The dark beast appeared
in the darker cave
blocking the light
and the way out

I cringed in the shadows
lest the beast attack,
believing I was the prey
and hoping I was invisible

I watched as the beast swayed
back and forth
Patiently waiting its opportunity
As I trembled and shook

But after a long long while
I realized that nothing had happened
the beast still remained
in almost the same position as before

Emboldened by patience
I stepped out from my hiding
and walked toward the blackness
only to find

it was simply a shadow
of a bush outside
reflected into the cave
by the light of the full moon

A figment of my imagination
Or in that moment
was it really
a beast of the nagual?

One last thing I forgot to mention... tonight was our monthly druid meetup. We had 10 people! That is a record. And we had a great and lively discussion!

I am pleased.

I saw my new doctor yesterday. I had an ultrasound a week or so ago on a cyst on my ovary that has been there forever (or at least 8 years). We wanted to check it to see if there has been any change. Unfortunately, we don't have old ultrasounds to compare it to, so she ordered them.

I also talked with her about an earache I have been experiencing off and on for several months now. She told me that I have symptoms of allergies, and gave me some sample meds, which I have been taking for two days now.

Aside from mood swings, I have experienced two other important symptoms.... I CAN BREATHE! I didn't know that I had been experiencing obstructed breathing until I wasn't! It feels so good to be able to take a deep and full breath! I had no idea. Honestly.

And secondly, my appetite is being suppressed. Now mind you, I've only been eating about 20-25 WW points a day - that's the equivalent of about 1000-1250 calories. But since I started taking this medication (2 days now) I have been down to about 15 WW points. It may not seem like much, but I really don't get enough exercise, so I don't burn it off. That will change after Starwood, I promise.

Anyway - I suspect that I will a) want to exercise more now that I can breathe, and b) the appetite suppressant will work in my favor.

This is good news.

This morning, if I had time, I would have written, "Never count your chickens before they are hatched."

But this afternoon, they have hatched.

Can I breathe now?

My vacation to Starwood just can't happen soon enough.

That is all.

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/the-color-code-test

( My results )

My favorite part is: blues are people who should be in positions of power, but seldom are.

Yesterday was my dad's 80th birthday. I called him in the morning to wish him a happy birthday. He is at my sister's in Massachusetts and they were well ensconced in his not-so-surprising cookout/picnic/party so he couldn't talk long. I am sure glad I made it out to see him LAST year, because I sure as heck couldn't do it this year.

I showed houses all afternoon yesterday; left my house at 12:15 and didn't get back till after 7:00 pm. It got to the point where all the houses ran together and we couldn't remember what was in which house. Next time, pictures! Came home and spent another two hours on MLS researching the five top properties we saw (and happened to find 10 more possibilities).

After that, I worked on the business plan for ComicZone. We are having a meeting in less than an hour, and I wanted to have copies of what I've done so far, but I can't get either printer to work. Strange.

I got to listen to Marion McPartland's piano jazz, and I also listened to the archives of the show from last week when I was at the conclave. Gosh, was that only a week ago?

Oh, and by the way, I had to fill my tank on Friday, and I am still seeing 31 mpg. I loves my Ethos For Earth. ;)

Today I spent most of the day at work... first our Think and Grow Rich master mind group, then a meeting about Dev Con, then lunch where I got to pontificate on my vision for the company (and hopefully someone takes me seriously, because I was), and then an unexpected meeting with a new client who has a great piece of software for real estate agents!

Finally, I got to come home, where I checked email, and then proceeded to make two offers on places for sale in the name of Prosperous Oak. I also made arrangements for my next buyer, who I will be meeting with tomorrow. Never a dull moment. ;)

Avery and I left around 6 pm to go to Alpha Books, where he was teaching the first of a two part class on Ogham. It went really well, I thought. Everyone there was quite interested, and I was really proud of him. ;)

On the way home, we stopped at the wine bar, where I had a sampling of tonight's tastings, as well as picking up my monthly wines (I am a member of their wine club).

Now I am home, and turning off my brain for awhile.

It's RAINING!

HARD!

Woo hoo!!!

Just back from my first closing as a real estate agent.

Normally, real estate agents don't go to closings in AZ, but I think it's a nice touch. After all, I have walked this journey with my client this far - why not be there for the conclusion?

It feels good. I am very glad to be of such service.

My broker tells me that this deal was pretty complicated for my first deal, and yeah, it has its complications (one of which still needs to be resolved), but honestly, with all of my creative investing, it didn't feel very complicated to me.

And, well, I rather like a more creative approach to most things. ;)

One more update, and then I'll stop for the night, I promise.

This is about TODAY.

First off, the signing of papers for the deal I have been working on is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, and actual close of escrow is Friday. Woo hoo!

Secondly, ( other business ventures )

Lastly, I also managed to put in a fairly full workday, which included interviewing and hiring a subcontractor to help us with some projects. I still have a few last minute details to take care of before I can put the workday to bed but I feel like I got a lot done today.

On the way home from California, I had to fill up for the first time since leaving Phoenix.

( do not read if you don't care about saving money when buying gas )

In the long run, though, what is most important to me is that I feel like I am doing what is right and good – for the environment, for my car, for my pocketbook…. and hopefully dragging a few of you along with me. ;)

If interested, email me or go to my site: http://www.forearthonline.com/lcostello

Happy Travels!

The cool mountain air caressed us awake on Sunday morning. After a brief meditation, I climbed back into bed with Avery and we lazed about a bit, enjoying each other's warmth before we got up for breakfast.

scripty_liz, sweetheart that she is, had put aside some egg whites for me which she scrambled up, and I enjoyed them with veggie sausage and fruit. Yum.

( Sunday's meetings )

After that, a flurry of packing and cleaning up and goodbyes and hugs. It goes by way too fast.....

I think we are pretty much set to close on the deal I've been working on. Tomorrow I will visit my broker and the escrow agent, and I suspect that all papers will be signed before the end of the week. Woohoo!

In other news, it looks like I may have another deal in the wings. Avery's mom may want to buy a house near her for his grandmother to live in, and she wants me to be the agent. Yay!

I also have a listing just waiting for me to act on it. There are a few extenuating circumstances, so that may not be for another couple of weeks, but, um, Wow. I am actually DOING this!

On the investor side, my investor has given me the go-ahead to make an offer on a one br condo I recently found, so I may just do that.... you know, in my spare time. ;)

Oh, and one more thing. Seems we are attracting shelving and furniture for the Comic store. Geesh. We actually have to consider renting a storage space, because we just don't have the room. But Avery found a great deal on shelving, and Andy picked up three custom made shelf units from All About Comics today. Amazing! This is manifesting before my eyes!

The Conclave was full of great workshops and information, especially the discussions that were sparked. I have great appreciation for the open discussions we had, and for the many people who expressed their points of view.

( Saturday )

I fell asleep with a myriad of thoughts swirling in my head from all of the day's discussions....

We left for the Conclave around 10 am on Friday ( Friday's adventure )

More anon....

We are safely home from the 2008 Conclave of FoDLA.

Much to write about, but it will need to wait for another time....

I have some exciting plans for the next few weeks.

Tomorrow, I will be attending an Independence Day party I was invited to, on a houseboat at Lake Pleasant, to watch fireworks and party.

Friday morning I leave for FoDLA's annual conclave, to return late Sunday night. We will again be holding this at a wonderful retreat center in Sierra Madre. I am very much looking forward to seeing old friends once again, and possibly meeting new folks.

After much deliberation, I decided to go to Starwood with Avery for the whole week from July 21st through July 28th. I am hoping we will also have time to visit Niagara Falls before we leave NY on Monday afternoon. I really need the down time, I have the vacation time, and it's not a payroll week. I think I can manage it. Hopefully finances will hold out.

It's nice to have things to look forward to.

I saw Wall-E tonight. It was very good. And it had some very strong messages in it, which I feel were also very good. Hopefully it will give folks reason to think about what they are doing to this world, even as it entertains them. And reason to think about the value of exercise and eating well.

My kids told me it was the best movie ever. That makes me feel really proud of them!