My friend reads me my horrorscopes whenever he feels they contain something helpful or interesting. I really like this one, and it fits as a life philosophy regardless of the date.
"Jugaad is a Hindi-Urdu word that can be translated as 'frugal innovation.' People in India and Pakistan use it a lot. It's the art of coming up with a creative workaround to a problem despite having to deal with logistical and financial barriers. Masters of jugaad call on ingenuity and improvisation to make up for sparse resources. I see this as your specialty right now, Taurus. Although you may not have abundant access to VIPs and filthy riches, you've nevertheless got the resourcefulness necessary to come up with novel solutions. What you produce may even turn out better than if you'd had more assets to draw on."
Free Will Astrology
Welcome to the place that is no place. This is where I'm going to put as many layers of clouds as I want.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Hall Closet, Staircase and Landing
Back when I had my studio room done, I also had my hall closet made taller!
Hall closet, AFTER:
Staircase & handrail, BEFORE:
Staircase & handrail, AFTER:
Landing and railing, BEFORE:
Landing and railing, AFTER:
Another view, BEFORE:
Another view, AFTER:
This was my last big renovation project. Now that it's finally done, I can concentrate on getting everything organized and arranged in my studio.
Also, a few weeks ago, I had my staircase railings replaced. Of course I wanted it to look like driftwood, so I gave the guys the same steel wool & vinegar recipe that I used on my rescued table. The handrail that goes down the length of the staircase is galvanized steel pipe that is set into the masonry wall. It is so sturdy. I could do pull-ups on it if I was shorter.
I painted the walls, ceiling, trim, floor and steps.
Here are before and after photos of everything...
Hall closet, BEFORE:
Hall closet, AFTER:
Staircase & handrail, BEFORE:
Staircase & handrail, AFTER:
Landing and railing, BEFORE:
Landing and railing, AFTER:
Another view, BEFORE:
Another view, AFTER:
This was my last big renovation project. Now that it's finally done, I can concentrate on getting everything organized and arranged in my studio.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Spirit Animal
Whenever the subject of spirit animals comes up, discussions often turn grand, typically ending with us humans aligning ourselves with some glorious creature from the untamed wild.
Me, I just know I'm something really majestic, like a lion or a wolf.
I am a sea urchin.
There, I said it.
Spiky and monochromatic. I dig into the soft sand, put my thorns out, and spend most of my time preventing attacks. Yup -- harm shadows me constantly, so self-protection is the name of the game. Wanna know what I did yesterday? That's right, I just sat here, making sure nothing bad happened to me. Wanna know what I'm going to do tomorrow? You know what I'm going to do. Why are you even asking?
My needles are totally in your face. I don't even really have to do anything. I rarely have my guard up because I don't need to make the effort. I am made for defense; it's as natural to me as breathing, and most enemies know to stay away. Once in a while someone tries something stupid or mean, and then I give a little angry shake. That usually takes care of the problem.
There might have been a time, long ago, when the spikes weren't so sharp, but I don't remember it. Was there a time when I didn't need armor? Naturally, I doubt it. Like every self-respecting sea urchin, I evolved my prickly exterior out of necessity to ensure that the very sensitive interior stays safe. 'Cause that's where all the good stuff is, suckahs!
image source
Me, I just know I'm something really majestic, like a lion or a wolf.
On second thought, I'm a dolphin swimming through eternal oceans accompanied by my constant tribe.
No, no, a cat. That's me for sure. Sleek and intelligent.
Or maybe I'm one of those strong, hoofed beasts like a caribou or a gazelle -- graceful, with a crown of antlers.
What am I thinking? Clearly, I'm a shapeshifting octopus. A stealthy, iridescent genius.
No, wait! I'm a delicate butterfly, carrying upon my wings the illustrious multiple metaphors of transformation, renewal, ripple effects and hope.
No, okay, I know! I know! I'm a powerful hawk or a mysterious raven. Yes, that's it -- a solitary winged creature, soaring above the clouds, answering to no one.
Maybe I should aim even higher. I'm sure I'm something really epic! Maybe a unicorn or a phoenix. Something with a transdimensional history, mythology and magical properties, something that exists against all probability.
Well, that would be nice, and now I've exhausted most of the animal kingdom. But the truth is, I am none of those.
I am a sea urchin.
There, I said it.
Spiky and monochromatic. I dig into the soft sand, put my thorns out, and spend most of my time preventing attacks. Yup -- harm shadows me constantly, so self-protection is the name of the game. Wanna know what I did yesterday? That's right, I just sat here, making sure nothing bad happened to me. Wanna know what I'm going to do tomorrow? You know what I'm going to do. Why are you even asking?
My needles are totally in your face. I don't even really have to do anything. I rarely have my guard up because I don't need to make the effort. I am made for defense; it's as natural to me as breathing, and most enemies know to stay away. Once in a while someone tries something stupid or mean, and then I give a little angry shake. That usually takes care of the problem.
There might have been a time, long ago, when the spikes weren't so sharp, but I don't remember it. Was there a time when I didn't need armor? Naturally, I doubt it. Like every self-respecting sea urchin, I evolved my prickly exterior out of necessity to ensure that the very sensitive interior stays safe. 'Cause that's where all the good stuff is, suckahs!
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