1st Double Library Day

Today was our typical Tuesday. We went to the Franklin Library for storytime ( 10:15 am). As yesterday was the first day of spring - the season was the focus. A pre-school class joined us and ensured a VERY full room. Siah loved it.

Earlier in the morning I had called Way to Grow and found that they were having a meetup at the Sumner Library just north of downtown. They would begin (noon) with playtime, then cleanup, followed by an arts activity, wash hands then have a snack. It would end with another playtime and end at around 2pm.

I signed up to have someone visit our home to assess Josiah's preparations for kindergarten. Way to Grow specialty is in their tagline: "Promoting school readiness." Since I cannot get Josiah into a preschool, I want to ensure he has as much socialization as possible prior to kindergarten. This used to mean only going to parks ( in the winter he is the sole kid and most of the summer as well) . Then I found the library storytimes and now WTG. I found a Way to Grow sticker at Sabathani Community Center when I attended the Green Party Caucus earlier this month. And now I feel quite fortunate to have found them. =)

Their programs are free. They even tried to give me free bus tokens to get to their weekly event. But I have a bus pass, and truly do not mind using it. ( it is very cheap and even convenient)

Since I did not expect a snack or anything Josiah and I went to Subway ( or "Eat Fresh" as Siah calls it ) at the corner of Franklin and Chicago Avenue. Then it was a short hop on 2 buses to the Hosmer Library. Siah enjoys the intermission between buses, as it is his snow stomping time.

After this we went home, and Siah was able to stomp more snow walking from Nicollet Avenue. He watched "Dark Crystal" while I tidied up our apt. and he was very much entertained. We stayed at home for the rest of the night, as it is cold outside and I didn't much want to go out again.

I watched a video I received today that was in Paste Magazine, and just lent the DVD to our neighbors. It was chockful of vids from the likes of: Kraftwerk, the Decemberists, Bloc Party, KT Tunstall, and Johny Cash. It had some award winning shorts as well. I couldn't pass up sharing this lovely find of a magazine with those who would appreciate them.

I called Lori Yakle tonight and had a short convo as her cordless phone died on us. :( Oh well, she should really visit me sometime to give me back my CDs and let me lend her more! :)

Anywho, tried to get in touch with others, but to no avail. =(
Mayhaps tomorrow, though I plan to help make pasta at Dan's across the hall. ( Josiah will most likely wrestle with Dewey ) Twill see what happens! ;)

SNOW RETURNS!

Just a few days ago I was contemplating wearing my sandals instead of shoes. Seeing the first official day of spring less than 2 weeks away had given me such hope. Our snowstorm of the year changed that. Not cool.

Anyways, I was SO BORED at work the other day I kept track of how many guests were in my small section of the casino. Usually there are hundreds per section - as I work evenings.



Here is my list:

3PM - 41 ; 4:30PM - 55 ; 5PM - 53 ; 6:45PM - 55 ; 7:40PM - 66 ; 9PM - 82 ; 10PM - 62 ; 11:15PM - 55

It was exceedingly boring but I occupied myself on this and other things.

That was Monday - TODAY was typical for Tuesday. Went to the Franklin Library for pre-school storytime. Then went home for lunch and Siah's naptime. Then when Siah got up we had a pre-dinner snack then off to sledding. After sledding we went home had dinner , playtime, cleanup then bedtime for Siah. Again, not fascinating but typical. :)

Spirit Guide hopping in Minneapolis

I was listening to Chicks on Speed through my Sony Walkman MP3 CD-Player, when I saw something in an alley. It was very still, and on the other side of Franklin Avenue by the Peace House. It looked like a ball or possibly snow, but being in even a rarely used alley this was odd. So I hoped it was a rabbit - and it WAS! This all while walking home from work at 12:46 A.M.

You may not find such a thing to be significant - but I do. I picked up a copy of the Edge Life holistic journal, and read an article about animal spirit guides. I already know my spirit guide - a rabbit. But since returning from Iraq ( where I saw no rabbits) I had not seen one. I have seen a bald eagle on my way to work, and your typical urban animals like squirrels, cats, dogs, pigeons - but no rabbits. I was slightly concerned, because when you see an animal quite frequently when others are not - you know it is your spirit guide reminding you of its presence and its lessons. And today, I saw one - the same day I felt more concerned about it since I first stepped into Iraq. ( there I did not truly have a spirit guide as the military kills all forms of life on its bases except humans and palm trees )

As shamanism is the oldest religious tradition - there are variations on what a rabbit spirit guide means. But it is also based on who the person is and what their needs are. I am rabbit because that is what bet suits me. Being a vegetarian is probably the biggest. But I do fit other qualities as listed from various sources:

Rabbit - alertness, nurturing

--

RABBIT

The rabbit never goes far from its burrow as it timidly searches for vegetable foods to supply its growing family. There are over twenty four species of rabbits in America and many more around the world. Rabbits serve as a perfect example of nature's balance as nearly all predatory animals eat rabbits, but because they multiply so fast, their numbers are kept fairly constant. Quick reflexes and keen observation skills are its two most important traits.

The Rabbit: Teaches us about fear and now to overcome it. Mr. Bunny lives in with fear every moment of its life, yet it is the most prolific critter going , they are everywhere, blast of speed on 4 feet, gentle , yet don't ever corner one you will learn quickly that Mr. Bunny is perfectly able to defend itself :) Fear has its place in the scheme of things, we need a "certain" amount of it , it keeps us out of trouble. We "fear" fire for good reason , it can burn us, but does this mean we don't use it ? No we respect it and treat it with the care it deserves .This is the lesson of the Rabbit .. Fear ?.. Maybe but don't let it run your life ,go on and live , with care and respect and you can live well

Steven D. Farmer, the Author of "Power Animals" has this to say:

"Animal spirit guides also teach you when they show up in your dreams, meditations, or ordinary reality. When they do, whether or not the animal is your power animal, they're attempting to give you a message. When an animal shows up in ordinary reality in an uncommon way or at unusual times, such as an owl in the daytime, a deer in your front yard, or a whale out of season, this is most definitely an omen. Pay close attention to whatever's going on and see if you can discern the message. You may have to meditate on the experience before gaining some insight as to the meaning, and it can be helpful to consult this book or other resources as to the significance of that particular animal.

"Another powerful omen is when an animal shows herself to you frequently or persistently (at least three or more times) in a short period of time, such as over a few hours. It can be the actual animal, a symbol for the animal such as a carved figure or totem, or the printed word for the animal. Pay close attention and see if you can discern the meaning. If Deer shows up three times in relatively rapid succession, is this a call for gentleness with yourself or someone else? If it's Hummingbird, are you missing the joy and sweet nectar of life by your narrow focus? These signs don't tell you their precise meaning; they're merely trying to get your attention. The meaning is for you to discern."

And so I will discursively meditate (Metta Bhavana) on what Rabbit has to teach me. But when I see rabbit, I do feel that I am on course in life. Kind've a relief sometimes when life seems so chaotic. ;) If you need to overcome Fears .. ? Call on the Spirit of the Rabbit

Gus Gus rememembered

Our hamster died earlier this week. Josiah named him Gus Gus. We found him the day I was leaving for Saint Cloud. The next day in St. Cloud, I would board a bus and head to Camp Ripley and not see my family again for 11 months.

Gus was found by myself in our apartments courtyard while watching Josiah. He was playing while I watched him, until I saw a hamster digging by a window - and I picked him up. He was very skinny and dirty - probably had been living outside for a few months. But this was October of 2004 - he was lucky it wasn't freezing outside at night yet. So I took him in that night, committing ourselves to replenishing his health and inducting him into our family.

But Gus got sick about a week ago - very badly. His eyes filled with a pus that caused his eyes to shut. I read about this online and found I could clean it off and re-open them with a warm cloth. I had to do this each day as they kept filling with the gook. Then he died in his sleep while I was at work.

Siah has been quite upset, and doesn't want to believe that Gus is gone forever. He cried for quite a while, even waking up at 2 AM to ask me to get him. He is starting to accept it now. But I do not plan on getting another pet for a while. Our apartment already seems overcrowded with everyone here currently and current pets - 3 cats and 2 doves. So Josiah can wait until he gets older to have another pet - but perhaps we can plan it a little more than just finding one.