Weekend in New England

OK. So it wasn’t a weekend in New England. It was a weekend in Central Texas.

And it was a real Wheel of Fortune. Friday was Imbolc, and we ritualed and taroted. Saturday we rehearsed new sad songs in choir and went to see Rimi. Sunday we sang sad songs in church for a friend of EW who died. Then we went to Granger, where EW washed some dishes the X2B used and left in the sink. I think that was mighty big of her, cleaning up after X2B while I packed some music gear for the choir director (CD) to use.

Then it was off to CD’s house for a WhoCares Bowl party. I rooted for Dad’s team, which (luckily) was the right one. CD’s husband is a man of strong football opinions. He reminds me of X1 in the way he watches football.

Surprise, Suprise, Suprise

They invited us back to play next year. That is goodness. I think.

More Music

Amy’s Ice Cream on Burnet Road
 

Well, it finally happened. We had a gig.

Trey Bone with Special Guest (me) played at the Amy’s Ice Cream world headquarters for the 3M ½-Marathon. It was bloody cold. I couldn’t feel my guitar. Unfortunately, I could feel my fingers; they hurt.

Soon after we started, someone brought us each a breakfast burrito. I stuck mine in my coat pocket and used it to keep my left hand warm. That worked for about five minutes. Well, I’m not really sure if it worked or if it just prolonged the agony.

We played for about 45 minutes to an appreciative gathering of locals and runners. The runners didn’t stick around to listen, but many of them shouted their thanks. At least, I hope it was thanks. Apologies for the numb clunkers.

It's Music Again

Band practice tonight went swimmingly. When we practiced on Saturday, one of the singers (who also plays guitar) was still sick. That means that I had to try to carry the whole guitar load on songs I don't really know. But he was back tonight. So I was able to concentrate on filling in holes.

Someone once told me that I would be bored by the music this band plays. Well, the challenge is for me to learn so many intricate harmonies, rhythms, and chord progressions at once. Since we use librettos with tablatures instead of actual music, you have to already know the song to learn it.

Also, we have a tendancy to play the songs once. Tonight we actually worked on parts, instead of racing through the list. It was very satisfying.

Declaration

OK. This blog is active again.

Why?

X2B really pissed me off today. So today I stop sugar coating. No more regard for feelings. As Alice Cooper put it, "No More Mr. Nice Guy."

I didn't even draw a card today. No I Ching hexagram. No nothing. This is my decision. On my own. No help or guidance. It may even really bug my lawyer. And to quote Alice again, "Personally, I don't care."

Today, X2B made a big production about my supposed lack of care for my animals. If anyone is concerned, the dogs are fine. Rose is not eating the flooring; she is playing with it when I am not at home. She has plenty of food and water. And so does Buddy.

The heart of the issue is that X2B was concerned that a check for her lawyer would arrive and be left undeposited. It was in today's mail. It will be in the bank tomorrow. End of line.

Monday in Progress

Today’s Card

Death. Putting the past behind you, changing status, moving from the known to the unknown. Getting back to basics.

Today’s Hexagram

Wei Chi (Before Completion). There may be progress and success in these circumstances but no advantage in any way. In the forefront and background is the trigram Li (Fire), which represents brightness and warmth.

Saturday in Progress

- 

Today’s Card

King of Wands. Earns respect and willing compliance and carries authority naturally. Instills confidence and has the courage of his or her convictions

Today’s Hexagram

I (Providing Nourishment):. We must look at what we are seeking to nourish and, by the exercise of our thoughts, seek for the proper aliment. In the forefront, Sun (Wind) is transforming into Ken (Mountain). Penetration and following are giving way to stillness and obstruction. In the background, joy, pleasure, and attraction are giving way to movement, initiative, and action.

Wands over pentacles for sure today. Neither my paycheck nor my wire transfer has processed yet. So I am running on empty in the capital department. Not very productive at work today either. But it was a good day to see friends and talk. Tomorrow’s for church. I haven’t been in years.

The Perfect Storm

Some things turn out all wrong
And some things turn out all right
Some things don't turn out at all
But then again they might

- Joe Walsh

Today’s Card

The Hierophant. Getting an education. Dealing with the Establishment and other people’s expectations. I am coming to view it as the consequences card for not being able to stay within the bounds of convention.

It was a helluva day. Big Mistake yesterday lead to Huge Consequences today. S2 found an email from EW and attacked me thru her. It was horrible and caused great pain, but it was done from pain. Hopefully, it will be cathartic.

I think that the therapist we are seeing is more interested in milking the insurance than in helping us cope with the issues. We spent today’s session on a misguided talk about our grandparents rather than working on issues. I know therapy isn’t fast but this approach serves no purpose.

Later S2 and I talked and started coming to terms with the division of property.

Untitiled

I’m just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round I really love to watch them roll

- John Lennon

Today’s Card

Three of Pentacles. Coordinating with others, finding all the needed elements. Getting the job done together.

Today’s Hexagram

K’un (The Receptive). When the superior man must move, if he takes the initiative he will go astray. If he follows, he will find his proper lord. The situation is expected to remain the same in the immediate future. Things most and least apparent are the same. It is a time for docility and receptivity.

So it seems the guidance for today is to work hard and follow whatever direction I am given. K’un is a clarification of a previous hexagram which basically said to stand still: “Movement in any direction is disadvantageous.” That was the opposite of what has been turning up. Today’s course is pretty well charted already. Sticking to the plan seems the best way forward.

Upgrading and Repairing PCs

We’ve gotta roll with the punches
Learn to play all of our hunches
Makin’ the best of whatever comes your way

- Jimmy Buffett

Today’s Card

The World. Healing. Realizing your goals and achieving synthesis. Sharing a gift or talent with others. Counting your blessings.

Today’s Hexagram

Ta Kuo (Preponderance of the Great). When under a weak beam, there is advantage in any direction. There will be success. Most apparent are joy, pleasure, and attraction, underlined by danger and the unknown giving way to following and penetration.

Hmmm. An interesting card for a day that starts out with minor oral surgery.

Later. The dentist is good. He actually got the pain killer to work for almost the whole procedure. Then only a little aspirin and some psychic recharging the rest of the day. EW was very generous with me today. Bosslady also said I should go home. So I did. I should be back at work, fully functional and optimistic again tomorrow.

So how does The World fit today? Between the love and support I received today and some poetry I read, I found that my world is much more complete than I have any right to expect. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it isn’t a train…or New Jersey.