Category: Uncategorized

Ever have one of those days when it seems that you are beyond tired?  It’s an ache that goes beyond the surface of just having worked hard.  This is one of those days.  I came home from working and could feel the chill all the way to my bones.  No amount of hot water, tea or soup made me feel any better or warmer.  It’s like I am deep within the confines of a crypt dancing with the ghede and cannot for the life of me feel like I am in the land of the living.  So after the shower, tea and soup, I crawl into bed with more cove than I care to have and close my eyes.  I drift off and soon find myself sitting at a table speaking with baron himself.  “Jebus,” I chuckle to myself ruefully.  “Can this day get ANY more tiring?””Drink this”, he says sliding a glass in front of me.  After having drank with him on more than one occasion, I cock my eyebrow at him as if to say “yeah right”.  Baron laughs.  “I am only trying to help you Cher”, he says.  “You have been working hard and it’s been taking a lot out of you lately”.  I nod and pick up the glass. Sighing, I begin to drink.  Oh bliss! Sweet cinnamon, chocolate laced rum…Damn!  this is NOT his usual.  Surprised, I look at him.  He nods,” I got the recipe from Maman”, he winks.  I feel the warmth begin to envelop me.  “Maybe I should have gone there”, I said.  “But this is damn good”.  “I’m glad you like it”, he said.  “I did tell you I was going to stay close this time while we work.” Shit!  I had almost forgotten that little tidbit.  I roll my eyes, shake my head.  “So you did”.  “Finish the drink and go to sleep, Cher.  You need the rest”.  I think I am going to have to find all these ingredients and make some in the mundane I think.  I drift deeper into a rest that heals.  I awake feeling warmer, less tired and nowhere near that pain jarring cold that makes me want to curl up in a ball somewhere.  I forget sometimes that those I work with do care if I am able to stand to do the work required.  à votre santé

DEUCES

It was late when the traveler decided to stop and rest awhile on her journey.  The trip thus far, while arduous had been relatively uneventful.  She saw a light shining not far ahead and could hear the sound of raucous music blaring out into the night as if it was dancing its way, skipping across the wind swept road.  I’ll stop there, she thought.  She soon saw a sign swinging in the breeze, CROSSROADS INN. Interesting name she thought, chuckling to herself.   As she approached the door a couple obviously on their way to better things, swept out into the night, seemingly oblivious to her.  I’m glad someone’s having a good time, she laughed to herself.  She moved into the  inn, it was if she had walked into another time and place.  A huge fireplace was along one wall, filling the room with warmth and light, long wooden tables were in the center of the room, so that one ate and drank as a communal family.  There were a couple of smaller tables with short benches with tall backs affording the occupants that sat there some semblance of privacy from the others.  At the other end of the room was a long bar with stools, with a staircase leading to rooms upstairs if one wanted to rent a room for the night.  The traveler walked to the bar, looking around as she did so.  There was a band on a corner stage near the fire.  Not a big one, just small 5 piece, but they definitely could play. She continued onto the bar, sitting on a stool at the end.  The huge bartender with an immaculate white apron around his waist came forward.  “What can I help you with Miss”?, he asked.  “I’d like a room for the night”,she replied.  “I can do that”, he smiled. “Would you care for something to eat and drink”?”My wife makes a fine stew”.  The traveler pushed her cloak back from her head and sighed…last time she’d drank strange things, was printed indelibly on  her memory.  The barkeep waited patiently as if he knew her dilemma.  She smiled, “that would be nice”, she said.  Her stomach thanked her by growling its delight at the thought of warm food at last.  She turned to give the band a better listen, not recognizing any of the music they were playing but it had a haunting melody and a lively beat.  There were some dancing, and as one turned, she thought she recognized him.  Wait! she thought.  Where the hell is this place and why are Ghede dancing?  She looked back trying to see if she could get a better look, when the man turned smiling at her, grinning cheekily as if he understood her confusion.  She turned back to the bar, and the bartender placed a big  earthenware bowl of stew before her with freshly made bread and butter.  The smell was almost orgasmic for she hadn’t eaten for some time on this journey, so she smiled her thanks and began to eat.  She was so engrossed in her meal that she didn’t see him sit down next to her.  “Pardon me Madame, is this seat taken?”, he asked  She looked up at the familiar voice in surprise and shook her head no.  “The perhaps you will permit me to join you”, he said.  Still too surprised to speak, the traveler just nodded.  The Baron sat down.  “So how have you been Cher”? he asked.  The traveler shrugs, “I’m fine”. He frowned.  “I know that is the stock answer to the rank and file, because you refuse to let others know your truth, but that is a bullshit game with me and we won’t play it, d’accord”? The traveler is still in a state of shock somewhat, so she merely nods.  “Now, once more..”,says Baron ,softening his tone, “how have you been?”.  Softly, the traveler begins to tell of her recent days, of disturbing dreams, the lending of protection, elves with questions, doubts about what she is doing and why.  The Baron never interrupts, just listens although he already knows the truths that have been written.  When she is finished, he takes her hand, turning it over.  The sigil is still there, emanating its own energy, like a night light to guide her on her way.  “What does this tell you?”, he asked her.  “It tells me that I still have work to do, that even when I doubt, I still have to put my foot in front of the other and walk this path”, she said simply.  “I have doubts..its as if some lion is hunting, no…stalking me..waiting for me to fail”.  “Doubt is often painful when its removed”, says Baron,”it removes the facade that we have built up”.  “I’m not in a habit of making myself into something I am not..I hate fake shit”, says the traveler with a vehemence that startles her.  She looks up at the Baron with pale face, eyes wide.  “I mean no disrespect,” she says,”I have no idea where that even came from”.  Baron laughs loudly.  “Cher, you amuse me.  The emotions you keep bottled inside often overflow, whether its protecting those you love, those who piss you off or even when you deride yourself”.  “I am not offended by you.  We are friends, sommes nous pas?”.  She nods, then asks”so why are we meeting here”? The Baron smiled at her.  “I did not want to intrude when you went to sanctuary last, so I waited until you set out on your journey, and decided to wait until you were ready to rest a bit and we could sit and talk.  The traveler shivers a little thinking what the hell is coming next.  The Baron seeing the small frisson offers a bit of warmth.  “Barkeep!”, he says..”Two of my usual for us”, he smiles.  The barkeeper sets two glasses in front of them.  Dark rum, so spicy that one can smell the scent from where she sat even before picking it up to drink.  The Baron picks up her glass and hands it to her, then picks up his own.  He raises it in salute, “A votre sante “, he said.  The traveler raised hers as well,”À la votre”.  The Baron drains his glass, slamming it back down onto the bar, and sits looking at her.  Not to piss him off, the traveler does the same, causing her eyes to water and she chokes as the rum burns its way down.  The Baron laughs.  “You’ll get used to it.  Two more Barkeep”.  “Oh, hey…wait, I”, begins the traveler.  Too late.  Two more drinks sit on the bar.  Again the glasses are raised and salutations spoken, and the drinks are drained, glasses slammed down.  This continues  for several more rounds.  Finally the traveler tells the Baron, “I am way beyond my limit, something I dislike for various reasons, and at the risk of offense, I cannot drink another one”.  He smiles and agrees.  “Now, tell me…why are you trying to run so hard from those who seek you out”?  “I’m drunk and you want to be serious?”, she laughs.  “I’ve often found that alcohol often loosens inhibitions to the truth”, he grins mischievously.  She laughs.  “Okay then…I run away because it’s a habit.  If I don’t stand out then I am left alone.  I write to please myself, or tell myself I do, anything I say to others…well, some listen, others don’t”.  Baron looks deep into her eyes.  “Cher, those with knowledge have responsibility to speak whether others listen or not, d’accord?”She nods, “I’ve always felt so”. He continues. “It’s human to doubt one’s self, your abilities, especially with a history that does not have much affirmation in it”. “but you would not be who you are today, knowing what you know, who you know, if you were not more than capable at doing this work”. “I feel that what I know would fit on the head of a pin”, she laughingly tells him.  The Baron throws back his head and laughs loudly.  “Cher, what you know would fill tomes, and yet there would be still much to learn”.  She leans her head on her hand , propping up on the bar.  The spiced rum is having its effect.  “So…now that you’ve heard what I’ve been up to, what am I doing next?” she asks Baron.  He laughs, “Now you know that would not be fair if I were to tell you everything”.  She jerks upright.  “Fair! ya’ll have some crazy ass views on that.  Is it fair to let my ass hang out in the wind for anyone and everything to take pot shots at it? Is it fair to feel as if everything I do is scrutinized by others and dissected to see where I’m wrong?  Is it fair to be expected to share what I know with some who do not reciprocate? And finally is it fair to expect me to just accept this shit without question?” DEAD SILENCE.  At the realization that she, in her drunken state has just yelled at one who could do so much damage, causes her to put her hand over her mouth wishing for all the world it was duct tape to keep it from opening yet again, and causing all the blood to run from her face.  “I……I…..I am sorry”, she begins stammeringly.  The Baron takes her hand in his once more, tracing the sigil with his finger, lingering on the crossroads pictured there.  “Cher,”he begins softly,”I know things have been difficult, and that you aren’t used to the drinks tonight, so I will excuse the tone, but will address the concerns, because as I said, truth does come out”. He lifts his head, and the band goes back to playing, others continue their conversations.   “Life is not fair, nor is what we ask of you exactly fair, but your destiny, your path…that is why you are here.  There will always be people looking for you to fail, seeking a way to see if what you are about is truth.  The work will always attract those who would deter it, but you have ample protections, and back up to rely on.  Those who are chosen have plenty to do, and no it’s not always fair, but it is what it is.”While the Baron has been speaking, he has continually drawn and redrawn the sigil, always lingering on the crossroads, the traveler looks at him.  “I’m sorry I yelled, and its not that I don’t appreciate the opportunity to further things, but sometimes it an be damn tiring”Baron, still holding her hand, smiles”I agree Cher, it can be damn tiresome”.  “But it can also be damn rewarding, oui?” She smiles and agrees.  “I do get to meet the most interesting folks, I’ll admit”, she laughs.  Baron smiles.  “I am going to stick closer for a bit, Cher, I think you can use some guidance and some help from one without judgement”.  “Oh Jebus”, she thinks to herself, “this has the earmarks of an all out witchfuck”.  Saying nothing, she just nods.  The Baron comes to his feet, “Let me help you upstairs, you need to rest”, he says.  So they move toward the staircase where a room awaits the traveler.  “Thank you for your kindness and understand when I wasn’t quite so polite”, says the traveler.  “It will not be the last time there will be outbursts, Cher, nor minor disagreements.  I am not someone that you have to walk on eggshells with.  A child of ghede knows this.  It is your human, polite company side that tells you to keep worrying and apologizing”, he laughs.  She laughs with him.  “I guess so”. The traveler yawns, suddenly feeling extremely tired.  “Here is your room, cher, sleep well and  we will speak again soon”.  Baron kisses her gently on the forehead, opens the door and propels her into the room.  Bonne nuit”. And with that the door closed.  The traveler falls upon the huge bed that is the softest feather mattress she has ever experienced.  “This is like sleeping on a cloud”, she thinks to herself drowsily.  Smiling, she drifts off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that this are as they should be even if she has no idea what that is exactly.

DEUCES

A lot has been spoken on the plagiarism of other people’s works.  I saw a site today while perusing the net and it has many Pdf’s on it of other people’s books.  There was a contact button, so I sent an email saying:

The observer had watched with interest the interaction of the Mage and querent.  Seen all the working and reading done, heard the questions and answers.  Now he sat in silence.  Watching.  The Mage himself sat silently off a little ways from the fire upon a log, his long legs stretched out before him.  He pulled a pipe from somewhere beneath the cloak and began filling it slowly, his fingers long experienced with the task.  At last he was satisfied and touched a small match to a flint rock near his feet, setting off a small spark, then flame as the smell of sulfur filled the space around him.  he lit the pipe, drawing in the smoke, then exhaling it out almost obscuring his face.  So observer, you have questions yourself?  Startled out of his reverie, the observer looked at the Mage in wonder at how he would know that.  “Yes”, he said.  “I have a few”.  “Speak them”, says the Mage.  The Observer begins hesitantly, “You spoke that the past was finished, and yet some aspects of the past remain with us.  It holds power”.  “Who gave it power?”, asked the Mage.  “I’m not sure”, said the Observer.  “You give it power”, said the Mage.  “Nothing can have power in your life until you allow it to be so.  Not love, hate, energy.  If you refuse to let it exist, it will remain dormant to be washed away from this existence”.  “But we all have things from the past that color our presence, yes”? asked the Observer.  The Mage smiles as if speaking to a child who has yet to grasp the meanings of the words he speaks.  “And if it colors the presence, then it has some power does it not”? asked the Mage.  Like a light starting to push apart the fog, it becomes clear to the Observer that what he thinks in the Here, that is sometimes overshadowed by echoes of the past, is only because he allowed it be so.  “So how do I remove the power”? asked the Observer.  The Mage looks at him gently.  “I am only a simple man, not some deity in which I can only speak to make it so…It takes work within yourself to allow the past to have no conflict with which is the Now.”  “If you can do that, then the future will mold itself as it should”.  The Observer realizes then that the Mage has told him as he told the querent that all answers lie within.  Power is within, to be used accordingly.  As if the Mage realizes that the Observer understands, like a fast moving mist, the Mage is gone, leaving nothing behind but the smell of tobacco smoke lingering upon the air as if its just one last caress.  The Observer smiles and starts his journey, paying attention to the sights and sounds around him.  What a great place he thinks.  He chuckles, to think, I have always had the power within. Amazing.

DEUCES

He stand just beyond the fire, sheltered among the trees, watching.  the smoke swirls and seems to caress him as it drifts in and out among the tree limbs.  He takes a deep breath then steps inside the circle, pushes back the hood of his dark cloak and pulls the small bag that hangs around his neck, from under his clothes and steps to the center.  The smell of herbal incense seems to surround the circle, drawn with sand, its perfume drifting upon the breeze as it combines with the smoke, as if in a spiral dance.  The Mage opens the bag and pours out its contents upon the ground.  Bones, small, white, sun bleached, they tell him the answers to what he seeks.  “What do you see?”, comes the voice of the querent from beyond the sacred circle.  “The present and the future” answers the Mage.  “Why not the past”, the voice asks again.  “The past is finished.  Its purpose is only to teach us so that we learn new lessons.  Nothing is ever learned by looking backwards, the answers belong to Here”.  “I’m not sure I understand”, comes the voice.  “Are we not to learn from the past, and continue on into now”? Patiently the Mage looks at the querent .  When he speaks it as if he speaks to a child.  “You want to know what is going to happen in your future, so I explain the whys of now.  The past has already been dealt with, it cannot be changed.  It’s lessons have been explained, and if you have not learned them by now, they will reappear in your present. Not always in the same form, but it’s the same lesson”.  “I cannot tell you what to do, just show you what will appear.  What you do with it is all your responsibility”.  The Mage picks up the bones again.  He places them one by one back into the small pouch, examining each one as he does so as if speaking to them individually.  He puts it back around his neck, dropping it down within the confines of the heavy cloak he wears.  He then picks up a small cedar branch and begins the task of sweeping away the circle chanting softly as he does so.  As he nears the place where he started, he lays the branch down and reaches for the soft feather that lies next to the fire.  He wafts the incense to all four corners , still softly chanting.  As he turns to the one who had requested his work, he smiles for the first time.  “Go in peace”, he says.  “Take care of Here, and what will be shall be”.  Then as if in a blink, the Mage seems to disappear from sight.  All that remains is the small fire as if to remind the querent that the light resides within.

DEUCES

You know since my last little blow up about people overstepping boundaries, I’ve been thinking about them somewhat.  As humans we’ve been erecting fences since we selfishly wanted others to stay out of our space.  But physical fences aside, there are often good reasons to erect fences that tell others where you draw the line.  There are people who automatically decide that your friend is also their friend and insert themselves into conversations, meals, etc without even as “may I join you” kind of thing, or the ones who speak your personal affairs all over and to whomever because “hey they care/are proud/ about you dammit”, never once giving thought to the “do you mind if I share this with others” kind of thing. While this may sound petty to some, it’s about consideration and privacy(I did say I have control issues).  There are also the ones who either repost, hell even steal outright things that belong to you personally, that you have written, drawn, produced.  All in the name of “sharing”.  But is it truly “sharing” if one does not either source back to the owner, or taking piecemeal parts of works and passing it off an one’s own?  I think not.  You have crossed the boundary of slime.  In my world, proper etiquette(I’m from the south btw, where manners are taught from birth and expected to be used til one leaves for another plane), says that one always asks politely before doing , saying or inserting ones self into someone else’s privacy or work.  It’s called respect.  A lot of people don’t seem to have the concept of that, but those who repeatedly come into contact with me will damn soon learn it or they will be kicking rocks to somewhere else.  ”Good fences make good neighbors” so says Robert Frost.  I believe that.  Not to keep the neighbors out per se, but to respect each other’s privacy, so that should we decide to have interaction, there is always a gate that can be used to walk through(after an invitation of course). yeah, I know, I’m a privacy geek, but those damn pesky control issues of mine tend to keep me on the straight and narrow.  And that makes me a better friend to others, as well as satisfying the southern manners ingrained into me since the day I arrived upon the earth.

DEUCES

Ya know, I hang out and laugh with my friends, and usually I see things that make me just shake my head at the silliness, but I have to tell you that tonight I think has hit a new low/high for the year.  Tonight I made a small post that linked this blog to one that is on tumblr.  Some of ya’ll might have seen it.  Anyway, in comes this asshat ,DrSuz Belanger, whom, after my  having seen some of his other posts in Pagan Mystics, obviously does not have a command of the english language, decides to voice his opinion on said blog.  Now I don’t discourage comments.  I like them actually because it lets me know someone other than the few friends I have aren’t the only ones reading, but this one is well..bizarre to say the very least.  Here:  I’ll let you be the judge:
DrSuz Belanger women of wonder? i not reading your mine! in tall her ents!rents.
Now first of all.  I’m not Wonder woman.  Cannot come close to having her statistical proportions if my life depended on it, have no magical lasso although I do have a wand.  So he doesn’t want to read the blog..ok, I’m not gonna kick him for that.  Maybe it’s not his cup of tea.  I’m vertically challenged so  can’t be tall anything, although I’m thinking he says “intolerant”, and that is NOT me as ya’ll know.   So why does this asshat decide to hit THAT particular blog about linking this to another blog sitre I have no idea.  You will have to ask him, but don’t count on it making sense.  he doesn’t even rhyme.  I’ve checked out his profile, has quite the pictures of his little fetishes, his love of Disney movies.  Quite the strange individual I would say, just upon casual appearance.  I would read to see more, but his energy reeks and who wants to be covered in slime?  Maybe he has a hellacious autocorrect on a phone, but seriously, can you fix stupid?  He has got to be the oddest bird I’ve run across in some time, and what better way to end the new year but to dust him off and move forward.  Just want to say if ya’ll read this, don’t be afraid to comment.  I really don’t put everybody in blogs,rofl

DEUCES

So I got a new gig..sort of.  It’s just another place to write actually, and since several of my blogs as well as others have been lifted and shown up there(some sourced some outright stolen), I decided to check it out.  So for those of you with an account there and want to look the place over, drop on in I’ll be glad to offer you a chair and some conversation.   Here’s where you can find me:

http://amethystsplace.tumblr.com/

Have a great new year’s eve, stay safe and catch ya’ll on the flip side of that ball drop.

DEUCES

I find myself sorting things out.  A friend’s dream has me disturbed, and I’m trying to see how it relates to me.  Crazy I know, so I head to where I always go to see if I can find answers.  Off to the swamp and those who keep me on the straight and narrow.  although I can pop in and out at will these days, I take the pirogi and let myself drift through the place that has claimed my soul, appreciating its beauty even in the winter season.  It makes me smile a little to think that in the mundane I have never lived there, and yet, it still speaks my name as if we are old friends.  I arrive at the cabin and the huge black dog that is usually by the fire greets me, sniffing me as if to reassure himself that I am the same Shae that has always come.  Satisfied, he moves aside.  “Strange”, I think to myself.  “I’ve been expecting you, cher”, says Maman as she tosses some more herbs into the giant pot that always seems to be bubbling.  “I took the long way”, I tell her.  She nods.  “Did it help you feel more settled?”, she asks me.  “Some”, I say.  “maman, I need to spin something with you.  A friend dreamed, horrific dream of mangled children, blood…she was so distraught, and yet she says that Brin came to her and that I sent her”.  “Why would I send Brin?”I believe that I sent her because she would not have felt so at peace and able to sleep afterwards, but why would I send MY protection?” Maman looks at me.  “You protect those you love, even if they do not know it.  You allow yourself to be placed in the open so that they may be safe.  You need to start shutting some doors”.  “I walk with the ghede, doors are always open,”I tell her.  Maman chuckles. “You ARE ghede, doors can be closed.”.  “You have placed yourself at risk, the pulls on you are making you ill, even if you will not admit it.  You do as is requested from all of us, and sometimes we forget that as you are, you still walk among the flesh, and have limits, but you refuse to admit that to yourself”.   “I am just tired, “I tell her.  She smiles.  “Brin is yours, she always has been.  You sent her because she was available, and yet she never leaves you unprotected, she does as you ask because of her love for you, as you do for others”.  “It disturbs you because you have never felt the need to do so before.” I agree.  “I’m just having trouble wrapping my head around why I did so now”.  Maman begins,”The dream was of children, your friend loves them.  You have always loved them, the mother to all, as it was before, is now and will be again even if you jokingly say your next life plan you will direct it to not be so”, she laughs.  “The dream bled over into all aspects of her life and it frightened her so badly that she called on the only one that she knew was capable of helping her find her way out-you”.  “Because of that love, you sent the one who could calm her fears, and protect her and allow her to rest so that she can take care of those who depend on her”.  “l’amour d’un ami surmonte la peur”. I nod.  “I am so used to Brin beside me that I was shocked that I would think do such as thing”.  “You did not think Cher”, says Maman.  “You knew the fear and pain, and just did what was to be done, as you always have done, even at the expense of yourself”.  “You did not consider that you might be unprotected, even though Brin would not do that ever, but not once did you consider yourself at helping someone”.  I hear the mild rebuke, and smile a little ruefully.  “I know that sometimes ya’ll are frustrated when I do that”, I begin,”but I have always given everything to those I gather to me like kindred, even if they do not practice nor believe as I do”.  Maman  chuckles”frustration is not the word I would have chosen Cher, but yes…we do shake the head at times.  The way you live and walk this path is what makes you the witch you are.  You give everything.  It’s why even in the midst of the risks you take, those who might harm have to give respect, albeit grudgingly “.  “I’ve always felt its best to respect your enemies, for sometimes they can become your allies”, I laugh.  I sit back in the rocker and let the herbs waft over me , filling my spirit once again,with peace, energy and renewed purpose.  For what exactly, I’m not sure, even Maman cannot tell me everything.  I feel Brin hold me close and begin to sing as I drift off, I tell her “thank you Brin..for being”.  Being what you might ask..not sure of that either.  She is the protection I have always known, the unwavering peace and love.  So being is enough…for both of us I guess.

DEUCES

In just a few short days, there  will be a new year upon us.  Many will usher it in with revelry, noise, friends, alcohol, food.. fireworks.  Then what?  Sleep off the hangover, make a few resolutions about personal issues, weight, money, etc. , enjoy a day of football if one is so inclined(I will be among those).  Then the real work begins.  Most of us will go back to work and breathe a sigh of relief that we made it through another holiday season without too much drama.  I don’t make resolutions..they usually fail miserably.  But I do use this time of year to check out things and people on my path and tweak here and there and sometimes just dump whatever isn’t working.  I’ve been amused as of late at the turn things have taken personally connected to my path.  People popping up out of nowhere to ask questions, the blog appearing on other sites and searches. It makes me shake my head and wonder why..what do I have to say that people would take notice of?    Maybe it’s just that I hold no restrictions  as to what I say or how I say them.  This is my space..don’t care for it…kick rocks.   So without going the whole resolution routine and just scratching at superficial changes, I will concede that there are areas  that need tweaking.
I’ve been thinking of what I want on my path, and how I want to achieve that.  I want more peace, so will have to work on adding more meditation to help with that. MORE! I do so every morning before I go to work, which helps start the day off on a good note.  Does it help?  Well, nobody has died yet even though the days can be long and stressful, so I’d say that was a success.  So how to add more? maybe at my lunch hour, I could  just go to the car and close my eyes, listen to a little music and forget where I am and spend a few quiet moments at that special sanctuary that gives me peace.  Before sleep, I could sit and just listen to the quiet, the shadows that feel warm and comforting to me.   I want to add to my knowledge, so how do I do that? First by opening my mind, because one never knows when something will come your way and you can learn from it. Find reliable books on the subjects that intrigue me, that call to me and read up on some of those and see how I can include it into my path.  Listen to those around me that speak with authority  and dismiss those who squawk to hear their own voice.  Listen to my guides.   My guides guide me well, and its only when I disregard advice or worse go off in a half-assed manner do I get into trouble.     Culling people who add nothing to your path or add drama or negativity is also a great way to tweak. Tweak that “friends” list on Facebook.  Too much crap gets posted and while some of it is entertaining, it can also be a negative on a bad day.    The more positive we can fill ourselves with the better.  Although I have no problem with a little chaos every now and then because it tends to clear the air and helps create new beginnings.  This also works in the “real” world., because sometimes people are so toxic we just have to let them go.   Become more creative.  I’ve let this part of me slide, and that’s a shame because when I am pouring candles, crocheting or now knitting I keep a smile on my face and this is a productive outlet for me.  I love getting in among my herbs and making sachets, tinctures, and incense…The smells are heady and intoxicating and fill my spirit with a feeling  that is a better high than anything man made.  Never cut this side of us off because sometimes in the midst we often receive a nugget of wisdom because we have stilled that voice inside us that demands that we keep moving in spite of being told to “be still”.   Reach deep and pull out the spiritual side of this path.  That means acknowledging those I work with , respecting that I cannot change all injustices, but I can do my part to not add to them, however small that may be.  So now that I’ve acknowledged that there are some tweaks I can and should be doing, I have a plan of action taking place.  And in the areas mentioned, I can say that they are more intensely personal and beneficial than some mindless resolution about losing weight, or making more money.  We all can afford to do both of those but what did it change in our inner self?  Very little. I will leave those to the frivolous as they celebrate and make promises to themselves that they have probably made a thousand times over and haven’t kept once.  I choose to be more substantive and make real changes that will benefit me in the long run.  they won’t all be seen just by a cursory glance, but those who know me well will begin to see that change, but what’s more important, is that I will feel it.  And that my friend is what true change is about.

DEUCES