a short nap

a short nap
munk on budha's head

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Feb. 21st New Moon in Pisces


New moon = new beginnings. The new moon is in Pisces this month so music,art, dreaming,meditativeness, and compassion are highlighted. What can we do to help someone? Let's explore the the selfless part of us & feel gratitude for all we have and enjoy the beauty of the day. For this new moon cylcle let's try to connect with our higher power and realize we are where we're supposed to be at each moment. No need to hurry. Just go with the flow.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Full Moon in Leo - Feb 7, 2012 'love song'


Tuesday, Feb. 7th there will be a full moon at mid leo.The moon and mercury will oppose each other. This means the emotions (moon) and the mind (mercury) may be at odds.Try to find a comprimise. The group oriented aquarian will be feeling the pull of the ego which could result in some interesting creativity. The common man (aquarius) vs. the king (leo). This is the month of love so if you click on the link above 'love song' you can hear one!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Full Moon in Cancer January 9, 2012


Photo is by Dan Bush, the 'moon artist'(see link).The holidays are over and we arrive at the January 'wolf moon'. (click on the title link to see more about this). The sun is in capricorn and moon in cancer. Family and work are highlighted as well as government. Our newly elected officials will be taking office and our home is getting back to normal after all the holiday events. The full moon brings to a head that which was begun with the new moon. Search your memory for those things you put into effect on the new moon (dec. 24th). How are they doing? What can you do to further their eventual manifestation? Energies are high at the full moon so remember to rest. Happy new year!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Dec.10th Full moon and eclipse of the moon (click)


Full moon on saturday, Dec. 10th will be highlighted with a lunar eclipse. Sounds exciting to me. Good day for a party! Saturday evening also has a trine with neptune. Romance may be in the air,spiritual pusuits, music and magic. Let's see if we can dream up a beautiful world for our children where peace and love fills the air.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Zhe-Zhou Jiang> My Chinese Painting teacher (click here)


Master artist Zhe-Zhou Jiang is my Chinese watercolor teacher. Click on the link above to see some of his work. My favorite is the flying cranes. It is very beautiful. He is a great painter. I am very grateful to have lessons with him.

Friday, November 25, 2011

New moon eclipse at 2 sagittarius (click here)

"Black friday" is also the day of the new moon solar eclipse at 2 degrees of sagittarius with mercury appearing to be travelling retrograde for the next 3 weeks. Those born within the early degrees of the 'mutable'signs (ie. gemini, virgo, sagittarius and pisces) or those with their moon in that area will be most affected. There will be more energy coming your way. Mercury retro always gives us flashbacks of past friends, events, etc. A time for re-visiting the past and revising our goals and routines. Make a plan (it is a new moon- new beginnings), write it down and go forward with a positive attitude. Good time to clean out the closets to make room for our new 'plan'. This can also be the closets of our mind where we stuff all our 'junk' to view later. Maybe it's time to ditch that baggage and start lighter and fresher. We have til december 13th for the revising and the eclipse will be felt for three months. Joyous holiday time to all.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

New Moon in Scorpio...last week. venus and mercury join up this week.


New moon in scorpio will have us investigating everything...even ourselves! Don't delve too deeply into everything. Take time to smell the fresh fall air! Today, venus and mercury join together in the sign of sagittarius. Songs of love and friendship fill the air***time to party or write a romantic tale.

Publishing your book....(click here)

Lots of folks gathered at the Cherry Hill Public Library last evening for a free talk on 'How to Get Your Book Published'. I learned that my kinko published poetry book will never be published. Apparently, publishers are not interested in poetry since it is not a big money-maker. Jonathan Maberry, a 'New York Times Bestseller' author, gave me the most important advice that I ever received...'do not revise until you are finished your fist draft. The storyteller in you needs to tell the story first.' Later, the critic in you can perfect your masterpiece. I have re-started my mystery novel about four times. The next start I will proceed til done the first draft. Kristin Battestella (VAMPFAM.BLOGSPOT.COM) writes 'The Vampire Family'. She is definitely popular at this time. Diame McPhail (www.sidhenadaire.com)is an editor, writer and designer. Mike McPhail writes sci-fi. His website is www.defending the future.com. Jonathan quoted Ray Bradbury: 'a writer writes'.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Aries Full Moon 10/11/11


The full moon on Oct. 11 will be in the sign aries. This is the completion of the cycle begun sept. 27 at the new moon. Aries is red, action, being bold,and taking risks...try to think first. Aries people may recieve a gift at this time. Librans need to balance their energy and don't overdo things. Those with venus and mars in aries (like me!)will be having lots of activities. Enjoy the beautiful fall days and let the leaves fall where they may.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

planet mercury goes direct on friday 8-26-11

Friday will be the day that mercury appears to go 'direct'. Clarity will take over and communications (mercury is the 'winged messenger of the gods') will straighten out. Paperwork will be corrected. Our plans will go through and not be cancelled as much! Have a fun weekend.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Fruit cocktail tree is indeed a Peach tree


This is my fruit cocktail tree. I planted it about 10 or more years ago and awaited the plums, nectarines and peaches that were to appear. Alas, I only have peaches which is ok except that they have 'black spot' which is a peach eating disease that the netting will not keep out. Next I will try pears!

Little Fig Tree


Baby fig bush had two figs...now one. Who ate the other one?? One of the critters in my wild yard, I guess. I hope to eat this one when it grows.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Hummingbird Moth


This beautiful moth was photographed by my artist friend, Karen Becker, who lives in Vermont. I've never seen anything like this!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Monday, August 8, 2011

Mercury Retrograde august 3-26...and full moon sat. 8/13


Planet mercury is close to the earth and appears to be going reverse or retrograde. Those of you who are born with this position for mercury will find things happening and you will be getting things done. Others, will need to take time to reorganize, weed out unwanted things, reaccess and adapt to changes in plans. Lots of us will meet up with old friends unexpectedly.
The full moon is in Aquarius. What are your hopes and wishes? Are you closer to them? Moving in the right direction? Or is it time to change direction. Time to re-evaluate. Be open to changes this month. No expectations- no disappointments! ***Expect a miracle***

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Try some of Nina's handcrafted soaps



Green Cow Studio
PO Box 441
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Contact: Nina Gerhold
Phone: 856-359-6147
E-Mail: greencowsoap@gmail.com
Handmade soaps and handknitted bath accessories
I love Nina's soaps and she also is a fantastic knitter, quilter, etc. One soap called 'Bleat Nothing Soap' has olive oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and rosemary extract with goat's milk. Having very sensitive skin, I am a proud customer of Nina's soaps. She also has oatmeal soap, patcholi soap and many more.

..check this song out! (click) played on apple phone!

This is the sound of the ocarina played on the phone. How about that?

'Dark sky' song in preparation for new moon (click)

New moon in Leo on saturday, july 30th (click here)


Well, if you've clicked on the title above you've noticed folks are making money off lunar properties. i guess these people would be called: 'lunatics'!
The new moon should be fun. Leo is dramatic and romantic...so get ready for hearts and flowers! Let's put on our creative hats and paint, write and play some music!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Full Moon in Capricorn 7/15/11


Time to do a little work. Clean up the yard. Finish up the half done construction jobs- painting,cleaning, etc.Time for down to earth projects. Fulfillment of new moon wishes. Enjoy the extra energy.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Two flowers in my garden..Bela and Emily

Working on my 'Bucket List'


Making socks...It takes a while...almost 9 months for me! Every stitch is fun. I can't wait til they are done. Should be about a year. Thanks to my wonderful teacher, Nina. I don't really knit them while they are on my feet!#

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Full Moon - Lunar Eclipse 6/15/11 (click on this)


Full moon in Sagittarius with an eclipse at 24 sagittarius. Have fun with the outgoing energies. Save a little for reflection. Take time to sing and dance. Knock on your neighbor's door and say 'hi'. Air signs (gemini, libra and aquarius) will feel blown about a bit but should be in a good way. It shouldn't be a boring time!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Cool jazz for a hot day...(click here)

Cool jazz for a hot day

NEW MOON IN GEMINI Wednesday, June 1, 2011


New moon in gemini ushers in a time of short trips with friends, new places, new visits to areas of interest. Plan now for your short summer trips. Thinking of getting together with relatives? Now is the time for friends also. Those writers out there should begin a project today.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fruit Cocktail Tree in Bloom


Things are looking up for the fruit cocktail tree. Now, let's see how I can keep the squirrels away from the fruit! I'll keep you posted.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Tibetan Buddhism Mahamudra teaching day 1 part 1 of 7

next week i go to Shamong to study the Mahamudra...found this on utube. it just about says it All!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

SPRING is near and so is the new moon on Fri. 3/4/11


The new moon in pisces is a very fruitful sign. Once again good for planting seeds...especially of the positive variety. Let's try to dream up a grand new world of love, peace and brotherhood. I remember years ago when i began the study of astrology (as a night out and kind of a joke), it was told to me that the aquarian age will see 'man and beast walk hand in hand'. I hope i live long enough to see that! Maybe oil prices will be affected in a positive way. let's wait and see. 'You all live aboard a beautiful spaceship called earth'- Quote from Bucky Fuller

Monday, January 24, 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011


The full moon is in the sign cancer and it has positive aspects from uranus and jupiter. Innovations and original thought are likely for this period due to the influence of uranus. The jupiter aspect will give a much needed optimism to the winter season. Some flowering may occur at this time.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

No Moon ...I mean New Moon and solar eclipse...having trouble finding a photo of the New Moon! (Click here)

Tuesday Jan. 4th @ 4:03 AM was the New Moon solar eclipse in the innovative (just kidding) sign of Capricorn. Capricorn likes the status quo and does not favor new thinking. The eclipse is 13 degrees of Cap for those who know their numbers. There is a square (90 degree angle) from saturn which will slow down advances for a while. Great for critical thinking, organizing, throwing out (which I'm doing today)and beginning a new exercise program (tighten that belt and save on food money). Look for deals at the work-out club near you. Not much fun but good for those beach days to come!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Pupster in the snow


Pupster loves the snow and barks to go out every half hour!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Full Moon 12/21/10 Total Lunar Eclipse Gemini (click here)


Astrologically an eclipse serves as an electrical connector. Various aspects link up depending on the birth chart and things happen. Lunar eclipses affect women more than men. Hence the expression 'she went looney'. Get your rest and buy some cookies this year or look for Sara (of 'sara lee' fame) in the frozen isle. You don't need to do everything! Sit back and watch the bake-offs while he watches the ball game. Enjoy and remember nothing is ever perfect. We are a work in progress. With love and hope in our hearts who could go wrong.

Friday, December 3, 2010

New moon in sagittarius - Sunday Dec. 5th @ 12:36 pm (click here)



New beginnings are welcome. Mercury is retro again from dec. 10th thru the 30th. Many happy returns (of presents!). Gift cards might be the best gift this year unless you already purchased your gift. Good time for budgeting and deep thoughts. What are we celebrating? We each can fill in our own answer to that one. Let's try to keep our heart seeking the truth in this holiday season. Love and gratitude are gifts of the spirit that I wish you all. Whatever your holiday I wish you peace.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sunday, November 21, 2010

What is a 'Blue Moon" check it out tonite


Just what is a 'blue moon'? Apparently there has been a mix-up. Click on the title and see what it is.

Full 'blue' moon in taurus 11/21/10



http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bluemoon1.html?mail-11-21
It is also a 'Blue Moon'(check out the link above) and do you remember the song? (click on the post title)...

Monday, November 8, 2010

Delaware River in Frenchtown, NJ


Pam and I visit Frenchtown for a wonderful day.

Jennifer and Emily at Mickey D's


How cute are they? Lucky mom with 2 beautiful girls!

Shopping with Sophie


What a nice visit we had...toy store and mickey d's! How big Sophie is and very sweet(just like her parents).

New moon Saturday Nov. 6th


New moon in scorpio...new insights into our psyche, old treasures surface and beginings are highlighted. The full moon is in geminii on Nov. 21st.

Friday, October 22, 2010

full moon in aries


There's a full moon tonite in aries. Tomorrow 10/23 the sun enters scorpio. See what the last couple of weeks have brought. Are you achieving that which you set in motion at the new moon? I hope so, and may you have a great 'hunter's moon'.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Mullica Hill Fall Festival


Musicians playing Janis Joplin and Kansas songs on this beautiful fall day in Mullica Hill.

Mullica Hill's Civil War Re-enactment


The town of Mullica Hill is known today for its antique shops. It was first established in the late 17th century by both Irish and English Quakers who established plantations around the area known as Mullica Hill. It was called Spicerville and was on the south bank of Raccoon Creek. The North bank of the creek was known as Mullica Hill after the Finnish settlers the Mullica's who first purchased land there in 1704. It was a town of 2 taverns and a grist mill til the 1780's.

Murphy's Bookstore- Mullica Hill


I went to Murphy's Bookstore hoping to sell some of my old books. My questions were answered and I found out that they were textbooks and were not worth anything. There were books on every subject in the store and some free books outside. It was worth the trip and it happened to be the 41st annual fall festival in mullica hill.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

new moon in libra thursday oct. 7th


relationships, both social and business, are highlighted this month with the new moon occurring in libra. time to reaccess how you're doing. are both partners contributing equally? time to reevaluate and address those issues that need attention. new moon time is a good time to start. make a list of 1) things you love about the relationship/ partnership, and 2)things that need addressing and present them to your partner.

three grands

three grands
bela, angelica and gianna

maria and bela

maria and bela
ready for dancing class

gwen

gwen
this is gwen. she is a wonderful friend. she is also the best psychic.

private dancer x maple dancer orchid

private dancer x maple dancer orchid
in full bloom

dancing lady orchid

dancing lady orchid
a beauty

the school girls together again

the school girls together again
those were the days at american martyrs

grade school friends...american martyrs!?

grade school friends...american martyrs!?
lunch at the mariott and 'catch up' time

taking the 'A' train with dan (still on vacation)

taking the 'A' train with dan (still on vacation)
i think i'm allergic to subways...ah-choo!... says mary

cousin dan, the 'producer'...nice front yard! looks a little like de niro to me. what do you think

cousin dan, the 'producer'...nice front yard! looks a little like de niro to me. what do you think
central park west on vacation in nyc

books, poems

  • 'whatever we lose like a you or a me, it's always ourselves we find at the sea'
  • robert parker -all
  • sherman alexie- all
  • colin cotterill's dr. siri- 'coroner's lunch'
  • joyce carol oates -'blonde', 'black water'
  • all of walter mosley's work
  • 'the gangster we are all looking for' by thi diem thuy le
  • tropic of night by michael gruber
  • secret life of bees
  • a girl named zippy by haven kimmel
  • 'one thousand white women' by jim fergus
  • 'warped passages ' lisa randall
  • 'bold spirit' by helga estby- woman walks across america
  • pete hamill's 'downtown:my manhattan'
  • regina mcbride's 'the nature of water and air'
  • jiro adachi's 'island of bicycle dancers'
  • kien nguyen's 'le colonial',tapestries' and 'the unwanted'
  • 'kabul beauty school' by deborah rodriquez
  • banana yoshimoto's 'kitchen'
  • paul theroux
  • water for elephants
  • basho...'moonlight slanting thru the bamboo grove; a cuckoo crying.'
  • breakfast with buddha