THE GOLDEN DROP • 12-06-2005 My boyfriend and I both adhere to a Tantric view of Life in that we believe it is by fully embracing the pleasures around us that we are closest to the Divine. He recently said something very beautiful and profound. "Sex is the essence of Life, distilled to one Golden Drop." Wow. © 2005 FairyWoman.com PLACES I'VE NEVER BEEN • 11-29-2005 In the twinkling of an eye He takes me to places I've never been His touch makes me quiver With excitement and longing In the twinkling of an eye He takes me to places I've never been To the depths of my pain Where I find cleansing tears In the twinkling of an eye He takes me to places I've never been Where Body meets Spirit in A thunder of ecstasy © 2005 FairyWoman.com MELTING, LIKE BUTTER • 11-03-2005 HAPPY LITTLE ENDORPHINS • 10-31-2005 THE SACRIFICE • 10-14-2005 MAMMA MIA! • 10-02-2005 If one counts the Drum Circle where I met Don as a "date," then last night was my fifth date with the gentleman. Aly says that should count as a date, and of course, I *always* do what Aly suggests that I do... ~cough~ So, yeah, last night was our fifth date! We had dinner at a small, cozy Italian restaurant where I had some of the most awesome salmon ever. I swear, each bite almost *melted* in the mouth — literally — it was incredible! The rest of the meal was excellent, too, as well as the company. After dinner, we went to his house, caught one of his favorite commedians on television, then chilled out to some nice jazz. The music served as a fabulous backdrop to some of the most wonderful, gentle touching that I have experienced. This man is exceptionally sensuous and passionate, yet still respected my limits. Thank you, my friend, for a most remarkable evening... © 2005 FairyWoman.com THE EDGE OF A DREAM • 09-24-2005 dreamt that I was asleep... woke up... running late... cruising along... passing bluedream... lovely neighborhood... going to a steely destination... dark grayish asphalt, light grayish fog, green mountain... killing time, smoking... nothing but gray and green... traffic backed-up ahead... gray and green everwhere... see The Edge... turning around... watch The Edge... nothing but gray and green... be careful of The Edge... shrimp on the barbie... on The Edge... tiny, but good... she cooks them so well... © 2005 FairyWoman.com SNIPPETS FROM A DREAM • 09-22-2005 felt, ripping from a pool table... frame exposed underneath... an argument from someone who doesn't even try to understand me... music, playing in the dark... need headphones... my father... the house... rose quartz... feldspars and feldspathoids, gleaming... moonstone, labradorite... the little girl watches me, she learns, she is me... crystals, spinning, changing... crystals within crystals... it was my experiment, they liked it, i am famous... the crystals, all the pretty crystals... © 2005 FairyWoman.com SEMI-ANTIQUE • 09-22-2005 OMG... another birthday, come and gone... another year older? try another decade older... It does not seem possible that I am now fifty years old. I don't feel fifty. I've been told that I don't look fifty. *checks driver's license* Damn! In the online world, there were three birthday greeting threads started for me. Bunches of people posted lovely greetings in each of the threads, and several of those people sent individual emails, too. Aly, my best-friend online, drew an adorable ASCII-art pic for me in her blog of a kitty with a cake, and another girl uploaded a beautiful pic of some flowers for me as a birthday pressie. I felt very loved. In the real world, I got a couple of birthday cards and a couple of phone calls from my brother and parents. Karla sent me email-greetings with a pretty photograph of a flower that she made (see photo at right). My roommate did not feel like going out to eat with her recent health problems, of course, so I cooked Country Style Steak, scalloped potatos, and asparagus for supper. In lieu of a birthday cake, we had Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls for dessert ~ yum! Anyway, it was a quiet, but lovely, birthday. *checks driver's license again* Damn! © 2005 FairyWoman.com EMERGENCY ROOM • 09-21-2005 As if my roommate, Toni, didn't have enough health problems with which to deal right now, she has another. It isn't serious, thank goodness! She had some blood in her urine, accompanied by a burning sensation. Since she is still recovering from sinus surgery that was very invasive to her skull, we were both very concerned. She called the triage nurse at the Emergency Room, since it was "after hours" for regular clinics, and the nurse advised her to come in. As it turns out, she only has a Urinary Tract Infection. The pharmacy there are the hospital supplied her with a 10-day antibiotic to stop the infection, and an antiseptic pill (Pyridium) to assist in healing to stop the burning sensation. Then we went by Walgreen's to get some pantiliners so her undies would not have blood on them while the pills do their job. Several hours later, we are back home. Thankfully, she is ex-military, so she was able to use the VA hospital here in town, which is less crowded than the public hospitals. Sheesh, I feel so sorry for her, with all she has gone through lately. © 2005 FairyWoman.com THE GATHERING III • 09-18-2005 HEALING • 09-16-2005 Took Toni to her post-surgery follow-up appointment over in Asheville. She is still in pain from all the poking, prodding, and drilling that the doctors did to her skull last week, but the doctor was pleased with the healing progress. Neither of us slept much last night and we had to be up so early this morning, so we are both going to crash and burn now. Ni-Ni. © 2005 FairyWoman.com COFFEE DATE! • 09-15-2005 Don happens to be in town for an appointment, so he calls me to see if I can meet him for dinner, or at least coffee. I have a super-busy day tomorrow taking my roommate to Asheville for a post-surgery follow-up appointment, so I ask for a raincheck on dinner and we go for coffee instead. We have yet another get-acquainted conversation. Since I was thinking of going to a gathering of online friends in a couple of days, I asked SteelyDanGuy if he wanted to ride down there with me. I figure he can keep me company on the ride there and back, and it will give us a chance to get to know each other better. He says he would like to go! Then, I go home, grab a very quick bite to eat and hit the bed so I can get an early start tomorrow. © 2005 FairyWoman.com LUNCH DATE! • 09-13-2005 A nice, slow, leisurely lunch at RED LOBSTER. A man who knows how to talk and can carry a conversation. Wow. Then, we hit a local park to stroll and talk some more. What's that over there? Swingsets! I love swingsets! I don't care if I am almost 50 years old, I love swingsets! OMG, so does he! So, we sit on the swings and chat for a very long time. How fun! Then, it is off to COW & COFFEE, a local coffee shop, for a drink and some more get-to-know-you chatter. And a goodbye kiss! What a fun date! *faints yet again* © 2005 FairyWoman.com AFTER FIVE LONG YEARS • 09-12-2005 SteelyDanGuy wanted to take me to dinner tonight, but he waited until the last minute to ask because he likes spontaneity, and I couldn't go. So, he asked me out to lunch tomorrow, instead! OMG... It has been five years since someone found me attractive and interesting enough to want to date me...... OMG... *faints again* © 2005 FairyWoman.com AS THE DRUMBEATS FADE • 09-10-2005 SteelyDanGuy emailed me, said that he enjoyed meeting me, and thanked me for telling him about the Drum Circle. He lets me know that his real name is "Don." And, OMG, he says that he thinks I am "beautiful, bright, and intelligent." *faints* © 2005 FairyWoman.com DRUMMING WITH SteelyDan • 09-09-2005 Wow, SteelyDanGuy actually looked like his pic — I think he looks like a college professor  — and I recognized him immediately when he arrived at the Drum Circle! Although this was only our first in-person meeting, I gave him a little "hello hug," partly to make him feel more welcome, and partly so I could "read" him better. He was more accusomted to playing drums with drumsticks rather than the bare hands, so he opted for the dun-dun, turning it up on its end and using the two beaters like drumsticks. Very impressive! It didn't take him long to get a backbeat going behind the African and Middle Eastern rhythms that we were playing, and occasional glances his way told me that he was getting into the groove of it all as much as the rest of us were. When the Drum Circle was over and we were loading our instruments into our vehicles, I asked him if he wanted to go for a coffee or something. We ended up at Taco Bell, due to the lack of coffee shops and such in the small town where the Drum Circle was held. We chatted easily for a while, with no really awkward moments; definitely a good sign! At the cars, I gave him a little "goodbye hug" and we each drove off in our different directions. © 2005 FairyWoman.com OSTEOMA • 09-08-2005 Yesterday, my roommate had surgery. She had an osteoma (calcium buildup) at the opening at the opening to one of the sinuses over her eye. It has apparently been building up slowly for months, maybe years, but had caused LOTS of trouble lately. So, her local doctors referred her to surgeons in another city nearby and I drove her there, waited around while she was in surgery and recovery and then got her back safely home last night. We were both so exhausted from the day's events and from little sleep the night before, so we both crashed-and-burned for a few hours. She is in some pain, of course, but doing okay, thank goodness! © 2005 FairyWoman.com CHAT WITH "SteelyDanGuy" • 09-06-2005 Many years ago when Instant Messaging (IM) programs became popular, I tried 'em all. I used several IM programs for years and finally got burned-out on them and got rid of them all. Thanks to my friend Aly for goading me until I finally recently downloaded an IM program again, I was able to chat with SteelyDanGuy. We chatted for quite a while and learned a good bit about each other. He seems intelligent, well-read, and open to opinions that are different than his own. He also has a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at himself...big plus. We both have an intense love of music, which is awesome. He had played a drumset for a couple of local bands many years ago, so I invited him to an upcoming Drum Circle in our area. I figure that will be a way to meet this guy in a safe environment so I can read his energy, and we can share something we have in common so we can see how it meshes. © 2005 FairyWoman.com FROM OUT OF THE BLUE • 09-04-2005 In the years that I have been online, a few men have written to me, wanting to explore a relationship. When I have written back to them, however, it became apparent that they did not bother paying attention to all my details. Invariably, they have run the other way when they find out about my spirituality or other things. However, I received a very polite and lovely email from a gentleman tonight that let me know immediately that he had paid attention to everything, and was "struck by the honesty and straightforwardness which comes through." Moreover, he only lives 19 miles from me, and was still interested in opening lines of communication, despite everything. We exchanged a couple of emails. Will see what comes next. For now, his codename shall be "SteelyDanGuy" © 2005 FairyWoman.com PREDELYA • 08-28-2005 GLENDA • 08-14-2005 FROM VIRTUAL TO REAL • 08-03-2005 MOTHER MOON • 08-01-2005 The Moon, She hangs in eastern sky, Mid stars, Her crescent beaming, The Primal Seed within my soul Hails back, with joyous gleaming. Were Thee my Mother, true and right In every sense of meaning, There still would be no difference made For all my heart's fair leaning. © 2005 FairyWoman.com A DREAM WITH A WONDERFUL MESSAGE • 07-24-2005 WHO I AM, WHAT I AM NOT • 07-18-2005 OMG, MOVING AGAIN...? • 07-12-2005 Several years ago, I was in a situation where I could not afford to live alone. As it turned out, another woman I knew was in the same situation, so we decided to find a 2-bedroom/2-bathroom apartment and split the expenses. Although we knew each other beforehand, it was only on a casual level, and neither of us knew what to expect. We were surprised to discover how much we had in common, and quickly learned that each other could be trusted completely. We became as close as if we had been born sisters, perhaps closer. There is an unspoken bond between us that we're a team, and will continue to live together until someone sweeps her off her feet or someone sweeps me off my feet. We had been living in Florida, on the outskirts of the Orlando metro area because of a job offer that was extended to me. My roommate became increasingly frustrated with the population density of that area, the horrendous traffic, and the "living on top of each other" that is common in apartment life. Then came the hurricane season of 2004, with several big storms passing through the area. Not only did the hurricanes damage our apartment building, but the landlord was subsequently negligent in repairing the damage quickly and mold began to grow from moisture that had seeped-through the roof. This, coupled with landlord-negligence in other areas, began to affect our health and we knew we needed to get out of there. The storms also triggered an intensity in the PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) that had always been a factor in my roommate's life after experiencing several traumatic events, including sexual abuse as a child. Immediately after the last hurricane, I was laid-off at work due to poor business conditions with my employer, which negated our last reason for needing to stay in the area. If one believes in "signs," it was as if the Universe were telling us it was time to move on. Unfortunately, our landlord decided to be a real jerk and try to impose stiff penalties on us for breaking the lease early. We decided to prove that the apartment was uninhabitable due to their negligence, and a legal battle ensued and continued for five months. We won the battle (yay!), and hopefully future residents of that building will have a better place to live because of it. Since it was my roommate that was unhappy living on the outskirts of the Orlando area, and not me, I decided to let her pick the place to which we would move. I am a very flexible, adaptable individual who can make my own happiness anywhere I happen to be. For several reasons, she chose northeastern Tennessee, and we moved to Johnson City earlier this year. This move has put her close to an excellent VA facility which can see to her medical needs, has placed us in a less-populated area that is far from where hurricanes make landfall, and has placed me closer to my family (parents, child, and grandchild). I was also thrilled with this decision because I love the mountains, and had made my home for 25 years (prior to moving to Florida) in western North Carolina. It was nice to be in the shadow of the mountains once again. Job opportunities in this less-populated area have been scarce, though, and I have yet to find a job in which I will be happy in the long-term. Sure, I could probably get a job at Wal-Mart or whatever if worse came to worse, but I would much rather have a position in an office environment similar to those I've had in the recent past. So, for now, I am living frugally and scraping-by on the measly savings that I had stashed away. A month or two after we moved, the chronic problems which my roommate has had with her back after a service-related accident began to flare-up worse than ever. After numerous appointments with doctors at the VA clinic, we began to realize that the change in atmospheric pressure between our former sea-level home and the mountains is partly to blame for her problems. For me, with no joint-injuries or arthritis, I notice nothing, but for her, the slight change has been significant. The cooler temperatures here have also been partly to blame for her increased pain level, and a doctor suggested yesterday that we move to a warmer climate at a lower elevation. So, it looks like we might be moving again, for the second time this year. She is beginning to scout for potential places that has the proper balance of a relatively low population density, distance from hurricane landfall, proximity of a good VA clinic, warm temperatures, low elevation, and not too far from my family. Right now, the cities that are the best candidates are Augusta, Georgia, and Murfeesboro, Tennessee. I dread the packing and the strenuous physical work involved in the move. At 50 years of age, I find the prospects of moving much more daunting than I did 30 years ago when I was in better shape. I also hate leaving behind friendships that were made earlier this year, just as I did the friendships I had made in Florida. Still, I want my "sister" to be happy and have a less-intense level of pain to deal with, so it will be worth it in the long run. Updates will appear here once we have selected a destination, plans are made, and events unfold. © 2005 FairyWoman.com WICKED, EVIL SHOES • 07-09-2005 Omigosh! The shoes. Wicked, evil shoes. The shoes from hell. A week or so ago, I stopped off at a local shoe store, and I bought two pairs of shoes, although I had no business spending money on frickkin' shoes when I don't have a job right now, but they were cute as hell and I had to have them. Besides, one pair would be perfect for wearing to job interviews, no joke!!! Classic black slingbacks, very professional, and I lost one of my black slingbacks in the move and needed to replace it. Tell me how *one* shoe gets lost and the other is still in the shoebox!!! Ack!!! They were my classiest pair of "knock-em-dead-at-the-office" slingbacks!!! Anyway... So, they had these flat sandals there. Just normal, everyday, "let's-go-grocery-shopping" sandals. Perfect for walking through a field to a Drum Circle or something. So, I decided to go back and get them two days ago. Well, I grabbed the flat sandals and was lookin' around to see if they had anything new in. There was the cutest lil pair of next-to-nothing high-heeled black sandals! I mean, the straps are sooooo thin, it is almost like there are no straps. Lots of foot showin' through. Sexy. And they were 75% off the $20 price! I could not find a size on them, or even a brand name. But, I had to try them on. They fit! Yay! The heel was only 4" or 4 ½", but they were hard to walk in, for some unknown reason. I can usually walk in 4" heels as easily as I can barefoot. I took them back off and checked the heels carefully to be sure they were not loose, because that is *exactly* what it felt like, like one (or both) heels were about to break off. The heels were secure, though, so I figured it was some oddity of the carpet in the store and bought them. Got them home, and even on the tiled kitchen floor, the heels still felt like they were breaking off. It was the weirdest thing! The comfort disappeared after an hour or so, but I kept them on for at least another hour, with those teeny straps-from-hell pinching my toes. Owwie! But, they looked hot, were cute, and I liked them, so what the heck. Finally, after I got them off (almost with tears in my eyes because they hurt so), I examined them again. The heels were securely fastened. Big mystery. So, I was looking at the straps, to make sure they were snugly attached to the shoe. Lo and behold, I found the size stamped in gold in a place I have never seen a size stamped before, on the underside of the strap that goes across the toes! Damn, the things are size 8, between one-half and a whole size below what I usually wear, and yet they fit, although they pinched my toes! Then, it all became clear. Apparently, wearing a size or so below what is normal would put one's weight in a slightly different place in the shoe. So, I can walk on them, but I have to *consciously* think about how I am putting my foot down to keep the wobbly-heel effect at bay. I would hate for the heel to break and twist (or fracture) my ankle as I fall, so teeny little careful steps are required. And with the pinching that starts after wearing them for a while, it is difficult to wear the shoes for long periods of time. But they look sexy and hot! Wicked, evil lil shoes. Satan made these shoes. Thank you, Satan! © 2005 FairyWoman.com DOUMBEK! • 07-09-2005 I bought a new drum a couple of days ago (although I had no business doing so, since I have not found a job here yet). The shop where I go for one Drum Circle is going out-of-business soon because the owners are moving, and on Monday all merchandise will be 30% off to begin the liquidation. The owners knew that I wanted this particular little drum very much, so they let me have it for their wholesale price! I was blown away by that offer, because they certainly did not have to do that! I have taught some classes in their shop (meditation, crystals, etc.) and helped them setup a new display a few weeks ago, so maybe that is why they extended this wonderful offer to me. I did not "need" another drum because I already had a dozen or so drums of various shapes and sizes. The smallest is so small that it can only be played with the tips of one's fingers, and the largest is so big that it is hard for me to carry sometimes. However, this drum is different than any that I had. It is a "doumbek," and is a common instrument in Middle Eastern music and belly-dancing performances. I already had one doumbek that is made of clay with a fish-skin head, and one made of ceramic with a cow-skin head, but they are both delicate and I don't like to take them to Drum Circles for fear they will be dropped and broken. This new doumbek is made of aluminum and has a synthetic head, so it is very durable for transport, and has a beautiful sound unlike any other drum I have now. So, I had to have it! Thank goodness for a credit card that I can pay-off easily once I get a job! Drumming is a very important part of my life, as you can probably tell. Not only is it fun, but it is a big stress-reliever, too. After drumming for a bit, it is easy to get into a repetitive "groove" that drives itself with little thought on the drummer's part, and allows one to meditate in a trance-like state which is incredible. For me, Drum Circles are also a deeply spiritual event. Before modern technology changed our lives so drastically, humans gathered for centuries around bonfires and celebrated Life in a sacred, primal manner. The bass tones of the drums connect us with Mother Earth. The treble tones of the drums connect us with the realm of Spirit. The fusion of the two represents Life on the most basic level, the heartbeat that reverberates through all of Creation. © 2005 FairyWoman.com CLOSING SHOP • 07-02-2005 I went to my usual Drum Circle yesterday at a local shop in my town, and was given some sad news. The shop is closing because the owners are moving to Atlanta because of poor business conditions in this area. The shop owners are lovely people and I get along with them beautifully, so I hate to see them leave town. It is also sad to lose a great place to drum that has good energy. In the short time I have known them, they have enriched my life, and I hope I have enriched theirs in some way. Perhaps I was brought to this area to make sure the drumming continues... who knows?!?!? © 2005 FairyWoman.com FOR BRIAN • 06-23-2005 I love how he used to love to walk hand-in-hand with me at night, talking to me about his hopes and dreams, and asking me about my hopes and dreams... I love how he used to put his arm around me, protectively, as if someone were about to snatch me away from him, as if he never wanted to let me go... I love how his eyes used to twinkle with surprise when I teased him, his never knowing what my next move or word might be... I love how he was always taller than me, no matter how high my heels were... I love the way his beard felt, and always marvelled at how soft it was, neither rough nor scratchy... I love the way he would kiss me, like there was no tomorrow... I love how he always loved my cooking, and all the little things I did for him... I love how he used to send me little gifts when I least expected it... I love how he used to grin sheepishly as I straightened his tie or belt before we went out on the town... I love the smile that crossed his face every time he saw me after we had been apart... I love him still, even though it has been five years since something ripped us apart, and I wonder if he ever thinks of me, because I still often think of him... © 2005 FairyWoman.com SUMMER SOLSTICE • 06-22-2005 Summer Solstice. Scientifically, it is the day when the sun reaches its northermost point on the earth, the Tropic of Cancer. The "sol" part of the word refers to the sun, and "stice" means "standing," because the sun briefly appears to "stands still," changing from a northward journey to a southward direction again. Of course, it is the earth doing the moving that causes this phenomenon, not the sun, but we humans often tend to describe things from our limited perspective. The peoples of ancient times must have marvelled at how the sun appeared higher overhead in the summer and was much lower to the horizon in winter. Nowadays, with the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, I imagine that few people really take notice of such things. It is a shame, too, for the universe sustains us, whether we realize this and appreciate it or not. It is all too easy to think of our food coming from a market, while ignoring the transportation that brought it there, the processing involved, the farmer who grew it, the sunshine that warmed it, the rain that watered it, the soil that nourished it, and the seed that made it all possible. All Life is sacred. Although we would do well to be mindful of these things all year long, Summer Solstice is an especially potent time, for the life cycles of most things are in full swing — growing, thriving, blooming, and dancing in the warmth that the sun brings. If Life is sacred, then all the things that contribute to Life are also sacred, including the cycles of Mother Earth. This year, I was blessed to celebrate the sacred time of Summer Solstice on two separate occasions. This past weekend, I sat around a bonfire under the Moonlight and drummed with friends, reveling in the splendor of Mother Earth and her cycles. Men and women, both, came together to honor the heartbeat of Mother Earth with drums and dancing, to pay tribute to that spark of the Divine that is in all things. Then last night, on the evening of the Solstice itself, I joined heartbeats and drumbreats with two other women, in thanksgiving for Life and the sacred connections that join all things. The trees and rocks joined in our song, the wind danced along with our rhythms, and fireflies and fairies twittered about in celebration. Life, embraced by the loving arms of the Divine. Summer Solstice. © 2005 FairyWoman.com SHOE WHORE • 06-20-2005 Shoes are fun. Shoes can also make, or break, an outfit. There are plenty of dressy flats for women who do not like heels, and I have several pair of those, too. Heels are my favorites, though, because not only do they look hot and catch men's eyes, but I honestly find a bit of a heel more comfortable to walk in than flats, due to the way my feet & ankles are constructed. Walking in flats all day leaves my feet and legs incredibly tired. Since my feet tend to get hot in completely enclosed shoes (like tennis shoes), I do not wear them very often, except in cooler weather. My feet have always been one of my best features, so yeah, vanity makes me want to show them off. I love my boobs, but they are not big enough to attract much attention, my tushie is just average, and my hips are slender. Especially since I've gotten older, my hair is thinning a bit and not as thick & full as it once was. Women as well as men, though, have commented on my feet. I can't tell you how many times men, surprisingly, have commented on my shoes, so that proves to me that quite a few gentlemen look at women's feet. Why not let 'em drool a bit, too, while they are looking?!?!? Long live shoes! *click,click,click* © 2005 FairyWoman.com MARVELOUS DAY • 06-18-2005 What a marvelous day today was! Although I was only able to sleep a scant three or four hours last night, at least I did not oversleep and had plenty of time to lounge around the apartment. I leisurely enjoyed a pot of coffee after my shower, fixed a bracelet that had a kink in it, and answered some emails. Yesterday afternoon, I had been asked to give a talk on crystals, stones, and minerals at a local shop. It seemed to go well, and today two women took the time to tell me via telephone how much they enjoyed my talk and wondered when I might be able to return and do another talk. Then, the shop owner, who is just now beginning to carry a stock of crystals and stones, asked me to come by and give her advice on how to best set up the new display shelf. I was very flattered that she valued my opinion! Once that was done, I attended a short Drum Circle at the shop. Then, I was off to visit some friends who live *way* out in the country for a potluck dinner and yet another Drum Circle. My friends, as well as most of the other guests, follow a similar spiritual path to mine and were gathering in honor of the upcoming Summer Solstice next week, which is a very special day for us. My homemade "Spanish Rice with Smoked Sausage" concoction when over well at dinner, and then we went out by the bonfire with our drums. As we were beginning to drum our hearts out by the light of the bonfire and tiki torches (used partly for "atmosphere" and partly to keep the mosquitos out of our space), a beautiful Moon came up over the mountain beside my friends' property. The energy of the gathering was good and the drumming was absolutely awesome! It has been a while since I drummed around a bonfire with non-drummers dancing or sitting around soaking it all in, and had forgotten how much fun it is. It was about 1:00 AM before we vacated the bonfire and went our separate ways, and was a perfect ending to a marvelous day! SPANISH RICE WITH SMOKED SAUSAGE Prepare rice as you normally would, but with a pinch of saffron in the water, for color and a hint of flavor. When the rice is cooked, add butter, salt, and pepper, to taste. Add chipotle pepper seasoning, to taste. As rice is cooking, prepare smoked sausage by boiling, sautéeing, or baking, however you prefer. Cut sausage into bite-sized chunks and stir into rice. Enjoy this easy "one pot meal" by itself or with other fixin's. © 2005 FairyWoman.com PAIN • 06-16-2005 I LOVE THE NIGHT • 06-14-2005 I love the night I am never lonely at night I roam wild and free at night I think best at night Delicious dreams run through     my head at night Complicated things become     clear at night My heart dances at night My soul flies free at night Memories lose their edge at night The nightbirds keep me company at night I explore from shadow to shadow at night Mother Moon gives me peace at night I occupy myself with many things at night I try not count the minutes until daylight at night I wonder how much more beautiful Darkness there is of the night I love the night. with apologies to my darling friend, Aly, and her blog entry, "I Hate the Night" © 2005 FairyWoman.com VARIETY • 06-11-2005 I experiment with things. Last night as I was setting up the coffee pot for today, a wild hair hit me and I sprinkled some Passion Fruit tea grounds on top of the coffee grounds. What possessed me to do that, I do not know. I like coffee, and I like the flavor of Passion Fruit, so why not try the two of them together? Sometimes, I sprinkle dill on my rice. Sometimes, I mix chipotle seasoning into my rice. Sometimes, I put gravy on my rice. I like variety. I like to experiment. It keeps life interesting. People who are not adventurous bore me. People who are needlessly picky bother me. Sure, if you're allergic to mushrooms, or just don't care for their taste, fine -- don't eat them. However, if the same person also is vegetarian, doesn't like spinach, hates onions, only likes "oldies" rock, despises the color "orange," and turns their nose up at carbonated drinks, then my advice to them is, "Get a life!" As for me, I do not like liver or other "organ meats." I also am not crazy about grapefruit or gospel music. Anything else is fine. When we paint ourselves into a corner by dozens of different "likes" and "dislikes," we are depriving ourselves of so much enjoyment of life. © 2005 FairyWoman.com MIDSUMMER'S DANCE • 06-08-2005 The Earth, She lies in stillness And the sky is painted black Scattered stars are shining bright Cool breeze is on my back The silhouettes of trees, they stand Like sentinels all around Guarding my silent passage, Feet gently graze the ground The grove provides protection, The Night provides the way To watch the faeries flit about And frolick as they play To them, I am a kindred soul They do not flee from me, But lead me deep into their world My soul shall be set free We celebrate Earth and Spirit; The Mesh connects them still With silver threads of Moonlight, To see them is a thrill We dance upon the strands That shimmer just like glass A dance profound, yet simple As dewdrops on the grass Not till the Night is over And the Dawn begins to break Do we part our ways with kisses And our way home we make Retreating deep into the cleft Of dreams and blessed sleep, The Solstice of our lives belie The secrets of the Deep © 2005 FairyWoman.com SOMEWHERE OUT THERE • 06-06-2005 Several people have asked me lately why I am currently unattached. Perhaps it is because I have discriminating tastes. I know there is someone out there for me, somewhere. However, since I am a somewhat-intelligent person, my choices are narrowed because I insist on having another intelligent person as a partner. Furthermore, I follow a non-maintream spirituality, so that narrrows the available persons even further, to those who also follow, or at least are tolerant of, alternate spiritual paths. There are a few other criteria, too. I often tell people that I am, "NOT LOOKING." What that means is that I am not trolling, nor do I respond well to people's casually trolling in my direction. I am a woman, not a fish that is willing to pounce whatever worm wiggles in my direction. If someone wishes to take the time to get to know me and let me know them, I will respond to whatever spark might develop between us. If no spark develops, then hey, neither of us have lost anything, we have become friends. So, yeah, I am "NOT LOOKING," but that does not mean I am not open to genuine possibilities, either. I still remain convinced that there is someone out there who meets all my criteria, and hopefully, I will meet all their criteria, too. It just takes some time to find that "right" person. © 2005 FairyWoman.com THE KNIFE • 06-02-2005 IN THE BEGINNING... • 06-01-2005 This blog begins with me, living in Tennessee, sharing a two-bedroom apartment with my best friend and "Sister," Toni. The image on the right shows her surrounded by some of the bears in her collection. © 2005 FairyWoman.com