Is it true?  Peter Beagle?  Baycon 2010???   Can I has UniCon?


I met Peter a few years ago at another convention and he is SO kind.  We talked for a bit about life and traveling and I have been a huge huge fan ever since.

yay

p.s.  I like unicorns.

How do you summarize four years? I feel like this is my college thesis.

"Home" was written on a drawing of The Tower, and it became so.

Never in my life have I been blessed with such a home, and such a close-knit circle of friends and family and spiritual support.

I don't think either Matt or I intended The Tower to become it's own entity, but like my Nana used to believe, homes have their own spirit. Left to their own devices and given enough energy, a home will become what it needs to and speak loudly if someone is there to listen.

I'm sitting in the parlor at almost 3am and looking at the boxes and stacks of paintings around me and I become increasingly aware of how blessed I have been for the past four years. I knew this day would come and I think we all did. What is important is that the lessons were learned and this time was not spent in vain.

The four lessons

Pragmatism (2006)
There's an easy way to remember the lesson: "Remove emotion". So you are having a frustrating situation at work, or maybe with a loved one. Remove your emotion from the situation. Are you really upset, or is this an issue that can be resolved just with cool thinking and a little planning. Even though we tend to become overwhelmed there really aren't many situations that are too big for anyone to handle. Even big challenges have checks and balances, and there is always a way out of every well.


Accomplishment (2007)
A man stands on a cold hill and his armor is tattered. He has dried dirt on his face and behind him are miles he has traveled and the corpse of a dragon. He holds his hands up and sees dirt covered in blood covered in dirt. He looks up to the sky and clouds slowly cover the sun. A cool rain falls gently over him, bathing him in a refreshing mist.

Accomplishment is usually something that you realize after you are through a tough chapter in life. Those times you keep pushing forward and keep forcing yourself to get up every day, and then all of a sudden you realize a year has gone by and you were able to save up or continue on or just survive. Write your intent on a piece of paper and put it under a stone in the garden, or put it under a special vase on the shelf. You will be surprised how soon you accomplish what you set out to do.

Equilibrium (2008)
To any great change there must be a balance after. Water seeks it's own level, and if you add more water to the pond, there must once again be a point of level. Any time you go through a tremendous change at once, you must take time after to regroup, and understand how your life is changed, and how to acclimate to your new life. Sometimes the lessons aren't that huge, but even when you change your perspective; there is often a need to change the way you look at things around you. When we change we don't leave who we are behind. When we change we add those new qualities to who we've already become.

Becoming (2009)
This is the year of becoming, inspired by the scarab. It is a time to put to use the tools we have worked on, and change into who we are destined to be. The symbols for the year are the butterfly, moth, scarab, phoenix, the death card, and The Star. I don't know what is to come yet, but consider this concept as we progress through this year.

Constant Vigilance
This concept came about through a tarot card draw. This is the concept that inspired the eternal flame on the altar. Spirituality is not a coat to put on or a special pair of shoes. The energy felt and used and harnessed is something that exists, that must be cultivated and cared for every day. We should train ourselves to work each day, constantly, to become better and greater, and send it back out into the world.

Permanent Elevation
Always visualize yourself in a better place than you are now. There is always room for improvement and growth. Always move forward. To quote Reepicheep from the Chronicles of Narnia: "Onward and upward!".


What's next?

Earth. Earth magic. Gardening, bugs, plants, animals, birds, nature. I have a small plot of private woods at my disposal in my new location, and I'm hoping to find a special place in the forest and get to know the spirits of the water and the ground.

Writing. The Tower story will not write itself.

Tarot. Now more than ever.

It might be impossible to write out everyone I'm thankful for, but to the Friends of The Tower, you will be in my heart, mind, soul, stories, prayers, and address book forever.

Be kind to each other, and NEVER STOP THE LEARNING!!!


Chelsea of The Tower signing off.

p.s. Where there are crows, there is magic!

I haven't posted for months that I can recall, and I thought everyone would be interested in the goings ons of The Tower, and generally how we're all doing.

In general, we're in tact. We've battoned down some hatches for winter. There are some windows that haven't been opened in weeks, but the hearth fire does continue it's diminished little glow. I long for a streak of really warm days/afternoons when I can do a spring cleaning and "hoover" the carpets, mop the floors and dust off the crud from everything. We're withdrawn.

This isn't to say we aren't open for business.

I'm continuing my silent trudge forward in my self-teaching tarot practice, and I promise to soon resume readings.

We're all doing okay.

The cat is happy and healthy and still doing that damn thing with his water dish. He's also happy to report that he still has his favorite toy, and he continues to sleep with his teddy bear every night without fail.

The humans are both recovering from what I can only presume was the flu that had been going around. I wasn't sure we were going to make it for a while there. I had to take a day off my second week of work, but I was really just THAT sick.

The male half of the contingent is in recovery now. After that, and a hearty boil of the contagious linens, we should be in the black.

Not making much headway on the many projects I've strewn about the home, but as the mood is lifting with the clouds, I'm sure I'll have more energy to take up my needle and thread again. I've got some ideas for interesting dresses ~ for myself of course!

It's truly been a dark time this winter cycle. I have talked about the "Dark times" and drawing into the "Dark heart of the soul" before, but this year it really feels like I've been sucked into a place that has been really hard to get out of. I never expected to be someone to reach a place spiritually that was either stagnant, or a dead end, but I got there, and I'm moving upward from there.

I've learned a lot, and I hope as spring emerges, so will I.

Looking forward to Valentine's Day.. it'll be the first time in a long time.. or... ever... that I've actually had something to celebrate. Doing my best to look up the origin of the tradition, naturally.

Looking forward to Nerd Night, if you are normally part of that activity, also.. if you are part of the Moon group.. Let's discuss.

Thank you for your thoughts and energies.

We're almost back in business.

But just paying my respects.

Have a candle burning for her tonight.

Rest in peace, Majel.

If you want a Tower Holiday card, send me your address!

Doing okay, hanging in there. Miss lots of you.

Send hugs.

/hug

Hello!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Chanukah, Kwanza, something else, or nothing ~ We are opening the doors of The Tower on December 25th for open house!

2pm - Whenever, feel free to stop by with family and friends, or just by yourself to get some Christmas cheer!

I know some of you are away from family or loved ones for the holidays, so let us be your surrogate family!

You don't need to bring a present.. but if you want to, we need tea lights and taper candles (any color).

When: December 25 2pm - ?
Where: The Tower
Who: Us, and you!
What: Christmas Open House
Why: Because tis the season!

If you have questions/comments feel free to ask!

The year was balance, equilibrium.

I am thankful this year for being challenged. I am thankful that even though worlds ripped apart, and threw friends to the ends of the earth, we still feel each other across the miles.

I am thankful for life lessons. I am thankful for humility. I am thankful that my friends are healthy, wealthy, and wise. I'm thankful to have made new friends, and that I have gained new family members.

I'm thankful to those of you who have kept me honest, and kept me in check with my own feelings and emotions. I'm thankful that I have people that encourage me to not give up, and challenge me to be better than I settle for.

I am thankful for people who still listen, and that I still have something to say.

Warm food, dry clothes, and a fluffy cat ~ I am the richest woman alive!

Thank you, friends

I haven't been ignoring people!

I think I left my charger at work.

I'm going to get a new one... in the meantime if you are able, text/call Ryan if you need me.

thanks!

Any leads, let me know.

10 years CS experience, but I'd really prefer to also utilize my database skills or accounts receivable experience.

I've also had experience in dispatch centers, and I type faster than lightening! Let me know, thanks!

Personal questions regarding this message should go to my email, thanks! :)

p.s. I'm fine!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=171430&l=7a02e&id=900260696

Get 'em while they're hot!

It all started with an affinity toward buffalo sauce. I loved buffalo wings since I first tried them in 1999 at Bakers Square in Livermore. They were delicious!!

It was something about the tangy hot with blue cheese that delighted me.

Keep in mind, up until this point I've been a WOOS when it comes to spicey foods. Mild salsa was sometimes too spicey.

Apparently my taste buds are either dying or mutating.

I started enjoying more and more buffalo flavored things... it was then we decided one evening.. while shopping online.. to order a bottle of Frank's Redhot sauce.

My life changed forever.

I can't stop putting this sauce on everything. Tacos, pizza, chicken, potatoes, I'm sure it's good on eggs.. tho I haven't tried. It goes GREAT on EVERYTHING.

Funny thing was, I can't have that much tabasco. So what's the difference?

A sweet little hot pepper called cayenne.

All the buffalo and redhot seasoning and sweet/hot comes from cayenne.

Cayenne pepper, I salute you.

I might as well ramp up the excitement! 9 days until Ryan and I visit Peter Bridges in Orange County!!

Woo!

We're taking Ryan for his first ever trip to Disneyland!

Just gushing b/c I'm thrilled

The end.

After much discussion and debate, we have decided to officially host Halloween at The Tower!

When: Halloween Night! 7pm - ???
Where: The Tower!
Why: Halloween
What: Party!
Who: You!

Come in costume! Bring a treat! If you want to drink, it's a good idea to bring a bottle. We have crash space.

Come enjoy the Haunted Tower!!!!

yay!

My parents (The Robinsons) had invited Ryan and I to a big band night. It had been planned for a few months, and Ryan dusted off his Zoot Suit for the occasion.

It was at the Parish hall on the grounds of my parents church. Seems boring, but it was actually very charming.

Ryan wore his zoot, and I wore a polka dot dress with flats and some tights and a black sweater.

We met up with my parents.. the party was catered and we were fed a delicious baked chicken dinner.

Then the band started up!

I was nervous at first, having practiced very little at King of Clubs.. but Ryan asked me to dance, and I gave it a go.

It was okay! He's leads very well, and we even did some turns and some fancy steps. Ryan even asked my mom to dance and taught her a basic step. It was adorable!

Eventually we tired out after about seven - eight sets, and headed home. On the way to the car a fella stopped us and told us we were terrific dancers!

I have a feeling he was talking more about Ryan than I ;)

All in all it was a magical evening that I will never forget!!

Yay!