Using a pencil eraser or similar object held at arm's length, gauge the size of the moon when it's near the horizon and again later when it's higher up and seems smaller. You'll see that when compared to a fixed object, the moon will be the same size in both cases.
You can see all this on each night surrounding the full moon, too, because the moon will be nearly full, rising earlier Thursday night and later Saturday night.
Interestingly, because of the mechanics of all this, the moon is never truly 100 percent full. For that to happen, all three objects have to be in a perfect line, and when that rare circumstance occurs, there is a total eclipse of the moon

The Moon's A Harsh Mistress by Jimmy Webb is a haunting song. I created one of my favorite paintings listening to Joe Cocker's raspy anguished version. I couldn't locate Joe, but this is quite lovely. Kind of like the full moon tonight in Queens. Take a listen if you're feeling a bit moonstruck (another fave movie). If the spirit moves you, just throw your head back and give up a good howl or two. Yesssss!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfdhZExK7jw&feature=related

This is nice and moody too, but I miss Joe...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgyPb9TpPHE&feature=related

http://www.villainess.net/ yummy soaps and stuff

Space.com moon info and photo

Say I Am You

Thanks to the lovely angels at Artella for this beautiful tome. Rumi is timeless.


http://www.artelladailymuse.com/

December 7th, 2008

'Say I Am You'

Today's Creative Quickie for the soul: A poem of worship, written 800 years ago by Rumi
"Say I Am You"A beautiful poem by Jalalludin Rumi, set to soothing music and scenic views, is today's Quickie for the Soul. Choose a quiet moment to read the Sufi poem "Say I Am You". Then go to the YouTube link, make sure your audio is set to a comfortable level, breathe deeply, and enjoy.

I am dust particles in sunlight

I am the round sun

To the bits of dust

I say

"Stay"

To the sun

"Keep moving"

I am the morning mist

and the breathing of evening

I the wind in the top of a grove

and surf on the cliff

Mast... rudder

helmsman and keel

I am the coral reef they founder on

I am a tree

with a trained parrot in its branches

Silence

Thought

and voice

the musical air coming through a flute

a spark of stone

a flickering in metal

Both candle and the moth crazy around it

Rose...and the nightingale

lost in the fragrance

I am all orders of being...

The circling galaxy...

The evolutionary intelligence

The lift....and the falling away

What is...and what isn't

You who know Jalalludin

You the one in all

Say whom I am

Say I am You

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Dec 8th, 2008 -- Your personal life will definitely not be boring this week. A Full Moon in your 7th House of Partnerships is bound to bring activity, whether shaking up what you've already got or springing a social surprise or two. Finding your balance can be difficult, though, as your moods can swing wildly with rapidly changing circumstances

Finding my balance can be difficult, both physically and emotionally, but I usually end up on my feet in the end. Isn't that what life is all about?

Loved my visit to Woodstock yesterday with Helen. First we hit the book sale at the library, located on Library Lane. Found my little sampler, "All things must change" at Talisman. When we arrived at the Woodstock Bead Emporium, my favorite source for Herkimer diamonds, the proprietor told us they were relocating. There's truth in that sampler. Found more hands in the magic supply store.

While perusing Candlestock (really), a shop on Tinker Street, I came across a candle of three unusually familiar looking simians. I posed the question, "Have you seen an orangutan lately?" The response was less than helpful. The mystery continues. Refer to the following post:

http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/2008/12/missing-linkor-have-you-seen-my-monkey.html

Today, a baby shower for a dear friend. The cycle of life brought many of us together for a reunion and celebration of the good things. Wine is good. And this is true.

You are the one in all

Say who I am

Say I am You

Photo of Woodstock treasures and non compliant monkeys~seeing, hearing and speaking nada

Back to Oaxaca

Not literally, sigh, but some of my pics are posted on Flickr.

Vaya con dios, mis amigos y amigas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80924136@N00/?saved=1

Here's a little music for dancing around the studio, or any place you like :)

http://www.todotango.com/spanish/las_obras/grabacion.aspx?id=1534

Woodcarver's studio, Oaxaca ~ I like!

Another LK Day of Sharing ~ Song

I believe in love at first sight because it happened to me.
On a sweltering Sunday morning in August, my best friend Eileen and I attended mass at Our Lady of the Snows RC Church. It was a full house, so some of the parishioners spilled into the vestibule, standing and fanning themselves with the hymn cards during the service. The huge fans barely moved the humid air through the church.
As I stood there holding my missal, I felt an elbow jab my ribs. I looked at Eileen. She tilted her head toward the right side of the crowd as she smirked and kind of raised one eyebrow.
Following her direction I turned to look at the object of her attention. As I did I found myself looking into the most beautiful brown eyes. He smiled as I blushed bright pink. I dropped my gaze and turned the page in my missal, determined to look to the front of the church until mass ended. When it did I looked again in his direction, but he had disappeared into the crowd. Eileen and I diligently attended mass each Sunday for the rest of the summer, but he never reappeared.

School started right after Labor Day. My high school class had over 2000 students in attendance. The hallways reminded me of a subway platform at rush hour, packed with people hurrying to go somewhere, but unable to move faster than a crawl. I was peering into classrooms trying to find my bio class when I saw him sitting there. To say I was smitten is a gross understatement of fact. Cupid's arrow had pierced my heart. It was almost as though an electrical charge ran through me. I was lovestruck, paralyzed, momentarily unable to move.
As I walked into the classroom he looked up and waved. I was fourteen, he was sixteen~Romeo and Juliette. My dad and my brothers tried to discourage his attentions, but he wasn't easily deterred. By the time we graduated from high school I was going to nursing school and he had to go to war. Things were never the same after that. But this much is certain, I never felt that way again, no matter how many times I fell in and out of love. That experience was the gift of a lifetime.
This sweet song reminds me of him and of first love...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5t62TR0dss

SPANISH IS THE LOVING TONGUE
(Charles Badger Clark, Jr., Revised Version)



Spanish is the loving tongue
Soft as music, light as spray;
'Twas a girl I learned it from
Living down Sonora way.
I don't look much like a lover,
Yet I say her soft words over.
Mostly when I'm all alone
"Mi amor, mi corazon"





Nights there were when I would ride
She would listen for my spurs,
Throw the big door open wide,
Raise them laughing eyes of hers.
How the night would soon go flyin!
All too soon I'd hear her sighin'
In her little sorry tone ---
"Adios, mi corazon."




Never seen her since that night,
I can't cross the line, you know.
Tney want me for a gamblin' fight
Like as not it's better so.
Yet I've always sort of missed her
Since that last sad night I kissed her;
Lost my heart and left alone
"Adios, mi corazon."










I shared a song for the first day of sharing, it just seemed natural to me
What a great opportunity to collectively celebrate life

Picture of cemetery known for unusually high bee population, Mitla, Oaxaca
http://gryphonsfeather.typepad.com/the_poetic_eye/2008/11/a-little-more-sharing.html

Bearly There

Drinking coffee, staring out the living room window at the first giant snowflakes of the season. They soon turned to raindrops, but there is no denying winter's arrival is imminent. While perusing Percival Press I found this unusual comment from Viggo Mortensen.

Open letter to Patrick Barkham, in reaction to his report about bears in the Selkirk mountain range of British Columbia in the Saturday Guardian of 22 November, 2008 ("Bear Thrills"):

Dear Patrick,

First of all, congratulations on your recent trip to British Columbia. That province contains some of the world's most beautiful alpine scenery and abundant wildlife, including grizzly and black bears. You described the Selkirk Mountains area well. Since I am quite familiar with the region (I live near the Selkirks, south of the Canadian border), and am accustomed to seeing bears in the wild, I hope you will allow me to correct a misconception in your 22 November article.You talked of the grizzly bear's ability to "scale trees". They, unlike the more common and wide-spread black bear, are not in the habit of doing so.

VM

When I was a child someone told me a grizzly bear could peer into a second story window, standing on his hind legs. I tormented my younger sister many a night by asking her if she saw the grizzly bear peek into our bedroom and stare at us. Such a mean streak.

I recently had a discussion with one of my patients about, of all things, bear hunting. Black bear are common in upstate New York where he hunts deer and bear in season. My coworker asked him what he does with the bear after he kills it.

"Do you eat the meat?"

"No, you don't eat bear meat. We hunt for the skin."

Now, I'm not a hunter. People who know me would be terrified at the thought of me shooting a gun. My depth perception is negligible and I am, for want of a better word, a klutz. The only nature trophies I have are ones I shot with a camera.

My Uncle Manny, who owned a farm up in Elmira, New York, explained deer hunting to me. He said the deer were overpopulated and some would starve to death in the winter if they weren't culled. My Aunt Emma cooked the venison and my uncle and cousins used most of the rest of the deer.

I still felt as though they were eating Bambi's mom, but it made some sense to me.

Just hunting an animal for the thrill of the kill doesn't make sense to me.

Sagittarius Horoscopes
Next Week
For the Week of Dec 1st, 2008 -- Rest up on Friday while the Moon in your 4th House of Roots keeps you close to the nest. A little cuddling with a comfortable person is more likely than a blazing romance then. On Saturday night, though, the Moon fires into your dramatic 5th House of Romance to put you in the spotlight and bring more pleasure into your life.

Poor Kanye! I really like his video, though :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZX-W3vo9I

Maybe I'll rest up with him Friday night. We can watch The Dark Knight and sip some cervezas.

Saturday I'll be heading back to Woodstock with Ms. Helen, the Bee Lady. She just had the best jewelry show ever. And...I got my birthday present early. See how gorgeous it is. Helen is an amazing artist. She has a unique style and exquisite taste. She also does commissions.

I have succeeded in coercing, er...convincing another friend to get Beautiful Mutants (thanks for the inspiration mr. d :) for me for my birthday, too. This is going to be another awesome birthday celebration.

http://www.mutatovisual.com/beautifulmutants/gallery.html

Turquoise and silver necklace, I coveted the pearls and the earrings ~ Helen bastbeads@hotmail.com Happy Birthday to me!

Love Lockdown ~ sad Kanye West, very sad :(

Celebrating Loss

Now, we all know about the circle of life. I mean who hasn't watched The Lion King a hundred times. Oh, well if you hang around kids a certain age you have. In retrospect, that can be a tough movie for a child or an adult to watch. Simba loses his dad, Mufasa. I mean he dies! Hope that wasn't a spoiler for anyone. It is heart-wrenching, but it's an important part of the story. So it is with real life. Loss is an important part of that story, too.

Did you ever just sit and shout out a question to the universe? Sure you did. Me too. Yesterday after work I was sitting with a couple of friends and did just that. Then I let it go and just relaxed and hung out for a bit. When I arrived home I checked my e-mail. Lo and behold, there was a message. It held an answer I didn't expect. A real curve ball. Way out of my expectation, but an answer none the less. The solution to one situation lead to a complete change in my mindset. I'm still experiencing that free-fall sensation while coming to grips with a new version of reality. That really is what life is all about, though.

When I'm upset, confused, happy or sad I usually turn to music.

I found The Temptations singing I'm Losing You. When I watched their performance, which is amazing, it reminded me again that loss, though very painful at times, is necessary to create space for other things in life. So, with that in mind, I will try to celebrate loss as another beginning. Here they are!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leD9kTMWS9M

Picture ~ Monte Alban

Leporiphobia

Awww, Wrick! Now my fear of bunnies is over the top!

Ghosts by Ladytron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yaEwcmrR4Q

It may have started way back with Monty Python

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcxKIJTb3Hg

Do You Suffer From Rabbit phobia?*

Symptoms of Rabbit Phobia:

breathlessness, excessive sweating, dry mouth, shaking, heart palpitations, inability to speak or think clearly, a fear of dying, becoming mad or losing control, a sensation of detachment from reality or a full blown anxiety attack.

You are not the only one to suffer from this phobia. Most sufferers are surprised to learn that they are far from alone in this surprisingly common, although often unspoken, fear.

Rabbit phobia is an intense fear of something that poses no actual danger.

While adults with Rabbit phobia realize that these fears are irrabbitional, they often find that facing, or even thinking about facing, the feared situation brings on a panic attack or severe anxiety.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnZQk13pzfY


Believe me, I much prefer the company of my vampires. At least there, what you see is what you get. Coming down the home stretch of Nanowrimo!







*From 'Cure Your Phobia Instantly' (disclaimer on website)
Donny Darko Poster, somebody help me!!

Thanksgiving and Tasmanian Devils

This reminder from the lovely hippo, from Australia, over at http://www.nervousness.org/ tells us what we already know.

Every one needs someone to watch out for them sometimes, even if you are a Tasmanian Devil.

http://www.tassiedevilappeal.org/tda/landing.php

There are a gazillion things I am thankful for and today I'll be with my family remembering so many of them (perhaps after a glass of wine). One person holds a special place in our hearts.

He loved his family and he loved to cook, so Thanksgiving was right up his alley. My sweet Dad.

I hold his memory in my heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgLHVi40Gc8&feature=related

Now, go eat your pie and have another glass of wine. You may drive one another a little nuts, but, that's what family does. Although we're spread out from Long Island to Brooklyn and Queens to Florida to California to Washington state we still manage to send hugs and kisses by phone or by net. Let us all count our blessings.

Tasmanian Devil ~ Wikipedia

http://avaaz.org/en/ We can do it!

Caresses and Cheese Steaks

Mene metsään
Mene vuorille
Mene kauas merelle
Anna yksinäisyyden hyväillä sinua
Kunnes ihosi on kyllin ohut
Niin ohut
Että sydämesi
Näkee sen läpi minut
Että minä se olin
Joka hyväilin,
Hyväilen sinua,
Mene, mene
Tommy Tabermann (1947- )

Go to the forest
Go to the mountains
Go to the far off sea
Let loneliness
Caress you
Until your skin is thin enough
So thin that your heart
Sees me though it
That I was the one
Who caressed you,
Who caresses you
Go, go.
(Tommy Tabermann)
English Translation: Börje Vähämäki

____________

This lovely poem was on Viggo Mortensen's Perceval Press' site today. Go Tommy!


My daughter and her boyfriend decided they were in the mood for a real Philly Cheese Steak, so off they drove into the sunset and then, into South Philadelphia. It's about five hours round trip.
Ah, the follies of youth...and oh, those yummy cheese steaks. You can get them with American cheese, provolone or Cheese Whiz. I'm a provolone type of girl, but they went for the classic Whiz, plus cheese fries. Burp! I had half my sandwich about midnight and the other half for lunch. I guess I better stick to salad for a few days. When's Thanksgiving? Oh well :) I haven't had an authentic cheese steak for about fifteen years, so what the heck. It was goooood!

Still working with the vampires. I even sketched a vampire Christmas card. Uh oh, is that over the top? Not too objective when it comes to nosferatu.

Thanks to Perceval Press and Christine & Pete...and Count Vlad

Empty Geno's wrapper

Obsession

Yes, I know I'm in trouble...again. We OCD types tend to get stuck on an idea and run with it and run and run, yeah. This can be good, we get a lot accomplished.

Sometimes, though, it just has to run its course. Good or bad, that's my reality.

Well, this is good, but I'm not sure how long it will run, so bear with me.

I had to get me some more Luther. I think it's because he sang about love and that's a good thing, too.

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

and some more...

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

A couple of my friends have voiced concerns regarding this particular obsession. Perhaps I have wandered over to the soft side? Not to worry! Still chugging along on my vampire tale, which includes the obvious plus a serial killer turned vampire and some decidedly otherworldly beasts.

I'm listening to Grimm Tales by Vox Arcana for atmosphere and inspiration. So old school gothy creepy. Ahh, just listen to the children of the night. I'm heading for a Tarot reading, in fact, I may even use my magic mirror tonight. That doesn't mean I won't be listening to Luther, too.

It's all about harmony and balance.

Smooth.

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Nov 24th, 2008 -- The Moon in your sign on Friday can have you howling with delight. You are not in the mood to wait for love but will hunt for it no matter where you have to go. You definitely are not into staying home or doing the same old thing. Just apply a dash of caution to avoid going too far too fast with the wrong person.

Vickie, Your horoscopes for Monday, November 24, 2008
General Weekly Love Horoscope
A sense of optimism from Thursday's New Moon in Sagittarius lifts lovers' spirits and encourages an adventurous spirit. The pursuit of pleasure and romance is fueled with high hopes and a willingness to take risks. The chase should be plenty of fun and worth the effort even for those who don't get everything that they want.

Well, la dee da, it seems I'll be howling even if I'm not running with the pack this winter. There is something to be said for a cozy den. Maybe it's the Luther influence. Maybe it's the vampires.

Quien sabe? It's all good. Perhaps it's also good not to get everything you want. A touch of hunger keeps your senses sharp. Just ask the wolves.

Pic ~ West Coast Victorian, that house is some home!

Luther Revisited

Wild week at work.

Called 911 twice, every one's ok.

Mooned and full Monty'd by an 88 year old rascal.

The usual assortment of work related annoyances.

But, today is Friday.

We needed help getting on the right track this morning.

"Sandra, we need a little something to put us in the right frame of mind."

"Vick, we need Luther. Going in Circles."

Plugged into my trusty blog, there he was. It turned into an impromptu duet. We were so fine!

For the rest of the day, when things got a bit testy, we would just look at one another, or start to hum, or sing 'round and round I go' and it was all good again.

Thank you Luther and Sandra!

Pic ~ Mothra twins singing 'Going in Circles' :) Little known fact: their names are Sandra & Vickie, imagine that!

Of Men, Women and Wolves

"I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know— unless it be to share our laughter. We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love. For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves."



—from There Are Men Too Gentle to Live Among Wolves, by James Kavanaugh





The above is from Danielle Marie's beautiful post for LK's Day of Sharing

http://myhiddenmuse.blogspot.com/2008/11/day-of-sharing-words.html



I do empathise with the notion of being too gentle to run with wolves, but I wouldn't exchange that exhilarating experience for the world.



Women Who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes is a book I reread often. It's there I first met Skeleton Woman with her drumming heart. It's filled with stories, myths and cautionary tales. Little Red Riding Hood is one of my fave fairy tales. I kind of felt sorry for the wolf just doing what wolves do. Red was just doing what girls do, blabbing to a big, bad wolf. It rarely ends well.

I've done my share of running with wolves. Whether this makes me more or less gentle I can't say. That chill winter wind is blowing through New York, echoing the past, whispering the future. I'm in the now. I hear the howling outside my window, the pack is ready for it's snowy run. This time I'm staying in the den. Warm and cozy, I'll dream and rest and save my strength for my next adventure, which is right around the corner. There's a time for action and a time for planning. But it is tempting--just listen to them howl.

Don't you just love Warren Zevon?

Engraving of loup-garou, noting implements effective against vampires were useless against our werewolf. Where are those silver bullets when we need them?

LK's Day of Sharing Words ~ Going in Circles

GOING IN CIRCLES

I'm an ever rollin' wheel without a destination real

I'm an ever spinning top whirling around till I drop

Oh but what am I to do my mind is in a whirlpool

Give me a little hope one small thing to cling to

You got me going in circles oh round and round I go

You got me going in circles

Oh round and round I go

I'm spun out over you

I'm a faceless clock with timeless hopes that never stop

Lord but when I feel that way you know my soul's at stake

Oh but what am I to do my mind is in a whirlpool

Give me a little hope one small thing to cling to

You got me going in circles oh round and round I go

You got me going in circles

Oh round and round I go

I'm spun out over you

I need you baby, spun out over you

I need you baby, spun out over you

I need you baby

I need you baby oh baby by baby

I'm spun out, I need you baby

I said I'm spun out over you

I need you baby

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

Here's Luther's version...oh, mama! He could make the angels cry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7ER6vXttX8&feature=related

Sung by Friends of Distinction

Rusty Circle Oaxaca

LK's Blog http://gryphonsfeather.typepad.com/

Check out 'Poetry' by Pablo Neruda, it will surely make your heart sing for joy :)

a little early, but tomorrow will be INSANE!!!

Today Is World Peace Day

May Peace Prevail On Earth

http://www.worldpeace.org/main.html

The power of prayer ~ try it, you'll like it!

Angel from my front yard, stolen by party unknown. Guess they needed some love. Let us pray.

Hope they gave her a good home :)

Of Vampires, Saints and Mezcal

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Nov 17th, 2008 -- You could feel like a bull in a china shop this weekend, as if every word you say or move you make comes across awkwardly. Well, Saggie, this is when keeping your sense of humor is vital. Just don't take yourself or any one's criticism too seriously if you want to have a good time.

Heh! Been there, done that. Oh, for a more tactful nature, but I yam what I yam. I'll remember to take things with a grain of salt. I found mezcal from Monte Alban, but it has a gusano in the bottle, too. A little agave worm, just hanging out, gives new meaning to 'good 'til the last drop'.

Of course, I could not stay out of Barnes & Noble. Found a great book 'This Saint's for You', which defines a patron saint for each and every one of us. For example, St. Amand (c. 584-676), Feast Day February 6, is the patron saint of bartenders, St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), Feast Day November 17, is the patron saint of in-law problems and St. Quentin (d. 287), Feast Day October 31, is the patron saint of coughs.

Then I found a website dedicated to ancient Oaxacan churches and their santos. I actually have been to several churches and have seen some of these santos firsthand, so cool. As you may surmise, I am becoming a tiny bit obsessed with santos. It's not a bad thing.

I'm not spending as much time with my vampires as I intended. That could be a bad thing, a pissy vampire is no fun at all.

Ouch! Oh, just kidding. My vampires are quite busy with their own problems. I guess that's true for most of us, living or undead. It's always something.

Well, I'm going to have a word with St. Quentin (I can't help thinking Dark Shadows, but that's just how my mind wanders). This stinking head cold is annoying, and my coughing is annoying every one else. I'm sure the old boy will put a good word in for me.

Back to the vampires. My poor Ed thinks he is Edgar Allan Poe. Hmm, maybe, maybe not. To be continued...

Yes, it's a real book!

He Made Me Do It

Vickie's Personal Card:
The Devil
This Deck: Folklore

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could "lose their soul" to wild and passionate forces.

The image which emerged in the mid-1700's gives us a more sophisticated rendition -- that of the "scapegoated Goddess," whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione's highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul's passage from mortal to immortal.

Now I know why I'm so attracted to Tarot. It must be the devil in me. Believe me when I tell you I am no fan of true evil. Yes, I write about vampires. I have been fascinated by them since I was a child. Creepy scary stories make me tingle. I remember watching old horror movies with Zacherly on Saturday afternoons. Some of my friends would hide their face or cower behind an overstuffed chair, but I thought this was a great way to spend a few hours. I've learned about voudoun, hoo doo, Macumba and a host of practices that transcend into the spiritual realm. My religion of birth fosters the belief in angels and saints interacting with us on a daily basis and that miracles are real. Then there is possession, exorcism, demons and purgatory. The power of prayer is a cornerstone of that great cathedral of mysticism.

There is true evil in the universe. Genocide, terrorism and greed are in the news daily. When I was a child I once asked my mother if the devil was real or just a scary story.

"Oh, the devil is real and he walks with us every day. He might not have horns and a tail. He might not even be a he. His only desire is to take your soul from you. He may seem very normal, even pleasant. Your little voice will warn you. Listen to it. The devil may offer you the things you think you need or want, but there will be a price to pay. If you have to betray your values or your beliefs, beware, for you are betraying your soul. The devil is persuasive, but you have the strength to be yourself. That way, you'll hang on to your soul and kick that mean old cuss out the door."

Yeesh, I had been hoping it was one of those myths I loved. Well, mom didn't steer me wrong.

I treasure the dark side of my soul. Like all of you, I've encountered the devil, or someone doing his evil-doing, in several guises. I treasure my little voice, too.

Being wild and passionate is wonderful. Welcoming your shadow side is good for the soul. I'll be writing about vampires today and working on a 'Colors of the Forest' quiltie project. How's that for balance? If you listen to your heart, which is where I think the little voice hangs out, everything will be cool.

Image and reading from www.tarot.com

Avon Calling 007

Upon arriving back to work after magical Oaxaca, I was feeling a bit let-down. The mundane would require some readjusting of my psyche. I walked to my desk and, lo and behold, this is what greeted me ~ Avon presents The Bond Girl! Hello serendipity. Just the additional spark for my retablo in progress, which has been waiting patiently while I cultivate my vampires for Nanowrimo. I found a great box, which originally was designed for holding insect specimens, at AlphaStamps. Sketches of my santos are all over the place. There is a great picture of a santo in an old book of mine which shows souls in purgatory petitioning a female saint. Pieces are falling into place. Avon and the Bond Girls just made my day. Thanks Kathy, my favorite Avon person in the whole world :) I'll be using my free sample of Bond Girl 007 as inspiration.

Avon and 007, who knew?

Back to the Grindstone

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Today
Monday, Nov 10th, 2008 -- Even if today means that you must go back to work, your inner world needn't shut down. In fact, you can embark on a spiritual journey now while taking care of your daily chores or engaging in your professional activities without anyone else even realizing it. Be practical and keep up outward appearances, even while traveling to distant galaxies in your mind.

Well, that's good news :) My spiritual journey is already in progress. Love those distant galaxies!

Sunrise in Oaxaca

Many Layers

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Nov 10th, 2008 -- Expect a socially active but complicated weekend. The Moon in your 7th House of Partnership suggests that you won't be alone, but that the shifting moods of another person or unexpected interruptions will make it hard to chill with your sweetie. You may want to run for the hills, but it's better to express your true feelings.

I'm not running anywhere--I usually do express my true feelings. It's all good. Complicated is not bad all the time. By the time the weekend rolls around again, we'll be over the full Moon of the 13th, so things shouldn't be too wild. For now, it's back to the routine and creating some new art. I'm still surrounded by pregnant women--hello hormones. That should be my biggest problem. Gotta love 'em.

Still have Oaxaca on my mind. I was even checking the real estate listings there :) I was trying to convince a good friend over dinner that it would be ideal for an outdoor studio. A girl can dream. That is a good thing.

Back to the vampires for now. My word count is just over 2000 and I am having a grand time!

Oaxaca posters, still on the wall as far as I know

Under the Influence of Oaxaca

Enjoying my last few days before returning to the realities of the workplace, I was thinking about creating a retablo to remind me of Oaxaca. The title is Sts. Miguel, Colleen y Juan y Las Mujeres de Bond, Diego Bond. I am truly inspired.

So many people here are excited about President-elect Obama. The mood is hopeful. That feeling just filters down to all phases of life, including art. Wooooo! I feel gooood! I have a few things to take care of before my retablo comes to life, but I have my Apoxie Clay and my tin and I am ready!

Here are a few more Oaxaca pics.

Still doing that Nanowrimo thing. I love my vampires, they're so naughty.

Oaxaca Magic

Here are a few pics from beautiful Oaxaca. What a sublime experience. Gracious Colleen and Michael made us feel like family. I couldn't have asked for a better crew. Thanks to one and all for a wonderful time. Will post a bit more soon.

Don't you just love Sofia's hands?

The Lioness Sleeps Tonight

On my way back to New York from Oaxaca I called my daughter from the airport in Atlanta to say the flight was actually boarding on time. I would be home about 12:30AM. My luggage was still in Mexico so I was traveling light. There was an edge to her voice and a slight hesitation.

"I have something to tell you, but maybe I should wait 'til you're here....I'm sorry Mom....Aunt Marie died in her sleep Saturday. We decided not to call you, to wait, because what could you do? Besides, you know Aunt Marie wouldn't want you to be sad on your vacation."

You know that feeling when your mind detaches from your body and you seem to be floating, observing reality? Aunt Marie was my godmother, a fierce, proud Leo who protected those she loved whether they wanted protection or not. She gave me a subscription to Astrology Magazine when I was fourteen and always let me know if the year would be auspicious or freaky according to the stars. She never judged me, accepting my eccentricities and encouraging my creativity for my entire life. How blessed I have been to have had her watching over me all these years.

"Baby, this isn't sinking in...I know what you told me, but it's so hard to wrap my head around it."

"I know Mom. The wake is tomorrow, the funeral is Wednesday."

The flight home was a bit surreal. I tried to process the fact that she was really gone. It wasn't happening that night. Before I left New York I had a premonition that someone in the family would leave us, but I chalked it up to stress and the usual free-floating anxieties. I put it out of my mind. She left on November 1, which is Dia de los Muertos in Mexico, a very sacred day. It is just like her to make a grand exit. In her eulogy the word 'formidable' was used more than once. I'm certain she would have had a good laugh for she was indeed formidable and irreplaceable. My Marie Dear, I will miss you so until we meet again. Sweet dreams my lioness.

Photo ~ Marie and Jane Bode ~ Aunt Marie and Mom back in the day

Happy Birthday Libra

Libra Horoscopes
(Sep 23 - Oct 22)
Today

Monday, Oct 20th, 2008 -- You are like a duck today, gathering up your friends and co-workers as a mother collects her ducklings. Unfortunately, once you have everyone together, it's still not likely that you'll get them to do what you want, for each seems to have an agenda of his or her own. Instead of trying to herd wild birds, keep your aspirations simple and your conversations one-on-one



See, that was simple. Milestones are cool. Enjoy!



~ Libra: The Scales ~

Avoiding Hot Water

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Oct 20th, 2008 -- Saying too much could get you into hot water this weekend so think twice before you speak. Learning how to watch and listen adds a great deal to your game and gets you more wins in relationships. Anticipating what someone else desires allows you to act quickly and earn you the affection you want.

Me thinks it's time to keep a low profile. Avoiding hot water seems to be difficult for me at times. I am slowly catching up on my art projects. Work is burning me out, but in a few days I will be far, far away and I won't give it much thought 'til I get back. Meanwhile, I am so grateful for my dear friends and my slightly insane family.

Glad the debates are finished, too. Actions spoke louder than words for the most part.

Watching and listening should be easy this weekend. I'm so tired I will be delighted to just nod and smile...and anticipate. Well, back to work (for now :)

Old Halloween Postcard

Letting Go of Reality

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Today
Wednesday, Oct 15th, 2008 -- You may want to have more stability in your everyday routines, such as diet, exercise and sleep. But there can be too many distractions these days, making self-discipline even tougher than usual. You may reach a point where it's healthier to let go of control, instead of frustrating yourself by trying to tighten your grip on reality. Tomorrow is another day.

Finally! Mercury is coming out of retrograde. More change to come. My grip on reality is tenuous at best. I can keep it as loose as possible. If it's healthy to let go of control, I say, here's to good health. Let's hear it for tomorrow!

Beautiful new photos added to Perceval Press' slide show. Especially like Robert Whitman's 'Wow!!!!' juxtaposed with Viggo Mortensen's 'Midtjaelland'.

And yes Mr d, I am very fond of orangutans, although I will not travel to Borneo, land of flying snakes, to visit them in their natural habitat.

Here's a little help in letting go of reality. Thanks to the creatively lovely group at Artella for this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNyS3h6FcZw&eurl=http://www.spitenet.com/origami/ButterflyBall-v.shtml

Illustration from Blake's diary

Full Moon

Listening to Te Quiero and sipping scotch, I hear crickets still chirping although it's October in New York. Over the beautiful strains of music I also hear the train whistle of the Long Island Rail Road. That melancholy sound is only audible in my apartment under certain meteorological conditions. It must be a clear night. It must be a full moon, or just about full. My windows are open to let the night air circulate. In days gone by, the night air was a threat, a thing to be avoided. Night air is perfume to me. Tonight it is cool and slightly disturbing. The haunting sound of the LIRR whistle moaning in the night brings to mind someone who left this plane ten years ago. Memories are funny things. They twist reality and dreams into a braid that becomes a truth. In fact, I don't value the truth of my memories, just the memories themselves. They become a balm to some old wounds that are slow to heal.

That restlessness overcomes me often, I know it well. My little corner is busy tonight with ambulances, fire trucks and loud voices. Most times it's just part of the background noise, but tonight I hear each individual sound. When my nerves feel frazzled my senses seem more acute, not the best arrangement, but it is what it is. The full moon is tomorrow. It's going to be a beauty, I can feel it in my bones.

shining moon smiles

train train runs along its track

shadows follow me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xWjmznpCA0

Vickie's Personal Card:
The High Priestess
This Deck: Cosmic
General Meaning: Traditionally called the High Priestess, this major arcana, or trump, card represents human wisdom. She can be viewed as a kind of female Pope, the ancient Egyptian Priestess of Isis, the even older snake and bird Goddesses, the Greek Goddess Persephone, or the Eve of Genesis before the Fall. For the accused heretics who were burnt at the stake for revering her in the 14th and 15th century, she symbolized the prophecy of the return of the Holy Spirit, which was perceived as the female aspect of the Holy Trinity. In the sequence of cards in the major arcana, the High Priestess appears as soon as the Fool decides he wants to develop his innate powers, making a move toward becoming a Magus. The High Priestess is his first teacher, representing the Inner Life and the method for contacting it, as well as the contemplative study of Nature and the Holy Mysteries

Hmm, just found out my coworker may be starting an early maternity leave as of today.

Her baby is due the end of February. Prayers for her and the baby. No wonder I've been

feeling wonky. For now I'll be doubling up my schedule...help may be on the way. It will all work out the way it's supposed to eventually. It's the full moon, the Hunter Moon, working its' mojo. Oh yeah! All aboard...

Reading ~ Tarot.com ~ Cosmic Tarot Deck

Mystery Train ~ Elvis Presley

It's Enough To Make Your Head Spin

Watching the Presidential Debates is quite an experience. I did use the mute button on more than one occasion and did consume a couple of glasses of wine. My head was spinning before the wine. I'm glad I watched. It was interesting to hear the students' comments after the debate.

Definitely renews my faith in the future.

Talking Heads Spinner ~ AlphaStamps Swap

Switching Universes

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Today
Sunday, Oct 5th, 2008 -- You might not understand what's happening because forces are at work that are coming from other worlds. It's crazy to think that parallel universes are breaking into this dimension with urgent messages for you, but don't dismiss this idea, even if it's beyond your current belief. It's better to entertain all possibilities now, rather than limiting yourself to a specific outcome.

Sagittarius Love Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
For the Week of Oct 6th, 2008 -- Your tendency to be straightforward could bump you off the road of love this weekend. Tone it down and temper your comments during this hyper-sensitive period of time. Being playful can pay off if you match it with tenderness rather than permitting teasing to get out of hand. Kindness counts more than ever

Parallel universes...hmmm...string theory...Dark Shadows featured parallel universes. Dan Curtis knew a thing or two about the universe. Who am I to question quantum physics and Dan Curtis? Now, about getting bumped off the road of love. Which universe am I in when that happens? I did have a dream last night about being at a standstill on a highway I didn't recognize. Wow, I hope it wasn't the road of love. In the dream, I got out and walked. I'm not too good at standing still for too long. Does this mean I'll be strolling down the road of love?

That's fine with me. Whenever I travel too fast along that highway I end up crashing, so slowing down a bit might just work. You know, more time to enjoy the scenery and some good conversation. Must remember to tone down my comments. Oh, the bane of bluntness (is that a word?)! It will be in my alternate universe. In this universe I'm gathering my art supplies and other sundries for Mexico. The timing is wonderful. A break from the current insanity is most welcome. In three weeks I'll be in Oaxaca!

On my flight back to New York I'll be working on my next vampire tale, another November Nanowrimo project. I love, love, love writing for Nanowrimo...I just give myself permission to go for it. Solid writing for the month. Goal is 50,000 words. Yes, I do have to work to keep a roof over my head. My notebook comes with me. More vampires, some old, some new, all fun...in their own creepy way.

Deviant Moon Tarot ~ Patrick Valenza One of my favorite alternate universes