The Continuing Adventures Of...

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.

DOC: Velcum To My Life ees a prochect, un experiment in Life unt ART. A living storyboard, if you will. Its premise ees zat life ees experiential, unt zat you can, unt do, experience ze life you choose. It ees based on Ze Veel of Life unt Ze ARTs for Ze New Millennium as life building tools. Yeah, it’s true.

WALT: 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

Hoagie Snowflake

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

Bert-On

The Baker of the Cornbread

Andy Pandy

The Mudder

Zason

Oh, Danny Boy

St. Diane & You

Brother John

Thing 1 & Thing 2

The Nameless One

Good Man, Charlie Brown

‘Jim’

The Rox

CCPA

Senoll #5

Superstar

Sir Richard Slouch

The Wix-ians

The Socialite

The Village of Idiots

Piz-Niffer

Dancing Queen

Downtown Encyclopedia Brown

Baby-Mama Rabbit

My Belle

The Babes

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

It is…Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Time...Shaping.

The Post

It is a strange time. I feel like it has been so long since I have written, probably because it has been, and I am so discombobulated at the moment. All of my energy and focus has been directed towards this past weekend and now I am back and attempting to piece my life together once more. It’s not bad. Nothing tragic happened. It has just been hectic and chaotic and things have gotten a little off.

And, yet…they seem to be right on track.

This was a special weekend. It was Father’s Day, yes. And, The Princesses and I did get to spend the weekend together. It was also Midsummer, the Solstice. And, I believe we saw a New Moon.

WALT: Can one really see a New Moon,

Alright, smartass.

Anyway, The Princesses and I went away for the weekend to Wellsboro and The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. We have actually had the trip planned for over six weeks, but The -Vid set in and changed The World. So, the trip was postponed and it seems it was moved to a time that was Precise & Perfectly Placed.

So much of this weekend worked out so perfectly and I wasn’t even able to really demonstrate it for the girls. That is something I had hoped to do and even talk to them about. I knew some time ago that there was more to this journey than just a simple family get-away. I had told them as much. I told them to think of this trip as no different from our Quest to New Hope two years ago. The Canyon had been a message several times over the past two months. Something was calling to us. But what?

There was a lot of pre-preparation for this trip as well. Last week, I had to get the rear brakes changed and I am grateful that I had the money to do so. Unfortunately, that puts the air conditioning off a bit longer. Poor timing for that. I also managed to get The Mattmobile cleaned inside and out. Well, as clean as I can get it at this point. I got everything sorted and organized and loaded. I even managed a trip to The Salvage Yard on Friday. Things came together well.

I picked the girls up at Old Geistopia around 0600 on Saturday morning. I wanted, so badly on this trip, to teach them a little bit about road-tripping. I want to share so much with them, but our time together just does not always allow for it. However, my 1st lesson was the obligatory first stop – Fuel, both for the vehicle and the passengers. We headed to The Valley’s Favorite Convenience store. I filled the car first. Restaurants aren’t fully open yet here in The Valley, and no one wanted anything at this stop, so we headed to The Double D…

WALT: Who doesn’t like double ds?

Omg. Do you ever stop?

WALT: Do you?

Shhhh.

We had some breakfast and then were ready to head out.

The drive up was quite an adventure. We decided to head up on all the backroads. Once you get up north the drive into Wellsboro is supposed to be beautiful. [And, it is.] It wouldn’t have mattered which route we took – the back roads or the highways. Both routes break off from the same point – Hazelton.

This was particularly fun for me, because I spent some time up that way when Encyclopedia lived there and it is a place of which I am particularly fond. So, I took them for a quick drive-thru tour of the city and my little corner of it. I showed them the best diner in town. [Though I think it may have closed permanently now.] Then we drove up and past the mall in that area. Encyclopedia had worked there and, of course, I can always appreciate a mall. It was still early in the morning so the mall wasn’t actually open. Then we drove by Encyclopedia’s old place. Finally, a stop at my usual convenience store and we were off once more.

Unfortunately, when I set the GPS this time it took us towards the interstate. It took me some time to realize this and we did get turned around. However, it would be some time before we could get straightened out. I knew where I wanted to head but the GPS kept trying to get me to the highway and I wasn’t in a position to straighten it out. So, we went town by town [only two thankfully] until we were someplace that I could just follow the road in front of me. In the second town, we stopped at a convenience store to refresh and stretch and I figured I would double check my navigation.

The woman inside was an absolute sweetheart. She was an older woman and either took that job to fill time or is one of those employees that has been there for like 30 years. She was pleasant and friendly. She wasn’t positive about our directions, but called her son who did verify them. She helped us with a few other little things along the way as well. I paid for our things and as I reached for the receipt in her hand I slid a couple dollars under the plexiglass and across the countertop. I said, “Now Lorraine [I read her nametag,] I know you can’t take this but do it anyway.”

“Oh no. I couldn’t.”

“Well, I’m not taking it back, so figure it out.”

She looked at me through the plexiglass divider. “I jump over this counter you’re going to take it back.”

“Whoa, Lorraine,” I shrieked and cowered away, my hand, bills tightly clenched, recoiling from under the divider. Everyone had a good laugh. In fact, The Princesses and I laughed several times over it. Every so often I would just look at them and shout, “Whoa, Lorraine!”

Truth is, the girls and I laughed quite a bit over the weekend. We had a very good time. In fact, we had such a good time that several times we discussed that we should maybe have a reality webseries. We really are a trio and we are so very good together…and for each other.

They are very relaxed and at ease with me. Some folks might be shocked, appalled even, at the way we talk around each other. But, I feel I am not naïve, nor ignorant, enough to believe that either one of them is naïve, or ignorant, to life. After all, I’m their father. Also, I think it is good if they can speak with me the way they speak with their friends or away from family. I want them to feel comfortable around me. As long as they are respectful, what difference does it all make?

For instance, the picture above was taken after I finished my breakfast and we were ready to head out. I took it to share on Facebook. As I uploaded it, I said, “Cuddlebug, are you sure you want to go onto social media stuffing your mouth with a sandwich?”

To which Sunshine replies, “At least it’s just a sandwich.”

Yup. She’s my kid. I think she has a little bit of Walt in her.

WALT: I wasn’t there that night. Hell no. The last thing I want to do is have sex with your body.

DOC: Like trying to find a needle in a haystack?

WALT: More like trying to put the needle in the haystack.

*forehead resting in palm* No wonder I can’t get a date.

WALT: Yeah. That’s what I’m trying to say.

I meant with the two of you around!!

WALT: Oh…yeah. Nevermind.

I didn’t get a chance to talk to the girls about Spirit Questing. I didn’t get the chance, because, before we were even off and running, they had asked me about 100 spiritual/religious related questions. Most of them were challenging aspects of Christianity. I am ok with that. That is how discovery of Truth begins.

They didn’t ask questions that I haven’t heard before. They didn’t ask questions that I haven’t asked at one time in my life. I answered them the best that I could. Filling in as much information as I could. In fact, we made an extra stop along the way so that I could get my head focused to try to cover all the information they asked about in a short enough amount of time. There was just so much. And, that is the problem with any religious/spiritual discussion. It is just layers upon layers and layers. It’s a life time of discussions really. Is the Bible true or just stories? What about Hell? And The Devil? Angels and Aliens and everything in between. Too much to cover, even on that 7-hr ride. So, even though I did not get a chance to tell them what all was going on, it was clear that Spirit was with us right from the outset. We did all the Spiritual and set the tone - called the magicks.

I sort of wish I had had the sensibilities to recognize this at the time, because it could have changed the course of things for us. I’m not sure how it came up in conversation, but as we got closer to Wellsboro, we started talking about Niagara Falls. I mentioned we would be close. They seemed interested. “If it’s three hours or less, there is a discussion to be had.”

Turns out, it was three hours and nine minutes. We talked seriously about going. I did explain to them how it would shift our plans and left the choice to them. They decided to stick to the plan and do the Falls another time. This is my only regret from the trip. [And, I have told the girls as much.] I think we should have gone.

We got into town a little early for check-in so we just walked the streets and explored. We chose stores to check out later and spent some time in the park with those faerie children – Wynken, Blynken, and Nod.

Once checked-in, the girls decided they wanted to check out the pool. This was a Lesson in time management and awareness for all of us. By the time they were done and we were hitting the town it was just about 1700 and many of the shops were closing. We probably should have done things in the reverse order. Still, we got into a couple of shops that night, including one that caters to The Faerie Realm.

We stopped at the Chinese place on the way back and placed an order. Then we walked to the grocery store and got some random supplies. I had been pleasantly surprised to discover that our room included a small, but very functional, kitchenette. So, we had gotten some snacks and ice cream and what not to get us through a couple of days, picked up our dinner and headed back.

We ate and then settled into a showing of Descendants 3. This was an absolutely horrible movie. I liked the story line. I just found the follow through very painful…as did The Princesses. But, we watched the thing in its entirety. [We like to see things through.] The Princesses learned something about me that night. I eat ice cream.

I mean, I eat it. Usually, when we gather for ice cream and movie night we will each get our own pint of Ben & Jerry’s. We share amongst ourselves, but ultimately everyone has their own. This night, we only had one. I forget what the other snack was, but we passed them both around several times. Finally, they were both done and the ice cream would come to rest in my hands.

Now, my daughters don’t know this, but this a thing with me. It’s a thing that started with their mother. When I get ice cream to sit down and eat it…I eat it…all. I only do this every so often. I truly have to be in the mood. But, when the time comes, I eat it all.

So, there we sat, agonizing our way through this alleged movie. A couple of times along the way, I asked if either of them would like any more before it was too late.

“You’re not going to eat it all,” Cuddlebug sneered. [Playfully]

“Uhhhhh…yeah. I might.”

“No you won’t.”

A little later, as we neared the end of the movie, I asked once again if anyone would like some, holding the container into the air. Cuddlebug gasped as she peered into the container and realized that there was only about three spoonfuls left. “OMG! You did.”

“Uhhhhh…yeah. I told you I would.”

The next morning we would go to breakfast. It was Father’s Day, after all. We were unable to go to the famous Wellsboro Diner. They were not quite open from the lockdown. We were one weekend too soon. Still, on some local’s recommendation we did find a place that I think we all enjoyed.

It was a late breakfast. Much later than I would have planned. This is probably the greatest struggle that The Princesses and I have between us. They are teens. Noon is morning. I, however, have lived my life and have come to fully appreciate what it means for the early bird to get the worm. I love mornings. I mean, I love all parts of the day, but I really enjoy the morning.

I love waking up. I love facing the day. I love to take my time, slow and steady, through it until I reach the active part of my day. There is such a vibe in the morning – fresh and new. And, stillness just hangs in the air.

I got up that morning, made some coffee and took a walk. I do not know exactly how far I walked. I know I went down to the park. Eventually, I would slip my sandals off and make the rest of the return trip barefoot. I moved slow and fluidly. I breathed. I felt. I saw – things there…and not. I became one with the moment and the morning.

And, I had. I…*sigh*…totally tripped out. I don’t have better words for it. I was in tune. I was moving between planes. The whole weekend was comprised of these experiences. They are strange experiences. I don’t always get them when they’re happening. Very often, like that morning, I will only understand after the fact as I look back on the moment. There is a certain residual feeling attached to these moments. It is almost a relief. When I look back on the moment I can feel the true intensity of it all.

These are usually the moments that become ‘Remembering Then, Remembering Now.’

Whatever went on in that moment, I was with Spirit. Here’s how I know.

Since I had wanted to take a walk anyway, I thought I would give it a little sense of purpose. The night before, Cuddlebug and I had gone driving to look at all the old houses. The girls do share this appreciation with me. Anyway, we came upon one we both liked and it was actually for sale. So, I decided I would take my walk and snap a few pictures, maybe get some information. [Purely out of curiosity.]

I headed out, knowing I had a bit of a walk in front of me. I strolled along casually, just enjoying it all. Eventually, I would reach the park. I stood there, looking ahead down the road and decided I was done. I did want pictures of the house, but I was looking for more of a casual stroll, not a hike. I was only trying to put a little life back into my body and my spirit, not break them. [Besides, we could get pics when we headed to The Canyon.

I piddled around the park a bit and then wandered aimlessly down the street. Eventually I would pick a road and start my walk back to the motel. I don’t if, or how many, twists and turns were involved along the way. When I enter that state it is all very, “hey let’s go this way.”

WALT: SQUIRREL!!

Alright!

Nonetheless, I walked. The next thing I know, I am standing in front of the house. [Apparently, I had remembered its location incorrectly.]

This is how Spirit works. I was supposed to see that house, for whatever reason. Even though I had myself going in the wrong direction, I would get set right. Even though I did not know where I was going, I would find my way. All I had to do was relax and follow the flow. Or, as some might say, “Let go and let G-d.” Actually I had found my way back to the motel in the same manner. I set out in the direction I believed to be correct and before I knew it I was standing next to it. [And, I thought I had roads to cross.]

So, we had our breakfast and hit The Canyon. This wasn’t quite the adventure I was hoping for. One Princess was being particularly whiny, and not entirely without reason. Still, it was hindering the moment. Also, the path to go into The Canyon itself was closed. We had the option of driving to the State Park across the gorge and going down that path, but, again, someone wasn’t really feeling it. So we chilled out and checked things out and decided it would be part of the next trip.

On the way back we checked out this lookout tower. We laughed because it was all very horror movie. We drove down a long narrow road to a gate. We turned in the gate and the sign read: Enter at your own risk. As we drove through there was another sign: Privately owned and maintained. Up the gravel lane we went, all the way to the top. There stood this old, rusty tower. At the foot of it was a dilapidated camper. It seemed no one was around. Which was fine because we had already determined no one was going up that thing. Even more so after we learned it was $30.00 a person to go up. [I try to make it a habit not to pay $30 to risk my life.] We stopped at the gift store down the road and then headed back to town.

I let The Princesses go off by themselves and explore. They went and got to see the shops they had missed the day before. Then they came back and went to the pool for a second time. Finally, when they were all freshened up, we went to a nice dinner. That night we would play a monopoly style board game.

On the last day, we got up, packed, and checked out. Then we headed up the street into town once more. Wellsboro has its own department store. It’s got to be there 120 years by now. I think the woman said it’s been 5 generations of the same family running it. It’s small. There really isn’t much to it. Truth is, outside of the clothing departments, it was a lot like walking through a thrift store. But, I suppose, they have Just Enough of what you need to get the job done. They have a Do-It Center hardware store. And, the café serves Starbucks. From there we started our Quest back home. Just like the journey up the mountain, the journey back down had a list of mini-adventures. Also, like the journey up, plans would shift along the way.

On the way back to The Valley we decided to go the highway and pass through the city of Williamsport. I’ve passed through it, but never explored it. I don’t know that we would have this time either, except for one thing.

When we first started talking about this trip, Cuddlebug had mentioned a road that was supposed to have a bunch of old mansions on it. I told her to look it up and find it and we would go. Of course, when the time came, being a teenager, she didn’t really have anything for me. However, once again, Spirit had our backs. When I put Williamsport into Google Maps, one of the first things to pop up was Millionaire’s Row. So…off we went.

It was beautiful and I enjoyed it. Once again, Sunshine wasn’t thrilled about having to get out of the car and walk around [I worry about her sometimes,] but she did get over it and seemed to enjoy herself. From there I decided we go through Bloomsburg and pass the campus. I had originally thought about just driving around the campus quickly but then I remembered The -Vid and decided we would just drive by.

The campus thing was kind of significant because Cuddlebug and I had had a serious College Conversation on the drive up. She is having a struggle with her mother. Apparently, Cuddlebug has been thinking about taking a year off between high school and college. I know. Terrible idea. Still, being who I am, I can respect the notion. So, I listened to what she had to say and then responded.

Her first problem is somewhat minor. Apparently, Mama is insisting that she go to college immediately and also told her that if she stays at the house after high school she would be paying rent. Not that there is anything there that is rent worthy. The girls share a bedroom that the entire rest of the family must pass through to get in and out of their room. There are doors off the hinges and holes in the walls. Truthfully, my daughters seem somewhat ashamed to have their friends over there. All of this is more reason I must figure out how to get into a home that my daughters can share with me. First, they deserve better than that. Second, as long as they are going to school, I would never charge them rent. That is ridiculous. Even without school, at that age, that stage of life, I still wouldn’t charge rent.

Her bigger problem is the insistence on going to school. My advice to her was this: I think what you should do is take your first two years and complete your general studies. For two reasons. One – you don’t realize it yet but that is a very big transitional point in life. You will have more responsibilities and life will be very different. If you go to a community college or one of the small state school campuses you can use that time to slowly adjust into adulthood. Two – you will be making an investment in your education and your future. If nothing else, you have achieved an associates degree. But, you have also laid the foundation for more. After those two years, then take your year off. Get your life situated and adjusted. Build yourself a foundation and then go out into the world to explore. You will also have time to save up for such a thing. In that year, your life may change – your hopes, your dreams, your plans. And, that’s ok. When the year is done you may have chosen a major different than anything you had thought of prior. Now, you can apply to whatever college you’d like (assuming credits transfer) and you can do so with confidence because you will feel better about the choices you are making. Also, that kind of life experience could play well on a college application, especially if you can demonstrate how it was well thought, and planned, out.

I could be wrong, but that is my take on it. So, I thought, in keeping with the college Theme, the campus might be appropriate. From there we wanted to venture to a place named Centralia. The coal mine beneath it is burning, for something like 60 years. The town itself is mostly abandoned and there is not much of the original buildings to admire. What actually took us there was something known as Graffiti Highway. It is a stretch of closed road tat people have taken to painting and decorating. Unfortunately, it always takes but a few to ruin it for the whole, and the company that owns the highway has had it covered in dirt. We knew as much heading in but thought maybe there was a chance we could catch something. This was not to be.

The last stop on this little adventure was to visit The Professor in his [now] hometown. It was on the way back and I thought it would be nice to visit him. He has always been good with the girls. Plus, we got a bit of a history lesson.

There were a couple more stops we wanted to make on the way back to The Valley. But, the day got too late and we were unable to make those stops. [Never fear…there is magick in the future near.]

I had taken this Quest in the hopes that I may return with some guidance or answers. There is still so much to be resolved in my life. I need to do something about a vehicle, sooner or later. I am keeping The MattMobile functional, but there is rust and it is just a matter of time. SO, this isn’t critical but I would like if I could straighten the issue out sooner rather than later. More critical would be figuring out my living situation. I find myself still trying to pack up, organize and get to a working state.

Ultimately, it [as always] comes down to the Green Demon.

So, one of my Quest-ions is also in regards to raising my income. Of course, there is also The Choice, which filters through all of those. I was really hoping to come home with some sense of direction.

The Choice boils down to this – it is time, soon, for The Seasonal Store to start up again. I have the opportunity to return as a store manager, and make some decent bank in the process. The problem is that it is…seasonal. In November I would find myself in the same position I was last year. That is, unless I can find a way to maintain my momentum with The Job. I have been turning things over for weeks. Before we left for the trip, the last update was that The Job would accept 20 to 25 (30) hours a week. So, I have to see how all of this impacts things. It wouldn’t be an easy few months that is for sure. But, I would certainly push myself ahead financially.

I went searching for direction and only found more confusion. The Princesses added a layer that I had not considered – time with them. All their lives our time has been limited. Ever since Mama left I have had them approximately a total of ¼ of each year. That is ¼ of their lives, their experiences, their growth. It has never been easy for any of us. I sacrificed potential jobs for a long time, only to preserve those weekends with them. They were all we had. Eventually, they would be older and I would take the job at The Theatre. I would still see them and have some interaction with them, but only once every six weeks did I have a weekend or two that I could actually spend with them. Of course, last year would bring The Incident and our time would be whittled down to once every 2 months for a quick dinner. After The Job, we started going to dinner once every 2 weeks…and then The -Vid set in and we have been away from each other since. Until this past weekend.

Over those three days we talked about so much stuff – what we would like life to be like, places to go, things to do. For instance, returning to Wellsboro, or going to The Falls, or Salem. Or even a host of day trips from in and around The Valley. However, I only have the summer. Once they return to school my opportunities are less. I cannot get frequent weekends off. And, they will be in class during the week. I really do not want our lives together to wait another year. They have waited so long already. Still, there is the matter of funds. Of course, if I am to make the funds, it would seem I am sacrificing time. The only consolation would be if I could find a place that would be comfortable enough, for now, for them to come and spend time with me there. Preferably, somewhere near enough them that they could be near their school and friends.

So, I am not any clearer on what the future may hold. I do not know the path ahead. I did not receive any real answers, but I am at greater peace. There were a few things that stuck out along the way, such as the conversations and moments with the girls. Certain Themes – like a new home. There were definite Totems. Flamingo was a very big one. In fact, I would say Flamingo was the Primary, which is actually fascinating considering we were in the mountains of northwest Pennsylvania. Eagle made its way onto the list. There were two Hawks at The Canyon. This was both fun and a bit disheartening for me.

I don’t see so good without glasses. I can see good enough to do what needs to be done, but for things like movies and driving and such I try to wear the very old prescription I still have. As we stood there on the deck, looking out over The Canyon, I spotted it. A glimmer in the sunlight. My eyes found it. There, flying high against the opposing mountainside was the most splendid bird. Try as I might, I could not get The Princesses to spot it. And, while trying to get them to do so, I spotted the second. This was exciting because, despite my eyesight, I found what I needed. It was disheartening because The Princesses are not quite open enough yet and that makes me just a lil sad.

There was also quite a bit of Faerie presence. This makes me happy. Not only is it a blessing, but it could mean they have forgiven. [Maybe, I don’t have to worry about any more ‘near broken-nose’ incidents.]

There was one other thing – 3.

That’s it. That’s all I have. To be honest, I don’t even recall in which moment I heard it. I only know it was heard. 3. 3 what? 3 days? 3 weeks? 3 cycles? 3 tests? [It wouldn’t be the first time for such a thing.]

But, life moves on, leaving very little time for such revelry. I got the girls home and returned to the Dormitory on Monday night. Tuesday it was business as usual. I went and did the business that I do on Tuesdays – laundry, shopping and whatever else comes up along the way. I want to get pants for work. I need black pants. I do not wish to spend more money than necessary. I tried Goodwill but they were not yet re-open. I went to Burlington and, though they had pants, they did not have fitting rooms available. I’m not sure I want to buy pants and not know if they are going to fit right. However, I did find a pair of hiking boots for ten dollars. Those would come in handy.

Finally, I would look at Wally World, but they were just too much money to be destroyed in grease and dirt. But, again, here I would find myself another bit of randomness. I bought myself an air mattress. It took me a little while to make the decision, but I need some comfort in my life. I decided to lay it on top of the cot. Its almost like a real bed.

Now, I did start this post on Tuesday. But, then, like so many other things, life took over and I find it is now Monday, June 29. [Time…Extended.]

I returned to work on Wednesday and then did my shift on Thursday.

On Friday, the girls and I would complete those last two tasks from the weekend. I picked them up early in the morning and we head to Jim Thorpe to check out the Harry Potter themed coffee shop. Then we walked around the town and just checked some things out. I find, now that they are older, they show a little more interest in things. We walked up to check out the prison tour. They were not open yet. Along the way, someone mentioned the Packer Mansion and Cuddlebug seemed very interested. I pointed it out to them as we left town, but that was not our mission for the day. We also stopped in the shop that I used to do readings at many moons ago. It is the same owner and the shop looks good. While we were there, I bought a new Tarot Deck. [Well, not new to me, but anyway.] It was time. It has been time for awhile and I have passed on it several times. I bought I a deck that I owned once before. I had stopped using it for readings because I felt it was too intense for the average client. It is the only deck I ever owned that actually had a card come to me during Dreamtime.

From Jim Thorpe we headed to Bake Oven Knob. This is a wonderfully beautiful outcropping of rocks along the Appalachian Trail. This was an interesting adventure. The girls were a little more daring than I had expected. It was difficult. I can only get so close to the edge before I lose my senses and my bearings. It’s a sort of Vertigo I experience. I tried not to be too panicky or over-protective…

WALT: There is no try.

Precisely. Just let it be said that they were not in the proper footwear for such an adventure and after a bit my calmness waned. But, I assured them we would go again and there would be better shoes bought beforehand.

Then, Saturday and Sunday, I would return to work. Saturday was an absolutely horrible day and I don’t know why. Sunday was what it was and the it was over.

The trouble with missing weeks of writing is that there is then always so much to catch up on.

For instance, I have just completed the 5 Month of The Experiment. 5 is the number of The Self, The Number of The Underworld - where one must face the darkness and find one’s true nature. I feel as though that is what June was to me. June is a blur. It all happened so fast and felt so intense. I was focused, mostly, and things got done but there is still a lot of work ahead of me and I haven’t even begun the real work yet.

I definitely feel different as we get nearer to July. Something shifted last night. I don’t know what, but it was all very, very intense.

I have restarted a former ritual/routine. It is for abundance. Without getting into the deeper magicks of it - it is simply a box/container. Starting with the Full Moon, every day for 3 Moon cycles, you put $1 in the box. You do so envisioning abundance and prosperity.

In the past, I never had a steady enough inflow to keep up with it for the whole term. I am doing much better this time around and after this next Moon there is only one more until my first set is complete. I can honestly say that my life has felt abundant lately. But there’s more.

When finished, you are supposed to do something with the money - something special, a treat.

For a long time I have contemplated investing in stocks. I have no savings, nor investments. Now, I know nothing about anything when it comes to this stuff. I have one more cycle to learn though, because that is what I am doing with this fund.

In my research so far the number one common thing I have found is - Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose.

I figure the money in The Fund is technically already gone, spent. I’ve been living without it since the day I put it in The Box. This seems the perfect choice for funding a risk then. As long as I can maintain the ritual, I should be able to drop about $80, 3-5 times a year.

My bonus funds are running low now, though much has been done with them, and there is one more small one on the horizon. I do still have plenty of copper to strip and there is a stash of cans growing already. I also have a couple of crafts and a few other items to post for sale.

I am a few steps away from really being able to get back to retail merchandising stuff. I’m hoping I can use it to my advantage. For example, if I do it right, I should be able to take a day trip to someplace like Jim Thorpe and pay for it all through retail merchandising. A lil work, a lil play - all together in one day.

The Princesses are in Maryland until the 4th and we will see what we can make of life when they return.

I do not dislike The Job, nor am I necessarily unhappy. But, it does take a toll on me. It is a lot in one shift. It takes a couple of hours to shake it all off and set myself right at the end of a shift. I don’t know how much longer I can do that. Especially without a place of my own.

I have a phone call to return to the DM for The Seasonal Store. This could be information that sways my decision, or moves up the timeline.

I have been experimenting with video. I have a project in the works from two weeks ago. I’m not happy with my experience so far and it is a little more cumbersome than I had expected, but I will finish this video and it will probably be Sunday’s post. Besides, there is Feedback on there that needs to be heard. Then I will return, in writing, the following Sunday. [Which would be 3 Weeks sine The Quest.]

Hmmm. That is not the only 3 pattern I have found. Tonight I soaked in a hot bath. It did not work out how I had hoped, though it helped. I decided I would take another tomorrow night and then, perhaps, one on Wednesday as well. 3 baths.

And, then , there is The Mysterious Female, who seems to be getting much, much closer.

“No changes until July.”

We are now on the cusp, so let’s see what ahead doth lie.

If you’re not already there go to the Welcome to my Life Facebook page - WTML, or the YouTube Channel - Welcome to my Life.

Wherever you are, and whenever you are, Like, Comment and Share. Let us know you’re there.

In

So, without hesitation…

For now and for always, from here in Geistopia, this is your beloved Rev…

WALT: And Walt…

DOC: Unt Doc…

JOHNNY: Aaaand Johnny…

And, those guys, saying, “stay tuned in Fellow Travelers,” and wishing you Peace, Love, Light…

WALT: ...and freakishness, baby!!

The Totems

**from Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak**

Flamingo [spirit-animals.com]–

Flamingo symbolism is reminding you to get in touch with your emotions. It is a good idea to allow yourself to feel so that you can process your feelings. Furthermore, this spirit animal will enable you to grow through releasing issues. In other words, if you bottle things up, you will find yourself reacting rather than acting appropriately. Therefore, the Flamingo meaning dictates that you must allow yourself to release your feelings so that you can come into balance again. Alternatively, like the Prairie Dog, Flamingo symbolism may be letting you know that it is time for you to get out and socialize. Therefore it is time to have some fun in your life. Moreover, socializing will help let go of stressful situations and coming to terms with changes in your life. Correspondingly, this bird also brings new ideas and options that will come to you while immersing yourself in the company of others. It will also allow you to find balance and gratitude for what you have. It will give you a greater appreciation of those around you. Conversely, Flamingo symbolism may be pointing out that you are blending in a bit too well right now. In other words, you need to allow yourself to be different and to think for yourself. Thus, the Flamingo meaning prompts you to maintain your individuality within the crowds.

Fox - Feminine Magic of Camouflage, Shapeshifting and Invisibility.

New world opening up. The process of creation is beginning. Guide to enter the Faerie Realm. Unless a male can recognize the magic of the feminine - in himself or others - and learn to use it to Shapeshifting his own life, it will ultimately lead to destruction. The Kundalini, and the freeing of the creative life force. Practicing and using camouflage. Working to blend in with surroundings, to come and go unnoticed, moving silently about without revealing your intentions. Learning to control the aura. Adjust its frequency and intensity so that you harmonize more with others. Levels of energy and fertility. If the focus stays on the creative energies, any sharp turn in the individual’s life will be handled with ease. Fox people have the ability to insulate themselves from anything that may seem cold, especially in relationships. Can appear larger than they are - for personal protection or for making greater impressions. Establish a trotting pace. Ability to move into new directions. Call upon new resources instinctively. Excellent ability to hear what is not being said. The ability to hear spirit. Size people up accurately. Develop the ability to see spirit. Aromatherapy. Awakening of the Kundalini. Higher forms of discrimination and discernment. Capture any prize.

Eagle - Illumination of Spirit, Healing, and Creation.

Balance of being of the Earth, but not in it. The soul, the spirit, and warmth of life. The resurrection. Punishment and reward. Greater sight and perception. Reflects an awakening ability or the need to learn to walk between worlds. Heroic nobility and divine spirit. The rediscovery of the inner child. Alchemy. Involvement with creativity. A willingness to experience extremes in a controlled condition. A willingness to use your passions to purify and to use your abilities, even if you get scorched a little in the process. The need to stay connected to and use things of the Earth. Important to know when to speak, how much, how strongly. New vision will open. The ability to hear - spiritually and physically - may also increase. Cooperative responsibility. A healing role. Opportunities (even those thought long lost) will arise - learn to see and snatch them up. A new sense of timing and movement will begin to develop Primal force inherent and easily awakened. Take on the responsibility and the power of becoming so much more than you now appear to be. Events will now fly faster, repercussions for everything you think, do and say (or fail to) - positive and negative - will be both stronger and quicker. A powerful new dimension to life and a heightened responsibility for your spiritual growth. Touch all of life with healing and become the mediator and the bearer of new creative forces within the world.

Hawk - Visionary Power and Guardianship.

Messengers, protectors and visionaries. Visionary power and leading you to your life purpose. There is a message coming. What you eat, you become. Kundalini. Childhood visions are becoming empowered and fulfilled. The ability to soar and glide upon the currents. Great Heights while still keeping your feet on the ground. Attacks by people who won’t understand you - attack your ability to soar. Teaching of higher expression of psychosis and vision. Beauty and harmony in moderation. Lead you to using your creative energy in manifesting your soul purpose. Hope and new ideas. A need to be open to the new or shows ways that you may help teach others to be open to the new. Be observant. Life is sending signals. Careful in expression. Comments and actions will be strong and powerful with the ability to tear and/or kill.