Meditation Monday: An Afternoon Nap Meditation

Kamal (Perfection), 6 Jamál (Beauty), 173 BE - Monday, May 2, 2016 about 3:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time 

Inhaling tranquility 

Exhaling stress 

Counting each breath 

I doze off after three 

I remember reading a quote somewhere about sleep being the best meditation. It's the truth because I dozed off this afternoon while I was focusing on my breath. I remember counting to three and the next thing I knew I woke up. My lesson today is make sure you're awake before deciding to meditate or you will go to sleep. 

A Rainy Saturday in Las Vegas

Jalal (Glory), 4 Jamál (Beauty) 173 BE - Saturday, April 30, 2016 about 11:47 AM Pacific Daylight Time 

Did the rain wake me 

Whispering secrets to me 

Chilling morning's air 

I woke up about 2:30 AM for some reason. I don't know why I woke up, but I think something woke me up. I took my first morning med before I looked at the clock because I thought it was about 4:00 AM, which is when I usually wake up. I was surprised to see what time it really was. I got up, got online, did a bit of reading and some writing. 

Rainy Saturday 

Looked out my window and saw 

Shiny wet asphalt 

I begin story 11 of the 44 I'm writing this year. Next I did some reviews on writing.com, and then worked on a poem I'm writing. I got a lot of writing accomplished this morning, so I'm going to get offline so that I can take a nap or read.  If I start reading then I may fall asleep. I tried that earlier this morning without any luck. When I got up from the computer and went to lie down I was wide awake. I think I'll try to take another nap because I'm dozing off at the computer. 

Thankful Thursday: The Last Thankful Thursday in April 2016

Istijlal (Majesty), 2 Jamál (Beauty), 173 BE - Thursday, April 28, 2016 about 8:14 AM Pacific Daylight Time 

It is the last thankful Thursday in April 2016, I give thanks for fresh brewed hot black coffee. I also give thanks for hot coffee with rich chocolate Ovaltine in it. In fact I have a lot of things to be thankful for this month and this year. 

I am thankful that I am still alive. At 69 years old I think that is an excellent achievement. I am also thankful for the ability to write poems, stories, and blog entries. Writing these things helps me remember the things I am thankful having and not having. 

Sometimes it is important for a person to realize the things one does not have. Knowing the things I do not have that would only cause me more stress is important. I have to watch my blood pressure, so the less stress I have the better off I am. 

I am grateful that all my prayers have been answered. God has answered everyone of my prayers. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is maybe. I know that these answers reveal God's love for me. 

I am grateful for Food Banks where I can receive much needed free food because my fixed income is fixed below the poverty level. Without the combination of the food I receive from the food banks, senior commodities, and SNAP I would either starve or become homeless because I would have to make a choice between food and shelter. 

I am grateful that I have a roof over my head and the ability to pay the power bill. I am also grateful that I have an air conditioner in my apartment because summer temperatures in Las Vegas rises into the triple digits. I am grateful that I can afford my medication. There are other things I am grateful to have; however, I will not list them at this time. I might list some of them in other Thankful Thursday entries. 

Meditation Monday: A Blessed Day

Kamal (Perfection), 18 Jalál (Glory), 173 BE - Monday, April 25, 2016 about 8:20 AM Pacific Daylight Time 

It's Monday again. This is the last Monday in April 2016 and today is cloudy, windy, and chilly. I'd say cold, however, that describes how the wind feels on my arms and face. This morning my breakfast consisted of whipped yogurt, pudding, and coffee. I know that isn't a traditional breakfast and that's all right. It's Monday so a traditional breakfast isn't important. 

Today's meditation is a quote by Prince: 

"Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful." 

Prince is right about blessings from God, new beginnings, and everything being beautiful. When I look out my front window at the clouds I see the beauty they reflect onto Las Vegas. It's a good day. It's a new beginning. I'm blessed.  I wish everyone reading this a Blessed Day. 

Saturday Contemplations

Jalal (Glory), 16 Jalál (Glory) 173 BE - Saturday, April 23, 2016 about 3:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Weekend afternoon
Listening to a neighbor's dog barking
Neighbor's laughing

It isn't a quiet day in this neighborhood, but that's all right because I don't hear anyone fighting. Everyone seems to be making happy noises including the barking dog. It's always nice to hear happy noises. I like to hear children laughing and playing because it reminds me of my childhood.

Childhood memories
Return when I listen
To happy noises.

As a child we always had a pet of some kind. Most of the time we had dogs, but sometimes we had both dogs and cats. The always got along fine. In fact my Grandmother had a Siamese cat that like to sleep in the chicken house. Jay had one nest that he slept in without bothering Grandma's chickens. The chickens never stopped laying eggs because Jay took his daytime cat naps in a nest. The chickens never bother Jay and Jay never bothered the chickens.

Midweek Reflections on Wednesday

'Idal (Justice), 13 Jalál (Glory), 173 BE - Wednesday, April 20, 2016 about 3:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time

It's half-way through the third week of April 2016, so it's obviously Wednesday. AKA Hump Day or "there are two day left in the workweek so please don't bother me until I get this project finished because the deadline is Friday". Wednesday, the day everyone in the office begins to wonder what everyone else is doing on the weekend.

Beautiful Wednesday
the temperature is about
eighty-six degrees

Wednesday is a good day to write. Of course, for me everyday is a good day to write. However, today is special because it's the First Day of Ridvan. I celebrated the day by writing a poem about the day. I will write another Ridvan poem tomorrow and for the next twelve days. On Saturday, April 22, which is Earth day, I will write two poems. One about Ridvan and one about Earth Day.

Monday Meanderings

Kamal (Perfection), 11 Jalál (Glory), 173 BE - Monday, April 18, 2016 about 1:56 PM Pacific Daylight Time

I'm beginning this on Monday afternoon, but I'm not sure how long it will take me to compose this entry. Right now my muse is working hard to help me write, but I don't know how long this will last. Sometime my muse suddenly decides to take a short vacation and just leaves me sitting in front of the computer staring at the monitor. This is the third blog entry I've made today and I still have a couple of writing project to finish before sunset.

Monday afternoon
My muse working overtime
Does not want to rest.

Sometimes I wonder if blaming my muse for writing difficulties is just an excuse. If my muse does take a short break then I have an excuse to stop writing for a little while. My muse taking a break normally doesn't stop me from writing, especially since I too stubborn to stop in the middle of a blog entry, story, or poem. The only thing that really stops me in the middle of a writing project is food. I stop writing when I have to eat.

Difficult to eat
and use a keyboard
at the same time.

 

Creation Saturday: Time to Create Something

Jalal (Glory), 9 Jalál (Glory) 173 BE - Saturday, April 16, 2016 about 10:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time

It's creation Saturday! It's time to create something. Time to exercise my muse, imagination, and creativity. Not that I don't exercise these attributes everyday, but today is the day I attempt to get outside the box to create something different or find a new theme for my blogs, poems, or stories.

Creation Saturday
the day my muse takes a walk
not down memories lane
but across the internet to find
a new subject to use to create
a story, poem, or blog entry.

Today I don't have to look very far for a subject to research. I'm participating in a 30-dau poetry challenge on writing.com. In this challenge, which started yesterday, I write a poem each day based on prompts given by the by the judges. Yesterday's prompt concerned a birthday poem. In today's prompt we (the participants) pick one of three phrases to use in the poem. These phrases are (1) old winds, (2) unfinished journal or (3) possibles bag. I've decided to use possibles bag in the challenge poem. I will save the other two phrases to use in other poems or stories.

What will you create
on Creation Saturday?
A poem,
a new sandwich,
a story,
a new coffee creation
with chocolate
or some other
exotic flavor.

Thankful Thursday: Giving Thanks in Las Vegas

Istijlal (Majesty), 7 Jalál (Glory), 173 BE - Thursday, April 14, 2016 about 2:42 PM Pacific Daylight Time

It's Thursday,
a beautiful Las Vegas day
a day to give thanks.

I'm not going to list ten things I'm thankful for this afternoon because I have so many I don't know where to start. I know that I'm grateful for a roof over my head and shoes to wear. In fact, I purchased a new pair of shoes lost week. I purchased pink flip flops at Walgreens. I usually stop at this drug store once every couple of months because it isn't close to where I live and I have my prescriptions filled at a supermarket closer to where I live.

Anyway, we (my friend and I) stopped into Walgreens to get a package of personal items and some power steering fluid. When I went in, I found that the personal items were buy one and get one at half price, which I couldn't pass up. My friend brought two small bottles of power steering fluid to the cash register and some flip flops that looked like they would fit me. I hadn't planned to get the flip flops, but I saved so much money purchasing the half price item that I decided to buy the shoes as well.

Until I put the flip flops on I had forgotten how much I enjoyed wearing them. I hadn't bought myself a pair of new shoes in at least five years and it's been longer since I purchased flip flops. When I was younger I loved wearing flip flops in the summer, but I stopped wearing them when Mom and I lived in a second story apartment. I think I stopped because I couldn't wear them outside the apartment on a rainy day.

Thankful for flip flops
and a new phase of my life
summer is coming.

 

The Ides of April Approaches

Fidal (Grace), 5 Jalál (Glory), 173 BE - Tuesday, April 12, 2016 about 3:09 PM Pacific Daylight Time

It's not halfway through April, so it isn't the Ides of April yet. Friday, April 15, is the ides of the month. I'm thinking about the middle of the month because either April 15 or 16 is someone's birthday. I think it's one of my siblings birthday, but I'm not sure which one. It could either be the birthday of my sister or one of my brothers. Unless it is my Grandmother's birthday. I know it's not my Mother's or my Grandfather's birthday.

My mother was born of March 19 and my Grandfather (my mother's father) on November 29. At one time I didn't worry about wishing my sibling a Happy Birthday, but since I turned 69 years old, on December 24, 2015, it seems more important to wish them happiness on their birthday. I tried to call my sister, but her line is busy, so I'll have to wait until later today or in the morning to call her. However, I'm thinking her birthday is in June while one brother was born in August. Oh well, I'll figure out whose birthday it is before April 15.

It Rained Yesterday

Jamal (Beauty), 3 Jalál (Glory), 173 BE - Sunday, April 10, 2016 about 12:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time

It rained yesterday,
an on and off rain all day
washed the cars
parked across the street
and in the alley.

It rained yesterday,
a gentle rain
that didn't flood
the streets
in my neighborhood.

It rained yesterday,
it cleaned the air
for a little while
and left clouds
covering the Las Vegas sky.

Flash Flood Warning for Las Vegas

Jalal (Glory), 2 Jalál (Glory) 173 BE - Saturday, April 9, 2016 about 1:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time

A flash flood warning is in effect for the Las Vegas area until 4:00 PM this afternoon. This makes me thankful that I don't have any appointments today. I don't like driving in Las Vegas when it rains because drivers here forget how to drive in the rain. I don't like driving when there is a possibility of a flash flood because I never know which streets will flood.

The flood control district did a lot of work a few years ago which helped prevent a little of the flooding. One place it did a great deal of good was the Charleston Underpass. The Underpass no longer fills with water during a flash flood situation. The problem now is the storm drains on the city streets. Specifically the litter that clogs the storm drains.

Litter clogs the storm drain, this prevents flood water from draining off the streets, and this causes the streets to run curb deep in rainwater draining off yards and parking lots. As a results, it is difficult to drive because of the standing or flowing water. When you look at the water it appears easy to drive through, but it's not. You can drive your car into the water and the car will stall because the water is too high and floods the car out. The best way to deal with overflowing streets in Las Vegas is "Turn around don't drown!"

Tuesday Afternoon in Las Vegas

Fidal (Grace), 17 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Tuesday, April 5, 2016 about 6:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time

On Tuesday afternoon
in my neighborhood
the temperature rose
to 87 degrees.

It's getting warmer in the afternoon and early evening so I'm going to start taking my walks in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. If I set that time for my walk then I can walk about 30 minutes. Tomorrow I might try walking down to the end of the block and then around the corner up to the alley. I'm not sure how long that walk takes, but it seems to be a bit easier then going the other way.

Is my life boring?
My muse finds it exciting:
I like the people.

All though walking east instead of west is more interesting because I always encounter people which gives me a chance to stop and talk. If I walk west and then turn the corner to walk up to the alley I don't encounter many people. Friday is the exception because someone holds a yard sale in the parking lot of the corner apartment house that day.

The Apartment Building I lived in Last Century

Jamal (Beauty), 15 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Sunday, April 3, 2016 about 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

This morning I took a thirty minute walk. I walked from my apartment up the street to 2218 Sunrise. Across the street from that apartment building is 2217, which was the building Mom and I lived in around 1989 or there about. The building has changed quite a bit since I lived there. When I was living in apartment 13, which was on the second floor, the building had a swimming pool in the center of the courtyard.

Today the building is boarded up, with no swimming pool. I think it must have been condemned sometime in the past few years. Now the building is green. Even the boards covering the windows are green. It is the ugliest two-story apartment building on the block. Of course, that may be because there is grass growing wild in parts of the courtyard. The building looks lonely, but then all empty buildings look lonely and forlorn.

I suppose eventually someone will purchase the property and remodel or whatever they decided to do. I don't know how long the building has been empty, but I suspect at least ten or fifteen years. Perhaps I should write a poem about the building from the building's point of view.

Living on Pacific Time

Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Friday, April 1, 2016 about 6:26 PM Pacific Daylight Time

I'm living on Pacific Time
not Mountain Time
so please don't call me
before 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
unless we're related
and it's an emergency.

I'm tired of strangers calling me between 7:30 and 8:59 AM then attempting to sell me something or collect. I growled at someone a couple of days ago because he called me at 8:00 AM to sell me insurance. I like in Las Vegas and we use Pacific Time instead of Mountain time. I know that when you look at a map Nevada is in the mountains, but that doesn't mean we live on Mountain Time. Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada is on Pacific Time.

Midweek Reflections: Sometimes It's Difficult to Write

'Idal (Justice), 11 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Wednesday, March 30, 2016 about 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Sometimes
it's difficult to write
especially in the afternoon.

Is it because
I need a a nap
or to take a long walk
to the corner and back,
which I can't do
in summer
because Las Vegas
experiences
triple digit temperatures.

Motivational Monday: A Good Start to a New Week

Kamal (Perfection), 9 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Monday, March 28, 2016 about 8:06 AM Pacific Daylight Time

I've had a good start this week. On Sunday I wrote over 2,000 words and finished a short story for a contest on writing.com. Today I wrote a 296 word flash fiction and entered it into another contest. I still have another short story to write this week, but I'm sure that I can get it done by Friday.

Writing motivation
just sit down at the computer
open a blank document and begin to write.

The voice of doubt has faded. It isn't telling me how hard it is to come up with an idea. It isn't telling me I can't write the piece I'm planning. I don't know how long that irritating voice will be silent, but while it's silent I'll write. When I'm not writing then I'll read, say prayers, or watch television. As long as I can keep my mind focused on something then the voice will remain silent.

Television gave me
the titles for two poems
that I wrote last week.

Within the past couple of weeks I have found two titles and a plot for a story while watching television. I don't watch sitcoms anymore instead I tend to watch documentaries, news programs, or reality shows. I think I like the reality shows because they are nothing like the reality I'm experiencing in my life.

Soul Sunday: Easter Sunday March 2016

Jamal (Beauty), 8 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Sunday, March 27, 2016 about 8:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time

I've decided to change the Sunday theme from Spiritual Sunday to Soul Sunday. I'm not sure whether it will help or hinder me in making every-other-day post to this blog. However, I will give it until the end of 2016 to see. Changing the theme of the post has nothing to do with today being Easter Sunday. I've been thinking about this for sometime, but hadn't decided on the theme until today.

Another Sunday
memories of my childhood
carrying Easter baskets

It's interesting that the fondest memories of my childhood are concerned with chocolate bunnies, colored eggs, Easter egg hunts, and Easter baskets. I know that my grandparents took us to Easter Sunday services every year, but those memories don't return easily. If I sit and quietly meditate then I can remember snatches of songs that the choir sing, but I don't remember anything else about the services. Perhaps I need to do a free write that begins with a verse from a song I remember and see what comes back as I write.

Midweek Reflections on Painful Memories and Letting Go

'Idal (Justice), 4 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Wednesday, March 23, 2016 about 3:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time

The writing.com newsletter arrived in my e-mail box this morning. I read the spiritual newsletter before doing anything else. The title of this week's newsletter is "Painful Memories". In the newsletter the editor discussed the importance of letting our past mistakes and stumbles go. One of the questions she ask was how do we deal with painful memories? My answer to this question is place the issue in God's hands.

Let it go
Place it in God's hands
The past cannot be changed

Letting go of painful memories, as was stated in the newsletter, is difficult. The editor suggested that prayer helps some people let go. I know that prayer works for me because I have let go of some excruciating with the help of prayer. I still have a lot of these memories left, but I am slowly letting go of the past and the pain.

Motivation Monday: Monday Morning Motivation

Kamal (Perfection), 2 Bahá (Splendour), 173 BE - Monday, March 21, 2016 about 7:25 AM Pacific Daylight Time

It's a beautiful Monday morning here in Las Vegas. The pigeons are cooing and a dog is yelping. It appears that the warm spring weather has made the birds happy and motivated them to spread their morning cheer to the neighborhood. The weather didn't motivate the dog's happiness, but it's possible the dog either wanted someone to let him out of his apartment or into it. The way animal and other noises echo in this neighborhood I can't tell where the dog was when he was yelping. He finally stopped so apparently he got whatever it was he wanted.

Spring is in the air
Scattering pollen sneezing
and warmer weather

I haven't opened the blinds or the door yet to check if the wind is blowing in my neighborhood. I don't thin very many people are up because the only noises I hear are animal noise. I don't even hear the neighbor playing music which is good because I'm not motivated to list to his favorite singers this morning.

Morning motivation
To take my medication
And then make myself stay up.

The only thing I was motivated to do was get up and take my medication. Since I'm up I'm not going to lay back down. So I need to accomplish something this morning. I'm going to post this and then see what else I can accomplish before breakfast.

Leprechauns in the Crosswalks

Istijlal (Majesty), 17 Alá’ (Lofitines), 172 BE - Thursday, March 17, 2016 about 2:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time

It's Saint Patrick's Day and leprechauns have been spotted using the crosswalks all over Las Vegas. These leprechauns are police officers dressed a leprechauns. This is a Saint Patrick's Day tradition to remind drivers they are supposed to stop for pedestrians. If drivers don't stop for the leprechaun officers then a motor cycle officers will stop the car and give the driver a ticket.

There are other Saint Patrick's Day traditions practiced here, but this tradition helps cut down on pedestrian death. This tradition also helps make drivers aware of the law that says they have to stop when they see a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Wind Advisory for Las Vegas and Southern Nevada

Jalal (Glory), 12 Alá’ (Lofitines) 172 BE - Saturday, March 12, 2016 about 6:58 AM Pacific Standard Time

A wind advisory was issues for Southern Nevada early this morning. According the the website I checked we can expect winds between 25 to 35 miles per hour with gust up to 45 mph. I haven't looked outside yet so I don't know how strong the wind is my my neighborhood. I plan to take a walk later this morning or early this afternoon. I suppose I'll have to wear a wind breaker and a hat.

I have two or three baseball type hats I can were, but only one of them fits me well enough to wear it in the wind. Since I use a walker I can't chase my hat if it blows off my head. Perhaps I should put my hair in a pony tail. When I watched the channel three news yesterday one of the anchors suggested that people with long hair put their hair up in a pony tail. That would prevent my hair from blowing in my face and I wouldn't have to wear a hat.

Midweek Reflections on Panic Day 2016

'Idal (Justice), 9 Alá’ (Lofitines), 172 BE - Wednesday, March 9, 2016 about 12:00 PM Pacific Standard Time

March 9 is Panic Day. I discovered this when I did a search for Weird Holidays in March 2016. I didn't discover the reason for this day nor who decided it should occur on March 9 every year. I'm sure whoever named the day and picked the date had a good reason for this choice.

My mode of panic depends on a number of things, but usually I don't panic until after the emergency is over. I know that panic doesn't do any good. I also know that sometimes panic can be dangerous. I know both of these from personal experience and witnessing other people who panic. Another thing I discovered about panic is that it doesn't do any good to panic when you're along. Panic gets a much better response when you have an audience.

Spiritual Sunday: My Mother's Favorite Scriptures

Jamal (Beauty), 6 Alá’ (Lofitines), 172 BE - Sunday, March 6, 2016 about 7:54 AM Pacific Standard Time

I was looking through my Mother's poetry journal yesterday. There were several poems in it that I haven't copied into the book of her poems I'm compiling. I also found some of my mother's favorite scripture verses. She had copied the verse from the Baha'i writing, but I'm not sure of the source because she just copied the verse and didn't put where they were located or who revealed them.

I know some of the verse were revealed by Baha'u'llah, so all I have to do is figure out the source. The other verses (those I'm not sure about) I think are from 'Abdu'l-Baha's writings. I'll have to set aside a couple of hours to do look at online sources with the writings to find out more about them.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

'Idal (Justice), 2 Alá’ (Lofitines), 172 BE - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 about 1:06 PM Pacific Standard Time

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Did you write a story about a goose?

I know you wrote about green eggs and ham
because I read about Sam I am.

Today, March 2, is the 112 birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to all of us who read his wonderful stories in rhyme as Dr. Seuss. My favorite book by Dr. Seuss is Green Eggs and Ham.

Catching up

Jamal (Beauty), 3 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 172 BE - Sunday, February 28, 2016 about 10:26 AM Pacific Standard Time

I'm catching up
I'm finishing what I started
before going to the emergency room

On Friday, February 19, I attempted some early morning writing. I had to get offline because of stomach pain and the dry heaves. I went to the Emergency Room sometime between 11:00 AM and Noon. I don't remember when I had my friend drive me because I was in too much pain to care about the time.

On the morning of Saturday, February 20, I had an umbilical hernia repaired and was out of it the rest of the day. On Sunday, February 21, I was conscious of what was going on around me, but I didn't care. I got out of the hospital on Monday afternoon, February 22, and begin the recovery process. I wasn't able to sit at the computer or go online for any amount of time unit Wednesday, February 24, since then I've been attempting to catch up on my on line commitments.

Friday Rant

Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Mulk (Dominion), 172 BE - Friday, February 19, 2016 about 8:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

I suppose I should get up from the keyboard and lay down on the couch or in bed for a short nap. However, I'm going to attempt to write and post this before I fall asleep. I'm not sure it would do any good to lay down anyway because once my head hits the pillow or the arm of the couch I will be wide awake. As usual I didn't sleep all the way through the night, but I did sleep better on Thursday night then I did on Wednesday.

I didn't sleep good Wednesday night because I was in pain and had the dry heaves. I think the problem is my gallbladder. I'm supposed to consult with a specialist sometime in the next month or so (I hope). I've been trying to consult with one since January 24, but every time I talk to the surgery specialist office they need a specific referral. I called my primary care doctor's office yesterday and left a message about the referral. They haven't gotten back to me yet, so I'll have to call them again after they open at 9:00 AM.

If I have to go into the hospital for gallbladder surgery, I want to get it done and over with so that I can get on with my writing and my life. I am going to post this and then set on the couch so that I can say the Long Healing Prayer before I decide whether to nap on the couch or in my bed.

Midweek Reflections on a Wednesday Afternoon in February

'Idal (Justice), 11 Mulk (Dominion), 172 BE - Wednesday, February 17, 2016 about 4:51 PM Pacific Standard Time

Wednesday afternoon
third week of February 2016
my mind has gone blank.

I'm attempting to write,
but my muse has just walked out
the open door.

I listen to the wail
of distant sirens,
I wonder what is going down.

I listen to the neighborhood
children playing
outside in the pleasant weather.

This morning
there were high thin clouds
flowing across the blue sky.

This afternoon cloudy,
with temperatures
in the high 70s.

Wednesday afternoon,
hump day
and the week is half over.

Valentine's Day Thoughts on Love and Romance

Jamal (Beauty), 8 Mulk (Dominion), 172 BE - Sunday, February 14, 2016 about 10:04 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's Valentine's Day!
It's the day to celebrate love
And for lovers to give each other gifts.

I'm single. I'm not in a romantic relationship. I'm not looking for a romantic relationship. However, at 69 years young, I believe that I do have some experience with love and romantic relationships. I'm not an expert, but then I don't think anyone is an expert on either of these subjects. I have learned one thing from my romantic lesions which is that each romantic relationship and romance is different. It doesn't matter how many relationships a person is involved over the course of his or her life each one is different from the one before.

The best Valentine's Day Gift
Contrary to what the Valentine's Day ads say
Has very little to do with the price of the gift.

Love flows from one heart to another Therefore, the best gift is one given from the heart of the lover to the beloved. Give something meaningful between the lover and the beloved on Valentine's Day. Give something that says "I love you" in actions rather then words because this is the most romantic gift anyone can give or receive.

Friday at Last

Istiqlal (Independence), 6 Mulk (Dominion), 172 BE - Friday, February 12, 2016 about 4:44 PM Pacific Standard Time

It's Friday at last
school is out for the weekend
children are playing.

All right, there are probably a lot of people happy that it's Friday. There are also quite a few people happy that it's Presidents' Day. I'm just happy that it is warm and the sun is shining. I'm tired of the cold weather, so the warmth of the past few days is a blessing and something to be thankful for.

Pleasant afternoon
Las Vegas is warming up
winter almost past.

As I sit here composing this entry my front door is open and I'm listening to the neighborhood noises. I hear children and young people playing outside while making happy noises. I hear a fighter jet, from Nellis Air Force Base, flying over. The jet momentarily drowns out the voices of the young people playing in the apartment complexes up and down the street.

Tuesday's Accomplishments and my new Motorola 4G Smartphone

Fidal (Grace), 3 Mulk (Dominion), 172 BE - Tuesday, February 9, 2016 about 4:40 AM Pacific Standard Time

I still have two things left to accomplish today. I have to check my To Do List to see what they are. The most important thing I accomplished was to active my new 4G Motorola smartphone. I also managed to make two telephone calls with it, three it you count setting up the voice mail, but I'm not sure that counts since I'm don't know whether I sit it up properly or not. I'll worry about that tomorrow because the phone history will show me if anyone called.

The next task on the phone is to make sure the voice mail is set up properly and put all my phone number in my contact list. I'm not going to do that today, instead I'll print the contact number off and figure out which ones I want to put back into the phone. There are a couple I'm not sure about because I haven't talked to the people in at least three years. I guess I could call the numbers to see if their still active, but I don't want to take the minutes to do that. As it is, I'm sure I'll have to purchase more minutes or more data time for this phone. I don't mind using the minutes of the time since I can now take and upload both photos and videos with this phone.

My old phone would access the internet, but I didn't use that feature because I couldn't take videos with that phone. In fact about the only thing I used the old phone for was text, phone calls, wake up alarm, and calculator. I stopped using the alarm on the old phone a couple of months ago and found out that I didn't need it. I don't really need to use a calculator, so I won't use the calculator on the new phone. What I have to do is download some apps.

I suppose the first app I need to down load is from my bank. This phone will allow me to take a photo of a check and deposit it. I'll have to think about that for a couple of months. The truth is I enjoy making the trip to the bank to deposit a check. I don't get out of the house a lot, so trips to the bank and medical appointments are something to look forward to. I might be getting out a lot more since I have easy access to the internet and a real keyboard to use when I'm typing.

Eventually I plan to use the phone to compose blog entries. I think I might need to download an app for that. I have to make a list of the apps I want to download, so that I don't forget which ones. I'm going to have fun learning to use my new phone. Getting a new piece of technology is fun. The two problem I foresee when it comes to posting to my blog from my smartphone is (1) my atrocious spelling and (2) my grammar issues.

On the First Day of Dominion

Jamal (Beauty), 1 Mulk (Dominion), 172 BE - Sunday, February 7, 2016 about 12:21 PM Pacific Standard Time

Beautiful Sunday
The first day of Dominion
The Feast Day of Mulk

As I sit here listening to the neighborhood noises, I realize that I'm feeling better for the first time since Thursday. Apparently it's taken me that long to recover from the outpatient surgery I had on Thursday, February 4. I'm having peanut butter on English muffins, scones, orange slices, chocolate milk, and ice tea for breakfast this afternoon. It took me half a day to wake up, feel better, and get myself moving today.

Sunday awakening
at 2:30 AM to change positions
for my morning meditations
went back to sleep while I was setting up.

I should know better then to go back to sleep when I'm setting up because that's when I have my weirdest and most memorable dreams. I'm not getting into the dream here because I may want to use it in a story or poem in the coming week. I know why I had the dream now all I have to do is figure what to do about it (other then putting it in my dream journal). Maybe I'll just let it rest for a while. I have more important things to deal with right now then a weird dream.

Friday Afternoon

Istiqlal (Independence), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Friday, February 5, 2016 about 2:46 PM Pacific Standard Time

It's Friday afternoon and I'm back online, but I think I still having a bit of difficulty focusing because I've noticed that I'm making more spelling mistakes then normal. Since I spent Thursday sleeping that may be the reason. I'm grateful for spell checkers because they help when I misspell a word. I'm grateful that the biopsy came back negative. I'm grateful to be back online. I grateful to be back writing again after yesterday's outpatient surgery.

I am grateful for
so many blessings
I cannot list all of them.

 

Midweek Reflections on Positive Thinking and Depression

'Idal (Justice), 16 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Wednesday, February 3, 2016 about 9:39 AM Pacific Standard Time

Sometimes blue Monday
hides the joy of a new week
with despair's dark clouds.

I don't mind starting a new workweek in a brown study looking at the dark clouds hiding the sun because I know that on Tuesday or Wednesday I will again be in the sun. I know that something will happen, usually half way through Monday or early Tuesday morning to brighten my outlook and bring back my positive mood. I can always find something to brighten my mood and chase away the negatives. Sometimes it's just knowing that darkness or clouds don't last forever and that sun the sun will come shining through changing my sadness to joy.

Wednesday morning blues
Usually sneaks up on me:
A shadow across the sun.

Wednesday blues can be more difficult to deal with because I'm at the top of the week's mountain. On the mountain top the sun is shining down while below me is spread the valleys of past and future. Behind me the Valley of the past is uncovered by clouds, but in front of me the Valley of the Future is hidden beneath a layer of dark clouds that let beams of light penetrate them to reveal small sections of the landscape.

It's the sections of the landscape I can't see
that depresses me.

I try to think positive, but positive thinking doesn't always scatter depression. This used to worry me; however, at 69 I've come to realize that positive thinking isn't facing reality. Life is full of ups and downs, of dark clouds and sunshine. In nature dark clouds usually foretell rain which is necessary to help crops grow. Crops need sunshine as well because if it rained all the time then it would wash out the crops and nothing would grow.

In order to grow
the human soul
need both joy and sorrow.

It's Wednesday. I'm dealing with Wednesday depression therefore I place the day in God's hands knowing that everything will work out according to Divine will. I do the same thing when I encounter the Monday blues. Everything always works out according to God's will. Each day I have to move forward into the darkness and the clouds knowing that eventually the sun will shine. This is a positive thought because I am looking for the sunlight rather then looking at the clouds or the darkness.

Questions about spring

Kamal (Perfection), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Monday, February 1, 2016 about 4:20 PM Pacific Standard Time

The wind chill
penetrates my bones
winter cold
sends ice cycles up my spine:
When will spring arrive?

Will Punxsutawney Phil
be frightened by his shadow?

When will Mojave Max
come out of emerge
for his burrow
looking for Mojave Maxine?

When will this frigid wind
transform into spring's
warm breeze?

Saturday: I get my news online on the Weekends

Jalal (Glory), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Saturday, January 30, 2016 about 1:46 PM Pacific Standard Time

Listen to the news
See what's happening in the world
Pray for unity

I listen to the television news Monday through Friday, but on Saturday and Sunday I skip the T.V. news programs. I don't stop investigating the local, state, national, or international news, but on the weekends I get my news online instead of on television. I like keeping up with world events; however, sometimes the television news gets a little intense. So on the weekends I take a break from all television media circus.

Thankful Thursday: The Last Thankful Thursday in January 2016

Istijlal (Majesty), 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Thursday, January 28, 2016 about 4:29 PM Pacific Standard Time

Sometimes I wonder
what I have to give thanks for:
I woke up today.

I'm feeling a bit down this afternoon, which explains the senryu I just wrote. When I'm down or depressed it's a bit difficulty to find something to give thanks for, but that's the time when I need to look the hardest. Depression is a negative emotion which means I don't look at the blessings present in my life.

Look for the blessings
there is always something to
be thankful for.

 

Transformation Tuesday: How Not to Raise my Blood Pressure

Fidal (Grace), 8 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Tuesday, January 26, 2016 about 3:45 PM Pacific Standard Time

Beautiful Tuesday
I spent the morning offline
Went to the doctor

Driving across Las Vegas can be an interesting experience. Fortunately, this morning's drive was a bit boring, which is the way it should be when going to see the doctor. Interesting driving experiences raise my blood pressure and I don't want when I'm driving to a doctor's appointment.

Beautiful Tuesday
I picked up two prescriptions
and purchased new pens.

I used to use different colored pens when I made my offline journal entries, but for the past few months I have used only black ink pens. This makes it difficult to tell one entry from the next if I don't use a different color pen for the entry date or title. Today I decided that I needed to go back to using different colored ink pens for my entries. If I can find a past entry easily then it cuts down on my frustration which helps keep my blood pressure low (This is my own theory).

Sundry Sunday: The Fourth Sunday of January 2016

Jamal (Beauty), 6 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Sunday, January 24, 2016 about 10:02 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's the fourth Sunday in January 2016
on the east coast they are digging
of the Blizzard of 2016,
while here in Las Vegas
the temperature is a brisk 56 degrees
with the sun shining
on ground that isn't covered
by snow.

Brisk may not be a precise description of the weather here in Las Vegas. To me the air feels cold and enlivening, but I'm not sure how fresh it is. I think there is something in the air that's causing my sinuses to act up; however, I could feel that way because it's too cold to open the door to let the fresh air in. It will be too cold to open the door until Wednesday or Thursday when the temperature is predicted to rise into the mid sixties.

The sun is shining,
but I don't hear birds singing:
Are they still asleep?

I haven't heard the birds sing in the morning for several weeks, not since the morning temperatures descended into the fifties. Maybe the birds like higher morning temperatures. If that's the case then they won't sing until afternoon when the temperatures rise into the high fifties or low sixties. All though, I don't think the temperature is supposed to get above 58 or 59 degrees today. Oh ell, it will get hot soon enough, I guess I should enjoy the cooler pleasant temperatures while they last. It doesn't do any good to grip about the weather anyway.

Enjoying the sun
and the beautiful blue sky
without snow cover.

 

Thursday Thoughts and Events: January 21, 2016

Istijlal (Majesty), 3 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 172 BE - Thursday, January 21, 2016 about 3:30 PM Pacific Standard Time

I could call this Forgetful Thursday, but that wouldn't be completely true. I did remember to do everything except on thing today. I forgot to take the pill I'm supposed to take once a week. Since I have to take it on an empty stomach, I'll have to take it on Friday morning this week and continue that the rest of the year. I know why I forgot to take. I didn't put it down on my schedule and it is not in the pill box I use to keep track of my medication.

On the bright side, I did remember to get my car smog tested today and then go to the DMV to have my car tag renewed. However, I'll have to return to my old method of keeping track of my pill. Until this week, I put it down on my calendar to take the pill. I'll do that from now on and that way I'll remember to take the pill.

Monday Seems Like Sunday

Kamal (Perfection), 19 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Monday, January 18, 2016 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

It's Monday evening,
but it feels like Sunday.

My neighborhood is silent
no unusual
or weird noises
to distract from my prayer,
reading,
or writing.

It's Monday,
but it feels like
Sunday evening.

Saturday Afternoon

Jalal (Glory), 17 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Saturday, January 16, 2016 about 2:26 PM Pacific Standard Time

Saturday morning
clouds concealed the rising sun
a chill in the air.

The afternoon is passing in tranquil silence. I hear a car door slam down the block, but no other noise disturbs the neighborhood peace. I am alone in the house drinking the last of the coffee. I am wearing a back sweater to keep my arms warm. I check the weather online and find that it is about 52 degrees Fahrenheit with an overcast sky.

Tranquil afternoon
the hours pass while I write
senryu haiku.

 

Midweek Reflections on the Second Week in January 2016

Idal (Justice), 14 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Wednesday, January 13, 2016 about 7:48 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's a beautiful January morning here in Las Vegas. The temperature at 6:56 AM was 35 degrees and rising. It is suppose to get up to about 36 degrees by 8:00 AM. It is mostly sunny with snow on Mount Charleston. It's a nice winter day to remain indoors where it is warm. Therefore, I'm not planning on doing much today except making some phone calls and writing a couple of checks.

Snow on the Mount
A could day in Las Vegas:
When will it warm up?

My exercise plan for today is walking through the house or going outside to the mail box. I want to get the laundry ready for a trip to the laundromat sometime later this week or early next week. I also have to go somewhere for a smog check because my tag is due for renewal on January 27. On Thursday I have a doctor's appointment at 10:00 AM and then on Friday I have a Tai Chi class at 9:30 or 10:00 AM. This afternoon I have to move the car from the front of the apartment to the back because they street sweep cleans the street between 7:30 and 8:00 AM on Friday; I don't want another parking ticket so I have to move the car to the alley before the city street sweeper arrives.

Meditation Monday: Meditation Quilt - A Poem

Fidal (Grace), 13 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Tuesday, January 12, 2016 about 9:43 AM Pacific Standard Time

I have a crochet throw
with small spaces between the interconnected threads;
I place this throw over my head
when I meditate.

I close my eyes to pray,
then open them
to meditate;
I count my breath,
I focus on a space
between the treads...
this is my meditation quilt.

Summary Saturday: What did I accomplish this week?

Jalal (Glory), 10 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Saturday, January 9, 2016 about 12:16 PM Pacific Standard Time

What did I accomplish this week? Judging from the bruises on each arm a great deal. I had a medical procedure on Monday that left bruises on my right arm. The tests I had Monday required injecting me with a fluid for a CT scan that I needed for a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, January 6. Then on Thursday, I gave several vials of blood for blood tests proceeding my doctor's appointment on Thursday, January 14. I also have out patient surgery scheduled for Thursday, February 4. I still have to schedule an appointment for February 1 or 2 for test I need before the surgery.

What did I accomplish this week? I set writing goals for 2016. This year I want to finish editing one novel and finish writing another. The first thing I will do with this is print off the chapters I need to edit so that I can have them ready to start editing this coming week. I might print off some of the chapters in the other book so that I can figure out what I want to do next.

The last thing I accomplished this week was starting a Tai Chi class. The class is every Friday at 10:00 AM. I almost talked myself out of the class because I though it was a chair exercise class which I do not find challenging or interesting. The Tai Chi class is different because it is challenging, interesting, and fun. Perhaps it is fun because it is challenging.

Thankful Thursday: The first Thankful Thursday in 2016

Istijlal (Majesty), 8 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Thursday, January 7, 2016 about 12:10 PM Pacific Standard Time

On the first Thankful Thursday in 2016,
I contemplate the New Year
and wonder
what joyful surprises God has in store
for me.

This past year, I attempted to keep a ten-item gratitude list everyday. Sometimes I found ten items to be thankful for and sometimes I found less then five, but I always found something to be grateful for. As a results of this effort to give thanks everyday my attitude has changed. I am less worried about things and I put more faith in God. I found that the only way to change worry to faith it to be grateful for what I have.

Transformation Tuesday: New Year's Resolutions or New Year's Goals - A Poem

Fidal (Grace), 6 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Tuesday, January 5, 2016 about 11:16 AM Pacific Standard Time

Everyone makes resolutions
without listing
the steps
necessary to accomplishment.

Some people make New Year's goals
and list the step
necessary to accomplish them.

It doesn't matter what you call them,
as long as you list the steps
to transform your hopes
into reality.

Spiritual Sunday: When is the Sabbath?

Jamal (Beauty), 4 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Sunday, January 3, 2016 about 10:02 AM Pacific Standard Time

This morning my friend ask me "When is the sabbath?" I answered her by saying "The sabbath is supposed to be the seventh day which is Saturday. However, some people consider it to be Sunday." I based my answer on the fact that the sabbath is supposed to be the day set aside for the observance of worship of God rather then earning a living. After answering my friend's question, I got to thinking about the Sabbath and wondering when it ought to be observed.

Dictionary.com gives three basic definitions of the sabbath. The first concerns Saturday, the seventh day of the week, when God rested from his work of creation. The second definition concerns Sunday, which is the day my family observed as a day of worship. When I was growing up, my grandparents would take us to church and Sunday school every Sunday. The third definition makes the Sabbath any day set aside for prayer. Today, I like this last definition best because it does not confine prayer and worship to a specific day of the week. I like the idea of being able to pray and worship God any day of the week.

Happy New Year: Resolutions

Istiqlal (Independence), 2 Sharaf (Honor), 172 BE - Friday, January 1, 2016 about 12:22 PM Pacific Standard Time

It's the first day of the Gregorian year when many people in the world make resolutions. The first day of a New Year is a good time to set goals because it is a chance for a fresh start. However, making resolutions or setting goals does not do any good unless you also establish steps to attain them.

New Year a new start
Making resolutions with
Steps to help accomplish them.

It takes effort to accomplish goals. Just setting the goals does not do any good unless you have achievable steps and accountability. A person has to review her goals everyday by making time to look within to see what stopped you from accomplishing a step on any particular day. Then you have to make an extra effort the next day is you did not accomplish a step toward the final goal.

Bring yourself to account
give thanks for accomplishments
and ask forgiveness for failures.

 

 

Midweek Reflections on 2015

'Idal (Justice), 19 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Wednesday, December 30, 2015 about 8:51 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's been an interesting year and a stressful year. Why are interesting years always stressful years? I moved from a studio apartment into a two bedroom apartment. Two months latter a friend moved in with me to help with the housekeeping and cooking. I'm eating better because my diet is much more balanced. I don't eat a balanced diet if I have to cook for myself.

I appear to be catching up on some of my bills. It is easier to pay the power bill in this apartment then in the other one, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps this apartment is better insulated or the rooms are better arranged. I don't know how else you could arrange the rooms in a studio apartment; I just had a living area and a bathroom. This apartment has a two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room, but, so far, the electric bill was cheaper then in the studio. However, that may change next year.

This year I was able to purchase two new dresses, a blouse, a fanny pack, a hat, and a new hoodie. I still have to go through my closet because the blouse I put on this morning seems a little tight, so I may end up giving it away in January. I'll decide that when I take it off later today.

As I said, 2015 was an interesting and stressful year. I'm no longer feeling stress which may have something to do with my diet. It could also be that I'm being more conscious about putting stressful situations in God's hands. I'm glad things seem to be leveling out and praying that things continue at the same pace in the coming year.

Meditation Monday: A Good Start to the Workweek

Kamal (Perfection), 17 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Monday, December 28, 2015 about 8:05 AM Pacific Standard Time

On Monday morning
meditation and coffee
begins the workweek.

A good start to the last week in December 2015 with three days to go until New Year's Day 2016. My morning meditation begins with prayer and then sitting quietly under my meditation blanket. I think I will change that slightly to include reading the scriptures before I start my meditation. If I wait until after I meditate to read the scriptures, I sometimes skip that part because of breakfast. After breakfast I start my day, which means I don't accomplish my scripture reading until later in the day.

Prayer, meditation,
another cup of coffee
hotcakes for breakfast.

Summary Saturday: The Week of December 20-26, 2015

Jalal (Glory), 15 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Saturday, December 26, 2015 about 10:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's been a good week. I had some successes and I had some failures. I found numerous things to be thankful for. I discovered some attributes I need to work on. In five day a new Gregorian will begin, which is the time most people establish New Year's Resolutions. I no longer make New Year's Resolutions.

I make tentative goals for the first two and one-half months of the Gregorian year. Then on Naw-Ruz, which falls on the spring equinox, I make permanent New Year's goals. I celebrate a New Year on Naw-Ruz and in 2016 it falls on March 20. I have five items on my tentative goals list. I will write steps to accomplish those items before the end of 2015 and then I will confirm them by March 20, 2016.

Tentative Goals List

1. Reading List
2. Novels to finish
3. Novels to edit
4. Poem forms to attempt
5. Exercise program

Thankful Thursday: A Thankful Thursday Birthday

Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Thursday, December 24, 2015 about 6:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

Today, I am 69 years young.

I was born on Tuesday, December 24, 1946 at eleven minutes before midnight. Today, I am thankful that I was born on Christmas Eve. I haven't always been thankful for my birthday. When I was younger, I wished my birthday was some other month besides December. Sometimes it is difficult to realize that a holiday birthday is a blessing.

During the holiday season it is difficult to find things to be thankful for. This is a hectic time of year with stress levels and irritation rising. Christmas Eve is the day last minute Christmas shoppers crowd the streets, the malls, and other stores. People are hurrying to buy that last minute gift to put under the tree. I do not drive on Christmas Eve because of the traffic. I do not go shopping on Christmas Eve because of the crowded malls and stores. I stay home on Christmas Eve unless someone else is picking me up and doing the driving.

01. I am thankful that Christmas Eve is my birthday.
02. I am thankful that I stay home on Christmas Eve.
03. I am thankful that I no longer celebrate Christmas.
04. I am thankful that Christ was born into this world.
05. I am thankful for the birthday cards I receive.
06. I am thankful for the Christmas cards I receive.
07. I am thankful for the memories of happy Christmases from my childhood.
08. I am thankful for the beautiful Christmas songs.
09. I am thankful for the parodies of Christmas songs.
10. I am thankful for the dress I purchased on Wednesday with a Christmas tree on the front.

Even though I do not celebrate Christmas, there are aspects of the holiday I enjoy. I enjoy listening to Christmas songs and carols, especially those that my Grandmother and Grandfather liked. I enjoy some of the Christmas specials, especially those I remember watching with my mother. Today and tomorrow I will stay at home, when I do go outside my apartment it will be for a short walk and to wish neighbors a Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas (depending on the winter holiday they celebrate).

Transformation Tuesday: Do Something Unplanned Once in a While

'Idal (Justice), 12 Masá’il (Questionsh), 172 BE - Tuesday, December 22, 2015 about 7:53 Pacific Standard Time

I planned to make this post earlier today, however, I decided to go shopping. I went to a second hand store to purchase some clothes. I spent longer then I expected, but I had a good reason. After picking out a purple dress and a blue blouse (I still have to find a skirt to go with the blouse) I looked at the used books they had. There was a sale on the books, if I bought four books I could get one free. I looked at all the paper backs they had and picked out the Lord of the Rings series, The Hobbit, and a book from the Dragon Riders of Pern series. I now have all my reading material for 2016.

When I came home, I ate lunch and then took a nap. I slept all afternoon. I think sleeping on the couch is getting to me so I have to put my bed frame, box springs, and mattress together so I can sleep in my own bed in 2016. I did not plan to take a nap, but I am glad I did. Taking an unplanned afternoon nap helps in the transformation process because it gives a person's body and mind a chance to rest.

In my last entry, I said I would include the daily themes for this blog. This late in the evening I am not going to compose another entry, so here are those themes.

Themes for this Blog

Sunday: Spiritual Sunday
Monday: Meditation Monday
Tuesday: Transformation Tuesday
Wednesday: Midweek Reflections
Thursday: Thankful Thursday
Friday: Overcoming Fear Friday
Saturday: Summary Saturday

Spiritual Sunday: Getting Back to the Spiritual Basics of Transformation

Jamal (Beauty), 9 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Sunday, December 20, 2015 about 7:39 AM Pacific Standard Time

Several years ago, when I started this blog the theme was spiritual transformation. My expertise in this area comes from my own personal struggle to walk my chosen spiritual path. I did all right keeping to this theme in the early years, but then I got away from it. I got distracted because of difficulties or by difficulties I encountered in the quests for spiritual transformation and walking my spiritual path. As a result the entries to this blog suffered through lack of focus on the main topic.

My blog entries were not the only thing that suffered. My personal life suffered because of the lack of focus. I stopped attending spiritual services. I used several excuses for not attending the services, but the truth is I simply lost my way. I let the material aspects of life outweigh the spiritual. This has caused no end of problems in my personal life. Therefor I am returning to the basics of prayer, meditation, and scripture reading.

I have wanted to do this for a long time, but I kept putting it off. On December 24, 2015, I will turn 69 years old. I am in poor to fair health, therefore, I cannot procrastinate any longer. I have to make a list of the priorities which I want to accomplish before my soul ascends into the next world. One of those things is improving my writing ability. Writing about spiritual transformation will do that. It will also help me overcome some of the fears that have haunted my thoughts lately. Check back for further discussion on this subject and a list of the daily topic themes on Tuesday, December 22.

Where Has 2015 Gone?

Istiqlal (Independence), 7 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Friday, December 18, 2015 about 10:37 AM Pacific Standard  Time

Where has 2015 gone?
It seems like just yesterday
we were celebrating a New Year
with fireworks and good cheer.

Ten Things I need to do Before December 24, 2015

Fidal (Grace), 4 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Tuesday, December 15, 2015 about 10:08 AM Pacific Standard Time

On December 24, I will be 69 years old. There are at least ten things I have to do before I officially turn one year older. A couple of those things I have put off doing for a while, but I cannot put them off any longer. Therefore, I am listing everything I need to accomplish before my birthday next week.

01. Purchase black cartridge for my Canon MG2520 printer.
02. Mail package containing tablecloth my mother painted to my brother in Colorado.
03. Mail package containing tablecloth my mother painted to my brother in San Diego.
04. Clean out red storage container sitting to the right of the computer desk.
05. Put my mattress and box springs on my bed frame.
06. Mail card to friend in Oklahoma.
07. Mail cards to writing.com friends.
08. Pick up senior commodities.
09. Order back and knee braces.
10. Purchase myself a birthday present.

Sunday Morning in Las Vegas

Jamal (Beauty), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 172 BE - Sunday, December 13, 2015 about 5:54 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's a cold Sunday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature if 40 degrees with a wind chill of 40 and snow on Mount Charleston. I put on a sweater this morning because it felt cold. When I woke up about 4:00 AM it was 39 degrees with a wind chill of 35. We are experiencing a severe weather alert which consist of a wind advisory. I haven't looked outside to see if the wind is blowing. I know it was blowing last night when I went to bed. However, it wasn't blowing when I got up this morning. Even if I don't look outside, I always know when the wind is blowing because I can hear it pushing litter down the street or causing some other weird noise.

Cold Sunday morning
I sip hot coffee and write
My muse warming up

 

Friday Afternoon in Las Vegas

Istiqlal (Independence), 19 Qawl (Speech), 172 BE - Friday, December 11, 2015 about 3:35 PM Pacific Standard Time

Friday afternoon
a chilly wind is blowing
snow on the mountain

This morning I went to the laundromat and washed this months dirty clothes. In 2016 I will have to increase the laundry runs from once a month to twice a month. Two more things I have to do in 2016 is increase my exercise routine and get some new clothes. I have not had in new clothes in a year or two, so I think I need to get something new in the coming year.

I am not looking forward to going clothes shopping. I used to enjoy it, but since Mom died it is no fun any more. I need someone to talk to when I shop for clothes, someone to ask "How would this look on me?" Since I have no none to go with me then I have to go by myself. I like grocery shopping by myself, but not clothes shopping.

December Birthday Wish

'Idal (Justice), 17 Qawl (Speech), 172 BE - Wednesday, December 9, 2015 about 3:57 PM Pacific Standard Time

My birthday approaches,
I will be another year older
and I hope another year wiser.

I would like a dream catcher
to hang above my bed;
I could either tell my family
or purchase it myself.

Now that I have a bed,
a box springs,
and a mattress
I only need a dream catcher
to make my bedroom
complete.

This coming week,
I have to unpack the sheets
I brought with me
and hope
they fit the bed.

I guess I could ask
my family for sheets,
but I think I would rather
have a dream catcher.

Monday Meditations: Morning Doctor's Appointment

Kamal (Perfection), 15 Qawl (Speech), 172 BE - Monday, December 7, 2015 about 2:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time

I spent most of the morning in my doctor's office waiting to see my the nurse practitioner. Normally I arrive early, but his morning I arrived only about ten or fifteen minutes before I had to see her. I still had to wait about thirty minutes to see the nurse. While I waited I closed my eyes and meditated.

Meditating was a relaxing experience. By the time the nurse saw me I was calm, which helped my blood pressure, and in a good mood. Meditating also seems to have helped my memory because I remembered to ask questions about the new prescription. When I pick up the prescription on Tuesday, I have to as the pharmacist a couple of questions.

Holiday Time 2015

Jalal (Glory), 13 Qawl (Speech), 172 BE - Saturday, December 5, 2015 about 3:59 PM Pacific Standard Time

It's holiday time again. It isn't the holidays that I celebrate, but somebody celebrates the December holidays. Since I have family members and friends who celebrate this time of year, I will endeavor to send them some items that my mother made before her death in November of 2012. I have lugged these items with me through two moves and have no intention of lugging them through another move. Not that I'm planning to move any time soon.

I moved once in 2014 and again at the beginning of this year. I think two moves in two years is enough to satisfy my migratory urge for a while. However, since I didn't plan to move this year it might be a good idea to mail the stuff to my brothers. That way, if I have to make another unplanned move I won't lug those items with me. Also, both of my brothers celebrate the December holiday which makes this a good time to mail stuff to them.

Another Birthday Approaches

'Idal (Justice), 10 Qawl (Speech), 172 BE - Wednesday, December 2, 2015 about 4:13 PM Pacific Standard Time

Another birthday approaches, not silently on cats feet, but singing Christmas songs from my childhood. December always brings back memories from growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Some memories are welcome and some I would just as soon forget. The problem with forgetting the bad memories is that I might forget the good ones as well. Since I don't want to forget the good memories, I will deal with the bad ones.

I have found, that the best way to deal with bad memories is to write about them. Most of the time I make pen and paper journal entries about these memories. However, sometime I write them into short stories or poems. I prefer short stories or journal entries because it is easier to deal with these memories in that way.