What’s going on?

Big love everybody!

It’s mid-August. Finally, the “Happenings” are here! First, a little update.

It’s been a rough few months. Last month I wrote about having a hard time getting out of bed. The difficult time turned into a serious depression – a darkness I haven’t felt in a long long time. This one scared me. It was difficult to create. No music last month!

There was so much going on – the big thing being isolated and our (Paul’s) fourteen year old black lab Duke declining. For the last few weeks of his life, Duke lost the ability to walk, and Paul and I were cleaning him and changing his bedding every 15 minutes or so. That meant not much sleep. Paul also withdrew, and often I would find him in the morning sleeping on the floor next to Duke. The house smelled (still smells – but not as bad) awful (like pee) and poor Duke cried a lot.

We did what we could to keep our good buddy happy and comfortable as possible. He loved eating, so he had steak at every meal! And lots of petting, and whispers, and singing.

This year I felt the energy of my late sister, whose birthday was in early August. And of my brother, who passed away last November. And my friend’s mom who just passed of Covid. So much change! And we are going through so transformation personally and as a collective that I believe is needed. There is a lot of healing that is needed. It is not always easy.

My posting has been a little more sporadic than I would like, just know i have been doing my best!

I’m doing these things to help with my depression:

Riding my bike again – I forced myself to ride – knowing it would help me to feel better emotionally and physically. At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a study going around saying that biking spread the virus faster and farther through the air, so I stopped cycling. I took to walking a lot, which I still do, but walking is nothing like mountain biking. It turned out the study was flawed and being outside (obviously) is pretty darn good for you. Also, I live in an area with a low population – when I mountain bike, chances are slim that I will even see another person.

Going to and sometimes teaching a socially distanced yoga class once a week with my bandmate and friend, Jessica. The participants who are teachers take turns teaching.

Socially distanced band rehearsals. Getting together with the Lofi Sofias has been a highlight of my life – even when I barely have the energy to get to rehearsal. Just knowing I have a plan helps me feel better. In the last month or so, it has taking all I have emotionally to practice my guitar, so there has been a decline in my skill. That’s a bummer in itself! So now I am “just doing it” – and trying not to be judgmental about it.

Having goals. Every morning I review my life from my future self – it really helps. When I am feeling great, it’s the best. When I am not doing so great, it’s another thing to do – but I still do it. It’s something to hang onto.

I’m writing a memoir. One and a half pages a day is the goal. I took my own advice from last month’s Co-Creating the Cosmos seminar – in 9 month’s time I will have a first draft of a book! Writing a memoir could be depressing in itself, but I find that it is giving me more reasons for gratitude.

Being in nature. Again, low energy, but going for a walk or ride in the woods helps my attitude.

Quitting Twitter. Wow. Huge relief. People are super sarky and mean when they only have 140 characters to say something. Disinformation? Sheesh. Also, trolls. Whoa. I will miss Sarah Cooper though.

Studying and teaching astrology. I immerse myself in the astrology lessons and creating the seminar when I prepare Co-Creating the Cosmos. Teaching makes me feel so alive! And one idea begets another idea. And connecting on something I find interesting and empowering, even over Zoom, just feels good.

Making an appointment with my naturopath. I look forward to getting to the bottom of my lack of energy – and possible physical reasons for my depression.

I’m coming out of it

I went on a socially distanced camping trip to Telluride with my friend Heather. I was on the fence about going up until the day before I went. I was leaving Paul behind (he was invited, too, but had to take care of Duke), and I was nervous about the lack of control over my environment. Also, I didn’t want to spend money on camping gear. I was lent a tent, a chair, a camp stove, sleeping pads – everything I needed. So I went.

Telluride is the golden land of plenty. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in my entire life. No exaggerating! Every time I go there I am astounded. Nature, mountains, fresh air, just stopping and taking it all in is the best!

I wouldn’t know I felt rejuvenated by my trip until I got home, slept, and woke up with Telluride in my aura. I think I have turned a corner.

While I was gone, Duke passed. Paul and I shared a beautiful conversation about him. Paul is a bit fragile right now, very jumpy, traumatized. But he is getting better. He is getting sleep. I am getting sleep. We have plans for making more music, more art, and having more time in nature.

Be good to yourself. Find what gives you joy and do it. If you need to just stop and do nothing – that’s ok. Stop and do nothing. Your being here is a big deal!

Thanks for reading!

Now for the Happenings!

August Happenings

Workshop

Co-Creating with the Cosmos: Leo Lunar Lesson

In Co-Creating the Cosmos Lunar Lesson in Leo we will explore embodying the power of:

• vitality and creativity;
• the heart;
• the Sun;
• play and fun;
• ceremony, drama, and ritual;
• self-expression;
• romance and love

We will review how to dance with time and work and set intentions with the monthly lunar cycles as well as the longer arching lunar gestation cycles.

Receive a lesson in practical electional astrology focusing on the moon. Embody the energy of the cycle for full integration beyond the intellect. We are going to move our bodies, do creative visualization meditation, breathe, and play. Receive instruction for potent ritual and intention setting

Sunday, August 16th, 9 am to 11 am Pacific, or 

Monday, August 17th, 5 pm to 7 pm Pacific

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Music 

Songs from the Hearth

Fingers crossed, we keep making music. 

Tarot 

Readings – Check out my calendar for availability!

Or contact me directly.

Currently, my readings are half price, until we get through these strange times!

April Fool’s Journey – the trip through the major arcana continues!

Visual Art

Sky Pixels and Paper Vessels

March 1st to September 1st, 2020

Sky Pixels and Paper Vessels is a collection of artwork by Holly Troy and Beth LaCour of Flagstaff, AZ. This collection brings color, patterns and constructed forms that play off the natural world and light.

The gallery program, a collaboration between Northern Arizona University and the High Country Conference Center, developed from NAU’s vision to showcase Northern Arizona’s vibrant artistic community.

High Country Conference Center
201 W Butler Ave
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-523-7778

August Dates Listed

Sunday, August 16th, 9 am to 11 am Pacific – Co-Creating with the Cosmos: Leo Lunar Lesson

Monday, August 17th, 5 pm to 7 pm Pacific – Co-Creating with the Cosmos: Leo Lunar Lesson

All Month – Tarot readings $35.00!

Throughout the Month – Music

March 1st to September 1st, 2020 – Sky Pixels and Paper Vessels