The Opportunity of Choice | One Step at a Time

I took a seminar once in which
there was an exercise in which
the participants were instructed
on how to break an arrow in the
hollow of their neck.

Quite understandably, there were
some people who were scared about
doing it. Further adding to the
fear, there was even a legal
disclaimer that needed to be
signed before anyone could proceed.

If you didn't sign the disclaimer,
you couldn't do the exercise.

If you signed the disclaimer, you
could still choose not to do the
exercise, but it would be an option.

I was reminded about this when I
was watching a video of Huckabee
with Liz Murray, a woman with an
incredible story that has at a cornerstone
the idea of choice.

She talks about how it might have
been unlikely to be accepted into
Harvard, but she chose to act and
"see what happens."

There is absolutely no chance she
would have been accepted if she
didn't apply. Just like there would
be no arrow experience without a
signed disclaimer.

In either case, opportunities were
expanded by choices made.

I remember being quite fearful myself,
at first. But knew that one choice
did not mean I needed to put the arrow
head to my throat. I knew I would
still have another choice to make,
one that wouldn't exist if I refused
to sign.

At the same time, there was someone
else who was so terrified, she couldn't
even bring herself to signing the
document.

Some might say she was the sane one
(it can sometimes seem insane to go
against what is known). However,
in the end, I chose to break that
arrow using my throat to do it,
learning a thing or two along
the way.

Focused on fear you will likely
limit your possibilities. Focused
on possibilities, you will likely
expand your world.

When faced with something that seems
big and formidable it is easy to lose
sight of the steps along the way.

But when you consider the steps, you
can inch closer to this thing that
seems impossible to obtain when you
think it has to happen in one big leap.
And each step provides another opening
and opportunity and another choice to
be made.

Much of life is built upon what comes
before, and sometimes you just never
know til you know, you know?

Perhaps consider giving yourself a chance
to find out what is possible - one step
(one choice) at a time.
 

The Wisdom of Choice

"And I submit that this is what the real,
no bullshit value of your liberal arts
education is supposed to be about: how to
keep from going through your comfortable,
prosperous, respectable adult life dead,
unconscious, a slave to your head and to
your natural default setting of being
uniquely, completely, imperially alone
day in and day out."
- David Foster Wallace

David Foster Wallace gave a Commencement
Speech called This is Water. It is
difficult to masterfully sum up his words,
however he does a great job of being real
in what he shares, and in what he defines
as wisdom.

His words have become a book, however
within the back rooms of the internet the
text is still available and they are a
very worthy read, should you be willing
to make the time.

He does a great job of explaining the
hypnotic effect on life. Whether or
not that was his intention, who knows?
He speaks in very practical and down
to earth helpful terms to graduating
students, but his words of wisdom can
potentially resonate for anyone willing
to consider what he has said.

Let me know what you think.
 

Another Video Banned | Video

So today I get a message from dear ole YT.

A video I have had up for years is suddenly
down because of a Terms of Service Violation.

It's the one that many have liked. If you've
seen the channel, I bet you know exactly
which one it is.

I am ever amazed at the choices they make,
and wonder how they go about it.

There are a lot worse things on YT than me
showing some cleavage with a swinging
pendulum. A LOT WORSE. And this is coming
from someone who doesn't usually judge.

However if one is going to judge as the site
does, it seems to me that one needs a better
definition of inappropriate than ample
cleavage.

That might be just me. But still.

Any way, here is a sample of what is allowed
currently:


 

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

I have an idea of something that I would
like to do for those who are my Santa
when Christmas rolls around.

It is a great idea, I would say. However,
it is dependent on someone else for it to
come to fruition.

So...you can take my word for it that it
will be worth it, and keep your fingers
crossed for me - or not.

I vote for the crossing.

You?
 

For Nerds | Site

I stumbled into TheNerdMachine today.

Thought it sounded like a potentially
interesting site that may grow over
time.

It also sounds like it has ambitions.

Perhaps you'll find it of interest.

Please let me know if you do.
 

Cosmo Says | What do guys like for a woman to keep on during sex? | Video

What do you think the answer is?

According to Cosmo, the answer is...

What's YOUR answer?
Would love if you'd comment below.
 

Dating Sites & Submissive Interests

I have been on dating sites, and have
received some very interesting emails
from guys there.

I say nothing of my erotic, hypnotic
self. There are various reasons for
that, and for those reasons, I approach
my listing in the most vanilla of ways.

Of course my personality shows...and
who knows what they may get incidentally
from my approach, but there is nothing
overtly sensual, sexual, or dominant.

One guy once told me in response to
me about something, "I only imagine
that there is one way my excitement
may be used or shared, and that would
be in your service. I so imagine you
can not relate or understand that...
nonetheless all is well.
One can dream...:)"

I can only imagine what his reaction
might be if he knew what I did for a
living, as what I do is not something
I readily share with just anyone.

What I do for a living I love, but it
is not a "lifestyle" for me. I have
little interest in collecting slaves
to serve me.

There may be other options, of course.
But I have yet to uncover any that
work for me and those I have an
interest in. (Just because one wants
to serve me doesn't mean he'd be OK
with others doing it as well, or OK
with their interest in relating to
me as they do).

I have also received messages from
guys who have a heavy duty fetish of
some sort. Interestingly enough,
foot stands out more than any other
(not purposeful pun, but it works
rather perfectly here).

I know it isn't easy to be oneself
in the world, wondering what someone
might think of you and your interests.
Consider, though, that there might
just be someone like me behind that
vanilla profile...and your dreams
may just come true.
 

Please don't keep your love hidden away | Video | Music

This is a beautiful song about seeing
another's beauty and possibility.
Share your light.


Josh talks about the making of the song
and the meaning of the song
in the video below:

"What's wrong with me? I should be happy."

That's what someone said to me recently.

He has a wife,
a child,
a good job,
a nice home,
drives a good car,
is reasonably financially secure

From all outward appearances
he has a life that others
might envy.

He looks at his life and wonders
why he wants something different.

He wonders if something is wrong
with HIM.

It's great that he is looking at
himself and his role in the big
picture. Many people won't do
that - quick to blame others.

At the same time he runs the risk
of perpetuating a situation that
just doesn't work for him.

He's unhappy because - despite
appearances - things are less
than ideal.

He wants to make things work for
what might seem to be the obvious
reasons. However, despite repeated
efforts, he finds temporary moments
of OKay-ness to latch onto, but they
are fleeting.

There is more that he is unhappy
about than he feels good about
at this point.

He is concerned for his child,
but doesn't realize that if he
is unhappy, the child likely
knows, and he really isn't doing
that person any favors. If anything,
he might be teaching how to settle
for something less than ideal.

Now, mind you - "ideal" isn't likely
to be found, but when the uncomfortable
and empty feelings weigh more than the
good stuff, it is time to consider
making a change.

In some ways, society is good at
hypnotizing people into staying in
bad relationships for the wrong
reasons.

Any relationship is going to involve
compromise, but that doesn't mean
compromising yourself or what is
important to you. And when you feel
that you are unable to express yourself
in your relationship and have become
resigned, it is time to take a look
at who you are and what you have given
up for the appearance of the "ideal"
life that you SHOULD be happy about
(says who?!).

If you don't, you may begin to do
what many guys seem to do - sabotage
themselves. They want out, but because
they (for one reason or another) can't
say they want out they proceed to do
things that will make it impossible to
stay together - getting into serious
debt, blackmail, emotionally investing
in things that take away from their
relationship, etc. That way the
situation takes care of what they were
unwilling or unable to themselves.

Some people will stay in a relationship
because financially they got it good.
They will allow themselves to emotionally
settle in exchange for the physical
comforts.

There is no problem unless - or until -
that person realizes that there is more
to life and that they're missing out,
or realizes that it emotionally costs
more to stay than it does to go.

Getting to that point is never easy.
One, in some ways, often needs to go
"broke" emotionally to feel like they
can make a change. It isn't necessary.
However, it takes an inner resolve to
make a change when one feels that they
"should" be okay with what they currently
have.

In my opinion, there is no right or
wrong...only what "works" for an
individual, and if this guy was
peaceful about where he was, I'd say
it worked for him.

But since he is not, I have a sneaking
suspicion there is a part of him that
knows better and knows that he deserves
better, and it is fighting to get him
where he needs to be by having him
feeling unsettled.

And...it just so happens he suspects
I am right. But he's just hasn't gotten
to the point that he knows that it will
cost him more to stay than to go - yet.

By the way, I often share these stories
with the permission of those that I talk
about. I believe that there is much to
be learned when a common feeling/
situation/story is shared.

He is not the first person in this
predicament...and he certainly won't
be the last.

If you're unhappy, there's likely a reason
to make a change. If you don't you will
probably find yourself less and less
comfortable in your environment.

I had a situation like that once, and I
know it's never easy - especially when
you feel you've "invested." But when
you do what you need to do for you, the
things you were concerned about have a
way of working themselves out, sometimes
in surprising and unpredictably wonderful
ways.

Make no mistake, sometimes it sucks for
a little while, too - but when you do
what is best for you, you are taking
care of not only yourself but those
around you, and sooner or later you
will likely be breathing a big sigh of
relief. The weight will be gone.

How do you know you're doing the "right"
thing? It's hard to say. However,
when you are disenchanted odds are you
are that whatever you are doing at the
moment is not.

As always situations like these are
complicated weaves. Sometimes others
will think they know what is best for
you. You might even be called selfish
for the choices you make, but consider
that a label like that might also be
a good way to keep you doing what another
wants you to do.

Sometimes being selfish is in the best
interest of those around us because by
taking care of ourselves we have more
to offer others.

As with anything, there will be arguments
and conversations to the contrary of what
I have suggested here. They're all
welcome, as in communication and conversation
is opportunity.

The end of many relationships may appear
to be many things, but at the core it is
likely to be the death of an ability to
truly be able to communicate with one's
significant other.

We may not always agree on things, but
to be able to have a good relationship,
we must be able to communicate about
our differences and work our way through
them. Communication is to a relationship
as water is to a flowering plant.

And you know what happens when you stop
watering the plant, don't you?
 

A Wonderful Story | Video

There are 2 things in particular that stand
out for me in regard to this story:
1. Sometimes we need help, and we need to
ASK for it.
2. Really nice when people will find a way
to make a difference in another's life when
presented with an opportunity to do so.

I'd be willing to bet for the women spearheading
the help, it likely occurred as "no big deal,"
but for the woman it helped, it was likely HUGE.

The "little" things can really make a big
difference.
 

Happy Black Friday and...

good luck to those of you in retail.

(I hope you don't need it,
but if you do...)
 

Turn Off Recording

Did you know that I have
a "Turn Off Recording"?

I have a recording that
can turn all suggestions
off, and one that you can
customize what you want
to turn off.

You can get the recording
at ListenAndObey.net.
The page is password
protected, so if you don't
have the user information
just let me know, and I'll
be happy to give it to you.

Most will never want to
turn off the pleasure that
comes from our time together,
but should you ever have the
need or desire, you should
have the recording available.

I never want someone to feel
stuck with something they
don't want, or with something
that in some way doesn't work.
And you know how important it
is to me that you take care
of yourself above all else.

Of course, as an alternative
option, you can also talk to
me about it. Any suggestions
I have created I am more than
willing to undo upon request.

Any questions, just ask.
 

We R Who We R | Video

Very catchy song/music.
Not a bad message, either
(although you may have to
read between the lines).
Enjoy!

Thankful for some wonderful feedback...

"I had a great session with Isis...
Her voice is soothing and entrancing,
letting you naturally go into a
hypnotic state. I chose a non-erotic
hypnosis session on this occasion and
was very happy with the results."
- dedalus1972

And I'm happy, he's happy.
 

Special Thanksgiving Thank You

Special Thanksgiving Thank You
to anyone who reads my blog and
wants to call today.
Special rate for our call by
clicking below.
This is a special offer for
the holiday ONLY
Have a wonderful time with
your family and friends.

Chocolate Lover's Delight | Video

Check out this video.
Wondering what they do with
those edible creations afterward.

Living Life by Default?

Given our tendency to function
from our unconscious state
(which is about 80% of the
time and which also has a
consistent, workable, and
comfortable pattern based
on an association we've made -
whether it is truly good for
us - or not. Complicating
things, the unconscious
thinks it is good by the very
fact that it is "known" and
familiar) we tend to live
life by default more often
than by choice.

Making choices can oftentimes
short-circuit the default
mechanism, which in turn can
cause discomfort which can
have you running back to the
behavior that doesn't really
work for you.

You are most likely to have
that experience of things
when you go to alter something
the first few times.

The more you work on it, the
easier it will likely become.
In addition, if you simultaneously
work on figuring out the cause
of the behavior you can turbo
boost making any changes you
want to.

That is, provided of course
YOU want to make the changes.

That is, provided of course
you WANT to make the changes.

If it's time to make a change,
consider taking a moment before
doing something to consciously
make a choice. It will help
you to stop having a life by
default.

Easy?

Nope.

(Sorry)

Worth it?

Probably - but only you know if it is.

PS By the way, in case you
weren't aware of it, since
hypnosis interacts mainly
with your unconscious, it
is a helpful tool to help
make new connections, and
making changes can become
easier as a result.
 

Video | Shifting Paradigms

How often do we look at things without
really seeing them and proceed to
experience and interact with them,
making judgments from the "reality"
we think we know?

I'd say it likely quite often.

I thought this video raises a point
to consider when interacting with
others.


Funky glasses, aren't they? But we
don't need them to really "see" things.
If we pay attention, we know when
something is up, even if we don't know
exactly what it is.

I was hoping he was going to see his
own reflection to see what it might
say about him. After all, the message
of the video includes us, too.

When you consider that there is likely
always something else going on beyond
what we can see, it might give you a
little more patience or tolerance or
compassion or (fill in the blank) when
interacting with yourself, with others,
and within the framework of your day.

In case you're wearing a label that says,
"needs a hug," here's one for you.

Sweet dreams.
 

Quote | Love

Anyone who loves with condition
will have a hard time with this
idea, however brilliant it seems
to me to be.

What do you think?

“Love me when I least deserve it,
because that's when I really need it.”
- Swedish Proverb
 

For anyone who ever had a crush on a teacher | Video

I had fun watching this.
Maybe you will, too.

Know anyone with cancer? | Maybe this can help.

It appears this organization tries
to help those who are undergoing
cancer treatments by arranging
for someone to come and clean
once a month for four months,
during chemo treatments.

Cleaning for a Reason

I hope you never have a
reason to need its services,
but if there is ever one,
you'll at least have an
option that could potentially
be helpful.
 

A Kiss | Quote | Tennyson & Jonson & Shelley

"Once he drew, with one
long kiss, my whole soul
through my lips - as
sunlight drinketh dew."
- Tennyson

Now THAT's a kiss.

"What is a kiss? alack, at worst,
A single drop to quench a thirst,
Tho oft it proves in happier hour,
The first sweet drop of one long shower.
- Ben Jonson

Yummy.

And one last one...

See the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another.
No sister flower would be forgiven
If it disdained its brother.

And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;
What are all those kissings worth
If thou kiss not me?
- Shelley

Sometimes it is easy to forget
how beautifully sweet a kiss can be,
isn't it?
 

Letting Go.

Apparently in Raga Yoga there are
8 dimensions to power:

* to let go
* to face
* to tolerate
* to withdraw
* to cooperate
* to decide
* to discriminate
* to accommodate

I mention this because I have
some cards that have messages
on them that correlate with
these "powers."

I don't know anything about
Yoga, or even this particular
type of Yoga, but I don't
need to to appreciate what
the ideas behind these words
can mean for me.

Sometimes people get weirded
out by things that seem to
be from LaLaLand or WooWoosville,
but there seems to me to always
be something that can be gleaned
from someone else's experience
and perspective.

In the end, we are all likely
talking about the same type
of things, but just using
different words and contexts.

I haven't touched these cards
in a while, and interestingly,
the card I picked today was
the Power to Let Go.

Given what is going on in my
life at the moment, it is an
interesting pick.

However, daily we should
consider making it a habit
to let things go. A full
glass of water has no room
for any more water.

Likewise, when you are "full"
it is difficult, if not
impossible, to take on more.

So while this message of
letting go is for me, I
would say it likely a good
one for you, too.

Consider emptying yourself
out on a regular basis so
you have room to enjoy new
things.

Not sure how?
Let's talk about it. :)
 

A Tale of Boy and a Cat | On Relationships

There is a book called Playing Ball on
Running Water by David K. Reynolds.

The book has several short tales that
will make you think.

There is one about a boy and his cat.
A cat that he says he can't trust not to
run away, so he keeps him locked up in
a cage. As a result, the cat dies.

The cat is fed and petted, but that
wasn't enough. At the end, the child
so callously throws the cat away saying
that it is ok, as the cat never left
the cage - until HE wanted it to leave.

As I read this tale, it made me think
about some relationships in which
there is a lack of trust. Afraid that
the partner will leave, or do something
that is unwanted, there is a form of
imprisonment that occurs.

If that imprisonment lasts long enough,
it will kill off the person in the
relationship. It won't matter if the
person gets his/her superficial needs
met, when the biggest one of freedom
to be oneself isn't met, that is where
the death is. At the same time, their
partner gets "satisfaction" in knowing
that things were as they wanted them
to be - oblivious to the cost of being
in control, and not caring about how
those actions ultimately affect another.

In all fairness, things like this are
likely "rigged" from a person's
unconscious conditioning and beliefs.
However, there are many relationships
that are killed off in the process of
trying to protect them.

At a minimum, change can begin once
there is an awareness of an issue.
Without the awareness, time ticks on,
and so do the deadening behaviors
increasing the liklihood that the
caged person will succumb.

Something to consider, perhaps?
 

Accept no Copycats

Yesterday I was speaking with someone
who confused me with another erotic
hypnotist by the name of Isis who
only started to do hypnosis on NF
about a year ago.

She, in many ways, is the antithesis
of me, and what I stand for.

This is the second time that I know
of when someone has made this mistake.

There is only one - ME - that goes
by the name of IsisTheEnchantress.
The other person goes by some other
combination of words that include
the Isis name.

The keys to knowing whether it is
me, or not:

1. If any pictures show a face,
it's not me or my listing.
I never show my face.

2. My listings always play a
sound clip of my voice.

3. I always have reasonably priced
listings.

4. As of this writing, my highest
ranked listing is #2 when the search
term of "hypnosis" is used on NF.

5. On my NF homepage it says
"Member since 03/09/2004"

6. These words are never me.

If you can think of additional
distinctions that would help others
to tell me apart from someone who
may seem to be me, feel free to
add below to the comments.

As always,

For Myself I live... | Quote

For myself I live
live intensely and am fed by life,
and my value,
whatever it be,
is in my own kind of expression
of that.
- Henry James
 

With All I Got - Let Me Love You | Video

This video/song seems
to fit nicely with
the previous entries.

I love how this song
has meat to it, and
isn't just the same
few words repeated
over and over.

I know many women who
have swooned over
Brian McKnight...
wondering what guys
think of his words.

Your thoughts?

A Wish for you

Every moment is important,
each with its own, distinct
personality.

I wish you lots of awesome
moments filled with laughter
and smiles and touches of
love as you bring your unique
qualities and magic to the day.

Have a great weekend!
 

Please don't shortchange yourself.

I wrote the following to someone
I know. As I read it today, I
felt that the very same words
might resonate for another.

Written here it is taken out of
context, but there still is
likely something that might be
gotten from the words.

If you're "another," this is
for you.

**

Please don't shortchange yourself.

You deserve love beyond your wildest
dreams, and desires.

You deserve the respect that goes
along with it.

You deserve someone who is a true
partner, someone who will not take
advantage of your willing nature,
and someone who knows how to (or
is willing to try to) balance all
aspects of you and your relationship.

You believe in yourself professionally,
so make certain you believe in yourself
personally. Do not accept/expect less.
 

Men Women & Communication Technology

Dean Chandler, a Tango Contributing Editor,
wrote about how men and women are supposed
to interact in regard to phone calls, text
messaging and instant messaging.

While he makes some interesting points,
I question the idea that there is a one
size fits all women and men approach.

The more we try to make absolute statements
to those things we have labeled, the more
likely we will to run up against something
that doesn't really work.

I would think an article like his could be
a good jumping off point for those in a
relationship (of any kind). As long as
those involved are as honest as they can
be about their preferences (refraining
from what they think "should" be said),
odds are good that they will find their
own balance, and what works for them as
a couple, instead of bowing to their
expected gender-based responses.

Just my couple of cents. What are yours?
 

The #1 Predictor of Divorce

Any idea what it is?

I would think it likely
would not be a surprise.

Want to guess?

Last chance to guess
before I tell you.

And the answer is...
 
 
 
 
Habitually avoiding conflict

In addition, apparently it
isn't so much the disagreements
that break people up, but how
they are handled.

(I got this information from
Tango, feb/mar 2006)

Given how important communication
is - especially the effective
kind - it is amazing that while
we are taught many things, being
able to communicate effectively
is not among the ranks of Reading,
Writing, and Arithmetic.

It seems to be one of those things
we take for granted and don't pay
much attention to - until there is
a problem. Even then, other things
get into the muddied mix, and
communication itself - while possibly
guilty for causing the issue - rarely
is treated as the cause.

I suspect this is a much bigger
conversation than what is possible
in a short blog entry, but maybe
this info will in some way be helpful
or of interest to you.
 

Feeling Stressed? | Try This.

Place your palm near your navel.
Make gentle circles around your
navel, going in a clockwise
direction.

After a few times, firmly press
the same area with your fingertips
as you continue to circle.

If any place feels sore or
uncomfortable, stop your hand
and holding it in place, breathe
in deeply and intentionally into
that area and your stomach.
 

When you are ready to complete
this exercise place your hand
over your navel for a few moments,
breathing deeply and consciously,
relaxing your shoulders.
 

Quote | On Your Mind | Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Whoso would be a man, must be a
nonconformist...Nothing is at
last sacred but the integrity
of your own mind."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson/from Self-Reliance
 

Poem | by Roy Croft

I found a paper today that had the
following poem on it by Roy Croft.

I thought it quite beautiful.

Perhaps you'll appreciate the
sentiment. I'd say it is a good
representation of what what a
healthy relationship provides
for oneself and his partner.

Apparently there is
a much longer version of the poem.

I love you
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.

I love you,
Not only for what
You have made of yourself,
But for what
You are making of me.

I love you
For the part of me
That you bring out;
I love you for passing over
All my foolish and weak traits
That you can't help but see.

I love you for drawing out
Into the light my beauty
That no one else had looked
Quite far enough to find.

I love you.
 

On Change and Letting Go

Someone I know wrote the following
in regard to his relationship:

"Our relationship is all about
appearance. We appear to care
about one another - but we don't
really. Because if we did, things
wouldn't be this way."

I am sharing this because I thought
it helpful for anyone who might be
struggling in a relationship.

He has had a myriad of issues with
his wife and relationship and has
continued to hang on, despite
realizing that really, truly caring
about his wife might actually mean
letting go.

It doesn't have to mean that, but
it does have to mean a death of
some sort, as things that go on as
they have will only create more of
the same.

This goes to show that being aware
of something consciously does not
always mean that you will be able
to resolve a situation.

All too often it is too easy to
ride on the wave of the familiar
(homeostasis) instead of doing
what you need to for the best
interest of all involved.

Your unconscious is already doing
what it thinks is best, and it
is likely what will keep you stuck
until you can find a way to unstick
yourself.

Nothing ever needs to change.
However, unhappiness, restlessness,
regret, fear of regret, and similar
feelings are usually a sign that
a change would be beneficial.

A change in a situation that doesn't
seem to be working will not only
benefit you, but those around you
as whatever you are experiencing
isn't confined to just you.

People don't always know what's
"wrong," but they know when something
is not right. The more you try to
bury your discontent, the more it
will grow. "What you resist, persists."

Of course I could be wrong. But
are you willing to bet on it? If
not, and you're in a tough and
uncomfortable situation, you
might want to sit down and take
a good look at things, and consider
making some tough decisions.

If you feel you need some help to
get past those blocks, let's talk.
Hypnosis can help.
 

Quote | Sanity

I have lots of pages with lots of
writing and notes.

I came across the following
statement, and am not sure if
there is anyone that it should
be attributed to.

If you know where it came from,
please let me know!

"What passes for sanity is an
agreed upon form of insanity."

Agree?
Disagree?
 

Random thoughts | Fear | Choice | Ego

What if fear is your ego's
way of attempting to keep
you from failing?

How does it know you
would fail if you chose
to act?

Are our life's experiences
limited by our
ego's desire to stay safe?

What's so wrong with
failure? 

Your first attempts at
walking were failures.

Your first attempts at
speaking were failures.

Your first attempts at
writing were failures.

As we age, it seems we
grow out of the expectation
that we are likely to fail
on our way to success.

Is it a bigger failure to
never try than it is to try
and not succeed?

How can we possibly know
the outcome of all of the
things we suspect we will
fail at?

And...why aren't we willing
to give ourselves some
breathing room?  After all,
the attempt may bring success,
or bring the info need for a
future attempt's success.

Just a few of the things on my
mind today...
 

Yes...

you came to NF because you were horny.

Yes...

you came to me because you thought there was
pleasure to be had.

Yes...

you continue to call me because
it feels really good.

It is so awesome to have an escape.

It is so awesome to be able

to explore yourself

and your sexual and sensual nature.

AND...

maybe you don't want to
consider other possibilities.

maybe you are happy with the way things are
maybe you don't want to mess with
a good thing.

AND...

maybe you know that
there is more for you and more to you.

maybe you feel the tingle that tells you that
you want more.

maybe you know you can be, do, or have more.

MAYBE...

you've never considered that there are
other possibilities with hypnosis.

you've never considered that there is
a lot more to me than a sexy voice.

you don't even know what to ask.

If this little bit that I have said
sparks curiosity within you,
I suggest

you call me

and
let's talk about it.

There is more to me than meets the eye,
and there is likely more to you, too,
and if
you'd like to figure out what it is,
or how to access it,
give me a call.

I look forward to speaking with you, Isis

Another Cool Gift Idea

The following site says it has
"the perfect gift" for those born
between 1929 and 1982.

The gifts are year-centered.

The prices aren't too bad, either.

The site is Flickback.com.
You may want to check it out. :)
 

Quote | What Stands Between...

"The only thing that stands between a man
and what he wants from life is often
merely the will to try and the faith
to believe that it is possible."
- Richard M. DeVos

I suspect it might be more than that.
However, it is an interesting thought
to contemplate as it is an important
place to begin and a foundation on
which to build.
 

Thoughts are like Monkeys

There is a story about an experiment
I heard about that has to do with
monkeys, bananas, and a water hose.

Essentially, the original group of
monkeys attempt to get bananas, but
are sprayed with a water hose.

As a result, they learn that it's
best not to go for the bananas.

Once the group has learned the
lesson, one monkey is replaced,
and when the new money tries to
get the banana, the original monkeys
do everything they can to stop him.

One by one monkeys are replaced and
eventually no monkeys go for the
bananas.

Do they know why? There's no more
water hose, so the original "dissuader"
is not even present.

Someone who knows what they're doing
with hypnosis as a hypnotist can be
like that spray hose, with the monkeys
as your thoughts.

Originally you may know why you are
or are not doing something, but after
a while it will just be "how it is."

You may not know how you got there,
or even care, and if it feels good
enough, want even more - which at
that point is actually less.

You wind up losing a part of yourself,
and you're not even able to consider
getting it back because you don't even
know it is gone.

Now, for a moment, let's say you, on
some level "willed" this. Maybe you
have been stressed, and need an escape.
For you it's likely to be a temporary
fix - something to just get you through.
How will you know when it's enough if
you've gone as far as I have described?

Odds are you won't.

Does it mean this is what you want for
you and your life? One might make that
argument, but I'd say in all likelihood,
probably not.

At least it isn't what the "original"
you probably wanted, and perhaps the
new you is content, as it doesn't know
any better.

Best to be careful when monkeying around.
:P

As always...if you have questions,
just ask!
 

A thought for you | Doubts | Being Extraordinary

Consider this:

Just because you have doubts,
it doesn't mean you aren't
an extraordinary person.

"Letting Me Down"

"You're letting me down as a boyfriend
not being able to control the weather and all."
- Stephanie Vanderkellen (Newhart)

I thought this statement indicative of
the types of things we expect from a
loved one.

While most people don't expect their
significant other to control the weather,
there are instances where an expectation
could be tantamount to this type of thing.

Funny thing is, though, in cases like that
most people don't realize that what they're
asking for is unrealistic and maybe even
impossible for one reason or another.

If only expecting or demanding something
would make it so.
 

It's About Money, Honey (?)

A few years ago I was reading a book
called The Tao of Abundance.

In the book the author mentions how
someone was approved for a home
equity load of $23,000. Due to a
typo, he wound up getting $230,000.

(Apparently this happened a fairly
long time ago, as this story would
be unlikely to happen now.)

It took a while for the bank to
catch on, but in the meantime,
he was out spending the money,
buying properties and increasing
his net worth.

I was reminded of this story when
I saw the following video:


I share this with the thought
that inherent in these stories
are answers that can (depending
on the details) be rife with
Ifs, Ands, Buts, and a bunch of
issues.

When we restrict things, it
restricts other things. When
creditors make problems for those
with problems instead of working
with them, it only makes more
problems.

There has to be a way to incorporate
the learnings from things like this
to make the world a place that can
expand and help others instead of
contracting and being hurtful.

There will always be people who will
try to take advantage and game the
system, and they'll be the ones we'll
hear about. However there will also
be people like those above who will
have integrity around what they do,
and make a difference for themselves
and others in the process.

I don't know about you, but I think
the good still outweighs the bad
when it comes to things like this,
and I'd say the risks we take are
well worth the possible exponential
and positive rewards.

"Money is the seed of money."
- Jean Jacques Rousseau

Of course we can find ways to make
a difference without there having
to be money involved in the exchange.
However in cases where it might be
necessary, consider the good it is
capable of doing if it can be made
available.
 

Looking for a Cool Gift?

How about a customized novel?

Check out this site:
BookByYou.com

With Christmas coming, maybe
this info will come in handy.
 

An Expert Addressed a Crowd... | Humor

An expert addressed a crowd, and
was asking everyone how often they
were having sex.

An old man of the group - who was
glowing - said he only had it once
a year.

The expert asked him why it was that
with having sex only once a year
he was absolutely glowing.

His reply, "Tonight's the night."

Talk about perspective. :P
 

Sometimes people think I know "the" answers.

The fact is I know so little.
I just suspect a lot.
I question a lot.
And I share my thoughts and theories.

There is much I don't understand,
and sometimes the lack of
understanding hurts more than
the knowing of something I don't
want to be "the reality."

Just wanted to share that with you,
as it can so often be so easy to
think that others have it all worked
out, and yet you are the only one
left behind who doesn't have a clue.

There are times we all are clueless.
And there are times we think we know,
and we still are clueless.

I am not sure, really, which happens
with greater frequency. But I do
know what I suspect.

As I have said before, sometimes
being human just sucks. There's
just no getting around it, despite
our best efforts to the contrary.
 

Un | An Extraordinary MP3

"It was really effective in teaching me,
first hand, how very
pleasurable it is to please you, Isis.
I mean, I have always known
how good it is to please you,
but this really ratcheted it up
to a different level.
I am floored by this recording,
and can't believe how I feel,
and I barely remember a thing."

Want to hear a sample?
Un Sample

Maybe you are wondering what "it" is.
"It" is a MP3 recording
with the most unusual name - Un.
If you aren't a NF customer,
ask me for it directly.

Buy it before Friday 5PM PT,
and I will give you 5 free
minutes upon request for those
who are eligible for free minutes.

Best for someone hypnotized by
me previously. If you haven't
had the pleasure yet, what are
you waiting for? Hmmmm?

Any questions?
Just ask.
No questions?
Just click below
to buy now :)
16:35 MP3 | $24.95



 

Quote | Goals

"If you don't set goals for yourself,
you are doomed to work to achieve
the goals of someone else."
- Brian Tracy
 

On Being True to Yourself

Prior to developing this blog, I had had a different
one. The following text is an entry from that first
incarnation.

---

Yesterday I got a call from someone who wanted to address Hypnosis and Confidence. However, a very short time into the conversation it seemed to me that the issue wasn't confidence at all.

It was actually that he had been reading all of these books about how you should smile, and act certain ways, to make a positive impression on people. He named it "confidence" and wanted to find a way to smile more. That's all well and good, really. The books will certainly tell you what people are most receptive to. However, the one thing that I think was lacking for me in this idea was a FIRM foundation. ACTING happy isn't the same as BEING happy...and if you ARE happy, then you don't have to ACT it.

While hypnosis can be good for creating genuine feelings of happiness, even in times when you couldn't imagine it, I suggested that what he really need to do was to be himself. His response, too general.

If someone is going around always trying to moderate who and how they are, and s/he is constantly trying to figure out how to do something different or better, then s/he is not in the moment being true to who s/he is. To be true to oneself, you're happy when you're happy...and you smile because you're happy...not because it's what someone else expects.

This is not to say that one shouldn't consider another when in their company, but every interaction has several levels, and in my opinion, I think the most important one, and the most solid (when it's clear) is the one that the person knows who they are, and acts FROM that place and not in reaction TO someone else's perceptions or expectations.

I explained to him that if he wasn't happy all that much, and wanted to be happier, the books he was reading could help superficially. However, if he wanted to actually BE happier more often, then it would be very possible hypnosis could be a building block for that change.
 

Kicking Yourself? Perhaps it is Time for a Change.

Have you ever noticed a time when you
were kicking yourself?

Did you feel torn? confused?

Did you feel like others didn't
understand you? Or maybe...
you didn't even understand
yourself?

Do you ever find that the person
closest to you can sometimes
have a tendency to betray you?

(In case you didn't guess -
that person is YOU.)

If you can answer yes to any
of the above questions, perhaps
we should speak.

Getting to know yourself AND
allowing that self expression
in the face of disagreement
and possible discord and -
not to mention the risk of
rejection - may be one of the
toughest things you ever do.

But! The beauty is the reward
of feeling more satisfaction
in your life.

Often we'll look at something
and imagine the worst possible
results which will delay us from
taking action.

When we do act, though, likely
it wasn't so bad, after all.

Each moment of life is a
destination. Each moment of
life counts.

If those moments aren't adding
up the way you want them to,
and/or you are kicking yourself
for the choices you are making,
odds are it is time for a change.
 

Quote | Fears & Dreams

"Too many of us are not living our dreams
because we are living our fears."
- Les Brown
 

Dance with Me to the End of Love | Take 2 | Video

Previously I posted a video with the song
Dance with Me to the End of Love.

The message of that videos visual contents
is different than the one that is in the
official video for the song.

Check it out. It has some heartwarming,
beautiful images.
 

Quote | Change | Growth

"Change is certain.
Growth is optional."
- Anon. Y. Mous
 

Quote | On Life

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be.
It's the way it is.
The way you cope with it
is what makes the difference."
- Virginia Satir
 

You May Have Noticed... | About Me

I wrote the following at some point...
but I don't remember why, or if it was
posted any where.

So...if it's a repeat, I apologize.

However, I thought it a worthy message
for anyone interested in me and what
I do.

You may have noticed in some ways how
I differ from other erotic hypnotists.
It seems that the "culture" has certain
expectations of a person who does this
kind of work.

However, on an individual basis, it is
quite a different story.

Just like every person is different,
every person who does erotic hypnosis
is different.

I find that those who are interested in
me as an erotic hypnotist are likely
looking for someone who is sensual.
Sensual for sensual's sake.

Other erotic hypnotists may be sensual,
but it often seems like it is used as
a means to an end. I am a hypnotist
who is sensual, and it stands without
further definition or intention, and
sometimes includes more. However who
I am is someone sensual, first and
foremost.

People love labels.

It tell them how to box themselves,
and others, in.

In an attempt to live in the society and
culture in which we live, we are practically
forced into putting a label on ourselves.

How else will we be able to be accepted?

Label often equals acceptance.

Or, so society would say.

Have the "right" label, and you'll be accepted
by the "right" people.

I have never been in the "scene," and wonder
how will I would fit.

I find that most people who love and adore me
are the ones that are outside of the hypnotic-
erotic culture or are the ones who migrated to
it, and found someone/something else, and were
really looking for someone like me.

I love that the world is diverse. I also love
that people can get and create what they want.
In the process, I will never be anyone but myself.

Come to me expecting me to be like the "others,"
and you will be disappointed.

I do sometimes wonder why people do that. It
really doesn't make sense to me.

If I am like the others, why bother?

Why not just stay where you are?

Come with an open mind,
and appreciate the art of sensuality,
and you will appreciate me.

I look at things quite differently.

You may be mine - but I look at it as
more of a rental. You may be single
when you come and want a "real world"
relationship at some point.

I would never want to stand in the way
of real world romance and relationship.

I realize that those who want to be
taken over for good may never be
interested in something like that.

They want to be claimed, period.

And against their will, on top of that.

Yes, it could be erotic.

And it could also be erotic to allow
yourself to be you, which might be one
day my good boy, and the next in a great,
real life relationship.

Yes, society is a good boxer-inner...
and some may feel that the only way
they can be who hey truly are is to be
forced, seemingly against they will, to
be someone that they already are.

It would be the only way that would be
"allowable."

If that is you, and that is what you want,
then another erotic hypnotist is more
likely to be your style.

Some come for pain and/or humiliation.

If that is what works for you,
then you can have it - with someone else.

I wouldn't know the first thing about
humiliation, and have zero interest in
learning.

I realize that there is a fine line between
pain and pleasure, but for reasons I don't
care to address at the moment, it is a line
I prefer to stay away from.

If you come for the momentary
pleasure you may find you stick
around for an experience greater
than you might have imagined
possible.

Curious?
Got questions?
We should talk.
 

Some Feedback | What Others Have Said...

"So helpful today. Isis helped me
restart my psyche at a trying time;
I am grateful for that."
- ScottCL

"This was wonderfully sensitive
and erotic...I can't think of more
adjectives. It was very satisfying.
Isis is the best."
- Will8551

"Cushiony soft surrender in waves
of intense pleasure."
- Hogan17

"Since I tend to be a very controlled,
cerebral person, I am amazed that I
was able to let myself go and fall
under her spell."
- EliotN
 

Possibilities

I wonder if I asked you how many things
could a paper clip be used for, what
you would tell me.

1? 3? 10? 20?

Think about it for a moment before you
continue. How many uses could you imagine
for a paper clip?

Ready to see how many someone
else came up with, when challenged?
Click here.

I mention this, in part, because
we often think our choices are
more limited than they are.

Sometimes we need to think outside
of what we know to discover a
world of possibility lurking in
the periphery.
 

Things we fear

I just read this article about some of
the things we fear. It puts some
rational thinking behind what we can
irrationally react to.

See what you think of the cases it makes.
Click here (or above) to read.
 

A Slice of My Day

Me: I left the lights for my car on.
My friend: Why did you do that?
Me: I didn't have enough drama
and excitement in my life,
and thought I needed to add
more.
 

Quote | Be a Star

"To be a star, you must shine
your own light, follow your
own path and don't worry about
the darkness for that is when
stars shine the brightest."
- Unknown
 

Ever Wondered...Why is This Happening to Me Again? (If so, read this)

Dr Michael Ryce wrote a book called,
"Why is This Happening to Me...Again?!"
that you might find of interest
(click the title to read the comments
on Amazon).

It is easily found online at WhyAgain.com
(for free!).

When I was first told about this book,
I read a few pages, and then it got
put down for a whole year - until the
person who referred it the first time
mentioned it again.

At that point, I decided I probably
should pick it up again, and the second
time I couldn't read it fast enough.

Funny how things like that go sometimes.
It just goes to show that when one is
ready to receive a message, it is
received. Try to force feed something,
and it doesn't work so well, make much
sense, is often argued against, and/or
does not stick.

At least - in my experience.

I've been going through things lately,
and this book popped up again so I
thought I would share it here. I have
told some about it already, so perhaps
this will be their reminder to read it
(if they need one :P)

Two things that stuck out as I just
flipped through the book that I thought
would be helpful/appropriate to share
here are:

"Love, in Aramaic, does not mean
cooperate with and help the person
who is beating up on you. It does
not mean accept every atrocity with
a smile and pretend that all is well
when it is not. Love does not mean
that you don't hold people accountable
for their behavior. Love is not a
passive state of suppressing your
anger so you look like a saint."

and...

"...the story of the old man on his
deathbed who was asked for the secret
to happiness. The old man is said
to have replied, 'For years and years
I searched for what people told me
would make me happy, and then I
decided to be happy without it.'
Happiness is a state of mind, a choice
we make, not a result of possessing
things or being in control of people
or circumstances. People often use
the sensation that comes from possessing
things as a substitute for happiness,
for relationship and as a way of not
dealing with their internalized pain."

He talks about life's frustrations in
very tangible and helpful ways.

If you are feeling like you are facing
a situation faced before (and are not
happy about it), I highly recommend
that you check the book out.
 

Quote | Faith | Doubt

"I respect faith, but doubt
is what gets you an education."
- Wilson Mizner

Homemade | Helpful

I have always been one who enjoys
homemade foods. When visiting a
friend recently, I made several
batches of a homemade Sloppy Joe
Mix. At least you know what goes
into it, which is different than
most packaged goods.

My friend, friendly only (not
friends) with cooking and the
kitchen seemed to like it and
enjoy how it tasted. Their
specialty: boiling water.

Given the opportunity, I will do
that with anything...even, making
my own pancake mix, bagels, breads.

There is a Domestic Goddess within
this Goddess who loves things that
are as simple as possible, even
if they take a little more work.

A niece of mine was amazed one time
how everything we made was from
scratch, and her mom made everything
from packages. I'd like to think I
inspired her with the cooking we did,
but who knows?

Anyway, there is also a crafty,
creative side to me, and I recently
heard of two things that I thought
might be helpful to the parents and
sports players out there: homemade
cold and hot compresses.

For the cold compress mix rubbing
alcohol and water and put into a
freezer bag. The more alcohol,
the softer it will be.

You can also use an old sock filled
with bird seed or rice. Just keep
in the freezer until needed.

For the hot compress, you can also
use the sock filled with rice or
bird seed. You just stick the
sock in the microwave until warm
(try 20 seconds to begin with).
It is also recommended that you
put it in with a cup of water, so
that you have less of a risk of
overheating or catching fire.

If you use either of these ideas,
please let me know how it goes.
:)

The best thing would be, of course,
that you would never need either
one...
 

The Best?

I read about a salesman who was selling
a washing machine to a woman who was
skeptical about what it could do.

She said she wanted the "best machine in
the world." She said she wanted a machine
to do everything that she wanted it to do.

The salesman apologized and said he could
only sell her the second best.

She wasn't happy.

He explained that the best hadn't been
made yet.

I share this because it seems to me that
people are always looking for that "elusive"
something. They know what they want, and
yet is it possible to have it?

The best we can ever have is the best
available at the moment, and the best
for us may not even be what is labeled
the best by others' standards. The
"BEST" is organic and, as such, is always,
ever changing.

Want the "best?" The BEST is a moment
to moment thing, so enjoy - and make the
best of - your moments, and you'll have
the best.

Take Time | Poem

Here's one person's take on the path of life.

Inherent in each idea are built in assumptions/
connections that worked for the author.

While it may not be comprehensive, or even your
standard, it might give you something to consider.

I especially like the line about play.
I was watching How I Met Your Mother last
night, and there was a scene in which the
characters were talking about "growing up,"
which somehow meant that their life had to
get boring/serious.

Who said one can't be grown up and have fun?
I know I never would!

For me, fun and play are some of life's
essential fuels.

See what you think of his perspectives:

Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to worship, it is the highway to reverence.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around; it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh; it is the music of the soul.
- Anon Y Mous Irishman
 

How are You Building Your House?

Interesting to consider a house metaphor
for life. Considering that every action
we take builds the structure in which we
live every choice we make matters, and
has the ability to leave us better for
the results netted by the choice.

We may not always realize what we are
doing, as we do it, however our ability
to settle in a way that just gets things
done may leave us in some way
disenchanted or disillusioned.

It isn't the easiest thing to be so mindful
and meticulous, but the end results often
seem to be worth it.

Consider this tale:

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire.
He told his employer-contractor of his
plans to leave the house building business
and live a more leisurely life with his
wife enjoying his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck, but he needed
to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good
worker go and asked if he could build just
one more house as a personal favor. The
carpenter said yes, but in time it was
easy to see that his heart was not in his
work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship
and used inferior materials. It was an
unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and
the builder came to inspect the house, the
contractor handed the front door key to the
carpenter. "This is your house," he said,
"my gift to you."

What a shock! What a shame! If he had
only known he was building his own house,
he would have done it all so differently.
Now he had to live in the home he had
built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in
a distracted way, rather than acting,
willing to put up less than the best.
At important points we do not give the
job our best effort. Then with a shock
we look at the situation we have created
and find that we are now living in the
house we have built. If we had realized
that we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter.
Think about your house. Each day you
hammer a nail, place a board, or erect
a wall. Build wisely. It is the only
life you will ever build. Even if you
live it for only one day more, that
day deserves to be lived graciously and
with dignity. The plaque on the wall
says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."
Your life tomorrow will be the result of
your attitudes and the choices you make
today.

-Anon. Y. Mous

What are you building?
 

Upside Down | Video

Warning: This might get you smiling 

 

Desire and Passion | Video

Kevin Spacey may be speaking about
actors and acting, but what he
says in this short video can be
transferable to anyone in regard
to being passionate about their
life. Having desire is one thing.
Having the thing desired, another.

 

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Quote | Who wants to be Sensible? | Jack Canfield

"In the name of being sensible,
we end up becoming numb to
our own desires."
- Jack Canfield

I think he definitely has a
point there. The numbness is
also a form of being resigned,
and I can't tell you how many
people I know who live life
in a state of being resigned,
a state where the taxes are
paid in regrets instead of
money.

Know anyone who has taken up
residency there? Awakened
desires will help them to
begin to make a move. Good
news for mover friends, there's
no heavy lifting. But you might
still want to make sure to get
some pizza. :P
 

Quote | Fate | Jung

"When an inner situation is not
made conscious, it appears outside
as fate."
- C. G. Jung

Fate is defined in ways that are
mysterious and powerful...just
like our unconscious.

Interesting association Jung makes.

What do you think?

Goddess in the Clouds | JPG | Image

See if you can figure out why I titled the
image the way I did.
Hint: it has 2 meanings
(one more literal than the other) 

Spoiled?

Last night I was speaking with some people
about how spoiled our current modern
culture is in this country.

Many take (what we think are) the simplest
of things for granted.

There was a time not too long ago that
traveling across the United States would
have been unfathomable for many. And,
for those who would have done it, it would
have been arduous and dangerous, with
even a question of survivability.

Last night at 10 PM local time I was in the
Baltimore area, at the moment I am in flight,
and within less than 24 hours I will have
gotten home and gotten settled.

The "funny" thing about the things we take
for granted is that within the convenience
that we have come to expect, the slightest
inconvenience can piss people off.

I had gone to Baltimore a couple of years
ago, and I had to change plans in Columbus,
OH. Unfortunately, while the weather was
OK locally, there were some terrible storms
on the east coast.

There was a considerable question as to
whether or not we were going to make it
out of the airport that night. While it
would have sucked to be stuck, it was
preferable in my world for them to err
on the side of caution. I wanted to get
to my destination, and even if it was
going to be later than expected, I would
still get there.

Now, mind you, I wasn't going for anything
in particular, and wasn't missing anything
by being delayed other than time spent
with my friend. Actually, LOL, I was missing
something - the storm. Given that there are
rarely storms in Southern California, I was
kinda bummed that I couldn't experience
that one…but that's not quite the same as
a meeting, a wedding, anything scheduled
that can't be moved.

If I was missing something it would have
been a different story, but at the same time
I am attempting to have a more Zen approach
to life these days. I am looking at things as
the things that are perhaps meant to happen
instead. Hard to know why that would be
the case sometimes, but the attitude certainly
helps when things that are out of your
conscious control happen. At those times,
all we really have that can "save" us is our
attitude.

So, I have strayed off the topic some, and
yet, as always, things are connected. If
we are "spoiled" by our culture, a related
attitude results, and that attitude will bring
us our experience of life and will give us
the framework in which to react to the things
that do and don't happen as we would want
and expect.

I'd say one of the keys to life is to learn what
is important and to do everything we can for
those things realizing that there is only so
much that we can do.

In that way we can "enjoy" being spoiled,
and not be wrecked when something prevents
us from the desired outcome.

A few more hours, and I'll be home with
indoor plumbing, electricity, a refrigerator,
food, the ability to control the temperature
of my environment…and able to post these
thoughts composed while in a contraption
that has flown through the air through a
means unavailable only a short 25 years ago.

It IS a special world that we live in.

(PS As I was writing this entry, I was heading
home a couple of days ago and I was listening
to BU2B by Rush, have you heard it?)
 

I saw my breath!

It was so cool! I was like a kid for a
moment.

As I was leaving the east coast two days
ago, it was so chilly, I saw my breath.

It hasn't gotten cool enough in the part
of Southern California that I live in for
that to happen (likely to the relief and
appreciation of most who live there, LOL).

As odd as it sounds, I had forgotten
what that was like, and there was a
bite in the air I hadn't felt for a long
time, either.

It was awesome.

Yup...sometimes it is the littlest of
things that make me happy and make
me smile...and, yes, in case you haven't
figured it out yet, to some I could be
considered "strange."

Strangely appealing, isn't it?
 

On Relationships | Dead Flowers | Video

This video is somber in tone.

It speaks to the dynamic of
a relationship that is alive
and yet very much dead.

Relationships that end often
have a somber tone to them,
and even more so when they
linger at the precipice of
the end longer than they are
meant to.

The singer seems to think
her partner doesn't get her.
Is that because he doesn't
want to (denial)? Or is it
because he has misread the
signals? Or...?

In the end, most people will
want to assign blame and/or
fault, and some states in
cases of divorce, will
require it.

Look at anything objectively,
and odds are you can find
grounds for either partner
if you can come from their
perspective. One situation,
and yet many possible
interpretations.

Almost anything can have the
desired slant with the
corresponding language and
perspective.

In a relationship that isn't
working? Are you guilty?
Perhaps. And you are just
as likely to be innocent,
too.

As always, it is difficult
to define things in absolutes.
There are always shadings that
can influence beliefs and
actions. However, there is
always more than one side,
and things are never as simple
as we'd like them to be.

In the end, the best we can
do is take responsibility for
ourselves and our choices.
It's never easy, but we can
only work with what we got.

Wondering if you're more
guilty or innocent in the
situation?

Just ask the prosecution.

Wondering if their assessment
is true?

Just ask the person who is
defending you.
 

Animated GIF | CALL Me TODAY

Her Morning Elegance | Video

Have you ever seen this video?

It's beautiful and it is comprised
of many still photographs.

What is life, if not a number of
still moments added up?

Enjoy.


Imagine the patience it took to create it!
 

Your Path | Quote

‎"If you can see your path laid
out in front of you step by step,
you know it's not your path.
Your own path you make with
every step you take.
That's why it's your path."
-Joseph Campbell

I read this and thought that it
complemented my "changes" blog
entry. Forging your own path
isn't always easy...but often
can be rewarding, as other paths
already created limit what you
see and experience by someone
else's interpretations and
choices.

I knew someone once who wanted
to "save" me from errors
- atleast what he deemed
to be errors - because he knew
better.

How do we know what's best
for another? The argument
goes that we should learn
from other's mistakes. But
how do we know that one
person's errors aren't
another person's treasured
experiences and choices?

How do we know pain and
disappointment are mistakes?
Perhaps those are the very
things that will propel us
forward to exactly where we
need to be, and become the
person that is necessary.

And...in some cases, maybe
the actions may be the same
for two people, but the
outcome will be different.

Sometimes it will take
courage to be yourself.

Sometimes it will take
courage to
forge your own path.

Sometimes it will take
courage to stand up to
another's limitations
so that they
don't become your own.

And...sometimes...
who the heck knows
what the right thing
to do is...?!

Sometimes you just
gotta do what you
just gotta do knowing
somehow that it is the
right thing for you.
 

Things are a-changing... | Video

I am ever amazed at how life twists and turns
and brings things unanticipated and unplanned.

One minute you are going along, thinking you
know what's next, only to find out you don't
have a clue.

And yet...somewhere, somehow, along the way
you knew something was coming. You could
feel it. Perhaps you just didn't trust it.

After all...you know how life is supposed
to go, don't you? How dare it veer from the
expected plan? Sometimes, too, you can't
see the unexpected turns in the road, so you
can't fathom why you feel as you do. Nothing
looks any different, but it feels like
something's supposed to be.

But life DOES have a mind of its own, and it
DOES create surprises, upsets, and amazing
possibilities. Who has a clue as to why or
what is supposed to happen...it just does.

You hold your breath,
you jump,
and
you hope
for the best.

If anyone knows what a static life feels like,
feel free to fill me in, cause I haven't got
a clue how it is. :P

While David seems to be talking about internal
changes, this video seems to fit to some degree.
After all external changes create internal
changes, and internal changes create external
ones. It's rare anything happens in isolation...
cha-cha-changes...

 

Seeing past the facade... | A blessing and a curse?

So...I am not usually one for absolutes
or extreme adjectives, but in this case
it seemed appropriate for the title of
what I am about to write.

For several years now I have known that
I have the ability to see past the way
a person presents him/herself to the
world. I am able to often see good
where there wouldn't appear to be any.

Because of that I give people leeway
that sometimes can be detrimental to
me and/or my emotions. I tell myself
that it's OK, and to come to situations
without expectations, but as human as
I am sometimes I don't always do a
terribly good job at protecting myself.

There is so much beauty that I see
within people, it can at times be
mesmerizing. I know that I can't be
the only person who is like this, but
I suspect that many people don't
recognize it for what it is.

While it can be a beautiful thing, it
can also be frustrating, hurtful,
and sometimes leave a person feeling
betrayed. Any person who has covered
up their more beautiful side has the
ability to bring it out instead.

Unfortunately not everyone who is
like that is able, willing, or
wanting to do that. In my mind, it
is sad for a few reasons. One is
definitely more personal, but there
is also the bigger world picture.

When we cover up the best part of us
and allow the parts of us that aren't
as compassionate and that just mow
down people and situations in the
name of things like "control," the
world suffers a loss.

It may seem silly to say that.
After all, can one person truly
make a difference? While some
would likely argue to minimize
one person and his or her experience,
I would suggest otherwise.

I would also suggest that minimizing
the personal experience serves no
real cause other than to justify
behaviors that aren't perhaps the
best ones to have around - for
anyone's benefit.

I like when I see the good in people,
and I can't really stop it. However,
I know that I need to learn to somehow
minimize my ability to interact with
those whose external selves do not
match with their internal ones...or
at least make something of an effort
to be in sync. Some people don't
even realize they are out of sync,
and some don't know how to change
things, but that doesn't mean I need
to sit by and allow myself to be
taken for a ride by them. I can't
control or change them, but I can
take responsibility for myself and
take care of myself and my needs.

It has been said "actions speak louder
than words." Sometimes the words we
"hear" are more a gut feeling of some
kind. As nice as it may be sometimes
to feel something wonderful, if it isn't
matched with a corresponding action,
it can really suck.

You may know your significant other
cares about you, but their actions
may say otherwise. It might be
something you are OK with, and works
for you, but if it doesn't, how long
are you going to be OK living in the
world without the tangible?

I don't know about you, but feelings
only go so far without something
tangible occurring to back it up.
And what that something is can be
self defined, so there is nothing
specific that I can tell you you need.
But you know what it is.

If you are not getting it, how long
are you going to allow yourself to
stay connected?

It isn't going to be easy to cut the
cord between someone you care about
and yourself, but knowing that you
deserve more certainly helps and is
a place to start. And when you can
take the steps to disconnect from a
situation that isn't working for you,
it allows you to be open to someone
who can be what you need mind, body,
and soul.
 

Got a Problem? | Stop it. | Video

Some people act as if it was this simple.