Last week was a difficult week for me. Literally, it was a snow ball effect with one thing after another. On Monday, I made a mistake at work that I took ownership for although beat myself up pretty bad for (breaking bad habits is hard -- overthinking and perfectionism are two of mine). My supervisor and colleagues reassured me and told me how well I was doing. However, my mind focused on this one thing. Basically, I learned a lesson from my mistake and determined that I really needed to invest time with meditation and grounding (both practices help me and I will cover a bit about those soon). I spent Tuesday basically recovering from Monday. Wednesday, the line to the hot water heater busted and the VW (our 2013 vehicle that has long been paid off) completely lost its breaks and was unsafe to drive -- thankfully, Tim determined this while safely at home in the driveway. Tim is resourceful: He fixed the hot water heater and got the VW towed. Not so great news: The vacuum pump is out on the VW and the mechanics must remove the entire engine to get to the one part to replace it. That, and the car was leaking oil so that needed addressed. Due to parts and cost of labor, this financially set Tim and me back at bit (with Christmas a week away, of course!). Isn't that how it always works? It always has to be something. We have been down to one car although we should get the VW back tomorrow. With Maddie attending Jefferson College Classes while attending High School classes, a second car is pretty important in our household. That, and I drive to Hillsboro twice a week so the Nurse Practitioner I work with can see children in need of behavioral health care for that area (which is a good 25 minute commute). So, yeah: Two cars are necessary. So, back to Wednesday: I had to call out. Luckily, I work for a cool boss who allowed me to work on Thursday, normally my day off, so I didn't have to use my sick time. To end the week, someone crashed into an electrical pole by my work and home which caused the electric to be out for hours. We didn't get power back until around 10 pm that night. So, yeah: It was a rough week.
Pictured below: On Friday around 4:30 PM, this was the electrical pole that someone hit hard enough to cause the pole to fall down. Hopefully, that person is okay.
I am thankful for Saturday. I took the time to do a Tarot spread and meditate. I read my book prior to getting some substantial cleaning done around the house and baked some cookies. It was a good day to do all this because it rained the entire day. Cleaning my house and establishing some sort of order to my surroundings gave me inner peace and helped me feel like I had more structure and control over life in general. I felt quite accomplished! Performing Spring cleaning during the Fall and Winter just makes sense to me: Might as well get all this done when there isn't much to do and cold outside instead of being stuck inside when it is warm and pretty out! Today, my husband made me biscuits and gravy (one of my favorite meals) while I watched the new season of Queer Eye. I love seeing people get makeovers while learning about their personal stories! We went to Amighetti's on The Hill for lunch prior to walking around the Botanical Garden for some fresh air. I felt so inspired by my surroundings that I pulled some Tarot cards for us there from Pamela Chen's Tarot of the Owls:
The Knight of Pentacles was a very appropriate one to pull: I was out walking when I pulled the little owl who was literally pictured putting one foot in front of the other! That, and both wings are open to new experiences and good views. With how we have had so many cold days, I believe that it is good to get out of the house when we can (and if we are able). There is something about breathing in some fresh air while looking at the beauty of the world around you that does a body and mind good. What is your favorite activity to do outside?
This one made me smile too. The Ace of Wands had this baby owl who was all about being happy in the present. That, and there is a little branch sticking up from his nest to get a better view of the world around him if he so wished to use it. However, he seems content to stay in his spot, being comfortable and grounded in place. There really is something to be said for having both feet planted on the ground while taking those nice, big breaths in slowly, one after the other! Physiologically, doing so slows the heart rate down which can help with feelings of anxiety. For little kids, blowing bubbles helps them with anxiety. Each day is a blessing and a chance to get things right. It really is all about the perspective we choose to see things through: Are they good lenses (or not so much?). Where is a place that inspires you?
I love that I drew the Queen of Pentacles while walking around the Japanese Garden which has many rocks surrounded by symmetrical, concentric lines radiating outward from the rock. Just like the owl in the picture who stands with both feet firm on the stone throne, there is something to be said for trying to be rooted like a rock as the day's events and happenings go on around us. Inwardly, we are aware of everything going on although we choose not to be reactive and choose to be peaceful. How do you maintain your inner peace?
If you are a Tarot reader too, consider taking your deck on a walk with you while you shuffle. Intuitively draw cards while on your walk and consider their meanings. This is a fun thing to do: You are getting your steps in while working on your mindset! Use your environment for props and as a backdrop! The most important thing is to have fun! I hope you have a fun, inspiring week! Enjoy the warmth and sun when you can!
See you later, Alligator!
The Crow Lady