"this talking and listening"

[eldritchhobbit]

First, regarding my sister Margret (she's the tornado chaser): I now have pictures from her recent college graduation (where she was a Phi Beta Kappa inductee and a Graduate With Distinction, adds the proud big sister). So I thought I might share a couple of photos, one of both of us with her undergraduate advisor, and one just of the two of us. In case you don't know me by sight, I'm the one who is - *ahem* - no longer twenty-two. :) I'm also known as the brunette one.


Now, an announcement that might be of interest to those of you who write and/or read fan fiction of any variety: fic_on_demand is a thriving LJ community for fan fiction. How does it work? Join, make a post there requesting a ficlet - any fandom, any pairing, any specs - as specific or vague as you want. Fic requests for all fandoms are welcome. You can only make one request per month. There's a promotion currently underway for the month of June that involves paid LJ time/shopping vouchers to anyone who fulfills at least one request per day throughout June. (They can be any length, so it's not impossible.) FYI!


A couple of random notes:

*Revolution Science Fiction has added two new features about what next season's genre television will bring: "2005-2006 Sci-Fi TV Preview: CancelQuest NBC" (a list of what's new, what's coming back, and what's gone on all of the major networks in terms of science fiction programming next season) and "2005-2006 Sci-Fi TV Preview: Sci-Fi Actors Not Yet Unemployed Again" (a list of what the new season means for actors who are famed for their sci-fi business).

*The site Star Wars Origins contains some interesting educated guesses about the inspirations George Lucas drew upon in making his saga. I hadn't listed this on my past posts re: Star Wars links, so I thought I would add it here.


And last, a quote for the day:

"This always-disappearing lake
is made of our appetites,
these movings-about,
this talking and listening.

The only offering you can make to God
is your increasing awareness..."

from "Four Questions" by Lalla, translated by Coleman Barks

Comments

[beledibabe.livejournal.com]

What a great photo of the two of you! Congratulations to Margaret!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! :) How are you doing these days? Do I remember correctly that you have a new mss out? Sending good thoughts your way!

[beledibabe.livejournal.com]

Sending good thoughts your way!

Thanks, hon! Working with my agent is very interesting, and I'll definitely let you know if anything transpires.

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

Congrats to Margaret! And happy Towel Day! :)

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! And happy post-Towel Day to you, as well! :)

[fungus-files.livejournal.com]

awww, love the pics - the advisor looks v sweet. looks like you had fun and big congrats to your sis, who sounds like a similarly gifted, over-achieving sort. ;)

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! Her advisor really is terrific. We had a great time -- I can't believe she's a grad student now!

[terrylj.livejournal.com]

The only offering you can make to God
is your increasing awareness..."

Ooh, I like that. I'm going to be thinking about that all day. We are supposed to be Christ-like, but I've often thought that the only way that'll ever happen is to choose it, every day, over and over and over. And it's so easy to forget, to stop being aware of the choices we're making. If we could only stay aware of His presence...

/babbling

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

What a lovely response! You know, your point reminds me of another poem, by Kabir:

"If you want the truth, I'll tell you the truth:
Listen to the secret sound, the real sound, which is inside you.
The one no one talks of speaks the secret sound to himself,
and he is the one who has made it all."

[randomalia.livejournal.com]

You both look lovely :) You must be a very proud big sis!

I'm glad you pointed out fic_on_demand, also. It's a great idea.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you! I am.

And I agree - it's a great idea! I think I may have to jump in there and make a request one of these days. :) It's such a temptation!

[estellye.livejournal.com]

A great achievement for your sister! Congratulations too her and thanks for sharing the photos. You both look happy and lovely!

Another thought provoking quote, too. The Kabir poem, too. The secret sound it really our only real way of judging what the truth is. I have come to believe that we don't pay enough attention to the messages from our body. It will tell us what is true, and what is good for us, and what choices to make if we learn to rely on it. I think it has a straight connection to the higher mind, uncomplicated by thought.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! :) I appreciate it!

The secret sound it really our only real way of judging what the truth is. I have come to believe that we don't pay enough attention to the messages from our body. It will tell us what is true, and what is good for us, and what choices to make if we learn to rely on it. I think it has a straight connection to the higher mind, uncomplicated by thought.

What a wonderful insight. I'm still in Star Wars mode, and while I was reading your comment, I flashed back to Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn saying "Feel, don't think. Use you instincts." I find that "connect to the higher mind" idea very compelling. Thanks for the fantastic reply!

[estellye.livejournal.com]

*bows in unworthiness* I am honored to share thought-space in your head with Qui-Gon Jinn for even a second! ;)