The Journey Home, Ep. 8 - Begendings

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. Ja, it’s true! 

WALT: Welcome to my Life is a 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

Company

The Shaman

The Pillar

F’n Bob

The Entire Putt-Putt-Putter Clan

The Warden

FaeriePrincess

Professor Siggy Chong

Sparky Wentz-eclaus

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

The Messengers of The Galactic Federation

 Looch

BJ & The Bull

Ace

Bert-On

The Baker of the Cornbread

Andy Pandy

The Mudder

Wilson

Zason

St. Diane & You (5)

Brother John & Sister Jen

The Bee Man

Spooky Queen

Boom-Boom Snuffbox

The Nameless One

Tim-Bo

The Mayor & The Turkey Man

The Rox

PDT

Sir Richard Slouch

The Wix-ians

The Socialite

The Village of Idiots

Piz-Niffer

Dancing Queen

Downtown Encyclopedia Brown

Chicken Witch

Dick Pointer

Soup, the Son

The Legendary Pink Elephants

Baby-Mama Rabbit

Wisconsin Belle

The Babes

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

It is…Sunday, July 6, Two-Thousand and Twenty-Jive. Time...Stabilized [Right This Moment]

Theme – Perfectly Imperfect

 For all of the good that has come to my life in just the last several weeks, everything still seems to have some bit of a flaw. I'm OK with this. The flaws are not damaging anything. Things are still working. It is symbolic of the whole of existence. No matter how good thingss are there are always flaws - imperfections. But when life is Perfect that means all of it - including Imperfections. It is all perfectly imperfect.

Lesson – Acceptance

 Accept it and move on. Life happens. You cannot control the moments or all that does happen. You can only accept it all and work with it the best you can. Resisting what is already happening is fruitless and futile.

Observation – Just Listen

 I have had one hell of a week, Fellow Travelers, and I tell you the only reason I have gotten through it with some [very minor] semblance of sanity is because I have been able to allow myself to listen to The Voice - that inner knowing we all possess. It never tells you everything and it wont always tell you directly what you need to knowa. But it is always right and if you just follow [with only the very right amount of questioning] things inevitably work out. Just Listen to what you're told, when you're told. The Voice works on a 'need to know basis.' YOu'd be surprised at just how much you don't need to know about your own life. [If you knew you'd fuck it all up.]

The Post

 "It is with heavy heart..."

That is how the message started.

That is when my life changed.

It has been quite the week. It certainly wasn't the week I had planned. Even as I changed the plans along the way. It wasn't a week that I would have ever even tried to plan. However, I am confident it was the week it needed to be - whether I like it or not.

Overall, life has been good through June. I mean it has been challenging and difficult. Different. But it has also been very rewarding and uplifting. Satisfying. It's been very active. I'm trying to reincorporate a regular work week as well as continue my recovery journey and take care of The Homestead - inside and out. I've been working on metal for scrapping. I have been piddling away at this craft or that as I can. All of this and still trying to find proper R&R time - time to Zenitate.

It's been working. It's just been intense. Even though I knew it was coming and I had slowly worked myself towards being able to do it, it feels like I went from 0 to 60 in life. I've been doing it and things have been good. Again - struggles. Lots and lots of struggles. But I'll take 'em. Struggles only mean that I am actually living life and doing things.

A for instance is that The Rocket took quite a bit of unplanned work all at once. I did actually have the A/C work in my radar. I just wasn't planning it as early as it happened. It was just getting too hot and it was interfering with my day. I knew it would. I remember the heat exhaustion from last year. So I had to make the choice and get it done. I found the part through an online seller The Mechanic recommended and then he put it in. The part, The labor, and the A/C system flush cost me $471. I paid for the part up front. I paid The Mechanic $100 out of my pocket and borrowed $100 from Big 'D' so I could pay at least $200 to them. Technically, I borrowed my $100 from Cuddlebug who covered something for me so I could have the $100 to give. Now I owe her that money - which I am repaying by covering her whole car insurance payment. There's a reason I had it planned for 2 weeks later. [This coming week, in fact.]

Then I needed an oil change, which I did know and had planned, scheduled, and budgeted.

It is also inspection time. The Mechanic will hold all costs until all work is completed, so I didn't really budget anything because I didn't know what would need to be done nor when. It happened right away. It was what it was. The Mechanic was trying to work it so The Rocket would pass inspection/emmisions and we could deal with any issues later. It had to get done. There was one issue. It's been an issue. So that was another part plus labor plus inspection.

I haven't gotten the total bill yet but I am guesstimating I owe about $450 in total yet. So i have myself on a 3 week payment plan to get that done. $450 plus I owe out another $200. I have barely started July and I am already out an extra $650 above and beyond anything I had planned or budgeted. [Plus what I paid out in June.] But...

When It's Done, It's Done

Both issues that were fixed I have had since at least last year at this time. The lack of a/C had such an impact on me as well as working. The Mechanic and I figure that without A/C and driving as much as I do - all day long - that it easily gets to be 30 degrees hotter in the cabin of the car than it is outside. So the 96 degree day we recently had would have been 126 in The Rocket. And I would have been in it for hours at a time, without relief.

The other issue - an O2 sensor - caused The Rocket to idle hard and loud. It also had issues getting going at times. Or stalling out altogether. I didn't realize, until it was fixed, just how much that noise and that driving expewrience were affecting my mental and emotional well-beings.

But now it's all done. Driving is such a very different experience for me now. I am very glad of that. [Even typing about it, I had to give a little sigh of relief.]

Even with that, though, as long as I keep myself diligent, I am currently projecting some excess funds by the end of July. Workable funds. I have to say that this is the first time ever in my life that I could make that claim.

I have been piddling away at a plethora of workshop projects. Pallet planters and taking pallets apart, little things I need around The Homestead to hold or support things, decorative things for around the house, walking sticks - finding, cutting, and working on; projects for sale, a piece to hold my hand sander in the shop to increase productivity. Everything is in various stages and I only get to work a little bit at a time. But, it's happening. And...

When It's Done, It's Done

One piece that I did get completed was Cuddlebug's birthday present. It was a decoupaged bottle. [The one in the picture if you can or did see it on the post.] It is a wine bottle she brought back from Portugal. I printed out the pictures she sent me from Portugal. Then I painted the cork the colours of the Purtugal Flag.

I've been trying to spend more chill time with Cuddlebug. I think we need that.

I've also been trying to spend more time with the house and property. still times. Quiet times. Times to tune into the Zenitation they provide.

I've even finally been able to start selling off some of this stuff - which is moving it along but also giving me the little boost I need.

I have a similar boost brewing with metal scrapping. I have a load prepped and at least two more loads on deck.

I've been doing more late/middle of the nights. I haven't really done much of that since Olde Geistopia. Homelessness will do that to you. Of course, then I was working at 7 am every morning for 2 years. I missed the night time energies. I mean, I really missed them. I plan on sitting on the deck later and enjoying some yet tonight.

By and large, life is not perfect at the moment. Things are started but not yet finished. I'm working a lil more than I shjould be [on many levels] but trying to keep it balanced. It's only temporary. The A/C isnt as cold as it should be but it is cold enough to make a difference. The Rocket still has its issues, even with the sensor change. But they're not as severe or obnoxious.

I am making progress. It is slow and I have a long way to go. But I have hope...and determination.

I can honestly say that I finally feel like I have found my life. I feel comfortable and confident. I have a different sense of humility while carrying just enough ego to still be a force in The Universe. I am doing all the things I have ever wanted to do. I am seeing all the parts at once instead of a little here and a little there. I feell like I have finally come to the life I have been trying to live and build since the day I died.

Then it happened.

The message came.

[A real message. On an app. Not one of my Divine Whisperings from The Voice.]

"It is with heavy heart..."

The Landlords have decided to sell the house.

I get it. I understand.

The thing is they already had the ball rolling when they told me. It wasn't a polite heads up. It was, "This is happening...now."

That was almost 10 full days ago. The realator has been here once for a tour and wants to come back for photos later in this coming week.

When I read the message, I immediately switched into Spirit Mode. I felt it happen - like one of those RR track switches. It wasn't a coscious choice. It just happened. Spirit took over because my mundane self can't deal with this. I don't know how. SO I conceded to the only force I am aware of that always knows how to get thjrough something. I swithched to Spirit Mode and I haven't come back since. [I'm not sure when I am coming back.]

The first thing I heard after making the switch was, "Don't react." I didn't. I accepted and acknowledged and moved on. But I didn't react. I haven't reacted yet. I don't have time. I suddenly find myself with all sorts of shit to do - spread in different directions - and no clue exactly how much time I have to do it.

That is all I can say about this at the moment. I assure you, Fellow Travelers, this is not the End of our story, but truly just the Beginning.

Tune in next week - same Matt Time. Same Matt Channel.

I appreciate you all.

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. And there is the newer TikTok @WTML23

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 Nu Geistopia, this is your beloved Rev…

WALT: And Walt…

DOC:  Unt Doc…

JOHNNY: Aaaaand Johnny…

And those guys, saying, “Stay Tuned-In, Fellow Travelers,” and wishing you Peace, Love, Light…

WALT: 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. 

Cat – Mystery, Magic, and Independence

Goddess Bast, Goddess Freyja, Goddess Shasthi. Study Mouse and Dog as well.

Chipmunk – (from whatismyspiritanimal.com)

Chipmunks don’t really have a lot of enemies mostly because they’re clever enough to avoid troublesome situations; this creature is very adaptable and will live nearly anywhere that suits them, including under your patio. Being picky isn’t really in Chipmunk’s character makeup.

Similar to Squirrels, Chipmunk always prepares for seasonal shifts in food supplies by stashing some neatly away. They are diligent about preparing for the future and have more than one entrance and exit to their favorite hiding spots. Young Chipmunks depend on their mother for about six weeks. Even then, the energy level for Chipmunk is pretty perky. As Chipmunks eat nuts and acorns, they also have an important role to play in spreading seeds and spores.

Norse myths tell us that either a Chipmunk or Squirrel runs up and down the World Tree delivering messages to and from the Gods (Odin in particular). The symbolism here combines with the Chipmunk’s habit of chattering as if there is always something new about which to talk. Saga, a Goddess of history and bardic arts, also has a Chipmunk companion.

An Irish Goddess by the name of Medb is said to have this little guy as a sacred animal. Medb oversees matters of health, prosperity, sexuality, and fertility; this last attribute is one that fits Chipmunk very well. Females can have up to three litters a year with five pups in each.

Chipmunk is prolific as a way of offsetting a rather short lifespan of only about three years. As we observe Chipmunk Spirit in nature, it becomes evident that they are very curious. There is little that goes undetected by our forest friend. They also seem fairly determined to do things in their own manner and time. When courting or feeling threatened, they may let out a little chirp that sounds bird-like.

For the most part, Chipmunk is not aggressive. The only time they really seem to fight among themselves if there’s the perception that food lacks. As long as edibles are in ample supply, they get along with each other very well. Greed is a term that seems to have been left out of Chipmunk’s vocabulary.

Chipmunk Spirit Animal comes into our lives for various reasons. One might have to do with the way you communicate. Chipmunk is a chatterbox, but as a Divine emissary, his words are chosen carefully. It may be time to assess how much of your discussions with others are filled with “fluff” rather than meaningful meat.

Another lesson from Chipmunk Spirit Animal deals with the element of surprise and an awareness of our environment. If you watch, Chipmunks seem to be able to appear as if from thin air, then duck away again into another realm. He knows his pathways intimately and rarely gets lost. It may be that Chipmunk advises laying low and not showing your hand too soon. He also reminds you to have sound exit strategies.

If your life has become rather dull, Chipmunk Medicine will definitely pick things up. Chipmunk is always ready for an adventure and loves exploring. When he is part of your life, it’s most definitely time to come out of your shell and find new ventures or discoveries; this need not be a huge thing. Sometimes the simple wonders are the most exciting! Chipmunk’s excitement is very contagious. And if you haven’t been very social lately, prepare for a BIG change.

Chipmunk also represents energy and activity. You will never get anywhere in life by just standing still. It’s time to get up and engage life fully. Use this season as an opportunity for changing things up so that your personal spaces are light-hearted and comfortable in every way possible. Living joyfully is one of Chipmunk’s core virtues as is playing and having fun.

When it comes to your resources, Chipmunk sometimes appears as a sign that you need to better prepare for a period ahead when finances become tight. Set up a rainy-day fund. Make sure it’s safe and secure so you can use it come proverbial bad weather.

Finally, if you are starting on a particular magical study, Chipmunk may have been attracted to you because of that emerging energy. Chipmunk is a Spirit of wish fulfillment and will power; this Guide can help you move toward greater knowledge in your arts.

Deer – Gentleness and Innocence – Gentle Luring to New Adventures

They have been able to adapt to every sort of habitat. Buddha is often pictured with a deer. Antlers are symbols of antennae, connections to higher forms of attunement. Look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to expand for as much as the next five years. Can indicate that there will be opportunities to stimulate gentle new growth increasingly over the next few years. Leads us back to the primal wisdom. A deer’s senses are very acute. Find increasing ability to detect subtle movements and appearances. Begin to hear what may not be said directly. Time to be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Are you trying to force things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself? An opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.

Dragonfly – The Power of Light

Inhabit two realms – water and air. The significance of these should be studied. There must be expressions of the emotional and the mental together. You may need some fresh air in regards to something emotional. You may need to gain new perspective or make a change. May even indicate that you are neglecting your emotions. Are you being too rational about everything? Are you not keeping the colors of emotion alive?

Firefly – (From whatismyspiritanimal.com)

When Firefly enters your life, be ready for a little light-hearted magic coming your way. If you are walking an esoteric path already, your studies are about to show signs of accomplishment. You have laid the groundwork necessary to move forward. From a Tarot perspective, this is like pulling the Star card.

The Firefly spirit animal speaks to us of the rhythm of life and nature. If you haven’t been paying close attention to cycles, this is a nudge and a wake-up call. Honor the seasons in nature and the figurative ones in your own life. By so doing, you will begin recognizing patterns that provide a roadmap as you move forward.

Firefly is here for inspiration and illumination. Creativity abounds. As you “light up” your attributes with Firefly as a guide, whole new horizons of possibilities begin appearing. Trust in that vision.

Another reason Firefly might make itself known is when you have over-extended yourself. Don’t use your energy resources without careful consideration. You cannot do everything all at once, even if you might wish it were so. One moment, one thought, one well-considered action at a time is the Firefly’s advice.

Finally, if you are a person who feels woefully plain and ordinary, Firefly disagrees. There is a fire in your soul – the seed of a star. Focus on that and let your light shine outward, fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Even as children those born with a Firefly totem seem to have an inner glow. These youths are filled with promise. They look at the world with true wonder and appreciation and let us see that through their eyes.

If this is your Totem, you have a natural magical aptitude and a calling to explore the mystical arts. You forever seek after that “light” and ways to make it shine even more brightly. The people you meet find inspiration and begin believing in their long-forgotten hopes and dreams. That’s because Firefly is a communicator. You know how to say the right thing at the right time and get results.

Firefly people thrive in the night. This is when you are most social and truly in your element. As you buzz around a room, you find those people who are real, honest and candid. These are people that you can potentially bring into your circle if you so choose. Others, who are not so trustworthy, find your presence uncomfortable because you shine a light on their inner shadows.

Call on Firefly as a power animal when you need creative inspiration. Writer’s block? Firefly can help with that. Learning curve? That too. No matter the darkness you perceive, Firefly brings its light as a helpmate.

Groundhog – Mystery of Death without Dying – Trance - Dreams

The ability to get deep within an area of interest. A time when a new area of study is going to open up.  Two years to come to full fruition. Important to give definite signals to the boundaries you wish to have respected in your life. Death without Dying. A time of initiation. A symbol of opening fully to the Dreamtime. Increasing ability to develop lucid dreaming. Clarity and power of altered states will be amplified. Dreams will become more significant. Opportunity to explore deeper states of consciousness. Lessons associated with death and dying. Revelations about its process. Knowledge of metabolic control.

Rabbit - Fertility and New Life

Often seen as an animal that can lead one unknowingly into the Faerie realm. A symbol for sexuality and fertility. Usually, you will begin to see a cycle of 28 days beginning to manifest in your life. Those with rabbit totems will see movement occur in their life in varying degrees of hops and leaps. It won’t be steady step-by-step movement. The leaps and hops do not usually take more than the cycle of The Moon (28 days) to occur. Plan for possibilities. May indicate the need to do some more planning or review those you have already set in motion. You do not want to box yourself into a corner. Important not to foreshadow your moves. Learning to shift from freezing to great speeds will aid in your success and enables you to take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves for brief moments. May need to examine the kinds of food being consumed. For the greatest health and well-being, a vegetarian diet, even if only temporary, will strengthen and heal. How to recognize the tides of movement within your life. This in turn will enable you to become even more fertile in your life. 

Turkey – Shared Blessings and Harvest 

Symbol of all the blessings that the Earth contains, along with the ability to use them to their greatest advantage. Expect a year of harvest. Hidden wisdom and new seeds of growth; The inner vision; Ties to Mother Earth and all of its feminine energies and possibilities; Shared Blessings.