writing exercise

Gideon’s Challenge

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StrengthStrength…

Sometimes,
it isn’t about
what you can do
on your own,
but rather
about what you
can accomplish
Together.

I am very much guilty of trying to take everything upon my own shoulders and not “bother” others with requests for help or assistance, even when I desperately need it.  Instead, I continue to pretend all is well, even as I drown under the weight of too much.

That is not strength.

Real strength comes in reaching out to others and allowing them in to help.  Real strength is about love and trust.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Childhood Antics

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Draw up to three cards from your tarot (or oracle) and use them for guidance in choosing  something to share with us about your childhood.

IMG_4794The Emperor (Ego) –  Once when I was very young (around the age of 9 or 10) my sister and I decided to do an impromptu ritual in our front yard.   We had been doing our own rituals and spellcraft for quite some time, and we were both very confident in our abilities.

The Star (Elation) – We set  up everything outside and began our ritual.  Everything was going along great.  We had been very careful in our set up and things were going smoothly.

Justice (The Lesson) – Until I accidentally bumped the small makeshift altar we’d set up using a wooden stool, and one of the candles toppled off into the dry summer grass.  We were both barefoot and the little cup of water we had for offering didn’t put out the flames (which are incredibly difficult to SEE on dry grass in the middle of the day, by the way.  I had to run and untangle the hose, turn it on and then bring it back, because we were not prepared!   Half the yard burned before we managed to get the fire out.

Moral of the Story –  When preparing for ritual or spellcraft?  It’s not enough to prepare to do the ritual or spell.  You have to prepare for if things go wrong as well.   ie: If you’re playing with fire in the middle of a yard of dry grass?  Have the hose ready and the water already turned on.

DECK USED:  THE STITCH RABBIT TAROT

 

Gideon’s Challenge

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DesireDesire…

Come my love
and lie with me
upon spongy moss
and fallen leaves.
Roll among the ferns
with me
as laughter fills the air.
Dappled sunlight
kissing skin
as Fae watch on
and sigh.

You are my love.  My heart.  My desire.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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PassionPassion…
comes in many forms.
Between sheets
skin slick with sweat.
Within a board room
voice filled with conviction.
Lying in a field
picking shapes from the clouds.
It is that inner spark,
the flicker of flame that catches hold,
and the inferno that drives us.

I am a man of many passions. They swirl around me, a fiery spark flowing through my energy like a whirlwind. Curiosity and interests abound while creativity flourishes even in the darkest of times.

For me it is passion that drives everything I do from the moment’s first spark of interest to the glimmering flame of pursuit to the full-blown inferno of commitment.  It is present in my relationships, with my work, in my play, in my spirituality.  It is an integral part of who I am.

Passion is the spark that makes life worth living.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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Spirit2Spirit…
lifts and lightens
from within
it’s ever present
yet often ignored
until the moment
it sparks
inspired
to shimmer
and shine.

I am a big supporter of the “leave nothing but footprints” mentality of visiting the forests and spending time there.   That said?  I have to admit that finding this little colorful rock hidden along a trail through the wetlands early in the spring lent me a little extra glimmer of extra spirit to my soul.

You find these rocks in the parks here a lot lately. That little lift this one gave me is their purpose. You are encouraged to pick them up and take them with you when you find one.  I chose to leave this one behind to lift another’s spirits just as it had my own.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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SerenitySerenity…
Lives within stillness
In the silence
of a moment
In that place
Between breaths.
Sweet and still
Soft and silent
It is a caress
A kiss
A balm.

There are perfect moments in life that are perfect for no other reason than the moment of serenity they provide.   I find these moments most often when walking within nature, whether that be in the wetlands or the rainforests, the mountains, or at the beach.

These natural places are a little piece of heaven, and when in their embrace there are moments… brief and fleeting moments where life feels as if it stands still, the world holds its breath, and peace suffuses the senses with a sense of pure, exquisite perfection.

This is my serenity.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography