Interlude # 7 - Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali friends,


It is with full heart and glowing soul that I greet you tonight. I am basking in the peace that faith affords me this night, whether the goddess visits my home or not. Truthfully, I hope she will come, whilst we slumber, prayers of reverence and hopes for guidance upon our soft lips, in the hush that falls with dusk.

Tonight is the festivals of lights, when all over the world Hindus light dias and pray for the Goddess Lakshmi will come to our house and bless us, bringing her light of wisdom, healing and love. We pray for those who have gone in darkness before us, like our Ram, king of kings, Vishnu and Krishna incarnate. We ask the Goddess to lift illness and despair from our lives as only a mother's love can.

Tonight there is nothing to write about except the tenderness with which she will cradle us, a succor to our tears, the endless mother whom we children reach out for when we fall.

I have lit the incense but my soul is aflame with scented wonder. My skin prickles as my senses realize there is more than can be seen in the room. I can feel the tension, the love, the energy and it is a blessing that I should share these moments another year with my mother sitting beside me.

I must say, for those who have faith and can sit and pray, even but for a few moments, it is a feeling that is always welcomed. To feel so full and aware - to mentally breathe in the essence of something larger than you and be humbled and feel utterly beloved is a gift I pray each of you experiences many, many times in your lifetime.

Inspir-edly,

Davi

Interlude # 6 - Hallo-whoareyougonnabe?

Hi readers,

One of the best things at this time of year is Halloween. Those who enjoy dressing up - be it their kids or themselves - this is the perfect time to go shopping for outfits we can't wear any other day of the year. The only issue I have is with all the "costumes" available to teenage girls that scream "hooker" or "cheap and easy." It's a time to dress up, not necessarily dress less. In New York City, Halloween has become a reason for girls to look like they are legal to work in the adult film industry. It's a shame really. For those who take part in the costume only aspect of the day, it's supposed to be about wearing something that makes you feel like someone or something else for a night. To be able to express what you think is fun and interesting and earning some chocolate or candy in exchange for your time and effort spent on applying make-up. How this translated in 90% of the costumes being mid-drift baring, three inch length skirts and thigh high boots, I don't know.

For those who hold this as a spiritual or religious holiday, All Hallows Eve, it must be a great travesty to see so many dressing people dressing up to get some candy, but it's become a division between American culture and religious belief. It's not something that was done to insult religous worhippers, it's how time evolved and compartmentalized one day into religion and culture. I liken it rather to the Easter Bunny on Easter. Explain that one folks. :D

In any case, all I'm hearing is "who are you gonna be?" Since I'm 25 and this might be the last year I really do Halloween, I want to go all out. I went shopping and it's come down to an Angel (which is my fav because it has wings), a female Robin Hood outfit, forest nymph, or the ever popular pirate wench.

My best friend and I were going to go together as Peanut Butter and Jelly, but the hilarity of this would be hard to explain at the party we'll be attending... especially if we get separated. How do you explain a poo colored outfit without receiving a disbelieving look from the person who asked you what you came as? Picture it - "I simply can't find my jam." Indeed. But you sure are in one.

In any case, I'm favoring the Robin Hood outfit because I'm simply smashing in its shade of green, especially with my caramel complexion (I'm not making that up, Maybelline has designated me caramel according to their foundation, haha). The pirate wench look might be nice as well. I need to see how much all the accessories cost, what with the sword, hat, boots, and makeup not being included in the set it makes me wonder how they can sell the dress and still call it a "pirate costume." I'll make my decision in the next couple of days and let you all know how it turns out.

What are you going to be?

Still undecided,

Davi