Very interesting day in a quiet way :)

Checked on the UNC-Clemson game at some point yesterday and it was in a weather delay. UNC up. Sister texted me at some point to say - UNC had lost...Yikes.  And NC State did something that had not happened in 1000+ games.  Duke won.  Wild day in the RTP.  

But sports was not a big part of my day - I went on an extended walk enjoying the weather.  Came home to homemade soup on my stoop.  Perfect timing.  I was trying to decide about meal #2.  Finished Crying in H Mart.  Will return that tomorrow in advance of the Tuesday due date.  Started CIRCLE by Eggers.  Very interesting segue from - Careless People book, All-In interview with Dina Powell McCormick, and now CIRCLE.  AND CIRCLE was written in 2013...The Circle is a 2013 dystopian novel written by American author Dave Eggers. The novel chronicles tech worker Mae Holland as she joins a powerful Internet company. Her initially rewarding experience turns darker.  

Big day in the flip mattress, move bed, flannel sheets.  Had planned to do it today but tomorrow it just called me.  So now I am set for the next quarter + a week as fall into winter.  Bed away from window walls, reading chair with lots of opp for light coming in as it gets colder.  

Set a 2 p.m. time on Wednesday to go to swimming lady's house to finish up with the Shoprite coupons and look at her medical directives.  Need to see if she addressed the MOLST form with her doctor.  Heard from a lady in CA who I knew would know many of the people associated in the "The Death Within the Death" program but a couple of people I knew were new to her. LOVE that when that happens.  

Today - dodge raindrops on my walk to Unionville and curl up with CIRCLE once the rain starts.  :)  Will check in to make sure TX/NM friend made it to NM with their caravan - her in their suburban with trailer and her husband in a rental truck packed to the gills.  It is normally a 12-13 hour drive. Not sure if all the load slowed them down.  House is still not sold in TX so I will leave the TX/NM in place until it does.  

Reached out to two birthday people - both in NC.  :)

A new solar year gets underway on Tuesday when the Sun moves into your sign, and with mind planet Mercury on your side as well, you most likely know exactly what you will be doing. It’s good to have a plan, and even better to put it to work.

Family obligations may cause you to miss out on more exciting events, dearest Libra, as the Capricorn Moon forms difficult aspects with Mercury and Jupiter. Instead of wallowing in misery, hatch a plan so you might have the best of both worlds. Splitting your time or inviting friends over can help you feel included without abandoning kin. Don't let a fear of upsetting the balance prevent you from changing up plans while Venus and Uranus form an off-kilter aspect. As long as you're willing to take initiative, loved ones won't seem so resistant to going with the flow.

If you've been having trouble reaching a romantic partner, Libra, it might be a good idea to stop trying. Your friend is having a rough day and might not make the best company. In fact, your beloved could view a call from you as an unwelcome interruption and be short, if not downright rude. If you speak with your friend, keep it brief and plan to get together - just not today.

3:41 a.m. as we speak.  Plenty of time to get do my morning routine and have the best chance to dodge raindrops. But I might delay my outreach to anyone today..."just not today". :)  Have a good Sunday.  

Lots of input today...it's "a thing" right now :)

Got a great card from friend in Cambridge MA.  Artist of the painting was new to me - https://www.kmmstudio.com/  Beautiful card and welcome message. And it tied into my fall brings change thoughts of late.  The sender is one of the kindest, most sensitive person I have encountered in my life.  Don't see her often, but she and her husband have been in and out of my life since 1975 when I moved up to Boston to live with her and my TX/NM friend while I killed some time before I left for Ecuador...I call it my drunken sailor phase.  TX/NM was a NICU nurse at Mass General, friend and her husband - musicians.  Husband went to and was hired right after graduation and is there to this day at Berklee College of Music.  They got me a temp job working at the Harvard Science Center in the cafeteria where lots of their musician friends made their "folding money".  Interesting times me.

Balance of yesterday - hope I remember it all...  walked, dropped off Contrapposto on the front end, had my satchel with me with my two plastic bottles I wanted to cash in at Shoprite, so headed there post library drop.  Beautiful day.  Had a couple of chats along the way.  One was with one of the pollinator trail ladies who work tirelessly on the rails-to-trails keeping them welcoming for all kinds of pollinators.  She took my passing by as a chance to sit for a minute (she was digging out invasive plants) and we talked about my uncomfortable relationship with nature - bugs, ticks, poison ivy and the like, my love of walking on asphalt and concrete - and then got to my no doctor/natural death desire and she said "I read this book that was so moving" and it was Dr. Kerr's - Death Is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life's End.  She appreciated my knowledge of his back story and how he found his way to hospice doctoring when he realized the people he wanted to care for were those who had just heard from their other doctors - "there is nothing else we can do".  To Dr. Kerr, that is the opening act of the relationship not the end. Very heartfelt conversation with someone I only know from my passing her and her co-pollinator ladies along my walks.  Got home at 1:10 p.m. (left at 10 a.m.)  Had Mettle Health zoom at 2 p.m. so I got ready for that.  Great discussion.  I am no longer in the workplace, but the conversation was very good reminding me what a crappy boss I was in Houston...I wouldn't say mean, but definitely uncaring about what people were bringing in the door with them when they reported for work.  BUT I still don't think I could cut it in today's workforce...my EQ...Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to communicate well, show empathy, and handle conflict.  Run fast and break things, I don't come to work to make friends...NC was a good move for me on many levels...I don't know how much my EQ needle moved, but the setting did soften some of my edges.  After the ZOOM, I heard from some people I had sent the notice about The Death Inside the Death.  https://www.gracefulfusion.com/the-death-inside-the-death.  Very excited about this event ending September and beginning in October.  Kismet.  Cosmic.  I will just say timely for me.  To be in the zoom space with Lashana again will do my heart good.  And others on the line-up - "rock stars" in the death work community.  Back and forth with sister #1.  Vaya con dios message to niece #2 who is winging back to west coast today.  I am sorry I missed seeing her, but I am glad I did not travel more than I did last week. Back and forth with one of the swimming ladies - she still needs Shoprite coupon help and she wants me to go over her Advance Directive.  I gave her some times I could swing by and I told her we might need to take the bull by the Shoprite horns and she and I can go to the store and not leave until they figure out what email address and phone number they have for her account that is gumming up the online coupon work.  She is 86.  I plan on planning the "old" card.  :) Read Crying at H Mart.  Due back without renewal option on Sept 22...better hustle.  

Today - walk.  Nothing else on paper calendar.  Will spend as much time out and about as possible.  Rain forecast for all day tomorrow.  Wet sneaker walk to Unionville - again this week. And take a chunk of time to finish Crying.  :)  Added a "Breathe" event to my  Monday, Sept 21.  Will be a good Equinox lead up - Live Event: Alchemy of Breath: Breathe Into Clarity, Courage, and Inner Guidance. Noon my time.  So noon MEA, 2 p.m. Mettle Health discussion group about yesterday's webinar, 4 p.m. PA DC.  So will see how weekend sets me up for Monday. :)  6:32 a.m. already this morning.  

TX/NM friend will be pulling out of TX with the moving truck this a.m.  1995-2026 for her TX stay.  Another twist of destiny - I left TX after 15 years there in 1995.  Always wonder what the "what if" might have been if the NC move had not happened.  But of course my "what if" list is volumes.  :)

Venus, your ruler, makes a challenging link to Uranus this weekend, so you could be in a rebellious mood. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but try not to say or do anything that might upset people in positions of power, including your employer.

You're entitled to a deep sleep after the busy work week, dearest Libra. As the Capricorn Moon and Neptune square off, take extra steps to ensure your beauty rest isn't disturbed. You'll feel refreshed and ready to continue along the path of leisure when Venus activates, and should treat yourself to delicacies you typically save for special occasions. A bit of luxury, time spent in your cozy home, and laid-back company will fortify the spirit and recharge your batteries. Consider enjoying some solitude and self-care while Saturn grows restless later tonight, as loved ones could easily grate on your nerves.

A passionate encounter with a love partner might cement the bond between you so thoroughly that you start talking about commitment or even a wedding. A romantic haze may permeate your interactions. Still, exercise some restraint in expressing your feelings. Hitting your friend with too much at once could have the opposite effect from the one you're hoping for. Be patient!

Solitude - no problem.  Patience...you know the answer to that for me.  :)  Have a great Saturday.  

September is turning into "a month" of change and chances :)

So distracted by shiny objects last night.  :)  Right before I went into the webinar - Disappearing Grief: A History of Mourning in Plain Sight and Out of Sight I got an email announcing a new program led by a DC facilitator from COVID times.  Incredible woman and she has gathered a very - to me - impressive line up of people for a week of talks Sept 28-Oct 2.  https://www.gracefulfusion.com/the-death-inside-the-death.  Nicole and names I know and some I do not.  Very exciting.  Two sessions a day, 5 days in a row.  September will end with a bang.  I have shared with some and will share more today.  I also need to rewatch the grief webinar.  The presenter did a great job showing the history of grief practices in the US and some cross cultural references.  

AND I did not wake up this a.m. until 5:30 a.m....and had a full dream night.  My mind was stimulated for sure by Nicole's announcement.  The Death Inside the Death: Family Dynamics, Death & the Healing You Didn't Expect. Monday, Sept 28 — The Truth Nobody Says Out Loud with Amy Wright Glenn & Lashana Williams Tuesday, Sept 29 — Why You Feel Twelve Again with Stephen Jenkinson and Daniel Maté Wednesday, Sept 30 — Surviving the Foxhole with Dr. Karen Wyatt and me, Nicole (yes — I'm in the interview chair too that day) Thursday, Oct 1 — The Death Inside the Death with Francesca Arnoldy and Claire Bidwell Smith Friday, Oct 2 — Portal to Healing with Wilka Roig and Pixie Lighthorse.  I am a complete fan girl for Williams, Wyatt, Roig and of course Nicole.  And have never "been in a room" with Stephen Jenkinson...very exciting.  

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So balance of yesterday - started reading Crying in H Mart/Zauner - came from the "Read a Red Book" display at my library.  All the books in the kiosk had red covers.  :)  Good so far.  Walked. Talked to son on phone.  He has had an interesting Sept too and more company and events to come.  Sounded like he had recharged his social battery.  Then N CA DC at 2 p.m.  Then 7 p.m. grief webinar. 

Today - "late" start, walk, drop off Eggers' Contrapposto, 2 p.m. Mettle talk.  When Caregiving Comes to Work: Supporting Employees Through Illness.  Ties in a bit with last night's Grief webinar - bereavement leave should be labeled "funeral leave".  3 days that is offered at many workplaces does not cover anything but a very efficient to and from a funeral event.  Supposed to be beautiful days today and tomorrow and a wash out on Sunday so I will take full advantage of being outside.  Morning listens - All In Summit Meta's Dina Powell and then Nick Shirley...  

Mercury in your sign is at odds with Saturn today, which among other things suggests that partners and colleagues may be rather negative about your ideas. Don’t make an issue of it though because by early next week their opinions will no longer matter.

You may feel as though loved ones are being unnecessarily stubborn or cold, dearest Libra. Try not to overreact or read into these behaviors while Mercury opposes Saturn, which could prevent you from seeing the full picture. Self-reflection can help you determine the best course of action under the Sagittarius quarter Moon, but you'll need to watch out for obsessive thoughts. If your mind becomes too busy, consider journaling or venting to a discreet friend. Petty squabbles dissolve as Luna forms a kite alignment with Chiron and the nodes of fate before entering Capricorn, making it easier to relax and open your heart.

 Initiate a major change in your life, Libra. Break free of the humdrum and launch into something exciting. Take part in an online class that expands your mind. Consider yoga, tarot, or any form of martial arts. You have a tremendous amount of energy today. It will help you maintain confidence and endurance as you do the groundwork to put this new life-enhancing endeavor in motion.

I am feeling an energy of late...see where it takes me.  Have a good Friday.  

Tried something new - an interesting angle for me :)

Wandering of late.  Fall season.  Looking for some new input channels.  Being sad not seeing niece #2 but not sad about not going to the Cape.  Back and forth with blog boss about an blog possible article.  Singlehood: The Good Deaths of Those Who Never Marry  He reached out to the author.  Dr. DePaulo.  Never have seen but heard that the show that won Jean Smart all the Emmys closed out the season with an episode with Dignitas as a focus. Back and forth by email with son.  His "social battery" was running low.  I shared with him: As to social battery...I have not recharged mine for years.  :)  Glad you are out celebrating...but ...it does mean your group is aging.  :)  Make sure you charge your battery for the autumnal equinox!   Arrives on Tuesday, September 22, at 8:04 P.M. EDT (5:04 P.M. PDT) in the Northern Hemisphere.  Looks like Detroit is joining in.  Listened to JD and Satya.  What a world.  When thinking of All-in discussions and batteries...I have "batteries that only work at analog level not digital" :)  as to my integration in where things sit now with technology.  Limiting, but now enough to make me up my game.  

So yesterday - cleaned apt, walked with family friend, her daughter and her grandson.  EOLD - very sentimental with the Nervous System Support session and the send off for the facilitator who is embedding herself into her community.  I so wish her the best.  Son and I had a great breakfast and stroll in her town back in Dec 2024.  https://heartbloomyoga.com/  Then discovered a new DC on the DC web site and joined in at 7 p.m.  Only 3 of us in the room, but so worth the hour.  Very glad I stumbled into the room.  Will see if this becomes a "third Wed" thing.  Trying to wrap up latest Eggers'.  Would love to drop that off tomorrow.  We will see.  

Today - N CA DC at 2, Disappearing Grief: A History of Mourning in Plain Sight and Out of Sight at 7 p.m.  Not sure what drew me to it to sign up, but ready to see.  I am not a big grief person...hard to be a big grief person when you are not a big love person.  "c'est la vie"  

Spoke to sister #6.  She called about a good student of hers who is looking for a more challenging academic setting.  I shared with her about a virtual Open House at former school #2.  Public high schools are not kind places sometimes.  And for really ambitious students may not fill all the holes they want to fill.  Sister #4 is scheduled to leave the Cape for home today.  Lobster rolls at Capt Parkers on Monday, Swordfish on Wed night for her.  Didn't not hear about Tuesday p.m.  But can see from sister #1's tally at Stop & Shop...$400+ in on purchases in one week.  Yikes!!!  :)

Make the most of the next few days to get your plans worked out for the final few months of the year. If you can hit the ground running when the Sun moves into your sign next week your rivals won’t be able to live with you.

Trust that your ideas are worth sharing, darling Libra, as the Sagittarius Moon aligns with Mercury and Saturn. The people around you will be happy to see you come out of your shell, and may have valuable insights to help further your agenda. You'll also have a chance to establish healthy social boundaries without feeling awkward or unkind. Chiron backslides into Aries this evening, asking you to heal issues around love and romance between now and April 13, 2027. Being aware of how others throw you off balance is a good place to start. Auspicious encounters could lead to exciting connections when Jupiter activates tonight.

Are you presently negotiating a contract, Libra? If you and the other party disagree on any points, these differences will most likely be resolved. You'll probably come up with an idea that creates a win/win situation so both of you feel good about it. This will strengthen your relationship considerably, so expect partnership matters to progress smoothly. Enjoy your day.

Plan, auspicious encounters, enjoy my day...I will give it all a whirl.  :)  Have a good Thursday.  

Another chance for change

This will be Lisa Marie's last Wednesday discussion group. Please come and bid her adieu and thank her for being such an instrumental member of The Dying Year team for the last 3 years. While we are sad to see her go, we send her blessings and wish her well as she pursues her passion developing her growing business in Mt. Shasta, CA. Lisa Marie is taking time to put her energy into her local community pursuits in Northern California through her doula work, yoga studio, and community resource building. She has been a wonderful colleague at The Dying Year and will be greatly missed!  This was the announcement for today's EOLD session.  Noon today.  Expect a "full room".  We will see how much Nervous System Support we fit in to the hour.  I wrote to her after I heard about her departure last Wednesday.  Again - change to chance opp for me.  :)

Yesterday - ran dishwasher.  LOTS to catch up with on All-In Summit - listened to Elon, Gwynne, Jensen.  Have JD and Satya to watch.  And way behind on the homesteading videos I watch - not sure why, but the North Carolina connection gets me.  Walked.  Stopped at library on tail end of walk.  Picked up Oct W&T book - Good Morning, Midnight/Lily Brooks-Dalton and another Eggers - The Circle.  CA DC.  IOWA DC in the evening.  Another "never seen the sky so blue" day weatherwise.

Today - Clean apt. Walk with family friend and her daughter/grandson.  Last days of daughter's maternity leave.  Wonder what it would have felt like for me to have taken 3 months off when my son was born instead of 3 days.  Had kid on Monday a.m., went back to work Thursday a.m. with him in tow for 9 months...  I did not make time for life events back in the day.  To say the least.  EOLD at noon.  

Interesting psilocybin mentions from Chip Conley and Miles O'Brien...one person with cancer and the other who had a work related injury where he lost his arm.  

Your affection for someone will increase dramatically over the next few days, but there is also a danger that you could overlook their faults to a degree that does no one any good. They will appreciate your input today, even if it is somewhat negative.

Devote your morning to sensually enriching experiences that spark creativity, and avoid jumping straight to your screens. As the Scorpio Moon squares the nodes of fate, it’s important to recognize where your focus is pointed and how it impacts your mood. You’ll feel mentally refreshed and a bit curious once Luna debuts in Sagittarius. Sweet connections with Neptune and Pluto encourage you to open up with friends this afternoon. These vibes are also perfect for nurturing romantic partnerships. Strange stirrings pique your sense of adventure when Luna opposes Uranus this evening. Allow your imagination to run wild, but avoid unnecessary risks.

 You might find yourself reeling from shock when an old friend suddenly seems to show romantic interest in you. Conflicting emotions could come up, but don't write it off if you're available. There could be potential for a good relationship with this person. Don't feel that you have to either jump right in or forget the whole thing. You can test the waters for a while!

Not sure where all the emotion will come from entering my day today.  Or sense of adventure.  I will be curious to see how the day unfolds.  I will hope for the creativity spark.  :)  Have a good Wednesday.  

Technology...not a tool in my tool kit :/

Where is the "hot spot" in my brain for technology? I am so in a turn-back-the-clock mood.  No reality but an aspiration.  All came about when I tried to set up the Shoprite coupon "app" on one of the swimming ladies' phone/laptop...  She had downloaded the app while I was at sister #4's, but no luck in setting up her account to download coupons.  BUT rest of day was good.  

Started the day getting clothes washing done, then an extended walk, ALDI next - $13.75/5 items day.  Didn't need much.  Tried not to buy nectarines, but could not resist.  3 p.m. went up to swimming lady's.  Stayed until 5 p.m. Let go of the coupon mission and just sat out on her great porch and enjoyed the incredible weather.  On walk back talked to sisters 4,6 who were on Cape at sister #6's house.  They were walking around Hyannis Port and saw one of RFK's sons/RFK Jr's brothers.  They know I would love the celebrity sighting.  :)  Sister #4 is off to sister #1's vacation place on the Cape today.  Sister #6 is still working.  Was drawn to NE FL DC last night.  It has been years, but very glad I got the urge.  Good group.  WIDE variety of opinions and outlooks, but all good souls.  Good place to land last night after the last few days.  The weather on Monday was SOOO blue sky, entry to Fall temps.  Beautiful day.  

Today - run dishwasher, CA DC at 1 p.m., IOWA DC at 7 p.m.  Double booked at 7 p.m. but will get the recording of the PCV event - Water Cremation.  Not an interest point of mine but always curious as to what people are finding attractive.  

Listening to the latest GeriPal as we speak.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2feM0yEMdnY  Dementia is such a thing for people my age.  

Venus, your ruler, is currently moving through the money area of your chart, which is generally a good omen. However, as Venus squares up to Pluto today, mistakes could easily occur. Question what other people tell you, and question your own senses too.

Seek environments you feel secure in while the Scorpio Moon squares Jupiter, dearest Libra. These vibes put you in the mood to socialize, but unfamiliar dynamics may cause you to overcompensate in an attempt to impress. Meanwhile, Venus forms challenging aspects with Neptune and Pluto, applying pressure to your foundations. Avoid making unwise decisions around love or money. You should also be mindful of how your social life impacts your finances. Focus on what you hope to build once Luna aligns with the Sun and Mars this evening, outlining a strategy that feels both inspired and practical.

A meeting is likely to happen during the course of the working day, Libra. This should lead to pleasant and interesting conversations, possibly involving philosophy, spiritual matters, or the arts. Communication should be clear and open. Correspondence could take up almost as much time as conversations right now.

I will try to have "situational awareness" on my day's activities.  Keep a good thought for that.  Weather looks to be supportive for being outside.  Have a good Tuesday.  

Back to the real world :)

Completely and totally (to this minute on my window sill :/ ) wet sneakers from my walk yesterday morning.  Will hope by 10 a.m. they will be less soggy.  Did get distracted by shiny objects a bit this a.m.  Linkedin and a mention of "Golden Girls" housing options by the Modern Elder Academy people.  I do hope the man behind that project has a succession plan as he addresses his medical issues in a way that makes sense for him.  I don't buy what he is selling on his choices, but that is about 99% of people's choices when it comes to involving medical procedures at end of life.  Looks like he is a decade younger than I am so I will let that go...not really, but I will try.  

So yesterday - sibling call with sister #1, sadness but not regret for not getting myself to the Cape this week.  I need to write and send along something to niece #2 who is there from CA.  Right before the Death Sangha at 1 p.m., landlady left homemade granola on my stoop.  Now my every other day pancakes will take on a new look and more tasty!  Took in a bit of news that I missed when at sister #4's, but a bit was more than enough.  I ended the day with my Eggers book rather than news.  

Today - it is 5:51 a.m. already.  :)  Wash clothes, walk, ALDI. No need for Shoprite stop.  Don't need much at the store.  Nothing on my paper calendar.  Did just go in to make sure I had all the coupons checked off for sister #1 at Stop and Shop.  And saw that she did get the $3 off after I converted "points" to dollars.  In one week she has spent more on groceries than I have in 20 weeks...  :)  Aging with privilege is a beautiful thing.  :)  But I do not aspire to the food or travel aspects except a very short list of people I would love to be sitting in their living room with.  I will figure that out.  

Decided that next Monday will be the moving my bed and changing to flannel sheets for the next quarter.  It is a flip and turn on the mattress so I need to get my mind about that exercise.  :)

Yes, you can change the world, but not on your own and not without a lot of hard work. That is the message of the stars as the new week begins, so team up with people whose aims reflect your own and then put in some serious effort.

Tap into the present by looking for beauty and acknowledging your foundations, dearest Libra. As the Scorpio Moon aspects Venus and Pluto, try not to let materialistic desires sully your sense of gratitude. However, it's okay to want more if you're willing to fight for your dreams. A burst of motivation inspires you to push your agenda forward once the Virgo Sun and Mars align this afternoon. Retreat to a private environment to improve focus as you test your own limits. Dreamy vibes put you in a romantic mood when Neptune and Pluto form a sweet aspect this evening.

Does it feel like someone's raining on your parade today, Libra? No surprise there. You may feel like you're stuck in a bog, so wear your galoshes and give it your best shot. That's all you can do. People may be extra touchy and impatient with ridiculous banter, even if it is polite. Try not to make sense of things that seem confusing now. Come back to them in a couple days.

Hard work and collaboration...wish me luck.  :) BUT starting with pancakes and granola...good way to start the day and week.   Have a good Monday.  

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