You Deserve It!

Hi all!

It's been a while since the last blog entry -- I've been doing YouTube videos instead.  I had some nerve damage with my hands and it was very difficult to type, so I kind of switched off to YouTube videos instead.  Having a lot of fun doing them (and finding locations for them!).

Some folks are unable to get to YouTube -- and I apologize for posting readings they couldn't see. 

My hands are getting better (not all the way, but maybe 50% back) and I thought I'd give a written reading another go.  I had carpel tunnel surgery on one hand -- can't really say that it made a difference.  The hand is better ... but then, so is the hand that didn't have the surgery.  I've been taking supplements that are supposed to help regenerate nerve damage, so perhaps that's the reason for improvement instead of the surgery.

The doctor wants to do the carpel tunnel bit on my other hand.  I'm reluctant because it seems to be improving on its own.  On the other hand, I've already paid the deductible with the first surgery (darned Obamacare -- deductible is ten times more than it used to be!), so another surgery would be largely covered by insurance.  I probably won't do it -- don't want to go through the recovery process all over again.

Anyway, enough about me and my hands -- I hope you've been doing well and I want to jump into this reading!

Just like we used to do, we'll pull two cards.  The first card "sets the stage" for us -- it presents some state to consider.  The second card offers suggestions for us to think about regarding this state.

Let's jump into it -- our first card is:  The Nine of Pentacles

This card suggests enjoying the rewards of something we've earned.  We put in the effort, we were patient, we did things the right way, we may have sacrificed in the process ... but we're seeing the end of our journey and the rewards at the end of that road.  This could be a "macro" or a "micro" sort of thing -- we might be looking at what happens after a long path ... or, it might be the results we see after completing a short project.  In either case, we've reached a successful conclusion and can see the rewards that we've earned.

Kind of a nice spot to be in -- right?  Well maybe so -- but some folks find it difficult to be comfortable when this happens.  Perhaps "guilt" sets in -- is it right for us to enjoy a comfortable spot when others aren't in the same position.  Perhaps we feel unsatisfied -- "It's nice, but it's not enough -- I want more!".  Perhaps we feel resentment -- "It's mine and others have kept me from getting here sooner".  Maybe we feel uneasy -- "It's great -- but what if I lose it all?"

You know -- maybe all of that's true, but it doesn't change the fact that you've reached a successful conclusion.  That's the part that's important.  When one journey ends, another begins -- but that doesn't mean we should let the challenges of a new journey distract us from the pleasure of completing that first journey.

Let's take a look at our second card to see what it offers -- the Four of Swords.

This card suggests taking a break -- taking some time to relax, rest, and refresh.  In this case, it's saying it's okay to enjoy something you've earned.  You earned it -- so you deserve it!  Don't worry about all the "what if's" -- concentrate on the "what is" instead! 

Taking time to take a breath and recoup is great -- but it's even more effective when you can enjoy the well-deserved dividends you've earned getting to that point!


Bottom line -- when you earn something, take the time to enjoy it.  You deserve it!

And that's about it for this week -- I'll probably go back to the videos again, but I'll try and keep written readings in the mix as well!  Hope you have a great weekend!


Woodsong

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

Play the Middle

Hi All!

Hope you had a fine weekend -- I had a pretty busy one. 

Spent a few hours at the Celtic Music Fest at Sherwood Forest; wish I could have spent more time. 

I was listening to a bagpipe group when they stopped to "tune" their bagpipes.  One of the pipers explained that there were many moving organic parts to a bagpipe and that it was very difficult to keep it in tune.  "In fact", he said, "pipers like it when pipes randomly slip out of tune since it adds interest to the tone!"

Don't know how true that is -- but don't think I've ever heard pipes that stayed in tune either.  Maybe there's something to it?

Sent off my vendor registration to Middlefaire this morning.  Will be attending Middlefaire near Hillsboro, Texas over the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd doing tarot readings.  If you're in the area (Hillsboro is between Waco and Fort Worth), stop by and say hello!

Let's jump into this week's reading --

We begin with ... Temperance!

Temperance is an interesting card -- it suggests being "temperate".  Don't sway too much to one side -- nor too much to the other.  The simple (but plain, boring, normal) straight and narrow path may be the path that works best for you.

Sometimes you need to go out on a limb -- but if you do that all the time, you're likely asking for trouble.  We need to be able to recognize when it's best to play it safe and secure.

Of course, we don't want to do that all the time, either!  Going after the risky play works sometimes -- and even when it doesn't work, we still learn from the experience.  The trick is to learn how to balance the two options.

Let's see what our second card has to say about this ... the King of Cups.

King's are pretty swuft.  I think I explained a while back that "swuft" is a Southern term that means "pretty smart and experienced".  Well, Kings are that way for that exact reason -- they've been around the block -- they know what's worked, what hasn't, and why (maybe the most important part!)

This king is kind and caring; like the Queen of Cups, he's also very patient and tolerant.  He wants to help people -- because he cares about their well-being.  When he gives advise, it's a good idea to pay attention to it!

So -- this King is calm, he's patient, he's very tolerant and balanced.  Sounds like "Temperance" personified!

Put the two cards together and we get something suggesting that we may be tempted to over-react to a situation -- but that we might be better served by being patient and remaining calm.  If we can do so, we may find that reacting in a calm and measured manner may keep us from digging ourselves into a deep hole!  Play the diplomat -- try to understand the positions of all sides --  maybe we'll find ourselves being the peacemaker rather than the war leader!

Hope you have a great week -- I'll be back later with more!

Woodsong

Get Rolling!

 Hi!

Sorry I'm late this week -- have been at a customer site all week and it's been taking up a lot of time.  Am back doing the normal stuff today and am trying to catch up.

Have been building a new booth in my back yard for my tarot reading at Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire.  Will move it out there when I'm done. 

Actually, am building three booths -- two vardo's (gypsy wagons) and a regular stand-alone booth.  Working on the stand-alone booth (will leave a picture when it's done) and realized I'm not as strong as I used to be.  Built part of it on my deck, but now can't move that part off the deck by myself.  Oh well, my daughter has burly male friends I'll have to borrow.  I feed them often enough ... so I ought to be able to ask a favor!

I probably over-built it anyway -- made it much stronger and heavier than it needs to be.  Oh well.

Let's jump into today's reading -- we'll pull two cards.  The first offers some starting point or thought -- the second offers a suggestion as to how we can best utilize that beginning card.

Our first card is -- the Seven of Cups.

This card suggests daydreaming or planning; we're thinking of things that might be.  We all go through this all the time before we actually make any moves.  We might envision how we might rearrange the living room furniture -- we might go through this thought process several times before we actually switch the first piece of furniture.

We might think about career changes -- or new projects -- new friendships -- or learning new skills.  The whole bit that our mind is likely busy doing throughout the day!

Nothing wrong with this -- this type of planning is really essential if we want to be successful implementing our plans.

Here's the problem, though -- at some point, it's important to actually move on to implementing those plans!  We don't want to spend all our time planning and no time actually doing.

It's nice to think "What if things were different or better?"  BUT -- we don't want to stay there -- we want to actually take action to make things different of better.  It means putting out some effort or taking a risk -- but we might gain something if we do so.  We're safe if we just continue dreaming -- but we'll never accomplish anything.  Which do you think is better?

Let's look at our second card for a tip on how we should proceed -- the Eight of Pentacles.

Have you ever been working at a task -- and been so absorbed -- that you don't really notice the time passing?  That's the Eight of Pentacles -- it suggests that sort of enjoyment you gain when you enter into a new project or task. 

Doesn't mean the task will be successful -- but it does mean that it'll be worthwhile.  You gain even if the task ultimately fails -- because the "journey" is the real reward.

So -- our first card is a "planner" ... and our second card is a "doer".  Seems pretty plain what the message is ... consider actually doing some of those neat things you've been thinking about!  Take some risk, take on the effort -- and you'll reap a reward! 

Or -- "Quit stalling!  Get moving!"

What do you think?  Do you see anyplace in your life where this could apply?

Talk to you later --

Woodsong

Plan and Finish

Hello All --

Hope you had a great weekend!  It turned a little chilly here in Houston -- actually had to wear a sweater today (that doesn't happen all that often during winter in South Texas)!

Another fun weekend at Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire -- next weekend is closing weekend.  It'll be sad to see the end of the season -- but it has been a long and exhausting run so far.

My younger son called and asked for a vacation recommendation.  He and his wife would like to take a relaxing and inexpensive driving vacation (starting from Texas) in late summer -- I told him to look into New Mexico.  One of the most enjoyable vacations we ever took was a week spent in the Enchanted Circle region .. Taos, Red River, even down to Santa Fe and Albuquerque.  Love the scenery, love the culture, love the food!  Most people think of skiing when they hear "Taos" -- but the town itself and the reservation are both historic and spiritually fulfilling.

I remember another visit to Sante Fe -- it had started snowing that morning and the ground was covered in snow when I parked in a nearly-empty parking lot.  Later that day, the snow had all melted.  When we got back to the car, I had received a parking ticket for "not parking within the white lines".  Of course, you couldn't see the white lines when the snow was there, but what can you do?

How 'bout we pull a reading for this week?


Our first card is the King of Wands.

Kings in general tend to be most concerned with those around them -- they are caretakers and feel strongly about their responsibilities.  The Kind of Wands in particular suggests successful ventures -- and doing what's necessary to ensure success.  That means planning, effective starts, and finishing projects.

Our second card is the Seven of Pentacles.

This card suggests receiving/earning rewards for your efforts -- hard work paying off.  It's also a conservative card fiscally.  Rather than using rewards for a temporary splurge, the Seven of Pentacles would rather save those rewards for future use.

Put them together and we get a short game plan to help us earn rewards -- don't rush in blindly!  Think about what you're doing and why you're doing it.  Plan your efforts to best ensure your success -- then, take the time to do things competently, correctly, and to FINISH what you undertake.  Do so and your chances of seeing rewards at the end are greatly enhanced!

Have a great week!

Woodsong

Stay on Top of it!

Hi!

Hope your week's been going well.  Nothing that momentous over here -- typical South Texas winter weather -- kinda sweater-weather in the morning, but mid 70's or 80's by the afternoon. 

Have tried to see the comet this week, but can't quite view it from my yard.  Well, it's probably my eyes that are the culprit.  Didn't feel like dragging out and setting up the telescope - haven't done that in over 20 years and not too sure where all the pieces and parts are!

I'll have a short weekend at Sherwood Forest Faire this weekend -- have to travel up to Dallas on Sunday for a business meeting that starts first thing Monday morning.  If you get a chance to visit the faire, this weekend should be a good one.

How about we get into a reading for the weekend?

We'll beging with a Major Arcana card -- the Wheel of Fortune.

The wheel reminds us that life tends to go in cycles -- sometimes, things are really good ... but sometimes they're not so good.  If times are good, that's great -- but don't expect they'll always be that way.  If times are bad, don't get discouraged ... because they can improve.

Basically, don't take it personal if things aren't to your liking!  Don't get complacent if things are to your liking!

The important thing about the Wheel is that you can take an active part in extending your time on the top -- or minimizing your time on the bottom.  You shouldn't sit around and hope for things to happen ... you should jump in and take control of matters yourself!

And what does this mean for you?  Our second card answers this -- the Five of Wands.

The Five of Wands suggests contention -- maybe even a bit of a struggle.  This struggle isn't anything you can't overcome -- but it does remind us that some things don't come easy ... we have to really work at it if we want it.





There's a great line in the movie "A Game of Their Own" -- Tom Hanks's character Jimmie Dugan says to Dottie Hinson who mentions the game just got  "too hard" ... "It's supposed to be hard! If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great!

If we're willing to put in that type of work -- and if we keep our minds on the payoff, we'll enjoy most of our time sitting on the top of the Wheel of Fortune!

That's it till next week!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Woodsong

Measure Yourself

Hi -- Happy Daylight Savings Time!

I have to confess -- the only good thing I see about Daylight Savings Time is that now the clock in my car is correct again instead of being one hour off. 

I know the argument about "we'll have more daylight in the afternoon", but the truth is that the days get longer this part of the year anyway; we're going to have more daylight in the evenings naturally.  I don't mind daylight in the early evening; I don't like daylight at 9:00pm.

Oh well, turning rant off.  Hope you had a great weekend (although one hour shorter!).  I had a wonderful Saturday up at Sherwood Forest; had a lot of rain Sunday so I took the day off -- didn't want to risk the drive in the bad weather.

On to our reading ...

Our first card -- 10 of Wands

The 10 of Wands reminds us about hard work -- really putting in an effort to do a job well.  It may be tiring ... but it's also rewarding.  Because of that rewarding feeling, we're ready to tackle the next hard task.  Hard tasks don't daunt us -- because we know that's how we measure ourselves ... by our effectiveness at achieving goals.

The next card is one of the more perplexing cards in the deck -- the Six of Pentacles.

This card is puzzling because it has two totally different meanings at the same time.

Consider -- this card shows a fortunate person sharing his bounty with others.  Sounds like a nice thing to do, right?

The puzzling part comes in when you consider what recipients of this sharing are thinking -- are they happy?  Are they grateful?  Are they jealous?  Are they resentful?  Do they feel anger to the fortunate person? Do they feel it's unfair?  (this can get political really fast, so I'm going to quit now before I get into trouble!)

The story I get with these two cards is that even though you may put in a strong effort to achieve a goal, others may not be appreciative of your work.  They may not feel you worked hard enough -- or that you deserve the reward for achieving that goal.

The important thing to remember is that you can only measure yourself by your own expectations and standards -- not those of others.  If you know you've put in an honest effort and have rightfully earned rewards, then it doesn't really matter what other people may think.  Judge yourself by your own standards -- not those of others.

Have a great week!

Woodsong