tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089930426341968512024-03-21T13:43:25.757-07:00All My Relations Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-25284087831467896232023-09-30T05:54:00.001-07:002023-09-30T05:54:33.081-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yNkIU9souVOiRFgKT6aXMVhv2j896kVFRlVl88KkSS731bSFCLUyTg_JnyHj_TZxIAQjt2ZSH48eGo-6snWZXyulRPf18yZbzvogGT0N8flsSuIY-9YDk8E7H-zH3XzPz2Ueb7JmgukMm1aUnGMDhFC7cbYaBobGBWVPamvfxSCzXy-s--S0-cj9VwU/s1022/mingocreek2-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1022" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yNkIU9souVOiRFgKT6aXMVhv2j896kVFRlVl88KkSS731bSFCLUyTg_JnyHj_TZxIAQjt2ZSH48eGo-6snWZXyulRPf18yZbzvogGT0N8flsSuIY-9YDk8E7H-zH3XzPz2Ueb7JmgukMm1aUnGMDhFC7cbYaBobGBWVPamvfxSCzXy-s--S0-cj9VwU/s320/mingocreek2-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sacred Surfers from the Savage Garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We waddle we paddle </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">with comical ease</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watermoles digging</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">from steady earth to flowing brooks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">glowing in mysterious shades unseen</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bills purring, squeaking, cooing, growling</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">humble brown yet in shadow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">purple, blue, green</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we sing our wisdom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">four broad webbed feet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pushing us forward</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thick tails like rudders </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">steering us </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">surely through eddies </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">currents along the river.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unique curious diplomats </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We invite you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to swim waking through</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">your dreams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Listen, Learn, Work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dreamsurfers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bright eyes closed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sensing electric sparks of life</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grins wide</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">letting humor guide you in darkness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">charming, disarming</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to conceal secrets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">like milk of amnesia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">perhaps better kept</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">closer to the vest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cuddly cute</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">best keep an eye </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on our boots though</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of us carries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> pain venomed daggers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that would drop you to your knees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Only she will slumber so</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">curled upon the throne of </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">egg bejeweled nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Transformation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Renewal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seekers in murky waters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leave no stone unturned</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in your sacred quest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Accept all your diverse parts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reject nothing, hide nothing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from yourself</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everything begins within</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wisdom, Love, Change, Fortune</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Want to heal the world?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Start with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adapt to your own potential.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Knowledge is power</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">which can mean the difference</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">between surviving and thriving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Diverse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Creative</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Resilient</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mysterious puggle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Private Investigator</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sensing always </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">more than meets the eye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For those new to the game, each piece in the Singing series is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-60086993749304002362023-09-28T06:05:00.010-07:002023-09-30T05:54:16.993-07:00Temerarious Tempest Reader in a Teacup<p>Temerarious Tempest Reader in a Teacup</p><p><br /></p><p>Clever Crocutas serving high tea and trading omens </p><p>upon the shadowed ceiling of their oracular cave</p><p>Striped, spotted, earthy brown</p><p>Ferocious matriarchs, relentless Houdinis</p><p>never quite where or what you expect</p><p>Lunar priestesses, cloisonne pots steaming sigils </p><p>from Serengeti to Caucasus</p><p>Leading cackling feliform carnivoran packs.</p><p>Turning surviving into thriving</p><p>the way high rollers turn a pittance </p><p>into winner's stacks.</p><p>Roll them bones! </p><p>Mama needs a new pair of shoes!</p><p>Set yourself free from fears. </p><p>There is the cave that holds </p><p>the treasure you seek.</p><p>Giggle, chuckle, fill nights with cocksure glee.</p><p>Howl with the absurd hilarity </p><p>run mad as often as you please,</p><p>but do not faint, Fanny, </p><p>Oscar, so wild, combing your manes!</p><p>It could all turn on a dime. </p><p>Tails, you run!</p><p>Life is the grand game, </p><p>yet no one gets out alive.</p><p>Master that throat chakra, folks!</p><p>Clarity in communication </p><p>is worth more than being shy, quaint.</p><p>Nobody has time for that. </p><p>Laughter reduces shadows.</p><p>Good medicine for everything </p><p>except broken ribs.</p><p>Having some left at the end of the day</p><p>means there is still hope for tomorrow.</p><p>Laughter and tears</p><p>soap for the soul.</p><p>Moods are contagious.</p><p>Be courageous.</p><p>Stand in your truth.</p><p>Hunt diligently for the right words</p><p>rather than scavenge for what you can make use of </p><p>just because it is laying close at hand, MacGyver.</p><p>Tough enough to laugh first at yourself, fool.</p><p>Consult the Clan.</p><p>Hear our concert.</p><p>Create your oasis.</p><p>Fierce bite protects loyal heart.</p><p>Ready your battle plans.</p><p>Lead from the center of the mud puddle</p><p>Shenzi, Banzai... Ed</p><p>Everything light and shadow touches</p><p>Crown your lunacy </p><p>while shifting shape</p><p>on the crossroads of your desert</p><p>For those new to the game, each piece in the Singing series is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPRNcxOBpmPzigWe0VrmYFUScfMaq2m9BBP1V7hPSe5YTTUEptUz2jlwIBLmvvNg1omjCJctLtLxDAdcWH6MJZ5rKYwo6l_QqOZvzdYjiRZYkTfAuhj0wO8wtC_Ibdj8x2Gq0c2AY8ZBY5OXuGPXYoKGRySaa07wp2sIHK2884zWlmOjrxxsFS0Qjwh0/s1680/sage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPRNcxOBpmPzigWe0VrmYFUScfMaq2m9BBP1V7hPSe5YTTUEptUz2jlwIBLmvvNg1omjCJctLtLxDAdcWH6MJZ5rKYwo6l_QqOZvzdYjiRZYkTfAuhj0wO8wtC_Ibdj8x2Gq0c2AY8ZBY5OXuGPXYoKGRySaa07wp2sIHK2884zWlmOjrxxsFS0Qjwh0/s320/sage.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-66621057540832244852023-09-09T13:18:00.003-07:002023-09-20T05:05:51.695-07:00 Puirt à beul of the Maringouin <p> Puirt à Beul of the Maringouin </p><p><br /></p><p>Whining hum</p><p>Here they come</p><p>Back again</p><p>Forever complaining</p><p>Incessant at the gate of every ear</p><p>since the dawn of time</p><p>226 million years</p><p>if it has been a minute, surely.</p><p>they come</p><p>as surely as winter thaws into spring</p><p> </p><p>Oh yes go right ahead!</p><p>Help yourself</p><p>I see your narrow crystalline grin</p><p>revealing nary a jagged tooth</p><p>Butter wouldn't melt there!</p><p>Are you all world's worst come again?</p><p>Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles, oh my!</p><p>Click my ruby heels</p><p>Not saccharine little old you?</p><p>Something more savory?</p><p>Something with a little spice?</p><p><br /></p><p>Bite down nevertheless</p><p>Dig deep, </p><p>not to the bone for your savory fare</p><p>just beneath the skin is far enough</p><p>Needling everyone around you</p><p>Work them into a rash, a fever</p><p>Set the world abuzz!</p><p>Slaver, drool over your feast</p><p>Swamp angel, Nighthawk</p><p>Spreading plague</p><p>Sowing discontent</p><p>Breeding anger, lies, rumors, gossip, envy</p><p>Make them itch with malcontent</p><p>Derision dropping easier than blood</p><p>from another wayward prick</p><p>Rub everyone the wrong way</p><p>Perhaps turning even the air toxic around you</p><p>Dispersing along paths of least resistance</p><p>with hardly more than an errant slap</p><p>as a screening process </p><p>to inoculate the masses</p><p>from the black vomit </p><p>unrelenting scourge</p><p>of our droning </p><p>repellant asses</p><p><br /></p><p>Irritated?</p><p>Curse the day that ever we were born?</p><p>Think you are the first do you?</p><p>Let it go</p><p>All things pass eventually</p><p>even if they pass like hailstones</p><p>Even us, </p><p>Passing through cycles</p><p>through lives, rooms, dreams, veils</p><p>Vectors unstudied yet</p><p>Interconnected</p><p>Valuable to the fabric of life</p><p>in the extremist of conditions</p><p>Delicate enough to carry</p><p>a spark of creation</p><p>spreading verdant life </p><p>as easily as devastating disease</p><p>Balance in recycling motion</p><p>Yin Yang</p><p><br /></p><p>Patience</p><p>The water's mirror will still once more</p><p>Reflect</p><p>Rise above</p><p>Resist</p><p>Persist</p><p>Examine</p><p>Transform as reason and season dictate</p><p>Be objective</p><p>Be present</p><p>Be here</p><p>Now</p><p>Sing in our ears</p><p>Hum along if you don't know the words</p><p>You are </p><p>the very cure you seek</p><p>Physician heal thyself</p><p>Spread the cure</p><p>Save the World</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cdrj6-SPneA6AYaG-ypMH_jln5sSDfRMMdBkWVZcUCt3ndmgBailAUhA89g4AnKRCgLepP1A33zIsvdFLlBFmXeu2W-YUN4kuRYP8NjySuvzQnDJGZgweocvDRjSXy5DFOeJxrIrUmLlMUtioCShKhN8YExjsLCqLSJ5-qrJwQYf9kvyTgepuY6MVlE/s1500/willow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cdrj6-SPneA6AYaG-ypMH_jln5sSDfRMMdBkWVZcUCt3ndmgBailAUhA89g4AnKRCgLepP1A33zIsvdFLlBFmXeu2W-YUN4kuRYP8NjySuvzQnDJGZgweocvDRjSXy5DFOeJxrIrUmLlMUtioCShKhN8YExjsLCqLSJ5-qrJwQYf9kvyTgepuY6MVlE/s320/willow.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>For those new to the game, each piece in the Singing series is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?</p><p><br /></p><p>p.s. whew! lol It has been a minute. ;) just wanted to say, this is the first completely new Teacher poem I have managed since my mom passed. Like it or not lol I am pleased with this Shadow Teacher's song that has been humming in my ears a little louder every year since mom slipped the veil in 2018. more importantly to my heart, I know Mom would be so pleased and would laugh when I told her about this one. She always was so pleased, each and every time I had something to stick up on the fridge she carried around in her Mom heart since day one. I was so very lucky to have her. <3 Congratulations to Cathi on being the first to name this Creature Teacher! </p>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-13204131831922918912023-04-24T15:59:00.005-07:002023-12-11T08:13:25.307-08:00Coursing River Dividing My Heart<p> Warning: therapy poetry.... it ain't pretty people. so, if you don't have the space for it today, skip this one. It needs somewhere to live other than my body. That's all. It doesn't need anything, just... air. lol</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCUbXs_xTux-mjbw8WbGZ5GHioa_zsBwDB_Z777EnKgyIVOA62CjKE87oAUzaYrescxM3LmJDrw-sNa-9TtxJ8XA4EV-c9Ytt_e7Iu4R6mCkkIDqaMFjkhguCBCxm63YEF49WJJqnlVHqnaNSge-8aatcqRtrqcuhvT9Q62-kMLsw1U29MhPab2Wz5dY/s797/familialdevotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="797" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCUbXs_xTux-mjbw8WbGZ5GHioa_zsBwDB_Z777EnKgyIVOA62CjKE87oAUzaYrescxM3LmJDrw-sNa-9TtxJ8XA4EV-c9Ytt_e7Iu4R6mCkkIDqaMFjkhguCBCxm63YEF49WJJqnlVHqnaNSge-8aatcqRtrqcuhvT9Q62-kMLsw1U29MhPab2Wz5dY/s320/familialdevotion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Coursing River Dividing My Heart <p></p><p><br /></p><p>I sang your name to you</p><p>while you dreamed in your shell</p><p>I loved you with a wild joy</p><p>before either of us knew who you were<br /></p><p>You seemed to see the world with a heart of compassion</p><p>You seemed to want to love it whole, happy, sane again</p><p>like I once did</p><p>as a foolish girl with dreams too large</p><p>I tried to shelter your heart close to mine as you grew</p><p>while letting you grow in your own directions</p><p>I tried to guard, to guide, to listen, to hear</p><p>Above all, believe you </p><p>when you took the time to speak to me</p><p>I saw when you began to hide and lie to me</p><p>It happens when we leave childhood behind</p><p>Life batters us, distracts, confuses</p><p>We all stumble, lose our way</p><p>Love is the source</p><p>All that heals, binds, lifts us up, inspires, makes worthy</p><p>We gather, share, to make ourselves not only happy but stronger</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZljy4iiACV0wByAQ48dNHSlW8V4RWW5agzjwMgsvFDOmSp59VriTg1WCKemqvNraE7HEWtobYGeNx13mgdRh4TnRlhTF-1F8mPBv6yT6kbaY5PKRrvprFgW6FgY_yWiI94jpsx0Xu0IKscP2tk_TVOixL55tsfwgc6r7x_7P2ykwW1B4FQVqP1jtX/s320/henge.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="320" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZljy4iiACV0wByAQ48dNHSlW8V4RWW5agzjwMgsvFDOmSp59VriTg1WCKemqvNraE7HEWtobYGeNx13mgdRh4TnRlhTF-1F8mPBv6yT6kbaY5PKRrvprFgW6FgY_yWiI94jpsx0Xu0IKscP2tk_TVOixL55tsfwgc6r7x_7P2ykwW1B4FQVqP1jtX/s1600/henge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Beacons of light<p></p><p>So my mother taught me</p><p>So Life has shown</p><p>So I believe</p><p>So I instructed<br /></p><p>I didn't understand when you began lying to yourself</p><p>I didn't understand when you began treating yourself like a victim</p><p>I didn't understand when you stopped listening to me, hearing me, believing me</p><p>I didn't understand when you began to treat me more like a roommate than a parent</p><p>I damn sure don't understand when you went from "I would never do that to you, Mom"</p><p>to ripping my heart out so casually</p><p>leaving it on the floor like a forgotten toy</p><p><br /></p><p>without a word, or a picture, or a scribble, not even one smile from your kids</p><p>while their presents pile up at graves that don't yet exist</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA0BjEzF4vDjM0gD1BC7ROezdAgHx6W73DCENx7usNe3Ch8a6mIPXQdCDZe5U1xsUhuZcPbo7VOGXSsyv9BCzZH4jjLn5tOucVboVVbnQD2iaOPFG1xOSBULyWs0L3Iv-wlTDEPxS20E6jaA-Hsr2X2hIQCTMsWcS5h0xlMfYt0wAJb5CGcCdxmmf/s400/vivid.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="400" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA0BjEzF4vDjM0gD1BC7ROezdAgHx6W73DCENx7usNe3Ch8a6mIPXQdCDZe5U1xsUhuZcPbo7VOGXSsyv9BCzZH4jjLn5tOucVboVVbnQD2iaOPFG1xOSBULyWs0L3Iv-wlTDEPxS20E6jaA-Hsr2X2hIQCTMsWcS5h0xlMfYt0wAJb5CGcCdxmmf/s320/vivid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>to punish me for being your parent</p><p>to punish me for being the roof over your head and theirs</p><p>to punish me for being there to care for your children every day for years</p><p>diapers, baths, bedtime, meals, stories </p><p>just as I did every day for you</p><p>not just come and see Yaya so she can give you sweets</p><p>then go home after a visit</p><p>No</p><p>I fell asleep exhausted next to them </p><p>at the end of long days</p><p>Just like I did next to you and your siblings</p><p>a second parenthood I never earned nor complained of</p><p>How awful when Aunt So and So cut off precious Grandma<br /></p><p>never did let her see those boys again</p><p>How evil when that sociopath denied me</p><p>the ability to see our first grandson</p><p>for an entire year</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GF50lyq_3PX9XRErnQuJEGIT4ZJb7X7OrXq9PShTDBNyeR1zje0mMDjLT3LtuUaG9w8oZJCe0UM-sfUZLxBzwj6bZvAuC_NIj5p2Ww4N-Gn6rAz00l2h4mKwydBEhaM07CDL0-uhPy50gavPiZ0ghxLvRxq7-88QECT2Ye4kcE6zcO2iRfyq12c9/s400/love.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GF50lyq_3PX9XRErnQuJEGIT4ZJb7X7OrXq9PShTDBNyeR1zje0mMDjLT3LtuUaG9w8oZJCe0UM-sfUZLxBzwj6bZvAuC_NIj5p2Ww4N-Gn6rAz00l2h4mKwydBEhaM07CDL0-uhPy50gavPiZ0ghxLvRxq7-88QECT2Ye4kcE6zcO2iRfyq12c9/s320/love.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>before she went and got him killed when he was just 3</p><p>Devastated the whole family</p><p>Why would anyone use their own child as a tool to cause pain,</p><p>or like a commodity with which to punish or reward?</p><p>"I would never do that to you, Mom"</p><p>I can still feel your arms around me as you said that</p><p>Liar</p><p>Nothing was enough to stop you</p><p>from dividing my heart</p><p>with your piercing river</p><p>Inexorable</p><p>Heedless</p><p>Consistently</p><p>From Texas to college and therapy</p><p>You rolled over all my concerns</p><p>with what you simply desired</p><p>as careless as a river in full flood</p><p>No thought to the damage you will leave in your wake</p><p>No empathy for the mourners left wailing along your banks</p><p>never to reclaim their loved ones for proper burial</p><p>Abandoned </p><p>by your piercing river</p><p>that should have brought love, healing, a renewal of wisdom</p><p>instead of this unnatural disaster</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyPWY9Rw81N1fJ_sz12EWrnWfdZQJTvGfAWfUDph2OAgKAZfl3AUGOGZ-7VcB_XUsUmoxG__KU_BAoCrb3luz2VJJubR9Sw2rvTt0qQ358fkybrliFkWmvBmebmP5sfn1ndYRArPmEgfoG7_hBlQ06_o7AL-41DaKiGzeDNUFH9Dfy2n4AF0ouz4D/s1754/eagleowl.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1754" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyPWY9Rw81N1fJ_sz12EWrnWfdZQJTvGfAWfUDph2OAgKAZfl3AUGOGZ-7VcB_XUsUmoxG__KU_BAoCrb3luz2VJJubR9Sw2rvTt0qQ358fkybrliFkWmvBmebmP5sfn1ndYRArPmEgfoG7_hBlQ06_o7AL-41DaKiGzeDNUFH9Dfy2n4AF0ouz4D/s320/eagleowl.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Because I insisted</p><p>Get Therapy or Get Out </p><p>for serious abusive issues </p><p>to a no job boyfriend</p><p>you just moved into the house</p><p>depressing the entire family</p><p>after two years of being forced to live in silence</p><p>against my will, better judgement, sanity, personal faith</p><p>all while I watch the campaign being run against me</p><p>on the other side of your widening river</p><p>My heart dissolves slowly</p><p>like banks too soft to withstand yet another rain</p><p>While your sister</p><p>who refused to be a living light</p><p>laughs and tells me</p><p>You were not tactful enough, Mother</p><p>Enough</p><p>I could cry my own river </p><p>with how much I miss her</p><p>but I am thankful she </p><p>my Mom </p><p>isn't here to see any of this bullshit</p><p>We loved too much</p><p>She and I</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-03nSe1Yw8m-6Zi7Gs0WKh1oHwlQqLDe3itXfG_NwfXpLFt8V-YnTr4NPdaJs3yAn9uMhTbUmrnT_O08stMjLhDaoj5Zu7z-voolabWufTsusA674F0zPGVjtiR_mPgifhWkzsGxzCQgNOtumF0pxwNsfiFNUwOX0dGAf16LPBrEF2JCzLD6Ms7hb/s960/family.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-03nSe1Yw8m-6Zi7Gs0WKh1oHwlQqLDe3itXfG_NwfXpLFt8V-YnTr4NPdaJs3yAn9uMhTbUmrnT_O08stMjLhDaoj5Zu7z-voolabWufTsusA674F0zPGVjtiR_mPgifhWkzsGxzCQgNOtumF0pxwNsfiFNUwOX0dGAf16LPBrEF2JCzLD6Ms7hb/s320/family.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We may be divided</p><p>You and I</p><p>Yet</p><p>I will not be drowned </p><p>by your silly trickle, my little love</p><p>For Love is the source</p><p>Not me</p><p>Not you</p><p>No matter how you flow </p><p>nor how we rage</p><p>You too will return to the source eventually</p><p><br /></p><p>Though I may storm now</p><p>eventually my love will lie calm again </p><p>Reflecting that perfect light </p><p>back to you once again</p><p><br /></p><p>Moonlight</p><p>upon the ribbon of the river</p><p>dividing my heart</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZ58qIQjMjJp_Qz-3z6fJPI7vJhF7yHWVYx-i0lQlgIB9jeL7FKiHqutTqfrvps8vrris8A-oX_cF5yP8AnrwVCLW24fDZMd0dtFoNVmsjkxRPvMBDHmMQPxgHQAtmKQ_cNGhrTN3DFp4ygBRXiSLce4S-CfkRT4vqPwGNKmOWJ7bfCQQGTgD4SQ/s797/familialdevotion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="797" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZ58qIQjMjJp_Qz-3z6fJPI7vJhF7yHWVYx-i0lQlgIB9jeL7FKiHqutTqfrvps8vrris8A-oX_cF5yP8AnrwVCLW24fDZMd0dtFoNVmsjkxRPvMBDHmMQPxgHQAtmKQ_cNGhrTN3DFp4ygBRXiSLce4S-CfkRT4vqPwGNKmOWJ7bfCQQGTgD4SQ/w373-h350/familialdevotion.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-53012081973755452862022-11-06T07:32:00.008-08:002023-04-26T05:30:07.198-07:00Revolutionary<p> </p><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am the Revolution</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I know</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I accept</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQqJtHCyrGFjLL1ReK-3Oy2A9y-TwYZmFjsiAzNLobSrLxSNu6vBFe2AZonxX_b_8lGUGiNDusNsQwIwFO249C4-lqU3jZFh5ErftIJNNBVoqtu2Y3fgfzP6tKy9GnrYnQALymzeGJBMcuLSS2Thy1u9XWC4gVZMcvf6Pv0gkzLdsQVZ2M_u2aYZ/s1080/rogue.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="789" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQqJtHCyrGFjLL1ReK-3Oy2A9y-TwYZmFjsiAzNLobSrLxSNu6vBFe2AZonxX_b_8lGUGiNDusNsQwIwFO249C4-lqU3jZFh5ErftIJNNBVoqtu2Y3fgfzP6tKy9GnrYnQALymzeGJBMcuLSS2Thy1u9XWC4gVZMcvf6Pv0gkzLdsQVZ2M_u2aYZ/w311-h425/rogue.jpg" width="311" /></a></div></div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I love me</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am strength</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am love. Love is a Force of Creation</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Creation lives Within and is without end</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am enough</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I change as needed</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I adapt</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I grow</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have been given a sacred gift to defend</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I do not hesitate to defend the sacred</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I wound</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I heal</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I die</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I recreate</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I transform</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I revolve</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I dream</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am perfect imperfection</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">an evolving Masterpiece</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">living emotions</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">eating experiences </div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">vomiting lies unconsumed</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">toxins rejected from the soul up</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">laughing at the joy and absurdity</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Severity</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mercy</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I trust my wings to catch me</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am the Sky</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am the Revolution</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am becoming you</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Always</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">the path is a spiral</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">leading ever inward</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">a place of peace</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">where we walk each other home</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Time </div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The door</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">through which we pass </div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">as often as we must</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">to become you</div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">the Revolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww4XbgWhV8ZEmTlk5ZSScx0H49x8Ju_UtKsxyj33LnPwJBjT8LNKHjwvEV36j5mc9wxWXWCw-8I41K9Wk0Yf-K_niO0ME4pjdVWUIPzyuufFDUtiVQVKcN5v_mmcBhWdK4tL8ZIL-2lAtsp_jNwdSkIg2FOp8mvoGhOgcKJVfm-l01orbOQ1_mXzT/s320/henge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="320" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjww4XbgWhV8ZEmTlk5ZSScx0H49x8Ju_UtKsxyj33LnPwJBjT8LNKHjwvEV36j5mc9wxWXWCw-8I41K9Wk0Yf-K_niO0ME4pjdVWUIPzyuufFDUtiVQVKcN5v_mmcBhWdK4tL8ZIL-2lAtsp_jNwdSkIg2FOp8mvoGhOgcKJVfm-l01orbOQ1_mXzT/w269-h188/henge.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /></div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><br /><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-8978463661774366362019-05-14T12:27:00.011-07:002022-10-15T12:46:42.612-07:00Odonata Sonata<div style="text-align: center;">
Horse-stinger, Devil’s Needle</div>
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Gliders, Dashers, Darners</div>
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Flitting acrobats above mirrored waters</div>
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“Skim below </div>
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Refresh your view</div>
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For nothing is ever</div>
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As it appears on the surface</div>
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We pierce the Veil</div>
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Guardian of Dreamtime</div>
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Shape-shifter revealing all your illusions</div>
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While casting my own</div>
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With each bright reflective scale</div>
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Perhaps as long as</div>
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Two years immersed as a nymph</div>
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Gobbling everything smaller than me </div>
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Mastering emotions</div>
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Before revealing the dragon within</div>
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Adderbolt, Snake-doctor</div>
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Soaking up moments in the sun</div>
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Now is the only reality</div>
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Change the only constant</div>
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Hovering</div>
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Hypnotic as a daydream</div>
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Seeing all but that just behind me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before flashing off</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In any direction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To capture and devour my prey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mid-flight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mosquito Hawk, Bee-render</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The easiest lies are those we tell ourselves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will reveal each self-spun illusion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keeping you from Growth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From Transformation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like a poke in the eye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Restoring truth to your sight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humming Ancient Magic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
320 Million years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drumming warmth and Wisdom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With each lacy beat of my </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Independent wings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Messenger, Diplomat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fairy Horse, Magician’s Wand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can introduce you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To all that sings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What you need</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is already at your hand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Adapt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Transform</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pierce your own veils</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mature, Grow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Allow yourself to understand</div><div style="text-align: center;">Light and Dark</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dream True"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe6yuplXNTGB-xPjk1VjqdKwi0ECNzU3uRAggi2GoC07eFGn5tcjfsn6bhHaeUgYNqRTT48ur3kJ9RhYooyLMbMhNt8esgQmLusn66RLHZzaGLqP9hqQPLQ8_PR9PqhYASUCPVsveWWNMH2PdGnQfMp-4HvFGIQF3Ia8fNCLI3l66s3zogCsPzrtH6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1754" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe6yuplXNTGB-xPjk1VjqdKwi0ECNzU3uRAggi2GoC07eFGn5tcjfsn6bhHaeUgYNqRTT48ur3kJ9RhYooyLMbMhNt8esgQmLusn66RLHZzaGLqP9hqQPLQ8_PR9PqhYASUCPVsveWWNMH2PdGnQfMp-4HvFGIQF3Ia8fNCLI3l66s3zogCsPzrtH6" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>
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For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams..."~ Arthur O'Shaughnessy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” ~ Buddha</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Reality leaves a lot to the imagination." ~ John Lennon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dragonfly would agree with all of these statements!When we examine this Guardian of Dreamtime, we see that He lives in both Air and Water and that he has mastered the art of Transformation evident in his change from nymph to Dragonfly. He needs the running Waters of the World to breed and survive, just as we need to learn to navigate the deep waters of our own emotions. These aspects make him very versatile, changeable, and aware of the many needs of both Mind and Heart. He teaches us how to break through the illusions of self and material world to reach the Truth inside each of us, sometimes seen only in our Dreams.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." Albert Einstein</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"No man will be found in whose mind airy notions do not sometimes tyrannize, and force him to hope or fear beyond the limits of sober probability." Samuel Johnson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Did you ever wonder if the person in the puddle is real, and you're just a reflection of him?" ~Calvin and Hobbes</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are feeling overwhelmed by emotion and need to step back to find some clarity, if you are struggling with transition or addiction of any sort, if you have fooled yourself into thinking something was "real" only to find it was wishful thinking... Dragonfly can help you. He challenges us to look at ourselves clearly, face what needs changed in our selves or lives, and then impliment the change. He loves best for us to see clearly through both Light and Shadow, Reality and Illusion to the illumination Truth. "Things are seldom how they appear on the surface!" He says, "Dip through the Veil." Dragonfly can help us make our Dreams into Reality, but he cautions us to Know Thyself and Accept Truth first.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This little Magician is like a living Wand as he flashes his bright colors through the air. And like the Magician of the Tarot, Dragonfly tells us that we already have all the tools we need at our hands, we merely need to learn to recognize and properly employ them. "Listen and learn from the World you are a part of", hardly seems like advice. In fact, much of what Dragonfly can say to us sounds so familiar that we wonder why we are hearing something that we already knew. This is usually when Dragonfly laughs at me and says, "Well then, if you already know all this...why aren't you using that knowledge?" She especially chastises me when I look outside of myself for reasons why something has gone wrong in my life. It is so easy to put negative thoughts and feelings off on someone or something else that this is an aspect I struggle against quite often. Gently humming Dragonfly can help us to better navigate our emotions, especially in times of stress or trauma.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Let's not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and we obey them without realizing it." Vincent Van Gogh</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy." Jim Rohn</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"When a wise man is advised of his errors, he will reflect on and improve his conduct. When his misconduct is pointed out, a foolish man will not only disregard the advice but rather repeat the same error." Buddha</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you wonder why you always seem to attract a certain kind of person? Whether negative or positive, Dragonfly shows us that we attract these people because they are reflecting back to us some aspect of ourselves. As Carl Jung said, " Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." Change especially from within, Enlightenment, Recognizing Illusion whether it comes from within or without, Realizing Dreams, Transforming Ourselves, Releasing Addiction, Combining Emotion with Rational Thought, Avoid Blame and Accept Responsibility are all Dragonfly Lessons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it." ~ Alice Walker</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Be though the rainbow in the storms of life. The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray." Lord Byron</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ted Andrews, author of "Animal-Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small", said, "Dragonflies remind us that we are light and can reflect light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. "Let there be light" is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force with your life." We are what we believe, what we think and feel, and this reflects on those around us. We can spread our feelings, thoughts, and beliefs to others without even consciously choosing to do so! Dragonfly asks us to be aware of this, to see clearly, and to reflect gently back upon the World. Dragonfly also speaks to us about the importance of color in our lives. It is proven that certain colors prompt specific emotions.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For example, Red is often seen as an angry aggressive color, but pastel pink is very cool, soothing, and passive. Brown is earthy, green is vibrantly healthy, and blue is calming. Different colors can mean different things to any given individual, of course. Red could symb olize passion and the blood of Life, but it could also symbolize that same life lost in the red flood of Death and War. Dragonfly recommends that you examine the Colors in your life. Are you perhaps longing for new horizons and adventures, but wearing very boring drab colors? Perhaps you don't long for those changes as much as you think! It's a good idea to take a look at what each color means to you and how you use it in your own life. I know that when I am starting a new job, for example, I always feel better if I am in clothing that is not only comfortable, but in colors that soothe me and promote my confidence as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCtYcZSBrWZfPIe9dmYiXF1cW5wjxgKUd5XDWuiES9l85s5d_0cK9SI2YmgqQ850iWGulalDQEQmXeQy-N2XA_g6IIFZRi0myN45UADSSISyrMT-uBhLwf4m90582kLAgDSjX5qfmUe8GcT9Re7O6N-Q2ZPQWdOXPjiVA4qe_TiAMMmnwDflXrB9-D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1169" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCtYcZSBrWZfPIe9dmYiXF1cW5wjxgKUd5XDWuiES9l85s5d_0cK9SI2YmgqQ850iWGulalDQEQmXeQy-N2XA_g6IIFZRi0myN45UADSSISyrMT-uBhLwf4m90582kLAgDSjX5qfmUe8GcT9Re7O6N-Q2ZPQWdOXPjiVA4qe_TiAMMmnwDflXrB9-D" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world." ~ Hans Margolius</div><div style="text-align: left;">"There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it." ~ George Bernard Shaw</div><div style="text-align: left;">"People spend too much time finding other people to blame, too much energy finding excuses for not being what they are capable of being, and not enough energy putting themselves on the line, growing out of the past, and getting on with their lives." ~ J. Michael Straczynski</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Buddhist philosophy Addiction/Desire/Clinging/Delusion are all double-edged swords. Even something good, like Love, can become a negative thing if we don't see it clearly or cling too hard to it. In moderation, Love is beneficial for example, but if we are allowing others to beat or abuse us simply because we don't want to loose their "love"...we are addicted to our own illusions of what Love is or should be. "What do you really loose by letting go of those things you are Addicted to or Deluding yourself over?" She asks. Dragonfly teaches us to break through our self-imposed Illusions and make our best Dreams a reality. By looking into Her mirrored eyes, we can see more deeply into ourselves. How does Dragonfly appear in your life?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"There is a fine line between dreams and reality, it's up to you to draw it. " B. Quilliam</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it." ~ Mahatma Gandhi</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. I think it's in my basement... let me go upstairs and check." ~ M.C. Escher</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-size: 18.75px;">Deities associated with the Dragonfly: Freya, Ix Chel, Quetzalcoatl, Cernunnos, Shannon and other river deities, Circe, Janus, Achelous and other Potamoi, Oshun, Funza, Bunzi, Mami Wata, Anuket, Barithy, Neath, Tefnut, Isis, and Indra.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-size: 18.75px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 18.75px;">Potential Balancing Energies: Water, rainbows, rain, fire, earth, air, the sky and celestial bodies. plants like sundews, cattails, papyrus, lotus, Blue Nile lilies, tiger lilies or bamboo. other insects like mosquito, gnats, cicadas. flies, bees, wasps, butterfly, mantis, moth, or spider. Toads, frogs, salamanders and other amphibians. Fish like bass or salmon, lizards like anole, water dragon, iguana, or chameleon. snakes like coral, water moccasin, checkered keelback, diamondback water snake, or cottonmouth. turtles, crocodiles and other reptiles. Bats, shrews, muskrats, otters, monkeys, and other mammals. kingfishers, swallows, flycatchers, kites and other birds. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 18.75px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 18.75px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGmfJmAeoS81Mi0XV4TKrRRh1XWB52B0WcgdbA5YwzD5qrRG-HG4C_-B0-KBmM-31OQJJ2AFp9GE4PD3oE-W7MUCh7iwEzLkq6JvsKND5Gr61mkaBCBu7IyKeXxFUygst_XJJkpgJx9AzFtNkFil_Js6rt2TySkD3L1SFwDZVgmYJjZW-35e7ovuXc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1754" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGmfJmAeoS81Mi0XV4TKrRRh1XWB52B0WcgdbA5YwzD5qrRG-HG4C_-B0-KBmM-31OQJJ2AFp9GE4PD3oE-W7MUCh7iwEzLkq6JvsKND5Gr61mkaBCBu7IyKeXxFUygst_XJJkpgJx9AzFtNkFil_Js6rt2TySkD3L1SFwDZVgmYJjZW-35e7ovuXc" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></span></span></div></div>
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Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-89731635109936822942019-03-14T12:30:00.001-07:002019-03-14T12:31:11.962-07:00Love in Shades of AmethystHeart's Ease<br />
Crown of Athens<br />
Modest, humble, faithful<br />
although not so shy<br />
We hide among the shadows<br />
whispering liminal wisdom<br />
in shades of twilight sky<br />
True of heart, woodland nobles<br />
We herald the Goddess of Spring<br />
encouraging honesty<br />
temperance<br />
self reinvention<br />
cautioning vigilance in all things<br />
Herb of the Trinity becomes cordial sweet<br />
We could stew to thicken your soup<br />
Heart shaped leaves tossed as tasty greens<br />
Our song opens a place within<br />
for contented self acceptance<br />
pressed between pages<br />
Perfumed reminder like<br />
Napoleon's love for Josephine<br />
<br />
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For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a teacher found in Nature: a star, stone, plant, animal etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC43jOj6ymaI4ldcjI_k7AcwCsuMvsDd2BlhpWgLm1yIU1f6mFzEzkkkHfe5L8O1sAO7xcs2HVQp2J7oudMxdu914WSX7AWYPcGl9ZVnVRW7u9wF0wRM9-GwcjB8mvWAY3dC3SHCoy9BA/s1600/amethyst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC43jOj6ymaI4ldcjI_k7AcwCsuMvsDd2BlhpWgLm1yIU1f6mFzEzkkkHfe5L8O1sAO7xcs2HVQp2J7oudMxdu914WSX7AWYPcGl9ZVnVRW7u9wF0wRM9-GwcjB8mvWAY3dC3SHCoy9BA/s320/amethyst.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-4369695473502033312019-02-26T12:24:00.000-08:002019-03-02T16:17:38.139-08:00Living Knotwork“Bee bread<br />
Trefoil<br />
Nearly purple,<br />
my blushing red face<br />
can be found in almost any field<br />
One of Creator’s numberless gifts,<br />
my many uses<br />
have long been revealed<br />
Tonic, tincture, poultice, bath or tea<br />
Leaves like trinity knots, I lift<br />
Three leaves yet one<br />
Four if you are lucky<br />
Singing of healing, calming, and renewal of every degree.<br />
We foster intuition, clarity, reasoning, logic<br />
Keep you from being carried away<br />
by the hysterical herds<br />
We replenish the soil<br />
keeping nitrogen fixed<br />
Calm and Steady are<br />
our watchwords”<br />
<br />
<br />
For those new to the game, each piece in the Singing series is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLY8s5moC67w4EZC_cVU0YMGBkdRnB7s-Kb_OQY4RPl_MjG10dlTAofLXGKKODQXK9r1jQsPSt13Ih0x61rm69Gvo1WdgBEstVwqhEfl1JiozRL7uQI15lhCO-KlkSeo73x4YRZD8YmU/s1600/IMG_6842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLY8s5moC67w4EZC_cVU0YMGBkdRnB7s-Kb_OQY4RPl_MjG10dlTAofLXGKKODQXK9r1jQsPSt13Ih0x61rm69Gvo1WdgBEstVwqhEfl1JiozRL7uQI15lhCO-KlkSeo73x4YRZD8YmU/s320/IMG_6842.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-80857336288322734582019-01-11T14:12:00.001-08:002019-01-11T14:12:47.586-08:00Sacred Silence<div style="text-align: center;">
Be here now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Breathing in sacred silence</div>
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Calm spreading like light</div>
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Shedding stress like doubts</div>
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Awakening now</div>
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Chakras bright</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stretching boundaries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Renewal found in stillness</div>
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Beauty frozen to a whisper</div>
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Breath crisp with frost</div>
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Mindfullness found</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While Winter's paradise is lost</div>
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-61764236106830480472018-10-22T05:21:00.003-07:002023-08-09T21:24:01.593-07:00Stir the Cauldron<div>The witching hour strikes</div><div>Shadows swirl at the</div><div>Crossroads of your soul</div><div>The Moon's brightly slitted eye sees all</div><div>as we listen to this Teacher's bewitching call...</div><div> </div><div>"Curious</div><div>Halfway in this world</div><div>Halfway out</div><div>Daggers sheathed</div><div>Tail twitching and hooked</div><div>In silence I stalk my prey</div><div>bringing home gifts of</div><div>Magic</div><div>Mystery</div><div>Divine messages</div><div>tiny details oft overlooked</div><div>All brought home</div><div>like so many strays</div><div><br /></div><div>Nine times I return</div><div>Sometimes to play</div><div>Others to wander</div><div>Lastly to share my life with yours</div><div>Tiger striped kings</div><div>Calico queens</div><div>black shadows crossing your path</div><div>full of omens, dreams, spells </div><div>swearwords in tongues ancient and modern </div><div>We chose you</div><div>Domesticated and subtly trained you</div><div>Silly furless milkmad kits</div><div>We will show you how it's done</div><div>Prick your ears</div><div>Listen, people</div><div><br /></div><div>Why, we have simply been</div><div>Humming with content</div><div>Invoking your laughter with our whimsy</div><div>Keeping your domain vermin free</div><div>Our chosen chore</div><div>Curled in your lap</div><div>We will unwind your stress</div><div>Wipe away your fears</div><div>Ease heartache</div><div>Unravel knots from past lives</div><div>as easily as string from theory</div><div>Chasing cares away </div><div>like rats from barn or pantry door</div><div><br /></div><div>Teach you the ways of Dreamtime</div><div>To hunt your Shadowself with agility, with grace</div><div>How to travel, broomless,</div><div>through Astral doors</div><div>Become the very riddles </div><div>you sought</div><div>You have been the treasure</div><div>all along Beloveds</div><div>hidden from yourselves</div><div>Like whiskers hide my face</div><div>behind one door or another</div><div>Let me in</div><div>Let me out</div><div>What is that all about?</div><div>Although we suppose </div><div>the journey must be</div><div>necessary</div><div>Inconvenient, no one can argue that</div><div>least of all me</div><div><br /></div><div>Beloved of Freya</div><div>Ambassador of Bast</div><div>Sleek and satisfied</div><div>Slumbering in the warm Sun</div><div>Dreaming of the days when I was</div><div>worshiped</div><div>adored</div><div>cosseted as divine.</div><div>Remember</div><div>We are One</div><div>You too are a piece of Divinity</div><div>Be worthy of our praise</div><div>Live clean</div><div>Pick delicately at the bones of wisdom</div><div>Fiercely independent</div><div>Meet life on your own terms.</div><div>Be mirrored in our luminous gaze"</div>
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For those new to the game, each piece in my Singing<br />
Series focuses on a Teacher found in nature; a star, stone, animal or plant that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing?<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhud51JPiIl1rZc0l0LP_SGnG3_hs21MWfw4eClQVybVhoHAlBJi8frr9knTk9JoXfVWbV6q7spR2t57uRfRkbDJPQiS5TyeOCyr3TcZZd0AD0NUY3GywNcYpAKI9S5PPnhII0WfI0QnWAZic8CuZCA5XXjwRt_ze2EQAKjqPtW2zm_q1u8qQDiE7y04qw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1080" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhud51JPiIl1rZc0l0LP_SGnG3_hs21MWfw4eClQVybVhoHAlBJi8frr9knTk9JoXfVWbV6q7spR2t57uRfRkbDJPQiS5TyeOCyr3TcZZd0AD0NUY3GywNcYpAKI9S5PPnhII0WfI0QnWAZic8CuZCA5XXjwRt_ze2EQAKjqPtW2zm_q1u8qQDiE7y04qw" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-51019303560955449782018-10-18T07:41:00.002-07:002018-12-03T07:19:46.450-08:00Sending Love Across the Great DivideNo bags were packed<br />
No grand plans made<br />
No tickets booked<br />
or seats to upgrade.<br />
Yet you were ready to go;<br />
Gone in the blink of an eye.<br />
We were left<br />
with questions unasked,<br />
although never our habit<br />
to say "Goodbye".<br />
<br />
One last kiss,<br />
sweeter for not knowing<br />
it was the last.<br />
One final hug,<br />
tight with unshed tears.<br />
One last smile lingering<br />
in the corner of my mind,<br />
making mockery of my fears<br />
<br />
May your journey<br />
be swift and merry!<br />
Your companions<br />
loving and kind.<br />
The Earth will hold<br />
our tears for you,<br />
do not tarry!<br />
Whatever you need,<br />
Whatever you search for,<br />
I sincerely hope you find<br />
<br />
Our love goes with you<br />
as yours will always enfold.<br />
We will miss your Wisdom,<br />
your stubborn streak a mile wide,<br />
even your sharp tongue<br />
the mischievous twinkle in your eye<br />
the invaluable conversations,<br />
all the stories left untold.<br />
Memories we will cherish though,<br />
dearer than any gold<br />
Loving, light as a feather.<br />
Prayers, like thunder bold<br />
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A very dear friend of mine passed away about seven years ago in October. It was sudden, so hopefully a painless parting. She was only 66, but I know she was ready for the journey. A rare individual, both humble and courageous. She never really understood what a blessing she was... Never really accepted that she was an inspiration, valuable and beautiful just as she was, all skills aside, to those who love her. She was a wonderful Teacher, and it's hard not to kick myself for not asking more questions while I had the chance. I miss her still. We never said "Goodbye" when we parted, and tried always to make the most of every moment we were given, say what was in our hearts. So, it's not really as if there is any unfinished business lingering, but letting go is never easy. We had plans to get together just two days after her passing, and I was one of the last people to speak with her. It still feels like she left in the middle of our conversation. I am so very grateful for the time were given though. That far outweighs anything else.<br />
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While a perfectly natural and acceptable part of Life, Death is a loss - most especially to those left behind. Poetry is still some of the very best therapy I've ever known, and it definitely helps the healing process. It was two years before I could write this piece and pull those splinters out. October is the time of year for taking inventory of our lives, letting go of/setting aside what no longer serves us, and remembering loved ones and Ancestors who have passed away. The time when the Veil between worlds is at its thinnest. In other words, it is the time of year when I face the setting sun, sending my love across the Great Divide.<br />
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May love and light fill the coming days of your own lives. May we all be so lucky to have such caring and inspiring people to cherish. May we be those caring inspiring people to others. May we come together as a society of humans who firmly set aside all those things that do not serve us... racism, misogyny, homophobia, isolationism, materialistic mindless consumerism. May we Awaken to our true purpose here. May we find strength in our memories as we in turn receive Love from across the Great Divide. <br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-45432994623538679492018-05-12T09:01:00.001-07:002019-02-06T20:34:09.313-08:00Rubus Fruticosus RhumbaMy blossoms summon bees<br />
to do my bidding<br />
My wine dark drupelet fruit<br />
tempts every feathered messenger<br />
Lures B'rer Rabbit,<br />
Bear, Fox, Deer<br />
from their sheltered nooks<br />
Even you may find yourself<br />
standing guilty before me<br />
Fingers & mouth incriminated<br />
by the stain of my ink<br />
More than 2000 years<br />
No stranger to Witches, Doctors, Cooks<br />
<br />
Brigid's star, Bride's blessing<br />
Sacred bramble<br />
Beloved by expectant mothers<br />
children, Fair Folk and<br />
the poet smith Goddess<br />
We encourage you to think<br />
Feed<br />
the hungry<br />
Comfort<br />
Strengthen<br />
the worn & frail<br />
Heal<br />
the sick<br />
Protect the innocent<br />
with bladed cane<br />
and daggered bodice<br />
Tis our duty to Provide<br />
Our right to Defend<br />
Our pleasure to Inspire<br />
as we all ramble<br />
round this Wheel<br />
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For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those that listen. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-1865674136215698622018-05-11T15:45:00.001-07:002018-05-12T09:19:14.913-07:00Summer Wine & WishesPrides of cadmium yellows, salad greens<br />
Roaring across sun streaked fields<br />
Lion's Tooth, Urban Survivor<br />
Then<br />
just over a week or two<br />
Redemption<br />
Resurrection<br />
Shaking bare our snowy manes<br />
Transformation<br />
Casting wishes, beginnings, seeds of Illumination<br />
upon the Winds<br />
eluding your destructive disdain<br />
<br />
Irrepressible Taraxacum<br />
Beltane's dancing floor<br />
Bitter tonic, Apollo's clock<br />
with healing water brewed<br />
useful from petal tips to roots<br />
toxins flushed<br />
Oracles cast<br />
and illnesses subdued<br />
<br />
<br />
For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant, etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today? Congrats to Cathy, Layla and Alan for naming this Teacher!<br />
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“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.” Joseph Addison<br />
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“No vision and you perish; No ideal, and you’re lost. Your heart must ever cherish some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, some rainbow in the sky. Some melody to sing to, some sevice that is high.” Harriet Du Autermont<br />
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“But a weed is simply a plant that wants to grow where people want something else. In blaming nature, people mistake the culprit. Weeds are people’s idea, not Nature’s.” Anonymous<br />
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Persistant Dandelion has been known by many names over the years: blowball, cankerwort, lion’s tooth, fairy clock, wild endive, priest’s crown, piss-a-bed and Irish daisy to name a few. Unlike many other plants, considering Dandelion a weed is nothing new. However, this little Teacher has many lessons for us and many uses. There are about a 100 different species of Dandelion, and the name is a corruption of the French “dents de lion” or “teeth of the lion”, so called for its saw-toothed jaw-like leaves.<br />
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Dandelion has been used as a treatment for fevers, boils, eye problems, diarrhea, fluid retention, liver congestion and diseases, heartburn, as a laxitive and natural diuretic, breast cancer and inflammation, lack of milk in breastfeeding mothers, appendicitis, digestive ailments, and is one of the best detoxants available to us. Its roots enhance bile flow, which is what makes it useful in combatting liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones and jaundice. It causes the liver to increase bile production, betters the flow to the gallbladder, causes the gallbladder to contract and release stored bile. Its high choline content is what makes it effective against hepatitic tonic, and it cleans the blood of toxins most effectively.<br />
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“Many things love to come and live off your plants, including bacteria, bugs, birds, and bunnies. If you don’t control them, entire crops can be ruined. The result of your careful cultivation, in your garden and in your life, can be lost to predators in a short time. … Take a look at your life, what toxic relationships, substances and emotions are feeding on your energy and taking away from what you have to give to others. Eliminate them.” Vivian Elisabeth Glyck, 1997<br />
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Dandelion leaf is also a good natural source of potassium. The fact that it will replenish any potassium that may be lost due to the herb’s diuretc action on the kidneys makes it safe to use in cases of water retention due to heart problems, and is gentle enough for children or the elderly. Also useful in cases of anemia, it may lower elevated blood pressure. Dandelion also provides relief for rheumatism and arthritis. Doses of dandelion preparations taken over time, have helped reduce stiffness and increase mobility in situations of chronic DJD (degenerative joint disease).<br />
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A 1938 Italian study involved 12 patients with severe liver imbalances, and after receiving one 5ml injection of dandelion extract per day for 20 days, 11 of the 12 showed a considerable drop in blood cholesterol! In another study, dandelion was used successfully to treat hepatitis, swelling of the liver, jaundice and dyspepsia. Certain PMS symptoms are believed to be caused by decreased hepatic clearance of estrogen and other hormones. Since dandelion can deoxify these hormones, it would make an effective treatment in those cases.<br />
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“You fight dandelions all weekend, and late Monday afternoon there they are, pert as all get out, in full and gorgeous bloom, pretty as can be, thriving as only dandelions can in the face of adversity.” Hal Borland<br />
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Sturdy Dandelion has been beloved by children for generations. Every child I have ever known cannot resist tossing their wishes upon the winds by blowing Dandelion puffballs. Being a common meadow herb so closely associated with youth and wish fufillment gives Dandelion a link to the Faerie realm and its inhabitants. Dandelion wine, once popular across Europe, was regarded as a magical drink that the Fae lent a hand in making! Families would get together to collect all the best Dandelions during late spring or early summer. The wine would be aged til around the end of autumn or beginning of winter, and the goal was to make enough to see everyone through until next Spring. This sweet wine is still made today.<br />
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Dandelion roots, like chicory which is it’s close relative, make a decent coffee substitute, and young leaves are a wonderful addition to salads. It was believed to be good luck to carry a few dandelions in your wedding bouquet, as it would bring prosperity to the marriage, many children, and good health. They made necklaces of good fortune for young maids who chained them for themselves, but not if they were given to them by someone else. While it is alright to place Dandelions on someone’s grave, it is ill advised to pick them in any graveyard! In Ireland, Dandelions were used to treat faerie shot and heart ailments. Folk beliefs revolving around this tiny flower are nearly as plentiful as Dandelions themselves!<br />
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It’s yellow color links it to Solar energy and the Sun. People used to rub the flower’s yellow color onto their hands and then onto whatever part of the body was in need of aid. This link to the healing Sun and Dandelion’s amazing tenacity mark it as a vigorous Healer. Being a lover’s oracle, Dandelion is associated with Coquetry in the language of flowers, and can also represent Happiness or Faithfulness. There are Dandelion cook-offs, recipes, and even festivals!<br />
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“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, Fortune of the Republic, 1878<br />
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The fleshy roots should be gathered in the fall, washed, split and dried out of the sun before being stored in sealed jars. Dried, of course, is not as potent as fresh, but this handy Healer is good to have around the house. A simple infusion can be made by taking 2 ounces of fresh leaves (less if dried) and adding 2.5 cups of (non-chlorinated) boiling water in a glass container. Cover and steep for about 15-20 minutes, strain and drink hot or cold. Don’t exceed three cups in a day! This mixture will last about two days in the refridgerator.<br />
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Likewise, Dandelions should never be used by someone with blocked biliary ducts or other biliary ailments. Also, Dandelion stems contain a liquid latex substance that may be irritating to the skin of sensitive persons. Being one of the first flowers in Spring, Dandelion helps Bees and other nectar and pollen eaters to survive before everything else is available. Their transformative nature reminds us of the need to accept change in our own lives, and shows us how to transform ourselves or our lives with grace.<br />
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Dandelion asks us to be mindful of the seeds of thought we plant both within the fertile darkness of our minds, and in conversation with others. If you are constantly spewing negativity, even "just" internally, your body and environment will react to that signal you are sending out. All things begin within and if you are filling up your inner spaces with negativity, this will reflect elsewhere in your life. This Teacher prefers Illuminating moments and conversations; bringing to light things hidden. Especially helpful when we find ourselves drained from too much time spent surrounded by concrete and steel, or simply feel overwhelmed by a situation, this humble plant is a clever tenacious survivor that will help you find a way around whatever is blocking you! Redemption and Resurrection are key words for those drawn to this Teacher.<br />
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Dandelion people tend to be cheerful, resilient, tenacious and youthful. Those with unbalanced Dandelion energy might be “mood-killers” turning bright situations bleak with their bitter attitudes. This Teacher challenges us to re-examine how we look at our lives. Perhaps those “weeds” in our lives were only our perception of them, and have been there all along to help us! Dandelion might be telling you to weed out the toxins in your life, or warning you that something you viewed as a weed would be better left alone! Recall the happiness of an innocent heart, and Dandelion will surely be there! With all that Dandelion gives to us, isn’t it amazing how many consider it only to be a bothersome weed?! How do Dandelions appear in your life?<br />
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<br />
“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them” A. A. Milne, Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh<br />
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“If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn.” Andrew V. Mason<br />
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Little Dandelion<br />
Bright little Dandelion<br />
Lights up the meads,<br />
Swings on her slender foot,<br />
Telleth her beads,<br />
Lists to the robin’s note<br />
Poured from above;<br />
Wise little Dandelion<br />
Asks not for love.<br />
<br />
Cold lie the daisy banks<br />
Clothed but in green,<br />
Where, in the days agone,<br />
Bright hues were seen.<br />
Wild pinks are slumbering,<br />
Violets delay;<br />
True little Dandelion<br />
Greeteth the May.<br />
<br />
Brave little Dandelion!<br />
Fast falls the snow,<br />
Bending the daffodil’s<br />
Haughty head low.<br />
Under that fleecy tent,<br />
Careless of cold,<br />
Blithe little Dandelion<br />
Counteth her gold.<br />
<br />
Meek little Dandelion<br />
Groweth more fair,<br />
Till dies the amber dew<br />
Out from her hair.<br />
High rides the thirsty sun,<br />
Fiercely and high;<br />
Faint little Dandelion<br />
Closeth her eye.<br />
<br />
Pale little Dandelion,<br />
In her white shroud,<br />
Heareth the angel-breeze<br />
Call from the cloud;<br />
Tiny plumes fluttering<br />
Make no delay;<br />
Little winged Dandelion<br />
Soareth away.<br />
<br />
Helen Barron Bostwick<br />
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Potential Balancing Energies:<br />
Rabbit, horse, cattle (cow, sheep, goat, etc), bison/buffalo, deer, birds like Redtail hawk, Eagle, Crow/Raven, sparrow, chickadee, robin, or canary, stones like opal, Lions, insects like lepidoptera, ants, bees, and grasshoppers/crickets, other plants like grasses, daisies, plantain, violets, or asclepias, the Sun<br />
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Associated with: Hecate, Belenus, Brigid, Dagda, Lugh Lamfada, Apollo, Hera, Taranis, Green Man/Woman, Cernunnos, Pan, Osiris, Ra, Jupiter, Zeus, Ceres/Demeter, Epona, Asclepius, Diancecht and other deities associated with the Sun, fields or healing.<br />
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Key Concepts: Solar energy, Cleansing/Purification, Healing/Health, Wishes, Beginnings, Redemption, Resurrection, Grounding, Dreams/Dreamtime/Vision, Faeries, Happiness, Childhood joy/memories, tenacity, regeneration/renewal/rebirth, Divinity, letting go in a healthy/timely way<br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-36255918230802020612018-05-10T13:53:00.000-07:002019-02-06T20:41:01.033-08:00Bladed CharmsSprung from Adonis' blood<br />
Petaled perfection<br />
Daggered defense<br />
We have Aphrodite's sensibility<br />
but Eros' sense<br />
Heady with the perfume of<br />
Intrigue<br />
Mystery<br />
Victory<br />
Passion<br />
Love<br />
Dancing in every glowing shade<br />
We sing of graces<br />
of blessings<br />
of innocence<br />
Though our bloom will wither<br />
Truth<br />
Beauty<br />
the Soul<br />
never fades<br />
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We will<br />
Soothe a fevered mood<br />
Treat you to some Vitamin C<br />
Celebrate achieving your goals<br />
Lift spirits<br />
Open hearts<br />
Keep your secrets<br />
Crown your honor<br />
Gentle as a summer's breeze<br />
yet beware our thorny darts<br />
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Brave maidens<br />
Honorable Veterans<br />
of a passionate life well lived<br />
Press us between your memories<br />
from weddings to graves<br />
Include us in your rituals, incenses, lotions, remedies<br />
nodding over our canes<br />
hearts on our sleeves<br />
blades at the ready<br />
Standing brave<br />
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For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant, etc that holds lessons for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today? Congrats to Cathy, Jan and Alan for naming this Teacher.<br />
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“Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” Franklin P. Jones</div>
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“Everything is created from moment to moment, always new. Like fireworks, this universe is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the eternal Fourth of July of your absolute splendor.” Francis Lucille</div>
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“The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around…. Throughout history, “tender loving care” has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing." Larry Dossey</div>
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“There is nothing boring about a classic.” Lewis Farrell, “Bed of Roses”</div>
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I believe it may very well be universal knowledge that sending or receiving red roses is a declaration of love. Roses have much more to say to us than just this single declaration, powerful as it is, and it is a shame that more people don’t make the effort to become fluent with the language of Roses. Within the Language of Flowers lies the Language of Roses, a dialect all their own, rife with meanings. What one conveys with this magical flower depends on the color, arrangement, number, or condition of the roses; sending a single bud, full bloom or dead rose changes the message significantly!</div>
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A bouquet of mixed roses, for example, would express to the receiver that “you mean everything to me”. Red roses represent love and passion; a bud for passions and love just beginning or a full bloom for the variety that is “Love above all. No… not the artful postures of love, not playful and poetical games of love for the amusement of an evening, but love that… over-throws life! Unbiddable, ungovernable – like a riot in the heart, and nothing to be done, come ruin or rapture!” (Shakespeare in Love). Two roses entwined together represent an engagement or union.</div>
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White roses represent purity, blessings, divinity, loyalty or innocence. Mixed white and red represents unity. Yellow roses can represent jealousy, but more commonly represents joy and friendship. Yellow roses tipped with red can represent friendship blossoming into love. Red and Yellow roses mixed in a bouquet are an invitation to join the fun, or simply happiness. Orange or Coral roses represent desire and fascination. Light pink roses are to express sympathy or fondness, but dark pink roses are sent to express gratitude or appreciation.</div>
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“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” George Sand</div>
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“You know you are in love when you see the world in her eyes, and her eyes everywhere in the world.” David Levesque</div>
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“Love is a stranger in an open car, to tempt you in and drive you far away… Love, love, love is a dangerous drug…you have to receive it and you still can’t get enough of the stuff!” Annie Lennox</div>
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Lavender or Sterling roses, my particular favorites, come in their own varying shades of delicate color. Those that are more purple in hue would be used to express love at first sight, fairy magic, or being enchanted by whomever inspired you to send it, while those more blue in shade would express fantasy, the spirit world, or the unattainable. Silvery Sterling roses, silver being the traditional color of the soul or spiritual matters, would lend themselves well to expressions of soulful intent.</div>
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Continuing through the uses of color, rare chartreuse roses would celebrate coming into a fortune or healing. You could easily have roses dyed, but natural is usually best in my opinion. While there are no true black roses, they can be dyed, and you can even find places where you can send a bouquet of dead roses! Black is the traditional color of wisdom, but sending black or dead roses would typically represent death or ill intent. This device has been used in film to threaten someone, usually by a crazed stalker.</div>
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However, sending dead roses takes on its own meaning to those who consider themselves a part of the Goth subculture, and would certainly be viewed much more favorably! A dozen dead red roses sent in this expression might more truly mean “my love is eternal, my desire for your beauty will never fade”, a Romeo and Juliet bouquet if you will. To the knowledgeable, you might even send dead roses to help someone celebrate the death of a bad situation! Yes, Mixing of colors and kinds changes everything…</div>
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“Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner.” Amy Bloom</div>
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“Spouse: someone who’ll stand by you through all the trouble you wouldn’t have had if you’d stayed single.” Unknown</div>
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“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Mignon McLaughlin</div>
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The Rose has been intimately connected with Love and matters of the heart for centuries. For this reason, it most often appears at weddings, engagements, bridal showers, valentine’s day and anniversaries. The 1996 film “Bed of Roses” wonderfully captures the overwhelming power of love that sparks instantly, its healing ways on body and soul, and the divine balm that Love and Roses bring when Love moves from the fantastical to the inner chambers of the soul. In this film, Alice is a very isolated woman; abandoned as a child by her own mother and then again when her adopted mother dies, unloved by the grief-stricken adoptive father, and near friendless as an adult, Alice structures her life to remain untouched by the thorns that Love so often bears.</div>
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Lewis has had an abundance of love in his life, but the loss of his childhood sweetheart and their baby early in their marriage has left him isolated in his own little world too. Until, one night he looks up and sees Alice in her window stricken by grief. Their story of overcoming the fear of Love to be healed by this powerful emotion and find contentment is not an easy one, which is perhaps why I adore it so. It perfectly captures the magic of “love at first sight” and the many wounds and sacrifices that come with a true marriage.</div>
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Love is a terrible vulnerability and no one can hurt you like those you love. It requires great trust, faith, confidence, and courage to truly love someone, whether that someone is yourself, your family, your friends, or simply the world in general. Alice is a woman so wounded that it is questionable whether she has these vital qualities needed to keep the love that found her.</div>
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True Love, however it may arrive in your life, is rare perhaps only because it requires such a perfection of honesty, generosity, integrity, peace, wisdom, and harmony to fully blossom. True Love is an ever-unfolding kaleidoscope between two people. It gives as much as it requires. Universal Love is perhaps the only thing more rare than the True Love found between two people simply because it transcends the relationship between two individuals and applies all the same qualities to every member of Humanity and the World that contains us.</div>
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There are many moments of selfless beauty and quiet enchantment perfectly expressed through the shifting colors of the magical Sterling Rose that were marvelously captured by the “Bed of Roses” film. Lewis sorting through every scintillating lavender rose in the city as he lovingly crafts endless bouquets of perfection for the new love that could resurrect him from the ashes of his own despair is an awe-inspiring sight. Alice’s stunned and fearful confusion as she sits in a room without space for one more bloom, while comical, is also a chilling thought when you realize that this would most likely be everyone first reaction to so much love being directed at us so earnestly.</div>
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Through the film, Alice learns that it is not Love she truly fears though… it is herself. Alice fears her ability to return love equally as much as she fears opening herself to the possible miracle and inevitable pain of love. She doubts her worthiness of such perfection as much as she doubts the perfection itself.</div>
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When speaking of sterling roses, a thorn-less rose, Alice says that she almost prefers the roses with thorns as they are too perfect to be real without them. A poetic reminder of this “forge-tested” woman’s familiarity with pain. Lewis and his roses open the door for the deep healing that the soul-wounded Alice needs, which gains her the wisdom of the Sterling Rose… Love without thorns is magical perfection. In the end, this gives her the courage to face her worst fears and embrace love honestly.</div>
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We all carry burdens. We all go through trials and varying degrees of pain. The thorn-less rose reminds us that when we are at the end of our rope, emotionally exhausted, and beyond all hope… love still embraces us in its gentle perfection, waiting to be remembered as one of the many natural and healing gifts of Life. All that you know could crumble around you, but if your heart still brims with love for Self and World you would never feel poor, isolated or bereft. Love is not something that begins or ends with any individual, it simply is, like any other element or energy in Life. When we open ourselves to this reality, the miraculous becomes an every day occurrence, and anything is possible.</div>
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“Every now and then everybody is entitled to too much perfection.” ~ Lewis Farrell, “Bed of Roses”</div>
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“I live on a little planet called reality, where things like that don’t happen.” Alice Walker, “Bed of Roses”</div>
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“Infatuation is when you think he’s as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Conners. Love is when you realize that he’s as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Connors, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger and nothing like Robert Redford – but you’ll take him anyway.” ~Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975</div>
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“If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?” Unknown</div>
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Now, because it is so commonly paired with Love, the rose in her many splendors is also strongly associated with romance, sex and fertility. These were all once considered aspects of Love equally desirable in any marriage. The first appearance of rosewater was between 1582 and 1612 as the oil or "otto’ of roses in Persia used at wedding feasts for the Grand Moguls. It is said that at the wedding of a certain princess and an emperor, a canal was dug that encircled an entire garden.</div>
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This canal was then filled with water and fragrant rose petals for the bridal couple who discovered that the heat of the sun separated the rose’s essential oil onto the surface of the water. This oil was then skimmed off and prized ever after as a heavenly perfume which is used to this day for inspiring all that the Rose symbolizes… love, romance, fertility, desire, celebration, ceremony, etc etc.</div>
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A lover’s trail of petals from door to bed is another frequently employed symbol that re-enforces this flowers devotion to Aphrodite, Eros, Bacchus and similar sensual deities. Roses, like their cousin the Apple, are also associated with the goddesses Brighid and Freya. Singer Meatloaf once asked, “Would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?” The parallel between this potentially consuming passion, and the symbols of both red roses and Wolf is perfectly apt, although another common Creature Teacher to see within the Rose is Deer Spirit. The Rose’s connection to Canine energy is perhaps more easily seen through the inadvertently named Dog or Dag rose, another favorite of mine.</div>
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“I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt</div>
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“Sex on television can’t hurt you… unless you fall off.” Unknown</div>
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“Remember, if you smoke after sex… you’re doing it too fast.” Woody Allen</div>
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“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” Voltaire</div>
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“A fever is an expression of inner rage.” Julia Roberts</div>
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It is believed that the Dog Rose came from a corruption of its original name, the Dag Rose. Dag is an archaic word for dagger, a reference to the roses many sharp thorns which were braved to gather either its beautiful flowers, or more importantly, it’s fruit. The Rose Hip, fruit of the rose, is useful for many things. Rosehips are tasty cooked into many dishes, and excellent in teas for their antioxidant qualities and concentration of vitamin c. Roses are closely related to the Apple and can be used anywhere you would use a tart fruit. The old “apple a day” maximum is equally true of rosehips, and typically the most productive roses for the best rosehips are of the bush variety like Dog rose, or rosa rugosa.</div>
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The roses used in medicine are typically any of the scented roses that bear a deep red or rose tint. After the second blooming in the fall, bulbs form on the stems of the rose just below where each flower bloomed. These swellings will round out and gradually turn an orangey-red, when they are considered ripe and can be harvested.</div>
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When you harvest rosehips, you cut off the tops and bottoms, slice in half, deseed, and then rinse the hips in preparation for storage. You can preserve hips in a variety of ways. One of the simplest is to store them in an airtight container in the freezer until needed, and I can tell you that if you have stored them properly they retain all their medicinal benefits as well as their sweet-tart taste. Ask me for my Earthy Goodness Casserole recipe sometime!</div>
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Over the years, roses and their fruit have been used to create syrup, perfume, oil, confectionary, cordial, conserve (jam/jelly), all sorts of cooked dishes, ungents/lotion, gargles, bandages, poultice, eyewash, candles, baths/potpurri, and liquers. These have been used medicinally for: fevers, jaundice, jointaches, headaches, fainting, dry skin, cuts and sores, weakness and trembling of the heart, weak stomach, to promote good digestion, to cool an over-heated liver, hot inflammations or swellings, sore throats, to cool tempers, qwell nervousness, restlessness, insomnia and all nervous complaints, as well as being a comfort and strength to the heart and spirit. Rosehips and even untreated rose petals make a deliscious and healthy treat that should be part of everyone’s diet!</div>
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“The best six doctors anywhere<br />
And no one can deny it<br />
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air<br />
Exercise and diet.<br />
These six will gladly you attend<br />
If only you are willing<br />
Your mind they’ll ease<br />
Your will they’ll mend<br />
And charge you not a shilling.” Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields</div>
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“A bowl of warmth, a soft face, a new day. Some get-well thoughts sent your way. Feel better soon!” Author Unknown</div>
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“I dream of the winter in my heart turning to spring<br />
While the ice gives way under my feet<br />
And so I drown with the sun</div>
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I’ve been burning in water and drowning in flame<br />
To prove you wrong and scare you away<br />
I admit my defeat and want back home<br />
In your heart under the rose…"<br />
HIM, “Under the Rose”</div>
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For all it’s healthful benefits and uplifting nature though, Roses are also closely associated with Death. Roses are a favored flower for gravesites and funerals. Perhaps this is an unconscious reminder to ourselves that we should not only enjoy Life, but remember too that Death is but a natural part of the living experience. It is this close association with both the Creative and the Destructive forces, the Rose’s ability to unflinchingly permeate both states with its powerful Love… that makes it such a favorite of Goths, in my opinion.</div>
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Like Lillies, Roses are beloved not for the mere frequency with which they appear at funerals and graveyards! This amazing flower is not just the herald of Love or Death, it can symbolize magic, divinity, perfection, healing, hope, secrets and a host of other things. Beloved of Isis and the Mother of Christ, this flower is rife with dichotomy: life and death, magic and practicality, spirituality and sexuality, gentleness and pain, airy and earthy by turns.</div>
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A rose was sometimes worn behind the ear by servants, tavern workers, or others in 16th century England to indicate that the wearer heard all and told nothing. In Germany, roses displayed at a table suggested that diners could speak freely without fear that their secrets would travel beyond the room. The expression sub rosa, “under the rose,” is believed to originate from the custom of carving a rose over the door of the confessional in Catholic churches. It remains a favorite symbol of all secret societies, although when the rose was first connected with secrecy remains a mystery.</div>
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It is easier for me to see immediate connections to the Canine Creature Teachers. Perhaps the first quality one associates with Dogs is loyalty, an important aspect to devotees of the Rose. Wolves too are noted for their passion, their overwhelmingly sensitive and sensual natures. Foxes are magic and mystery given four feet and fur, and wild dogs of all sorts are associated with death, communication, and transformation.</div>
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There is a certain amount of surrender and sacrifice, a familiarity with the gritty and painful side of living that comes with the Rose that is also familiar to those called by these Creature Teachers. Perhaps the name Dog Rose isn’t so inadvertent after all, although the many virtues of this classic flower appear to be largely well kept secrets. The balance between Canine and Deer Teachers should be examined by those called by the Rose.</div>
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“Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come.” ~ Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women”</div>
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“There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run, the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.” Napoleon Bonaparte</div>
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Roses were favored decorations during the Roman eras. They were strewn across floors and tables, filled goblets, temples, tombs, and processions. Rose flavored wines have probably been enjoyed at ceremonies from Bacchanals to funerals for as long as people have had Rose wine! Roses have been carved into ships and cradles, and adorn many stray corners of our lives. A soothing bath, an inviting scent to a room, especially with chocolate! Explore the many myths, legends, songs and works of art that glorify this marvelous bloom. Celebrate some perfection in your life however you choose, but please consider confiding in the Rose during your celebrations. How does this Nature Teacher appear in your life?</div>
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“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Thomas J. Peters</div>
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“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey</div>
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It isn’t always easy to celebrate your life in the moment, or occasionally even to find a reason to celebrate… But, the beautiful face of the Rose in a handful of Wildflowers is my favorite bouquet any day! A fabulous reminder to both enjoy and learn from life. Being mindful of what you carry forward with you into each moment is half the battle. The Rose is Nature’s many splendor-ed reminder to do so always with Love and Blessings. What are you passionate about in Life? What does this emblem of Spirit mean to you? How do Roses appear in your life?</div>
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“One truth stands firm. All that happens in world history rests on something spiritual. If the spiritual is strong, it creates world history. If it is weak, it suffers world history.” ~Albert Schweitzer</div>
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“To make the journey and not fall deeply in love, you haven’t lived a life at all. Stay open. Lightning could strike.” Bill, “Meet Joe Black”</div>
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“Thank you for a day of too much perfection.” Lewis Farrell, “Bed of Roses”</div>
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-62399126364949828322018-04-27T12:46:00.003-07:002023-11-09T13:11:22.640-08:00For Sentimental ReasonsFor Sentimental Reasons<div><br /></div><div>Balanced and Bold<br />
a new voice arises<br />
Sensitive yet confident<br />
full of surprises<br />
<br />
“Hog-nosed, Spotted<br />
Hooded or Striped<br />
My Wisdom<br />
is always ripe<br />
<br />
Once you see me<br />
there is no<br />
middle ground<br />
Though seldom aggressive<br />
the memory of my wrath<br />
is not easily drowned!<br />
<br />
Black and white<br />
Day and night,<br />
Love and hate<br />
It is all how<br />
You choose<br />
to relate<br />
Tisn’t always a case<br />
of Either/Or<br />
Heed my cautionary stripe<br />
At your own peril<br />
do you choose<br />
my warnings to ignore<br />
<br />
Oh hush!<br />
Silence is golden.<br />
Why all the uproar?<br />
Don't make such a stink<br />
Those with true authority<br />
feel no need<br />
to sing their own praises<br />
to dictate<br />
or keep petty score<br />
<br />
Trust yourself<br />
Show no fear<br />
Supplies are limited<br />
Know thyself<br />
Choose your moment wisely<br />
Sacred self defense<br />
not violence or aggression<br />
reduce bullies to proverbial tears<br />
<br />
Beginning with one’s self<br />
Respect is both a give and take<br />
Trust your own nose to scent<br />
True friends from the fake<br />
<br />
Follow me and all will see<br />
just how desirable are we<br />
No middle ground<br />
Some will argue<br />
Some agree<br />
Others still will simply flee!<br />
<br />
Potent, confident, diplomatic<br />
curious and benign<br />
We teach lessons<br />
on how to attract or rebuff<br />
by certain truthful sign.<br />
<br />
We are maestros of Reputation<br />
adorned with the musk of power<br />
Become the masters<br />
of sensual flirtation<br />
find strength hidden<br />
within every delicate flower<br />
<br />
Respect must be<br />
thy right I avow<br />
Good judgement<br />
thy sword and shield<br />
Confidence thy plow."<br />
<br />
<br />
For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” Confucius</div>
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“I am ze locksmith of love, no?” Pepe Le Pew</div>
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“As welcome as a skunk at a lawn party.” proverb</div>
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Few animals command the instant respect that Skunk takes for granted. Only the foolish or ignorant will attack a Skunk, and Skunk’s supreme confidence shows in his attitude. Despite the power of their infamously smelly defense, Skunk’s are rather quiet gentle creatures much like Flower from the Disney film “Bambi”. I should note that this film falsely depicts skunks as winter hibernators though.</div>
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There are about 11 different types of skunk, and the most well-known is probably the Striped Skunk found over most of North America. Roughly the size of a house cat and instantly recognizable by it’s black body and double white stripes that run from head to tail, Skunk elicits an immediate response from those who encounter it. Anyone who has ever smelled Skunk from a distance could tell you why!</div>
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When a skunk feels threatened it will first growl and stamp it’s feet. Then it will aim it’s rear end with the sharpshooting scent glands at the source of the threat…if you have not headed these warnings and removed yourself by this point, a skunk will eye you up over it’s shoulder, take aim and shoot it’s offensive scent with amazing accuracy up to 10 feet! This horrendous smell is strong enough to ward off bears, and is difficult to remove.</div>
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Skunks usually don’t become truly aggressive unless they feel cornered (like the one that got caught in the outhouse at Girls Scout camp!) or are defending young. Skunks are reluctant to spray as they have around five good shots in them after which it will take up to ten days to replenish. The show “Mythbusters” found that a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and liquid soap was most effective in removing the skunk scent, although tomato juice is a common home remedy that is also effective. Skunk’s showy black and white coloring is usually all the warning needed by any creature that has experienced Skunk’s defense before! These glands can be removed, however, and domesticated skunks have been kept quite happily as pets.</div>
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Skunks are typically solitary except when breeding, which begins around February or March. They have a 63 day gestation which results in one to seven young, which are born blind and will stay with the mother til around June or July. Males have no part in raising young and will even kill them. Largely carnivorous but considered omnivores, Skunks eat frogs, salamanders, mice, insects, snakes, moles and the like, which makes them handy for keeping down rodent populations. They will eat fruits and seeds, and are notoriously troublesome scavengers of garbage.</div>
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The statistics for a skunk to be a rabies carrier are quite high, being second only to raccoons. Nocturnal, skunks are excellent diggers and can be difficult to remove once they have entrenched themselves. An individual skunk can claim a territory of about 30-40 acres. Skunks are a favorite food of Great Horned Owls, so Owls are one of the first balancing totems for Skunks that should be examined.</div>
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“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” Mahatma Gandhi</div>
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“If I despised myself, it would be no compensation if everyone saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not trouble me if others hold me lightly.” Max Nordau</div>
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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Maryanne Williamson</div>
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Skunks embody confidence and their biggest lessons revolve around Respect. Skunk shows us how best to develop, give and receive respect. He teaches us first and foremost to respect ourselves and our own abilities. Well balanced Skunk people often seem fearless but in reality they are simply well aware of their capabilities and this gives them a firm self-confidence from which anything is possible. This quality either draws or repels others, and Skunk people are typically either liked or disliked strongly within one’s first meeting. Unbalanced Skunk people can be arrogant, brash, or ill-mannered with little understanding of personal space.I particularly wanted to share the Williamson quote above as it so perfectly captures balanced Skunk energy. “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Skunk people attract others who either display or desire these confident qualities.</div>
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The wisdom of Owl makes an excellent balancing energy for the bold Skunk. It is important that Skunks understand how to develop a good reputation without being ruled by having a reputation. In other words, don’t become so enamored of yourself simply because others find you such good company. The simplest way to cultivate this is just by being true to one’s self, doing what you know is right in any given situation irregardless of what others think… in essence, living a good life. Most Skunks have to work at learning how to balance their attractive/repellent abilities.</div>
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Finding comfort in silence, accepting that there is a time to be social and a time to be alone is a big step for a Skunk. Others will notice Skunk people whether they are trying to be noticed or not, so it is best to remember not to boast or behave too outrageously as this will most likely put others off when you are trying your best to attract them.Balanced or not, Skunk people will not tolerate abuse of any sort and will take action if their warnings to desist do not meet with the desired results, often with a dramatic result. When a Skunk puts someone in their place, everyone remembers it! Powerful yet peaceful, Skunk is, nonetheless, not someone you want on your bad side.</div>
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“One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation.” Oscar Wilde</div>
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“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Benjamin Franklin</div>
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“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing.” Abraham Lincoln</div>
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One of my favorite cartoon characters ever has to be the breezy and romantic Pepe Le Pew. He never hurried, never doubted himself, was multi-talented, optimistic, and was even content with himself when he failed in his objective! It is their basic self-confidence that makes Skunk people so sexy to others, not necessarily their looks. Skunk people make enthusiastic, energetic and inventive lovers, having an innate understanding of all things “sexy”. All the better for Skunk people then if they can develop a solid and balanced relationship with someone who understands their need to be solitary on occasion, their independence and flamboyant nature; someone who truly revels in them simply being themselves, warts and all. If your going to leave bite marks on someone, it ought to be someone you love.</div>
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“Being a sex symbol has to do with an attitude, not looks. Most men think it’s looks, most women know otherwise.” Kathleen Turner</div>
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“You know, it is possible to be too attractive.” Pepe Le Pew</div>
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The white stripes of a skunk relate to kundalini energy, and those unfamiliar with this term should give some study to the matter. This is a highly creative, powerful yet subtle feminine force laying dormant within us that can purify one’s being, open and travel through all chakra points, inspire us and lead us to our higher selves. Yoga is an excellent activity for Skunk people. Because of their bond with scent, Skunks often have a highly developed sense of smell. Skunk people will find that they have strong responses to odors of all sorts and it is good to be mindful that smell is the strongest link to memory that we have.</div>
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Studying the language of flowers, and Aromatherapy will also greatly benefit Skunks. Through this, one could unlock lost memories of childhood or past lives, retain information longer and more vividly, heighten sexual responses (can’t you just hear that trademark Pepe growl? lol), and unobtrusively sway things towards your favor. For example, I have found that wearing a combination of eucalyptus and ylang ylang oils elicits an excellent response during job interviews of all sorts. This combination of “energetic” and “attractive” is a confident aroma that often leaves an interviewer favorably disposed towards you without being too intrusive. Skunk people will find that using scents will not only be pleasing to them personally, but will draw a powerful response from their associates. Again, finding a proper balance between “too much” and “not enough” of these sexy, scentimental qualities is part of the life challenge for Skunk people.</div>
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“Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains; another, a moonlit beach; a third, a family dinner of pot roast and sweet potatoes during a myrtle-mad August in a Midwestern town. Smells detonate softly in our memory like poignant land mines hidden under the weedy mass of years. Hit a tripwire of smell and memories explode all at once. A complex vision leaps out of the undergrowth. Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses</div>
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“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.” Helen Keller</div>
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“Our highest assurance of the goodness of Providence seems to me to rest in the flowers. All other things, our powers, our desires, our food, are all really necessary for our existence in the first instance. But this rose is an extra. Its smell and its color are an embellishment of life, not a condition of it. It is only goodness which gives extras, and so I say again that we have much to hope from the flowers.” Sherlock Holmes</div>
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Consider the phrase, “I smell a skunk” which is commonly used to mean “my intuition is telling me something is wrong with this person or situation.” Listen to these intuitions! Skunk people need to develop a trust in their instincts, as they will have a strong intuitive sense that will allow them to “smell” trouble. Skunk can help anyone learn to recognize, accept and properly react to warnings of all sorts. Like most of us, the challenge here is for Skunk people to learn to trust their instincts without their mind’s many logical arguments getting in the way. Skunk will often appear to deliver a warning, and one should proceed with caution whenever she appears.</div>
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Because of their powerful presence, Skunk people will often experience difficulty in achieving a workable balance between confidence and hubris. They make an impact and it is inevitable that others will notice a Skunk…how they notice us is up to us. The silent nature of Skunk is a subtle reminder to such people that they are best off being quiet in most situations, until they are sure just how to react. “Look before you leap, and think before you speak” is a pretty sensible outlook to have irregardless.</div>
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Black is the color of wisdom, the void, mystery, death, sorrow, extremes, everything and nothing in balance, power, strength, earth, sexuality, and is considered both grounding and calming in color therapy. White can also represent death, but it more commonly represents purity, innocence, femininity, peace, harmony, security, blessings, hope, virginity, and surrender. In color therapy, White is commonly used to provide energy, achieve balance, stimulate the production of serotonin, to cleanse, and refresh. Skunk’s black and white self is a visual reminder of both his strength and the need to find and maintain a balance in life.</div>
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Respect is a key issue for Skunk people; having a healthy balance between respect for self and respect for everything else in the Universe is the focus. Balance is an equally important topic for Skunk people. Skunk’s black and white self is a visual reminder of both his strength and the need to find and maintain a proper balance in life. If you need help in communicating, self-esteem, confidence, developing a good reputation, charisma, developing your sensuality or finding balance, Skunk is an excellent Teacher to ask for help. Indicative of Kundalini energy, sensitive, intuitive, attention attracting, and born with a keen instinct for non-aggressive self-preservation.“Look before you leap, and think before you speak” is a pretty sensible outlook.</div>
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Think of the typically black and white image of YinYang energy and imagine it swirling into Skunk’s vibrant form. If you need help in communicating, self-esteem, confidence, developing a good reputation, charisma, developing your sensuality or finding balance, Skunk is an excellent Teacher to ask for help. Just remember to approach him with respect and you should get along just fine. Powerful, protective, a living example of extremes in balance…How does Skunk appear in your life?</div>
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“It is better to rise from life as from a banquet – neither thirsty nor drunken.” Aristotle</div>
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“Enough is as good as a feast.” English Proverb</div>
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“Even nectar is poison if taken to excess.” Hindu Proverb</div>
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Key Concepts: Balance, Respect, Confidence/Self-esteem , Power, Leadership, Sensuality, Peace/Pacification, Natural Law/Magic, Warnings, Awareness/Sensitivity, Creativity, Prudence/Sound or Discerning judgement, Defense/Protection, Fertility, Fears and Shadow work</div>
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Associated with: Creative energy and Kundalini, bad odors, mistakes, peskiness … I know of no direct association between Skunks and any old deities, but being crepuscular creatures, Skunks would definitely be associated with Faerie energy and liminal zones</div>
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Potential Balancing Energies:</div>
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Owls , Hawks , Eagles , Vultures , Robins ,Blue Jays , Sparrows , Crows/Ravens , Quails, Swans , and other birds, Frogs/Toads and other Amphibians , lynx, bobcat, domestic Cats , Dogs , Wolf , Coyote , Fox , Trees like Apple , Oak , Willow , Pine , Cottonwood ,Bears , Crickets or Grasshoppers , Flies , Plants like Roses Plantain , Sunflowers , Corn, Ants , Earthworms, Bees , Beetles, Lepidoptera , Grubs and a wide variety of insects, Rabbits , Badgers, Raccoons, Opossums, Wolverines, Mice/Rats , Turtles , Deer , Moose , Bats, Snakes Spiders and other Shadow Teachers</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTIo6q_0xSMq0L_mt0iJlxR7ybvmNEwplV3PyyYstNp0A9u3v7qfh-U7kpx8MGoSyT7rOjPKCU22kX-irZC9fFpjQd0Dv6NQurMMzHV0dyWa1aQG0MP_0TJ5gkeuVZproW0teroSC64M/s1600/IMG_7713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTIo6q_0xSMq0L_mt0iJlxR7ybvmNEwplV3PyyYstNp0A9u3v7qfh-U7kpx8MGoSyT7rOjPKCU22kX-irZC9fFpjQd0Dv6NQurMMzHV0dyWa1aQG0MP_0TJ5gkeuVZproW0teroSC64M/s320/IMG_7713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-4283727021349910112018-04-26T17:34:00.001-07:002018-05-01T07:52:13.344-07:00Sacred Clown KaraokeA clarinet note dragged out like smoke<br />
smudged across the Sky<br />
as the Stars dance within the Medicine Bowl<br />
<br />
“Change!<br />
Change unending I sing!<br />
Eternal are<br />
Irony<br />
Chaos<br />
Unity<br />
Painful lessons, yes<br />
and the Medicine of laughter I bring<br />
to the World’s vast community.<br />
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Wise Fool, Wild Sage<br />
Opposites inverted<br />
Fire Thief, Blanket Shaker<br />
Be mindful, but lighten up<br />
Trickster, World Maker<br />
Get messy, make mistakes<br />
I dance to my own heart’s beat<br />
I’ll hand you Wisdom on one side<br />
then fall to my own conceit<br />
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Hold an innocent place<br />
within your heart<br />
Trust!<br />
For I am both the Illusion<br />
And the Mirror that cannot lie<br />
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For you, oh my den mate, I sing<br />
With you I survive, or die"<br />
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For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtU1hNR2ttcebgoGtPNHSoZkx-T_8EhVx7ALdGCUGt2WDtdvSXjTDwsd0SvYV-lc2v8NgMM6SGwWpNxwxW7_TLjHarhvZKBIQ_nHbaSl-fwt_rRxzW_yrDkYlcEwnfSKk0w6x1OXg4j8/s1600/coyote2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtU1hNR2ttcebgoGtPNHSoZkx-T_8EhVx7ALdGCUGt2WDtdvSXjTDwsd0SvYV-lc2v8NgMM6SGwWpNxwxW7_TLjHarhvZKBIQ_nHbaSl-fwt_rRxzW_yrDkYlcEwnfSKk0w6x1OXg4j8/s400/coyote2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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“Strong people make as many mistakes as weak people. Difference is that strong people admit their mistakes, laugh at them, learn from them. That is how they become strong.” Richard Needham</div>
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“Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it’s a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.” Al Franken</div>
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They must have been thinking of Coyote or at least a similar Trickster! Coyote is Infamous for his wily ways that are just as likely to end in huge embarrassment or a seriously painful lesson for this tricky Teacher. In fact, sometimes Coyote is viewed as such dangerous company that I have actually heard someone say, “Coyote is evil! That’s bad medicine!” I couldn’t disagree more. Sure, He can occasionally come off as the Father of Lies, or lead his chosen friends into a world of trouble they would rather do without, and most times everything Coyote attempts seems to work backwards… but He teaches us through his examples some of the most important lessons we can learn in life.</div>
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Medicine in the Western sense (aspirins, cough syrups, and other medications) are meant to aid us when we are ill or otherwise physically afflicted. However, just like Totemic Medicine, which is also meant to heal us, both medicines are not meant to be taken lightly. “If one dose is good, three will get me better quicker” is a good way to end up in the hospital and the Medicine we are discussing here isn’t very different in its results if abused or treated casually. However, it can be a Lot harder to recover from such an abuse or even to find a qualified Spiritual Healer in today’s society. So tread carefully!</div>
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That being said, Coyote says that it is just as important to remember…“The person who learns to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused.”, and “Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand”. Sometimes, we need to realize that we are acting or feeling foolish because we have put ourselves forward, opened our mouths, or put our oar in when we Should have been sitting silently and paying attention. Laugh at yourself, learn your lesson and let it go. Coyote is the Sacred Clown, the Wise Fool and His is the power to turn the sacred into the silly, to cross, juxtapose and then revert anything to it’s original state while still respecting everything. Like Tom Bombadil from the Tolkien epic when he handled the One Ring, His shining blue eye twinkling merrily through this ancient and powerful artifact that had caused so much destruction and death could just as easily have been Coyote’s. There is a wonderfully eternal sense of Innocence about this Wise Fool.</div>
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“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm. Colette</div>
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“Our blunders mostly come from letting our wishes interpret our duties. Author Unknown</div>
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Like the eternally beloved Wile E. Coyote, the super genius of cartoon fame, this Creature Teacher’s colossal mistakes are usually caused by convincing himself that his desire is a necessity. Most people also confuse “want” with “need”, and are often left in a haze of smoke wondering just how and why everything blew up in their face. Wile E. is forever so blindly focused on his desired goal, that he never considers that perhaps it is his “goal” that is actually the problem. After all, if he is clever enough to order, build and then operate a complex gadget, surely he could order out for pizza and wings!</div>
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He was never daunted by his mistakes though. He was willing to revise plans while plummeting towards the ground and attempt something new. His adaptability never caught him that Roadrunner, but his perseverance ensures that he will dust himself off and come up with a new plan soon enough. It takes tremendous courage and powers of self-healing to continue in the face of such odds. As Ray Bradbury once said, “You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” Coyote is the Fool of the Tarot, yet he is also the Magician for when He gets it right… there is no miracle He can’t pull off simply by using the tools at hand.</div>
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Wisdom and Folly in equal measures can be found within the Coyote soul. It is up to us to temper, guide and monitor ourselves, and sometimes the hardest thing for anyone to admit is that they were wrong. Awareness, moderation, discipline, clarity, integrity, balance, forethought and impulse control are all important issues to the Coyote. I have learned, through my own painful lessons over the years, to look at every “failed” attempt very closely for my part, what I truly own out of that failure. Tell yourself, tell others… “Man, I should never have said/done fill in the blank. That was a really bad idea. I’m sorry for what I said/did and I hope I never make that mistake again.”</div>
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Beat Fate to the punchline, accept responsibility for your mistakes and most importantly learn from them. Karma doesn’t have to hit you like a cliff’s edge you didn’t see coming provided you watch your step and don’t get carried away. Karma is inevitable, but we can lessen it’s painful impact if we have done all that we can to face our choices and their effects head on. “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” ~M. Kathleen Casey You’ll only draw out your painful lessons or be doomed to repeat them if you don’t look at yourself with awareness and accept full responsibility for your share of the load. A life well lived is worth living for it’s own sake. Why wait for someone else to set the example? Become the person who inspires you, and by being your own Muse… perhaps you will inspire others to live up to the best of who they can be.</div>
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Ever full of dichotomy, Coyote represents both that which tempts us most, AND developing the skills to recognize, as well as actively avoid temptations that will lead to a canyon splat! Many Christians believe that the Devil is a separate entity that can be blamed for our choice to give in to temptation, to justify actions we know are not for the greater good or even for our own good. Coyote tempts us. Coyote is that voice inside that argues with your conscience and tries to rationalize and justify your desires to the point where they sound like reasonable options. But Coyote is most proud of us when we don’t follow his bad examples, when we learn from his mistakes, and outsmart him by refusing to either give in to the temptation or place the blame for our decisions on someone or something else.</div>
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“I never make stupid mistakes. Only very, very clever ones.” John Peel</div>
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“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~Pablo Picasso</div>
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“The few wonders of the world only exist while there are those with the sight to see them.” Charles De Lint</div>
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While Coyote people often learn their lessons the hard way, their amazing capacity for innocent trust is truly a gift. It is up to the individual to protect that gift by developing their powers of discernment, and living life from moment to moment making the best choices possible. Being burned by others, or even setting yourself up time after time for disappointment does not mean one should retreat from society, respond in kind to bad treatment, or actively seek to deceive or take from others as a “payback”. Like draws like, and you get back what you put out in the world so ultimately you’d only be harming yourself by such behavior, drawing more of the same into your life, setting fire to your own tail. Not everyone can look at the world with the wonder and enthusiasm that comes naturally to children. Not everyone can find the element of fun in a mundane task. While he isn’t always the best example, Coyote values these things.</div>
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Being so clever means Coyote people can be easily bored. They often work best if they have several different projects to play with as it helps to soothe their restless nature. Society often dictates that we must take on one task at a time and focus only on it until we have completed it. But Coyote finds this method tedious and restrictive. Meeting with continual failure or societal disapproval can frustrate Coyote people and make them loose faith in themselves. The Wise Coyote recognizes that their ability to multi-task is an asset as long as they finish the projects that they start. “Unique” methods do not mean “wrong” methods.</div>
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Those who have feed the wrong parts of their Coyote nature will find that their addictions, lies, philandering, and other tricks will always come back home to roost. Others, who have inverted Coyote energy will often appear to others as if they are almost literally doing everything backwards. Those who’s every attempt to help only ends up making things worse are often in the Shadow of Coyote. If Murphy’s Law seems to haunt your every waking moment, Coyote is probably trying to speak to you.</div>
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There are ways to embrace this and there are ways to reverse these effects as well. My best advice to such folk is to a. research b. to soul search and c. ask the help of those who have proven themselves worthy of trust over the years in aiding you to find a person who truly understands these spiritual dilemmas and is qualified to guide you in the changes you would need to make in your life. In my experience though, when you ask the Universe and Creator for help or guidance, the help will find you.</div>
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Whether or not Coyote is your personal Totem, His lessons are invaluable. It is all too easy to see the folly in others, to ridicule them, or belittle them and overlook the same fault in ourselves. Gossip is one of the easiest ways that Coyote catches us. If you find yourself talking about others in negative way, or even just talking about others at all…stop. Thumper’s Mom was so wise to teach him, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” For this is Coyote’s favorite snare and eventually you will find yourself swinging from a rope you fashioned yourself.</div>
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Ultimately, Coyote is about overcoming our own folly and addictions and become the Teacher we would most like to have in our lives. Choose your words carefully and think twice before you speak, three times before you speak about anyone else. Sometimes it is important to speak the Truth, sometimes we cannot speak the Truth because our own emotions color our perspective, but most of the time it is wisest to keep our own council and just be silent. Hubris, the spreading of negativity through word or deed, recognizing and conquering our worst enemy…ourselves, are all vital to Coyote. Are we seeing things clearly as they are, or coloring our desires and wishes over the reality before us? Are we so busy planning how to achieve our goals that we never stopped to ask ourselves if our goals are truly worthy?</div>
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Most people are sleep walking through their lives, not truly Aware of what they are doing or what is going on. It is so easy to be lulled, hypnotized by our own destruction and dream ourselves to be awake. Sometimes it takes a nightmare to wake us up, or we might be so slumbering lives might be so lovely to us that we react aggressively to the hands that try to wake us, preferring our phantoms to reality. Life is a series of waking and sleeping in more than the literal sense. Remember though, despite the treacherous, thankless, misunderstood and misunderstanding path Coyote people walk, above all, Coyote is a survivor with many stories to tell. Hunted, trapped, driven out by man and machine, still Coyote can be found in the heart of nearly any city thriving right under your nose despite even his own worst mistakes because…</div>
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“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” ~John Powell</div>
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“To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower: Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour.” William Blake</div>
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“We become innocent when we are unfortunate.” Jean de la Fontaine</div>
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“It is well for the heart to be naive and the mind not to be. " Anatole France</div>
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Potential balancing energies:</div>
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Mouse Buffalo Cattle Horse Deer Crow/Raven Rabbit/Hare Turtle other Canines Cats, like Jaguar Dragonfly Frog/Toad Butterfly Grasshopper/Cricket Otter Turkey Vulture Crow Meadow Lark and other birds Earthworm Spider Fly and other insects</div>
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Associated with a wide variety of Native American tribes. Trickster tales. the Night, the Moon, Fire, Creation, Destruction, Opposites inverted, Sacred Clown</div>
<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-8411034658890193342018-04-19T07:01:00.000-07:002018-04-22T06:41:57.588-07:00Lady of Graceful Mercy<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">From the orchard</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">From the field</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Rooted in Loving Kindness</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Adrift in sweet blossoms</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">of pink and white</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">This Singer's gracefully branching Wisdom</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">is revealed...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">“Sweet as Love’s first kiss,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">I ease aching bones,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">quiet winter coughs,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">evoke joyful bliss.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Grace, Protection and</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">good Health I bequeath</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">to every child waiting to be born,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">every blushing bride</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">beneath my wreath.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Sacred kodama</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">waist bound with thick twisted rope</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">I show you Life's balance of </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">sweetness and impermanence </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">the way of the Samurai</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">My tiny fruit crowns achievements</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">My blossoms evoke hope.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Sweet or tart,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Generous Heart</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">leads to</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Generous Mind.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">I will show you the path</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">of the Gentle Warrior,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Modest</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Loving</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Innocent</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">Kind”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19.2px;">For those new to the the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant, etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?</span></span><br />
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Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-38410893348967588242018-04-18T03:57:00.001-07:002018-04-21T05:18:02.818-07:00Healer's DuetA delicate home above the waterless sea<br />
cradling a pearly seed in shades of purple, pink and green…<br />
<br />
“Ivory blooded, I am beloved by insect, bird and bee<br />
Twist me into sturdy twine or use my fluff to fill, to stuff<br />
When I split my pods to scatter seeds in fecund glee<br />
I alone nurture the royal scions of Transformation and Joy<br />
Beneath my slender hands of green, they wake each spring<br />
brightly striped, hungrily munching before they spin their wings<br />
Listen now and hear them sing…”<br />
<br />
“As children we simply feed, learn and grow.<br />
Our youthful raiment striped with<br />
the Yellow of Beginnings, Joy, clear Thought<br />
White of Unity, Divinity, the Purity of snow<br />
Black which banishes all negativity,<br />
cradles Creation, yields all Wisdoms sought<br />
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Then we spin our glassy jade retreat.<br />
Withdrawn from the world,<br />
we ponder and dream<br />
Until our Transformation is complete.<br />
Reborn in royal splendor, I gleam!<br />
<br />
Laughter given wings,<br />
My banner flutters in the Sky<br />
like fiery amber and starry night<br />
Benign Ruler of all I spy!<br />
<br />
Only mine enemies most dire<br />
taste my poisonous nature<br />
For I am Herald of eternal Spring,<br />
messages of Love and Joy I bring<br />
Joyful treasures<br />
Youthful trials<br />
Forges Soulful Evolution<br />
Freedom<br />
Creativity<br />
Beauty<br />
and flowery wiles."<br />
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For those new to the game, each piece is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing in our duet today? Congrats to Alan and Cathi for naming this Teacher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7clPFdfbR5qAB2DgcauZ2X58ko98uwGdoJhBlMI_40hRGYrvDAA7jOKD7MSvfmqsrVOhKxq6kR9SJg577cJkX3XZyWWiIn01IfHf7bHQcpQilmZ2_EXCF8OOtMeqkyyM267PWlHZj38A/s1600/milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7clPFdfbR5qAB2DgcauZ2X58ko98uwGdoJhBlMI_40hRGYrvDAA7jOKD7MSvfmqsrVOhKxq6kR9SJg577cJkX3XZyWWiIn01IfHf7bHQcpQilmZ2_EXCF8OOtMeqkyyM267PWlHZj38A/s320/milkweed.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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“May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun</div>
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And find your shoulder to light on,</div>
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To bring you luck, happiness and riches</div>
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Today, tomorrow and beyond.” ~Irish Blessing</div>
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“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” ~World Health Organization, 1948</div>
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“Joy and Temperance and Repose Slam the door on the doctor’s nose.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</div>
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Asclepias syriaca, better known as Milk Thistle or Common Milkweed, is considered by many to be an aggressive and troublesome weed. It is commonly seen in empty fields, ditches, light woodlands, waste areas, and along roadsides all across North America. It is toxic to cattle (sheep, cows, etc) but is also distasteful to them. Typically cattle are only poisoned by Milkweed if they have been forced to eat it. Humans on the other hand, have been eating Milkweed for many years as well as using it for a variety of medicinal purposes.</div>
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The name “asclepias” comes from the Greek demigod Asclepius who represents all healing aspects, surgical, herbal, or other of the medicinal arts. His daughters ( Hygieia, Meditrina, Iaso, Aceso, Aglaea/Aegle and Panacea) represent, in order: cleanliness, longevity, recuperation, radiant good health, and all medicine/cures/healing. One of Apollo’s mortal sons, Asclepius achieved immortality as the constellation Ophiuchus, and his name, which can be translated as “cut up” shares the same root word as the word "scalpel.</div>
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The smoke from his mother’s funeral pyre was said to have turned the once white feathers of the Crow to the black suit we see them in today. Asclepius was rescued from this funeral pyre by Apollo in the first cesarean operation, after which he was raised and taught by Chiron. His staff, similar to that of Hermes, is entwined by a single serpent, and snakes were often used in healing rituals or kept in temples associated with Asclepias. Therefore, this Teacher has a connection to both Crow/Raven energy and Snake energy so both of those Teachers should also be examined by those drawn to Milkweed.</div>
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Both Asclepias and Milkweed are apt names, as all parts exude a milky juice when cut and this humble plant has several important uses. It can typically grow up to 3’ high, although it can be twice that high or much lower depending on conditions. It has flowers that could be a dusky purple, a soft pink, or even greenish white. Leaves are opposite and oval shaped. In John Lust’s “The Herb Book”, Milkweed rootstock is said to be used as a diuretic, emetic, and purgative. It is used for kidney problems, water retention, asthma, stomach ailments, gallstones, to induce sweating, and treat painful coughs. The roots are also a mild anodyne (painkiller). The milky latex has been used as a chewing gum (not recommended due to the plants generally toxic nature) and as a treatment for all kinds of warts. It is currently touted as a treatment especially for genital warts.</div>
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The silky down of Milkweed pods has been used for ages as a soft stuffing and cord material, and the dried seed pods have been used as decorations. Young shoots of Milkweed can be eaten like asparagus. Milk Thistle stimulates and protects the functions of the liver. It can stimulate the growth of new liver cells and is used to detoxify our systems too. Asclepias tuberosa (aka Butterfly Weed, Chiggerflower, or Pleurisy Root) also has a long history of helping mankind. The root is used medicinally as an "antispasmodic, carminative, mild cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic and vasodilator. Pleurisy root has been used to treat all manner of chest complaints and lung diseases. Other parts of the plant, like other milkweeds, have been used in the making of clothing, cordage and food.</div>
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“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” ~Elbert Hubbard</div>
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“The milkweed brings up to my very door. The theme of wanton waste in peace and war…. " ~ Robert Frost</div>
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During WWII, children were encouraged to collect milkweed pods and turn them in to the government. The exceptional buoyancy and light weight made them an inexpensive and highly effective stuffing for life-vests and flying suits.</div>
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Milkweed, like the Monarch Butterfly who relies solely on it for food and shelter, is indicative of all forms of Transformation. The solid healthy green of the milkweed leaves and pods agrees with its many ties to Healing and is useful for drawing both healing and a stronger connection to Nature. Purplish flowers link it to spirituality and protection, and whitish-green ones would indicate special blessings and purity as well as healing and nature connections. Milkweed, like Thistle, casts its’ seeds to the winds like wishes, and as a “wild” flower commonly found in empty fields and ditches, Milkweed is also associate with Fae folk and energy.</div>
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Those experiencing or needing healing transformations, or those drawn to the healing arts are often called by this Teacher. Milkweed speaks to us of the importance of tending to all aspects of our health; physical, mental, emotional, and even cultural/societal health. It is also important to remember that believing yourself ill or health has powerful effects too. People who have been convinced that they were burned have actually produced burns upon their skin even if a source for the burn is not present! Denying clear signs of an illness is just as dangerous as convincing yourself that you really do have that rare tropical skin disease. What affects the mind will also affect the body, and Butterfly and Milkweed together remind us of this vital link.</div>
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Being especially associated with lung health, Milkweed asks us to pay particular attention to our breath at all stages and in all contexts. Breath is vital for life and it is also necessary for verbal communication. When we say something out loud, we are announcing our intentions to the Universe and drawing energy towards the subject of our statement. Keeping our words positive and constructive is important, whether our words are directed outward or inward. Sometimes, the things we talk most about changing in our lives aren’t as important as recognizing that sometimes what we really need to change is how we think about the topic.</div>
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For example, instead of worrying aloud about how I’m going to pay all the bills on time when money is tight, I focus instead on voicing my gratitude for these conveniences being in my life at all. When I have to do without hot water until the next paycheck, I am so grateful that I have running water and don’t have to haul it up to the house from the nearest river! Milkweed also reminds us that there is a natural rhythm to everything, a time to bloom and a time to lie dormant; that all life is transition.</div>
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“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” ~Anatole France</div>
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“The caterpillar does all the work but the butterfly gets all the publicity.” ~Attributed to George Carlin</div>
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“Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine.” ~Jeffrey Glassberg</div>
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Plants, birds and butterflies have strong ties to each other. Anyone who is called by one of these Totems should carefully examine the particular web of connectedness that exists between that specific bird and the plants or insects that they rely upon. The Monarch Butterfly is an excellent and simple example. It lays its eggs under the leaves of the milkweed, and as a caterpillar it feeds only on the leaves of this plant. This is what gives the Monarch, caterpillar and butterfly, it’s protection from feathered predators.</div>
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Because it feeds on the toxic milkweed, the Monarch is toxic too and other butterflies, like the Viceroy, have come to mimic the Monarch’s look as a defense mechanism. Any bird that has eaten a Monarch and recovered will never again willingly eat any butterfly that looks like it might repeat the unpleasant experience! The color and habits of your particular butterfly will influence the message it carries for you, as always study the entire family as well as near relations or balancing energies like bird, spider, preying mantis, etc.</div>
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Research has shown that the Butterfly is the only creature capable of changing its entire genetic structure during its transformations. Symbolic of all kinds of Transformation and Rebirth, this Teacher reminds us that all change, and Life itself, is a process. Everything happens in stages and in its own due time. When we are looking to make changes in our lives, we must understand that this will affect us and those around us down to the smallest measure and in ways we have not even considered. This Teacher is especially concerned with those changes necessary in our individual lives that will bring about or encourage an evolution of our souls.</div>
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“A sensible man will remember that the eyes may be confused in two ways – by a change from light to darkness or from darkness to light; and he will recognize that the same thing happens to the soul.” ~Plato</div>
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“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” ~Maya Angelou</div>
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“Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time.” ~Deborah Chaskin</div>
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“We must remain as close to the flowers, the grass, and the butterflies as the child is who is not yet so much taller than they are. We adults, on the other hand, have outgrown them and have to lower ourselves to stoop down to them. It seems to me that the grass hates us when we confess our love for it. Whoever would partake of all good things must understand how to be small at times.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche</div>
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True change, and the acceptance of this never-ending cycle, requires great Courage. Butterfly teaches us this quiet form of Courage; the courage of Spring. Many think of Spring as a soft and gentle time, the reward after the harshness of Winter. Yet this season and the many changes it brings are not for the faint of heart! Without the Winter’s rough edges, enforced slumber, and harsh cleansing we would not truly appreciate the softness and life-bursting splendor of Spring. The power of Spring is evident everywhere one looks and will not be denied, held back, or discouraged. Life bursts forth from every crack, determined to thrive, and even Entropy and Death cannot deny the strength of Spring. Healing, especially deep healing of body or soul, requires the same level of Courage.</div>
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A certain amount of awareness, surrender and introspection is necessary too for we cannot be truly open to such potent and deep powers like Life, Healing, Change or Divinity without these elements. Butterfly asks us to examine where we are in our individual process of Transformation so that we will better understand our needs for the best progression and results. Perhaps one of the most difficult things to accept in life isn’t accepting that change is the only constant, rather that everyone learns and transforms in their own time. What one person learns, understands, accepts and incorporates into their lives in an instant may take someone else years!</div>
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Frustrating, painful and even as destructive as this can be to everyone and everything else, we as individuals must understand this and work to encourage the best Transformations possible. We cannot force others to change or to accept change, but we can encourage in a loving and supportive manner. Whether looking at our selves, others or a specific situation, when we understand that everything is moving through its own course of Transformation we understand that we are destroying some things to make way for others just as Death makes way for Life, and Winter makes room for Spring.</div>
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“You can’t change who people are without destroying who they were.” ~ Lenny from the film “The Butterfly Effect”</div>
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“Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.” Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path.” For the soul walks upon all paths. The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed. The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals." ~Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet</div>
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“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” ~Ferdinand Foch</div>
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Butterflies have represented the Soul, Joy, Laughter, Love, childlike Innocence, Rebirth, Beauty, Grace, and Freedom in many cultures. To the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, Butterflies represented the soul. The Greeks believed that a new person was born every time a butterfly emerged from its cocoon. Psyche, beloved of Eros, translates as both “soul” and “butterfly”. The Blackfeet believed that our dreams were brought by the Butterfly, and other Native traditions state that this Teacher will carry our whispered wishes to Creator.</div>
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Long associated with Mother Goddess images, butterflies, like women, go through distinct stages in their lives, and are feminine in energy. They are associated with the elements of Air, and of Fire because of their flickering movement and link to the creative fires of the soul. Moths, the Butterfly’s nighttime counterpart, are linked with lunar rather than the solar energy of the butterfly. The Butterfly appears in the North on the Medicine Wheel and is a Clan leader for all the Birth Totems in that direction. Butterflies bring the seeds of change and new ideas.</div>
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Most butterflies have quick life cycles, the Monarch is an exception to this rule as it can live up to 6 months! Butterfly people often experience hard lessons early in life, but this early turbulence can also provide the individual with greater tools and methods to deal with later difficulties. Difficult childhoods often produce the most interesting adults, and those called by Butterfly will find that they began their spiritual awakening early in life.</div>
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Butterflies are often messengers of the moment though, appearing in our lives to announce a period of Transformation or in Joyful acknowledgement. Their delicate systems will cause butterflies to leave a polluted area rapidly and in numbers. This is a reminder to be aware of what is going on in our environment, whether at home or in the world at large, and to protect ourselves from potentially poisonous influences.</div>
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“Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” ~Rabindranath Tagore</div>
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One of my last memories of living in California as a child is standing barefoot in the grass on a perfect summer day. In complete awe and delight I watched the air up and down the block fill up with Monarchs and other beautiful butterflies. I stood in this rain of butterflies with head back, laughing, arms spread wide with palms up…much as I did during warm summer showers. A huge Monarch chose my left palm as a perch and I stilled. I can still remember its delicate beauty as it looked up at me with its faceted eye, slowly uncurled its silken tongue and drank of the fine sweat that covered me after a good day of playing outdoors. I did not know before or after this incident how much Butterfly was guiding me, teaching me. It would be many years before I would look back on how this winged messenger has so gently brushed through my life.</div>
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Happiness seems to elude most people. We seem to lay all sorts of conditions upon our happiness. “I’ll be happy when…” when in truth we can be happy whether there is a storm raging in our lives or we are enjoying currently sunny skies. At the end of this article I’ve included one of my all-time favorite poems. The poet speaks of Happiness as a crystal that, once perfect, has been shattered and spread across the paths of all our lives. None of us will find all of the pieces, but we can share the pieces we do find and be happy anyway.</div>
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Perhaps more than any other lesson, Butterfly would like to teach us how to move through life as if it is all a playful dance, to live life in a state of innocent joy with the simplicity and strength found in every child before we learn to hide pieces of ourselves. Children are much closer to Divinity than we are, and we can learn some amazing things by listening to them and watching them at their play. This is the strength of Butterfly who appears like a living rainbow or winged laughter to brighten up our dull existence. How does Butterfly appear in your life?</div>
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“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne</div>
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“I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man.” ~Chuang Tzu</div>
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Happiness is…</div>
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" …Yet the wise as on they journey</div>
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Treasure every fragment clear,</div>
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Fit them as they may together,</div>
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Imaging the shattered sphere,</div>
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Learning ever to be thankful,</div>
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Though their share of it is small;</div>
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For it has so many pieces</div>
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No one ever finds them all.</div>
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~ Priscilla Leonard</div>
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For Butterfly/Caterpillar</div>
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Keywords: Transformation, Joy, Renewal/Rebirth, Happiness/Laughter, Creativity, Grace, Luck, Potential, Metamorphosis, Patience/Determination</div>
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Associated with: natural cycles, the soul, the psyche, change, movement, and individuation. Itzpapalotl, Hina, Eros and Psyche, <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.08px;">Xochipilli, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.08px;">Xochiquetzal, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.08px;">Jesus, Thanatos, Etain, and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.08px;">Parvati</span></span></div>
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Possible balancing energies:Ants, Dragonfly, Spider, Preying Mantis and other Insects, Birds like Crow or Robin, Frog/Toad, flowers and other plants like Violet, Apple Tree or Milkweed, Sky/Air, Water… Bats make an excellent balancing energy for Moths, butterflies for Night time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_BPHJox8o3aW3GCHvfcGPBZKcFVlqhX9QGUqdnBvAyTpPli2re1k7PGDEttSxrujMsSHj7M7ZAWqx61hhY5wnyXKeGJ42qWxScLKorXDwsT3mTCNEkBi-64xV7jzzM_QY8RSnUx7SNY/s1600/monarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_BPHJox8o3aW3GCHvfcGPBZKcFVlqhX9QGUqdnBvAyTpPli2re1k7PGDEttSxrujMsSHj7M7ZAWqx61hhY5wnyXKeGJ42qWxScLKorXDwsT3mTCNEkBi-64xV7jzzM_QY8RSnUx7SNY/s320/monarch.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-69804383152817845412018-02-13T10:04:00.001-08:002018-03-15T12:30:10.682-07:00Vachellia Tortilis with ViolinsKara moja, sweet Babul am I<br />
My trunk, the Ark for sacred Covenant<br />
In ancient Heliopolis<br />
Gods sprang from the door of my torso<br />
Honorable member of Order Fabales<br />
Straight shooter from the Family Fabaceae<br />
Gracefully recognizable against the savannah's glow<br />
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Seek thou shelter 'neath my umbrella of thorns?<br />
Soul of generosity, yet<br />
I reveal my magical heart only<br />
to those good folk who remember<br />
that at some point everyone needs a hand up<br />
Value and practice<br />
humble Gratitude<br />
Loving Kindness<br />
Generosity<br />
Protecting and caring for self all the while,<br />
for you cannot pour from an empty cup<br />
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Wait-a-bit, so many demands made of me<br />
by the grazing hordes<br />
Hook and stab<br />
wicked thorns but one defense<br />
against the insatiable.<br />
I keep a hollow bulb hidden at my roots<br />
housing there a garrison of biting ants<br />
to drive unwelcome masses from my table<br />
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Sly giraffes must approach downwind<br />
gathering meager mouthfuls of my sweet leaves<br />
Before I turn them noxious with tannin<br />
Upon the winds releasing ethylene<br />
warning neighbors of the marauders<br />
Cleverly, silently, graciously<br />
Just as I once rescued Osiris from Typhone's trick<br />
keeping him safe til Mother Isis arrived upon the scene<br />
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Remember<br />
Greed is selfish<br />
unreasonable<br />
blindly self-defeating<br />
Self-defense becomes a sacred necessity<br />
in a world rapidly forgetting kindness<br />
Yet be generous, I preach<br />
roots, pods, blossoms, leaves, and shoots<br />
Offer shelter and comfort still<br />
Feed the masses, tend the sick<br />
Rehabilitate the haggard ground<br />
Encourage others to grow<br />
not grudgingly but with elation<br />
For we are all connected<br />
Your success is also mine, Beloveds<br />
I desire most your spiritual illumination<br />
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For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-81721494976828006632018-02-08T16:29:00.001-08:002018-02-26T04:18:05.675-08:00Joyful RequiemMembers of the Order Coleoptera<br />
30,000 strong in our family alone<br />
Clean up crew<br />
humble tumblebugs are we<br />
Antennae alert for messages divine<br />
Moving mountains with our unassuming strength<br />
as we trundle about collecting scattered debris<br />
<br />
Six rays to our crown<br />
Four more at each fossorial arm<br />
help us dig chambers,sculpt our spheres<br />
Whether simply a meal or masterwork<br />
patiently we roll along seemingly at leisure<br />
Six legs busy scuttling<br />
wings sheathed beneath our black armor<br />
we take the crap others leave behind<br />
making miracles from nothing<br />
Your trash becomes our treasure<br />
<br />
Earthly incarnations<br />
of creative Khepri<br />
All along Egypt's coast<br />
skittering down our tunnels<br />
hidden in our sepulchral lairs<br />
we feast or brood<br />
<br />
From simple charms<br />
to Pharaoh's tomb<br />
Protective symbol of<br />
Resurrection and Life Immortal<br />
Carved in symbolic green<br />
placed reverently upon your chest<br />
Persuading Ma'at<br />
that your own heart<br />
should not testify against you<br />
We attest<br />
<br />
Reach for the new life awaiting<br />
within each metaphoric death<br />
Stretch your senses beyond five<br />
We will help you solve problems<br />
Help you come into being<br />
Guide you through each metamorphosis<br />
to your most authentic self<br />
Don't fight it<br />
Surrender to change<br />
the only constant in this life<br />
Be resourceful<br />
Reclaim as yours what serves you<br />
Recycle the rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-23684196455255623082018-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:002018-02-26T04:31:37.387-08:00Wild Bards Sing the NewsRambling through southern Africa<br />
Broad faces with Roman noses nodding<br />
Humped shoulders sloped<br />
Family Bovidae<br />
Even-toed ungulates<br />
Largest of the antelopes<br />
<br />
Genus Connochaetes<br />
Manes and beards flowing<br />
These Teachers keep us<br />
Up to date on our<br />
Shamanic journeys<br />
Warning of challenges<br />
Failures along the way<br />
As well as offering advice<br />
on how to cope<br />
<br />
"Everyone has their place within the family<br />
Supporting, helping everything to flow<br />
Intricately instinctively precise<br />
Even if some of us wild beasts<br />
branched off<br />
About a million years ago<br />
<br />
Larger brindled Blues remained<br />
on the Ancestoral range<br />
Changing little except perceptions<br />
Matrons moving with the rainy season<br />
One herd among many<br />
Shifting shape in the greatest migration<br />
Horns swept up to either side<br />
Receiving inspiration<br />
<br />
Earthy Blacks,<br />
White tufted tails flashing<br />
Horns curving defensively foreward<br />
over our brows<br />
We adapted our nomadic ways<br />
Claiming new territories<br />
from Kenya to Namibia<br />
Taking turns at sentry<br />
Grazing, guarding the family<br />
while we drowse<br />
<br />
Be Steadfast<br />
Be Brave!<br />
For the journey is long<br />
The dangers as real, as great<br />
As the potential rewards<br />
Know when to stand your ground<br />
When to run away<br />
Living to fight another day.<br />
Remember the safety<br />
The support to be found in numbers<br />
Yet don't hestitate to lead<br />
Rather than meekly follow the herd<br />
<br />
Beware the laughing hyenas<br />
The grinning crocodiles<br />
The friendly vultures<br />
Anticipating your failures<br />
To provide their feast.<br />
Be aware,<br />
But don't let them stop you<br />
For your bold leap ahead<br />
May be what saves you<br />
<br />
Travel is necessary<br />
to broaden the mind<br />
Encouraging tolerant fellowship<br />
With herds of varying stripe<br />
Honing skills as well as instincts<br />
Our calves almost hit the ground running<br />
An action as necessary to survival<br />
As knowing when the time is ripe."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal or plant with lessons for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?<br />
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Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-45220728063097804962018-01-28T22:01:00.001-08:002018-03-09T08:58:16.498-08:00Serengeti Chorus Line Some literary, some dandy<br />
All social against the family trend<br />
Tawny coats with sable trim<br />
Dressed to the nines<br />
crowns rakishly askew<br />
padding through wind ruffled fields<br />
songs filled with Wisdom to the brim<br />
These Teacher prowl...<br />
<br />
"Paint your hearts upon your shields!<br />
Have Courage in the face of adversity!"<br />
They growl<br />
<br />
"Stand tall, be fully present<br />
Remember your birthright<br />
for your life is the main event.<br />
Have awareness, authority<br />
over your unconscious thoughts<br />
Listen to counsel<br />
before you pounce into action<br />
<br />
Loving hearts, have we<br />
Largest in the family Felidae<br />
Genus Panthera<br />
Stalking minds<br />
ever vigilant for opportunities<br />
amid Life's many challenges<br />
Nothing good comes easy<br />
the better the lessons<br />
greater the rewards<br />
the sooner adversity will appear<br />
to challenge you at every turn<br />
Defend your chosen territory<br />
<br />
Sun-dappled day or<br />
starry night when my constellation<br />
stalks the sky<br />
Creator & Univere<br />
are always there<br />
Listening for your Anger<br />
your Denials<br />
Beware<br />
Hubris is a sly & steady foe<br />
<br />
Every lesson spreads from the inside out<br />
Loving Respect<br />
is the beginning<br />
for Self<br />
for Family<br />
for Society<br />
for the World around us.<br />
Truth<br />
True Nobility<br />
is not for the faint of heart<br />
Never allow fear<br />
to keep you from taking action<br />
<br />
Self-respect is not vanity<br />
nor is kindness a liability<br />
Androcles can attest<br />
that the smallest act of Compassion<br />
is never forgotten<br />
never wasted<br />
Energy generously given<br />
returns eventually<br />
usually when we least expect it<br />
and need it most<br />
<br />
Purring in contentment<br />
Coughing<br />
Chuffing in warning<br />
Voice your intentions<br />
The roaring of your pride<br />
rolling to the corners of your kingdom<br />
Your family<br />
Your honor<br />
Your spirit<br />
Defend what is dearest to you<br />
fiercely, ferociously if you must<br />
<br />
Aggression has its time & place<br />
Although true Authority<br />
leads assertively<br />
like Inanna or Buddha upon my back<br />
a throne of Strength,<br />
Consistency,<br />
calm guiding Wisdom<br />
<br />
Mother Sekhmet!<br />
Eye of Ra<br />
Powerful One<br />
swift silent deliverer of Karma<br />
Defend the innocent<br />
Annihilate the wicked<br />
We will follow your lead<br />
for we know<br />
Justice crowns a life well lived<br />
nor merely well intentioned.<br />
<br />
Gentle Strength<br />
of the sacred Tarot<br />
Fifth sign<br />
of the Zodiac in Greece<br />
Avatar of Vishnu the Preserver<br />
We have drawn the chariots<br />
of gods and goddesses<br />
Dionysus reveling in the harvest<br />
Phoebus Apollo in all his glory<br />
Cybele, mother of gods<br />
wild Artemis<br />
<br />
King of Beasts<br />
My share is always the best<br />
We lead by example<br />
Our Queens<br />
Sisters in arms<br />
Rulers of all they survey<br />
deadly in their grace<br />
equal to our strength<br />
our cunning<br />
our intimidating majesty<br />
<br />
Rampant throughout history<br />
yet content to hunt field & forest<br />
tending our royal dynasty<br />
Our cubs piled in the creche<br />
dreams twitching their paws<br />
Their mothers teaching them<br />
all they need know<br />
to stand upon their own strength<br />
one day all too soon<br />
Gathering power with each<br />
scratch of their claws<br />
making leaning unnecessary,<br />
Leadership inevitable.<br />
How do you live your promise<br />
if your life is a vow?<br />
What Truth will you sing?<br />
What wrongs in your society<br />
will you allow?"<br />
<br />
<br />
For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing now?<br />
<br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-11052420822492349042018-01-24T03:06:00.001-08:002018-02-26T04:42:16.285-08:00Composers from the Congo<div style="text-align: center;">
One Teacher leads the way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knuckling along hidden trails</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grazing on root, nut, leaf, fruit and bough</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as opportunity allows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Resting among his tribe of hairy women</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as they nurture their young</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Singing of lessons and responsibilities</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from Dawn to Dusk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grunted Wisdoms delivered </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while they browse...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Aggression is not Leadership</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tyranny earns no respect</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nor is it honorable</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Compassion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Temperance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tolerance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Empathy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honesty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These inspire loyalty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ways to recognize</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our Nobility within,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to care for the infants & elders</div>
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in our troop</div>
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Take action when necessary</div>
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Proclaim your intentions</div>
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Beat your chest, yes</div>
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However...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Debasing self or others?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We will not stoop</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gentle & shy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our size</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our great strength</div>
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more often spent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in sociable interaction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than the threat of violence,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so seldom the answer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We wander from mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to clouded forests</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Teaching</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grooming each other for success</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and Jane</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as unique as our fingerprints</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from opposable toes to heads</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Utilizing tools</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Protecting the family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dreaming the African nights away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tucked into our leafy beds."</div>
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For those new to this game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today? </div>
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-23895646928155869212017-03-30T10:33:00.001-07:002017-04-06T17:59:28.770-07:00Illustrations <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As the written work draws, finally, to a close on this first book in my singing series of Nature Teachers, the painted pieces are piling up rapidly! I've been pleased thus far with the couplings of images and words that have grown. There is a sense of "belonging" as each one is completed; separate but a part of the whole. </div>
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From this collection of illustrations, this book's theme should be fairly obvious. Water is the beginning of all Life from our point of view. So what better place to begin talking about the wisdom, lessons and inspiration to be found from All Our Relations in Nature?<br />
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Some of these Teachers have been old friends, companions along my life road. Others have been completely new to me; a wonderful journey of discovery. Land or water, air or fire, the connective lessons that All Our Relations want us to return to are all about being part of the Wheel of Life; community, living cooperatively with Nature's laws, conservation, balance, stewardship. All vital issues that need to be returned to rather than obstructed, fought against, debated. </div>
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A big challenge with these visual pieces has been to keep them from all being boringly similar with so much water in every one. Water is all about being adaptable though and loves to show us over and over how best to remain true to self while constantly adapting to necessary change. Not all of these images are completely finished, as I often like to leave a little detail work out prior to calling a piece "done"; saving a little bit of something special just to keep it fresh and unique when presented as a finished product. These are not "all" the illustrations I have right now either, just the ones done but for those finishing details. The others are in a messy stage of production right now lol sometimes not even looking like the featured "Teacher" yet, so not share worthy just yet.</div>
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This work has been a long process with lots of interruptions along the way. I think the next book will flow much quicker into the channels I've been building over time. It will certainly be a bit of a relief to turn to something "new" too. I plan on offering this first book in an ebook format with the first chapter free. So close to turning it all over to my personal printer for formatting, layout, etc. and we are both So Excited for that bit of the process. </div>
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There have been a lot of people who have followed these pieces online over the years. People who have contributed to each new piece I write with their feedback and shared personal experiences. Hopefully, there will be many more who come to share as I finally get these available to readers! Each of these illustrations has an internet length posting of poetry and information available right here on my blog. With this posting though, I just wanted to see how all the pics I have completed "hang" together.<br />
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I've three chapters and three paintings left to finish for book one. Time to start thinking beyond the working title, "Who Sings Now?" ? All thoughts and feedback, welcome of course :)<br />
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2017 is shaping up to be an extremely interesting, creatively productive year for me and I can't wait!<br />
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-908993042634196851.post-84527507679712937492017-02-22T12:44:00.001-08:002017-02-22T12:48:08.940-08:00Raven Steals the Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once, the world was covered in darkness. Raven quickly tired of stumbling around, unable to learn or get into anything in the heavy shadows. He found where the light of the universe was being jealously hoarded, cleverly stole the sun and set it into the sky so all could see, much like Prometheus. Raven was burned black by the heat of the sun, but he carries the many colors of the rainbow hidden within the shine of his feathers too.</div>
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This story has always ignited my imagination. It reminds me always of the interconnectedness of all life, especially when I am feeling particularly displeased with my own species. Raven reminds me that we are all family, even if I don’t like, understand or agree with another. Certainly not the only lesson I have learned from this audacious Teacher, but perhaps the most important.</div>
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Songs Heard Within My Shadow</div>
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Celestial Fire adds a hissing cymbal fill in the distance.</div>
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Steam rises with a hot suggestion of sound.</div>
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Upwards it rises now…</div>
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Beyond…</div>
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Beyond wind or noise…</div>
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Beyond Skywoman and Her Children…</div>
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Beyond Dreams…</div>
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We spin into the Void.</div>
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The Sun calls forth a rainbow</div>
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‘gainst an ebon shadow</div>
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as the Sun is set</div>
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…like a burning bit of amber</div>
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into an azure coronet.</div>
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“Stormbringer, Bonepicker, Trickster some call me.”</div>
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A laugh both harsh and rhythmic</div>
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Childlike, they fill my shadow with their fears.</div>
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“This way, Child!</div>
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Here is the path you left behind!</div>
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Mind your ways!</div>
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Don’t just speak the truth, Fool!</div>
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Live it!”</div>
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I chuckle,</div>
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“Leave denial in the dust…</div>
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Leave pain…</div>
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Leave past…</div>
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Leave rage…</div>
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Leave lust.</div>
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Empty as the waiting vessel be!</div>
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Fill your life with Light and</div>
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Deep within your essence see</div>
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all that Creator would ask of thee.”</div>
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I sing in Dreams.</div>
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I sing of Prophecies…</div>
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of paths lost and found…</div>
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Sacred trails begun in the heart</div>
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but by Wisdom and Choice unbound.</div>
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Change and Magic…</div>
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…Creation…</div>
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Denial…</div>
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…Shadow and Light…</div>
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Secrets and Soulful trial.</div>
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These fuel my flight!</div>
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“You are not alone in the long run.” I mutter</div>
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“Your heart knows we are already One!”</div>
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As you Dance your earthly fill,</div>
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I Soar…</div>
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and to the Winds I recklessly shrill,</div>
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“Law!</div>
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Death!</div>
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Time, all unheeding flow…</div>
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Forever before and</div>
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Forever behind.</div>
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Eternally awaiting Your perception…”</div>
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for I am Warden at this Door,</div>
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and many other thresholds,</div>
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between Truth and Deception.</div>
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“I hear and remember your unspoken Vow.”</div>
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Who sings now?</div>
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The painting is acrylics on 8.5 by 11 canvas. Prints and other products with this image are available at <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/entwife/works/25403414-raven-steals-the-sun?asc=u&grid_pos=4&p=metal-print" target="_blank">Redbubble</a></div>
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A closer look at Raven/Crow as a Nature Teacher can be found here... </div>
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<a href="http://entwifegardens.blogspot.com/2015/02/songs-heard-within-my-shadow.html" target="_blank">Songs Heard Within My Shadow</a></div>
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<br />Quinn Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299217217850372313noreply@blogger.com0