An update!

[artemis42]

In the ever-unfolding adventure that is my life, it's a blessing and a joy to be surrounded by wonderful friends and beloveds. My thanks to Morgan, Sam and Henri for being my backstage party crew, and Jonathan, Allison, Kiernan and Nikki, Shannon and Josh, Jesse and Shepard, Brian, Luke, Chris, Joe and Laura, Dave, Eric, Scott and of course, the infamous Charles for making this birthday gathering one of the best in recent memory. I am definitely glad I got to host it at home, as I've needed to sort of regroup and gather my strength of late, and being there on Saturday has really rejuvenated my sense of belonging somewhere that has a high level of permanence for me.

This month promises to be busy and crazy and all the rest, but I'm going to attempt to maintain the ability to carve out time to take better care of myself. When I stretch myself too thin and try to do too much, or be in several places at once for several different people, I end up damaging myself, either by getting really stressed and tired, sick or emotionally worn out. So, here's to making time to be fully present for myself!

I'm off to bed, since I have to get up early to go fight a bogus ticket.

Later.

-Me.

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Refuge

I see the lamp, the face, the eye,
an altar where the soul bows, a

gladness and refuge. My loving says,
"Here. I can leave my personality

here." My reason agrees! "How can
I object when a rose makes the bent

backs stand up like cypresses?" Such
surrender changes everything. Turks

understand Armenian! Body abandons
bodiness. Soul goes to the center.

Rubies appear in the begging bowl.
But don't brag when this happens.

Be secluded and silent. Stay in
the delight, and be brought the

cup that will come. No artfulness.
Practice quiet and this new joy.

-Rumi