October 5, 2008
Easy On The Ears
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

A need to be heard can come over you today, prompting you to make full use of any and all opportunities to share your thoughts and feelings with the world. You are also likely in an articulate and thoughtful mood, so you may be able to convey your meaning quite effortlessly. If you do find yourself embroiled in some form of misunderstanding, however, try taking a moment to recall your words. Your passions can interfere with your ability to speak eloquently by inspiring you to use unclear language or to allow your emotions to have free reign over your expressiveness. Speaking clearly and concisely at all times can help you spread your message without alienating others today.

Making ourselves heard is often little more than a matter of endeavoring always to express ourselves in such a way so as to ensure maximum clarity when speaking with others. Though we may enjoy using flowery language and exaggerations, these are not particularly helpful to those trying to avoid having their words misinterpreted. When we have a message that we need to convey, we can help others grasp our meaning by using simple speech, speaking in short sentences, and making it abundantly clear whenever we have reached a point of great import. Our words are also taken more seriously when we adopt this resolute manner of discourse since there is nothing to come between our listeners and our meaning. Since you feel articulate and are unafraid to lay out your views today, you will find it easy to make yourself understood.

Yes, my weekend is Thursday and Friday. Has been for a year and a half now. I happen to enjoy it quite a bit, thanks for asking. *smirks*

Anyway...my weekend happened to be an extra day longer than normal. thank to a migraine that hit Tuesday night. That was not kewl. I was not happy to call out on Wednesday, but I was NOT in any decent shape to try to answer calls for 8 hrs, that's for damned sure. Most of the day was sleeping and doing a little online. I should have known better and just called out on Tuesday night, especially after I started having serious light sensitivity in my left eye. I had to turn off my desk lamp [which is a sun light], but thought it was just that my contacts were getting old/dirty and needed to be replaced. It wasn't until I got up Wednesday morning that I realized I was in trouble. But I took my shower Wed. morning anyway, and then realized it just wasn't going to happen. Funny thing? When I got up on Wednesday? My left upper eyelid was all puffy, swollen, and tender. There was no way in hell I would get a contact into that eye. It didn't end up going away until Thursday either. Very strange.

We ran a few errands Wednesday afternoon, and that was pretty much the last time we stepped foot out of the house until we went to Safeway tonight to get dinner. We were supposed to go to the Farmer's Market yesterday downtown, but when we looked outside about half an hour before it was supposed to open [4-7pm], it was a torrential downpour, so that didn't happen. We'll try again next week. Yesterday was primarily spent working on my ncis_bigbang piece with shatterpath. We're basically writing this together, but I hadn't been sure when I'd signed up, so didn't think to mention it then. The story's due on the 22nd of this month, and I really can't wait to release it. This is the furthest forward point in the "full" timeline for something, and deals with bringing NCIS & CSI: Miami into Light, Water, Muses. If you follow my fic, you'll already have seen 2 stories involving these series [including one just a few days ago], so you can pretty much guess what their involvement is. *veg*

So when I went to bed last night, I was planning to sleep. But I couldn't, and had to get back up within like 20 minutes of laying down. Why? I was getting a serious download of info for the story I"m gonna write for NaNo... Yes, I'm doing NaNoWriMo again. As miashael said the last time I saw her, I always say I don't know if I'll do it, then I end up doing it at the last minute anyway, so I might as well just plan on doing it. So I am... And I got a GREAT idea to work with. I'm not gonna say anything quite yet, as I'm still working out all the details, but suffice it to say, Point No Point Lighthouse will be making a MAJOR appearance. *veg* And this one is NOT fanfic, in any way, shape, or form. This is something I'm gonna try for publication on when it's done. Spent another almost hour jotting down basic notes and doing a little research before finally succumbing to the lure of bed around 11ish...

Today, I slept in. Srsly. Well, I did yesterday, too, but anyway... I got to backhand Gabe off the bed this morning. His manners have gotten atrocious. I can't wait to complete the bedroom change with shatterpath, complete with moving the food & litter box for the cats out to the hallway, so that I can lock the cats out of my room and sleep peacefully and uninterrupted for the first time since we got cats. No, I won't be doing it ALL the time, but with the food and litter box not in my room, I have the option...

I got to catch up on my eps of Pushing Daisies & Private Practice from Wednesday. I'm not sure I like (  Pushing Daisies spoilers ) And then there's Private Practice... It was great to see Amy Ackerman, but ( PP spoilers ) Worked on cleaning up my desk today and starting to pay bills. I'll actually finish that up tomorrow. Didn't get any writing done today, which sucks, but have been fighting a "gnat" of a headache [ie. annoying, but not crippling], and even took about a 3 hr nap today. Will take some advil before bed...and will have it with me at work tomorrow. Am now just finishing up my dinner of Chinese food from Safeway & drinking my Squirt while we watch the premier ep of K9 Cops on the TiVo from yesterday. Damn, those are so good looking dogs!

October 3, 2008
Drum Prayer
Steve Gordon
2002

( A longtime presence on the New Age drumming scene, percussionist Steve Gordon is a master at using the beat of the drum to entrain and synchronize human response to deeper levels of the divine and the mystic. )

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October 3, 2008
What You Want
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

( You may feel more assertive than usual today as you make choices that will more than likely impact your life for some time to come. )

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October 3, 2008
Fresh and Unfixed
There Is Only Now

It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives without really being present. While dwelling on the past and living for the future are common pastimes, it is physically impossible to live anywhere but the present moment. We cannot step out our front door and take a left turn to May of last year, any more than we can take a right turn to December 2010. Nevertheless, we can easily miss the future we are waiting for as it becomes the now we are too busy to pay attention to. We then spend the rest of our time playing “catch up” to the moment that we just let pass by. During moments like these, it is important to remember that there is only Now.

In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to experience it. When we are fully present, our minds do not wander. We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

When we begin to corral our attention into the present moment, it can be almost overwhelming to be here. There is a state of stillness that has to happen that can take some getting used to, and the mind chatter that so often gets us into our heads and out of the present moment doesn’t have as much to do. We may feel a lack of control because we aren’t busy planning our next move, assessing our current situation, or anticipating the future. Instead, being present requires that we be flexible, creative, attentive, and spontaneous. Each present moment is completely new, and nothing like it has happened or will ever happen again. As you move through your day, remember to stay present in each moment. In doing so, you will live your life without having to wait for the future or yearn for the past. Life happens to us when we happen to life in the Now.

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October 3, 2008
Spirit Houses, Your Handwriting Can Change Your Life, Ocean
Gift Of The Week

( this week's 3 gifts... )

Over here, ceridwyn2 gave me the letter K, so here are my 5 fictional characters...

• Kelson Cinhil Rhys Anthony Haldane, Katherine Kurtz' Deryni universe
  I do so love me some Kelson Haldane. I wish he and Rothana could have gotten married and had beautiful babies... *sigh*
  
• Kerry Weaver, ER
  My first canon TV lesbian love... I still have a thing for her, to this day.
  
• Kelly, Cadet Kelly
  *heh* This movie really is all about the underage cheesecake, in that "I can only safely ogle from a distance until it matures" kind of thing... And it's Duff, who was cute then!
  
• Kelly Garrett, Charlie's Angels
  *happy sigh* One of my first crushes. Not the first, not even the second, but she was definitely up there... I even had the Kelly barbie doll, yo!
  
• Kim Legaspi, ER
  Okay, I love Elizabeth Mitchell, but I kinda hate Kim Legaspi. She was horribly hamfisted in her "outing" of Kerry Weaver, even moreso than Sandy Lopez' guerilla kiss in the ER.

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Post a Comment and I'll randomly assign you a letter (A - Z in the English Alphabet). Then you have to respond by listing ten things/people you LOVE that begin with that letter. Afterwards, post this in your journal and give out some letters of your own.

So pat_t gave me the letter D...

• Doggie, aka shatterpath... I don't know where I'd be without her...
  
• Dark chocolate... SO much better than milk chocolate!
  
• DuVista... Okay, srsly? Did you really think I wouldn't be mentioning my mad love for Nat and Cal? *snorts*
  
• Diving... I LOVE watchign diving competitions. Well, I love diving, period. I dove as a kid, only was JV my junior year of high school and didn't do well enough to be able to have lettered if I'd continued my senior year, so stopped. But I know how the dives should look...and I love to watch and score competitions.
  
• Drinks, mixed... I love different mixed drinks. I'm always willing to try stuff, which is a good thing because amyrayh likes to buy different alcohols and try to mix...stuff. *snickers*
  
• Double Stuff Oreos... Okay, srsly, who DOESN'T like these? And when did the creme filling in a double stuff become as thin as a regular Oreo from my youth? Chintzy bastards!
  
• Dragons... Elliott, Melificient, Mushu... Tia.... Or is that Rachel Corrigan that likes Tia so much? *veg* Okay, Disney dragons in particular, but I do like dragons. And probably only shatterpath will know why I put Tia down....
  
• Disney movies... I think eventually, we will own all of the major Disney animated movies. And no, we don't have kids. But we watch those DVDs ALL. THE. TIME. Love them!
  
• Darya Farazell... Yeah, my primary OC. When she was originally created [as Meagan, Deanna Troi's baby sister], she was a funky sort of Mary Sue. And then she transformed into Darya and became an idealized version of what I'd like to be. I hope I never lose that muse...
  
• Donkeys... I have loved donkeys since I was like 4yo. I would love to own one, but we just aren't in the kind of climate that's good for their hooves, so I will just be content with seeing them in petting zoos and such...

October 2, 2008
Straight Ahead
Abbey Lincoln
1961

( When Abbey Lincoln sings, people listen. )

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October 2, 2008
Heartfelt Connections
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

( You could be in a social mood today and want to establish closer connections with others. )

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October 2, 2008
Treasure Hunting
Discovering the Little Things that Make Us Happy

Life is full of little wonders that can make us happy. The sound of a baby’s laughter, a good book, the comforting smell of a favorite old sweatshirt, and the warmth from a cup of hot tea are simple pleasures that can easily put smiles on our faces. These “little things” are easily accessible to us and can be sources for finding happiness. A key to doing so is taking the time to put those rose colored glasses from childhood back on so you can easily find the joy in all the “little things” that life has to offer.

Finding a puppy rummaging through the laundry basket, trying on that perfect shade of lipstick, or discovering the extra change you left in your back pocket can turn into moments of delight. Like kids digging in the sandbox for buried trinkets, we may even begin to experience happiness when we engage in the seemingly mundane. Figuring out a software program can feel like deciphering a treasure map, and that first sip of tea in the morning can taste like a forbidden delicacy. Swaying to music playing on the radio can turn into an interpretive jig, riding a bike can seem like flying to the moon, and getting a phone call from that special someone can feel like winning the lottery. A pickup game of basketball becomes an exciting match among champions, and observing an elderly couple walking hand in hand can turn into a meditation on peace and contentment.

When we begin rediscovering that the little things in life can make us happy, we naturally want to share this joy with others. We may gush over a friend when we run into them unexpectedly, praise a street musician for their talents, or blow bubbles for the neighborhood kids to chase. We may even start to think of the little things we can do to make other people happy, which in turn makes us happy all over again. There is an endless supply of little things and little moments that can make us happy. All we have to do is look for them, and they’ll magically start to appear.

October 1, 2008
Peace of Mind
Sharon M. O'Connor
2007

(  Whatever your current circumstance, peace and harmony are yours, declares registered nurse Sharon M. O'Connor at the start of her therapeutic CD of creative-visualization exercises, Peace of Mind. )

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October 1, 2008
The Gift Of Reflection
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

( You may be in an introverted mood today which could mean that you wish to spend time alone to be with your thoughts. )

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October 1, 2008
Unhindered Movement
Get Out of Your Own Way

When you find yourself facing obstacles that appear to be blocking you from your goals, it is important to try not to get discouraged. It can be easy to feel “stuck” or that “life” is creating circumstances preventing you from getting what you want. And while it is easy to look at everyone and everything outside of ourselves for the problem, perhaps even wanting to “get rid” of the person, object, or circumstance we may feel is blocking us, sometimes the best course of action to take may be to look inside ourselves first.

It is amazing how often we can get in our own way without even being aware that we are doing so. Even though we truly want to succeed, there are many reasons why we may sometimes block our own efforts. It may be that we are afraid to succeed, so we subconsciously create circumstances to keep ourselves stuck. Or it may even be that we are afraid that we will succeed, so we block ourselves by making the achievement of our goals more difficult than they really are. We may even approach our goals in a way that keeps creating the same unsuccessful results.

If you believe that you’ve been standing in your own way, you may want to take a piece of paper and record how you’ve done so. Write down the choices you’ve made that have hindered your efforts and the fears that may have prompted you to make these decisions. Take note of any thoughts and feelings that arise. It is important to be gentle and compassionate during this process. Try not to blame yourself for getting in your own way. Remember the choices we make always are there to serve us, until it is time to let them go. When you are finished, throw the paper away while setting an intention that you are getting rid of any obstacles you’ve created to block yourself. You can then let yourself start again with a clean slate. Doubts and fears are going to be natural, but with this new awareness, you should be able to prevent yourself from subconsciously thwarting yourself. Besides, now that you’ve decided to get out of your own way, the part of you that has always wanted to succ! eed can now do so.

September 30, 2008
Negatif
Benjamin Biolay
2003

( There's something distinctly French about Negatif, the sophomore album by singer-songwriter and producer Benjamin Biolay, and it's not just the fact that the album is sung entirely in that most romantic-sounding of the romance languages. )

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September 30, 2008
Building Your Dreams
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

( You may be motivated to work on your future plans, which could bring into clearer focus what your greater goals are today. )

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September 30, 2008
Letting Yourself Be Seen
Being Witnessed

When we allow ourselves to be witnessed by another, we cannot help but be transformed by the experience. Whether we are sharing a personal experience, standing in front of friends to celebrate a special occasion, or expressing our unbridled joy or sorrow in front of a loved one, we are allowing ourselves to be seen and experienced in a very intimate way. Not only are we baring ourselves to someone else, but we are allowing that person to hold a very specific kind of space with us so this powerful act can take place. To be witnessed is to let ourselves be seen as we truly are in that moment.

Our friends and loved ones can easily be witnesses for us, if only we are brave enough to let them. Your next birthday may be the perfect occasion to experience this sacred act: Invite your friends and loved ones to your special day. During the celebration, stand in front of them and thank them for being there for you. Feel their gratitude, attention, warmth, and support, while noticing the sense of safety you feel as they surround you. If you feel inspired, share your innermost thoughts about the day and your life. You may be surprised at the feelings of peace and validation that arise within you, when you feel safe enough to go deep into your soul and share yourself with those you trust.

Anyone who has ever seen love, admiration, acceptance, or appreciation reflected in a friend or loved one’s eyes knows how transformative that experience can be. When you bare yourself to another, you are giving them the gift of you and showing them that they also matter. In letting yourself be witnessed, you are letting others into your intimate space, stepping in the sacred container they have created for you, and creating a cauldron of positive affirmation, support, love, and goodwill that will stay with you forever.

September 29, 2008
West Meets East: The Historic Shankar/Menuhin Sessions
Ravi Shankar & Yehudi Menuhin
1976

( For a scant half-decade in the latter part of the 1960s, Western music fans turned their ears eastward, toward the traditions of Southeast Asia and India in particular. )

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September 29, 2008
Heart-Centered Hospitality
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

( The camaraderie of your friendships could make you open up to others with welcoming and friendly arms today, and doing something kind for the people you care about might be a way for you to show the extent of your care for them. )

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September 29, 2008
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Nothing Is Insurmountable

When our next best course of action seems unclear, any dilemmas we face can appear insurmountable. Yet there is nothing we cannot overcome with time, persistence, focused thought, help, and faith. Whatever the situation or problem, there is always a solution. And if you remember to look within, even as you search around you for the “right” course of action, you will be able to center yourself, clear your mind, and see that nothing has to be impossible.

The first step in overcoming any obstacle is to believe that it can be overcome. Doing so will give you the strength and courage to move through any crisis. The second step is to make a resolution that you can prevail over any chaos. Enlist your support network of family and friends if necessary. The more minds there are to consider a problem, the more solutions can be found. Don’t discount ideas just because they seem impractical or “unrealistic,” and don’t keep searching for the “best” alternative. Often there is no “best” choice, there is only a choice to make so we can begin moving beyond whatever is obstructing our path. At the very least, making a choice, even if isn’t the ideal one, can give you a sense of peace before you have to figure out what your next course of action will be.

If you feel overwhelmed by the scope of your troubles, you may want to think of other people who have turned adversity into triumph. We often gain a fresh perspective when we remember others who have overcome larger obstacles. It can be inspiring to hear of their victories, helping us remember that there is always light at the end of every tunnel. It is during our darkest hours that we sometimes need to remind ourselves that we don’t have to feel helpless. You have within and around you the resources to find a solution to any problem. And remember that if a solution or choice you make doesn’t work, you are always free to try another. Believe that you can get through anything, and you will always prevail.