Does anyone really accomplish that?

Does anyone really accomplish that?

This year has been, kind of, a wash for Walt and me (Holiday-wise).

Halloween (a time for our black tree and various Haunting props) came and went, in the wake of our trying to buy our home.

Walt said to me "We'll create our own haunting time."

I looked at him, bewildered, he offered "We owe it to ourselves, don't we?"

I think I was more hopeful than believing it would occur. To this date (Dec. 12) it still has not, even though, I've seen my Halloween things coming out of the pod.

Thanksgiving-We closed on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we did go shopping and cooked the turkey and had friends over (the friends whose house we purchased-and who left the following week) . It was quiet, and simple, and the truth be known, I hardly had the heart for it.

December, or as we call it "Christmas Season" Nov. 30 first pod delivered and emptied on the weekend.  Dec. 7th Second pod delivered and emptied over the weekend . Also Dec. 8, Spectrum tech arrived and connected internet.

Now we're trying to move what's left from the condo over to the new home.

We have good intentions. But "life is what happens while you're making other plans" (as John Lennon said). Walt is working at his job. I'm trying to get in a few  readings, and I have an event upcoming. In the midst of this, I've managed to be attacked by a spider (or a fire-ant-can't tell the difference by the bites) and the venom is creating a variety of issues for me. As the result-what I thought I would accomplish, is happening very s-l-o-w-l-y.

Walt and I have always taken a more "relaxed" attitude about the holidays. We decorate to the hilt, but not all at once.

Like most people, things have come up during holidays, and we vow to each other to "make up for it" some how (in the future). But I confess, I'm at a loss as to how that will occur.

 After Christmas (I mean on the 26th)  we're to leave to go visit a friend in Ft. Walton beach. So it makes me wonder how people with lots of family, 3 Christmas programs for their kids, shopping for grandchildren, creating a Christmas meal, actually DO all of it.

After Christmas, for me, the season will be gone. I won't be in humor to work on Christmas Decorating, or Halloween props, or create Thanksgiving meals.

I saw on Criminal Minds (yes, was binge-watching yesterday with my fever seeping through every pore) that the character Garcia hosts events she calls "M-H-M's" (Missed Holiday Meals) and it seems to work well for them (Yes, I know they're fictional).

Also, I like the idea of "Friendsgiving" (the friday after Thanksgiving, when friends, who don't have family near-by, or who have to work on the day, get together for the holiday).

But what do you do when you sort-of miss the whole season?

Hope for better next year?

So you want to live a life in a Hallmark Holiday movie? Maybe not.

Allow me to say that I am hopelessly addicted to Hallmark Holiday movies.

From October (The Good Witch series and movies--all of them) to New Years, you will find me baking my heart out and (like the woman in the song "Honey"--Bobby Goldsboro) crying my eyes out over some silly sentimental representation of someone's idea of a holiday...

Well, Hallmark's idea of a Holiday.

There are some things I really love about these productions.

I don't have to think too hard about them. They're kind to my nervous system.

I don't feel traumatized after watching them. I find them nostalgic.

Romantic kisses are sweet--not the tonsillectomies that punctuate some of the films, I've seen

 (I know I sound old, I don't care) .

Somehow, like Ike and Tina Turners' 1961 recording, in the end, I know it's going to work out fine. The Christmas Tree farm will be saved, The Christmas village will be saved. The historical home will not be sold to a multinational corporation for condos, and, the best part, the star-crossed lovers will end up together.

However, I've noticed some things that are "formulaic" (or as I've heard in other expressions "Derivative") in these films, that , actually, are bothering me. I'm sure it comes from watching the same film several times in a row (come-on, you do it too).

But here's my list of some reasons why, living in a Hallmark Holiday movie,

 may not be the best thing:

#1) There will be a death integral to the plotline.  OK, this is not a Disney "We have to kill Bambi's mom-murder-driven-sadism" type element. But, at some point, you will learn, that the "Historical Home-Christmas Tree Farm-Christmas Village" has been left to a family member who doesn't really understand what Christmas is all about. Maybe they're still grieving (example: The Christmas Ornament) or maybe the departed person is the only person who truly celebrated Christmas with the main character (example: The Christmas Calendar 2017).

#2) People in Hallmark Holiday (and possibly other films throughout the year) movies, drink incomprehensible amounts of coffee.  Apparently, only one person in the town makes a decent cup of coffee and they happen to run a cafe', bestrew, diner.  At first, I thought "Oh that's so neat, stopping in the middle of the day to get a cup of coffee" But after watching many of these films (and a series), I'm certain that the only doctor in town (also a consumer of the coffee) is kept busy with ulcer treatments for the coffee-swilling-inhabitants. Sometimes, getting the coffee is a plot element, navigating the main characters to meet (Christmas in Pemberley).

I found myself thinking "why don't I have coffee in the middle of the day?" and then an intercepting thought "wait. Is coffee the new kool-aid?" (shrugs)

#3) You will (sort of) recognize some of the names, some of the faces and some of the music.

Unlike the old TV series "FBI" (where some names have been changed to protect the innocent) some of the names might be "slightly changed". (example: "William Darcy"  In Christmas at Pemberly). Also, some of the actors (not all) in a series of films/or series have been changed out to another actor, which is very similar. The character of Brandon in the Good Witch series of movies is played by a different actor than plays him in the TV series. For a while I thought it might be the same actor all grown up. But the new actor sort of looks like a young Kennedy (yes, those Kennedy's)

But some of the music themes sound partially like themes from other films you know. Several times Walt has come in and said "Oh. I thought you were watching Sense and Sensibility (although, he might have meant Pride and Prejudice, as he doesn't really know the difference).

#4) Even in the smallest towns, there is a preponderance (legal term) of lawyers, former lawyers, former law students. In The Thanksgiving House one of the main characters (a History researcher and teacher) is a former law student, but his parents are both lawyers. He falls in love with a lawyer, who's ex-boyfriend (a chef) submits a legal tort on the land she owns. Another Christmas film has a new mayor (an ex-lawyer) and the main love interest (attended law school). But many of these small towns (like the old series Gunsmoke) have only one doctor. Go figure.

#5) OK...is that REALLY the End? I've noticed they've done this on several films. A Thanksgiving film leaves several plotlines twisting in the wind and ends with the main characters playing on a front yard swing. The only way I knew it was the end, was, over the credits rolling, there was some sort of Hallmark talk show with a woman saying "Isn't that how every Hallmark movie should end?"...well NO.  What about the sketchy boyfriend who's launched legal torts against the ex-girlfriend to make money off of her families' historical home? What about the internet blogger who's been lying about the couple and the news all this time? I find myself fantasizing that they fall off the cruise ship they're both on (over Thanksgiving)---oh wait...that would be a Lifetime movie.

END

Things NOT to say to your psychic friend/relative/Tarot Reader/Medium/Mystic That is, IF you value their friendship and their gift.

Something I've found consistent among my friend (who are not also psychics-mostly) are commonalities involving phrases and sophistries, that I'm sure, if they thought about it, they would not say. Some of these phrases are offensive-some insensitive, some inane and some superfluous.

I'm just asking that you take them into consideration, when speaking to the mystics in your life.

1) If you're as good a psychic as you think you are,

then you probably knew I was going to

   a-blow you off

   b-be late

  c- completely disregard your insight or guidance

  d- need you at 2 in morning.

 I've had several people in my life say (versions of) these things to me.

 Even more tell me they said these things to other psychics/mystics.

The first half of this statement: "If you're as good a psychic as you think you are..."

Wow! Do people talk to you like that in your line of work?

 If so, you need another place of work.

I think I have a fair (if not under-rated) evaluation of my skills/gift set.

 If not, then you most likely wouldn't want a reading from me.

    The second set of variables--Yes, I probably did know that you were going to blow me off for the movies, or be late to my event, or completely disregard my insight, or need me at 2 in the morning. Because I am not Eeyore (of Winnie the Pooh fame), I live in the hope that better will come from you. If I did know you would be inconsiderate in this manner-it's because I know elements of your personality. My gift is not an excuse for your insensitivity.

2) "I just want to get your take on...." (there are variations of this one to) "How do you feel about..." etc.

  Ok, I have a very long time friend who (mostly) gets the "friend who is a psychic" verses the "Psychic friend" thing, (sometimes better than I do). Sometimes she will define "I'm asking what you think as my friend".

When she wants a psychic-read on something---that is what she says.

In my experience with her (I love you, Tammy), I have learned that my advise as her friend,

 is very different than my advise as a psychic adviser.

Another counselor (not a mystic at all) calls this "copping a psychic feel".

I find this is pretty close to how I feel about it.

which brings me to the next item on the list...

3) If you want a reading, Ask for one.

  The odds are, I will say yes. If you are my friend, relative, acquaintance, client ,

 if you are having an issue, or crises, don't have the funds.

Like most of the people whom I know, who make their living in this way,

 I am a compassionate being.

 Please don't manipulate me. I, like most of my mystical group, know I am being manipulated.

"I just don't know what to do. If only I knew what was going to happen".

Besides, most people are reasonably obvious about it.

Please, have some respect for yourself. Have some respect for me...just ask.

4) A Corollary: Please don't say to your friends: "I don't know what she charges...she reads for me for free." or the related "I'm sure I can get her to read for you for free."

IF I am your friend/relative/acquaintance, then you know what I do for a living.

I've had an acquaintance invite a friend of hers to a trance session.

Then, take me aside before the event.

 Then, tell me that she told this friend I would charge her the same fee I had agreed to for the (original) woman, which was far less, because the (original) woman told me she was having financial difficulties.

 Let me do my own favors. Trust me to conduct my own business. If you appreciate the readings or things I do for you, please pass on my business cards. If you truly don't know how much my fee is, give them my information, I will tell them. I am not making business agreements on your behalf. Please do not do so on mine.

5) "I got a psychic reading from another psychic and they told me this.

What did they mean by that?"

My pat response to that is "I cannot be held responsible for what another psychic told you."

which usually garners "I'm not asking you to be responsible, but what did they mean?"

 Honestly, I don't know.

Why didn't you ask them when you had the reading? or afterward when you thought of it?

If, however you have a question because of something another reader told to you, that is more constructed in an independent manner, I might be able to help you.

i...e...."Do you see me writing a book?" (based on something another reader told you).

6) This is a particular pet-peeve of mine and has caused me to reflect upon my conversations with people in other professions. It comes up, often, when I am in a group circumstance, and someone mentions what I do.

"Oh, I had a reading once by someone--and they were the BEST reader ever. This person told me how many children I was going to have and what their names were and that one of them was going to be missing a toe..just the BEST reading anyone could ever have....So, can I have your business card?"

Uh-No.

No one wants to be compared to an unknown quantity or a ghost.

I've had people tell me about their amazing readings with former readers "who are dead now".

Or they "don't know where they are, now".

As much as I might appreciate the business, I won't appreciate putting my gifts out on the line

for you, to be told how wonderful this other reader was.

7) Bargaining my fees. This can take many shapes and expressions:

 "I just want a 15 minute reading because I know that psychics can tell me many things in a very short time.

(after a reading) "Oh darn, I don't have the fee. I only have $20."

(after a reading) "Could you just bill my paypal account?"

"Can I post-date a check?"

"But what if I just want to know this ONE thing?"

"You've been given the gifts freely from God. I believe you should give them freely to others"

(she draws a deep breath)

Everyone (that I know) who has a job or work is compensated for it.

Luke 10:1 states "A laborer is worthy of his hire".

You only want a 15 minute reading, you should be seeking an event that supports that.

I've found that clients and acquaintances (often) don't fully understand the commitment

 of a reader. I've been conducting readings for 36 years.

I've had a multitude of differing forms of training.

I bought my Tarot deck and my crystal ball.

I (most likely) pay rent (in some form) where you are sitting.

I have set aside this time for you and only for you.

I am not multitasking while I conduct a reading for you. (which is oft times a better deal than one gets with one's doctor, and they are usually compensated more.)

Don't have the full fee-and haven't told me ahead of time?

I WILL accept what you have. I will never read for you again.

I don't accept checks. I won't accept your check, even if you tell me it's good,

because, I have had to many checks go south on me, and I cannot afford

the cost of your reading plus the bank fees.

Again, I will never read for you again.

You just want to know this ONE thing.

I prepare the same for one thing as twenty things.

 I prepare my reading area, consecrate a candle, just for your reading.

I prepare my spirit for the work at hand.

I am worthy of my fee.

"You should give your gift freely to others, because it is a gift from God"

OK-lets talk about that: Barbara Streisand has an exceptional gift from God.

Do you get to see her for free?

It happens that most of the people that I know who have exceptional gifts,

do a great deal of charity work.

Y0-yo mah does concerts for charity.

I, have spoken at fund-raisers for free

 and conducted many readings for people who could not afford it.

The fact that you do not honor my gift, is not an excuse for me not to.

And speaking of "dishonoring" a gift--first cousin to the above issue,

are people who will belittle one's abilities (sometimes in a left-handed manner)

to get their reading for free.

"you didn't tell me anything"

"Yeah, but I already know that"

"I'd rather have false hope"

"you didn't tell me what I wanted to know"

Now, I will say that there are times when I do not "gel" with someone in a reading.

I will return their fee.

That, or any of the above statements will have me returning your fee.

I will never accept an appointment from you again.

   

And the last thing (I can think of right now) one should not say to one's psychic friend:

You're too evolved to be reacting like this.

Psychics, mediums, healers, empaths--with very few exceptions, are people too.

We will get angry, frustrated, tired, cranky, disenchanted, hungry

we will lose faith, we will lose hope, we will lose patience.

To expect less means (at least to me) is that you are only wanting to

interact with one dimension of me: The mystic.

from my perspective, that makes you a client/student.

Until next time,

Eat something wonderful,

and live a life worth loving!

-Kim

 

Helping Duke-Part 6 Good bye

Saying Good-bye to Duke

Like most of america, I don't really function well without coffee. But here I was, on a Sunday morning, preparing to go to the beach.

Armed with our devotional,communion ware,  lighters and floating lantern, we trekked to the beach to say our Good-byes to Duke.

I thought we would be the only people there, in the breaking dawn, but there were a few early risers on the beach with us.

We picked a spot and proceeded with the task of lighting the floating lantern. That never goes as well as I hope, but it does, eventually go.  It started out low, to the sand, and then drifted over the ocean, 

into the sky. I hoped Duke's spirit was free now, to drift, and be in the ocean of God's love, to feel the love of his family and to move through the heavens.