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Two weekends ago I attended a Feng Shui workshop.
This was the third workshop I had been to in the past two years. I'm a slow study in this 5000 year-old art and have a curious enjoyment of learning techniques in positioning element objects.
I was looking for ways to improve my sleeping environment and ideas to enhance the energy of the common space I share with three young adults and two cats. My attempts to provide a Zen like, minimalist layout were unsuccessful considering the space with which we had to work.
I was happy to prepare a farewell to the Year of the Snake, its meandering paths and slippery characters I had endured.
Last year I brought one of my young adult children since her year was coming to a close; I wanted something to give her ideas, inspiration for the next year - plus to spend some time together.
This year I brought another offspring since The Year of the Horse is "his year" coming up on January 31st. He was very patient and polite during the four hour session. I was impressed that he asked questions while showing respect for this ancient tradition.
During the workshop I took notes on recommended placement of elements and related objects. I took a mental inventory of objects we already possessed rather than shopping on impulse and investing more money on others.
One can respect ancient traditions and the resulting advice while remaining practical.
After the workshop I treated my son to a Works burger dinner. He remarked on the
chart showing auspicious and inauspicious compass directions for energy
of the different Guas. He observed that the directions for our two Guas
were opposite. Oh...
I know he is
eager to gallop away from our crowded home. It is difficult for me to
let go but I am so happy that he has new opportunities to embrace.
The powder room
now possesses a poster of a mountain as recommended plus a Himalayan salt lamp and a plant. I do not know where we are going to fit a bowl of the recommended fresh rock salt and sage. I wonder if it will replace the candle whose purpose is to burn off residual fumes...
My precious little writing desk has a new location - not at all related to any Feng Shui recommendations. It just seemed to work best in this spot and is more accessible after turning the bed around.
It was indeed auspicious that the Feng Shui master recommended turning my bed with the head pointing west to encourage wealth. I had been considering ways to escape the annoying late night noises coming from the apartment to the east anyway.
Sometimes it's a great feeling to change things around a bit and offload a few objects that don't enhance one's living space.
I have yet to obtain smooth flat rose quartz to slip under the mattress and encourage a relationship. I think the two cats occasionally occupying the top of the bed would counter-act any chances of that happening anyway.
The tacky framed print of a mother and babe at the head of my bed does not fit in with the recommended arrangements. It is a keepsake from the family homestead and fits in with my continuing role as a mother, nurturer and guardian.
As one of my offspring readies to gallop off, I am happy that the other two will still be close by for a while. One continues to contribute towards rent by creating illustrations for the next edition of the novel.
Happy New Year and thanks for dropping by.
T
Happy New Year!
Have you written down your New Year's resolutions yet?
I haven't. Mine are still intentions.
At this point, I can't even vow to write more often. That could be a good thing.
Although I have made some personal plans for 2014, I can't say I have committed to making resolutions. I know there are a few changes I wish to make but nothing requiring commitment - just action!
Moving my household and moving my body more often are a couple of the things I would like to see transpire in 2014. Finances, time and availability could determine success with one but there are no excuses for the other!
If anything, I can make it a habit to stretch my body every morning before and after serving the cats' breakfast plus move my arms, knees and hips more while performing household chores.
The kids and the cats may be annoyed at first but they're getting used to my strange new ways. Just imagine what can happen if we add some Salsa and wine!
Gizmodo offers 5 Tricks for Sticking to Your New Year's Exercise Resolutions. Except for the Technologize section, they all look like very helpful tricks.
There are even smart phone apps to help people reach their goals. I lean to agree with the curmudgeon-y commenters, scoffing at the reliance on technology to commit to good habits and healthy lifestyles.
I may explore some of the options on my new smart phone - just to see if some of the apps are helpful, you know. Shortly after purchasing it, I vowed to family and friends not to be a jerk by pulling it out during in-person gatherings, coffee chats or meetings.
One of my goals for 2014 is to expand my circle of friends and connections, welcoming in those who have interesting experiences and ideas to share, as well as positive outlooks on life.
I am looking forward to see the past year's meandering activities and unaccomplished goals slither off into distant memories, and the new year to gallop in with opportunities.
However you approach them, I wish you good luck with your 2014 goals, intentions and … resolutions.
- - - - - -
If you enjoy my writing style and true blonde wit, I invite you to read The Year of the Rabbit.
Thanks for dropping by.
T
Over the past dozen years, I have been making healthier lifestyle and menu choices.
I have been successful with avoiding collections of "stuff" that I don't need or don't have space to store. I avoid noisy events and unhealthy, controlling relationships.
A recent attempt at a relaxing meditation session did not prove successful. Oh, well... Two steps forward and one step back. Believe it or not, I am also looking for more ways to move my body - without becoming sweatier than usual or severely hurting myself. Salsa, anyone?
Aside from a monthly allowance of bacon and potato chips (yum!), I also try to watch what I eat.
My latest attempt at healthy menu options was cooking an entire package of Ferma brand dried chickpeas - and ending up with A LOT of chickpeas. Garbanzo Beans Galore!
That's okay. Did you know you can pack the beans and refridgerate them for three days? You can add them to rice dishes and salads. Did you also know that you can pack and freeze them for later use?
A resident young person offered to make chickpea curry one day this week. Yum again!
So, what are the benefits of eating chickpeas? According to the following links, they are high in protein and fibre, plus they help control hunger if you eat them as snacks (instead of those potato chips). They will also help ladies of a certain stage in life control hot flashes. Well, we will see about that. Get back to me in a few months...
Benefits of garbanzo beans:
This still has me wondering though... Are there any recipes that include bacon?
Thanks for dropping by. You are welcome to comment or select one of the reaction check-boxes. Although I cannot offer you an extra portion of chickpeas through this blog, I can treat you to some excerpts from The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness. See what others have shared after reading the book.
T
Of the many vices in our society and calls for legalization, I find myself leaning more towards supporting legalized marijuana and prostitution.
I may risk the appearance of blowing smoke with my opinions of both. Please, just hold your breath and consider the following before exhaling with anonymous tirades. Perhaps this will appeal to shared sensibilities.
Let's consider the subject of legalized prostitution and red light districts.
What would be the harm if some cities created a Red Light District where the willing can enjoy titillating displays, seek out satisfaction for their sexual urges and fetishes with other consenting adults? One benefit would be that willing sex trade workers would be assured a safer environment. Another would be strict health codes and standards.
I am far from being a prude. We are human. We are biological creatures with basic instincts and desires still wired into our complex brain. Some humans have evolved with higher intelligence, compassion and respect. Some are discreet in expressing their fetishes, perhaps giving more value and enhancing the pleasures they bring.
Those of us with a firm, Christian upbringing may remember, "Judge not lest ye be judged". We cannot deny the fact that these tendencies and attractions exist. People who want to experience them know where to look. Some of us just don't want them flaunted in our faces when we tour our neighbourhoods or have to pass by local businesses if we work in the area. The response of, "Just don't look at it then, you nutter." doesn't fly well with me.
"Take it inside."
What if parents passing by with their children don't want them to be exposed to images of kink and affliction? Some claim that the encounter will initiate a healthy conversation between parent and child. Seriously? What about some of those billboards we drive by? What about our impressionable youth? How will their developing brains filter and interpret these images?
Call me a prude but aren't some of these displays better suited for a different type of business district? Decent folk could once again walk city streets, feeling assured their values and sensibilities are not being assaulted by retailers who claim that their window displays are harmless, fun and reflect the standards of the surrounding GLBT neighbourhood.
Call me naive but if I belonged to a group that struggled for decades to earn recognition, equality and respect from the straight and narrows, I would rather promote creativity, innovation and yes - brotherly love in my shop windows.
God rest ye merry gentlemen! Let nothing you dismay. Even local strippers are getting in the charitable, cheeky spirit to gather toys for tots this Christmas. Some folk argue that it doesn't matter HOW the toys are obtained as long as it's for a good cause.
With all the nonsensical debates going on these days and recent loss of innocence, things could be worse. There could be more harmful objects and objectifications advertised in our street level retail windows. Amen.
I admire the brave few who express their concerns and contact the appropriate parties in a professional manner. Unfortunately, due to the ability for anonymous posts on our wonderful Internet, these vocal few have to endure personal attacks, distorted arguments and character assassinations from anonymous cowards and individuals whipped into a frenzy of support for the offending retailer.
Is it time for sensible citizens stand up, to come forward and educate, illuminate our society? One may even be tempted to rent a shop window or carry around a soapbox.
If that were so, would people stop, look and listen or would they complain that some nutter is assaulting their sensibilities on the street?
Now you may exhale.
Naughty me. I forgot to mention that anonymous comments on my blog are not allowed. I do not consent to offensive, harmful behaviour or speech.
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