Wednesday, September 23, 2020
A heart-touching interview of sister of 28-year-old doctor who died of Covid
Monday, September 21, 2020
There is something missing in this White House
Written by Elayne Griffin Baker: There is definitely something missing.
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Looking at today's news and musing....
"A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
― Albert Einstein
❤️️
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Some Trump supporters will believe anything he says -- Stephen Colbert show proves it
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Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Delightful video: baby hearing violin music for first time
A heart toucher! Scenes like this are the perfect antidote to Trump. Babies are the BEST! :-)❤️️
Sunday, September 06, 2020
A little more about the movie "A Hidden Life"
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Want to see a good movie? Here's one I saw today and recommend
It's called "A Hidden Life," and was made last year by director Terrence Malick. It is almost 3 hours long -- and speaks perfectly to the times we are in, though it is based on a true story that took place in Hitler's Germany/Austria during WWII. The cinematography is incredibly beautiful! If you have never visited Austria, prepare to be visually overwhelmed by beautiful natural scenes that will take your breath away. Almost every scene in this movie is like a perfect painting (some reminded me of Van Gogh's paintings of farm workers and house interiors) -- with light, shadows, color, and visual depth that evokes feelings of being a participant, rather than a member of the audience. The little vignettes of life events in a little Alpine village are so realistically depicted, the viewer feels as though he is in the movie, living it along with the characters. You can almost feel wet spray on your face as the characters walk by fast-splashing water being turned by a mill wheel.
The parallels between the main character's dilemma, determined by having to live in a country where Hitler is the leader -- and our own time and dilemma with our similar leader in the White House are very clear to see. Plus, the existential questions the film delves into are the same ones that have been asked by humans throughout history -- and are ones that we are asking today.
In the review below, the main character is compared to Bartleby the Scrivener from Herman Melville's short story, and yes there are times in the story when I wanted to shout at him in frustration that there are other ways you can do this! It's a slow-paced movie but oh so worth the viewing, if only for the treat of seeing the majestic, idyllic beauty of the Austrian Alps and the meadowlands below them. Add in the story (a true one) and you have a memorably magnificent movie -- one that will stay with you because of the deep questions it presents about life and love and the principles we hold dear. The acting is superb, too, for every character! Highly recommended!
You can view a short video preview of the movie at:
and read a long written review of it at:
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-hidden-life-movie-review-2019
EXCERPT from the review:
The phenomenon of ordinary citizens investing their pride, their sense of self-worth, and (in the case of men) their fantasy of machismo in the person of a single government figure is one that many nations, including the United States, understand well. Malick doesn't give interviews, but I don't think we'd need one to understand why he would release a film like this in 2019, at a time when the United States is being torn apart over the issue of obedient support of an authority figure, and have the dialogue alternate German with English. But the film is rich and sturdy enough to transcend the contemporary one-to-one comparisons that it is sure to invite—and it's not as if we haven't seen this scenario elsewhere, before and after World War II, or will never see it again. The social dynamics presented here are timeless.
And yet, improbably, "A Hidden Life" is a tragic story that doesn't play solely as a tragedy. The misery endured by Franz, Fani and their children is presented as a more extreme version of the pain everyone suffers as the byproduct of life on earth.
Thursday, September 03, 2020
Trump calls wounded and killed American soldiers "losers" and "suckers"
Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as "suckers" for getting killed.
Tuesday, September 01, 2020
Some astrological observations of the times we are experiencing
I've been doing astrology charts and readings again lately, paying attention to the transits in this "interesting" time for all of us. Particularly for Capricorns and the other Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer and Libra. In truth, we are all being affected by the unique and important time in which we are living, and astrology can give an understanding that you won't be hearing in the mainstream media.😊 If you are interested in learning a little about what is going on now, here is a video link of one astrologer's explanation. Don't worry if you don't understand all the astrological terms she uses. Much of her talk is in common terms that anyone can understand, and she has some good insights that match with what we are all experiencing. She speaks of the full moon in 11 degrees of Pisces that will occur on September 2nd, and its effects, as well as other planetary influences that are affecting us on Earth at the present time. Even if you don't believe in astrology, it's comforting to hear uplifting information that is meant to bring clarity, instead of the confusion we are bombarded with daily from Trump. 🙂 See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9dh0MWxK8&feature=youtu.be Right now, it looks like we, our government, and the Earth itself are in the midst of a bumpy ride as inexorable transitions are taking place. Psychically derived Sabian symbols tell an interesting story about the transition. I've found them to give very helpful guidance when applied to one's birth chart. If interested in finding more about the origin and history of Sabian symbols and how they were derived (a very interesting story!), go to: https://sabian.org/sabian_symbols.php The full moon of September 2nd will be in the 11th degree of Pisces. I think the Sabian symbol for that degree fits very well into the story of what we are all experiencing now. It's not surprising that all these happenings appear to be in perfect alignment with the stars. As we live through this transitional and transformational period on Earth, it's important to know the turmoil and confusion are temporary and necessary, as we are meant to rise from one level of consciousness to another of higher understanding. This kind of revolutionary transition doesn't happen overnight, either on a personal level or a cosmic level, but, since it is occurring, we need to trust that it is a change we are ready for and is for the ultimate good. As we look around us, we can see the element of conservative thinking has become outworn and outmoded. We, as a planetary people, are in the midst of inevitable change to more progressive thinking. But, as other times of dramatic changes in past history tell us, there will always be those who dig in their heels and refuse to move forward in the ways the time demands. We are presently witnessing the turmoil caused by whipped-up fear and hatred as hard-liners desperately try to hang on to greed-and-power-driven systems that no longer serve the planet or its people. We have grown beyond those beliefs and it is time to move on from them, into a wider-based, more inclusive vision for life on Earth. Everything that is happening now, including climate change and the Covid virus, is telling us we cannot stay with the old ways. In the midst of all the confusion and rabid rhetoric from the dug-in leaders and their followers who refuse to move forward, tumultuous events are occurring. Regardless of how hard Trump and the old guard (and other leaders of their ilk around the world) try to keep the status quo of conservatism and racial divide, their efforts are doomed to fail. Massive changes are in the works, and divinely-protected events will inexorably continue to move us in a higher direction. Wise sages keep reminding us that no matter the appearance of anything and everything that may occur in our lives during these difficult times, we must have faith that, truly, All is Well. 😇 💫 See the following interpretation from astrologer Lynda Hill of the Pisces 11 Sabian symbol...as well as for the symbols before and after Pisces 11. I like her insights, and you might find them interesting, too. The symbols are an eye-opener, in their perfect alignment with what we see happening all around us. To me, it is proof that the ancient science of astrology is a legitimate way of gaining deeper understanding for our lives. ..."As above, so below." 💕 Eileen Pisces 11: On The Path To EnlightenmentPisces 11: PEOPLE TRAVELING A NARROW PATH, SEEKING ILLUMINATION Are you on your own path? Are you heading for a desirable destination? Are you allowing distractions to take you away from what you know you should be doing? Do you feel supported by others in your quest, or, is this a more solitary journey? Do you seek the light, but sometimes find yourself wandering around in the dark? Is it time to get going on your one true path? This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to have a quest, to "Seek Illumination", to have a "Path" and to stay on it regardless of what life throws at you. Sometimes the search for high ideals and understanding places us at odds with the more conservative social expectations of others. It is the ability to persevere with the search, regardless of the cost, that marks the sincerity of any path or journey. You may, at times in your life, have to go without some comforts or stick to a rigorous agenda. Most times this quest is very illuminating, sometimes it's confusing. You will need to reject that which is unworthy, while staying true to your objectives in order to arrive at your destination. People 'on the path'. Having a cause to follow. The promise of light at the end of the day. Sticking with objectives. Being in the now. Going towards the light. Spiritual journeying. The Caution: Being blinded by the light. Not knowing where you're going. Denial of physical pleasure. Puritanical and one-eyed. Distractions. Narrow minded. Disillusionment. QUOTES: The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path. D'Alembert There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth - not going all the way, and not starting. Buddha On a long journey of human life, faith is the best of companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property. Buddha Awake, arise! Strive for the Highest, and be in the Light! Sages say the path is narrow and difficult to tread, narrow as the edge of a razor. Upanishads Do not say, "I follow the one true path of the Spirit," but rather, "I have found the Spirit walking on my path," for the Spirit walks on all paths. Khalil Gibran If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track, which has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Joseph Campbell How many roads can a man walk down before they call him a man? Bob Dylan Pisces 11: Men Traveling A Narrow Path, Seeking Illumination. The following is from Lynda Hill's book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees Of Wisdom: 'Men Traveling a Narrow Path, Seeking Illumination' is an image of people on a mission, seeking to find some knowledge or truth. They are on a journey of discovery, endeavoring to find the answers to questions that may have eluded them until now. They are 'Traveling a Narrow Path', one that probably has deep meaning, regardless of the perceived outcome in terms of society's expectations. This journey is likely to be a very personal one for each participant, even though there may be many who are 'Seeking' the same things. Sometimes the search for 'Illumination', with its high levels of understanding and idealism, places us at odds with more conservative, social expectations. It is the ability to persevere with the search, regardless of the cost, that marks the sincerity of a journey. Most often this quest is 'Illuminating', although it can sometimes be confusing as new information comes flooding into our conscious awareness. You will need to reject that which is unworthy on the 'Path' as it could lead to disillusionment about values and what is truly worth pursuing. This Symbol can indicate the need to go without many things and having to stick to a strict agenda in order to accomplish a task, goal or education. It may have taken some time to find this particular direction in life. Disregarding one's more mundane physical needs and emotions may be necessary in the quest for getting to the place of ambition or attainment. You may have to leave others behind when you set out. As this is a 'Narrow Path', not all can share the same endeavor or, indeed, would want to. The rewards are usually rich in some measure as one moves towards the light - the 'Illumination'. Maybe you should ask yourself – are you on 'a Path' or a treadmill? Be wary of taking shortcuts, as these may not lead to the thing that's intended. Keywords: People "on the Path". Sticking to one mindset, diet, regimen or habit. Having a cause to follow. Not looking sideways. Awakening one's base senses in order to progress. Physical ecstasy. Being in the now. Going towards the light. Staying true to self. The promise of light at the end of the journey. The Caution: Blinded by the light. Not knowing where you're really going. Disillusionment about what's been chosen. Being one-eyed about goals and beliefs. The denial of physical pleasure. Puritanical behavior. Distractions that stop forward movement. Narrow mindedness. The Karmic Condition (the degree before) is Pisces 10: An Aviator In The Clouds. There may be a feeling of having to rise above everything in order to get a bird's eye view of what is going on. You may also feel the need to remove yourself from people, places, events, memories, etc, and to see them from a somewhat heightened or 'uninvolved' perspective. Keywords: Elevated views. Always seeing the best in people and things. Peace and tranquility. The longing for transcendence. Not seeing limitations. Being in a refined "head space". Mastery. Flight, planes, pilots. Avoidance of time constraints. Pollyanna attitudes. Free flights of fantasy and escapism. The need for accurate navigation. Being in charge of the controls. Seeking higher truths. Maps. Compasses. Global satellite positioning. The Caution: Sailing through difficulties or missing what's really going on. Escapist use of alcohol and drugs, etc. Lack of grounded energy or reality. Being unearthed. Escaping responsibilities. Isolating oneself. Completely missing the point. Wrong turns. Missing the signs. We are meant to stay on our paths, that is the true thrust of what's going on. Meanwhile, we may wonder how we are doing in amongst the 'tests and trials' we may be experiencing. The Quest (the degree after) is Pisces 12: An Examination of Initiates in the Sanctuary of an Occult Brotherhood. This symbol is one where we may feel we are 'being judged', having to live up to the expectations of others, or, as though we are somehow being 'examined' by life, love, events, people, etc. This is something we may need to work on. Keywords: The ordeal that comes to any initiate for entrance into higher realms of being. Tests, examinations, having to prove oneself. Being judged. Being cross-examined. Rarefied atmospheres that demand personal sacrifice. The attainment of knowledge. Finding out how and where one fits in. One-pointed dedication. Cults. Rituals.
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