Breaking the Rules

It is very, very hard for a Capricorn to break the rules, not without losing her breath or acquiring a handful of mysterious pains all over her body. I don’t break the rules because rules are established standards that we all can rely on.  Capricorns usually write the rules or uphold the rules in questionable situations.

Now I am an older Capricorn and Elderly Goats can’t quite reach the same levels or jump over the same hurdles as younger, rule-abiding folks. That’s my story anyway. And rules are only as good as the community that agrees to their implementation. Besides, don’t we have one face for society and another for what serves us best? Or is that just me. lol I’m getting to the point, I really am.

Finally, after several lackluster attempts at portraying needs and expressing faithful obedience, I’ve negotiated a stronger pill prescription from my doctor in order to cut them down to halves, saving me money in the long run. Nobody knows about this except me…. and you. You won’t tell anybody, will you? 

I’m quite delirious with my act of rebellion. But I’m still a little nervous about the ground shifting under my feet by breaking the rules. Goats prefer solid footing on expected, familiar ground. I mean…. I know the Pharmaceutical Police won’t come crashing through my door shooting me with truth serum. And I don’t think they have the authority to freeze my checking account for monies lost by doubling my meds.  I mean…. will they?  do they?  Um…. you can see my problem.  But for today, I’m doing ok… and getting better with how things work when you care enough to work them.

So tell me, do you break the rules? I promise….. I won’t tell.

Best Wishes, Whisel*

Monarch Butterfly

I watched a PBS program on the migration of the Monarch Butterfly from Canada to Mexico. Though that in itself is an amazing feat, the new fact that I gained concerned the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.

 

I thought the insect carried on as caterpillar until it made the transformation to butterfly. But new information says it must it must crack and shed its skin four times before it readies for the final transformation into the chrysalis stage. So that’s five different reinventions of itself before it emerges as a completely different animal ready to fly.

 

The butterfly metaphor is sometimes used as a symbol of becoming one’s true and full self. I always wondered why the change for humons seemed rather long-suffering and inexplicably difficult. Now I understand. I didn’t have all the details to make this metaphor work. Now it does.

 

It’s possible that our being must be cracked apart several times before we can enter the chrysalis stage at the fifth reinvention. Yes, I am like a butterfly that has split apart, emptied, re-created and renewed at least four or more times. Maybe I am in the chrysalis stage of breaking free. Or maybe I am already on wing.

 

It’s heartening to know that certain changes are required, must be endured to come to the immensity of becoming so light and seeing a bigger perspective of the world. The evolution of a lifetime.

 

Best wishes, Whisel*

 

Altered Art

Just one more interesting way of constructing or deconstructing an artistic expression. It’s kinda -like a combination of collage, scrapbooking, assembling and journaling. The concept was developed from taking an original artifact: book, box, painting, jewelry, fabric, anything & everything etc. and re-inventing it into a newer, personal art item. My first few tries were rather tepid pieces, but I am collecting (oh no, not more collecting!) more resources for future, and hopefully, more inspired products.

Here are some Altered Art Items I found on the web.

What kind of art forms are you working on right now?  Since we are all creative people, there is usually something we are making, assembling, forming, crafting or putting together in some way, be it physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual. I am convinced that by thoughts, sound or motions we are forming and reforming creative structures.  Tell me what you know about yourself as a Creator.

Best wishes, Whisel*

At Last

I’m back from my honeymoon period, falling in love with the First Family. What a grand time I had watching the Inaugural events, including the Kids Inaugural Concert. Just amazing, electric, enthralling. And when Barack and Michelle danced to Beyonce singing: “At Last”, I was paralyzed, awestruck, totally enamored with the beauty and energy of this couple and their family.

 

 

Like many Americans, I feel renewed, freed from being held hostage for the last eight years. I felt like an outsider, an ex-patriot living in my own country. But times are being made right-side up again, people are waking up, blooming again. I am celebrating my identity of being an American.

 

It is early in the new days of welcoming. It is brutal, these first steps that have to correct the many wrongs, but we have a beginning, a lift-off, a bright and powerful launch… out of the darkness. I am cheering. I am wishing. I’m a realist in many ways, but I’m a believer too. Congratulations to all of us!

 

Best wishes, Whisel*

Twelve Month Journey

 

I have completed another year. Another fabulous, freaky, wonderful, wacky year.

I am happy… to be here, to be heard, to love and be loved.

 

The high-lights of the last 12 month go like this ~

                    Fabulous Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Walker Museum

                    Sony Laptop Computer

                    Portable easel and paintings

                    Mexican, Chinese and Tibetan Restaurants

                    BOOKS: Journey of Souls, Destiny of Souls,

                           Peace Pilgrim, Thomas Merton, Pema Chodrun

                    Floaters in my eyes, polymyalgia

                    Bejiing Olympics (watching the opening ceremonies)

                    PROJECTs: 4×6 cards blessing cards, mixed media

                             Head & Figure Collage Series

                             Converting the Dining Room into a Balcony

                             Scrapbooking my Daughter’s Art Work

                             Lake Como painting series

 

And witnessing the a most wonderful campaign, run by Hilary Clinton for President. Celebrating a most wonderful candidacy of a Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, and eventually President-elect.

 

The Rocking Horse Whisel* <—- one lucky Capricorn

 

Keep Moving

Happy New Year dear Posters and Readers!

I hope your holiday season was cheery. Personally, I’m always glad for the New Year to roll around… fresh beginnings and all that jazz. True to form, I do make a list of daily or weekly/monthly actions I wish to practice…. yet again. Nothing new. Like most resolves, they have to do with health and well-being. Undoubtedly, these are the areas in which most of us languish. Why is it that the physical disciplines are the first to go around February or March? Hm….

I don’t now about you, but I’d much rather indulge myself in creative or pleasure-able pursuits. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day isn’t that much fun, nor am I able to do it. So I might add 4 more ounces to my already sparse imbibing. Getting up early, going to bed early doesn’t catch my fancy, though I might be able to make a 2o minute correction on either end…. sometimes on some days. 

But the biggest kicker, for me anyway, is activity levels. I thought I was doing great having my 3X a week, 30 minute exercise routine, but alas, I find out that’s not enough. I’m supposed to…. Keep Moving, at least 2 to 3 minutes out of every hour, plus stretches, plus range of motion, plus weights, plus cardiovascular. Seems incredible to me that even at rest I’m supposed to be doing some anterior muscle tightenings. haha

The body I have today is not in sync with any of the current exercise machines, so I must  just paddle about the house more often and efficiently. I am encourage to keep moving even when I’m sitting. I did find a delightful piece of equipment that might satisfy my nature and need.

A rocking horse for adults! Can you believe it?!? The price is a bit hefty and I know I won’t buy it, but how fun would it be to rock and ride a play-horse like we did in childhood? I’m sure there’s a calorie burn in there somewhere.    Even smiling or laughing about it is healthy.

Ok now, my time in front of the computer is up. I’ve got to keep moving. Maybe I’ll shuffle about for 2 to 3 minutes, rest a bit, pop in a Richard Simmons disc and sing along with the music. Happy days!  lol

And what activities do you enjoy? Or maybe not enjoy, but perhaps given yourself to practice?

See you around the ole corral. Yippee-yi-oh-kai-yayyy! 

Best wishes, Whisel*