His Thots? Her Thots? My Thots?

周杰倫 - 你好嗎

2011-12-10T05:35:00.000+08:00

你好嗎

主唱：周杰倫
作曲：周杰倫
填詞：羅宇軒．李汪哲
編曲：
監製：

歌詞

牆上靜止的鐘是為誰停留
是不是和我一樣賴著不走
你說故事已經結束　很久
我忘了　向前走

我努力假裝現在過得很好
現在的你看來已不需要我
也許在不同的時空
還牽著　你的手

想知道你真的過得好嗎
沒有我也許是種解脫
將思念穿梭在宇宙數千光年
悄悄到　你身邊
現在我試著習慣一個人過
也許你已經開始新的生活
陪著我的叫做寂寞
陪你的　是誰呢?

也許在不同的時空
還牽著　你的手

Bflygal's comment:

"也許在不同的時空
還牽著　你的手"

It was this line, that made me click 'Share on blogger'. I haven't blog a long long time. Not because I run out of topics. But because I spend too much time cooking and playing. Haha.

But I wonder, in another time zone, am I busy blogging? Do I know how to cook? Am I in Singapore or Melbourne?

And if my friends are reading this latest post and has always been asking me how long am I going to be in Melbourne... I finally got the answer yesterday after so many days of uncertainty...

In this time zone, I will be in Melbourne for another year (as claimed by my project manager). However do not quote me on this if you suddenly don't see me in Melbourne because anything can happen as I always believed "p

I hope I will do my xmas post but if I failed to... then in this time zone I would like to wish everybody a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year. May 2012 be a good year for all!

Faulpez makes Noodle casserole

2011-07-16T06:25:00.000+08:00

Casserole - A kind of stew cooked slowly in an oven

I never knew what a casserole is till I chanced upon some recipe because I was bored cooking maggi mee. And as I don't fancy peas nor onions but instead prefer mushroom plus some leftover red cabbage thus this is the outcome of my dish. The sauce tasted like cream of mushroom. Slurp. Oh and for this version, I used canned chicken breast as I finished up the tuna version without taking a photo "p.

Recipe from : http://www.squidoo.com/tuna-noodle-casserole

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 +1/2 cup milk
1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese blocks
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
1 (6 oz) Can dried onions

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Coat a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large pot of salted water, boil noodles until al dente. Drain well.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine flour, butter, and salt. Stir until butter is melted and ingredients are combined evenly. Add milk, and whisk until the sauce thickens (usually it is at the proper consistency by the time it begins to boil). Add cheese to mixture, and whisk until cheese is melted and mixture is well blended. Stir in tuna, peas, and noodles.
5. Spread evenly in prepared dish.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Faulpez makes bento

2011-07-15T09:41:00.000+08:00

My first time trying to make a bento set. Was cooking chicken rice so decided instead of making the typical steamed chicken, I made ginger fried Chicken Karaage.

Actually I don't remember how I did it already haha. I only remember I added ginger and garlic into the batter to fry with the chicken pieces. Here's the close up.

Yum yum.

Then I tried to make the egg flower twice though I barely made it both times.
1) Thinly cook an egg omelette.
2) Cut lines in the middle of the omelette. Do not cut through it.
3) Fold the omelette in half.
4) Roll up the folded omelette tightly to form the stem.
5) Fan out the petals of the omelette flower and tuck into the bento box.

FYI I follow this How to make a bento box ham flower from Parenting.com.

Boiled my flower carrots and did some arrangement and I got a yummy bento box! Not sure if I want to do again because it takes too much time.....

Faulpez boils Adzuki Beans

2011-07-13T16:28:00.000+08:00

Azuki Beans are particular popular among Chinese cultures. They meant good luck, and so is often included in festive meal. Being a good source of protein, iron and B-group Vitamins, they are also low in fat and cholesterol free, while providing good quality dietary fibre.

In Japan, the whole boiled beans are served over ice with fruit or ice cream as a desert and is used as a sweet filling for cakes. In China the beans are boiled with sugar and water and served hot or cold as a sweet soup and the sweeten puree is used as a filling for sweet buns and pastries.

My style? Red bean soup with orange peel!

Ingredients:
* Red Beans
* Big Cooking Pot
* Sugar
* Water
* Dried Mandarin Orange Peel (Optional)

Instructions
1. Wash a 16-oz (1 lb) bag of red beans and a small piece of Madarin orange peel. Pour the beans, about 15 cups of water, and the orange peel in the big cooking pot. Red beans have to be fully covered by water. Cover the pot.

2. Heat the pot till water boiled, and turn heat to medium. Be sure to stir the red beans when they are boiled to prevent over spill because there will be lots of bubbles.

3. Keep the pot covered and cook for about 2 hours till the red beans turn pasty. It should look like soup but not as thick.

4. Lastly, pour about one cup of sugar (more or less) into the pot. Cook till sugar resolved.

Skydiving

2011-07-09T22:22:00.032+08:00

There was a parcel in my letter box when I came back to Melbourne after several flights and I immediately guessed it was my skydive video.

Re-playing the whole scene back again, I remembered my thoughts when I was weighing between a hot air balloon or a sky dive experience. Both equally important to me. One lasts a minute or two, one lasts 30 minutes. And staying at Port Douglas makes the sky dive very inaccessible unless we rent a car. Even then, we couldn't make it to Cairns city in time and had to drive all the way to the skydive site. And we couldn't make it if it did not rain which make them delay their sky dive trip till the weather turns better.

I was thinking would I be fated to attempt my skydive. And the answer from GA is, I can tick this off my bucket list. Yipee...

So it started with the interview where the guy asked if I have any last message and I actually replied Nope. In some sense I felt it is because I should be back alive so I don't see a need to leave any message. But yet I was the only one out of the 3 who had chosen to include the insurance as well. Because since young, my mum always inculcated to me that buying insurance is not about getting claims, is just to ward off the ills that may happen should you not buy at all. So I can't say I'm entirely sure I would be back alive, all I can do is to trust in my Tandem Master to bring me back to the ground safely.

And the flight up was super cold. I had left my jacket behind which was a mistake. So in the plane, I started to shiver while it escalates. In no time it went above the cloud level and the beautiful eagle-eye view was covered by white fluffy clouds. Before I knew it, it is time for the descent and I was the third in line.

I have no idea how I dropped off the plane. I did not even remember if I saw the plane above me. But I remember the full 360 degrees beautiful rainbow which one could only get because it had been raining beforehand. And this is when I have to appreciate the rain that had fallen beforehand and that had stopped timely for me to witness it while skydiving.

I did went weak during the descent and I wondered is it because of the empty stomach that caused my paleness. But I have no regrets trying it out because it really was an awesome experience... even though I look so distorted in the video that I'm wondering how much face fats do I possess... haha.

A Spoonful of Sugar

2011-07-07T06:58:00.025+08:00

Jane (speaking): It is a game isn't it Mary Poppins?

Mary Poppins (speaking) : Well, it depends on your point of view. You see...

(kinda, sing-speaking)In every job that must be done
There is an element of fun
You find the fun and snap!
The job's a game

(now singing)
And every task you undertake
Becomes a piece of cake
A lark! A spree! It's very clear to see that...

A Spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down
The medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way

(Robin starts Whistling)

A robin feathering his nest
Has very little time to rest
While gathering his bits of twine and twig
Though quite intent in his pursuit
He has a merry tune to toot
He knows a song will move the job along

(Robin whistles a bit with Mary)

For a Spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down
Medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way

[Interlude where all the toys go about putting themselves away as the children snap and the Robin whistles away. It seems so magical and I wish I can spring clean this way too...]

The honey bees that fetch the nectar
From the flowers to the comb
Never tire of ever buzzing to and fro
Because they take a little nip
From every flower that they sip
And hence (Mary's reflection echoes: And hence),
They find (Mary's reflection echoes: They find)
(together) Their task is not a grind.

(the reflection alone) Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
(Mary spoken to the mirror) Cheeky! (now to the children) Don't be all day about it please

Michael (yelling from inside the closet): Let me out! Let me out!

Mary (spoken to the toys): Well, that was very... Thank you now... Will you quite finish! Thank you.

Bflygal comments: I have always wanted to watch Mary Poppins esp as I have been in Melbourne for as long as the broadway has been here... but I can never find the excuse to spend the money on a theatre ticket. So I did the next best, I chose to watched Julie Andrews' Mary Poppins and what fun I had. A spoonful of sugar is what I really needed to cheer myself up.

It's been a long time since I watched a show. Perhaps my brother leaving Melbourne has made my room a tad too quiet and thus today (the 2nd day of the quiet day), I decided to waste my bandwidth and watched Mary Poppins. At least is better than watching TV.. only he can take the humour of 2 and a half man and South Park and etc.

And as usual I like this song best. Although I always thought it was a spoon full of sugar haha.. And I did not know that Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious originated from Mary Poppins haha. Trying to say this word in a breadth really makes one lightened up tremendously.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! It is time for me to shower...

p/s: that was written in 24th Feb 2011...hmm I forgot to publish it till I watched it again on 7th Jul 2011 in SG as I came back for my brother's commencement. Realized I actually had a copy in my HDD when I was clearing space haha...

and I was seeing this scene

Mr. Banks: Just a moment, Mary Poppins. What is the meaning of this outrage?
Mary Poppins: I beg your pardon?
Mr. Banks: Will you be good enough to explain all this?
Mary Poppins: First of all, I would like to make one thing quite clear.
Mr. Banks: Yes?
Mary Poppins: I never explain anything.
[exits]

Cool.. sometimes I wanna be just like that. Never explain anything. Do as I wish hee hee.. Just recently CL asked me why am I back in SG.. while I explained is because of my brother's commencement.. I thought over it a few days later and asked myself, is there really a reason why I must fly back? Just because my visa expects me to only be in Australia for max 90 days? And when my work visa gets approve, does that mean I am no longer expected to be back in SG? My Sri Lankan lady says it best when she told my PM, I do have the flyback option, I just don't utilise it. Because she has her hubby with her in Melbourne. But my family is still in SG, thus going back home is something I should do, without any special reason.

Anyway the reprise of A spoonful of Sugar is also lovely

A Man Has Dreams

[George Banks]
A man has dreams of walking with giants
To carve his niche in the edifice of time
Before the mortar of his zeal
Has a chance to congeal
The cup is dashed from his lips
The flame is snuffed aborning
He's bought to rack and ruin in his prime

[Bert]
Life is a rum goal, guv'nor, and that's the truth

[George Banks]
You know what I think?
It's that woman, Mary Poppins
From the moment she stepped into this house
Things began to happen to me!

[Bert]
Mary Poppins?

[George Banks]
Yes, yes of course

My world was calm, well ordered, exemplary
Then came this person with chaos in her wake
And now my life's ambitions go with one felled blow
It's quite a bitter pill to take

It's that Poppins women, she did it!

[Bert]
I know the very person you mean
Mary Poppins
She's the one what sings
A spoonful of sugar, that is all it takes
It changes bread and water into tea and cakes

[George Banks]
See, that's exactly what I mean
Changing bread and water into tea and cakes, indeed!
No wonder everything's higgledy piggledy here

[Bert]
A spoonful of sugar goes a long, long way
Have yourself an healthy helping every day
An healthy helping and crubble if you ask me

[George Banks]
Do you know what she did?
I realize it now
She tricked me into taking Jane and Michael to the bank
That's how all the trouble started

[Bert]
Tricked you in to taking the children on an outing?

[George Banks]
Yes

[Bert]
Outrageous!
A man of all the important things you have to do
Shameful!

You're a man of high position
Esteemed by your peers
And when your little tykes are cryin'
You haven't time to dry their tears
And see them grateful little faces smilin' up at you
Because, their dad, he always knows just what to do

Like you say, guv'nor
You've got to grind, grind, grind
At that grindstone
Though childhood slips like sand through a sieve
And all too soon they've up and grown
And then they've flown
And it's too late for you to give

Just that spoonful of sugar
To help the medicine go down
The medicine go down
Medicine go down

Well, good-bye, guv'nor
Sorry for your troubles

And lastly, Mary Poppins taught me never to make piecrust promise.
Easily made, easily broken.
It took me quite a few months to finally realise that if some people is sincere to pass you the photos, they will really do it at the first opportunity like how my previous apartment owner did. And some people, when she said she would but forgot it the very next moment no matter how many times I asked... I decided, is not worth keeping the photos too. Hmm talking about that though, I got other people to chase photos for when I'm back in Melbourne again haha...

Faulpez microwave eggs

2011-06-25T08:33:00.000+08:00

Faulpez gets so lazy to wash an oily wok... that she resorted to her favourite appliance...

The Microwave

to fry the egg....

Break 1 egg into a microwave save bowl.
Scrambled with fork.
Cover the bowl with a plate, so the egg does not explode.
Put in microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.

Other ways to microwave egg that I will try...

Fried Egg
Break 1 egg into a microwave save bowl.
Gently poke the yolk of the egg with a knife.
Cover the bowl with a plate, so the egg does not explode.
Put in microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.

Hmm also has methods to hard boil or poach an egg but hmm, I am alright with the conventional method for those 2 which involves just a pot of boiling water.

Source: How to Cook an Egg in a Microwave | eHow.com

Faulpez's decorative cucumber

2011-06-25T08:29:00.000+08:00

Doc suggested an easier way to make pretty cucumber...

Hmm but I think I cut the slices wrongly still...

So I'm going to try again the next time I buy a cucumber again... Aka Datang!

This is the second time I'm decorating my cucumber again.. hmm.. so which is nicer??

Anyway I had to cut strips because I was eating Peking duck... shall talk more about it in my next cooking post :)

How to F-O-R-G

2011-06-23T05:22:00.000+08:00

蘇永康-那誰沒有下次
聲演：卓韻芝

It was winter solstice the day I was introduced this song.
And it was supposedly the longest winter night when I listened to this song.
And when you are all alone braving the cold winter listening to a sad song, somehow a wave of depression seems to come rushing to greet you.

The next day, trying to see if the video is true, I purposely went into Google and was greeted with this..

Image source: Google

First thought, beautiful artwork. Somehow it brought a smile after braving a cold night.
Second thought, oh so it was winter solstice. That's how I knew that I had endured a longer night than before.
Coming from the tropics, I never knew my days and nights could lengthen and shorten till I arrive here.
And that the impact really do seem great when you are not a tourist here, but someone living here.
Because the winter I experienced in Europe never seem to be so dreadful, even when I experienced a snowstorm that disrupted my train trip to Amsterdam.

Anyway as I typed in Google...
H
o
w

t
o

f
o
r
g

the first suggestion was 'How to forgive'
So the video was only partially correct.
Hmm...
I ask 2 of my friends to type that too, without explaining the context too much.
Both didn't elicit the vibe I was looking for.
Hmm one was having a summer solstice while the other was having summer all year round.
Maybe weather does play a part?

And as I replay the youtube video in my Nokia phone the whole day.
Again and again.
I kept thinking.
Between 'How to forget' and 'How to forgive'.
A 3 letters difference.
A stark difference.

Recently I just repeated to a friend this line.
It takes the same amount of time you once loved someone, to forget someone.
But had we all been looking at the wrong direction?
Should we have tasked it upon ourselves to 'forget'.
Or should we have tasked it upon ourselves to 'forgive'.
Forgive the relationship that has gone awry.
Forgive the other party who did not managed to complete the life with you.
Forgive yourself for not able to sustain and hold on to this fragile bondage.

不是每一个人可以放胆去爱，但只有真正爱过的人，痛过，但也体会到爱的真正原理。

No third time lucky for me

2011-05-28T04:29:00.106+08:00

Hmm I'm not very used to the new blogger layout... and am not really in a mood to blog as I'm flying tonight and my itinerary is not done at all...

Plus I'm still upset that I got cheated a third time because I still did not catch my sunrise... sigh.. the first time, too cloudy... the second time, too slow... the third time, too fast (though my friend told me is cloudy also)... cheaterbug!!!

The route is the same as my last year's ultra marathon and thus I did not really practice the route as I know it is quite an easy flat path. Of course, not being in Singapore for the past 9 months is part of the reason I wasn't even practicing in Singapore's humid weather and I'm not sure if that is part of the reason for my poor starting. In fact I was nauseated at the start which I could not figure out if it is true butterflies in the stomach at work, the dinner or I was not feeling good health wise. After all I was rejected for blood donation again due to low blood pressure just 2 days ago and I was feeling light-headed at the start of the marathon.

Thus I barely made it to the U-Turn and kept wishing to be on the other side of the path. I remembered I was in ECP and I saw the top few runners on their ritarno journey, I was so envious. Kept wishing to see the U-turn soon. Itchyfinger was saying U-Turn was the most depressing point for him. But to me, U-turn was the point of motivation. For the last two race, the 20-30 interval, I always run faster. Though this time round, I did not pick up the speed and thus it seems I dropped in performance (having maintained my 21km in roughly about 2hrs 46 mins). But I was quite motivated to keep jogging at the slow pace until I see the slope back (last 3-4km). I remember my first time up that slope was with CL on NB Real Run. Coincidentally, this year's sundown is by NB. I don't really bother who the sponsors are anyway. But I remember how this slope killed me every time, especially the torturous 84 km where I had to climb up twice. So this year, I told myself I should continue slow jogging up the slope as a new accomplishment.

And I'm proud to say, I did it and thus this is my first marathon that I really did not walk as much as I expected. In addition, each marathons, I always seem to have dragged my pacer and for this one, I was feeling extremely bad that I was kinda dragging his performance again for the first 30km because he was running at a pretty good speed which i could not catch up at all. But thankfully, my determination to continue running for the last 12 km rubbed onto him as well as he had reached his mental block whereas I felt energized having drank that super-sweet energy gel (my pacer's advice that I should drink it with water came a kilometre too late when I finally met him at the next hydration point) and refused to stop jogging at least. (Short rest at hydration points allowed.)

Photography Credits: My ever motivating Pacer

The reward, I sliced off about 9 minutes.. not remarkable but well I can now say I can finish a full marathon within 6 hours right haha..
2009 Sundown Marathon - 6:16:14
2010 Spirit of Marathon - 6:07:26
2011 - 05:58:57

Anyway my results breakdown as follows
5km - 00:31:11
10km - 01:09:38
21km - 02:46:17
30km - 04:23:54
Chip Time - 05:58:57

And the reward for all the 'siao lang' (i.e. mad people) haha..

Oh I did try to catch sunrise after breakfast with Itchyfingers and pacer but hmm was too tired to wait too long for it. Body really could not take it after the event, slept the whole day away...

Lastly, good luck to Pacer for his 100km if he decides to challenge himself...

Photography Credits: Pacer

p/s: I'm debating whether this will be the last marathon... cheated too many times already haha...

House cleaning

2011-05-08T22:08:00.000+08:00

I always knew it is hard work for my mum to clean up the house.. especially when we moved to a bigger apartment a decade ago. But it is only when I moved to a bigger apartment in Melbourne, that I really do understand the pains.

It is not as if the house was left in disarray. On the surface, things look fine. But when you start to touch, and as I move in, and I start to see the nooks and creaks and when I was brought up in a family where there is a certain level of hygiene (obviously not maintained by me)… I cannot help but feel the need to sanitise whatever I can. So I started with the toilet as that is nearest to the water source. Proceed to the bedroom that I will be sleeping. Found porn magazine and other trash and realised sigh, that why can’t I learn to close an eye like all my previous occupants. Anyway I gave up that Thursday night and went back to Blackman to sleep. Then Friday I decided to clean the kitchen, (as usual near the water source), and that’s when I realise what my friend had meant when she had taken the whole afternoon to scrub her oven clean… because I felt the same way for my microwave. Haha.. can see I’m the microwave person. After all I started cooking from it initially. So I cleaned the microwave and then the oven and the stove till it was passable. And I learnt why mum always clean up the kitchen after every session.. because when oil gets accumulated, it is not as simple as just wiping anymore. Even till today, I still feel that oily plastic feel. Sigh. And that includes the cabinets and stuff. I also concluded I will only move in as late as possible because afterall Blackman is newer and definitely so much cleaner. (And yes it is a good idea to do a weekly clean-up because likewise dirt when accumulated really gets stubborn.)

Once in awhile I will start to wish for mum to be here to clean for me.. and then I remind myself that the reason I moved is because it is time to take the next step. Looking back, from moving out, staying alone, cooking and now, cleaning.. I am taking steps to learn how to take care of myself. And I ought to be thankful. Obviously if I follow the typical steps of most of my counterparts, it will be moving out + cooking + cleaning lump up. The only pro, you have another person to share the burden haha. So for me, I have to do all these in baby steps.

Even as I am writing this, I still have the 2nd bedroom, the balcony and the doorway uncleaned. And I had planned to take it slowly as I am going hols for the Easter weekend. except my friend suddenly sprang a surprise and asked if can bunk in my place next week.. the day after I came back. So now pressed for time, I’m trying to clean up the 2nd bedroom as much as I could. I really hope they don’t mind the cleanliness of this place *cross fingers*.

And as usual, I will say, now that I understand how tiring it is, I should try to help my mum when back in SG.. but knowing myself, I may be out daily to lift even one finger in the household chores. But I really do appreciate her…sincerely. Thank you so much Mummy.

written on 20th April 2011

p/s: Publishing this on Mother's Day... Obviously not hoping she will read it... just hoping for something...

Political Apathetic

2011-05-07T05:30:00.002+08:00

Still remember my first time voting?

I remember how political apathetic I was back then. 5 years. Time flies. My political knowledge is still stuck at 10/100. I still like Sylvia Lim. I still wish George Yeo in too. I still wonder why all the talents are in Aljunied. Why can't some of them come to my constituency.

So what can I do? I am stuck in Melbourne. May is the month where it is very important for me since young. It is the day where I usually get broke. Kidding. But it has been planned that if there is any date I would return back, they are xmas, cny and end May. So between family and country, I really don't have much of a choice. It is decided that I will fly back end May.

And then I read about the opposition and realised Mr. Goh is part of that A-team I had like in the previous election. But what is the use when the rest of his team is so quiet that I hardly know if they can talk at all.

Friend tell me you vote not for your constituency but for the nation. On whose voice you want in the parliament. But I can't hear these voices? Not from the incumbent nor the other side.

Friend tell me life is like this. Win some, lose some. But why do some have to vote talents away and some have to vote imbecile in due to the theory of 'the lesser evil'.

Then I have friends saying it is such a hassle, it is irritating to keep seeing and hearing. Of course too much of something starts to get tiring. And nobody likes to hear bashing constantly. We need to hear something of substance still. We need to know if our dreams are reachable.

And what if both are useless. Is it worth the flight back? But it is my voice. Would I live to regret? I was told off to stop being silly and to just stay here. But I have the ever growing regret, the feeling that my voice has been robbed off, silenced. And that I feel like a spineless coward hiding in a faraway city.. because I could not decide which is the lesser evil. I feel like I turned my back to my country.

Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
- Macbeth

Funny that my friend always said that I will give up my country one day because of my yearning to swim into the big ocean. And that the past few months I am here, everybody like to ask if I'm staying here permanently. But I never wanted to give up my country, for the sole reason that it is where my family is. But then when it is a choice between family and country, it sure is a tough decision and whichever decision I made, I lived to regret it as I do now.

I can only hope that Mr. Goh will get back his deposit. Perhaps I will drop by a cathedral to seek forgiveness for being so cowardly.. and causing so much mayhem back home.

And I promised myself that next time, I would register as an overseas voter regardless. But I am fully aware, this year, may be the only chance. And opportunity doesn't knock twice.

12 Month Overview

2011-03-23T13:22:00.003+08:00

April

Seven of Cups

Full Meaning: Some Keywords for the Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meaning:

* Choice
* Illusion
* Variety
* Expansion
* Recollection
* Judgment
* Awareness
* Observation
* Discernment
* Manifestation
* Understanding
* Diversification
* Compartmentalization

We can look at the seven of cups Tarot card meaning in a myriad of ways. This card inundates us with a mass of interpretive possibilities.

When a card like this comes fully loaded with so many possible meanings, it's best to revert back to symbolic foundations. To wit, we know the symbolic meaning of the suit of cups deals with the realm of emotion, intuition, empathy.

We also know cups are affiliated with the powerful element of water. Water symbolism carries with it the concept of rebirth and cleansing.

A little meditation and research will help us with the symbolic meaning of clouds. Clouds conjure ideas, dreams, thoughts, illusions, transitions and mystery. Same symbolic meaning holds for the predominant card coloring of blue.

By refreshing our vision with foundational symbols, we begin to see a trend. We could sum up that trend with one sentence: "Now I observe the diverse manifestations that flow to me on the waves of my dreams and emotions."

I like this catch-phrase combined with the water element. In a cleansing/rebirthing aspect, I'm inclined to wonder if the seven of cups Tarot card meaning deals with a kind of life-reflection. An image of the choices we have made throughout our lives being reflected to us in the pools of our psyche.

With these few foundational aspects in place, we can overlay the additional symbols presented in the card. By doing this, we culminate our deeper vision of this card into a unifying story that speaks of limitless diversity, unbounded potential. In a nutshell, this card leaves everything up to the imagination.

Some meanings to symbols on the seven of cups:

Castle: Castle symbol meanings deal with goals. Castles are physical reprsentations of our need to build (block by block) upon a strong foundation in order to obtain our goals. Castles may also deal with sheltering ourselves or limiting ourselves from reaching our goals. They are also a symbol of obtaining our desires. See also the "tower" symbol meaning.

Snake: Snake symbol meanings deal with renewal, rebirth and development primarily because they shed their skin during each cycle in growth. Snakes are also cold-blooded which means they depend on their environment for their body temperature. This is a symbolic message that we must be adaptive, flexible and adjust as best we can to our circumstances. When the snake slithers across the cards into our consciousness way may need to ask ourselves if we need to shed a part of ourselves to allow further growth, or perhaps we need to be a little more flexible in situations at work or home.

Some Questions the Seven of Cups Asks Us:

How do my life events serve as oracles?
What if I approached every choice as if it were always the right one?
What would my life be like if everything I require for my every success is always available to me?
If my life were a giant pool of water, what kind of reflections would I see in it? (Consequences of choice)
Am I distracted by the diversity before me? If so, how can I obtain clear focus?

May

The Moon

Full Meaning: Key Words for the Moon Tarot Card Meanings
* Cycles
* Emotion
* Intensity
* Reflection
* Confusion
* Influence
* Emergence
* Perplexity

No one is immune to the influence of the moon. She is the mirror, reflecting back the light that shines upon her. She is a timepiece to the ancient movements of our galaxy. She is the music that prompts the ocean to dance. She is the illuminator of our creative powers. Pretty intense, no?

This kind of intensity laces all of the Moon Tarot card meanings. This is one of the few cards that is a story in-and-of-itself, and tells it from start to finish in one flash.

The story of this card begins with the lobster (crawfish, or crab in other deck renditions) which represents us and our greatness or higher purpose/calling. Emerging from our primordial ignorance (this is not derogatory - we are simply unknowing of our divine potential), to start our journey of higher purpose, we are met with all manner of influences. The symbolic crab also links to the astrological aspects of Cancer with moon as its ruling celestial influence.

Yapping dogs, gnarling wolves, winding paths, the lure of empty promises...it's a wonder we can get any where with all these influences pulling at our attention. What's more, we are attempting to find our way and higher purpose in the midst of the darkest of night.

We see the Moon, forever our illusive guide through all the distractions. But is she a help or a hindrance? When she is in her growth we feel ourselves expand in confidence with her. We can even become pregnant with our own importance when she is in her prime fullness. When she is waning, we feel ourselves shrink into the abyss of darkness, we grow unsure of our path and purpose. We may find ourselves confused at every turn.

The key to this card (and the moral of its story) is influence. We must constantly be aware of what is influencing our lives, our decisions, our actions. We must unravel the perplexity of our thoughts and see clear to that which is causing us to move in a certain direction. And when it comes to our higher purpose, we must have the highest intensity of diligence to stay the course and persue the path that leads to expressing our highest selves.

We must also keep in mind that we have the power to use the pull of the Moon to our advantage too. She holds immense power available for us to use if only we hone in on it; focus and direct its energy.

Further, the Moon is a luminary - which reminds us her reflective light can serve as a source of intuitive clarity.

Effectually, when we pull this card in a reading it often indicates we're torn between many influences. From the TV that stays turned on for too long to the boss that calls us during dinner - we are distracted by external influences that have taken us away from our core path. This card is a message that we need to reflect upon our life and use our intuitive abilities to determine what best thoughts and actions to take to correct our course.

Key Symbols Relative to Moon Tarot Card Meanings:
This section focuses in on a few select symbols that can help us further define the Moon Tarot card meanings.

Dog and Wolf: The dog is a symbol of our tamed mind which is loyal to our bidding. The wolf is a symbol of our primal urges and bears its teeth at our every attempt to be conventional. Neither beast is all bad nor all good - but they both war with each other in our minds. Hence each is on either side of our path. One yapping at us to "do the right thing" the other growling at us to "break out and go wild." All the while the Moon has her own ideas about what we should be doing. The key here is to tap into our inner wisdom and gain the ground by our own internal navigational faith system.

Lobster: Also depicted as a crayfish or a crab in other deck renditions, crustaceous creatures are a symbol of hidden psychic power. These creatures live in water (which is a symbol of the subconscious) and when they emerge from the depths of the water it is an expression of coming out of the dark or coming out of hiding. Further, these creatures are usually equipped with a hard exoskeleton which is a symbol of armor which protects the tender, beauty we all carry inside our souls. As mentioned in the introduction above, the lobster is a representation of us on our pilgrimage to carry out our higher (most often hidden) divine purpose. Additionally, it's worthwhile to investigate the astrological aspects of Cancer as the moon is its ruler.

Towers: Apart from being phallic symbols and thus appealing to our base (primitive) natures, the towers also represent the trappings of an easy life. One either side of the path stands the promise of treasure, stability, safety, and comfort. Although these are appealing qualities, they are often illusions when we are on the path of our higher purpose. In the case of this card the towers represent stagnation, or lure us into settling for something when we could have the divine gifts that are our birthright. The towers also remind us that if we build our lives upon false illusions, or settle for something leser, they will inevitably come crashing down upon us. Click the link for a mythological back-story on Tower symbolism in Tarot.

Key Questions Relative to the Moon Tarot Card Meanings:
When contemplating the Moon Tarot card meanings, ask yourself the following questions:

What am I allowing to distract me?
How can I see clear to my higher ideals?
Do I have clarity of thought, purpose and deed?
What is taking me away from my highest achievements?
What am I allowing to sway my judgment are influence my decisions?
Have I strayed from my divine path? What do I need to do to get back on track?
What steps can I take to silence those yapping (nagging) thoughts that distract me from my joy?

June

Five of Swords

Full Meaning: Keywords for the Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning:

* Faith
* Action
* Change
* Strategy
* Sacrifice
* Amputating
* Standing firm
* Meeting a challenge
* Victory by surrender
* Choosing a direction
* Confidence of position

If you've done your fair share of researching various perspectives on the five of swords Tarot card meaning, you'll know interpretations for this card are all over the place. Some sources take a stance of cruelty emanating from the card. Others see themes of self-sacrifice in the card. Still others offer interpretations of trickery.

When in doubt, I always look to the card preceding the one I'm focused on (in this case the Four of Swords meaning) for clarity. Why? Just like any good book, the Tarot builds momentum, its plot thickens. Knowing one card is a product or has been birthed from the previous card gives us a foothold on meaning.

With that in mind, the five of swords Tarot card meaning is born out of a place of deep inner reflection and contemplation as seen in the fourth sword card.

An interpretive snapshot: Our figurehead has emerged standing triumphantly from a challenge. He is the victor, having won the challenge that threatened his beliefs.

Where am I getting this? We know the suit of swords speaks to us of thoughts and beliefs. Our victor stands holding the majority of his shares (thoughts/swords) in tact. He has gotten his point across, and is met with no further conflict by would-be nay-sayers. Indeed, these usurpers seem to concede, or surrender; relinquishing the honor of righteousness to our figurehead in the card.

The concept of challenge surfaces in the presence of mountains in the cards. We get the feeling a long-standing opposition has been held, and through quiet persistence (as visited in the four of swords) the mountain has been conquered.

I get the idea that faith or beliefs are either upheld or amended in this imagery, primarily from the Morgan-Greer version (center card image up top). Notice how the fallen swords are in the formation of a cross - an orthodoxy-like (entrenched-faith) connotation? Meeting at a crossroads in traditional beliefs?

Unquestionably, the best interpretation I've encountered for this card is provided by Onno and Rob Docters van Leeuwen in their book: The Complete New Tarot (if you don't have this book, it's a must-have in any Tarot scholar's library).

Onno and Rob classify the five of swords Tarot card meaning as: "Remembering the Self." To paraphrase their interpretation:

"Through the reflective time in the Swords Four, we have overcome ourselves and our inner enemies and identifications which sap our energies. These are personified by the defeated persons walking away in the background. These having dropped off from our experience, a new goal and plan for life originates."
I'm particularly fond of the keyword "amputation." The implication urges us to cast off, or amputate those aspects of our lives that no longer serve the goal or plan the van Leeuwens' speak of.

Some featured symbols in the Five of Swords Tarot card meaning:

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Ocean: Ocean symbol meanings deal with infinite possibilities. Consider the ocean, and you will be considering the essence of vastness, mystery, and depth. It seems in exhaustible and the holder of wonderous things unseen. When the oceans in the cards crash their waves against our consciousness, it is time to pay homage to the great divine - meaning we should recognize the burgeoning power around us, the animating force that runs through us - the expansive and expressive nature of the universe. In other words, we must acknowledge that there may be other (higher) powers at work in our lives and it may be time to release our control in order to allow these powers to open up incredible opportunities to us.

Questions the Five of Swords asks us:

What has got to go so that the "real me" can stay?
Can I break from orthodoxy? Do I want to? Will that serve me?
What challenges have I met with calm dignity?
How can I meet present and/or future challenges with that same calm assurance?
How do I feel about the need to be right? Can I drop that compulsion to be right all the time?

July

Judgement

Full Meaning: Key Words for the Judgment Tarot Card Meanings
* Faith
* Honesty
* Judgment
* Resurrection
* Transformation
* Heeding a Call

For many, the word "judgment" evokes some very unsavory thoughts and images. It's no wonder the term makes some people cringe. For eons this term has been associated with religious misunderstanding and intolerance. Wars are waged in the name of religion, and Judgement is the battlefield.

Ironically, the reason for a religious war can be skinned down to one man's judgment against another man's religion. Further pared, it could be said that one man has judged that the other man should have his religion, not another's.

In the Christian faith, Judgment is associated with the "Judgment day." That day, according to Biblical text, in which all souls will be called and each soul is measured and marked according to virtue and obedience to God.

Religion aside, Judgment plays a part in every life in every day. We make judgment calls about how to raise our children. We use good judgment about how we manage our finances. We need judgment to determine what career we want to have.

Now that we've covered the various types of Judgment, let's take a hard look at the card. There is no evidence of fear in the card, and no conveyance of scolding or negativity. This is because the Judgment Tarot card meanings are not about judging against others. It has nothing to do with negative judgments made against our actions or against other people.

This card deals with honesty. Nancy Lopez, one of the most accomplished women of the professional golf scene, made a fine point when she said: "Doubt yourself and you doubt everything you see. Judge yourself and you see judges everywhere. But if you listen to the sound of your own voice, you can rise above doubt and judgment. And you can see forever." This is the prime message of the Judgment card.

When we put a negative spin on this card, it becomes confusing, confounding and seemingly irrlevant to a reading. However, when we understand that judgment is a natural, God-given gift that we can use in order answer our highest calling - it takes on an entirely new meaning.

The Judgment card comes up in a reading when it is time to heed our highest calling. When we are at a crossroads, and it is time to lift ourselves us and transform our lives. It comes at a pivotal time when we must be honest with ourselves, judge what best action should be taken and rise up to the challenges to embrace our best life.

This is an inspiring card. It indicates that higher energies are in motion to assist us in living a new, fresh, wonderful life. Just as the Christ was resurrected to a new phase of life, so too can we transform ourselves and move into a new way of living.

Other deck renditions show the angel Gabriel blowing his horn to call up the souls to their higher understanding. This is precisely the message this card bears. It is time to heed the call of resurrection. Now is the time to make a positive difference in our lives and in the lives of others.

Key Symbols Relative to Judgment Tarot Card Meanings:
This section focuses in on a few select symbols that can help us further define the Judgment Tarot card meanings.

Arms: The figures in this card are accepting higher knowledge with open arms. When we observe our lives with love and honesty, we are fully prepared to except a final judgment. We are willing to take this declaration and move to a higher level. By openly embracing the new-found knowlege of our life direction we are able to more effectively move into a new direction. Knowledge is power when we take it in with open arms, we become powerful ourselves.

Cross: The ancient Greeks created this symbol with all legs of equal length and size. One of the simplest symbols, and used since ancient times, it represents several things to different cultures. In ancient Greece it is an emblem of the four elements. In the ancient Middle East, the symbol represents the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds. Even the ancient Aztecs used this symbol to represent the meeting place of god (at the cross-section). The cross in this card indicates that an even-mind (sound judgment) is of foremost importance in our personal development.

Horn: The horn is the symbol of the angel Gabriel. It is an audible calling to us to rise out of our complacency and heed the call to live profound, invigorating lives. The horn is also a symbol of clarity and divine intervention. The horn sounds from God and our own higher selves. When we hear the horn blow it is time to make a better change in our lives. The horn is also a symbol of our inner calling. When we've been stuck in a situation that does not serve us we hear the horn of our inner voice urging us to move in a direction more fulfilling to our soul purpose.

Flag (in Rider-Waite): The flag is an announcement to change - something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts - the flag is about "in-your-face" transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear. Click here for more on Flag Meanings in Tarot.

Key Questions Relative to the Judgment Tarot Card Meanings:
When contemplating the Judgment Tarot card meanings, ask yourself the following questions:

What is my highest calling?
Is it time for a transformation in my life
Am I judging others or myself too harshly?
How can I raise myself out of a gloomy situation?
Am I being honest about the way I'm living my life?
Am I listening to to my higher self and my higher power?
Am I making sound judgment in this a situation that's been on my mind lately?

August

Queen of Pentacles

Full Meaning: Some keywords from the Queen of Pentacles:
* Picky
* Classy
* Doting
* Caring
* Fertile
* Loving
* Natural
* Festive
* Stylish
* Sensual
* Intuitive
* Affluent
* Graceful
* Admired
* Groomed
* Energetic
* Motherly
* Feminine
* Sensitive
* Nurturing
* Emotional
* Substantial
* Self-effacing

"I am the Queen of Pentacles and this is my tale.

Not only am I fortunate to be queen, I am also gifted with many children. First and foremost I am a mother, even before I am queen. That may sound like a heretic speaking. So be it. I cherish my little ones (even when they are adults, they are still my babies).

I have a tendency to spoil my children, and my husband. I love being a homemaker, and providing those under my roof with every need they can fathom. My generosity extends out to our kingdom where I care for my people with equal compassion and concern. I never feel quite comfortable or satisfied until others needs are met first.

One of my sisters (the Queen of Swords) admonishes my doting ways, she calls me the queen of codependency. I disagree because I am not so exclusively involved with other people that I neglect my own needs.

On the contrary, as the Queen of Pentacles, I have am able to surround myself with luxury and beauty. I do this with class, taste, style and great joy. I have a knack for fashion, interior design and decorating.

I am in my glory during festivals because I love organizing party arrangements, seating placements, menus, entertainment, etc. Planning an event satisfies me to no end and watching all my attention to detail come alive at anticipated hour is a marvelous thrill.

Indeed, you might notice Pan on my throne. I had him crafted into the design to pay tribute to gaiety and celebrations at all the festivities under my supervision.

Part of what gives me a knack for such things is my ability to discern the outcome of certain events. I am a natural psychic (although not as powerful as my other sister, the Queen of Cups). I think my intuitive gifts come from my inherent compassion for others as well as from my connection with nature and the cycles of the earth. I am very connected; very in-tune with what is going on around me.

I have been told I am the "loveliest of lovely ladies" (mostly by my children). But truth be known, I have to work at being beautiful. I am not a natural beauty like my other sisters. However, I play to my strengths. I wear beautifully tailored clothes that compliment my best features.

I also enhance myself with other trade beauty secrets, little things that bring out my dark complexion, eyes and jet black hair. I feel that self-grooming is very important, and I always work to look my very best.

As the Queen of Pentacles, I bear messages of home, hearth, merriment and refinement in your readings. When I show up in the cards, I am going to remind you to re-focus on your children because in raising them right, you are insuring the brightest future for everyone.

I will also remind you to pay special attention to your own inner voice. Everyone has special intuition, and it should never be neglected. I will also tell you (as my children do) to get back to the basics, ground yourself and spend time in nature. She is the ultimate mother, and our finest teacher."

Some symbols from the Queen of Pentacles:

Earth: On some level, all threads of life are first woven with the fiber of Earth. This interconnectedness reminds us not only is the earth a stabilizing and a wholly physical symbol, it also represents a network. Earth is synonymous with belonging, and as the Queen of Pentacles suggests, we all feel accepted; as if we belong in her presence. Earth represents community and shared wisdom. Earth also embodies the concept of solid ground. We've released the limitations of the "small mind" and returned to the foundation our true nature.

Flowers: As we would guess, flowers possess symbol meanings of joy, beauty, growth, sensitivity and unfolding. They are predominant features on the six of cups and four of rods, but they are seen sprinkled throughout many deck renditions (see also the Sunflower symbol meanings entry). Flowers are all about opening up and receiving the light of love, joy and compassion into our lives. In the Page of Pentacles Tarot card meaning, they remind us of the better things in life, the good times, the sweet smell of success. Because of them we remember the beauty that surrounds us if only we open up to its presence.

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us. Climb other moutains in the cards.

Rabbit: Reflexive, tentative and fast, rabbits symbol meanings deal with decisive action tempered with good judgment. Rabbits are close to the earth, and therefore are very grounding symbols. As social creatures, rabbits also remind us of the importance of friends and family. When the rabbit in the Queen of Pentacles card hops into our awareness it is a good time to consider look before we leap and excercise good judgement as the Queen of Pentacles does. Also, it is a good sign to gather friends and family about us - get in touch with our grounding roots.

Ram: Featured prominently in most decks, the head of the ram has symbol meanings of determination, action, initiative, and leadership. The ram is also a symbol of Aries, which is the astral ruler of the Emperor. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, further reinforcing attributes of leadership, authority, and other forefather-type characteristics. When the ram butts our attention, it is a sign to take responsibility, get up, take action, and get motivated to accomplish our goals.

Rose: A long-standing symbol of purity, promise, and beauty. The rose symbol meanings deal with the promise of new beginnings and hope. We must also take the thorns into consideration - with the promise of new hope, we may have to endure a few stinging thorns (painful ordeals) along the way. Overall, the rose is a poignant symbol of the beauty that is ready to unfold within each of our hearts, and a reminder that we must take the opportunity to savor the beauty around us.

Yellow: The color yellow is symbolic of intelligence as well as cheer, satisfaction and all-around contentment. Corresponding with the Manipura chakra, also known as the solar plexus chakra, yellow is an anchoring hue dealing with core issues in our lives. That which is at our emotional center is worth paying attention to. In the nine of cups, yellow represents our emotional well-being as the Queen of Pentacles encourages.

Some questions the Queen of Pentacles asks us:
Who comes first?
I realize this flies in the face of every self-help book, but putting others first is a sure way to bring balance to your own life. Besides, the fact that I?m showing up in your cards proves this point.
Is it time for a party?
Take a cue from me and my stylish flair for fantastic fiestas. Pay attention to the little niceties in planning for your next event. People will go wild over the extravagances, and you will be the bell of the ball.
Are you listening to yourself?
Your inner voice or intuition is a natural gift we are all born with. Pay attention to internal impulses, they will guide you in the appropriate actions to take.

September

King of Cups

Full Meaning: Some keywords from the King of Cups:

* Ruler
* Leader
* Healer
* Fatherly
* Advocate
* Sensitive
* Diplomat
* Idealistic
* Negotiator
* Nobleman
* Influential
* Scrupulous
* Charismatic
* Ambassador
* Responsible
* Philanthropic
* Humanitarian
* Understanding
* Communicative

"I am the King of Cups and this is my legacy.

I am a consummate communicator, and I built my kingdom on a foundation of intelligent discernment. A natural humanitarian, I can easily relate to people of all classes and races.

This ability to relate and understand people comes from an uncanny ability to listen. I've been told I have a fatherly way about me in that people are comfortable in telling me their life story. This speaks volumes, as a man of my high stature can be very intimidating. Nevertheless, they open their hearts to me, and I value the candor and trust they place in me.

My forte in verbal exchange enables me to be a true diplomat too. I am most effective as an ambassador for my kingdom. I am the most traveled of all the kings in the Tarot. I enjoy travel, but most favorable is joining forces with foreign lands.

Learning ways of foreign cultures is highly engaging for me. Indeed, I carry many foreign customs back to my home country with a goal to diversify my own people. I believe in broadening minds and expanding horizons.

To wit, I establish higher learning in my kingdom. I endorse educational programs and encourage everyone (men, women and children) to participate in continued learning.

I am also a religious man, and as the King of Cups, I promote spiritual education too. I believe everyone should have an equal sampling of religion, science and philosophy. I work very hard to make these things available to every one no matter what their economic status.

My suit is water, so I am emotionally intuitive, yet my station as King is air-bound which dwells in the realm of thought. This gives me an advanced edge because I can effortlessly communicate the intuitive perceptions I receive.

I am an eloquent speaker, writer and I even express my philosophical perspectives in art too. Although, I am not in a position to nurture my artistic side as much as I would desire. More appropriately, I devote much attention to studying the fine arts. I have a savvy eye for classic design, art and style. I promote many arts programs in my kingdom too.

I sit on a foundational throne in the center of the ocean, which gives testimony to my exclusivity in communicative, intuitive realms. Further, my stone island in the sea is symbolic of my solid rock ability to discriminate the truth from the babble that is uttered from the collective consciousness.

As the King of Cups, I am psychically perceptive, and can hear all kinds of verbiage. I sit on a foundation of keen intellect and strong-willed determination to trust intellect over unreliable sources.

Arthurian lore draws a connection to me, the King of Cups and the Fisher King. Indeed, my son, the Knight of Cups is likened to Perceval whom the Fisher King engages in the story of the quest for the Holy Grail. I can see where similarities can be drawn.

The most important connection with this legend and myself is that I do protect something unfathomably priceless. The grail as it is manifested in my wife, the Queen of Cups. She is my highest advisor, more psychic than anyone in my realm. I trust her implicitly, she is my secret weapon and foretells of many an event. She is the grail of life and the connection to all things unseen. I devote my life first to my Queen, then to my kingdom.

I'm fastidious about my appearance. As a diplomat, it's important for the King of Cups to maintain a polished appearance. I have brownish hair, cut short and well tended. My eyes are most noted for their crispness more than color, but they are light and bluish like the seas of my homeland. There is something about my presence that is authoritative. I hold myself as if I am always in control. This is a quality that goes beyond the realm of kingship.

When I appear to you in the cards, I will encourage you to be a leader, to be the voice of your own people. But I will tell you in order to be a strong voice in a sea of opinions, you must first listen to for the people's needs. Let both intellect, compassion and intuition be your guide as you serve as an ambassador for the greatest good of your tribe."

Some symbols from the King of Cups:

Fish: It is no coincidence that the fish is featured on all the cups court cards because fish symbol meanings deal with emotion, intuition and creativity. When considering the fish symbol meaning, we must first recognize the nature of the water in which it lives: in motion, unpredictable, and representative of the subconscious (as symbolic of water). The fish is a symbol of prolific abundance if we have the wherewithal to harness our own passion responsibly.

Ocean: Ocean symbol meanings deal with infinite possibilities. Consider the ocean, and you will be considering the essence of vastness, mystery, and depth. It seems in exhaustible and the holder of wonderous things unseen. When the oceans in the King of Cups crash their waves against our consciousness, it is time to pay homage to the great divine - meaning we should recognize the burgeoning power around us, the animating force that runs through us - the expansive and expressive nature of the universe. In other words, we must acknowledge that there may be other (higher) powers at work in our lives and it may be time to release our control in order to allow these powers to open up incredible opportunities to us.

Ship: Yes, of course ship symbol meanings deal with travel and journey's. However a commonly overlooked factor is the medium upon which they said - water - it deals with the deeper levels of the psyche and the subconscious. This is particularly the case with the King of Cups. When Ships sail across your vision in a reading, take into consideration where your thoughts (psyche) are traveling - what kind of baggage (cargo) are you carrying around, and are you charting (navigating) out the best course for your thoughts and emotions?

Some questions the King of Cups asks:
Is it time for continued education?
I promote constant learning, especially in the arts, sciences and religion. When I show up in the cards, I will ask you to study the classics to enhance your perspective.
How are you at negotiations?
As a natural diplomat and negotiator, you have to think sharp, and also observe every nuance of your opponent or partner. Study more about me and other famous negotiators if you feel wary about your task of finessing your needs in a meeting.
How do you feel about leadership?
Whether you lead in the role as a father, mother, president or even being a spiritual leader, there are many things to consider. Foremost, the cornerstones of my leadership as king is faith and compassion.

October

Queen of Swords

Full Meaning: Some keywords pertaining to the Queen of Swords Tarot card:
* Alone
* Proud
* Regal
* Strong
* Driven
* Intuitive
* Focused
* Sensitive
* Beautiful
* Educated
* Effective
* Obsessed
* Structured
* Calculating
* Controlling
* Demanding
* Dominating
* Independent
* Authoritative
* Commanding
* Uncompromising

"I am the Queen of Swords and this is my tale.

I have high expectations for my children. Equally high are my ideals for the people of my kingdom.

It takes a certain rigidity to face the gravity of my responsibilities. This kingdom of Swords is often a place of conflict. I wield my intelligence and discernment to gain justice.

And justice is my aim. I am no stranger to the darker sides of the human mind. I know how errant thought can bring about weakness, scandal and rot in a society. My watchful eye is vigilant.

I have a gift in seeing all injustice and dishonesty, even if it is a faint flicker on the horizon. I view corruption in others as a personal assault. Thus, I will root it out, extinguish it and will have order restored.

As the Queen of Swords I must hold myself with high dignity. I demand compliance for the better good of the kingdom, and I will be respected in my authority.

The reward for loyalty is my kindness. And, those who are in my favor are among the most honored in my realm.

It is my nature to be kind, although I do not have the luxury of revealing this facet. In my position, showing softness is considered a sign of weakness, and I must always gird myself, remaining regal and strong to my subjects.

As the Queen of Swords, my station is a lonely one. However, I am accustomed to solitary. Indeed, my isolation has caused me to be extremely independent.

Because of my independence, I rarely seek counsel from outside parties. I trust my own intuition implicitly. I am rarely wrong about my instincts.

When I am not governing or consumed with the responsibilities of my family and subjects, I spend my time in academia. A sharp and trained mind is a sign of a well-developed and skilled woman.

One of my children once commented that I seem distant and sad. This cut me to the core. Truth be known, deep beneath my waters moves an unbridled heart, filled with passion and sensitivity. To be sure, my waters run deep.

But the warmth of my love must often be cooled in the face of my duties and obligations. If, having a streamlined, organized and effective rule means trading a bit of emotion for austerity - so be it. As the Queen of Swords, I cannot compromise.

My advisors have told me that in my elderly years I will be able to devote more attention to the softer aspects of living that churns within me. Until then, the tending of the gardens of my tenderness will have to wait. For now, being the Queen of Swords permits nothing to prohibit the proper rearing of my children and kingdom.

I have dark hair with equally dark eyes. I am told I am beautiful, but I give this little attention unless it serves me in royal negotiations. I have noticed I have a strong jaw bone (mirroring my strong will). I tend to be heavy-set, but this is to my advantage because it gives me more presence. I seem larger than life when I walk into a room. My presence is such, people would be compelled to bow to me even if I were not queen.

Should I visit you in the cards, I will tell you get your affairs in order. Set about organizing your thoughts. Untidiness, disorder of any kind is unacceptable. The time for play and farce is after the tasks at hand is accomplished. You may balk at my austere ways, but I tell you, they are effective in results. Further, my tactics, although forceful, always command respect."

Some symbols in the Queen of Swords Tarot card:

Butterfly: A universal symbol for transformation. Butterflies are shown on the queen and king of sword cards, and typically indicate a change in the thoughts of the querent, or someone close in the querent's life. Butterflies go through several changes and transformation before they develop into their final state of beauty. They are a symbol that we as human do the same thing to reach our end goal and to obtain a better way of thought and living.

Clouds: Clouds hold the symbol meaning of revelation. Consider out of the mists of our deepest thoughts suddenly an epiphany comes, a bright idea comes out from nowhere - this is the basic cloud symbol meaning. Depending on the card, clouds can also symbolize confusion or clouded judgment. Primarily, clouds represent higher thought and messages from the divine.

Rose: A long-standing symbol of purity, promise, and beauty. The rose symbol meanings deal with the promise of new beginnings and hope. We must also take the thorns into consideration - with the promise of new hope, we may have to endure a few stinging thorns (painful ordeals) along the way. Overall, the rose is a poignant symbol of the beauty that is ready to unfold within each of our hearts, and a reminder that we must take the opportunity to savor the beauty around us.

Waterfall: Water is a symbol of emotion and the subconscious. Therefore, waterfalls deal with the constant running and flowing movement of our emotions and the stirring movements of our deeper minds. Observing the nature of waterfalls, we see they typically move at such a rushing speed that they tend to take everything with them in their path - rocks, trees, any debris in the midst of a waterfall is subject to its pull. This is symbolic that we must not let our emotions run away from us. Further, the waterfall leads to a plummeting drop and a crashing end against jagged rocks. This is a lesson that when we are not in control of our emotions and thoughts then they control us - potentially leading us down a rocky demise.

Questions the Queen of Swords asks:
How do you rule your roost?
Are you the boss, or do you let your children and subordinates walk all over you? You can rule without being a shrew. Let me remind you how to rule with intelligence and noble stature.
How would you behave if you were always being watched?
As the Queen of Swords, I am always watched and scrutinized. There is no room for error, slouching (mentally or physically) or folly. Enforce high standards for yourself and maintain these even in your private hours. The practice will give you a regal presence.
Can you recognize appropriate timing?
Although I rule with an iron fist, I am not blind to the need for leisure. There is a time for everything. Organize yourself to allow seasons of learning, recreation and labor.

November

The Hermit

Full Meaning: Key Words for the Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
* Wisdom
* Humility
* Solitude
* Searching
* Detachment
* Deliberate
* Observation

In our fast-paced, harried world of today, we would all do well to do as the hermit does. The Hermit's stride is slow but sure. He takes each step with a deliberate, conscious approach - knowing that each step of the journey is a small imprint upon the larger picture of his path. He does everything in this manner - each breath he takes, each word he speaks, every decision he makes is a deliberate act.

This is one prime source of the Hermit's wisdom. In recognizing that each of our thoughts and actions is a brick we use to build our lives, we partake in the creation of our own reality. The Hermit has had to learn this lesson by means of distancing himself from the regular, routine world. By removing himself from the "normal" stream of societal thought, the Hermit is able to listen to the inner stirrings of his own intuition and act upon it.

In much the same way, by turning off our telephones, switching off our televisions, and removing ourselves from the barrage of external chatter - we are able to finally hear the small voice from within that leads us to higher ground.

The Hermit walks a fine line. By purposefully choosing to remove himself from society he also runs the risk of being misunderstood and labeled inappropriate. These labels do not concern him as his path of spiritual knowing and higher wisdom are his prime concerns.

The path of the Hermit is certainly not for everyone, but we all have parts of ourselves that need a little quiet time at the least. When the Hermit shows up in a reading it often refers to a need to be still, contemplate, meditate, observe what is going on before any further action is taken.

Key Symbols Relative to Hermit Tarot Card Meanings:
This section focuses in on a few select symbols that can help us further define the Hermit Tarot card meanings.

Staff: Appearing as an attribute amongst pilgrims, saints and even priests, the staff is an emblem of power and authority. The staff is in the Hermit's left hand, representing the hand of higher awareness (subconscious mind). In this case the staff represents the Hermit's ability to use his isolation and the knowledge he has gained as a tool upon his path to even higher levels of awareness.

Stance: The Hermit stands upon the precipice of an icy mountain. This symbolizes the heights of his journey, and further intensifies the feeling of his isolation. Mountains typically symbolize achievement, growth, and accomplishment. The symbolism in this case is the Hermit has achieved his goal and he is continuing the path he has chosen, committed to his endeavor of ultimate awareness.

Star: The star of David shines brightly within his lantern. Biblically, David is means "beloved of God" and so the light from the star symbolizes the light of God. Further inspection of the star reveals that it is comprised of two triangles, one inverted, the other erect. This is a common symbol for male & female, or opposing/balancing energies. In the context of the Hermit, this symbol represents balance, and using the energies together for the purpose of spiritual advancement.

Key Questions Relative to the Hermit Tarot Card Meanings:
When contemplating the Hermit Tarot card meanings, ask yourself the following questions:

Have you taken the time to simply "be?"
Are you able to be still? If not, why?
What is your level of awareness at this moment?
Are you receiving the guidance you need on your path? If not, why?
Are you able to be quite and listen to the still small voice within?
Is the current path you are on still as meaningful as when you first set out?
When was the last time you stopped to take a break from the hussle-bustle of your life?

December

Knight of Cups

Full Meaning: Some keywords from the Knight of Cups:

* Vain
* Cool
* Lover
* Volatile
* Effective
* Cunning
* Sensitive
* Defensive
* Observing
* Perceptive
* Charming
* Handsome
* Duplicitous
* Calculating
* Manipulative
* Unpredictable
* Well mannered

"I am the Knight of Cups and this is my story.

You've never met anyone quite like me. I am unpredictable but you can't help but be attracted into my energy because I am magnetic. Even when I frustrate you because you can't figure me out, you will come back for more.

It's the water-fire combination of my suit (cups=water) and station (knights=fire). It makes for a whirl-pool, combustive personality. Sometimes I even surprise myself with my own behavior.

I ride a pale horse, and this is symbolic of my intent to eradicate misdeeds within the kingdom. I have an unorthodox approach too. I can "read people" easily, and I use this ability to manipulate. I figure people should know their own minds, and if they leave themselves open (and give their "tells" so easily) then they are asking to be manipulated.

I hope this doesn't sound callous, because I am quite caring of others' wellbeing. However, as the Knight of Cups, my responsibility is to protect the royal heart. My armor is more than physical, it is also a symbol for protecting what matters by any means necessary.

In truth, I'm a very sensitive person. I hate violence, and that is why I revert to mental and emotional tactics to get results. While my brothers (the other Knights) are charging with their swords, I prefer not to dirty myself in such ways, and so I use my intuition as a means to an end.

I wasn't always this savvy. In fact, many Tarot scholars liken me to Perceval in the Grail legends. Anyone familiar with the story would know my doppelganger was quite a greenhorn when he joined Arthur's knights. 'Twas the same with me.

However, I am extremely perceptive and the more I am exposed to mankind, the more I can discern their motives and foretell their next move.

Being the Knight of Cups puts me in a defensive position, but I'm most comfortable when my armor is off, and I am in the presence of artists, friends and lovers. Beneath my protective layers rests an amorous spirit, full of love and bright ideas.

People will tell you I'm a braggart, but it's so infrequent when I can let my guard down. When the occasion arises I take it to the hilt. My station as Knight of Cups hampers much of my demonstrative tendency.

My father (King of Cups) says I am overly concerned with what others think of me, and that I would do well to just be myself. But, I see how this tactic affected my youngest sibling (the Page of Cups). No thank you. I'll keep my private self safe; only revealing to my closest confidants.

This is not to say I do not entertain the company of companionship. I am naturally charming, and love being loved. I'm all about romance. Candles, satin, luxury, I'm always employing all the trappings Cupid has to offer to woo my heart's fancy. I get no complaints from the objects of my desire either.

Fortunately, I have great looks to go along with my flirty ways. Strikingly blue eyes and wavy hair, I've been told I am an Adonis. My physique is a work of art too.

When I come to you in the cards, I will send you mixed messages. My appearance will mark your need to weed out dishonesty in your life and kill it at the source. Further, I will ask you to take this action by means of emotional intelligence. Use your ability of intuitive perception to gain the knowledge you need in the situation expressed in the cards. I may just woo you too, and invite you to entertain some spice in your love life."

Some symbols in the Knight of Cups:

Feather: Symbolic meaning of feathers deal with higher thought. They may also point to ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Feathers were worn by the Knight of Cups may also symbolize communication with spirit energies, and expresses intuitive wisdom. Literally, we can recall the adage of "quite a feather in his/her cap" which means an accomplishment or success that looks very well on one's record or puts one in high standing.

Fish: It is no coincidence that the fish is featured on all the cups court cards because fish symbol meanings deal with emotion, intuition and creativity. When considering the fish in the Knight of Cups, we must first recognize the nature of the water in which it lives: in motion, unpredictable, and representative of the subconscious (see Water symbol meanings). The fish is a symbol of prolific abundance if we have the wherewithal to harness our own passion responsibly.

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Rivers, Streams, Waterfalls: Water is a symbol of emotion and the subconscious. Therefore, rivers and waterfalls deal with the constant running and flowing movement of our emotions and the stirring movements of our deeper minds. Observing the river in the Knight of Cups, we see they typically move at such a rushing speed that they tend to take everything with them in their path - rocks, trees, any debris in the midst of a waterfall is subject to its pull. This is symbolic that we must not let our emotions run away from us.

Some Questions the Knight of Cups asks:
What gifts do you have to offer?
Use your emotional intelligence to discern your inner gifts. Then, ride the steed of creativity to cross the river of doubt in your pursuit to utilize these gifts in your purpose.
How do you feel about romance?
Is it time for a little love in your life? Lead with your heart in matters of love.
Are you using your powers of perception appropriately?
I believe hard work is unnecessary when we use our natural abilities and perception.

January

King of Swords

Full Meaning: Some keywords from the King of Swords:
* Wise
* Kindly
* Logical
* Soulful
* Logical
* Isolated
* Truthful
* Fatherly
* Seasoned
* Generous
* Insightful
* Analytical
* Intellectual
* Counseling
* Introspective
* Retrospective
* Philosophical
* Conscientious
* Contemplative
* Transformative

"I am the King of Swords and this is my legend.

My eyes have seen such revolutionary images. Battles won and lost. Unmatched bravery of men, and shameful cowardice too. Boundless generosity of humankind and the disdain of greed too.

I have observed and been a part of all these human sagas because I am the oldest of all the Kings of the Tarot. I have the benefit of retrospect and reflection.

These days I spend most of my time contemplating these cycles of life I have observed. Yes, I still rule, and I do so with authority, but I would much rather be engaged in intellectual pursuits.

This is why I'm grateful for a smart match in marriage. To be honest, my wife, the Queen of Swords does most of the commanding in the kingdom. Both behind the scenes and outwardly, she has a firmer grip on the realm than most would think. She likes to be in charge, and I'm content to let her have it.

The older I get the more I'm fascinated with the natural laws and how the mind of man interacts with these laws. Science and metaphysics are infinitely engaging for me. I'm often found in the lower chambers of my castle going over formulas and analyzing statistics. Numbers yield their magical language to me, and my analytical mind cracks code as effortless as birds crack nuts.

I recognize I am in the winter of my life, and this gives me a solemn, philosophical outlook on most things. These days I rule with compassion, where once I was considered tyrannical. I give more leniency now than ever before.

As an aged King of Swords, I remember the mistakes of my youth before I pass judgment. Indeed, I need not look further than to my son, the Knight of Swords to see the effects of arrogance and impatience for battle.

Although, my gallant Knight serves a vital purpose in my kingdom. I delegate to him what I no longer have a taste for. Rather than coat my sword with the blood of my foes, I leave that to him now. When my kingdom is in conflict, my prime function as the King of Swords is to seek out strategies for solutions.

In all my years, I learned the first and most important battle we must win is the war waged in mind. Once we conquer discrepancy in our thoughts, we can begin to master a time of peace throughout all realms.

My subjects still respect my authority, and my presence is still epic. But, I think they detect a bit of sorrow in me - perhaps they recognize my regret over past mistakes in my rulership. Nevertheless, they are more loyal to me now than ever before because they see in me a kindness and compassion that was lacking in my earlier days of authority.

As the King of Swords I have come to many conclusions in my time. Not the least of which is the understanding that power can corrupt completely. Power tempered with objectivity are the true tools of an effective king.

When I look in the mirror, I still see the surging strength and stern, commanding presence I've always had during my reign. However, as time continues to march through my veins, I recognize a wistful melancholy in my eyes. They are blue, and a little filmy these days. My hair is silvering too. My wife says its distinguishing.

When I take the time to enter your attention in the cards, I'm there to remind you to take heed about the actions of your life. Consider me as your own personal grandfather figure; kindly and full of remarkable advice that only the tests of time can serve. I can offer you the perspective no other king can. If you heed my advice, you shall rule your inner and outer domain with ease."

Some symbols of the King of Swords:

Butterfly: A universal symbol for transformation. Butterflies are shown on the queen and king of sword cards, and typically indicate a change in the thoughts of the querent, or someone close in the querent's life. Butterflies go through several changes and transformation before they develop into their final state of beauty. They are a symbol that we as human do the same thing to reach our end goal and to obtain a better way of thought and living.

Clouds: Clouds hold the symbol meaning of revelation. Consider out of the mists of our deepest thoughts suddenly an epiphany comes, a bright idea comes out from nowhere - this is the basic cloud symbol meaning. Depending on the card, clouds can also symbolize confusion or clouded judgment. Primarily, clouds represent higher thought and messages from the divine.

Some questions the King of Swords asks of us:
What is your hurry?
Trust me. Enjoy the moments you have right now. Otherwise, you will have plenty of time in your elder years to regret the time you are not enjoying now.
Why are you so worried and anxious?
This is another area of life I'm familiar with. Life is crumpled up and tossed away on worry and stress. Rule your life with a kingly confidence that all things will work out for you. One way or another, in time, they will.
What is the purpose of your battle?
If your purpose is anything other than working to a solution, then your battle is folly. And, remember what I said about the first and most important battle.

February

Five of Wands

Full Meaning: Some keywords bandying about in the five of wands Tarot card meaning:
* Debate
* Opinion
* Conflict
* Practice
* Contrast
* Sparring
* Challenge
* Unfocused
* Participation
* Disagreement
* Disorganization
* Meeting of minds
* Creative disruption

As the suit of rods hearkens to fiery creativity, the five of wands infers some creative ideas floating around, and no shortage of opinions on how to implement them.

Thankfully, nobody is getting wounded in the creative process.

Note none of the rods are causing crippling blows to the men in the card. No jaw-breaking. No rib-poking. All the rods are merely making contact with other rods. This gives us the impression of defense; passionate defending of ideas and opinions - but no life-threatening damage.

When the five of wands butts its way into our reading a meeting of the minds is key. Although potentially unpleasant, it will likely lead to a creative outlet in which all parties hammer out a phenomenal, unified idea.

The green grass underfoot indicates the fertile soil of ingenuity and inspiration as the base of the subject in a reading. Happily, the five of rods indicates no shortage of promising aspects:

Willing manpower to fuel the fire of inspiration
Tons of fodder for more ideas and creative growth (fertile green ground)
Potential for clarity and resolution (clear blue skies in the background)
Passionate, bright minds willing to share opinions openly
In spite of all that potential, the five of wands reflects an outcry for:

Strong leadership in a group of (sometimes unruly) people and/or thoughts. This is going to be in an spiritual or artistic setting, and these environments tend to bee loose and amoebic without strong guidance.

Organization of ideas, people, thoughts, purpose, vision and/or opinion. This card signals a lot of erratic energy flailing all over the place, and invites the reader to get hold of it with a goal to obtain order.

Maintain passion without squelching the fire. With so much enthusiasm and heated debate over the subject, it can be hard to organize and lead without sucking all the fun out of the group. Remember, the rods are tapping against each other, not pummeling or injuring. Find temperance.

Find common ground. We can maintain that enthusiasm by finding commonalities in ideas and perspectives. This is it he catalyst for the success of the group (whether it be a group of people, or a collection of ideas we may have).

Some symbols sparring in the five of wands Tarot card meaning:

Blue: The color blue is symbolic of expression and communication, especially in the form of speech. Corresponding with the Vishudha chakra, also known as the laryngeal or throat chakra, blue is a hue dealing with enunciating our "true blue" passions. Interestingly, this chakra also rules the hearing senses - a reminder it's just as vital to speak our minds as it is to hear the thoughts of others in effective communication.

Earth: On some level, all threads of life are first woven with the fiber of Earth. This interconnectedness reminds us not only is the earth a stabilizing and a wholly physical symbol, it also represents a network. Earth is synonymous with belonging. She represents community and shared wisdom. Earth also embodies the concept of solid ground. We've released the limitations of the "small mind" and returned to the foundation our true nature.

Questions tossed up in the five of wands Tarot card:
Do I always need to be right in a conversation?
Am I listening to other points of view, or am I always looking for a way to get my own point across?
What is the common denominator?
Where can I find common ground in this conflict?
What if all the good stuff came from contrast?
Do I feel like I have to fight for my cause?
Can I accomplish more with empathy and temperance?
What is my idea of effective leadership?
Does that leadership model work in every situation?
How do I feel about compromise?
Are my organization methods appropriate and effective?

March

Seven of Pentacles

Full Meaning: Some blooming keywords for the seven of pentacles Tarot card meaning:
* Focus
* Reward
* Allowing
* Reflection
* Flexibility
* Awareness
* Recognition
* Reevaluation
* Contemplation
* Nurturing the dream

Continuing in the spirit of giving as seen in the preceding pentacles card, the seven of pentacles indicates we've followed through with our intentions. Now is a time of purveyance.

The magic of manifestation has taken root; our triumph grows with Amazonian fervor. It's not really magic though. We know our toil and focus created the physical product - our lush, lavish rewards.

Indeed, the presence of the seven of pentacles in a reading typically comes after a time of back-breaking endeavor. We'll often see confirmation of this in supporting cards, indicating health or financial ruin. That ruin inevitably caused our re-commitment to commanding our focus on shifting our inner landscape to create an mutually satisfying outer experience.

We did it. We hunkered down and now reap the harvest of the heart. This card indicates a time for reflection and appreciation. It's time to recognize the triumph. Time to savor the accomplishments we've earned.

Moreover, the seven of pentacles urges us to re-evaluate our position. How so?

In Business:
Revisit our Mission Statement
Reevaluate the use of our resources
Take a hard look at consumer opinions
In Finance:
Reexamine retirement, investment or savings plans
Take a second look at personal spending habits
In Health:
Reconsider our current diet
Check in with our bodies confirming optimal performance
Ask deeply and inwardly about current health status; observe responses
Just check in. This is what the seven of pentacles Tarot card meaning signifies. Tapping into the ground roots that anchored themselves according to our will. We may find, after tapping in, that no changes need to be made. Contrarily, we may discover our objectives have changed (as often happens during growth). It may be time to adjust our vision.

Foremost, the seven of pentacles asks us to be easy with our observations. This is a time of savoring and enjoying the sweetness we've allowed into our lives. Looking over our bounty with a scrutinizing or criticizing eye is counterproductive. We can choose to be easy with the natural flow of our evolution. In this manner, if we detect a call for change, it can be implemented in a smooth, organic fashion.

Some symbols growing out of the seven of pentacles Tarot card meaning:

Grapes/Grapevines: Symbol meanings of grapes and grapevines deal with fertility, abundance, transformation and blessing. Considered the fruit of the earth in both pagan and Christian circles, the grape is rich in symbolism. Bunches of grapes have long been depicted in funerary art and are symbols of redemption. Grapes and grapevines are also found in Greco-Roman art as symbols of hospitality, bounty and symbolic of youthfulness. All of these attributes come into play when we see these power-packed fruits in the cards.

Hoe: Yes, this is a tool, and as such its sybmolism deals with work, resourcefulness, accomplishment. But the hoe is also a message telling us we can make our way easier by using the resources (tools) that are available to us. The hoe is also connected to the old adage "what we sew so shall we reap." When the hoe pops out at us in the seven of pentacles we might do well to consider what kind of sewing we are doing and how we are utilizing our resources (are we doing things the hard way, or should we recruit some help).

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Some questions sprouting from the seven of pentacles:
Can I truly self-appreciate, and recognize a job well done?
Is it time to rest up and prepare for my next challenge?
How do I feel about change?
Can I be honest with myself about my situation?
Can I allow myself a time of quiet reflection and approbation?
What do I think about the concept of "value" and "worth?"

Lovers Tarot on 23rd March 2011

2011-03-23T13:10:00.001+08:00

Present Situation

Ace of Pentacles

Briefly: You will be surprised to learn that one of your greatest financial wishes is about to come true.

Full Meaning: This card shows a large pentacle in the middle which is symbolic of material wealth and abundance. If you should receive this card in your layout, and it is representative of a future event, then you will be surprised to learn that one of your greatest financial wishes is about to come true. This can bring financial stability to those who have never had it before in their life.

Your World

The Hierophant

Briefly: A man of wisdom and vast experience of life. A guiding light in the dark, a kind and inspiring man you can call on for guidance and advice.

Full Meaning: This major arcana card is one of a little mystery. The man pictured looks like he knows all the answers. He is clothed in regal attire suggestive of a link with royalty. He looks too like a religious man, perhaps a priest, and the sceptre in his hand is a symbol of mastery and possibly also magic.
He appears to be an elderly man, a man of wisdom and vast experience of life. He seems like a guiding light in the dark. If this card represents you, then you are quite likely at the stage in your life where everything is under control. You have walked the rocky road of life and have mastered the techniques to reach a time of achievement and satisfaction. You may have reached all your previous goals and can now sit back and perhaps rest on your laurels if that is what you choose to do. It is a time of equilibrium, balance and serenity. The troubles of the world are behind you, and now you can take the time out to rest without too many challenges ahead.
If this card represents someone in your life, you obviously look up to this person with great respect. He may have been, and still is, you best friend, your mentor, your confidante. He is a kind and inspiring man and you may have called on him for guidance and advice, which he gave with compassion and willingness. He may even be a spiritual guru who showed you the way when it was dark or in your hour of greatest need. He would have aided you in finding your path in life or gave hints of the mysteries that can often be hidden even from those who search for the meaning of life so compellingly. He is the keeper of the knowledge of life and will share it with those who seek it. He is the eternal philosopher and seeker of truth.
The keys can often be symbolic of new keys coming into your life, such as new house keys or car keys. It can also show you to be aware of where you leave your keys as you may find that you accidently misplace them, which can prove to be very inconvenient. As keys can represent a new direction you are about to take in life, this may suggest that the time is ripe to make significant life changes right now or in the very near future. This card can also represent marriage.

Your Lover's World

Five of Wands

Briefly: A symbol of some conflict that is currently going on around you or is about to take place.

Full Meaning: Often this is a symbol of some conflict that is currently going on around you or is about to take place. However for some it can be a gathering of people, united together to achieve a common goal. This could be akin to builders erecting a house, or even a political party meeting to seek cohesion in their direction. More than likely though a lot of activity takes place and you can see that there are basically many hands on deck. The issue may be that there is some expertise and effort needed to get everyone thinking on the same level, rather than a divided group. If you wish to create a more harmonious state amongst a group of people who are not seeing eye to eye, try to find a common denominator and work on that element of these people.

Nature of Issues

Queen of Wands

Briefly: You may also be about to meet someone very special with whom you fall in love with and marry.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card is of a woman wearing a crown and beautiful clothes and a robe, with a wand in one hand and a lovely golden sunflower in the other. There is an abundance of green leaves around the flower and the wand. She looks serene and calm. She is obviously a woman of considerable power and influence. She also appears warm and welcoming. She has lovely blonde hair and blue eyes. She displays an air of sophistication and strength. If you are this woman then you have truly found your destiny. If this is the woman you are about to become, then rest assured your future is secure and you will find all of your needs met. You may also be about to meet someone very special with whom you fall in love with and marry. This may develop during the warmer months of the year, as in Spring or Summer. If this is someone you know, then value her friendship, for she is loyal and trustworthy. If you are a male, you may meet this woman through a friend and become involved with her in a romantic relationship. If you are a young person, this person could be your mother or a teacher, or both.

Obstacles

Two of Cups

Briefly: Perhaps a new love is going to appear and involve some long-range commitment for you, the birth of a child or new found love.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a man and a woman looking at each other and each one has a cup in the left hand and they are making a toast. There are some heavy black clouds in the background and these may indicate a period of time, such as further in the distance, or in the past. Perhaps a new love is going to appear and involve some long-range commitment for you. The number two can represent time as in days, weeks or months and this may indicate when the encounter will take place. The woman may also become pregnant early on in the relationship, or if a married couple have been trying and this has been delayed or hindered in some way, now it may eventuate. Also there can be a celebration of some kind and this of course could indicate the celebration of the birth of a child. If you are single and looking for romance, then it may be on its way and you could find this person proves to be your soulmate.

Lessons and Signs

Ten of Cups

Briefly: This card symbolises great happiness and contentment.

Full Meaning: This card shows a man and woman with one arm around each and their outer arms held up high welcoming good news. Beside them two young children hold hands and dance. There is a rainbow in the background and several tall, green trees, some shrubs, beside a river and with mountains in the far distance. The sky is blue and the day looks warm as in Springtime. There are 10 cups across the sky in front of the rainbow. This card symbolises great happiness and contentment. Two people are brought together in unison and peace to share a special time in their lives. A joint project has obviously reached fruition and they are proud of their achievements and wish to celebrate in grand style. If you draw this card you may rest assured, that even though it took a long time to get where you are, it has all been worth the effort and the energy expended. You can relax in your new found comfort zone and pursue your other objectives with peace of mind, knowing that your life is now more secure than it has ever been.

Your Hopes, Fears and Desires

Temperance

Briefly: Temperance will inspire us to be more ourselves, bringing out the pure essence of our being and approaching life in the way a child does, with wonder and excitement at the newness of being. You are on the verge of a new lifestyle and if you seek it you will find peace and contentment more than you ever have before.

Full Meaning: This card is such a lovely card to look at. Pictured is a person who appears to be an angel and there are enormous wings on their back signifying that they are not a mere mortal. When we draw this card it can inspire us to be more ourselves, bringing out the pure essence of our being and approaching life in the way a child does, with wonder and excitement at the newness of being. We are able to put things into perspective and bring some balance and harmony into our daily lives if we can just slow down a little and take time to see the beauty that is there all around us. We may start to appreciate that the Sun comes up every day, the scent of fresh flowers as they bloom in Springtime and the colour of the sky on a clear blue day, and if there are some clouds, they can appear like puffs of fairy floss and seem almost edible. You are being guided to bring out the best in yourself and in your surroundings. You may feel the desire to get closer to nature and this can manifest in various ways. Either you start a garden or buy lots of plants to put in your home or you move out to the country and live on a farm or other type of similar situation. Also you can more readily tune into your emotions and what gives you satisfaction in life. You are on the verge of a new lifestyle and if you seek it you will find peace and contentment more than you ever have before.

Your Lover's Hopes, Fears and Desires

Three of Wands

Briefly: The seeker of knowledge and truth. He searches until he finds what he is looking for.

Full Meaning: This card depicts a man with his back to us though revealing part of his face as he looks out over the hillside. He holds a wand in his hand which has three leaves sprouting from it signifying growth and abundance. In front of him is another wand and behind him the third wand. He is contemplating his future and possibly the journey ahead of him. In the distance are mountains with high peaks. It appears to be an almost barren environment, warm and dry. However he has with him the symbols of growth and can plant wherever he sees fit. He wants to settle down, but must first wander and roam until he finds his true home. This card too is the seeker of knowledge and truth. He searches until he finds what he is looking for.

Challenges

Four of Pentacles

Briefly: You are about to finally achieve your goal of financial security and freedom.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a dark haired woman dressed in a robe and a crown on her head. She holds three pentacles in front of her and one is above her crown. Behind her is a brick wall symbolising strength, protection and safety. The pentacles of course represent her finances and how she manages them. She is shrewd, careful and very practical. She is securing her financial future and will soon be rewarded for her patience and endurance. If you are this woman you are about to finally achieve your goal of financial security and freedom. You will be able to protect yourself from the adversities of the past and gain total financial control of your life. You may also be able to teach what you have learnt to others.

Outcome

Ace of Wands

Briefly: Perhaps a move interstate or overseas. Life is about to flourish and grow in more ways than you can imagine.

Full Meaning: This a beautiful card to just look at. On it is a hand reaching out from the sky holding a branch that is sprouting green leaves. This is very symbolic of a new life. You may be about to uproot yourself and move to a totally different location. You could even move interstate or overseas. Life is about to flourish and grow in more ways than you can imagine. There could very well be mountains nearby in the place you are planning on moving to. The sky is blue and the world is your oyster.
Now is the most favourable time to consider what possibilities lay ahead. A business venture may be undertaken now that builds a solid and secure future for you and your family. Take the initiative and move into new territory, for the old has little to offer, whereas the new is fresh and inspiring to you.
If there is a proposition is put to you in the near future it would be potentially prosperous and the likelihood of producing all the things your life needs.

What is the Singapore Embassy Number in Australia?

2011-03-17T10:46:00.003+08:00

This is a question that suddenly popped into my mind after the Japan's earthquake.

It was dinner time on Friday and I had just reached Burnie after a 2 hours bus ride. My friend's friends had picked us up for a lovely dinner. When I went to the ladies after the meal, I saw the news of Tokyo's earthquake and immediately got worried for Senpai.

HP was on Whatsapp then and I asked her if Tokyo is having earthquake which she replied yupz. Afterthat, I guess I did not continue my chat with her as I concentrated on trying to get connected in FB (I was in rural Tasmania with limited connection). It was my only way to contact Senpai. Seriously I have to thank FB.. it was through FB that I checked my NZ fren was safe just a month ago.. and it was through FB that I managed to see Senpai posting status updates and photos.

Over the next few days, I have to admit I was in holiday and thus I still have to do my sight-seeings. But I checked occassionally to see my Senpai status. I remembered receiving an office email about a colleague then and thus I checked up on him too even though he isn't a FB contact (haha I did not think of adding him.. though he is nice.. just never felt the urge to do so). Then mum sent me a sms and told me my friend is in Tokyo shopping and Auntie was so worried for that span of time where she was uncontactable.

Hmm, I suddenly remembered how in 2007 Tokyo had a minor earthquake at the time I was in Nikko (and thus avoided it) and that my boss then even emailed me and checked on me. At that time, my classmate also did check on me and reminded me to call my mum (I had earlier on sent Mum an email actually). In some sense, I never realised how serious an earthquake could be bah. And actually I think my mum didn't know about the earthquake either then. I mean she didn't even know about some natural disaster in Osaka the day that I flew (I can't remember it now either haha.. but I remember telling her after I checked in haha)

But there is something different about the earthquake this time. Something which I did not really understand (I was deprived of my morning news that weekend) till I was back in Melbourne and HP told me the seriousness. Furushima was suffering from a nuclear crisis. Then it all made sense on why Senpai was trying to catch a flight back. And in his status updates, why he had mentioned that he will contact the SG embassy soon.

And I realised... I did not know the SG embassy number here either. It had never occurred to me to know it I guess. Later I was telling xL about it and she asked me if I really am in such a crisis, what will I do. I said check FB still because I'm still lazy to search for the number. Besides it is indeed the best way to broadcast to everybody I'm safe. I had read an article of a Canadian first hand encounter and who has posted his touching email to a very long list of friends about his current situation.. but seriously, I think I will first FB. Then I will take my time to write the long email (and say my last words just in case). Then call the embassy.

And yes, I finally did google search the SG embasy in Australia...

Singapore High Comission , Australia

17 Forster Crescent
2600
Yarralumla
Canberra
Australia
Phone:
+61-2-6273-3944
Fax:
+61-2-6273-9823
+61-2-6273-8165
Website URL:
www.mfa.gov.sg/canberra

Significance of a Proposal

2011-02-14T05:33:00.006+08:00

Probably too many people had been talking to me about this topic which triggered my thoughts about it. The latest conversation was with my brother when he came to visit me and noticed my new toy – a ring watch.
The conversation triggered a few question markers namely:
1. Will you ever receive a ring as a gift from friends?
2. Must a proposal ring have a diamond on it?
3. Or in another perspective, can you accept a toy ring for proposal (something like what I bought for an e.g.) And backtrack to a past conversation with a friend on the significance of proposal generated the following questions
4. Can a graduate student who has not started working propose?
5. Would you accept that proposal when the future is still unknown?
6. What exactly is the significance of a proposal?
7. Can it elevate a person’s status? Or firms a relationship?
8. Is it just a mental action taken especially for long-term relationship where things do seem stagnant?
9. Does it mean you must buy a house immediately? Or starts planning for a life with each other immediately?
And then backtrack to another conversation with senpai who was ‘drilling’ me certain questions not related to proposal but nonetheless still has impact to BGR… 10. Can you accept a guy who does not have much savings?
11. Do you need a guy to hit a certain wealth marker before you embark on a permanent relationship with him?
Seriously, I’m not too sure if people had put in too much realistic expectations in love or think it is the path to financial freedom but when love and money starts to be in the equation, it makes life very complicated. I’m not saying that I believe in fairy tales where one lives happily ever after, or that I believe in Wu Xia Xiao Shuo where money never seems to run out for these heroes. But if everybody goes into a relationship with a certain level of expectations and if that expectations were not met, then are you using your heart or your head to fall in love?
Is it that tough to use both your heart and your head to fall in love? What if you are presented with 2 choices:
Guy A who doesn’t has much savings but is willing to work hard because he loves you.
Guy B who has inherited a huge pile of savings and does not need to work, thus he spends his time courting you lavishly too because he loves you just as much.
So since both guys love you just as much, never mind my theory that love cannot be compared or measured, the only difference is one who works hard versus one who does not need to work hard or maybe does not even work at all. Which do you prefer?
To me, seriously, even if the present moment shows a certain amount of security does not infer the future. And thus I can actually accept a guy who does not have much savings, and who uses a toy ring to propose to me. It surprises my senpai though because he says not many SG girls will accept it. Perhaps it is because for me, what I really want in life does not involve so much wealth. As long as it is sufficient for me to do what my heart truly desires. And love which comes in many forms, is but a bonus for me.

Faulpez varies her fried rice

2011-02-04T20:57:00.004+08:00

By cooking tomatoes with broccoli in it...

Or mushrooms

My latest variation..

adding ikan bilis

haha.. thanks to mum for a bottle of it.. and probably thankful the custom did not confiscate it?? (But I learn not to try to bring preserved orange peel.. wasted a bottle of it sigh)

Oh ya, and one thing they all have in common, I never put soy sauce in them. Haha in fact I never knew fried rice needs soy sauce till xL asked me for it. Then I realised our cooking actually emulates from our mothers and mine happen to NOT like to put soy sauce in her fried rice and thus I never knew fried rice needed soy sauce. The ingredients though is totally not my mum's version. Hers is standard ham, carrots, peas, fried potatoes .. hmm I miss that though adding potatoes into rice is a bit too much carbo plus I'm lazy to fry potatoes haha.

Leading a GPS of life

2011-02-04T20:18:00.000+08:00

After reading Slice of Life “Deciding on Your own Path” by Eugene Loh , and “Navigating life – with our inner GPS” by Chip Richards, I became very motivated in taking stock of my life and decide on the path that’s right for me.

Both of them told me to first imagine myself as the beginning for all things. Listen to myself and start making my needs my priority. Feel about myself, my needs and where my life is going. Is this the life I really want or the one I’ve been conditioned to desire?

Once you determine your destination, key into our GPS of life the destination. If we don’t do so, the GPS will be unable to guide us to our destination. Thus tell the GPS in clarity where we want to go. The GPS will then happily begin guiding us to our destination. (In the words of Chip Richards, note that “by claiming our responsibility to choose our destination, we are not overriding the power of Universe or GPS, we are only acknowledging and fulfilling our sacred partnership with it. We play our part by clarifying our intentions and following our deep inner promptings, and the Universe plays its role by reflecting those intentions back to us in our experience.)

Also if you notice how the GPS works, after the destination is keyed, it will then calibrate and calculate the best route to take. It may show you the entire route but when it delivers its directions, it goes step by step. And it only displays what the next 2 steps will be. It keeps you in the present, to only understand what you need to understand now.

Lastly, if you make a wrong turn, the GPS will not scold you or ask you to please turn back and go to that route again. Instead the GPS will just re-calibrate and show you the next best route to your intended destination. It does not judge that we should take the previous route which is more cost effective. It does not decipher our movements as good, bad, right or wrong. It takes these moves as just part of life choices that we made along the path, and that we will continue to make another one too. Perhaps at times it may acknowledge that we had indeed stray from the most direct path, but if we remain open to the infinite possibilities of the moment, even our straying will eventually lead us to where we want to go. Not a lesser way, just a different way. And perhaps there is a reason why we had to turn left instead of right at that time, just that we do not know it.

And thus I decided, it is time to harness my GPS of life to lead me to my life destiny.

Source:

Slice of Life “Deciding on Your own Path” by Eugene Loh

“Navigating life – with our inner GPS” by Chip Richards

Faulpez fries Thai Stir-fried Shrimp

2011-02-04T14:13:00.018+08:00

Ingredients:
shrimps (I bought 200g of it)
2 Tbsp Chilli Paste in soy bean oil
fresh chilies (I bought 1 only because I can't take spice)
long green beans
1 red capsicum
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar

Then I follow the instructions from Amporn's Thai Kitchen

1) Clean and peel shell of shrimps.
2) Wash long green beans and cut into short stripes.
3) Wash red pepper and cut into short stripes.
4) Peel garlic, wash them well then chop garlic.
5) Thinly slice the fresh chili.
6) Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
7) When the oil is hot, add chopped garlic.
8) Add chilli paste in soy bean oil. Stir well.
9) Add cut long green beans and stir for 1 minute of until green beans are getting soft
10) Seasoning with sugar and thin soy sauce.
11) Add shrimps. Stir well until shrimps are cooked.
12) Add sliced fresh chilies.
13) Add cut red capsicum and stir until all ingredients mix thoroughly.

And it's done.. yummy! A bit too hot though so I ate with rice!

Lastly, I must be thankful for Amporn's Thai Kitchen for sharing such a great recipe!

p/s: More about Chilli Paste in Soya Bean Oil which was given to me by Thai gal when she left Melbourne last year...

Other names: Roasted Chilli Paste, nahm prik pow in Thai, chilli jam
Made primarily from roasted red chillis and ground dried shrimp with a wonderful mellow taste.
An excellent accompaniment to steamed jasmine rice. Often added to Tom Yum soup recipes to enhance taste and coloring. This paste is mildly spicy and somewhat sweet. Dip with shrimp crackers or chips, stir fry with vegetables or meat, or even spread on bread for an exotic sandwich.

Faulpez and her Napa Cabbage

2011-02-04T12:30:00.003+08:00

Ingredients:
- Napa Cabbage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napa_cabbage
- Garlic

Directions:
1. Heat the oil
2. Fry the garlic first
3. Then add the veggies in medium heat
4. Add a pinch of salt, some sugar and chicken powder
5. Cook for roughly 3 mins (just make sure the trunks of the veggie are not raw, cos the leaves would have been fully cooked by then)

Tip: You can add carrots for more colouring haha.

Faulpez stir frys chicken and celery

2011-02-04T12:30:00.002+08:00

Ingredients:
- 4 thighs
- 1 bundle of Celery (equal amount of celery with the thighs)

Directions:
1. Cut the thighs into small pieces
2. Marinate with salt, pepper, sugar (amt of sugar usually less than salt, otherwise the dish will be sweet which is abit weird), soy sauce, sesame oil, oil and cornflour (cornflour to be added just before cooking, purpose is to retain the water inside the chicken so that it will not come out and cause flooding)
3. Marinate it for 15-20 mins
4. Meantime, cut the celery into pieces
5. Heat the wok first then add the oil
6. Fry the garlic
7. Add the chicken
8. Then cook it till it is cooked.. (how to know it is cooked? When you can cut it easily)
9. Scoope it out
10. Lower the heat and add some oil
11. Throw in the celery
12. Add some water
13. Then add the chicken
14. Cooked for another 5 mins (well theoretically both the celery and chicken are almost cooked, the purpose of putting them together and let them stand for another 5 minutes or so is to let the celery juice sip into the chicken..)

Another variation I did was to add broccoli and more soy sauce.. though I didn't like the sauce as it still doesn't seem to taste like what my mum did. But it was still edible.

Faulpez test expired baking soda

2011-02-04T12:08:00.002+08:00

To test baking soda:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of vinegar - the mixture should bubble immediately - if not, replace it.

To test baking powder:
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/2 cup hot water - the mixture should bubble immediately - if not, replace it.

Grandparents

2011-02-03T05:37:00.059+08:00

If you are not a grandparent you will still love this. If you are it shows
how precious the babies are and what we mean to them.

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT?
(Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own.
They like other people's.

A grandfather is a man, & a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see
them.. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they
drive us to the shops and give us money.*****BIG CNY Gang pows specially..................

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves
and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colours of the flowers and also why we
shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart..

They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come
dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the
same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have
television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with
us.

They know we should have snack time before bed time, and they say prayers
with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

A 6-YEAR-OLD WAS ASKED WHERE HIS GRANDMA
LIVED. ''OH,'' HE SAID, ''SHE LIVES AT THE AIRPORT, AND WHEN WE WANT HER, WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN WE'RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT, WE TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.''

GRANDPA IS THE SMARTEST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON'T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!

Bflygal comments: I read this via an email on 8th Feb 2011. And was reminded about the scene on 3rd Feb 2011. CNY first day. The first time my grandpa did not give me his CNY blessing. As I wished him happy CNY that day, I realised how fast a person can age. It seems to be like a roller coaster ride down as one approaches the end of his life. But how sure are we that the end is coming soon? Have we given up the hope of life too early? Forgive me that I do not have as much memories of him as I do of the rest of my other grandparents whom have all left me when I was young. Forgive me that even though I stayed with him for the recent years, I could no longer exchange much words with him by then. Forgive me that whatever past contributions he had done had been lost since we had sold that house though it was for his sake we had to move. And forgive me that as his granddaughter, I really did not and could not do anything at all. I could only wish that he is able to retain any beautiful memories that he would like to cherish to accompany him. I could only hope that this CNY, even though he was no longer aware of it, he would be able to enjoy it sufficiently.

p/s: Lately, quite a lot of people has been commenting that I am heartless. As my own worst critic, if I keep allowing these people to say such stuff to me, I probably will break down. Truth is, I don't think I am heartless. Is just that I need to put in effort and that takes time. And sometimes, I really don't know what are their demands. I remember sempai in the past define friends as someone who must meet regularly. And always say I'm not a good friend. But after awhile, he realised that meetups are time consuming and dropped his expectation of friends. Because seriously if I listen to his demands, I probably will tire out only. Anyway sigh I know I still owe capricorn friend an email just as I owe CL lots of emails.. I also wish I have 72 hours a day because I don't seem to have sufficient time to accomplish everything. I really feel that human relationships are so tricky that I really want to be a hermit soon. Then perhaps I will not feel so guilty at not spending sufficient time and effort with everybody whom I care for.

More on LDR

2011-01-30T20:22:00.024+08:00

Due to the LDR mood.. I selected 2 inflight film on LDR theme before sleeping the rest of the night away...

First movie was 'Going The Distance'. The lady was from San Francisco who did a 6 weeks intern in New York. And met a guy there. Initially they did not want anything permanent as she is only there 6 weeks. But on the last day of the 6 weeks, they could not let go and decided to have a long distance relationship instead.

It was funny to see them make claims over each other after fear of unfaithfulness. Using words like 'exclusive to each other only' reminded me of how my colleague is doing that too to make claims on his gf.

When the male protagonist flew to San Francisco on Thanksgiving, she was so happy. But the moment he touched down back at New York, he missed her even more. Thus I wondered if absence makes the heart grows fonder, then perhaps in the first place, you should not even fly over to make things worst by making emotions run deeper.

Oh ya and I remember a scene where another LDR couple suggested to him to try phone sex.. Lots of it, to ease the loneliness. And he wanted to try it with her. But they were arguing over they were in a car or in a plane, and she was lying about what she wore saying it's a fantasy afterall. In the end the moment passed and it failed. Perhaps phone sex may work. But I guess you cannot have 2 person to lead in the phone sex. Imagine arguing over the venue, no wonder all the urge died fast especially when phone sex has just lived on imagination alone.

And everybody was saying that a relationship cannot last without seeing each other for months. She tried to find reporting jobs in New York but it was slum period. Likewise he was unable to find a job in San Francisco. Although she was willing to wait tables in New York, and he did ask her to come over as he really really want her to live together. But she had an offer with a newsagent in San Francisco and he could not bear to see her give up such a good chance just to be with him as no matter how sweet the initial period will be, she will resent him later on.

But they cannot carry on the relationship with no physical contact either. And thus he steeled his heart and parted with her confessing her deepest feelings, and him finally shedding tear (he only cried at his first break-up).

6 months later, he did quit his job (which he hate) and moved to Los Angelas which he explained to the geographically clueless lady, is just an hour flight away from Sans Francisco.

And the ending is a happy ending I guess. But I remember this part where they argued as she felt why she had to be the one that made the move, why he kept saying there will be a way. A way which she can't see. Will there really be a way?

Hanamizuki (Dogwood)
Meaning: To reciprocate
May your love bloom a hundred year

Is the second movie I watched. Also on LDR. A young scholarly girl and a young fisherboy knew each other and fell in love. But since young, the girl had wanted to go university. To study English. She was born in Canada. As she studied hard, the distance drifted. Sometimes he wished she will fail and stay in Hokkaido with him. But she did go uni.

There was a senpai whom was close to her. He got jealous. He wanted to give up fishing which is his family business. To be in Tokyo with her. But his father had a heart attack the next day and he had to look after his mum and sis. And as he had to persist in his dream (he said God was punishing him for giving it up a dream held by his grandfather days), he wants her to persist in hers too. And they have to split up.

He went on to marry. She went on to live and work in New York. Where her senpai had helped her settled down. She was supposed to marry her senpai but he died in a photography mission. Seems that fate played a trick as that was also the day his wife left him. And yet for the next few years, they drowned in their own sorrows in Hokkaido and New York separately.

Anyway a Jap movie always end sweetly and all the characters will end up with their first love, including them. I remember this scene where she went back Canada to see her birthplace and saw the boat carving he had given to her for Xmas in a pub (it has a flag that says Ganbatte Sae) and knew he had came by a few days ago only. Sadly they missed each other still.

Pencil and Eraser Conversation

2011-01-18T05:02:00.002+08:00

Pencil: I'm sorry
Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.
Pencil: I'm sorry because you get hurt because of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.
Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad.

I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational.
Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil.
They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes.
Sometimes along the way, they get hurt, and become smaller / older, and eventually pass on. Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad.

All my life, I've been the pencil.
And it pains me to see the eraser that is my parents getting smaller and smaller each day.
For I know that one day, all that I'm left with would be eraser shavings and memories of what I used to have.

This is to all the parents out there.
- Extracted from an email

bflygal's comments:
It really is a sweet but sad story. And reminded me of a few days ago I had some minor disagreement with my mum as she wanted me to take leave for CNY even though technically I am already working half a day due to time zone. But sigh I cannot stand her grumbling and end up submitting my leave instead. I know everytime I am heading back SG, she will definitely have something to grumble about, like finding a bone to pick. Not that she does it on purpose, probably she has some reservations about how I am leading my life now. I wonder though if one day, I really can accomplish my dream, will she be able to accept it? Reminded me of my recent conversation with senpai. Oh and we finally are able to meet in SG after him being in Japan for so long haha.. he was telling me that his mum scolded him an ingrate and that once a year also cannot come back and meet ah. Haha. cL, you better watch out as you had mentioned you might not want to fly back within these 2 years. Hahaha.

But ya despite all these disagreements, I know parents purely have the best intentions. So right now, all I can do is to try to make as little mistakes as possible so that the eraser will not get smaller? Hmm...

And thus I am still racking my brain to think what to buy back for them this CNY. And my friend had suggested trying yellow peaches which are on season now. Hopefully I can find some sample this weekend and then probably drop by the market again closer to my departure. I have another 10 days more hmm.. time shall flies.