Bears Roam Freely in Cherokee!

Well, sorta. You might get lucky and glimpse a real bear, but these are just a few of the 15 painted bears placed throughout Cherokee as a way to highlight tribal artists.

This first one honors Sequoyah, the man who transformed the Cherokee language into a written syllabary. There's a famous portrait of Sequoyah showing him with a pipe and turban-like hat, so that's why the bear is shown in this manner. Some characters from the syllabary are also shown on the bear.

I just liked the design on this second bear, but I'm not sure if there's any special representation.

And last, I love the mountain scene painted on this bear. Beautiful colors.

Click here to see more bears and read about the art project. More Cherokee info and pics to come!

Bears Roam Freely in Cherokee!

Well, sorta. You might get lucky and glimpse a real bear, but these are just a few of the 15 painted bears placed throughout Cherokee as a way to highlight tribal artists.

This first one honors Sequoyah, the man who transformed the Cherokee language into a written syllabary. There's a famous portrait of Sequoyah showing him with a pipe and turban-like hat, so that's why the bear is shown in this manner. Some characters from the syllabary are also shown on the bear.

I just liked the design on this second bear, but I'm not sure if there's any special representation.

And last, I love the mountain scene painted on this bear. Beautiful colors.

Click here to see more bears and read about the art project. More Cherokee info and pics to come!

An Evening with Krishna

I'm woefully ignorant on the Hindu faith--but last night, I did learn a little more. A local yoga studio was presenting an event featuring a Hindu swami, plus music and dancing. What else was I going to do? I wasn't all that interested in listening to the swami--until he began to speak. He only talked for maybe 20 minutes, but here was so much wisdom crammed into those minutes, my head was spinning. He talked about attachments here in this world, about ego and the identities we create and cling to, about sitting and simply being, and about how we each already have all we need. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, but he talked so simply, clearly and succinctly--it was a breath of fresh air that I've desperately needed. And it reminds me a little of what that Cherokee medicine man said to me last weekend--and I have yet to post on that--sorry!

The swami told us more about Krishna--in fact, the entire evening was centered around this god, whom the swami called "the expressive heart of Hinduism." The talk was then followed by some beautiful traditional Indian dance called bharata natyam. There was one performance called the "Dance of Peace and Light," featuring 2 women in a darkened studio holding votive candles in each hand. It truly did create an atmosphere of peace and light--and it would be great at a wedding. I looked for a sample video but couldn't find anything.The evening ended with a performance of the Mayapuris, a group of young men and women who chant and drum in the sacred kirtan tradition. It was quite mesmerizing at first, but--then the group wouldn't stop chanting: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare." They just kept going and going and going. Yeah, it got old fast--so I left. I'm all for religious devotion--and I know the mantra is supposed to induce a state of God-consciousness--but it was starting to get creepy and cultish!

Still, an interesting and inspiring evening. Which is great, considering today completely sucks! My motorcycle won't start, I'm all emotional over the break-up still, and my Internet is STILL not hooked up in the apartment (I'll spare you the long, tragic story--I'm sure I'll laugh at one day). I'm sure Krishna is looking down on all of this and laughing himself...

An Evening with Krishna

I'm woefully ignorant on the Hindu faith--but last night, I did learn a little more. A local yoga studio was presenting an event featuring a Hindu swami, plus music and dancing. What else was I going to do? I wasn't all that interested in listening to the swami--until he began to speak. He only talked for maybe 20 minutes, but here was so much wisdom crammed into those minutes, my head was spinning. He talked about attachments here in this world, about ego and the identities we create and cling to, about sitting and simply being, and about how we each already have all we need. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, but he talked so simply, clearly and succinctly--it was a breath of fresh air that I've desperately needed. And it reminds me a little of what that Cherokee medicine man said to me last weekend--and I have yet to post on that--sorry!

The swami told us more about Krishna--in fact, the entire evening was centered around this god, whom the swami called "the expressive heart of Hinduism." The talk was then followed by some beautiful traditional Indian dance called bharata natyam. There was one performance called the "Dance of Peace and Light," featuring 2 women in a darkened studio holding votive candles in each hand. It truly did create an atmosphere of peace and light--and it would be great at a wedding. I looked for a sample video but couldn't find anything.The evening ended with a performance of the Mayapuris, a group of young men and women who chant and drum in the sacred kirtan tradition. It was quite mesmerizing at first, but--then the group wouldn't stop chanting: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare." They just kept going and going and going. Yeah, it got old fast--so I left. I'm all for religious devotion--and I know the mantra is supposed to induce a state of God-consciousness--but it was starting to get creepy and cultish!

Still, an interesting and inspiring evening. Which is great, considering today completely sucks! My motorcycle won't start, I'm all emotional over the break-up still, and my Internet is STILL not hooked up in the apartment (I'll spare you the long, tragic story--I'm sure I'll laugh at one day). I'm sure Krishna is looking down on all of this and laughing himself...

Reflections on a Simple Alban Elfed

Ready or not, fall/autumn is here, and the equinox occurred yesterday evening, that time that only happens twice a year when the amounts of sunlight and darkness are equal. (Well, National Geographic says that isn't exactly true, but I'll let the wonks sort it out.) I love fall, usually, but I'm dreading it this year because that mean's winter isn't far away. I don't always do well without enough sunlight and warmth in my days, and now that my partner and I have split up, the seasonal changes are filling me with apprehension.

No surprise, I really didn't want to conduct any kind of ritual for the equinox/Mabon, or Alban Elfed in the Celtic tradition. But I needed to do it for my spiritual health. It's been very difficult lately for me to keep up my spiritual practices. I guess I just feel a little empty at the moment. But now's the time when it's most important, of course. I need to maintain that connection to the natural world, to the everyday changes that occur around us. It helps me to remember that change is part of our lives. Things begin and things end. Nature teaches us that nothing can ever remain the same.

My ritual today was simple, and I didn't even take a photo to share. Just a single candle and me seated on the floor. I did add a bowl of water to symbolize emotions and relationships (oh how they do change!).

Balance
As I meditated on the balance of dark and light on the equinox, I began to wonder: Is balance in anything really possible? The equinox itself is only a passing moment, and then the days grow darker, only to come into balance again in the spring; but that lasts only a moment as well. So much is written and said about maintaining balance in our lives, but it's ever elusive. Just when you think you have it, it's gone. And off you go again in search of balance. Maybe it's overrated!!

Change

As the seasons change, we have an opportunity to reflect on change in our lives. Obviously, I've been through a big change recently after leaving my partner. But where do we go from here? Even though I've moved out, I still talk to him: I have mail to collect, personal items still in the house, and we need to paint the bathrooms in preparation to put the house up for sale. Most perplexing, he's actually beginning to show more affection and treat me as I had wanted to be treated all along. And as far as I know, he's stopped drinking altogether. Maybe there's a chance yet. But the lesson is that things have changed, regardless of whether we remain apart or get back together. If we do reconcile, the dynamic of our relationship and our expectations will have to evolve--otherwise, we'll be operating from a perspective that has already shifted out from under us.

Harvest

It's also a time to reflect on what the seeds we've planted in our lives have produced. I'm disappointed that some of my writing projects and goals haven't been met, but then I did get ordained as an interfaith minister this year--and I have 2 weddings planned for October. That's been a wonderful surprise!

I don't know if any of you out there might also be dreading the approach of winter, too. But my ritual reminded me that even winter will pass eventually. We cannot stop any of it, not the change in seasons nor changes in our personal lives. I say this to myself as much as to anyone else who is reading: Hang on. Relax. This, too, shall pass in time.

Reflections on a Simple Alban Elfed

Ready or not, fall/autumn is here, and the equinox occurred yesterday evening, that time that only happens twice a year when the amounts of sunlight and darkness are equal. (Well, National Geographic says that isn't exactly true, but I'll let the wonks sort it out.) I love fall, usually, but I'm dreading it this year because that mean's winter isn't far away. I don't always do well without enough sunlight and warmth in my days, and now that my partner and I have split up, the seasonal changes are filling me with apprehension.

No surprise, I really didn't want to conduct any kind of ritual for the equinox/Mabon, or Alban Elfed in the Celtic tradition. But I needed to do it for my spiritual health. It's been very difficult lately for me to keep up my spiritual practices. I guess I just feel a little empty at the moment. But now's the time when it's most important, of course. I need to maintain that connection to the natural world, to the everyday changes that occur around us. It helps me to remember that change is part of our lives. Things begin and things end. Nature teaches us that nothing can ever remain the same.

My ritual today was simple, and I didn't even take a photo to share. Just a single candle and me seated on the floor. I did add a bowl of water to symbolize emotions and relationships (oh how they do change!).

Balance
As I meditated on the balance of dark and light on the equinox, I began to wonder: Is balance in anything really possible? The equinox itself is only a passing moment, and then the days grow darker, only to come into balance again in the spring; but that lasts only a moment as well. So much is written and said about maintaining balance in our lives, but it's ever elusive. Just when you think you have it, it's gone. And off you go again in search of balance. Maybe it's overrated!!

Change

As the seasons change, we have an opportunity to reflect on change in our lives. Obviously, I've been through a big change recently after leaving my partner. But where do we go from here? Even though I've moved out, I still talk to him: I have mail to collect, personal items still in the house, and we need to paint the bathrooms in preparation to put the house up for sale. Most perplexing, he's actually beginning to show more affection and treat me as I had wanted to be treated all along. And as far as I know, he's stopped drinking altogether. Maybe there's a chance yet. But the lesson is that things have changed, regardless of whether we remain apart or get back together. If we do reconcile, the dynamic of our relationship and our expectations will have to evolve--otherwise, we'll be operating from a perspective that has already shifted out from under us.

Harvest

It's also a time to reflect on what the seeds we've planted in our lives have produced. I'm disappointed that some of my writing projects and goals haven't been met, but then I did get ordained as an interfaith minister this year--and I have 2 weddings planned for October. That's been a wonderful surprise!

I don't know if any of you out there might also be dreading the approach of winter, too. But my ritual reminded me that even winter will pass eventually. We cannot stop any of it, not the change in seasons nor changes in our personal lives. I say this to myself as much as to anyone else who is reading: Hang on. Relax. This, too, shall pass in time.

Shamans in Afghanistan?

You betcha. I stumbled upon this photo and can't stop looking at this guy. His outfit and appearance are at once both odd and quite familiar. It's intriguing to examine the similarities between those who call themselves shamans--or the local equivalent, no matter where in the world they come from. I mean, even though I don't know exactly what this man is doing or why he's wearing what he's wearing, I can make a pretty decent assumption as to the intent of his actions and the function of his wardrobe. Quite stylish, too, no? Love the hat.

If you've got the time, here's the companion article about shamanism in Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia.

Shamans in Afghanistan?

You betcha. I stumbled upon this photo and can't stop looking at this guy. His outfit and appearance are at once both odd and quite familiar. It's intriguing to examine the similarities between those who call themselves shamans--or the local equivalent, no matter where in the world they come from. I mean, even though I don't know exactly what this man is doing or why he's wearing what he's wearing, I can make a pretty decent assumption as to the intent of his actions and the function of his wardrobe. Quite stylish, too, no? Love the hat.

If you've got the time, here's the companion article about shamanism in Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia.

Is It Friday Yet?

I'm actually at my office job and having a bitch of a time coming up with a headline for an article--so, screw it, I'm blogging!

First, my weekend in Cherokee, NC, was ... well, many things. I saw clouds embrace the mountaintops and dipped my hands in the cold, rushing mountain streams. It was also fun, and I learned a lot. Parts were insightful and inspiring as well as horribly dull and irritating. Frightening, too. What do I mean by that? Imagine looking into the coal-black eyes of a modern Cherokee medicine man and feeling the tender underbelly of your soul laid bare. More on that!

When I returned home yesterday, I was surprised by yet MORE roses from my partner! I could get used to this...

Last, I've decided to try an little experiment--I'm going without a TV! Now that I've moved, I really can't afford the kind of TV I'd like. Sure, I can buy a fairly cheap one, but it got me to thinking. Why do I even really need one? Most shows you can now view online, and frankly, it would be nice to do without the distraction. Seriously, who says we need a TV? Nothing wrong with it, per se, but it's that cultural expectation that you must have the biggest screen around, watch all the shows ('cause the advertisers want your $$) and then talk about it with your friends. It's all fine--unless it takes over your life, which is exactly what TV tends to do. So, wish me luck and maybe I'll blog about my progress.

Ok, now back to that damned headline...

Is It Friday Yet?

I'm actually at my office job and having a bitch of a time coming up with a headline for an article--so, screw it, I'm blogging!

First, my weekend in Cherokee, NC, was ... well, many things. I saw clouds embrace the mountaintops and dipped my hands in the cold, rushing mountain streams. It was also fun, and I learned a lot. Parts were insightful and inspiring as well as horribly dull and irritating. Frightening, too. What do I mean by that? Imagine looking into the coal-black eyes of a modern Cherokee medicine man and feeling the tender underbelly of your soul laid bare. More on that!

When I returned home yesterday, I was surprised by yet MORE roses from my partner! I could get used to this...

Last, I've decided to try an little experiment--I'm going without a TV! Now that I've moved, I really can't afford the kind of TV I'd like. Sure, I can buy a fairly cheap one, but it got me to thinking. Why do I even really need one? Most shows you can now view online, and frankly, it would be nice to do without the distraction. Seriously, who says we need a TV? Nothing wrong with it, per se, but it's that cultural expectation that you must have the biggest screen around, watch all the shows ('cause the advertisers want your $$) and then talk about it with your friends. It's all fine--unless it takes over your life, which is exactly what TV tends to do. So, wish me luck and maybe I'll blog about my progress.

Ok, now back to that damned headline...

Pics from the "New" Grove

 Finally had a chance to snap a few in my new surroundings! Again, it's right on the edge of downtown, but there's a park setting and a creek.

The park is pretty large, and the city has done a nice job with wildflower plantings and erosion control. I was concerned that city critters would be rather dull after the country cousins I was used to. No, I probably won't see many deer or vultures, but I did hear a few unfamiliar bird calls the other day. And I've already found some new plants to identify.

See you next week as I'm off to Cherokee!

Pics from the "New" Grove

 Finally had a chance to snap a few in my new surroundings! Again, it's right on the edge of downtown, but there's a park setting and a creek.

The park is pretty large, and the city has done a nice job with wildflower plantings and erosion control. I was concerned that city critters would be rather dull after the country cousins I was used to. No, I probably won't see many deer or vultures, but I did hear a few unfamiliar bird calls the other day. And I've already found some new plants to identify.

See you next week as I'm off to Cherokee!

Be Back in a Few...

I'm going to have to take a break, dear readers. Lots to accomplish this week, so I gotta prioritize--especially if I'm going to avoid another meltdown like I had last week! Also, I'm getting ready for my weekend in Cherokee, NC, and I'm very excited about that. If I'm not back before then, I'll be sure to take lots of notes!

Best to all who wander by.

Be Back in a Few...

I'm going to have to take a break, dear readers. Lots to accomplish this week, so I gotta prioritize--especially if I'm going to avoid another meltdown like I had last week! Also, I'm getting ready for my weekend in Cherokee, NC, and I'm very excited about that. If I'm not back before then, I'll be sure to take lots of notes!

Best to all who wander by.

Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA"--the Gay Version

I know, I know--Miley freakin' Cyrus!? But this song is just so catchy and fun and happy, and it's forever stuck in my head! But I probably wouldn't have heard it if it weren't for this video by some gay guys frolicking in New York's Fire Island Pines. They basically did their own video to Miley's song, and it all just makes me happy. I'm only human! After all, who can resist a Disney teen poplet teamed with cute guys in swim trunks?



Why hasn't Disney tried this combo yet? Pure gold, baby. And to Miss Miley's credit, I do think this one has some talent and staying power. So thank you Fire Island Pines boys--and thank you, Miley. Peace out.

Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA"--the Gay Version

I know, I know--Miley freakin' Cyrus!? But this song is just so catchy and fun and happy, and it's forever stuck in my head! But I probably wouldn't have heard it if it weren't for this video by some gay guys frolicking in New York's Fire Island Pines. They basically did their own video to Miley's song, and it all just makes me happy. I'm only human! After all, who can resist a Disney teen poplet teamed with cute guys in swim trunks?



Why hasn't Disney tried this combo yet? Pure gold, baby. And to Miss Miley's credit, I do think this one has some talent and staying power. So thank you Fire Island Pines boys--and thank you, Miley. Peace out.

Perfectly Perfect Moi Had a Perfectly Tragic Meltdown

 Holy crap--what a week! Work has been crazy as have my emotions, which I supposed is to be expected. But Tuesday/Wednesday was really a low point, the lowest I can remember being in years, and at one point, I remember feeling quite desperate, discouraged and, perhaps not surprisingly, suicidal.

But I'm still here, obviously! I guess I set myself up for it in a way. This past weekend was great, very relaxing, and I remember starting work on Tuesday all fired up and energized to accomplish lots and conquer the world. Alas, the world conquered me! By the time I went to sleep Tuesday night, I was a tearful mess--and it's partly my own fault. I was simply overwhelmed with the things I've taken on workwise, together with my high expectations of myself and the convergence of having more financial demands than ever before.

Add to that some of the reasons why I left my partner. I've imagined a life where I have time to pursue all these interests of mine. Other people do this, right? Yet somehow I still can't find the time, and I was pissed off. My home office is still unpacked, but truth be told, I cannot take on anything else. And that realization is what pissed me off. Then I felt guilty, guilty for blaming some of my discontent on my partner. And maybe I'm "just a girl who can't say no!" (Sorry, wasn't that from "Oklahoma!?") He always said I try and take on too much. Oh, I'm very focused--there just aren't enough hours in the day to hold that focus! So ok, where does that leave me? How do I find contentment?

So that's how I started Wednesday off, feeling sorry for myself BIG time. Worrying over the choices I've made, worrying over money and just about everything you can imagine. Then I lost a favorite ring of mine, and my watch band began to fall apart. Plus, my betta fish is all stressed out for some reason, and his fins are ragged and he's very listless. (It's not fin rot because I've used an antibiotic and the 6 other fish in the aquarium are fine. ) Maybe I'm crazy, but the betta was my partner's favorite fish and I think he's suffering separation anxiety! Then I found myself at an aerobic exercise class completely unable to keep up the tempo or the steps, and totally feeling like Grampy Riverwolf. It seems so silly now, but I was ready to just drive off a cliff. It felt like I couldn't do anything "right."

And there's my problem. Once again, I'm trying to be perfect: the perfectly appointed apartment, the perfectly stellar career, the perfectly executed aerobics routine--and so on. This realization hit me while reading another blog the next morning, after I somehow talked myself down from the ledge. After all, suicide isn't a joke--but I'm not kidding, I was looking down that road, and although the exit sign was far off in the distance, I could still see it. Know what I mean?

Honestly though, I take myself WAY too seriously. As usual, I'm trying to control everything and avoid mistakes, whatever those might be. This is how people spiral out of control. Happens all the time. Well, I think I'm finally getting it. Now if I can just avoid the trap of trying to "perfectly" apply this lesson!

Perfectly Perfect Moi Had a Perfectly Tragic Meltdown

 Holy crap--what a week! Work has been crazy as have my emotions, which I supposed is to be expected. But Tuesday/Wednesday was really a low point, the lowest I can remember being in years, and at one point, I remember feeling quite desperate, discouraged and, perhaps not surprisingly, suicidal.

But I'm still here, obviously! I guess I set myself up for it in a way. This past weekend was great, very relaxing, and I remember starting work on Tuesday all fired up and energized to accomplish lots and conquer the world. Alas, the world conquered me! By the time I went to sleep Tuesday night, I was a tearful mess--and it's partly my own fault. I was simply overwhelmed with the things I've taken on workwise, together with my high expectations of myself and the convergence of having more financial demands than ever before.

Add to that some of the reasons why I left my partner. I've imagined a life where I have time to pursue all these interests of mine. Other people do this, right? Yet somehow I still can't find the time, and I was pissed off. My home office is still unpacked, but truth be told, I cannot take on anything else. And that realization is what pissed me off. Then I felt guilty, guilty for blaming some of my discontent on my partner. And maybe I'm "just a girl who can't say no!" (Sorry, wasn't that from "Oklahoma!?") He always said I try and take on too much. Oh, I'm very focused--there just aren't enough hours in the day to hold that focus! So ok, where does that leave me? How do I find contentment?

So that's how I started Wednesday off, feeling sorry for myself BIG time. Worrying over the choices I've made, worrying over money and just about everything you can imagine. Then I lost a favorite ring of mine, and my watch band began to fall apart. Plus, my betta fish is all stressed out for some reason, and his fins are ragged and he's very listless. (It's not fin rot because I've used an antibiotic and the 6 other fish in the aquarium are fine. ) Maybe I'm crazy, but the betta was my partner's favorite fish and I think he's suffering separation anxiety! Then I found myself at an aerobic exercise class completely unable to keep up the tempo or the steps, and totally feeling like Grampy Riverwolf. It seems so silly now, but I was ready to just drive off a cliff. It felt like I couldn't do anything "right."

And there's my problem. Once again, I'm trying to be perfect: the perfectly appointed apartment, the perfectly stellar career, the perfectly executed aerobics routine--and so on. This realization hit me while reading another blog the next morning, after I somehow talked myself down from the ledge. After all, suicide isn't a joke--but I'm not kidding, I was looking down that road, and although the exit sign was far off in the distance, I could still see it. Know what I mean?

Honestly though, I take myself WAY too seriously. As usual, I'm trying to control everything and avoid mistakes, whatever those might be. This is how people spiral out of control. Happens all the time. Well, I think I'm finally getting it. Now if I can just avoid the trap of trying to "perfectly" apply this lesson!

Wedding #2 is Set!

Wow, this minister thing is taking off! I have 1 wedding to conduct on Samhain/Halloween, and now I have another on 10/17! Lots to do, but I'm really enjoying this so far, coming up with ideas for the brides. I couldn't have more different weddings to conduct. One is a big ol' pagan wedding, complete with casting sacred circles, blowing conch horns, ringing bells and such. The other is very simple with no mention of anything religious/spiritual at all--and maybe not even any music. Hmmm, I may have to hum something to liven it up! 

Wish me luck and lots of cool/calm nerves!

Wedding #2 is Set!

Wow, this minister thing is taking off! I have 1 wedding to conduct on Samhain/Halloween, and now I have another on 10/17! Lots to do, but I'm really enjoying this so far, coming up with ideas for the brides. I couldn't have more different weddings to conduct. One is a big ol' pagan wedding, complete with casting sacred circles, blowing conch horns, ringing bells and such. The other is very simple with no mention of anything religious/spiritual at all--and maybe not even any music. Hmmm, I may have to hum something to liven it up! 

Wish me luck and lots of cool/calm nerves!

The Coast, a Concert--and Roses!

Had a great time this weekend--some shopping, a fried-seafood lunch along the waterfront and saw Gloriana in concert! It was so nice to get away. I did miss my partner some--it seemed everything I saw and did reminded me of him, and it was sad that we weren't together.

But then I got home and we went out for dinner--and he bought me these roses! They're actually a deep red but they look pink here for some reason.

Anyway, roses are a start and we'll just see where this goes.

BTW, I have a feeling that my posting will be slim this week. Lots of work to get done!

The Coast, a Concert--and Roses!

Had a great time this weekend--some shopping, a fried-seafood lunch along the waterfront and saw Gloriana in concert! It was so nice to get away. I did miss my partner some--it seemed everything I saw and did reminded me of him, and it was sad that we weren't together.

But then I got home and we went out for dinner--and he bought me these roses! They're actually a deep red but they look pink here for some reason.

Anyway, roses are a start and we'll just see where this goes.

BTW, I have a feeling that my posting will be slim this week. Lots of work to get done!

Boys of Summer #9: Looks Like Somebody Needs a Shower

Don't you just love good ol' country boys out riding their ATVs in the good ol' summertime? Somehow, the ones I always see never quite look like this! *sigh*

Boys of Summer #9: Looks Like Somebody Needs a Shower

Don't you just love good ol' country boys out riding their ATVs in the good ol' summertime? Somehow, the ones I always see never quite look like this! *sigh*

The Moon, the Fog, the Light ... and Leaving for the Coast!

Don't know about you, but it just feels like fall is quickly approaching. Yesterday, while driving home from work, I noticed the quality of the afternoon sun seemed different; it had that slant you get in late fall, and just the way the rays played on the trees and grass reminded me of fall.

On my walk this morning, the moon was ENOURMOUS, and a thin layer of fog hugged the ground throughout the park. Plus, the morning air is already cooler. Yep, fall is on its way.

To the Coast or Bust!

Tomorrow morning, I'm packing up the pick-up and heading to the coast. A friend has a house there, and I SO need to get outta this town! Maybe I'll find a good Labor Day Sale on some pots and pans! Plus, we'll get to take in the beach and hopefully some outdoor music with a beer. Sounds good, right?

Hope you all have a great weekend. Cheers! Hmmm, maybe I'll meet this fellow out by the fishing pier...

The Moon, the Fog, the Light ... and Leaving for the Coast!

Don't know about you, but it just feels like fall is quickly approaching. Yesterday, while driving home from work, I noticed the quality of the afternoon sun seemed different; it had that slant you get in late fall, and just the way the rays played on the trees and grass reminded me of fall.

On my walk this morning, the moon was ENOURMOUS, and a thin layer of fog hugged the ground throughout the park. Plus, the morning air is already cooler. Yep, fall is on its way.

To the Coast or Bust!

Tomorrow morning, I'm packing up the pick-up and heading to the coast. A friend has a house there, and I SO need to get outta this town! Maybe I'll find a good Labor Day Sale on some pots and pans! Plus, we'll get to take in the beach and hopefully some outdoor music with a beer. Sounds good, right?

Hope you all have a great weekend. Cheers! Hmmm, maybe I'll meet this fellow out by the fishing pier...

Are You a Creature of Habit??

I've always thought I was more spontaneous and laid-back than some people--until I moved recently into my new apartment. Suddenly, I felt like I had been set adrift, and I began pining away for my old routines! It's actually been kinda funny.

• I can't find my keys in the morning now; it seems I haven't found that "right place" to leave them each night like I once did. 
• The placement of the dang light switches in this apartment don't make any sense to me. 
• I'm still reaching for things like I would in my former home, expecting them to be there--which is weird since this new place doesn't resemble the house at all.
• Where should my clothes go? Where to put the recycling? And I'm always running from room to room trying to find that one thing I've misplaced again. 
  

At least I'm sleeping well. And I just have to laugh out loud when I catch myself in these situations, and try to remember to breathe...

I have recognized that I'm talking to myself more now that I'm living alone. Should I be concerned??

Are You a Creature of Habit??

I've always thought I was more spontaneous and laid-back than some people--until I moved recently into my new apartment. Suddenly, I felt like I had been set adrift, and I began pining away for my old routines! It's actually been kinda funny.

• I can't find my keys in the morning now; it seems I haven't found that "right place" to leave them each night like I once did. 
• The placement of the dang light switches in this apartment don't make any sense to me. 
• I'm still reaching for things like I would in my former home, expecting them to be there--which is weird since this new place doesn't resemble the house at all.
• Where should my clothes go? Where to put the recycling? And I'm always running from room to room trying to find that one thing I've misplaced again. 
  

At least I'm sleeping well. And I just have to laugh out loud when I catch myself in these situations, and try to remember to breathe...

I have recognized that I'm talking to myself more now that I'm living alone. Should I be concerned??

That's What Friends Are For

Just realized that ended on a preposition--but I digress...

Can't you just hear Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and friends singing along??

I have that song in my head because, well, my friends have been so great these past several weeks during all my relationship drama. They've bought me meals and drinks; listened and counseled; helped me move and given me furniture and items for the apt; provided gift cards to buy stuff; and encouraged me that all of this work itself out for the best, no matter what.

And that is what friends are for. I'm very fortunate. So be a good friend today, and don't take the friends you have for granted.

That's What Friends Are For

Just realized that ended on a preposition--but I digress...

Can't you just hear Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and friends singing along??

I have that song in my head because, well, my friends have been so great these past several weeks during all my relationship drama. They've bought me meals and drinks; listened and counseled; helped me move and given me furniture and items for the apt; provided gift cards to buy stuff; and encouraged me that all of this work itself out for the best, no matter what.

And that is what friends are for. I'm very fortunate. So be a good friend today, and don't take the friends you have for granted.

Poor, Victimized Carrie Prejean Now Suing Miss California Bosses

I knew this woman wouldn't go away quietly, not now that she's become the Great Martyr of Traditional Marriage, suffering for her "values." Bitch please, you don't know what suffering is! Anyway, now Carrie Prejean is suing the Miss California organization, claiming she was stripped of her sash and crown because of religious discrimination. She's also claiming libel, accusing the Miss C org of spreading all manner of lies about why they fired her.

But don't you dare cry-for-her-Argentina: Miss Prejean is doing just fine touring the country as the latest eye candy for conservative causes.

Poor, Victimized Carrie Prejean Now Suing Miss California Bosses

I knew this woman wouldn't go away quietly, not now that she's become the Great Martyr of Traditional Marriage, suffering for her "values." Bitch please, you don't know what suffering is! Anyway, now Carrie Prejean is suing the Miss California organization, claiming she was stripped of her sash and crown because of religious discrimination. She's also claiming libel, accusing the Miss C org of spreading all manner of lies about why they fired her.

But don't you dare cry-for-her-Argentina: Miss Prejean is doing just fine touring the country as the latest eye candy for conservative causes.