#half of this written mindfully (1)

[sil-te-plait-tue-moi]

[savinscripts]

CHAPTER 1: ❝ The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. ❞

Lightning split the sky overhead, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. Rain beat down, cold and sharp, running in a torrent down the treacherous mountainside. The cliff face gave no relief, rising up hundreds of feet into the sky. The old stone was thick with moss and worn slick by the passing of the centuries. By the passing of thousands of bare feet from centuries ago. Faye pushed her sodden hair back out of her face and held up her flashlight. Most people would just see a blank rock face, covered in vines and dirt and worn by weather and time. Nothing special. Nothing of worth. Certainly nothing that would warrant standing on the edge of a mountain in the middle of a tropical monsoon.

But Faye wasn’t most people.

Faye was here for a reason. Several reasons. Five million of them to be exact. Paid upon delivery. Because Faye found things. Things people wanted. People with money. Lots and lots of money. And after being ‘let go’ from her dream job at the National Archives for some bueracratic bullshit that said she was no longer needed - even though over half their recent collection was all there thank to her efforts - she went into business for herself.

Finding things.

It was twice as exciting. And paid a hell of a lot more.

She was good at it. Hence why she was here, and running her fingers over the symbol hidden beneath the vines. A symbol that when pressed just so…

“Open fuckin’ sesame,” Faye grinned, taking a careful step back - wouldn’t do to fall off the mountain now - as the way opened up. A gust of long-trapped air, dry and smelling of old things long shut off from the world, blew out into the rain. Faye turned her face away. When the door was open, she found a large bit of rock and wedged in the threshold. Just in case. She doubted it would close, but she wasn’t taking chances.

Stepping inside, Faye descended the dusty, spiderweb strewn corridor, her flashlight swinging back and forth as she searched for the next piece of the puzzle. The piece that would eventually lead to her prize.

Back outside, Carrington Bishop, ex-soldier turned hired mercenary, watched the woman open the tomb and disappear inside. He smiled to himself. Excellent. He didn’t know anything about ruins, or ancient treasures, nor did he give two shits about any sort of historical value. He knew the jungle. He knew how to get shit done. He knew that five million US dollars would set him up well for the rest of his life. And he could out of this fucking business for good.

So he waited a few minutes before following her, the sounds of the storm raging outside dulling to a dim roar as he descended, following her footprints in the dust.

Stefan Savin was a liar.

Now, calling him such was in no way an accusation, or an insult. It was a fact, and, in all regards, a rather well known one. Fane himself would admit to it in a heartbeat. No longer a top-graded Oxford graduate or even a scholar nosing around libraries and letting other people secure his artefacts for him (granted he still did love a good library). He was a thief and, well, thieves lied. In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with being a liar, at least, not if you were a good one. And Fane? He’d become one of the best.

Once, at gunpoint, he’d convinced a corrupt, black-market-dealing, money-hoarding thug and half his band of drooling goons-- who had ambushed him in the depths of a crypt he’d spent months researching a way into-- that the only way to open the vault and inner crypt where the treasure horde was kept was to spin around in circles as fast as they could while patting their stomachs with one hand and rubbing their head with the other. Of course, most of the goons had been too damn dizzy to shoot at him afterwards when he’d proceeded to bolt through a nearby split in the wall and made off with the real treasure, not gold or jewels, but half a crumbling ancient manuscript written thousands of years ago.

Something that had fetched a pretty sum for a scholar, who intended to have it displayed at a public museum in the near future though not before Fane had taken his own time to study the relic. He hadn’t entirely abandoned his roots and interests after all. A lifetime of study, education and travel had left him access to a vast knowledge base not to mention combined with a sharp intellect he’d learned to passably speak and read almost two-dozen dialects ranging from modern to ancient civilisations long since passed. A job offer had come in since. Five million dollars for the retrieval of an artefact deep in the Lacandon jungle.

But something about this job felt off, except, Fane couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the absolute luxury to turn down jobs when they came about explaining why he presently cut through an overgrown trail towards a rubble-strewn ruin that once was a sizable temple dedicated to Quetzalcoatl when the downpour began, sudden and torrential, as was the usual way. It began with a flash of lightning, splitting the darkened sky; then the deep rumble of thunder that echoed over treetops. And then, the approaching hiss of rain that fell heavy on the leaves of the trees, the patters more an endless, dull roar to his ears and by the time he arrived at the true entrance his clothes were drenched entirely. Not that he minded as he stepped into the shelter of darkened granite overhead, cracking a military grade glowstick to illuminate the darkness he glanced at a nearby wall taking a moment to mark it for safety’s sake and to ensure he knew which way to go to get out again once this was all said and done. The artefact from his studies was housed deep inside the temple; artfully designed to guard its secrets. Stepping near to the wall he pressed his ear to it, and from some distinct place beyond could hear the rush of water in such a way that didn’t quite seem a natural fashion.

Likely something to keep in mind as he pushed his hair out of his eyes and headed into the temple.

Faye descended deeper in the temple. It smelled like something moldering the further in she moved. The cobwebs grew thicker, and she had to duck beneath them in several places they were so thick. Some stuck to her hair and clothes, but she batted them away without much care. There was nothing living down here. Not for centuries. It was cold too. Or cooler at least. Her rain-soaked skin peppered with gooseflesh as the humidity from up above was replaced by a creeping dampness.

There were no marking on the walls here, Faye noticed. She ran her hands over the slick stone, trying to feel for any small indentations. Anything that might reveal something left behind by the people that used this temple. There was nothing. Until there was.

The passageway opened up into a cavernous antechamber. Dry as the rest, it smelled like air hadn’t moved in ages. Nothing grew here. Nothing crawled in the shadows. Nothing flittered across the light of torch. It was empty. Except for the bones.

Pulling her bandanna up around her mouth and nose, Faye eased forwards towards the wall of skulls. They rose out of sight, up into the darkness, each one carved with a different symbol on it’s forehead. She walked down the wall one way, and then the other. The skulls extended thirty paces each way from the center. She didn’t know how far up they went. “Fuck,” she sighed, backing up a few steps to look at the wall as a whole again. There was no other way forwards. But maybe…

“It can’t be that easy…” she said to herself. Finding the skull with the symbol for ‘k’uk’ or ‘quetzal’ inscribed on it, Faye hesitated only briefly before pressing on it. There was a grinding sound, and the skull sank into the wall. Another heavy thump from behind the stone, and the way opened. Faye started to take a step forwards, but thought better of it. A large stone tossed down the passageway saved her a belly full of poison darts. At least she assumed they were poisoned. Still, she noted the pressure plate and quickly made her way through.

Carrington had watched from the edges of the first path. The woman didn’t notice him, and he very nearly revealed himself, content to blast through the fucking door with a well-place bit of C4, when she managed it finally.

“Better you than me, sweetheart,” he said to himself. Once she was through, he followed, carefully stepping in her footprints.

Fane wasn’t sure he would ever grow accustomed to the smell of rot and death that lingered on the stale and musty air of ancient tombs and crypts, a few steps inside and he already was pulling a mask up over his mouth and nose to barricade against some of the odours permeating through the air. His glowstick swung where it was hooked to his backpack the light shafting this way and that with each step he took into the temple his eyes mindful for any trip wires or pressure plates that might happen to still be active after centuries of disuse. You never really knew what to expect after all, and you never could be too careful.

Forcing his way through thick nets of webbing crafted by spiders larger than the size of his fist the sight of which made him shiver slightly on the venture deeper into the temple, he paused every now and then to continue marking his path through winding corridors and up and down various flights of steps. Left and right the path wound, mindful to always check with a few heavier stones when it came to a new corridor as to whether there might be some unfortunate spike-pit ahead. Those he found were mindfully skirted by, it wouldn’t do to end up being skewered after all.

Until narrow walkways opened into a vast square room lined with ancient burial alcoves, a central raised altar with skeletal remains left on it and no foreseeable way forwards and Fane was forced to consult his journal regarding the layout of the temple. Cracking out his flashlight and shining it about until he highlighted a statue ahead carved with intricate details and an inscription in an ancient dialect. On either side of this hung what looked like two empty braziers cast in bronze. Shining his light on the inscription he squinted a little, needing to read back several times until he got the gist of what it was saying. “The warrior’s soul will be weighed in gold,” he snorted a little the sound muffled by the mask covering his features. Walking forwards he tucked away the journal and glanced at the skeleton who seemed to have once been dressed for battle by these people’s standards; the remains of what looked like a spear resting beside him.

Hooking his fingers through the empty eye-sockets of the skull, Fane hoisted the skull up picking the jaw up along with it prior to setting them in one of the scale-like objects which sank mightily under their weight. The Mayans believed the soul was in the head after all. Hearing the distinct grind of something moving Fane glanced around noting plenty of gold pieces and items strewn about which he set about collecting up, filling up the other scales until they balanced out and something clunked and the echo of stone on stone could be heard echoing through the chamber as a doorway was revealed. With a two-fingered salute to the skull and a passing remark of “cheers Horatio,” Fane continued on, several antechambers later arriving in a space that must’ve from his approximations been the central hub of the temple. Walking down a long set of stairs, he had to crane his neck up at what looked almost like an ancient equivalent of a cistern. Rising high above the pooling waters that rushed down carefully constructed channels into swirling pools at the base. Fane could almost taste the satisfaction of taking the item and getting out of here already as he considered the safest route up before moving to jump onto one of the nearby ledges from the entrance he’d just arrived through. Shuffling along and swinging his body weight until he could safely drop down on another platform nearer a couple of toppled pillars that would lead roughly by his judgement to the base of the structure.

After what felt like the longest walk of her life, and nursing a sore shoulder from a steep slide and a sudden stop when she stepped on the wrong stone a ways back, Faye squeezed through into what she hoped to God was her destination. She was dirty, sweaty, and covered in cobwebs. All she wanted was that fucking relic so she could get the hell out of here and get her money.

She looked around, eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness of the chamber. And when she blinked, she suddenly forgot all about how tired she was, or how dirty. Or how much she wanted a shower and a drink. There was the final dias. It was a good climb, but nothing she couldn’t manage. Tucking her flashlight away - since the room was illuminated by a huge opening in the roof of the cavern (her way out, hopefully) - Faye adjusted her pack on her shoulder and moved towards a crumbling set of stairs.

The sudden yet familiar sound of a hammer being pulled back had her going for her weapon. “I’d stop there if I were you, love.”

Faye froze, hands out to the side. She’d been followed. She’d been fucking followed, and hadn’t even realized-

“Thanks for the tour,” the voice said again, cutting off her thoughts. “But I’ll take it from here. Drop the pack please.”

Faye did as she was told, trying to get a look at her pursuer in the process.

“Ah, ah. Eyes front. Now the gun. Drop it. Kick it into the water.”

Faye complied, hoping he wouldn’t search her. She had another in her boot under the hem of her pants.

“Be very still. I’d hate to shoot you by accident. Such a pretty face. Even under all that grime.” The voice moved forwards. Faye heard heavy boots, the swing of a light pack, possibly a rifle as well. Hands patted her down after making her interlock them behind her head. Not the boot, not the boot… fuck.

“Sneaky,” the voice crooned, slipping the gun from the ankle holster.

“Glass houses,” Faye said shortly, too pissed off to keep quiet.

“Ah, well. A few broken panes can be fixed quite easily. Now sit please.” He pressed the gun into Faye’s ribs, wanting her to move to the wall.

A distance away, Fane was continuing to edge his way across the ledges and platforms his boots hooking into cracks, the muscles in his arms straining with the effort of lifting and maneuvering his body-weight round and up. Unfortunately, one of the ledges he’d taken a running jump at crumbled away into nothingness under the grip of his fingers and the entire unstable platform gave way crashing down into the water taking Fane toppling with it. The crashing of rocks bounced and echoed off the walls of the chamber as Fane crashed hard into a wooden trap-door that seemed to be holding back spewing water which from the downpour outside was spewing heavily.

The noise of the collapsing column and platform rumbled around the cavern, surprised and momentarily distracted Carrington’s gun wavered just a fraction as his gaze swept around in search of what had made the noise.“The hell--” he uttered in slight disbelief when he noticed yet another lone figure here also. “Now, looks like we have ourselves a party crasher here.”

Rolling over he groaned holding his ribs and trying to regain air before he climbed back to his feet wincing as he assessed the situation at hand. There was no way to get up to the central dais from this level. No way unless… An idea came to him, and Fane unhooked a crow-bar attached to his pack. Lodging this firmly in behind the old wood, but the echo of a gunshot caused him to flinch and glance over his shoulder. His eyes zeroing in on the pair in a different section of chamber “fuck--” he cursed himself starting to put his weight into leveraging the leaky circular port with his full weight behind it, the planks creaked and groaned but didn’t give way just yet though more water started spitting through a few more gaps “didn’t realise we were scheduled in for a threesome today. I would’ve dressed nicer if I’d have known.” He glanced back at the pair knowing he didn’t have much time before he was very possibly riddled with bullets.

At the same time, Carrington eyed the man with a neutral gaze levelling the gun in his direction and cocking back the hammer once more. Momentarily distracted in the aim of taking out whatever other competition there might be.

That is, before the panels Fane was plying gave way in a massive rush of water that flooded the cavern starting to raise the levels of the pools below at a rather alarming rate. But also enough, so that Fane, crowbar in hand could dive in and vanish under the surging water as it elevated to the level he was attempting to reach prior and all Fane had to do was float the buoyancy of his bag helping to drag him up with the rising water until he fished himself out onto an alcove platform higher up the chamber.

The gunshot so close to her ear as she didn’t move quite fast enough for the asshole that had followed her had her head ringing. So the appearance of another person was just the icing on the cake. “Did someone send out a fucking memo?” she said, but didn’t move less she get the next bullet somewhere important.

But she didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Or as much of an answer as she needed. Water rushed into the cavern obscenely fast. The man holding the gun on her backpedaled, but the way they had come was already filling over. Faye didn’t waste any time. She snagged her pack and started running up the crumbling stairs. The water was right on her heels, and perhaps she should have been worried about the other man that was trying to get to the stairs behind her. But he had almost shot her, so fuck him.

Faye could swim, but she preferred not to. Running a hair’s breadth above the rising pools, she made a leap of faith, hoping the climbing ax she’d pulled from her pack would be able to hook in the crumbling section of stairs on the other side. It did. But barely. She slid down a good ten feet, but held on tight. The water rose, and she pulled the ax loose and snagged the edge above her, pulling herself up.

She barely took a moment to look around before seeing the item she’d come to claim. Stumbling towards it, she stopped at the dias, looking up above her to the open roof of the cave. How the hell was she supposed to get out. She didn’t get to think about it too long however. The third man was pulling himself up right after her. Faye didn’t have a gun, so she reached for the relic, hoping to snag it before anyone else could. A bullet embedded itself in the dias, three inches from her hand. “Leave it,” the man who’d held her at gunpoint panted as he pulled himself from the water. He had a gash over his eye, and was holding his side, nursing what was probalby a few broken or bruised ribs. He’d lost his pack and his rifle, but the gun was still absolutely present as he pointed it at Faye.

“You don’t know what you’re doing,” Faye said, raising her hands and backing away again. Apparently, this guy hadn’t seen the other man yet. At least he hadn’t pointed a gun at her. Maybe he was reasonable. She doubted it, but her options were limited.

“Oh, I know exactly what I’m doing, sweetheart,” the man continued. “My job. Now I’m going to take this little book, and my ride is coming to pick me up. We go our seperate ways, and never the twain shall meet. Either that, or I shoot you and take it anyway. Your choice.”

The water was admittedly very refreshing from the filtering humidity, but he swam with a single-minded determination towards the dais his body buoyed by the water pushing him along towards his objective. He didn’t know where the others were but what he did know was that item was his for the taking because months of hard work and graft were not going to waste today. Unfortunately, it seemed the pair he’d spotted over the other side had managed to clamber and muster their way up the ledges and broken staircase and were both making a beeline for the book.

A fact he observed as he resurfaced quietly a distance behind them, watching as the dirty-blond man pulled his pistol on the woman who had made a risky grab for the book. Commendable but stupid, though at least the gun-toting dude wasn’t focussed on his surroundings. Leaving just enough time for Fane to climb out of the water, his clothes utterly drenched and unholster his own pistol from a waterproof holster on his belt (purely for practical purposes) Fane made a habit of not killing people when he went about his missions and jobs. Still, it didn’t stop him from drawing it and clicking back the hammer the sound loud in the silence “drop the piece and kick it over to me, slowly.”

His eyes flickered to the woman debating on whether she would be an issue before they fixated back on the man taking him as the primary issue right now. “Come come, we don’t have all day,” and after a long moment of staring down the barrel the man seemed to have enough common sense to do as was asked of him and Fane slowly (keeping the gun trained on the man) crouched down and picked it up tucking it into his belt. Gesturing to Faye “pat him down would you love? Nobody wants any nasty surprises now do we?” While that was happening, Carrington looking none too pleased but maintaining his decorum mostly despite the turn of the tables Fane stepped over to the central plinth.

“Now, if any of you had happened to do any sort of research into this place. You would know there’s a final trial before you can claim the prize.” He gave the woman a slight side-eye wondering how good they really were if they didn’t know that fact. “And I don’t know about you but there’s a cabana on a beach somewhere with my name on it. I’d be loathe not to reach it.” Once sure in the knowledge that Carrington was at least under watch for now, Fane looked over at Faye before making an executive decision to unholster the weapon from where he’d tucked it and pass it over to her. “Now, why don’t you prove yourself to be more than a pretty face and stay where you are” he said to Carrington turning to look at Faye with no amount of trust but more than he had for the man “watch him, I want to know why we’ve all been sent to find whatever this is.” With that said and done, Fane moved over to the dais noting an individual circular bowl sitting on a pillar filled with earth in front of the stone manuscript itself, in front of this were three smaller cups engraved with a set of symbols. On one, what looked like a knife and a symbol for a warrior, another what looked like a symbol for grain, another for water.

Looking at the varying options, he mulled on it “to be worthy of reading this text… You had to prove yourself, pick the right one and identify your place amongst the people.” He rubbed his jaw, muttering to himself “no, there’s got to be more to it than a process of elimination. They’re too advanced for that.” And then it dawned on him, and Fane picked up the knife carving three lines into the soil, the knife replaced, next the seeds were tipped into the troughs he’d carved, soil patted over before the final cup was lifted… Water poured over the bowl.

“Life.”

For a moment, nothing happened, but then the pillar rumbled and began rotating sinking down and down until the bowl touched the ground leaving a path clear to approach the plinth. Fane stepped over the bowl, onto the platform and hooked his fingers in the stone lid of the monolith. It slid loose in a puff of dust that made him grimace before he reached in and withdrew the set of several scrolls within looking a little… perplexed though he was certain the temple dropped several degrees once he had them in hand. It was such a simple item though as he unrolled it and scanned the text his features dropped “this… isn’t what I was sent to fetch…” He frowned deeply turning the scrolls over and continuing to translate roughly before looking over at the others “were either of you told what you were collecting?”

Faye tried not to kill anyone if she could help it. Unless they were set out to get her first. She was a terrible shot anyway, unless the person was within about fifty feet. But neither of these assholes knew that. Though the second man that had shown up at least had the temerity not to point his gun at her. Seeing as how she was unarmed.

The man who’d tried to shoot her made a smart move, tossing his weapon. When she was instructed to pat him down, Faye lowered her own hands warily. She hated being told what to do like she was some amateur playing Indiana Jones, but the guy was right. Better safe than sorry. Faye moved towards the man who now held his hands interlocked behind his head. She patted him down, finding two knives strapped beneath his shirt, and a small .9mm tucked into his belt.

He looked at her as she disarmed him. “Careful there. I’d hate for it go off in your hand.”

“Pig,” Faye said, pointing Carrington’s own gun at him now. She took the one Fane offered back and tucked it away. “I didn’t read anything about a final trial,” she said to him. “My records were incomplete.”

The man only grinned at Faye’s comment and turned his eyes to where Fane was now muttering to himself. “Just a cabana?” He tutted. “I’ve got an entire island waiting for me once I get shot of all this. You could come,” he said back to Faye, who still held him at gunpoint. “I promise not to shoot you if you behave.”

“Do not piss me off, Dr. Who,” Faye said, eyes on Carrington but ears on Fane. He seemed to be working it out, so she stayed where she was, gun trained carefully on something non-vital. At the sound of shifting stone, Faye chanced a look over to see Fane moving towards another part of the dias. She frowned, but had to turn her attention back to her captive.

When Fane collected what he was after, and called out, Faye frowned too. “No,” she ventured. “Just that it was here. And it was an important manuscript. One of the first ever put down by the people that lived here. Thousands of years old.”

“Same,” Carrington said. He looked bored, and kept glancing at the sky.

Faye was about to tell him to sit down, but in the distance the muffled sound of something manmade started to make itself known. Helicopters.

“Looks like my ride’s here,” Carrington grinned. “Whatever that is, I’d hand it over,” he said to Fane. “My employer doesn’t ask nicely.”

Filtering through the manuscript he had pulled from its stone confines, Fane couldn’t help but frown what he was reading… Whatever this was, it left him with an eerie sense of foreboding. Something in his gut didn’t quite sit right, and until he could figure out why he was reluctant to pass over the artefact to some jumped up British wannabe who looked more inclined to blow the place to smithereens if it meant being dealt out a whopping paycheck.

“No details of the contents?” he clarified glancing down at the pages that he reverently turned, his eyes lifted at the thud of approaching choppers but something more pressing felt at hand. “It’s old… But from what I can tell it’s not as ancient as the city. This… from the bits I can decipher right now it’s some sort of doomsday manuscript.” His brows furrowed as he studied the text keeping a bit of distance between himself and the others “or at least… It’s part of one... I’d need more time to decipher the rest but...” Fane’s fingers tracked down some of the symbols “with the pieces combined the spirits of vengeance shall from their earthly tombs rise, righteous warriors sent forth to cleanse the earth of false prophets.”

He looked over at the woman, gauging her reaction to what he read as the sound of choppers grew noiser and wind and rain was buffeted in by the propellers. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Fane countered, voice raising over the din of the choppers. He had a very, very bad feeling about handing it over and Fane gripped the manuscript tighter though his answer seemed to displease the Brit in the room.

Knowing he couldn’t do much until the gun was out of the picture, he waited until the choppers were practically overhead their luminescent floodlights shining through the hole in the roof. Using the distraction of their arrival to charge the woman and attempt to wrestle the gun out of her hand with a few sharp palm strikes.

Seeing this, Fane backed up a step pulling open his bag and shoving the text inside as ropes were flung down and black tactical-gear clad figures appeared at the roof of the basin hefting mean-looking assault rifles. They didn’t seem to be interested in talking however, nor about the well-being of their so-called operative instead, lifting up their guns and aiming at the trio on the platform below before pulling the triggers and the world erupted in gunfire that carved paths in the ancient stone. Fane dived out of the way and for a brief second thanked god for all the stone blocks here to provide cover as he wrestled to get his pistol out and fire off some shots at their attackers. One thug in attempting to avoid the bullets lost his footing, toppling over the edge and sailing from the sixty-foot drop and slamming into the dais before toppling into the water. His assault-rifle skidded on the wet stone, glancing off until it stopped teetering just on the edge seeming about ready to tip but not quite.

“You know how to use that thing?” he hollered across at the British guy, hoping that for the moment their former difficulties could be set aside until they avoided being shot up to high heaven.

Faye’s frown only deepened as the man read over the manuscript. She was very away he could be bluffing, but something in her gut told Faye that wasn’t the case. Not by a long shot. That this entire job had just gotten a thousand times more complicated. The appearance of the helicopters and the floodlights didn’t help. Faye was momentarily blinded, so she didn’t see the ropes, nor did she see the other man make a dash for her. He disarmed her, and Faye stumbled. She was reaching for the gun tucked into her belt when the first soldier hit the dias. It was only the crack of gunfire, and the explosion of the rock next to her face - sending pieces sharp as glass towards her - that made Faye move. An assault rifle intent on killing you wasn’t a sound you forgot.

She scrambled behind the ledge, pulling her weapon and chancing a look once there was a break in the barrage of bullets. It didn’t last long, and Faye fired off two or three shots at the men up above. She missed all three times.

Behind another bit of stone, Carrington was frowning fit to kill. The fucking double-crossing bastards. He should’ve known. Something like this… he should’ve known they were never going to let him leave the temple alive. It wasn’t the first time he’d been stabbed in the back, and he was certain it wouldn’t be the last. What he was certain of was that he wasn’t dying in some moldering South American tomb with a woman and a glorified librarian.

The assault rifle slid into range, and Carrington had it in his hand even as Fane was still speaking. He checked the magazine - half full - checked to make sure the rifle hadn’t jammed itself on impact (so it didn’t blow up in his face), and when he was satisfied, he turned and fired off several three round bursts. Three more men fell to the dias and didn’t move. He glanced over at Fane, tipping an eyebrow. “How about a way out? Since I’m doing the lion’s share.” He fired another round of bullets at the men still rappelling down into the tomb. Three of the four fell limp in their harnesses.

“We need to go!” Faye called out over the chaos. “Water’s the only way!” When Fane had flooded the room, the rising pools had all coalesced into one, and after a bit had started drifting in one direction. Faye had heard the rush of water as it poured over the edge of the mountain, and she remembered a small lake on her way up. Perhaps that was where the water poured out. If not… well, they were dead if they stayed here.

Bullets ricocheted off the walls and floors. The statues fanning the deadly spray of lead around the tomb and more than once Fane had to dive for cover. More sparks flew and broken shards from ornate murals decorating the cistern-like arches above showered down on the trio. This hadn’t been how he’d planned on today going at all. Typical really. Flashlights attached to their assailants guns swung this way and that between the flare of gun muzzles firing off their rounds without a care beyond eliminating their targets below. Once the other man secured the gun and started taking their attackers down in short, controlled bursts of fire Fane set about scrambling around to cover so he could try to figure out what it was they would need to do to get out of here.

As bodies dropped, Fane took the opportunity to seize one man’s arm and drag him into cover looting his body for his rifle and the bandolier strapped with ammunition should they need it outside. Fixing this over his chest he slung the rifle over his shoulder when the woman called out a blatantly obvious fact. Of course they needed to go. But-- her next point wasn’t actually half bad.

His eyes turned to the lake he’d all but created earlier in flooding the antechamber. It hadn’t swamped the entire place meaning it had to be funnelling out somewhere. It was then that he saw the ripple of swirling and gurgling water, highlighted by one of the several torches from above. “Over there!” pulling out his knife he scrambled over to where one of the long pieces of rope had snapped severing it and securing it about his waist. They were better off if they stuck together for the moment and he had no idea where those tunnels might end up. It was a risk, but considering they were the only ones not shooting at him one he was presently rather willing to take right now at least. “Tie on! Then we’re going to have to dive… It’s the only other way out of here.”

The woman was being gloriously unhelpful in stating the bloody obvious. The man was at least upping the body count. Marginally. Despite his distaste for being shot at, Carrington despised actually being shot even more. So when a bullet grazed his arm, he fell back behind the cover. A quick glance let him know it was only a graze, but it was a damn sight closer than he liked.

“What?!” he called to other man, glancing towards where he was pointing as the barrage of bullets continued. Eventually, the three of them - or the two that had actually hit something - were going to run out of ammo. Then they were well and truly fucked. A part of him wanted to ask this other person if he has lost his mind, but another part said it was the most logical solution. The water was running fast, and from his survey of the place Carrington knew wherever it went it wouldn’t take long to get there. Half a minute maybe. So against his better judgement, he shouldered his rifle, glaring daggers at the man already tying the rope around his waist, and strapped in too.

Faye, for her part, was trying not to panic. It was the water - she was a good swimmer - it was the part where they were going to be sucked under. Most likely shot out the other side into open air before she even had time to worry about holding her breath for too long, but it was still underwater.

“You coming, Annie Oakley?” Carrington called over. “Or do you plan to wipe them all out first?”

Faye glared at him, ducking down as another hail of bullets riddled the stone in front of her. She dashed over, tying herself off with the other two, her hands shaking so much she could barely get it knotted. Finally, she managed it. “Fuck off,” she said to Carrington, who only grinned at her.

“Ready when you are!” he called to Fane, and turned his attention to not dying when they ran for it and jumped.

The water was freezing, and it took Faye’s breath as they were washed away with the current. They were snagged and yanked and buffeted by each other and the water. Bullets sprayed the water all around them, and they were at the end of the pool and being pulled under so quickly that Faye barely had time to take a breath.

The world was upside down and sideways for the span of about fifteen to twenty seconds. The only sound was the rush of water and the pounding of Faye’s heart. Then there was light and air and falling, falling… falling…

The next thing Faye knew she was hacking up a lung on the banks of the lake below the mountain.

Carrington lay nearby, also coughing up his lungs, bleeding from a gash in his forehead. He blinked water and blood out of his eyes. “Anybody dead?” he coughed.

Up above the mountain, the choppers turned and headed towards them, searchlight moving through the trees.

With the signal for the go ahead, Fane took one last large lungful of air and dove with the others into the water kicking his legs to propel him through the water and dragging his arms round and back until the current caught them. And then they were dragged down in the suction of the rushing water, his back jarred against something along the way not that he knew what it was and before long they were tumbling out the other side gasping for air only to have it replaced by the cold hard reality of crashing into water below. Disorientated and a little shocked from the brisk landing Fane was shocked momentarily.

Until his mind came back to him, and he started to kick his legs swimming blindly in the one direction he hoped was up feeling the tug of rope grow taut under the weight of the others. Though it slackened as the other man who had tied himself in next to Fane seemed to come about and start helping to get them up. They reached the shore without too much issue, clambering out onto the banks before collapsing coughing up what felt like lungfuls of water onto the bank the humidity and sodden state of his clothes causing them to stick to his sink uncomfortably. Not that he cared, only thinking about replacing water with air and eventually he rolled over onto his back sucking in deep lungfuls of the stuff the rifle clunking under the act.

“Not yet,” he answered the Brit but the thud of choppers and sweeping search-lights swooping round caused him to groan and prop himself up. “We-- we need to get some wheels. Get away from here otherwise we very well might be.” Far sooner than he’d like in all honesty. “Can you manage with that ‘til we patch it up?” he asked the man in reference to the gash on his head. Pushing himself up, Fane pulled out his knife to sever the rope around his waist holding it out to the Brit to do the same. “You alright?” he asked walking over to the woman while wringing out his shirt some and pushing his hair back out of his eyes, offering a hand out to her.

Faye swiped her wet hair out of her face as she heard the coughing of the two men. Her own was making her see spots, and she knew she’d swallowed some water in the process of being spat out of the temple into the lake. She glanced back up where the choppers were starting to realize they’d made a run for it. The waterfall had to be fifty feet up the side of the mountain. They were lucky to not have broken their necks in the fall.

As one man answered the other’s question, Faye managed to turn onto her back, wheezing as she said a thank you to whatever was watching out for them that they’d made it through safe. “Takes more than a… army of gun-tottin’ lackeys and a fifty foot drop to kill me,” she groaned, finally sitting up.

A glance at the other two showed that the guy who’d stolen her gun was bleeding from his head. And from where the bullet had grazed his arm. Served him right, the bastard. The other man seemed unharmed. At least on the outside. They were all soaking wet and covered in mud, but they were alive. But the guy was right. They had to get going. They’d never make it on foot. “Yeah,” Faye said, not too proud to accept a hand up.

“I’m fine,” Carrington said to Fane’s inquiry, turning to sit on his rear for a moment. He dashed the blood and water off his face with a hand, and shot Fane a look of annoyance as he handed over the knife. But he severed the rope, tossing the useless bits in the water, and handed back the weapon as he stood. A glance at the woman was all he afforded her as Fane helped her to her feet. “I’ve got transport. A mile east of here. They don’t have ground troops yet. Just airborne.” He glanced up at the approaching choppers. “But it won’t take them long to regroup and send the men that are left down here after us.”

Faye glanced up at the choppers as well. They were close enough that the trees were blowing under the wind from the blades. “Well then I suggest we stop gawkin’ and get goin’.” She gestured with a hand that Carrington (who’s name she still didn’t know) lead the way. “After you.”

The jumping of a muscle in his jaw was the only indication of his annoyance. Otherwise he kept a calm outward demeanor. “I’m not stopping if you can’t keep up,” he said to Faye. “You either,” he said to Fane before turning into the jungle and away from the searchlights and soldiers.

“Well,” Faye said to Fane as they moved to follow Carrington. “I don’t know about you, but I preferred the hit squad. They didn’t talk near as much.”

Once the rope was severed, the woman on her feet and the man saying he was fine Fane looked at them both before dumping the rope deliberately into a nearby bush discarding it certainly out of side before grabbing a large bay leaf and yanking it down from its branch. “Then we head for that,” Fane raised his arm checking the strap about his wrist which had both a watch and compass embedded in it. Glancing in that direction, he pointed to a spot where a small tributary lead off from the lake. “If we stick to the water and cover of the jungle they won’t be able to track us,” at least not by their foot-prints and not so easily by air. Anything that gave them a head-start on getting out of here at least was something worthwhile and if they didn’t know which way to look their men would be more thinly spread.

Or that was what Fane hoped all things considered. It made sense in his head.

Explaining why, along the same idea of removing the traces of their presence here he pinched the corners of the large leaf between his thumb and index until the waxed surface was folded into an approximate bowl shape. “Stay out of the mud,” Fane said while wading a little into the water and scooping up enough it could hold without spilling and dumping it over the bank where they had emerged the water washing away any evidence they had been here. Instead of exiting the same way he’d entered, Fane moved a little further up towards the small waterway he’d pointed out in the direction they were to head following after the other man not that he knew his name.

“Yeah, sure, whatever Captain Hardass” Fane muttered in response to his comment, glancing aside at the woman as she fell in step with him unable to help the snort at her commentary. “I’m not sure what’s worse, listening to him insult everyone and everything or getting riddled with bullets.” Still, tilting his chin up as he eyed the sky the rain from earlier drizzling through the branches overhead in heavy droplets “so, what should I call you love?”

To his credit, Carrington only half-glanced over his shoulder at the other two as they moved off into the brush. He didn’t comment in return, merely flattened his lips together in annoyance and trudged ahead. If they got left behind, so be it. Other than the fact the relic was in the librarian’s pack. Though he supposed it was a mute point now, all things considered. Since his employer had tried to have him murdered. And it seemed to Cari - considering the excessive use of force, particularly if they wanted to simply kill him - that the powers that be had known the other man and the woman would be there.

If he had to chance a guess, it would be that they all worked for the same person, yet none of them knew it. It was a sound plan, he thought. Send in more than one operative, promising a fortune for the prize. Three heads was better than one. A bird in the hand… all that rubbish. Still, the fact remained that there was a price on their heads now. Or a bullseye at least. It would be safer to stick together. For him at least. The man could shoot, the woman… she was nice to look at, but otherwise seemed useless. But they would have to think about those things later. Right now they needed to get out of the bloody jungle.

Behind Carrington, Faye walked along, pushing aside brush and ducking beneath branches. The sound of the choppers was fading a bit, and she hoped Fane’s efforts on the bank would pay off. Or at least by them some time. She grinned as she stepped around a fallen boulder. “I think bullets probably sting a bit more.” A quick glance at him had her huffing. “Not ‘love,’” she said. “Folks call me Remy.” She looked at him again. “What about you?”

Now that he had a little opportunity to consider everything that had happened as he trudged along the path up the small ravine pushing leaves out of the way. Fane had come to a similar conclusion as Carrington, the sheer amount of force whoever had sent Carrington was more that simply for just one person. That whoever had sent those soldiers had more than likely known that there would be more than one person at the tomb, meaning, whoever had come either was very good at intel gathering or had set this whole thing up. Kill the three of them, keep the cash and the artefact? In this business, it was hardly too unbelievable that it might happen, in fact, the odds of that happening were higher than them not. Perhaps later they would clarify that fact, for now Fane was happy to continue pressing on along the path they cut hoping this guy seemed as decent at navigating as he was easy on the eyes. Not that he was thinking about that, though it was a passing observation he’d made.

Could he be blamed for that?

Even if the guy was a dick.

“Mm, yeah I think you’re right witticisms don’t really do all that much damage” he glanced at the other man’s back as they trudged on. Though when she spoke again he looked aside, “Remy huh?” he peered at her a moment before making a small noise of acknowledgement. “Locke,” he said simply and offered her a hand. “How ‘bout you? Unless you want me to keep calling you Captain Hardass,” he spoke up to the other man walking a few paces ahead picking his way through the roots where they stuck out of the ground at random intervals.

Faye had come to the same conclusion as the others. This was a set up from the get go. Taking out one person might require more than one man, but three choppers full? No, they knew what they were doing. Still, the guy up ahead had tipped them off. He could in on it. Possibly. Though Faye doubted it, considering she was a decent reader of people, and he’d been just as surprised as her the other guy. Plus he’d taken some collateral damage. Which could also be a ploy, but those men had come in intent on taking down whoever was in there. This was no precision drop. This was someone doing whatever it took to get their hands on the artifact they’d all three apparently been sent after.

“Remy,” she confirmed with a dip of her head. Like the Cajun boogeyman, Remy Lebeau. People back home called her that for the way she just seems to know the going’s on in the Quarter and the parish. Seemed to be able to get her hands on things other people could never find. And the way she might not be a killer herself, but she knew people. A lot of people. Double crossing her wasn’t a good idea. But anyway.

She shook the man’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Locke. Sorry it wasn’t under better circumstances.” Faye turned back to the trail ahead as Locke called out to their grumpy British companion.

“Winston.” And that was all he said of what to call him. “Now be quiet. There’re other things out here besides men with guns.”

Fane had thought along a similar line to Remy (as he now knew her name supposedly), in terms of the other man in the group. He could have been bluffing, or set to double-cross them but if he was planning on doing that why waste the time helping them get out of here unless he had some sort of intention to stay together. He could have just as easily shot them both and taken the artefact for himself had he really wanted which would suggest that presently it wasn’t in his interest to do so. Even so, Fane adjusted his grip on his back hitching it just a fraction higher and tighter as they continued to walk along into the depths of the jungle.

“American hm?” it was obvious, her accent for one not to mention the general way she carried herself it was something he could only ever attribute to people from across the pond so to speak. Still, he took her hand and shook it firmly once false-introductions were sorted giving her a small smile “likewise, so-- mind telling me why you were out after that manuscript?” No point in wasting time when they could settle his hypothesis of them working for the same person to bed.

“Like Churchill?” he eyed the man ahead and couldn’t help but snort under his breath, “no wonder he talks so much.” Still as he was called to silenceFane felt the rather childish compulsion to stick his tongue out, he hated being ordered to do things. “No shit Sherlock, where did you think we were? Disneyworld? Sheesh.” Though, for a time he did lapse into silence the only sound of the rain falling through the leaves overhead and noises of things alive deep in the dense growth around them being their company as they walked on and on. Until, it seemed in Fane’s opinion that they started to slow only then did he speak up “are we near?”

“Cajun,” Faye corrected, her accent betraying her Louisiana heritage. So she was very obviously American. She fell in step a bit in front of him and a few paces behind the man calling himself Winston. ”Got a call about a job from my usual go between guy. Hadn’t had one in a few months, so funds were runnin’ thin. I’ve been to South America before. If you can get past the malaria and the heat, it’s not bad.” She ducked under a low-hanging branch. “Job was for a company that calls itself Monarch. At least that’s the front. ‘Rare Historical Artifact Requisition.’” She made air quotes. “Aztec manuscript. Or at least something stored in one of their temples. Sounded easy enough. As you can see…” It wasn’t.

Up ahead, ‘Winston,’ who’s real name was Carrington Bishop - ex-special forces - glanced back over his shoulder at the two of them. Bloody loudmouths, the pair. He didn’t give a response to the man’s question, or his childish taunt. Instead, he held up a hand, signaling them to be still. He gave a nod, however, that they were close. But they should still be cautious.

After a quick survey of the area, Winston determined it to be safe and started to uncover the Land Rover from its hiding place. They were in soon enough, and covered their tracks as best they could before heading towards some form of civilization. In the far distance, the choppers were still sweeping the shoreline, but found no sign that anyone or anything alive had crawled out of the mountain lake anytime recently.

The correction earned a slight dip of his head in acknowledgement along with a slightly more sheepish smile. “I’ve never been one for accents,” he admitted honestly. Could speak a language for days but couldn’t generally place people by the native accents very well, at least, certainly not Americans. Still, her explanation of her contract caused him to mull over the details as they walked. “No, not too bad,” he agreed as they walked on through the tracks trodden by Winston. “Might have to do some digging, how much were they offering if you don’t mind me asking?” Fane wasn’t speaking overly loudly, considering she was just a step or so ahead of him it didn’t particularly warrant raising his voice.

Fane wasn’t typically one to let his mouth get the better of him, but considering an easy job had now turned into a man hunt and the possibility of his life being on the line? Well, he wasn’t in a very content mood to be dealing with people and their attempts to impose authority on a situation. Even so, nothing more was said to Winston and it was better off that way. He had the transport, Fane didn’t particularly fancy having to hike it on foot and once the signal was given to stop he did so waiting until the man did his checks and the vehicle uncovered. Breathing a quiet sigh of relief he swung the rifle off his shoulder and his pack before moving to take the shotgun seat. Once they were all in, Winston climbing behind the steering wheel Fane glanced down noticing a leech on his arm. With a grimace he sought out his knife scooping it under the smaller sucker and then the larger one before flicking the little bloodsucker off into the bushes.

The more distance they could put between them and the ruins the better, once they shifted from bumpy jungle tracks that more than once threatened to put his head through the roof of the car and onto smoother roads Fane let out a shallow breath. Reaching for the radio he tuned it into the local news stations where latin songs interspersed news updates read in rapid Portuguese. He wasn’t sure if the others spoke the language or not but he listened out for any news regarding manhunts and the like, after an hour during which Winston had his foot firmly to the ground propelling them along winding and equally (if not more) perilous traffic overtaking on both sides of the road. Fane sat back, feeling a little more relaxed now “well, whoever’s after us haven’t informed the authorities at least… Otherwise they would’ve released a news broadcast by now for the public to be on the look out--” Fane said after perhaps the third news-interval they had reached on the radio. “That’s something at least.” He glanced aside at Winston who merely grunted in acknowledgement, “I say we go for another few hours,” his clothes were still damp and the car was starting to smell explaining why he’d cranked down a window.

Faye had no qualms climbing into the back of the vehicle. She tossed her sodden pack into the floorboard and leaned back with a weary groan. “Fuck all this walking bullshit. Drive on, Jeeves,” she said, flicking her hand at Carrington. He ignored her and put the vehicle into gear. Once they were out on the road and meeting regular traffic, Faye unlaced her boots as she listened idly to the radio as Locke twisted the dials. Her feet were waterlogged to high heaven, and she rolled down the window and squeezed out her socks before tying them together and looping them through the passenger handle at her head. They would dry a bit that way. Her boots she turned upside down in the floorboard, and after settling back she stuck her feet through the middle of the front seats, wiggling her toes as she listened to what Locke had to say.

“You speak the language I’m guessing?” she asked. Faye knew enough to get by. And to not get killed. She could read it better than speak it. She glanced between the two men, sighing a bit as Winston merely grunted. “Don’t talk his ear off now,” she commented. Sitting back, figuring this far out they were in pretty good shape as far as being safe for the moment, Faye closed her eyes. “Wake me up when we get wherever the hell we’re goin’.”

Carrington merely glanced in the rearview at her, and then over at Fane. What bloody luck he’d get stuck with these two. At least the bloke seemed to have some usefulness. The woman… that was yet to be seen. At least neither of them seemed like they wanted to kill him. That was always a plus. They drove on, and he remained mostly silent through the traffic and the small town and villages here and there.

“I’m a polyglot,” Fane said by way of explanation to his comprehension of the radio station “eighteen languages and bits and pieces of several others,” it was more a fact than bragging. But it was a useful tool to have all things considered in their line of work. Communication could sometimes be the difference between life and death and it had gotten him out of most situations well enough that he was still here today. So he did his best to learn what he could. Remy managed to get some shut-eye, but the two men up front otherwise sat in silence Fane sitting staring out the window at the scenery shooting pass as they drove on. He’d asked a couple of questions, but it seemed like Winston wasn’t going to answer anything he had to ask.

Typical really.

So, it was only the radio for company and though Fane shut his eyes sleep seemed unwilling to come. Even when they arrived he merely glanced at Remy over his shoulder, slightly envious of how easy it seemed for her to pass out.

[dustdry03-blog]

Taking place the keto diet: your five recipes to try

My close friends Mike and Robin happen to be on the keto diet program with regard to a good couple involving years. They misplaced the ton of weight, plus they look fit and even trim — better when compared with I’ve possibly seen these people, and I’ve recognized all of them more than 30 decades. Their own results are not really unusual. Often the keto diet plan often leads to rapid excess weight damage. The key lies throughout keeping it off. Robert in addition to Robin have completed it properly, but a good lot of folks cannot. And therein is situated a new problem, according to Jennifer McDaniel, a registered dietitian and the owner involving McDaniel Nutrition Therapy throughout St Louis. “While an individual might obtain benefits around the short term just simply like any other hard to stick to diet, most people — just like, 90% of often the people — own challenges staying on it. Whenever they lose the weight plus they can’t manage often the weight that they obtained, this is just an additional failed diet plan, ” she explained. BEST ARTICLES 1/5 READ MORE Match the Parker medical professional who moved the range to fight coronavirus: “There is no playbook” This keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrates diet — “it’s like the Atkins diet on steroids, ” McDaniel said. Individuals on the diet strive to ingest 70% to 80% of the calories through fats, less than 5% through carbohydrates and the rest through protein. It will help us lose weight because it causes our physiques to burn fat regarding energy instead of their preferred fuel, carbohydrates. McDaniel recommends that her clients not go on the keto eating habits. The diet regime changes the microbiome within their bodies (the bacterias, fungi and more the fact that live on the inside us). This is challenging for persons on the diet to eat enough fiber, which are able to lead to costiveness and other gastrointestinal nastiness. And due to the fact carbohydrates hold onto liquid, people on the diet program can be often dehydrated, she mentioned. And yet, like Mike plus Robin and even thousands of other individuals can certainly attest, it is effective. Thus I decided to consider a handful of recipes to be able to see how they tasted. The rules of the particular keto diet plan are highly restrictive, which can produce cooking food tough. You want to prevent berry, all kinds of sugar, grains, beans plus dried beans, rice, oranges, sweet and even juice. Most effective keto snacks: Benefits plus nutrition for being encouraged incorporate meat, fatty species of fish, eggs, butter in addition to ointment, cheese, nuts and seeds, a number of oils (olive, avocado, coconut) and low-carb vegetables — most vegetables, tomatoes, onions, peppers and the like. Is considered a lot to get in, therefore i began together with a new simple and entirely fantastic dish connected with Citrus-Marinated Olives. These are a wonderful treat, combining typically the heady earthiness of olives having bright notes of orange and lemon. Although the flavour are disparate, these people job surprisingly well jointly. Greatest of all, you help to make them in only minutes. Another winner has been Keto Egg Cups, a new dish that concisely provides everything that will is good about keto cooking: Little cups manufactured from prosciutto hold eggs blended with cream, spinach, roasted reddish colored peppers and mozzarella plus Parmesan cheeses. It’s a good delightful conglomeration of high-fat goodies that come together in a hand-held snack. And is considered just as enjoyment at bedroom temp like it is warm. A pair of entrees came next. 1st, I took the menu for Instant-Pot Keto Mediterranean sea Chicken and made the idea the recipe for Keto Cities Chicken Without a Instant Pan. This merely took concerning five short minutes longer than the Instant-Pot version, and the idea seemed to be deeply satisfying.

I’ll admit, though, that My spouse and i could hardly commit to full keto cooking with this a single. As written, the formula calls for agonizing half a dozen chicken thighs and legs and after that cooking food the dish from the ensuing fat. My six to eight legs rendered out some sort of 50 % cup of excess fat. My partner and i just couldn’t perform the idea. I couldn’t make meals together with — and I definitely couldn’t eat — a whole lot fat. I know this keto diet requires what may seem like a shocking amount of money of body fat to do the job, but My spouse and i just could not see that. We added out half of the excess fat, and the plate still believed greasy to help me. Dirty, nonetheless yummy. Meaty chicken thighs may be paired with olives, capers, oregano and a cutting a little vinegar. It’s introduced with a fresh-tasting natural yoghurts sauce, generating an outstanding business presentation. I’d fortunately eat this anytime, particularly if My partner and i poured out most but one tablespoon of that body fat. The other diele, Keto Breaded Chicken Cutlets, is not bad — although I’d only make that again if I had been about the keto diet. Typically the chicken is definitely dredged by means of almond flour in advance of frying, which gives the idea a duller flavor than rice flour. With wheat flour, the same recipes would be excellent, if familiar. Should you be on the keto eating habits, salted peanuts flour is undoubtedly the way to get. Just be sure to use a good deal of salt. The final recipe My partner and i made was a treat called Black and White Keto Fat Bombs. Significantly, that’s the name, in addition to seriously, that certainly is what these people are. They are chocolate-and-vanilla candy that are designed with coconut olive oil together with almonds, plus low-carb, powdered sweetener, sugar-free vanilla get and unsweetened cocoa powder powdered. How did many people preference? Not bad, actually, or at least not also negative. But the structure was thus oily plus off-putting that most taste testers threw at a distance their free templates. One stated the idea seemed to be like eating garnir. If you’re on the keto as well as you’re looking to get an extra infusion regarding fat, then I’d state to go ahead and even make it. Otherwise, this particular is one to keep away from. My friend Robin assures by the keto diet and claims she is passionate about it. The woman health indicators are almost all excellent, and she tells she has better electricity and alertness. Even though this diet is restrictive, the lady likes what she can consume: cheese, olive engine oil, butter, nuts and darkness chocolates. The biggest thing she does not show for is berry, nonetheless she does not really miss the forty five excess fat she lost. Then again, I have another friend, Roger, who lost sixty five excess fat. How you can Order Keto From McDonald's... Because Sometimes All An individual Need Is usually A Lil Fast Food feeds on a lot more healthfully and mindfully, and even walks every day. Of which sounds easier.

[phynxrizng]

ASTROLOGY REPORTS AND HOROSCOPES FOR 7-2-17

ASTROLOGY TOOLS FREE NATAL CHART REPORT ABOUT CONTACT Astrology Cafe Daily Astrology

DAILY ASTROLOGY TODAY MONTHLY Astrology of Today – Sunday, July 2, 2017

Jul 1, 2017 by ANNIE LEAVE A COMMENT



The Moon is in Libra until 12:59 PM, after which the Moon is in Scorpio. The Moon is void from 9:16 AM to 12:59 PM. The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter Moon phase. The First Quarter Moon occurred on June 30th, and a Full Moon will occur in Capricorn on July 9th. Times are EDT. Horoscopes Aries



Power struggles within the family circle or buried problems emerge today with a Mars-Pluto opposition, dear Aries. It can be difficult to relinquish control even if you know it’s for the best. Work or family matters can be heated and serve to rile you up. Take a deep breath and avoid obsessive thoughts that may border on paranoia now. Pressures will ease as you go forward, particularly if you aim to approach problems step by step. As the day progresses, excellent energy is with you, in fact, for pacing yourself, particularly with creative pursuits. This can be a good time for gentle discipline or boundary-building with others.

Taurus

Opinions can bother you quite deeply today, dear Taurus, and so can the words people choose to express themselves as Mars opposes Pluto across your communications sector this morning. You might consider that something may be hitting the nerve of a deeper issue if you’re getting worked up too much on what is said. Avoid confrontations if you can, as there is rather provocative energy with us today. However, it’s wise to observe and learn from frustrations that emerge and their trigger points. As the day advances, you’re in an excellent position to build trust in an intimate or close relationship as well as to add some structure to your home life. Improvements are in focus.

Gemini



Who’s doing their share, and who isn’t? These questions can take center stage today, dear Gemini, but the answers may not be rational or clear for the time being. As Mars opposes Pluto in your resources and sharing sectors this morning, matters related to the sharing of power or money can be tricky. Changes are necessary in an intimate relationship, and circumstances conspire to show you this fact. Conflicts over money or possessions may disguise deeper issues. As the day advances, you’ll find it easier to focus on what’s practical. It’s a good time to make reasonable and informed decisions in relationships. Partnering up to get something done makes the most sense now.

Cancer

Situations seem to be “either-or” this morning, dear Cancer, while a compromise, as elusive as it may seem, may be the best solution. You don’t want to tolerate being controlled, manipulated, or coerced right now. Stand your ground, and avoid playing the same game that others are playing. Buried frustrations may erupt or come to a head, and it can be a little tricky, but bringing something that seems dark into the light may very well be a surprising relief. As the day advances, it’s easier to focus on what needs doing. Practical matters fare much better today than emotional ones, which can be loaded.

Leo



Others may not be very cooperative in the first half of the day, dear Leo, and you may not be either! Stubbornness is likely to frustrate right now. Power struggles on the job might ensue, and the little things tend to irritate most, especially if there are disrupted schedules to deal with or if others are interfering with your methods or process. Seek peace and quiet away from the storm, but if you need to get something out in the open or out of your system, this may be your opportunity. As the day advances, you’re likely to let go of tension and pour your energy into projects over which you have more control. You can be in an especially productive frame of mind and might feel completely dedicated to a venture or a person. You may be showing your devotion through actions or in practical ways.

Virgo

People can demand a lot from you in the first half of the day, dear Virgo, but if you look more closely, it’s really about their insecurities and fear, as these things are likely to be driving their desire to control. You don’t need to prove yourself in the face of unreasonable demands. Calm reassurance is best. A romantic relationship or feelings and concerns about someone can become heated today. As the day advances, you’re inclined to seek out productive and constructive activities, however, and you’re less likely to dwell on emotional complications. Building relationships with family can be in focus. You may be helping others out, and your dedication is appreciated.

Libra



Any confrontations around you early today have control and power written all over them, dear Libra, and you may feel caught in the middle. There may also be tricky issues with family and authority figures to deal with now. Everyone seems to want their way, and few are conceding, which leads to rather tense scenarios. Don’t allow someone to try to control or manipulate you, but know how to approach the situation with care. As the day advances, you prefer to focus on building up your relationships or projects. Support of — or from — a friend may come through constructive conversations.

Scorpio



Misunderstandings in the first half of the day tend to stem from taking things — especially ideas, opinions, and words — too personally, dear Scorpio. Opt for self-control, even if you feel provoked. Consider intentions, and avoid impulsive moves right now. There is confrontational energy with us that can lead to a significant release, but try to be mindful of what you say and how you say it. As the day advances, you’re likely to tap into straightforward and productive energy for work, money, business, and practical affairs. Your choices are reasonable, and the more productive you are, the better you feel.

Sagittarius



Watch for impulsiveness with money, resources, or relationships in the first half of the day, dear Sagittarius, as chances are high that you may be making bad moves and poor choices, not to mention the general frustration that can ensue. Ownership matters — who owns what and who does what — can be issues on the table now and can lead to a tug of war situation that has no winners. However, as the day advances, you’re in a particularly excellent position to develop a pet project or your studies. You can be feeling good about your work and commitments and derive a sense of satisfaction from self-discipline.

Capricorn



Resist attempting to control someone today who is acting in a brash or pushy manner, dear Capricorn. Others’ behaviors seem to be assertions of independence or attempts to prove to you, in so many ways, that you’re not needed, and this can be frustrating. However, backing off is probably the better defense right now. Nobody wins when manipulative tactics are employed. Even so, if frustrations need a release, this may be the push to do so, but it’s better to do so mindfully. As the day advances, complex relationship dynamics are less of a concern as you interest yourself more in being productive. You may feel pleasantly devoted to someone or a pet project, or you can feel stronger for supporting someone now.

Aquarius



Stay clear of power struggles and confrontations today, dear Aquarius, as they seem to crop up all too quickly with the provocative energy of a Mars-Pluto influence this morning. Frustrations about schedules, duties, obligations, and lack of time to yourself can reach a head. Fears that you’re not doing enough or performing at your peak can undermine you now, making you feel tense, or you may worry about the discovery of a secret. Learn from what seems to trigger you today and work on a plan to tackle it gradually rather than succumb to pressures to deal with it all at once. As the day advances, you are in an excellent position to show your support and dedication to someone or a cause.

Pisces



A power struggle may occur early today, dear Pisces, likely involving a friend or lover, and may very well be about attention or recognition. Money or boundaries could also be an issue. It’s a butt your head against the wall type of energy, however, so nobody truly wins. You may feel it’s best to stay out of it, but if something needs releasing, this can be a time for turning a corner. Later today, you’re likely to feel pleasantly dedicated to your work or a program to improve health. Self-discipline comes more naturally than usual.

*Remember to read horoscopes for your Ascendant sign and Sun sign. If you don’t know your Ascendant sign and know your birth time, you can look it up here.

If Your Birthday is July 2nd, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here.

Astrology of Today – The Details: If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):







Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 12:59 pm Event: Moon enters Scorpio Description: The Moon in Scorpio Contemplate the deeper things in life. Avoid unnecessary conflict, but if it’s going to improve your life, go ahead and make waves. Tune in to your intuition. This is a good time for investigations, looking into a matter further, doing research, connecting to others with a shared passion, solving a mystery, and devising a strategy. When the Moon in Scorpio is strained, we may take our passions too far.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 9:16 am Event: Moon goes void of course

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 3:40 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Nod Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting North Node A good time for dealing with the public, for making connections, and for taking positive steps towards a personal or professional goal. You are able to make changes. This is a feel-good time for embracing new opportunities.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 6:18 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Cer Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Ceres We can be feeling pleasantly attached to, or supported by, our loved ones or family. We are seeking out security, nurturing, and warmth, and we are more likely to express these things towards others.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 7:31 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Ven Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Venus Love relationships or feelings can be unsettled. There can be a conflict experienced between family and friends/lovers, or between comfort and the pursuit of pleasure. Try to relax and not obsess, and show restraint.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 9:16 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Opp Ura Description: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting Uranus Life may be a little tense right now. Avoid willful behavior if the situation doesn’t call for it. Remain open to new possibilities and all will be revealed. There could be a surprising revelation or turning point. Unpredictable responses from others (and ourselves). Emotional eruptions are possible. Not a good time to make permanent decisions, particularly about relationships.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 10:44 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Chi Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Chiron Hurt feelings may be opportunities for healing. Now is the time for building bridges, not burning them.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 11:23 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Nep Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Neptune If we are not in touch with our need for inspiration, beauty, compassion, connection to something otherworldly, or our spirituality, we could feel out of sorts right now. Relaxing, listening to music, getting close to nature, or taking a break may resolve this.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 12:42 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Nep Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Neptune

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 12:59 pm Event: Tr-Na Mon Cnj Sco Description: Transiting Moon Entering Scorpio Contemplate the deeper things in life. Avoid unnecessary conflict, but if it’s going to improve your life, go ahead and make waves. Tune in to your intuition. This is a good time for investigations, looking into a matter further, doing research, connecting to others with a shared passion, solving a mystery, and devising a strategy. When the Moon in Scorpio is strained, we may take our passions too far.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 4:19 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Opp Pal Description: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting Pallas We can be at odds with one another over a mental or intellectual matter, belief, or idea now. It takes extra effort to understand one another.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 9:12 am Event: Tr-Tr Sun Opp Jun Description: Transiting Sun Opposition Transiting Juno Problems in a relationship, likely to do with power dynamics, may reach some sort of head right now, and a confrontation is possible. We may have difficulty relating to one another if we are not treating each other as equals. There can be temptations to manipulate in order to get our way. There can be jealousy or lack of trust that interferes with healthy interactions. Conceding may feel as if we are giving up something of ourselves, but coming to a balance or compromise is quite possible now.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 7:29 am Event: Tr-Tr Mer Qnx Sat Description: Transiting Mercury Quincunx Transiting Saturn Delays, uncertainty, or second-guessing ideas and decisions can slow us down. Adjustments or reassessments may need to be made now, particularly related to important and realistic details that need our attention. Communications may miss the mark.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 4:20 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mer Pll Mar Description: Transiting Mercury Parallel Transiting Mars

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 8:02 am Event: Tr-Tr Mar Opp Plu Description: Transiting Mars Opposition Transiting Pluto We may be looking for the upper hand and resisting others’ control. Resentments come to the surface. Competitive feelings.

Date & Time: Jul 2 2017 4:11 pm Event: Tr-Tr Sat Tri Ves Description: Transiting Saturn Trine Transiting Vesta We can be feeling good about our work, obligations, and commitments, which are seen not as burdens, but rather as purposeful activities. Independent work is favored. We are more disciplined and efficient.

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes CANCER STRONG Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive. LIBRA STRONG Even-handed, harmonious, artistic, diplomatic, balancing, strong sense of fairness. Can be over- compromising, appeasing, judgmental.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

FIRE WEAK We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action. WATER STRONG We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONG We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions. FIXED WEAK We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through. MUTABLE WEAK We can have a hard time adapting to changes and to others’ agendas.

LUNAR PHASE: FIRST QUARTER Moon from 90 to 135 degrees ahead of the Sun. We are motivated to take action, perhaps due to a clash, conflict, or stress, as we are more aware of problems and differences now. Plans are beginning to take off or turn a corner. We should watch for pushing too hard.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on July 2nd: Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected–or will perfect–in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving the Moon is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying  aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over.  Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN LIBRA We are focused on our relationships, and finding balance, peace, and harmony in our personal environment under this influence.

30TH DEGREE OF LIBRA Part of Body: Left ureter Sabian Symbol: Three mounds of knowledge on a philosopher’s head.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON SQUARE MERCURY Orb 5°51′ Separating It’s difficult to make decisions now as emotional needs and wants tend to conflict with what we feel are the most logical choices. Judgment may be skewed by emotions or personal bias.

OPPOSITION URANUS Orb 1°22′ Separating We can be moody, swinging between wanting to belong and wanting to be different or independent. We can feel a little off-balance if schedules and people around us are unpredictable or changing; or, we are restless with the usual routine and want to create some kind of stir.

QUINCUNX CHIRON Orb 0°38′ Separating We could be misjudging our sensitivity levels and making poor choices as a result. Decisions made now may not reflect our hearts, and can be regrettable later on.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN CANCER Our attention is turned to our nest – our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel at home, safe, and secure. We take more pride in these things. We are more inclined to nurture and take care of our loved ones and our pet projects.

11TH DEGREE OF CANCER Part of Body: Gastric veins Sabian Symbol: A clown making grimaces.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN CONJUNCTION MARS Orb 7°28′ Applying We are more direct, spontaneous, and impulsive now, but can also be too self-focused and impatient.

SQUARE JUPITER Orb 3°02′ Applying There can be exaggerated good moods or a tendency to go over the top now. Clashes of ego can occur.

TRINE NEPTUNE Orb 3°14′ Applying We are able to see matters, and people, from a perspective that allows for, and finds beauty in, differences. We may be recognizing our more charitable, altruistic, and compassionate urges.

OPPOSITION PLUTO Orb 7°21′ Applying We may be struggling with issues of power and competition. There can be a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our own feeling of powerfulness. Through our encounters and reactions, we may be able to get in touch with our internal motivations.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN CANCER You place importance on communication within the family. Information about your family and its background is also important to you. For instance you may like to collect family photos or study family history. You look after yourself and others by communicating emotional issues.

24TH DEGREE OF CANCER Part of Body: Blood vessels of digestive organs Sabian Symbol: A woman and two men on a bit of sunlit land facing south.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY CONJUNCTION MARS Orb 5°13′ Separating Questions are raised, discussions can become heated, and there can be nervous excitement now. Enthusiasm is strong, particularly for ideas and topics. Impulsive speech or other communications, and possibly lacking in sensitivity. Resourcefulness.

QUINCUNX SATURN Orb 0°22′ Separating Delays, uncertainty, or second-guessing ideas and decisions can slow us down. Adjustments or reassessments may need to be made now, particularly related to important and realistic details that need our attention. Communications may miss the mark.

SQUARE URANUS Orb 4°28′ Applying Original ideas but perhaps too radical or disorganized, or perceived as such. There can be mental or nervous tension experienced now. Mistakes can be made due to impatience.

OPPOSITION PLUTO Orb 5°20′ Separating We can experience pressure to decide or come to a conclusion. Second-guessing and suspicion are possible now.

TRINE CHIRON Orb 5°13′ Applying We can be more understanding and sympathetic to others now, particularly when it comes to sensitivity with what or how we communicate. We might talk or learn about healing methods.

VENUS

VENUS IN TAURUS For you romance and reliability go hand in hand. You approach relationships slowly and steadily, looking for someone who will prove solid and secure. You enjoy sensuality, and are reliable with finances.

28TH DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: Deltoid muscle and main neck muscles Sabian Symbol: A mature woman reawakened to romance.

ASPECTS OF VENUS SEXTILE CHIRON Orb 1°25′ Applying You are a caring and loving partner. You understand your partner’s struggles.

MARS

MARS IN CANCER We are less likely to move straightforwardly towards our desires now. Our emotional moods especially affect the pursuit of our goals. We are a little more cautious and conservative under this influence, but we will fight for, about, or on behalf of those people and things that are dearest to our heart.

19TH DEGREE OF CANCER Part of Body: Ampulla of bile duct Sabian Symbol: A priest performing a marriage ceremony.

ASPECTS OF MARS SQUARE JUPITER Orb 4°25′ Separating Our fighting, defending spirits are strong. We might be on a crusade. We could be too quick to take offense or to make judgments. Avoid unnecessary conflict and overreaching. Direct excess energy into positive enterprises for positive results rather than adding more to your agenda.

TRINE NEPTUNE Orb 4°13′ Separating Inspiration might be found now, and our intuition is strong. There can be letting go of anger, or a softening of the disposition. Creative arts, particularly physical ones, are favored.

OPPOSITION PLUTO Orb 0°06′ Separating We may be looking for the upper hand and resisting others’ control. Resentments come to the surface. Competitive feelings.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN LIBRA You have a strong concern for justice. You are a diplomatic teacher, and express your spiritual values in your relationships.

14TH DEGREE OF LIBRA Part of Body: Left inguinal lymph nodes Sabian Symbol: A noon siesta.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER QUINCUNX NEPTUNE Orb 0°11′ Applying You feel a call to serve others perhaps through a profession or through religion. You will need to learn what is reasonable to do for others, and what is over stepping the boundary of your responsibility.

SQUARE PLUTO Orb 4°18′ Applying You will need to learn to have confidence in yourself even when life deals you a few blows. You range from over confident to completely lacking in confidence. The truth lies somewhere in between.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS Saturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles — and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017)

24TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Popliteal fossa Sabian Symbol: A bluebird standing at the door of the house.

ASPECTS OF SATURN TRINE URANUS Orb 4°51′ Separating You have a talent for investigation. You look at new ideas and are able then to put them into action. In business you achieve much in your own independent way.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010, to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011, to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019).

29TH DEGREE OF ARIES Part of Body: Auditory canal Sabian Symbol: A celestial choir singing.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011, to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012, to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025, to January 26, 2026)

15TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Left cutaneous veins Sabian Symbol: An officer preparing to drill his men.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008, to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008, to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023, to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024, to November 19, 2024).

19TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Ligaments of left knee Sabian Symbol: A child of about five with a huge shopping bag.

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES

Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011, to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018, to February 18, 2019).

29TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Toenails of right foot Sabian Symbol: A prism.

VESTA

VESTA IN LEO You work most creatively when left to your own devices. You feel pride in your work and can be inspired by romance and fun. Play and work are closely linked for you.

24TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Papillary muscles Sabian Symbol: A yogi with transcendent powers yet untidy & unkempt.

PALLAS

PALLAS IN TAURUS You have the ability to see the beauty in nature and the arts. You have much common sense and wisdom. You may become involved in either healing with your hands, or healing the earth through environmental movements.

2ND DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: Palate Sabian Symbol: An electrical storm..

JUNO

JUNO IN CAPRICORN You want a partner who you can respect, and who respects you. You seek long-term commitment and may marry later in life.

11TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Left cruciate ligaments Sabian Symbol: Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a vast lawn.

CERES

CERES IN GEMINI You like those close to you to share their feelings and thoughts and to listen to you. You share information with your loved ones to show them you care. You will suffer when others refuse to talk.

27TH DEGREE OF GEMINI Part of Body: Fingers Sabian Symbol: A young gypsy emerging from the woods gazes at far cities.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN LEO This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world.

26TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Myocardium Sabian Symbol: As light breaks through the clouds, a perfect rainbow forms.

THE SOUTH NODE

THE SOUTH NODE IN AQUARIUS This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world.

26TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS Part of Body: Right fibula Sabian Symbol: A hydrometer.

*** CONJUNCTIONS TO SELECT FIXED STARS ***

Transits Jul 2, 2017 – Event Chart

Aspects to Mercury 23°Cn38 +23°13′ Cnj 23°Cn26 POLLUX Pain of creativity, competitive

Aspects to Saturn 23°Sg15 -21°56′ Cnj 22°Sg41 RAS ALHAGUE The desire to heal a wound.

Aspects to Chiron 28°Pi51 +03°08′ Cnj 29°Pi37 SCHEAT To be a thinker or intellect

Aspects to Pallas 01°Ta38 +01°14′ Cnj 00°Ta38 MIRACH In harmony to be receptive



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PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL THERAPY: You and your experience—the most important thing to give to your son

In our weekly Psychological & Spiritual Therapy column, therapist Jack Surguy is offering professional advice to The Mindful Word readers for all those questions and problems you have wanted to discuss with someone qualified and caring. If you would like Jack to assist you in any areas of your life and relationships, fill out this form. He will respond to your questions through this column, normally published every Tuesday.

QUESTION

Hi Jack, I was just thinking of seriously chanting a mantra of my choice and slowly making a habit of saying it within me 24/7. Previously, I used to weigh different mantras in my mind, wondering which one was better, but I've decided to stick to one mantra now: the Mrityunjaya mantra. I have lots of thoughts and sometimes I feel very devotional. I have great sorrow due to my own anger and my husband is also a very angry person at times. My 12-year-old son has been observing our fights. I'm concerned about losing my temper with my husband, my inability to guide my son and my regret that I've failed to give him a peaceful life. It's my fear that he'll turn out like us. This is my main worry, that kids are what parents are and now he'll be the same. So I thought of starting some chant for myself and passing it on to my son and others silently, for their benefit. I hope this'll also ward away the negative energy surrounding me and my house. I need your guidance. Am I doing the right thing? In short, I have lot of guilt and regret within me and this stops my spiritual progress, too. Please help! Pushpa, 40, Australia

ANSWER

Hello Pushpa, Thank you for your question. It appears that you're struggling with three different concerns: your anger; guilt and regret within you/impeding spiritual progress; and concern that your anger has had a negative impact on your son. I believe there are some practices that can aid you in your struggle with these issues.

Maha Mrityunjaya

First, I do like your idea of meditating on the Mrityunjaya mantra, which is considered a powerful ancient Sanskrit mantra. Maha Mrityunjaya is a practice of purifying the karmas of the soul at a profound level. It's also beneficial for mental, emotional and physical health. Research supports the belief that the more we focus on developing peace within us and being a source of peace for those around us, the more peaceful we actually become. However, I'd suggest a more feasible start with the practice. Instead of trying to make it a 24/7 practice, which will likely lead to disappointment and frustration, try to start out with a short morning practice, perhaps an afternoon practice and then an evening practice. If you’re just starting serious mantra practice in general, I'd suggest spending 10 minutes on each session and slowly adding a few minutes to the sessions each week.

Don't force transformation

A very important concept to remember is that transformation is a timely process that can't be forced. Consider a cooking metaphor: A person intends to have a nice baked potato for lunch. This person selects the potato, washes it, perhaps wraps it in cooking foil, heats the oven to around 425 degrees Fahrenheit (about 218 degrees Celsius) and then places the potato in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. After this time has passed, the person removes the potato from the oven and enjoys a soft, fully baked potato. However, let’s say a person doesn't have 30 to 40 minutes to wait for the potato to bake. To remedy this situation, the person decides to set the oven to its highest setting. For the sake of this example, let’s say they have an oven that can be set at 850 degrees Fahrenheit (double the original 425 degrees). Their hope is that by doubling the temperature, they'll cut the baking time in half, to around 15 to 20 minutes. Of course, the outcome of this experiment will be a disaster. This person will very quickly learn that instead of enjoying a fully baked potato in half the time, they'll instead produce a heavily burnt, hardened potato not fit for eating. To enjoy a fully baked, soft potato requires 1) optimal temperatures (the right environment) and 2) time. In the same way, to truly transform your personal afflictions, both practice and time are required. Trying to turn your mantra practice up to 24/7 will likely result in "burnt" results, so it's best to start out with a shorter time period and slowly, over time, add more time to the practice. Now, I fully understand and appreciate your desire to ward away negative energy within you and your home. When something is causing us or our loved ones pain, suffering or discomfort, our natural response is to try and get rid of that something. However, it sounds like you've been unsuccessful in trying to rid yourself of this negative energy. As such, I'm leery about trying to deal with these issues in the same manner you've obviously used time and again, throughout your life, with little success. Perhaps a new approach and new perspective can help you provide the home environment you desire for your family.

Embrace your demons

It would seem that your approach so far has involved trying to fight against this anger; to control it, muzzle it and make it go away. What if, instead of declaring yet another war on these issues. using the Maha Mrityunjaya as the weapon of choice, and engaging in a battle to overcome these forces of opposition, you invited them in, welcomed them and treated them with compassion and kindness? Instead of your mind becoming yet another battlefield, what if you tried to make it a sanctuary, a place of safety and rest for your anger? In many spiritual practices, our anger, fear, hatred and shame—our demons—are actually overcome by embracing them and transformation is achieved through our acceptance of them. The energy of opposition or resistance can actually fuel that which we're trying to overcome. In embracing our demons, a space can actually be created that allows us to step outside of our normal, often harmful reactions. The act of accepting our anger in a calm, nurturing manner allows us to actually examine it more thoughtfully, to look at it mindfully and begin to see its roots. Embracing your demons means cultivating mindful awareness and acceptance of the thoughts and emotions associated with them, as opposed to actually being involved with or acting on them. I've previously written on ways and methods to embrace our negative and difficult emotions. The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh has also written on this subject and some of these writings are online. A search for Hanh’s Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm and Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames will give you access to some of them. So instead of focusing on this issue, there are a couple of other issues I’d like to address, which I believe are also very important. One of the easiest mistakes to make as a clinician in psychology is to assume that when a client says they have a certain issue, like an anger problem, you must proceed as if they actually have an anger problem. What must first be ascertained is whether the person is angrily responding to situations that wouldn't provoke that response in most people, or whether they're actually responding with anger to situations that most people would be angered by. As such, I hesitate to assume that your anger is, in fact, a “problem,” and proceed to provide guidance in lessening an angry response that maybe shouldn't be lessened. The question then, and only you can honestly answer this, is if you're enduring things that should make you angry. Again, one way to try and answer this is to ask yourself if most people would likely experience anger in a similar situation. If it turns out that you are, in fact, in a situation that should make you angry, then ignoring that anger and the situation is, in my opinion, more harmful to both you and your son than getting angry. If, however, you're responding in an angry manner to situations that most people wouldn't respond that way to, then I highly suggest reading the articles mentioned above.

Tell them when you're struggling

Finally, I’d like to comment on your concern regarding the influence you may be having on your son. I really like the idea of passing the mantra on to him. However, I believe there's something much more important that you can pass on to him and that’s you and your experience. If you’re like me and most other parents, you strive to be the best parent you can be and as you stated, try to ensure that your children don't struggle with the same issues you do. In reality, though, we're all flawed people trying to do the best we can. My guess is that your son doesn't expect or even want perfection from you, so that’s not even a concern. So, what experience can you pass on to your son? If we assume that you're truly having problems with anger, then go to both him and your husband, tell them that you know you're struggling, but also tell them that they're important enough to you that you'll try and address the issue. Whenever you're struggling, be honest and say so before you lash out in anger. Be a model to your son of how a regular, flawed human being admits when they overreacted and removes themselves before they lash out. Show him that a person can truly learn to relax and focus on the things that matter, and allow grace and flexibility in the areas that aren't as important. If possible, make both your husband and son a part of this transformation. Allow them to celebrate your victories with you, because they're their victories as well. In doing this, you give your son an invaluable three-part gift: the gift of being able to admit to being wrong, the ability to ask for help when necessary and the courage needed to be vulnerable with our weaknesses. These gifts, which can only be given in a true, authentic relationship, are the most valuable gifts a parent can ever give their child. image by Dmitry Ryzhkov via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Click to Post

[itsyourturnblog]

Becuase, books… Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

12 months ago I summarised 30 insights from the 30 books I’d read in 2017 (here and here).

This year I have a better word than insights: noodles.

I also have 40 books under my belt, so strap yourselves in for a two-part post.

With a commitment to more fiction and variety (thanks mum) I present the first half of said list, accompanied by an ‘in a gif’ summary for those who enjoy a visual:

1. Deep Work — Cal Newport

Will change the way you think about structuring work days. Deep Work steps through the inefficient truths of most peoples relationship to work, what it means to do real, deep, uninterrupted work and why it matters.

Noodle: Put away your phone and go deep.

It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘shallow work’ of responding to emails and notifications and trick ourselves into thinking we’re being productive. The good stuff lies on the other side of uninterrupted blocks of deep work, ala A Beautiful Mind.

In a gif:

2. The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye — David Lagercrantz

Got a dose of fiction early in the year with the latest continuation of the Millenium trilogy. While no longer written by Stieg Larsson, I still found it to be an engaging and sometimes thrilling read.

Noodle: Lisbeth Salander is still a badass that makes me want to get really good at coding and hacking.

In a gif:

3. Tribe of Mentors — Tim Ferriss

The latest Tim Ferriss book where he asked the same 11 questions to over 100 of the world’s elite (in their respective fields). It’s repetitive, huge and best consumed in small chunks.

Noodle: It’s never been easier to learn from the best, even if you can’t speak to them directly. I wrote this separate post about this book earlier in the year.

In a gif:

4. Radical Self Acceptance — Tara Brach

An audiobook that goes deep into meditation and our relationship with ourselves.

Noodle: I mean, this quote says it best:

“Perhaps the biggest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible, yet we can pass our years trapped in the same old patterns… each day we listen to inner voices that keep our life small.”

In a gif:

5. The War of Art — Steven Pressfield

A reread as I began to re-wrestle with how to best work creatively and dance with the constant voice of doubt, which Pressfield calls, ‘the resistance’.

Noodle: Creative work is a constant dance with fear.

“The more scared we are of the work… the more we have to do it.”

In a gif:

6. Footprints on the Moon — Seth Godin

No link because, well, this was a gift from Seth and isn’t available for sale publically.

Noodle: Changemakers understand these three things: a) creative people change the world,

b) you can’t change everyone, hence the importance of the question ‘who’s it for?’ and;

c) you must add intention to everything, therefore ask ‘what’s it for?’

In a gif:

7. How to Walk — Thic Nhat Hanh

A tiny book that focusses on walking mindfully.

Fun fact: Ironically I read this around the time I had hip surgery and was forced to teach myself to walk again.

Noodle: Most of the time we’re walking we are distracted in thought and forget to think about the act itself. What would it look like to bring attention to each step we take?

“Forgetfulness is the opposite of mindfulness.”

In a gif:

8. The Little Prince — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A children’s book that I’m sure I read as a kid but had almost no recollection of (much to the shock of my girlfriend).

She gave me a classic case of “I’m not angry, just disappointed” so I had no choice but to read it. Two hours later on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I turned back to the front and read it again.

Noodle: Another I was compelled to write an entire post about earlier in the year.

In a gif:

9. Four Hour Work Week — Tim Ferriss

A reread to remind myself how I might be more effective and efficient with my time.

Noodle: I was reminded of this gem and its relevance to Deep Work:

“Are you inventing work to avoid the important?” which I also translate to: “Where are you hiding?”

In a gif:

10. Little Book of Hygge — Meik Wiking

A book that single-handedly opened my eyes to the simple joy of having candles.

I still have no idea how to pronounce or explain the Danish phrase, Hygge. It’s best thought of as a feeling, according to this book. The kind of feeling that comes from sipping a hot coffee on a freezing winters day when you’re inside by the fire.

Noodle: The Danish know what’s up. Small things like nice lighting, warmth, candles and living minimally are some of the most important contributing factors to our happiness.

In a gif:

11. It Happens to Strong People Too — Kaci Kai

I’m lucky enough to call Kaci a friend and her short collection of poems is everything.

Take it from someone who previously didn’t “get” poetry all that well, no matter who you are there is at least one poem among this collection that will get you right between the eyes.

Noodle: The title says it all. Everyone has their thing. Their battle, their struggle, that voice in their head. The more we realise and share this, the more connected we all become.

In a gif:

12. Jonathan Livingston Seagull — Richard Bach

A friend’s answer to the question “do you know any more books like The Little Prince?”

Noodle: The main character (yes, it’s a seagull) realises that his tenacity and desire to learn make him “pretty well a one-in-a-million bird.”

I loved this as a reminder to always be curious and seek to learn more.

In a gif:

13. The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier

A reread of a book I read last year about asking great questions.

Noodle: “What’s on your mind?” coupled with “And what else?” are questions we don’t ask each other enough.

In a gif:

14. The Prosperous Coach — Steve Chandler and Rich Livin

Terrible title but a super insightful book. It will help you think about coaching, relationships and business in a way you might not have before.

Noodle: There is no right way to run a business, be a leader or a coach… Only your way.

In a gif:

15. The Art of Possibility — Rosamund and Benjamin Zander

Another reread, this time because last year I said some parts were lost on me. Not this time, though. It’s firmly become one of my favourite books on creativity and if you haven’t already, just read this book.

Noodle: When learning, the way we respond to ‘mistakes’ or ‘failures’ is everything. The Zanders introduce this elegant idea for responding to our mistakes with the simple phrase: “how fascinating.”

In a gif:

16. Nine Stories — JD Salinger

Fiction? Check. Great author? Check. How could this series of short stories not be good? Sadly, I won’t lie, I was a little disappointed. Maybe it was me and my state of mind at the time, but I struggled to keep up, relate to or connect with any of the nine stories.

Noodle: Not all books are for everyone.

In a gif:

17. Designing Your Life — Bill Burnett

A very actionable and useful book based on a popular class of the same name at Stanford University.

Noodle: What would it look like to apply design thinking to your life? To get proactive, rather than reactive?

In a gif:

18. Reach Out — Molly Beck

An easy, actionable read on how to generously start conversations with those that inspire you. Generously being the operative word.

Noodle: It mean, it’s obvious, but if we took time to generously reach out to 1 new person every day for a year, we’d have up to 365 connections we wouldn’t have otherwise had.

In a gif:

19. Purple Cow — Seth Godin

I know, I know, yet another Seth book, and yet another reread. Alas, I planned to read intentionally this year and Purple Cow came just as I was reconsidering my website.

Noodle: Stand out and make your business, product or service something people remark at, just like a purple cow… Or in the case of the gif, a cow with luscious locks.

In a gif:

20. Story Driven — Bernadette Jiwa

A brilliant little book on how to use stories as a strategy for communicating your business.

Noodle: What if paused to consider the stories that got us to where we are? Could they help us better connect with current and future clients?

In a gif:

Next week I’ll tackle 21–40, in the meantime Happy Holidays you amazing humans.

Thanks for reading and being you. It means a lot to me.

Note: If you’re enjoying A bird’s eye view and all of its noodle-y goodness tell a friend they can subscribe here too.

Originally published at abev.blog.

20 noodles from 20 books was originally published in It's Your Turn on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Peter Shepherd via It's Your Turn - Medium #itsyourturn #altMBA #SethGodin #quotes #inspiration #stories #change #transformation #writers #writing #self #shipping #personaldevelopment #growth #education #marketing #entrepreneurship #leadership #personaldev #wellness #medium #blogging #quoteoftheday #inspirationoftheday

[sportsandfitnessinfo]

New Post has been published on http://fitnessandhealthpros.com/beauty/beyond-stressed-take-5-for-these-gentle-yoga-practices-no-mat-needed/

Beyond Stressed? Take 5 For These Gentle Yoga Practices (No Mat Needed)

It may seem as though the world is moving fast as we or those around us have quite busy lifestyles and little time to just pause and take care of ourselves. Having a few minutes a day may seem like a luxury to some, but it can work wonders. Granted, this may cause some controversy as how on earth are we supposed to take some time off to do Yoga! But Yoga does not have to last two hours, one hour, or even 30 minutes (although that truly does one good!). Yoga isn’t just about the physical exercise. Yoga can take only 5 minutes of your day as you dedicate some peaceful time to connect with your body, your surroundings, and your health. Remember, Yoga has amazing benefits for the mind and the body. There’s no better time than the present to concentrate on your well-being!

1. Start in the morning.

Have you heard this inspirational quote before? “Set a goal that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.” Start incorporating your well-being as a goal! Before you do anything when you wake up, just set your timer for 5 minutes and start off by doing a Child’s Pose. Bring your arms forwards or behind you, rest your forehead on the floor or carpet (softer), and stay here for 10 long breaths. You’ll already feel the benefits! If you are up for it, continue by doing a few Cat-Cow poses to warm up your spine for a few rounds, and then go into your Downward Dog to activate your muscles for a few breaths. Finish off by doing a standing forward bend and slowly get up.

2. Practice being mindful.

We often forget that Yoga is a daily practice about being present and mindful. Try to experience every moment as fully as you can. At each moment of the day, try to bring your focus back to your breath, your surroundings, or your actions and simply observe. There’s no need to do it for a long time, but a few minutes can help improve moods greatly and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Being mindful allows you to take an objective standpoint and not get caught up in the messiness that sometimes life throws at us. Sit back and enjoy life all around you. When life is not going in the direction you expected, practice this in order to take a step back and be present with yourself and emotions.

3. Breathe.

Take some time to breathe deeply. Set 5 or 10 minutes of your day to just meditate on your breath and let your thoughts flow past you. You can do this easily at your desk if you are working at the office or in transit if you are commuting. Take deep Yoga breaths: when you inhale, focus on making your belly rise, concentrate on the breath going to your chest then up to your collar bones, hold and exhale slowly all the way down from collar to chest to belly and pushing out all stale area before taking in another breath. Do it for a set of 20 and see how it feels. Better, right?

4. Eat with intention.

Adding yoga in your everyday life should extend to eating healthily and mindfully. Have you ever noticed that when you eat too many indulgent, you don’t necessarily feel at your best? Consuming more “pure” foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts and hydrating yourself with water will help make you feel better. When you start eating with intention, you start to notice more and more food that causes you more harm than good. Start slowly by making a few dietary changes on a daily basis, eat with intention for five minutes by truly embracing your food, and observe how your body and spirit feels afterwards. Take the first step! Adding a little bit of yoga into your daily life is wonderful as you become more in tune with your body and spirit. A little step each day will bring about positive outcomes in your lifestyle. What kind of beautiful Yoga actions do you add to everyday life? 

Related: 7 Tips for Your Best-Ever Night’s Sleep + P.M. Yoga Routine

3 Yoga Breathing Exercises for Stress Relief

7 Reasons Why Morning Yoga Supports Healthy Habits

Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!

__

Photo: Pexels

Emilie is a half-French, half-Thai world citizen who is passionate about leading a mindful lifestyle. She works in the internet sector to help out yoga teachers build their online presence and on the side she is a yoga student and encourages people to eat local. You can find out more about how she helps out yoga teachers on the website Heek.

Originally at :Peaceful Dumpling Written By : Emilie Blum

#Beyond, #Gentle, #Needed, #Practices, #Stressed, #Take, #These, #Yoga #Beauty

[businessfrontrunners]

Bestselling Book from Psychotherapist Amy Carpenter Reveals What Parents Need to Know to Help Teens Stay Smart, Strong, and Safe from Sexual Harassment and Assault 

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=35514&wpwautoposter=1621576900 "The #MeToo movement helped break down the walls of secrecy and shame that have always existed around the issue of sexual violence," says psychotherapist Amy Carpenter, author of the bestselling book, Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety. "Since half of all victims are between the ages of 18 and 34, it's crucial that we carry the movement forward by empowering young men, women and non-binary youth to learn ways of keeping themselves and others safe."Carpenter, who has nearly twenty-five years of experience treating sexual assault victims, collaborates with schools and youth organizations to offer a curriculum that teaches young people how to lower their risk of while also building healthy connections with others. Her approach has proven to double awareness scores, meaning participants leave her program with a much clearer sense of how to keep themselves safe.The drive to make a difference is personal for Amy Carpenter. "As a parent, psychotherapist, and assault survivor, I know all too well the importance of arming our young adults with the knowledge they need to safeguard themselves," she says.According to Carpenter, teens are exposed to a staggering amount of explicit content on their computers and smart phones every day - which creates an opportunity for parents and educators. "In my experience, young people are more eager than we think they are to find a safe place where they can process everything," she says. Because discussing sexual ethics with young people is not easy, Carpenter has identified three primary conversation obstacles and how to overcome them:1. Be willing to feel uncomfortable. Carpenter teaches that learning to get comfortable with uncomfortable subject matter is the first step to having an effective conversation. “When adults are afraid to talk about something, the fear often causes us to broach the subject from the wrong angle,” she says. “The best way to overcome that fear is to accept that it’s part of the process. If we wait until we’re comfortable, we may never have these important conversations.”2. Ask better questions. According to Carpenter, asking the right reflective questions helps teens build empathy and awareness when someone they know has been assaulted. “In sorting through the details of harassment or assault, teen groups are often polarized and feel forced to ‘pick a side’ in a bid to maintain their social standing,” Carpenter explains. “To overcome this tendency, instead of asking, ‘What happened and what are people saying about it?’ ask, ‘What would you say or do if someone tried to cross your personal boundaries?’”3. Get on the same page. “This is a vast subject, and many people struggle with knowing where to begin,” Carpenter says. “Exploring the sexual assault definition (which many young people don’t know) is a great place to start a dialogue.”Carpenter’s book comes highly recommended for parents and educators who need extra help with those difficult conversations with young people."Be Strong, Be Wise is an invaluable resource to help young women and men navigate the complexities of social and sexual situations in order to prevent and protect themselves,” says Dr. Nina Silberman, psychologist and parent. “Amy’s book is written in clear, straightforward language that interweaves real life vignettes, statistical data, concrete strategies, thought-provoking questions, practical guidance, and vital resources that make this book a must-read.”While awareness of sexual harassment is at an all-time high, there is still a lot of work to be done. About 60% of women polled by Time magazine said that their work environment has not changed since the #MeToo movement, and half of them said that they are no more likely to report sexual harassment now than before. Yet Carpenter is encouraged by the open, honest conversations she has had with young people in classes she has taught. “In many ways, young people are able to hold meaningful conversation on topics adults still struggle with, since they’ve grown up in the digital age. I can see this trend continuing and it gives me hope,” she says. “Young people are advocating for themselves in profoundly personal ways; it’s our job to respond as fully and mindfully as we can.”Amy Carpenter is a psychotherapist, life coach, and bestselling author with more than twenty-five years of experience in child welfare, youth advocacy, and sexual safety education. She is the bestselling author of Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety and creator of the Be Strong, Be Wise sexual safety education program. Her writings and educational curricula are utilized by schools, youth organizations, and families to empower young people with tools that build confidence and support healthy relationships. She is a speaker, group leader, and co-founder of several community organizations designed to meet the needs of children and families. In 2018, Carpenter was named the Maine Writers and Publisher’s Alliance Ilgenfritz Scholar for writers of non-fiction.To learn more about books, programs, and other educational resources available from Amy Carpenter, visit bestrongbewise.com.

[businessfrontrunners]

Bestselling Book from Psychotherapist Amy Carpenter Reveals What Parents Need to Know to Help Teens Stay Smart, Strong, and Safe from Sexual Harassment and Assault 

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=35514&wpwautoposter=1621566073 "The #MeToo movement helped break down the walls of secrecy and shame that have always existed around the issue of sexual violence," says psychotherapist Amy Carpenter, author of the bestselling book, Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety. "Since half of all victims are between the ages of 18 and 34, it's crucial that we carry the movement forward by empowering young men, women and non-binary youth to learn ways of keeping themselves and others safe."Carpenter, who has nearly twenty-five years of experience treating sexual assault victims, collaborates with schools and youth organizations to offer a curriculum that teaches young people how to lower their risk of while also building healthy connections with others. Her approach has proven to double awareness scores, meaning participants leave her program with a much clearer sense of how to keep themselves safe.The drive to make a difference is personal for Amy Carpenter. "As a parent, psychotherapist, and assault survivor, I know all too well the importance of arming our young adults with the knowledge they need to safeguard themselves," she says.According to Carpenter, teens are exposed to a staggering amount of explicit content on their computers and smart phones every day - which creates an opportunity for parents and educators. "In my experience, young people are more eager than we think they are to find a safe place where they can process everything," she says. Because discussing sexual ethics with young people is not easy, Carpenter has identified three primary conversation obstacles and how to overcome them:1. Be willing to feel uncomfortable. Carpenter teaches that learning to get comfortable with uncomfortable subject matter is the first step to having an effective conversation. “When adults are afraid to talk about something, the fear often causes us to broach the subject from the wrong angle,” she says. “The best way to overcome that fear is to accept that it’s part of the process. If we wait until we’re comfortable, we may never have these important conversations.”2. Ask better questions. According to Carpenter, asking the right reflective questions helps teens build empathy and awareness when someone they know has been assaulted. “In sorting through the details of harassment or assault, teen groups are often polarized and feel forced to ‘pick a side’ in a bid to maintain their social standing,” Carpenter explains. “To overcome this tendency, instead of asking, ‘What happened and what are people saying about it?’ ask, ‘What would you say or do if someone tried to cross your personal boundaries?’”3. Get on the same page. “This is a vast subject, and many people struggle with knowing where to begin,” Carpenter says. “Exploring the sexual assault definition (which many young people don’t know) is a great place to start a dialogue.”Carpenter’s book comes highly recommended for parents and educators who need extra help with those difficult conversations with young people."Be Strong, Be Wise is an invaluable resource to help young women and men navigate the complexities of social and sexual situations in order to prevent and protect themselves,” says Dr. Nina Silberman, psychologist and parent. “Amy’s book is written in clear, straightforward language that interweaves real life vignettes, statistical data, concrete strategies, thought-provoking questions, practical guidance, and vital resources that make this book a must-read.”While awareness of sexual harassment is at an all-time high, there is still a lot of work to be done. About 60% of women polled by Time magazine said that their work environment has not changed since the #MeToo movement, and half of them said that they are no more likely to report sexual harassment now than before. Yet Carpenter is encouraged by the open, honest conversations she has had with young people in classes she has taught. “In many ways, young people are able to hold meaningful conversation on topics adults still struggle with, since they’ve grown up in the digital age. I can see this trend continuing and it gives me hope,” she says. “Young people are advocating for themselves in profoundly personal ways; it’s our job to respond as fully and mindfully as we can.”Amy Carpenter is a psychotherapist, life coach, and bestselling author with more than twenty-five years of experience in child welfare, youth advocacy, and sexual safety education. She is the bestselling author of Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety and creator of the Be Strong, Be Wise sexual safety education program. Her writings and educational curricula are utilized by schools, youth organizations, and families to empower young people with tools that build confidence and support healthy relationships. She is a speaker, group leader, and co-founder of several community organizations designed to meet the needs of children and families. In 2018, Carpenter was named the Maine Writers and Publisher’s Alliance Ilgenfritz Scholar for writers of non-fiction.To learn more about books, programs, and other educational resources available from Amy Carpenter, visit bestrongbewise.com.

[businessfrontrunners]

Bestselling Book from Psychotherapist Amy Carpenter Reveals What Parents Need to Know to Help Teens Stay Smart, Strong, and Safe from Sexual Harassment and Assault 

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=35514&wpwautoposter=1621526406 "The #MeToo movement helped break down the walls of secrecy and shame that have always existed around the issue of sexual violence," says psychotherapist Amy Carpenter, author of the bestselling book, Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety. "Since half of all victims are between the ages of 18 and 34, it's crucial that we carry the movement forward by empowering young men, women and non-binary youth to learn ways of keeping themselves and others safe."Carpenter, who has nearly twenty-five years of experience treating sexual assault victims, collaborates with schools and youth organizations to offer a curriculum that teaches young people how to lower their risk of while also building healthy connections with others. Her approach has proven to double awareness scores, meaning participants leave her program with a much clearer sense of how to keep themselves safe.The drive to make a difference is personal for Amy Carpenter. "As a parent, psychotherapist, and assault survivor, I know all too well the importance of arming our young adults with the knowledge they need to safeguard themselves," she says.According to Carpenter, teens are exposed to a staggering amount of explicit content on their computers and smart phones every day - which creates an opportunity for parents and educators. "In my experience, young people are more eager than we think they are to find a safe place where they can process everything," she says. Because discussing sexual ethics with young people is not easy, Carpenter has identified three primary conversation obstacles and how to overcome them:1. Be willing to feel uncomfortable. Carpenter teaches that learning to get comfortable with uncomfortable subject matter is the first step to having an effective conversation. “When adults are afraid to talk about something, the fear often causes us to broach the subject from the wrong angle,” she says. “The best way to overcome that fear is to accept that it’s part of the process. If we wait until we’re comfortable, we may never have these important conversations.”2. Ask better questions. According to Carpenter, asking the right reflective questions helps teens build empathy and awareness when someone they know has been assaulted. “In sorting through the details of harassment or assault, teen groups are often polarized and feel forced to ‘pick a side’ in a bid to maintain their social standing,” Carpenter explains. “To overcome this tendency, instead of asking, ‘What happened and what are people saying about it?’ ask, ‘What would you say or do if someone tried to cross your personal boundaries?’”3. Get on the same page. “This is a vast subject, and many people struggle with knowing where to begin,” Carpenter says. “Exploring the sexual assault definition (which many young people don’t know) is a great place to start a dialogue.”Carpenter’s book comes highly recommended for parents and educators who need extra help with those difficult conversations with young people."Be Strong, Be Wise is an invaluable resource to help young women and men navigate the complexities of social and sexual situations in order to prevent and protect themselves,” says Dr. Nina Silberman, psychologist and parent. “Amy’s book is written in clear, straightforward language that interweaves real life vignettes, statistical data, concrete strategies, thought-provoking questions, practical guidance, and vital resources that make this book a must-read.”While awareness of sexual harassment is at an all-time high, there is still a lot of work to be done. About 60% of women polled by Time magazine said that their work environment has not changed since the #MeToo movement, and half of them said that they are no more likely to report sexual harassment now than before. Yet Carpenter is encouraged by the open, honest conversations she has had with young people in classes she has taught. “In many ways, young people are able to hold meaningful conversation on topics adults still struggle with, since they’ve grown up in the digital age. I can see this trend continuing and it gives me hope,” she says. “Young people are advocating for themselves in profoundly personal ways; it’s our job to respond as fully and mindfully as we can.”Amy Carpenter is a psychotherapist, life coach, and bestselling author with more than twenty-five years of experience in child welfare, youth advocacy, and sexual safety education. She is the bestselling author of Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety and creator of the Be Strong, Be Wise sexual safety education program. Her writings and educational curricula are utilized by schools, youth organizations, and families to empower young people with tools that build confidence and support healthy relationships. She is a speaker, group leader, and co-founder of several community organizations designed to meet the needs of children and families. In 2018, Carpenter was named the Maine Writers and Publisher’s Alliance Ilgenfritz Scholar for writers of non-fiction.To learn more about books, programs, and other educational resources available from Amy Carpenter, visit bestrongbewise.com.

[businessfrontrunners]

Bestselling Book from Psychotherapist Amy Carpenter Reveals What Parents Need to Know to Help Teens Stay Smart, Strong, and Safe from Sexual Harassment and Assault 

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=35514 "The #MeToo movement helped break down the walls of secrecy and shame that have always existed around the issue of sexual violence," says psychotherapist Amy Carpenter, author of the bestselling book, Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety. "Since half of all victims are between the ages of 18 and 34, it's crucial that we carry the movement forward by empowering young men, women and non-binary youth to learn ways of keeping themselves and others safe."Carpenter, who has nearly twenty-five years of experience treating sexual assault victims, collaborates with schools and youth organizations to offer a curriculum that teaches young people how to lower their risk of while also building healthy connections with others. Her approach has proven to double awareness scores, meaning participants leave her program with a much clearer sense of how to keep themselves safe.The drive to make a difference is personal for Amy Carpenter. "As a parent, psychotherapist, and assault survivor, I know all too well the importance of arming our young adults with the knowledge they need to safeguard themselves," she says.According to Carpenter, teens are exposed to a staggering amount of explicit content on their computers and smart phones every day - which creates an opportunity for parents and educators. "In my experience, young people are more eager than we think they are to find a safe place where they can process everything," she says. Because discussing sexual ethics with young people is not easy, Carpenter has identified three primary conversation obstacles and how to overcome them:1. Be willing to feel uncomfortable. Carpenter teaches that learning to get comfortable with uncomfortable subject matter is the first step to having an effective conversation. “When adults are afraid to talk about something, the fear often causes us to broach the subject from the wrong angle,” she says. “The best way to overcome that fear is to accept that it’s part of the process. If we wait until we’re comfortable, we may never have these important conversations.”2. Ask better questions. According to Carpenter, asking the right reflective questions helps teens build empathy and awareness when someone they know has been assaulted. “In sorting through the details of harassment or assault, teen groups are often polarized and feel forced to ‘pick a side’ in a bid to maintain their social standing,” Carpenter explains. “To overcome this tendency, instead of asking, ‘What happened and what are people saying about it?’ ask, ‘What would you say or do if someone tried to cross your personal boundaries?’”3. Get on the same page. “This is a vast subject, and many people struggle with knowing where to begin,” Carpenter says. “Exploring the sexual assault definition (which many young people don’t know) is a great place to start a dialogue.”Carpenter’s book comes highly recommended for parents and educators who need extra help with those difficult conversations with young people."Be Strong, Be Wise is an invaluable resource to help young women and men navigate the complexities of social and sexual situations in order to prevent and protect themselves,” says Dr. Nina Silberman, psychologist and parent. “Amy’s book is written in clear, straightforward language that interweaves real life vignettes, statistical data, concrete strategies, thought-provoking questions, practical guidance, and vital resources that make this book a must-read.”While awareness of sexual harassment is at an all-time high, there is still a lot of work to be done. About 60% of women polled by Time magazine said that their work environment has not changed since the #MeToo movement, and half of them said that they are no more likely to report sexual harassment now than before. Yet Carpenter is encouraged by the open, honest conversations she has had with young people in classes she has taught. “In many ways, young people are able to hold meaningful conversation on topics adults still struggle with, since they’ve grown up in the digital age. I can see this trend continuing and it gives me hope,” she says. “Young people are advocating for themselves in profoundly personal ways; it’s our job to respond as fully and mindfully as we can.”Amy Carpenter is a psychotherapist, life coach, and bestselling author with more than twenty-five years of experience in child welfare, youth advocacy, and sexual safety education. She is the bestselling author of Be Strong, Be Wise: The Young Adult’s Guide to Sexual Assault Awareness and Personal Safety and creator of the Be Strong, Be Wise sexual safety education program. Her writings and educational curricula are utilized by schools, youth organizations, and families to empower young people with tools that build confidence and support healthy relationships. She is a speaker, group leader, and co-founder of several community organizations designed to meet the needs of children and families. In 2018, Carpenter was named the Maine Writers and Publisher’s Alliance Ilgenfritz Scholar for writers of non-fiction.To learn more about books, programs, and other educational resources available from Amy Carpenter, visit bestrongbewise.com.