miramiramazing

bread baked, case packed with foodstuffs, I'm off to visit Anna-Stina for a few days in the country. Foodstuffs because the nearest shop is half an hour away by bus that goes about twice a day, so in my case I have freshly baked bread, milk , cream, cheeses, some dark chocolate, and a bottle of wine, oh .. and er.. a big bag of crisps

About an hour on the big train and then the bus into the depths of countryside.. elk forests, fields, meadows and lakes. I have to get off between 'Bonny Moon ' and 'Forest' - place names, literally translated .

Back on Friday evening.

TTFN

Enchanted by the rhythmic music of Cheb i Sebbah from his " Devotion " CD. This is the only track I could find on YouTube.

" Devotion " release party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b44cIXkg1c

The Prof and his lovely lady came over last night to take MrTheFish home from his 3 week holiday with me

I notice something is not quite right. The Prof looks traumatised through his smile and cheerfulness as he hands me a bottle of wine. A mother can tell

They joke about his being traumatised .. post traumatic stress as a result of an incident at the Systembolaget ( wine and spirits shop) half an hour previously.

The Prof goes into the Systembolaget to buy his mamma ( moi ) a bottle of nice vino by way of thank you for looking after MrTheFish. Sales assistant asks him for ID ( he's 32 ) and sees that it has EXPIRED . so refuses to sell him the wine.

Ok.. so far so good .. embarrassing, annoying , but she is within her rights.

Prof goes over to the queue ticket machine, takes a ticket and proceeds to phone girlfriend.

" Halloooooooooo " booms the assistant across the room in a loud voice " that won't work either..."

BIG MISTAKE ... thinks mamma Mira .. HOW DARE SHE humiliate my son like that !!! ( the Prof is by now in shock unable to think of all the smart replies and things he could do in this situation )

grrrrrrrr the Puma , the lioness is aroused in me , demanding justice .. demanding an apology from this ignorant Faschist of a sales assistant.

Not only has my 'baby' been wronged , but this sort of thing is becoming only too commonplace and is TOTALLY unacceptable in my book.

I have a good mind to go down to that shop in Gamla Stan ( Old Town) and demand to see the manager.. kick up a right fuss ... set the Puma loose on them and demand satisfaction .. an apology , not only for my son , but all those that have been humilated and wronged.

I look forward to the day when I will be refused the right to buy an alcoholic beverage because I am 'under age'

Doing the right thing; doing something right.
This is a recurring thought : Am I doing it right ?

During the Qgong course this weekend , there were many practical exercises. ' find a partner ' and then instructions etc ....

I find a partner, we start the exercise, but then I hear others talking while my partner and I are silent. Immediately I think " hang on a minute .. am I doing this right ? ... we're not talking but the others are ...ooops

What's that all about ?

Ai ai ai .....

sounds of me getting out of bed this morning , falling out of bed, trying to get out of bed

All this sitting around cross legged all weekend is just a wee bit taxing

But .... I'z recharged mi batteries... and my chi is up and flowing.

I'm now armed with tools; a ritual of rubbing, palms of hands together like crazy, then shaking vigorously like a cocktail shaker , tits , bum and body parts all shakin all about like a pneumatic drill and finally clawing over sides of scalp three times...wakes you up it does.

hehehehe .. I am laughing .. and I am , quite happy

Apart from learning a few techniques, we also used Chi energies to give each other healing. Group energies , when focused with intent are amazing.

I learned , or rather was reminded, that doing things mindfully, with INTENT is dynamite

I'm sure there's a lot going on inside my cells and tissues right now .It feels like that , anyway ... and ... I am breathing and trusting the process.

Will attend to joints now ...spot of oil here and there should do the trick

So, how was your weekend ?

X

Happy Birthday Tylluan

Dear Tylluan
You are the ever-changing aspect of the Goddess, clothed in the garments of Sophia, the Black Madonna, Mother Mary, Demeter, and all other sacred manifestations of Her mystery.

May you travel through the portals of transformation and change as you enter you 'new year ' with love and ease.
May you relinquish the burdens and worries of the past year and move forward into a fresh new birthday year full of joy, optimism and gratitude for all that is.
May you prosper and grow in all your dimensions.
Peace, clarity, and creativity are yours for the asking.
.
Brightest and most beautifully blissful blessings to you,
Blessed be !

Thanks to Monica who dragged me there kicking and screeming my chi or KI has been flowing and mingling today from morning till night.

I'm inspired and absolutely knackered after first day of Qi - healing course ; QiGongAkademin. Christina Norberg and Gunnar Norberg are such talented experienced teachers. I had a mini healing session to remove blockages from my lower chakras and felt the energies moving up and down my spine.There was a whole lot of shakin' going to the beat of the drum and shamanistic rattles.

Off to bed now and looking forward to day two ...early start again ...*yawn* x

Night night

The gift of well- being is what was bestowed upon me yesterday. Gunilla phoned earlier in the afternoon and invited me for a meal at her place. " we both have to eat .. it won't be a late night " she tells me on the phone.

I pop by the Systembolaget , pick up a bottle of Bardolino and hop on the number 4 bus. Half an hour later I am there as the church bells in the square start to chime as I walk down the road. Another ten minutes and I'm sitting comfortably in a chair sipping a glass of red and chatting as G. puts finishing touches to dinner; fresh pasta, chantarelles with walnuts and a massive fresh green leaf salad, and some cheese. The pasta is deeeeeevine ....mmmmmm ooooo ahhhhh !

Over dinner we exchange insights stories , and practice putting fork and spoon down between mouthfuls ... HA !!!.. discipline .. not easy , I tell you

By 10 pm I am out of the door walking down the road to the square. The number 4 bus is just leaving. I stick out my arm and a leg and miracle of miracles it STOPS and I get on " Oh how kind of you to stop ,THANK YOU " I burst out and I register the look on passenger's faces as I sit down ... content m and feeling good. I have just experienced the gift of well- being , I think to myself and send off a text to Gunilla to tell her and thank her for the evening.

Well- being creates magic !

Bless xxx

All you see below are cakes that can be eaten without any part of it left.
No plastics or any other artificial stuff is being used - everything is edible..
All these cakes are by Zhanna from St. Petersburg .

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OOOOps ... seems that I can see the images but you can't .
Try googling or

http://www.bfeedme.com/zhanna-their-magical-st-petersburg-cakes/

zhanna's cakes

They really are amazing and not a pigment of my imagination ...unless of course , I am hallucinating again x

Streetwise publications just did an article on Barb Bechdol,etitled " FIGHTING FOR A FULLER LIFE "

Barbara Bechdol is secure enough to sit in her wheelchair and say " people who don't know me, look at me and see what I'm not "

To be honest, had I not met Barb in cyberspace and got to know and love her soul, her essence, her courage, passion and wicked sense of humour , I would have been one of those people.

Meeting Barb in New York for the first time , 6 years ago now , I think was emotional, difficult and frustrating. It was very difficult for me to understand her speech , to communicate with her and know how to relate to her as it is something I was not used to. But Barb was patient, understanding and compassionate beyond belief ... " ask as many times as you want for me to repeat " she would say. We managed with the help of Larry , her husband of 40 years.

Barb is 66 and has had cerebral palsy all her life and it has worsened with age. Barb is a bright woman; she went to college when she was released from an institution for people with special needs and came out with a degree in English and Masters in Linguistics.

Not only that , but only that , but also her husband , Larry, who used to be her personal assistant. Larry is also one of these Earth Angels and apart from being a husband continues to dress and feed her before he goes to work in the morning and then a PA that they have employed , comes in to help for about four hours.

Barb is dependent on someone 24/7 but that does not prevent her in being an activist and is writing a book about her time in the institutions and her " desire to kill them all " not the people , but the institutions. Barb is terrified of being locked up again.Now she makes decisions and is her own boss. "Being locked up is no fun " she says. Flippin eck .. I think I would have given up long ago ... but not Barb Oh no ... Barb is kept busy helping to plan and organise Disability Pride 2009 which is held annually and will be on 25th

BRAVA , Barb .. BRAVISSIMO .... brightest blessings and blessed be !

Happy?

Are you?

Are you now?

Are you now happy, dearest reader of my blog ?

Now.

You are.

You are happy.

Dearest blog friend  , you are happy now.

And I'm happy for you,
The Universe and Mira

Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ®
© www.tut.com ®

Now, what was it that was bugging you, my dear blog friend ?

The "NOTES" Gifts Project Infinite Possibilities The Village Shop E*Cards Tell a Friend Home

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I stumbled across this while flying around cyberspace this morning looking for images to represent the NOW moment. Now I believe that there are no accidents and there is definitely a connection between the experience of the NOW and sacred geometry and Charles Gilchrist is such a good speaker. Amazing .. truly amazing.

A lively video featuring artist Charles Gilchrist and his creations in which he speaks about the ancient spiritual discipline known as Sacred Geometry.

Now is the time to know
That all that you do is sacred.

Now, why not consider
A lasting truce with yourself and God.

Now is the time to understand
That all your ideas of right and wrong
Were just a child's training wheels
To be laid aside
When you finally live
With veracity
And love.

Hafiz is a divine envoy
Whom the Beloved
Has written a holy message upon.

My dear, please tell me,
Why do you still
Throw sticks at your heart
And God?

What is it in that sweet voice inside
That incites you to fear?

Now is the time for the world to know
That every thought and action is sacred.

This is the time
For you to compute the impossibility
That there is anything
But Grace.

Now is the season to know
That everything you do
Is sacred.

( "The Gift" - versions of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)

Started Morning Pages again and it feels good.

Wrote 3 pages non stop , took 10 minutes , and could have carried on - I have lots to say.

Writing longhand is very different from typing on the computer , which is slower, clearer and more concise. Both have their place, but I do intend to write morning pages again now for at least 3 months, maybe longer. Who knows. The first time I did it, I wrote every single day for a year and a half.

Moving on .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Marcia. I've set up a private blog for her, hoping that she will get into blogging hehehe ... my cunning plan

The other day I set a blog up for myself with uplifting affirmations and pictures. The title is " Mira is Positively Prosperous " - and it makes me smile every time I log on. I intend to grow into this statement soon and make it the whole truth and nothing but the truth

Which reminds me - I have a webpage, http://www.freewebs.com/miramaze/ with quotes and stories that needs updating.

Toodle pip ... have a great day

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1200869/Bouncing-baby-falls-second-storey-window--survives-scratch.html

Flippin 'eck !

"The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced."

-- Aart Van Der Leeuw

I like this quote

Does anyone know anything about Aart Van Der Leeuw ?

Mornin' all ..I hope we are all waking up beautifully. I woke up to this "we are the world we are the children " It's a moving tune and moving sentiments. It's all about giving and sharing, and I don't just mean money. We give in all sorts of ways to make the world a better place for you and me.

Apparently the sense of sound is the first one we experience and it is the last one to go. The womb is a very noisy place too as I leanred a couple of years ago when listening to a recording of sounds inside the womb. all the gurgling and the loud sound of the heartbeating away. It is no surprise that we respond to the rythm and beat of the drum.

There's inner and outer sound and it is hard, even feels impossible sometimes as I found out a month ago trying to sleep through my sister's snoring with earplugs in my ears I could still feel the vibrations of sound in my body. At home too , while lying in bed or standing barefoot on the floor I can feel the vibrations of traffic passing by outside. During acupuncture sessions I feel and hear the passing trains underneath the building.

Sound is fascinating. Jonathan Goldman, (JG's CD Healing Sounds, is right there next to Leonard Cohen ) writes:

Simply by learning to listen, we can dramatically heighten our perception of the world and alter our consciousness. There are many meditation groups and spiritual paths which use sound as a means of entering the Divine. Listening to the "Shabd", the Sound Current, is an extraordinary yogic discipline. For many of these groups, the inner sounds experienced by deep listening, are among the most profound ways of traveling to higher planes. Some spiritual masters have even charted the sounds of different planes, from the sounds of bells ringing to the sounds of ocean to the sounds of the humming of bees. These are inner sound listening and they are very powerful indeed. as are the experiences of listening to outer sounds. And then there are harmonics, which may be the bridge between the inner and the outer sounds.

All sounds great to me .....TTFN

Mira's life according to google ( meme )
( via La-Spice )

Mira needs a lie down , drunk again ?
Mira looks like Scully from X files.
Mira hates when these stupid things happen. The media is so stupid.
Mira goes for more.
Mira loves kitties.
Mira eats grasses and other vegetation.
Mira finds the key to reducing staff turnover.
Mira's works have been acquired by collectors.
Mira lives of the money that she earns from her restaurant business and she must think every day how to improve it.
Mira died at home on Tuesday morning, Oct. 25, surrounded by 11 children and some of her 40 grandchildren.

X

Tempting fate now , on my second cup of coffee this sunless Sunday But , it's all good. I've been snacking, watching TV, chatting, writing and being inspired by this that and the other. A very typical Sunday, in fact.

First off , an interview with a Dane, Lars Muhl

Lars Muhl , born in Aarhus, Denmark, November the 14th, 1950, a member of the band "Dragon Five". Lars has always had a great interest in spirituality and has studied the world religions acquiring esoteric knowledge alongside his musical career but since 1999 has focused fully on his spiritual interests in alternative treatments, working as a healer, lecturer and writer. In 2003 he started "Hearts and Hands", a non-profit and apolitical aid organization based on the voluntary work of various therapists to help people who are suffering from life crisis such as cancer and stress related illnesses.

From there I went on to thinking outside the box and a video clip The beautiful Truth

I started thinking about government plans to carry out widespread pig-flu vaccination.
Is it really necessary ?
Who produces this vaccine ?
The pharmaceuticals behing this vaccine stand to make huge amounts of money.
I wouldn't put it past them to plant the damn piggy virus themselves.

And then Rami came on line with a link to his post

http://ramiswall.blogspot.com/2009/02/there-is-no-democracy.html

Very interesting - I agree a lot with what is said there both by Mr Beale and the' Second Hand Car Salesman chap  ' who shouts at him  

Has there ever been democracy?

Seee .. this is what drinking coffee does to me 

My intuition says NO to flu vaccine.
I say YES to staying healthy and common sense hygiene. The beautiful truth

News of plans of widespread pig-flu vaccination has me suspicious.
Is it really necessary ?
Who produces this vaccine ?
Someone is making huge amounts of money.

My intuition says NO to flu vaccine.
I say YES to staying healthy and common sense hygiene.

Spent the evening with blogger friend Rami. Hot chilli garlic jumbo prawns, rice , sallad , wine in the kitchen with windows wide open for the al fresco feel

Rami is from Jordan and came to Sweden about 4 years ago , I think , all bright eyed and bushy tailed having invested heavily in journalism course in Örebro. Succeeded too, did well, and now has a permanent freelance job at Swedish Radio which had to be celebrated. But, there have been many challenges , trials and tribulations along the way , and last night's Rami was a bit jaded and cynical around the edges to say the least, sad to say Still .. after food and wine , the happy tales emerged again. Tales I love to hear about the beduins and the wind in te desert and secret places that few people know about. I heard about his madcap teenage years and student days. Rami wanted to see my pics from early days in Sweden in the 70s so I dug out my old album , the one my colleague , Dave, would always ask to flip through when he came to visit me in Falun when I was working there.

So that was last night. This morning Suwan called and invited me to a picnic on Långholmen. I'm still faffing around here psyching myself up to going.. takes me forever.. but now that I have posted a post , I feel I can leave.

Happy Saturday, wherever you are and whatever you get up to

Feeling brighter and perkier today.21C and sunny. I am in the cosy heart space, sipping coffee and wondering if it will bring on the trots, not that there is any need

I've spent quite a bit of time tinkering around with my 'new' mobile that I got for free a year or so ago. Must have been part of some plan. Anyway .... I've not used it yet, but both the Prof and Johanna have used it to tide them over emergencies. It's now been cleaned of addresses and saved sent messages and I've been setting the clock and ring tones , testing them all out ...in short personalising.

Personalising is important to me, be it the mobile phone,a notebook, book, towel, home, dress, blog... I have to leave my mark on it. Claim it by signing my name or adding something to it. I also like to remove labels from shampoo bottles - there are a few that you can peel off leaving a clear plastic bottle underneath *satisfaction* They are the best.

I've not heard from MrTheFish's parents. I know they are back in Sweden but still on holiday on the coast near Malmö, I think. Maybe even in Denmark for the day. Bless. I hope they have done a good job of recharging their depleted batteries.

Just had bread, fresh from the oven; a result of an experiment; loos dough, minimal yeast and left for 24 hours to rise and do its bit. It's full of small holes ,a bit like a sponge or the inside bit of a crumpet. A bit chewy too quite nice. Different.

Finally, freshly picked billberies ( blueberries ) smell divine. Thank you Anna-Stina. There are lots around in the woods right now ... chantarelles, too

"One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star."

-- Nietzsche

I was sent this link by fortreauset to make me smile, and it certainly did. Bless xxx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zpf1DdArek

Heartfelt BLESSINGS to water everywhere, today and every day.
Thank you water
LOVE LOVE LOVE in every drop

Yawn. 6:30 a.m. and I'm up and typing away at MacLappy. Something is up. Summat is going on under the surface.

Residues of sadness after listening to friend's sharing of family dramas. Exhaustion.

Don't know what is going on with me under the surface, but something is simmering.
No words yet, just wordless thoughts.

Try as you might, you can't hold on to a handful of sand as it tends to slip through your fingers until there are only a few grains left.

The remedy is Acceptance , I am told

Words will come when they are ready
For now , only an inkling, a feeling , and emotion.
All in good time, eh ?

Dream last night

I am sipping one of those umbrella cocktail drinks and it is tasty. Then I notice that the body of the drink is an unpeeled banana .. odd.. they've forgotten to peel it ... I shall complain and get a refund , I think to myself.

The Last Quarter of the Moon

The precise moment
of the Last Quarter
was 11:54 am Jul, 15 2009 A stressful and unsettled period. Your ambitions are being stirred up and there is a desire to do something very important and show everyone how cool you are. However, the best way forward is to think thoroughly before doing anything and to direct your energy towards jobs planned earlier, rather than ideas which have just sprung into your head now.

The best way forward is to think thoroughly before doing anything and to direct your energy towards jobs planned earlier, rather than ideas which have just sprung into your head now

Sounds like good advice

A phone call woke me up with a start this morning and I was forced to try and think, focus, listen, speak, and ask questions straight away , something that normally takes a few hours.

Anyway after breakfast and a quick bath off I trott to see Marie and Marley in their new home. Marie and family have recently returned from Brazil where they have been living for a few years.

Their new home is absolutely gorgeous; complete with a view of the lake.

Marley is the latest addition to the family and was having to wear protective clothing as it was 'that time of the month ' .... three months in fact. Never having had a dog as a pet, I did not know that. We live and learn

This is Marley at home on her sunbed.

Walked Anna-Stina to the bus stop and she just missed one. The next one was in 15 minutes which isn't too bad, when the night is warm and the half full moon is shining down on you, keeping you company.

It's been a long day. After tackling matters of red tape I discovered an amazing place, The Creativity House, where you can choose a ceramic pot , paint it, and then leave it in to be glazed. Brill. Spent a few hours painting Lena's birthday present. It turned out to be a colourful bright plate ... a bit kitchy but certainly unique. I hope she likes it .

Anna Stina came round in the evening and we made a meal from what she brought with her and what I had at home - just like in the TV programmes. It turned out well

I'm right tired so off to bed I go.
Lovelovelove ......

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.

-- Thich Nhat Hanh

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , Jenniebaby !!

Froggies  will be celebrating your day all day today... fireworks and all !

Wow

Have a wonderful day with kitteh, Little Dude and other loved ones... ENJOY

linky : how cats celebrate birthdays

(((((hugs )))))

mira

xxx

Good morning , Blogland, and happy Tuesday and " quatorze juillet " 14th July , storming of the Bastille day.; don't mention the war , but an excuse for a party is always good, eh wot ?

Back in miraland I have been tackling red tape all morning and will now proceed to deposit forms with the authorities. Say no more, not mentioning the war but affirming " everything is always working out in my favour " ... so be it and so it is.

And now for a cheery note from the Universe; a reminder of what it was like, many lifetimes ago when I decided to incarnate on this planet

Do you know what it's like, Mira, to stand on the heavenly diving board of time, looking down at the 10,000 lifetimes you're about to begin? Seeing everything for the first time through prisms of color and light? Feeling totally overcome with such a surge of joy for ALL that lies ahead, that it takes all of your angels just to keep you from leaping before it's your turn? Knowing that no matter what happens you will emerge wiser, richer, and deeply in love with every form of consciousness that will soon touch and expand your own?

Oh yeah...

Nice cannonball.

In love,
The Universe

Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ®
© www.tut.com ®

You did that on purpose, right, Mira?

Catch you later xxxx

I first heard of 'the Butterfly House , Fjärilshuset , in Hagaparken through my friends Steve and Marie who used to run in the 80s.

I have so many good memories from the time Steve, Marie and their children Simon and Linda lived in Gamla Stan. The Prof and I as well as many others would drop in for impromptu lunches and dinners that sometimes ended as sleepovers. Their flat was like CharingCross station at that time.

Google is an amazing tool. Do check out this link and slide show of Steve's

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9768056@N08/show/

See the film about the Butterfly House ( Fjärilshuset)

The Butterfly House has undergone a great deal of expansion and transformation over the years and nowadays there are premises to let for weddings, conferences and parties. I haven't been there for a few years - It's time to check it out again, I think.

Walked across Västerbron then took the no 4 bus to Odenplan and then 515 to Haga Norra. Walked through the park and had tea and Haga Bulle at VasaSläten.

My knee started to hurt so I hobbled to the nearest bus stop and took the 59 to Hammarbyhamnen, not knowing where it was going but curious  I stayed on until the last stop and then  the train from Slussen to get home,

Lena called to talk about the moon. She'd been for a moonlight swim again and  found a porcelain dish in the sea- completely whole - not cracked or anything l .Amazing. She said it had a picture of a lady in a crinolene standing  in front of a thatched cottage , inscribed with the words ' Lady Lavender'

Saw former Swedish prime minister and wife on  T.V. this morning. An informal little chat it was about celebs, privacy, paparazzi  and so on .

Göran Persson was bornin a working-class family and married Anitra Steen who became his third wife in 2003. Anitra Steen, used to be  the manager of Systembolaget, the Swedish state wine and spirits retailer. In that role she was forced to cope with a fully blown corruption scandal involving bribery of shop managers and senior emplyees. BOth Göran and Anitra , as celebrities , have had to deal with their share are scandal .

Pär Nuder, who used to be  Minister of Finance, wrote in his book Stolt men inte nöjd ("proud but not satisfied"), released in 2008, that Persson had fallen while riding his bicycle because he was drunk after consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverages. Persson said in response to these claims: "I can't exactly recapitulate the event but I can say as much that I'm surprised that Pär Nuder remembers anything" 

So the question came :

'Is couples therapy something that you would consider  ?"

There was much umming and ah-ing but in the end Göran Persson said that he didn't think couples therapy was for them.

It got me thinking :  The people who would most benefit from therapy and counselling never get there.  It must be really difficult  for public figures to find someone you could trust. The risk of your dirty laundry and skeletons in cupboards appearing in the tabloids , would forever be there.

Mornin' all Bread's out of 'toven , and I'm about to have breakfast.

Been up for a couple of hours already. Woke up refreshed and drifted into the day in a lovely warm bath. Now squeeky clean, hair washed and conditioned Great feeling.

I've been here with MacLappy for the past hour , commenting on posts. Malakeas wooden spoon in particular got me going, in a good way. The subject of corporal punishment is an important one, one that we can all relate to. We all have our stories, don't we. Thank you Mala ... good one

So now .. breakies .. catch you all later .. toodle pip xxx's

23:22 and I can see the moon from my bedroom window, far left. She has just appeared above the rooftops a beautiful orange sphere.

Bread dough is rising in the kitchen. I am going to leave it to rise over night and bake it tomorrow morning for breakfast.

Would love to stay and chat , but feeling very sleepy now.. can hardly keep my eyes open. Night night blogland , moon , MrTheFish and beings everywhere

peace zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Another visitor. I found him here on the kitchen window. I didn't see him arrive. I've opened the window and tried to help him get out , but it only seems to stress him out. Anway the window is still open .

butterfly totem message

Transmutation, Dance of Joy

The butterfly is the symbol of change, joy and colour.
It is the symbol of the soul.

They remind us that life is a dance,
not to take things quite so seriously.
They also remind us to get up and move.
Dance brings the sweetness of life.

Butterflies bring colour and joy to your life.
Look at them and remember what joy is in your life,
if its a lot or a little, it is still joy.

They teach us that growth and transformation does not have to be traumatic;
it can occur gently, sweetly, joyfully.

If a butterfly totem has shown up in your life,
make note of the most important issues in your life,
and see what needs to be changed.

The Butterfly

If you would like to see a specific animal totem featured here, please e-mail me with your request.
Some excerpts about the animals are quoted from Animal-speak by Ted Andrews. Thank you Ted.

Throughout history the butterfly has been admired for their delicate beauty. Most adult butterflies live just one or two weeks except for the monarch and angel wing which can live for six months or more. This is very symbolic. It suggests that a person with this medicine will experience tremendous soul growth in their earlier years. A difficult childhood is common. Life lessons are revealed to the consciousness while in the womb of the mother - the cocoon stage - and are completed when the caterpillar emerges into the butterfly and takes flight. Butterflies are symbols of freedom and creativity. They hold the gift of transformation and soul evolution.

Butterflies have a pair of large compound oval eyes made up of thousands of individual lenses. They can see a single image clearly and are able to perceive ultraviolet wavelengths of light. This suggests clairvoyant abilities for those that hold this totem.

The antennae of the butterfly has small knobs on each end which is said to play a role in orientation. When one antennae is missing the butterfly will fly in circles unable to find its way. Those with this medicine need to stay consciously connected to spirit at all times in order to arrive at their desired destination.

The butterfly represents the process of transformation and shape shifting. When butterfly shows up, make note of the most important issues confronting you at the moment. What state of change are you at in regard to them?

To the Native Americans the butterfly is a symbol of joy. They remind us not to take life so seriously. They feed on flowers that they help pollinate, thereby further spreading beauty. They represent the element of air, quickly changing and ever moving, so gracefully. Butterflies are messengers of the moment. They come in a variety of colors. To understand the message that the butterfly holds for you a study of its colors can be helpful.

Whenever an eco system is damaged, butterfly is usually the first to leave. They are especially sensitive to the harmony of earth. If butterfly comes to you in a hurt, trapped or ill way, you are being asked to stop disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a more gentle, natural way.

All these lovely omens , the Tarot on Elk Island and now this omen I have got to believe them

YES

So I came home yesterday , baring groceries that included a big bag of natural goodness crisps ahem ... poured myself a G&T and plonked myself in front of the TV with a big bowl of afore mentioned crisps and proceeded to enjoy. It happened to be a film about the Apollo 8 moon voyage in 1968 ( !!! ) My activities tend to be loony

Anway, it was not long before I heard lively chatter coming from one of our shared balconies outside. I open the window... lean out and wave. They wave back. Mira .. come and join us ! Righty-o -- no sooner said than done .. mira grabs glass and heads for balcony and is introduced to Kjell, Robert and Whilhelm who friends of Rikard and Zacharias, my neighbours, who make full use of the shared balconies, especially when it is sunny.

*cheers* says I as I am offered a seat .... we all squeeze up , Zacharias on the steps.

It's a lovely evening. Almost cloudless. We chatter away , I am offered rosé wine when my glass becomes empty , and also introduced to R &Z 4 budgies and of course I have to then show off Mr TheFish , who has been in my care for a week now. ( The three visitors on tiny balcony  )

By 9:30 it is starting to get chilly , so the lads decide to move indoors and Finish lady from my floor appears and we are introduced. I am invited to join them , but by this time I've had enough of socialising , I need my dinner and a soak in the bath and a chat with the Lady Moon whom I can see from my south facing bedroom window. She starts off orange and turns into silver and seems to be doing the dance of the seven veils with a few passing clouds. Very soon after that I drift off into dreamland .. peace zzzzzzz

I've just read with horror, a friend's experience of falling through the cracks of 'the system ' that result in physical , emotional and psychological trauma and suffering.

Something similar has been happening to me too. It all started a month ago on the day of my birthday no less and it is still going on. I too have fallen through a crack in the system , it seems. The Authorities admit to having made a mistake - but noone can tell me if it is going to be rectified , so for now, I live with the trauma of not knowing as best I can.

Life is NOW , it is too short to spend time worrying. If only I could learn to master being in the NOW and learn to dance in the rain while waiting for the storm to pass.

In other news ... I've done the laundry and booked 16th July. Remind me

And now , I am going out to run a few errands. More washing powder for 'colourds' I still have for 'whites' but keep running out of coloureds I hardly have anything that is white , come to think of it

The fresh air will do me good, I have to clear my head.

Happy Friday everyone .. I think I will buy myself a big bag of crisps ... I see an G&T crisps evening coming on .....

Miza-T asked me just now "Do you believe in God ?" straightforward question you would think , but not for me.

My one word answer is 'YES' but it needed an explanation and I did try to explain as much as my way with words would allow.

A minute later I read this question from someone about their desire to find their 'twin flame ' referring to Rumi's love poems and here is the answer by DeepakChopra, who is very good with words.

Question:
.... So I am asking is the love for the twin flame the same as loving God...or is that love just for God....and do you believe in twin flames....I hope your answer is what I want it to be.....

Answer:

Rumi is talking about the ecstatic love of the soul seeking union with the Divine. He is the preeminent Sufi poet in this long tradition of relating to God as the Beloved.

The spiritual path of love tries to describe the very abstract and ineffable experience of merging with the universal consciousness in ways that the human heart can relate to. This is done according to the strongest bonds of love that we know in society. So we have the traditions of seeing God as a child sees her Father, and Mother. We also have that relationship described as Lord and servant, as well as Brother and Friend. But the relationship that conveys the most poignant sense of longing and the ecstasy of Divine embrace is knowing God as the Beloved. Rumi is using the experience of our deepest emotions of lovers as a way to point toward that that spiritual union of the soul with God.

But it works the other way too. The power of love that we feel in our human relations reflects the intensity of our soul’s love for God as well. So if Rumi’s poetry is describing Divine love in human terms, he is also describing our human love in Divine terms as well.

Love,

Deepak

Makes sense to me !! Wish I could write like that. Thank you , Deepak Chopra .

Pinched from La Spice and many others

As a blog friend (or other), I'm giving each of you the opportunity to ask me one question about me.

I'll try my best to answer every one, but reserve the right not to.

Is nudity on TV acceptable at lunchtime? ( see link )

Nudity, nakedness, the naked truth .... apparently it is a hot topic in the national papers here in Sweden as well.

Nude bathing is nothing new to Swedes. My friend Lena goes skinny dipping in the sea every day when she on her island.( so do I when it is WARM enough ) Swimming in silver by moonlight as well as bright sunshine. Come rain or shine, it is her daily cleansing ritual, and this is something people here do and have done for years without it being immoral , naughty or wrong.

I love swimming in the nude. Sleeping in the nude and walking around my home in the nude watering plants , dusting or hoovering. Simpler that way , so long as it is warm.

Thu Jul 09 11:21AM by TV Editor
Channel 4 series Life Class
Recent articles

Viewers have complained about a new Channel 4 programme that features full frontal nudity at 12.30pm.

Life Class: Today's Nude features different male and female models each day and encourages budding artists to sketch along at home as a tutor explains drawing and painting techniques.

http://uk.tv.yahoo.com/blog/article/216472/

What IS all the fuss about?

Personally , I welcome the naked truth, be it morning noon or night.

Non-sexualised nudity is fine at any time of the day.

Sexualised nudity is also fine , but I believe it deserves a sacred, secret time and place for it to remain special and for the sake of eroticism.

What are your thoughts on this ?

Rain It's about time I learned to dance in the rain innit instead of waiting for the sun to appear.

I tend to stay in on rainy days and always find plenty of things to do. In fact, I have to force me myself and I to go out sometimes.

I've noticed that most of my friends get restless when they've been indoors for more than a few hours, especially when the sun is shining.

Going for a long walk when the sun is shining is motivating; apart from exercise, you get a healthy tan to boot.... that healthy glow that is so admired. Not so when it's raining. Oh I know that there is nothing wrong with the weather and that it is the wrong clothes that are at fault.. and wrong attitude too.

Having said that - there IS so much outside just waiting to be explored. G. and I were talking about that yesterday during the train ride out to Elk Island. Countryside begins literally minutes from Slussen and the where the train starts, yet we seldom think of venturing out to explore these places unless there is a direct need like visiting a friend who lives out there. We tend to stick to our own familiar neck of the woods.

I invested in a travel card, May - August, which means I can travel as much as I like on public transport here in Stockholm - a 40 km radius, which is not bad at all. I don't use it enough.

So what's stopping me ? One thing, I am embrassed to admit, is not having access to a loo when I need one. I dislike public loos and I do tend to need a convenience every 4 hours or so.

Apart from anything else , I am so grateful for my friends and being able to have these little adventures. It leaves me with a warm and fuzzy glow in my heart and soul.

The rain was bucketing down yesterday as I set off for 'Elk Island ' and our sleepover at Lena's, but as the little train set off, the skies cleared and by the time we got there the sun had come through and it turned out to be a lovely evening.

Lena came to collect us in the boat. The bread had just come out of the oven ; freshly baked crusty levain bread which takes a few days to make from start to finish,nibbles and tea.

The Lady Moon appeared around 10pm , first a huge orange sphere and later a paler and elusive silver. Lena almost took a moonlight dip , but then changed her mind as the moon disappeared behind clouds.

It's a lovely feeling walking out barefoot into bright and warm sunshine, sitting on the jetty and just listening to the sounds all around; water lapping against the boat, birds singing, ducks quacking and a big splash and gasp as someone on the boat anchored right opposite dives into the icy water for his morning dip.

The energies on Elk Island are strong and knowing this we tend to make full use of them.Breakfast on the jetty and then a couple of hours of inspired sharings before it's time for Lena to take us back to the mainland, the bus and then the little train back into town.

Even though it has been just over 24 hours, I feel as though I have been abroad, and returned kissed be the sun and blessed by the moon.

Belissimo !

A few pics of things seen on the  way back into town .

Loving what is: learning to dance in the rain

Learning to dance in the rain movie

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass ... it is about learning to dance in the rain .

Hmmm another cloudy , wet and cold day , 14C. I'm finding it hard not to be disappointed , hard to 'love what is' sometimes especially today.

It's pyjama party on Lena's island. ( we did this last year , as I remember http://miramaze.blog.co.uk/2008/07/09/sleepover-on-elk-island-4427076/ )

Pajamas, also spelled pyjamas (see also spelling differences) can refer to several related types of clothing. The original paijama are loose, lightweight trousers fitted with drawstring waistbands and worn in South and West Asia by both sexes.[1] In many English-speaking nations, pajamas are loose-fitting, two-piece garments derived from the original garment and worn chiefly for sleeping,[2] but sometimes also for lounging,[3] also by both sexes.[4] More generally, pajamas may refer to several garments, for both daywear and nightwear, derived from traditional pajamas and involving variations of style and material.

I am going to be taking my stretchy , (elasticated waist ) black velvet, beaded Indian 'pyjamas' with me . in anticipation of much eating , drinking and chin-wagging.

We did this last year - also at the time of the full moon - and the goddess graced us with her presence. It was a wonderful couple of days.

Gunilla and I are meeting at Slussen where we will be taking the quaint little train to Solsidan ( sunny side ) and then a bus to the little jetty at Älgö ( elk island ) where Lena will come and get us in her boat.

I do hope it clears up for the evening

Happy Tuesday and full moon day , everyone !
xx

Cast All Your Votes For Dancing

I know the voice of depression
Still calls to you.

I know those habits that can ruin your life
Still send their invitations.

But you are with the Friend now
And look so much stronger.

You can stay that way
And even bloom!

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions' beautiful laughter.

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved
And, my dear,
From the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.

Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins
That may buy you just a moment of pleasure,
But then drag you for days
Like a broken man
Behind a farting camel.

You are with the Friend now.
Learn what actions of yours delight Him,
What actions of yours bring freedom
And Love.

Whenever you say God's name, dear pilgrim,
My ears wish my head was missing
So they could finally kiss each other
And applaud all your nourishing wisdom!

O keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions' beautiful laughter

And from the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.

Now, sweet one,
Be wise.
Cast all your votes for Dancing!

~ Hafiz ~
(I Heard God Laughing - Renderings of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)

Hāfez or  Hafiz( different spellings of his name )  14th century  Persian mystic poet . His life and poems have been the subject of much analysis, commentary, and interpretation. The major themes of his poems are love, the celebration of wine and intoxication, and exposing the hypocrisy of those who have set themselves up as guardians, judges, and examples of moral rectitude.

When you reach for the thought that feels better, the Universe is now responding differently to you because of that effort. And so, the things that follow you get better and better, too. So it gets easier to reach for the thought that feels better, because you are on ever-increasing, improving platforms that feel better.

--- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, March 11th, 2000

Our Love,
Jerry and Esther

Sympathetic travel fever, I think I haz it

Woke up at 6 a.m.and remembered that Prof and Lady had booked a taxi for 5a.m. to take them to the airport.

A while later , having switched on my mobile phone , I get a text:

" just about to board our plane,see you in two weeks, Lots of love and say hello to Mr fish "

Bless!

I see them having a wonderful, sunny and relaxing time in Nice with their friends. As it happens, my friend Penny has also rented a flat in Nice for the month of July and Sami and Rashid flew down there on Saturday.

Meanwhile, here in Miraland it's cloudy and a mere 13C

Ah well .. back to bed for a little snoooooooze...catch you later

*shudders* I'm referring to the film " The Wicker Man (2006)" a remake of the 1973 film.

I happened to see the film about half way through last night before going to bed. It seemed harmless enough , and I like Nicholas Cage, beautiful scenery,green meadows filled with wild flowers,trees,and a hint of magic and ritual.

The twist at the end is horrible when Nic realises that he is to be the human sacrifice and die a martyr's death by being burned alive inside the wicker man !!! I turned the T.V, off after the bit where they broke both his legs with a hammer !!! USCH .... how can human beings do such horrible things to each other ?

I feel physical pain in my body when I think of these things, especially in my legs. I am convinced it is a remnant of a past life experience of being burnt at the stake.

The body, amazing as it is, doesn't forget. On second thoughts, these memories must be embedded in the soul... as we get a new human costume is every time we incarnate.

Is there a way of exorcising these horrific scenes from the mind ? They tend to stay with me for years and years.

Noon ... and time for my first post of the day.
Mr Fish had his breakfast hours ago , but I have yet to have mine as I have been too busy commenting on friends posts and allowing my mind to wander through all manner of terrains.

- business ethics
- gender issues
- pets, feeding and care of
- dreams and their meanings and messages from our subconscious ... and an old favourite ...
- existential questions

Tummy is rumbling now , so I will attend to it , but first a post and a few miramumbles , all food for the soul

I've forgotten what I was going to say now I need food .. sustenance ...nosh .. grub .. two eggs on toast with some fried tomatoes and a cup of French roast coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice orange juice made from concentrate will do have to do.

Twas lovely to see The Prof and Joahanna last night, especially since they came baring gifts and Mr The Fish.
Yes , their kitchen is being re-modelled and a right mess. They were forced to change their perfectly good gas cooker for a bio- gas one since their area is going over to bio gas of some sort. The EXPENSE has been astronomical too. The new cooker has entailed plumbing changes and parts changes , and it all has to be done by certified people 'or else' !!

They decided , that now would be a good time to make changes to the rest of the kitchen and foolishly underestimated what this entailed both in time, money and stress.

Ah well ... it will be great when it's done. I wish them a wonderful relaxing holiday in the South of France with their friends followed by a week on the coast in the south of Sweden. They deserve it. Bless.

In the meantime , I am delighted with bread, cheese and other bits and pieces they have gifted me 'take what you need, and give what you don't need next door' ( charity shop )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY   ( http://postednotes.blog.co.uk/ )    Kibitz

now get back here tout de suite , immediately if not sooner to collect all your birfday wishes. I miss you and your posts here in Blogland ( and so does Mr The Fish who is staying with me )

May the Eternal Sun and the Blissful Moon illuminate your days and nights and bring you much joy ( and nookies ) in all your dimensions. Blessed be . :wave:

Cheers , mazeltof and lach'heim ( excuse spelling , plz

Mr Fish has arrived and is settling in well after his evening meal.

He was a bit stressed out when he arrived, but fresh clean water, plants and stones and a meal have helped to cheer him up.

Mr Fish will be staying in the middle room which is nice and cosy and not in direct sunlight. When asked what he thought of his accommodation , Mr Fish swished his tail, wiggled his bum and nose dived behind a plant: " not bad... not bad at all.. I suppose this will have to do "

The Campaign for Happiness is being run by Top Tips for Happiness to raise money for cancer research in the U.K.

MIRACLES happen .. I am back ...back on line and typing this on Mac Lappy. Don't ask how. I did a lot of clicking and now at least I am connected to the world wide web again.*mwaaah* thank you thank you thank you to all and everything responsible for re-connection. I am grateful

The desktop, screen picture I had has disappeared .. gone and so have so has the Stellarium application and I can't open " Pages " to write a document or read existing documents. Most peculiar.

Gremlins have attacked mac lappy and I am without Internet .. the prof is away for 2 weeks .. arghhhhhhhh.....

I am trying to stay peaceful .. harmony ... OMmmmmmmmmmmmm lol

If you don't here from me for 2 weeks , you know why !

this is Mira calling you from Sidewalk express

Asking for PEACE and HARMONY in all dimensions ....OMmmmmmmmm

Mr Fish arrives in Miraland tomorrow evening and will be staying for two weeks.

We wish him a very pleasant stay

xxx

Riddarholmen is one of my favourite places in Stocholm, a little  island in the oldest part of Stockholm,right  next to the Old Town , Gamla Stan. This is where the first Kings and Queens lie buried in the crypt of Riddarholm Church. Riddarholmskyrkan

240 tons of iron went into the  iron spire of this church replacing the wooden spire that burnt down in a fire.

A little steamer was waiting there as i arrived

and a few minutes later left for Södertälje , a town on the outskirts of Stockholm . This boat also goes to the Viking Island of Birka , well worth a visit.

Today there was a lot of filming and photograping going on . A wedding , two models and a shooting of a commercial that in volved a girl on a crane throwing out papers over another girl holding a black umbrella .

It didn't rain , but now it is cool and cloudy; the end of a hot spell

Thunder , rumblings , cold air and temperatures falling dramatically as our heatwave breaks. Smell of static in the air. Rain bucketing down. Magnificent goings on outside ! I hope the greasy pavements are well and truly washed.

Indoors, my hibiscus plant is blooming ; the one I nearly drowned It's still not well though, yellow leaves are not a good sign. Poor thing. Can't repot while it's blooming, can I ? Hmmmm

29C today . Hot and sunny. Kitchen and livingroom windows are open and a sudden breeze just blew the kitchen door shut with a great big SLAM

I'm done laundry as it has to be done.Next laundry time booked for 10 July.

I've broken my 36 hour juice - fast by starting to nibble on oat cakes around 10:30 this morning and now I am contemplating having a boiled egg.I'm not desperate for food ... decisions,decisions .......

Drinking gallons of water and it's flushing right through me ; I'm feeling quite light headed Can you get drunk on water ? Can you over do it ? I've heard that 3 litres a day is what one should be aiming at - that's 10 of my big glasses ( 10x 300ml )

I remember going for an X ray once and being told to drink a whole jug full of water - it must have been over a litre - while waiting. I think it was water- it didn't taste of anything.

Snored through my acupuncture session, needles everywhere. She added a few more this time as she will be on holiday for a month Yes - most of Sweden is on holiday in July.

Before the session , I popped in to see my neighbour , Elizabeth. Baby Franz is now just over 2 months old and a strudy happy little soul he is too. Looks like a little Buddha. He laughed and 'spoke' to me in babby talk and I was allowed to hold him. He kept wanting to stand up !!! Very strong he is... all muscle .

Also met one of the older neighbours, Kjell who was sitting on a bench outside the house. His wife had died suddenly in hospital two days before Elizabeth's baby was born. He was still sad and sounded fragile and confused.

After the acupuncture I wandered down to the main street in Sundbyberg where I met another neighbour, who complained about the heat a lot , but apart from that was fine. She and a friend were going to go driving around Sweden for their holidays.

Back home now and I'm feeling just a wee bit faint. I have decided to juice - fast today to give my stomach a bit of a rest and .. it is NOT easy. I am craving bread..rice .. potatoes .... proper food I can get my teeth into. Will try and hold out until tomorrow ...

Mornin' all ... I'm up  bright and early. We've had a spot of rain , I see - the rooftops are wet and the air is full of fragrances released from captivity. A cool 19 C after yesterday's 27C. Actually, we could do with a great big downpour to wash the s dirty greasy pavements. Al fresco eating and eateries tend to leave behind a mess that noone will take responsibility for and it all gets quite icky and nasty in the heat.

This morning's note from the Universe  has me smiling:

( The last  pic looks like a Jack Nicholson smile :)) )

:wave:

Great big, ear-to-ear, open mouth smiles, Mira, are responsible for far more sizzling romances, salary increases, life extensions, and calorie burning than your dentists, doctors, and financial planners will ever comprehend.

Show us your tonsils.....Just be careful around flies, Mira.
The Universe