The News: I shall endeavor to write a book about spirituality. Because there is much more than this ...

But it won't be just another book about spirituality.

It'll be about the idea of "more than".

Some of my inspiration comes from this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qta5_pY9y0

Throughout my life, even as a tyke, I was always drawn to the more than, what's just beyond the horizon, what's just beyond our grasp.  The unknown, the esoteric, the paranormal.  But not the dark side. I acknowledge it, but never embrace it.  I've always known that good does win out. And I've always known, always felt, guided, supported, and comforted by forces not always seen, but often felt, sensed.

This family felt completely normal to me

I know most kids have rich fantasy worlds.  Mine were extraordinarily clear and vibrant.  And I was always, from as long as I can recall, drawn to the mystical and magical: not with a sense of whimsy, but a sense of belonging.  Samantha Stephens, Mary Poppins, even in some ways the Adams Family: these were my people.

So, today I officially announce to the world that this book project is under way. Some portions have been under way for years, but kept veiled in secrecy.  Let the veil fall.

This Mystic is ready to reveal what it's like to visit the More Than every single day.

Words to ponder:

Hamlet:
And therefore as a stranger give it welcome.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Hamlet Act 1, scene 5, 159–167

Autumnal equinox and grapey grapes

I was drawn to grapes today.

"Sweetie," I called to my hubby as I sat down to watch a bit of telly. "Can you please bring me a bowl of grapes?"

This is not a common occurence.  I rarely sit and scarf down an entire bowl. 

"Well, that's not something I hear you say everyday" said the Hubs. He then brought me a clear glass bowl filled with both red and black grapes and I inhaled them. Sweet, juicy, yielding to my bite.

And then I recalled it was Mabon, the autumnal equinox, and went, "Ha! Okay then!" It all made sense.

Today's celebration is about the ending of the summer harvest and the start of the cool weather harvest; that includes the succulent grape. And it reminded me that magic at this time of year can revolve around said grapes.  And, suddenly, I became inspired.

On Wednesday, I'll be leading a New Moon ritual for myself and my wonderful husband.  Because there's lots of exciting newness to be grateful for. And, by golly, we'll be adding wine to our celebration!  It will be used to consecrate sacred space, as well as for giving thanks. And for enjoying because, come on, it's wine.

Mabon is also about light and dark, as today we have an equal amount. So it's a perfect time to focus on dark and light in our lives. No grey areas. Or, at least, if you're allowing a grey area in, it's time to really delve into the "whys" about it.

A blessed autumnal equinox to all. Sip it in, slowly, like a rich, fruity red wine. I know I'll be.

The balance of beauty and chaos

On Wednesday, September 24th, we'll be heading into a New Moon phase.  It'll be in Libra:

http://astrology.about.com/od/themoon/qt/NewMoonLibragen.htm?nl=1



What fascinates me most about this article by Molly Hall is the idea of beauty vs. chaos.  It really struck me, the following quote by Vangelis, of all people: "Beauty is harmony which comes from chaos. But we invest in chaos. And why do we invest in chaos, because chaos is more profitable than peace. That's why."

Think about that for a moment. We invest in chaos.  Now, what probably comes to mind first is the idea of countries investing in war.  At least that's what came up for me.  War is profitable, creates bumps in the economy for the better.  But I don't think I need to go into the pain and negativity that war also brings.

But besides war, we have a tendency to invest energy and focus on the negativity in our lives.  It hits us viscerally and stays with us.  For a moment: think about the last time you were cut off in traffic, or verbally slighted, or were the recipient of a dirty look.  It hit deep.  We recall it easily. It's more "profitable" for our psyches sometimes because it feeds our need for drama, which can be a cheap, tawdry alternative to something deeper and more profound.

Now, try to quickly recall a moment, very recently, where you received something beautiful and positive.  If you're like me, it might take a tad more time to really recall it, to feel it, to let it reverberate in you.  And, frankly, that's a shame. 

How can we learn to allow beauty to hit us viscerally in a way we're then able to recall more easily?  One way is to train ourselves to become more present in those quiet moments when beauty touches our souls.  The next time someone compliments you, or you hold the hand of a loved one, or hear a glorious symphony, sit still and allow yourself to feel the moment deeply.  Where does it "settle" in your body?  That beauty deserves to be held deep inside, to feed our cores.

Another trick to try is a minute or so each night devoted to recalling those small, quiet beautiful moments.  It doesn't take long at all to make it a habit, to recall three things you are truly grateful for tht happened earlier in the day.  It can become a part of your evening habits.

Now, as for the upcoming New Moon: I'm planning a New Moon ritual for my husband and myself.  I'm still working on the details, but I'll share them with you as the date gets closer.  Until then, ask yourself, "What chaos am I willing to transmute into beauty?" What comes to mind first for me is the cacophony that is my office.  I am willing, focused and entirely able to turn that apple carving face of a space into a beautiful, blushing Pink Lady apple of a room.

Current office condition

Future office condition

For today ...

Really, there isn't much more to add to this post.  The video says it all.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVg2EJvvlF8

Have a peaceful day.

Denver Modernism: my own personal Heaven ...

Friends, it's been a while since I last blogged.  An embarrassingly long while.  But, rest assured, I have been quite the busy bewitched one.  And I've had a lot going on internally, too.  All good.

But I'll get to all of that in due time.  For now, let's step back in time to August 23 and take a stroll through the Denver Modernism Show, or I like to call it, "Mid-Mod Heaven in the Rockies" http://denvermodernism.com/

We'll start with my first lecture of the day, headed by Denver real estate Brent Jones.  As I entered the lecture area, I felt like I was going to Oz; I was filled with wonder and expectancy and was NOT disappointed.  Brent presented a slide show of Denver's grooviest homes, most of which he had sold, as that's his specialty.

What amazed and delighted me in equal measure was that absolutely everything Brent spoke to us about trends in Mid-Century homes I knew.  Seriously, if I would contemplate a second career, it would definitely either be Mid-Mod real estate or (at the very least) house staging for Mid-Mods, complete with energy cleansing.  With sage and crystals - and Retsin!

Brent shared with us the story of finding his own dream home, a house he dubbed "the whore house" because, quite sadly, someone had spray-painted the word "whore" across the brick fireplace (he admitted he learned a crack house).  The home was found in a very dodgy neighborhood which, has since, changed for the better.  Then Brent elicited gasps and, I think, at least one person fell out of their chair, when he mentioned that he purchased the home for under $100,000. I think I peed, just a little.  Hooray, Brent, for rescuing and rehabbing the house.  And making me pee just a little.

After the real estate lecture (with me taking my own mental notes about which homes would work best for Ben and me after I win the Powerball jackpot), it was off to the vendors to "ooh" and "ah".  Take a look at this great piece of retro gaming at its finest.

Ben had to remind me, in his Big Adult Voice, that not only did we not have any more room for glassware, but that we'd have to ship it home.  So a photo sufficed (while I wept inwardly).

It's a 70s hoolaboola! Dig that shell lamp and Happy Face mug!

Beautiful sheet sets at the same vendor (where I purchased a sunny yellow fondue pot and forks with multi-colored tips.  And an orange and white 3/4 length sleeve jacket that look like vomit on the hanger, but something told me to try it on; it's pretty darned awesome and a one-of-a-kind find.

Rethought guitar, vintage patterns, Lite-Brite.  You DO remember the commercial, right?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObdEUA2rwGg

                                  Some furniture I would like to own.  Please and thank you.

Western, Cowboy-Cowgirl, Giddy-Up furnishings for your enclosed back porch in your Mid-Mod home which I will own and then you can come over for franks and beans.

Ah, yes, there was a retro fashion show, focusing on Mod clothing.  Oh, how envious Carol Brady would be.

Here's Ben, enraptured by the Charlie Weaver bartender toy.  Little does he know that I'm looking for one for him for Christmas ...

Hats.  A bevy of dramatic toppers.  There's something I really like about the grouping of heads here.
Let me add here that I also attended lectures about psychedelic art and music, and a really informative lecture about tiki drinks, held in the event's tiki bar, which served some potent potables.

No Mid-Century Mystic worth her weight in ectoplasm would deign to ignore the pull of the Predicta "ouija board" game.  Truly would've picked it up, but I'm very particular of the kinds of vibes I get from used divinatory items.  And I was a little wary of this one.  But, oh, the splendor!

Finally, the event poster by the talented and completely sweet and wonderful-to-chat-with Lindsey Kuhn

"What's that penguin doin' on top of  your Velveeta?"  "Standin'!"

After the show, we took a pilgrimage out to Arapahoe Acres, one of Denver's premiere and most sought-after Mid-Century neighborhoods. I cried copious tears and came close to being arrested because it's not cool to go up to people's homes and ask if you can come in.

Until next time, Denver Modernism.  Meanwhile, I believe visions of this particular dress shall fill my dreams ...