Another quote the Aflame

What hit me this a.m. as I am rounding the final corner on Aflame, something reminded me of the connection I have experienced over the last almost 6 years of people I have met on line discussing death...in order to live a more fulfilling life.  "I had hoped, spending time in the Hermitage, to learn from the monks; but now I'm gaining so much also from the fellow travelers met along the road. Like nobody else in my life they feel like instant comrades, worthy of deepest trust, if only because what we share sits at the very heart of us."    

Stayed in bed a little longer than usual reading this a.m. but then put the book down because I want to be fully present as I read the final pages.  Not thinking about what I need to be doing next.  Today will be a good day to do that in that yes I have Shoprite and run dishwasher and walk...but nothing on my paper calendar.  So sitting in my front window with sun shining in will be my perch this afternoon to finish.

Yesterday - great walk, stopped at library on the last leg to make sure I had bedside table stocked as I knew I was drawing to the end of Aflame.  3 p.m. FEN DC.  Best facilitator yet.  Made all the difference as to where the sharing took us.  Did load of wash.  Almost balmy out as the temp reached 30 and even a touch above!  Today might be even a degree or two higher.  Will try to do a full route today.  Fingers crossed as to treated surfaces and snow bank issues.  

Sister #1's gentleman caller is having his heart valve procedure today...burning incense is in order.  :)

There is no point getting angry with people who cannot be bothered to make an effort, and there is no point getting angry with yourself if you are confused by a situation you have never encountered before. Not everything in life has to make sense.

The Virgo Moon forms unbalanced aspects with Pluto and Mars, dearest Libra, putting your ego in a funk. You’ll crave attention, but won’t feel motivated to work on projects that might boost your popularity. Your shadow side comes out to play while the nodes of fate stir. It’s important to analyze your patterns, especially if you tend to judge peers. The next time negative thoughts about someone else cloud your mind, ask yourself if it is a valuable use of your energy. Create a better narrative by breaking personal goals into small, sustainable steps.

Today you may notice that you're feeling very creative and ambitious, Libra. You might want to use these strengths to work directly on an artistic project. Or you may choose to channel that energy into activities like organizing your home or workspace. If you plan it out, there should be plenty of time to get to both if you have a mind to. Make the most of the day!

Amen to "not everything in life has to make sense." :)  Very short Shoprite list today.  No CA DC on first Tuesday of each month so no rush or clock on doing anything today.  Have a good Tuesday.  

Good start to month

Greeted with 4:44 a.m. this morning.  Yesterday was an interesting IMBOLC day.  Wrote to son and heard back.  Sent him the "Mother of a Son" poem I wrote for niece #1.  Swordfish is my "treat food".  Last time I had it was when NC friends were on their NE road trip.  :)  

One of my new holidays. AND the full snow moon!  No swordfish on my to-do list but still a day to help me refocus.  :)  Did ask the lady I walk with if she wants to go to a dumpling place for her birthday later this month.  Spring cannot come soon enough.  Imbolc 2026 takes place on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, marking the traditional Celtic fire festival that falls halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It signifies the start of spring, the return of light, and the awakening of nature.  Renewal, purification, and the first stirrings of spring. 

Also sent Happy Imbolc wishes to niece #4.  She asked if I would be available for a brunch on Feb 27.  She would come to me.  It is on my calendar.  Will see if it comes to fruition.  It was her husband's birthday yesterday too.  

So yesterday - sibling call.  Sister #1 off to PA today for a valve procedure her gentleman caller is having on Tuesday.  She set up a hotel by the hospital so she does not have to drive back and forth.  He will be in hospital for one or two nights.  After I talked to her I got back in bed to read a bit before an 11 a.m. ZOOM and woke up at 10:58 a.m.  True Imbolc moment to get me to England on time!  Death is not the End: Online Launch - The subject of death and dying has, for a long time, been avoided as a topic for general discussion. Today, however, as awareness of the continuity of consciousness after death is increasing, there is scope for a wider sharing of information and experience.  NDE, SDE, Terminal Lucidity, reincarnation and more.  Over 350 people were in the ZOOM room.  Then I was energized to go out in the cold for a walk.  Almost an hour and a half.  Picked up swimming lady's NYT paper and put it inside her back door on my way.  Then I got ready for 4:30 p.m. Alameda DC.  Heart retching sharing by one of the participants.  I shared my gratitude to feel safe, heard and seen...and healthy.  

Good night's sleep.  Ready for a long walk today. Wash load of wash.  The sun will be out.  3 p.m. FEN DC.  

If you fail at something today it will be of no real consequence – what matters is that you were brave enough to have a go when so many others decided to give it a miss. Whatever your next challenge may be give that your best shot as well.

The energy could feel slightly tense this morning, dear Libra, as the Leo Moon aspects Venus, Mercury, and Chiron. Treat others how you'd like to be treated, even if doing so requires extra patience on your end. The stars grant permission to set firmer boundaries when Uranus grows restless midafternoon, heating up confrontational personalities. Put a stop to power struggles by stepping out of drama before it escalates. Mercury and Chiron encourage you to find support in the comfort of a loved one if you need to emotionally recalibrate. A healthy dose of alone time will do you good once Luna enters Virgo tonight.

Don't discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Libra. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren't all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Still enjoying Aflame.  What great messages about silence, solitude, self, peace of mind.  Good reminders.  Have a good Monday.  

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit - Feb 1, Happy Imbolc!

As I wrote my son to send this a.m.:    "Happy Imbolc - One of my new holidays. AND the full snow moon!  No swordfish on my to-do list but still a day to help me refocus.  :)  Did ask the lady I walk with if she wants to go to a dumpling place for her birthday later this month.  Spring cannot come soon enough."  

Imbolc 2026 takes place on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, marking the traditional Celtic fire festival that falls halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It signifies the start of spring, the return of light, and the awakening of nature.  Renewal, purification, and the first stirrings of spring.

Combo platter my new holiday schedule with the new book I am completely taken with...Aflame by Pico Iyer.  I could share a lot of quotes but one that hit especially direct this a.m. - from the author's exposure to a Thoreau quote - "...I'd been shaken by his call to solitude: here is a man with the courage to step aside a little from regular society and live at an angle to the norm. The rare soul ready to shape his days in accordance with an inner account-book and not the external spreadsheet the convention tends to encourage."  I could have tagged every page I read yesterday and today.  So glad I was drawn to the book.  I love that "live at an angle to the norm"...

Yesterday - watched All-In, read, worked on a resource list being put together by one of the GA DC group, walked to library to drop off Grippando, and kept going.  The sun made the cold very bearable.  Today 11 a.m. ‘Death is not the End: Online Launch" -The Galileo Commission in the UK - This major new international initiative aims to deal a fatal blow to the lingering taboo topic of death – and counteract what is many people’s greatest fear. Will see if anyone I know travels across the pond with me today for the ZOOM.  Then 4:30 p.m. for Alameda DC.  Will sandwich in my walk in between.  

Got a call from sister #6 yesterday.  She got stuck in a snow bank trying to retrieve her mail from mailbox and with her one arm in a cast, had to wait until a neighbor helped her out...she had sort of a "come to Jesus" moment.  Perhaps it is time for her to re-house her dog who got out yesterday and she had to go out in weather she should not have been out in.  We talked about making 2026 all about her.  Put her health first.  Be able to pick up and leave whenever she wants. Spend dog money on herself for self care.  Doctor said her lymphatic system could use some help.  Her balance.  Her weight.  We will see what she takes action on.  

Step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. You may not want to draw attention to yourself but you can’t move up in the world if you are stuck at the back of the crowd. Make full use of the talents you were born with.

Pride can be an excellent motivator, but it also has a downside. As Mars breathes fire into your belly, recognize the difference between confidence and conceit. Goading peers or partaking in unnecessary competition won't gain you any attention that's worth having. Instead of seeking outward approval, focus on improving skills or furthering your passion projects. Community support will be easier to come by when authenticity and character development are prioritized. As the Leo Full Moon rises, create an environment that celebrates everyone's unique perspective. Gather with your fellow creatives to form a network that breeds mutual respect and shared opportunities.

Are you suddenly falling for an old friend, Libra? This may have you confused and a little frightened since you've never viewed this person in this way before. However, this person probably does reciprocate the attraction, so don't completely write it off. Consider this: could this person be a strong part of your future? How well do you know each other? Do you respect this person the way you should? If the answers to these questions are positive, give it a try!

Not falling for anyone.  But I will look to see who is a part of my future.  So glad that snow is not part of my future today.  I did not touch my shovel or broom yesterday!  Have a good Sunday.  

That was a chilly Friday

Early day today too. 2:51 a.m. as we speak. I did leave the baseboard heat on in the bathroom the last two nights.  Turn it off during the day thanks to the sunshine. But only did a spin around the block yesterday as to walking...did take a "drive".  One to make sure the car had not frozen up and to fill the tank with gas.  I was half tank down since going to sister #4's for Christmas. Go Happy Gas $18.35, 7.060 gallons, $2.599 per.  Finished Grippando this a.m.  Will attempt a walk to the library and back today and longer if the weather supports that.  High temp forecast for 18 degrees. But with sun.  We will see.

Early day yesterday - word work and 3 Chicago Shows and 2 L&O's by 10:30 a.m.  Then - checking for frostbite weather forecast. Town snow removal done by 6:50 a.m.

Will do my monthly report today...not going to be positive, but it is what it is.  Get tax stuff ready for tax person.  I don't have many tax events, but I file every year anyway.  Write niece #1 and son.  

Only do what feels right to you this weekend. If you allow yourself to be persuaded to do just one thing that goes against the grain you can be sure there will be plenty of other things further down the line. Say “No” and mean it!

Sweet distractions could lead you off course this morning, dearest Libra, as the Cancer Moon and Chiron square off. Try not to linger in bed for too long; your day is meant to be filled with excitement and growth. Tackling projects brings a sense of purpose while Uranus and Saturn activate this afternoon. Teamwork acts as an important building block for your relationships. Join forces with someone special to further the agenda at hand. Luna enters Leo and aspects Neptune this evening, cranking up your allure. You'll light up any room lucky enough to have you, though brooding Pluto may trigger jealousy from peers tonight.

There is a powerful force that seems to be working against you today, Libra, but realize that you do have the power to produce a positive outcome. Use this conflict to find balance in an unstable situation and try not to rock the boat too much with your superiors. You have a great deal of fire under your belt today and your actions are especially powerful. Consider enrolling in a class or seeking a path of spirituality.

Well - another day when the cosmos seems to want to teach me something...we will see.  Have a good Saturday.

Snow work on Main St

Picture from 2020 but you get the idea.  It is now 3:13 a.m. and the scrap, scrap, beep, beep is well underway.  Snow Clean Up - Downtown Collinsville – EARLY Friday morning, January 30, 2026.  On Friday, January 30, 2026 from approximately 2:00 AM-7:00 AM, the Canton Department of Public Works will be clearing snow in the Downtown Collinsville area. Not much earlier than I normally get up AND I am very happy to think about first light without snowbanks!  I scraped a bit of snow away from against our buildings and moved it to the pile that was to be scraped away.  The sun yesterday was such the charm in both my walk and doing that final clean up on Main St.  Fingers crossed that Sunday's storm stays away from here.  Don't have the same prediction for sister #4 or #6's neighborhoods.  :/

So yesterday - did some writing to the GA DC group after a very thought provoking presentation on Wed night, longest walk I have had all week, swung by the library - nothing jumped out at me, did a bit of clean up on aisle 6 when I got back to apt and Main St, then to bed even earlier than usual knowing I would be up early. Nothing on my paper calendar for today.  Will hope for a good walk.  Sun is supposed to be out.  

The message of the stars today is that it may be better to let your mind wander rather than focus on one particular aim. The more you take in from the world around you the more likely it is you will see and profit from the bigger picture.

You'll emerge from a brief period of hibernation with a new hunger for success, darling Libra. As the Cancer Moon aspects the nodes of fate, you're cosmically required to work for your desires. Watch for opportunities to demonstrate leadership capabilities, jumping in to help peers, putting out fires, or sharpening skills that can get you ahead. Be mindful to eat well and hydrate often, as time can slip by quickly with so much activity unfolding before you. Professional competition heats up while Luna, Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus form unbalanced connections, and it's important to stand your ground if others try to outshine or silence you.

Your upbeat and active nature is exactly what turns people on to you, Libra. Attention is apt to turn in your direction today when social acquaintances realize what an incredibly capable person you are. Focus on your strengths and accentuate these points in everything you do. The people around you will find you irresistible. You have a solid green light when it comes to love and romance tonight.

Letting my mind wander is not a problem.  :) Need to write son and niece #1.  Nothing else calling me as we speak.  Have a good Friday.  

PS:  misinformed myself yesterday...Chicago shows were new Wednesday.  Lots of watching this a.m. :)

Well that was a Wednesday!

Clear my mind with lots of white space around it...My mind is going a mile a minute after yesterday - lots of input from people, places and things!  First things first, I do want to report out that all chores were done on schedule this week even with the snow/shoveling interruptions.  Washing clothes, Shoprite, dishwasher, clean apt. :)  Yesterday - cleaned apt was first, then I tackled the parking lot and sidewalk.  Building next door plow person finished up all he could.  Still two residents who have yet to move their cars...I always think about that as to leaving a plan b in place in case you are away in the winter.  It really is a pain when there isn't a plan for snow and car moving...  But in this case it does fall into "not my circus, not my monkeys" as to my coming and going.  Then I chipped away a bit more at the front sidewalk.  EOLD discussion was just what I needed.  Woman from Lima Peru, now living in Maine.  "It will take what it will take" "Create a path" "Slow down, quiet oneself".  Be in touch with what is experienced is never a one thing - physical, mental, spiritual.  Be in touch with all.  Then off to one of the swimming ladies' house.  She was getting a bit stir crazy.  She had not been out of the house since the snow, and asked if I would swing by AND she was making cookies.  I not only work for food as to shoveling for my landlady's treats, but I will visit for food too.  :)  So I walked up there after EOLD.  Then home, ate my regular food and responded to an email from TX/NM friend who wanted me to look over something she had written for her grandson's birthday.  I worked on that and sent it back and sent her the poem I wrote for niece #1 for her birthday next week.  Mother to a Son.  Shared it with TX/NM friend for herself and her DIL.  The mother of the grandson turning 2 next week.  THEN an incredible GA DC with a Tufts doctor.  Incredible conversation.  I am trying to find my voice in this group but it is a bit intimidating.  Am working on that.  I am glad they let me stay quiet and keep attending.  ALSO sister #1 called to say that she thought of me when two friends of hers died via VSED - one with ALS and one dementia.  And the dementia person died at what I refer to as heaven on earth - CCLD, now Emberlight in Asheville NC.  I want to talk more to sister about both, but want to craft my questions.  Also sister #6 called.  With her broken wrist - working and moving around in the snow covered landscape is not making her happy.  :)  I will hope she finds some place to jet off to when her school break comes on Feb 16.

Well that was a recap of a input full day.  Today - will check and see if Chicago shows were on last night.  Compassion & Choices -The Facts About Accessing Medical Aid in Dying webinar at 3 p.m.  Will try and get a walk of some sort in - if nothing else to library and back. Returned two books on Tuesday on my way to Shoprite.  Then nothing on my paper calendar until Sunday...Will see what weather throws at me this weekend if it turns into a rinse and repeat of last Sunday/Monday and snow removal.  :/

Ignore those who say that what you are proposing to do is a recipe for disaster and get on with it. Well before the day is over it will be clear to everyone, including the critics, that you are on the fast track to considerable success.

Your heart shines brightly and attracts positive attention, dearest Libra. As Mercury and Venus unite in your solar fifth house, live authentically to call in your tribe. Romantic connections heat up, especially when you devote more time and energy to your own interests and passions. Continue down the path of character development, and your relationships will surely thrive. A spiritual charge softens your interactions while the Gemini Moon and Chiron align, presenting a chance to bury conflict and soothe wounds. Saturn nudges you to focus on bigger dreams this afternoon, insisting that you get your affairs in order. Work on building stability at home once Luna enters Cancer later today.

Some fascinating new information, possibly about spiritual or metaphysical matters, could come your way today via books, magazines, TV, or the Internet, Libra. This could set you off on a new course of study. Your own insights and revelations could prove invaluable in increasing your understanding of what you read. In the evening, expect a surprising letter or phone call from someone you haven't heard from in a long time. Enjoy your day.

Sounds like another day ahead of input...Need to so some quieting and clearing of my mind.  Keep a good thought for that.  Have a great Thursday.  

Good - in odd ways - recovery day

Winter 2026 has highlighted some equipment issues I have.  The shovel I borrowed from a family friend 20 years ago is feeling its age...Sneakers I bought in Jan 2025 are not at the bust out the bottom stage, but are not good shoveling shoes, and the LL Bean shoes I borrowed from my mother more than 20 years ago are losing a bit of their water resistance and that dampness moved me to tackle the "clean up on aisle 6" sidewalk and parking lot tasks yesterday...Should not need to do anything today except sand/salt if needed.  And I will just hope to baby my shovel and shoes through this winter and then regroup.  :)

Some emails I sent out yesterday in the morning.  

9:12 a.m. checkout!!!  $38.55/$5.12!!!  Having to wait until landlord/landlady left to exit on Market St because plow boy has yet to address Valley House part of parking lot...  First world problems I know, but it does not take much to upset my apple cart.  :)   Every intersection was a crap shoot for me with me and the snow banks on the way to Shoprite. Inch, inch, gun it was my technique.  And that "gun it" step with the MAZDA...spine tingling.  To calm my mood, I splurged on Orange Marmalade!  It's those little things that keep me going. 

Also retail came back so re-digging the "trench" to get from street through snowbanks to get to the hairdo place was a to-do after Shoprite.  

So yesterday - Finished W&T book club book.  Waited to escape the parking lot and head to Shoprite. Parked on the street long enough to clean up some stray snow on our end of parking lot since the 3 other cars in our area were gone.  After Shoprite - 12, 1, 7 ZOOMS.  Between the 1 and 7, went back out to parking lot because plow boy came for the rest of the parking lot and he is definitely challenged as to where to deposit snow...and I did not want it to feel easy to ease some "our" way.  Came back in.  TX/NM friend called.  Back to 40's there.  Started Grippando book last night.  Like a good easy read after W&T book club book.  ZOOMs yesterday - Noon: Hospice News 2026 Palliative Care Outlook; 1 - EKR Foundation DC; 7 - PCV Exit Matters: Our free virtual series continues with Diana Barnard, MD, presenting: Palliative Care 101.  All good.  I voiced my question at the 7 p.m. about why is not Palliative Consult the first thing mandated in any care plan when a life threatening illness diagnosis is made?...  Even for someone like me, it seems to be the best first step before any treatment is prescribed.  But that is me.  

Today - I am going to break out that marmalade.  Noon - EOLD discussion.  Rituals for Grief and Loss: Traditions from the Ancient Andean Culture with Maria Sanchez.  7 p.m. the GA DC group.  Family friend said just say no to walk today.  I will try and get out and do some wandering but even the "treated surfaces" are not too treated yet.  I can just do circles in the neighborhood if need be.  

Cosmic activity in the most dynamic area of your chart is encouraging you to go above and beyond what you think you are capable of. The higher you set your goals the more of an effort you will make and the more successes you will enjoy.

Your creative process takes a new direction, dear Libra. As the Gemini Moon aspects the Sun and nodes of fate, dare to explore uncharted intellectual and artistic horizons. Keep in mind that skills take time to hone, avoiding perfectionist expectations. You'll feel vibrant and open-hearted when Mercury and Venus activate this afternoon, with much love to give. Don't wait for others to come to you if connection is what you crave. Family and friends will appreciate you thinking of them and taking the initiative to connect. Invest in your relationship with the divine as well by practicing spiritual disciplines.

Travel by air, perhaps in the company of some friends, could well be in the works for you, Libra. A group with which you're affiliated might want to take a trip together, perhaps to a place associated with artistic or spiritual traditions. Your romantic partner could accompany you as well, making it as much a romantic getaway as an adventure. Take plenty of money with you! Your friends will want to go to nice places.

Hmmm...I don't see travel in my future or "above and beyond" aspirations, but I will stay alert.  Have a good Wednesday.  Waiting for a wrap on January.  As fast as 2025 went by, feels like January has taken a year to get through.