In no particular order (Actually, they’re in reverse chronological order):
wedding, play, garden, hike, learning
Catherine Burton (Bunton?), R.I.P.
lots of big musical news, and links galore
Enjoy!
First of all, I’d like to say that I hope you’re having a Merry Christmas and a great holiday season. I’d also like to thank you for reading BFS&T all this time, and for bearing with me through the hiatus. And speaking of BFS&T, it celebrated its third anniversary a couple of weeks ago. Let’s all raise a glass of some sis-boom-bah for that.
I should mention that I’m in Seattle for the holiday week, and that this will only be a short entry, but I did want to share with you the new insult I learned today. I overheard it on a kids’ show that my niece was watching.  A boy band of sorts was trying to put on a Christmas concert, and a policeman was harassing them and trying to thwart the concert, and one of the guys in the band referred to him as a ‘blowhole.’ As in, “Hey, shut your piehole, you blowhole!”
I think that’s going to be my new favorite insult from now on. I love it because it sounds a bit risque and naughty without actually being naughty. Adam Carolla’s clever portmanteau ‘jackhole’ works the same way.  ‘Manhole’ is similarly not-naughty, but in that context it just sounds all kinds of wrong. So ‘blowhole’ is perfect.
You’re welcome. And Merry Christmas.
First
The fish needs to say,
“Something ain’t right about this
Camel ride –
And I’m feeling so damn
Thirsty.”
26. Ta Ch’u – The Taming Power of the Great
above РK̻n Keeping Still, Mountain
below – Ch’ien The Creative, Heaven
The Judgment:
The Taming Power of the Great.
Perseverance furthers.
Not eating at home brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image:
Heaven within the mountain.
The image of the Taming Power of the Great.
Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity
And many deeds of the past,
In order to strengthen his character thereby.
* * * * *
Khû has two meanings. It is the symbol of restraint, and of accumulation. What is repressed and restrained accumulates its strength and increases its volume.
* * * * *
26. Major Restraint
Major restraint.
It is beneficial to persist.
Not eating at home brings good fortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.
Some major problem is holding things back. It is necessary to put quite a bit of time and effort into doing something about it, to make things go well. Don’t give up.
* * * * *
A difficult and challenging time must be taken as an opportunity to express in the outer world our highest inner principles. Others are often tempted to test the inner strength that we have gained through study and discipline. By pushing and prodding, they hope to reveal the weakness of our connection to truth. If we allow them to do this, we are undermined, and they go on, unlearning and satisfied at having engineered our downfall. On the other hand, if we keep still and cling firmly to what is right – the Power of the Great – then eventually we can tame the negative energy and instill in others the desire to grow spiritually.
It is just such challenges to our strength and character that enable us over time to embody in practice the strength of the I Ching. A spiritual understanding that is not practiced under fire is without value; only by applying our knowledge in trying situations do we come into genuine possession of it. So use these tests as opportunities to purify your thoughts and actions. By holding to what is correct in the face of pressure, you gain the strength and peace of mind of the spiritual masters.
If you deviate from the path of the Sage and act to punish or condemn others now, misfortune will result. Instead, meet attacks with stillness, acceptance, and fidelity to proper principles. Treat others with gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. If you are steadfast in this, good fortune will ultimately be yours.
(no changing lines)
One wishes to advance aggressively against those who misbehave. Misfortune results. It is wise to endure the difficulty with restraint. In this way, the resolution comes sooner.
* * * * *
These are the things I need to be focusing on at this moment in my life, as I gain strength and clarity throughout these trying times. Happy birthday to me!
“At a certain point in your life (probably when too much of it has gone by) you will open your eyes and see yourself for who you are. . .especially for everything that made you so different from all the awful Normals. Â And you will say to yourself, ‘But I AM this person.’Â And in that statement – that correction – there will be a kind of love.”
-“Phoebe in Wonderland”
