#John cougar little pink houses

[notpolh]

John cougar little pink houses

In fact, the essays can be read organically as an ethnographic description of the phenomenology of whiteness, because Bradway well understands that working-class identity is always about racial identity-and that this phenomenology inhabits a complex political and ethical universe. The placement of this essay as first in the volume suggests that the cultural scenes to follow are enabled, staged, by a defining investment in white, if not (indeed, precisely because not) class privilege. "Overcome" takes up the issue of working-class whiteness directly, but whiteness is the thematic basement that supports the foundation of class reflections. Jackson's visit stirs up resentment among Decatur whites, as they find themselves publicly constructed as symbols of small-town bigotry. "Overcome," the first in the collection, is about an incident in Decatur, Illinois, when Jesse Jackson came to town to publicly admonish the white school board for expelling six African American students for fighting at a high school football game. They begin in expansive but tightly bounded places and move outward to reflections on what it means to be alone together in America, where, as Bradway observes, "voices don't carry across the fields and farmlands to those outside." The book itself is stunningly designed, with chapters headed by black-and-white photos of local people-photos that insist that we see those who are the subjects of Bradway's essays as suspended in the past perfect tense, even as they appear to be in motion.Ĭlass is Bradway's explicit subject, whiteness implicit in all. Here indeed form follows function, as the generic unease of the essays bespeaks the social and psychic anxieties rendered by the essays themselves. These essays are not easily generic, combining elements of memoir, the personal essay, and creative nonfiction. The tensions here are between space and time, nostalgia for a formative past and the desire for transcendence, hope and disappointment, rootedness and displacement, evocation and provocation, grim despair and redemptive humor. Many of us regard our pasts with a mixture of nostalgia for a place of origin and relief at having finally escaped into reinvention, but Bradway dwells in these places of deep ambivalence. More specifically, the essays are set in churches and kitchens and yards and porches, places of gathering and reckoning.Ĭontradiction and ambivalence are the heart and soul of these essays. Mellencamp is from rural Indiana, the South of the North-and though Bradway's essays are set in rural Illinois, they sing the lived displacement in time and space that supplies the Mellencamp thematic. Mellencamp is the embodied voice of the rural working-class white: smart, tough, as uncompromising as he is malcontent, unabashedly loyal to a place most people consider no place at all. If these essays have a common theme, it is about the working-class experience of the moment when the temporality and motion of life sink into permanence. Bradway's essays, like the song, are about time and thwarted desire, about becoming giving way to being, and more to the point, being in a place that, for better or worse, is home. The title of Becky Bradway's collection is a reference to folk hero and farm-boy rocker John Mellencamp's well-known lyric about the American working-class dream of mobility and the inevitable resignation to the confines of one's own tiny backyard.

[opolistonki]

John cougar little pink houses

JOHN COUGAR LITTLE PINK HOUSES FULL

JOHN COUGAR LITTLE PINK HOUSES CODE

JOHN COUGAR LITTLE PINK HOUSES FREE

Home of the free, yeah, C Little pink houses for you and me, oh baby, for you and me.

JOHN COUGAR LITTLE PINK HOUSES FREE

AGint that America home of the free C D Little pink houses for you and meC Oh yeah for you Gand me. CHORUS: - G C G Oh but ain't that America, for you and me. Chords for John Cougar Mellencamp - Pink houses. He's got greasy hair and a greasy smile he says, F C G "Lord this must be my destination." Cause they told me when I was younger, "Boy you're gonna be president." F C But just like everything else those old crazy dreams G just kinda came and went. John Cougar - Aint Even Done With The Night (Live 1981) Chords: E. Little pink houses for you and me Ah, yeah, baby, for you and me Well, theres people. Learn every word of your favourite song and get the meaning or start your own concert tonight :-). To Paraphrase his Midwest Guitar Friend Madonna, Nobodys Perfect. Pink houses lyrics belongs on the album Uh -huh. John Mellencamp understands this fact better than anyone in Rock.

JOHN COUGAR LITTLE PINK HOUSES FULL

See the full Pink houses lyrics from John Cougar Mellencamp. Home of the free, yeah, C Little pink houses for you and me, oh yeah, for you and me Pink houses lyrics - John Cougar Mellencamp. John Mellencamp lyrics painting on 10 x 10 wood panel, Pink Houses. He's got an interstate running through his front yard, F C G You know he thinks he's got it so good G And there's a woman in the kitchen cleaning up the evening's slop, F And he looks at her and says, "Hey darlin' C G I can remember when you could stop a clock." - CHORUS: - G C G Oh but ain't that America for you and me. Little Diddy Jack & Diane Lyrics John Cougar Mellencamp Song Lyric Subversive Chili. Theres a black man with a black cat Livin in a black neighborhood Hes got an interstate runnin through his. Great writing with insightful lyrics and. From the Album: John Cougar Mellencamp - Uh-Huh. Recorded and released in 1983 on John Mellencamps album Uh-Huh this has become my all time favorite song by him.

JOHN COUGAR LITTLE PINK HOUSES CODE

Get the embed code John Cougar Mellencamp - Uh-Huh! Album Lyrics1.Pink Houses2.Pink Houses (Bonus Track)3.Play GuitarJohn Cougar Mellencamp Lyrics provided by Lyrics Begin: Theres a black man with a black cat livin in a black neighborhood. Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah 'Cause the simple man, baby, pays for the thrills, the billsĪin't that America? Hey, somethin' to see, babyĪin't that America? Oh, the home of the free He says, "Lord this must be my destination"īut just like everything else those old crazy dreamsĪnd vacation down at the Gulf of Mexico, ooh yeah He's got an interstate runnin' through his front yardĪnd he looks at her and says, "Hey darlin', I can remember whenĪh, but ain't that America for you and me?Īin't that America? Somethin' to see, babyĪin't that America? Home of the free, yeah

[ragnell]

Today I realized that modern house-flippers are increasingly invalidating John Cougar Mellancamp's classic song "Little Pink Houses" and it makes me angry.

[stonewallsposts]

Music I Love: 1982

Sweet Dreams- The Eurythmics I liked the Eurythmics, and they had a bunch of songs that I really liked. No More I Love You's from much later (1995) is perhaps my favorite, but Sweet Dreams is one of those that sticks in your head for good reasons too.

Africa- Toto This song has become somewhat of a joke, but it is a great song, so it makes the list according to me.

Jack and Diane- John Cougar Mellencamp John Cougar Mellencamp was kind of an important part of music in the 80's. He popularized a kind of pro-America country/rock fusion that obviously found an audience. He has a couple that made my list and I really like this one. Maybe not as much as Pink Houses, but there's no reason an artist only has to have one song on the list.

White Wedding- Billy Idol Classic cool song.... Hey little sister what have you done?....C'mon... it's a.... nice day, for a.... white wedding.... I can't help but get into this one.

Gypsy- Fleetwood Mac I was kind of surprised that Fleetwood Mac didn't make this list more, but this song, Gypsy, may be my favorite of theirs, although on a different day, I might choose Landslide. The guitar solo by Lindsey Buckingham at the end is one of my favorites.

Only the Lonely- Martha and the Motels I already wrote about why this song is on the list in another post. It evokes good memories for me.

[youtubegreys]

Lyrics to pink houses

Here's the chorus: Oh but ain't that America for you and me So, a lot turns on the chorus of the song, and the commentary in the third verse. The song is a glimpse into these small-town American lives, whittled down to a verse in a three-minute pop song. So we have these two snapshots of people. So he puts a positive spin on it: "Lord this must be my destination." Just a certain nostalgia ("those old crazy dreams") and the fact that he's stayed put - perhaps he thought he'd break out of his small town once and yet he didn't, for whatever reason. What do we make of this "young man in a T-shirt"? On the one hand, he's got "greasy hair" and a "greasy smile," suggesting both that he is probably of working class background (grease here being both a hair style and also a suggestion of "grease monkey" or gas engines), and possibly that there's something "greasy," slippery, or self-serving about him. Just kinda came and wentIf the first verse fits easily into a common social commentary (the blight of black America), the second does not. He says, "Lord this must be my destination."īut just like everything else those old crazy dreams I'm going to skip the chorus for a second and move to the second verse: There's a young man in a T-shirt He's got a wife and a house and he remembers when they were young and in love. We can guess that they've gotten the short end of the stick, in that there's an "interstate runnin' through front yard" and yet the man "thinks he's got it so good." He's not wallowing, even though by the simple fact that he's black, we intuit a larger social commentary about race and society and the way it must affect his situation - in essence, why an interstate would have been built through his neighborhood and not a more affluent neighborhood. "Hey darlin', I can remember when you could stop a clock."We're presented with this image of a couple, an older couple, a black couple. You know he thinks that he's got it so goodĪnd there's a woman in the kitchen cleanin' up the evenin' slop He's got an interstate runnin' through his front yard Here's the first verse: There's a black man with a black cat livin' in a black neighborhood Instead, it uses a few snapshots to suggest a larger commentary. "Pink Houses" is a song built on a narrative impulse, but it is not really a "story song," in that it doesn't tell one simple story. In it, he talked about his folk influences, and the "four songs" that he wrote, over and over. I heard Terry Gross's interview with Mellencamp on Fresh Air last night. He was orginally packaged as "John Cougar" - a sort of market-driven caricature - but as his success allowed him some independence, he the name on the albums to John Cougar Mellencamp and then to John Mellencamp. He came up in the music business at an interesting time, in the early days of MTV. His songs are not quite as inventive or fine-crafted as a Bob Dylan or a Bruce Springsteen, but they are simple, accessible, and come grounded in a small-town American heartland sensibility. As a songwriter, Mellencamp has kept it simple throughout his career. Oh, but ain't that America For you and me Ain't that America Something to see, baby Ain't that America Home of the free, yeah Little pink houses For you and me Oooh Ooooh, yeah.The lyrics of "Pink Houses" by John Mellencamp ( listen to the song on Mellencamp's Last.fm page) are a social commentary, packed carefully into the confines of a three-minute pop song. Well, there's people and more people What do they know, know, know Go to work in some high rise And vacation down at the Gulf of Mexico Ooh, yeah And there's winners and there's losers But they ain't no big deal 'Cause the simple man, baby Pays for thrills The bills the pills that kill Oh, but ain't that America For you and me Ain't that America Something to see, baby Ain't that America Home of the free, yeah Little pink houses For you and me Oooh, little baby For you and me Well, there's a young man in a t-shirt Listenin' to a rockin' rollin' station He's got greasy hair, greasy smile He says, Lord this must be my destination 'Cause they told me when I was younger Said boy, you're gonna be president But just like everything else Those old crazy dreams Just kinda came and went Oh, but ain't that America For you and me Ain't that America Something to see, baby Ain't that America Home of the free, yeah Little pink houses For you and me Oooh, yeah For you and me There's a black man with a black cat Livin' in a black neighborhood He's got an interstate Runnin' through his front yard You know he thinks that he's got it so good And there's a woman in the kitchen Cleanin' up the evenin' slop And he looks at her and says, hey darlin' I can remember when you could stop a clock John Cougar Mellencamp Pink Houses (Ain't That America) Lyrics

[greyshn]

Pink houses in brooklyn

#PINK HOUSES IN BROOKLYN FULL#

"John Mellencamp: No "Pink Houses" for NOM".

^ Mellencamp Asks McCain to Stop Using Tunes Archived June 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.

"Mellencamp Music for McCain? Like Paper & Fire".

^ a b Amy, Argetsinger Roxanne Roberts (February 6, 2008).

"Pink Houses, Black Lives, and John Mellencamp's Misunderstood Legacy". "The Real Meaning Behind John Mellencamp's Song Pink Houses".

^ "Talent Almanac 1985: Top Pop Singles".

Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012.

^ "John Mellencamp art exhibit set to open in DeLand".

^ Classic Tracks: John Cougar Mellencamp's “Pink Houses” Archived at the Wayback Machine.

^ a b Pink Houses: John Mellencamp : Rolling Stone.

Mellencamp's views on same sex-marriage and equal rights for people of all sexual orientations are at odds with NOM's stated agenda" and requesting that NOM "find music from a source more in harmony with your views than Mr. At Mellencamp's instruction, his publicist sent a cease and desist letter to NOM stating "that Mr. In 2010, "Pink Houses" was used by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) at events opposing same-sex marriage. In January 2009, Mellencamp played "Pink Houses" at We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. Mellencamp contacted the McCain campaign pointing out Mellencamp's support for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and questioning McCain's use of his music in response, the McCain campaign ceased using Mellencamp's songs. "Pink Houses" along with "Our Country" was played by Senator John McCain at political events for his 2008 presidential campaign. The song was also used at events for Edwards' 2008 presidential campaign. In 2004, the song was played at events for Senator John Edwards' presidential campaign. Ironically, the song came to be used in political advertisements and campaign rallies, especially by conservatives. The repeating line in the chorus of "Ain’t that America" was meant to be sarcastic and cynical. Mellencamp had intended Pink Houses to be a lesson on race, class and survival in America. At an October 2014 press conference, he stated: "A long time ago, I wrote a song called 'Pink Houses.' Now when I hear that song, all I can think is: 'Why didn't I do a better job on the last verse?' If I had written it today, the last verse would've had more meaning." Charts Chart (1983–1984) Mellencamp has stated many times since the release of "Pink Houses" that he is unhappy with the song's final verse. "He waved, and I waved back," Mellencamp said in an interview with Rolling Stone. There was an old black man sitting outside his little pink shotgun house with his cat in his arms, completely unperturbed by the traffic speeding along the highway in his front yard. Monroe Houses, 805 Taylor Avenue, Apt.Recorded in a farmhouse in Brownstown, Indiana, the song was inspired when Mellencamp was driving along an overpass on the way home to Bloomington, Indiana, from the Indianapolis airport. 6D, Bronxīutler Houses, 1330 Webster Avenue, Apt. 8B, BronxĬastle Hill Houses, 635 Castle Hill Avenue, Apt. 6B, Bronxīayview Houses, 2115 Rockaway Parkway, Apt. 10A, Brooklynīrownsville Houses, 345 Dumont Avenue, Apt. 1C, Queensīaruch Houses, 90 Columbia Street, Apt. 2F, BrooklynĪstoria Houses, 3-10 Astoria Boulevard, Apt. Red Hook West Houses, 82 Dwight Street, Apt. 3C, Bronxĭouglass Houses, 830 Amsterdam Avenue, Apt. Red Hook West Houses, 416 Columbia Street, Apt. Queensbridge South Houses, 41-05 10th Street, Apt. BC, BronxĬarver Houses, 1545 Madison Avenue, Apt. Mary’s Park Houses, 550 Cauldwell Avenue, Apt. Patterson Houses, 314 East 143rd Street, Apt. 4D, BrooklynĬampos Plaza, 205 Avenue C, Apt. 9D, Manhattanįiorentino Plaza, 2211 Pitkin Avenue, Apt. Ocean Bay Apartments, 54-81 Almeda Avenue, Apt. Patterson Houses, 271 East 143rd Street, Apt. Williamsburg Houses, 167 Ten Eyck Walk, Apt. 3E, Brooklynīerry Houses, 801 Manor Road, Apt. Van Dyke I Houses, 372 Blake Avenue, Apt. Grant Houses, 430 West 125th Street, Apt. Mott Haven Houses, 340 Alexander Avenue, Apt. Union Consolidated Houses, 819 East 167th Street, Apt. The following are the people, with their former addresses, excluded as of November 11-December 9, 2013.

#PINK HOUSES IN BROOKLYN FULL#

The full list can be viewed at on.nyc.gov/nychanotwanted. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Pink House locations in Brooklyn, NY. This list keeps residents informed of the Authority's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers in public housing and to allow for the peaceful and safe use of its facilities. Find 177 listings related to Pink House in Brooklyn on YP.com. Below is a partial list of names of individuals who have been excluded permanently from NYCHA's public housing developments.

[thefanficfaerie]

It’s here!! I reached 3500 followers. Thank you so much to all of you lovely people who have followed and continue to follow me you are all amazing. I appreciate all of you!!! Now on to the challenge. It got a little crazy. I am so sorry. Below are 100 songs spanning the first 18 years of my life. I have divided them up into the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. If a song was out before I was born but rereleased after I was born its on the list but listed under its original decade. 

Here are the rules: 

1. One person per song. There are 100 songs so no doubling up this time. Send in an ask with your character and song. 

2. You are allowed to pick more than one song. You are allowed to create anything you want. Story, social media edit, mood board, etc.

3. Characters I allow are: 

Steve Rogers x Reader  Tony Stark x Reader  AU Bucky Barnes x Reader  Stucky x Reader Jim Kirk x Reader Leonard McCoy x Reader Rafael Barba x Reader Stony, Stony x Reader  McKirk, McKirk x reader Bruce Wayne x Reader Ransom Drysdale x Reader Robb Stark x Reader  Chris Evans x Reader 

4. If you pick a song, please complete the challenge. I have had many take a prompt and then not complete it. If you need an extension, please let me know. I will happily give them or if you cant do it let me know so that I can add it back on to the list. 

5. I will leave the list open up to the last week of April. 

6. Due date will be April 30 cause thats my birthday month!!! 

7. Any questions let me know. AND HAVE FUN. Songs are below the cut. 

1980s

Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams

Everything I Do, I Do It For You by Bryan Adams @ladyideal Leonard McCoy

Manic Monday by The Bangles

I Want To Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston @becs-bunker 

Push it by Salt N Pepa

Whatta Man by Salt N Pepa and En Vogue

Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins @beccaanne814

Alone by Heart @annathewitch​ Leonard McCoy

Who Will You Run To by Heart

Pink Houses by John Cougar Mellencamp

Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp

Here I Go Again by White Snake @captain-rogers-beard Tony Stark 

Like A Prayer by Madonna

Papa Dont Preach by Madonna @jennmurawski13 Stucky 

Livin on a Prayer by Bon Jovi @thats-what-i-call-british​ Bucky Barnes AU

You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi @thats-what-i-call-british​ Tony Stark

Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen @catmom1978 Leonard McCoy

1990s

Perfect Fan by The Backstreet Boys

No Diggity by Blackstreet @thatesqcrush Rafael Barba

I’d Do Anything For Love by Meatloaf

Nice and Slow by Usher

Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel

Dreaming of You by Selena @themusicplayedherlife Steve Rogers

One Headlight by The Wallflowers

Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry

She’s So High by Tal Bachman

The Sign by Ace of base

Don’t Speak by No Doubt @nekoannie-chan Steve Rogers

Underneath It All by No Doubt @locke-writes Rafael Barba

I’ll Make Love To You by  Boys II Men

On Bended Knee by Boys II Men

A Song For Mama by Boys II Men

Un-break My Heart by Toni Braxton @littlecrazyfangirl-98 McKirk

Kiss Me by Six Pence None The Richer @bohemian-barbie Steve Rogers 

Hold On by Wilson Phillips

Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin

Say You’ll Be There by Spice Girls

Wannabe by Spice Girls

Where’s the Love by Hanson

I Will Come To You by Hanson

One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey

Barbie Girl by Aqua

Bitch by Meredith Brooks

The Boy is Mine by Brandy and Monica @fandomoneshots-imagines Tony Stark

Back at One by Brian McKnight

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Deep Blue Something @locke-writes Tony Stark

My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion @thats-what-i-call-british Bucky Barnes AU 

My Way by Usher

Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden @wondersofdreaming Chris Evans

Say My Name by Destiny’s Child

Come on Over Baby by Christina Aguilera @just-the-hiddles Chris Evans

What A Girl Wants by Christina Aguilera

I Swear by All-4-One

Last kiss by Pearl Jam

The Hardest Thing by 98 degrees

2000s

Penny & Me by Hanson @xemopeachx Rafael Barba 

You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney

Sk8er boi Avril Lavigne

Try Again by Aaliyah

Case of the Ex by Mya

First Date by Blink 182 @locke-writes Steve Rogers 

The Anthem by Good Charlotte

She’s a Rebel by Green Day @locke-writes AU Bucky Barnes

More Than That by The Backstreet Boys

Fighter by Christina Aguilera

All About Us by t.A.T.u

All The Things She Said by t.A.t.U

All For You by Janet Jackson

All I Have by Jennifer Lopez

If You Had My Love by Jennifer Lopez

Love Don’t Cost a Thing by Jennifer Lopez @bohemian-barbie Ransom Drysdale 

Daughters by John Mayer

Your Body Is A Wonderland by John Mayer @avintagekiss24 Steve Rogers

 Survivor by Destiny Child

I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden @thatfanficstuff AU Bucky Barnes

Thank God I Found You by Mariah Carey

Unpretty TLC

No Scrubs TLC

My Everything 98 Degrees  

Oops I Did It Again by Britney Spears @thats-what-i-call-british Steve Rogers

Toxic by Britney Spears @madpanda75 Rafael Barba

Stronger by Britney Spears

The Two of Us by NSYNC

This I Promise You by NSYNC

Trouble By Pink @kaunis-sielu AU Bucky Barnes

Walk Away by Pink

Always On Time by Ja Rule

Angel by Shaggy

Girl on TV by LFO

Hanging By A Moment by LIfehouse @sippingchai AU Bucky Barnes

Here Without You by 3 doors down

Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira @thatesqcrush Rafael Barba

Ohio by Bowling For Soup

Summer Girls by LFO

Where Is the Love by The Black Eyed Peas

Wherever You Will Go by The Calling @mrsrafaelbarba Rafael Barba

3 am by Matchbox Twenty @locke-writes Bruce Wayne

My Immortal by Evanscence @secondsineternity Stucky x reader 

[hollygolightlytraveling]

ain’t that america home of the free ~john cougar, “little pink houses”

[nightwingvixen23]

Dick : *groaning dramatically/falling into desk chair at school*

Teacher : *finally fed up* Mr. Grayson, I am sick and TIRED of you and your endless theatrics ! If you don’t want to be here then don’t come !

Dick : BITCH I TRIED THAT AND YA’LL SENT ME TO COURT HOE

*one trip to the principals office later*

Dick : —and so that’s what happened

Bruce : You really called your teacher, Mr.Farmington, a hoe ?

Principal : I think that you’re missing the capital issue here to the nth degree, Mr. Wayne. Your son is sassily audacious. He is mistrustful, cynical, and quite frankly, practically presents himself salaciously when in the company of certain educators of mine.

Bruce : I’ll have you know that my son is in no way what you preach him to be

Dick : If you’re callin’ me a slut I am a sl—

Bruce : *covering Dick’s mouth* A Gift from God, maybe. Heavenly Angel. A young Saint John The Baptist Reincarnated perhaps....but...salacious ? As head Principal of this fine establishment, I’d bite that tongue of mine til it bled before even thinking of uttering such presumptuous words my way again

Dick : *feeling forgotten about/licks Bruce’s palm to let him go*

Bruce : *releases hand instantly/grimaces*

Dick : 🤭

Principal : *in fear for his job* But—don’t go off getting the wrong impression of me now Mr. Wayne; because you see, it is also true that Richard houses SO MANY flaming cocksure qualities, poised, and at the ready—

Dick : —I’ll show you ‘cocksure’😏

Bruce : *shoving son’s face back to shut him up*

Principal : *stiff sprightly grin* Yes. Well. He is profoundly academically prone. Far beyond enlightened, and has easily broken the bars of top score holders in all fifty states with each coming year during State Tests. *disgruntled breath* Yes, yes, yes indeed. A mild mannered pliable smart little cookie *anxious laugh*...that’s our ‘Dickie....’

Dick : *stares principal down*

Principal : *stares Dick down right back* ....always just so ‘good....’

Dick : *sugary sweet charming smile*

Principal : *quiet creeper whisper* ....I bet you get away with everything don’t’cha...?

Dick : *stone hard visage/blows big ass pink bubble with bubble gum/P O P !*

Bruce : I think we’re done here for today. Thank you.

Principal : *wanting to feel dominate/to call the shots/to BE the fucking BOSS god damn it ALLLLL😅* Hey now !! Only I say when we’re done for today, and I say—

Bruce : *standing/cocks smooth brow down at principal*

Principal : *instant intimidation* Ye-yeah we’re done for today

Bruce : Hm. That’s more like it. Alright let’s go Dick

Dick :

Bruce : Dick

Dick :

Bruce : DICK

Dick : *bothering principal’s receptionist* ...what on earth do you mean ?? I’ll be seventeen in six months. Besides, I heard that’s how you like’em you Cougar—

Bruce : *dragging Dick out of office by hoodie*

Dick : —CALL ME BABY GIRL ! *blows kiss*

*Parking lot*

Bruce : You have somehow OUTPERFORMED yourself today and into this purely dippy mess that I suggest you get to cleaning up in a flash

Dick : Yeah OKAY Mr. Billionare Playboy *wink wink* OKAY *wink*

Bruce : . . .

Bruce : get your ass in the car

Dick : Roger that. And how about trying not to drool on it as I climb inside, yeah ?? Staring is free but a touch is gonna cost ya extra. Greatly appreciated, thanks

Bruce : Alright, conclusion finalized; therapy twice a week it is.

Dick : Gotta check my schedule first then get back to you on that one. Don’t hold your breath

[trolldomblog]

Moon Phases and Correspondences

 The moon has been captivating people since the beginning of time. It’s guided our way on the darkest of nights and pulls at the tides as well as our emotions. There are myths and stories about the moon from every ancient culture, and it is still a central part of many pagan religions and spiritual paths. Here we break down the basics of lunar magick into easy-to-digest chunks including the moon’s phases, magical properties, correspondences, and more.

The Magical Basics

The moon seems to grow and then fade over the period of one lunar cycle (one month). This growing, reaching its full potential, and then diminishing is referred to as moon phases. Each moon phase has magical qualities that aid the individual in his or her magic and healing.

Our Connection with the Moon

Why is the moon so important when it comes to magick and spirituality? The moon pulls at the ocean’s tides, and since we’re made up of at least 60% water, it has a profound effect on our lives too. Ever notice how certain people get a little loony on the Full Moon? The terms loony and lunatic stem from the word lunar which means moon. There’s a reason people act differently on the Full Moon, and when we tune into the moon’s phases, we start to notice just how much the moon affects us and our surroundings. It’s also thought to increase paranormal activity, which you can read about here.

The Female Body & The Moon

Just as the moon is reborn, grows, reaches its fullest potential, then wanes again, so do our bodies. For thousands of years, women have noticed their moon cycles (menstruation – the syllable men meaning moon/month) syncing up with the moon’s phases. This is lunar magick at its core. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too does the womb. This is why the moon is often associated with the Goddess in forms of neopaganism and Wicca.

Lunar Magick Correspondences

The moon corresponds to certain elements, plants, animals, and gods/goddesses. Feel free to adapt and change to fit your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Here are some magical correspondences for lunar magick:

Herbal/Plant Moon Correspondences: vervain, moonflower, jasmine, lemon balm, cabbage, camellia, camphor, chickweed, moonwort, gardenia, grape, lemon, passionflower, turnip, potato, pea, cucumber, pear, peach, willow, poppy, mountain ash, mango, wallflower, rowan, cactus

Animal Moon Correspondences: owls, rabbits, wolves, deer, cats, moths, bats, spiders, raccoons, opossum, cows, frogs, dogs, crabs

Deities Moon Correspondences: Selene, Sophia, Thoth, Artemis, Diana, Luna, Blodeuwedd, Man in the Moon, Rabbit in the Moon, Khonsu, Inanna, Hecate, Cerridwen,

Crystal/Stone Moon Correspondences: moonstone, selenite, obsidian, silver, mother-of-pearl, aquamarine, gold beryl, topaz, emerald, clear quartz, coral, pearls

Where to Start with Lunar Magick

Many people don’t know where to start with lunar magick. My first suggestion is to go outside at night and identify the moon’s phase. Do this time and time again until you instinctively know what phase the moon is in. If you can’t see the moon or can’t get outside, you can also use a moon phase app on your phone.

Simple Moon Rituals

Next, start with a simple moon ritual like a cleansing bath on the waning or new moon. Add a few herbs to the water that correspond to the moon (make sure they are safe topically before bathing in them). On the Full Moon, perform a simple candle spell for protection or love, etc. The next time you want to cast a spell or perform a ritual, look up what moon phase is best and perform it then. Lunar magick isn’t complicated and doesn’t take long to learn. After a little while, you’ll notice your emotions and your life corresponds with the moon’s cycles.

Blue Moon

When two moons fall in one calendar month the second is called the blue Moon, and this is the month that we will use for our wishes. It falls in a different month each year, but it is a very powerful moon. The blue moon is always the second of the full moons in the corresponding month. We need to write down aims and goals for the up and coming year. Place them in an envelope and don’t look at them until the next blue moon. Dress your blue moon altar in the colors that correspond to the month it falls into, and place flowers and fruits from that month, also place pictures of things you would like in your life. Stay real here and keep it down to earth.

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January: Wolf Moon

Also known as: Quiet Moon, Snow Moon, Cold Moon, Chaste Moon, Disting Moon, Moon of Little Winter

Plan a ritual of protection around your home and family.

Nature Spirits: gnomes, brownies

Herbs: marjoram, holy thistle, nuts, cones

Colors: brilliant white, blue-violet, black

Flowers: snowdrop, crocus

Scents: musk, mimosa

Stones: garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase

Trees: birch

Animals: fox, coyote

Birds: pheasant, blue jay

Deities: Freyja, Inanna, Sarasvati, Hera, Ch’ang-O, Sinn

Power Flow: sluggish, below the surface; beginning and conceiving.

Protection, reversing spells.

Conserving energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else.

Getting your various bodies to work smoothly together for the same goals.

February: Ice Moon

Also known as: Storm Moon, Horning Moon, Hunger Moon, Wild Moon, Red & Cleansing Moon, Quickening Moon, Solmonath (Sun Month), Big Winter Moon

Plan a ritual to ask the Old Ones for help in planning your future.

Nature Spirits: house faeries, both of the home itself and of house plants

Herbs: balm of Gilead, hyssop, myrrh, sage, spikenard

Colors: light blue, violet

Flowers: primrose

Scents: wisteria, heliotrope

Stones: amethyst, jasper, rock crystal

Trees: rowan, laurel, cedar

Animals: otter, unicorn

Birds: eagle, chickadee

Deities: Brigit, Juno, Kuan Yin, Diana, Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite

Power Flow: energy working toward the surface; purification, growth, healing.

Loving the self.

Accepting responsibility for past errors, forgiving yourself, and making future plans.

March: Storm Moon

Also known as: Seed Moon, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Worm Moon, Hrethmonath (Hertha’s Month), Lentzinmanoth (Renewal Month), Lenting Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Moon of the Snowblind

Plan a ritual to plant your desires.

Nature Spirits: Mer-people, Air and Water beings who are connected with spring rains and storms

Herbs: broom, High John root, yellow dock, wood betony, Irish moss

Colors: pale green, red violet

Flowers: jonquil, daffodil, violet

Scents: honeysuckle, apple blossom

Stones: aquamarine, bloodstone

Trees: alder, dogwood

Animals: cougar, hedgehog, boar

Birds: sea crow, sea eagle

Deities: Black Isis, the Morrigan, Hecate, Cybele, Astarte, Athene, Minerva, Artemis, Luna

Power Flow: energy breaks into the open; growing, prospering, exploring.

New beginnings; balance of Light and Dark.

Breaking illusions.

Seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt.

April: Growing Moon

Also known as: Hare Moon, Seed or Planting Moon, Planter’s Moon, Budding Trees Moon, Eastermonath (Eostre Month), Ostarmanoth, Pink Moon, Green Grass Moon

Plan a ritual to physically plant your seeds of desire in Mother Earth.

Nature Spirits: plant faeries

Herbs: basil, chives, dragon’s blood, geranium, thistle

Colors: crimson red, gold

Flowers: daisy, sweetpea

Scents: pine, bay, bergamot, patchouli

Stones: ruby, garnet, sard

Trees: pine, bay, hazel

Animals: bear, wolf

Birds: hawk, magpie

Deities: Kali, Hathor, Anahita, Ceres, Ishtar, Venus, Bast

Power Flow: energy into creating and producing; return balance to the nerves.

Change, self-confidence, self-reliance, take advantage of opportunities.

Work on temper and emotional flare-ups and selfishness.

May: Hare Moon

Also known as: Merry or Dyad Moon, Bright Moon, Flower Moon, Frogs Return Moon, Thrimilcmonath (Thrice-Milk Month), Sproutkale, Winnemanoth (Joy Month), Planting Moon, Moon When the Ponies Shed

Plan a ritual to reaffirm your goals.

Nature Spirits: faeries, elves

Herbs: dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mug wort, thyme, yarrow

Colors: green, brown, pink

Flowers: lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom

Scents: rose, sandalwood

Stones: emerald, malachite, amber, carnelian

Trees: hawthorn

Animals: cats, lynx, leopard

Birds: swallow, dove, swan

Deities: Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Maia, Diana, Artemis, Pan, Horned God

Power Flow: full creating energy; propagation.

Intuition contact with faeries and other supernatural beings.

Strengthen connection with supernatural protectors and beings around you.

Power flowing from the Greenwood Gods and trees.

June: Mead Moon

Also known as: Moon of Horses, Lovers’ Moon, Strong Sun Moon, Honeymoon, Aerra Litha (Before Lithia), Brachmanoth (Break Month), Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Moon of Making Fat

Plan a ritual to balance your spiritual and physical desires.

Nature Spirits: sylphs, zephyrs

Herbs: skullcap, meadowsweet, vervain, tansy, dog grass, parsley, mosses

Colors: orange, golden-green

Flowers: lavender, orchid, yarrow

Scents: lily of the valley, lavender

Stones: topaz, agate, alexandrite, fluorite

Trees: oak

Animals: monkey, butterfly, frog, toad

Birds: wren, peacock

Deities: Aine of Knockaine, Isis, Neith, Green Man, Cerridwen, Bendis, Ishtar

Power Flow: full but restful energy; protect, strengthen, and prevent.

A time of Light; Earth tides are turning.

Decision-making, taking responsibility for present happenings.

Work on personal inconsistencies.

Strengthen and reward yourself for your positive traits.

July: Hay Moon

Also known as: Wort Moon, Moon of Claiming, Moon of Blood (because of mosquitoes), BlessingMoon, Maedmonat (Meadow Month), Hewimanoth (Hay Month), Fallow Moon, Buck Moon, Thunder Moon

Plan a ritual to decide what you will do once your goals have been met.

Nature Spirits: hobgoblins (small, grotesque but friendly brownie-type creatures), faeries of harvested crops

Herbs: honeysuckle, agrimony, lemon balm, hyssop

Colors: silver, blue gray

Flowers: lotus, water lily, jasmine

Scents: orris, frankincense

Stones: pearl, moonstone, white agate

Trees: oak, acacia, ash

Animals: crab, turtle, dolphin, whale

Birds: starling, ibis, swallow

Deities: Khepera, Athene, Juno, Hel, Holda, Cerridwen, Nephthys, Venus

Power Flow: relaxed energy; preparing; succeeding.

Dream-work, divination, and meditation on goals and plans, especially spiritual ones.

August: Corn Moon

Also known as: Barley Moon, Dispute Moon, Weodmonath (Vegetation Month), Harvest Moon, Moon When Cherries Turn Black

Plan a ritual to preserve what you already have.

Nature Spirits: dryads

Herbs: chamomile, St. John’s wort, bay, angelica, fennel, rue, orange

Colors: yellow, gold

Flowers: sunflower, marigold

Scents: frankincense, heliotrope

Stones: cat’s eye, carnelian, jasper, fire agate

Trees: hazel, alder, cedar

Animals: lion, phoenix, sphinx, dragon

Birds: crane, falcon, eagle

Deities: Ganesha, Thoth, Hathor, Diana, Hecate, Nemesis

Power Flow: energy into harvesting; gathering, appreciating.

Vitality, health. Friendships.

September: Harvest Moon

Also known as: Wine Moon, Singing Moon, Sturgeon Moon, Haligmonath (Holy Month), Witumanoth (Wood Month), Moon When Deer Paw the Earth

Plan a ritual of Thanksgiving for all the Old.

Nature Spirits: trooping faeries

Herbs: copal, fennel, rye, wheat, valerian, skullcap

Colors: brown, yellow-green, yellow

Flowers: narcissus, lily

Scents: storax, mastic, gardenia, bergamot

Stones: peridot, olivine, chrysolite, citrine

Trees: hazel, larch, bay

Animals: snake, jackal

Birds: ibis, sparrow

Deities: Demeter, Ceres, Isis, Nephthys, Freyja, Ch’ang-O, Thoth

Power Flow: rest after labor; balance of Light and Dark.

Organize. Clean and straighten up physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter.

October: Blood Moon

Also known as: Harvest Moon, Shedding Moon, Winterfelleth (Winter Coming), Windermanoth (Vintage Month), Falling Leaf Moon, Ten Colds Moon, Moon of the Changing Season

Plan another ritual of Thanksgiving.

Nature Spirits: frost faeries, plant faeries

Herbs: pennyroyal, thyme, catnip, uva ursi, angelica, burdock

Colors: dark blue green

Flowers: calendula, marigold, cosmos

Scents: strawberry, apple blossom, cherry

Stones: opal, tourmaline, beryl, turquoise

Trees: yew, cypress, acacia

Animals: stag, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion

Birds: heron, crow, robin

Deities: Ishtar, Astarte, Demeter, Kore, Lakshmi, Horned God, Belili, Hathor

Power Flow: to let go; inner cleansing.

Karma and reincarnation.

Justice and balance.

Inner harmony.

November: Snow Moon

Also known as: Dark Moon, Fog Moon, Beaver Moon, Mourning Moon, Blotmonath (Sacrifice Month), Herbistmanoth (Harvest Month), Mad Moon, Moon of Storms, Moon When Deer Shed Antlers

Plan for a ritual to work on ridding yourself of negative thoughts and vibrations.

Nature Spirits: subterranean faeries

Herbs: grains of paradise, verbena, betony, borage, cinquefoil, blessed thistle

Colors: gray, sea-green

Flowers: blooming cacti, chrysanthemum

Scents: cedar, cherry blossoms, hyacinth, narcissus, peppermint, lemon

Stones: topaz, hyacinth, lapis lazuli

Trees: alder, cypress

Animals: unicorn, scorpion, crocodile, jackal

Birds: owl, goose, sparrow

Deities: Kali, Black Isis, Nicnevin, Hecate, Bast, Osiris, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Skadi, Mawu

Power Flow: take root, prepare.

Transformation.

Strengthen communication with the god or goddess who seems closest to you.

December: Cold Moon

Also known as: Oak Moon, Wolf Moon, Moon of Long Nights, Long Night’s Moon, Aerra Geola (Month Before Yule), Wintermonat (Winter Month), Heilagmanoth (Holy Month), Big Winter Moon, Moon of Popping Trees

Plan for a ritual to help you remain steadfast in your convictions.

Nature Spirits: snow faeries, storm faeries, winter tree faeries

Herbs: holly, English ivy, fir, mistletoe

Colors: blood red, white and black

Flowers: holly, poinsettia, Christmas cactus

Scents: violet, patchouli, rose geranium, frankincense, myrrh, lilac

Stones: serpentine, jacinth, peridot

Trees: pine, fir, holly

Animals: mouse, deer, horse, bear

Birds: rook, robin, snowy owl

Deities: Hathor, Hecate, Neith, Athene, Minerva, Ixchel, Osiris, Norns, Fates

Power Flow: to endure, die, be reborn;

Earth tides turning.

Darkness.

Personal alchemy.

Spiritual paths.

Reach out to friends and family, the lonely and needy.

Zodiac Full Moon Magick

The Moon spends a day or two each month in each of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The sign the moon is transiting through can be used to good advantage during spellwork.

Full Moon in Aries

A good time to perform spells related to job ventures and all new projects related to money. Also, a good time to develop strength and courage, and lust spells. This is not a good moon for performing divination.

Full Moon in Taurus

This moon is excellent for spellwork related to love, creativity, and inner peace. Spells done at this time take the longest to manifest, but the results will be very long lasting and be stable.

Full Moon in Gemini

The perfect time for spells dealing with communications, healing, and uncrossing spells. Be careful- the moon in Gemini can be unpredictable and unstable.

Full Moon in Cancer

Excellent for any spell involving the home, fertility, children, or divination.

Full Moon in Leo

Spells involving leadership, prosperity, fame and career are best done in Leo, but do not perform any spells involving love, or any other emotion, as Leo may actually counteract it.

Full Moon in Virgo

This moon ensures a spell which involves meticulous detail, especially spells involving education, healing, and stability.

Full Moon in Libra

Excellent for working a spell with a partner, and for magick involving marriage, couples, partnership, peace, and fairness.

Full Moon in Scorpio

Use this energy for mysteries, the occult, divination, and sex magick.

Full Moon in Sagittarius

This is an excellent time to experiment with new techniques or magick spells, but it is not a good time for psychic work or divination.

Full Moon in Capricorn

Perfect for spells to manifest life’s basic needs and for stability.

Full Moon in Aquarius

The best time to work on behalf of others, but consciously stay focused on your heart to maintain a higher consciousness with others, and to avoid selfish motives.

Full Moon in Pisces

Perfect for divination and psychic work, past life regressions, and communication with spirits.

New Moon

The new moon is a time of initiation and new beginnings. It is the time to plant a seed of what you want to grow in your life. Making a wish, an intention, a promise, or a vow is a common custom. It is believed that as the moon grows, that your intention or goal will too usually by the time the moon completes its cycle and returns full circle to new again.

The new Moon offers us its energy of intention, to rid ourselves of the negative habits in our life. The energy of the new moon aids us in ridding our minds and bodies of toxic thought patterns as well as eliminating toxic substances like excess alcohol, processed foods, caffeine & tobacco usage. Starting a new project, or discipline should be substantially less difficult to stick to when started during the new moon. it's important to come up with a ritual that has meaning for you, instead of trying to follow any set guidelines (unless your part of an established ritual group).  Astrology expert Molly Hall has some wonderful insights as to creating a personalized New Moon Ritual.

Creating a New Moon Ritual

Gather Sacred Supplies:  Your altar is where you collect your sacred objects -- pictures, found objects and the like. Using herbs with healing or symbolic properties adds to your ritual. Stones and crystals are another powerful ally. Candles are magical, and in its form contains all four of the elements. A small journal on hand allows you to keep a record of your intentions.

Preparing for the Ritual: This is the most important part of ritual, since your commitment is the key. Take a ritual bath with sea salt to clear your field of any negative energies. Sage is an herb used to clear a space and make it sacred for ritual.

Light the end of the sage wand and blow on it until there is a smoldering glow. Use it around your own body, and in the space of your ritual. Clear your mind with meditation, using music or just quieting down in your cleared, sacred area.

Grounding: This is something that's important anytime, for staying connected to earth energy. Signs that you're not grounded are mania, nervousness, racing thoughts and the like. Too often we forget to feel the earth under our feet. I've mentioned Starhawk's Grounding Meditation a few times on the site, and her tree grounding exercise is one of my own daily rituals. In a nutshell, it's visualizing the roots going down into the Earth, through the layers, into the core, and then drawing that energy back up through your feet again. It moves through each chakra, coming out the top and down around you. Try this or another variation of grounding before you set new Moon intentions.

Your New Moon Wishes: After you've cleared a sacred space and settled your energy, you're ready to set your intentions. Make a list of what you'd like to draw into your life and Dream Big! The new Moon is a moment to conjure what seems out of reach, and creating the vision is the first step to making it a reality. But these are not just words on paper. As you write them down as intentions, you are committing to doing your part to make them real. Some call it is co-creating, since you're opening to universal energies to set dreams in motion.

Dreams of the Soul: Your intentions come from the longings that keep coming up. In the days leading up to the new Moon, give some thought to those longings, and see what images, dreams and streams of thought come up. Use symbolic associations to go along with your intentions. Weave in the element for the new Moon and think about the houses and planets that are affected by it. For an earth new Moon, for example, you might plant seeds that represent your intention. Rituals are a way to work with universal energies, and draw attention to the particular life lessons, or arena (house, planet, etc.) that it illuminates for you.

Symbolic Acts: Here's where you get to be creative. If your intentions are to write a book, or broadcast your ideas out to the world, tie them to a helium balloon and send them off. Write them on a stick and offer it to the fire. To open to love, put lavender and a rose quartz in a small pouch, along with the qualities you're seeking. If you're inspired, add a symbolic act to your intention-setting ritual.

Keep them Alive: A big part of success with new Moon intentions is what comes after. Find ways to keep them in the front of your awareness. Put them in a visible spot or keep them in your wallet. Make notes in your journal about your progress. At the full Moon, find ways to take action on those intentions, and celebrate any signs of change.

 Waxing Crescent Moon

During the days that follow a new moon, it’s time to anchor into your intentions. Focus on one thing you want to bring into existence during this lunar cycle. To that end, practice visualizations and affirmations at this time. Write your new moon intention out clearly and succinctly and read it daily.

When the moon is "waxing" it appears to be growing, the period from the dark to full moon phases. It's magnetic energy assists with bringing things to out. This entire waxing period is the best time to work with constructive magic, or magic that builds things/brings things to us.

The waxing crescent is the best time for magic on yourself (or on the subject) pertaining to new beginnings, such as starting a new project or making plans for the future. If you're looking to conjure energies into your life such as a more positive attitude, more patience, more understanding in your relationship, this is the perfect timing for such goals. When you want to cast spells for self-improvement, such as if you want to improve your psychic abilities, to absorb the information in a new class, or bring out your inner beauty, this is the time to do it. Artists or anyone artistic/creative will find this the best time to cast spells or perform meditations that will bring inspiration and passion into your work.

Set an Intention and Tell the Moon

Many people will tell you to set your intention during the new moon, but I think the first days of the waxing phase are excellent for goal setting. I’ll use the restful introspective energy of the new moon to let my ideas marinate. Then when the powerhouse energy of the waxing moon comes thundering in, I’m ready to commit to my intention.

Once I have a goal in mind, I’ll perform a waxing moon spell around it. Your ritual can include anything you want, but if you need ideas, here’s what I do.

Waxing Moon Intention Spell

Go outside or near a window on the first day of the waxing moon. (This happens about three nights after the new moon phase.)

Write an intention (or a word that represents your intention) on a bay leaf and hold it between your palms.

Thank the waxing moon for being present for your ritual. I do this by holding my hands up towards the moon (with the bay leaf still pressed between my palms).

When you start to feel the current of energy from the waxing moon, bring your hands to your heart (still holding the bay leaf).

Spend a few minutes thinking about something that will bring up the feelings you associate with your intention. For example, you want to call in romantic love, so you visualize yourself getting asked out while you’re sipping a cold brew at your favorite coffee shop.

Next, open your eyes and light the bay leaf on fire. Do this in a fireproof container so you stay safe. Wait for the bay leaf to burn completely.

Watch that intention float up to the moon carried by the smoke.

Trust that the moon has received your intention and that it’s already helping you manifest it.

Thank the moon, and your spell is complete.

Come Up with a Manifesting Plan

After you’ve shared your intention with the moon, start planning how you’ll create opportunities for your intention to manifest. If you’ve decided to manifest a new job with this waxing moon, brainstorm some actions you can take to align your energy with that of a new job. You could apply for jobs online, ask friends for leads, carve out time every day to visualize your job or look for internship opportunities.

After you have some ideas, get out your calendar and mark the last day of the waxing moon. (This will be the night before the full moon.) Plan what days you’re going to do each action. Shoot for one action a day towards your goal—even if it’s just a quick spell before you go to bed.

Finally, decide on how you’ll celebrate the full moon. This can be dinner and a movie, tickets to a concert, or a relaxing bath with some wine. Pick something special that you wouldn’t normally give yourself. Whether or not you stick to your waxing moon plan, enjoy your celebration. You and the moon deserve it!

Let’s say your intention is something huge like writing a novel. You’re probably not going to accomplish that during the fourteen days of the waxing moon. It will likely take you at least a few moons to bang out the first draft. If that’s your goal, plan the action you’ll take during this current waxing moon. You could commit to outlining a chapter a day for fourteen days. Or maybe you’ll choose to wake up an hour early to write. After the waxing phase is over, you can think up some ways to use the waning moon energy for your writing project.

(By the way, if your goal IS to write a novel, put your laptop or writing notebook by your window so the moon can shine on it. The waxing moon is great for cultivating creativity.)

If You Need Clarity, Ask the Moon

The moon has been around almost as long as the earth has. It knows things. It can help you if you don’t know exactly what to manifest. You can access the moon’s ancient wisdom by simply asking.

Take a moment each night during this moon phase to close your eyes and send a question up to the moon. Something like, “What should I focus on tomorrow?” or “What should I create tomorrow?” will work just fine.

Imagine your words flying out of your mind towards the moon like a comet. Then open your journal and spend five- or ten-minutes writing whatever comes to mind. You’ll likely get your answer.

Ask for an Unexpected Gift

I do this every night during the waxing moon and it’s brought me so many crazy wonderful things—a new project, an idea for a story, a random check in the mail, a flirty text from someone cute. It makes me smile just thinking about all my moon gifts.

Try it for yourself. You’ll notice quickly that when you work with the moon’s abundant energy, magic happens in the most surprising ways with very little effort. There are two reasons for this. The first is the moon is already putting off a strong manifesting energy. It wants to send blessings your way. The second reason is the moon knows what you want. It’s been shining down on you all your life night after night. You can trust the moon to send some love your way.

Let the Waxing Moon Charge Your Magical Tools

The moon will charge anything its light touches with whatever energy it’s holding. For fourteen days, the waxing moon’s light will be sending out lots of joyful manifesting energy. Set out whatever you’ll need for your manifesting magic, and let the moon do its thing while you sleep.

These tools can include water, magical oils, herbs, crystals, incense, written incantations, journal entries, candles, magical card decks, or your cauldron. The moon won’t discriminate. Whatever you chose to leave out overnight, the moon will make sure it’s already to go!

You don’t have to make a big deal about doing this. For me, it’s like plugging in my cell phone before bed. It just takes a minute, and I go to bed knowing my tools will be fully charged in the morning.

Take a Moon Bath

In addition to charging your magical tools, you can charge yourself by taking a moon bath. To do this, take a blanket or a lawn chair, and sit outside in a place where you get a nice view of the moon. Hold out your arms and let the moon’s light wash over you. Feel its manifesting power as it lands on your skin and seeps into your body. Breathe in the light of the moon. Smell it. Open your mouth and allow the light to enter your body that way. What does it taste like? Can you feel its power?

While you’re soaking in moonbeams, take a moment to admire the moon’s beauty. Notice the light and dark spots from the way the sun’s light hits the moon’s surface. Look for shapes or figures in the moon. Observe any feelings that come up as you’re doing this.

Also, you don’t have to sit. You can dance, jump around, or lay down. Let yourself be wild under the moon if you want. I feel a juicy sort of energy when I do this like I’m connected to all other witches from the past, present, and future.

Maybe you want to go camping and sleep under the moon. Maybe you’d like to cuddle with your lover, your cat or your family under the moon. Experiment with everything you can do in the moonlight. There’s no limit.

My favorite thing to do when I’m taking a moon bath is to revel in the abundance of the universe. I’m reminded that there are more than enough stars, more than enough sky and more than enough moonlight for everyone in the world. What a great energy to bring to manifesting spells!

Invite the Moon to Make Magic with You

Go outside (or by a window if the weather’s bad) and actually perform your magic in the light of the moon. This could be a meditation, a spell or a tarot card reading. It’s a beautiful way for you and the moon to co-create together.

Be curious about this. Notice any unusual feelings that come up during your magic and journal about them. Keep track of the magical results you see. Are you manifesting faster? Did you feel a burst of energy when you lit your candle? Do money spells work better under the moon? What about love spells? Once you get familiar with the waxing moon energy, you’ll start to know what spells are especially potent when you team up with the moon.

 1st Quarter Moon

The Moon is waxing (increasing in light), and 50% to 75% illuminated.  This phase usually begins the 7th day after New Moon and continues until the 10th or 11th. It will be about 7.5 days until Full Moon (from the beginning of this phase).  This is the 3rd in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The First Quarter Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 90º and continues until the angle reaches 135º (when the Gibbous Phase will begin). This phase is the first half of the 1st Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). First Quarter Moon rises around mid-day and sets around midnight. She is brightly visible the first half of the night and can often be spotted during daylight hours in the afternoon.  The name First (or 1st) Quarter is used in both astrology/magick and astronomy.

The First Quarter, or Waxing Half Moon, is the time when energies are most conducive to attraction. Unlike the Waxing Crescent, which is best for going within and bringing things out, this is the best time for magic that attempts to draw things outside of yourself to you.

Use this time for spells and meditations meant to attract things you want in your life, such as money, protection or success. It's also an ideal time for attracting people into your life, such as friends, lovers and clients. If you're looking for an animal companion or have one that you want to bond with, this is a good time to perform the workings.

If you're looking for a lost object, or house hunting, etc., this is a good time to perform spells for success in that area to help you bring that which you most desire into manifestation.

How it effects your life

The deceptive imagery of fragility and hesitancy in the waxing Moon are long gone. She is brilliantly lit, growing rapidly, and visible not only a good portion of the night, but in day as well. Strong and prominent, she victoriously casts her light, and casts her spell of confidence and success. Yet she has not reached Full Moon, we are only halfway through the waxing cycle. She has achieved brilliant light, high visibility, and solid form - but far from reaching the goal. She has simply passed the milestone of uncertainty; strength and momentum abound.

Our visions and inspirations, mere vague yet exciting notions at New Moon have taken shape and gained momentum along with the Moon. Plans are becoming solid and real; our inner visions are coming to the attention of others. Excitement and enthusiasm are returning - things are happening, the vision is manifesting. We are shining brightly now, but, like the Moon, we still have a long way to go. Past the details and glitches of the Crescent Phase, we may be facing more real challenges. However, these challenges have a way of exciting and stimulating, because we are also beginning to see some real effects of our efforts; there is something solid to fight for.

How to make the most of this phase

The First Quarter Phase is often referred to as 'crisis of action' because now is the time to move forward. The vision was born during New Moon, it faced the stresses of development during Crescent Moon, and now it's ready to be put into action. Move forward, build momentum, and take action. The question is how? We've defined our goal and developed our resources. Now we need to refine the plan and act on it. We are beginning to see progress, take it and run with it. But don't run blindly, things are propelled forward with great momentum, and the key is to know where you're going, and how you'll get there, so you can make the most of this momentum.

There is a feeling of success, and a sense of accomplishment in the air. Yet the goal has not yet been reached, success has not been achieved. Many people will feel a surge in confidence (or ego) during the First Quarter Phase. It's all too easy to think things are going well, you are working hard, the goal is within reach. However, if you don't pay attention, and make sure all is going well, and that you are working hard in the right direction, that goal which felt so close could slip away before you even realize it. This is a time it's important to be sure of yourself (not only your actions) deep down. Confident and successful feelings based on the beginnings of accomplishments can be great. But they can be fragile. On some level we know it's pre-mature to think we've won the battle before it's over. But things are progressing so fast we feel it anyway - until someone or something points out how far we still have to go. That's why it's important to be aware of how far we've come, and how far we have left. Be realistic, make a plan, tell yourself you can do it – and do it. Don't set yourself up for a fall.

The Moon is in solid form and shining brightly. The energy level is high; so is the level of activity. The First Quarter Moon Phase is what we make of it. In the Crescent Phase, we encountered problems to be solved and things to be done. In this phase we take deliberate action. This is an excellent time for planning, structuring, making decisions and striving for efficiency and productivity. It's usually easier to develop confidence during First Quarter, so if you have confidence and self-esteem issues, actively work on them. This also makes it a good time for taking on difficult or challenging projects. This is a good time to begin a health or exercise program, organize, remodel, change routines - whatever will get things on track and moving in the right direction.

Take a decisive and assertive approach. This isn't the time to 'decide not to decide'. Things are happening, probably faster than you realize, and you want to shape the way they develop. Push for progress and be quick to take action. There is a lot of energy and forward momentum, tap into it and get things done. Remember, that others are feeling the same lunar energy you are. There is an active, confident, and assertive quality to the mood of most people. It's probably best to avoid conflicts, when possible, unless you want a confrontation. When you find yourself at odds with others, try for compromise, but remember the saying "If you act like a doormat, people will walk all over you". This is truer now than during any other lunar phase. Independence and individuality are important elements during this phase. Do your own thing, and do it well? Don't interfere in the progress of others, but don't let them interfere in yours either.

When planning important projects, you need to begin then within the growing portion of the cycle. Any phase during the waxing cycle is appropriate, but each brings a different mood and energies to your project. The First Quarter Phase is good for fast paced and highly active projects. Things began now tending to be more demanding, and perhaps a bit more challenging, than things began during the earlier phases, but also more structured and dynamic. Planning, structuring, direction and decisiveness will be necessary - this isn't the time for beginning passive or casual undertakings. This is the time for dynamic, active projects - for example, the most recent incorporation of Microsoft, as well as the initial release of the Windows platform were during First Quarter Phases.

In ongoing plans and projects, remember this is the time for action and decisions. If you have things that have been in the 'planning stages' for too long, this is the time to get them off the ground. In projects that seem to be at a standstill, give them an active boost. Look over the situation, and see what changes need to be made. Make decisions and take action. Look for ways you can manage your projects better, take control of your life - anything that falls within the realm of structured, assertive, or active progress.

 Waxing Gibbous Moon

The Waxing Gibbous is still a time for constructive magic, best used towards 'reeling in' that which you've been working for already. If you started a project and it's floundering, stalled, if you're at the point when the thing you're working for is coming into the home stretch and you need some extra energy to bring it home, the Waxing Gibbous will give it a boost.

This phase is a great energy for renewing your strength, will and determination to see your efforts through. If you are giving in to temptation on your diet, working hard toward something and feeling burnt out or are at the point where you're getting lazy and distracted from completing your tasks, give yourself a power boost during the Waxing Gibbous.

The Moon is waxing (increasing in light) and 75% to 100% illuminated.  This phase begins the 10th or 11th day after New Moon and continues until Full Moon. It is about 3.5 days until Full Moon (at the beginning of this phase).  This is the 4th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Gibbous Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 135º and continues until the angle reaches 180º (when the Full Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the second half of the 1st Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). The Gibbous Moon rises in the afternoon and sets in the early pre-dawn hours of the morning.  She is visible from Moonrise until Moonset.  This is the phase when it's easiest to spot her in daylight hours.  One thing that can be confusing, is you will see reference to both waxing and waning Gibbous Moon.  This is typically an astronomical reference, in astrology and magick usually only waxing is called gibbous.  What astronomers call waning gibbous, astrologers call disseminating.

How it effects your life

The Moon is so nearly full, you may have to look twice, or even consult an astrological calendar as we approach the end of the Gibbous Phase. She is brilliant, nearly round, illuminating the darkness of night.  Truly a breathtaking sight.  Her energy is so strong you can feel it as you gaze at the silvery disc overhead. She is nearly full.  Nearly, but not quite.  It almost seems as if she is poised, yet hesitating, taking a deep breath before her big night.  With time and patience, she proceeds along her path.  It will come.  It will be soon.

If we bring our lives into rhythm with the natural cycles, we find ourselves following the path of the Moon.  We are poised and ready, the goal is so near we can almost touch it, almost reach it.  Almost, yet something is stopping us.  We just don't feel prepared, or it isn't exactly coming together as it should. There is one more detail, or one missing element.  We encounter a last-minute glitch.  Something isn't quite right; something isn't quite ready.  So very close, but not quite, not yet.  Do we give up, after working this long and hard, after pouring so much energy into it in the First Quarter Phase?  Not if we are following the Moon's path; not if we are following her example and flowing with her energy.  We continue, certain that it will happen, it will come, and it will be soon.

How to make the most of this phase

Look at the Moon and feel the Moon.  Draw from, join in her strength and certainty.  The Gibbous Phase holds a great deal of power and potential.  It may take some patience and determination to tap into it.  We find ourselves at the precarious point of being very close to a goal. The vision born at New moon is nearly materialized.  We may think we've made it.  Then something comes up, but don't look at it as a bad thing.  This phase is about refining, fine-tuning, and tuning in. What you have begun may seem ready, but it can be better.  Challenges, really, are always opportunities in disguise.  But this is truer than ever during the Gibbous Phase.  When you find yourself encountering glitches in your plans, realize that it is fortunate they were discovered at this stage, and most likely the result will be improving and enriching your endeavors.

Impatience is so strong you can feel it in the air during Gibbous Phase. Yet patience is one of your best allies.  However, this isn't the sit quietly and wait type patience.  This phase call for having the patience to do things right, analyze, refine, strengthen, perfect…  There is far too much to do for idly waiting, or for rushing it too fast.  Be careful, be certain, take criticism as constructive (even if it's not intended that way).   Just watch the Moon, taking her time, developing the perfect form to create a spectacular display when the moment has come, and not before.  Follow her lead, and as always, you won't go wrong.

The vision was born at New Moon.  It has developed, strengthened through the phases and made great leaps forward during First Quarter Moon.  Now it is on the brink of manifestation.  If there was ever a bad time to give up, this is it!  Work on solidifying your plans, and double check everything.  Take advantage of the analytical and refining tendencies of this phase for anything that you need to revise.  This is a good time for any kind of precision work or reviewing and fine-tuning.

The Gibbous Phase is a good time for reviving what has been let slide. If you have (good) habits and routines you've strayed from, this is the time to work on getting them back. Skills and knowledge can get foggy too. If you have things you’ve learned, but haven't studied in a while, or skills you haven't practiced in some time, use this phase to 'brush-up'.  You will find it comes back more easily than you think.  This can also be a good time for developing natural talents.  If you have flair for art (as an example), but have never tried to fine-tune your skills, this is a good time for it.

Though we have nearly reached Full Moon, the light is still increasing, we are still in the waxing, growing portion of the cycle.  It is still an appropriate time to start a project or launch something new.  Unless you want to encounter the resistance of trying to promote growth in something with ingrained diminishing tendencies, this is your last chance (or wait a couple weeks before the next cycle).  Therefore, most often, the kinds of things we begin during this phase ore those we have been procrastinating on, rather than things that were planned and targeted for launching in this phase.  If you don't want new beginnings during waning Moon, and haven't got around to starting it yet, it's now or never.  Not really never, but you'll have to wait a couple of weeks.  

We have a tendency (it's human nature) to easily avoid and procrastinate, but if we're running out of time, we suddenly become ready and impatient. You can call it synchronicity; you didn't plan it this way, yet this kind of energy fits well with the gibbous phase.  As Full Moon is so very near, there is a feeling of impatience in the air.  As so many things are almost complete, but not quite ready, there is a natural "mad rush' of sorts.  So, if you find yourself frantically scrambling to launch something that you hadn't got around to, yet suddenly can't wait for, don't feel that you've gotten out of tune.  However, do inject some logic before you get carried away.  Ask yourself a few questions.  Can it wait until the next cycle?  If so, are you actually ready; how much could it benefit from more preparation time?

Like the other phases the Gibbous Phase will bring its own, unique energy and inclination to thing began now (whether this is when you planned the launch, or it was a last-minute impulse).  Things began during the Gibbous Phase are likely to need refining, and fine-tuning.  There is a tendency to perpetually seek improvement.  This is a good time for launching things that are really a rough idea, the refining, perfecting, and tweaking will come quite naturally.  It's also a good time for beginning generally analytical, or highly detail-oriented projects.

 Full Moon

When the Earth is caught between the moon and the sun, the result is the Full Moon bearing the most powerful energies of the lunar cycle. The Full Moon is often seen by people as 'all purpose'—its energies are prismatic in that it flows into all areas and needs, be it constructive or destructive.

Even more so than the Dark Moon, the Full Moon is a time you would utilize for extra power when you're facing very difficult challenges. This is not just for minor mundane tasks, such as looking for the energy to reorganize your closet or trying to clear negativity out of the house after an argument; this is a time to reserve for those important things in your life that need major changes or major boosts.

While you can plan spells for anything, utilize this energy for your priorities that really matter in your life, like if you need to win a court case, or find a new job with better pay to prevent you from losing your home.

Magics and meditations revolving around spirituality, psychic development, dreams and divination are particularly well times for the Full Moon.

The Moon is now waning (decreasing in light), and 100% to 75% illuminated. This phase lasts about 3.5 days following Full Moon. It will be about 14.75 days until the next New Moon (from the beginning of this phase). This is the 5th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Full Moon Phase begins at Full Moon, when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 180º, and continues until the angle reaches 225º (when the Disseminating Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the first half of the Full Moon Quarter. The Full Moon rises at Sunset and sets at Sunrise. She is visible throughout the night.  The name Full Moon is used in both astrology/magick and astronomy.

How it effects your life

Half the Lunar cycle has been spent striving for this point. The Full Moon, in all her splendid glory shines brilliantly in the night sky, the earth glows with her divine silver light. The shadows seem vibrant and alive. It is a breathtaking sight, enlightening and mysterious. The darkness of night is illuminated, yet there is much we sense and cannot see. The light of the Moon, along with her power, has reached a peak. We see it, we feel it. The level of energy is higher on Full Moon than any other time of the month.

The Sun illuminates the Moon; she transforms and reflects his light upon the Earth. The illuminated Earth transforms and reflects her light, producing a mystical, silvery glow. These energies of illumination and reflection are ingrained into the phase of Full Moon. We reflect upon our lives and selves, we see more deeply into our own souls, as well as others. We are drawn to the illusive and mysterious.

The power of the Moon is unmistakable, tangible. We see it, feel it, and sense it. We feel our own power, and the power of the world around us. The moon is the natural astrological ruler of emotions. When she is riding high, so are our emotions. We aren't happy, we're elated; we aren't mad, we're furious; we aren't interested, we're excited; we aren't sad, we're depressed. This is a powerful time, of excess and extremes, which can manifest in a positive or negative way.

How to make the most of this phase

Full Moon is one of the most powerful and influential times in the natural cycle, and probably the most widely accepted (even by many skeptics) proof of astrological influence on our lives. Everyone has seen and felt the effects, firsthand. There is an out-of-control tendency that can make it difficult to harness this energy. The first step is awareness. Don't enter this phase unaware of and out of touch with your emotions, or you likely won't know what to do when the emotional high tide comes. Make sure you have used the waxing phases to learn, grow, build and structure. If you approach Full Moon feeling like your life is spinning out of control, it just might.

Although we are only halfway through the entire Lunar Cycle, there is a feeling of culmination. A goal has been reached. The building, evolving, waxing light of the past couple of weeks has manifested. And what a spectacular manifestation it is! You will find things you have worked on and built coming together at this time. Remember the vague visions of New Moon? Now illuminated, we can see them clearly. If they have survived, and you have put the effort into them, they are now a manifestation. Realistically, few goals are reached, or projects completed in a couple of weeks’ times. However, there is a sense of completion and manifestation in some form. Perhaps the idea is just becoming a solid plan, or one phase of a project is completed. Whatever the case, even if it seems to be only in your own perspective, things are more real and solid. Something has been achieved. If you have been going in the wrong directions, you will see the results of that be manifested into solid form as well. Preparation and the right mind frame are key in successful, productive use of this notorious Moon Phase.

The Moon has reached her peak; from the moment of Full Moon the light will begin decreasing. The period of growth and time for beginnings is past. This is the most active period of change. This time can be useful for changing or breaking habits and routines. Bring things to an end, where needed. This is also a highly creative time, with endless poems, songs, and works of art using Full Moon as a subject, demonstrating the point. Make use of the creative influence for artistic endeavors, or creative thinking. Just be careful of coming to firm decisions fight now (especially on the day of Full Moon), as logic isn't necessarily a strong point right now.

There are many dark corners in our lives, and ourselves, both small and large scale. In 'dark corners' I don't necessarily mean negative things, these are (at least partially) hidden or unnoticed things. With Full Moon, comes light, allowing us to see in those normally invisible, dark corners - just as the brilliant Moonlight allows us to see in the normally dark night. Use this time to take a closer look at things, see hidden potential, look for mistakes, and find opportunities. You can also get a clear insight into yourself, as your emotions are much stronger than usual.

As energy and emotions run high, arguments and conflicts are more likely at Full Moon. Although often difficult, compromise is important. In astrological terms, this is an opposition; the Sun is in the opposite position of the Moon. We often find ourselves completely at odds with someone else. It's important to remember, that this can be quite valuable, useful or informative. Opposite can manifest in different ways. When you look in a mirror, the image you see reflected is opposite the actual image yet reflects it accurately. When you encounter opposition, ask yourself if, in some way, it reflects aspects of yourself or your situations you have not been seeing. Other times, these conflicts can provide valuable insight or information. True, absolute opposites each have elements the other is missing. When you encounter opposition ask yourself if this person or event is giving you information and understanding that you have overlooked and could make your approach completer and more balanced.

It is no longer a good time for beginnings, the flow of energy is shifting. Full Moon is the balance point, or imbalance as it may be, in between waxing and waning. She is neither growing nor shrinking, she is full 100% illuminated. For an instant, a fleeting moment, there is total fulfillment, completion, achievement, and illumination. After that moment, the light is waning, slowly and gradually. This phase carries the energy of the moment of Full Moon, as well as the first gradual steps into the waning portion of the cycle. This is a good time for completing long-term projects or completing a phase of them.

This can be a good time for public displays, drawing attention, or presentations. There is a high energy, and highly emotional quality to Full Moon, so don't draw attention to potentially controversial things, unless you want a controversy. This is a time for putting on a show and getting a dramatic response.

The other, quite obvious factor in the influences this phase brings is, of course, light. It's a good time for evaluation, as things are illuminated figuratively, as well as literally. As we enter the waning phase, there is necessary decreasing and endings. Take a good look at your important projects and plans. Where are you stretching yourself, or your resources too thin? This is the time to begin 'weeding out' the unnecessary. There is a focus on excesses right now, and if you can step back and be objective (so that you aren't inclined to go to excesses) it is a good time for spotting excesses.

 Waning Gibbous Moon

After the Full Moon peaks, we enter the waning half of the lunar cycle. Waning energies repel rather than attract, so it's a good time to begin working on spells to get rid of things.

Minor banishing’s can begin with the Waning Gibbous. This is a good time for general cleansings to upkeep your home, office, garden or any of your personal spaces, etc., to keep things from mounting up. This is also a good time to cleanse any personal objects you may have, such as your jewelry or magical tools. Think of this more like routine dusting-- there's no major build-up, you're just trying to keep things clear to prevent problems.

If you have something for which you need closure, or if you're ready to end something in your life (such as an unfulfilling relationship or unsatisfying business venture), this is a good time for spells to bring things to their fruition.

As for meditations and divination, rather than looking to the future or on to new things, it's a good time for introspection. Where have your previous attitudes and actions brought you? What things in your life have been affecting you most? Are you happy with where you are? Do you need to make any attitude or behavior adjustments?

The Moon is waning (decreasing in light), and 75% to 50% illuminated. It begins the 3rd or 4th day after Full Moon and lasts into the 7th day. It is about 11 days until New Moon (from the beginning of this phase). This is the 6th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Disseminating Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 225º and continues until the angle reaches 270º (when the Third Quarter Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the second half of the Full Moon Quarter. The Disseminating Moon rises in late evening, a couple of hours after Sunset, and sets in late midmorning, a couple of hours after Sunrise. She is easily visible from Moonrise until Moonset. In astrology and magick this phase is called disseminating; however, astronomers typically use the name Waning Gibbous.

How it effects your life

The Full Moon has passed, though just barely. She still lights up the night sky, and the darkness of earth, although she is visibly waning. The waning phase is primarily about endings and letting go, in contrast to the beginnings and growth of the waxing phase. It's time to begin letting go, to realize that a transformation is needed before there can be further growth.

We have made the transition from waxing to waning, like stepping through a doorway, and now it's time to see what awaits us. In fact, throughout the busy cycle this is the first time we have really stopped to look around. We begin to see where we stand and notice our surroundings and our place in them. The disseminating phase is integrative. Our awareness of others, their needs and goals, their effect on us is heightened. We begin to see where our knowledge may be useful to others, and their knowledge may be useful to us. The visions began at New Moon, the fulfillment gained at Full Moon, the experiences in-between have begun transforming into wisdom and understanding. We are compelled to share it. We absorb what others have to share. Communication is vital.

How to make the most of this phase

Following the natural path of the Moon, it is time to take a step back. Not a step backwards in progress, but step back from situations you are too close to, look at them objectively. From the darkness of New Moon, she has progressed, grown, increased to the peak of Full Moon. Now she is gracefully and slowly slipping into the shadows. She is re-visiting the darkness. Dark does not mean evil or bad. Knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and subconscious all reside in the quiet depths of the shadows. Begin turning your attention to things of this nature.

This is only the beginning of the waning portion of the Lunar Cycle. We begin by seeking understanding. At Full Moon, things are illuminated, accomplished, goals are reached, ideas are solidified. Now we know. But do we understand? The mind is busy, sharing and gathering information, racing with thoughts. This is the time to process those thoughts, bits of information, memories of experiences into wisdom - a valuable tool you can utilize for the rest of this cycle, and all that follow it.

The sharing of information is one of the critical elements of and uses for the Disseminating Phase. If you have a message to get out, now is the time. If others are talking (about something relevant) listen to what they have to say. Study, learn, and absorb ideas and information. The tendency for sharing and interaction is not limited to information, although that is its primary influence. This can be an excellent time for socializing, teaching children to share, charity work. It's perfect for attending (or teaching) classes and workshops, making friends whom you connect to on an intellectual level, or exploring other cultures. Learn and diversify, keep an open mind.

This phase is usually a busy time (at least mentally), but in the rush to share, gain, and digest ideas don't forget that the general tendency of the waning phase is decreasing and letting go. This is a good time for breaking habits, changing routines, and weeding out ideas which aren't useful. Be open to change, as this phase is a beginning of a transformation. Ask yourself what you need to transform.

Now that we are in the waning phase it is no longer favorable to begin projects for growth and increase, because the natural tendency is decreasing. The disseminating phase has a strong focus on information. If you want to get a message out, 'spread the word' this is a perfect time. It's also a good time for gathering information. Think ahead to what you have planned for the next waxing moon and do your research. If you are in the middle of a big project or a difficult/confusing situation or point in your life, ask yourself what you need to know. Information is a powerful tool, and if you don't have all the facts, or don’t fully understand them use this time to remedy the situation. By the same merit if your side of the story hasn't been heard - tell it.

The Disseminating Phase also marks the beginning of transformation. Think change. Even in things we want to progress and grow, the balance of waning is essential. Do you have a stalled project, or feel stuck in a rut? Then something has to change, opening new doors, giving new options. Something has to end making room for new growth or allowing it to be 'reborn' in a different and better way.

 3rd Quarter Moon

The Third Quarter, or the Waning Half-Moon, is the perfect timing for dealing with obstacles or leaping over hurtles that might cause you to stumble on your way. Whenever you've been working toward something, and there's a roadblock in your path, the timing of this moon phase offers appropriate energies for helping you burst through it.

Temptations are the number one thing I like to deal with during the Third Quarter. If I'm finding that I often want to cheat on my diet or lay in bed rather than get up and do my exercise or watch TV and fool around on the internet rather than working, I banish that temptation with a spell.

Another good use of this moon phase's energy is in aiding with transitions, whether these are transitions that you have to make or simply want to make in your life. It can help smooth out any wrinkles that might cause snags as you go on your way.

The Moon is waning (decreasing in light), and 50% to 25% illuminated.  This phase usually begins the 7th day after Full Moon and continues until the 10th or 11th. It will be about 7.5 days until New Moon (from the beginning of this phase).  This is the 6th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Last Quarter Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 270º and continues until the angle reaches 315º (when the Disseminating Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the first half of the 3rd Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases).  The Last Quarter Moon rises around midnight and sets mid-day.  She is visible from Moonrise, until Moonset.  Both astrology/magick and astronomy may use either Last Quarter, Waning Last Quarter, or Third Quarter for this phase. Third Quarter is used more often in astronomy than in astrology/magick.

How it effects your life

Once again, we have reached the balance of light.  The Moon begins this phase exactly half illuminated, but waning.  She is slipping into the darkness, slowly but surely.  Each night we see another sliver of light gone.  She still illuminates the night, but gradually the shadows grow stronger and the light grows weaker.  It is a time of transition, transformation, and evolution.  There is a restless, sometimes uneasy feeling.  Instinctively we feel that something is happening, something is changing.

In the First Quarter Phase we feel the energy of waxing and growing become quite potent at the light overtakes the dark.  We have now reached the opposite point, as the dark overtakes the light and we feel the energy of waning and decreasing with equal potency. However, the darkness is the quiet, the internal, the letting go, the understanding - it is a more subtle energy. The mysteries of the shadows are now more alluring than the discoveries of the light.  The energy is deep and powerful, but not so easy to decipher as the extroverted and illuminating energy we felt in the First Quarter.

How to make the most of this phase

Half-light, half dark.  We are looking back and looking ahead.  Often, we find ourselves at cross-roads during the Last Quarter Phase, sometimes trying to (or needing to) take both roads at once.  Things began early in the phase are coming to fruition.  There are things that still need to be done, perhaps another big push to finish up.  Maybe they should be continued or revived.  It's decision time.  Then, there is the question of where to from here.  What will replace things that have been finished?  What will be started in the next phase?  Again, decision time.

Look back: where have you been, and what have you done?  Look ahead:  where are you going, and what will you do?  This is a time of change, as we are beginning to form plans for the future, realizing the repercussions of the past, and deciding what we will (or must) continue, and bring with us.  This isn't a time to dodge responsibility and avoid decisions.  We often find ourselves facing mistakes we have made and receiving credit for what we have archived.  We become aware of what is finished or needs to be. We've been gathering wisdom, contemplating change.  Now we begin to figure out what to do with what we have, and don't have.

The Quarter Moon Phases, both first and last, are times of balance followed by direction.  This one is vastly different from the First Quarter, however.  This is a good time to break bad habits and change routines. Sometimes the more stubborn habits are easier to break now than in the Disseminating Phase.  There is sometimes a vague feeling of chaos in our lives around this time.  Be careful not to let things spin out of control, but don't be too concerned. It's natural, this is a turning point and there are probably many things going on simultaneously.   Don't let yourself slip into bad habits, and not do what has to be done.  However, don't push yourself too hard either.  Rest and contemplation are integral to the entire waning phase.

The Last Quarter Phase is a good time for taking care of details.  Do things you've been putting off.  Clean out the closet, finish up some paperwork. Work on wrapping things up, and deal with those 'odds and ends' you've been neglecting.  It's a good time to organize, prioritize, streamline, and weed out. Clean up clutter, throw away things you don't need and make room for those 'homeless' things laying around.

This can be an important point in long-term projects and goals. This is a time for making the hard decisions and implementing serious change.  What needs to be eliminated?  If you are have come to a point where you must choose one of two (or more) directions, this is a good time to make your choice.  Now is the time for re-structuring and re-considering plans.  Take a hard look at what has and hasn't worked, make use of information you've gathered.  This is a time of endings, but not always eliminating things.

This is a good time for finishing or beginning the final stage of something. If you have a project near completion, it can be a good time to take the necessary steps to finish it; make time and room for something new.  

Mistakes made along the way may, and problems you've encountered be catching up with you.  Don't ignore them or give up on what you've been trying to do.  See what there is to be learned, and how they may be avoided in the future.  Implement change where needed or use this time to figure out what change is needed. Take an honest look at projects, or things in your life that seem to be going downhill.  Decide if it's worth pursuing or not.  There is a difference in giving up, depressed, frustrated, and illogical or thinking it through and deciding that it's not worth continuing with. Decide whether you're ending the goal or the plan.  If you're ending the plan, but the goal is still worth striving for, consider a new start, a different approach, in the coming Lunar Cycle.  If you're ending the goal, do what is needed to wrap it up, and start thinking ahead.  Consider the possibilities opened by the time and resources you're freeing up.

 Waning Crescent Moon

If you need to clear your life and home of negativity, stress, strife, chaos, etc., now is the time to do it. The Waning Crescent, as it approaches the Dark Moon phase, it suitable for stronger banishing than at any other time of the waning moon phases. Get rid of whatever has been plaguing you—anything you find to be seriously annoying, frustrating or concerning (save things that are serious threats for that Dark Moon).

If you need things to end—not just to finish up and end, but things that no longer serve you that you need to just stop in their tracks-- this moon phase is a good time to do it. Dropping a hopeless project, relationship, friendship, etc. is best done at this time. This is a good time to cast a spell for anything for which you wish to bring about a swift and benign ending.

The Moon is waning (decreasing in light) and 75% to 0% illuminated. This phase begins the 10th or 11th day after Full Moon and continues until New Moon. It is about 3.5 days until New Moon (at the beginning of this phase). This is the 7th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Balsamic Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 315º and continues until the angle reaches 0º (when the New Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the second half of the 3rd Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). The Balsamic Moon rises is early morning, before dawn and sets in late afternoon. Early in this phase is visible in pre-dawn twilight; a thin silver crescent softly growing in the eastern sky. By the end of this phase she has disappeared, as we approach the next lunar cycle. This phase is called Balsamic, Dark Moon, and Waning Crescent. In astrology/magick the term waning crescent is rarely used; it is by far the most common astronomical name. Dark Moon and Balsamic are commonly used in astrology/magick.

How it effects your life

The darkness is nearly complete. We begin the Balsamic Phase with just a thin sliver of light - you may catch a glimpse in early morning - and by the end of the phase, darkness is complete. We are approaching New Moon; this is the last waning phase. She has withdrawn into the darkness, leaving the night wrapped in shadows. Disappearing, she is resting, preparing for the next Lunar Cycle. As we follow her example, follow her path, we do the same.

This is a time of quiet contemplation. We withdraw into the shadowy depths of thought and emotion, resting, reflecting, thinking, feeling, dreaming, and preparing. To a great degree we exist in the 'invisible worlds' of subconscious, spiritual realms, daydreaming, and our own inner depths. We are often consciously unaware - much is happening, yet it seems that nothing is happening. The past slips away, quietly into the night as the future slips in. While the Moon releases her current cycle, extinguishing the light and preparing for the next cycle, we to are releasing extinguishing and preparing; even if we don't know it on a conscious level.

How to make the most of this phase

This is a time to notice the subtle, especially within yourself. It's not a time of dramatic changes and hectic action. Yet it's a time of chaos, in its own way. There is often an uneasy, restlessness about the Balsamic Phase. This isn't (typically) chaos in the external sense, of noticeable disorder and confusion. This is a deeper, more subtle more meaningful type of chaos. The Lunar cycle is ending, with it our cycle of progress and action is ending. Yet a new cycle has not begun. There is a sense of void, but it's not a void. It's filled with the past, the future, hopes and fears. Externally this should be a calm, quiet time. Allow yourself opportunity to think, feel and experience.

The Balsamic Moon Phase is a time of release. The growing and building of the waxing phase have passes. The actively analyzing, correcting, and changing of the waning phase up to this point has passes. Now is the time for acceptance and release. What has gone too far to be repairable, we must let go of. Perhaps it will be re-started in the next, or a future Lunar Cycle. Maybe it won't. But if its time has come, we must now let go. We must have faith in ourselves, and the natural cycle, knowing what we let go of now will be reborn, the resources will be reused, we are making way for something new, releasing emotions and beginning healing…

Balsamic Moon is also a time of preparation. New Moon is approaching; we are on the verge of the next Lunar Cycle. We are on the verge, but not there yet. Gather your strength and resources; let your mind and body relax. Let your spirit and soul play. Let your imagination run wild. We are following the natural cycle. The Moon is now retreating into the shadows, withdrawing into herself, resting and preparing to come back strong and vibrant in the next cycle. This is the time we should be preparing ourselves to be refreshed and ready for great momentum and new growth to come.

One of the best uses for the Balsamic Phase is rest. If you've been pushing yourself too hard, feeling used up and burnt out, the most important thing to do right now is give yourself a break. It's also a time to get in touch either yourself or nature. This is the time to stop and smell the roses, enjoy the moment. It's also a good time for mundane, routine tasks - the kind of thing you do automatically without having to give it much though. Try to avoid strenuous activities, especially mentally strenuous. This is the time for your mind to relax, and let your subconscious, your soul, and your imagination flow. Don't fill your head with a bunch of fact and figures, that won't let the subtle flow through.

In terms of more 'practical' activities, remember we are in the final days of the waning moon. It won't be favorable time for breaking habits, endings, or eliminating until the next phase. If you have things of this nature you need to do, now is the time. This phase of the waning Moon is particularly good for final endings. Anything you don't want to return or want it to at least be slower than typical - now is the time. For example, if you pull weeds they don't grow back as quickly, if you clean out the junk drawer, it will fill up slower, if you plug a leak it's more likely to hold and so on.

This is not the time to begin anything. It is an excellent time for endings. If you need to end a difficult relationship, break a contract, stop a tough habit, etc. this is your best time. In difficult situations, see if anything needs to be ended and if not, this isn't the time to address the problem. In long-term projects, the Balsamic Phase usually seems to be a time of stalled progress. Don't push for something to happen, wait until New Moon. However, this phase can be an excellent time of inspiration and creativity. The logical and forward moving part of things may be stalled, but often what we really need is a break from the activity and some objective, unusual thoughts on the matter.

[mattatouile]

Faith, feather, melody

faith; do you have any superstitions?

I don’t know if it really counts as a superstition, but I never say goodnight or goodbye  to my mom/siblings/dad/fiancee without also saying, “Love you.” Not because I’m convinced that the one time I don’t say it, something will happen, just because I don’t want to have not said it. 

feather; your favorite textures? 

Chenille. That’s it. That’s the entire tweet. 

melody; ten songs that you think “define” you?

1) Nicest Thing by Kate Nash. I used to pine like it was my day job. And this song and I spent many a car drive crying together.2) Daylight by Better than Ezra. The first concert I ever attended was Better than Ezra and this was a somewhat obscure track of theirs and it was the opening song of that concert and it was like A Moment for me.3) Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Kind of a painful song for me now, but very significant to a portion of my life, regardless of if it’s a painful memory.4) Mr. Sandman. One of the songs I most remember singing and dancing to in my grandma’s kitchen. 5) Simply the Best by Tina Turner. It’s going to be the processional at my wedding. :D6) Red Right Ankle by The Decemberists. Another somewhat painful moment in my life, but a song that really did capture the spirit of my friendships at the time. 7) Little Pink Houses by John Cougar Mellencamp. It is such a VISCERAL sort of sense memory of being a kid in my dad’s pick-up truck. I realize that just sort of reveals how very From Louisiana I am, but there ya have it. 8) Unforgiven II by Metallica. Again, such a sense memory from my childhood. My eldest brother was obsessed with Metallica and I vividly remember every single beat of this song.9) Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and DOLLY PARTON. (The only acceptable version). This was mine and my little sister’s karaoke song for some reason. IDK. It just makes me remember very fond fond times with her. 10) Shrike by Hozier. Literally just definitive of who I am now as a person. It is the pinnacle of me at the height of being on my bullshit. 

[myrcella]

ohh! 🍓🍓🍓 for aries, fifi and alavesa!

🍓 aries:

she has an extensive amount of tattoos, including but not limited to: all of her childrens’ names in wacky fonts (6); her husband’s name on a ribboned heart; a pair of shining cherries; an alien doing a peace sign with a blunt in its mouth; a pair of fuzzy dice; a woman with devil horns in a bikini; a series of little rats; a dusty pink rose encompassing one shoulder; a cactus and sunset piece; a bloody knife; a red hot chilli with lines coming off it; worm on a string; a 3d dinosaur; a tombstone with her name, and various general stick n pokes

favourite drink? sarsaparilla x vodka x jet. lots of it. until the world’s different colours and arcade is probably shoving an adrenaline shot into her chest pulp fiction style... again. no one knows how the courier survived death once never mind multiple times, what does the world want her for????

she was pregnant when she was shot, obviously she subsequently had a miscarriage from the trauma. later, her children think of the lost baby as their angel sibling and she’s posthumously named lilly/lily

🍓 fifi:

peaches is kept as a pet even when fifi marries john, and she’s the resident cougar of seed ranch. she bonds with fifi and john’s children early on so there’s no fear there. they love their ‘eeches and flop all over her and she licks their hairs into cowlicks

she has a large colour-coded stationery collection for work purposes

her favourite artists include: fleet foxes, damien rice, local natives, rogue wave, the decemberists, grizzly bear, the shins, etc. my dreamy indie girl

🍓 alavesa:

she’s a bastard of two ideologically conflicting houses: hlaalu and telvanni. she doesn’t know her origins but as the fates would have it she ends up joining house hlaalu, is quite loyal, and adopts their name

she favours short blades and dual wielding them — magic comes naturally to her but it’s not her preferred skill

she can be introverted for the most part, she values solace and privacy which she rarely had in her enslaved childhood and young adulthood

[letsdothistom]

Air Guitar and 85 MPH!

I was going to spend my second “blog” discussing pretentiousness in Santa Fe or New Mexican food and green chile in general.  But since I came up with something a little more fun, I guess I’ll save the talk about ordering water in a bowl and drinking it with a spoon for a different time.  On my drive back to Oklahoma I thought of a topic that always shows its face when I’m on a road trip.   I often forget about it until the next time I’m in the car or just don’t put much thought into it once I’ve opened the car doors and let the dog out to deal with his pent up energy as I unload the car.  Not to mention the obligatory hour I have to spend re-aquainting myself to the cat, who is certain that I have disappeared forever this time.

The topic that came to me is road trip songs.  

I love road trips.  You may think I’m crazy but settling into the driver seat, snacks on the passenger seat,  the basset hound panting in my face, his front feet on the console, anticipating our newest adventure, is the best.  Within a pretty short time, he tends to realize that this is just another day-long roady and roughs up his blanket in the backseat and settles in for the ride. Giving me weird basset hound glances in the mirror.  Not sure if it’s the music or he just wants some pork rinds.

Now these road trips of mine usually arent extravagant or exotic.  Unless you consider driving state highways through Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming or any other of the fly-over states I tend to travel as being exotic. (Personally I’d choose these drives over just about any other you could propose to me).  The great thing about these road trips, aside from seeing so many wonderful historically relevant places (as well as plenty of non-relevant places), and feeling a oneness with wide open spaces, is the time you get to yourself to hone your listening skills.  

Those of you that know me, know that I have many preferences when it comes to music.  As Cheech says in Up In Smoke, “we play everything from El Chicano to Santana”.  I love it all.  Some more than others, but I probably have a song or two from every type of playlist or genre that you can think of.  Add to that the fact that if there is a specific location I’m aiming my car to (often there is not), I will jam songs from or about that location.  For instance, while driving the empty roads of New Mexico it will be Ennio Morricone and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly soundtrack.  Wyoming is of course Chris LeDoux country.  On my way to Kansas City to eat BBQ, it’s Joe Williams singing “Kansas City” or Charlie Parker and K.C. Blues.  Memphis is Sister Rosetta Tharpe (you can keep Elvis, I am not a fan.  Yeah, I said it).  West Texas?  Marty Robbins Gunfighter Ballads, of course!  Down south, it’s Big Maybelle, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Muddy Waters.  You get the idea.  It may seem strange but there is something that touches my soul in listening to those songs that are native to an area.  Whether or not I actually do learn anything, it feels as though I have.

With that weird little eccentricity out of the way, let me add that of course there are some staples of any road trip, for me at least.  These are songs, albums and artists that I listen to, to fill in all the  empty spaces of those relatively uneventful miles, musically or otherwise.  Maybe it’s Def Leppard or ACDC or Beyonce or Ariana Grande for you.  For me these are easy.  I can not even begin to guess how many miles have been eaten up by Merle Haggard, or The Count Basie Orchestra.  I am not scared of extreme opposites.  Hundreds upon thousands upon tens of thousands of miles have been chewed up by these two musical groups, and yes, I’m aware that I am probably the only person living who can claim that.

The millennials reading this will have no idea about this next category.  There use to be these things called albums.  Albums were a group of songs, recorded (usually around the same time), and released as a unit to the masses.  These units were sold as vinyl records, cassette tapes, 8-tracks, or CDs.  Those of us a little older can attest that 90 percent of these albums had 2-4 songs that we liked and a bunch of other average or barely tolerable songs that you listened to whether you liked them or not (if you didn’t have control of the radio in the car).  Sometimes, you even grew to enjoy a few of those songs.  On rare occasions though, you found an entire album, yes the whole thing! that you enjoyed.   For all of us oldies, these albums are near and dear to our hearts.  They vary from person to person, but these are a few I can put on and just let them play, enjoying almost every song:  Van Halen-1984, Blood Sweat and Tears-Greatest hits, Nirvana-Nevermind, George Strait-Strait From The Heart, Muddy “Mississippi” Waters-Live, Art Blakey-Moanin’,  U2-Joshua Tree, Miles Davis-Kind of Blue, Steve Miller Band-Greatest Hits 74-78, IceT-Greatest Hits to name a few of my favorites.

All of these categories are important to a good road trip.  You must have a combination of all of them.  Yeah, I know, all of you XM/Sirius users are claiming that you don’t need any of them.  You got genres on every channel, and all you ever need with all those fancy channels.  To those of you in that camp, I say “HOGWASH!”  Why Hogwash?  Well no matter how specific these channels are, or how much you enjoy the carefree toggling between your favorite genres, no road trip is complete without those irreplaceable, epic, nostalgic songs that nearly blow out your speakers and get your ears ringing whenever you choose to rock them.  And how the hell are you supposed to play these favorites 2, 3, 10 times in a row with your XM radio?!  You can’t. So without further palaver, I’m gonna lay my favorites out and would love to hear some of yours.  

Rich’s top 20 Road Trip Jams (if you have any sense, you will build this playlist!-yeah I know it’s not gonna float everyone’s boat but if nothing else, listen to it, you might find some music that you don’t normally dig.)  And for the record, none of these songs ever get bumped off the list, new ones just get added to it occasionally.  As weird as it may be, here is my list:

Honorable Mentions.  These songs get me thinking about all the great road trip songs and my musical wheels start turning.  It’s on when I hear any of these songs.

Runnin on Empty-Jackson Browne, Hello Walls-Faron Young, Blues in Hoss Flat-Count Basie, Night In Tunisia-Ella Fitzgerald, Gimme All Your Love-Alabama Shakes, Miles and Miles of Texas-Asleep at the Wheel, China Grove-Doobie Brothers, Come Down-Anderson Paak, Crosstown Traffic-Jimi Hendrix, El Paso-Marty Robbins, Ida Red-Bob Wills and Sunshine of Your Love-Cream.  Those get me started but here is when it gets real.

20-16  These are like the kindling for me.  Getting the fire lit, and starting my descent into the next hour of driving, without really remembering the road I’ve just driven or the scenes outside the window.  

20)  Suavecito-Malo   Ok, Ok, it wouldn’t seem like a fire starter, but...

19)  Magic Man-Heart This one should get your blood flowing

18)  Keep on Rockin’ Me-Steve Miller The best roady to choose from SMB

17)  Watermelon Man-Herbie Hancock You might not have soul if you don’t love this

16)  When My Train Pulls In- Gary Clark JR Great Long Jam.  incredible guitar riffs

11-15  These are a small step up, adding logs to my fire

15)  Me and Mrs. Jones-Billy Paul So there’s always a song that you love to sing while you are alone in your car, and you think you sing it just as well as the artist

14)  Stairway to Heaven-Led Zeppelin Ok so of course I have it, but this is a really, really great song no matter how many times it is played.

13)  Ev’ryday I have the Blues-Count Basie and Joe Williams The definition of a foot stomper.

12)  Luckenbach, TX-Waylon and Willie One of the best country songs translates to a great road song.

11)  The Story- Brandi Carlisle Not a song liable to be on many lists, road trip or not.  My sister introduced me to this years and years ago and it barely misses the top 10

6-10  Ok, we are really cookin with gas now.  These are legendary roadies in my book.  The dog gives me a look, here we go again.

10)  Rooster-Alice In Chains Gets my grunge on.  I love everything about this song.  Probably one of the biggest contributors to hearing loss in my right ear.

9)   Six Days on the Road-Dave Duncan All those over-the-road truckers can’t be wrong, this is the best of all truckin’ songs.

8)   Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down-Merle Haggard   My favorite country singer and a whole lot of my favorite country music instrument, the steel guitar.  Damn I love this song

7)   Ticket To Ride-Beatles There are tons of Beatles songs to choose from and this isn’t my favorite, but it is my favorite on the road

6)   867-5309-Tommy Tutone This is my favorite 80s song.  And when I hear that guitar riff at the beginning...Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to?

2-5  These are huge, the fire is roaring and I have no concerns as to what is going on at this point.  I’ll be singing, playing drums, air guitar.  The dog has now tried to cover his ears due to the volume.

5)   Jamie’s Cryin-Van Halen Im not sure why, because there are tons of Van Halen songs to choose from, but for whatever reason, this one is my favorite while on the road

4)   North To Alaska-Johnny Horton   Ok, another one you may not expect at all but damn this is a fun song.  I physically can’t help whaling “big nuggets they’re finding” every time!

3)   Pink Houses-John Cougar Mellencamp    Im not a globalist. ‘Murica!!

2)   Sweet Child of Mine-Guns and Roses    This should be on everyones list. Road songs or any other.  Simply one of the best songs ever.  

Number 1!!!

So all the previous songs are great.  I love them all, and many, many more.  This is an elaborate list for me.  If you know me, you know I love lists, and don’t make them without deep thought.  But Ironically, the battle for the top spot isn’t even close.  I LOVE Sweet Child of Mine, and Pink Houses.  I might play them 2 or 3 times in a row, but the battle for number one isn’t much of a battle.  Not because these others arent great but because number one is so unbelievably spectacular in the car.  I can’t help singing to it, playing air guitar, drum solo in my car, volume literally turned up 3 or 4 times during the song, ears ringing and can’t even hear myself singing, and just when you don’t think it could be any better, it gets better!!!  There are times I may play this song 5, 6 times in a row if things are cookin.  I can barely keep the needle under 85 mph! The number one song for the road is:

1)  More Than A Feeling- Boston  I really built it up, and with good reason. Rock ballad, guitar anthem, unbelievable vocals, harmony soft, loud, louder, high, higher, drums...what else can I say?  This is simply the best road trip song ever!!

Ok, that’s it.  Maybe it was anti-climatic for you, but I got jazzed just listing the songs.  I may go take a drive just to hear the playlist!  I’d love to hear everyone else’s playlist that they take on every trip.  Maybe I’m missing some good road trip songs!  

I hope the dog never figures out how to jump out of the car while it’s moving.

[roxettediaries]

Pink Houses

John Cougar Mellencamp - whenever I come across some of his songs, I always feel like he’s the kind of guy who’s music Per would appreciate. Vocals, music and lyrics - all may also satisfy some needs of a Roxette fan considering his style is a little bit of everything.

“Pink Houses” from 1983 starts off with some Guitar riffs which just has to remind you of Gessle and his song “Rickie Lee” (which is not a duet with Marie Fredriksson). Think of “Rickie Lee” starting off... yeah? Now go listen to this Mellancamp song - believe me you’d feel some resemblance.

Mellencamp had long enough hair too - Gessle Gessle Gessle....!!!

Also, the dude dated Meg Ryan, so I like him even more now! (Haha).

I also got to know that “pink houses” comes in the genre called “heartland rock” (which is basically Bruce Springsteen genre too).

We Gessle fans love the word “Heartland”, don’t we? - Heartland Cafe by Gyllene Tider. Hmmm....??

It’s totally coincidental, I’m sure!

Love and Peace

26/1/2019

[8-bitgossip]

Quotations

Ambient Conversations:

“I fucking hate mosquitos. Can we get away from all of this stagnant water before we die of West Nile or some shit?”

“You know, there’s a really good hiking trail around here. If you just turn here…. And we’re going the other way. Nevermind.”

“Gotta love the wilderness, the sun, the rivers, the lakes, the idea that there could be a Chosen archer hiding in the trees just waiting to murder us.”

“...Yeah. Heights. This’ll be fun. Not. Can we uh -- get down. Like. Now.”

“So. Have you ever thought about what’s gonna happen when all this is over? People don’t even have homes to go back to anymore and what? Are we gonna hold hands and sing kumbaya and pretend this all didn’t happen? Like fucking hell.”

When Deputy Points a Gun at Them:

“Ah. So this is what betrayal feels like. Gotta admit I’m hurt Deputy.”

“Et tu, Brute?”

Holland Valley:

“Ah. You can almost smell John Seed’s entitlement from here. Or… maybe that’s just his cologne. Eau de Asshole.”

“The Spread Eagle. Did you know that Girl’s Night has karaoke? You’ll have to ask Grace to sing Man! I Feel Like a Woman! by Shania Twain. It’s a blast.”

“Ah yes. Open fields, straight roads, the perfect place for snipers to shoot at us while I can’t shoot at them. Let’s get a move on.”

“...you think that the general store ever got my shipment of books in before shit went south? No?” *sighs* “And I was so looking forward to finishing the last of Toni Morrison’s body of work.”

“Gotta admit, even though I don’t remember it -- one baptism was more than enough for me; evidently I cried the whole time. My childhood priest wouldn’t be pleased with me converting to some crazed religious cult. Catholicism is cult  enough for any one person.”

“You think we could convince some people to sneak speakers up by John’s house? And blast Oh John from their fucking radio station while he tries to sleep? It’ll be hilarious.”

After Being Captured By John:

1st Encounter: “Did you enjoy your dip in the bliss filled water? Was John everything you hoped for? Thank god for Pastor Jerome and getting you out of there before shit hit the fan.” 2nd Encounter: “God. John’s quite the drama queen isn’t he? Shouting for you over the loudspeakers, promising that God will lead him to you.” *snickers* “He’ll be sending you flowers and love poetry before you know it, Dep.” John’s Death: “Well, everyone in the Valley can breathe at least a little easier now… It’s just a damn shame about the lives lost in the process and all of the people displaced by the violence.”

Henbane River:

“Ah yes, just your good, old fashioned, brain melting hallucinogenic drugs that at the very least sends you on a bad trip and at worst, turns you into a fucking zombie. Just how I wanted to spend my Tuesday.”

“Oh good. I’ve been meaning to stop by and see Addie. I have to talk to her about the fucking alleged haunted house she sold me.”

“I swear officer! It wasn’t me! Don’t cart me off to jail!” *snickers*

“You know what fucking sucks the most about all of this? They blissed out all of the best swimming spots in the Henbane, so unless you want to get really high I don’t recommend it.”

“Do you have any idea how much I’d love to take a rocket launcher to that sanctimonious prick’s dick?” *pause* “On the statue, dumbass. Although… Now that I’m on the topic…”

“...Please tell me that you’re also seeing pink elephants and about a dozen Faith’s littering the sides of the roads. Oh god.”

After Being Captured By Faith:

1st Encounter: “You never take me anywhere nice, actually, I lied. Do not. I repeat. Do not. Take me skydiving off of that fucking statue. I will murder you.” 2nd Encounter: “Best be careful there Dep. The adrenaline can bring you back but… there’s always a cost. You gotta wonder what the cost of finding that Marshall and bringing him back is.” Faith’s Death: “It’ll take years for this place to get back to normal… All of that Bliss, in everything. It’s not just gonna go away, and we don’t even know the long term effects. What a fucking waste of life.”

Whitetail Mountains:

“I should stop by and see Will and Eli while we’re here… No one in that fucking Militia keeps themselves fed unless you bug them about it. Fully grown toddlers, I swear to god.”

“Guess I should be thankful that the Cult isn’t as concerned with book burning as other zealous religious groups -- I would storm the Veteran’s Center myself if Jacob tried to burn my books.”

“...Did you hear that howl? We should go. Before we end up as wolf chow. Or, we could stay and when the Judge’s come you stay there, and I’ll climb a tree and use you as a big, beautiful distraction.”

“So… You know that fucking eyesore of a Truck that Hurk Senior owns? A few months ago I dumped pink paint all over that shit. Hurk and Sharky thought it was funny… his daddy not so much. It was just detailed too. Such a shame, that.”

“For the record, if you’re planning on using helicopters to travel you can count me out, out of this county, out of this little group of yours, out of existence. There will be no heights for this woman in this or any lifetime.”

“Please tell me that you’re not actually going to get those records on the kid’s list. He has like, the WORST music taste. Literally give anyone else that job because I don’t know how much of What’s New Pussycat I can take.”

After Being Captured By Jacob:

1st Encounter: “Careful now, Dep. The mind is the one thing that’s really hard to un-fuck once you get it into a bad place so just… be careful. The reprogramming may not be so family friendly.” 2nd Encounter: “You ever think that people get tired of his whole, “I ate a man once”, shtick? Like. We get it, you’re the scary mountain gremlin who likes to murder people and train deadly wolves, we don’t need more than that.” Jacob’s Death: “...What happened was... unfortunate. But it’s over now. It’s all almost over.”

Intercompanion Dialog:

Nick

Nick: “Hey. So, Kim’s been meaning to ask you for that recipe you and Will brought to the last cookout.” Bridget: “The peach cobbler or the pudding shots?” Nick: “….Both. Definitely both. And make sure that you bring them both again next time. They were a lifesaver. Who the fuck brings pineapple pizza to a barbecue?” Bridget: “Evidently, the Seeds. As if we needed another reason to shoot them.” Nick: *laughs* “Right?” Bridget: “I’ll make sure to stop by the next time I have a chance, I’m sure that Kim would enjoy some new faces around.”

Grace

Bridget: “I managed to find a copy of Beloved for you if you’re still interested in reading it?” Grace: “Really? You found it before the Peggies lost their shit then?” Bridget: “Yeah, it was in the last shipment of books that came into the library before everything went post-apocalypse now.” Grace: “I’d love to read it, be nice to take my mind off of everything that’s going on.” Bridget: “Of course! I’ll bring it by 8Bit the next time we’re gonna meet up there for you to read. I promise you’ll love this one.” Grace: “You haven’t steered me wrong yet.”

Boomer

Bridget: “You know… I’ve always been more of a cat person myself….” Boomer: *whines* Bridget: “Don’t give me those --” *sighs* “Fine. Fine. You’re the only exception. Happy now?” Boomer: *happy bark*

Sharky

Sharky: ��Hey so, Bridget. I have a question.” Bridget: “Hm?” Sharky: “Do you think that readin’ Shakespeare and Charles Dickens and shit would make me sound smarter?” Bridget: “Nope.” Sharky: “Seriously?” Bridget: “Sharky, it was like… the Simpsons of our times, people just like to act like it was smarter and better. Besides, you’re plenty smart by yourself and if anyone tells you different you can tell them to find me and I’ll beat the shit out of them with my twenty five pound Shakespeare anthology.” Sharky: *laughs* “Can and will do, ma’am.”

Adelaide:

Bridget: “So… About that haunted house you sold me…” Addy: “Ah, I was wondering when you’d figure that out -- technically no one’s ever died on the property and the hauntings are all just rumors that the town likes to tell.” Bridget: “It definitely explains why it was half of the price of every other house in Hope County.” Addy: “Darlin’ you always get what you pay for, and honestly, I think you and that man of yours got quite the steal on that place.” Bridget: “Uh-huh. Just know, that if I die, I have every intention of haunting you just so that you have to deal with those sort of shenanigans and whispers from the people in Fall’s End.” Addy: *laughs* “It’s a deal.”

Billy:

Billy: “So I say we just…” *inaudible whispering* Bridget: “Absolutely not! We are not going to panty raid the entirety of John Seed’s house and hang his silk underwear from his flag pole no matter how funny I think that is.” Billy: “Come on, think of the rage -- the pure unadulterated fury that he’ll have at seeing his glorious black silk boxers hanging from every available surface in the Valley.” Bridget: “Do not. It’s too fucking tempting.” Billy: “You know you want to.” Bridget: “You’re the absolute worst.” Billy: “That’s not a no.” Bridget: “Fuck you.”

Peaches:

Bridget: “Hey! You want some treats?” Peaches: *cougar noises* Bridget: “I talked to Chad and he gave me the scraps from the latest roadkill he’s gotten and I’ve saved it for my favorite kitty.” Peaches: *happy cougar noises* Bridget: “Yup! It’s all for the best murder machine in the Henbane.”

Hurk:

Hurk: “So you’re sure you’re not interested in Hurk’s Gate?” Bridget: “Nope. I’m pretty good where I’m at, plus, Jerome would be out a Youth Pastor if I did.” Hurk: “Well, I guess you could still stay with the Youth Pastoring thing, helping the youth and all of that is important, plus you could start recruiting them to Hurk’s Gate.” Bridget: “Still gonna pass.” Hurk: “Huh. Gonna have to do the hard sell on you, huh? Well, what if I told you that there are tons of beautiful men and women who are --” Bridget: “Hurk, I’m gonna stop you right there. My grandmother was Irish Catholic, were I to convert to anything she’d come down from heaven just to beat the ever living shit out of me.” Hurk: “Respecting the wishes of your grandma I can get that. Yeah.”

Jess:

Jess: “Hey, thanks for letting me crash with you and Will for the last few months, it’s been… a lifesaver. Really.” Bridget: “We know how hard it’s been, I’m glad to see you getting back on your feet… Well, as back on your feet as you can get given the circumstances.” Jess: “It’s crazy, all this shit goin’ south with the Peggie’s is what it’s taken for me to get my life back in order… It’s almost surreal.” Bridget: “Well, if you ever need us, our door is open and the spare bedroom is yours.” Jess: “Thank you, Bridget.’

Ashlee:

Bridget: “So. When all of this is over, we’re having a party. A big one.” Ashlee: “Obviously.” Bridget: “My first thought is at the lake, but then I’m like, “but wait, we live in the middle of nowhere, our only sources of entertainment are drinking and shooting things” which means that I’d spend my time worrying about people accidentally ending up in the water and drowning.” Ashlee: “A fair point, but may I just say that they’re all fucking adults and should know better. We’ll grab some trucks to put along the waterfront to play music and block the way into the water and then people will have to think to get in.” Bridget: “An excellent idea. This is why I keep you around.” Ashlee: “And here I thought it was because I was attractive and intelligent company.” Bridget: “Always. Heart emoji” Ashlee: “Did you just---” Bridget: “Don’t.”

Cheeseburger:

Bridget: “Cheeseburger!” Cheeseburger: *bear noises* Bridget: “You know, every time we’re out here, I’m always surprised that the deputy hasn’t had a saddle made to ride you into battle like the majestic beast you are.” Cheeseburger: *bear noises*

[highly-opinionated-nerd]

“I’ve done enough now // to know this beautiful place isn’t everything they say” -Good Charlotte, The River

“Rise to the top of the world // America // America, don’t you cry” -Imagine Dragons, America

“Here our dreams aren’t made // they’re won” -Thirty Seconds To Mars, City Of Angels

“You can pay Uncle Sam with the overtime // is that all you get for your money?” -Billy Joel, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)

“You end up like a dog that's been beat too much // 'til you spend half your life just coverin' up” -Bruce Springsteen, Born In The USA

“Oh, but ain't that America // for you and me // ain't that America // something to see” -John Cougar Mellancamp, Pink Houses

“Nothing’s real and nothing lasts” -Goo Goo Dolls, Big Machine

“In the streets the children screamed // the lovers cried and the poets dreamed” -Don McLean, American Pie

“The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls // and tenement halls” -Simon and Garfunkel, Sound Of Silence

“There’s too many men // too many people // making too many problems // and not much love to go around” -Genesis, Land of Confusion

“Born and raised by those who praise control of population // everybody’s been there, and I don’t mean on vacation” Red Hot Chili Peppers, Californication

“Incarceration’s become big business // and it’s harvest time out on the avenue” -The Killers, Land Of The Free

“What? The "land of the free?" // whoever told you that is your enemy” -Rage Against The Machine, Know Your Enemy

“I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies” -Green Day, Holiday

“I’ve lost my faith in this broken system // got love for my home // but if we cry is there anyone listening?” -One Ok Rock, Renegades

“It’s hard to beat the system // when you’re standing at a distance” -John Mayer, Waiting On The World To Change

“Gotta tear it down before we reach for the reset” -Neck Deep, Citizens of Earth

“Everyone wants to change the world // but no one, no one wants to die” -My Chemical Romance, Make Room!!!!!

“We’ve gotta make a decision // leave tonight or live and die this way” -Tracy Chapman, Fast Car

“I’ve been talking ‘bout the way things change // and my family lives in a different state // if you don’t know what to make of this // then we will not relate” -The Head And The Heart, Rivers And Roads

“In your world you’re only a phone away but in my world you’re too far to feel” -Carbon Leaf, Paloma

“Here beside the news // of holy war and holy need // ours is just a little sorrowed talk” -Duran Duran, Ordinary World

“I’m hopin’ it’s going to come true // but there’s not a lot I can do” -Supertramp, Breakfast in America

“I’m so tired of you, America” -Rufus Wainright, Going To A Town