Are You Going to Try or Not?

Hi All!

Hope you had a good week -- it was busy, busy again here this week.

Gary Burton

Don't recall if I mentioned (although I'm sure I did) that I'm taking an online class through http://www.coursera.org.  It's a free mini-class offered by Berklee School of Music -- a Jazz Improvisation class taught by Gary Burton.  I'm not a jazz person, so I didn't know who Gary Burton was -- turns out he's a famous (in jazz circles) multi Grammy winning musician.  Has taught at Berklee for 33 years as well as touring the world with his group.

I'm enjoying seeing something different -- I'm pretty familiar with Celtic, Folk, and Rock music, but don't know jazz at all.  Interesting seeing the different emphasis (chords are sophisticated and are the story in jazz, not so in the genres I'm familiar with).  Because of the chord sophistication, you can actually use all of the main modes (scale patterns) when soloing.  In the genres I knew, you can get by with a Pentatonic scale almost all of the time (especially with Rock).

I'm kind of geeky, so I really got into the technical parts of the class -- but enjoyed the last part most when Gary just spoke about music.  He compared it to speech -- it uses grammar, it needs to stop to take breath, it tells a story. (Actually, I'm glad he did that because I was starting to get lost in the technical stuff!)

Anyway, as part of the assignments we have to record solos over various jazz backings.  That's been taking a surprisingly large amount of my time lately -- between that and work, I haven't done much else.

Only two more solos to record, though -- then it's on to the next class!  If you're looking for fun things to do, check out the free courses at http://www.coursera.org.  There are hundreds in many different categories (not just music) and they're all free!

Okay, enough about me -- let's jump into this weekend's reading.

Well, maybe one point before the reading.  Someone sent me an email commenting on what a prior reading "told" them to do.  I just wanted to stress that the readings don't really "tell" you to do anything -- they simply suggest things that you might consider.  After considering a particular point, you might accept it ... or reject it.  It's the considering part that counts -- helps you see different perspectives and maybe understand yourself (and others) a little better.

Okay, now the reading!

We start with ... the 8 of Swords.

This card suggests those times when you feel trapped by circumstances.  Maybe you're in a position or place you don't want to be -- but you feel you can't get out of it because external circumstances are keeping you there.

This card depicts a young women trapped by a cage of swords.  She's bound and blindfolded; she's on a beach where the tide is coming in.

At least, that's what it looks like at first glance!  This women really seems trapped by things around her ...

Until we note that the cords binding her are really pretty loose -- she can easily wriggle out of them and can then remove her blindfold.  The "cage" of swords is full of gaps -- she can easily walk past them and walk away from the rising tide.

The message -- this woman is only trapped if she decides to remain trapped.  If she decides to try and escape, she can take control and manage the situation in order to free herself.

And the same message applies when we feel trapped in a situation.  We can acquiesce and just accept the situation -- or we can take control and do something about it.  It's not the situation that's forcing us to remain trapped -- it's our own choice whether we do or not.

What happens if we do take control?  Our second card offers a suggestion -- the Six of Wands.

This Six suggests a victory parade -- we've been successful in our endeavors and are now receiving the acclaim (from others ... or from ourself) for that success.  Doesn't mean that we won't face more challenges later on -- just that we should take a moment to enjoy what we have achieved at this point.

When we put these together, we might feel that the "success" isn't necessarily happening when we break away from an undersirable situation.  It instead comes when we take control of ourselves and try to manage things the way we want them managed.  Whether we succeed or not isn't important -- it's that we're trying to succeed that counts!

Sometimes we have to fail several times before we finally break through -- but if we never try in the first place, we're guaranteed we'll never succeed at all.

And that's it for this time -- have a great weekend, and I'll talk to you again next week.

Woodsong

Be Hard-Headed!

Hi all!

If this was a holiday weekend for you, I hope you had a good one.

The Memorial day stereotype is that everyone barbecues -- doesn't apply at my house.  I'm not allowed to barbecue any more.  No matter how I try, my gently smoking pit always instantly turns into a roiling blob of flames!  It's really frustrating, because I used to be pretty successful when I was younger -- maybe they're making the meat differently now?

No, I know it's that I get distracted and don't pay attention when I shoulda oughta be paying attention.  Oh well.  Would be nice to find something to blame instead!

Let's jump into this reading -- we'll start with our first card, The Magician.

The Magician suggests someone who won't take "no" for an answer.  He knows what he wants to achieve -- and he's going to make it happen.  He doesn't get discouraged if things don't work out initially -- he's too focused on his goal to worry about that.  He'll deal with temporary "bumps" along the road and wills himself forward when others might give up.

The Magician doesn't give up.  Frankly, he's too much of a hardhead to do so!

Let's see where this is heading -- with our second card, the Five of Swords.

Interestingly enough, this card kind of emphasizes this message -- don't give up when you encounter difficulties.

Some folks see this card as a negative one -- I always see it as someone who has faced greater odds and overcame them.

When we put these two together, we're reminded that if we really want to achieve our desired goal -- and we really want to put the effort in to make it happen -- then we're not going to be discouraged by what may seem to be difficult challenges.  Rather than seeing them as obstacles that can stop us, we should see them as temporary issues that need to be resolved so that we can move forward towards our goal.

So -- put on your hard head, dig your heels in the ground, and willfully press forward to your goal.  That's the big picture you want to focus on!

More later this week -- have a great one!

Woodsong

You Know the Answer!

Hi All!

Hope your weeks been doing well -- I've been in a training class most of the week.

I have to admit that most of the training classes I've been in during my professional life haven't been all that useful.  They may have introduced an interesting idea or two, but most of the time was just thumb-twiddling to fill up the schedule.

This class was an exception -- practically every minute was loaded with great information.  I'm really thinking I'll be able to apply everything I learned to be more effective. 

Wish there were more like that!

On to the weekend reading!

We'll start with ... the Nine of Swords.

Some folks see this as a really negative card -- but I normally see it as just describing a real situation.  We've seen this card fairly recently -- it suggests "worry" -- the kind of worry that might keep you from sleeping -- you just can't stop thinking about a difficult situation.

I don't see this as a negative card because it honestly describes something we all face.  Every one of us has gone through this before -- and we'll go through it again.  We can always anticipate facing a vexing situation that causes us anxiety.

And this is okay -- it's okay to be concerned about a problem.  What we want to be wary of is not moving from that "worry" state; we instead should look for ways to resolve the situation.

Sometimes that means we try to solve the problem -- sometimes that means we learn to accept the situation -- and sometimes it means we try to find an alternative and leave the problem behind us.  No matter what we choose, we need to move on.

How can we move on -- well, let's see what our second card suggests ... the King of Swords.

I may have said this before -- whenever I see the King of Swords, I see my Dad glaring at me after I'd done something really stupid.  He's asking "Why did you do that -- you knew better!  You knew what that right thing to do was!"  And ... he was right.  I did know what the proper course of action was -- I just didn't take it.

This King always knows the right thing to do.  He doesn't care if it's a difficult thing -- if it's the right answer, then it's the right answer and that's all there is to it.

What this means is that when we're faced with a worrying problem -- in the back of our minds, we know how to solve it.  We just don't always want to listen to ourselves -- because maybe the answer is too difficult.  Doesn't matter -- if it's the right thing to do, then it's the right thing to do!

When you think about it, it's really silly to agonize and say "What should I do? What should I do?" when you already know what you should do.  What you're really saying is "I know what to do, but I'm reluctant to do it."  That's okay -- but it's a completely different situation from the first one described.  You're not worrying about the problem; you're worrying about being able to implement the solution.

Be honest with yourself -- when faced with a difficult situation, can you see the right thing to do?  If so, then don't worry about the problem any more -- instead, start working on how you can achieve the solution.

That's it for now -- hope you have a great weekend (and it's a long weekend for many of us!  Hope you enjoy it!)

Woodsong

The "Old Fashioned" Way

Hi Again,

Managed to clear things away in time ... so we get a weekend reading this time around!

Nothing too special happened this week -- just a lot of busy.  That's not so bad, it helps the week go by quickly. 

Don't have a lot of plans for the weekend -- will play it by ear.  Will try to get out of the house so that I don't get roped in to doing chores!

How about that reading -- our first card is the Three of Pentacles.

 

I usually see this as a "Joy of Work" card -- it suggests that feeling you have when you're doing a task and are doing it really, really well.  Rather than avoid taking on tasks, we might look at them as opportunities to exercise our skills and grow in our capability.  How do you get to Carnegie Hall?  Practice, practice, practice!

Where will this approach lead us -- our second card suggests ... The World!


There are three or four "happy ending" cards in the deck -- and this one is the best one of all.  It suggests that all the pieces come together in the best way at the best time.

Not a whole lot of analysis necessary here -- short answer: if you work hard, you'll be successful.  Doesn't mean you'll become Bill Gates, but it does suggest that the rewards you'll achieve after working honestly and effectively will be the rewards you'll most appreciate when you receive them.

Remember that old Smith-Barney commercial?  "Smith Barney makes money the old-fashioned way -- they EARN it!" (wow, am I dating myself!)  There's no secret to success -- you don't have to be lucky ... just work hard and you'll receive the success you deserve.

That's the short and quick of it -- hope you have a great weekend!

Woodsong

Something you can always count on ...

Hi All!

Hope your week's started off okay -- mine jumped right into busy-busy-busy ... but I'm hoping for a break in action in a day or so.

Spent the weekend in San Antonio -- I know it's touristy, but I really enjoy the Riverwalk area.  It's very relaxing. It's kind of amazing how beautifying a drainage ditch really vitalized the downtown area. 

We also spent some time in Market Square (I think it's the largest Mexican goods market in the United States) and did a bunch of other shopping.  Didn't do as much sight-seeing as I'd like, but we were just there for the weekend.

If you ever get the chance to visit San Antonio and have a little extra time, pay a visit to some of the  historic missions other than the Alamo.  (I mean, see the Alamo too -- it's amazing!  Just reserve a little time to see the others)  They're really worth the look.

How about our reading for this week?  We'll start with -- the Five of Cups.

This card portrays a person looking at three cups that have spilled -- but is ignoring the two cups that remain full.  This card reminds us to focus on the assets we have -- not the resources we've lost.  We're never going to win every single encounter -- but as long as we win the one's that count, we're in good shape.  When we begin to look backwards and concentrate on things that we've lost -- well, it's like trying to drive a car with our head turned backwards!  We have to focus on where we're going and what we have available to us -- otherwise, at best we won't make any progress (and at worst we'll run into a tree!)

What can we use to help us focus on resources we still have?  Why not ... the Two of Cups.

I believe we've seen this card recently -- this suggests new friendships or renewing old friendships.  Could be romantic, could be platonic -- but either way, being able to count the support of our friends helps hold us up when times seem bad (like when we spill three cups!) and reminds us of the things that really count (like the two cups still remaining to us!)

In fact, maybe this Two of Cups we've drawn represents the two unaffected cups in our original Five of Cups -- the friends and family we can always count on?  Draw strength and build those relationships -- they'll always be there for us if we cultivate them!

Hope you have a great week!  Hope to get back with you before the weekend!

Woodsong

Start Anew

Hi all --

Hope you had a fine weekend (and Monday as well!)

Have you ever visited places like https://www.coursera.org, https://www.udacity.com, and https://www.udacity.com ?  They offer free online classes from many different prestigous universities and are a lot of fun.

I've taken several in the past (mainly histories) and am in the middle of a Jazz Improvisation class right now.  Having lots of fun, learning stuff, and busy as heck.  We're having to play and record a solo against a jazz melodic backing -- I'm having lots of trouble getting the recording software to work the way I want it to.  Have recorded my first solo several times, but can't get the "loudness" levels right.  It's either too soft to hear or too blaring.  Will try with a different guitar tonight to see if that helps any.

I've played guitar (and other instruments) for many many years -- however, everything I play ends out sounding like a 12 bar blues piece.  Am hoping this Jazz course will set me off on different directions.

My four year-old grand-daughter caught me playing some Celtic tunes on my violin the other day.  It's now HER violin!  I actually have a 1/2 size violin I bought for her mom when she was a child -- will have to search it out so I can swap for my violin back!

Let's move on the reading, shall we!

Our first card -- The Ten of Swords.

We saw this card a little while ago.  While some feel it's a very negative card, I generally see it as suggesting the end of a vexing time, not the beginning of one.  We want to consider vexing issues that have reached their end -- it's time to let them go.

What kind of things -- well, let's look at our second card -- the Two of Cups.

This card suggests a new friendship -- or a renewal of an old one.  Perhaps this might be what our Ten of Cups was suggesting?  Do you have old friendships or relationships that have hit some rocks?  Hurt feelings?  Feeling the other was inconsiderate?  You know what I'm talking about -- things that are really petty when you look back at them, especially when you consider the value of the friendship or relationship they may be inhibiting.

If you can, let the issues go.  Forgive where you can, forget where you can't.  Try to re-establish what was really valuable ... the friendship or relationship.  Those can be so rewarding that they can mask any petty bumps they may have encountered ... as long as you let it happen.

And that's about it for now -- hope you have a great week!

Woodsong

Take the Corner

Hi All!

Hope you had a great weekend -- I spent much of mine catching up on sleep!  My flight out of Vegas Thursday night was delayed four times -- finally got home about 4:30 AM!  Didn't get much sleep Friday (4 year old jumping jack (jumping jill?) grand-daughter made sure of that!  Both Saturday and Sunday looked kinda bleary to me (well, the rain didn't help any either).

Still glad to get home -- I'm just not a Las Vegas person ... at least not the new Las Vegas.  The new one is kind of like a Disneyland for young adults -- LOUD music blaring everywhere (even on the streets and walkways), controlled limited-access walkways that direct crowds from one place to the other, smokey casinos where the rap music is even louder than it is when someone pulls up next to you at a stop light.  Emphasis is on gaudy special effects rather than on real stuff. 

Even the street musicians are terrible (completely blitzed, can barely play their guitar, but can blare out profanities at top volume)!  Oh well, on the other hand, maybe I'm just a party poop?

Wow -- I didn't mean to start off such a downer -- let's pick things up a bit! 

How about the reading -- we'll start with our first card -- the Nine of Swords.

Well darn -- I wanted to pick things up a bit and this card rarely helps!  This Nine suggests worry -- maybe even all-consuming worry.  Ever had something bother you so much you kept thinking about it and couldn't get to sleep?  That's the idea of this Nine.

Not all the way negative, though.  Those times when you worried -- did things really turn out as bad as you might have thought?  Did you find you might have "over-worried"?  That even if the worst happened, there were opportunities and alternatives you might not have been able to see because you were spending all your time worrying about "what-if" instead of planning "what-if"?

Okay, there's a positive way to look at this; let's grab our next card.  And ... it's the Ten of Swords!

Well, if I were a real Negative Nancy (like I sounded in my Vegas rant), I'd get kinda depressed about this.  This fellow on the Ten doesn't look like he's having a good day.  He's bleeding out on the ground, the sky is dark, with 10 Swords stuck in his back!  Sounds like all his worry during the Nine of Swords all came true, doesn't it?

Actually, there's a very positive take on this.  This Ten suggests that when things seem as bad as they could possibly be, then the only way to go from there is UP!  It suggests reaching the corner, not necessarily reaching the bottom.  All you need to do is turn that corner and you'll find the opportunities you need to pull yourself up .  In other words, a new day is dawning!

So -- when confronted with the concerns of the Nine, you can huddle up in a shell and become stagnated by worry -- or you can move on to the Ten and look to turn the corner and make things better!  Look for the positives -- they exist and you'll find them if you seek them out!  Keep your eyes up -- not down!

Hope you have a great week -- and look for those opportunities!

Woodsong

Expect the Best

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, at least it's morning when I'm writing this.  First night in Vegas -- wake up at midnight when someone sets off the hotel's fire alarm.  Second night -- wake up at 1:00AM when someone starts playing loud-shake-the-room jungle music (BUMP-BUMP-BUMP-BUMP-BUMP-and-so-on-for-at-least-half-an-hour!).  I'd be pretty fried except that I'm getting to bed real early.

By the way, my definition of jungle music is any tune whose only melodic purpose is to go BUMP-BUMP-BUMP-BUMP.

I had a good weekend -- fun gun show and great gem show.  Most gun purchasers I noticed were women.  Well, so were most gem purchasers, too!

I'm off to a day of conference stuff in a bit -- thought I'd try to slip in a reading before I left.

Our first card is: The Ace of Swords

Aces in general suggest starting something new.  Swords in particular suggest mental stimulation or new intellectual endeavors -- things like reading a new book, working puzzles, learning a new language, etc.  The scale isn't that important -- it's the act of diving into something new that counts.

Learning is fun -- so why do so many people shy away from it?  I think the reason is that people are concerned they won't be any good at it.  Frankly, that's not such a great reason (although it's understandable).  So what if you're not good at it -- it's the fact that you tried that counts, not whether or not you succeed.

What can help us feel comfortable about beginning something new?  How about our second card -- the King of Wands.

This king can suggest a lot of things -- but most of all, he is CONFIDENT!  He knows he's going to do well in any endeavor he undertakes -- simply becase that's what he expects of himself.  This expectation is what makes him eager to take on new projects.

So, be confident about any projects you may begin.  Expect the best of yourself -- and that's likely what you'll receive!

Have a great week!

Woodsong

Count to Ten ...

Hello All!

Hope this week's been good to you -- I've been busy busy busy.  Guess that's better than the alternative.

Some fun this weekend -- there's a huge gem show twice a year in Houston.  It normally coincides with a huge gun show (they're held in different halls of the same convention center).  I really enjoy both of them.  The gun show is more of a historic show rather than the conventional gun show (although they have the normal stuff).  Lots of historic uniforms, vehicles, gear, etc.  They even have historical celebrities -- a few years ago, they had one of the crew of the Enola Gay.  I get off on that kind of stuff (I'm a big History Channel and Military Channel buff), so really look forward to this show.

The Gem show is just about as much fun -- they have stuff ranging from a couple of dollars to thousands of dollars.  You can pick out rare stones from one dealer, then go to another booth to pick settings -- they'll then set your stones for you.  Really enjoy talking to the dealers and learning the story behind the sources of the stones -- some gems are only found in one particular mine in the world!  Best part is that once you purchase something, the dealers will then send you coupons good for free admission to the next show!

The food is pretty terrible at both shows, though.  Can't have everything!

Let's get on to the reading -- and then on to the weekend!

Our first card this week is ... The Devil!

As I tell everyone, this isn't the guy in the red suit with horns and a pitchfork.  This is that little Devil each one of us has inside ... the one that tempts us to do things we know are wrong -- but we do them anyway!  These things normally reflect poorly on us -- and might even get us in some trouble.  It's kind of a situation where we're own own worst enemy.

Maybe we're feeling short-tempered, so we snap at our spouse or a co-worker.  Maybe we're late, so we drive a little faster than we know is appropriate.  Maybe while we're driving, we answer our cell phone when we really should be paying attention to the road.  Maybe something doesn't work out -- and we blame someone else rather than taking responsbility ourselves.  Things like that -- if we reflect on them later, we'd probably honestly say "I shouldn't have done that -- that's not me".

So not a whole lot of positivity comes with the Devil -- but it's really easy to become ensnared!  What might help us avoid these situations?

Our second card is .. the Four of Swords.

This is an interesting combination -- the Four of Swords suggests taking time to rest, recharge, and revitalize yourself.  I think the key phrase here is "taking time" -- not reacting spontaneously, but waiting a moment, taking a breath, and then calmly reacting.  Remember the old saw about "count to ten before you act"?  That's something we can do whenever we're tempted by our Devil to react inappropriately.

Waiting a little bit gives our responsible self a chance to take over -- and that's who we need to be making decisions!

Have a great weekend -- I'm off to Las Vegas next week and will talk to you then!

Woodsong

It's a Big Boat With Airplanes

Hello All!

Sorry I missed Friday's reading -- I had to go and pay some traffic tickets.

No, these weren't my tickets -- they were my son's.  He's in the Navy and is off on deployment somewhere in the Persian Gulf area.  He wanted to pay some old tickets he received when he was in town ... but the court wouldn't let him do it remotely.  They allowed that someone else could show up at the ticket window and pay it for him, though.

I told him I'd do it for him.  Got the necessary cash, went to the courthouse, waited in line for about and hour-and-a-half.  Finally, get to the window:

"I'd like to pay these tickets for my son."

"Well, he has to pay them in person. Where is he?"

"He's in the Navy; he's on an aircraft carrier somewhere."

"He's what?"

"He's on an aircraft carrier."

"What?"

"An aircraft carrier.  It's like a big boat with airplanes."

"Oh -- well, he can't pay them here anyway.  You're at the wrong courthouse -- you can tell from the ticket number that you need to go to Precinct Five."

"Oh, sorry -- I guessed I missed class the day we studied ticket numbers.  Can you tell me where Precinct Five is?"

"I don't know."

"I don't know either.  Do have you a phone number or any other information about it?"

"No."

(Fortunately, the couple in back of me knew where Precinct Five was -- so I thanked them and got in the car.  Drive across town (driving across town in Houston is not a trivial matter!), get in another line, wait another hour-and-a-half.)

"I'd like to pay these tickets for my son."


(we go through the whole aircraft carrier thing again)


"Okay, that's $614.00 (I have no idea what he did to get the tickets!)"


"Alright."  I start counting out cash.


"Oh no sir.  We don't take cash, only money orders."

I look up at the sign next to the window.  "But your sign says you take cash."

"We do.  But we don't take cash for this."

"But don't the bills say "Legal Tender for all Debts"?"

"Yes, but we only take money orders."

I think one benefit of getting older is realizing when you're not going to win the argument, so you quit before you get frustrated.

Not winning this one, so I leave, find a money oder place, convert cash to money orders, come back.  Wait in line another hour and a half.

"I'd like to pay these tickets for my son.  I have the money orders."

"Alright, let me get your paperwork."

(No aircraft carrier story; darn, I was enjoying telling it.)

"Okay, I'm back.  We just need your son to sign these two forms."

(Cool -- I get to do the aircraft carrier story again after all!)

"Well, I'm sorry, but he has to sign these forms or I can't complete the transaction."

"There's no way that can happen -- my son's off on deployment; with this Korean thing, I have no idea if he's even coming home.  Is there anything we can do?"

(Now, here's where my faith in people and public servants gets renewed.)

"Well, I tell you what.  I need to leave this counter and go stand on the other side of the office for about two minutes.  Perhaps when I get back your son will have managed to sign these two forms?"

Clerk leaves and I grab a pen.  Sure enough, when the clerk returns, my son has managed to sign both of the forms!

All's well that ends -- even if it takes all day!

Let's get on to this week's reading!

Our first card is the Knight of Pentacles.

This cards suggests being solid and steady -- someone you can count on every time to get the job done.  Not necessarily the flashiest or fastest ... but sure and steady wins the race after all.

My problem trying to be the Knight of Pentacles is that I get impatient -- if I don't see immediate results, I get frustrated.  Let's check our next card for some help

Our next card is ... the Ten of Wands.

Okay, this make sense.  The Ten of Wandss is busy plodding away at his task.  He was plodding away yesterday, and plodding away the day before, and the day before, etc.  This Ten doesn't get impatient, though.  He knows (he KNOWS) that he's going to accomplish his task.  He knows that it may be a slow process, but if he keeps at it and doesn't give or or get frustrated, he'll manage to complete his task.

And sometimes that's the way we have to solve problems -- just keep hacking away at them, one step at a time.  Just cause we don't close the loop right away doesn't mean we're never going to manage to do so.  Success is waiting for us -- as long as we take the time to see it through!

And that's what it looks like this week!  Hope you have a good one!


Woodsong

Dive Right In

Hi All,

Hope your weekend was fine -- I stayed home sick yesterday (feeling much better today), so fell behind on the reading.

Uneventful weekend for me -- cleared up my space at the Renfest, did some yardwork and gardening, nothing fancy.  A very easy, low pressure weekend (first in several months)!

Let's jump into that reading, shall we?

First card is the Page of Wands.

Pages tend to suggest the beginning of something new -- new tasks, new projects, new schooling, new friends ... things like that.  Pages are still at the development stage -- you're considering a new project, getting excited about it, beginning to think about what may be involved, maybe even some pre-planning.

Including the point where you think about what go wrong!  Sometimes, when you consider this side of it, you get scared off the project.  After all, if you might fail, then why start it in the first place.  When you think of failure, it saps away your energy and excitement for the project (and the Page of Wands is particularly involved in energy and excitement).

This isn't good -- how can you restore your energy and interest level?

How about using our second card -- The Fool!

This card is really about new beginnings, new journeys.  Things might go bad?  Who cares -- not The Fool!  He's so involved in thinking about a new process that he's oblivious to problems.

Does that mean he won't encounter problems along the way?  No, not at all -- but it does mean he'll wait till that point to deal with the problems and won't let the fact that they may occur stop him from charging ahead!

If something new grabs your interest -- then maybe it's worth it to dive right in.  Don't "think" yourself away from a project -- jump in and learn for real what's going on.

Hope your week's a good one -- talk to you later!

Woodsong

Consider Changes

Greetings!

Hope your week's been going well -- things here in Houston have been ... well, okay I guess.  A front moved through and it's turned kind of chilly (in the 50's -- that's chilly for Texas).  That's not so bad -- but my hot water heater decided to flake out this week at the same time!  I can light it, but it's not always staying lit.  Don't find that out till I try that morning shower -- brrrr!  Had a couple of unpleasant surprises this week!

Seems to be working now; I'm sure it's just the thermocouple getting fritzy.  I remember you used to be able to change those out yourself with a 50 cent part from the hardware store.  Now it takes a plumber and a $75 house visit.  Progress?

My daughter and grand-daughter moved back in the house -- the entire household is now being ruled by a 4 year old!  It's kind of fun -- life is now measured in terms of tea parties and kittens.  Pretty refreshing!

How about our weekend reading ...

Our first card is the Four of Wands.

I see this as a celebration card -- and it also suggests the acknowledgement of others in the course of celebration.  It's not so much you saying "I did good", it's more like other people saying "You did good".  It always feels better when you hear it from someone else!

So what should we consider if we'd like to achieve this celebratory state?  Our second card, the Eight of Cups, offers a suggestion.

The Eight of Cups suggests a change of direction.  It's kind of like reaching a point where you say "It's not that I'm disatisfied with what I've been doing -- but I think I might have more success trying this different route instead".  In the card, we see someone literally "turning their back" on the path they had been following in order to strike out in a new direction.

So -- if what you've been doing isn't getting you to where you want to be -- you might consider changing things up a bit.  Even if you're satisfied with what you've been doing -- you might find another tack a little more promising.  Or you might not -- but it doesn't hurt to at least consider the possibilities!

And that's it for now -- have a great weekend and I'll see you again next week!

Woodsong

Audit Time!

Hi All!

Hope you had a good weekend and a good April Fool's start to the week!  I always forget about April Fool's day and someone always gets me.

This was the last weekend this season for Sherwood Forest Faire -- I get weekends back again for a while!

BTW -- to Courtney in California:  I met your friend this weekend at faire -- she says you really need to come down to visit next year and come to Sherwood.  Come by and say hello when you do!

Let's see what cards we have to start the week ...

We'll start with The Hermit.

This is the wise-old hermit -- he knows things!  His knowledge comes not only from training and learning skills, but also from experience.  When you put book smarts and street smarts together -- you get wisdom.  Knowing to do the right thing at the right time for the right reasons -- that kind of wisdom.

So -- where should we direct this wisdom.  What kinds of questions should we be looking to answer?

Our second card suggests something to consider-- the Seven of Pentacles.

To me, the Seven of Pentacles is an accomplishment card -- especially a career or professional accomplishment.  We took on a hard task and were successful -- hence the sense of accomplishment.

So -- maybe we might consider using our wisdom for a bit of internal career counseling -- a "self audit" if you will.  There are always a number of things going on in our lives -- but maybe we'll spend just a little bit of time thinking about our professional choices.

How's the job?  Going well?  If so, then why?  If not, then why not?  What can you do to make it even better?  Are you doing what you want to do?  Why not? 

Use the wisdom from your wise hermit -- if you have trouble applying this to yourself, then imagine you're giving career advice to someone else in your same position.  What would you say to them?

It's good to "audit" phases of our lives from time to time -- otherwise, we're just going along for the ride and hoping the right things will happen.  If we take a moment for a little review and evaluation, we'll likely discover things we can do to "guide" ourselves in order to better guarantee success.

And that's it for this week -- I'll be back later with more.  Till then, have a great week!

Woodsong

Springtime Projects!

Hi All,

Somehow a holiday snuck up on me!  No work tomorrow -- which of course means lots of home projects.  No way you can get away from "work"!

I'm planning a new gypsy vardo -- it'll be more of a "roulotte" style; will look kind of like a canopy bed on wheels (without the bed part).  Have been planning how to paint/embellish/decorate it -- last night dreamed purple-gold-green -- Mardi Gras colors.  Might be -- still thinking about it.

You know, there's a story about why LSU colors are purple-and-gold.  Story goes that way back the students decided to have a Spring celebration party.  Some drove down to New Orleans to purchase confetti and streamers.  Being that it was near Mardi Gras, there should have been lots of purple, gold, and green decorations.  However, Tulane University in New Orleans was having it's own springtime party and had bought all the green decorations; all the LSU people could find were purple and gold -- which was how the original purple-and-gold began!

Reading time -- we'll begin with the Nine of Wands.

When I see this card I always think of someone who's spent a day doing yard work.  It's the end of the day, he's really tired, but he looks out at his work and is please with his accomplishments.  (BTW -- this isn't me at all ... I spend 10 minutes working in the yard and I start sneezing!)

He's tired -- maybe even exhausted -- but is feeling good about it.  The results have been worth the effort; he's earned the right to be pleased with his situation.

Nice feeling -- so how can we get there?  Let's look at our next card -- the Page of Wands.

This Page is about potential -- being excited about possibilities, beginning to plan projects (like building a roulotte, maybe?)

You want to feel like you've accomplished something?  Well, before you can, you've got  to begin doing something you can accomplish!  Get excited about a project, get excited about the work you'll put into it, get excited about planning it and becoming involved in it.  All of this might sound daunting -- after all, we're talking about taking on more "work", aren't we?

But -- this is a step we MUST do if we want to accomplish something.  You've got to start before you can finish!  And the idea of starting a project should fill you with energy -- not drain you!

Hey -- maybe this is about Springtime projects!  Consider projects that will make you feel good -- and use this energy to help see you through the process!

Have a great weekend ...

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

Take Time before Choosing

Hi there -- hope your week has been going well!

I'm on an assignment in Dallas and have pretty tied up all week.  Finally got a few minutes this morning to pull our cards for the weekend.

I always enjoy hitting the bookstores in Dallas -- plus there's a Mongolian restaurant I really like.  I am SO boring!

How about our cards ...

Our first card is The Moon.

When you look at things under the moonlight, it's difficult to see them clearly.  You may see things that aren't there -- or misinterpret what you see.  Later, when the sun rises, you're able to view the situation properly as it really is.

Our second card is the Two of Swords.

This Two suggests a choice -- or a decision ... a really difficult one.  A choice where you're just not too sure what to do.

And what might make it difficult to decide?  Why, if you're not seeing things clearly, then it's difficult to choose.

When face with a difficult decision, consider whether or not you're evaluating the situation properly.  The Moon might suggest that you're not viewing things as they really are -- but as they may appear to be instead.  If the input is bad, the output may be bad as well.  (Or, as we say in the tech field, "Garbage in, garbage out.")

Take a little extra time to consider the parameters of your decision -- are you interpreting them in the only way they can be interpreted?  If not, then taking a little time to shed a little extra light can make your choices easier.

Have a great weekend!

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

Dummy post

Please ignore this post -- need to do it to take care of a technical issue.

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Take the Wheel!

Hello all!

Hope you had a great weekend!  I wish we had a day between the weekend and the workweek to rest up.  I know that's what you're supposed to do on the weekend, but it rarely seems to end up that way.

Spent the weekend at Sherwood Forest again -- it was freezy-breezy cold (also known as "frigorific" in Romanian) Saturday morning, but warmed up pleasantly as the day went on.

Didn't really have a chance to do anything neat -- just a busy weekend.  Got back in time Sunday night to watch the Rockets play Dallas and catch The Walking Dead.  I've read all The Walking Dead comics, so I kind of know what's going to happen ... although they stray from the comics from time to time.

Let's jump into the reading, shall we?

Our first card is:  Two of Swords

This card suggests facing difficult choices.  Whenever we face a tough choice, we usually stall -- we put off making the choice.  Quite often, this means events take over and the choice gets made for us.  Not always the best thing to happen!  It's usually best to take control and actively guide our own path.

Our second card reinforces this:  Six of Swords

This card can suggest a change ... and the way we may feel in the midst of that change.  When we put these two cards together, we have the suggestion that if change is inevitable, then we're better off being proactive and steering it ourselves.

If you're going to end up in the swimming pool anyway, is it better to be pushed in when you're not expecting it ... or getting ready and jumping in?

Once you've made the choice to act, the game's not over.  You now have to take an active hand and MAKE your choice the right one.  Again, don't let events take control -- take control of events instead!

Until later -- and have a great week!

Woodsong