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Hey, gang! Welcome to my life – where anything is possible and nothing is as it seems. I’m Freedom and I’ll be your host, coming at you from within the depths of Geistopia.

Welcome to my Life is a project, an experiment in life and ART. A living storyboard, if you will. It’s premise is that life is experiential and that you can, and do, experience the life you choose. It is based on The wheel of lIfe and The ARTs for The New Millennium as life building tools. Yes, it’s true. *shrugs*

Welcome to my Life is an I T.V. Studios/Geist…House Players Production, in association with the Center for Creative Inspirationalism. JustUs Productions, the parent company, would like to give a ‘Shout-Out’ to the following for their ongoing, and oft-times unknowing, inspiration and support:

Princess Cuddlebug

Princess Sunshine

Craze & Co.

The Shaman

The Pillar

F’n Bob

The Warden

The Entire Putt-Putt-Putter Clan

FaeriePrincess

Professor Siggy Chong

Sparky Wentz-eclaus

The VanMan and General Ralph Glossop (may they R.I.P.)

The Messengers of The Galactic Federation

The Looch

The Bassett Hound

The Baker of the Cornbread

Andy Pandy

Zason

St. Diane & You

Brother John

Spooky Queen

Senoll #5

The Wix-ians

The Socialite

The Village of Idiots

Piz-Niffer

Dancing Queen

Downtown Encyclopedia Brown

Dick Pointer

The Legendary Pink Elephants

Baby-Mama Rabbit

Belle

The Witch Baby

Soup, the Son

Aaaand, of course, a very generous sponsor who (not-so-much) wishes to remain anonymous.

It is…Sunday, May 9, Two-Thousand and Twenty-Fun. Time...Absolute.

Theme – Use What You’re Given

This is one of my challenges. Maybe it is in the word ‘use.’ We have given it such a negative connotation over the decades. So, I seem to feel some sort of guilt over using certain resources. For instance, The Putters let me park in their driveway overnight. The Putter has been very clear that he doesn’t care if I park there every night or what time I get there. When I need to park I should come park. Still, I don’t like being there every night or at off hours, because I feel like I am imposing somehow [or taking advantage.] But, an overnight parking spot is what I need and this one is certainly safe and comfortable. Or, my car payment. It was due Friday. I knew already by Wednesday that I was going to have some difficulty making that happen. They have a system in place that allows me to change the due date from time to time. So, I did, and as far as I can tell at this point I have managed to make that money and then some. I recently pulled a similar thing with my car insurance. These are not prime choices but the option is there and should be used when necessary.

Lesson – Shhhh

This is a hard lesson for me. First of all, I like to talk. In case you hadn’t noticed. But also, I am a firm believer that every detail is important. So, obviously I share a lot of them. I don’t share all of them, but that is more because things happen so fast and I don’t always remember this or that. But, now I must pull back and leave some things out as we go along. Every magician has something up his sleeve – something behind the curtain – to make the illusion real.

Observation – Feathered Friends

I have Observed recently that almost all of my Totem Medicine comes in the form of birds. I know my book says something on this, but I do not have access to it at the moment. This is something I will have to look into.

The Post

It was one hell of a week.

It all went by in such a frenzy. I will do my best to hit the best talking points. Let’s see if I can do this.

When the week began, I really didn’t know what to expect and I only had one Goal in my sights – to manage my car payment. I didn’t know how I was going to do this. The financial thing is a little touchy at the moment. This is not because there isn’t income. It is merely a matter of timing. First, in about three weeks I only managed the equivalent of a few days of work. This forced me to break into all of my little funds that I had stashed. Thus, depleting them. I had just started tipping over the top once more, when last weekend rolled around. I had The princesses and that always has me spending money.

Last week was the first decent week of work I have had since The Dis-ease. I made a decent enough amount of money. Enough to satisfy me for the moment. But, I was starting from almost nothing and I had a large hill to climb. Over the weekend, things do not post – to or from – my bank account very often. Everything happens on Monday/Tuesday. So, I just bit down and followed through on my weekend with The Princesses. The damage was not too severe, but it did leave me in need of some large sums fast.

This brings me to The Gift. The Gift is now the name for anything that falls into the Delivery Driving category and I think you might understand when I am finished.

For some, this may not seem like much of a job – no kind of ‘real’ work. But, for me, it is [almost] a dream come true. First and foremost, once again it is one of those jobs which, “somebody’s got to do it. So, it might as well be me.” Even within the industry itself I find myself taking that role. Last night, I listened to two other drivers talk about the kinds of drives they won’t make, or offers they will decline. I personally, try not to decline any – for reasons of my own. Anyway, the types of offers they were talking about are precisely the types of offers I usually take. [In fact, I was on one of those at that moment.] Somebody’s got to do it. These people order through the app and then some one has to deliver it. It might as well be me.

It’s true that sometimes I find myself getting stuck with some longer drives, but that doesn’t bother me. No, I’m not receiving offers on those drives [rarely] but it all comes around. I have been doing fairly well for myself sitting at this end of The Valley and waiting. Sometimes there are hotspots here or there, but I anchor myself right around here and wait. [I will eventually adjust this some as I move forward.] I take the jobs I am offered and only turn them down if I really can’t do them or if the distance and the pay don’t mesh very nicely. The majority of my declines are simply offers that I missed coming through for some reason or another, or an instance when I may have forgotten to turn off the offers in the app when I was done or on another errand.

Anyway, I set out Monday a little later in the day than normal. Usually I am up and ready to go by 0600-0700. I did not take my first offer until 0915 that day. In a time span that was just slightly over 10 hours, I put in just under 6 hours of delivery time and made $9 less than a whole 10 hour shift at The Job would have brought me. It was the berate equivalent of a shift at The Diner.

Tuesday I started earlier and only worked through the morning – a total of 4 delivery hours. [I made just under $100 in that time.] I stopped late morning because I wanted to do the $5 movies this week. It has been over a year and half since I have been able to enjoy that experience and it was time. I had intended on going back to work afterwards, but, in the end, it seems the decision was made not to.

Wednesday, I took the day off. The Professor had planned to come down for a Safety Meeting. Unfortunately, he did not make it. Still, I ended up with the day off. I tended to laundry and washed and cleaned out The Vantasm. I participated in the Safety Meeting and then just called it a night.

Thursday, I woke with the plan to work all day and into the night. After all, it was time to get that money flowing. I stalled the car payment on Wednesday afternoon and bought myself several days to get myself together. However, I learned early in the day that Sunshine had a softball game that night that I had not recorded on my calendar. I made a vow to see every game this season. Again, it was about a 10 ½ hour time span. I had an hour off I the middle. I put in a total of [just under] 7 hours of delivery time that day and I made a nice bit over a 10 hour day at The Job me more than the average shift at The Diner. [maybe a Sunday, or a long shift, or a double.] I had a Goal in mind for income that day. At first, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go and in the afternoon I called Sunshine and told her I might be a little late. I made my Goal [And Then Some] and I managed to be at the ball field just a bit early.

Friday was the big day. My day covered a 14 hour time span. I logged 8 ¼ hours of delivery time. I have had no job that has paid me in a day what I made on Friday.

Saturday was another big day. In a 13 ½ hour time span, I logged just over 7 ½ hours of delivery time and made $11.60 less than I had the day before. Saturday was a difficult day though. Not because of the work but a different reason. As I stated, I had made a vow to get to every game this season. On Saturday, I missed three tournament games. I had to work because I had to make that money [And Then Some.]

I did not like making that choice. But, I made up for it today. This morning we were up and on the road to her second round by 0545. We spent the morning together. We talked, we laughed, we had fun. We even sang Broadway tunes on the way. [Including one of my favorites.] I got to see her game. And, I also got to have a Proud Parent moment. Though I do not like Pride or any word associated with it. So I will say, “I was pleased.”

Sunshine got up for her first time at bat today and she was a little nervous. She was the top of the lineup for the second inning and she told me later she doesn’t like being first in the lineup because she doesn’t have a chance to watch how the pitcher throws. So, she was nervous and tense. Her teammates were chanting and calling to encourage her. She struck out. I could see by the look on her face that she was not happy as she came off the field. Then, I heard her snap at one of her teammates telling her how the chanting was distracting. I thought to myself, “well, here’s a conversation for the ride home.”

After the game she came right out and told me what she had done.

“Yes. I heard.”

She then told me she had apologized. In fact, she apologized three times. [That apple certainly didn’t fall far from this tree.] None of us are perfect. We fumble and falter. Probably more often than any of us would care to admit. The trick is to recognize it and then do what you can to make amends. At, not even, 14 years old my daughter was able to do this.

I couldn’t be more pleased.

I dropped her off at home and headed back up to The Valley. I stopped at The Grove for a bit to rest and relax. I had had a headache most of the morning. Nice I felt a little more on par I headed to Old Geistopia to straighten out and unload some things from The Vantasm. I ran for my coffee and grabbed some dinner on the fly. I set my status to available and before I knew it I was off and running. I worked for 2 ½ ours this evening and I made over half of a full 10 hour shift at The Job.

So, it may not seem like much of a job to some people, but for me it is so ideal at the moment. It offers me the best of all worlds.

I have the stability and security of work and income as I would with a ‘regular job.’ There is work every week. There is work everyday if I want it. People eat. It is that simple. And, if they can have what they want without leaving the comfort of their home, more often than not, they will. I made more money this week than I have ever made at any regular job. In fact I made 2/3 more than my weekly salary at The Job. Even if I take out over $150 in gas expenses [just a high range number I am guess-timating] I made well over what I would have in a 40 hour week at The Job.

It gives me the quick income no different than The Diner. I can do an instant cash out every day – more than once, if needed. It costs me 50 cents but the only is [usually] in my account the next morning.

It allows me control over my life and my time. I can work when and how much I want. I can work all day long or only a few hours. I can work four days or even seven. I can work early in the morning or later at night. I can split my day in two. I can change my schedule on a moments notice. I can keep myself balanced.

I do not necessarily see this as a permanent solution to anything. But, it is perfect for getting myself back on track.

I was dealing with The Dis-ease and having left The Diner. That process took me about three weeks to manage and recover. I have been at this pretty solid now for three weeks and I have seen great increase in all areas of my life over each of those weeks. At this rate, if I can keep the momentum, in another three weeks. I should have myself to near perfection [for Right This Moment.]

There are many ways to increase on what I have done managed thus far. I can schedule myself for blocks of work. This requires me to work during those times [just like a shift] but it also prioritizes me for offers. I can situate myself in busier areas throughout the day. I have gained recognition with one app and am awaiting a package of new bags, including larger bags such as a pizza tote. I also am becoming eligible for different and larger orders and I can do more to increase those chances as well.

Also, I think it is noteworthy that all of this was done through one app and one app alone. I have four on my phone and this does not include my Retail Merch apps.

I said things were shifting and they certainly are. This is only the beginning. I no longer care how they are shifting or what direction they may take me. I have raised the sails and I am following the tides, making the most of it as I go. [Just a guy dopin’ along.] Whatever is happening I am quite pleased…and grateful.

It was one hell of a week.

If you’re not already there, go to the Welcome to my Life Facebook page – WTML. Or the YouTube channel – WelcomeToMyLife08. You can also find me on Facebook under Rev. Matt. Wherever you are and whenever you are – Like, Comment, and Share – we’re on a Journey and it takes you to get there.

So, without hesitation, for now and for always, from here in Geistopia, this is your beloved Rev, saying, “Stay Tuned-In, Fellow Travelers,” and wishing you Peace, Love, Light, and Freakishness, Baby.

The Totems & Archetypes

**from Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak**

Cardinal - Renewed Vitality through Recognizing Self-Importance

They remind us that, regardless of the time of day or year, we always have the opportunity to renew our own vitality and recognize our own life roles. Whistles are often reminders to listen closely - to pay attention to what is blowing on the winds. Reflects that we should be listening to the inner voice (the feminine) more closely for our own health and well-being. Almost always reflects a need to assert the feminine aspects of creativity and intuition more strongly. Can reflect a need to b more careful about your diet, that what you are eating may be injurious to yourself and affecting your overall vitality. Reflects the rhythm of 12 that is going to become more predominant within your own life. Reflects lessons associated with responsibility and the recognition of the task at hand. May reflect past-life connections with the church, or even a reviving of more traditional religious beliefs, regardless of denomination. Remind us to add color to our lives, and remember that everything is of importance.

Heron - The Call of The Quest andTravels to Legendary Places.

Reflects a stimulation of the childhood thrill and belief in legendary places. [The story(s) we most loved in childhood often reflect the life quest we have come to take upon us in this lifetime.] Can also aid in communication especially through the use of stories. Individuals wishing to write can facilitate the process by working with a goose totem. It will stimulate the creative process and help to move through creative blocks. Also a symbol of fertility and marital fidelity. May reflect a need for more vegetables in the diet. An ability to move forward or backward. Reflects movement. A call to the spiritual quest. It reminds us that as any one individual makes his or her quest, it becomes easier for others to do so as well. We should not undertake any quest in life without having a full view of what it entails. Opening to new possibilities. Affix ourselves to a new path. Great fertility that should be acted upon if growth is desired. Greater vision, physical and spiritual, will occur. Can reflect that you are about to break free from old childhood restraints and begin to come into your own. You can expect to have the imagination stirred toward new travels and distant places - whether in the body or in the mind.

Goose - The Call of the Quest and Travels to Legendary PLaces

A totem reflecting a stimulation of the childhood thrill and belief in stories and legendary places. These stories either reflected an imprint for for this life or they may have even imprinted you with certain seed ideas. Also be a totem to aid you in communication especially through the use of stories. Individuals wishing to write - be it stories or anything - can facilitate this process by working with the goose as a totem. It will stimulate the imagination and and help ove you through creative blocks. Also a symbol of fertility and marital fidelity. It may reflect a need for more vegetables in the diet, and maybe even becoming a vegetarian for a while. It reflects an ability to move forward or backward. It reflects movement, and a call to the spiritual quest. Stirs our imagination and makes us want to seek out new worlds and dimensions. Calling us to follow them on the great spiritual quest. It speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring. Epitomizes the mystery of migration. Reminds us that as any one individual mass his or her quest, it becomes easier for others to do so as well. Reminding us that we should not undertake any quest in life without having a full view of what it entails. In this way the journey is facilitated for others. Reflects an opening to new possibilities. New directions and new possibilities. Reflects an openness to new ideas. Usually indicates we are about to affix ourselves to a new path. Reflects great fertility that should be acted upon if growth is desired. Greater vision, physical and spiritual, will occur. Can reflect that you are about to break free of old childhood restraints and begin to come into your own. You can expect to have the imagination stirred towards new travels to distant places - whether in the body or mind.