Food for the Soul . . .
Something else I've been doing the past month, is beginning to making music again. I really cannot go too very long without it. In fact, if you know me in real life, you likely know that I've been a musician since before anything else. I've stepped away from it for a few years again because I just haven't had the wherewithal to do it. But I was inspired to open my eyes . . . I tuned my guitar and have been playing a bit. And I re-seasoned my pipe bag and at least blew some air through them a few times. Not pretty, but something.
I am absolutely stunned by the muscle memory retained in my hands. I am very, very lucky, and that's all that I can say about that.
Quick update on my 24-hour urine collection. I am happy to say that I have been successful on my "output." They wanted me at the very least to be peeing out 2.5 liters daily. To do that, you have to drink a LOT of water. I was instructed to drink 3 - 4 liters of water every day. This is actually getting easier, believe it or not. When you don't drink things like pop, coffee, or tea, it's way easier. So, I was shooting for at least 2.5, and I was at 3.6. So, I've been successful with my first directive of drink more water. I'll have to wait for my test results in mid-July to see if I've been fully successful with my second, which was eat less salt.
With the health issues I've had for the past few years, I am continually looking for ways to inspire myself and keep myself going.
A few weeks ago, with with my friend, D., to a Body, Soul, Spirit festival. We had a great time! I spent some money to talk with a Shaman named Matthew. He was pretty amazing and knew a lot of stuff that he really shouldn't have . . . I do believe some people have gifts that they've been able to tap into better than the rest of us. It was money and time well spent - he was very clear that he didn't understand why I wasn't making music since it runs through the very core of who I am and how I define myself. He could never know this. Other stuff, too, but this was compelling and helped me see what I might be missing.
While at the fair I found these two Raku-fired medallions, the Hand of Fatima, and the Celtic Trinity Knot.
I love what the little card that came with these says:
Yup . . .
I don't think the Trinity Knot requires much explanation - you can interpret it as any trinity you need it to be . . . But The Hand of Fatima might not be as familiar to you. It is an ancient symbol of feminine protection. Mostly found in Middle Eastern and North African cultures, I first encountered it in Morocco and learned about it from our Berber guide. It's called Hamsa in Jewish culture. When I say ancient - it pre-dates all modern religions. I think it's very, very beautiful. On the back of the medallion it says, "I am Protected." On the back of the Trinity Knot medallion, it says: "I am Connected."
:-)
And on my wrist, more reminders and inspirations:
The silver bracelets are all from Alex and Ani. An Om, Liberty Copper, the Hand of Fatima, the Number 3 (Creativity, Wholeness, Intuition), and somewhere, my initial, A. I have more - I wear them a lot.
The red leather wrist wrap is from Brian Andreas, of Story People fame. I first encountered his work years ago in a little shop on North Clybourn in Chicagoland. Linda the Chicken Lady and I both got multiple matted prints of his work. I know I had mine framed and they've hung on various walls of my life over the years.
Anyway. he was having a moving sale and this wrap was on sale. The site said that the clasps of the wraps were tarnished (no big deal) and they were selling them quite inexpensively. I think that the only reason I was able to get this one is that it was a size Small. That's right. My wrists are less than 6" around. Smallest part of my body. :-D I worried a bit that it might not fit, but it fits beautifully. I know you can't see the whole story on it. Here's what it says:
So, yeah - you know I had to get that. Funny, isn't is, that I keep the wrist wrap so I can read it, and wear the bracelets the opposite? That's just the way that they seem to go best :-)
I was finally to get out this past weekend and walk. It finally cooled off enough to get an early walk in both days. In the spirit of gorgeous photos my friend, Michelle from Boulderneigh, posts, here are a few reminders of my steps . . .
Busy muskrat in the Retention Pond . . .
Robin in the Pine (click to biggify) . . .
Wild Roses in the Wetland . . .
Until the next time . . .
I am absolutely stunned by the muscle memory retained in my hands. I am very, very lucky, and that's all that I can say about that.
Quick update on my 24-hour urine collection. I am happy to say that I have been successful on my "output." They wanted me at the very least to be peeing out 2.5 liters daily. To do that, you have to drink a LOT of water. I was instructed to drink 3 - 4 liters of water every day. This is actually getting easier, believe it or not. When you don't drink things like pop, coffee, or tea, it's way easier. So, I was shooting for at least 2.5, and I was at 3.6. So, I've been successful with my first directive of drink more water. I'll have to wait for my test results in mid-July to see if I've been fully successful with my second, which was eat less salt.
With the health issues I've had for the past few years, I am continually looking for ways to inspire myself and keep myself going.
A few weeks ago, with with my friend, D., to a Body, Soul, Spirit festival. We had a great time! I spent some money to talk with a Shaman named Matthew. He was pretty amazing and knew a lot of stuff that he really shouldn't have . . . I do believe some people have gifts that they've been able to tap into better than the rest of us. It was money and time well spent - he was very clear that he didn't understand why I wasn't making music since it runs through the very core of who I am and how I define myself. He could never know this. Other stuff, too, but this was compelling and helped me see what I might be missing.
While at the fair I found these two Raku-fired medallions, the Hand of Fatima, and the Celtic Trinity Knot.
I love what the little card that came with these says:
"Not everyone survives their trial by fire. The ones that do cultivate strength & beauty."
Yup . . .
I don't think the Trinity Knot requires much explanation - you can interpret it as any trinity you need it to be . . . But The Hand of Fatima might not be as familiar to you. It is an ancient symbol of feminine protection. Mostly found in Middle Eastern and North African cultures, I first encountered it in Morocco and learned about it from our Berber guide. It's called Hamsa in Jewish culture. When I say ancient - it pre-dates all modern religions. I think it's very, very beautiful. On the back of the medallion it says, "I am Protected." On the back of the Trinity Knot medallion, it says: "I am Connected."
:-)
And on my wrist, more reminders and inspirations:
The silver bracelets are all from Alex and Ani. An Om, Liberty Copper, the Hand of Fatima, the Number 3 (Creativity, Wholeness, Intuition), and somewhere, my initial, A. I have more - I wear them a lot.
The red leather wrist wrap is from Brian Andreas, of Story People fame. I first encountered his work years ago in a little shop on North Clybourn in Chicagoland. Linda the Chicken Lady and I both got multiple matted prints of his work. I know I had mine framed and they've hung on various walls of my life over the years.
Anyway. he was having a moving sale and this wrap was on sale. The site said that the clasps of the wraps were tarnished (no big deal) and they were selling them quite inexpensively. I think that the only reason I was able to get this one is that it was a size Small. That's right. My wrists are less than 6" around. Smallest part of my body. :-D I worried a bit that it might not fit, but it fits beautifully. I know you can't see the whole story on it. Here's what it says:
"Trust Love. That's pretty much it. Except, maybe, drink more water."
So, yeah - you know I had to get that. Funny, isn't is, that I keep the wrist wrap so I can read it, and wear the bracelets the opposite? That's just the way that they seem to go best :-)
I was finally to get out this past weekend and walk. It finally cooled off enough to get an early walk in both days. In the spirit of gorgeous photos my friend, Michelle from Boulderneigh, posts, here are a few reminders of my steps . . .
Busy muskrat in the Retention Pond . . .
Robin in the Pine (click to biggify) . . .
Wild Roses in the Wetland . . .
Until the next time . . .
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