Here are my responses to Random Questions posted byRants and Runs
1. What’s my favourite word?
Word eh? Gee, I don’t know, I do use “eh” a lot because I am Canadian and half French, “eh” it is. 2. What’s my least favourite word?
Well, I can’t write that here but it starts with “c”
3. What turns you on? Really? Well, the edited version is a brilliant, curious mind, kind heart, warm smile, a gentle touch at the small of my back…um, I’ll have to leave the rest for my other blog…haha
4. What turns you off? Snobs
5. What sound or noise do you love? Ocean waves
6. What sound or noise do you hate? Renovation sounds like sanding or drilling in a work building and trying to work.
7. What’s your favourite curse word? F….of course cos it’s an adjective, verb and noun…multi-purpose
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? United Nations interpreter
9. What profession would you not like to do? Hotel clerk because they are NOT appreciated for all that they have to endure nor paid enough for it.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?You thought this life was tough, wait until you see your next reincarnation!
After communicating for months with Karuna, from Living, Learning and Letting Go, we did finally meet. I was blessed to have such a seasoned devotee of Amma. She was able to describe some of the traditions, the events that would take place each day. And thanks to her wise guidance, I was able to take advantage of every moment I could of being in the presence of this amazing sage, Amma.
I had shared with Karuna, that I uarrived here with an open mind but a heavy heart. Who does not have weight on their shoulders and in their heart? Such is life, non? But being in the presence of such a powerful, wise, loving and compassionate person, one can only naturally sway from grey or dark thoughts to brighter and hopeful reflections. Four days in such divine presence and four times blessed with a warm embrace…that’s right, I had four hugs in those four days.
Within a few hours, I could feel a divine presence and the attachment everyone had to their “mother- amma”; so many people shared their stories from past encounters; people who found their true love after speaking and embracing Amma, how special they felt when she held them, how more special one felt than another…and I could not help but see us all as children in pecking order to get our “mother’s” attention…see me, Mother, see how special I am!” I could not help but smile at that thought.
Did I sleep much? Not really, for it was also the full moon on Saturday/Sunday morning so we stayed up until 6 am. I will not go into detail to describe the events for Karuna and other writers would do this justice far better than me.
I did purchase a few items, (shopper that I am…but hey! it IS for a good cause!!) I started with a lovely scarf/shawl that I wore for my first hug, so it is now blessed. I also purchased a beautiful handmade book cover, a business card holder, beaded necklace and bracelet (the bracelet is practical for reciting my mantra, which I feel privileged to have been given by Amma), a lovely purse; and the perfume bottle was to place the blessed water we were ALL given on our last day, open to the public for Devi Bhava.Now this last day starts in the early evening and goes on until the wee hours of the morning, {so I was told} well, it went on all night until noon the next day! Ending with weddings and much more. The energy was electrifying and although it was celebratory towards the end, there was a heaviness…a sadness that Amma would soon be leaving most of us that day for a long time. She will be missed…
July 11th midnight we left Montreal via bus towards Toronto. This would be a 6 hour trip or shorter depending on traffic and mostly summer construction on Highway 401, the most boring highway that I know. That is why I take a bus or train when travelling alone, for by car, the risk of falling asleep at the wheel hypnotized by the same white line on black asphalt is too dangerous.
I felt like I was chasing the moon tonight, walking towards the bus terminal. I tried to take a few pictures but my camera could not do it justice. It shone so bright and it looked like a tiny spec on my camera.
On the bus I would see glimpses of the moon on the right and when I aimed my camera, the bus turned slightly and it was not to the left. I was sitting on the right side way in the front on the top deck of this double-decker Megabus. Fortunately I had two seats, so I could stretch my long legs. My tablet was on most of the ride to occupy my busy mind. I was lucky if I slept an hour and now I know that it may have been due to the “almost” full moon.
For hours the white glow teased me going from the right of my window and then to the left where I could l could not see as well, then whoosh, it would disappear. The more we approached mid morning around 3 a.m.
Moon, I saw you,
swell in size
inflamed and boisterous
daring and glorious
you shine like a star
you acquiesce afar
finally with unrest
you shine ahead
towards the West
the lower you get
the larger you’ve set
into a golden lantern
it’s 3am, cannot sleep
your energy fills me
that beaming glow
as travellers follow
all through the night
you’re glowing light
keeps us alert, safe
you’ll not abandon
us until early dawn
that golden star
we’ll not see yet
as we head West
just feel the glow
from the East
as you, moon,
shall seek rest.
This was Thursday morning that I saw this “almost full moon” on my bus ride; and on Saturday the moon was at its fullest and there was a great celebration at the retreat where I was, called The Guru Purnima. We waited with anticipation for the celebration until the wee hours of the night (5am. more precisely) In the meantime, I went out for a walk and took a few photos of the full moon and my mind wandered…
(c) clr 2014-07-13
(haiku)
hot summer night
waves crash on the beach
guided by moon beams
+
lovers embrace
hide behind bushes
bright moon glow
(c) Cheryl-Lynn 2014-07-19
Although this prompt is to write about the full moon in the Fall or Winter, I had these notes from my trip I felt fit so well with the mood of the full moon. You can see more explanations, Chèvrefeuille so graciously and eloquently gives at Carpe Diem #517 Shiki (3), “reeds tremble”
At Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, our task was to take Basho’s “The Old-Lady Cherry” and add two lines in approximately 7-7 for tan renga. Here is the original poem and chèvrefeuille’s example:
There are many sides to a situation or a story. How many times have you heard a news bulletin telling the public the sensationalistic side of an event omitting other aspects that shed a different light to that event?
I am also reminded of children when parents are separating and how often they seem to shed blame on themselves. So many children seem to feel if they were nicer, quieter or more obedient, somehow their parents would still be together? That is certainly not true but still many children feel this inside the core of their souls.
Moving along on this same topic, friends and family often feel they need to take sides when a marriage breaks up. Friends may feel awkward and think they can’t be friends with one spouse if they hang out with the other spouse. But what if they were good friends as a couple? Wouldn’t it make sense to nurture and continue this friendship with each person? And yet, so many feel they have to take sides.
I have also noticed that couples feel uncomfortable when they hear of a break-up of a relationship. It is as if they are faced with a side of themselves {or their relationship} they prefer not to examine. Why not? Maybe it is a perfect opportunity to embrace the love they have in their relationship. Perhaps it is an occasion to work on some aspects of their relationship if they feel it is a bit rocky. But for goodness sakes, folks, another couple’s break-up is NOT contagious…you can see talk to her or him. If anything, this is a time they need a friend and compassionate listening ear. So stop taking sides and ask yourself, how would you feel and how would you like to be treated if you were no longer in your relationship? This is where you will see the true sides of a friend alright; the kind, compassionate side or the cautious, weary side; then again would it be the self-righteous, holier than thou side? One cannot judge another person for their choices in life unless they have truly walked a mile in their shoes.
Getting out or getting away are two very defined activities. The first is to treat yourself, to go out with a friend or your significant other; perhaps it is a night out clubbing, dancing or bar hopping…whatever your pleasures may be that is what “getting out” means to me.
Getting away is distancing perhaps from family, friends, or BOTH! Maybe it’s going on a long overdue trip to recharge those weak Duracell batteries.
This past week I had planned to get away to do something for me. I needed to recharge my rechargeable batteries but anything “local” or “ordinary” just would not be able to replenish those batteries.
I had not taken a real vacation in a hotel…a “getaway” since 2002 when I went to San Francisco with a significant other or later that year my solo trip to Orange County.
So, overdue you say? Yes, indeed! Not wanting to just getaway to just read on a beach {I can read just fine at home and pop in a CD of ocean waves}…granted I would miss breathing in the salt air…but still. I was itching for something more and my body, mind, soul and heart ALL needed a good reboot.
So my getaway was a retreat but not just “OMing” for three to four days…no siree, it was jam packed with music, colours, dancing, joy, pure unconditional love and messages of peace and love. I know, I know, some of you reading are shaking your heads thinking, oh that hippie stuff. Granted, I do come from that era, but I was never EVER a true hippie. I just liked to dress like one. I always stayed pretty close to home until I was 45! So call me a late bloomer.
The days filled with lots for the active mind but no pressure to join anything. Meditation training broken down in digestible slots, music until the wee hours of the morning…orations of depth and the messages that attracted me to begin with love and compassion. It felt like coming home.
Now when can one “getaway”, refuel the mind, the heart and the soul in 4 days? Okay the body lagged a bit with 5a.m. celebrations. But my other three elements made up for it!
Tournesol dans un Jardin 
