writing challenge

Weekly Creativity Prompt – New Years Reflections

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Pull a random card from your deck and decide what aspect of your life this card represents for you.

That’s not what happened, I remember… – Memory issues, and my aversion to looking into the past.

Cast of Characters Cards and Blue Earth Tarot - Queen of Cups, The Empress, Knight of WandsPull three more random cards, and interpret them as goals, aspirations, and/or resolutions related to that aspect of your life represented in the first card.

A Goal – Queen of Cups – Seek out support from those you know are there to steady you emotionally when you try to dip your toes into the waters of the path. There’s a lot of emotional trauma back there that you are avoiding, and being supported by others can help you deal with it.

An Aspiration – The Empress – Healthy, happy, and abundant. You want to feel secure and nurtured. Cared for. Your past has made this feel like an impossible dream, but it should instead be viewed as a goal of self-healing.

A Resolution – Knight of Wands – Commit yourself to exploring and healing these past wounds, instead of buying them and pretending that they don’t exist.

DECKS USED: BLUE EARTH TAROT AND CAST OF CHARACTERS CARDS

Gideon’s Challenge

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Cedar ForestWhere We Go

I crave raindrops
tapping out
slow rhythms
from cedar tips
to mossy ground
in muffled
melodies
that are scented
with the sweet aroma
of green
blended with
the sharp sting
of sap’s scent
on the senses

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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CraneThingsTaking Flight

Dance with me
on the air currents
in an expression
of flirtation
and joy
as we play
chase the tail
with each other
through
space and time
until our laughter
fills the air
with the celebration
of being us…
together.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Weekly Creativity Prompt – King of Pentacles

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Prompt: “Pull the King of Pentacles card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

King of Pentacles - Tarot of the Hidden RealmTarot of the Hidden Realm – The man in this card reminds me of Santa, which isn’t really at all out of character for the King of Pentacles. The imagery says to me that it’s okay to take comfort in those that make you feel safe and stable. Security is important, and spending time with those that help you in feeling secure is a valuable thing. It’s something to savor and cherish and enjoy while you can.

King of Pentacles in the Storybook Christmas Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Xmas Elf Tarot

Storybook Christmas Tarot – You know that saying “Come to the Dark Side, we have Cookies”?  That’s where this card takes me, although it isn’t so much the “dark side” as it is a recommendation to follow in the footsteps of those that have shown they have the skill and acumen to build a stable foundation and surround themselves in wealth.

Christmas Cheer Tarot – You know what is of value, how to obtain it and how to enjoy it. You know it’s worth, and will neither squander it, nor hoard it to yourself. Instead, share it with others, allow them to see the fruits of your labors, and use this to inspire them to follow your lead.

Xmas Elf Tarot – This elf seems just a bit cranky with his tight fist grip and upturned nose. The card appears to me to be a reminder that there’s a difference between stability and hoarding, and that can sometimes be a very fine line.  This card reminds us to turn over a new leaf in how we see wealth (the snow drops in the foreground), and asks us to examine more closely what we perceive as stability and security.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT, CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT, XMAS ELF TAROT

Gideon’s Challenge

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The White Stuff

No snow this year
the weatherman says
and the forests
stay lush and green
as evergreen trees stand
fronds of fern sway
and the moss
continues to cling
No ice on the rocks
no white fluff
the water
continues to flow
and you have to head east
to mountain peaks
if you want to play
in the snow

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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Warm WelcomeThe Warm Welcome

Sanctuary sought
and given easily
with the warm
glow of lights
and a beautiful
Christmas wreath
The door opens wide
with a smile
there to greet
as the nip of cold
is forgotten
once within
the indoor heat
while hugs are given
and kisses received
and winter break begins
… I’m so relieved

Photo © ZenStatePhotography