stargazer8

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.

"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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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!