With grateful thanks for 2008 and with prayers for a much Happier, peaceful New Year for all.
love and light
Gina and Jackory

If I may chime in my wishes to all for high and bright hopes for the New Year. For me, the New Year's already a week or so old - solstice and all, you know. But things are well enough and I wanted to share some good vibes with you all.

Hildy:
I would have loved to post directly to a thread of yours, but alas (like I'm a bit shocked or something, right? LOL) the last 100+ posts you've made (as of this note) were all replies to threads already started. It seems you're always tending to others; and for that, I'm grateful in my heart. People like you and Jude will be sure to keep fires warm for those that stray from 'camp' - and it is for this that I shed a tear of joy for you, this day. Afterall, if the world were filled with folk like you, there'd probably be alot less war {granted, maybe more cooking and dishes to clean, but nonetheless} Blessed be sweet spirit (and good tidings to Leon, as well, of course!). (I'm not too sure where the food reference came from, just fell out of my fingertips!)

Jude:
I revisit your posts so many times and am always warmed. I don't really understand how you've packaged 'heat-for-the-heart' to come across my cold computer screen, but damn! You do some good work, luv! (I did spell that correctly for all the 'Londoners' right?) Bright New Year greetings from this side the pond.

To All:
Forgive me, I've not been active in these halls for a minute or two. From the few posts I've read, it's quite easy to tell that, through struggle and strife, these forums are still filled with encouragement, acceptance, and common individuality. Truly, inspiring. Blessed be to all.

First I would like to share something to listen to (meditate, if you'd like). A quick song/video that I think everyone should hear; at least once, anyway... Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a beautiful world. Ahhh, good stuff! Not to mention pics of Hawaii in the dead of winter, eh? *blessings* [i like to find 'em everywhere!]

Even though this thread is titled Happy Christmas (I'm such a rule breaker!), I'm going to follow the direction of the topic; as it is now, New Year.

"Advise, but don't order."

That is my New Year's resolution. I am not entitled to be angry or forceful when I'm frustrated because someone refuses my experience when I share it. Maybe I'm using the wrong tone. Maybe there's more going on than I'm aware of. Maybe the other person just needs to vent. Maybe the other person is just looking for a scapegoat. Maybe...

And what I can do with that, is practice patience. With myself and others... So...

I ask each of you reading this, to care for something (no, I'm not suggesting you have to 'go do this' or 'go do that') that has absolutely nothing to do with you - even for a minute, better for a day. For example: I'm using, right now, at this very minute, Israel Kamakawiwo Ole.

As I understand, the Source has called Israel's voice back to that next place. I'm not too sure of what my mind was picturing as I heard his lilted baritone voice caressing my spirit. Hearing his voice is like a speeding roller-coaster that only has gentle rises and dips and curves that spiral into the sky. If it's the only song I ever hear, then things are okay.

But, when I first saw Israel - for some disgusting reason that media and society have poured in me - I was surprised. And immediately, I held myself in disdain. Why did I not see the same voice I heard? Why did my mind decide that a 'certain' image was the only acceptable source of music so pure - so much so that the one I faced made me take note of something other than the music? And then, I remebered Sophia. I worked with her for a bit; she was FANTASTIC! Strong, intelligent, determined - she's good people. And she hated nothing more than when a caller would go on about 'how black people talk' and they'd rambe and ramble - like the caller knew what was going on. Short-sighted and narrow-minded, callers didn't realize they were talking to a black woman! I loved her for the simple fact that she wouldn't go off on them, she would just let them hang themselves, so to speak. I asked her, one day, how she didn't go off on these people. She said something along the line of 'If I hear it, then I know God heard it. They're just upgrading their pass to hell to the express train." And she just let it go... The few times I caught her agitated, it was never something about yesterday or last week.

Just think of misperception for a meager moment. I know I can find a few points where I may have (more likely, probably) misperceived others recently. The jackass that cut me off in traffic may have been on her way to an emergency surgery. The 'stupid guy' that I got in line behind at the grocery store was never taught math because his parents never let him go to school. That annoying handicapped person might be the soldier that secured my freedom. The guy that 'ignores' me when I say 'excuse me' is simply deaf. At the end of it, all I have to show for my day is a big ball of 'how I was done wrong' when I was the one doing wrong all day.

Last evening, I saw on the sidewalk below the balcony I was on, a man sketching a girl. It seemed as though he was doing it for money (at least he wasn't begging), and without knowing the situation, I yelled down "Yo, sketch dude." He looked up. I tossed down a $10.00 bill that a friend just gave me (even though $10 is a bucket load of money for me right now). He could have been a crackhead, for all I know. But, what are the odds I may have misperceived that, too? What I do know is that at 1am or so, in ~30 degree F, this dude was sketching a girl's pic with pencil and paper and had on no gloves. If that's the only ten bucks I lose this year, then I'm doing good! I wonder if that guy knows that he's being discussed right now... At least, I hope he's eaten. Because that's what I can do. I don't know him and he has absolutely nothing to do with me - and that makes him worthy to care for in the small moment I'm able.

Find one thing, that has absolutely nothing to do with you, and care for it. Even if for a moment. You'll be surprised how much you really do care and how much you've been blessed with to share.

For a blessed 2009, to all, I send my every wish![sm=kiss.gif]

The Goddess is alive and there is magick afoot.
Arow Blackdragon
Valley of the Kings

Arow, it is ssssssssssooooooooo good to read a post from you again and so typical of you, in writing about your own "struggles" at growth, to so clearly invite all of us to do the same reflection. Your statements about drivers resonated so clearly, reminding me of my own crankiness with slow drivers, punctuated by horn blowing,etc. Then our youngest had severe back problems and was in need in surgery. He would lay across the back seat because he couldn't sit and the slightest bump in the road sent excruciating pain through his back. How often other drivers were so angry with me because I drove so vvvvveeeeeerrrrrryyyyy slowly. I loved your story about the man sketching the girl and the $10. Had a similar instance with the receptionist in a car wash while buying a gift certificate. She was talking about driving through sleet a good 50 miles to pick up the final amount of cash for her granddaughter's prescription on the 23rd. I was blessed with being able to give her the money necessary and a little more so she wouldn't have to drive through the sleet. A couple of hours later there was that nagging inside concerning had I just experienced a real con. Oh well, if it wasn't true, perhaps she desperately needed the money for food or just wanted to buy some small gifts for family. Thank you for always being so honest about your "conversations" with you. The logic of the black woman on the radio is priceless. Thank you for once again jogging all those little nooks and cranies inside that can readily hide the not so nice parts of me. Once they are brought into the light of day, the "fungus" stops growing and can at least begin to be cleaned out.

Much blessings on your new year and thank you for getting mine off into a "poking" good start. As the commercial used to say--"Thanks, I needed that.

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

Arow, how great to hear from you!
 
I also love that version of 'Over the Rainbow' and had a similar reaction when seeing the man. It says a lot about us doesn't it? It's enough his voice is like liquid gold.
 
It's always a joy to read your posts. I shall have a head so large after your words about me, I will need a bigger hat!
I like your New Year Resolution. Mine is "I am good enough." Betty, I haven't stolen it from you. It's one I often gave to healing clients and now I need it.
 
I shall have to come back tomorrow and read your post properly, as I don't have time now.
 
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year with plenty of sunshine.
 
Love, Jude

Love is the only way

Dearest Jude
 
You are good enough as you are a wonderful person you move mountains for so many people and I wish you all the love and healing in this world...
 
Love Sandra xxxx
 

 
Dear Arrow
  
I ask each of you reading this, to care for something (no, I'm not suggesting you have to 'go do this' or 'go do that') that has absolutely nothing to do with you - even for a minute, better for a day
 
I know that if we all try to help others in return we get so much back.
 
Jude said this to me and these two words are the same ,bless you Jude...
 
I strongly believe that we are all born to help each other, and that giving and receiving is the same.
 
Sandra
 
 

 
 
 

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love~and be loved in return♥♥  


 

Dear Arow,
 
I am so pleased to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words, I am just doing my job. I don't have to be original, just respond. And this time I am not the first one either. What gets in the way of responding now at length is FOOD. I need to get going on our dinner to which we invited our neighbor as in years past. Then, Leon could do the pork roast and I the rest, now it's all up to me! I do get his moral support and instructions!
 
Have a happy New Year! The days are lengthening which I know you appreciate!
Until later,
Much love,
Edda

Peace and joy!

Dear Arow, and everyone,
I used your link to Israel's "Over the Rainbow" and discovered afterwards, the most beautiful version of "You are the wind beneath my wings"
 
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=xPJeD6DvQ94&feature=related
 
What you said about his voice on "Over the Rainbow" is spot on. It really does sound like that!
"Hearing his voice is like a speeding roller-coaster that only has gentle rises and dips and curves that spiral into the sky."
 
Jude
 
 

Love is the only way

Deaer Arow,

I'm finally back as I promised.  The dinner turned out just fine, and I am about finished cleaning up!

There are several points in what you wrote that caught my attention.

Isn't it disappointing that others don't take our well-meant advice?  Well, I learned a long time ago that I can't change others. It is hard enought to change myself, and how much do I listen to advice????

The thing most often asked for in group prayer is patience. I've had now more than a year of  trying to practice it, and it doesn't get all that much easier. We just need to keep trying!

I am often amused or amazed when I see the picture of someone I had imagined from what I had heard or read, or even when I meet the person. I am sure this is true for others concerning myself.

When I get irritated or upset with somebody's action I have to ask myself as to why it happened. Often the person's action has nothing to do with myself, and may have an understandable reason.

Your suggestion to do something for another that has nothing to do with oneself reminds me of what was popular some time ago, to do Random Acts of Kindness, those acts no one else knows about, where we have no idea of the outcome, and don't even expect to be thanked. Isn't it nice when total strangers do something nice for us unexpectedly? I does feel warm. We hope to make others feel that way.

Again, have a great New Year, and, please, visit more often!  

Much love,
Edda

Peace and joy!

Oh Jude,

You guide people like me without even making an effort. For my words to flatter you (although, I understand there's a few more talented haberdasheries your side the pond than mine), means nothing. Yet, the brevity in your flattery composes the volumes that my spirit hears. Blessed be, dearest. And, thank you!

Hildy (gosh, I don't know if Solomon and Richard got together to teach you, or vicer versa, or if someother force has been behind the subtle blending! lol!):

"Isn't it disappointing that others don't take our well-meant advice?  Well, I learned a long time ago that I can't change others. It is hard enough to change myself, and how much do I listen to advice????"
.... And, how funny is it that 'we' seem to attract others that are more stubborn than ourselves, eh? I know that's been *my* lesson in humility for a few lifetimes, now! LOL I feel that your ascertation of the difficulties of sharing knowledge is too true! But, isn't there a bit of fun in just knowing the difference; and trying to learn the tools that some of us are meant to use to convey that concept - that difference, to others? Double-edged (heavens-to-betsy! I love the idea of devil's advocate!) it is, this 'knife' called 'life'...

I truly do love it when I mention something that amuses/amazes you the way it does me ("when I see the picture of someone I had imagined from what I had heard or read, or even when I meet the person"). It kinda diminishes that "I-know-I'm-not-crazy-so-someone-else-has-GOT-to-see-this" state of insecurity that I, and us, all too often find ourselves in.

Random acts of kindness, did you mention? HA! I live for practicing random kindness and committing senseless acts of beauty! Afterall, for me, that's the whole point of creation. As waves roll in and erode stone cliffs to sand, as a lioness eases a feeble baby antelope's pain, as a rainbow touches the ocean. *random* kindness; *senseless* acts of beauty. It is, I like to think, the Creator in motion. I don't have to like it or agree with it, just accept it for the beauty that it is. Without reminders like this, I might just forget why a simple melody moves me to tears (Thanks, Israel!).

I can't help but be tickled over the most unique mispelling of 'dear' (or should I say 'deaer'?) I've ever come across (almost as though you, inadvertently, paid homage to a Gaelic ancestor in your lineage, maybe?). It's a pain when we're so busy typing that the fingers get lost in translation - yet, so indicative of our nature. If, for no other reason, that makes typos too dang funny to me! (Don't cry because it's over; laugh because it happened!)

BTW, if what you're doing is 'just doing your "job"' then I'm grateful the Creator had sense enough to secure your employ! Many blessings, sweet sister! Also, I guess the food reference is another testament to the Creator's quirky sense of humor, huh? Still, it's as I expected - *I'm* not surprised!

Sandra:
(Not meant in the 'administrate' 'corrected' tone...) It's aRow - one "r". My birth name, as opposed to a traditional, double-consonant spelling, was spelled with a single consonant - much as 'Michelle' might be spelled 'Michele.' When I accepted Arow (with one 'r' but pronounced 'arrow' as you spelled it), the phonetics/spelling were adopted from my mother's original intent, to pay homage to her. But, you can call me 'Arow' 'Faith' or '1faith.' I've learned that the uniqueness of my name is usually more confusing than most, so I encourage you to choose a version most comortable to you. Afterall, you *can* call me anything - as long as its not 'late for dinner.' LOL I'm glad that I could offer alternative adjectives that still related to you - in relation to the value of 'return on energy.' I do hope you've seen the movie 'Pay It Forward' because, if you haven't, I'd know of no other wrong to right! And don't, for a minute, think that I might not have stolen the whole idea from J, either. 'Knowing wisdom' and 'practicing wisdom' are two entirely different things - and, although  difficult to describe, it's easy to see the difference when it's right in front of you. (Hildy: thanks for highlighting the obvious. Jude: thanks for giving Hilda a reason to use her highlighter!)

I'll pop through here and there - but it's easy to over-indulge, so please forgive my absence from time to time. Writing in these forums is like opening a flood gate: Just enough opening relieves the strain on the damn - too much destroys the homes below. Daggnabbit lessons of life are everywhere - MODERATION!

I'm terribly glad that the darkest days of the season have passed and anticipate a beautifully stormy Spring. Summer might be quiet - but I feel Spring will really ROAR this year! Thunderstorms, and blossoms, and rains, Oh, My!

Merry part, and merry meet, again!

The Goddess is alive and there is magick afoot.
Arow Blackdragon
Valley of the Kings

Merry part, and merry meet, again!

 
Dear Arow, I hope not for too long!! there has been a ray of sunshine on the Forum these past few days and I fear you are going to take it......as you love it so much!
 
Blessings, Jude

Love is the only way

Dear Arow
 
Sorry for getting your name wrongsometimes I jump in without reading
 
forgive me.
 
Sandra

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love~and be loved in return♥♥  


 

Dear Arow,

Thank you for more kind words! As Jude pointed out a person might get a swollen head, although I know that in part you are teasing me. Not to worry, soon enough something will happen to deflate my head and my ego!
 
As to typos, they often add some unintended humor! Mine has no profound meaning! I had already corrected something but overlooked the first misspelled word!

Much love,
Edda

Peace and joy!

better late than never.
Thank you Arow and Jude for the links.
I have heard Israel's beautiful music, but didn't know his name or who he was . . . a Bright Spirit.
I do believe in paying it forward,
'practicing random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty',
and finding a bit of joy in the darkest day
Happy New Year to All . . .
with much hope and love . . .
sparrow

everything counts... ♥