Tea leaves: peace

01 January 2008

Ms. Tigerpaw speaks of ch-ch-changes

In 2008, I resolve to seek...
... courage to follow my creative path with my pen and with my needles. I want my pen to write many letters, journal with honesty, continue writing the fictions it has begun, and practice compassion when I lose heart.
... continued learning for my needles. In 2007, they first knitted cables and (oh joy!) socks! In 2008, they will learn how to work Fair Isle, continue to knit for charity, create clothing for a very special baby, and be open for adventure.
... opportunities to express gratitude to my husband, my family, and my friends.
... new friendships in knitting groups, book discussions, and (perhaps) political activism.
... health, through exercise, attention to medical and emotional issues, fewer carbs and more protein, and (shudder) some quality time in the kitchen.
... inner peace, through meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, attention to synchronicity, and compassion.
... world peace, through whatever means possible or necessary.

Specifics? Well, take the quality time in the kitchen. My husband and I deserve better than pasta and steamed vegetables and left-over restaurant food. Although he is not a vegetarian, he enjoys tofu dishes, and it would be a mitzvah for us both if I expanded my culinary skills.
Fair Isle? I want these mittens with a truly bizarre hunger, and I shall knit them.
Etc.
I have lots and lots of specifics that I will journal about today - how many pounds I want to lose, the chapters I need to "snowflake" (thanks, Anna!) to make progress on my novel, how I'll get my checkbook balanced, specific knitting goals (including a pair of socks every month), plans for the piles and drawers and shelves that need to be decluttered to make room for thought in my home. My pen and a new notebook (thanks, Janet!) will be busy.
Etc.
But for today, for here, I want to focus on the path, not the instruction manuals and tools, because what I need more than anything is a sense of direction. I've been disorganized, dazed, cluttered, depressed, frightened, and reactive for far too long, especially in the last few months. If I can see where I want to go, it'll be possible to get there.

** Ms. Teabird Tigerpaw is my avatar on Second Life**

27 December 2007

Benazir Bhutto, 1953 - 2007

An excerpt from an essay written for the Architects of Peace -

Benazir Bhutto reflects on working toward peace

"...And to push for peace is ultimately personal sacrifice, for leadership is not easy. It is born of a passion, and it is a commitment. Leadership is a commitment to an idea, to a dream, and to a vision of what can be. And my dream is for my land and my people to cease fighting and allow our children to reach their full potential regardless of sex, status, or belief."