My favorite x-mas video

I never get tired of hearing these two men sing this song.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_zMhSjDqvRs

Love and peace to you this season, and evermore.

My new job...

http://www.snugjazz.com/
I trained as a cocktail waitress at New Orleans premier music nightclub last Sunday night. There were 14 customers total for the shows that night which was ideal for learning how to use the computer and feeling out the environment.

Last night was my first official solo night on the job. Spencer Bohren played, and many jazz legendary personalities sat in on his sets. What a generous, fun-loving musicican Mr. Bohren is. Both shows sold out and it was standing room only. A lot of the people in the audience were relatives and friends, and it was a lovely jumble of good fellowship.

Spencer's music is great(what an understatement). His grown-up daughter joined him on stage during the first set. She is a wonderful chanteuse. I liked the songs she sang.

I had the upstairs lounge to take care of by myself. Because it has been a while since working in a bar - there was pressure and chaos. I learned by my mistakes, got stiffed on an $80 tab, and realized that I haven't had many jobs where I was afforded a leisurely training period. Almost all of my two hundred jobs - I have been just thrown in and learned to swim.

I am going to like working at Snug Harbor. The food is very good, and employees eat free. You can't beat that; good music, good money, AND good food. It's my Merry Christmas job.

I'm just sayin'...

Because I want to connect with others, I have sought out groups to network in. I find affinity with like-minded souls who are thoughtful and wise, and who speak with kindness to and about others.

There are too many ways that words can be misconstrued, or used to damage that connectivity. If you want to distance yourself from soneone, criticize them or complain about them to others so that it can get back to them.

I am going to figure out how to withdraw from Facebook, MySpace, and maybe even TIBU because of feeling less connected that way, not more. I mostly just embarrass myself with my lack of understanding how to use those networking tools. I find they are more time-consuming to operate in than the time I have left on Earth.

I am also in OKCupid at the urging of a friend. Even though I put that I am married and not searching for lovers, that site still sends me beefcake pictures of men who want to be my friend. I don't even understand those percentages - Enemy, friend, romantic partner - or somesuch.

I have at other times joined Astrology or Philosophy forums that have turned into one-upmanship on intellectual points made with such negative words - evoking low self esteem.

I found a new web-site that I love today. It is www.wellnow.com It sung my song. I don't watch the news. I rarely read the paper. And when others get stuck on sad stories, I change the subject or inject light into it. There are enough things in this world to make us mad, sad, frustrated, and to act hateful towards others. Just say "no" to that crap. Ooooh, am I being negative? I don't know. I am not perfect, just don't keep pointing it out or I'll never be.

Androgyny

Eight years ago, I was asked to audition for a British Farce that was being produced at a local community theater. I used to do a good British accent. I read for the girl parts, but was asked if I would cut my hair and mind dressing like a man to play the male lead. Being Aquarian, that was right up my alley. It was my favorite part ever, playing Philip Markham in "Move Over Mrs. Markham."

Michael hated my looking like this.

I am a girlie girl. I like jewelry, makeup, perfume, wearing dresses and skirts. Man, oh man, though, it was a lot of fun entering a masculine persona, or the other way around. From the feedback of some of the theater's boardmembers, and by the packed house everynight, it was very fulfilling to be The Man. THAT was acting. (or, I am a cross-dresser)

My Dad wouldn't or couldn't come to the play, but my Mom did. She did not like anything at all about it. She disliked that I was cast in this role, and probably was most appalled by my fake-kissing a woman on-stage. We have a history of my shocking and appalling her. I know we c/wouldn't have our relationship any other way. It doesn't take away from my Being in my flow. My approval comes from within. She and I mutually respect one another and can disagree about things now. I have grown up in my esteem of what I am, this actor identity. I love to Play.

Meet Granny D.

http://www.grannyd.com/speeches/wartburg-college.htm
Some of you may know her. This lady is amazing. If only I could live up to her example...

It's (Self)worth a try.

An untimely truth

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

What a wise woman Annie Leonard is. I like her style.

This is a very interesting and informative 15 minute video.

I sent it to my kids.

Watch it and spread it around like butter. Let's break the pattern and create a new one that is more life-giving.

Broaden your horizons, mentally and spiritually, while the Sun is in Sagittarius.

Jupiter and Pluto are conjunct in Sagittarius too. It is transformative(Pluto) and expansive(Jupiter) for belief systems. It can be brutal, yet liberating, to change any beliefs if you are strongly holding onto them. At the top of our collective education, as so much energy is focused in Jupiter's lenses right now, is to embrace, learn from, and live cooperatively with others. We aren't all alike, and that's a good thing.

This "Story of Stuff" by Annie Leonard is an easy to follow concept that will open your mind to all kinds of changes. We don't need more stuff.

Shalom

Time stands still for no one

Or no thing either.

This picture is of Synchronicity, behind the blue tractor. It's been re-built and is for sale. I used to lease the building.

The brick steps in the lower, right hand of the picture led into a two story building which was a yoga studio on the ground floor and an apartment on the top floor.

Behind the yoga studio was a dilapidated, two story, pink house that was rumored to be haunted. It wasn't just rumors; there was definitely more there than met the eye.

Both bldgs. were no match for hurricane winds and water surges from the lakefront behind me in this picture. They crumbled under the pressure and then rammed a big hole in the side of Synchronicity and piled up in there, pushing tables and merchandise around like nothing. Half of my stuff washed down the street.

Before the hurricane, I tucked all my merchandise into waterproof containers, and then piled them high on top of tables. I regret that I didn't take more out of there when I had the chance to.

I am NOT sorry for how things turned out, though. I have been crazy unsettled lately, but I don't care. I am happy to not be tethered to one spot. I just bought Synchronicity to avoid getting a job that require I be anything other than what I am.

Dedicated to Kim in Scotland

That was a 5.5 or 6 landing. You missed it.

Tally ho, Kim. Next time, it'll be a round-off.

Hello in There

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you John Prine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSufO2FlpAQ

In the past year or so, I've been very aware of the aging process. I am 47 and still in great health, standing tall, all organs and limbs are functioning properly. I am going to keep it that way if I can help it.

Sure, I am a little slower than I used to be. I can't do as many cartwheels as I used to, and don't care to. I have other attributes that are becoming more prominent; like patience, my sense of humor is more easily triggered, I don't sweat the small stuff, and more and more of the time in my day is filled with small stuff.

My thought processes go a mile a minute when I see an elderly person all hunched over, pushing a shopping cart, their back in the shape of a C. How'd they get like that? Gradually?

In the past year, as I was stocking grocery shelves, I worked during the day when mostly elder folk did their grocery shopping. I saw couples doing that deed together, and I saw widows and widowers doing it alone. Some of them were in pretty bad shape; C's and D's, gimp legs, protrusions from their necks and heads. They could tell I was sympathetic and asked for my help reaching or finding items. I never minded. I know I will be old one day too.

At one of the stores I maintained, I would run into a man in a motorized cart that I came to know as Anthony. He lost his wife 15 years ago on New Years Day and still misses her terribly. From the first time I encountered him, he pegged me as a listener and followed me around aisles for about 10 minutes. I learned a lot of his personal history in those few minutes.

I only went to that store a few more times before becoming the rep at a different store. Each time, he'd stop and talk to me and tell me stories about his wife. He recited poetry to me that he wrote for her. I knew it was important to listen to him. I felt compassion for him - wheelchair bound - lost both legs a few years ago, and living alone. He goes to the grocery every day to get out the house, and he cooks for himself.

At first, I thought I was doing him a favor by listening to him, but now I realize that I have been inspired and uplifted by his story. What a blessing it was to have encountered him - instead of his slowing me down at putting away the products.

To the young person that's still inside of you, and the old person waiting to develop, hello in there.

Cousins

This is Luke(14 mos.) and Jacob(7), sons of twins Angela and Christina, my sisters. You may have seen a few day old Luke in earlier pictures. Now, he's a bruiser of a sweet potato.

Christina announced at thanksgiving the other day that she is expecting a baby next summer. It will be my Mom's 19th grandchild from her 8 children.

My whole family loves babies, children, and people of all ages, really. We pass the little people around and love up on 'em. They, in turn, love each other. My two children like nothing better than holidays where they can see and play with their cousins.

Jacob is going to be a big brother. They are hoping for a girl this time. The ratio in cousin gender is 12 boys to 6 girls so far. My intuition tells me this is a boy too. We don't care - as long as it's healthy is right on. The love is unconditional in this family. I know because I've tested it often enough.

Writers forums

I found a new forum - thisisby.us - for writers. I never would have titled myself "writer" - sticking to my two favorite identities (not going to say them again here), but the twist this time that gets me to admit to myself that I am a writer is that they pay. Oh, it's not much, but people don't have to leave a comment, they can just vote on your stuff, and vice versa. You can even vote on one another's comments. I didn't know my comments were being compiled too, but there they are listed for all to see what I wrote and to whom.

I've been reading a lot more poetry than I usually do. I like poetry, even though I don't always get what the words strung together mean, nor why they are put into formats where it might just be a word on a line, or two words. Commas and periods are decoration, I think.

To all the writers who stop by here - check out thisisby.us. Share your talent. Get feedback. Inspire others. That's your job.

ब्लोंदे जोक्स दोन't बोठेर me

When did I turn on Sanskrit?

The title is supposed to read "Blonde jokes don't bother me." They just don't. Sure I can inadvertently turn on a Sanskrit translator, but I'd never make this mistake: joke of the day

"The secret method of inviting good fortune..."

The marvelous medicine for all sickness, from the Reiki Masters:

Just for today:
Do not be angry
Do not be worried
Be grateful
Work hard (on improving yourself)
Be kind to others.

differences of opinion

A long time ago, when I was a young adult, I had anxiety attacks that would cause me to hyperventilate. One time, I got so dizzy that I threw up on myself while driving. I had on a purple shirt that was a lot like a shag rug. I threw it away after I got home.

Doctors would only prescribe anti-nausea meds and my attempts at meditation would produce images of idyllic woods, streams, fields of flowers, and after a few moments in each of these scenes, a man with a bloody ax and a psychotic look would appear also. So much for relaxing.

I sought a hypnotist with help for that. It did help. The second session I had with the hypnotist had me go into a past life where the offensive feelings originated. My anxiety attacks cleared up.

For a brief time, I got involved with the group that the hypnotist (Carl) was leading. I learned meditation techniques from them, and participated in the trance channeling sessions one of the women channeled for. My awareness of metaphysical things opened big time.

Meanwhile, I worked with some women friends who feared what I was doing was from the devil. They were praying for me behind my back. To prove to one of them that I was still on their team, I went to her church service, which was being televised. The Reverend there would ZAP the Holy Spirit into people and they'd fall back with the powerful entry of that energy. It made for good daytime tv in our semi-fundamentalist town.

Well, I would show them who's holy. I went up there and stood before the man, like lines of others did before me. Two men were standing on either side to catch me when I got zapped. The preacher started ranting (speaking in tongues, they call it), and thumping my forehead hard with his palm and yelling for Satan to get out. I was sincerely willing any angelic, god-like force to enter my body or life. The two men were pulling on my elbows ("fall like a good girl"). Somebody else was on the side of them, waiting with a black drape to cover me when I went down (got to still act like a lady). The preacher shouted, thumped and spoke in tongue some more, shouted and pounded again. The cameras were rolling, he finally moved on, declaring triumph over Satan. I was suppressing a laugh that made me look like I was smiling beatifically. These days, I think maybe that was IT. I think God must be one funny mass of energy. My friend was crying tears of joy and said I inspired her to speak in tongue once again. I couldn't wait to get out of there.

I vowed to myself never to prove anything about what I believe anymore. As it is, part of me still wants to fight with other's about their silly beliefs and logically point out their ignorance, but if I subscribe to the rule of thumb to do unto other's as I would have them do unto me, I have to just keep my opinions to myself.

Me, last night

Though I feared the worst, that blue paint came out of my hair.

I am free. My job has ended. The mate and I have been taking long walks in the woods most days, scaring and being scared by moccasins sunning themselves in the middle of the road.

Besides my own woods, we have gone to the wildlife refuges in our area and taken in the gorgeous weather and scenery. I'll worry about how we are going to live after this weekend. For now, I am just free-falling.

Yesterday, I had a client for astrological counseling. It was a good session. I always experience Grace when accessing information by divining. Helping others feel good about themselves puts me in my flow.

What about radio ad sales?

That's the latest lead on a job that I have - though the informer told me it's a hard hustle trying to find merchants who can pay the exorbitant prices for advertising on the radio. I am not looking forward to hustling, but I've got reality checks all over the place that remind me I need an income to live.

My company is folding up their business here in the south. Michael and I are both soon to be hitting the pavement looking for work. Settlement has been hard to find for us. The competitor is probably going to offer us positions, but we hear they are harder to work for, and pay less. It is labor intensive work - but to go down in pay for it - I can't/won't do it. The mate will, though. They should be calling him soon.

Michael just bought a new car last week. His truck had been killing on him while he was driving. Plus, he had to open the hood and manually start it almost every time. I never liked it because the floor board had a hump which elevated my left leg. It was time to replace it. We thought our company signed a contract and would be still here for a year, but the big bosses said, "never mind." I really don't blame them. It's just a funky situation.

Once again, I shall have to be Jupiter's girl and keep the faith that it is all in divine order. The one thing about this job is that it kept me fit. I am strong and healthy. I will count my blessings.

Peace.

Winners and Losers

Julia's volleyball team, which I am assistant coach of, has lost every game - 10 in all. They have won 6 or 7 matches (there's 3 per game - winning two wins the game), and came close more times than I can count - where it was down to getting a second point ahead to win and the games went into overtime as the two teams battled to get that edge. They were all very close. Our girls played their hearts out and did well.

I felt a little sorry for the one girl on our team who was the top player in the whole league. She was the first one I picked in the drafts. She so confidently played and did the most difficult maneuvers and made them look like it was easy for her. She was also very encouraging and generous with team mates. I love her attitude.

I am not going to coach again. I don't know how to tell players how to fix what they are doing wrong. I was asked to be the assistant by Julia's friend's Mom who needed a backup when the office called the day before drafts and asked if she'd coach. Neither one of us had experience.

We were up against some very experienced coaches - one of whom yells. I think he is a good coach because he teaches the girls how to play. Julia thinks he has anger management issues and she wants me to tell him not to pick her next drafts. I've asked him to. I understand why he yells at the girls. I want to yell too. Instead, I tell them to "shake it off" when they make a mistake.

I know it isn't supposed to be about winning, but how you play, but still... I wonder why we never won a game.

Changes in and around

I felt like having a new template for this blog. It forewarned me that I'd lose stuff in the process. I'll have to put in some sidebar comments when I get the chance. And now, for the links...

I have a hard enough time with coding. I can't believe that I ever entertained thoughts of becoming a computer programmer. I have a certificate from an 18 month program at a vo-tech training school sending me in that direction. I did flow charts, and wrote code in BASIC, RPGII, and Cobol.

With vo-tech diploma in hand, I got a job in the N.O. CBD - operating a WANG mainframe. The CPU, and reel-to-reel tape drives had a big room of their own. I was responsible for giving people logons and simple putting out the small fire programming tasks. It's all I could handle of programming. My boss expected more, and had to settle for less.

Other details of my operations job (a one person operation), printing and distributing copious amounts of reports, keeping track of data as it cycled through three different offsite storage facilities (in case of disaster striking any area, backups were spread out), and retrieving data for lading it back onto the system for programmers and end-users of the large insurance corporation I worked for.

It was a little reminiscent of "Office"; cubicle city. Depending on your job title and importance in the hierarchy, the height of your cubicle and the view you had was a reward - window views were the most sought after.

I did backups daily, and took care of the mainframe which was always acting up. I had to very frequently have the technicians out, or work on it myself in tandem with remote WANG fixers in another state.

If that wasn't enough technical responsibility for an actress/astrologer type, I was also in charge of maintaining and fixing peripherals; 3 different types of printers. I was capable.

I am far away from that field, and in the land of groceries now. Oy.

I have had some very different jobs, but I still marvel that I ever was in the computer industry. That is so NOT me. At least, it's not the me I am now. I am Jupiter's Girl. Forget details. Let the Virgo/Geminis handle the details and be perfect about it. What's the bigger picture?

It was a new day yesterday...

But it's an old day now. (Jethro Tull)

Started it all off with a walk in the woods. Then it was two volleyball games back-to-back. I am co-coaching a 13-15 year old girls' team. We are in last place of 5 teams, but we sure didn't make it easy for anybody to beat us yesterday. We won a match out of the six we played. One time, we'd have won the game if it weren't for a player ducking out of the way of the ball and letting it hit her on the back - instead of hitting it back. I have to show good sportsmanship - signed a paper saying I would, but I swanee, it's disappointing that we have lost every game (6 of them now). Our team has greatly improved since the first game, but I so want to win. I feel bad for the girl I picked in the drafts that happened to be the top player in the league. It's obvious that she knows what she's doing, and confidently executes great plays on the court. I was hoping the kids would copy her. They still can. There are a handful of more games. I am thinking of doing some magick or something.

The birthday girl.

Our final stop was a cigar bar near C.W.'s house that had a great jazz ensemble. I couldn't breathe in there, but the music was good.

On the homefront...

Not time for much else these days, but I still fit in my walk this morning. My woods are so glorious around this time of year. I have been able to make long, hard days of the first two days of the week in order to have the middle one to myself. I've got beef stew on the stove, clothes in the dryer, some hung and others folded on the bed, dishes have been done, and I've even had a nap. Now, time for my precious afternoon tea. I miss this tea ritual when I am working.

This past Saturday was my baby's birthday. That's her new parakeet named Buddy. Buddy may have to go back. He hasn't made a peep since coming into the house. I've been playing Beethoven for him today, hoping he decides it's okay to live here. We celebrated the happy day with 7 of her closest friends who came early Saturday and stayed until the next day. They didn't want to go home, but I forced them to. It was time.

Today, is my best friend's birthday. May she have many more. This isn't a great picture of her; she looked very pretty the night I took this back in July. We are going out this weekend to celebrate her 49th.

I just love those Virgo girls. Julia was almost a Libran, but true to her Virgo nature, she accomodated me.

Saturn opposite Sun = No fun

The father of all restrictions is exerting structure, discipline, and hard work (I mean HARD work) upon me. I have so many limitations to having fun at this time, that my normally bouyant spirit is struggling to find light. I must have sighed about a hundred times at work yesterday. And at home.

The mate and I almost split up a few weeks ago. I found new digs, showed my house to a potential buyer, and got the boxes. On the day I was to get a key to my new place, and transfer papers from the kids' schools, I resigned myself to reconciling with Him.

We came that close once before. I was looking forward to my freedom from oppression, but it appears we are not finished loving each other as husband and wife. My single, best friend's life appeals to me big time. She answers to no one and does pretty much whatever she wants to do, when she wants to do it. That's what I was ordering.

Biding my time... which Saturn is the ruler of. My hard work is paying off, after all. Another of Saturn's lessons is that what you put out, returns to you. My efforts are being rewarded. If I could only remember that when the tedium kicks in and the many obstacles are thrown in my path, I'll be doing allright.

What's it's name?

Dean. Hurricane Dean. Okay, just wanted to know the name of what might potentially cause us death and destruction.

One of my 5 sisters has booked a reservation in Monroe, 4 hours from here. Rooms are already going. I am sure the rest will be following suit.

After the hurricane, three of my sisters and their families, and pets, stayed with my sister in Atlanta. My mother was picked up from my brother's house in devastated Bush, La, 4 days later and joined the commune in Georgia. My sister had so many friends and co-workers dump resources to help alleviate the burden of that many people in one house. From what I hear, they were all harmonious for the three weeks they were there. It has to be because my surly butt wasn't there too. I was happy to be here in sweatsville with my people.

My thoughts today are of filling cars with gas, buying heat and serve foods and many other items a family needs for when there's no electricity - though we have a generator now. (We need to put gas in the drum for the generator.) We also have a window unit now and two chainsaws.

Should we stay again? Or, do we pack up the two dogs and cats, the two children and go? I'd rather stay. Despite mandatory evacuation for Hurricane Katrina, and my extended families pleas for us to be reasonable, and other frantic friends who thought we were crazy - we stayed put. By staying, we got to experience an 80 foot cypress tree hitting the roof, watched the tornadic activity in our woods, and was here when it was all over - to put a tarp over the roof hole to prevent further damage caused by rain. It was such a mess here. One had to be here to understand what we witnessed. It was an incredible experience.

Being campers from way back, we had supplies that came in handy. We made coffee on the camping stove each morning. My husband could have killed for a cold, soft drink. That was one of his biggest deprivations. Never mind that we couldn't communicate with the outside world, or that we were without any way of cooling off. Give the man a root beer.

We thought we'd leave if we were under threat again. Now, I'd have to have a compelling warning. Otherwise, my survivalist tendencies are kicking in.

Found a new site I like

www.eventtemples.com

Check out the download section. Warning, it's 50-something pages long. I got hooked into it. Here's my stab at valor. with a little bit of humility thrown in for good measure.

R.I.P., Oreo, 2005 -2007

The memorial and burial will be later in the day. She was a very fun and cute pet and will be missed. Julia was a good pet owner; meticulous in keeping her cage clean, and providing the best nutrition (Ms. Virgo, Jr.). Oreo was an escape artist. Her favorite hiding place was in the underbelly of our sofa.

Carrot cake as a birthday present

My nephew, Jackson, wanted a carrot cake for his 9th birthday, so I baked him one. My sweet tooth husband was put out that he wasn't getting any, so I baked him one yesterday. I am through with carrot cakes for a while. We had one last month, and one the month before that too. I do have other cakes in my repertoire.

I am rehearsing a characterization of Florence Nightingale for a performance at the Unitarian church in Lacombe on the 29th. What a trailblazer she was. A Taurus, of course, with that dogged determination of hers. I like playing a strong woman.

In other news, salesmen are jumping ship (we still don't know when/if the sale of the stores will go through) so I have been promoted to one of those positions. I don't say "yay" or "boo" to that.

I am doing some figure-crunching, thinking of opening another retail store in the Riverwalk - on the fringe of the French Quarter. Waiting for a call from the leasing agent.

This guy was just sitting there yesterday. Mosquitoes were on his back. One flew right by his mouth. I think it kissed him. I was willing it to eat the mosquito.

Can't wait

I am going to fire up the grid in a few minutes.

Since you may have missed it, I recommend reading "Living On Love" It is an excellent read, and has great exercises that resonate to the same principles espoused in the article about firing up the grid.

Peace,
Janine

The woods this morn - July 8 2007

If you get poison ivy, you can take some plantago leaves, shown above, and scrunch 'em up until they produce juice and then apply the juice to it. It is the best stuff for hives.

Do you see him?

It could be a "her".

Another Dog Story

Once, I was out for a walk in my woods. My dog, Chip, was way ahead of me on the path when a BIG German Shephard appeared out of nowhere. I had never seen the dog before and didn't know where it came from. I was afraid, and realized how vulnerable I was. I told it, "I come in peace." I felt calm after that. If it meant harm, it would just have to go ahead and do it then. I wasn't standing still for it.

Chip got wind of the dog, or came back to be nearer to me, and immediately got his hackles raised. There was a terrible snarling, growling, and teeth-baring fight that ensued. Chip wouldn'd listen to any of my commands that would end the fight. I don't even think he could hear me with his dog-nature at the helm of his behavior.

That other dog was much bigger than Chip and almost seemed confident and not trying very hard to squelch the upstart which was my dwarfed black lab.

My instincts took over and I just high-tailed it home yelling for him to c'mon. The other dog never followed us. Chip's nature was still in control, but it is programmed to defend and protect me from harm, thus, he ran after me.

I had to withdraw my attention from the fight. Yelling at Chip, getting upset about a potential outcome of a win/lose event, and feeling desperately helpless was feeding the fracas.

Good dog, Chip. He's a lover, not a fighter. Me too.

I consider that a metaphor for all issues. My mind is programmed to find a right and wrong when perceiving a conflict. There are some things I'd fight about, but mostly, I think it is the little self, or the ego (mind), that likes to do battle, and the mind will always find what it is looking for.

Peace.

Pralines

For the mate's birthday night, I had the best shrimp po boy in the world. R&O's had the genius to open a restaurant on my side of the lake. Michael and I are fanatical about their shrimp po-boys and have travelled the hour to get them every now and again. Now that they are closer to home, we don't need to go so far, though at $12 per - it will still be a big treat when we do indulge.

Then we went to our other favorite spot, MiMamacita's, for 2 margaritas each. We even did a shot of Petrone. I always advise against shots, but this was a special night, and a little tequila doesn't hurt anyone. We never donned a lampshade hat, nor swung from chandeliers. It was just a quiet, private party between a caveman and his cavewoman.

Woke up feeling happy and healthy on Father's Day. Made these pralines. I'd give Aunt Sally's in the French Quarter a run for her money.

Happy birthday to Saturn's main man...

He is not your typical Gemini. Oh sure, he runs hot and cold in a flash. And yes, he is very quick on his feet. But that's about it. He is not very chatty - like his Dad was whose birthday would have been yesterday, and his Mercury - ruler of Gemini - was conjunct his Sun. Talk about never shutting up... sheesh - loved him, though.

We have all kinds of flowing aspects in our synastry, and a heck of a composite chart. He is very lucky I understand his challenging aspects, otherwise, his Mercury opposite Saturn would send me packing.

Mercury is the planet of communication and how a person thinks and what they think about. Saturn can constrict, oppress, and ultimately depress a person. Only because they are opposite in his chart, that means he will sometimes project that onto others - the blame game.

One of my reference books says that Virgo on the 7th house cusp, which I have, can attract a critical partner. Or be one. That it is/does.

Michael has Aquarius on the 7th house cusp, and look he who chose to marry - an Aquarian that he can love/hate. And he tells me he hates me sometimes. Those are times when I get him to stretch beyond his limitations. Then, he loves me after the expansion.

Today, I wish to help him celebrate his life in whatever way he wishes. And may he have many more.

Fire the Grid up

http://firethegrid.com/eng/home-fr-eng.htm

This is something people of good will all over can do to help the situation we find ourselves in.

In 2002, the Rainbow Children of Hawaii sent an invitation for all who care to join our minds together and bombard GW, Saddam, Rumsfeld, and all other players in the Middle East conflict with light and love. It was a set time for a 15 minute meditation during which we were asked to tune in collectively and envision these leaders as children.

I was working with a woman in a garden installing a fountain at the time. The garden was designed using Feng Shui principles so it was most conducive to a meditation. We broke for the 15 minutes of silence and visualized the world leaders - as children that us fearful adults could love.

It was absolutely the most powerful meditation I have ever experienced and it rendered the usually chatty woman and myself speechless for the rest of our time that day.

I read the message from the above link, and pencilled in the date and time on my calendar. Even if you are a disbeliever, how can it hurt for you to intend not only to do no harm, but intend to do good as a citizen of this planet?

Pass it on.

My latest resume, sort of

Started my work career at Orange Julius in Lakeside Shopping Center when I was 15. I learned how to add really fast in my head and that hungry people are mean.

Went onto the N.O. Int’l Airport -started off as cashier, line server and ended up cocktail waitress/bartender/hollow-legged friend of older women.

After college flunk-out - bartended at a lovely hotel, then moved to front office and did the night summarizing for years, all the while checking guests in or out, answering the switchboard and expediting other employees to handle guest demands - like security for the big bug in the guest’s room. The graveyard shift only had one lonely desk clerk who handled the same jobs of three people during the day. I ate breakfast in the restaurant every morning before going home and sleeping off the night.

The hotel closed for rebuilding. It was old.

I went back to school, got a computer programming certificate from a vo-tech and then set my sights on the most boring job I could find. I was a computer operator for an insurance company for over 3 years. I watched a file clerk, who worked in a windowless room for 10 years, have a nervous breakdown and come out screaming profanities as she was exiting. It was quite a rant. She never came back. I knew that she was me in 7 years.

I had two babies.

I did many things for supplemental cash during the at-home Mom years; watched another’s baby, cleaned houses, little odd jobs here and there (not that odd).

Then, I met bi-polar boss and became an executive producer for his entertainment company. It was fun in the beginning. My computer skills got a lot better. I was expected to do anything and everything to get a theater up and running. The only thing I didn’t do was get people to support it financially. Nobody wanted to come to an old, run-down theater for anything more than the Rocky Horror Picture Show (good setting for that) and then the Asst. Director for that troupe was arrested for a couple of murders - which wasn’t good for business either. During that time, I produced an Improv Show that I am very proud of. I had some Masters in the troupe. I love good, live Improv, and they were the best. The boss pulled the plug on it after a few weeks, though it started building a following. He was determined to get prime, first-run movies in that theater, though studio distributors were telling him to go art-house. There was no reasoning with a man who thought he was smarter than anybody. I stopped trying to because he was ego-maniacal and held my purse-strings.

Got laid off for obvious reasons after 9/11.

Floundered some, helped my Dad and then Father-in-Law make their transitions, then got a call to work at Synchronicity - a new age retail store. I did it because of the hours 12-6, with Sundays and Mondays off, and because I could take my kids to work with me. Business was very slow, dismally so. I thought it was going to close any minute.

I started rearranging, having the owner invest in merchandise that I thought might work, holding weekly guided meditations, and classes in Kabala and Astrology (which I taught), and working all the angles that I could. It was a neat place - with a free tea stand, lending library, and it smelled good.

After running it for over a year, I made the owner an offer, invested in more merchandise, put the utilities and phone in my name and became the proud owner. What I forgot to get was a little thing called insurance.

A month later - the hurricane took care of that nagging question of “will it work?”

Since then, I have had 6 jobs - the first one was a day, the second 3 half-days, the third was for 3 and a half days, the fourth one was a week, the 5th was 4 months, and then this last one has been almost 8 months.

During this time, I have also pursued making a living at my two passions: I am a very good actress - focused and disciplined, able to emote at the drop of a hat, good memorization ability. I prefer comedy - it’s all over my face. I have done stints as an “extra”, but pretty much hate doing that. I’ve got it in my head that I am deserving of a decent role - maybe a nosy neighbor, or somebody’s Mom.

I am also an intuitive Astrologer. I use Tarot and Reiki when I have to. I am not above divining by I Ching or Goddess Cards. And mostly, I just use plain old intuition when responding to a client‘s issues. I am very good at getting to the root of a problem.

In other words, I am a freak. I occasionally get paid for my services, but mostly I read for friends, and as an Aquarian, everyone easily becomes my friend. It’s a 12th house Sun I have, so therefore boundaries are easily dissolved and my sympathies easily tweaked. How can I charge someone in a more penurious situation than I am if my God-given skills can help shed light on it?

There’s my resume, sort of. I have had other ones for administrative work, food and beverage, and acting. They all speak of my qualities of honesty, reliability, and versatility. I should get them all updated now instead of sitting here doing this.

On to it…

Can't get enough of Florida.

I am meant to be vulgar wealthy. I am sure of it. Ft. Walton Beach is a beautiful place. I am already planning my next trip to the beach. It'll have to be a day trip to Gulf Shores or something. I just lovelovelove it.

An hour after we got back, my friend drove 5 hours to either collect the cat, or leave a cross on a tree to memorialize her. She called for her, opened cans of tuna, and then grabbed her when she surfaced from under my shed. Jupiter is the planet that rules luck. I thought the cat was dead. It had another life left in it after all.

Life has a way of turning out allright with a proper attitude. Once again, that philosophy is being tested. I found out yesterday that I will be losing my job. My husband too. The grocery chain that we are working for is being sold; some of them turned into Dollar Generals. There's all kinds of talk on the vine about what will become of them, who will buy them, what will happen, and soon, from what we hear.

My boss's 12 year old step-daughter, told my daughter that we are losing our jobs and they are moving to Philadelphia. He never told US that, though we are not surprised. Both girls were visiting my niece that lives a few doors down from him; we met the boss at my brother's barbecue last 4th of July.

I am sure to land on my feet, but this unsettlement leaves me wondering about my place in the scheme of things. The theme "what now?" is not funny sometimes. I am thinking of accounting school. I like numbers. Hmmph. That doesn't feel right. It is just one of the millions of passing thoughts I will entertain between now and the next job opportunity.

Here's to lazy days

I am leaving tomorrow for Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. My skin is the color of milk. I am not worried - SPF 45 will be slathered all over. I am sure that I'll garner a few more freckles and I hope a little redness. I love that slightly sunburned and totally salted all over feeling. It's just for a few days. I'll post some pics when I get back.

Meanwhile, I just have a little problem to worry about while I am gone.

The flip side of Sagittarian is a little too non-chalant about details. Jupiter gets the big picture, just isn't so good at the smaller strokes that make it.

I had another Jupiterian friend drop by the other day. She had a bunch of cats (5 of them) in her 2-door car with her on her way from one of her domiciles to another a few states over. One of them escaped and went into my woods.

I spied the 3-legged, 14 year old cat yesterday. She came out for a moment and when I had her in hand, she jumped from my arms and bolted again. I fear the worst as we have two resident cats that I am sure will try to make mincemeat of her and two dogs, one of which would be scared of the cat, the other - Chip, the lab - will try to play with it to death, I am sure. (We also have a hamster and 3 hermit crabs, probably going on 4 hermit crabs after our trip to the beach. My Julia is a collector of small animals.)

My friend will make the four hour drive back to collect her and is very apologetic and appreciative of my efforts to catch and keep the cat safe until she can get her back. I've got the cat carrier cleaned out and waiting. I will try to shrug that off while hearing whooooooooooossssshhhhhhh, whoooooooooossssshhhhhhhh. (that's the sound of the surf, in case you were wondering.)

Why do I always seem to have something to worry about? I am Jupiter's Girl, but man, that Saturn sure likes to challenge the dickens out of me.

Your Majesty...

My Jupiterian sister popped in for a visit yesterday with her new man. A co-worker of hers remarked to her the day before that she must have a horseshoe up her ass. She attracts men that are almost half her age. Her new man is sweet, handsome, works hard at his own business, and treats her right. I swear, that girl...!!!

I think it's her joie de vivre that is the most beautiful thing about her. Jupiter is in charge of that. She has a Saj Moon and Ascendant. You don't get much better than that for a positive attitude, except for her Virgo Sun - which keeps it all in check. (I love Virgos.) Cathy is detail-oriented, takes care of many at one time (that service thing Virgos have), and all the while shrugging it off with that Saj wisdom and knowledge that it's all good.

And to boot, she's a very talented artist. I have a painting and two of her prints hanging on my walls around the house. I showed her my new comforter and painted bedroom. New = 1 year old now. I have nothing but a calendar and dream catcher hanging. I asked her to create something to go over my bed. I can't wait to see what she does.

More berries than you can shake a doggone stick at here in my woods.

Blackberry Season '07

I feel sorry for city folk that don't have access to nature's bounty, except for store bought berries. I love being able to walk out my door to harvest fresh fruit for juicing, or baking muffins, pies, or making jam. Not that I'll make jam or pies with these. There's too many seeds for my liking. I have been there and done that. I just usually pick and eat them. So does my dog, Chip. I leave the lower blackberries alone in case he's put any of those in his mouth. He eats the ripe ones. I have never seen a dog that likes fruit and vegetables so much. He follows me to the compost pile when I have stuff to throw on top. He digs out broccoli stalks and carrots and munches down. I guess it doesn't hurt him.

Laurence Gardner

Laurence GardnerWhen you have an extra hour +, any slight interest in physics (and metaphysics), and a penchant for thinking out of the box - I recommend viewing this video (link above).

I made my first batch of Ormus on the 16th of this month. I am in the middle of the process for the second batch - making more of it this time. If you want, I'll share how I did it.

You have to know what it is first and choose to experiment with it. I advise you to visit www.subtleenergies.com/ormus and read through the material. It was a bit dense going for me, but fortunately I am intuitive and absorbed the meaning without understanding the science.

I am healing my mind - which has been riddled with ADD.

I made batches of Ormus with Olive Oil and Sea Salt last year. Then, I drank Danae Harding's "Spirit of Life" water for a couple of months. I knew that I wouldn't invest large amounts of money again for a product that I could create very inexpensively. Just overcoming inertia and intimidation of the processing was all that was necessary.

I am now an alchemist too. Add that to my list of titles

Now what???

I have been merchandising for 7 months. My task lately is to take the stock that I have boxed and labelled from other stores and put it to the shelf of stores it was transferred to. And not feel discouraged by the fact that the stores I am reassimilating the merchandise to are already packed with product. I just want to lie down in the middle of the aisle and stay there. When the customers going around me ask the manager what is wrong with me, he can tell them I am working.

I am an actress and astrologer no matter what I am doing to make money. This is one of the most tedious things I have done to date.

I should go...

For What It's Worth

Happy Mother's Day and all that. I am going to a brunch at my sister's house today. Six of my seven siblings, and their kids, and my Mother will be there. My sister, the hostess, called me from the grocery yesterday, wondering where she could find goat cheese for her casserole, and should she get a third bottle of champagne for mimosas. Mmmmmmmm. I am already salivating.

As for this holiday, I am not sentimental about being, or having, a Mother. Mine was definitely the epitome of patience and long-suffering. Talk about the guilt complexes and anxiety attacks I'd get over not meeting with her approval... I used to be, and still can be, somewhat of a wild hair in the family.

I let my people off the hook as to buying me something, or feeling beholden in any way. It was in my nature to procreate. I am a caring nurturer from way back. I loved being pregnant and having babies.

I look back fondly on my times with the little people; nursing them, potty-training, teaching them to use their words, playing with them. Julia could play "library" all day - if I'd only join her in it. She loved to role-play. We'd take turns being the patron and the librarian. If you were the patron, you get the baby in the stroller also. I would yank her chain mercilessly in my roles. I had to be serious about the part I was playing or she'd get mad at me.

Aaron liked to make up stories and have me play them out with him too, only it was with trains. He was a "Thomas the Tank Engine" fan, between two and five years old -he amassed a collection of tracks, trains, freight cars, and an imagination to work out issues he saw in the Thomas and Friends segments. He was so adorable. He was also a Raffi fan. He had a little guitar when he was two and would play and sing along with Raffi.

We are at different, yet delightful, stages now. The kids are 12 and 14 years old. I speak with my mother every morning until after Aaron leaves for school. She likes to hear my send-off to him as he departs, "goodbye, Son. Have a great day. I love you." I practically sing it to him - desperate for him to fulfill the "have a great day" part. She finds it amusing. He is barely responsive to it.

I don't need a card, bouquet, breakfast in bed, or any other gift of appreciation for being a Mom. I find the job to be very rewarding - and almost involuntary. I had to have kids. I knew that from an early age. And I feel that way about my own Mother. She was just doing what she was programmed to do.

I am going to have to stop at Walgreen's on my way to the sister's this morning and pick up a little something for the guest of honor at brunch. The gesture will mean something to her, and therefore to me, and I'll lift my mimosa to toast the example she set for raising children so gracefully.

"Palestine - Peace, Not Apartheid" by Jimmy Carter

I barely follow politics at all. It is tedious and I never think I am getting the whole story. World affairs go on with or without my attention. I trust in a higher authority to clear up any messes. It's all in Divine Order anyway.

I love what Jimmy Carter, and Rosalynn too, stands for. I appreciate how patient he remains with leaders he meets with, and how diligently and intelligently he works to resolve the problems in the Middle East.

Years ago, I attended a few Parish Council meetings in my area because I had an issue with the planning and zoning board who told a Sewerage company that it was okay for them to put a treatment plant on the property next to mine. I kept losing my cool about how things were going down. I did a lot of calling to DEQ, Council Reps, P&Z engineers, Tulane Law Clinic, and then finally the EPA - who called the company in question. I was mostly upset about the blatant disregarding of my taking issue with a treatment plant being next door to me. "It was a done deal," I was told - before they even voted on it. I felt very powerless. If I were the kind of person, had the programming and all, I would have sabotaged their efforts in any way.
Man's inhumanity towards man is absolutely stupid and unevolved. A writer to a forum I used to participate in once said of the fighting - "it's like holding your own hands to your neck and strangling." Blame the hands, right?

I think that we, as a race, have gotten so much smarter than to try and destroy OurSelf.

Dinner and a Movie

Michael and I spent our anniversary working together. He didn't have to accompany me to work, but I am grateful to him for it. The man is swift.

We fed the children, mine and a visiting nephew from Georgia, pizza and salad for dinner. Then, we went to an Italian restaurant in Slidell that we always talked about going to. Both of us decidedly wanted to try something different, and Italian. Assunta's was IT. I don't know why they aren't more crowded, possibly location. It was the best food. Mmmmmm.

Then we stopped at Friendly Video and rented "American Dreamz". It might have been a good movie; I don't know. The two glasses of wine with dinner sedated me. Of course, Michael hardly ever makes it through a whole movie. He was gone before me.

I feel a little remiss that I didn't get more sentimental and maudlin in my previous blog entry about how sweet Michael is, and how after 17 years we have figured out ways to get the most enjoyment from this marriage. We are a good team in all that we do.

We fight like the Bickersons sometimes, but don't let the resentment and ugliness linger anymore. The secret to our success, I think, is to ignore one another's more aggravating points. We had trouble doing that for about 12 years, but once we became re-committed to honoring our commitment to one another, that insight came to me.

We have spent several anniversaries at the Jazz Fest. One of our more troubled years, a friend took us with her for free. We rode a shuttle in with her. Soon after our arrival, the friend and I went to one stage to see something, and Michael stayed put at the one he was happiest at. We never saw each other for the rest of the day, though I constantly looked for him. I was alternately on pins and needles, anticipating his anger with me, and then looking around and enjoying the moment in complete surrender. Sure enough, after it was over, I synchronously reconnected with him. He was seething.

There was another Jazz Fest where Michael gifted me with a diamond anniversary band in the middle of a crowded intersection, near the food stands. It was such an unexpected gesture. I forewarned him that I was going to cry and he just nodded like it was okay and then we hugged as I shed the tears. We were in our own private universe as hundreds of people had to just go around us.

The reason I don't go on more about him is that I have witnessed celebrities effusively talk about their matings and then break up. Love is conditional in a marriage. Sure I love him from the bottom of my heart now, but if he acts like an idiot, and there are many ways to act like an idiot, I will slap him and go.

After all this time, though, I don't think there is anything idiotic enough for either of us to part over. I suppose we will grow old together. Bicker, love, bicker, love, laugh, love, bicker, love. Love outweighs all negativity and laughing together brings out the Lovers in us.

My Anniversary

It was 17 years ago today that I got married. I purposely chose this time of year for out-of-town guests to also have the option of going to Jazz Fest, which is always the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May. We honeymooned in the Bahamas.

We started out as friends...

I will have a house full of kids today. How romantic.

Here's to the next seventeen.

Jazz Fest '07

My friend, Cathy, treated me to a day at the Jazz Fest yesterday; complete with the best food and entertainment that money can buy. The weather was perfect, and the crowd was so well-contained and handled on all levels. It gets better every year.

Cathy even bought me a new dress which is a perfect fit, style, and color for me. I wear pants to work, but I spend a lot of my leisure time in dresses and skirts. Lucky for me, I have that choice, and it isn't any big deal.

The woman in the black mini-skirt and white halter, with long, white gloves,stockings and makeup, in the above picture, is not a woman. He was a good-natured soul; dancing to the music, and posing for pictures when people asked. I don't know why he was dressed that way, except for that he wanted to. Nobody else was dressed like that.

I love to be among such harmonious diversity.

The last picture is of this man's awesome art which got "Best of Show". His name, or his series, was titled UTRIBE. There were so many beautiful and original pieces of art, jewelry, and clothing, and looking at it all while there was such fantastic, live music in the background was such a high.

If you are going to the JF, I highly recommend the Crabcake with Remoulaude Sauce and Trout Pecan Meuniere. I also had some Sushi that was delicious. That's a first for me at the Jazz Fest.

Thanks, Cathy, for that bodacious day.

Libra Moons

I have a Libra Moon. In Western Astrology, it is a balancing act that is constantly waged in my emotions, and therefore, in living life. Most books talk about how the Libra Moon individual is co-dependent (my words - I didn't make them up, though.)

The books say we are affected by the reactions of others and that we need harmony in relationships. It is true. I can't be happy if my mate is miserable. And vice versa, for sure.

And the same goes for any discordant relationships. I need peace in the land. I wonder why people fight and think there is never a good enough reason. I am currently reading Jimmy Carter's "Palestine - Peace Not Apartheid" and loving it. He is a wonderful Libra man, devoted to bringing peace, and upgrading humanity in all kinds of ways. I just love his writing, and the strides he is making in bringing understanding to some of us on the safe sidelines of the struggles in the middle east.

With a Libra Moon, there is always the balancing act; weighing everything, seeing both sides to each issue, not finding contentment with one or the other decision. In Vedic Astrology, Libra Moons are only wished upon the enemy. James Braha, who wrote one of the definitive books on the subject, "Vedic Astrology for the Western Astrologer" (or something like that title), said one with this Moon sign can only wish for a better life next time. It may even be in the 8th house in a Vedic chart which would be a double whammy. It's in the 8th house in my Placidus chart.

I hate bad news. So, I put a positive spin on it and get a more upbeat feeling. The Moon rules feelings. If I am having a negative one such as anger or depression, I can put some focus on the other side of the scales, the positive side, and bring my awareness up to the middle ground again.

My job, house, relationship, children, life altogether - some individuals have it better than me and some have it worse. The middle ground. I am content again. I started off this post having a gripe, but now I cannot complain about anything.

I'll just sit here and look pretty. (other Libra Moon traits - laziness and vanity)

Jokemail

I started off going to Jokemail for a daily dose of laughter about a year ago. The owner of it was anonymous, but it tweaked my imagination of who would do something so clever as to post a daily joke. It is so inviting. I used to occasionally visit joke sites, but one had to wade through so many to find one that was to his/her liking. I get jaded when I get too much.

Jokemail got personal with me and later asked me to contribute to the site whenever I wanted. I was posting in draft and he would pop them up there when it was time for a new joke, daily.

The man behind Jokemail.blogspot.com is a very talented writer. He no longer has time to maintain it, or the desire to laugh has gone, or he has decided we can fend for ourselves finding things to laugh about, or he is the president of Scotland and has a conflict of interest where posting jokes and running a country is concerned.

No matter. They don't call me Jupiter's Girl for nuthin'. I like to laugh and to hear other's laughing (even if it only my imagination). I am now posting to that site. Since this one is not about being funny, I can only thank Jokemail, the Man, for allowing me this opportunity.

Memory lane

When I was a 5th grader at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kenner, LA., I had Sister Virginia as a teacher. She was a singing nun, complete with guitar. She helped revolutionize our Mass with her upbeat, folksy (still religious) songs. She was young and pretty, and energetic. I considered becoming a nun that year. That was 1971-2.

Sister Virginia auditioned the girls in the class and then cast me as the lead in our Thanksgiving play. At the time, 5 of my (what became 7 by 1973) siblings were at that small school; with Elizabeth in 1st and Robbie in the 8th grade, the rest of us in between.

There were only approx. 650 students in the school with 2 classes for each grade. None of my siblings classes were ones crammed into the classroom where I gave a dramatization of Sarah Hale's asking President Lincoln to make the fourth Thursday of November a holiday where we as a nation give thanks.

I came up with my own costume; I can still remember it. Sister Virginia didn't know who she tapped up for the part, but the actress in me took over and claimed it. I had to laugh during one scene and say the only line I remember from that play, "You flatter me, Mr. President."

I don't remember who that was playing opposite me.

The next year, I had Sister MichaelAnne, who had a machine gun laugh. I one time made a remark in class that caused her to take me around the school to repeat to other teachers. She would laugh each time I quipped it, "yeah, some of us are still evolving." It had to do with scientists theories of man's evolving from apes.

The year after that, Sister David came to teach at OLPH. I had her for 7th grade. She spanked. One time, she whacked me good and hard on my seat. I was non-plussed and told her I'm too old for spankings. She told me to act like it then.

Then, Sister LaSalle, for 8th grade. Oh my goodness, the woman was kooky from the start. We knew how to push her buttons. Her one pet peeve was clicking of the pens. It would send her into madness that we devilish children never tired of seeing.

Those last three teachers knocked the wind out my want-to-be-a-nun sail.

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA

The Grandma behind these kids said, "smoke 'em if you got 'em." They were fake, but looked real.

Scenes from Mardi Gras '07

Grandma Mimi's old yellow ball dress comes in handy.

Sorry, Anna Nicole Smith. RIP. There was a guy walking with these ladies. His sign read, "I'm the Baby's Daddy."
Old dominatrixes go to New Orleans when they retire.
His makeup was very cool.

You'll have to enlarge the image to read his sign. He ran with a pack of dreamers.

Happy Birthday to me.

I encourage all who visit my blog to watch this video. Mind you, it has the eff word a lot, so if you are easily offended... get over yourself.

Love,
Janine

solar returns

The solar return is when the Sun gets to the exact degree every year when you were born. You celebrate your birthday on the same day every year, but the solar return could be a day or two different. Today is my solar return, at 5:05 pm to be exact. It sets the pace for the upcoming year.

I have many major transits right now. Any one of them, by itself, would be promising. If nothing happens this year, like I am intending, then I am throwing away my books, uninstalling my astrology software, and finding some religion to throw msyelf into.

Tonight, I have plans on a backburner to celebrate in a hedonistic way, at an Irish Pub in New Orleans with my old roomie and drinking buddy, Cathy. She frequents a place that is full of Irish men whom she reports tell jokes and stories, sing songs, and speak Gaelic.

I wish to submerge myself in the culture of my ancestors for just one night. I am half Irish (the left side, I'm pretty sure), one quarter Italian, and one quarter Heinz 57 - as my Grandma Ferrara called her ethnicity.

Then again, with the transits I have (namely, Venus conjunct my p-Venus, and Mars conjunct my Venus/Mars), I would do better to stick close to home. A pub full of men might be asking for trouble I don't need.

There are parades to go to this evening. The little people might wish for the diversion too. Family fun? Or, me getting mine? Saturn? Jupiter? I am Jupiter's Girl, but Saturn wants a piece of me as co-ruler of my Aquarian Sun. And ruler of my Venus/Mars. I will always opt for less karma. Saturn wins.

Hey, the day's not over yet. Plenty of time to vacillate and end up with an evening of Irish ditties.

Venus is in the sign of Pisces

For Valentine's Day, one couldn't get a more exalted placement for the planet whose function is to love and be loved. Pisces is totality. Venus here knows about unconditional love and merging with another to become One. And today, Venus is sextiling Mars, so there will be plenty of opportunities for us all to express our affections to our loved ones. Let it gush forth.

My husband gave me a dozen red roses yesterday. I thanked him for the gesture. It was sweet of him. The love has only deepened over the years. After a kiss on the lips, I told him that I would prefer other flowers next time (not that he gives me flowers often (about a half dozen times in all of our years together). Roses don't last long. One of them is finished and the others are on their way out. And where's the aroma? I don't smell them. (That's no way to gush, Janine.)

Lily of the Woods

I lost my camera on my Saturday walk and didn't know it.

Yesterday morning (Sunday), I found it in the middle of my path.

I call this part of my walk - "Mosquito Bay".

Wasting time

http://www.myheritage.com

Chinese New Year Display

Before working for a distributor, I never gave much thought at all as to how groceries got to the shelf. I was content to just push my cart around, mostly wishing that I was back at home with a cup of tea.

It seems like hours before I can complete my shopping mission and get out of the store, especially if it is a Super WalMart expedition. I'll be there a long time as I remember an item that is across the store, where I may have started - then ping-pong back to the opposite side for something else on my list that I forgot. I try to be organized, but maybe it's the flourescent lighting, or the muzak, or running into people I hadn't seen in a while and exchanging chit chat, or something to make the shopping take so long.

People with ADD need to give themselves plenty of time for grocery shopping.

I am putting together displays with some of the Asian products my company stocks all week in preparation for the Chinese New Year on Sunday, Feb 18th. Isn't it colorful?

Y'all better buy this stuff.

Scenes from Mid-City

Across the street from Liuzza's is a brick bldg, and right next to it is this damaged home with the chairs in front. This pink one is around the corner.

My friend works at Liuzza's in New Orleans. It is a quaint neighborhood place that packs 'em in at lunch and dinner. It's where the locals hang out.


Liuzza's was closed for a year after the hurricane. You can get a picture of what it looked like underwater for $5 from Cathy at the bar.