Darkness Gets A Bad Rap!

Darkness Gets A Bad Rap!

This is inspired by common themes and phrases in life, such as “go to the light”, “In light and love”, “let your light shine” Why are bad characters in Movies and literature almost always depicted having dark hair, black clothes? And the good characters with light hair, white horse, white clothes?

 Why do so many story lines follow stereotypes of bad/evil equaling dark/black and good equaling light/white? I honestly think darkness has been given a bad rap and it’s humankind that has done this. Black is a combination of all colors. In My humble opinion a very good thing!

What would you think if I said to you; “In darkness and love” or “go to the darkness” “let your darkness shine” (can darkness shine?) You would probably think I’m crazy, bad or in some way up to something negative and no good.

What is Light? What is Dark? I think it’s time for a look in the dictionary! I found in the dictionary what I expected, the typical definitions of the words, but again, these words are of humankind and even in the dictionary you find these stereotypes and prejudices. When and where did these stereotypes come from? Is it important? Maybe not to You, but it is to Me. I try to think outside of the box.

Aren’t Darkness and Light synonymous? Can You have one without the other? I’m sure this has something to do with the fact that light is associated with day time and darkness is associated with night time.  I understand in most instances the terms are not used in a literal sense. Humankind had to come up with something to cause separation, and help differentiate what are perceptions about what we believe to be good or bad.

From the time I was quite young, I’ve been reading the works of Khalil  Gibran. One of My favorite works is “O Night” I’ve decided to include some of it below, so You understand where My thinking about darkness comes from. I understand that dark, night and black are not the same words, but through time and the doings of humankind, they are associated and lumped into one big ball of negativity.

Maybe after reading this You will gain some appreciation for that which is considered to be dark, and if I say to you in darkness and love, realize that means I see darkness for what it really is, it is not bad, evil, it’s just lacking light but is still important and even beautifull . In times before electricity day/ light was very important, but so was night/dark. Now dark and night seem of only importance to bad, evil characters in movies, to people who are thought to not be of right mind, to negative spiritual practices and this seems to be a universal type of thought.  You would never say to someone on their death bed..go to the darkness…would you? Well why not? It is in dark we rest, slumber and are usually the most at peace. What if you were to say to someone “go to the light” who’s only understanding of light was a light bulb or candle? I’m sure they would question this.

I’m sure most of you realize there are noctournal creatures, so it’s while we humans are sleeping they are out and about, hunting and doing what they are supposed to, which is very important to our ecosystem, life doesn’t cease to exist  just because it is dark out, or night time. But this again brings up more negativity about things like night creatures. Vampires, Werewolves, yes fictional characters but ones associated with “dark”.

I’m also pretty sure this negative stereotype has to do with religion too. Jesus: Light of The World, Satan: The Prince of Darkness. Heaven…up in the pretty blue sky and fluffy clouds (which by the way turns dark at night) Hell…under the ground in darkness and fire, but if You believe God is the creator of everything didn’t God then create night/dark? So what is there to hate about it or be fearful of about it? Do You think someone who is “evil” can let their light shine? Think about seemingly “normal” “Good” “Happy” people that end up doing very bad things, they are by other people’s accounts those positive descriptors till they are seen on the ten o’clock news having shot up a bunch of people, then they become dark and evil. I’m using the word evil here as a way of getting point across.

I’m not sure there even is such a thing as evil. Thank You Khalil, though You are no longer here, for encouraging Me to think outside of the box and helping Me realize I am like the night just as much as I’m like the day. I am like night even though twilight does not crown me with it’s golden clouds, and morn does not adorn the hem of my garment with rosy rays.

Just part of my favorite "O Night" by Khalil Gibran

"

You touch my thoughts with your gentle fingers, and my contemplation flows like a strong stream.

With your burning lips you print a kiss upon the lips of my soul and set it aflame like a torch.

I have accompanied you, O night, and followed you until we became akin.

I loved you until my being became a diminutive image of your being.

In my dark self are glittering stars strewn by my emotions. And in my heart shines a moon lighting the processions of my dreams. In my sleepless soul a silence reveals the lover's secrets and echos the worshiper's prayers. And my face wears a magic mask. Torn by the agony of death, it is mended by the songs of youth. We are both alike in every way, Night.

Will man consider me boastful if I liken myself unto you? Does not man boast of his resemblance to the day? I am like you, Night, and we are both accused of being what we are not.

I am like you even though twilight does not crown me with its golden clouds. I am like you although morn does not adorn the hem of my garment with its rosy rays. I am like you though I am not encircled by the milky way.

I am night boundless and calm; there is no beginning to my obscurity and no end to my depth.

When the souls rise in the light of their joy, my soul ascends glorified by the dark of grief. I am like you, Night! And when my morn comes, then my time will end.

To A Child

To A Child

Edith Nesbit 1858-1924

One of My Favorite Flower Fairy Poems

The Fairies have been busy while you slept: They have been laughing where the sad rains wept. They have taught beauty to the ignorant flowers, set tasks of hope to weary wind-torn bowers and heard the lessons learned in school- rooms cold by seedling snapdragons and marigold.  At dawn, while still you slept, I grew aware how good the fairies are, how many and fair.

The fairy whose delightful gown is red..across a corner of our garden sped, and where her flying raiment fluttered past, it’s roseate reflection still is cast:  Red poppies by the rhododendrums’s side, Paeonies gorgeous in their summer pride, and red may-bushes by the old red wall..shower down their crimson petals over all.

Then she whose gown is gold, and gold her hair, swept down the golden steep straight sunbeam stair, she lit the tulip lamps, she lit the torch of hollyhock beside the cottage porch. She dressed the honeysuckle in fringe of gold, she gave the king-cups fairy wealth to hold, she kissed St. John’s wort till it opened wide, she set the yarrow by the river side.

Then came the lady all whose robes are white:  she made the pale bud blossom in delight, set silver stars upon the jasmine’s hair, and gave the stream white lilly-buds to wear.  She painted lilies white and pearl-white phlox, white poppies, passion flowers and grey leaved stocks. Her pure kind touch redeemed the most forlorn, and even the vile petunia smiled, new born.

Magic Mirror

Magic mirror won’t you tell me please
Do I find myself in anyone I see?
Magic mirror if we only could
Try to see ourselves as others would

From the Song Magic Mirror by Leon Russell

                                     

The other night, at the ER with Mom, there was so much going on, it really made me stop and ask myself “life” questions. I was worried about Mom, but knowing her as well as I do, was confident that she was not in any grave danger, nor would she be.

 They wheeled an old man in on a gurney…he was in the room next to mom. I heard him cough for the first time and realized I never heard coughing or even breathing like that from any other human being I’ve ever encountered. He was obviously very sick and most of what came from him was the equivalent of wailing, moaning, he was in so much pain and my heart sank. Some of the time he sounded like he was mumbling some kind of ancient prayers in a language that was other worldly. The sounds were a mix of gibberish but were at a very loud level. There were obviously no relatives or even friends with this man…he lay there…suffering alone. Some of the nurses and staff that tended to him, were very friendly…but honestly…when they asked “how are we doing” in a sweet, sickly tone to someone that can’t even really answer…I wasn’t sure if I felt glad at least the old guy was getting some attention or bad because their “chatter” seemed to diminish the severity of this man’s condition. Other staff came in and tended to him without saying a word…that seemed kind of cold in comparison to the others..I reminded myself, they are all just doing their job the best they can.

 I got to where I had tears in my eyes…both Mom and I said some prayers for the old guy, but I also prayed that if I’m ever in that state/condition and am all alone that God take me or at least “spare” me the awareness of my own condition.

 A while later I could hear the doctor speaking to a young woman who had a bad headache and some “stroke” symptoms. He asked her “did you try to kill yourself again since the last time I saw you” she told him no…he asked her if she had been drinking..she told him no again. The doctor asked multiple times if she hurt or hit herself and the answers were no. The girl was explaining to the doctor about her family history of stroke. I was feeling bad for her too.

 A little while later Mom had to use the bathroom…I took her to it. I discovered that the young girl was on a gurney right across from the bathroom, she was obviously in very bad pain. It was then that her mom came in and tried to comfort her. I thought about what they were going through and obviously the pain in both of their lives..having heard her past history from the doctor…I would never wish that on anyone and said some prayers for them.

 While Mom was still in the bathroom and I was guarding the door, I turned my head to see a young male, he was in a restraining device of which the likes I have never seen..it was a chair..he was bound to the chair via straps around his chest and upper body, hand and ankle cuffs. He was accompanied by two sheriffs. He was wearing all red and had the tattoo of a cross on his left arm. The doctor approached and asked “why is he here” the sheriffs told the doctor he needed a medical evaluation to be admitted to the psychiatric hospital. The sheriffs also said he was a convict/prisoner…the doctor asked “why is he restrained like that” the sheriff answered “because he was violent” I told myself “don’t look at his face” which I think is a somewhat natural reaction on anyone’s part in a situation like this.

 From what I did see of this young male he was in a great deal of distress his body seemed to do movements that were beyond his control…he remained totally silent…again “don’t look at his face” but I couldn’t help it and looked directly into his eyes…he looked scared, like a caged animal, just in his eyes I could feel the trouble and difficulty that has been a part of his life…there was so much emotion in his eyes, yet at the same time there was none…maybe this is because to most people they would just see his expressionless fixed gaze…but the eyes are the windows to the soul.

  I looked away, but wanted to look more, I told myself not to look because he is a criminal who has done “bad things”. I looked again and could feel this person’s cry for help..I realized I could actually look and see beyond the restraints and the “criminal in him” for a minute or two I could only see the humanity and the person in him. I found myself raising up my hand in some kind of gesture in which I am now unsure of  and asking God to help him, asking God to bless him and get him the help he needs to change his life around. I could feel this person looking at me and understanding I was trying to do something to help, even if no words were exchanged. He came to a state where they could take him out of that chair and put him on the gurney with just the handcuffs to his wrists and the bed.

 I learned that sometimes when our instinct tells us “not to look” it’s better we do look and try to see beyond just the physical trappings, or what our own perception has led us to believe. Give blessings and prayers even when they can’t be “heard” they can often be felt. Find yourself in the other’s you see. Try to see  people  in ways that are different than the labels society puts on them.

 Ask yourself…honestly…what would you do in this same scenario… Would you just think ”it’s not my problem” and not give it a second thought?  Do you think you may hear some of the old, and typical tapes playing? some of the old tapes/scenarios we may think in these situations are  less than nice. I’m not saying this about anyone I know but some of the old tapes could play “the crazies are in the hospital tonight” “another thug lock him back up” “a lonely old crazy man” “an over emotional suicidal teen”

 It is much easier for our brain to play the old tapes mostly because of what society dictates and I confess I have played the old tapes, but for the most part I do not, because in doing so, I am denying who I am. I think for most people it’s natural to feel bad for other’s in bad circumstance, but we are told “don’t look” don’t feel” “don’t ask”. I’m very empathetic so most times I will look, ask and feel.

 I try to see the good in everyone and Thank God for the life I live/d….When you are down…and step back and look objectively or find yourself in a scenario like I was at the hospital you realize there is so much going on beyond our own space and that there are so many people who’s problems and suffering are much greater.

Mermaid Sea Mist Bath Salts Pink Himalayan

Nereids Bath Salts are an ultra moisturizing blend that contains solar evaporated sea salts from the costal region of California, Pink Himalayan Sea Salts, Epsom Salts and premium fragrance oil with top notes of ocean mist, sea moss, and cyclamen. Followed by middle notes of geranium flower, and coriander seed on base notes of white cedar wood and earthy vetiver.
You receive 16 ounces of bath salts packaged in an up cycled mason jar. I painted the jar lid to add a rustic appeal, and hand stamped the top with a mermaid in metallic green paint. The jar can be used as a pin cushion and or storage jar. The pictures show some other uses. Store your beach treasures, sewing notions or just about anything. The padded top is also scented to match the bath salts and the inside of the lid contains a little bit of trivia about the Nereides in Greek Mythology
The oyster shell scoop, that was found on a sunny Florida beach is included. The other accessories in the photos are not included. Click on the photo to get to my Etsy shop.
THE NEREIDES (or Nereids) were fifty Haliad Nymphs or goddesses of the sea. They were the patrons of sailors and fishermen, who came to the aid of men in distress, and goddesses who had in their care the sea’s rich bounty. Individually they also represented various facets of the sea, from salty brine, to foam, sand, rocky shores, waves and currents, in addition to the various skills possessed by seamen.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76009831/mermaid-sea-mist-bath-salts-pink

Shea Butter

Before Adding My Shea Butter Body Whip To My Shop I would Like to Post some information about the benefits of Shea Butter and a link to my favorite supply company.

Shea Butter is derived from the pressed nuts of the karite tree.  In Africa, shea butter is used for cooking oil, as a water proofing wax, for hairdressing and for candle-making; and also as an ingredient of medicinal ointments.

Shea Butter nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F.  Vitamins A and E help maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy.  They are particularly helpful for sun damaged skin. They help prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines.  Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator. It soothes rough, dry or chapped skin and helps soften dry or damaged hair.

The Shea Butter  in my products is hand harvested, certified organic, and expeller pressed/unrefined.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index2.html

Vintage Tarot Cards..Would You Buy or Use Them?

After running some necessary errands today I decided to visit some of the downtown antique shops…hidden away I found what were labled as “Tarot Cards” I could tell they were very old, that the deck probably wasn’t complete. They seemed more like some kind of gypsy fortune telling cards…not like any tarot cards I’ve seen..they were in a closed bag and I didn’t want to open it, but could see the one card on the bottom had a depiction of a woman…the card said “young woman”then something to the effect of be aware of a young blonde woman in your presence.  I wanted to buy them…very cheap..but started to wonder about the energy in items like this..I know you can do cleansing, but are there some things you just can’t get the energy off of? Would you buy them? I know some people that would never use/buy anything like this. My intention would not be to use them either but just to have them because they are so unique.

Vintage Delights

Here I will Be Listing Vintage Items That Are In My Etsy Store

Vintage Lentheric Matchstick lipstick

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68947962/vintage-lavene-flower-perfume-granuales

5 glass bottles of Lavene Flower Perfume Granuales. The Bottles are also marked J.L. Plum Co. Iowa City, the scents are one rose, one lilac, one violet and two oriental