Here and Now...What's Happening?

[RunningDeer]

Posted by meeradas (here)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=crjKYkAdiSQ

Baby Wombat Rescue

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=fce2eUV9A0s

[ulli]

Posted by donk (here)
Dang, my pocket kings were no good last night, shoulda held out for the ladies like I posted...when I was close to the bubble (last person in tournament out of the cash), I looked down and felt good about kings in the hole, even better when the only caller to my pre-flop all-in was ace-queen off-suit (hand I hate the most, never seem to win with it, always seems to beat me), so all I thought I had to dodge was a bullet (ace).

Flop comes 10-rag-rag (rainbow...as in: no possible flush), feeling good...

Turn is a jack...no way, now all of a sudden all I DON'T wanna see is that king I was hoping for pre-flop...

And the river?? Of course that third king comes...I mean, dude had 5 outs (the three aces to make top pair, and the kick in the nuts king, giving me a set but him broadway--straight of 10-J-Q-K-A)

Braodway crushes the hopes and dreams of the 3 kings. There's a metaphor in there somewhere...

Oh well, was fun, [relatively] cheap, and educational. Poker is the only voluntary competitive situation I put myself in, and I have been approaching it lately from a non-engagement position....where I am not playing to make money, to be better than anyone else, but rather to mainly test my discenment skills. The rules are cut and dry, there is no hiding from logic and math, there is a decent amount of skill involved, almost enough to take luck out of it...

Unfortunately, you can't take ALL the luck out of it--maybe that's what makes it fun, though I am awfully unlucky--which makes it not-so-fun at times. Also, I'm a terrible liar, so I don't even try bluffing--but I find it exciting to try to figure out when I'm being lied to. I've gotten pretty good at it, unfortunately there is always that luck factor, where the odds were something like 90% in my favor, and I never seem to avoid the few cards that can crush my soul.

When I can transcend the competitiveness of it, let go of ego and just stay in the moment, not overthinking, not expecting any particular outcome--that seems to be the only time I find success. Luck seems to come when I need it most, if I am in the right frame of mind...seems whenever my mindset is negative or preoccupied, I just give money.

Here & now I wish I was at the poker table rather than in front of this screen. There trying to make it legal (again) in my state to play online, maybe when that happens there's enough avalon card-players to get an online game...

So where do you expect this particular path to lead you?
Improved discernment skills?
Is that the thing to do right after dissolving one's family?

I don't even see you questioning your belief in your "bad luck".
In my view questioning one's own beliefs and ensuring they don't become fixed ideas
which could perpetuate undesirable situations is the first step when starting over, don't you agree?

[1inMany]

At 30 seconds....

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=o_M28C-U9G0

Much Love,

[1inMany]

In 1835, young Joshua Newlove fell down a hole and inadvertently discovered Margate’s Shell Grotto. 70 feet of underground tunnels lead to a chamber decorated with arcane symbols made entirely from 4.6 million sea shells. The origins of this grotto is still a mystery. Some more info http://shellgrotto.co.uk/

Much Love,

[1inMany]

[1inMany]

Wow, things sometimes come out of nowhere that make me raise my eyebrows they are so applicable.

Much Love, Have a Great Day....

[donk]

So where do you expect this particular path to lead you?
Improved discernment skills?
Is that the thing to do right after dissolving one's family?

It wouldn't be, but I didn't exactly dissolve the family as intended--nothing really changed except the awareness of what I expect from V, which is her putting the family first, acting responsibily, losing the drama, and knowing if she chooses to drink around me--it is the choice to make me not want to be around her. As it is a tall order and sort of "probationary" period, it's kind of difficult to chronicle as such.

The cost of a buy-in at a poker tournament is the same as a night out around here, and is about the same amount of time (if you do well). My family always comes, I'm sorry for giving the impression that I'm out d!cking around with my boys world rocked at home, but I get out every now and then--they are used to that. The "break-up" went down when they were not in the house, she started off all dramatic but was smart enough to figure out that was the problem, stopped it, and then thanked me for the "much needed wake up call" and spent the rest of the weekend reflecting and planning to be more responsible. It has been transparent to the boys.

And so far, so good...we shall see how it goes, like I said--it is a tall order, her baggage has baggage and I'm not sure she understands why some of her paths/priorities may be misguided, I can only call it as I see it, and hope for the best. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, second (and 2002nd) chances, and the biggest thing is that she understands I expect her to make these changes first and foremost for HERSELF, not out of fear of losing me...not to put ANY of the responsibility on me. And that while I don't expect perfection, I expect any slips that put my kids behind her or anything else to be recognized and corrected immediately or we're out the door.

Where do I expect the path to lead me? I dunno, but I can think of a lot worse to be on.

[donk]

Yes it is....:



Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=x20_AeoTOnY
Parent Post

I had that happen to me going the other way, in a convertible when I was a kid (about 16).

Riding home from the beach past Dover Air Force base in the distance I swore I saw my first UFO, it was an F-14 (or whatever them Top Gun jets are) dancing around--it is amazing the way they can move...I couldn't figure it out what it was and looked totally alien when it was pointed straight up siloutted, it was like this but you could not see the gap in the delta of the wings:



Swore it was a UFO until it started opening and closing its wings and I recognized it for what it was.

Anyway it got way back behind us down the super straight route 1, and came over so low and fast, it was intense, them things are FAST

[ulli]

Posted by donk (here)

So where do you expect this particular path to lead you?
Improved discernment skills?
Is that the thing to do right after dissolving one's family?

It wouldn't be, but I didn't exactly dissolve the family as intended--nothing really changed except the awareness of what I expect from V, which is her putting the family first, acting responsibily, losing the drama, and knowing if she chooses to drink around me--it is the choice to make me not want to be around her. As it is a tall order and sort of "probationary" period, it's kind of difficult to chronicle as such.

The cost of a buy-in at a poker tournament is the same as a night out around here, and is about the same amount of time (if you do well). My family always comes, I'm sorry for giving the impression that I'm out d!cking around with my boys world rocked at home, but I get out every now and then--they are used to that. The "break-up" went down when they were not in the house, she started off all dramatic but was smart enough to figure out that was the problem, stopped it, and then thanked me for the "much needed wake up call" and spent the rest of the weekend reflecting and planning to be more responsible. It has been transparent to the boys.

And so far, so good...we shall see how it goes, like I said--it is a tall order, her baggage has baggage and I'm not sure she understands why some of her paths/priorities may be misguided, I can only call it as I see it, and hope for the best. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, second (and 2002nd) chances, and the biggest thing is that she understands I expect her to make these changes first and foremost for HERSELF, not out of fear of losing me...not to put ANY of the responsibility on me. And that while I don't expect perfection, I expect any slips that put my kids behind her or anything else to be recognized and corrected immediately or we're out the door.

Where do I expect the path to lead me? I dunno, but I can think of a lot worse to be on.

Thanks for that enlightening clarification, Donk.
Nothing wrong with an occasional night out, either.
There were some interesting comments earlier on, re avoiding investment
which could be useful in all sorts of circumstances.
I basically reacted to your statement which said you would rather be in a poker session
than the Here and Now...in front of your computer screen,
and that sounded to me like those comments re investment had gone right over your head.
Because while an occasional night out with friends is good in a lot of ways..like fellowship,
relaxation, fun and play, yet the moment it follows one around to the point where one wants to do it all the time...
that to me sounds like you have made it your number one priority in life and you are investing your heart...
Hence my question about your path, or quest. Sorry to be a nag.

[WhiteFeather]

Hey Villagers, stopping in with this Here and Now......Just posted it to the classic rock thread as well. Watch the first 2 minutes, you'll watch the rest, im sure.
ONFLMFAOff,,,Your gonna piss yourself, watch this video and pay attention to the lyrics closely. Captions posted for the clear headed.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3xJWxPE8G2c

[ulli]

Today's ForbiddenKnowledgeTV message
http://www.forbiddenknowledgetv.com/...ts-richer.html

Last year, Rolls Royce sold more cars
than ever before in their 100-year history,
but then the luxury industry knows no crisis.

Since 2009 the rich have become on average
6 percent richer. So while one in six Americans
now has no health insurance, Manhattan's 58
billionaires have gotten richer.

As Manuel Koch points out the ratio of return
expected by the rich has totally shifted, "People
used to be happy making three million in profit.
Today, companies like Apple account for 6 billion
profit. That's profit! Not turnover."

Personally I have no problem with companies making profits, as long as they produce goods that a large number of people can benefit from. Every penny that does not go to the bankers, the military, or corrupt governments, counts.

[WhiteFeather]

Posted by Calz (here)

Posted by Calz (here)

Posted by Paula (here)
A wrinkle in time. Three times in two days, the same thing happened. Wolfie walked by and seconds later, he walked by again in the same direction.

The first time on the first day, I thought I just didn’t notice him go one way and then come back around. The second time, I didn’t dismiss what I saw, and just left it alone. The next day, I recognized it was what the same as the day before. The difference was that I had an awareness because of the prior experiences.

I watched to see how I felt. Nothing. No fear, no delight. An inner knowing that is how it’s done, but I couldn’t say what that is. And then when on with my day.

Wow ... just got done listening to a new Clif High wujo.

One of the most fascinating ones ever.

First 15 minutes about sink holes which was quite interesting ... but goes into a totally mind-blowing "event" where he and several others with similar projects all independently were able to detect a ... *TIME EVENT* of some sort (on the same day in early February). Said "event" was also later confirmed by several psychics (for the same day).

Has Clif amazed and more than a little freaked. Interview gave me goosebumps.

http://www.halfpasthuman.com/wujo/cl...352013time.mp3


Anyhoo ... reason for the link to Paula's post is I remembered her Deja Vu moment and wanted to check to see if the time periods matched up (apparently not).

Highly (no pun) recommend anyone interested in "time" concepts to give a listen.

Calz, Please keep us posted on the recent interviews w/Clif High when they come out, perhaps you can post them on the Ranch Thread as well. His stuff is resonating.

[RunningDeer]

Posted by donk (here)

So where do you expect this particular path to lead you?
Improved discernment skills?
Is that the thing to do right after dissolving one's family?

It wouldn't be, but I didn't exactly dissolve the family as intended--nothing really changed except the awareness of what I expect from V, which is her putting the family first, acting responsibily, losing the drama, and knowing if she chooses to drink around me--it is the choice to make me not want to be around her. As it is a tall order and sort of "probationary" period, it's kind of difficult to chronicle as such.

Hello Donk,

I'd like to share this, but please don't think I'm preaching. Just sharing an experience of my sister. It's in two parts.

In 2006, I/We lost sibling #8, my sister, "B" to drinking. Each of us helped in our own way either, financially, a place to stay, some enabled her with alcohol. No accountability was expected of her because she knew who to go to with sad puppy-eyes.

I’d drive two states up on Sunday to support her in recovery and therapy. After three months into this one year program, that a family member pulled some big strings to get her in, she signed her self out. "B" called a taxi and her first stop was to a bar. A brother took her in, and the same behaviors continued. That was my line in the sand. She knew how much to push and with whom. In the end "B" died alone. We surmised that she was reaching for the phone because she was found on the floor by her bed.

I only had one question that I would ask myself: What action steps is B taking to care and to empower herself? The answer was a nada, only make believe promises. Illusions of us believing her lies.

Part two: I love my Sister, and she’s still around.

Last spring, another sister, Cindy (name change) and I were coming back from our bi-annual pajama party at our cousins' place. I was prompted by B to share what I felt. So I told Cindy that B was with us the whole weekend. She agreed, but it was more out of courtesy. Cindy's most comfortable when she wears an analytical hat.

I added that she’s here now in the back seat. Then out of the blue, silly putty popped in my head. B, who had lovable elf/imp DNA, prompted me one last time. She wants me to ask you about silly putty.

Cindy is holding back tears while she reaches into the console between our seats and pulls out silly putty. Unbeknownst to me, B had given it to her a year before her passing. It was a reminder to play.

Thank you, Donk, for the opportunity to share about my loved ones.

Love,
Paula

[Carmody]

Sometime soon, the populace of the west will be storming the Bastille. And they are going to find any rich in sight and reach... and put their heads on a pike.

Before, or as that happens, the elite will self righteously send the shock troops in.

The warning shot will be either Greece or Spain or Italy going totally off the rails. Within days or weeks of that, the shock troops slowly creep into patrolling the streets of the USA, in order to maintain order.

Each year, the peaks and swings get more and more wild... and each year we get closer and closer to it. It's that spring-summer-fall cycle, for the west. The "springtime for Hitler" motion of the middle east's yearly cycle should begin any day now. heat goes up..continues all summer, then overheats in the fall, then closes down for the 'winter'.

It has been doing that for as long as I can recall watching it. Decades. It is both the middle east and the contrived reporting cycle and flavors that are presented to the public. It is a very well adjusted, well worked out and slick/oiled machine.

[donk]

You weren't a nag, I was just concerned I was giving a bad impression. I love the here & now--even in front of the computer with avalon crunched in a tiny window always looking over my shoulder ...AND I was kinda stuck on that stupid hand...I just think it's kind of a neat metaphor, if you understand the game:

I felt so good about it, thought my intent was going to be validated...the way it played it out, it kind of did...I had two kings, and kind of asked the universe for third--turns out that was greedy, and stupid out of fear of bad luck--I didn't need it at the time...the kings were good enough, as long as no Ace came out (in poker-speak: I just had to dodge a bullet) or an unlikely low-percentage combination of 3 cards didn't come, I was fine.

WELLLL, the way hold 'em goes, the shared "community" cards came out with ONE card that could help, if the next two were specific cards--4 in the deck out of 30+ left...TWICE, and the last one was the King I asked for, the only card he could have won with--I had two and somoene mentioned they folded one--so there was one card in the whole deck: the card I prayed for. Ended my run.

I make a big deal out of it in my dramatic story, but really I have managed to lose my emotional attachment to stuff like that. It wasn't always that way, I took it real seriously when i first started playing. Always p!ssed when a "donkey" (inexperienced, bad player) didn't "play right" (and won a hand they shouldn't by crazy luck like the hand I mentioned), and would get upset with myself when I lost or made a mistake...that was the first part I had to take out of my game. The other (which I obviously haven't, and Carmody helpfully illustrated how I have to) is to not expect the impossible to always end up happening--against me!

It is funny, cuz a short while ago--I would have turned over the kings, saw the A-Q, would have put my coat on, even though I was ahead. After the flop, I would have still assume I was gonna lose, even though at that point the odds were over 90% in my favor...so I managed to change my attitude. And the irony is the card I asked for, I got. It just didn't help me win, it did the opposite actually.

As to my path...heh...doing my best to blaze the trail, though it seems the best option more often than not is to follow the path that's there, appreciating the here & now.

Thanks for the concern and attention--is never a "nag"

[Calz]

Posted by Carmody (here)

Sometime soon, the populace of the west will be storming the Bastille. And they are going to find any rich in sight and reach... and put their heads on a pike.

Before, or as that happens, the elite will self righteously send the shock troops in.

While some cheer the high levels of banksters/elite/whatever resignations ... to me it simply implies "they" are hitting their bunkers.

Not necessarily cause for celebration.

[RunningDeer]

Posted by WhiteFeather (here)
Hey Villagers, stopping in with this Here and Now......Just posted it to the classic rock thread as well. Watch the first 2 minutes, you'll watch the rest, im sure.
ONFLMFAOff,,,Your gonna piss yourself, watch this video and pay attention to the lyrics closely. Captions posted for the clear headed.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3xJWxPE8G2c

Spot on. That's a male version of me! Even sober. bwahaha!!!

[donk]

Thanks for sharing Paula. I never find you to be "preachy".

Peachy, maybe?

Like "Eat a Peach".

Which makes me want to hear this one (really neat version, makes me smile all the way through--the essense of the Allmans is alive and well):

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=vAejdDzj93Q

[Lisab]

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OPSAg...e_gdata_player

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Posted by Lisab (here)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OPSAg...e_gdata_player

Having problems posting from iPad, so my son just helped me via a phone. Anyway this vid is a thank you for all the help and healing sent for my sis. It's truly beautiful. You may need tissues!

[Playdo of Ataraxas]

Posted by donk (here)
Thanks for sharing Paula. I never find you to be "preachy".

Peachy, maybe?

Like "Eat a Peach".

Which makes me want to hear this one (really neat version, makes me smile all the way through--the essense of the Allmans is alive and well):

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=vAejdDzj93Q

Nobody did it like Duane. Here's one of the best I've ever heard, a medley they end with Soul Serenade for the recently deceased King Curtis.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Xaj7qmsiHKY

Sadly, Duane would die two months after this was recorded. As Vonnegut wrote, So it goes......