Autumn Winds

Life Changes Again

2011-06-25T20:18:00.000-06:00

I decided to check in once again as life stresses are winding down. Imagine my surprise to realize it has been over a year!

Due to health concerns, I did not get further than the Magician in my Synopsis, but I am still working card by card. I will try to take the time to do more (maybe a card a month) but summer time is also a very busy time.

Current Projects:
I am working on some new designs for my jewelry, sculptures, knitting patterns and even an Altar Kit. I am very excited about these and hope to have them finished in a few months...again, time constraints. I really need to learn to manage my time and stress better. =D

One I finish my projects, I will be selling some on Etsy.com

Tarot Magician Analysis

2010-02-22T13:11:00.005-07:00

Today we are going to review the 1-Magician/Magic/High Priest. As posted before, I am going to place the cards that Janet has listed for us first and the cards I have myself to study later in the post. The synopsis will follow. I am also going to mix up my own cards some, highlighting a different card now and again.

Image Links and Copyright information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Affirmations:
1. Life is an ongoing, learning process.
2. Do not be afraid to use what you have learned.
3. If you strive for your goals, you can reach them.
4. Listen to your intuition.
5. You have that spark of elemental power inside you (Earth= body, Air – Breath/thought, Fire = drive, passion, Water = emotions/feelings).

KEYWORDS

POSITIVE

Competence

Connections

Skill/Abilities

Ongoing Learning

Comfort

Organization

Adaptability

Use of Knowledge

Problem Solving

NEUTRAL

Magic

Confident

Caution

Rigidity

Transformation

Standing Between

Part of the Continuum

Taking Responsibility

SHADOW

Cunning

Arrogant

Untrustworthy

Egocentric

Dangerous

Incompetent

Low Self Esteem

MAGICIAN in POSITION: (Using positive, neutral and shadow meanings, and some of the spread positions from the zodiac, Celtic cross, 3-card, mystic pyramid and personal reading spreads)

• Past – You have taken the time to learn an avenue of study or become more aware of thing around you.

• Present – You are putting into motion the things that you have learned so far.

• Future – A transformation is coming…will it be easy or challenging?  Will you work for it or take the easy way out?

• Career -  You can have success if you truly work for it.  If you become lackadaisical then you will find it slipping through your fingers.

• Strength – a show of initial success, awareness of all things around you; you are not afraid to take action,  you have great organization skills, as well as many other skills.  You love to learn.

• Weakness – you may have a problem putting what you have learned into action, also you may have a problem with -ego, lying, too blunt, may be confused or looking for an easy way out, a possible lack of willpower.

• Romance – There may be a person or situation where inspiration, intuition, emotions and body contact (all the elements) will come together.  Look for someone who is scholarly or currently studying something new, and putting that study into practice.

• Atmosphere/Environment – Depending on the surrounding cards, it could mean something happening in one of the four elemental areas, emotion, inspiration, bodily situations, etc.  Also could predict physical environment changes.

• Outcome – Again, depending on the surrounding cards, The Magus points to great opportunities or failures depending on what one puts into the events.

• First Impression- A competent person who is just starting to be able to use the skills and knowledge that they have learned.  They still have much to learn yet, but feel like they can take on the world.

• Values – Curiosity and a desire to take the next step and see what will happen.  Self-indulgent and ego driven.

• Communication Style – Loud and ostentatious.

• Home – Competent and able to help things to move forward.  Always looking for the next thing, piece of knowledge, or what might be on the horizon.

• Money – organization and problem solving skills will come into play.   Be careful of untrustworthy  associations.

• Legacies – What knowledge do you have that you can pass on?  Look to the things you have learned and what you still may need to learn to assist future generations.

• Ambition – What new things can you accomplish or learn at this time.  Look toward bestirring yourself and your knowledge.  Would you like to go back to school, learn a new profession, or a new skill?  What can you do to build on the skills you have?

• Fears – Fear of failure, being ridiculed, not knowing enough or using your knowledge unwisely.   An attitude of, “If I can’t do it right the first time then I may as well not try at all.”

• Parenting Style – Willing to teach by example.  See what I do?  An attitude of arrogance, being able to accomplish anything but not admitting to any type of failure.

Magician Links on the Web:

(Okay, here is four links to Magician-type behavior...the fifth is a photo I am supplying)

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/101938/magic_went_wrong/  Because every magician is still learning.
 http://www.themagiclibrarian.com/  Because the Magician is a leering position!
http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml/Trickster?fwd=1&qpvt=trickster&src=abop&q=trickster The Magician is a trickster!
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/141882-116548-shaman_large.jpg A shaman.

Every woman (or mr. mom) has had experience in the wonderful world of  a homemaker.  Even if you are not involved in a relationship, just running your own house can call for the use of Magician-type skills!

click on Image to read the fine print!

Illustrations Top of page:

Illustrations Right side of page:

The Wonderful World of Elements

2010-02-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to review the 1-Magician card, we find a placement of all of the elements within the card. Even the most basic card seems to incorporate these elemental symbols. This brings us to a question, “What does each of these elements symbolize, or mean?” There are as many resources and onions as there are people who have them.

I have been studying this for a long time and have come to some conclusions that work for me. The main key here is that you have to figure out what works best for you. So, having stated that let us now take a look at the elements and their meanings as I stand in the Northern Hemisphere:

EARTH: Earth is the element that is most stable and dependable. It represents abundance, prosperity, and wealth, and is creative - but in a practical and physical manner. Symbolized by the Season of Winter, where the earth rests and prepares for the coming year, its time indication is Midnight or Night; and the direction is North.

Earth is usually symbolized by coins, pentacles, disks, stones, and diamonds. Earth is known as a feminine card and usually is shown in colors of green, brown, gold & white. When I find the element Earth in my cards, I look at the body, growth, money, creativity, birth, death, material gain, fertility, birth, healing, rocks, trees, animals, manifestation, materialization, crystals, silence, metal, empathy, grounding, employment, stability, success, runes, strength, practical wisdom, mystery. Magical references: Gardening, grounding, magnet, image, stone, tree, knot, and binding.

AIR: The element of air is associated with metal process and the mind. It is creative and is that which causes magical intentions to become manifest. It is also associated with higher consciousness, wisdom, divination, and purification. Symbolized by the Season of Spring, as the new seeds of life are carried on the winds, the time indication is Dawn; and the direction is East.

One of the controversial Elements, Air can be symbolized by either Wand or Sword. Personally I symbolize Air with Wands, Staffs, and Clubs. Air is a Masculine card and usually shown in colors of yellow, light blue, grey and white. When I find the Element of Air I look to mind, mental and psychic work, intuition, knowledge, abstract thought, wind, breath, clouds, inspiration, hearing, herbal knowledge, plant growth, purification, freedom, revealing truth, finding lost things, instruction, telepathy, memory, learning the secrets of the dead, Zen, intensify, new beginnings, illuminations. Magical References: Divination, concentration, prophecy, visualization, wind magick, and karma.

FIRE: The Element of Fire is associated with change and passion. It is both physical and spiritual, being related to sexuality and to divinity. Fire magick is quickly manifested and filled with primal energy. The Season for Fire is Summer, as the heat of the year warms us all, the time indication is Noon; and the direction is South.

The other controversial Element, Fire is symbolized by either Wand or Sword. Personally I use the Sword, Dagger, Arrows and Spades. Fire is a Masculine Element and is symbolized by the colors Red, Gold, Crimson, Orange and White. When I find the Element of Fire, I look at energy, sexuality, passions, love, authority, transformation, purification, candle flames, sun, blood, healing, destruction, will, creativity, flame, heat, bonfires, hearth fires, protection, courage, strength, physical exercise, self-knowledge, loyalty, vision, illumination, power. Magical References: Candle, storm, and time.

WATER: The element of water is associated with the subconscious mind, intuition, and emotions. As the primal substance of life, it is symbolized by the womb and is related to fertility. The season of Water is Autumn, as the year nears the end, while the time indicator is Twilight/Dusk; the direction of Water is West.

Feminine energies rule this element and are symbolized as a Cup/Chalice, Cauldron, Bowls, Hearts. When I find the element Water in my cards, I look at emotions, feelings, love, courage, the unconscious mind, intuition, the womb, marriage, friendship, happiness, dreams, sleep, healing, menstruation, fertility, cleansing, purification, vision quests, self-healing, sorrow, reflection, psychic ability, oceans, rivers, lakes, rain, springs and wells. Magical References: Magic involving the sea, snow or ice, mirror, magnet, rain, cleansing and purification.

Free Tarot Readings

2010-02-11T20:30:00.005-07:00

TAROT READINGS ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE TIME BEING. LIFE HAS INTERFERED AGAIN. I WILL POST WHEN THE SITUATION CHANGES

I will be giving 1 to 2 free tarot readings a day. Simply fill out your First and Last Name, your Email Address and a Single Question in the form below. You will be placed on the list and the reading will be emailed to you upon completion.

NOTE: If you have any trouble using the form or with the anti-spam codes, please email me directly with the answers to the form at AutumnRa@gmail.com .

Formmailer

Spice Chai Tea

2010-02-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Description: "A spice blend tea."

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Standing Time: 3 - 5 minutes

Recipe By :RaAnn Clegg

Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:05

Categories : Teas

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

4 bags Black Tea -- abt. 4 Tbls

1/2 teaspoon Ginger -- ground

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon -- ground

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg -- ground

1/4 teaspoon Clove -- ground

1/4 tablespoon Cardamom -- ground

4 cups water

1 tablespoon Milk

1 teaspoon Honey

Heat water until ALMOST boiling, remove from heat.

Add tea mix into pan or kettle. Let seep for 5 minutes.

Pour into cups, straining tea.

Add milk and honey as desired.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown item: Black Tea): 12 Calories; trace Fat (17.8% calories from fat); trace Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 10mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Non-Fat Milk; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES :

* Tea and Spices may be mixed together and stored in an airtight container away from light and heat until ready to use.

* Mixed tea and spices make a good Gift-in-a-Jar type gift for special occasions. Just add instructions to mix the tea into hot water and serve as desired.

ALTERATIONS:

* Add 1/2 tsp Orange Zest to spices for a hint of Citrus.

* You can mix the ready made tea, cooled, with ice for an ice smoothie.

* Substituted 1/2 the water during the cooking stage for milk and then add ice for a creamy smoothie.

Tarot & Superstition

2010-01-29T09:06:00.004-07:00

A question arose recently about what you do with your Tarot Cards, and how you store them. Well, I could cleanse a new deck with shuffling 7 to 13 times; maybe I let them sit in the Sunlight or Moonlight for a time; or I may do a ritual on an altar, shrine, etc; or carry them with me to church in my pocket so that they may absorb the energies. There are so many various way, and I have heard so many people tell me about different things they do, or don't do.

To store the deck I could spend a fortune on "special" bags to hold my deck, or make my own out of a material that I find and like; I could make or buy a wooden box, or store them in the box that the deck came in. I could throw it on the shelve with my books and other decks. Again, the options are limitless.

“So you let other people touch your decks?” was another question. For me, No, but then mo one in my household is interested in my decks but me, and my Tarot reading are mostly through email.

What about cutting the deck and shuffling? I have also heard many variations of don't and do. Such as cutting/dealing with left or right had specifically.

The information that I have gathered goes on and on...

So you may ask, what does this have to do with Superstition? Well, a few answers received included phrases about not doing anything special because "I am not Superstitious about it". This is fine for the individuals who feel this way; however, it pricked me and made me wonder about myself. After much thought on the matter, I have come to some conclusions. The cleansing, storage and the "no-touch" policy I have about my Tarot decks are NOT due to a superstition I hold about my decks.

On Wikipedia you find, "Superstition is a credulous belief or notion, not based on reason, knowledge, or experience. The word is often used pejoratively to refer to folk beliefs deemed irrational. This leads to some superstitions being called "old wives' tales". It is also commonly applied to beliefs and practices surrounding luck, prophecy and spiritual beings, particularly the irrational belief that future events can be influenced or foretold by specific unrelated prior events."

So, why do I have these certain "rituals" or beliefs when working with my cards? Through many years of study on various subjects I have found two truths, THAT WORK FOR ME...

1. Thought has "real" power to change things.

2. Everything has an Energy.

When working with my Tarot, I prefer to "clear" the energies that they have by "cleaning" them in the Sunlight, shuffling extra times, etc. With me as the only one to touch the cards (my readings are mostly email, and my Husband has never showed an interest in them), I ensure that my energy is the only one on the cards. Then I "cleanse" by shuffling before and after to cleanse the probable energies from the person I am working with (because thought has "real" power).

Beliefs are very varied and can be different from each person's point of view. Have you heard that two people, standing side by side, can witness a crime and the

Officer taking statements will receive two different versions of what exactly happened? The truth lies in between the two explanations, or is based on your point of view.

So, leaving all religious beliefs out of the equation, what is right? Whatever you

choose to do with your own cards, your own storage and your clients is up to you. No person can say that it is wrong if You feel it is right in your own circumstances.

I do not feel that how I cleanse and store my cards are based on Superstition, because what I do with them is something I found, that works for Me...and I discovered it on my own. I do this not because someone, or a book, or a religion, or a family tradition told me I had to; but because it "felt" right to do FOR ME.

Simple and plain, it is all a matter of how you look at it, where you are coming from, and your own experiences. I do not think that it is a matter of

"Superstition". =)

Want to read more about Tarot and Superstition? Check out Margaret Ruth's article, Tarot Myths and Superstitions. It is a great place to start.

Tarot Up!

2010-01-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to interpret the Tarot, just as there are many, many Tarot Decks out there. It does not matter what skill level you are, each new deck is a new experience; like being reunited with an old friend and seeing those changes that come to us all with time. I am listing alternative names here because one of the decks that I seam to resonate with is The Sacred Circle Tarot deck by Anna Franklin and illustrated by Paul Mason. This turns some of the cards around from the "traditional"

placement and names, but is really quite intriguing.

I have spent a wonderful three weeks studying the Fool/Greenman.

I feel now as if I have a constant friend in the Fool. Although I have been reading for years, I feel as if I have learned so much. It is just that new perspective and confidence I needed. I am excited to continue with this new insight.

So, I say Tarot Up! It is time to move on to the next card, The Magician/High Priest. What new wonders will I see and learn watching the Magician? What new insights will I find about myself talking with the High Priest?

Tis class is great because you learn to personalize each card, so that it becomes easy for you to remember the "feelings" of a card as well as the meanings. Gone are the days of Rote Answers because this or that deck says "this IS the meaning!"

Of all the readings I have given since beginning this course, I have had exceptional results. Even when I drew cards that made me say, "Wait, that can't be right"... but then in the analysis it was right on! I can not give Janet more praise in her teaching and ideas. She gave us the ideas to explore, but we are the Oracles for the Cards. Finally, I feel as comfortable with my Tarot Cards as I do with my Runes. It is such a good feeling!

If you are interested in learning this new twist on Comparative & Intuitive Reading (and remembering) your cards, check out Janet Boyer at http://janetboyer.com. The current Tarot Class is closed; however, a new class will be starting soon! Check out her Tarot Class page at http://janetboyer.com/Tarot_Classroom.html . Also be sure to check out Janet's Tarot Card revievs: http://janetboyer.com/Reviews_Decks.html ; she has a very easy to understand synopsis of many different decks and images of some of the cards, with links to Amazon and other sites if you would like more information or to purchase. This has been invaluable to me, as there is nothing worse then getting a deck you purchased because you like a card they showed...but then once you get the deck you did not resonate with it. Tarot and other Oracle decks cost too much to spend money on something you are not going to use at least once in a while. Janet's site has been a great help in this for me.

Fool Bonus - Dæmon Animal

2010-01-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

As part of a side quest (assignment) we were asked to answer the following questions about animal companions. This was taken from the companions that most of the Fool cards show. I have given this a lot of thought. Just what animals do I have around me all the time? My constant companion was my guide dog Loki. He passed on November 5, 2009. I have never been more affected by a death as I was by his. I received him at six weeks old, from a local animal shelter. He was a Black Lab, Blue Healer mix; I raised him and trained him myself. I rarely went anywhere without him. I also have my Sassy, miniature Boston Terrier. She is my heart now, but we both miss Loki. So, on to the questions...

1. What animal companion would YOU have by your side at this time?

As a child my animals were wolf, tiger, seal, otter and eagle. I was drawn to at least one of them daily. I also was drawn to snakes of all types; although later I found a fear of poisonous ones. The coyote and wolf was my constant companion by the time I reached adolescence. Recently I have had cats follow me or come up to me for no reason, I have been face to face with hummingbirds on a regular basis and had starlings perch on me out of the blue. But, I nearly always have my dogs by my side.

Over the last several years though I have been drawn more and more to Birds, specifically the Raven and the Owl. I think my companion still shifts a bit though, and this may be due to the feelings I have of entering a “second childhood”. In some cultures, both the Owl and the Raven is believed to be a shape shifter in its own right. Maybe this is why I cannot settle on just the Raven?

2. What part of your personality does it reflect?

Both Ravens and Owls the ability to see things that are hidden. They both are secret keepers, tied to messages, the unknown, have a tie to the spiritual world, divination and clairvoyance, omens and magic. Raven is an observer. While Raven symbolizes my change in consciousness, healing interests and skills, a certain mischievousness and adaptability. Owl is quiet stealth, the teacher and communicator. The Owl symbolizes my search for wisdom, love of freedom, following dreams, observational skills and seeking/giving total truth as I perceive it. Also of note, Barn owls are the ones who can hear what is not spoken and see things without physical sight.

3. How does it serve you?

I listen to them every day. (I live in a rural area.) I watch for unusual actions, signs or messages. Like listening to the wind. Many may not understand this but there is a special feeling and understanding you can receive by paying attention to Nature around you. Even a shift in the wind can talk to you if you know what to watch for. I know that an unusual number of sightings or unusual behavior may mean I need to look at something in my life more closely. Also it sometimes indicates upcoming events or concerns that will touch my life.

Tarot Fool Analysis

2010-01-20T00:35:00.001-07:00

Our first assignment is very complex and there is a lot of homework! lol I have loved every minute of this class so far. I am going to place the cards that Janet has listed for us to you and the cards I have myself to study. Then there will be a synopsis of my interpretation of this card 0 - Fool/Greenman.

Image Links and Copyright information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Fool Affirmations

1. Be willing to listen to those around you.

2. Remember that there are consequences to every action.

3. Be willing to follow your dreams.

4. Keep one foot on the ground.

5. No matter how much knowledge you carry, you still have much to learn.

Keywords
POSITIVE

Fun loving

Showing light on the subject

Anticipation

New Beginnings

New Endeavors

Happy

Dream state of being

A realization that there is a “self” and a look into that self

Childlike wonder of life

Excitement

Fresh Start

Joy

Curiosity

See the beauty in even the simplest things

You are never truly alone

A companion is near (may be friend, family, spirits, guides, teacher, Deity, etc.)

Potential

NEUTRAL

Quiet companion by your side

Can you see through the illusions?

Chasing Dreams

Wanderer

We have to make our own choices

Consequences

Extremes in life

Travel

Contemplation

Warning from Spirit Companions

Keep your feet on solid ground

Messages to start a Journey with?

Duties to see to before adventures

Contemplation of existence

Openness

Leap of Faith

NEGATIVE

Risk Taking

Warning from Companion

Unmotivated

Careless

Denial of responsibilities

Extremes

Love of life to the exclusion of personal safety

Disorganization

Naive

Fear of dangers known and unknown.

Rebellious

Foolish

Know-it-All Attitudes

Fool in the position of:   (I tried to show both positive and negative aspects in most of these)
• Past:    Could be a new endeavor started previously; or a state of mind, i.e. naïve, open, rebellious, etc.; accident in the past?
• Present:  A state of being, i.e. disorganized, unmotivated, contemplative, chasing dreams.
• Future:  What may you do or experience?  Start of new endeavor, Warning received, extremes in life, fresh start; danger.
• Career:  Where are you in your career or work; how are you looking at your work or your attitudes?
• Strength:  Where does your strength lay?  Are you listening to communication from co workers or walking blindly on?
• Weakness:  What do you need to work on?  Can you face those fears and get your mind back on the ground?
• Romance:  Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith.  What emotions are present?  Are you acting foolish, contemplative or excited?
• Atmosphere/Environment:  What warnings and dangers do you need to be aware of?  Can you see the beauty all around you?
• Outcome:  Depending on the corresponding cards it could be a warning  of dangers or an encouragement to take a chance.
• First Impression:  Joy of life, Oblivious to all but his own thoughts; failure to listen.
• Values:  Depending on the negative or positive factors, there is hope, joy, optimism, carelessness, rebelliousness, nativity, extremes.
• Communication Style: Listen to your  Intuition, listen to family, friends, and what is said around you.  You are responsible for your own decisions but you also need to take into account what others have to say.
• Home:  See to the duties and obligations you have; you are not taking your responsibilities seriously.  Be joyful.
• Money:  Control foolish or unwise behaviors; you may be in a position soon to reach for your dreams.
• Legacies:   We are responsible for our own choices and what we leave behind.  Think of the consequences of every action.  Listen and pass on what you learn.
• Ambition:  Follow your dreams; be careful where you step on your path.
• Fears:  Fears of taking a chance, fears of failure or danger.
• Parenting Style:  Show the beauty in all things, the consequences of every action and the joy of taking a chance to reach a dream.  Follow through on things and understand and acknowledge that you do not know it all.  Listen to others and consider what they have to offer you in advice.

Online Fool Images
Do not mistake these Fool images to imply that I mean that these are "fools". Listed below was the reason that these images/people were chosen for a modern representation of the characteristics of the Fool Card.

1. Loving life to the exclusion of personal safety. http://tiny.cc/7wsVt

2. 2. Fun loving, Travel, excitement, love of life: http://tiny.cc/T44aq

3. 3. Even good things can come of tragedy. Victory Junction was created because of an accident and tragedy. Now the Petty family help disabled and ill children across the country to reach their dreams. http://tiny.cc/lHvbK

4. 4. In his first term; first time around so to speak. New beginnings happen all the time. How does such a public figure deliver what is necessary without doing foolish things. He has followed his dream but I am sure that the fears he faces are tough ones. He must constantly try to weed out the good advice from the bad. So, (no political stance meant by this photo) Pres. Obama. http://tiny.cc/LbDL6

5. 5. Because it does not matter where we are in life, or what our experience in things may be…we all start something new with every turn of the wheel. New beginnings, New endeavors, Following a dream: http://tiny.cc/sT8Lq

Illustrations Top of page:

Illustrations Right side of page:

First Lessons Tarot Class

2010-01-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

There has been a bunch of "homework" to do but it has been well worth it. I will be posting my Fool card and a synopsis of my findings soon. I am really enjoying this class and the fellow classmates I have.

Tarot Classes

2010-01-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

Although I have been studying and reading the Tarot for some time, I decided to take Janet Boyer's Tarot Class. It has been a wonderful experience! The class started on January 4th. My knowledge and understanding has grown in leaps and bounds since then.

Even though I have been reading Tarot and Runes for many years, it still amazes me how acurate it seems to be. When I do readings for others I find that I do best by email consultations. It has been cool. Working with Janet is like a one-on-one access to a wonderful knowledge base. She is great!

You can check out her and her abilities at http://janetboyer.com/index.html .

As time goes by I will post thoughts and results from my readings. I am so excited!

BOS

2010-01-07T09:57:00.002-07:00

I have been working for several months on my Book of Shadows (BOS). I have found that the more information I put into it, the more information I learn and want to add. At my sister's suggestion I am writing and typing it out. There is a lot of controversy about whether it is right to type and print your BOS. I think that what ever you do that helps you to keep the information is correct. How you secure it is what matters. My handwriting is horrible, maybe due to being a product of the technology age. I can do much better by typing it and then I have readers that can read it to me or I can print it in super large type for my continually failing eyesight.

So, I'm just about finished my Book of Shadows (as much as one is ever finished) and printing it out is the next step. Again, at my sister's suggestion, I am leaving a lot of empty pages so I can add to it by printing or by handwriting. It is at 1065 pages so far...but I think I have about 125 more pages (at 12 pt font) left to write. BIG BIG job, but fun and educational too.

Once Upon a Time...

2007-01-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

A good story always starts with "Once Upon a Time", but here that just may not be possible. My life sometimes seems like a fairy tale, full of demons, danger, castles by the sea and the ever present Prince Charming, but I learned a long time ago that life does not end in "happily ever after". Life is a challenge. Even the most perfect marriage is something that has to be worked at. Children are a blessing but also a challenge of their own. Everything that we do takes time and effort on our part.

I grew up, as you will see in future posts, with a lot of stress and problems. I suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder, I am Blind and there are many other things that plague me. I come from an abusive home. But in today's society I have seen that this can be said for so many of our adults now that it is not uncommon. One of the things that I hate the most is hearing people say that they can not do something or handle something because of what they have been through, seen or suffered from as they were growing up.

So, I will start with my own Motto:

Life is what you make of it. Your success or failure is not based on what has happened to you but on what you make happen. - R.Clegg

This is the advice that I came up with and have been giving to my children their whole lives. What you do with your life is up to you. You can reach for the stars if you choose. It really doesn't matter if you catch them though as long as you do your best. The leave change colors and the seasons change so siftly. Time moves on and once gone it can not come back. Remember that the joy is in the journey, not the destination, so make the best of what you have now.