Taking a Break!

Well, I guess I'm already on a break since I haven't posted in about 2 weeks, but I do like to tidy things up--so, yeah, time for a blogging break. Maybe I'll even get to go to the location in the photo above!

The good thing is that I'm busy with lots of stuff, but I'm starting to stress (no, not me!). I enjoy posting when I can, so I'm just going to chill for a while until things calm down.

What am I up to, you ask? Well, I've had some extra editing/writing work on the side, and I have another house blessing coming up as "Rev. Riverwolf." Plus I'm heading for a week-long vacation in 2 weeks. I'm also ready to sell the old house, my niece is graduating high school--and on and on!

Thanks as always for stopping by, and I wish you and yours much joy and freedom!

Taking a Break!

Well, I guess I'm already on a break since I haven't posted in about 2 weeks, but I do like to tidy things up--so, yeah, time for a blogging break. Maybe I'll even get to go to the location in the photo above!

The good thing is that I'm busy with lots of stuff, but I'm starting to stress (no, not me!). I enjoy posting when I can, so I'm just going to chill for a while until things calm down.

What am I up to, you ask? Well, I've had some extra editing/writing work on the side, and I have another house blessing coming up as "Rev. Riverwolf." Plus I'm heading for a week-long vacation in 2 weeks. I'm also ready to sell the old house, my niece is graduating high school--and on and on!

Thanks as always for stopping by, and I wish you and yours much joy and freedom!

Beltane & Busyness

LOVE this photo. You can just see the little bud sprouting, plus you have what appears to be some sort of altar on the ground.

This weekend, many nature-lovers and pagans will celebrate Beltane, the half-way point between spring and summer. Looks like I'm going to be busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, however. Lots to write, still more painting at the house, and need to visit my mom after she had a short hospital stay. I'm not even going to whip up my usual altar or ritual this time. Feels like I need something different, another way to mark the occasion.

Since Beltane is opposite Samhain (Halloween), many say this time of year is also when the veil between the worlds is thin. I've always felt that way at Samhain, so I'd like to find time to meditate on that this weekend. We'll see.

Hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy spring!

Beltane & Busyness

LOVE this photo. You can just see the little bud sprouting, plus you have what appears to be some sort of altar on the ground.

This weekend, many nature-lovers and pagans will celebrate Beltane, the half-way point between spring and summer. Looks like I'm going to be busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, however. Lots to write, still more painting at the house, and need to visit my mom after she had a short hospital stay. I'm not even going to whip up my usual altar or ritual this time. Feels like I need something different, another way to mark the occasion.

Since Beltane is opposite Samhain (Halloween), many say this time of year is also when the veil between the worlds is thin. I've always felt that way at Samhain, so I'd like to find time to meditate on that this weekend. We'll see.

Hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy spring!

Time Out!

Work has really ramped up all of a sudden, so don't be shocked if I don't post for a while. That and I'm trying to get painting and yard work done at the old house so that we can put the baby on the market!

Be back soon!

Time Out!

Work has really ramped up all of a sudden, so don't be shocked if I don't post for a while. That and I'm trying to get painting and yard work done at the old house so that we can put the baby on the market!

Be back soon!

MORE Snow and Ice!

I woke up this morning to a few more inches of snow, and now we have rain/freezing rain! Well, I guess that screws the plans I had tonight to meet friends for dinner and a gallery hop. Things pretty much shut down 'round here when the weather turns bad.

Should I go to my doc appt? I have a routine appointment this morning for some lab work. I may try to call, however, you rarely get through to a real, live human being who can tell you anything, such as whether their office has closed.

And then work. I do have lots to do today, however, the office is open (I checked). Ugh--I so do not want to be out in this mess today!

MORE Snow and Ice!

I woke up this morning to a few more inches of snow, and now we have rain/freezing rain! Well, I guess that screws the plans I had tonight to meet friends for dinner and a gallery hop. Things pretty much shut down 'round here when the weather turns bad.

Should I go to my doc appt? I have a routine appointment this morning for some lab work. I may try to call, however, you rarely get through to a real, live human being who can tell you anything, such as whether their office has closed.

And then work. I do have lots to do today, however, the office is open (I checked). Ugh--I so do not want to be out in this mess today!

Ministry, Maintenance and Makeovers

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't posted much lately. It's all too tedious to go into, but I have been busy with other things.

Rev. Riverwolf hasn't officiated at any other weddings, but I did perform a house blessing a few days before Christmas. It went really well, the family was super-nice, and we ended with homemade chilli and champagne! I am so enjoying this ritual work, and it's becoming a wonderful source of joy in my life.

At home, I've set up what you might call altars, although I don't like that word since I'm not worshipping anything. They're more like photos really, representing the 4 elements and 4 cardinal directions. I need to add a few more touches for South/Fire and North/Air, but they're helpful daily reminders of my connections to the natural world and my place in it. Also did some organizing of my space where I keep all my ritual tools and objects. It feels much more energized now--and I really need some sort of name for it, like "chapel," or "temple"--something like that, but it needs to be more intimate and personal. I'm sure there's a word for it out there. Any suggestions? I'm also reading and researching.

On the relationship front, things are improving with my partner. He's made some changes, and I'm making some myself. We're both nicer to each other, we're listening and communicating--and I think I have hope this might work out. Part of me worries it might still be too late, but I guess we'll see. No rush.

Otherwise, trying to see movies and friends, and work is work, blah, blah. Thanks for indulging me!

Ministry, Maintenance and Makeovers

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't posted much lately. It's all too tedious to go into, but I have been busy with other things.

Rev. Riverwolf hasn't officiated at any other weddings, but I did perform a house blessing a few days before Christmas. It went really well, the family was super-nice, and we ended with homemade chilli and champagne! I am so enjoying this ritual work, and it's becoming a wonderful source of joy in my life.

At home, I've set up what you might call altars, although I don't like that word since I'm not worshipping anything. They're more like photos really, representing the 4 elements and 4 cardinal directions. I need to add a few more touches for South/Fire and North/Air, but they're helpful daily reminders of my connections to the natural world and my place in it. Also did some organizing of my space where I keep all my ritual tools and objects. It feels much more energized now--and I really need some sort of name for it, like "chapel," or "temple"--something like that, but it needs to be more intimate and personal. I'm sure there's a word for it out there. Any suggestions? I'm also reading and researching.

On the relationship front, things are improving with my partner. He's made some changes, and I'm making some myself. We're both nicer to each other, we're listening and communicating--and I think I have hope this might work out. Part of me worries it might still be too late, but I guess we'll see. No rush.

Otherwise, trying to see movies and friends, and work is work, blah, blah. Thanks for indulging me!

I Think I'm Becoming a Night Owl (or maybe Mothman?)

Here I sit, Diet Pepsi in my hand, typing away after midnight. I've already been to bed and even finished a good book. But my mind is ablaze! It kneads a mixture of to-do items for tomorrow as well as greater spiritual chunks that you can't fully digest while lying in bed. This is becoming a habit. I can't seem to get up in the mornings, but I want to stay awake all night.

My energy pattern has obviously shifted. I used to rise early and love to get lots of things done before hardly anyone else was awake. Now that's more of a goal than a reality. Instead I like to sit outside at night on my apartment stairs and gaze up at the stars, or just lie in bed and think without ever getting sleepy. And that's what's odd--I'm not even tired!

So am I turning into a creature that only comes out at night? You know, a cat, an opposum or maybe an owl? Supposedly they develop enhanced smell and hearing (I'll let you know). Maybe a moth, which have always creeped me out. I know--a vampire!

Well, it's all well and good--but I still have to work in the morning!

I Think I'm Becoming a Night Owl (or maybe Mothman?)

Here I sit, Diet Pepsi in my hand, typing away after midnight. I've already been to bed and even finished a good book. But my mind is ablaze! It kneads a mixture of to-do items for tomorrow as well as greater spiritual chunks that you can't fully digest while lying in bed. This is becoming a habit. I can't seem to get up in the mornings, but I want to stay awake all night.

My energy pattern has obviously shifted. I used to rise early and love to get lots of things done before hardly anyone else was awake. Now that's more of a goal than a reality. Instead I like to sit outside at night on my apartment stairs and gaze up at the stars, or just lie in bed and think without ever getting sleepy. And that's what's odd--I'm not even tired!

So am I turning into a creature that only comes out at night? You know, a cat, an opposum or maybe an owl? Supposedly they develop enhanced smell and hearing (I'll let you know). Maybe a moth, which have always creeped me out. I know--a vampire!

Well, it's all well and good--but I still have to work in the morning!

Hump Day Humdrums

Maybe writing will help me work out some things today and keep me from descending any further into self pity (not a pretty thing).

Couples therapy is actually going well with my partner, and today I was really missing him--even though I saw him last night, and we have plans to have dinner Friday night. But everything seems so difficult. Allow me to elaborate:

1. Money is scarce, and there are some small things I'd like to do around my apartment to make it feel more like home, but I feel I can't spend the money. Every decision feels like I'm weighing whether to eat or pay the rent. I actually helped my sister out--which I suppose I should be thankful that I was able to do--and I'm still waiting to get paid for my last wedding. Even the counseling, which has been so helpful, is costing more than I feel I can afford.

2. My energy level is at an all-time low. I'm not walking in the mornings, although I am doing short meditations. I'm not attending any of my other regular exercise classes either--and I'm starting to feel it! I'd rather just come home, get into my robe and chill with some DVDs. Working is difficult (except for my ministerial work, fortunately), and it's a challenge to get out of the bed every day and focus on the tasks at hand.

3. Emotions are volatile, unpredictable. One minute I'm feeling positive and upbeat, the next I'm crying my eyes out. Which is not normal for me. One minute I want to see friends, and the next I want to be left alone. Then, one moment I'll feel like my partner and I will be reunited, and the next I never want to see him again.

4. Spiritually, I'm feeling good, but I feel like I could be doing more. Reading and meditating more, for example, or getting outdoors. I'm probably being too hard on myself, but I feel like this time I now have is precious, and I don't want to squander it. At times, everything I'm going through seems to make sense and have a purpose on some level--and at other times I feel like a complete loony fool.

I'm just a great big ball of anxiety and insecurity! I'm so ready to emerge from all this, to feel energized again, engaged with the world again. Is that too much to ask?

So, how was your day?

Hump Day Humdrums

Maybe writing will help me work out some things today and keep me from descending any further into self pity (not a pretty thing).

Couples therapy is actually going well with my partner, and today I was really missing him--even though I saw him last night, and we have plans to have dinner Friday night. But everything seems so difficult. Allow me to elaborate:

1. Money is scarce, and there are some small things I'd like to do around my apartment to make it feel more like home, but I feel I can't spend the money. Every decision feels like I'm weighing whether to eat or pay the rent. I actually helped my sister out--which I suppose I should be thankful that I was able to do--and I'm still waiting to get paid for my last wedding. Even the counseling, which has been so helpful, is costing more than I feel I can afford.

2. My energy level is at an all-time low. I'm not walking in the mornings, although I am doing short meditations. I'm not attending any of my other regular exercise classes either--and I'm starting to feel it! I'd rather just come home, get into my robe and chill with some DVDs. Working is difficult (except for my ministerial work, fortunately), and it's a challenge to get out of the bed every day and focus on the tasks at hand.

3. Emotions are volatile, unpredictable. One minute I'm feeling positive and upbeat, the next I'm crying my eyes out. Which is not normal for me. One minute I want to see friends, and the next I want to be left alone. Then, one moment I'll feel like my partner and I will be reunited, and the next I never want to see him again.

4. Spiritually, I'm feeling good, but I feel like I could be doing more. Reading and meditating more, for example, or getting outdoors. I'm probably being too hard on myself, but I feel like this time I now have is precious, and I don't want to squander it. At times, everything I'm going through seems to make sense and have a purpose on some level--and at other times I feel like a complete loony fool.

I'm just a great big ball of anxiety and insecurity! I'm so ready to emerge from all this, to feel energized again, engaged with the world again. Is that too much to ask?

So, how was your day?

On a Blogging Sabbatical

Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, NC

Obviously I haven't posted much lately--too much going on! So rather than stress over it, I'm just going to take a break. I need to regroup. It may only be a few days or it may be a few weeks. And I may stop by your sites and leave a few comments here and there. We'll see. In the meantime, I'll be near the water and among the trees.

Thanks to everyone for taking a moment to stop by and read, and I wish you all peace and happiness.

On a Blogging Sabbatical

Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, NC

Obviously I haven't posted much lately--too much going on! So rather than stress over it, I'm just going to take a break. I need to regroup. It may only be a few days or it may be a few weeks. And I may stop by your sites and leave a few comments here and there. We'll see. In the meantime, I'll be near the water and among the trees.

Thanks to everyone for taking a moment to stop by and read, and I wish you all peace and happiness.

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...

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.