tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29546373514497045002024-02-20T19:42:31.125-08:00Mystic Whiskers<b>Walking lightly upon the Earth and learning to share in her magic</b>twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-24791268568783947242012-05-28T18:37:00.000-07:002012-05-30T05:22:22.888-07:00Book Review: Spirit Junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thefrupir-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0307887405" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" id="static_img_preview" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51r18G2P3HL._SL160_.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307887405/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thefrupir-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307887405" target="_blank">Spirit Junkie</a> is the 2011 story of Gabrielle Bernstein's trip to finding her inner voice. She had fallen into the ego traps that many of us do, and was constantly looking for external fulfillment through work, drugs, and especially relationships. It took her hitting rock bottom a few times until she learned to ask the universe for help and found that she had the answers inside her all the time. <br />
Gabby follows the guidance of the book A Course in Miracles to learn to ask for help, and then listen to and trust the messages she receives back. The course explains how to forgive the illusions of the ego in order to find peace and be able to trust one's self. Gabby traded her hard partying to dedicate herself to getting in touch with her inner guidance (what she calls ~ing) and followed the answers she received in more and more situations, until she was living her life by asking for clarity in all situations and being amazed at the answers she consistently received.<br />
This book is about breaking down the blocks or fears that are paralyzing us and keeping us from finding happiness. Through personal instances and small exercises at the end of each chapter, Spirit Junkie helps us see ourselves in similar situations, and helps us work though these blocks in our own lives. A couple of tidbits that resonated with me:<br />
"An unforgiving thought does many things...distortion is its purpose, and it sets about to smash reality, without concern for anything that would pose a contradiction to its point of view."<br />
"Know that spirit has your back at all times."<br />
"Prayer is the time to ask, and meditation is the time to listen."<br />
"We are always being guided, even though we often block it."<br />
"The universe wants us to be happy."<br />
"Knowing that you are not your ego will help you stay connected to love." <br />
I really didn't expect to read this entire book, or even to like it, but I do recommend it. And I've read a lot of books of this type. Gabby's explanations are very down to earth and the lessons are served up in easily digested bites without a lot of heavy philosophy or mysticism. Give it a try if you feel you are in a rut or just drifting without any real purpose. I'm sure you will be able to take a few things from Spirit Junkie that you can apply to your own life. <br />
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<br />twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-18725897820272154812012-05-09T06:43:00.001-07:002012-05-09T06:50:51.338-07:00Out of Time and Space Astrology<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuvBEPlTLdQIJf2mYj1lZEfbt41H9_Wz2Xg4u_REwHXvvabtmSAav4HD8QZiL5GaGipk5DoOS5-AjvX8eLy_1TQJB4miOPwtcq3w8GChMTc7FOgTC2AsYiaducSTfRMPv_8V7zhBcN1M/s1600/Moon+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuvBEPlTLdQIJf2mYj1lZEfbt41H9_Wz2Xg4u_REwHXvvabtmSAav4HD8QZiL5GaGipk5DoOS5-AjvX8eLy_1TQJB4miOPwtcq3w8GChMTc7FOgTC2AsYiaducSTfRMPv_8V7zhBcN1M/s200/Moon+photo.jpg" width="147" /></a>How many papers have an Astrology column? Not that many that I've seen. Yes, there are plenty of horoscopes out there. Every women's magazine pretty much has to have a relationship advice section. Not astrology per se though. Years ago, I lived in Kansas City and used to pick up The Pitch, which is the city entertainment news. There was an Astrology column in there called Out of Time and Space Astrology by Quan Tracy Cherry that was different. It always seemed to resonate with me for some reason. I was curious recently to see if it still existed so I went searching. When I read the Pitch was the pre-internet days.<br />
I was happy to see that Quan Tracy is still going, and his astrological musings still resonate. Here is my current reading:<br />
<br />
"Aries, March 20-April 19, initiating spiritual (fire, visionary)<br />
Flame thrower Mars sits in nervously analytical Virgo, creating perfect scenarios for work and service. You have been in the catbird’s seat of late. Taking no prisoners and suffering no fools gladly, it has been a whirlwind of self-awareness and confident self-expression. Your life not resemble these remarks? Well, then get to cracking. You have planetary signatures that demand (if they do not demand the planets cajole strongly) you perfect your craft, vocation or some aspect of your immense troubleshooting abilities. No whining about delays or maddening people who don’t do things your efficient way that’s better. You are better than a reactionary. Your enthusiasm is one reason we keep you around. Now, keep on inspiring us through your ability to at least attempt to recreate the wheel…"<br />
<br />
Check out his website at <a href="http://beliefisnotrequired.com/">http://beliefisnotrequired.com/</a> You might find that his mix of horoscopes, astrology and down-home "I'm talking to you..." approach appeals to you on a body level also.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/parksdh/5420746074/" target="_blank">Photo - Creative Commons DH Parks</a><br />
<br />twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-77317583623050533402011-05-19T18:05:00.000-07:002011-05-19T18:08:52.695-07:00Should we Be Playing With DNA?I read an article recently about how researchers in Singapore are looking at using modified DNA to create a faster computer. The idea is that silicon chips are reaching the limits of how fast they can get a computer to operate. Silicon also creates heat. By teasing apart DNA strands and reattaching them, early research shows that complex problems can be solved faster and more efficiently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYr_vTJIXrwK5RJPjrMS2RPgChxORwk8jsFwhAva1nr3Zyh49xJrBnXlts_9Z2rQmPMg_6X6jYtDd7JSC-rALdqLlENZAm9Cfa3-KX3J5Rn7uC1zpUhHmTbVCXWs90VdU7l6MmrGKNY8/s1600/quantum+physics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYr_vTJIXrwK5RJPjrMS2RPgChxORwk8jsFwhAva1nr3Zyh49xJrBnXlts_9Z2rQmPMg_6X6jYtDd7JSC-rALdqLlENZAm9Cfa3-KX3J5Rn7uC1zpUhHmTbVCXWs90VdU7l6MmrGKNY8/s320/quantum+physics.jpg" width="320" /></a>The thing is, we don't know a whole lot about DNA yet. Another study showed that when several DNA samples are separated from the person, and the person then registered strong emotions, the DNA was affected at the same time, even though separated by significant distances. So, how do you separate the person from the DNA in a future computer motherboard? There is also anecdotal evidence that intent can influence matter, which leads one to ask whether computer DNA could be influenced in its results by focusing on it.<br />
<br />
The Human Genome Project found that only 3% of human DNA was coded DNA, the purpose of the other 97% is unknown, leading some biologists to label it "junk DNA". Somehow I doubt it serves no purpose, we're just not smart enough yet to know what it is. It reminds me of genetically modified food: We don't yet know the long term effects of consuming it. I think I'm just eating real food and using a silicon chip computer until we know more about what we don't yet know.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.xomba.com/dna_computing_breakthough_or_forbidden_territory">Read more detail on building a DNA computer here</a>.twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-21536154900522119492010-07-17T03:15:00.000-07:002010-07-17T03:19:18.917-07:00An Ode To Black Cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiaCe8IVnkD_fiaWAognsUI7r5qRtrvbfAbwn3GBmWcsgmxaQ2Wu7xP_zNi0VF8YzFqAB2Bw2aijV6Sa5Du-CPEpjLVCzgdgRH8trymLtODd1Y5gTz3EcD1or0T6MbFS5E8E25mzON4w/s200/black+cat+in+tree.jpg" width="171" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/higgystfc/1074590008/in/set-72157600006621633/"></a></div>I have two black cats at home. They are brothers we found at the end of a dirt road on my daughter's 3rd birthday, she's in college now. So they have been with us a long time, and are truly part of the family. (One is my Avatar!) Black cats aren't just Halloween cats, they are regal sleek panthers that prowl through the darkness - oh, and they're very friendly as well. No self-respecting witch should be without at least one!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here is a poem I put together in honor of black cats. I illustrated it with a funny collection of black cat images found out in the ether of cyberspace. See what you think, you might get a chuckle! <a href="http://authspot.com/poetry/black-cats-tell-a-story-in-poetry/">Visit the entire poem here. </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/higgystfc/1074590008/in/set-72157600006621633/">Image HiggysTFC on Flicker-CC </a>twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-2571982567948941572010-02-17T20:47:00.000-08:002010-02-17T17:51:07.329-08:00What is Your Moon Sign?I had written a post earlier about how to bring the full moon more into your life. You do that by naming the full moon each month according to what what that month signifies to you in the natural world. I recently read another article about Moon Signs. I always knew about astrological signs or sun signs, but never heard of moon signs before. According to western astrology, the moon is related to a person's emotional makeup, who they are deep inside. That is related to goddess moon, and the full moon as a fertility symbol. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LMmjV_bJKEqdUHFOsb5Gf7S45gqNbolkhQP4uCPutxu7Qwnx79WxaWTqFAR2BUX58qonp7mmXVXbRgMBUy3HYHIHYI93c6fcTqJJINBTRhyphenhyphenc1HGRDkveaxUVPgTsnmx9mn5l02Eerns/s1600/moon+and+crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LMmjV_bJKEqdUHFOsb5Gf7S45gqNbolkhQP4uCPutxu7Qwnx79WxaWTqFAR2BUX58qonp7mmXVXbRgMBUy3HYHIHYI93c6fcTqJJINBTRhyphenhyphenc1HGRDkveaxUVPgTsnmx9mn5l02Eerns/s200/moon+and+crow.jpg" width="200" /></a>I ran across this article, '<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Your-Moon-Sign-What-Does-It-Mean">Your Moon Sign, What Does It Mean?</a>' It is pretty interesting. The author's position is that a person's moon sign is equal to or second in importance to their sun sign, and that the two work together. The sun sign is more your outward or conscious personality, while your moon sign rules your subconscious. She gives a few examples of how sun and moon signs together can balance or compound each other's traits in one's personality. I went to <a href="http://www.tarot-live.com/moon-sign.php">Tarot-live.com</a> to get a quick reading of my moon sign. You may want to check around and see what kind of reading other sites have to say on your sign. I'm not too versed in astrology, but I checked this site and the one noted in the article and the readings tracked pretty closely. And there were some things that are pretty spot on. I'll have to match it with my sun sign and see how they work together. <br />
<br />
So there you go. Something to look into, maybe you can get some personalty insights by seeing what your moon sign is and how it helps make you who you are.twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-69057365592499074432010-01-30T11:41:00.000-08:002010-01-30T11:41:56.566-08:00The Invisible Cat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX_4heNP1RZVtDOLLQmCpmOS5gSoM6TwElRPtXMprMv_YoTvYmqY5dY6TU4ksvKdKvYkMBxgbUIhTiLnF1fkX9b2Kpc8RvqFK0259WSWgl_dt5fHqhJfUr_Ls45uk4PjC17mGmmh9wqA/s1600-h/Snow+Patrol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX_4heNP1RZVtDOLLQmCpmOS5gSoM6TwElRPtXMprMv_YoTvYmqY5dY6TU4ksvKdKvYkMBxgbUIhTiLnF1fkX9b2Kpc8RvqFK0259WSWgl_dt5fHqhJfUr_Ls45uk4PjC17mGmmh9wqA/s200/Snow+Patrol.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am the invisible cat<br />
Walking on newly fallen snow<br />
White on white<br />
Paw prints appearing<br />
As if by magic.<br />
<br />
I am the intrepid<br />
Explorer cat<br />
As brave as could be<br />
Wandering the<br />
Arctic waste. <br />
<br />
(I hope they find me<br />
by dinner time though)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOFnjoLoOgg349I4bRaaBWmDMtVUnFf30r3jdGg79PV0gRmrO0YLbK6J7kgb5cxD5RmiIFx6p_vgp4gNexb1PYQYYGvE10GFvmVem7MSqiZaRZZI0GMFITjJcQtA2AVAUYOMQkUOuvzE/s1600-h/White+Paw+Prints.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOFnjoLoOgg349I4bRaaBWmDMtVUnFf30r3jdGg79PV0gRmrO0YLbK6J7kgb5cxD5RmiIFx6p_vgp4gNexb1PYQYYGvE10GFvmVem7MSqiZaRZZI0GMFITjJcQtA2AVAUYOMQkUOuvzE/s200/White+Paw+Prints.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
by Pangur - ban White Cat<br />
<a href="http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_detail/dt_pa.html?a=ukgb2&id=264324">Visit Pangur-ban's page</a>twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-34997579383824465332010-01-23T17:32:00.000-08:002010-01-23T17:34:50.416-08:00Imbolc is Coming Next Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff_Jh3NWLjJiTU1lBn49mnuJ1PQueTJ9mDtJhd9q1IgWCAXuHJJiBOBq3mRKtmAHCD9u3mlGLoJF-xImUKwupENx4r3euWq7cjxe2iBskgsecdYaZyISRkMhoaJDyogWQu_FQeqxeB2A/s1600-h/imbolc+fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff_Jh3NWLjJiTU1lBn49mnuJ1PQueTJ9mDtJhd9q1IgWCAXuHJJiBOBq3mRKtmAHCD9u3mlGLoJF-xImUKwupENx4r3euWq7cjxe2iBskgsecdYaZyISRkMhoaJDyogWQu_FQeqxeB2A/s200/imbolc+fire.JPG" width="223" /></a><br />
</div>Imbolc is a Celtic holiday that is also called cross-quarter day. It is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd and falls halfway between the Winter and Spring equinoxes. Imbolc represented a time of the year when food was getting scarce and people were ready to banish Winter and start getting crops in the ground. Since this holiday was agriculture-oriented, it is related to foretelling the weather, which is the partly the origin of Groundhog Day. It was called Brigid's Day on the old pagan calendar, which was adopted as St. Brigid's or Candlemas Day by the later christians. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUidi5V-2aib6Y9_YxpqqO1NWeh-X-oV2VYBe4aLV3BygoK12ol7nUUNw4MLtsz6wnSLf2FzSMRIEf4PQG-K_NqG-gL7b4PfHJcglGPQOvOkJSyuhyphenhyphenV058_MbRFgQ1VZY1iSc2ut1a_Es/s1600-h/celticknot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUidi5V-2aib6Y9_YxpqqO1NWeh-X-oV2VYBe4aLV3BygoK12ol7nUUNw4MLtsz6wnSLf2FzSMRIEf4PQG-K_NqG-gL7b4PfHJcglGPQOvOkJSyuhyphenhyphenV058_MbRFgQ1VZY1iSc2ut1a_Es/s200/celticknot1.jpg" width="168" /></a><br />
Naturally if you want to banish Winter, you send the chill away by lighting a fire. You can also light candles in your home to light up the dark Winter night. Imbolc also was celebrated because as the Spring equinox approached, the days started getting longer, which melted the snow and warmed the ground for planting seeds. The candles are also representative of the sun staying up longer and getting warmer as Winter draws to a close.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFqNq6nxyPqcg9U0YzQENpNIFDzIvfgFdOxPYg0d8N_ZLpRc6k9SmA6UnfqApdRpnqRiPlVU7qAyCrFr-Hc8H_fr3X2S4jEMJbhIVFFEBKfCyo13IWBQCorBQOrKmIyQ_XqYNH1nLWi0/s1600-h/imbolc++witch+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFqNq6nxyPqcg9U0YzQENpNIFDzIvfgFdOxPYg0d8N_ZLpRc6k9SmA6UnfqApdRpnqRiPlVU7qAyCrFr-Hc8H_fr3X2S4jEMJbhIVFFEBKfCyo13IWBQCorBQOrKmIyQ_XqYNH1nLWi0/s200/imbolc++witch+candle.jpg" width="200" /></a>At this time, animals started giving milk in anticipation of bearing their young in the Spring. Traditional foods to celebrate Imbolc are milk or dairy products like cheeses, and also seed-based items like whole grains. I don't know if we will have a bonfire or what, but we have wood stacked and ready, the seed catalogs are already being reviewed, and we are ready to head towards the warmth of Spring. <br />
Happy Imbolc all!twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-85836018839357642122010-01-22T19:09:00.000-08:002010-01-22T19:09:15.532-08:00Fixed my Comment FeatureOkay so apparently my Comment option on the site here was not operating from the get-go. I like this green background, but it seems to have messed with some code in the background. Anyway, Grace at <a href="http://myyearinhaiku.blogspot.com/">My Year in Haiku</a> was good enough to point out my problem, so I dug in and fixed it. Apparently comments don't work unless you set them to be in a popup box. Whatever....Thanks Grace! twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-17997646861618109462010-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:002010-01-21T19:41:01.085-08:00The White Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfhDxixDXgccEJtNDcp4b7Z6tSEpYHchfUgU_CpTDoBxB0KKaF5ffYmftjqRK6r3yALLjDo1h0ZJGI9MlG_gIhIMWLsQaZawrG-uT6I992mCiFOv63a4G-ToOyr7BKQP6SJ5CxzxTALI/s1600-h/ZipJan10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfhDxixDXgccEJtNDcp4b7Z6tSEpYHchfUgU_CpTDoBxB0KKaF5ffYmftjqRK6r3yALLjDo1h0ZJGI9MlG_gIhIMWLsQaZawrG-uT6I992mCiFOv63a4G-ToOyr7BKQP6SJ5CxzxTALI/s200/ZipJan10.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moon<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~by William Jay Smith~<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a white cat whose name is Moon;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He eats catfish from a wooden spoon, <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And sleeps till five each afternoon. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moon goes out when the moon is bright<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And sycamore trees are spotted white<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To sit and stare in the dead of night.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beyond still water cries a loon,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through mulberry leaves peers a wild baboon<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And in Moon's eyes I see the moon.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The picture is of Zippy, one of our babies, contemplating something in the distance. Please consider supporting Pawprints and Purrs, a nonprofit that helps homeless animals at <a href="http://www.sniksnak.com%20/">http://www.sniksnak.com </a> <br />
</div>twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-32989553245141105492010-01-11T18:06:00.000-08:002010-01-21T18:39:55.590-08:00Animal Communication<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uQ9ImUL-MU-9AGcr4UgjBBtrSexgqXPUn9BCqxuuJJ1VIDX3xaM3s-cPn7-QYZL5vESPWDNCvG_RdGl35aGOc7RpSmacdn1uEzpHA5J6Xilqd6F3K6XyTewwHWl4QqcMc8qMRIEXknQ/s1600-h/owl+Jan+09.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425669341435257218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uQ9ImUL-MU-9AGcr4UgjBBtrSexgqXPUn9BCqxuuJJ1VIDX3xaM3s-cPn7-QYZL5vESPWDNCvG_RdGl35aGOc7RpSmacdn1uEzpHA5J6Xilqd6F3K6XyTewwHWl4QqcMc8qMRIEXknQ/s200/owl+Jan+09.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Owl ~1989 - January 12, 2009 <br />
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I know that animal communication is possible because of this cat. His name was Owl and he left us a year ago. Owl chose to live with us in 1994. He appeared in the window of a farmhouse we were living in with 2 little black stray kittens we had adopted in 93. Owl was never territorial, he taught them how to hunt and climb trees. When my young son asked him his name, he said loudly "OWL". And so it was. <br />
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Owl took over the guard duties for the house and also became the official greeter. If you have more than one cat in the house, you may notice that somebody usually takes one of these jobs, or both. He had been living in the wild so long that we thought he was declawed in both back and front, but his back claws were just worn way down. He had a very wise look on his face and understood what you said to him. He was also very vocal, and would talk to us, although we didn't really understand him for a long time. Finally we did start hearing him. Animal communication can come in different ways, his was just realizations of what he meant. But you had to really concentrate and accept that whatever came was his message. <br />
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Owl was a great teacher, but he was always afraid from his time in the wild that his food bowl might go empty if he could see the bottom of it, so he would protest very loudly if we let it get too empty. He was also very afraid of cars and loud noises. He would wail and pant any time he had to go in the car until I finally sat down and talked to him about it. It seems he was afraid of being lost again, and if he went somewhere in a car, he wouldn't be able to find his way home, because he wouldn't recognize any smells to find his way back. I explained to him that our car rides would always be round trip and only a short distance. That way he could enjoy looking at new things, but not worry about getting lost. <br />
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From that day on, he looked forward to going on car rides with me, and he would wait for me in the driveway every Friday when I came home from work so I could take him on his weekly car ride. He would go back and forth to the side windows and stand up to watch everything pass by. We did that for several years and he never tired of it. <br />
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Its an ongoing challenge to communicate with my other cats, but every now and then a definite message comes through. Truly mystical. <br />
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Grey white Winter chill<br />
Listen! One day I’ll be back.<br />
My work here is done.twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-57152336177043369532010-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:002010-01-09T14:46:24.349-08:00Don't Dump on Mother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzxtPP23tM4oQzEkv1R25SzTM_toT7kZe3sc_aEq5BGpHbFvNdIDMe0My3Ot2IaLni65UvFq9XO-inSqpk3tOCyYmzTZRUz30dA6qkW7UYAQ9ooamlOxBWe6EGM7O9Os72RD4X_gwVRI/s1600-h/MotherEarth.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzxtPP23tM4oQzEkv1R25SzTM_toT7kZe3sc_aEq5BGpHbFvNdIDMe0My3Ot2IaLni65UvFq9XO-inSqpk3tOCyYmzTZRUz30dA6qkW7UYAQ9ooamlOxBWe6EGM7O9Os72RD4X_gwVRI/s200/MotherEarth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424790919751642130" /></a><br />In our house, we try to reduce our trash load as much as possible. Face it, we live in an over-packaged world. If we can leave a lighter footprint as we pass, it helps keep trash out of the waterways and the landfills and makes a cleaner and therefore healthier environment for us all. We can do that in a couple of ways. First is to try and resist buying overpackaged goods in the first place. Usually overpackaging is done for convenience. But do we really need sliced apples in individual packets or individual salad servings in the grocery store? And what about those indestructible plastic clamshells that you need heavy scissors to cut open? They're not even recyclable. <br /><br />I sometimes wish you could get credit for percentage of your curbside trash that was recycling rather than just trash. We try to recycle as much as possible. What isn't eligible for curbside pickup, like mixed paper, batteries or currogated cardboard, I end up taking to the county recycling center once or twice a month. I just have a fixation about it for some reason. I've even been known to bring boxes home from work if I know they're just going to get tossed in the dumpster. But that's just me. <br /><br />My county has a neat feature at the landfill/recycling center where they've established a "Too good to throw away" area. People can drop furniture, building materials, toys, and yard sale castoffs there. A lot of it does get re-used, and thereby stays out of the landfill. We've dropped stuff there and also found some good items. Our metal porch table is from there. It just needed some sanding and a new coat of paint and is good as new. <br /><br />Anyway, it's time to battle the post-holiday clutter monster. Onward into the new year. <br />Oh, and don't forget to cut up those 6-pack rings before disposal. A duck or fish will thank you for it.twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2954637351449704500.post-84075952670366734832010-01-08T19:41:00.000-08:002010-01-08T20:21:47.152-08:00Personalize the Full Moon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsOnl98kCh1ohx7onk19aZHpZ7rLNovvhV8JJRWs-IFPsM6Wa2RAVvXzaQG1DzvU75vF3bEq5R7xqmCdF3nJU7HZBtOGzufSNKHB8aiqMtkDK6nlxYG_c0Gaz6gWUTSn57mePYUmurb4/s1600-h/Harvest+moon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsOnl98kCh1ohx7onk19aZHpZ7rLNovvhV8JJRWs-IFPsM6Wa2RAVvXzaQG1DzvU75vF3bEq5R7xqmCdF3nJU7HZBtOGzufSNKHB8aiqMtkDK6nlxYG_c0Gaz6gWUTSn57mePYUmurb4/s200/Harvest+moon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424583369154680722" border="0" /></a><br />People in the past had a close relationship with lunar cycles. They tracked the seasons and the natural rhythms of the earth by the full moon as it arrived each month. If you personalize the full moons through the year, you will find yourself feeling closer to <a itxtdid="15860520" target="_blank" href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5018360_personalize-full-moon-closer-nature.html#" style="border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;" classname="iAs" class="iAs">nature</a>. I ran across a weblink a while back that listed what different cultures called the full moon that appeared during each month. Many of the names like "The moon of popping trees" don't really mean much to me, because it doesn't get that cold here that trees freeze through and burst. So I came up with names that mean more to me and where I live. I find it gets you more in touch with the full moon as it applies to your environment. As I've gone through the past year, I made some adjustments. I wasn't sure what to call the June and July moons. But I attended a Lavender Festival in June and we had lavender scent all through the house. Likewise, in July, we foraged for the abundant blackberries that grow wild nearby. So I named the full moons for those plants that bloom or ripen during that time if I have a connection with them. You can read the complete article at:<br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5018360_personalize-full-moon-closer-nature.html">How to Personalize the Full Moon to get Closer to Nature</a><br /><br />So for now my moons are--<br /><br />January - Snow moon<br />February - Hunger Moon (It's an Indian moon, I just like the name)<br />March - Mud Moon<br />April - Planting Moon<br />May - Cat Shedding Moon (adapted from the Indian Pony Shedding Moon, it's what happens in my house)<br />June - Lavender Moon<br />July - Blackberry Moon<br />August - Corn Moon<br />September - Harvest Moon<br />October - Spirit Moon (Samhain!)<br />November - Frost Moon<br />December - Cold Moon<br /><br />Hey, it works for me. Give it a try and see what works for you.twincapeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13854890686721751224noreply@blogger.com1