Warming up to Spiritual Traditions

Sunday morning reading

I have been up for hours due to the whining of one hungry feline, a full bladder and the joyous noises of the young family living below.  

I sat in my morning fogginess, sipping my first cup of instant coffee, and read a few blog entries by womanly writing acquaintances. One is sharing tidbits about pancakes, mardi gras and the preparation for Lent.  Another is lamenting the approach of Valentine's day and weighing the benefits of being an older, single woman.  

As a recovering Catholic, I read the former while recalling distant memories of long, boring church services.  One could say that since publishing the novel, I am leaning towards the irreverent.  I don't wait until the start of Lent to share in a pancake feast.  That's almost a bi-weekly tradition in our home.  

Enjoying my singledom, I chuckled at the latter's musings.  Except for the vague "be my valentine" invitation from an eccentric male acquaintance, I don't expect much these days.  It's not that I've given up... it's more like I have become wary of consumerized expectations.  I also have some apprehensions due to how some people interpret love and distort a relationship into one of abusive entitlement rather than gentleness and mutual respect.     

As the jaded fog clears, I acknowledge the new moon, the worldwide and beyond celebrations of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake.  I have a list of things to acquire at the store. I just need a few more tasty treats to enhance the meal and gathering of family and friends in le petit apartement.  

As I leaf through Spiritual Traditions: Essential Teachings to Transform Your Life, I appreciate and respect the similarities of world religions and belief systems.  

I value my journey, exploration and opportunities to share common goals or beliefs with others while respecting those who differ.   

What it comes down to is that anyone can choose to begin the day feeling gratitude, joy and compassion.  

Sometimes, one needs a little boost from a cup of hot coffee.

T

Comfort food and huggable weather

Welcome, Autumn!  I am so glad you are here.

I love autumn.  I love spring.  It's those extreme seasons that I don't enjoy.  

At least in winter, you can put on socks, pants and a sweater if the petit apartment is chilly.  Yes, eventually one has to also venture outside for provisions and the day job.  

There are only so many layers that you can remove during the sweaty summer months until you are uncomfortable at the sticky touch of your own skin let alone that of another human's. 

The cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable to hug a favourite toy or affectionate feline.  Since my kids are grown up, they are not as receptive to hugs.  Yet.

One young person who is now sharing an apartment with friends was over for a visit last night.  After partaking in a delicious roast beef dinner and chat, he was actually receptive to a hug from his dear, short mother.   

It's funny how at times you can't wait for them to leave the nest but cling to them when they are departing after a short visit. Fly, little bird... fly. 

Even though I dislike the cramped, inefficient kitchen in the petit apartment, I look forward to preparing weekend batches of chili, pasta sauce and chicken noodle soup.  I look forward to heating up apple and pumpkin pies to serve with weekend meals.  

Once again, I hope we will squeeze in to sit around the small dining table to enjoy meals - and conversation.  Otherwise, I enjoy taking the young people out occasionally for a meal and family update meeting at a local restaurant.  It's nice to be served and have someone else look after the dirty dishes!  

How would you like to visit the Red Hare restaurant, a cozy, friendly family-run business in the fictitious town of Seguin Sound?  


You will also get to meet Father Gio, his biological daughter Sera Fletcher and Edgar who was inspired by my childhood toy, Winnie Pooh Bear. 

Yes, these are places and characters from The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  You get to set the price when you purchase the eBook at Smashwords.  How do you like them apples? 

Thanks for dropping by.  Hug your kid today.  If you don't have kids, hug one of your cats.  If you don't have a cat... what's wrong with you? >^..^<   

T

Revival

Spring is here and it snowed in the Ottawa Valley - on April Fool's Day. 

That's okay, it already melted and is providing water for the grass, flowers and trees. I hope we get more rain.  Yep, this is one of my favourite seasons - except for the muck and smell of dog pooh around our neighbourhood.  

In case you weren't aware, the Christian holiday of Easter occurs during spring.  Since I'm a lapsed Catholic, I shouldn't attempt to provide any insights.  I just like the timing of this meaningful religious holiday with the pagan celebrations.  I respect the theme of revival and renewal. 


I cherish the bursting greens and pretty blossoms, cool days and nights before the sticky, humid days of summer.

I also like the opportunities for consuming delicious chocolate.  As for the little chicks and bunnies that have wiggled their way into this holiday, please resist the urge to give a bunny rabbit as an Easter gift.  

What you could do is give yourself a copy of The Year of the Rabbit ebook.  One of the main characters is a priest.  Another is his daughter. 

Curious? Thought so. Write to Florence T. Lyon before April 30th and she'll send you the secret code to obtain a free copy from Smashwords. 

Have a wonderful Easter week and enjoy what time you can get with your family.  

T

What is Time...

New Year's Eve is upon us.  It's still morning in Ottawa yet some places in our wonderful world are already celebrating 2012's arrival.


One part of me appreciates the human need to measure and track things like distance, space and time in set increments.  I can also appreciate and respect the measurement of time in natural cycles.  

Years ago, I came across in interesting quote about time by a lady named Sarah Ban Breathnach:  


"Chronos is clocks, deadlines, watches, calendars, agendas, planners, schedules, beepers. Chronos is time at her worst. Chronos keeps track. ...Chronos is the world's time. Kairos is transcendence, infinity, reverence, joy, passion, love, the Sacred. Kairos is intimacy with the Real. Kairos is time at her best. ...Kairos is Spirit's time. We exist in chronos. We long for kairos. That's our duality. Chronos requires speed so that it won't be wasted. Kairos requires space so that it might be savored. We do in chronos. In kairos we're allowed to be ... It takes only a moment to cross over from chronos into kairos, but it does take a moment. All that kairos asks is our willingness to stop running long enough to hear the music of the spheres."  


Deep and far out. Sarah is the author of a book called "The Simple Abundance Daybook" and has a web site: www.simpleabundance.com  


Once again and since I don't function well in large, noisy crowds, I will be ringing in the new year at home with family and felines.  We will celebrate with music, colourful Christmas lights, tasty treats and a bottle of Ice Cuvée VQA.  


I will let my structured and creative sides merge long enough to explore New Year mandalas. I'm willing to try just about anything once.  


Another celebration will be upon us in less than a month.  The quiet, creative and brave Year of the Rabbit will make way for the Water Dragon.  With the Year of the Rabbit novel behind me, I look forward to exploring new projects and realms in 2012 and beyond.


Wishing a Happy, Healthy New Year to family, friends and kindred spirits.  


One problem is... I may not be able to help finish that bottle of bubbly for very long after midnight.  We may have to open it sooner.  Besides, it's already New Years somewhere in the world ;o) 

T

Tis the Season

Yes, giftmas is upon us.  


Family and friends gather to share in good cheer, attempting to brighten up the long, dark winter days.  Some exchange gifts during their visits.  I think wine and chocolate are the safest and most-popular.  


People are scrambling for deals in the retail stores or online.  Good-hearted individuals and groups are making efforts to ensure the less-fortunate will have a good Christmas.  I am sure that we all feel for the children and adults who are struggling financially and emotionally this time of year - and beyond.  


As a single parent, I agree.  


Soon I will have to venture out into the malls to pick up a few items requested by my offspring.  One has a birthday just after Christmas and convinced me that only one present will bring happiness although it happens to be one of those expensive electronic distractions.  Since this child is working on a masters degree (insert gush of pride here), I will bite my tongue and strive to accommodate that request.  


We tried the pared-down gifting approach a couple of years ago.  I don't think it went over well. Now that we are in smaller living quarters, they are not impressed that we do not have room for our artificial tree. We'll work something out to decorate this petit apartment with festive colour and cheer.  It will be the first Christmas here and hard to measure up to our previous, spacious abode.  Even the cats  >^..^<  agree that there isn't as much room here to roam, lurk and express their own creativity. 


And lets not forget the significance of this time of celebration.  The gifting represents the gifts of the Magi who were delayed in arriving at the stable.  Their only GPS reference was the bright, guiding star.  They also didn't stop to ask for directions.  (pause for feminist quips)


The birth of the child represents hope for a troubled empire.  If one were to wax poetic and philosophical, the birth can represent a rebirth within ourselves to see our world again as one full of hope and joy, putting aside resentments and conflicts.  This is why we make those silly New Year's resolutions. Kudos to those who want to quit smoking and other vices.  Respects to those who want to conquer harmful habits and thoughts. 


We are an interesting mix of individuals but with some effort and collaboration, we can be unified in our goal to cure humanity of its ailments.  Two of the worst are fear and greed.  Hopefully the occupy movement and efforts by a few super-rich individuals helped give some consciences a stir.  Although some people can be shamed into change by positive peer pressure, I think the actions have to be fully their own choice.  Else, there will be a lingering resentment.  


It puzzles my pretty blonde head how people who have so much don't want to part with just a bit that would improve the lives of many others.  I challenge fortune and welcome the opportunity to be put in that position :o)  


In my novel, The Year of the Rabbit, the birth of a child also represented hope and joy.  Although baby Harry was the product of a shameful teen pregnancy, his arrival brought joy into many people's lives - especially that of lonely, young Sera.  


Coming full circle with the gifting theme, I will end this post with a discount offer for those who wish to purchase the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  If you ventured out or online to purchase an EReader for a loved one, why not add this bittersweet tale to the list of books too? It's available in many supported formats. While considering, scroll down my Smashwords ebook page to watch a funny video of Geneva Tabby cat, my meuws, inspiration and distraction.  


If you have gathered any wisdom from this pensive post, it's that the world needs more love, compassion and... funny cat videos.  If you are not YET convinced about the novel, check out the comments from readers of the first print edition.   


Thanks for dropping by.  Next time, bring wine or chocolate :o) 


T








  

Happy New Year

If you have school-age children, you will likely agree that this weekend is the one before a fresh new year.  

Those of us who remember our school days with some fondness will agree that the first week of September is more like a new year than is January 1st. 

I remember the promise of new clothing, new pens, colour pencils and wads and wads of fresh, blank paper!  I recall the surprise of seeing classmates who grew inches taller over the months and crushes who seemed even more attractive and swarthy due to their summer adventures.

Then there were the teachers, lockers, cliques, bullies and getting lost trying to find your classes.   I try to block out memories of the strict Math teachers and fondly remember the inspiring English teachers. Thank you Mr. Tremaine and Mr. Maul.  Thank you for making us sit quietly for ten minutes as you would read a selected passage.  You ignited my curiosity to read more works of fiction and quite possibly, a desire to write some of my own. 

Now-a-days, we're hearing terminology like "the inclusive classroom" where "... teachers will have to consider the many learning styles and needs they may have in the classroom. That means, going beyond the textbook."

Parents not only have to budget for "in" clothes, textbooks, student fees and non-skid running shoes; they also may have to go beyond the calculator or home computer purchase to satisfy the need for a smart phone or tablet. 

The times they are a-changin'.  

At least my children are older now and most can budget for their own needs.  It will be nice to see them back on a (a-hem -- mother-approved) schedule and moving their bodies a bit more regularly.  Parents of the younger, energetic sort will truly see this as "the most wonderful time of the year". Sorry, I just can't get the modernized, consumerized version of that song out of my head!

This blog post is brought to you with thanks to unions of the past who made this a holiday, Labour Day weekend.  

If you like my writing style or want to comment on this post, please "+1" it or -- comment on this post. To read some of my other writing projects, visit the domain for my novel, The Year of the Rabbit. 

What's your sign?

I hear that was a pickup line in the 1970s, "What's your sign?".  I suppose it was a good ice breaker that would hopefully lead into a more meaningful conversation or a night of hedonism  with a complete stranger. 

Well, since you were going to ask ;o^  I am a Leo.

I am a Leo according to one Zodiac sign and a Rabbit according to another.  We don't have time to delve into the complexities of my personality type but some may assume that due to the Rabbit and Lion combination, I may be a bit of a passive-aggressive. 

According to one astrological source, the characteristics for Leo include:

• Personal magnetism (Really?)
• Ambitious (Meh...)
• Strength of purpose
• Creative (Yes!)
• Never shy away from the limelight (Really?)
• Warmth and enthusiasm
• Eager to see their projects through to completion  (Check!)
• Generosity of spirit
• etc.

Leo's element:  Fire

According to an Epoch Times article, Rabbits are:

• Creative, Compassionate, and Sensitive
• Sophisticated 
• Courteous
• Stylish (Pfft!)
• Good Communicators
• Generous
• On the Timid Side
• etc.

The 1963 Rabbit's element:  Water  (Ummm, see the Fire reference in Leo above...)

In my novel The Year of the Rabbit, Sera Fletcher is also coincidentally a Leo and a Rabbit. You could venture to say that she is a derivative of her creator. 

You can follow a private discussion between Sera and Father Gio when he manages to invite himself to sit at her personal booth.  First, read this earlier excerpt about the Red Hare Restaurant. 

August 8th is Sera's birthday.  Mine is a few days later.  Kindly read my ramblings in another blog for a gift suggestion.  

I am delighted that you read this far.   So... do you come here often? ;o)  

T

Merry, merry month of May

Anyone who knows me well enough is aware that May is my favourite month.  It has perfect weather for cleaning one's home, for outdoor activities, for moving and stretching your body and ... planting seeds. 

You may already know this but May 1st is the date of Beltane, a Pagan celebration.  "In the old Celtic times, young people would spend the entire night in the woods "A-Maying," and then dance around the phallic Maypole the next morning."  Fun times!  Well, except if it ends up with an unexpected teen pregnancy which is what happens in my novel "The Year of the Rabbit".  

Picture the month of May with greening woods and blossoming trees.  It provides perfect outdoor weather for children and young lovers.  Handsome Daniel Fletcher has returned from his first year at military college with hopes of a carefree summer vacation.  Family and friends gather for a barbecue on the Fletcher property. 

Read an excerpt called:  Hide and Seek - Childhood games and Lovers' Initiation

You will notice reference to the Pin cherry tree that is featured throughout the story - until its sad, symbolic demise.  I wanted to include reference to the Japanese tradition of Sakura where they celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms.  This year, it provides a time of reflection.

 

Women philosophers: Hypatia of Alexandria

Time flies

It seems fitting to type a few words about time and our recording devices on this, New Years Day 2010.

Another man-made milestone has passed and nothing in my observance of natural time has really changed. I do have a few calendars to change around the humble abode. What to do with the old ones?

• Well, the sentimental side of me wants to keep them on file to have a record of family visits, birthdays and appointments. Meh, some of that is already recorded in personal journals or photographs :-) and appointment history is kept by the doctor's offices anyway.
  
  
• The creative side wants to save the artwork for cheap yet colourful rec-room wall coverings. Somehow, Happy Bunny and Farmers Almanac just don't compliment each other. Or do they?
  
  
• The pragmatic side says to discard them - preferably into the recycling bin.

This year, fewer calendars!

Thoughts?