Koans

I feed the butterflies this morning.
One was acting like it wanted to lay eggs.
I helped it to some parsley.

We will see if she was able to lay.

Teaching the butterflies to use the nectar pot has been stressful.
Thank goodness they were successful.
I love watching them feed.

I will need to get some royal jelly for them,
sugar water does not provide proteins.

I am working with a new Koan.
After years of working with "I do not understand"
I have realized I do not have to understand.
There is no way I could ever understand.
It is the 67th anniversary of the liberation of
Auschwitz, the concentration camp.
I cried this morning. I laid my sadness at the wall.

We were just children.
I have a new koan, "I don't know."

I am reading.

I am still celebrating Luna New Year.
I will celebrate until the Full Moon.
I will celebrate Dragons forever.

Tonight we will attend a gathering at our art gallery.
I have my patterns for doing some embroidery.

I hope to have a spot for all my needle work needs.

Getting organized is a 2012 goal for me.

Luna New Year is all about Spring.
"Soon to fly kites," I said to my hat.

Today we remember Lewis Carroll.
It is his birthday.

Alice in Wonderland is a family favorite.

We often quote "Alice in Wonderland."

I am very fond of the Gryphon, the Mock Turtle

and Mad Hatter.

I am taking a break.
I shall be unplugging February 1st.
We are going to redo my office.
We are starting our Spring cleaning.

I did my mailings for
March of Dimes.
It is a January ritual.

Every morning I read
  Earth and Sky.

Every day I look up and say my
prayers.

Frankincense

I have been using Frankincence essential oil for the last couple of weeks.

I love the way it smells. I have read it is good for reducing fine facial lines and excellent for breathing.

I inhale and hold the scent. It is divine.

I did a bit of spinning this afternoon.
I have my books and tea for later.

I do enjoy cold January days.

Who I am

I have accepted myself.

I may be a wee bit different

but I have found my way.

I have found my place of ease.

I have found my niche.

I sat outside in the sun.

I did a bit of reading.

I lit a candle this morning
and sent blessings.

I think of my friends and family each morning.
I think of their concerns.

I found my word, Yuga.
It is Japanese.
I have searched all my life for this word.
It means gracefulness and refinement
that is strongly infused with gentleness.

I have found peace.
I am a little bit of this
and a little bit of that.
I am content.

Gifts from the heart

My friend gave me a German Smoker.
I have a collection of them.
When she saw this one she knew it was meant for me.
We think of each other when we shop.
We think of each other as we go about our days.

We bubble up in each other's minds.
We send blessings and look forward to seeing each other.

My friend and I have known each other since Kindergarten.
We are heart to heart friends.
I have been blessed with her friendship.
She is a forever friend.
We make a point to talk at least once a week.
Even if it is just for a couple of minutes
we check in with each other.
We try and see each other once a month.
We make an effort.
We value each other.

She loves the Ebony Jewel Wings too
and the butterflies, the bees and the birds
 that call my backyard home.
She wants to hear about my adventures
and shares her stories with me.
We laugh and cry together.

We are sister friends.

Artist Date

When I unwrapped the tree topper for my antique ornament
tree it was broken.
 I knew I would be shopping for a replacement.

Much to my joy I was able to find one today
when we went on our Artist Date.

My tree is now looking beautiful.

We went to a fun resale sale today.
 I have already made plans to go again
on the first Friday in January with a girlfriend.

In December I am selecting a card from
the Animal Divine Tarot deck each day.
This morning I chose Mama Cocha.

Before this morning I knew nothing about this Incan Goddess.
I knew nothing about the triskelion.

I am always open to learn.
I did a wee bit of research on this ancient symbol.
Today we associate the Triskelion with Celtic art from the iron age.
It is also known as the three legs of man. It is the symbol of Brittany and Isle of Man and Sicily.
 Once again I am reminded of three in one.  I look to my mind, my body and my soul. I  remember to seek balance.
I am so happy to know of this ancient Goddess of the Ocean.
So happy to connect once again to my inner life.

Last spring I bought a Mancala board at the second hand shop.
I thought I would use it for beads and buttons
since I did not know how to play.
A search at the library turned up a book that has instructions. Tonight we will attempt to learn.
 Artist Date continues after supper!

I have fallen in love with the Pterosaur.
I am learning about them.
I had always thought they were called Pterodactyls.
I am learning differently.

I think I need another Christmas Tree.
A Swan Tree would be so lovely
and I need a Tree to honor the good Dragon.
 I think a Pterosaur Tree would be cool.
I will be shopping.
I found a spot in the hallway
 a few trees could spring up.

My Artist is ready to create!