Be Optimistic -- New Challenges!

Hi All!

Ready to start a new week?  I know, I know!

The weather took a turn here in Houston over the weekend -- we had a real cold front come through Sunday.  Temps in the low 70's; people in Houston are trying to remember where they stored their winter gear!

It rarely gets really cold (like down to freezing) in Houston.  When it's in the "cool" range (which means anything below 70 and 50 degrees), we break out our sweaters.  When it's "cold" (read between 50 and 40 degrees), we break out the winter coats.  Not sure what we do when it's "freezing" -- it just doesn't happen all that often!

One year, we had a fluke cold front that unexpectedly brought temps down to the mid-40's.  I had no idea where our cold-weather gear was, so ended out sewing up a handful of quick-and-easy fleece earbands (take a look at  Fleece Ear Warmers!)

The only downside to our "cold" fronts is that our normal "hot" weather usually returns after just a few days.  I remember days in February where we hit 100 degrees!

It's not as bad as it might seem -- we spend a lot of time in air-conditioning!

Before I jump into this week's reading, let me ask you a question.  I've been considering hosting a weekly web-based radio show -- probably about a 15 minutes segment.  You could listen to it either online or via phone at a toll-free number.  You can even post questions and comments.

Question is:  Do you think I should do it?  Would you be interested in listening if if I do so?  If so, what times/days do you think would work best?  I did a test show last week at 4:30 CST on Friday afternoon.  Do you think earlier is better?  Or later?  Different day?

I'll look forward to hearing what you think -- just leave a comment below to let me know.

Okay, now lets jump into this week's reading -- we'll again pull two cards.  The first suggests some starting point to consider; the second offers some perspectives we might want to consider.

Our first card is ... The Fool!

It's hard not to like this card.  It suggests innocence, excitement, looking only to the positive and ignoring the negative.  It suggests new engagements, new directions, new potential and possibilities.  It only sees the good side, not the bad side.

True, it sometimes gets into trouble with this approach (it is called The Fool, after all!); but it also can stumble into grand situations.  Remember, this card doesn't mean you follow this approach throughout your experience with a new situation -- just that you let your optimism lead you into potentially good situations.  After all, if we always look at the negative side of things, we'll never get out of bed in the morning!

It's good to be blindly optimistic about good prospects sometimes -- but once we get moving, what should we consider as we deal with issues?

Our second card suggestion -- the Eight of Pentacles.

This is actually a good follow for The Fool.  The Eight of Pentacles isn't afraid of new endeavors.  He enjoys taking on new challenges and learning new skills; he isn't afraid to put in a solid effort to help himself succeed.  In fact, if the Fool suggests the beginning point, the Eight is a perfect mid-point.  This Eight isn't really worried about the end result yet.  He finds comfort in doing the work necessary to lay the groundwork so that he can achieve his ultimate success.  He's not impatient -- because he's enjoying the learning and effort involved in the mid-point work.

Will you succeed?  Maybe so, maybe not -- but The Fool will get you going ... and the Eight of Pentacles helps you through the mid-game.  Play these two right to lay a solid foundation to increase your chances of achieving your goals!

That's it for today -- hope your week goes well ... and keep looking for opportunity!

Oh -- and be sure and let me know what you think about the radio show!

Woodsong