Village Bulletin Board, 24th December, 2010:
Christmas in our Village!
“Dashing through the fields (sunflower),
On a horse-drawn open cart,
Oh what fun it is,
Eating pie and tart!”
MEEEERRRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
As soon as you’ve finished with the hay rick ride, jump off next to the old oak because we’ve set up some swings on one of its great branches. Whoever swings highest (without getting lost in the branches, ‘o course!) gets to cut and serve the giant Christmas Cake baked by none other than our resident Australian Fairy Winnie. After the swing, you still can’t get to the dinner table until you’ve had a go bobbing apples in the big casks that farmer Anil left us from his last cider making. Finally, when you’ve done all that, meander past the walnut grove where our friendly Village squirrels (can’t remember their names) are jumpin’ and jivin’ to a mambo version of “All I want for Christmas if my two front teef”, and over to Nina’s Cottage.
As you’ll see, large old country tables have been set up outside and inside, just depending on the weather. The theme this year, well, it’s a little eclectic, but that’s normal I guess for this crazy bunch. So we have Surf ‘n Turf with a Vegetarian twist, together with Norwegian-Italian-German-Singapore influences. Now, where, I ask you, are you going to find originality like that other than in our spectacular Village? Would you forgive me, I couldn’t find the time to take and mount the photos of all the delicious things that everyone had prepared, but here’s a list of what I’ve seen on the tables so far:
Clementines and oranges with cloves (not sure if they’re for eatin’)
Bouillabesse, a delicious fish soup from Marseille
Barbecued giant prawns from Down Under (they arrived fresh this morning – come over to the barbecue area where BBQ-meister Zenbear is hard at work – someone bring him a glass of cider?)
Tenderloin, rump and filet steaks, only the best from organic farms in Nebraska and Kansas (kind, nice farms, these ones)
Slabs of thick sliced garlic bread with oodles of butter (no fat – this is a special Village)
Norwegian specialties of all sorts (yum!)
Buns filled with hot cheese, and a giant Brie just out of the oven with toasted almond slivers
Michele has brought along heaps of Fresh Dungeness Crab meat with melted sweet butter to dip it into,and whatever other dipping alternatives might be dear to your hearts, along with a crisp fuyu persimmon salad with arugula and avocado in an olive oil and fig balsamic dressing, a dash of shoyu, with lots of freshly ground black pepper. (Wow!)
A remarkable vegie ‘n chickpea casserole from Pam
Heaps of Duck Cassoulet from Castelnaudary (France) to be enjoyed with a deep Cahors ‘black’ wine
Then to finish it all off:
Gooey Tiramisu from Nina’s daughter
Scrumptious fruity Stollen from Germany
Decadent peppermint chip chocolate brownies from Michele
Brightly colored silver paper-wrapped candies from Laura
If you make your way over to the bar area you’ll find none other than your Mayor on hand to deliver you just the drink you want, be that a splendiferous fruit cocktail (all fruits in season), or something with a little more punch. Speaking of punch, there’s also an excellent variety of wines, including but not limited to: Billecart Salmon Brut Rose Champagne (thanks, Michele!), and of course some delish Cabernet and Pinot from California. The mayor brought along a few choices wines from France (mostly Burgundy’s though there is an excellent bottle or two of a Monbazillac sweet wine from the Bergerac area you should try)
And I couldn’t let this opportunity go by without remembering the real reason
for us meeting together at this time. We have marked in the western tradition
the day of the 25th December as the day we celebrate the birth of
one particular individual into this world.
With the help of the Brother Who has guided each one of us with his gentle words
now for many years,we have come to learn that the spirit this one individual contained
resides within each of us. He has made it his task to reach out to us daily,
reminding us of our perfect equality in Him, and perfect holiness with our Father.
There is no difference, and there is no separation. We are all one and the same.
May this day be a symbol for us of remembering our own birth unto our Self,
the one Self that we share intimately with all the Sonship.
And so this day we come into our own, and the blessings we would bestow
on Jesus the Christ we naturally bestow upon ourselves, and all our brothers and sisters.
We are the holy Son of God. May we be blessed with this remembrance this day.
Thank you for being part of my Family, helping me remember this magnificent Identity we all share.
Village Bulletin Board, 31st December, 2010:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Let’s continue our end of year celebrations at the Village by wishing each other all the best for 2011.
May we learn that January 1st is a special day in the counting of days,
as it marks the beginning of the time when each day shall blend into one.
One time, one day that remains forever unchanged in an eternal heavenly Sky,
as changeless as the sea that ebbs and flows but always stays the same.
May we practice this coming year the remembrance of that special moment of ‘now’,
of Love and loveliness, such that tomorrow be not separate or different from today,
not better or worse. May this very day we come Home to Love and Innocence
such that it extends till tomorrow and the many days that follow until they all become one.
Enjoy your celebrations, my friends!
Merry Christmas everybody ! It’s a white and very, very cold Christmas up here in the North but I saw Santa leaving from Lapland with his reindeer , no cold can stop him ! He will be in time at your place : ) Lots of Love from Hedda
Mr Mayor you forgot the Lotus Flower Soup and Unicorn Steak Pie, i realise they are not so popular but it is my peoples traditional dish, so it means a lot to me for it to be on the table (right in the centre). Who will be the lucky one and get the horn. (hands Mr Mayor a cracker-boom):- “that was a live one Mr Mayor it just took out a wing of the Tourist Gift Shop” .
Mr Mayor reads the joke..
” why did Jesus become so good ? ”
“because he came from a ‘ stable’ environment.”
Hmmm…
Merry Christmas Comrades and Happy New Ears……
Richard
Well Well Hello Hedda! Merry Christmas Eve kiss kiss:::one on each cheek::
So good to see you …barely recognized you with all those layers on.
Told Nina I didn’t know what to bring so its the boring but always essential paper good supplies. Let me just set those down. Oh my, interesting center piece- I see that Richard’s arrived and he decorated the horn this year-nice touch. Remind me to don the goggles when I work through that buffet line…almost lost my eye last year. I have to admit though the Unicorn pie is delish (then again I find guirlandes delish 🙂
First stop the swings, cuz once I start eating there will be no stopping me.
Happy Christmas all!!!my contribution to the party at my place is a Swedish dish – smoked ham, grilled with mustard/sugar/egg yolk and breadcrumbs. Thank you mr Mayor for summing up all the favorite food the Villagers has brought, that they cannot be without at Christmas! here is a poem for you all:
A Christmas Carol Poem by G. K. Chesterton
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)
The Christ-child stood on Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down
Oh, I forgot:sorry Richard, but no killed Unicorn allowed in my cottage. I have met this mythic wonder many times, it is the epitaph of innocence and gentleness – an angel among sacred animals.
Nina,
My people worship the King Prawn and behold the Avocado as semi divine fruit. However i have turned a blind eye to Mr Mayors inclusion for BBQ, and does he not know (or even care) that fig balsamic stings the Blessed Avocado with immeasurable suffering, however this too in the name comradeship i shall overlook and forgive (not to destroy-much)… Oh dear i fear that this celebration may yet turn into the first Village riot…. Mr Mayor where are you, shine a light on our perceptions of separation… anyone for a slice of venison,
” Ka-Boom..”
“Annie don’t pull those crackers yourself, you’ll have your head off”
“Now wheres Rudolf gone, reindeers, nightmare”
you see, Richard, since I was very little I have lived big periods of my life i n the mythical realm where Unicorns and their likes are real, just as real as you and me – and I have been visited by them in dark hours, they have been just like angels for me. I remember a Norwegian artist in an exhibition once stuffed a white horse and made him a unicorn horn – and put his masterpiece into a low-ceilinged room, where the walls were made of royal blue velvet. When i came into this room, I cried so deeply, not able to stop for a long while, so happy at last being able to embrace his form.
So therefore you’ll probably see why I don’t want his head in my Cottage.
I laughed my head off with post #2 Richard!
I swear it took me a half an hour to post my response cuz all I could see was the unicorn horn and that big hole in the ceiling. Reading my response now I don’t think I led on to how wonderfully hilarious I found it. But it was 2am and I had to muffle my laughter so as not to wake the rest of the family. And I’m sorry Nina I mean no disrespect this whole mixing the sacred with the profane brings me such delight and I find that having the two of you under the same holey roof is exactly where I wish to be. I love you both for exactly who you are a perfect reflections of me (:
Cheers
Lovers of all manner of beasts and vegetables, let us unite in our adoration of all things living and beautiful. Today we celebrate the power of reality, which renders all things inviolable and unalterable. We join in wonderful communion of the spirit that imbues us with both wisdom and joy, and find plenty of both in this festive occasion in our friendly and harmless Village. May we all find that which tickles and delights us, and leaves us feeling wholly satisfied, bobbing apples, dancing with the squirrels, swinging from the oak, and going through a hearty number of delicious and different tastes.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! to all of you, and a lot of gratefulness to Bernard that made possible for all of us this loving and wonderful joining. We arrive to the first Village Christmas with lots of hidden secrets discovered and exposed to the truth, and behind that, the loving and healing presence of all our Village friends. We had the opportunity to witness a lot of times, we are just ONE. And now, in this happy Christmas celebration, we confirm we are just ONE and the SAME. Thanks to all of you for being my companions in this our loving path HOME.
Now, rushing to Nina´s cottage to share all that beautiful food that everyone brought.
Lots of hugs and much love to all,
Lisi 🙂
I love everybody!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hippy Holidays to you and yours!
☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃
Hugs and Happiness!
Blogs and Kisses!
I’ve got a bit of a belly ache going on with all the horsing around and eating and swinging. Handing Nina her present early to open. I was going to leave it under your pillow so you would find it it on Christmas morning but I want you to open it now.
I found this beautiful parchment paper-sprayed it with my favorite perfume…then in my bestest handwritting I wrote my heartfelt sentiments.
I have found you-
I have searched for you my whole life-
I want to love you but I don’t know how
Please Please forgive my seeming insensitivities
They mask my broken heart.
This light we seek will see us through
that is my greatest comfort
(the next fold releases a swarovski snow flake)
this crystal represents your beauty and uniqueness
which I marvel and find great joy in
I gladly lay me down next to you and watch the sky
bless us and this Village with a dusting of innocence and perfection.
Twas a most perfect day.
All my Love,
Annie
Merry Christmas Eve to All! How Do I Love Thee…let me count the ways…
Bernard, such a leader as we have never seen and cling to as little children
in the sandbox who know that should our castles crack (and they do)that he is always there to offer some suggestion as to make it all better! Dear Sweet Annie…with your vibrancy and dedication (she will show up at the airport to wave, no matter that that might be the only possibility), love your healing and supportive words…Lisi…such a treasure of words we find comforting…and love your soothing voice…Pam…my Midwestern sister…calming and steady…and such a rock when my world is dark and frightening…Nina, such dreams as Heaven are made, and beautiful pictures and music to soothe the savage breast…Michele, our belle, who gives us strength through observation and a steady walker on the path…Anil, our brother who we live through many travels…and baby birth delight…Richard…our new speak of light, who reminds us of beginning adventures and other ways…Bev and Anne and Melody…and Hedda and so many
other names (I’m out of breath!)…all together through the many trying times and the sweet ones, too. Let’s lift a glass of punch in Christmas toast, and say (Oh, dear Lawrence)…God bless us every one!
Hugs!
Merry Christmas Village….flying through the sky on this Eve and bringing from the snowy south marinated shrimp, scalloped oysters, country ham biscuits, rum cake and plum puddings with cream.
Remembering the “fear not” tidings and extending blessings of peace and joy to All. Such love here and here. njn
Merry Christmas to A*ll! Love the ‘fear not’ tidings, njn! Thanks to everyone for stopping by, (I’ve been eating the crab meat silently at the side table.)
love, katrina
Merry Christmas! I had to stop by just for a moment. I miss you all so.. I have stopped by to see how Anil and Shoba were doing. I thought youse guys, (it is legal to talk this way when you are from “Pittsburgh”) were having your baby in December. So, I check back here a few times and am just blown away from the love and the realness of presence.. It is always about love is it not? Christmas is about love and the love in all of us. Family, my family is all in bed, yet I am speaking with my family. How beautiful is that! I loved this “perfect equality in Him, and perfect holiness with our Father” lovely Bernard, and what a gift to be reminded of, especially at Christmas.
I have kept busy reading a lot and really looking at myself. I don’t always like what I see. But, then I remember those I love and those who love me. I start the study of the course again in January; you know, lamp light at the kitchen table, oil lamp, nose to the grindstone and heart wide open.. I needed some off time, I found out you are never off duty once you fall in love with such a beautiful teaching. I have looked for this all my life. I hope to live long enough to bring it to fruition.
We are truly one, and I hope you all know you are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s hard to come back and read a few posts without commenting. I think of you all often, those who post and those who presence is as real as if they did.
God bless us every one
papa lawrence
My heart is flowing over…what a party we had last night…that sledge ride…bells…Annie standing on the table singing and reciting poems – bernard showing his mastercookery, and reading his first chapter of his new book – so exciting! and all the singing! I love the singing so much! love that Cory was there, Pam, so wonderful to see all of us together on this beautiful evening. My cup truly overflows, and the words are failing me..Annie. Thanks from all of my heart for your beautiful gift. Gonna save it forever by offering it to all
and Lawrence…oh man – what a treat that was. And reading your ponder, I realized how strongly your presence has been here in the Village – it’s like you are invisible present here, and often I can here your remarks to our ponders – always with gentleness and a smile. I love you so much, as we all do, and send you fresh cold sunfilled air from Rykkinn – it is so clear and beautiful this morning, and everyone is out using their new skies or boards or toboggans – right in front of my nose here where i write.
Nobody ever left
all is here
warmest love to Ruth-Anne, Winnie and Al,my Al – and a big soft hug to Debbi – and Jamie, Bonnie…Lisa
I want to go out in this radiant sunshine…just a sweet thing that happened to me this morning: I was sitting in front of TV, looking at a character in a movie, too fat, too stooopid, too lazy, and sensed my judgment rasing its head – when suddenly my heart overflowed completely and I saw him as a representation of the Son of God – so sweet –
my (Norwegian)Christmas was yesterday evening, so now there are two holidays just enjoying whatever comes.
I love you all so much – everyone included – and blessings for Lucas and Shobha and a*
forever and ever
Nina
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
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OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG i OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG O heart G OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OM this MG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OM village MG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG merry christmas everyone OMG OMG OMG OMG
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
ahh shucks that didn’t print out right!
no matter===my heart is overflowing too (:
Once again I am mostly at a loss for words. Peace is what We are. I see it shining through a little more everyday. The veils are thinner and fewer with little holes wore through more and more.
“An illusion recognized must disappear.”
I am more easily able to be willing to “choose again”. Thank you one and all for helping me see the contrasts more easily.
Grateful for this ‘time’ with you.
We are Blessed.
Merry Christmas to all the beloved villagers !….Thank you for being the sweet and dear bunch of folk that you are and for lightening this earthly load…… Yes we are so blessed… {gives Lswrence a big hug }
I’m with you Pam at feeling of loss of words but I will try…..
This Christmas day page of posts are amongst the sweetest blessings I am feeling in my heart and mind today. Bernard you have made possible, this witnessing, this capturing of our love and joy and that which challenges us as well, in each other’s lives, in our shared path home, the intimate safety and trust and the innocence we know will be ultimately be percieved and received with in this village home we share.
I got to share with my cousin Lynne who called, just when I began my reply here today, the peace, gratitude and sense of a real extended chosen family I was filled with after reading all the posts. She asked for a sense of it and I read your poem Annie to you dear Nina.
ALL of your names are in my heart and mind today, and all the gifts you bring……oh oh oh!!! and we got to hear from Papa Lawrence too!!!!
Ending with Lawerence’s,
God Bless us Everyone
I just keep popping in and out –
Just want to say Hi There to everyone
I love you all so much!
{{{Anne}}} I feel so happy each time I see you here – big HI to you too
Me too. I’m so grateful for this space that we share. Peace, peace and more peace to everyone.
Happy Kwanzaa everyone (:
Just want to keep the love flowing.
Sorry, guys, I’ve been playing tourist guide since yesterday morning to family. We’ve done two films and two towns, a picnic (not as good as ones here in the Village), lots of meals, etc. Busy family time! Ahhh… so good to kick my feet up here with you guys for a bit. My ‘other’ family, the one with which I can share so many more things!!
I’m just so touched by some of the beautiful posts here. You all really bring so much grace and joy to this place, this small, quiet corner of the universe that we’ve created together. It’s such a blessing to be able to share your thoughts, your discoveries, your illusions, your realizations, your … Selves in the process of becoming!
Thank you, thank you, Annie for that heart-written poem, to Nina, Laura, Lisi and Michele for your lovely thoughts. to Richard as always for your sharp humor. For Anne – so great to see your smiling face again, popping in and out. Bev, Winnie, Katrina, Ninjanun, Hedda and Pam – thank you for being here for our little party. And of course, what a surprise, our brother Lawrence who made an exception to his vow of silence to leave us with his kind and loving thoughts. (I was sure he was cheating and sneakin’ in from time to time – how could he do without us??).
As usual, family reunions like this always bring lots of unseen things bubbling up to the surface. Why on earth should we really hold on to any expectations whatsoever? Anybody else have a fun time with family? I managed to keep a smile not too far away, though there were moments when I thought I would have liked things to be done otherwise. But it was far easier just to let it go.
Village hugs to everyone, which means with arms 12 feet long which manage to reach around everyone and give a good squeeze. Okay, who hasn’t bobbed apples today? And who hasn’t yet tasted Pam’s Chickpea casserole? Then there’s still some gaspacho soup left. Any takers? I still pop behind the bar from time to time, so if any of you have an empty glass, just come over here for a re-fill. Of course, if you’re on to the dessert, then it’s maybe coffee time. I think Nina’s cottage is equipped with a real Italian coffee machine. I hear the milk being frothed now, in a stainless steel pitcher. That’s Nina right now preparing some gourmet hot drink. I see cinnamon, nutmeg, whipped cream, chocolate. What’s she cooking up?
Cinnamon, nutmeg,whipped cream, chocolate…and a little taste of cognac.It’s hot, it’s wonderful – and it is healthy too….well, maybe…
Mmmm! Nina, what a treat. Just delicious.
Just read all your beautiful and lovely sharing. Love my “other” family so much. Thanks to all of you for being part of my life and my path Home, thanks for listening, and sharing, for all the wonderful humor, and the delicious food and beverages we always find at the Fireplace.
Lawrence, thanks for coming. Your blessings were another treat for me this Christmas.
Yes Bernard, me too, had some adventures in the Christmas Party.
Lots of hugs to all and much love,
Lisi 🙂
Hi Nina and everyone –
Happy Kwanzaa right back at ‘cha!
Oh my goodness me where am i, hey there not my pants, uh oh, now i remember, the squirrel disco, damn every year i fall for it, “whydonchajustpopbyforabitofnutstuffstuffinandaboogiewoogie?”. That is your first mistake with festive squirrels, the nut stuff stuffin’ and then comes the squirrel christmas disco. The thing is every year i tell myself, keep away from the squirrels and there nut stuff stuffin’ jive…Hold up…no..oh no … Please tell me i didn’t trip out again about lotus flowers and Unico…. (scrolls down the page…reads…oh no..oh dear me..)…all my humblest apologises villagers especially to Nina, the thing is i have an allergic reaction to the nut stuff stuffin’ sends my kinda, well….er ..nuts…..the squirrels love it though, and the high light of the night is when DJ Peanut plays the Remembered song, all the squirrels just go, well you know how they go, i can’t say it again… man, i’ve got to pull myself together here…(takes a deep breath)- (looks around and smiles at the piles of sleeping squirrels) well better get myself down to the village and see whats going on….”ka-BOOM”….
Notes for next x-mas party….More egg , less nog…(-;
heee hee he…winks at Pam (:
You know Richard can’t resist those adorable squirrels. They plot all year on how to outsmart him on their day of Festivus. Oh yes, I overheard them one night while they were watching their favorite Seinfeld Episode.
{conveniently filed under Wiki leaks…}
“Frank Costanza: “Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.”
Cosmo Kramer: “What happened to the doll?”
Frank Costanza: “It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!”
Kramer: “That must have been some kind of doll.”
Frank Costanza: “She was.”
{seems like all good ideas are birthed when we open ourselves up to there being another way}
Richard defends the squirrels and their Big Ka-Boom Theory. They saved his life once a long time ago. I’m not quite sure how the story goes or the reason for the
re-enactment each year. But it always ends with his pants off and a very foggy memory.
All I know is that we really should try and get DJ Peanut – the ultimate Nut- for next years party. Richard, we are counting on you and your “nut” connections…there I said it. (:
Just so you know Richard I found you irresistable. Almost as cute as the squirrels.
I have two messages from Ruth-Anne, which I’ll include separately here. She wrote these in response to the Christmas wishes I sent from the Village:
I hope everyone at the Village had a WONDERFUL Christmas….I did. I think of you all often. I am at a point where I have laid the Course to the side for awhile. I am very happy. Jesus and Forgiveness have changed my life forevermore and core Course principals are simply part of me now.
I will keep in touch and if anyone wants to talk to me I would love to hear from you. You have all touched me and helped me and I just feel so grateful.
Thank-you All.
So much love
Ruth-Anne
This is the second message from Ruth-Anne. I wrote to her asking if I could post her first message at the Village. Here is her response:
Oh yes Bernard, please post it at the Village. And this too please.
Adriana (my daughter) was involved in an accident in April. She was supposed to attend college on a full ride scholarship last Sept. The Tues before she was to be there, the neurologist suggested maybe the concussion needs more time to heal. She has post traumatic vascular migraines now that put her out a couple of times a week. Every week it seems there is something with doctors or lawyers. It has changed Adri’s personality somewhat. She is more childlike and easier to anger or to tears. She feels different too to herself. It has been difficult at times but I am just grateful she is still with me. It very easily could have been otherwise. The accident was with a double trailered FedEx truck. He didn’t see her and knocked her a couple of times into a cement wall and then dragged her under the trailer and spit her out facing the wrong way down the interstate.
We moved in October. My brother came and visited from Costa Rica and asked me to move out of the house on my Father’s land so they could get more money for it…..LOL The symbolism of this was never lost on me. That didn’t make it ANY easier. I had a lot of anger and hatred towards my brother and my father and family. Again. Not lost on me.
During this time a guy who I have been working with at the casino and I started seeing each other. He is 37, Welsh, gorgeous, funny, and romantic. We are together 24 hours a day and cannot get enough of each other. I am in love after completely giving up on that a long time ago. We are so connected I KNOW I have been with him before. Hey the other day he brought me home POMEGRANATE LIQUER without knowing anything about my “Norwegian copper still” at our beloved monastery. Things like that all the time.
Christmas was awesome. The night of the lunar eclipse he gave me my present. I love the three stars in the Orion constellation (Orion’s Belt) and these stars have seemed to appear or be there at important moments in my life as my eyes have gazed heavenward. Well, I had told him that at some point of telling him about my life. When we went outside to view the first lunar eclipse on the winter solstice in almost 400 years, right under the moon were my three stars. He looked at me in wonder and said if there was ever a time to give a present early, this was it. He had made a necklace with three diamonds that represented Orion’s Belt for me. He couldn’t find what he wanted so he picked out the diamonds and had it made. We stood under that eclipse and those
stars and felt like the only ones in the universe.
The “Reappearance of the Universe”. LOL Thanks for that Gary. It just occurred to me. LOL. Now thats funny.
Anyway, I feel like you here at the Village and my Course friends are the ones who really know me and have been my support and my life for the past five years. Thank-you so much for all you’ve done. You will probably never know how much you’ve all meant to me and how much even now I think about you and send Light your way. The wisdom and laughter and tears and frustrations we have been able to share together……not many people have such a valuable lifeline. We share a spirituality that is difficult to put in words for me and you have given me the words. If any of you ever need anything and I can help, I will. Nina and Bernard have my address. And sweet Winnie does too. Get it from one of them and man I would love to chat with every one of you. I am feeling so much right now.
So much Love. Thank-you Jesus.
Ruth-Anne
Smiling from ear to ear. This time I’m speechless.
Richard, I knew there was a logical explanation for your appetite for consuming sacred animal symbols – it’s the squirrel jivin’ juice! I should have known, I’ve been taken in by those little fellas more than once. You’re strolling by, minding your own business, then one of these furry guys hops along a branch and offers you just the teeniest little taste. He holds out his tiny claw and extends a thimble of this clear liquid toward you, and waddya you do, throw that minute amount of juice down the throat – and that’s it! You’ve had it. There’s no accounting for the effect on humans, and it takes everyone differently. I was seen the first time prostrating myself before the Great Squirrel Himself, before I stood up and mooned him. Can you believe it? Boy, did I have a job apologizing that day. I just wonder though if that juice doesn’t bring out our innermost nature. We’ll have to be more careful next time. The squirrels are awfully forgiving – they’re such kind little fellas. And the Great Squirrel Himself hopped down off his throne, took me to the side and whispered in my ear, “It’s all about kindness – don’t worry. Just be kind.” No reprimand, no judgment – amazing. Such free little spirits. Like the Villagers I meet here. So lovely.
Richard and Bernard, I just opened a mail on my gmail from Alibris, my favorite Web-bookshop. Today they gave a suggestion that I bought their book: Squirrel seeks Chipmunk. Nice timing. I thought about it for one second, and decided to decline. As Bernard so wisely says: He holds out his tiny claw and extends a thimble of this clear liquid toward you, and waddya you do, throw that minute amount of juice down the throat – and that’s it! You’ve had it. There’s no accounting for the effect on humans, and it takes everyone differently. For me, that liquid is anesthetizing. Big time. Earlier, when I got allergic as you, Richard, i tried the Squirrel-juice, and it numbed the original wound that had set off the allergy. But then I had to use something else for the allergy again, and the wound underneath it all was seemingly forgotten. But it got bigger each time i drank that seducing juice, so I learned to see the allergies as signs of something deeper wanting my attention and kindness. I remember the expression in the squirrels face first time i kindly declined the juice – he was first very surprised, then he took it very personally and kicked up a BIG fuss. Oh my. They have really sharp claws, they have. But I managed to free myself, went inside and sat with the wound instead. Just said yes to all of that, and showed it to my big brother J. Gradually it abated(took some time with me, it did) and then there were no more allergies.
I think we have all arrived at very sobering and self reflective place, one where we humble ourselves before our self created insanity and claim responsibility for our twisted perceptions and distortions of reality, i for one know that i shall take my remorse and with the help of the Holy Spirit look deep into the eyes of my brothers and sisters and say unto them….” Dude, Who’s organising the New Year party whooohooooo, a-wham-bop a do-lop-a wham bam bam….”
Richard (:
Belated Merry Christmas to all – the Village sure knows how to party (:
And since Richard brought it up – shall we just carry on the New Years festivities on this same page ? (:
Nina: Squirrel seeks Chipmunk…now that’s funny!!!!
Or is me saying its funny a judgement?
arrgg
I don’t know if I’ll ever get this right….
oops judgement again!
Watching from the corner of my eye to see if J is smiling…
afraid to look directly just in case he’s not.
Oh he is but I have a feeling he’s not smiling about the Squirrel thing but something else. I should probably ask him directly but I have a feeling it would be one of those smartalicky answers like …what do you think?
Still not comfortable with dialoguing in my mind and saying it outloud scares me even more. So I went to my Trusted Blue Book to let the answer reveal itself to me by reading the first thing my eyes fell upon.
If you are still reading this posting then its for you too.
Lesson 268
Let all things be exactly as they are.
Let me not be Your critic, Lord, today, and judge against You. Let me not attempt to interfere with Your creation, and distort it into sickly forms. Let me be willing to withdraw my wishes from its unity, and thus to let it be as You created it. For thus will I be able, too, to recognize my Self as You created me. In love was I created, and in love will I remain forever. What can frighten me, when I let all things be exactly as they are?
Let not our sight be blasphemous today, nor let our ears attend to lying tongues. Only reality is free of pain. Only reality is free of loss. Only reality is wholly safe. And it is only this we seek today.
Well Amen Brothers and Sisters
{{{Annie}}} -thanks for that nice dose of sparkling clear fountain-water
Zip-eh-dee-do-dah-zip-eh-dee-day….hmm.hhhmm.. yawn…. well my fine feathered (?) friends, i have been summoned, a calling, a command from the Most High, the straight and narrow path bends before me .. yes indeed..as clear as canal water my purpose in life remains hidden for all to see… It is with a heavy heart (and recovering liver and receding hair line and an unusual red rash on my knees).. that i must bow out of the New Year celebrations, i know how you feel, i understand, it hurts you more than it hurts me and for that you have my sympathies, such is life, we must learn to eat bitter. I am off on a seasonal retreat to a place where they grow carrots the size of your leg, in the snow, i kid you not. So it leaves me to say that i have had a wonderful Christmas in the Village, the less said about nut stuff stuffin’ the better, perhaps i will turn up on You-Tube in a Byron Katie session.
Richard: I’m angry at squirrels.
Katie: I hear what your saying honey, but can you be sure thats absolutely true.
Richard: No.
Katie: Now lets turn it around sweetheart.
Richard: I am a squirrel (crying)
Katie: Exactly so.This is about realisation, not about changing anything, now hop along sweetheart. Good work.
see you all in the New Year,
stay cool but keep warm….X
Richard, may you have a wonderful retreat.We’ll miss you here, and wait for your return. And please give a link to your further sessions with Katie, I am sure she will save them
hug
from Nina the Chipmunk (maybe)
Richard…. our village jester extraordinaire. Have a great retreat. Watch out for the fig balsamic. See you next year xo Michele
Richard, have a great time with the giant carrots. But, are they also semi-divine on par with the great Avocado? And we still haven’t had word from the King Prawn who is a first cousin of the Great Squirrel (you wouldn’t believe the marriage needed to make that happen!)
Many thanks for your Christmas party spirit – we’ll definitely miss you for the big one on the 31st. By the way, how do the giant carrots and beetroot celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Richard, Have fun in Findhorn. Did I guess correctly?