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