Alas, it is a fact that no one does anything for anybody (or for any reason) unless there is a personal payoff. Now to many this may sound callous and cold – is it really? Let’s explore this fascinating phenomenon of human nature.

Altruism is a lofty aspiration. The do-gooders of the world are widely revered for their pureness of heart, selflessness and generosity. Could it be that they have an ulterior motive? Even if their reward is simply to feel good about themselves?

Closely related to the role of benefactor/contributor is the generosity factor, particularly when it comes to parting with one’s shekels….Might it be possible, in some instances, that giving money alleviates guilt over having overabundance?

Have you considered the observation that what raises the well-being of one, no matter how modestly, benefits every being on the planet? That in truth we are giving to ourselves and that’s what’s in it for us?

SPEAKING OF MONEY I STUMBLED ON AN ASTOUNDING DISCOVERY!

IT WILL BE NOTED THAT THE LETTERS M AND Y NICELY FRAME THE WORD ONE. A CIRCLE IS FORMED BY SEMI-CIRCLES CONNECTING THE M AND Y ABOVE AND BELOW.

FROM THIS ARRANGEMENT/DIAGRAM IT CAN BE SEEN THAT THE POSSESSIVE PRONOUN “ MY” ENFOLDS THE WORD “ONE”. IT THEN CAN BE DEDUCED THAT THE REALITY OF MONEY ENCOMPASSES AND COMBINES ONE’S IDENTITY WITH OWNERSHIP AS A SINGLE ENTITY- MONEY!

THE CIRCLE SIGNIFIES THAT CIRCULATION FLOWING AS CURRENCY IS THE APPROPRIATE AND CORRECT LINK BETWEEN OUR FINANCIAL WEALTH AND HEALTH!
THE FLIGHT OF ARROWS AS THEY SPIN IN MOTION ASSURES AND INDICATES ETERNAL CONTINUITY AND PROTECTION.

HERE’S SOMETHING ELSE HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT:

GOLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN REPRESENTED, EVEN WORSHIPED, AS A SYMBOL OF GOD AND LOVE.

CONSIDER THE MANDATORY GIFT OF GOLD AT WEDDINGS IN EASTERN CULTURES. OR ITS’ USE AS THE HOLY METAL OF CHOICE FOR MARRIAGE BANDS.

IT IS AN ANCIENT AND UNIVERSAL SYMBOL OF DEVOTION RECOGNIZED BY ALL BELIEF SYSTEMS.

OLD GOLD

THE SPELLING HOLDS THE TRUTH OF THE IDEA:

GOLD = GOD + OLD

Back to the concept of stashing cash (or anything else of worth) unless the donation reaps a greater benefit to the donor.

Most mothers and grandmothers derive great satisfaction from knowing their descendants will continue to flash the family bling after they themselves have no further need of adornment.

Unless of course they were early Egyptians who took them along, in case.

Somehow, some  blogs demand to be written in the dark of night. The inspiration for this one arrived after a lengthy dry patch, during which my mind felt parched as the Sahara with no oasis in sight.

Although I knew it to be an exercise in futility, anxiety ruled relentlessly.

Around 3 AM this morning I took a hot bath with Epson salts, reasoning that a relaxed body was a soak in the right direction. My body ached along with my brain.

As my muscles softened, my thoughts firmed up. First came the title; then I mentally doodled the MONEY emblem - BINGO! Instantly I was momentarily filled with a soft golden glow of gratitude.

SINCE WE SHARE THIS LIFE, WHATEVER IS GIVEN IS AUTOMATICALLY DEPOSITED IN EVERYONE’S RESERVOIR OF RICHES.

HUMAN NATURE, ROOTED IN FEAR AS IT IS, REMAINS EVER DOUBTFUL AND MUST ALWAYS LOVINGLY BE RE-ALIGNED WITH TRUTH.

DIVINITY, YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN!

A little plaque with this message is attached to the frame of a photo of my darling doggie, Princess Yin (Yinnie to her intimates) to remind me that however great the loss, Time really does help the heart heal.

All kinds of minuses come hand in hand with a redeeming plus, in this case my housemate Muffie, a Siamese whom I initially thought I could never adore as much as Yinnie, Princess of all Pekes.

The fact is that all creatures that warm our toes and welcome our presence are priceless. David Hawkins, M.D,,Ph.D. confirms that through kinesiology testing, on a scale of 1 - 1000, animals resonate at the level of love – 500. Any pet lover instinctively knows this to be true. It may not be a surprise that our nationwide score, indicating development of consciousness is, according to Hawkins, in the low 400’s - while globally it’s half that. So what else is new?

WITH THE BIRTH OF MY DAUGHTER, CAME MY FIRST GREY HAIR, SPOTTED IN A REAR VIEW MIRROR AT MACY’S. (YES, MY EYESIGHT WAS SO GOOD THAT I COULD COPY PERSIAN MINIATURES PERCHED ON A STOOL AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART.) NOW CAROL ALSO TRUSTS HER TRESSES ONLY TO HER HAIRDRESSER. HER TWO KITTIES, DUDE AND JUICY COUTURE, CERTAINLY DON’T GIVE A MEOUW AS STYLES AND COLORS EVOLVE.

MANY OF THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION, AND A LARGE PORTION OF THOSE YOUNGER AND OLDER, THINK LITTLE OR NOTHING OF A SNIP OR TUCK HERE AND THERE. WHEREAS HAVING MY EARS PIERCED WOULD BE MAJOR ELECTIVE SURGERY.

THIS GIVES ME A PERFECT EXCUSE TO COLLECT VINTAGE CLIP EARRINGS.

 REPETITIOUS HABITS DIG RUTS SO DEEP THAT THEY EASILY TURN INTO TERMINAL BOREDOM!

ONLY THE YOUNG IN SPIRIT (AND PREFERABLY YEARS) CAN DO JUSTICE TO A TWENTIES FROCK!

ON THE OTHER HAND, GRANNY DRESSES DON’T DO MUCH FOR GRANNY.

The theme of this blog about life change perfectly fits a recent blog written by a lovely lady who lives in Denver, whom I met about a year and a half ago on a #7 NYC bus. She was with Ari Seth Cohen, chronicler of the Very Visible Vintage Set and Debra Rapoport, Eternal Child, playing in her sandbox of creative toys, both of whom I have written about admirably previously.

Judith Boyd, who uses the pseudonym Style Crone, shared that during her husband Nelson’s terminal illness ending 33 years of marriage, they invented a game (and blog: http://stylecrone.com/) using her spirited seasoned style to ease and divert the pain of seemingly endless agony.

She included in her topics such subjects as “What to Wear to Chemo” and “Bloom Where You’re Planted”. SC knows the secret of angels – that in order to fly one must take oneself lightly!

AS FAST AS FLIGHT, ISN'T IT AMAZING THAT, IN A CLICK OR TWO OF A MOUSE, WE CAN HAVE INSTANT ACCESS TO, IF NOT OUR OWN, THE INSPIRATION OF GLOBAL WISDOM?

SOME THOUGHTS ON CHOOSING CHANGE:

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert Einstein

“All great change is preceded by chaos.”
Deepak Chopra

“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its’ original dimension.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes

“My life is my message.”
Gandhi

“EVERYONE HAS HIS OWN SPECIFIC VOCATION OR MISSION IN LIFE…THEREIN HE CANNOT BE REPLACED, NOR CAN HIS LIFE BE REPEATED. THUS, EVERYONE'S TASK IS AS UNIQUE AS IS HIS SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITY TO IMPLEMENT IT.”
Victor Frankl

“YOUR WORK IS TO DISCOVER YOUR WORK AND THEN, WITH ALL YOUR HEART, TO GIVE YOURSELF TO IT.”
Buddha

“HERE IS THE TEST TO FIND WHETHER YOUR LIFE ON EARTH IS FINISHED OR NOT. IF YOU’RE ALIVE, IT ISN’T.”
Richard Bach

MAKE YOUR LIFE A MISSION – NOT AN INTERMISSION.
Arnold H. Glasgow

Have you ever been stuck in the middle of a puzzle, jigsaw or not, wondering if the next piece – thought or action – will be the one that helps complete the picture?

Yogi Berra understood that it "ain’t over till it’s over." Movie makers are constantly planning sequels and prequels to blockbusters. Leaves fall off trees only to bud out again in the spring.

AS LONG AS THERE IS CONSCIOUSNESS THERE WILL NEVER BE COMPLETION, ONLY EVOLUTION.

This week I spent a sleepless night rewriting an outline for my upcoming workshop at the Learning Annex. Originally to be titled “UniqueU”, from the blog of the same name, I realized that last week’s blog title “Game Changers” had automatically overwritten the previous plan.

SO “GAME CHANGERS” IS THE NEW NAME, AT LEAST FOR NOW.

As the format grows, both in scope and shape, so does my own understanding, in order to fully connect and communicate with readers and attendees.

We will engage in exercises designed to help us become self aware of the thinking that aroused our curiosity about Self Awareness in the first place.

Somewhere along the way arose the question that asked

 “What Am I" as well as “Who Am I?”

As an individual, I exist here on planet Earth among a group of people who just happened to be on the same bus. My fellow passengers may seem to have little in common except that they share a common destination, or some other point along the route. Of course we all boarded at some place of origin. Call it coincidence by design – Divine Design.

To the bus driver it would appear to make little difference, though the weight of the vehicle rises and falls with the number of riders. Traffic conditions affect us all. So might a sudden storm.

We may read a book to pass the time. Or talk to someone. IPods, ITunes and other devices offer diversion; everyone has an individual experience within the same framework.

PLANET EARTH IS A SUPER-SIZE BUS. YET THE ANALOGY HOLDS. AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.

THE ENORMITY OF DIFFERENCES AMONG ITS’ POPULATION ALSO SERVES TO HIGHLIGHT SIMILARITIES. THOUGH WALKING AROUND IN SEPARATE SHELLS, WE REMAIN AN INTERDEPENDENT PART OF AN OVERALL SUPER-INTELLIGENCE.

HOW DO I, AS TOUR GUIDE, TEACHER AND TRAVELER, ACT AS DIRECTOR TO SUCH A DISPARATE GROUP, SOME OF WHOM MAY SEE NO NEED FOR A TRAVELOGUE AT ALL?

This is no "one size fits all" workshop. We sit in different seats, looking out of windows that present ever changing landscapes. Our bodily comfort zones constantly shift and adjust. Extraneous thoughts arise and disperse. Attention spans fluctuate.

EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE IS REACTING INDIVIDUALLY AND SUBJECTIVELY ACCORDING TO HIS/HER LEVEL OF AWARENESS.

Questions are posed to penetrate multiple minds, to stimulate thought rather than produce specific answers. Mental and moral superiority are irrelevant.

Unfortunately egos cannot be left at home or checked at the door. It is the job of the ego to obstruct rather than clarify. Maybe a “time out” could be implemented, whereby one’s ego could sit in the back of the room, be quiet, observe and take notes.

Participants then could act as witness to their own testimony without prejudice or judgment from their inner executioner. This life is also a trial without a jury or press in the courtroom. There is no pressure to confess anything other than a willingness to learn.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS PLEAD FOR MERCY, KINDNESS AND UNDERSTANDING.

ENCOURAGEMENT IS OFFERED AND INSTRUCTION SUGGESTED TO DO TIME IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT EACH DAY.

BY SURRENDERING TO QUIET AND LISTENING CAREFULLY, ONE MAY THEN RECEIVE WISE DIRECTION THAT, IF FOLLOWED FAITHFULLY WILL PROVIDE THE MISSING PIECE
- AND PEACE -
THAT WE SO ARDENTLY AND ACTIVELY PURSUE.

Last weeks’ subject was about the idea of being in the right place at the right time. Continuing this theme means, in addition to evaluating ones’ present status, taking a peek backwards to determine what got us here. Next week, we will peer into the projections of a crystal ball that may very well foretell the future.

I don’t know many of you so I will use my personal history for illustration, and also as a think tank to develop my upcoming workshops for the Learning Annex, which will serve as a guide to lifelong personal growth.

The recent HBO movie, “Game Change”, which chronicled the surprise entry of Sarah Palin into the 2008 Presidential candidate line-up, in this context meant an unexpected event or person(s) who appear onstage in a situation which alters a predictable orthodox outcome. For better or worse, she sure did. 

UPON REFLECTION IT WILL BE REALIZED THAT LIFE AS WE KNEW IT WAS UNPREDICTABLY AND UNALTERABLY CHANGED BY MULTIPLE TWISTS AND TURNS OF FATE, OR DESTINY.

The first harbinger of my life to come came in the form of a beloved book “Jiji Lou Jay O’Shay”, which told the misfortunes and ultimate triumph of a castaway rag doll who befriends other lost and lonely rejects of the toy world. 

The second was a childless couple, Mr. and Mrs. Greenberg, who visited my small hometown in North Carolina, were charmed by me – moi? And invited me to be a guest in their apartment in NYC the following summer. I was maybe fourteen. Can you imagine what a culture shock that trip was? 

Next was a college English professor, Miss Bowen, who recognized the intelligence and talent underlying the dyslexia in an insecure student, who would never again consider herself stupid. 

SO MUCH FOR FORMATIVE YEARS. 

Marriage and motherhood taught a lot about what not to do. 

The workplace improved my track record.

 The next major game change came in the form of a move to Manhattan from Brooklyn, where I had lived with my ex, to my present abode with my young son. 

Another marriage, a daughter, more what not to do. This time I made Daddy move.

 My work arena, the textile industry, shifted to Eastern Asia, making my job obsolete, signaling in turn, disaster and opportunity. Big time game changers! 

The study of meditation led to a gratifying career as an image consultant for a dozen or so years.

 DURING WHICH TIME I MET IRA, WHO WAS NEITHER MARRIED NOR A BUSINESS ASSOCIATE! THAT RELATIONSHIP DEFINED A DIRECTION FOR ALMOST THIRTY YEARS.

 FOR SEVEN YEARS NEARING THE END OF THIS INTERLUDE, I FOLLOWED A DREAM OF FOUNDING A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDED A MAJOR GAME CHANGE FOR DISADVANTAGED WOMEN AND AT-RISK YOUTH.

 AFTER WHICH IRA DEPARTED FOR UNKNOWABLE SHORES. REINVENTION TIME AGAIN. 

i MET ANOTHER MAN, WHO REMAINS MY TECHNICAL WIZARD, EDITOR, AND GOOD FRIEND JUAN, WITHOUT WHOM NONE OF THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE. HE'S TRYING TO TEACH ME THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE 21ST CENTURY....LOL (Lots Of Luck)

On a voyage of discovery to Alaska I met a woman, a vocal coach and motivational speaker from Singapore, who asked me to co-present a series of workshops at the University of Singapore. Actually, in the process of designing a PowerPoint presentation, we stumbled (ergo, led by fate) on an arrangement of the words “unique you”. Voila!

UniqueU

 Thank you, Rebecca!

 INEVITABLY THIS EXPERIENCE LED TO THE WRITING OF THE BLOG OF THE SAME NAME, WHICH IS ALSO BEING PUBLISHED BY THE HUFFINGTON POST, AND NOW ON TO MY NEW ADVENTURE
THE UNIQUEU WORKSHOP.

I SHALL ASK PARTICIPANTS TO EXAMINE AND CHRONICLE THEIR LIVES IN ORDER TO PINPOINT AND DOCUMENT THE EXQUISITE AND EXACT SEQUENCE BY WHICH THIS ENTIRE PANORAMA CALLED "LIFE" UNFOLDS.

 THOUGH THIS MAY BE HARD FOR SOME TO ACCEPT -- ALWAYS BE MINDFUL THAT ANY POINT IN LIFE (WHETHER JUDGED TO BE GOOD OR BAD) IS PERFECTION IN ITSELF. WHEN THE NEXT PHASE COMES, THAT IS ANOTHER ASPECT/LEVEL OF PERFECTION.

WHEN TEACHING ME COMPUTER LINGO, IRA USED TO SAY THAT EACH PROBLEM HAD TWO POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS – ONE QUICK AND DIRTY, THE OTHER ELEGANT.

 WHETHER YOU FOLLOW UNIQUEU ONLINE OR CAN JOIN US AT THE LEARNING ANNEX
(DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED)

MAY ALL YOUR LIFE CHANGERS BE ELEGANT!

At the conclusion of my first year of blogging – and as I test the waters entering the second year – I am astounded that we are living through an enormous sea change. So great in fact that full realization of its impact is yet to come. 

Let me backtrack in order to convey the enormity and extent to which our present society’s longest held barriers and beliefs are being swept away by this unstoppable tsunami. Only several decades ago Coco Chanel liberated women from their corsets. Later, braless feminists loudly proclaimed freedom from perceived inequality – trouble was, they tossed out the baby with the bath water, making things better in some ways yet ultimately unsatisfying for many. 

IT IS INFORMATIVE TO OBSERVE SEVERAL SCENARIOS THAT ARE BEING REWRITTEN AND PLAYED OUT WITH GROWING AND GLOWING POPULARITY: 

As we watch “I Love Lucy” with nostalgia on PBS, we may ask: Will “Modern Family”, with its ménage of sexual and racial diversity, be viewed with the same quaint amusement in 2060? 

I guess classic movies will be defined by the absence of cell phones on the set. And phone booths on the street – remember phone booths? 

Julia Child, sipping wine as she blithely slathers butter, has given way to an international cast of chefs, some of whom are proponents of food that can be delicious and also favor healthy living. 

AND COULD IT BE THAT THE STAGE OF THE ANOREXIC TEENAGER IN THE MEDIA, ORIGINATED BY TWIGGY IN THE SWINGING LONDON OF THE SIXTIES, IS GRADUALLY BEING SHARED BY HER MOTHER, AND - HORRORS!

 HER GRANDMOTHER? 

My friend, Sel, a contemporary seasoned citizen, recently told me of a NY Times article about ladies of a certain age becoming spokespersons for beauty products. Another friend, Cindy, closer to our daughters’ age, dropped off a copy of the same article. 

Yes, there is Diane Keaton, still Annie Hall, wearing reading glasses - now a fresh face for L’Oreal. 

Ellen de Generes is beautifully covering Cover Girl. 

Iris Apfel, ninety plus, fashion icon from way back then, features her huge sunglasses on images for a new line from MAC. 

I HAVE BEEN IN THE CLOSET, AGE-WISE, SINCE THE DAYS WHEN MY SON AND I WERE ASKED TO SIT IN THE CHILDREN’S SECTION AT THE MOVIES.

SINCE I ALWAYS LOOKED YOUNGER THAN MY YEARS, I PRACTICED "DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL." 

A CLOSE FRIEND OF MY MOTHER’S GENERATION USED TO INSIST THAT A WOMAN WHO REVEALS HER AGE WILL REVEAL ANYTHING.

 SINCE I SAY THAT I AM DEVOTED TO TRANSPARENCY, ISN’T THIS THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE FOR ME TO FESS UP TO EVERY ONE OF MY GOD-GIVEN GIFT OF 85 YEARS? 

THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT I AM GOING TO STOP COLORING MY HAIR!

IT DOES MEAN THAT I HAVE COMPLETED MY HERO’S JOURNEY….THAT I AM HEADING HOME TO TELL MY STORY TO ALL WHO WILL LISTEN. 

HOME IS CYBERSPACE, WHICH INCLUDES INNERSPACE!

My newest venture and venue is the Learning Annex in NYC where, beginning in early summer I will be holding forth on the subject of – what else – UniqueU. This will be part of a new and stimulating curriculum being developed by Learning Annex featuring innovative presenters. There will be a marketing campaign in May to launch this event. Stay tuned. 

This second year of blogging will narrate the emergence of an attitude signaling the arrival of a way of being in the world which has been a loooooong time coming. 

There’s a saying dating from the hippie era ( I think) that states “If you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the problem." 

PUTTING ATTENTION ON THE PROBLEM CAN BE NEGATIVE.
 INVOLVING ONESELF IN THE RESOLUTION OF THE CHALLENGE, TO USE MORE POSITIVE LANGUAGE - IS SO MUCH MORE PRODUCTIVE AND GRATIFYING!

"DO NOT GO WHERE THE PATH MAY LEAD, GO INSTEAD WHERE THERE IS NO PATH AND LEAVE A TRAIL."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

At pivotal points in my life, when all avenues for solution to one crisis/dilemma or another seemed closed, a seemingly random occurrence entered the equation, resolving the situation in such a marvelous way that I can only marvel. I have written four blogs on this subject: there is no guarantee that number five will be the last.

 OK, so here I am, well into my golden years and life keeps on reinventing itself. So I listen to my own advice, follow my leaps of lunacy and expect that trusty net to appear. (Check out previous blogs on this subject.)

IT ALWAYS DOES – FREQUENTLY IN THE NICK OF TIME.

It‘s been a year since I began writing UniqueU. We (Juan Olmo, my good friend, technical wizard and editor) and I, though happy with our reception and readership, pondered on ways to reach a wider audience. Presto! Since last fall the Huffington Post has been publishing UniqueU in their Healthy Living, Culture and Post50 sections – you don’t get better than that! Thank you HuffPost.

 In time there were over fifty blogs – enough for a book – or blook, to use the latest lingo. The days of finding an agent/traditional publisher are long lost with the advent of the internet take-over plus new devices for reading. Self- publishing meant entering an arena for which there are risks, expenses and pitfalls. We have insufficient experience to warrant such an undertaking.

 YOU MAY WELL ASK “WHY VENTURE FURTHER, WHEN, AT THIS AGE I HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE"?

THE ANSWER IS:

TO COMPLETE MY LIFE’S PURPOSE AND SERVE AS A GUIDE TO THOSE IN MY WAKE.

Last week I received an unexpected idea – a friend suggested that I would be a good teacher for the Learning Annex here in NYC.

  The very thought had a ring of authenticity about it-

YES, THAT'S THE WAY TO GO!

 So last Saturday I sent a brief query email asking Learning Annex how to apply for teaching a class targeting on positive creative aging – to be titled of course, UniqueU.

I got an immediate reply requesting a paragraph describing the course and another about my background. By Monday morning I was accepted as a Premier Teacher for a new and expanded program currently in development.

The very ease and speed with which all this occurred is a perfect reflection of how things can flow when all factors are in alignment.

There’s simplicity about all this complexity that the human mind alone can neither unravel nor understand. The good news is that we don’t have to.

I have learned to allow life to unfold like the petals of a flower, in its’ own season and space. When the petals fall, this signals that a new seed is pregnant – a new blossom is waiting for its’ moment in the sun.

My new incarnation will continue after a publicity campaign is launched in May. I will keep you informed.

In the meantime, here are a few points to keep in mind when processing any problem:

THE RIVER CAN’T BE RUSHED ANY MORE THAN THE ROSE. TO QUOTE ELEESHA, AUTHOR OF “THE SOUL WHISPERER" (twitter: @eleesha)

This place of joy from
which I came - contains
the seeds of joy from
which I will grow.

DON’T OVER THINK. REASONING DESTROYS REALIZATION. YOU MAY TALK YOURSELF OUT OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN – UNLESS YOU HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM OF LIKE-MINDED TRAVELERS AS A THINK TANK. EVEN SO, USE DISCRETION WHEN INCUBATING PRECIOUS EMBRYOS OF INSPIRATION.

GO WITH YOUR GUT – YOUR INNER KNOWING.

I PETITION DIVINITY:

I THINK NEWLY, CLEARLY, TRULY!

TO VIEW PARTS 1-4 OF THIS SERIES USE THE LINKS BELOW:

LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR: PART ONE

LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR: PART TWO

LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR: PART THREE

LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR: PART FOUR

The purpose of having a muse is to receive inspiration for creative endeavors. So why shouldn't anyone, not necessarily endowed with artistic genius, be empowered by a Personal Muse as a natural component/companion to daily living?

 Louise Hay, renowned publisher, author and self-help guru, has described the signal alerting her to an “AHA!” moment as hearing a little “ping” in her head. Some people get a prickly sensation of “goose pimples”. I experience an inner recognition of truth as a tiny catch somewhere in the throat area. Or as a nudge by a voice that instructs “Write this down.”

 ONE NEEDS NO SPECIAL TALENT OR TRAINING TO CONTACT ONES’ PERSONAL MUSE -

THE ONLY REQUIREMENT TO BE IN ALIGNMENT WITH THIS RED ALERT IS TO PAY ATTENTION AND ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION!

 This morning a friend returned a phone call I made to her the day before. Her voice sounded hard and edgy so I inquired if she was having nails for breakfast. (Our relationship of over thirty years entitled me to take this liberty.)  She described several procedures that she was undertaking in her kitchen simultaneously, apologized for her tone and said it would be best if we spoke later. When she called back it was to say that she had badly burned her fingertips soon after we hung up. Had she been open to the subtle warnings of escalating anxiety by her Personal Muse she might have put her cooking on hold, sat down and relaxed with a cup of tea.

 Never willing to offer unsolicited opinions I asked if I could share an insight that occurred to me. She agreed, then admitted that she had been frustrated when we first spoke. I pointed out, “Don’t we use the expression “burned up” when we are angry?” I rest my case.

 MUSES ARE SENSITIVE ENTITIES WHO REQUIRE RESPECT AND REGARD FOR RULES AS A REQUISITE FOR THEIR PRESENCE. THEY COME BY INVITATION ONLY; HOWEVER, THEY DETERMINE WHEN, HOW AND IF! THEY KNOW WHEN YOUR REQUEST IS ROOTED IN INTEGRITY. THE MORE GRATITUDE THEY RECEIVE, THE MORE GUIDANCE THEY GIVE.  

 THE ONLY VALIDATION WE HAVE THAT OUR GPS IS WORKING IS WHEN WE ARRIVE AT OUR DESIGNATED DESTINATION WITHOUT DETOUR OR DISASTER.

 Here are a few suggestions for your adventure:

 CULTIVATE PERIODS OF QUIETNESS; GRASS DOESN'T GROW ON A BUSY STREET.

 POSE YOUR CHALLENGE/DILEMMA/ QUESTION AT BEDTIME. AS THE SAYING GOES,“ SLEEP ON IT.”

 PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FIRST THOUGHTS UPON AWAKENING.

 EXPECT MESSAGES VIA ELECTRONIC DEVICES. MUSES LOVE THEM FOR TRANSMISSION AND USE THEM EFFECTIVELY THROUGH MUSIC, SONG TITLES, LYRICS AND ACTORS SPEAKING DIALOGUE.

 INVESTIGATE AUTOMATIC WRITING FOR TECHNIQUES THAT UNLOCK INFORMATION FROM THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND. YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS FROM A WONDERFUL WOMAN NAMED ELEESHA (TWITTER: @ELEESHA), AUTHOR OF “THE SOUL WHISPERER”. HER WEBSITE IS
http://eleesha.com/,

 ABOVE ALL - LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!

 I assume that by now you realize that your Personal Muse is none other than your old buddy, your Divine Self – the part of you that is eternally connected to All That Is by Divine Design.

  The service of your Personal Muse is free of charge and available 24/7.

 “ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE”
Mathew 7:7

 TALK ABOUT SELF HELP!

Recalling Greek mythology, the three lady goddesses known as Muses (Mousai), were an inspirational trio, being the creative force - whispering into the ears of the entertainment superstars serving the Olympians. Dance, Music, Song and Poetry were their domain – Apollo, Homer and Terpsichore could Google them up when in need of revitalization. 

Then I started musing about the word muse itself. Contained within is the word “us”, which has a democratic ring about it, implying that earthlings also have an app for accessing awakening. The last three letters of the word Muse are "use", which makes it obvious that muses are universal in function and form! 

Historically, only men have muses. Shakespeare had his Dark Lady. John Lennon doted on Yoko Ono. Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan exalted “It Girl” Edie Sedgewick. However J. K. Rowlings used her chemistry teacher, John Vettleship, as a model for Snape in her Harry Potter series. 

SINCE WOMEN ALSO HAVE MUSES I SHALL DISCLOSE THAT MY MAJOR ONE IS MY SIAMESE CAT, MUFFIE. 

Muffie is a “by invitation only” creature - one would never dream of scooping her up for a cuddle or kiss. My one opportunity for affectionate contact is after her breakfast and my coffee when I ask if she would like some sugar. She understands this to mean that she may join me in bed, where she lies on my stomach atop a large tee shirt, kneading and sucking on it, purring while I hold and pet her.(I’m told this activity happens when kittens are weaned too early – a lifelong unbreakable habit.)

 I enter a state of pure bliss during this time, knowing that Muffie is my ticket to a higher realm. Animals enter this dimension easily since they do not have reasoning minds which tell them it is impossible - I get in by her grace! Of course I always thank her for the lovely experience. 

LISTENING TO MUSIC IS ANOTHER METHOD, CASTING A SPELL OVER THE HOME WHICH I SHARE WITH MISS MUFFIE. IN FACT, THE WORD MUSIC IS DERIVED FROM THE SAME GREEK ROOT, MEANING "ART OF THE MUSES".

Recently I had some painting done to remove mold from my bathroom. The painter, Jose, from Venezuela, didn’t speak much English but he understood the universal language of music. We listened to jazz and operatic arias while he worked, filling the house with joy and peace.

 ALL OF THIS IS A MANIFESTATION OF THAT WHICH IS THE HIGHEST ASPECT OF EXISTENCE, SHARED BY ALL LIFE.

Like all practices worth pursuing, meditating with the Muses, earthly or otherwise, whatever form this takes, enriches life immeasurably, enabling communication with the best guidance in order to produce the finest of which we are capable.

Consider the connection between the words Muse and museum, a place which houses objects of lasting interest and value; i.e. that which has sprung from a higher source. 

Muffie, my Muse-in-Residence just interrupted with a few thoughts: 

WHAT IF THERE IS AN UNTAPPED MEDICAL MUSE WHO KNOWS HOW TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN PERFECT HEALTH?

WHAT IF THERE IS AN INSIDER POLITICAL MUSE WHO CAN PENETRATE THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF OUR LEADERS FOR THE GOOD OF ALL?

 WHAT IF THERE IS A MANNERS MUSE WHO COULD REVITALIZE THE CONCEPT OF CONSIDERATION?

MUFFIE! YOU HAVE OD’D ON CATNIP AGAIN!!!

P.S.: MY FRIEND SEL FOUND THIS BLOG... A-MUSE-ING.

DO YOU REALIZE THAT WE ALL HAVE AN INTUITIVE MUSE AVAILABLE TO US?

ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS EXTEND AN INVITATION.

MY NEXT BLOG WILL SHED MORE LIGHT - TUNE IN NEXT WEEK.

I once had a friend who was so into instant gratification that, in a restaurant, she sometimes ordered dessert first, so that she could fully enjoy it before she was full.

Sometimes I wonder if those who achieve their heart’s desire early and easily in life, before the meat and potatoes of the main course are digested (or give them indigestion) deeply savor the flavor of fulfillment, especially when major challenges follow.

When I came of age there wasn’t much of an option about careers vs. traditional marriage and family - almost every girl fantasized about her dream guy and spent hours practicing writing his last name, with hers before it, in her Scholastic lined notebook, surrounded by hearts and flowers. Today she may very well opt to write her own name, with a professional title or a bunch of letters as a suffix.

I allowed my Prince Charming to get away when I left my little home town for the Big Apple. When it became clear that success in the city was more alluring than the PTA, he simply married someone else. Well, Irene, what did you expect?

EVEN IN THE GLAMOROUS METROPOLIS, OLD PROGRAMMING DIES HARD.

At the beginning of my design career, in my early twenties, the rarest of opportunities came knocking. A client, who manufactured upscale men’s silk accessories, saw a marketing opportunity in me. He sent me to the best photographer in NY, had labels woven that announced “Designed by Irene” – incredibly, he didn't even make a pass though I was pretty cute!

I was a new mother with no one to turn to and no place to go when my husband and his family demanded that I refuse what might have been a brilliant future. WOUDA COULDA SHOUDA. With zero resources available I reluctantly acquiesced. Then along came Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein, et al - the franchise industry flourished - the rest is history.

 ACCORDING TO JOSEPH CAMPBELL, MYTHOLOGIST, LECTURER AND AUTHOR OF “THE HERO’S JOURNEY”, THE PROTAGONIST, AS A YOUTH, UPON LEARNING OF A WIDER, PROBLEM RIDDEN WORLD, LEAVES HIS AFFLUENT HOME IN SEARCH OF THE HOLY GRAIL OF ENLIGHTENMENT.

HE ENCOUNTERS TERRORS, SLAYS DRAGONS AND SURVIVES IMPOSSIBLE TESTS BEFORE HIS ORDEAL IS OVER. ONLY THEN, HIS FEARS CALM, GRAIL IN HAND, DOES HE RETURN TO HIS PEOPLE AS A TEACHER.

THE DAY I LEFT HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA FOR NYC MY HERO’S JOURNEY BEGAN. NOW WE WILL SWITCH MYTHS TO CONSIDER ANOTHER STORY.

Persephone, pampered Maiden of mythological Greece, was abducted by Pluto, God of the Underworld, to reign as his bride in Hades, his wintry kingdom of darkness. Each spring she was permitted to return to Olympus for six months to visit her mother Demeter, Goddess of the Grain, returning to her husband after the harvest for the remainder of the year. In her role as Queen of the Underworld, a metaphor for the subconscious mind, Persephone grew in understanding, eventually acquiring the mantle of Wise Woman in her mature years.

IT’S REALLY THE SAME STORY, WHETHER ONE CONQUERS DEMONS, DRAGONS OR DARKNESS.

ONLY AFTER THE ACQUISITION OF HARD EARNED AUTHORITY IS ONE QUALIFIED TO ACT AS GUIDE THROUGH THE UNKNOWN.

WHO KNEW MY CLASSROOM WOULD BE CYBERSPACE?

WHO KNOWS WHO MY STUDENTS WILL BE?

MY LESSON PLAN IS TO SHARE THIS JOURNEY OF LIFE WITH OTHERS, OFFERING A FEW SIMPLE (I DIDN'T SAY EASY) GUIDELINES.

ONLY NOW CAN MY COURSE IN THE ROLE OF WISE WOMAN (OR HERO) BEGIN.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Irene Tanner is my legal birth name – actually Irene Rose Tanner. ”Rose” is my paternal grandmother who passed on in my infancy. 

Though I came of age in pre-feminist times, I strongly and intuitively knew that I would never change my name – husbands might come and go - my surname would remain Tanner. I was born the eldest daughter of Louis Tanner in a family where there would be no male descendents. I am the last Tanner in our line. 

Louis Tanner was the youngest of three brothers, two of whom escaped for greener pastures; he was destined to be stuck with the ownership of the family business, a general store in Hopkinsville, KY established by his father, Israel, after whom I was named.  I guess the living was easy for Louis – who was laid back by nature, and, being the baby, rather spoiled. Early on he developed a permanent penchant for bourbon, the Elk’s club, poker and the ponies. 

By the time he met and married my mother, Sadie, he was a confirmed bachelor of thirty – she was seventeen and looking for security. LOL. In those days before AA, he was compulsively addicted to gambling and had zero capacity for booze. 

To make matters worse, he won an Irish Sweepstake in the 1930’s – when, post depression, the money was both a blessing and a curse that reinforced his conviction that money would thereafter fall from the sky….plus, no matter how miserable the marriage, this was an era where divorce was spelled disgrace. 

LOUIS WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL GOOD OLE BOYS, GENEROUS TO A FAULT, WELL-LIKED AND TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE. 

THOUGH I NEVER KNEW HIM VERY WELL, I AM SURE MY FATHER LOVED ME IN HIS OWN WAY. IN AN ERA THAT DIDN’T ENCOURAGE MEN TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES EMOTIONALLY. HE CALLED ME “REENIE BUGS”, A NAME I HAVE TRANSFERRED TO MY INNER CHILD TO COMPENSATE FOR DADDY’S’ LACK OF PRESENCE IN MY YOUTH. 

Though I learned in my teens that there would be no golden parachute for me unless I embraced my mother’s plan that I marry for “security”(as she did?), I did carry a gene or two from dear old Dad. (Check out my blogs “Leap, and the Net Will Appear#1-4") 

I reached my “Wisdom Years” on the brink of world-wide economic disaster partially if not entirely produced by inept even illegal leadership. Though this has destroyed any illusion of an automatically secure future, I find that I am nonetheless capable of taking effective action.

A couple of interesting ideas are taking root in my mind – which is where all beginnings begin, having been inspired by my Highest Self as Cause. 

A line from the poem “Hiawatha”, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has been popping into my head periodically: 
 

 “I shot an arrow into the air
It fell to earth, I know not where.”

FOR WHATEVER REASON MY THOUGHTS THEN CONNECT TO MY BLOGS WHICH I SHOOT FROM MY COMPUTER INTO CYBERSPACE WITHOUT A CLUE AS TO THEIR DESTINATION.

My thoughts and therefore my writing reflect a deep desire to share with others - especially since their common theme is to suggest how better to have a happy outlook regardless of circumstance. Polyanna? The (fashionable) shoe fits!

EVEN IF WE DON’T HIT THE JACKPOT THERE IS AN ABUNDANCE OF RICHES TO BE FOUND IN FRIENDSHIP.

SOCIAL NETWORKING AT ITS BEST PROVIDES A TECHNOLOGY THAT HAS THE CAPABILITY TO OPEN DOORS AND HEARTS.

WE ARE WINNERS TO BE SO BLESSED!