We are awakened; nurtured by this shining world revealed by darkness.

[Source: Amanda Lee Myers, Associated Press] – When passengers began riding new light rail trains in the Phoenix area last December, many questions were on their minds.  Can light rail succeed in a city where car is king?  Will the trains survive searing desert heat in the summer?  Is it worth the $1.4 billion it cost to build?  A year later, the system is carrying 50 percent more people than expected, the trains survived the summer and kept riders cool, and many of the kinks of introducing a new mode of transportation to the nation’s fifth largest city have been worked out.

Now the big question is: Can light rail continue to maintain its ridership and service amid the recession while moving forward with plans to expand the system from 20 to 57 miles?  “It’s going to be very hard. The challenges are going to be severe,” said Rod Diridon, executive director of the San Jose, Calif.-based Mineta Transportation Institute, a nonpartisan research group that conducts transportation policy studies.

Diridon said it’s “absolutely remarkable” that Phoenix has managed to see higher ridership than expected while maintaining service this past year.  “All across the nation transit systems depend on sales and property tax dollars, and because sales tax revenues are down in some places as much as 50 percent, service has been cut back and ridership is down in most places,” Diridon said.  “The opposite is true in Phoenix.  They’ve retained ridership and maintained service.  That’s a phenomenal  success given the state of the economy.”

It’s not been an easy task for light-rail operator Metro.  The agency had to pay about $500,000 more than the expected $1.5 million to keep the trains cool all year long, fund an educational program for passengers who were inadvertently not paying for their rides, and lay off about 20 people.  [Note: To read the full article, visit Phoenix area's light rail system marks 1st year.]

 There are four controlling drama’s, The interrogator, the intimidator, the aloof, and the poor me. These drama’s as described by James Redfield in the Celestine Prophecy are the basis for all human conflict in the world today.

The aggressive:

Intimidator – On the verge of exploding, threatening, strict, gave orders, inflexible, angry, self-centered, made you feel afraid.

Interrogator – Probed to see what you were doing; critical, undermining, needling, infallible logic, sarcasm, monitored you. can be sceptical, sarcastic, self-righteous, perfectionist

The Passive

Poor me – Always saw the negative, looked for problems, always talking about being busy or tired, made you feel guilty for not solving her problems. Pull attention by sighing, trembling, crying, Victim stance

Aloof - tended to be distant, busy, away from home, not too interested in your life, unresponsive, secretive, preoccupied

  These are important to understand. The two fears every baby is born with are the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. That’s it, everything else is learned through our interaction with our parents, siblings, other family members and friends. Personally when we talk about human conflict on the national, global scale it becomes a bit overwhelming to consider how to stop it. I am not here to stop war on a global scale. I am here to identify my own issues, remember who I am, evolve my soul, and ultimately share this knowledge.

  It’s akin to throwing a stone into the lake each ripple is another person I effect. If I am coming from a place of truth, love and compassion then I effect each of those ripples. Conversely if I am coming from a place of anger, fear, or sadness I will send that into each ripple.  The choice is an individual one. Who do I choose to be.

 My own childhood, my father was the intmidator. There was always a climate of fear in the home. My response was to become the “poor me.” This victim role carried me through my teenage years until the pressure popped. Meaning the intimidator will create this drama to gain their own energy, the poor me will take it until they are strong enough to push back. Thus the cycle continues and I emerge as the intimidator.
  The truth of this is my relationships since being a child and teenager take on a new meaning. In order to receive the love I am craving I will act as the victim to draw in the interrogator or the intimidator. Often times long enough to gain a balance of energy and then engage in drama to deplete theirs.

  This is the struggle. We are all seeking energy from each other instead of a divine source. The divine source is unlimited and loving, in order to tap into it we must break our own cycles first.

In my past I have hurt people, mainly women, because those are who I am in a relationship with. I have put my hands on women in anger, forced them into having sex with me, have exchanged goods for services and created climates of fear and uncertainty. This is the cycle I had to break in order to become Who I Really Am.

 First step is to identify the control drama in your life. Then identify the others around you, at first I went around telling everyone who they were.

I don’t recommend that.  *shakes head* Sometimes being a know it all can create more drama.

Once you have identified your control drama, trace it back to the origin. For me it was the childhood home. I can see where the control drama’s played out in all of my relationships. From one side of the family to the other.

This is called seeing the “truth”. The truth is powerful. Sometimes it can be scary and we run because (first hand experience here) we don’t see how to stop it. Or worse, we see just how horrible of people we have been. Part of the reason I drank a lot. (note to self)

Do not be afraid. There is a presence within you, all around you, She is with you always, and in All Ways.  The Truth stated in Love shall set you free.

That is the goal here. Break the control drama’s, find freedom and lead others on the path by being the path.

with love,

Rochelle Foulk, Author The Stone People

I am Rochelle Ann Foulk.

I am a writer.

I am the Dragon.

I am His Dragon.

I am Love.

And I say this to you, because I am Free.

And Now so shall you be.

  There are many ways to exit a relationship. You can exit mentally by demonstration that you are preoccupied by more important thoughts. You can exit emotionally by finding somewhere else to express and experience your passion. You can exit physically by finding way and excuses for not being present. Or you can leave spiritually by removing your trust, your respect, your love, your compassion from what you do and what you say.

  Sometimes we exit a relationship because of unresolved feelings fo anger or betrayal stemming from past experiences. More often than not we exit  a relationship because we feel we are not getting the love we need. Unfortunately, we often blame the other person when our desires are not met. In reality, we haven’t asked for what we want or need.

  How often have you honestly expressed to your partner exactly what you want or why you want it? When was the last time you shared with your partner how you will feel when you get the thing you need? How can you expect to get what you want if you don’t ask for it? How can you expect to receive the things you say you want if you are not physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually present to receive them?

 There are some cases when we know without a doubt that the time has come to leave a relationship. This is not he kind of exit we are examining here. We are talking about taking your mind, your body, your hear or your soul out of where you are being loved because you are not getting what you have not asked for. This type of exit is not only self-destructive, it is a surefire way to ensure that you never get the very thing you say you want. Could it be that you really don’t believe you deserve it?

  Until today, you have remained in a relationship that you exited a long time ago. Just for today, be present enough to ask for what you want, and remain present long enough to receive it.

With love, Rochelle, author

www.rochellefoulk.wordpress.com

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Thus, God is proclaiming that there are principles in the heavens and that they govern life on earth. Furthermore, God is responsible for bringing forth the Mazzaroth in their seasons. Most Bibles avoid translating this sacred word, ‘Mazzaroth’, because it literally means, ‘the twelve signs of the zodiac’, in Hebrew. So, God created the zodiac and brings them forth in their seasons. He explains that heavenly constellations like the Pleiades and Orion have ‘influences’ that can be unleashed.

We don’t have to be afraid of signs from the heavens. God speaks through them. In Judges 5:20 it describes the ‘stars’ in battle, “They fought from the heaven. The stars in their courses fought against Ciceria.” In Jeremiah 10:2 it says, “…do not be dismayed by signs from heaven.” We need to be open to the realization of messages in the heavens. In Psalms 136:7-9, it says, “Who made the great lights? His love endures forever; the sun to govern the day, the moon and stars to govern the night.” In Psalms 147:3-4 it says, “God heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name.” The Hebrew word ‘shem’ means ‘name, a mark of character, individuality, honor and authority.’ Stars have all that, according to the Bible. Again, in Isaiah 40:26 we hear, “Lift your eyes on high and behold who has created these. He who brings forth the starry hosts by numbers one by one and calls them forth by character.”

Jesus embodied the Piscean archetype, linking the first sign Aries with the last sign Pisces, the alpha with the omega, starting not just one new age, but a whole cycle of twelve ages. People began spiritually cleansing themselves through the baptismal rites, as Pisces is a water element sign. Suddenly, water was sacred (as opposed to fire) and the fish became holy. Early Christians would identify themselves by drawing the sign of Pisces in the sand. Jesus spoke often of the age of his birth as a preparation age for the Age of Enlightenment to follow. He was referring to the Age of Aquarius that is symbolized by the cosmic man bearing the pitcher of the living waters of life, pouring it throughout the universe. At Jesus’ first Jupiter return (age 12) he began instructing the Priests at the temple, saying to his parents, “Let me be about my work.” After his first Saturn return (age 30) he became intensely devoted to teaching and demonstrating the way of unconditional love. He selected twelve disciples each with a character similar to one of the twelve signs. At the Last Supper Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. In astrology each sign governs a part of the body. Pisces symbolizes the feet.

  It is the grandest thought of Who You Are, your Highest Feeling and Greatest Word that you find Me.

We are here to evolve, we are made in the “image and likeness of God” The second coming isn’t one man, nor it is one anything.

The second coming is you and me, rising in consciousness of Christ. We are the Christed beings. Our awareness will raise in number to 144,000. These 144,000 will bring another 144,000 each to awareness. Globally we ascend to the city of light. This is our planetary goal. Our human divinity, as well as the greatest word, highest feeling, and grandest thought of Who We Really Are.

The Spiritual Revolution has begun.

With love, Rochelle author  The Stone People

www.rochellefoulk.wordpress.com

December 21, 2009 – The city of Mesa, Arizona has broken ground on a roadway project which intended to support tremendous growth for the downtown region. A $9.4 million extension of Ray Road and Hawes Road is underway to accommodate the planned Gateway 202 project, a 230-acre development which was only recently approved. The roadway project has brought much needed work to several Mesa contractors.

The upcoming Gateway 202 project is expected to be an enormous mixed-use development which should greatly stimulate the local economy, and bring years of steady employment to Mesa general contractors, Mesa electricians, and other tradesmen.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire

But those who have taught me all about the rights and wrongs, the dos and don’ts, the shoulds and shouldn’ts, told me all those rules were laid down by YOU-by God.

  Then those who taught you were wrong. I have never set down a “right” or “wrong”, a “do” or a “don’t.”

To do so would be to strip you completely of your greatest gift- the opportunity to do as you please, and experience the results of that; the chance to create yourself anew in the image and likeness of Who You Really Are; the space to produce a reality of a higher and higher you, based on our grandest idea of what it is of which you are capable.

To say that something-a thought, a word, an action-is “wrong” would be as much as to tell you not to do it. To tell you not to do it would be to prohibit you. To prohibit you would to restrict you. To restrict you would be to deny the reality of Who You Really Are, as well as the opportunity for you to create and experience that truth.

There are those who say that I have given you free will, yet these same people claim that if you do not obey Me, I will send you to hell. What kind of free will is that? Does this not make a mockery of God-to say nothing of any sort of true relationship between us?   

-Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch

  Now that made a whole lot of sense to me and then it made me think. Really all the times I was told that I was wrong for being a lesbian. The abomination of God, evil incarnate or even my personal favorite, “Honey you just aint had the right man, yet.” 

  Yeah, that’s it. Seriously, cause really it’s not sex without a penis.

Top three questions I am asked when approached by a straight person (usually men) in response of knowing my sexual orientation.

1.  Which one are you the man or the woman?

2. What do you do, really?

3.  Can I watch? (usually stated with a grin.)

If you are a lesbian then you know these questions. Some of us have different answers for them ranging from the feminist political view to the down right redneck verbage. Depending on our mood, our compassion for the naive, and of course whether or not we got laid last night.

These are the cultural myths that the strait culture has imprinted upon the Lesbian community. In turn we have internalized these questions, our own beliefs of why lesbians exist, and ultimately the age-old question, “who am I?” into our own culture. Its time to take a leaf from Conversations with God, the should’s and shouldn’ts aren’t really the question here. Doesbeing a lesbian express the grandest vision of Who You Really Are?

  Yes.

In answer to the questions listed above for our straight culture I will now dive into a place of serenity and calm. Channeling the divine spirit of the creator and give you the answers you so desire.

*a moment of silence for the Goddess to reveal herself*

There is no man or woman in any relationship. The true definition man and woman  is complementing  the yin and yang. We are all apart of relating to the experience of each other. I need no label to define my existence in this relationship or the next. Neither do you.

Doing is a state of action, more accurately the description of synergistic energy exchange can best be explained as being.  Each person is a state of their highest thought and gives to another so that may enjoy a greater abundance of their own gifts.  Thus creating a phenomenon of energy exchange that can be neither described or explained; only experienced.

Watching isn’t really the desire here, your true question is whether or not you can participate. That of course is if you can honestly see through the facade of your own questioning. To the highest thought of each person involved this question can be answered per situation. If all are in agreement with the request then what harm can it be?

Personal note: My best friend Aleshia Fisher had the greatest comeback to the last question. When asked by a biker if he could watch her with his girlfriend she responded with, “No.” The biker not to be dissuaded teasingly stated, “C’mon you got to leave something for me..” Calmly flipping through stickers she turned to him and said, “Sure, you can change the sheets.”

with love, Rochelle Author The Stone People

Hey Guys! Our second gift wrapping fundraiser is today at Barnes and Noble in Mira Mesa. If you have not signed up already, you are welcome to come from 10am-6pm. Everyone is welcome and please bring money to donate!

American Idol, Sony Playstation’s Rock Band, and Nintendo’s Wii have invited us to step out of our car stadiums and shower sound booths and enter the brass ring of karaoke.  The Native New Yorker Restaurants host karaoke every Saturday night.  Our particular haunt, the Alano club, frequent the one on Gilbert Road and the US 60 in Mesa, Arizona.  The fun starts at nine pm!

  What Sony, Nintendo and American Idol labels  may choose to say about their products via advertising has mainly to do with driving sales, creating Facebook fan clubs, and involving us in choosing the next great rock star. Dreams of fame, money and fans drive many people to try out for the dream.  What I have witnessed personally at the Native New Yorker has little to do with any of those pie in the sky dreams.  There is a deeper meaning, a more sincere message and it comes straight from the soul of ordinary people like you and me.  In two to three minutes the whole bar experiences a cathartic reaction to soulful voice of Lolly. 

  Standing near her table, surrounded by her friends and sister-in-law Mindy, Lolly waits patiently for Hollywood to start her song.  She is one of the regulars at this particular Native New Yorker.  The music starts, easy rhythm combined with a harmony of synthesized keyboards.  The new comers to tonight’s performer are still arguing over the Dallas and Saints football game, the normal crowd discussing  their weeks of economic strain.  The chatter stops, the drinks set back down from the half way rise to thirsty lips, Lolly has begun to sing.

  Such a voice cuts through even the most jaded of hearts as she belts out a sound that relieves your worst heartbreak at the same time validating all of those pent up feelings of anger and hurt. No one makes them cry like Lolly.

  The song ends and she is standing amid applause, whistles and lighters waving through the non-smoky atmosphere.  Women are shouting, “Yeah girl! You tell him!”  Men are captured by her silky voice and inner strength.  I talked with Lolly and her sister Mindy during one of our smoke breaks.  I was curious as to what her motivation was. Her eye’s smiled as she explained that music was a passion, not some dream of making it big, but an inner resounding knowing of this stuff really happens.   “I sing about real life because I don’t have time for the bulls%^&.”

  Warren is a clean-cut man in his early thirties. Always well dressed with an easy-going smile but when he picks up the mike you feel the spirit of  Chuck Berry, The Pretenders and the Temptations.  Instantly the bar is transported to another time when music moved a generation into expression of freedom.  Whether it’s Johnny B. Goode or The Dance, Warren always has a couple or two dancing beneath the television as he sings. 

The night unfolds to include hip hop singers rapping the Gansters Paradise and the Humpty Hump Song transporting us all to the late eighties and early nineties.  High School dances that brought out our inner rapper.  We listened to renditions of Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin and La Bamba all performed with equal talent. 

 The night rounded out by bringing the bar to its feet, shouting and whistling to a classic; Proud Mary.  The beautiful spirit of Tina Turner’s first hit after accepting buddhism as a way of life.  She brought many women to their feet with her movie, What’s Love Got to do With It, as she triumphed over an abusive and degrading relationship.  People around the world saw first hand the strength of a women’s heart, her inner drive to attain her own truth and the courage to live it.   Maria along with her mom Angie, gave us all a piece of that freedom with her strong voice.

  Everyone, and I do mean everyone, was standing in the bar feeling the electricity, she started us slow and finished us hard.  At the end we all knew the meaning of  “Left a good job in the city, working for a man in New Orleans…”   The greatest people you never met found the courage to share their passion and heartache, inviting us all to find the freedom within.

with love, Rochelle Author The Stone People

www.rochellefoulk.wordpress.com

The sky is dark and the rains are on the wind.

Such a breath feels electric, metallic in taste.

The summer sun ripens  its fruit as the wheat stands tall in the field.

Such a breath feels warm and full.

The newness of Spring is just around the corner.

Winter dew falling from each flower precisely when it means to.

Such a breath gives a gift of new life and rejuvenation.

The breath of the Spirit harkens to us all, the knowing of breathing

in life is what brings about living.

With Love, Rochelle

http://www.rochellefoulk.wordpress.com

Author of, The Stone People

Light rail turns one years old today. What a milestone not only for the transit system but the Valley as a whole! And today, Metro is celebrating Charlie-in-the-Chocolate style. Valleymetro.org reports:

The 30 lucky winners who receive a “golden” transit pass will be entitled to a pair of US Airways Center event tickets of their choice – either an upcoming Phoenix Suns regular season home game, concert or family show. In addition, the lucky winners will be entered into a drawing to win one of two Grand Golden VIP Experiences. … Platinum Pass or U-Pass users who validate on December 19 will be entered into a random drawing for six of the thirty “golden” passes and contacted shortly thereafter by METRO, their employer or ASU, should they win.

A number of businesses along the line will also be offering discounts to those with a valid transit pass.

 The annual celebration of lights was set at 7pm in downtown Phoenix. Our Saturday night meeting let out at seven but a group of us decided to run up to the 7th and Indian School to catch the end of the Parade. Along with our four women, the little girls exited about a parade, were three children; Jacob, Skyler and Jacob’s little sister.

  All packed up and ready to roll I was captivated by Skyler’s mom, Kathy. She spoke to her daughter about the greatest word; Love.

 ”What’s the greatest word Sky baby? Love! Can you say love?” Skyler wasn’t in a speaking mood due to new people in the environment but I got the impression that this conversation was had regularly.

  We set down the road two cars and five adults and three children with high spirits. The 202 dropped into the ten, we opted for the 51 that dropped us two miles from our destination. Parked about a mile down from Indian School we set out stroller in tow towards crowd gathered.  I stopped at a local coffee shop for some hot chocolate for me and Jacob. The rest of the party continued up near the Jack in the Box.

 The people were lined up the street, bunched at the four corners and standing on trucks in the gas station parking lot. Vendor walked up and down selling their parade wares. Neon ropes for a dollar were the most popular. Pam purchased two bubble guns that not only spit out streams of bubble bullets but also lit up in a myriad of colors. 

  I headed into Jack in the Box to bring out some dollar burgers hoping the line was moving quickly. Jacob’s mom was standing in the bathroom line, ironically it ran through the restaurant and blocked the cash registers. That line was only two people deep. I returned out front burgers and curly fries in tow. Pam and Jacob had settled at a nearby table with his little sister. His mom was now at the ten minute mark for the bathroom.

 It was a cold evening as people were dressed in their Arizona winter wear. One man shared our table drinking two tall cans of Bud light.  An old friend that used to stay with my ex showed up. After initial hello’s  she launched into a list of complaints and accomplishments.

I have a girlfriend. I want to strangle her kids. We live together. I did my jail time. I have a job. Oh and How are you?

Thus furthering my belief that lesbians initially only have one thing in common; other women. That is a whole other subject for a blog. Hell it could even be its own page.

  Jacob’s mom appeared retrieving her infant daughter and preparing the children to move to parade watching spot.  Jacob wasn’t interested in waiting as the floats were coming ever closer. I watched him walk into the crowd near the street. I decided to follow, thinking at least he wouldn’t get lost.

Kids have amazing navigation skills. In less that a minute he was at the front just in time to catch the first float; a big rig carrying Santa’s Sleigh.

Rooted to the spot, one hand clutching the bubble gun and the other holding both a half-eaten hamburger and now cold, hot chocolate, Jacob stared in wonder.  The half-dozen kids to the left and right of him mirrored his same look of awe.

 In ten minutes I received a phone call asking if I had Jacob with me and where were we. Could I bring him to where they were standing. Naturally the wonder of cellphones are overlooked except in these moments.   Jacob on the other hand refused to move. He had the spot, the parade was going and he was determined not to miss it. Clearly only a mother’s touch and word would get this kid to break from the never ending stream of lights, baton twirlers and clown procession.

  Right now, as you are reading this one of two things is running through your mind.  If you are a parent its, “Who is the adult here, pick the kid up and move him to the rest of the group.” If you are open to the awareness of allowing children to think for themselves without forcing them to conform to your idea of right its, “Nice job, the kid knows a good spot.”  

Logically I understood his mother’s request. At the same time I understood Jacob’s request which originated from his soul.  Often as adults we make choices from our minds using logic, intuition, and emotion. Only children possess the courage to lead with their heart. Such a remembrance we all need, especially at this time in our lives.

A marching band paraded past with a hip drum line. The next float was a Humvee, it rolled past slowly, carrying none other than the Sheriff of Maricopa County, Joe Arpaio.

 I had personal interest in Sheriff Joe, having followed the New Times paper’s story; “Are your Papers in order?” The front cover depicted a blue-eyed white male in all black, including a ski mask pointing a nine millimeter Glock.  I found it equally interesting that Sheriff Joe chose to ride on a military issue Humvee which looked more like a tank.  The crowd began its jeers, boos, and taunts while the Sheriff sat atop his military vehicle waving.  I was contemplating the symbolism of his float and the obvious military justice he dispensed in the town of Guadalupe.

 My thoughts were interrupted by Jacob’s question, which crested above the boos and straight into my heart.

  “Why are they booing him? Who is he?” He looked at me with a complete innocence. This was a moment that I would call a God Shot.  As adults, parents, guardians and the like we have a responsibility to answer questions the young pose. Even more pressing is how we answer them. Do we superimpose our own ideals and beliefs? Or do we encourage them to make their own decisions based on facts?

Growing up I was given this opportunity except on certain issues. Those of race-mixing, prejudice, government, homosexuality and religion often carried with them a ‘its this way because I said so’ teaching. Then reinforced by the fear of ridicule or interrogation if I did happen to disagree. 

I leaned down to Jacob’s level and said. “That is Joe Arpaio, the Sheriff of Maricopa County. People are booing him because they don’t like his immigration platform.” confident I had relayed facts and not my own personal belief I stood back up and watched Joe’s Humvee rolling past.  Jacob looked back at me as the rear wheels faded from his view and asked, “What does that mean?” I smiled realizing that I had spoken in way that he didn’t understand. I leaned forward again, “He treats people of a different color differently.” again the facts and nonjudgmental.   I stood back allowing Jacob to make up his own mind about the issue.  A minute later he asked me a curious question.

 ”Is that really him or someone else?” the question shocked me that I answered immediately. “Its really Joe.” I was wondering what would make him ask such a question when Jacob said to me, “I would have booed him too.”

Out of the mouth of babes, and a child shall lead them. There are many  sayings relating to the innocence of children. I find that the word ‘innocence’ is misleading. Implying a need for protecting. Children really possess the quality we look for in leaders, friends, family and lovers. They possess the courage to speak the truth.

Yeah, Jacob, I would have booed him too.

with love, Rochelle Foulk, Author

http://www.rochellefoulk.wordpress.com

This time is precious, while I sit in my chair this is my thought. I ponder my dreams and wonder what if any that make sense. I know that time is what is needed for the work I am undertaking. It is coming. The tree trusts in the time when it’s leaves will fall. It doesn’t question the intention of Mother Nature. It only waits with complete knowing.

The growth and learning of who I truly am.  Was this the plan?  I created it, yes I know to grow emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Emotionally may have been the most challenging. So long ago I dreaded opening the door to my past.  Yet it was only a moment ago.

I found myself; small, blue from the cold isolation of love.  The tears streaked my pale face. Her eyes are what caught my breath. Un-trusting, unknowing, unbelieving.  She didn’t recognize me as a friend. I stood patiently, my hand out stretched until she could feel the warmth of my love.  Slowly, tentatively she took it. Her hand felt miniature in mine, as if she was a shrinking. Her face looked at me defiantly, her eyes bore the question.  “Will you abandon me again?”

I felt the tears erupt from my own eyes.  I knew it had been a long time and that there was only my feeble excuse of fear. Quietly I smiled, my hand gently squeezing hers reassuringly. No words could translate the truth, after all they had always been empty promises. I could not lie to me again.

We began to walk down the path. The landscape was once light and filled with the sound of birds. I noticed it was changing rapidly as we walked toward the woods. Our path became less smooth, rocks jutting this way and that. My steps grew hesitant, the fear gripped me again. I felt a less, small hand gently squeeze mine. I looked down at her face, the defiance gone. Her eyes spoke of relief and fear. There was only a faith that this was the last time.  Our expressions became that of determination, courage and the sweet voice of willingness to embrace the darkness ahead. Together we stepped into the forest of shadows.

The darkness no longer looked overbearing and threatening. The shadow faces were torment souls from our past.  Lost in their eternal doubt and pain. Fear was heavy as dew on the air.  She, the little girl inside, knew what must be done.  Her bravery and courage to be healed gave me hope. She smiled at me then as she let go of my hand. My body reacted instinctively to pull her back to me, away from the darkness that surrounded us.  Her eyes stopped me, willing me to let her go.  I watched her, trusting in the process.

No longer afraid she opened her arms wide. The souls of our past flew into her embrace; each one assaulting her small body. Like arrows, they pierced her skin. Each strike did not diminish her light which seemed to be growing brighter. The white glow became brilliantly bright, blinding me for a moment.

My arm came down from my eyes, the temporary shield of her christ-like glow. The shrieks and howls of the dark were gone. The silence that emanated from the forest cloaked me in its warmth.  We were waiting, then the music pierced my soul as the sun rose from its slumber. Light poured into the forest illuminating the trees, the flowers, the stones and the grass. The little girl standing on the small hill. Her hair a brilliant blond, eyes as blue as the ocean and skin no longer pale but golden was bathing in the  light of the sun.  I looked around the once dreaded forest. No longer did dark branches bar pathways, or great spiders spin webs of doubt and confusion.  Now there were flowers sprouting beautifully in their earthly beds of grass. Blue with hints of pink, purple on the petals of white, yellow petals encased in red buds, and green vines that encircled old trees.  The thick trunks that were wider than my arms could circle, tall as the heavens. I was sure only the angels could hear the sparrows that made nests for themselves in the trees sturdy branches.  The smell of rebirth, life and love filled my senses.  The distant path curved just to the right of another grove of flowers. I made out the faint sound of water flowing.

There on the hill, where the little girl stood, five butterflies flew around her outstretched arms. She stood there smiling at me, waiting.  I walked toward her on the hill as her eyes filled with the wonder. A monarch butterfly had lighted it’s tiny feet on her arm. I wanted to call out, to say something, to sing with joy and the peace I felt. My tongue was frozen in my mouth. I could only watch her and the butterflies that continued their dance.

“Thank you for acknowledging my pain.” her voice wasn’t that of a child. Its softness cut through me like a blade of truth.

“Thank you for walking with me through my deepest fears. Thank you for sharing your light and your love.”  She smiled at me again, her eyes that of a child. My heart broke at the realization of denying myself. I hit my knees, my face covered in my hands, as the tears of shame, guilt and doubt poured forth.  This little girl looked down upon me with eternal grace, her small arms wrapped around me, and I felt the flowing of peace, compassion and love fill my soul.  Taking her hands I stood, she laughed  and we spun around in a circle. The butterflies which grew to be more than twenty circled in and out of our arms and bodies.  Breathless and happy we stopped spinning.

“Now it is time.” she said.  I looked at her curiously, unsure what she meant. The thought of leaving hadn’t crossed my mind but suddenly I knew it was true. Her smile warmed me. “We are always together, you will only have to look within, and there I will be. For we have walked this road of forgiveness together. I love you.”

The tears fall from my eyes as her arms reach around my neck. I know she is safe. I know she is whole. I hold her close and whisper:

I love you, Rochelle

I will always protect you.

I will never abandon you.

As the words melted into the soft morning, the little girl became the light of the sun. The sun melted into my skin until at long last I held only myself.

Except from the book,  Love Letters to the Universe, by Rochelle Foulk

Love, Rochelle

http://www.rochellefoulk.wordpress.com

[Source: EV Living] – Glendale is home to two professional sports franchises, an Air Force base, and more than a few casinos, but not the Metro Light Rail.  Valley Metro introduced the light rail in December, 2008, with a 20-mile route extending from Mesa through Tempe, and into Phoenix.

The light rail is the first of its kind in the Valley.  Although effective in transporting Arizona State University students between campuses, fans to downtown Phoenix sports complexes, and commuters going to work, the rest of the Valley has yet to feel its impact.  But Valley Metro has future extension plans in the works.

According to www.valleymetro.org, they plan to extend further into north Phoenix, further east into Mesa, and west to Glendale between 2012 and 2030.  The Valley Metro board is already beginning to enter into a study phase of five different routes to the Glendale area, Metro Light Rail Public Information Officer Hillary Foose said.

Some of the proposed routes include one to historic downtown Glendale, one west along Interstate 10 and north on Loop 101, and one going along Glendale Avenue, Foose said.  Initial plans were to have the extension go directly to downtown, however after some uproar they decided to look into other options.  “Plans are still very preliminary at this point,” she said.   [Note: To read the full article, visit Future light rail extensions to Glendale in study phase.]

Breathe in.

The lungs fill with air, buoyant the body rises above the water.

Flight is imminent but still beyond the wingtips.

Breath out.

As the breath leaves the body it sinks below the water.

Cocooned in its fluid body.

Breathe in.

Again rise.

Breathe out.

Again sink.

Such as the rhythm of life; Breathe is life.

Be at one with the water.

Seek not its rise of waves, melt into its depths. Flowing as the river seeking even deeper earth.

Be not the first to arrive, crashing against the stone wall.

Instead rest upon its lower currents and settle last at the door of Heaven.

Nestled within the majestic Sonoran Desert, Mesa boasts 320 days of sunshine annually and more than 40 championship golf courses that provide plenty of challenges for all skill levels. Visitors to Mesa also enjoy abundant recreational opportunities such as boating, horseback riding, guided rafting adventures, hot air ballon rides, fishing, biking and wilderness jeep tours, as well as cultural activities, world-class dining and more. Check out the latest deals at Westgate Painted Mountain Country Club at www.wgpaintedmountain.com today!

American icon modern architect Frank Lloyd Wright reflection pool at Taliesin West

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, the world renowned architect’s former winter home, studio and architectural laboratory, is preparing to undergo some major remodeling.  However, it is not the actual home of the famed architect that will experience the renovations, but rather the pool, which was a special request of Wright’s wife Olga, at the time the house was built.  Renovations are set to begin soon and Aquavida Pools of Phoenix has been awarded the contract for the pool remodeling. 

Taliesin West was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937 as a winter home for himself and his third wife Olga.  It was at Olga’s request that a pool was added to the design plans for Taliesin West and the 600-acres upon which it sits. A real estate broker at the time warned Wright that the land was virtually worthless because it had no water and tried to sway him away from the purchase.  But Wright could not be deterred, believing if he just dug deep enough he would find water.  And he was correct. 

Wright felt comforted by the sight and sounds of water and chose a triangular-shaped reflecting pool at the front of the main building to fulfill Olga’s request for a swimming pool.  Olga’s beloved pool juts out from the terrace, which provides sweeping views of Paradise Valley.  The property also boasts additional water features, including a circular fountain, which graces the center of the courtyard. At the entrance to the visitor’s center another Wright-designed metal dish fountain sits raised high on a wall. 

The pool at Taliesin West has not been altered since the early 1960’s.  Aquavida Pools plans to remove the existing pool interior “plaster” and resurface the pool with white plaster that includes a pozzolan admixture for strength and durability. The existing waterline tile will be removed and an exact “period correct” 6″ X 6″ deco aqua blue tile will be added, keeping the pool true to its original design. Taliesin West, just like its sister property, Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is listed as a National Historic Landmark, so great care has to be taken to maintain the integrity and original design, making the job just that much more challenging. We are honored to be involved with the Wright foundation and an American icon of modern design, says Thomas Lopez, Owner of Aquavida Pools.    

The project is scheduled to start the second week of January and will take one week to complete.

The idea that the Cubs would leave Mesa, AZ and take their spring training facilities east to Naples, FL appeared to be just a longshot a few months and even a few weeks ago. As time has moved forward it is becoming more and more clear that there is a real good chance that the Ricketts family will make that move. Not only have the Cubs spoke of moving their single-A affiliate in Daytona to Naples, but just this past week it was announced that the Cubs are considering investing in the facility.

Meanwhile in Mesa the city is putting $750,000 on the table to improve the Cubs current facilities at Fitch Park (not the new ones they want to build). I sense a shift. Naples appears to be the front runner and it sounds like Mesa is sensing that too.

David Moulton of Naplesnews.com breaks down what has happened over the past few weeks:

Think about what the Cubs have done and said in the first two weeks of this month. They flew to Tallahassee to meet with Gov. Charlie Crist (the Ricketts family — the new team owners — has never traveled to meet with Arizona officials). After that meeting they tipped their hand for the first time.

CEO Crane Kenney openly spoke of moving their Class A franchise from Daytona to Naples. That’s not something you go public with unless you are already in the “planning” stages. Then someone in the Cubs organization leaked that they felt the club wanted to make a decision about spring training within 60 days. Well considering that they are only engaged with the Naples group at present time (Craig Bouchard of Esmark and Fifth Avenue Advisors), Hmmm… I wonder what direction they are leaning?

Finally, in a stunning admission of just how “all in” the Cubs are toward the Collier County move, owner Tom Ricketts told the Chicago Tribune that they would “invest” in the Naples project.

By invest he meant money out of his own pocket by the way. That’s how much the Ricketts believe in and WANT this deal to happen!

He summarizes the deal:

So to review, the Cubs are going to leave Arizona for Naples (in 2012 or 2013), build a 15,000-seat stadium on 120 acres near Interstate 75, without one penny of property or sales taxes being raised. The Cubs, Esmark and the state of Florida have committed to “invest” in the project to make it happen. One-thousand jobs will be generated in the short-term and the yearly economic impact is conservatively estimated at $50 million per year.

The idea that the Cubs would move from the Cactus League to the Grapefruit League is a curious one. The trend over the last twenty years has been for teams to move to AZ. The travel is very light in AZ with all the teams in and around Phoenix. The weather conditions are great in AZ in the month of March, and the desert means there are fewer issues with rain than you have in Florida. Still the Cubs seem to be in position to buck the trend and head east.

“Tutto ciò che sappiamo del suo carattere è desunto dall’istruttoria, che varie persone mi aiutarono cercare vent’anni dopo del delitto nel Palazzo di Giustizia … Non esisteva alcuna classificazione negli archivi, e più di un secolo d’incartamenti erano ammucchiati sul pavimento del decrepito edificio coloniale … Il pianterreno s’inondava periodicamente con l’acqua alta, e i volumi scuciti galleggiavano negli uffici deserti. Io stesso esplorai più volte, con  l’acqua fino alle caviglie, quello stagno di cause perdute, e soltanto una casualità mi permise di riscattare in capo a cinque anni di ricerche 322 fogli saltati dei più dei 500 che dovette possedere in origine l’istruttoria”.

No, non sono le parole di un magistrato catanese che sta cercando le carte di qualche vecchio processo su “cosa nostra”. In verità il Palazzo di Giustizia di Catania non è così. Cioè, non è così, nel senso che l’edificio non è coloniale ma tutto il resto corrisponde perfettamente…

Queste frasi si riferiscono all’istruttoria dell’uccisione di Santiago Nasar per mano dei fratelli Vicario, il tribunale in questione è quello della città di Riohacha e sono state scritte da Gabo nel 1981 in “Crónica de una muerte anunciada” (“Cronaca di una morte annunciata”).

In particolare dal minuto 6:10

Archivio della fallimentare, fallito dunque!

E ancora…

Più leggo queste righe e più mi viene il dubbio che non riportino realmente fatti del Tribunale di Catania.