candy dish~

Love my horoscope today... In me I trust...LOL!

L@TUS — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:56:24 GMT

July 17, 2008 Marked By Trust Gemini Daily Horoscope You may find it difficult to respond personably to people in your domestic and professional spheres today because you are focused on attempting to unearth their underlying motives. A defensive mood can cause you to feel distrustful when interacting with others, and you may be unwilling to share your thoughts and feelings as a result. Though you may interpret your suspicious mind-set as one of self-protection, you may actually be alienating yourself from your peers. To regain your ability to speak and act freely around others, consider that the individuals you spend time with each day likely will not do anything to betray your trust. Should your suspicions remain strong today, honestly confronting others with your concerns may help alleviate your misgivings. It is the faith we have in others that allows us to interact comfortably and effectively with people in the various spheres of our lives. When we are suspicious of the motives of our loved ones, colleagues, and associates, we articulate our thoughts in a guarded fashion, afraid to reveal the whole of ourselves. Working and playing with others is only pleasurable and constructive when we can express ourselves freely. Trust is the foundation of the collaborative efforts and friendly negotiations that ensure our lives flow smoothly and are not an impediment to the well-being of others. Since we often live close to one another, this confidence helps us relate to each other peacefully and pleasantly. Your willingness to adopt an attitude of trust will help you open up to people easily.

~ dame de lotus ~

L@TUS — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:37:38 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OWjZd3DyCA&feature=related

850 BC and beyond

L@TUS — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:35:57 GMT

A Dance in Armor The Pyrritic dance is frequently mentioned in the Homeric poems. It is a general name for dance in armor that is known generally as "Pyrrhiche". These martial dances were a part of the basic military education in both Athens and Sparta accompanied by the sound of a flute, drum and kemenche. Also was part of the ancient Panathenaic festival (a festival which consisted of three categories: contests, procession, and sacrifices. Uh, yeah, animal sacrifices) The most illustrious men in the state danced in the Pyrritic circle. This dance is intimately connected with the worship of Apollo and was believed to have been first performed by Athena herself in celebration her fellow Olympians. What I find interesting is this dance is a mixture of gymnastics and mimicry, that it was intended to represent gestures, movements, and certain ideas with quick motions (fleeing), vaulting, leaping (jumping walls), and psyching the opponent. I'm not sure what the shoulder shimmies represent. (LOL) Also, the tight close unit of dancing - a signature of Spartan warfare ;-) When enjoying the uninhibited expression of a seasoned dancer or group of dancers I'm elated when I can feel, notice and understand the energy behind their movements - the mimicry of lovers, warfare, sadness, joy, despair, birth and death, the celebration of man and woman. It is imbedded with ancient ritualistic ceremonial dance. And we mustn’t overlook our devoted musicians that lead us into and thru the story line of this precious and symbolic dance movement. Viewing the dance of my descendants I realize the enormous gift I’ve given to myself - the freedom of dance, music, and the freedom of celebrating life. I’ve made it back home with my armor and shield. :-) “Dance is worship and a moving meditation celebrating transcendence.” ~Hugs~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVtcRIsrq6k&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftXUbFQv9EQ&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYx-Pame-aQ&feature=related

Daily OM... What's your life's work?

L@TUS — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:20:41 GMT

I've fulfilled all "that stuff" I was supposed to do and now moving in the direction of doing my life's work... This involves creating a life filled with music, dance, art and intimate relationships with those I deeply love... creating fun and exciting opportunities...travel inward and outward and returning home with some fun chotckies... creating a life for my daughter that we can both enjoy and embrace... creating a beautiful and nurturing home environment... and eating chocolate ice cream guilt free while tasting the sweetness of life in every spoonful I feed myself. SPOOOOOOOON! And hey... you can feed me a spoonful of sweetness anytime. :-) To my loved ones...my canvas is looking great... you are part of my life's work... my magnum opus. *HUGS* ************************************************* Daily OM - May 13, 2008 Feeling Our Life Finding Our Life’s Work Sometimes it takes us the better part of a lifetime to discover our life’s work, even though we may have been doing it our whole lives without necessarily realizing it. Our life’s work is not always what we do to make money, although we often think it should be, and sometimes this way of thinking prevents us from seeing clearly what it is. It may be the work of having children, caring for them, and running a household. The way we know our life’s work is by how we feel when we are doing it. When we are doing our life’s work, we feel an uncanny sense of ease and alignment. This doesn’t mean that the work is always easy, and it doesn’t mean that it’s the only work we have to do; it just means that there is a conviction deep inside us that tells us we are in tune with our innermost self. When we are engaged in our life’s work, our bodies feel more alive, because our energy is devoted to a cause that, in turn, feeds us. We may be tired after engaging in our life’s work, but we are almost never depleted. We feel grounded in the world, knowing that we belong here and have something important to offer. When we are deeply unhappy, depressed, or subject to one illness after another, this may be due to a sense of disconnection from our life’s work. At times like these, finding the work we are meant to do is an essential act of healing. Most of us remember a time when we felt fully engaged in some act of work, service or creativity, and it is here that we may rediscover the work we are meant to do now. On the other hand, it may be time to explore what inspires us through volunteering, taking a class, going back to school, or just doing whatever it is we long to try. We all have callings, and when we find them, we owe it to ourselves to nurture and protect them, because while they may or may not be our livelihood, they are the keys to our wellbeing.

Tidbits on London's mayor and a few aphorisms

L@TUS — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:03:22 GMT

This blurb on Boris Johnson and the classics made me giggle a bit as I had my sun blotted out by arrows this past week. Reinforces my classical heritage and approach on surviving...well, life. I invite the shade from arrows... Hell, who wants a sunburn and glare in the eyes. ;-) Oh, and interesting review on this Dennis the Menace of London. Enjoy. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7397812.stm

Dancers: Vyjanthi and Padmini

L@TUS — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:07:19 GMT

The guy in this clips has no clue what he's in for... I love the "daggers and arrows" between these gals. Beautiful dancing, hand gestures, facial expressions. I've got to find this movie. ~~ my thumb is up, way up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jQmgcsRE44&feature=related

DailyOM - The Direction Of Happiness

L@TUS — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:46:00 GMT

April 24, 2008 The Direction Of Happiness Leaving A Relationship One of the hardest decisions we ever make in life is leaving a long-term relationship that just isn’t working. When attempts at repairing and working out issues aren’t working, it may be time to examine moving on. We are emotional creatures, and when our heartstrings are tied to those of another, separating from that person can feel like an act of courage. It is not something most of us will take lightly, and many of us will struggle with our desire to stay in a relationship that is unfulfilling simply in order to avoid that pain. We may question whether the happiness we seek even exists, and we may wonder if we might be wiser to simply settle where we are, making the best of what we have. On the one hand, we almost relish the idea that true happiness is not out there so that we can avoid the pain of change. On the other hand, we feel within ourselves a yearning to fulfill our desire for relationships that are vital and healing. Ultimately, most of us will follow this call, because deep within ourselves we know that we deserve to be happy. We all deserve to be happy, no matter where we find ourselves in this moment, and we are all justified in moving, like plants toward the light, in the direction that leads to our greatest fulfillment. First, though, we may need to summon the courage to move on from the relationship that appears to be holding us back. Taking the first steps will be hard, but the happiness we find when we have freed ourselves from a situation that is draining our energy will outshine any hardship we undergo to get there. Keeping our eyes trained on the horizon, we begin the work of disentangling ourselves from the relationship that no longer fits. Every step brings us closer to a relationship that will work, and the freedom we need to find the happiness we deserve.

a breath of kindness...

L@TUS — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:02:19 GMT

Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are -- chaff and grain together -- certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.… Dinah Mulock

The Dog, the Cat and the Rat - ;-)

L@TUS — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:17:25 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuuesBhOR9g&feature=related I'll give you a piggy-back anytime! :-) xo, Lotus

Sarah & Chopin... Timeless

L@TUS — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:53:05 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1tUdbknTeA&feature=related Another beauty... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utmG3OAjBXs&feature=related

Endless ocean...

L@TUS — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:02:48 GMT

Invisible threads are the strongest ties. -Nietzche There is something greater and purer than what the mouth utters. Silence illuminates our souls, whispers to our hearts, and brings them together. Silence separates us from ourselves, makes us sail the firmament of spirit, and brings us closer to heaven. - Kahlil Gibran Once upon a time a band of knights riding through a forest saw hundreds of trees with targets painted on them and an arrow in the very center of each target. When the king heard of this, he sent the knights back to find the archer who hit the bullseye every time. They found a wee, small boy. They brought him back to the king, and the king asked how he ever managed such a remarkable feat. The boy answered, it's easy, sir. First you shoot the arrow, then you paint the target. - Unknown If it vibrates it can be tuned. Everything is energy - violins, people, potato chips, thoughts, feelings, and events. They all vibrate. - Deena Zalkind Spear

The Poetry of Scent (photoshop by lotus)

L@TUS — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:15:19 GMT

I don't feel like writing a poem, Instead, I will light the incense-burning vessel Filled with myrrh, jasmine, and frankincense, And the poem will grow in my heart Like the flowers in my garden. - student of Hafis (15th century A.D.)

Deep Listening (photoshop by lotus)

L@TUS — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:28:35 GMT

Listening What is the deep listening? Sama is a greeting from the secret ones inside the heart, a letter. The branches of your intelligence grow new leaves in the wind of this listening. The body reaches a peace. Rooster sound comes, reminding you of your love for dawn. The reed flute and the singer's lips: the knack of how spirit breathes into us becomes as simple and ordinary as eating and drinking. The dead rise with the pleasure of listening. If someone can't hear a trumpet melody, sprinkle dirt on his head and declare him dead. Listen, and feel the beauty of your separation, the unsayable absence. There's a moon inside every human being. Learn to be companions with it. Give more of your life to this listening. As brightness is to time, so you are to the one who talks to the deep ear in your chest. I should sell my tongue and buy a thousand ears when that one steps near and begins to speak. ~Rumi

Birth of Dance (photoshop by Lotus)

L@TUS — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:47:32 GMT

"To awaken is to not fix or hold, but to love whatever is here. Knowing this truth releases our hearts from grasping. The mystery that gave us birth becomes a dance." ~ Jack Kornfield

Not Alone...

L@TUS — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:44:19 GMT

Daily OM January 31, 2008 Not Alone In The Dark Looking At What We Don’t Want To See It is one of life's great paradoxes that the things we don't want to look at in ourselves are the very things we need to look at in order to know ourselves better and to become more fully who we are. The feelings that make us want to run away are buried treasure full of energy and inspiration if we are willing to look. These feelings come in many forms, from strange images or snippets of information to recurring dreams and feelings that rise up seemingly without a reason. Whatever shape they come in, and no matter how scary they seem, these messengers bring the information we need in order to grow. When we are tired of pushing something down, or trying to run away from it, a good first step is to write down what we think we are avoiding. Often this turns out to be only the surface of the issue or a symbol of something else. Expressing ourselves fully on paper is a safe way to begin exploring the murky territory of the unconscious. The coolness of the intellect can give us the distance we need to read what we have written and feel less afraid of it. It helps if we remember that no matter how dark or negative our thoughts or feelings may be, these are energies shared by all humanity. We are not alone in the dark, and all the gurus and teachers we admire had to go through their own unprocessed emotional territory in order to come out the other side brighter and wiser. This can give us the courage we need to open the treasure chest of what we have been avoiding. Within the parts of ourselves that we don't want to look at, there are emotions that need to be felt. Unfelt emotions are stuck energy, and when we leave emotions unprocessed, we deprive ourselves of access to that energy. When we feel strong enough, we can begin the process of feeling those emotions, on our own or with guidance from a spiritual counselor. It is through this work that the buried treasure of energy and inspiration will pour forth from our hearts, giving us the courage to look at all the parts of ourselves with insight and compassion.

Tidbits from Al...

L@TUS — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:14:20 GMT

“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

Dreams & Webs

L@TUS — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:49:14 GMT

Dreamcatchers are an authentic American Indian tradition, from the Ojibway (Chippewa) tribe. The people would tie sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame - in a somewhat similar pattern to how they tied webbing for Ojibway snowshoes--and hang this "dream-catcher" as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. The legend is that the bad dreams will get caught in the web. The Dreamcatcher allegedly helps us remember our dreams. It is regarded by some as a serious tool that is much more than a decorative ornament. The opening in the center determines the volume that you are asking to receive and parallels the changes that will occur in your life. Hang the dreamcatcher near the place where you sleep, on the wall, or perhaps from a lampshade or bedpost. Should your dreams become too active, or if you feel you need a break from the workings of your dreamcatcher, simply lay it down on a flat surface to render it inactive until you are ready to hang it up again.

Spirals

L@TUS — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:23:41 GMT

A friend just gave me beautiful insight on spirals. A symbol near and dear to me. *smiles* Check out the link and enjoy the visual energy: http://spiral.gallery.sytes.org/

How has nature healed you?

L@TUS — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:30:43 GMT

Nature is my greatest teacher and healer Long ago I read that I could find within nature solutions to my problems. This wise seed stayed with me throughout my years. Not such a strange concept to find forgiveness in a falling leaf or love in the wind blowing through your hair, or fear dissipating from thunder. There is a message and blessing in every moment. Just this week I felt some healing in my soul during a drum class. The unison of beats vibrated up my body and made my heart feel enveloped with a healing sound. I felt protected and safe. Stop and use your senses to fill your soul with natures ancient wisdom. How has nature healed you?

Daily OM: Awakening The Inner Warrior

L@TUS — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:10:24 GMT

Awakening The Inner Warrior Stoking The Fire Within There are certain personality archetypes that we all carry within us, such as the inner child, the lover, and the mother. Some of these archetypes present themselves strongly, while others lay fallow. For example, there is an inner warrior in each one of us, but in some of us this warrior is underdeveloped to the point that we are unable to stand up for ourselves, even when necessary. There can be many reasons for this. We may have grown up with a parent whose warrior aspect was overdeveloped, and we responded by repressing ours completely. On the other hand, we may have grown up with parents in whom this aspect was dormant, so we never learned to awaken it in ourselves. A warrior is someone with the strength to stand up for what he or she believes; someone who perseveres in the face of challenges and obstacles; someone who speaks and acts in the service of an ideal; someone who protects those who are too weak to fight for themselves. Regardless of the reasons for an underdeveloped inner warrior, you may begin to notice the lack of its fiery, protective presence and wish to awaken it. You may need to stand up for yourself in a certain relationship or situation, or you may have a vision you want to realize, and you know you will need the courage, energy, and strength of a warrior to succeed. Similarly, if you find that you often feel scared, anxious, or powerless, rousing this sleeping ally may be just the antidote you need. One excellent way to cultivate the presence of your inner warrior is to choose a role model who embodies the qualities of bravery, strength, and vitality. This person could be a character in a myth, movie, or book, or a historical or living person you admire. Simply close your eyes each day and contemplate the quality of energy that attracts you to this person, knowing that the same potential lives within you. Confirm for yourself that you are capable of handling this energy responsibly, and stoke the fire of your own inner courage. www.dailyom.com

Day of the Dead - www.dayofthedead.com

L@TUS — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:31:18 GMT

Autumn brings back many memories for me. Most memorable is my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico and experiencing Dia De Los Muertos with the local families. I've brought a little of this experience and tradition to my own home by making a little altar amid my lush backyard with candles, bottle of wine, pictures of loved ones that have passed over, Oaxacan skeletons and woodcut figures, and bright flowers. A little history lesson on Day of the Dead... Every year, on November 1st (All Saints Day) and 2nd (All Souls Day), something unique takes place in many areas of Mexico -- Day of the Dead festivities. While it's strange for most of us to accept the fact that "death" and "festivities" can go hand-in-hand, for most Mexicans, the two are intricately entwined. This all stems from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry. Just like they did when they were living.

Simple Gestures Of Solace - Offering Comfort

L@TUS — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:47:17 GMT

DailyOM - October 29, 2007 Sometimes it is difficult to see someone we love struggling, in pain, or hurting. When this happens, we might feel like we need to be proactive and do something to ease their troubles. While others may want our help, it is important to keep in mind that we need to be sensitive to what they truly want in the moment, since it can be all too easy to get carried away and say or do more than is really needed. Allowing ourselves to let go and simply exist in the present with another person may actually provide a greater amount of comfort and support than we could ever imagine. Perhaps we can think back to a time when we were upset and needed a kind word, hug, or listening ear from someone else. As we remember these times, we might think of the gestures of kindness that were the most healing. It may have been gentle words such as “I care about you,” or the soothing presence of someone holding us and not expecting anything that were the most consoling. When we are able to go back to these times it becomes easier for us to keep in mind that giving advice or saying more than is really necessary is not always reassuring. What is truly comforting for another is not having someone try to fix them or their problems, but to just be there for them. Should we begin to feel the urge arise to offer advice or repair a situation, we can take a few deep breaths, let the impulse pass, and bring our attention back to the present. Even though we may want to do more, we do not have to do anything other than this to be a good friend. The more we are attuned to what our loved ones are feeling, the more capable we are of truly giving what is best for them in their hour of need. Keeping things simple helps us give the part of ourselves that is capable of the greatest amount of compassion—open ears and an understanding heart.

My lunch break today... Boats & Butterflies

L@TUS — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:45:26 GMT

Hundreds of sail boats heading south accompany the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA in the Gulf of Mexico for her Harvest Moon Rigatta... and during this beautiful sighting... thousands of Monarch butterfly's filled the air migrating to the warmer southern climate. It's astounding to see such delicate incest bodies frail and exposed. I believe they were the true captains of those sails. (Each Autumn, thousands of Monarch Butterflies gather in southern Canada to migrate south. Some of these butterflies travel over 2,900 kilometers, just to overwinter in places such as Michoacan, Mexico in a small town called Angangueo. Other Monarch Butterflies also overwinter in Cuba, and Pacific Grove, as well as Newark, California. In sanctuaries such as the one in Angangueo, Michoacan in Mexico there are millions of these gorgeous butterflies. From morning until about 1:00pm, they are most active. You can see them flying around and almost blocking the sky. You will hear the fascinating sound of their wings flapping. During their long flight there is a great danger from predators. )http://www.insecta-inspecta.com/butterflies/monarch/ It's officially Autumn. Butterfly kisses, Lotus

Viona - a 23 year old photographer

L@TUS — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:57:35 GMT

The first time I saw Viona's web site I was stunned - not by the subject matter but by her inner visonary wisdom to capture the essence of timelessness of the environment vs model. The costuming is amazing which displays perfection as its own landscape with folds, texture and ethereal matter. Viona's access to amazing backdrops in architecture and nature is a true partnership for her models and costuming. It's poetry for the eyes and soul. www.viona-art.com Enjoy

What monster are you? Take the test...

L@TUS — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:13:59 GMT

***You're a Werewolf*** You're unpredictable, moody, and downright freaky. You seem sweet and harmless, until you snap. Then you're a total monster. Very few people can predict if you're going to be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde. But for you, all your transformations seem perfectly natural. Your greatest power: Your ability to tap into nature Your greatest weakness: Lack of self control You play well with: Vampires What Kind of Monster Are You? http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofmonsterareyouquiz/