Gypsy Sixties!

Bootylicious, for sure ~

2012-01-29T09:02:00.000-06:00

Ok, just in case you missed this, I want you to know that fame brings perks far, far beyond money and recognizability.

It is not every day when one receives recognition because a new fly has been identified with a big booty. NOT every day!

"Beyonce gets fly with golden booty named after her"

Click here for story: Beyonce gets fly with golden booty named after her

Now this is when you realize you have arrived.

The First Day of the Rest of My Life!

2012-01-23T11:03:00.000-06:00

This is it. Today is the day. Monday: the day of most "starts", right? Wednesday: the day of most "quits". Sigh.

I'm feeling the motivation to lose weight, finally. Things have gotten out of hand. I'm here exposing myself in the hopes that anyone else who needs to join me in this adventure will do so and feel encouraged by what I write. You, also, will encourage me with your own participation.

I have succumbed to the advertising of Nutrisystem. Indeed, I intend to look just like Janet Jackson in four months. Heh.

Ok, I'll have to tan a bit and exercise a lot, but I can do it!

It's too soon for me to announce just how much weight I would LIKE to lose, or even how much I expect to lose on this trek. That would be overwhelming. The truth is, I'd like to get back to looking like I did as a teenager. Not because I will look like a teenager again, but because I'll FEEL more like a teenager again. Without all the angst and hormonal surges. The best of both worlds!

I started the morning with my teeny weenie little bowl of bran cereal. Adding soy milk and stevia, it wasn't a bad meal at all. Now I'm supposed to have some sort of protein drink. I'll shake that up pretty soon.

Here's what I like about this whole scenario right now: it's easy, it's already prepared, there is no measuring or thinking. Since I'm living alone in Manitou Springs at the moment, what could be better?

I trek down to the kitchen, pull something out of the pile of breakfast, lunch or dinner and voila - my meal is in front of me.

Admittedly I have become very spoiled and very lazy when it comes to my diet. When I felt that first surge of hunger I'd grab something. Didn't really seem to matter what it was. Peanuts, crackers and cheese, cereal. Occasionally I'd make a good meal including vegetables, but I was often too lazy to do that.

Right now there are so many things I want to write, read and explore, that good nutrition just wasn't on my radar.

Here's what I have found so far this morning, in just a few hours of my new adventure. This has inspired me to take all of my vitamins. I've set up my new stereo where I will use it both for enjoyment and meditation.

I'm going to stick to this, and will remain accountable to you, my two devoted readers.

Stay tuned.

Are we proud of our younger generation or what?!

2012-01-23T09:19:00.002-06:00

Now and then we allow ourselves to think that the younger generations are going to Hell. Why? I think it's partly laziness on the part of us "older" people and also because what we hear on the news every day is mostly negative. That's what news is for, though, not to report the ordinary, but to report problems which need to be fixed and the occasional outstanding moment. For some reason we want to allow our problems to outweigh the good in our daily lives. Perhaps that's human nature; perhaps that's just how most of us have been taught to think about life.

So here is a 17-year-old girl who, possibly, may have created a route to the cure for cancer. When reading how she came to this procedure it certainly makes sense and seems almost simple, as most miraculous cures are. However, no one thought of it before, so indeed, she has a special mind and a special place in history.

We have a reason to celebrate today, and to be grateful for the young minds which will help make our lives and the lives of our children better.

Click on the blog title or copy and paste this link to be taken to the article on this subject:
http://www.geekosystem.com/17-yo-cancer-nanoparticle/

New Moon Tonight, Folks

2012-01-22T16:28:00.000-06:00

At 12:41am tomorrow morning we will be enjoying the new moon for January, 2012.

The new moon phase occurs when the moon is positioned directly between the earth and the sun. Hence, the sun's light shines on only the back portion of the moon which we don't see here on earth.

As both of my blog readers know, I enjoy studying the "old ways" and tend to believe that nature holds power of us little humans. Thus, I feel that just as the moon has power over the oceans it also has influence far beyond what we are generally willing to admit as the powerful human beings we feel we are.

Given that, I enjoy some simple rituals which allow us to show our appreciation for, and also use the power of nature. New Moon is a good time to concentrate on new intentions or new goals, as the moon will now grow to be full in one month.

Whatever your intention may be (start writing poetry, get better grades, change a certain part of your personality, become a gourmet chef, etc.), this is the time to proclaim them and start work. You will have the energy of the moon with you, helping you toward your goal.

Do you have a new goal? I certainly do, and I will commence after dark this evening with a ritual cleansing bath prior to starting my new journey.

Would you like a personalized Moon Ritual made just for you and your new intention? Please click on the box on the upper left side of this blog with the title "Buy a Custom MoJo Moon Ritual Here", pick whether you wish a new moon or a full moon ritual, and check out through PayPal.

Be sure to include a clear and direct intention via the message portion of PayPal. I will promptly send you a customized ritual made just for you.

Whatever you choose to do on this new moon, may you be blessed in every way.

Here it is: The PERFECT, Traditional Grilled Cheese Sandwich Meal

2012-01-22T13:53:00.000-06:00

Ok, here we go. Now this is the quickie, down and dirty grilled cheese dinner for when you just got home and are starving. We've all been there.

Grab two pieces of your herbed Italian bread (yes, they even have this at the Walmart), along with at least two different kinds of sliced cheese. You don't have to get fancy here, this is the down and dirty version. So pick a slice of American, one slice of Swiss cheese and a few teeny slices of your favorite (Havarti or gruyere are my faves).

Slap those cheesies on your fancy bread and sprinkle some basil in between the slices. This is very important! BASIL!

Pour a little extra virgin olive oil into your non-stick skillet and turn the heat on low. Did you hear me? LOW! If yer a skinny-minnie and have no heart issues, slather that gorgeous frying pan with real butter instead of EVOO. Up to you.

While the first side of your basil grilled cheese is soaking up that oil and starting to tan, pull out a ready made can of Progresso tomato basil soup. I said this was the down and dirty version, right?

Pour that easy basily soup into a big cup with a handle and flash it in the micro for a minute. Don't forget to cover it, silly.

Check the suntan on your grilled cheese and if it looks right around Jamaican, flip it over.

Now give that tomato soup a stir, recover it, and nuke it for another 45 seconds.

Now's the time to pick your grilled cheese wine. I suggest a smooth chardonnay or liebfraumilch - whatever is your favorite. For me? Whatever is already open.

By the time you've got your soup cup set on your plate and your wine poured, you should have a nicely tanned grilled cheese. Take your time, though, goodness cannot be rushed.

Got the stereo set? Lights dimmed? Yeah. You're ready. Carry that gorgeous plate of comfort food to the best seat in the house and there you are - caramba! Happy.

Admit it, you want one right now, don't you.

Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses

2012-01-10T09:27:00.000-06:00

I knew it!

Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses

When I burn incense I feel calmer, more centered and ultimately happier and more content. Who is to say what came first, the affect of chemicals from the incense or the affect of meditation on my brain? Chicken? Egg?

So priests have known for centuries that burning incense has a positive effect on us. Now if only it had a negative affect on their desire for pedophilia it would be considered a wonder drug indeed.

I am lifted up! Or, synchronicity in action.

2012-01-05T15:55:00.000-06:00

We all have friends who, after spending time with them, leave us feeling whole again, better than we were prior; happier, fuller, more spiritual and infinitely grateful for the blessings in our lives.

I just spent several hours with one such friend. My life is more complete because of her. After moving to the boonies of Missouri I am fortunate to have found such a person. Really, I'd be lucky to have found such a person anywhere, let alone hiding secluded in the rolling hills of northern Missouri.

It makes me consider what it is that brings us together as friends and confidantes. How did I even find this person? Having moved from a large metropolitan area to 30 acres in the country my opportunities were more than limited when the only town close to me housed only 999 people. When a friend such as this is one in a million, how do you find her amidst only a fraction of that?

She delivered my mail. That's how. Yes. One of my most respected friends in the world was my mail carrier. I recall early on stopping on our little gravel road, rolling down my window, and greeting her. Ten minutes later I knew that I had to make some of my unusual jewelry for her. Not everyone is right for my jewelry, that's a fact. Beej was, indeed, a perfect fit for my darkly spiritual creations.

This synchronicity thing takes many forms.

I remember going to Tony Robbins' "Firewalk"* seminar approximately 25 years ago. I walked into the auditorium filled with hundreds of people. As I stood at the entrance thinking about where I'd sit and who I might sit next to, I spied an interesting looking dark skinned woman and chose her. Out of several hundred people I might have sat with I ended up conversing with the one who had been a college student, attending the school in another state where both my grandparents were professors and both my parents attended college. How do we explain this kind of synchronicity? What energy is it that draws us to those of like minds, experiences or quests?

Perhaps it is the same energy which brings us together geographically. No, I think it's more than that. It is awareness. When we become aware of who we really are and what is important to us in this lifetime we recognize it in others.

We see it in the way people walk, the design of their lawns and homes, their bumper stickers and the aura surrounding them and their geographical locations.

More importantly, though, is that energy which directs us to those who not only lift us up but encourage us as spiritual human beings, bolstering our enthusiasm for life and the quest for knowledge.

Pay attention and act on your sixth sense when you recognize that it is all coming together for you.

Fire!

2011-12-13T20:29:00.000-06:00

Hello to my two readers out there. You may notice that I have changed the name of my blog.

This name came to mind as my life began changing a few weeks ago. Life can be constructed around the oddest catalysts, have you noticed that? In my case, something seemingly negative has instead become the stimulus for my realizing a decades old dream. Actually, TWO seemingly negative events account for this major lifestyle change.

The first was the fire we sustained at our beloved "ranch" just over a year ago. As both of you know, our home burned to the ground. Below ground, actually. Yeppers, there's just a big ol' hole in the ground where our home used to be. Now the property looks like a beautiful park. I have to admit that I'm attracted to returning and visiting for that reason plus, as always, the enjoyment of plentiful wildlife on our 30 acres. Perhaps this is the reason we haven't sold that beautiful acreage yet. Too nice to give up.

I've been ruminating for over a year now on the psychological changes which occur when one's home burns down. I suppose that at first it was a bit of a shock. It seemed that my friends and family were much more upset by the whole episode than was I. I never cried or became sad about the loss of our many things. Antique collections, stained glass, thousands of pieces of depression glass and stained glass lamps are only "things." Oddly, evidently, this did not particularly bother me.

Due to this I'd like to feel that I have my priorities straight. Yes, I adored the house. Yes, I adored living amongst nature and of course I adored all my funky art and collections. But in the end they are only things which superficially decorate our lives. They are not, by any means, life itself.

The only sadness was in the loss of our pets who I tried to save, but couldn't. Those moments shall remain the most frightening of my life as for me, anyway, fire became the most terrifying element I'd yet encountered. As I ran back into the rapidly burning house to attempt to rescue my pets I could think of nothing else but our beloved kitties. They, of course, were hiding from fear and not to be located. All I could think to do was kick out the window screens in case they would attempt to escape the house. As far as we were aware in our constant returns to search for them, none did.

I didn't think to grab my purse which was right in front of me, or our comptuers, or our important papers, or anything of a collectible nature. It simply did not occur to me. I was after our pets and they were of the only import of all which resided in that house. With the ceiling burning over me I knew I had to run back out or risk my life further.

The house was completely engulfed in flames in less than 20 minutes. As the firefighters informed me, this is normal for new construction. Who knew! I certainly didn't.

Unfortunately, my sweetie arrived home just in time to see the last of his home burning down. He was a rock. Still is, though I know he felt the loss of our pets as deeply as I.

We left the burning embers with the clothes on our backs and my husband's credit card in his pocket and headed, at 10:30pm on a Saturday night, to the nearby Walmart to purchase a suitcase, pajamas, fresh blue jeans and t-shirts and a few toiletries. Accompanied by these necessities we cuddled together in a motel room for the next few nights.

Outside of our sorrow over the loss of our kitties, I felt as though this was not at all a tragedy, but an adventure. After all, life is change. Indeed, I have always welcomed most changes that life has offered me. Learning experiences all, this was yet another on my journey to a better place, both emotionally and psychically.

Following the fire we spent a week in motels and then two more at my Mother's home nearby. Ironically, we found our next home just two doors down from my Mother's home. Old, sturdy brick (less chance of fire!) and empty, we made an offer the seller couldn't refuse and moved in immediately. What a lark it was to purchase all the furniture specifically as our clasic arts and crafts style home dictated. Filled with natural woodwork and sets of pocket doors, I spent several weeks choosing just the right accompaniment for this beautiful home and had it ready by Thanksgiving dinner, 2010. We celebrated with family and a traditional turkey dinner.

What heals your heart from the loss of beloved pets? Caring for another rescued animal, of course. A friend's farm kitten was offered and I grabbed the chance to shower a new addition to our family with all the love lost in the ether of our previous seven kitties. Little Sharmayne, all black, long haired and full of piss and vinegar became without a doubt the most adored kitty in the northern hemisphere. I still relish the hours, more than a year ago, that I spent returning home to play with her and cuddle her all night long.

The addition of four more rescue kitties from the Humane Society has well rounded out our family of furballs. How fortunate am I to be married to a man who, also, is a feline enthusiast.

We spent nearly a year in this comfortable home when I encountered yet another catalyst of sorts. "They" say that everything happens for a reason and although this has always made cosmic sense to me, I'm now becoming a truly convinced believer.

It turns out that getting a kick in the pants to make more changes - changes which pointed me in the direction I'd wished to go for decades - was precisely what I needed to guide me directly to my dreams.

And ....... what might those dreams have been, you are both wondering? Well, for at least twenty years I have loved and wanted to live in the mountains. Thanks to my younger daughter moving to the top of a mountain 21 years ago I've had plentiful experience in that arena. From the get go, even as a child visiting the mountains with my parents, I've felt that my soul longed to stay in that geographical part of our country. Nothing is as beautiful to me as majestic mountains and all the fabulous wildlife they shelter.

With litttle effort I located my perfect mountain home. Two, actually. Decisions, decisions! I chose (for now) the one located in one of my favorite Colorado towns: Manitou Springs. Funky, quirky and full of cheerful people, Manitou has been one of my favorite trip destinations for years. Now I live there - half time!

Having the best of two worlds is something I've only dreampt of in my past. Living this dream is something I'm still adjusting to in a very happy manner. In my mountain home I see Pikes Peak from one window and Garden of the Gods (a very spiritual place for me) from another. With a caretaker's apartment in the basement, an art studio on the second floor, a whirlpool with a view and a fireplace in the living room perfect as a cozy reading spot, I can't imagine how mountain life gets much better.

But wait. It does! One dream leads to another so not only have I realized the enticing prospect of having a home in the mountains, but dream #2 has just been realized, also.

It goes like this. Two decades ago (as a young thing of only 40) my adventurous desire was to purchase a small RV, pack up Phil (my standard size white poodle) and take off for parts unknown - in particular, Sitka, Alaska.

Now I don't know whether or not I'll be driving all the way to Alaska, but as of two weeks ago I do have a new gypsy motorhome. Phil, unfortunately, is no longer with me so I carry his picture on the dash board. Wherever I travel now Phil goes, too. The new gypsy home is big enough for packing up my five kitties and heading out for parts unknown. So now Dream #2 has been accomplished and will shortly be put into action via heading down to Austin, Texas to visit family for Yule.

What does this all mean, if anything? You know I'm always looking for meaning in each of life's changes. I think there's a lesson here for all of us: don't put off your dreams. Don't wait for your house to burn down to make "dream" an action word. I'm not saying I would never have done these things which make life worthwhile for me, but I'm sure pleased that they are coming at a time in my life when I'm young enough to truly enjoy them, yet old enough to really appreciate them.

As Maya Angelou says, "each decade is better than the last." I can attest to this. Life has never been as good as it is now in my sixties. Sure, my knees ache more than they did two decades ago, but everything that resides in my mind MORE than makes up for the aches and pains.

My gypsy days are just beginning. There is so much left to learn, accept and enjoy. I was watching the news this morning, enjoying a segment about a scientist/doctor who believes he may have the key to extending our lives for ........... ever? Besides the fact that overcrowding the earth would become a huge problem, I wonder if we don't need the respite of death and rebirth in order to focus more fully on lessons learned and choosing our next lifetimes.

But that's another blog .............. isn't it.

Conundrums

2011-09-20T20:40:00.000-05:00

So, if a turtle's shell falls off, is she nekkid, or homeless?

Enquiring minds want to know.

How do you decide where to live?

2011-09-19T20:08:00.000-05:00

I have a question for both of you readers out there. But first, let me apologize for being absent so long. I'd like to say that I've been busy, but that really wouldn't be true. Busy inside my head, possibly, but not physically busy by any means. Yes, this must change, but I digress ...........

Here is my question: given circumstances which would allow you to do so, how would you decide where you would most like to live? Would geography be your first priority? Weather? Family or friends? Or have you never really thought about the possibility that you can choose where you want to live?

It seems that, as is lifestyle, choice of life location is mandated mostly by two things: upbringing and job availability. Choice does not necessarily enter into our geographic circumstances.

My impression is that, in general, we pay as much attention to our choice of geographic location as we do to our daily lives. In other words: not much. While taking family and responsibilities into consideration, why don't we consider these things which are so infused with the potential for bathing our souls in utter bliss? Ya, I know. Location isn't everything ......... unless you're in real estate, of course.

But for those of you who travel, you know that there are locations which can take you to a spiritual place that no other can. For me it's the mountains. I first saw the mountains when I was in grade school. I was fortunate enough to have parents who thought that travel was important. My first site of the Tetons is something I remember today, 50 years later. That particular mountain range was life changing then, and still is stunning, no matter how often I see it.

So here I am, 40 years later, actually buying property in the mountains. I've fantasized about so many places: Salem, MA; Wyoming; California; Maine; Oregon; Washington State; Austin, TX. To be as comfortable and inspiring as a geographical location could be there must be a multitude of things coming together. Like-minded people, landscape which inspires, a compatible political environment, enjoyable activities. All of these add up to an environment that stimulates, soothes and inspires.

Tell me, you two readers out there, what does this for you?

Spring Morning Ritual

2011-03-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

Good morning! It's Monday. I'm starting a new spring ritual.

Arise before dawn to the sound of the birds waking up outside my bedroom window (window always cracked open no matter the temperature outdoors) and listen gratefully to the world awakening around me. Spend a few moments in quiet solitude ...... until Sharmayne (my active black kitten) realizes I am awake and begins to pounce on my face and hands.

Kitty hugs are the best! Shy Cybil waits at the bedroom door hoping I will be up soon. She waits every morning for our mutual bathroom visit. They say girls always go to the bathroom in pairs? They're right.

Next, stretch, stretch, stretch while still in bed. Have you tried this? It makes a world of difference to how you will feel when your feet hit the floor. The first to teach me this was my wonderful massage therapist in Milwaukee (thank you, Leanne). She told me that as I lie on my back in bed, pull each leg back by the knee, one by one, and hold (gently, of course) my leg bent back as far as is comfortable for a few seconds. This not only limbers your leg muscles but helps loosen the hip joint, making it easier to walk. Are you thinking of how stiff your hips can feel in the morning? Try this. Really. It works.

With the necessities taken care of, I pull on yesterday's jeans, t-shirt and denim jacket and set out for my pre-dawn walk. This is always an interesting experience. Who is up at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.? Which lights are on, how many TVs are already placating wee ones with inane cartoons of princesses waiting for their princes, who do you meet on the sidewalk as you stroll the neighborhood? This morning I met a man who was taking a walk while carrying his dog. Go figure. Now that's devotion.

Back at home the electric kettle awaits fresh water for coffee. Rock that French press with some strong, freshly ground beans and a world class fusion is about to take place. Cybil and Sharmayne wait impatiently for their breakfast of canned paté (are they spoiled?).

Next up, carry your laptop and java to the front porch. Now, I have to tell you that I have never had such a wonderful front porch as this. All brick, mortar and concrete, and LARGE! Even back at the ranch where the view from the porch was terrific, the porch itself was so narrow that a conversation pit was impossible to improvise. Nothing like a 1912 porch. They really knew how to do some front porch sittin' back then.

Although my spring porch altar is only partially set up, I light my incense and relax into the utter gratefulness of this moment. The cardinals chasing each other through the trees, the sparrows flying past me through the porch on their way to morning seeds, even the cars going by ferrying 8:00 a.m. workers and school children is a testament to the world coming alive.

This is life as it should be: busy, hopeful, restful, grateful.

Namasté

Belated Reflections on St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

I admit that I was raised with the thought that if you are not Irish (I'm not) then you don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Silly, I know, but for six decades that idea stayed with me.

For the first time this year, I paid homage to our dear Irish friends and their heritage by decorating my gargoyle with green shamrocks and making - for the first time ever - a huge pot of corned beef and cabbage. It felt so right! I even received my first St. Patrick's Day card. How did she know?!

To not celebrate others' holidays is a selfish exclusion and message of intolerance that, I realize now, is unbecoming and a reflection of how we feel about the world and our place in it. Making that pot of corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and carrots affirmed that I am a citizen of this world and a sister to all those of different nationalities and beliefs. I know this. I agree with this, but old habits die hard.

I just killed another one two days ago.

Gratitude

2011-02-22T09:34:00.000-06:00

As I do most every day in the wee hours of the morning, I sit in my comfy reading chair listening to NPR on the radio with my laptop at hand and kitties performing their kitty antics nearby. As my stomach rumbles and I prepare a warm, buttered bagel (sesame seed, please) to go with my French press coffee I never fail to feel gratitude for my immense amount of life blessings.

This morning a facebook friend's (thanks, Robb) post got me thinking further on the subject of gratitude. He posted a "Spent" test in which one finds just how long it takes to run out of money when one has become unemployed and nearly homeless. I took the test and found that I would last only nine days and then only because I'm a good typist. Thank you, Mom, for insisting that I take a typing class in 7th grade. It was invaluable and I still type nearly 100 words a minute. Better than telephoning, I say.

But I digress.

Mind wandering off on several tangents (surprise!) such as how does gratitude affect our lives. Does it, as some way, truly bring even richer rewards to our daily adventures as humans? I tend to think yes, as being grateful and acknowledging that gratefulness only promotes the further realization of blessings in our lives.

Then I wondered how gratefulness affects the immensely wealthy. Are those top 2 percent rich in this country who hold what ....... nearly 90 percent of the country's wealth now ....... are they grateful? Are they satisfied? Do they share because they enjoy the universal joy of sharing?

I am not rich. Not anywhere near rich, and yet I have far and away more than I need. I share with those in other countries who have less than I, and with abused and abandoned animals in this country, yet I do not see firsthand the tangible results of my sharing. I find myself longing to do so and realize that I have not done enough locally.

Contemplation makes me wonder how gratitude affects others. Do you keep a gratitude journal? Are you aware of the gifts it brings to your life? Does gratitude spark your creativity or motivation? Do you spend a few minutes (or more) each day feeling gratitude and if so, how does it affect you?

I’m not waiting for someone to tell me the state of the World ........ or maybe I am. I’m not sure.

2010-01-23T21:36:00.000-06:00

I’ve had a couple of people tell me today that they enjoyed reading my blogs. As you can see, that’s the only encouragement it takes for me to start writing again. After all, the words are always spinning around in my head so why not put it down on the internet for all to praise, snarf or chortle at. (Teacher Parental Units aside, yes, I will end a sentence in a preposition when it feels right.)

The state of our world: does anyone have this nailed down? My typical stance and/or reaction to people’s grousing about how things are so much worse now than they ever were is, “No, things are not worse. We simply HEAR about all the bad stuff that happens in every part of the world except Australia’s outback and not only once but every hour on the hour if you have any news channel tuned in on the television.” Evil television.

Now I like movies and a good story as much as anyone does but what I’ve figured out is this: half hour sitcoms and 24-hour news are both damaging to one’s psyche for different reasons. The half hour sitcom, along with mindless jokes, taped laugh tracks (because we don’t know when to laugh if left to our own devices) and language dumbed down enough to bore a six year old not only rot your brain but portray a half-assed, gargantuan lack of enthusiasm for anything more concrete and thought provoking than body part jokes. (I was going to say fart jokes but that’s only too true and too gross.)

Whereas news is sincere and vital to our knowledge of events farther away than our neighbor’s latest scandal (hopefully it goes without saying that I’m not referring to Faux News here), the incessant influx of bad news from around the world convinces us that indeed the world is a scary place and around every corner lies someone waiting to kidnap your child, rip off your 95-year-old Mother or steal your identity by hacking your computer. And that’s only the first 4 minutes of news. By the time we hear an hour’s worth we may find ourselves sticking our heads into the sand hoping we’re ostriches who can’t be seen by anyone else. (Hey, do these jeans make my butt look big when my head’s lower than my feet?)

The Supreme Court has just returned us to corporate/union dominated elections. Haiti breaks my heart yet inspires me every time I see those wonderful people being pried from the ground singing and blessing their life forces. Iraq and Afghanistan continue to stumble on their paths to nowhere. England is not the place to be right now if one believes in terror alerts. Republicans say “no” to everything on the grounds that a Democrat came up with the idea, while our $4,000 a year insurance premiums thrive and I eschew the use of most doctors because the $4,000 doesn’t include co-pays and deductibles.

We live in a small world these days. What we do ripples events a long way from home. But do we really need to know all about every ripple? If we were to Golden-Rule the events and the people in our lives (yes, I did just verb another noun) would it be enough to be aware that positive begets positive?

I’m really not sure where I’m going with this except to say that sometimes it’s just as well to only know what is happening in your own small neck o’ the woods. Sometimes that is enough. Tend to your own, do the right thing, love those around you. Make that cheery phone call, send a card, sit in silence. Tranquility begins at home. If we are happy at home it’s difficult to wish anything other than happiness for anyone else.

I’ve discovered that turning off the tube, even my brand new flat screen which I adore, is the key to my return of peaceful sanity. Listening to the wall clock tick while gazing out into our back woods is top of the list serenity. I know there are many wonderful places in the world to visit and I want to get to them, but for now seven sleeping furballs, soft Leonard Cohen tunes, my digital camera and nature make this small portion of Missouri seem like heaven on earth. Which I’m convinced that it is.

Cutie owl in our front yard

Happy Day of the Dead!

2009-11-01T16:57:00.000-06:00

Wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy Day of the Dead celebrations in this country?

The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico. As a ritual of respect for one's departed relatives there is much food, dancing and general celebration. The holiday can be traced back thousands of years to the Aztecs, who dedicated the day to a Goddess, Mictecacihuatl. The holiday, however, is not limited to Mexico. In many forms it is celebrated all around the world.

The Mexican Day of the Dead artwork is some of my favorite:

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Imagine No Religion?

2009-10-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

Well ........ perhaps in Denmark. As reported, the Danish are the happiest people on our planet. When I heard this I wondered why.

So what did I do? Watched "Oprah", of course. Ok ...... and did a little online research.

Turns out that they pay about half their considerable incomes to the government, which in turn gives excellent health care to all of its citizens. School, from pre-Kindergarten through university is also completely paid for every citizen. In fact, the government pays its citizens to attend university. Hmmm: encouraging its population to be educated. Imagine doing that rather than breaking parents' backs having to pay tens of thousands a year to get their children educated in the United States.

Even though the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the government's pick of state religion, most Danish are not particularly religious and do not attend church. Horrors! Imagine no religion! Imagine no pious assurety that one religion is right and all others wrong. Imagine!

Believe it or not, the Danish tend to live with less. WAY less. Their homes look ...... well ....... Danish! Clean lines and smaller, less cluttered spaces. Their closets hold what little they do accumulate.

To quote one of the Danish women on "Oprah", "we live with less things but more life." Ya ...... let's digest that one in this country. Believe me, I'm pointing directly at myself on that one.

Now lest ye get the wrong idea, I adore the United States. However, I also think that this does not disallow the general niftiness of other countries.

The most remarkable thing about Denmark, to me, was this: it's safe. So .... we're safe in this country, right? Well let me ask you this. Would you leave your twin, month-old babies sleeping in their pram out on the street in front of your house or in front of the restaurant while you dine with the rest of your family? No? Why not?

Because you'd be scared absolutely into going to church every dang Sunday if you had to leave you baby out on the street in this country. In fact it's so perilous here (in comparison) that in a county not too far from where I'm living now, a woman killed another woman in order to cut her open and steal her fetus!

The Danish, evidently, don't have a tendency towards stealing someone else's child. That's an idea I could live with, and here's another. Women don't feel the need to be married unless they find a man who actually seems like a spiritually aligned mate. Danish women are raised with the notion that they can take care of themselves, thank you, and don't need a male for taking care of them. As one Danish woman pointed out, the women there don't dream about weddings.

What a wonderful idea! Here it seems that we dream of a fantabulous wedding party but give little to no attention to the picking of the person we're supposedly going to share the rest of our happily-ever-after lives with. Isn't that reverse logic? Happiness doesn't just take care of itself because we read it in a fairy tale. Seems a bit ironic since wasn't it some Danish guy who wrote a lot of those fairy tales?

Oh, and one more thing. No homeless people in Denmark, either. If you're out of a job the government not only pays 90% of your previous salary for four years, they assist you in finding a new job. Most jobs pay similarly so that one's career is picked accordng to one's likes, not one's desire to earn more than the Joneses. In other words: everyone is important, and every job is important.

Another idea with which I'd feel comfortable, as it's my philosophy that from janitor to CEO, every job is important.

Wonder if they're looking for middle-aged, sorta blonde, overweight (they tend towards tall, slender blondness over there due to a fresh, healthful diet) kitty lover in Copenhagen.

Ukraine's Got Talent!

2009-10-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

This incredible artist, who won the Ukraine's version of "America's Got Talent" interprets Germany's invasion of the Ukraine during World War II with her ultra talented hands and some sand.

It's a must see!

Nice to Hear the Truth!

2009-09-18T11:47:00.001-05:00

I think the point he's making should be talked about more. I've always thought it to be true.

My experience, for instance, has taught me that the men who are most vociferous about the punishment which should be dealt to rapists are the men who most have a secret desire to rape.

What do you think?

Things I'm Officially Done With or ....... Things with Which I'm Officially Done

2009-09-16T07:56:00.005-05:00

1. Kanye West. Mr. West: hopefully your current life lesson of humility will "take".

2. Wanting President Obama to remain his even-tempered, measured self. President Obama: get wicked against stupid!

3. The Modern Burning Times. Right wing insensitive, egomaniacal, holier-than-thou, witch hating, hateful, pseudo-Christians: there are WAY more of us out here than you, and we're not taking it anymore.

4. Sarah Palin. Dumb is as dumb does.

5. Feeling that things are necessary to my daily happiness.

6. Glenn Beck/FOX News/Hypocrites and Liars. I think that's self-explanatory, but just in case:

Glenn Beck Example

7. Worrying about being the perfect weight.

Beauty is as beauty does.

8. Stupid and unevolved. Although I aspire to be kind, I no longer invite people into my life who speak but don't listen, fail to give consideration to another's words and thoughts or have closed their minds to anything they weren't taught as children.

THINK!

Pussycat Dolls?

2009-08-15T17:42:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting here drying my hair, watching the "Ellen DeGeneres Show". I really adore Ellen. She seems to be one of the nicest people in show business. But this blog isn't about her. It's about the Pussycat Dolls who are singing (and I use that word very loosely) at the tail end of her show. Which is appropriate. The tail part.

They appear to be five extremely skinny young women dressed in painted on clothes, dancing (and I use THAT word very loosely) in five inch stilettos. They are lip synching. At least they appear to be remembering the words.

As they flip and flop around the stage, wiggling and wagging, to prerecorded music which is amplified and electronically modified many times over, I'm left wondering why many people seem to think that this is entertainment. Because it's loud? It's colorful ...... as in pink and various colors of clothing. But it's boring. There is nothing meaningful to the lyrics, no excellence of practiced vocal chords or choreography. There is simply nothing about this that is top notch or entertaining (unless, perhaps, you're a 50-year-old straight man having a mid-life crisis).

I find myself hoping that my 12-year-old granddaughter never sees these young "entertainers" and never comes to believe that this is something to which she should aspire.

Go Ahead, Tell Us Glenn Beck is NOT the Biggest Hypocrite in the Western World

2009-08-14T12:14:00.003-05:00

First, from January 3, 2008, Glenn Beck now knows "the meaning of compassion."

Quotes from the above:
- "(surgery) went horribly awry"
- "it was one of the most eye opening experiences of my life to receive health care in the United States today"
- "(health care) was phenomenally bad"
- "I have stories that will melt your brain ...... hopefully will melt the brain of the CEO of this hospital"
- "If they don't care about the President of GE do you really think they care about schlubs ..... the average working stiffs?"
- "We don't understand compassion anymore" (yes, particularly ironic, isn't it?)
- "I've had pretty dark times"
- "could have come out of the movie SAW"
- "Saturday night I was full fledged suicidal"

All of the above because of his BUTT SURGERY. Screwed up butt surgery. By our health care system. What a weenie.

Then comes even more explanation of how bad the care is in this country:

Quotes from the above:
- "There were times in the last couple of weeks that I was literally nothing more than a number"
- "There were times when people literally turned their back on my cries of plea"
- "Our politicians are right, we do have a health care crisis in this country"

He indicates that health care will not be improved by politicians who want to throw money at the health care system for marble counters and plasma TVs. Wow. I didn't know I was getting a plasma TV next time I was in hospital, did you? Cool! I thought I was just gonna get the usual, good ol' fashioned kind of plasma. You know, the kind that comes in a plastic bag. Glad he straightened that one out for me.

Try not to lose your teeth from the quick spin around after Glenn Beck went from CNN (at which time the above was filmed) to FOX News .......

Quotes from the above:

- "America has the best health care system in the world."

How does he know this?

- "I don't see anyone dying in the streets anywhere."

Here comes a pretty good summary of Glenn Beck:

One of the comments following this video on YouTube was "too bad nobody handed him a gun." Hmmmmmmm.

Think You Already Have Enough to Worry About?

2009-08-12T14:57:00.006-05:00

Well, you're wrong.

Turns out we should be worried about asteroids, also.

According to "USA Today", NASA was ordered by Congress four years ago to watch 90% (what, the other 10% don't count?) of the asteroids in space which may pose a threat to earth. One small yet significant problem: Congress did not come through with the money for enough telescopes to do this.

Guess y'all best get out your telescopes and start watchin'.

Click on the blog title to be taken to a very interesting NASA site.

Online Tarot Readings

2009-08-11T14:53:00.005-05:00

I've been prompted to continue with my intention to offer online tarot readings. Thank you, Mind of MoJo reader!

There are several ways which work well for tarot readings. By phone, in person, by email, or using SKYPE on the computer. Readings generally take a half hour to 45 minutes. If you have a specific question I'll be pleased to address it for you. If you wish a general reading, or a reading regarding one particular area of your life (finances, career, romance) that is an option, also.

An email reading is generally somewhat more extensive, including horoscope information, card layout and interpretation.

Questions? Either leave a message on this blog, or email me directly at MoJoanMagick@tds.net.

The Tarot Reader is in!

Glenn Beck Make Up Your Mind, Sweetheart

2009-08-04T17:17:00.003-05:00

Ok ...... first Mr. Beck says that Obama "hates white people."

Three seconds later he says, "I'm not saying he doesn't like white people."

Ummmmm ...... huh?

I guess when you're a right wing hate monger you don't want to get called out on what you just said. Damn. It's SO much easier just to sling around your hateful terminology without having to actually have FACTS behind any of it. Sigh.

Here is what I truly don't get. How can anyone with even a modicum of self-esteem, analytical capability or sensibility WANT to watch this guy?

Epoxy Effectively Ends Egregious Exploits

2009-08-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

Or ...... Repugnant Romeo Receives Rightful Reward

Gotta love this:

STOCKBRIDGE, Wis. (AP) -- Three Wisconsin women are accused of tying up and assaulting a married man after allegedly finding out he was having affairs with each of them.

The women are each charged with false imprisonment, a felony that carries a maximum prison term of six years.

Calumet County prosecutors say 48-year-old Therese A. Ziemann of Menasha lured the man to a Stockbridge motel last Thursday. Prosecutors say she was soon joined by 43-year-old Michelle Belliveau of Neenah; 43-year-old Wendy L. Sewell of Kaukauna; and the man's wife.

Authorities say Ziemann punched the man in the face and applied Krazy Glue to other body parts. All four women allegedly fled with his cell phone, wallet and vehicle.

Prosecutors also plan to charge the wife.

Online court records didn't list defense attorneys for any woman Monday.

Stockbridge is southeast of Appleton.