the possiblity of dreams... and other things

My son recently texted me about how he believes that dreams are sometimes prophetic - or if not prophetic... at least a form of guidance. I tend to agree. Now not all dreams have this tendency. Some are simple re-enactments of what's going on in your life, whether it's real life drama, worries, TV shows, etc.   And some of these are jumbled up nonsense. But.... I have had dreams that helped me solve a problem or make sense out of something that never did before. 

And I think that when I dream of family that has passed, it's a form of visitation. Whether or not this is because my mind wishes it to be so is of no importance - I enjoy the visit - whatever the reason.

I'm re-reading a book I read a long time ago called "Minding the Body, Mending the Mind" by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D. (Personally I think it should have been called, "Minding the Mind, Mending the Body".  But it talks about something called Psycho-neuroimmunology or PNI.  I don't intend to explain what this is... but I take it to be the study of how the mind affects the body - in this case the immune system. It seems to confirm the belief that 'attitude' is extremely important in how our body functions. In many ways we already know this, but this research into the subject tries to explain why this is so. 

Many will just call this "psycho-babble" - but I find it fascinating and it confirms things I believe, but cannot explain.  Crazy? Maybe - but happy crazy. 

I have always believed that my mind knows exactly what my body should do... and it knows how to mend itself... if everything is working correctly and we have the courage to trust this knowledge.  That's one of the reasons I always give my body time to recoup on it's own when sick... and not involve a doctor unless certain criteria are met (fever over 103 F, 2 weeks with no improvement, etc.) This has always worked for me for the most part. But I do realize it may not work for everyone nor may not work for me as my body ages and things no longer work as well as they used to.

But it's an interesting read.

Also just finished my new little clay critters. If you can't tell what they are, there's a seal, a chicken, and a little puffin lying on his back with his feet in the air.  They are in the process of drying... and will be under-glazed later this week. As you can see, the chicken and puffin are already almost dried, but the seal is still wet clay. The grey clay (cinco blanco) will whiten upon drying. 

clay critters

Streetlight Update!  Yesterday a crew came out and worked on our streetlight most of the day. I have to say it looked like some sort of electrical problem as they dug a fairly good sized hole in the area. So I feel a little better about them taking so long to replace a light bulb - as apparently that wasn't the prob. Just wish someone would have told us up front in the beginning. But hey! we're not in the dark anymore!


Oh, and I have to say that sometimes this digital world we live in  (online messages to the city and also to doctors and their billing services in particular) is more efficient than the old way (calling by phone and/or trying to reach them by mail). It's been DH and my experience lately that we get answers back faster by sending a text message than any other method of communication. Have any of you noticed this?  We've been a bit slow to connect up digitally with our doctors, etc. But once done, we can go online and send questions, messages, etc. - and believe it or not sometimes get an answer the same day. 

Thanks for reading! And know that I appreciate your comments!

my 'almost' fall...

Well, I guess I've fallen victim to the old folk's curse - falling.  It happened Tuesday morning when I was picking up clay at the clay supply house. Had just given the man in the back my receipt (you order up front and then go around back and hand over your receipt and they put the 2 boxes of clay -100 pounds- into your car trunk) when another workman walked in. He distracted me by saying "warm vanilla sugar?" I turned around and said, "Pardon?" or possibly "What?" (can't really remember exactly).  And he repeated it, "warm vanilla sugar, right?" 

Then my mind clicked in and I realized that he was referring to a fragrance I wear. It's not a perfume as I'm allergic and get migraines from some perfumes. This is basically a body splash that I get from The Bath and Body Shop.  Anyway, once I realized what he was talking about, I said, "oh... yes, you're right."  And then he said something about it being his favorite. At the same time, he handed me back the receipt and the other man was putting putting the clay in the car and as I turned around, I tripped and almost fell (caught myself before I hit the floor by grabbing a wall) over a box of clay left in the middle of the aisle. Scared the both of them to death as they ran over and acted really worried.  I told them that I was fine, just tripped over that box. They immediately picked it up as I left.

Halfway home I realized that my right foot was hurting.  I think I jammed my big toe into that box of clay and twisted my foot. It was still sore last night so I taped it up. Clumsy, yes?  But at least I didn't hit the floor...  (I've almost fallen a few times in the house - tripping over cats - perhaps I need to get back to my Yoga to improve my balance?)

But it did amaze me that someone recognized the fragrance since it is not a famous perfume. I had a dear friend who passed away a few years ago that always wore "Happy" by Clinique (sp?).  I loved it. It smelled so fresh and clean. But when I tried it, it just wasn't the same on me.  Years ago when I was in college, I wore an Este' Lauder cologne called "Youth Dew" and DH loved that. But as I aged, I found that some perfumes did seem to bring on migraines, so I stopped wearing them and went to baby powder and my vanilla splash.  

Update:  Have cut out the pieces for my new *under Keurig quilt square*.  Now just have to sew them together, add the batting, find a backing, and a binding (going to use that blue for binding) and sew it all together. 

And next I've decided to do a *doggie quilt* for a friend who's old dog isn't doing very well. He just went through chemo for cancer and now is being treated for diabetes. He's already gone blind, but the insulin seems to be helping as she says that he has perked up a lot. She knows that he may not be with her for too long, but I thought a doggie quilt for him to lie on would be a nice idea. He isn't a big dog, so I think maybe 24x24 would work. Meeting a friend for coffee today and we will check out the fabric store afterwards for suitable doggie patterns. 

And ceramics/pottery class started again last Saturday. It was good to have my hands back on the clay. Made several cups, bowls, vases, etc. on the wheel just to see if I still could.  Did OK... better as the morning progressed.  We do have one project for the whole class that is going to be done in groups... making hand-built kilns. Should be interesting - will keep you updated.

And one sad fact that was just told to me: my daughter lost 2 of her chickens recently. She suspects hawks, but can't be sure. And they were her favorites... 2 Frizzles.

one of her Frizzles