Friday, January 30, 2015
How much does building a church cost?
Today, at work, I overheard two men talking, and one said; it costs a lot to build a church. That got my attention; it does not cost anything to build a church, I replied. The other man went into how much stained glass windows cost to make, and I could not comprehend why anyone who speaks for God, or in the name of God, needs stained glass windows. So, I replied; churches are within, and stained glass windows or any other luxury is not required, just a person, the self. They understood what I was saying, but the second man responded people are used to tradition, this is what they are used to when they pray. Just like some religions have staue and according to others it is wrong to have them, but they do not know the meaning of them is to honor them. I am still confused; do we need exensive statues to honor saints? Why not honor ourselves? Why not honor each other? If church works for you, great, but does it have to be an expensive building? Do we really need to keep up a materialistic tradition?
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Egyptian Arab Proverbs
These were given to me by someone who I hold a great deal of respect for, and I thank him for his wonderful energy and wisdom.
First are the Egyptian Arab Proverbs, then will be the American version in itallics.
Repetition teaches (even) a donkey. Practice makes perfect
At the time of a test a person rises or falls. People's real worth is known only through trial.
If you marry a monkey (i.e. somone ugly) for his money, the money will go away and the monkey will stay the same (as ugly as ever). Do not marry for money.
Being alone is better than being with someone bad. Warning about keeping bad company.
Being involved in a funeral is better than being involved in marriages. A warning about matchmaking.
In his mother's eye, the monkey is (as beautiful as a gazelle). Comment about mothers' bias to their children.
The believer is not bitten from the same hole twice. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
The unlucky person finds bones in his tripe dinner. You cannot escape bad luck.
The hand in water is not like the hand in fire. Easier said than done; used to criticize someone removed from the situation at hand who is telling those involved how to deal with it.
Those who have an injury on their head keep checking it. People who have a weakness show it.
Dressing up a stick turns it into a bride. Clothes make the man.
The son of a goose is a swimmer. Like father, like son.
Continuing the same state is impossible. Nothing stays the same.
Seeing someone else's problems makes your own seem smaller. Considering others' problems will give you perspective.
The carpenter's door is falling apart. Used to criticize someone who tells other people how to do things but does not apply his own avice to himself.
The clever one spins the donkey's leg. Used to criticize someone who blames their tools for their bad work.
He who does not have (the money to pay for something) does not need it. If you cannot afford something, think twice about whether you really need it or not.
After his hair went white, he went school. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.
Someone without (even) a collar tries to jump up (i.e. to a higher social class). Used to criticize someone poor trying to reach up too high above his social status.
Someone free plays the judge. Used to criticize someone with too much free time interfering in other peope's business.
The bride gets a bridegroom and the rest of us get miserable. The bride and the bridegroom are happy at a wedding, but the guests go home unhappily.
What is written in the brow will inevitably be seen by the eye. One will inevitably meet one's destiny.
Trusting men is like trusting water in a sieve. No translation, I just like this one a lot!
The beautiful is beautiful (even right after) rising from sleep, and the ugly is ugly (even) if they wash their face every day. You cannot hide beauty or make the ugly beautiful.
One hand does not clap. Cooperation from all sides is necessary to accomplish anything.
Under a sheikh's hat is a monkey. Used to criticize someone who tries to appear good on the outside to cover up their faults, specifically if they try to appear pious.
Stretch your legs as far as your banket extends. Do not live beyond your means.
He who burns his own tongue from soup will blow in his yogurt (to cool it). Once burned, twice shy.
You want what you want and he wants what he wants, but God does what He wants. Man proposes, God disposes.
Someone with their ass exposed likes to criticize. Used in reference to hypocrites.
I say it is a bull, he says milk it. Used to reference one who will not see reason.
The eye does not go higher than the brow. No one can see above their status in life.
The miserable person will be miserable, even if you hang a lantern on his head. You cannot escape your luck.
Better a warm welcome than being invited to lunch. Welcoming people warmly is important.
The imam farted, so those praying behind him shitted. A leader's errors are compounded by his followers.
One who cooks poison tastes it. What goes around comes around.
Why should one who finds someone to cook for him burn his fingers? Do not do your own dirty work if you can find someone to do it for you.
Eat him for lunch before he eats you for dinner. Kill him before he kills you; get your blows in first.
The cat only likes its strangler. People only respond to harsh treatment.
The fan will donate his skullcap. An enthusiast will give away everything for what he loves.
Movement is a blessing. Exercise is good.
A wasp that brought about the destruction of its own nest through its buzzing. He asked for it, it was his own fault.
A loss soon is much better than a victory much later. It is much better to cut your losses and admit defeat quickly rather than stick it out and eventualy win a victory that cost you a lot.
A beggar but acting like a rich man. Used to describe someone who's in no position to be picky but is still acting like he can set the terms of whatever is going on.
A beggar and he wants a whole loaf. If you are relying on other people's generosity, you should just be grateful for whatever you can get instead of complaining you did not get more.
The bad students' excuse is erasing the blackboard. Used to describe people who are trying to divert attention from their own failings by talking about other things.
Some people's disasters provide benefits for other people. What is disastrous for some people prove to be advantageous for other people.
What is coming is better than what is gone. The future is better than the past.
"If" is like trying to hold on onto air. The equivalent of "I wishes were horses." Something impossible.
The wicked or naughty live longer. Can be used to hint that if you take risks they will pay off. Can also be used in a joking way; for example, if a person was in a minor car accident and was uninjured.
He got entangled in his own doings. He was hoisted by his own petard -- fell into his own trap.
The believer is afflicted. The righteous always suffer.
The new sieve is taut. A new broom sweeps clean.
Make an effort, and I will make an effort (to help) you. God helps those who help themselves.
It is always the idiots who have (lots of) money. Used to disparage the rich.
The water gives the lie to the diver. The proof is in the pudding.
It is all the same thing to those who know nothing. Used if someone views different things as if they are all the same.
The eye sees, but the arm is short (cannot reach). Said when someone wishes for something beyond his means.
A basket has two handles for two people to carry it. Many hands make light work.
Winds do not blow as the ships wish. You cannot always get what you want.
Unattended money teaches thievery. If you do not keep a close eye on your property, people will steal it from you.
The dog's tail will never straighten out. A leopard does not change its spots.
If your friend is honey, do not lick it all [seriously!]. Do not take advantage of your friends.
When the calf falls, the knives come out. When people sense that someone is vulnerable, they will attack.
The shroud has no pockets. You cannot take it with you.
Someone who tries to do two things at once is a liar, and someone who tries to do three things at once is a hypocrite. You cannot divide your effort between multiple things and do them well.
There is no dessert without fire (in the baking process). You cannot make an omlet without breaking a few eggs.
You get what you pay for. Expensive things are worth the price for their quality.
If you steal, steal a camel, and if you love, love (someone as beautiful as) the moon. If you are going to do something, go all out.
Its protector is its thief. Used in reference to someone like a police officer or a government official, who should be protecting people, actually committing crimes.
The bald woman boasts her niece's hair. Used to describe someone who brags about other people's accomplishments or abilities, in particular ailities that person lacks.
(He said) "My mother-in-law is the plague." Someone replied, "divorce her daughter." Used in reference for someone who is complaining about a problem he can solve himself.
Entering a bathroom is not like leaving it. It is easier to get yourself into a situation than it is to get out of it.
What is (still) hidden is more than what has happened/been revealed so far. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
The person seeking to do good is (as good as) someone who (who) does it. Good intentions count as much as good actions.
First are the Egyptian Arab Proverbs, then will be the American version in itallics.
Repetition teaches (even) a donkey. Practice makes perfect
At the time of a test a person rises or falls. People's real worth is known only through trial.
If you marry a monkey (i.e. somone ugly) for his money, the money will go away and the monkey will stay the same (as ugly as ever). Do not marry for money.
Being alone is better than being with someone bad. Warning about keeping bad company.
Being involved in a funeral is better than being involved in marriages. A warning about matchmaking.
In his mother's eye, the monkey is (as beautiful as a gazelle). Comment about mothers' bias to their children.
The believer is not bitten from the same hole twice. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
The unlucky person finds bones in his tripe dinner. You cannot escape bad luck.
The hand in water is not like the hand in fire. Easier said than done; used to criticize someone removed from the situation at hand who is telling those involved how to deal with it.
Those who have an injury on their head keep checking it. People who have a weakness show it.
Dressing up a stick turns it into a bride. Clothes make the man.
The son of a goose is a swimmer. Like father, like son.
Continuing the same state is impossible. Nothing stays the same.
Seeing someone else's problems makes your own seem smaller. Considering others' problems will give you perspective.
The carpenter's door is falling apart. Used to criticize someone who tells other people how to do things but does not apply his own avice to himself.
The clever one spins the donkey's leg. Used to criticize someone who blames their tools for their bad work.
He who does not have (the money to pay for something) does not need it. If you cannot afford something, think twice about whether you really need it or not.
After his hair went white, he went school. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.
Someone without (even) a collar tries to jump up (i.e. to a higher social class). Used to criticize someone poor trying to reach up too high above his social status.
Someone free plays the judge. Used to criticize someone with too much free time interfering in other peope's business.
The bride gets a bridegroom and the rest of us get miserable. The bride and the bridegroom are happy at a wedding, but the guests go home unhappily.
What is written in the brow will inevitably be seen by the eye. One will inevitably meet one's destiny.
Trusting men is like trusting water in a sieve. No translation, I just like this one a lot!
The beautiful is beautiful (even right after) rising from sleep, and the ugly is ugly (even) if they wash their face every day. You cannot hide beauty or make the ugly beautiful.
One hand does not clap. Cooperation from all sides is necessary to accomplish anything.
Under a sheikh's hat is a monkey. Used to criticize someone who tries to appear good on the outside to cover up their faults, specifically if they try to appear pious.
Stretch your legs as far as your banket extends. Do not live beyond your means.
He who burns his own tongue from soup will blow in his yogurt (to cool it). Once burned, twice shy.
You want what you want and he wants what he wants, but God does what He wants. Man proposes, God disposes.
Someone with their ass exposed likes to criticize. Used in reference to hypocrites.
I say it is a bull, he says milk it. Used to reference one who will not see reason.
The eye does not go higher than the brow. No one can see above their status in life.
The miserable person will be miserable, even if you hang a lantern on his head. You cannot escape your luck.
Better a warm welcome than being invited to lunch. Welcoming people warmly is important.
The imam farted, so those praying behind him shitted. A leader's errors are compounded by his followers.
One who cooks poison tastes it. What goes around comes around.
Why should one who finds someone to cook for him burn his fingers? Do not do your own dirty work if you can find someone to do it for you.
Eat him for lunch before he eats you for dinner. Kill him before he kills you; get your blows in first.
The cat only likes its strangler. People only respond to harsh treatment.
The fan will donate his skullcap. An enthusiast will give away everything for what he loves.
Movement is a blessing. Exercise is good.
A wasp that brought about the destruction of its own nest through its buzzing. He asked for it, it was his own fault.
A loss soon is much better than a victory much later. It is much better to cut your losses and admit defeat quickly rather than stick it out and eventualy win a victory that cost you a lot.
A beggar but acting like a rich man. Used to describe someone who's in no position to be picky but is still acting like he can set the terms of whatever is going on.
A beggar and he wants a whole loaf. If you are relying on other people's generosity, you should just be grateful for whatever you can get instead of complaining you did not get more.
The bad students' excuse is erasing the blackboard. Used to describe people who are trying to divert attention from their own failings by talking about other things.
Some people's disasters provide benefits for other people. What is disastrous for some people prove to be advantageous for other people.
What is coming is better than what is gone. The future is better than the past.
"If" is like trying to hold on onto air. The equivalent of "I wishes were horses." Something impossible.
The wicked or naughty live longer. Can be used to hint that if you take risks they will pay off. Can also be used in a joking way; for example, if a person was in a minor car accident and was uninjured.
He got entangled in his own doings. He was hoisted by his own petard -- fell into his own trap.
The believer is afflicted. The righteous always suffer.
The new sieve is taut. A new broom sweeps clean.
Make an effort, and I will make an effort (to help) you. God helps those who help themselves.
It is always the idiots who have (lots of) money. Used to disparage the rich.
The water gives the lie to the diver. The proof is in the pudding.
It is all the same thing to those who know nothing. Used if someone views different things as if they are all the same.
The eye sees, but the arm is short (cannot reach). Said when someone wishes for something beyond his means.
A basket has two handles for two people to carry it. Many hands make light work.
Winds do not blow as the ships wish. You cannot always get what you want.
Unattended money teaches thievery. If you do not keep a close eye on your property, people will steal it from you.
The dog's tail will never straighten out. A leopard does not change its spots.
If your friend is honey, do not lick it all [seriously!]. Do not take advantage of your friends.
When the calf falls, the knives come out. When people sense that someone is vulnerable, they will attack.
The shroud has no pockets. You cannot take it with you.
Someone who tries to do two things at once is a liar, and someone who tries to do three things at once is a hypocrite. You cannot divide your effort between multiple things and do them well.
There is no dessert without fire (in the baking process). You cannot make an omlet without breaking a few eggs.
You get what you pay for. Expensive things are worth the price for their quality.
If you steal, steal a camel, and if you love, love (someone as beautiful as) the moon. If you are going to do something, go all out.
Its protector is its thief. Used in reference to someone like a police officer or a government official, who should be protecting people, actually committing crimes.
The bald woman boasts her niece's hair. Used to describe someone who brags about other people's accomplishments or abilities, in particular ailities that person lacks.
(He said) "My mother-in-law is the plague." Someone replied, "divorce her daughter." Used in reference for someone who is complaining about a problem he can solve himself.
Entering a bathroom is not like leaving it. It is easier to get yourself into a situation than it is to get out of it.
What is (still) hidden is more than what has happened/been revealed so far. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
The person seeking to do good is (as good as) someone who (who) does it. Good intentions count as much as good actions.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Where are you?
I was listening to someone at work answer the question, "how are you?" This particular person will tell you exactly how bad he is doing. He is someone who calls in sick for various reasons, and seems to enjoy the attention the women give him by asking how he is doing, then feeling "bad" for him. So now everyone feels bad, except him, until the next time.
I have sympathy and empathy for someone who is sick, but I find it hard to be around someone who feeds off it. He is not the only person I know who gets something from negative attention to their health, I have people in my family who are the same way, and it is difficult to be around them; they live in their illnesses and want others to join in their misery. That is not where I where I want to be; I want to be in a place of good health and kick any illness's ass and be healthy as soon as possible. Living in the illness keep you ill all the time. That is your reality. Being healthy and moving past illnesses builds up your physical strength and will. If you are sick, and need some support, that is different, and I will do what I can. If you are always sick, and talk about it regularly, I think there are other places I would rather be than to hear about all that. But one thing to think about, why are you always sick?
I have sympathy and empathy for someone who is sick, but I find it hard to be around someone who feeds off it. He is not the only person I know who gets something from negative attention to their health, I have people in my family who are the same way, and it is difficult to be around them; they live in their illnesses and want others to join in their misery. That is not where I where I want to be; I want to be in a place of good health and kick any illness's ass and be healthy as soon as possible. Living in the illness keep you ill all the time. That is your reality. Being healthy and moving past illnesses builds up your physical strength and will. If you are sick, and need some support, that is different, and I will do what I can. If you are always sick, and talk about it regularly, I think there are other places I would rather be than to hear about all that. But one thing to think about, why are you always sick?
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Fairy Day
Today was "Fairy Day." A day to celebrate my twin granddaughters' 7th birthday. Since I would rather spend time with the girls doing something special, instead of going to their birthday party with people I do not care to see, a "Fairy Day" came to mind. I would pick them up in the morning, we go to breakfast, then head to the Huntington for the day; dressed as fairies, all of us. When my daughter heard about it, she asked if she and her daughter could come. I also invited the twins mom, another daughter-in-law and her daughter. All were welcomed, and all came. So here we were; drressed as fairies walking around the Huntington. Little girls were pointing at our fairy wings, which came in pink, purple, and green, so the ladies would forfeit their wings to them, along with a couple of my granddaughters. It was the first time the twins spent all day there, and I was hoping they were enjoying themselves, and I got my answer when one said, "let's do this again next year!"
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Fate?
A co-worker asked me yesterday if I believe in fate. If you are talking about destiny, yes, I replied. My belief is; there is a destined path for everyone, no matter what path we choose to take, the original path will always be waiting. Most people do not folllow their path, they make choices and decisions that go against their destiny, but there path will always there when they are ready to follow it. It make a lifetime, or many lifetimes, but their destiny (fate) will still be there.
This was a good moment for him, as he believes my fate to be different than what I believe it to be. There is also a possibility that he is confusing fate with infatuation.
This was a good moment for him, as he believes my fate to be different than what I believe it to be. There is also a possibility that he is confusing fate with infatuation.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Breathing New Air
The air I had always been accustomed to breathing no longer sustains me. It is lacking in the oxygen I now need to to fulfill myself. I have found new air to breathe, one that fulfills my body and soul. It feeds my cells and stimulates my energy to a point of no return, within my brain. Nothing is the same, the world I see is no longer complete. The world I hear is silent to others. The world I smell is filled with scents of possibilities. The world I taste is beautifully displayed on my eager palate. The world I feel is boundless; beyond boundaries, limitless. This new air has brought me to point beyund illusion and into a world of infinite. I am here.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
My Spring Has Sprung
Please don't tell the chilly wind that spring has sprung
The howls, the stings of chilling air seep into the bones
The warm air flowing off my shoulders would be a tease
Please do not tell the frozen plants that spring is here
The bitterly cold dew claming the life of the blossoms
While my buds are blooming, and green color are my leaves
Please do not tell the birds that springtime is now
Their songs are few as the nestle in their nests
The songs of robins and warblers, my ears do receive
Please do not tell the sun that spring has arrived
The shy sun that takes its time coming up, and going back down
The light within my soul outshines the earth with warmth and ease
Please do not tell time that spring has made an early appearance
The fickle and unforgiving time set by a punctual routine
Could never predict my new rebirth, without reprise
The howls, the stings of chilling air seep into the bones
The warm air flowing off my shoulders would be a tease
Please do not tell the frozen plants that spring is here
The bitterly cold dew claming the life of the blossoms
While my buds are blooming, and green color are my leaves
Please do not tell the birds that springtime is now
Their songs are few as the nestle in their nests
The songs of robins and warblers, my ears do receive
Please do not tell the sun that spring has arrived
The shy sun that takes its time coming up, and going back down
The light within my soul outshines the earth with warmth and ease
Please do not tell time that spring has made an early appearance
The fickle and unforgiving time set by a punctual routine
Could never predict my new rebirth, without reprise
Without my rings
It is amazing to me how the universe works. The rings I wear all have significnce; some were reminders that I am not alone, my guides are there for me; some were given as a token of recognizing the healer in me; and the other just called to me, to support me. But there are lessons in life that one needs to go through alone, and it became very clear that even my rings could not provide any support for me. On my right hand, all my rings were falling off; while on my left hand, my rings were actually burning my fingers. It was frustrating until I realized the timing came about when issues that had puzzled me, for so long, came out into the open. I havd many answers to questions, but that does not mean they are easy to deal with; quite the opposite, and I had to go through these alone, without support from anywhere. That means dealing with the information, not burying it like it has been my M O in the past; feeling the pain, the sorrow, the recovery, and the strength I have to overcome it all, alone, without my rings.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
In 2010, a friend asked me; "If you could be remembered by one thing, what would it be?" I responded: "I want to leave a people better than they were; happier, and to see that they are stronger than they think."
I work with volunteers, and there is one who shares a love of the outdoors, hiking, animals, rocks, and plants, like I do. He has given me special rocks and shell fossills on trips he has taken, and I have given him a rock from a road trip. We share stories, and compared different stones. Last week, he has given me the greatest gift of all; he has shown me how people really see me on the inside. He said: I was up north at a beach (I do not remember which one), and there were all these shells in the sand. You would have loved them! They had beautiful markings displayed on them and I thought of you. You would have loved them!
He saw what I see as beautiful, he appreciiated the beauty of the natural display, and he knew it was something I see. He made me realize that is how people are seeing me; with my own eyes they see the beauty I am reflecting back to them. They see it, they feel it, and it makes them happier for it. It was the best compliment I could receive.
I work with volunteers, and there is one who shares a love of the outdoors, hiking, animals, rocks, and plants, like I do. He has given me special rocks and shell fossills on trips he has taken, and I have given him a rock from a road trip. We share stories, and compared different stones. Last week, he has given me the greatest gift of all; he has shown me how people really see me on the inside. He said: I was up north at a beach (I do not remember which one), and there were all these shells in the sand. You would have loved them! They had beautiful markings displayed on them and I thought of you. You would have loved them!
He saw what I see as beautiful, he appreciiated the beauty of the natural display, and he knew it was something I see. He made me realize that is how people are seeing me; with my own eyes they see the beauty I am reflecting back to them. They see it, they feel it, and it makes them happier for it. It was the best compliment I could receive.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Inertia? Just stop!
I have been feeling crappy lately. Deep down resentments and insecurities had been lurking and rising to the surface of my consciousness, and instead of burying the emotions, I am feeling and releasing them. Like all the other emotions that came to surface, these feel less valid when I take responsibility for them, and then apply Love and Forgiveness. The Forgiveness is for me; I must Forgive myself for the feelings I allowed into my psyche, and projected them out on people who are being who they are. It is easy to blame others for things we do not like about ourselves, and we wonder why they just do not change. If change is what I want, then I am the one who must change, nobody else. This is the harmonious flow of reciprocity; I create my own change, and I receive my own happiness. No inertia of trying to change someone who is just being themselves. Really, would I want someone changing me? No, not going to happen. We are all beautiful in all our different ways, and it is these ways that become gifts to the world.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity, my definition; an equal balance and flow of giving and receiving to create harmony.
Harmony is what I need now, as I re-evalute my present. Re-adjust, shift, stop and start something new, or just leave things the way they are. But as cycles shift, so goes my priorities and goals. What is best for me, may not be what was working before, and that is ok, that is growth.
Harmony is what I need now, as I re-evalute my present. Re-adjust, shift, stop and start something new, or just leave things the way they are. But as cycles shift, so goes my priorities and goals. What is best for me, may not be what was working before, and that is ok, that is growth.
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