Lay Your Cards On the Table

Lately I’ve been having a lot of tarot card readings.  Some I take with a grain of salt and others I take very seriously, but nonetheless all are fun.  I also chalk that up to my tarot reader who is not only brilliant but quickly becoming my new best friend.

In my life; all intimate relationships have had a beginning, middle, and end.  Recently I had the courage to let go of a dead-end three year relationship and once again, I find myself single and back on the market with a broken heart.  Yuck.  Not necessarily an attractive sight when one is quickly approaching their 50th birthday.  

After a few months of tears, depression and loneliness, I decided it was time to be proactive with my life.  Having felt sexually and skin starved for quite some time, I phoned an acquaintance who was also freshly available.  Together we settled on a casual sexual liaison.  Yummy, a younger lover.  A relationship wherein both our primal needs get met, sprinkled with doses of out of the bedroom fun thrown in for good measure.

Ironically, we were both a tad bit surprised at our intense chemistry.  After some steamy nights (and days!), it became apparent that we needed to have “that” talk.  Is this going anywhere?  If so, where?  Is there an expiration date?  This is what I want.  This is what I need.  This is how I feel.

It was of great importance to me to continue walking the line of lightness and respect of our newfound connection.  For those of you that know me personally, you can attest to my pining for crystal clear communication.

Whilst taking a painting course in France, I was introduced to watercolor pencils.  Such a expressive way to draw and create an illusion of iridescence in the same stroke.  A light bulb came on one afternoon, I had the perfect idea to gently open the door for our conversation.  I whipped out the pencils and some paper.  Drawing inspiration from recently gazing at such alluring tarot cards, I cut the paper into seven rectangular shapes.  This is what they said:

name of my ex

name of the ex of my lover

rebound

sex (with little fireworks!)

a red heart/a grey scarred heart

$

?

One evening, I said, “I am going to lay my cards on the table”.  

I asked my new lover to shuffle and place them face down upon my table.  One by one my lover drew a card.  I commented on each and encouraged questions and remarks.  Together we had an insightful and brilliant conversation.  Creative and full of clarity - which is something this passionate Leo deeply cherishes.

So, if you’re feeling a little anxious about a heavy topic, give it some levity by unlocking your imagination!

CoMmUnItY!

Each day my belief in supporting the community where I live grows stronger. As fall is approaching in South Florida, albeit rather slowly, I am excited for the local farmers market to open. Within walking distance from my home, it's one of my favorite weekend activities. Roaming the aisles, talking with the farmers, searching for the best croissant while sipping hot tea are all fond memories from fall Saturday mornings. Carrying cloth bags bursting with brilliantly colored greens makes me smile. This year I'll have a new bicycle and envision my cute little basket full of local wildflowers, organic herbs, dinosaur kale and maybe a fresh baguette - shhh. My friend Pam would always say, “You have to meet people to meet people, so go out and talk.” Buying locally and organically grown produce not only feels a bit decadent, it also gives back to my local community and the food is much tastier and nutrient dense!

When I lived in Boulder, Colorado there was a community garden nearby. One could actually rent a small section on a plot of land to plant their own garden. How cool is that? Folks would grow different vegetables and swap with one another. Such participation boosts collectiveness, sparks new friendships and maybe introduces one to a new vegetable or fruit. For me, local gardens create a bond with the very Earth I walk upon.

Each year, from the time I can recall, my father has planted a garden. Last year he proudly handed me a full bag of; tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, cucumber, radishes and potatoes. What didn’t immediately make it in my special salsa, stayed fresh for a month!  Does your produce last that long? Oftentimes ingredients needed or wanted may not be available locally. This is a perfect opportunity to substitute, experiment and perhaps create a delightful new dish.  If I absolutely must have that certain something, I'll head to the nearest locally owned health food store.

Remember, it is straightforward and extremely rewarding to grow your own food; parsley, rosemary, basil, dill, or baby collards. Local farmers often have starter plants for sale. How fun to snip snip delicacies from your window sill or balcony and add to your salad!  

Learning to live from our land and learning to live in community with one another is the preservation of the future. So grab your shovel and follow my father's old pick up truck, you'll know which one when you see the sticker on the bumper "No Farms No Food".