Why I couldn't get much done this afternoon...

A Broader Perspective

"Political awareness can become a tyranny of its own, not least because it locks us into the issues and perspectives of a particular time. But when we are looking at questions of the sacred, we move beyond time. To create the changes in consciousness needed to transform society at a deep level, we need insights broader that the issues of the moment can provide."
- Starhawk, in The Spiral Dance, 10th anniversary edition

Bartering

I've always liked the concept of bartering. Even in our money-based economy, people with skills, products or services to share can find their needs met by sharing them with others who may have just the thing they're looking for.

Lately, I've noticed more evidence of people seeking out barter in their lives, and it has made its way into my own experience. A good friend who is a massage therapist has been offering her (delightful!) services at reduced rates to her community members. Recently, she's also offering to barter for massage. Her barter ideas are things she wants to learn about: nutritious cooking, doing Tarot readings, that sort of thing. To me, it sounds like she's not only looking to expand her knowledge, but also to offer massage as a way to encourage the creativity in the community and help it to flourish.

Quester is bartering some of his landscaping expertise and physical strength for a six-week spirituality class that he, BlackLion and I want to attend. Again, it's a good match for everyone. That's when barter is at its best: when it unfolds naturally and all parties are loving what they're receiving, as well as finding joy in the giving.

Newest Family Members

My brother, who is a dog person, is nevertheless great at finding cats for our family. Yesterday he brought us our newest family members, two kittens. Introducing: Merlin and Percy (Sir Percival)! Yesterday was Kitten Welcoming Day. Here they are in my Mom's lap:



Mystick is not completely happy about them, but he's slowly getting used to their presence. Star is convinced we've brought her two new playmates! Though the kittens are a little intimidated by her size. Right now they are pausing in their brother-to-brother wrestling match to watch Star walking around the living room with a toy.

They slept on my bed, woke me up early to play, and when I fell back asleep and woke up again, they were lying on my pillow snuggled up to my head!

Merlin is a bit more snuggly (Bridget's ideal) and Percy likes to explore (which Tristan is enjoying). They are SO tiny and cute! Welcome kittens!

I Need Some Faith

Just as the body cannot exist without blood, so the soul needs the matchless and pure strength of faith. - Mahatma Gandhi