Thursday, November 30, 2006
New product for Kitties
Borrowed this from *Gemmak* cuz it just makes me laugh!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Happy Humpday #8
This information is culled from over 1000 studies by scientists over the past decade, and the book translates it into simple examples and advice. Every "Happy Humpday" I will relate one of the 100 suggestions for creating happiness from the book.#8 - Accept Yourself -- Unconditionally
No problem! We're all so good at this, there's hardly any real reason for me to post this, but I will. Just for the sake of continuity, right?
The book mentions New Year's resolutions as an example of how we punish ourselves (I would agree). It cites that failure to keep the resolution is often harder on us psychologically than the original resolution. It doesn't take a psychologist to know that not accepting yourself for who you are is the source of at least half of our pain. What I'll add to this, is that more often than not, I see people who aren't even trying to accept themselves. They berate and rank on themselves, or worse, elicit others to do it for them. We are a society that fails to understand the difference between self-deprication and humility. There's a big difference.
When I was 16/17, I used to walk thru the mall and wish that I was magazine perfect. Not in those words, but you get my drift. Every person I saw who was, made me wish I was them. I broke this addictive and harmful train of thought, but talking to myself (inside my head, of course) and reprogramming these negative beliefs. I would reprimand myself firmly yet kindly every time I had the thoughts. Eventually, I stopped doing either. So, I know it works. I am very careful never to rank on myself verbally, and I deal privately in the very same way listed above whenever I hear myself thinking negatively. It's my brain. I'm in charge.
The studies find that happy people generally see a separation between failure and their self-worth and skills. They look at defeat as an isolated incident. Whereas, unhappy people generally internalize defeat, making it stand for who they are, and then project it into the future as a sure sign of future defeat.
The book makes it clear, obviously, we continue to strive for improvement in our lives, and that's healthy. But we accept what we were given, what we have to work with. The book states the importance of believing in your own value: first, last and always. My absolute favorite quote is from Jim Carrey, and it says it all:
"You have to pick the mantle. Whatever your mantle is in life, whatever you've been dealt, you have to pick it up and wear it well. . . . Be your authentic self; that's the toughest thing to do."
~Shephard :)(this post is part of a series, and no one item on the list of 100 is meant to imply guaranteed happiness by itself )
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Play a Game with Me?
Saw this when I visited *Stacie* and *Leesa* And it looked like fun! Even tho some of you may not know the answer, extra points for creativity!! Hee hee.
WITHOUT going into my archives.... Can you answer these questions about me? (post your answers in the comments section... Charles: Don't you dare, you know every answer!)
What is my middle name?
How tall am I?
What kind of car do I drive?
Left or right-handed?
Where did I go to school?
What am I afraid of?
Do I smoke?
Do I drink?
Do I have any siblings?
How many (living or dead)?
What state was I born in?
What year?
Name a state I have lived in other than WA & CA.
How many piercings do I have?
Am I shy or outgoing?
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
What’s my favorite color?
Name something I love?
Name a talent I have?
What kind of shoes do I wear?
Do I have any pets?
Bonus: their names are?
What is my worst habit?
If I were stranded on a desert island, what would I bring?
~Shephard :)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Tree Skirt Photo #2
(Oboe, daring me to play under the tree with him)
I'm so glad you asked. I was barely home, and I think the computer was on a total of 20 minutes since last Thursday. Turkey Day was nice and we managed to get the house decorated. Friday, B worked from home all day, and we went to see "Happy Feet" ~ a very sincere and sweet film, believe it or not. I really liked it. Laughed more than a few times. Though I'd have to give it more thought, I'd say off hand it's the best animated film I've seen since "Ice Age" (the first one). Bare in mind also, that I am not impressed with the usual shlock of animation that has been making it's cookie-cuttered way to screen in the last year. We enjoyed it much mor than "Cars." "Happy Feet" has more heart. The animation is fresh and spot on, as well as fun and engaging. And baby penguins! We were happy.
B had to work because the film he's on is preparing for a major pitch/review to the mucky-mucks, so I got clearance to go in with him for the weekend. We didn't sleep and shower there, but just about. I actually love going in. I wander the vacuous empty halls looking at boards and boards filled with amazing conceptual art and visual reference the artists have done for all the films in production. That never gets old (not even after 15 years). I also tend to get a lot more done when I go in with him, because I'm not distracted by my own computer. I used the research and reading time to my advantage, and we got to spend it together. Plus, he works with a great group of people we enjoy seeing. So it was a nice weekend "away from home."
If that isn't enough, we also saw a stage musical. "Sister Act, the Musical," based on the movie with Whoopie. The musical was written by Alan Menken ("Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin"), and it was faithful to the movie. We really enjoyed it. Light-hearted fun and solid voices. They've extended the run for another month (it's doing well). Review and colorful photos on my theatre blog, link in sidebar. :) It heads to Broadway after a short run in Atlanta, GA next.
Recommendations. Bette Midler has a really nice, fun Christmas CD out this year. In the last couple years, she's been releasing tribute CD's. Her Rosemary Clooney one was the most fun. This CD kinda has that same feeling, and a softness most people aren't used to expecting from her. I've also been enjoying Josh Groban's new CD (it grows on ya). Anyone else listening to anything new they like? :) Need to get my own butt in gear, and finish my Christmas CD's and send out property tax (fun, eh?) and do some more research on Maui.
And my Shutterfly Christmas cards just got here, so it's time to get out my felt pens, put on some jingling bells and start addressing envelopes. Weathering the storm here in SoCal,~Shephard :)
(Medicine Monday post below)
Medicine Monday: Swan
Swan
Grace
Surrender, Don't Fight the Currents, Participate
This card's meaning is refreshingly simple.
But not necessarily easy to maintain. First, I have to remember to stay grounded, so I'm not scattered. Is my focus wandering so much that I'm not seeing the present situation? Secondly, if I focus, I can see what's going on clearly. And thirdly, I have to acknowledge what I know is true, and stop denying my feelings, my intuition. A clear focus grounded in the present makes my gut feelings obvious.
Sometimes, it's a matter of being so attached to what we want that we choose not to acknowledge what we know is true ...in favor of what we want to be true. Denial and attachment block more intuition and gut feelings than just about anything else.
The big message I always hear with this card is to watch control issues. Stop trying to control everything, and be part of the bigger pattern of what's going on. Trust and go with the current so that everything is working with me, instead of against me. I may get there later, but I'll get there saner and less exhausted. As a favorite Indigo Girls lyric reminds me:
"...seems easier to push, than to let go and trust."
That's Swan medicine in a nutshell.
When I draw this card, I know that I need to ground myself in the moment and focus. And I need to acknowledge and be part of the other forces that steer my life. Like a ship's captain, I'm still in control... but I know that I must also concede some control to wind, waves, weather, ice bergs, night, timing, other boats, etc.
I also think about a graceful carriage through life as well. How you carry yourself in public. Not in appearances, but energy. Am I kinetic, impatient, peaceful, open & friendly, closed and grumpy? Do I have the grace to deal peacefully with whatever comes my way?
Swan is always a welcome reminder that life is a co-creation with everyone and everything around you. If I'm pushing for something to happen, and getting nothing but resistance, it's a sign. Oh, I'm still determined, but I acknowledge that timing is also a factor.
~Shephard :)
* * *
Medicine Monday Banner Artwork owned by me. "Medicine" is a Native American term meaning wisdom and value.
The Medicine Cards are used for introspection, not fortune-telling. Card and Concept copyrights belong to the authors, Jamie Sams & David Carson, and the artist, Angela Werneke. I share this as a unique resource for reflection.
Labels: Medicine Monday
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Tree Skirt Photo #1
We're all enjoying the Christmas Tree
... and some of us are enjoying under the Christmas Tree.
(click to expand picture)
~Shephard
:)
Friday, November 24, 2006
The Lemmings of Black Friday
I love the holidays, I truly do.
I carry with me the (real) spirit of Christmas throughout the days (a topic for a future post). Our trees are up and lit as we speak. The (new) mantle is decorated. My dining room decorations are also ready to go, and all the boxes are put away til January 1st. We even did some cleaning. And we're going to see Happy Feet today (I hope... 3rd try's a charm?). We have some concert tickets lined up, and some theatre this month, and a trip to Hawaii (the last time we traveled at Christmas was years and years ago), and some evenings planned. More than we usually do for Christmas. Though I'm not sure anything but Hawaii will top seeing Rockapella's Chrismtas concert last year.
I love the feeling in the air, the store displays and decorations. Though our mall has THE plainest tree ever! When it comes to Christmas trees, size does not make up for lack of flair & imagination. Imagine a HUMONGOUS 3 story tree with tiny ornaments, and so few, you mostly see branches. I can only guess that a heard of ornament smashing wombats came through last year, and this is all that's left. I love looking through the catalogs I've been hoarding. There's a stack 2 feet thick (not kidding) on our end table. We have most of our gifts planned. Even with shipping, we tend to spend less by using catalogs. But you know what I miss? I miss wrapping presents. I love to put some thought into it, with some color coordination and detail. But I don't do it much any more for two reasons. #1. The Post Office (enough said). #2. The shopping frenzy. Today is affectionately known as Black Friday.
We happened to be out and about at 8am though not for shopping. Apparently, several thousand people beat us out by about 2 hours. The mall opened at 6am. Holy Christ. The doors opened, and bands of surly, marauding shoppers hit the retail gates like a deluge. Like lambs to the slaughter. I know, it happens every year. But I never cease to be amazed at it.
I'm quite aware of the advertised sales, but I worked retail for 10 years; I know these sales are not the last nor necessarily the best. I'm aware that days off at holiday time are rare. But geez people, you can sit at your computer and buy the things you know you want, getting MOST of them even cheaper on Amazon or Target dot com. Not to mention catalogs for things you don't know you want. Need decorations and things? Places like Michael's and Target have their stuff out the day after Halloween. Start early. And what if we all just bought HALF of our stuff online and through catalogs? Can you imagine the traffic jams it would alleviate?
I've decided they're all gluttons for punishment.
Having stuffed themselves the day before, it seems only natural to spend a good chunk of the next day surrounded by other stuffed turkeys fighting and slogging their way through mall traffic and doing the creeping parking crawl. I've decided they must truly love being so crowded they can't move, basking in the shared body heat to abate the wintry chill. They must love lugging bags and pushing carts the length of a football field. They must crave the companionship of other lemmings who enjoy blocking aisles, waiting in long lines, and the perpetual stop, start, stop, start of navigating store aisles. Or they're all just lemmings. Gullible cute little lemmings who believe the best sales and stress are worth it all to save a few bucks. It's human nature to wait, and in this case, waiting til Black Friday to start your shopping is the cause of all of the above. And then they all get mad at the crowds, and turn on their fellow lemmings, finger pointing and cursing the whoredom of retail. Unbelievable. This is one tradition I never support. I think it's a joy-killing holiday breaker. And I can't believe the millions of people who routinely herd themselves right off the holiday cliff. No thank you. I'd rather take the time to plan ahead and avoid feeding the frenzy. Enjoy my holiday. And these harried and wearied people are always the ones who are surprised how I could possibly "still" love the holidays. Well, my secret is out now I guess. But I know the lemmings won't listen. But, thank goodness for a voraciously thriving economy. I'm going to sit back, all holly & jolly, drink cocoa, make Christmas Cd's and look at catalogs, ignoring the fire engines and police sirens as they respond to the retail-rage. ~Shephard :) 
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
Swollen Stolen Meme
1. The phone rings... who do you hope it is? B or the other B. 2. How much cash do you have on you? I always carry around 10 crisp $100 bills. My address and present location is.... .
3. Favorite planet? I have always liked Earth. Though the last one I lived on was quite nice, if you don't mind the flying green toasters and polka music.
4. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? Indigo Girls' "Fill it Up Again"... it sings to me "You've been the hole in my sky, my shrinkin' water supply, before my well runs dry I'm goin' round round round again, Fill it up again!" Great song. I'll miss it when I get a new phone this month. YAY!! A new phone!
5. Do you label yourself? Labels are part of life. But I tend to be full of contradictions for whatever label someone places on me.
6. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
She makes me laugh. I appreciate her sense of individuality. And I suspect that she'd be a helluva fun friend to have around.
7. What does your watch look like? Watch? Singular? I have 9 watches. I like them. Several colors and styles. Men don't get to wear much colorful jewelry. Watches I can get away with without alerting the masulinity police. Hoop earrings, not so much.
8. What were you doing at midnight last night? Dreaming I won $10,000. Not kidding. And if it comes true, we're painting the house and paying off a credit card. :)
9. What did your last text message say? Help! I'm being held captive in a Chinese Bakery.
10. Where is your nearest 7-11? Nice try. You're just trying to geotrack me.
11. What's a word that you say a lot? I'm betting it's a tie between "the" and "and." My favorite word is Hoopla. Coruscate is a nice word. 12. Who told you they loved you last? My wonderful guy, B (if you're wondering what his real name is, it's Bananasundae).
13. Last furry thing you touched? I think it used to be a cucumber. Things get lost in that bottom crisper. Crisper... THAT'S a misnomer.
13. What are you looking forward to most? Hawaii and Christmas. Or, Christmas and Hawaii.
14. Favorite age you have been so far? The age I'll be tomorrow.
15. Your worst enemy? Time.
16. What is your current desktop picture? A photo of two clowns on unicycles being chased by a rhinocerous. It's kinda busy; I should change it. Maybe something with penguins.
17. What was the last thing you said to someone? "Get the bug, Mokee! Get the bug!!"
18. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? I'd choose the million. What good is flying if my sweetie can't fly too?
19. The last song you listened to? "Fly Away" (Indigo Girls)
20. What time of day were you born? 2:07pm, DST. If you can trust that nurse with the cold hands.
21. Where did you live in 1987? Near my Sweetie in a dorm room, decorated with colorful photos, a bright red bedspread with a view of trees.
22. Are you jealous of anyone? Not really. I can never seem to stop thinking about how different a person's inner world is, and how the outsides rarely match. So I wouldn't trade with another living soul. ... Somtimes, I'm jealous of kitchens tho. 23. Is anyone jealous of you? I'm pretty sure.
24. Where were you when 9/11 happened? In Florida, in front of my computer, with the TV on, talking to my friend Charles on the phone.
25. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
26. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? Needles, no thanks. But if I had to... I'd get a rainforest frog, tiny, on a part of my body that doesn't stretch or shrink with age, so that someone will say "Hey, Old Man, nice frog!" instead of "What the hell is that? A lizard?"
27. What's your life motto? Be myself, as undiluted as possible.
28. What's your favourite town/city? Venice, Italy, followed by NY, NY.
29. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Hmm, I'm thinking the shutterfly instructions I mailed out to my mom & Naomi count. :)
30. Your first love: I'd have to say potatoes.
31. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Seriously, my aunt did our geneology, and apparently, I'm related to Jesse James and President Eisnehower. I've always been interested from a genetic standpoint ... to see if there are any branches of the tree that do not fork, if you get my drift.
32. When was the last time you dressed fancy? A Movie Premiere in New York City. We walked the red carpet right next to Tina Turner. "I'm your private dancer, dancer for money... "
33. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? If you really want to get to know someone, you have to be both.
34. Do you take compliments well? Why yes I do. Thank you for asking.
35. What was your favorite game as a kid? Sorry. No, that's the name of the game. I love board games.
36. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married would you? No. Cheap thrills are fleeting. No one could be as meant for me as B. And our relationship is 90% free of baggage and we don't play games or try to parent each other. Just TRY to find that out there.
37. Are you judgmental? Honestly? Yes. But my perspectives are broader, more compassionate and kind-hearted than most people to begin with. I have a high tolerance level until someone crosses a line with cruelty, snobbery, arrogance or greed. A rat is a rat. That said, I try hard to keep my perspective and compassion at a wide angle. People come by their baggage honestly. However, if someone broadsides me with their baggage, it would be foolish of them to think I'll ignore it.
38. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? Date someone with religous beliefs? No. Be dear friends with them? Absolutely. As long as that person can use their brain to think for themselves, and they do not support questionable orgs, then supportive memberships are fine. Compassion and rational thinking are important. (this question specified religious beliefs, not spiritual ones)
39. Use three words to describe yourself:
Sunny. Compassionate. Rational.
40. If you had to choose, would you rather be deaf or blind? Either would be a crushing blow. I adore music. But I like to "see" people and be more independant. And I'm not a dog person. So... deaf.
41. Are you continuing your education? I've already learned everything there is to learn. My head is full. Silly question. Then again... there are people who stop learning. But... it's against my nature. 42. What is your favorite children's book? Watership Down. Well.... it's not really a children's book, I suppose. The Xanth books were fun. Also not really children's books. But these were books I read when I was young. I liked James & the Giant Peach and Charlotte's Web (go figure).
43. Where is your ideal house located? On a granite hill, with beautiful trees and a mountain and/or water view, not too far from decent shopping.
44. What are your keys on your key chain for?
Opening things. (what the hell else would they be for??)
45. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? Bombay Company.
46. Where is your current pain at?
Running the country and being his usual evil, greedy self.
47. What's the last letter of your middle name?
I have no middle name. Neither does my mom.
48. Who did you vote for on American Idol?
The singer with the best voice, range and logevity. Not the best performer, which some people seem to think is the most important. I disagree. Plenty of shy singers have hugely successful careers. Idol's criteria are scewed by ratings.
49. What do you buy at the movies? Popcorn w/butter, red vines or twizzlers (which I try not to choke on), and Pop. :)
50. What do you wear to sleep?
Rubber boots and a sombrero. Nothing else.
51. Anything big ever happen in your hometown?
Yes, I left it. For me, that was huge.
52. Do you like funny or serious people better? I like people who have the capacity for both... It's like a Christmas tree... the tree is the scope and depth of the person, humor adds the sparkling lights and ornaments.
53. Ever been to Vegas?
4 times. And counting. Fun. :) But I don't gamble.
54. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
I rarely fight with my dead father. My mom, bless her heart, can be insistant about things, and her poor memory doesn't help. But fight is too strong a word. She pushes, I diffuse.
55. Is anyone mad at or irritated with you right now?
My motto: if they don't tell me, it's none of my business.
56. Are you easy to get along with?
If I like you. If I don't... I'm either quiet, or gone.
57. Who was your best girlfriend/boyfriend? I wish I had more compassionate, bright, funny explorers as friends. I cherish the ones I have. Quality over quantity. Honesty over status.
58. Who do you hate? Hate is self-eroding. Who would I not miss if they disappeared tomorrow? W.
59. Current mood? Cloudy with a chance of Diet Caffeine-Free Dr. Pepper.
Wendell the Thanksgiving Turkey says Have a Wonderful Holiday!! ~Shephard :)
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Rational Right
Top Ten Reasons to Make Gay Marriage Illegal
01) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, genetically engineered food, pace-makers, trans fats and air conditioning.
02) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.
03) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing, is naturally monogamous and can sign a marriage contract.
04) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn’t changed at all like many of the principles on which this great country was founded; women are still property and can't vote, blacks still can’t marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.
05) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of marriages like Britney Spears’ 55-hour just-for-fun Vegas marriage would be destroyed.
06) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn’t be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren’t full yet, and the world needs more children.
07) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.
08) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That’s why we have only one religion in America.
09) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That’s why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children, and if your spouse dies or leaves you, you are forced to give your child to the state immediately so they don't become drug addicts and felons.
10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; and we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven’t adapted to cars, packaged foods, the internet, airplane travel, income tax, the global community, or longer life spans.
Thanks to Kellie for this :)
Today I'm grateful for those who are rational
Monday, November 20, 2006
Medicine Monday: Badger
Badger
Keyword: Aggressiveness
Persist, Be a Problem-Solver, not a victim
To me, Badger is the courage to make choices and then to commit to those choices. Success is about following though. Badger says it's time for action, and that being indecisive wastes time and drains energy. Being indecisive is a self-imposed prison. Whether it's goals or solutions to an uncomfortable situation or relationship, Badger says persist, don't give up, don't settle for less. Perhaps you have been too lax or half-hearted in your efforts to achieve a goal or solve your dilemma. It's all about balance. Too much inactivity or passivity will keep your life mired in waiting --waiting for something outside of you to resolve your situation, or for that person to go away. And waiting usually creates impatience and anger. See if you can use your energy (or anger) to get some forward movement going. Channel that anger, convert it to incentive. Don't waste your energy in stewing and complaining; it'll just eat away at you (not them). As the authors say, "Aggressively remove the barriers that don't grow corn." Be strong in your resolve. Strength comes from commitment, from determination, from being resolved to make your choice work, and from finding alternatives if things need to change.
We are taught to think of aggressive choices as negative. But aggressiveness can be a healthy part of your happiness. When it comes to boundaries in my life, I am aggressive at maintaining and defending them. Our reputations precede us. So once we start being verbal and clear about our boundaries, it's "money in the bank." The next situation that arises, half our work is done already because boundaries are already in place. They may just need reinforcing (or maybe not; depends on your reputation). If my friends and family know where I stand, chances are they'll steer clear (less work for me), and won't push or try to slip something in under the wire. Just like strength and boundaries, shyness and insecurity also precede you. And people will respond accordingly. Too much aggression, and the scales tip the other direction. The unchanneled anger can leak out. We snap at people, we cut a finger, we make rash decisions, we say things we don't really mean, we let the cat out of the bag. Anger indicates we feel helpless about something. Spend the time to figure out why and where you feel helpless, and then channel your energy to finding the solution. The authors make it clear: "All anger stems from anger toward the self."I am not an aggressive person, nor have I ever been. But I can be tenacious and lion-hearted, and I'm not afraid to set strong, clear boundaries. And I do defend them regularly (peacefully if possible). When I get angry, I try to remember to channel it into figuratively attacking the obstacle. And, I also try to remember there is just as often a solution that lets everyone win as not. Refusing to be stuck in the quicksand of self-eroding emotions is healthy aggression. If anger is about healing, so is this determined aggressiveness in Badger. You're not a victim. You are a problem-solver. Believe it. And when you have moments of doubt, use supportive relationships or books or whatever to get you motivated and back on the determined path. ~Shephard :)
* * *
Medicine Monday Banner Artwork owned by me. "Medicine" is a Native American term meaning wisdom and value.
The Medicine Cards are used for introspection, not fortune-telling. Card and Concept copyrights belong to the authors, Jamie Sams & David Carson, and the artist, Angela Werneke. I share this as a unique resource for reflection.
Labels: Medicine Monday
Friday, November 17, 2006
Quotes I Found Today
"Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral." ~ Paulo Freire"In the world to come, I shall not be asked, "Why were you not Moses?" I shall be asked, "Why were you not Zusya?" ~ Rabbi Zusya UPDATE: The meaning of the second quote: Be yourself; it's what you're best at. It's what you came here to be. If you let the world tell you what to be, you may be depriving yourself... and also the world.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Meming of Life
1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18 and find line 4: "Tune into the weakness of others, and then use that knowledge." Bwahaha! (from The Writer's Guide to Character Traits)
2.Stretch your left arm out as far as you can.....and then what?? My cat licks it.
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? The Daily Show
4.Without looking, guess what time it is?
9pm, Venice Time
5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 12:15pm DST (Daylight Stupid Time)
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? (taking deep breath, closing eyes) Alison Krauss singing the song "I Will," kitty wheezing from Golly's little flat nose, a fire engine, now Westlife singing ABBA's "I Have a Dream," a distant wind chime, oh and now Mokee yowling at Oboe for violating her 10 foot radius of personal space. Bliss.
7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? On the way to visit with Meryl Streep. Well, my chiro looks just like Meryl Streep, so I call her Dr. Streep (she doesn't know this).
8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at? Email and a tupperware container full of almonds.
9. What are you wearing? (ahem) A fedora festooned with pheasant feathers and shark teeth, over-sized cat-eye sunglasses outlined with diamonelles, a giant gold frame on a chain around my neck with a photo of Doris Roberts, a Tony the Tiger T-Shirt, a white vinyl belt with a tiger belt buckle (it's important to match), fake fur underwear, a purple plaid Scottish Kilt and pirate boots with ruby buckles. (the real answer is so boring... I'm dressed as a geisha)
10. Did you dream last night? Last night I had the strangest dream. I sailed away to China in a little rowboat to find ya....
11. When did you last laugh? At a blog story: someone had a T-shirt that said "hug therapist" on it, but stopped wearing it when it was misread as "hug the rapist." That's funny!
12. What is on the walls of the room you are in? Plaster, the color orange, light and shadows, Broadway posters, a cork-board with photos and stuff, a pair of striking b&w comedy & tragedy masks from Italy, double sparkly S's, a shiny blue and silver clock and a couple light-switches.
13. Seen anything weird lately? I live in LA... how am I supposed to single out anything particularly weird? Altho... this morning, after wrenching my shoulder yesterday, I used Ben Gay (what else would a person of my persuasion use... I mean, some might even say I like the idea of the words Ben and Gay being put together). And B noticed something very weird indeed. Ben Gay smells exactly like the fake wax lips (or Vampire Teeth) candy we used to have as kids. Spooky.
14. What do you think of this quiz? It's tasty, but lacks a certain something.
15. What is the last film you saw? "Flushed Away." Lots of tired gags, but the slugs and frogs were funny and provided the only laughs for us. We've seen so many animated movies, cuz B is an animator, that we are too savvy at recognizing the constant recycling and pirating of schtick and humor that cover up a thin plot.
16. If you became a multimillionaire, what would you buy? Canada.
I can't buy a country? Oh. Well... I'd buy a storybook cottage, not too big, not too small, spilling over with quirkiness and whimsy (like the Witch House in BH, Naomi), set amidst a charming garden with 10 foot high wrought iron fences with nice pointy spikes on top and foreboding gargoyles glowering at intruders and magazine salesmen. Oh, and a nice wreath on a gate. Ya know, so it would be welcoming.
17. Tell me something about you that I dunno. I prefer crushed ice to cubed in water, but cubes in most drinks (waters it down less).
18. If you could iradicate one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would it be? Hate and Cigarettes.
19. Do you like to dance? I wish I could do the mashed potato. I love to watch people do that. They're good with gravy too.
20. George Bush. Um, nice try, but I'm still in a good mood.
21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? Bonnie-Doona Beetlebubes.
22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? Rascal P. Squotty.
23. Would you ever consider living abroad? In perfect circumstances, Venice, Italy.
24.What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? Welcome to Heaven where you can eat white bread and chocolate and drink Coke at no risk to your health; Carbo-Buffet every Wednesday. Your loved ones and kitties are waiting for you in your own little cottage located in Heaven's Theatre District. And Ben Affleck is your neighbor.
25. Share something fun. Did you know you can sing the lyrics to Amazing Grace to the theme from Gilligan's Island? The meter matches the lyrics perfectly. Try it. :)
~Shephard :)
Today I'm thankful for a quiet home full of kitties
and a silent phone
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Happy Humpday ( #7 )
The information is culled from over 1000 studies by scientists over the past decade, and the book translates it into simple examples and advice. Every "Happy Humpday" I will relate one of the 100 suggestions for creating happiness from the book.
This one is a bit biased or at least controvercial. So I'll be adding my 2 cents. :)
#7. Turn Off the TV
The book uses this sound metaphor for discerning televion choices: when you visit the supermarket, do you buy something from every aisle? No. So, are you watching TV every day because it's what you do every day? Mmm.. kinda.
It gives two very telling questions to ask yourself when you are about to watch a TV Show:
1. Is this something I want to see?
2. Would I ask that this program be made if it didn't already exist?
Okay.
It cites a study done in 1998. Hmmm. I have to say that's too old. Because in 2006, there are double the amount of channels, and there is almost always something useful, entertaining and intriguing on TV. And then there's TIVO, where you can record things now and watch them later. So this study doesn't really fly. But it does say don't turn on the TV just because it's there that's what you usually do. Good advice.
I'll use us as an example. We watch the following shows every week:
LOST (when it's on)
Amazing Race (when it's on)
American Idol (when it's on)
The New Adventures of Old Christine (laugh out loud funny)
Two and a Half Men (ditto)
The Class (charming new show)
Heroes (engrossing, care about every character -can't say that about LOST)
Family Guy (new eps only)
Ugly Betty
Studio 60 (wow)
Various travel shows (love Samantha Brown)
We avoid almost all medical and crime shows because, in our opinion, they reinforce the belief that crime and disease are not only prevalent but rampant. I don't need that anxiety and paranoia. I already get it from the bazillion drug commercials on TV.
We also use the TV to help make exercising go faster. And we watch it at our own pace, knowing we can pause it when the phone rings, record it at the touch of a button and finish watching it later, and we don't have to be home to catch our shows (they're TIVO'd and we watch them when we want to). Very flexible. And, I'm surprised the author didn't factor this in (esp. as the study on TV habits is 8 years old).
The study also says too much TV triples our consumerism while reducing our happiness/contentment by about 5% for every hour of TV we watch.
Perhaps. I can't prove to the contrary. But, I don't think they can qualify that as fact either. IMHO, I really think TV is like anything else in life in that we need to be responsible for our choices and actions. Everyone must decide:
#1. If they need to parent themselves
#2 If what they watch is affecting them negatively
#3. If they have so little willpower that they have to ban TV altogether.
For example, sometimes B & I won't watch both HEROES and Studio 60 on the smae night. We TIVO them both, because if we watch them both on MON, it feels like our evening has been swallowed up and wasted. The above are personal self-parenting choices, and I think the book is off-base generalizing about something that affects everyone so individually that it would take an enormous study to find any conclusive and viable information. My opinion.
Still... just like with food... I would have to agree that good, smart healthy TV choices contribute to happiness. What you watch does have a tangible and indelible effect on the way you see the world/reality. And I'm not sure how often we realize this.
Shephard :)
Today I'm grateful for Good TV
(like Studio 60, the best writing on television)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Mantle of Destiny
Some of you have heard me talk about how much I dislike this fireplace. In its heyday, 1924, an original Claycraft fireplace was a thing of beauty. Note the faded color on the scenic panels. Nice. Our fireplace, original to our house (1924) has seen better days, yet it's still significantly valuable as long as it remains in place. It used to have a more even color, not so mottled and blotchy (which makes it very LOUD, in my opinion). The glazing is almost gone completely from this 80+ year old tile. And some IDIOT painted the mantle tile white and tried to bleach the decorative tile corbels to match. I don't know what kind of buffoon would attempt this. Sigh. We repaired the corbel with the use of a magic stain pen. I did look into restoring the painted tile, but it's not cheap or with any guarantee of success.
So do I live with the ugly thing?
You know me better than that. A good friend's BIL is a mighty talented carpenter. Self-same carpenter who transformed our kitchen cabinets. :) So.... voila...
The mantle is made of ash, stained with Colonial Pine (water based). The photo makes it read a bit more yellow than it actually is. It's not yellowed at all. Another photo below is more color-true. 
Here is the old fireplace, decorated to tone down the blotchy appearance and draw attention away from it as much as possible.And below, the newly finished and installed mantle with decor (bolted to the wall, not to the fireplace, thus preserving the tilework underneath). 
This just about completes our living room transformation, thank god. Below, are two photos of the coved ceiling. When we bought the house, walls and ceiling were white. Blech.After our trip to Venice, Italy, we were inspired. You don't see any plain ceilings in grand old palazzos in Venice; all their ceilings are decorated. Since our house exterior is a boxy Italian villa style (a plain box, with tiled roof), we thought we'd add a little Venetian influence. 
A broad band of a soft, saturated buckskin color, white trim, pale blue-green field with pale yellow 8-pointed stars (Byzantine influence on Venice). The star color is the lower wall-color. 
It's strong and yet faded-looking to keep the house feeling its age.We will be tweaking the ceiling design a bit more, but not til after the holidays. For now, the living room is finally done. ~Shephard :)
Today I am thankful for talented people who care about their work
Monday, November 13, 2006
Medicine Monday: Porcupine
Porcupine
Innocense
Trust and Faith
Faith (as in Trust, not denomination): you will be okay, you are part of some greater whole.
Trust: you can trust life as long as you do your part: listen, pay attention, and act compassionately.
For me personally, I can't separate Trust and Faith in my life. They're yin and yang. Trust is an action, something I place in motion; Faith is a waiting feeling, a response to life after I'd done all I can. Innocence refers to that childlike state of being artlessly simple and pure. Of not being so damaged that you can't trust, of not being so afraid to trust that you view life through all your past wounds. As an adult, innocence is about cultivating a more childlike understanding of the basic qualities of humanity. Maybe we can't be innocent again, but we can simplify all the issues of our lives toward a more guileless, rational and compassionate perspective. We can retain some innocence in our lives if we fight off being cynical and jaded and afraid. And if we cultivate gratitude. It's an on-going focus. Some days are better than others. I drew this card for a reason today. I needed to hear its message. I needed to be reminded "...NOT to get caught up in the chaos of the adult world where fear, greed and suffering are commonplace. . . relief from seriousness and severity." The card reminds me to take a break from the good fight, and open myself up to the things that brought me contentment and joy as a child, instead of opening myself up to the disappointment and baggage of relationships. Devoid of competitiveness, I am left with a simplicity that lets everyone win. The card even says, you cannot win the game of life if you're too serious all the time. I've been too serious in the past week or so. This card also speaks of trusting myself (check). And on a more personal level, a reminder to disengage the emotions for a calmer approach. Allow others the room to be broken, damaged or whatever they have chosen in order to feel validated and valued. Disengage adult-judgment and accept that good people are human and flawed and still productive. Being a passionate person, disengaging is something I've learned to value over the last ten years.
The card tells me to trust again, no matter how many time that trust has been breached or damanged. Quills aren't my only defense. If I allowed the behavior of others to decide if I had faith, I'd have a million excuses not to trust again. That defense in life works for some, but not for me. I choose not to close myself off from faith and trust. And as a PS, I drew Ant, reversed. When a card is drawn reversed, it underscores the necessity to take the message seriously. Ant is patience (see my post on Ant *here* ). I am reminded that my impatience will only trip me up. And that "...those individuals who make greed a way of life prey on the fear and urency of those who have forgotten natural law." That's an Aha! moment for me. Oh yeah, I remember all too well. Those who act in greed can be very convincing. We've all been there. And might be there again soon. Patience. Trust. Faith. Things really are more simple than I tend to make them. These guidelines work for me when I remember to use them as my compass. And when I don't, I have The Medince Cards and all the mirrors of my relationships to remind me.
~Shephard :)
* * *
Medicine Monday Banner Artwork owned by me. "Medicine" is a Native American term meaning wisdom and value.
The Medicine Cards are used for introspection, not fortune-telling. Card and Concept copyrights belong to the authors, Jamie Sams & David Carson, and the artist, Angela Werneke. I share this as a unique resource for reflection.
Labels: Medicine Monday
Friday, November 10, 2006
You are the Music
(sphere art by Shephard.... 10 points if you can guess what the image was)
If god is a DJLife is a dance floorLove is the rhythmYou are the musicIf god is a DJLife is a dance floorYou get what you're givenIt's all how you use itSo find a new lifestylea new reason to smileLook for NirvanaYou take what you get andyou get what you giveI say don't run from yourselfthat's no way to liveI've got a record in my bagyou should give it a spinLift your hands in the airSo that life can beginIf god is a DJLife is a dance floorLove is the rhythmYou are the musicIf god is a DJLife is the dance floorYou GET what you're GIVENIt's all how you use it Lyrics from God is a DJ by Pink
~Shephard :)
Today I'm grateful for The Music
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Happy Humpday ( #6 )
The information is culled from over 1000 studies by scientists over the past decade, and the book translates it into simple examples and advice. Every "Happy Humpday" I will relate one of the 100 suggestions for creating happiness from the book.
So far, we've learned that Happy People feel their lives have meaning and purpose (and often supply that meaning themselves instead of waiting for it). And when things get bumpy Happy People have a strategy for keeping their happiness on track (a focus). Not surprisingly, Happy People are less competitive (it's not about winning for them). And, Happy People choose their comparisons in life very wisely (be grateful for who you are and how you got there, instead of making the accomplishments, possessions and lives of others more valuable than your own) . #6 Cultivate Friendships Well, this may sound like a no-brainer, but the book says that people need to care and be cared about, to feel part of something. One study found that if you feel close to someone, you are four times more likely to feel good about yourself and your life. I think the real issue is finding friends. Not just acquaintences, but kindred spirits. It can take some effort.
I can certainly see how blogging can play a factor. But there are other ways too. Joining hobby clubs or groups or going to events, volunteering, traveling in new circles, going to lectures, concerts, etc. Not unlike past happy clues 1 thru 5, this one is also something you need to make happen and maintain.
The example in the book he gave also talked about computers, and how they connect people... not just people far away, but people who would otherwise slip by unnoticed, right under each other's noses. Use whatever tools you have at your disposal, but get out there and don't give up til you find friends. Real friends. Kindred spirits who get you, who understand your motivations, who see the world from similar perspectives.
Personally, I find one of the strongest glues/bonds is sharing similar life values. You aren't going to find me being pals with someone who cavelierly re-elected Arnold Schwarzenegger when I know that this man is the one who single-handedly vetoed my civil rights. Anyone who thinks a man who does not value civil rights belongs in office is not my friend. But other values matter in the friendship process as well... some people value communication more strongly than others, for example. Some thrive on competition. Some value time and participation, others do not. Know what you need in a friend, and don't settle for less. A good friend brings out the best in you and vice versa.
According to the study, you'll be four times more likely to be happy if you cultivate friendships.
(this post is part of a series, and no one item on the list of 100 is meant to imply guaranteed happiness by itself ) ~Shephard :) Today I'm grateful for Kindred Spirits
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
Medicine Monday: Dog
Dog
Keyword: Loyalty
True to yourself, True to others
Dogs embody dedicated loyalty in the form of service to humanity. This symbolic medicine is a no-brainer in that many of us see all too well what dog teaches us on a daily basis.
When I think of loyalty, I think of being a stalwart friend. I think of defending those I love. I think of protecting my loved ones. I think of forgiveness and recognition of being human and flawed. Dog is much better at this than we are, for the most part.
There's a tolerance in dog that humanity seems only to aspire to in it's best scenarios. And yet we share some of Dog's worst traits... like misplaced loyalty to those who mistreat us and do not have our best interests at heart... and being so needy that we'll put up with pain in order to get praise and attention and validation.
I think both sides of the coin are why humans seem to bond so strongly to dogs. Few in our lives tolerate our bad and good behavior alike. Few allow us to be 100% who we are, flawed and human. So Dog is a sort of guide for humanity. A seeing-eye dog, even, patiently serving the blind. I think blindness is a good way of symbolically describing man's inhumanity to man ~ if people fully comprehended the totality of their choices and actions, they would be much less likely to commit such attrocities.
Loyalty.
Dog reminds us of our loyalty to ourselves and our goals ~ being true to ourselves. Not needing validation and praise and attention so much that we modify our behavior to suit what others expect.
Dog reminds us to listen with much better ears. Ignore second-hand gossip and the manipulative expectations and demands of religion, government and family alike. All motivations derive from love or fear. Like Dog, become sensitive to the smell of fear. See the motivations of others clearly.
Dog reminds us to be mindful of the pack we're running with. What kind of company are you keeping? Is anything negative wearing off on you? Do we sometimes use mean-spirited humor in order to make others laugh and gain appreciation and praise? Do we surround ourselves with negative people or positive people? Do we remain loyal to the values we know are compassionate by speaking up, or do we keep quiet, keeping our heads down and ducking responsibility because it's safe and easy? Straddling fences and playing devil's advocate are never found on the side of compassion.
Dog can teach us about fear. As the authors say: "Time to tackle the adversaries of your confidence. The key is to realize that these are not external enemies (fears), but thought-forms in your own mind which tell you that you are not worthy of loyalty - either to yourself or to others."
Dog asks us to watch our tendency to cave to the fear of not belonging. It's one of the prime reasons the world is such a mess. As the book says, "Reclaim the power of loyalty to self and self truths. Become like Dog ~ your own best friend."
Shephard :)
* * *
Medicine Monday Banner Artwork owned by me. "Medicine" is a Native American term meaning wisdom and value.
The Medicine Cards are used for introspection, not fortune-telling. Card and Concept copyrights belong to the authors, Jamie Sams & David Carson, and the artist, Angela Werneke. I share this as a unique resource for reflection.
Labels: Medicine Monday
Friday, November 03, 2006
Autumn, Grey and Floaty
The shroud of autumn has settled in around me. Sometimes the beauty of a song or an overcast afternoon just stays with me for days, and all the questions in my life are colored by it. I find myself thinking the same things I thought last fall. Annual visits from grey matter, getting ready for the introspection of the Winter's inward turn. Autumn's patette of questions is both melancholy and comforting to me at the same time. Is this all there is?
Well, if it is, it's a pretty damn good "all." I should embrace that. I want to be better at embracing it and wallowing in the peaceful sameness of cloudy afternoons filled with the routine that makes more colorful moments possible. Without the comfort and sameness of grey days, the constant colors would overwhelm. Gotta have the yin to appreciate the yang, and vice versa. If this is all there is, then I better get busy and take it less for granted. Being sick was a mini turn inward as well. Sometimes we don't know how much our presence is appreciated. I saw a sparkle of that, and it warmed my heart, made me feel included by people I genuinely care about and admire. A family of adults is not something I am used to. And those included moments... they are so precious to me. My life isn't about being included, obviously. Yet who'd turn away from it when offered? Maybe there's a bit of melancholy there. . .but I came here to be me, and like the quote at the top of the blog, that's the greatest accomplishment. Still... maybe there's a family of adults out there for me afterall.
This isn't all there is. It's just that the sameness that builds stability can get to us once in a while. The signs of adventure are all around us. Nature's constantly changing cycle guarantees new surprises. In these quiet moments, I will relish the sameness, my health, my cats, my hubby, a peanut butter sandwich, those friends who brighten, and this amazing city I have come to live in. There are cities out there to explore, shared meals, books to publish, and adventures to be had. So I'd better recharge in the grey blanket of sameness while I have the chance... because it'll be time for adventure soon enough. If you'd like to see more sunbunny photos like the one above, I posted a few over
*Here*...
Oh, and for you D*sn*y fans out there, I heard that The Mouse is making a sequel to Mary Poppins. Supposedly, the sequel will feature Mary flying into the lives of a more modern single-father-plus kids family in Los Angeles, where she'll teach the children magic tricks and cure the father's chronic bad breath so he can date again. I believe the working title is "Super California Mystic Expert Halitosis."
LOL
~Shephard :)
Today I'm grateful for peanut butter
posted by Shephard @ 
