Gishkishenh's Journal

Theater Design Portfolio IV

2009-12-24T03:47:01Z

Theater Portfolio IV by *tarkheki on deviant ART

Moving form outfits to staging- this is the first batch of stage concepts that bring out the ethnic cultural concepts using simply colors and symbols of said culture.

Minimum wage? How about, 3 dollars an hour?

2009-12-23T19:45:39Z

Just jumping the bandwagon that moonvoice was wheeling along a few days ago:

I got a "Your prices are too much" comment this morning for an image that I was clearly under-pricing because the commissioner was a teenager, and I wanted to go "easy" on her funds.

So let's see... she basically wanted me to work for less than... 3 dollars and hour. On an image that it's style took me... over 7 years to achieve, countless hours to learn the cultural significances, and priceless emotional values to the relations I had forged and broken during the learning of it.

Because clearly, this is something I can just doodle out in two seconds while I'm waiting for the snow to melt because I have no need to pay my bills or feed myself.

Honestly.

Theater Design Portfolio III

2009-12-23T05:24:11Z

Theater Portfolio III by *tarkheki on deviant ART

Third concept. NWP style- oh yah!
I'm not sure anyone reads this journal anymore.. so that's why I haven't bothered posting comments about the work, but rather let people read them in the body of the art since it seems only DA gets some feedback.
Pity, because I wanted to use LJ to advertise the set of postcards I have coming up for sale.. but I doubt that'll work on the long run?

Theater Design Portfolio II

2009-12-22T15:49:41Z

Theater Portfolio II by *tarkheki on deviant ART

Second Concept! And more to come as always. :)

I'm also going to be submitting another Toy Design soon- got behind on those, buyt now I'm back on track. :)

Theater Design Portfolio I

2009-12-20T22:05:45Z

Theater Portfolio I by *tarkheki on deviant ART

First spread of my Theater Design Portfolio.
I'll be posting more soon! Stay Tuned!

It’s a conspiracy against me I’m sure.

2009-12-18T17:33:56Z

For a LONG time now I decided that I WOULD NOT test in Aikido. Just won’t. I know myself, I belong to a peoples that are VERY anxious and unconfrontational. So the concept of going to “test” is very VERY unwelcomed.
For starters, testing in an “art of war” is a very bit redundant. If you are PREPARED for confrontation, you act drastically different then when you are on a battlefield. So testing to see if someone performs correctly is a little deceptive and redundant- wouldn’t you SEE in class that they are doing it well? Can’t you tell if after weeks on end they perform it correctly, they are ready for the next level? Isn’t being PREPARED for the situation totally opposite of what the main intention is?

Next, is just the character type. I take failure VERY hard. It’s like a symbol to everyone that I am flawed or dysfunctional in some sort of way. “You were supposed to know this by now, and you don’t. This means something is wrong with you. You are defective.”
I do not do well to this. I try my VERY damndest at everything I do- or I don’t’ do it at all. If you are going to do something, you do it RIGHT. So having someone tell you that your efforts- true and honest and invested- are worth nothing.
I dunno, it’s pretty devastating to me.

So I was avoiding the testing, and pretty much swore I was never to do it.

And then, life happened.

In this last little bit, I was so swamped with personal project, trying to intern and find a job, and all of life’s other little things that weigh me down... and I didn’t get to go very often. In a certain point of time, I broke the promise to go in front of my Mayetze mask.

For those not playing the home game:
Mayezte is a Supernatural Jaguar that devours on should if they do not stand within their vows and promises. Specifically, the BIG ones [marriage and personal and social obligations]. Many Huichol Natives create masks of Mayetze that you are to mount before a door... so that he can see into the soul of the person waling into the room and determine if they are true to their word.

And I broke my promise. So now, the punishment- before being dealt the ultimate blow, I can ask for a punishment to befit my broken promise. Mine was simple- attend 3 times a week for the rest of the year- no excuses.
And was doing good!.. until I got abruptly ill yesterday. And this morning, just the SECOND LAST class that I had to attend- I had to miss because I was running a fever.
So... I was in DEEEEEEP do-do. What do I do? Well, I get a median. I get a median to barter on my behalf the appropriate punishment for myself. And they said there was a rank.. like a military something (they tapped their shoulder).. a level that I am afraid to achieve. And I knew exactly what he meant. And they also said they knew that I already knew what was it that needed to be done.
Reluctantly- and in much emotional discharge- I had to accept my fate.
I’ll be testing this coming March.

UUUUGGGGHHHHHHHHHH. My Sensei couldn’t be happier... and I’m in THE ABYSSSSSS.
He already sent me the list of things I need to know, and informed me of the protocol, what some of the moves are, some of the pointers... the whole jazz. I have until March to get my but in gear. uuuggghhhhhhhhh.

Funny how after the meeting, my symptoms seemingly disappeared profoundly... and someone “joked” that it probably was because I was “set up”... because I refused to test.
Thank you universe, for awakening me a paranoid feeling of conspiring against me. Because THAT doesn’t make me sound.. oh... a little bit mentally unstable?

XD

On the bright side- I finished 4 wonderful gifts for co-workers, and will be posting them in my craft account and here.
All the while, in menacing doom of March.
uuuuuuuuuggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

X-mas holiday MADNESS!.. and I'm Jewish!

2009-12-17T14:01:21Z

Today is the annual “Christmas Lunch” Day.
Which means, out auditorium and cafeteria will be PACKED with people.
PACKED.
I’m wagering, roughly over 125-150 people.

It is going to be a LONG day today.

On the bright side- kaotic_sanity and my sister are coming for LUNCH!
So, in other words, my twin sister and my sister-from-another-mister will be having lunch with me.
SWEEETTT!

I’ll also be at the front desk, working on the Secret Santa gifts today... all the while trying to hide them form the folk I am making them for.

This is going to be a LONG day. XD

And speaking of x-mass gifts. I got quite a few for my Dojo pals! I have a Belgium crystal beer mug for my Sensei (with his Manitou etched on it), a stuffed animal of Ray (From Princess and the Frog) for his Daughter, a Bear claw necklace for Julia (who is a Bear Manitou), for her brother Lou- I’m pretty sure what he is, but not 100%, so I’ll find him something masculine as a “place holder”, and some medicines for another girl whom I’m ashamed to say I don’t remember her name (oh God, am I HORRIBLE with that!).
I wanted to get a gift for Yoshi-Sensei too.. but I am afraid to give him anything since I haven’t developed a close relationship to him, and I don’t know if he believes in the kind of energies and spiritual philosophies as myself and some of my other friends. I would REALLY love to give something to Obata-Sensei... but as with the last, I feel REALLY small and awkward by him. Obata is the big Dan of the dojo, and while I know what his guiding energy is; it’s a massive, high ranking individual and I am just soooo afraid of confronting him... I’m just a lowly dog, damn it!
Maybe I ask my Sensei if it’s a good idea to give anything to Yoshi-sensei and Obata-sensei. I’d have to make Obata-sensei’s gift on Friday and Sat... but I think I can muster it. XD

It’s going to be a LONG rest of the week.

P.S. I’ll start posting Portfolio images tonight! Stay tuned!

Recapping the last couple of months

2009-12-15T14:54:05Z

I haven’t posted much on LJ for the last little bit, so I figured I’d keep you guys in the loop of what’s going on, what is to come- both artistically and spiritually.

Studio Work
I’ve had an amazing- and VERY intense- internship at a local studio- Specifically, Cuppa Coffee.
I was working in the wardrobe department... and that was an EYE opener to a great many skills that I developed as well as tuned. While the 9-10 hour drays drained me nearly completely, I do NOT regret a moment of it. While I AM scheduled to return fro another 1 week in January, I’m going to have to see what my schedule permits. I also admit, that I do not think they are looking to have me there for yet another week, as I am still a “junior” and they need “senior” capabilities in sewing, stitching, and other craft. Still, it is something I can apply on my resume, and a big boost for the other portfolio which I have submitted to the Theatre Production company.

Theatre production, and Portfolio
I have completed my portfolio for a specific Theatre Production Company. While many have said that it is one of my stronger portfolios, I can only pray that my hyper-character and fangirling didn’t turn them off to the prospect of me working for them. I also admit that they weren’t exactly LOOKING for someone to hire, simply that I wanted to apply because I was excited at the prospect of working for them.
I’ll be posting this portfolio on-line for sure. However, I’m not sure if I should “Flash it” and make an interactive ‘folio so I’d just upload the whole thing for you all, or submit image by image on DA? I’m looking to the later mainly because the actual “never before seen” content of the ‘folio is small while the rest is just a simple layout-design process of my existing work which is already up. I’m thinking the former. Any suggestions?
Anyways, here is PRAYING that I hear back from them, at least after the holidays. I realize that now the pickings are slim in consideration that it IS the holidays, and studios will be closed next week until the New Year... so let the anxiety begin!

Arts & Crafts and the New year
So what is up for the New Year?
This year, you guys can expect more different crafts coming from me as well as some good ol’ traditional mediums and illustration. The list include:
1) A series of postcards featuring the Northwest Pacific Style of Indigenous arts
2) A series of postcards examining World Wide Aboriginal Design
3) Posters featuring specific symbols- I want to examine ethnic cultural [myth/folklore] symbols
4) Drumbags! Every hand drummer needs one of these. Making quite a few on commission around her for the hand drummers.
5) More Toy Designs! I’m continuing with my Aboriginal Series.
6) Animated Music Video- this has been in the works for quite some time. Thank goodness the band is VERY patient with me! The storyboard is almost at completion which means the moment they “ok” it I’ll be in full swing animation.
7) Silk screening- I have obtained some AMAZING stencil material that will decrease the time it takes to make the stencils for my screening. Which also means I’ll be focusing on designs that I can re-use and “mass produce”. Which also means- inexpensive clothing for all of you!
8) Super secret project of OMG capacity. Only a handful of you know... and remain silent. I’ll just say that he initial step of story-and-design is NEARLY complete. I need to iron out a few bugs to get the ball rolling.

I’m hoping that all of this will keep me busy until... about March/April? The posters and silk screening will be an on-going project as designs will turn up during the course of the year as well. Postcards too. I am looking to get on those drum-bags asap, as well as the first series of Postcards to be out by the end of THIS year. Stay tuned for those! :)

Spiritual hindsight
Looking back over the last month specifically, much has happened on many occurrences. For starters, I got into a little bit of a bottle-neck since the prolonged autumn didn’t allow for some of the cyclical energies to properly go into remission. I think this was VERY evident in my sporadic sleeping patterns (which were more off the wall then regular) and I had a SERIOUS bout of body/bone pain one night. It lasted for nearly an entire week, and thank GOD one of the elders here new how to disperse it. She works with Reiki and has been doing so for years... simply blocked off the entire surge and re-routed the energy dispersal so that it won’t bear down on my body so intensely. I was kinda numb on half my body... my Aikido Sensei had to be witness to my semi-slow mental capacity and numbness. Let’s hope he found it amusing rather then weird.

Also have to note that my INTENSLY spiritually gifted friend tarboo made me wiggens SO many times this year. Specifically when she slept over and for 2 days in a row woke up with questions regarding my Manitou and Na[g]hual... and I’m like HOW DID YOU NOW THIS?!?
For those not playing the home game, it’s considered Taboo in Aboriginal cultures to openly discuss matters concerning these topics, specifically “personal information” passed between them and oneself. So the fact that she blurted out some of the info when I KNOW I never said a thing? TOTALY amazing. She rocks my socks on SO many levels.

Another friend that is totally high up on the “OMG” scale would be jamminbison. Which, since me seeing her picture, her coming up and meeting me and onward- has been a FREAKY synchronicity after another. Our energies feel as if they are almost identical- and we are always in the same mindset. I said it before, and I’ll say it again: SOUL SISTERS!

Now that we finally had a good snowfall, and we can say that we are entering the winter season, I have to admit the cyclical energy of the summer has gone into napping. Nahual energy is there but slumbering, and now both my Helper and my Manitou will be extremely active as both are at home in this season. So no doubt I am headed to getting a lot of work done!

Aikido
OHHH Aikido. How I love you so. I have no words to describe the happy willingness to wake up at 5 am and go for practice. And the joy of being tosses around. As my mom likes to say: I love to show off at how “good” I am in Aikido [/sarcasm]. Thanks mom. XD
While my regular routine was MEANT to go 3 times a week, I could only muster up 1-2 times.. and not on a permanent schedule. I admit, personal fear and inhibition, coupled with low self esteem... I wasn’t too big on going when I feared the teacher, or felt overwhelmed with the giant classes- those are usually the case when Obata-Sensei teaches. The place is PACKED. I can’t handle the amount of energies being emitted by everyone. It’s like going into a perfume shop and all the bottles are wide open. Just too much over-stimulation).
HOWEVER... a little occurrence happened about a week ago... where I broke a promise in front of my Mayetze mask. And that is a VERY big no-no in the long run... as I would rather avoid my soul being devoured into an abyss by a supernatural jaguar. So I had to make the promise again and not break it for the time dictated by it... and after I got into the swing of things, it’s becoming the second nature I wanted to have. So I found the 3 classes a week I can attend without lots of fear; and thanks to a very good friend- the only class I attend with a big turnout gets a special stress-alleviation as he practices with me and is a REALLY good teacher. So I’m all giddy and how much I’m enjoying and improving.

Oh, and even thought I told myself I will NOT be testing... the consistent applied pressure from many individuals [peers and mentors] and then some occurrences... let’s just say I am CONSIDERING it. It’s not a sure-fire yes... just CONSIDERING. XD

So that about sums it up. I’ll be posting my ‘folio in a couple of days all pretty. Maybe I’ll even post something tonight, time permitting. I still have to make 3 Secret Santa gifts for work. :)

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2009-12-06T00:31:13Z

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

I can TOTALLY see myself as the love-child of the first two... which is funny because I loved that pairing in the Buffy days. HA HA Xander and Willow. For-ever. XD

Underworlols

2009-12-01T19:43:59Z

This.
THIS.
Made my day.
I LOVE YOU IRIS.

Kate Beckinsale is so cute when she messes up!
I would have loved to see more Michael [Scott Speedman] Bloopers if there were. I'm sure there were.

Irritated post ahead- A HOY!

2009-11-27T20:51:49Z

So I'm havinga bad day.

First off, I went o bed early last night to get up for Aikido this morning. The result- I had a HORRIBLE night- from hot and cold sweats, to frightening dreams, to my bones beginning to ache. Specifically my back. And mind you, I am very sensitive to some of my dreams- mainly because they are either so surreal, or sometimes I can "feel" the things happen to my body when I sleep it's adding a whole new level of "reality" to it...so much so that I ended up feeling horribly ill by the time I had to get up for Aikido- so I didn't go.
Massive guilt imminent.

Then I get up- only to be met with the fact that it's Nov. 27 and we have no snow.
Does this not frighten anyone else? I know we love to be humanly ignorant and self indulgent- but holy crap folks... it's Nov 27 and NO SNOW. Global warming a myth, you say? We have leapt YEARS into corrosion... what they expected to happen in 2013 happened this past summer (no formation of new snow or ice in the Arctic regions), and our deterioration of water sources and the like are RAPID. Does anyone care? Clearly not- the most casual response I am getting is people "enjoying" the warm weather or simply "not complaining at all". And then they come to tell em they "care about the environment" yah bullshit right.
The Aztecs are right- we all die in 2012.

Now, if that wasn't irritating enough, I have to write an outline that is very hard for me to do- it's not something I am familiar with since I have never written one of these specific ones before [it's for the District School Board] and I'm finding it hair pulling. I guess I'm just going to breeze through it and if they want revisions they can TELL ME what to add as opposed to me swinging in the dark.

To top it all off, I love how some of my friends are so callus with my feeling ill. I like how I'll spend with them lengths of time- even hours- totally opening a sympathetic ear, and when I'm out of it they can barely muster the care to- well, care.

So I love how every issue just builds up one atop the other until I am SO irritated right now, I want to be LEFT ALONE.

Except for Spud and Tiff.
SPUD AND TIFF TALK TO ME! LEND ME YOU MANIMAL LOVING EARS AND WORDS OF COMFORT!
And please try to rationalize with my why we all wont' die in the matter of 2 years. Building giant rafts, and sacrificing other people to Tepeyolatl and Ocelotl is an option for me. Want in?

Devious Journal Entry

2009-11-27T02:12:41Z

Morgana and Milotec by *tarkheki on deviant ART

One of the commissions I did for the AWESOME "Moochiinlove". These Pokemon images are just a breath of fresh air- in content and style. I love working with elemental concepts, and Pokemon is perfect for that!

Clanedars are Making a wave!

2009-11-25T00:58:12Z

People have begun to get their Calendars in the mail!
For your convenience, people can post their comments and reaction to the Calendar bellow!

Just a Reminder- Calendars are still available- to order one, please contact me via note or e-mail!

Theater Portfolio 1

2009-11-24T21:52:56Z

I'm applying for a position in Theater Design and Costume Making. The actual company is Aboriginal based, and deals with world wide aboriginal stories- so my goal is to show them my capacity to design for various ethnic cultures, while keeping contemporary theater in mind.

Today's spread deals with the Ainu- The Native Aboriginals of Japan. Seen her, a "Kamuy"- wildly known in the culture a "Supernatural Bear". This one is more puppetry meets costume. Left side concepts, right side the quick illustration how it would look on stage.

Heron Shirt

2009-11-22T22:08:33Z

I just realized I forgot to upload a craft work I did onto LJ. The reason being- like always- LJ doesn't seem to illicit any kind of responses to my work- so I'm left to figure out if people really care. So I tend to slack on it. But since I'm pausing from a big portfolio I'm putting together, I figured I'd go back and see what I've missed and slap it on up!

So I figured, since I'm working on something big right now, and don't want to go a-woll on you all, here you go:

Heron Shirt by ~Gishkishenh on deviantART

It's the shirt I made my Sensei. He loves it. And I'm so happy he does!
After I get a substantial amount of obligatory work out of the way, I'll be doing some silk screening for sure. As is I have numerous project in que and in production. I need to clean my slate! However, you can all expect some goodies to buy from me soon.. I have things in the works! XD

CALENDARS ARE HERE!

2009-11-20T01:25:56Z

HEY HEY HEY!
THEY ARE HERE!

So Today I picked up the REPRINTED calendars... and they are PERFECT!!!

So I got the whole first batch- pre-order goodness! And Here is the first bunch of envelopes:

They were sent off today.. and should be at their destinations in about a week! XD

I'd love to get any testimonials on the quality of the Calendars when you get them folks! I can't thank you guys enough for your consistent support and patronage! Nothing is greater to artisans than the validation of our audience that we are doing something right. And it's great that I can make so many people excited/happy with my work.

Once again folks, THANK YOU!
Next projects will be under way soon!

gishkishenh @ 2009-11-19T11:26:00

2009-11-19T16:26:30Z

THE CALENDARS HAVE ARRIVED!

I'm going to pick them up now. I will be sending them out TODAY!

PICS IN A BIT!

Calendar's are running late!

2009-11-13T13:21:19Z

TO ALL THOSE WHO PRE-ORDERED CALENDARS:

They will be shipped a week late. Apparently, the printing company screwed my order- some senator/governor/politician of some sort had put their campaign fliers and the like on priority, so they had to drop everything in order to do it. So in the rush, they printed up the calendars- with the politician's adds mixed in. NO THANK YOU!
So they have to re-print them PROPERLY. They should be ready by Monday/Tuesday of next week.
Again, I WILL ADVISE WHEN THEY SHIP OUT!
So don’t worry- I haven’t forgotten, or “run off with your money” folks- I have my integrity in my work. This one’s out of my hands.

Thanks for your patience folks!

P.S. Someone was asking about what holiday’s will appear on the calendar- All the standard Canadian and US holidays- including the “important dates” like Mother’s day and Valentines- will appear.

My black jean jacket

2009-11-12T14:02:35Z

Today will be a venture.
After 2 years of not knowing what I am going to do to my Black Jean Jacket, I finally found what I will do.
And I’ve designed it, tweaked it, and today- with the gracious tutelage of robocluck- I will be embroidering it on the back of my jean jacket.
And it will be amazing.

PICS WHEN IT’S DONE! XD

WOWIE!

2009-11-10T16:52:45Z

Dudes, wow. This is.. HUGE.
So today the cultural coordinator of the NCC comes to speak to me... they have to organize a conference with the School Board f in regards to teaching courses for Aboriginal communities. One of them would be culture and art - a big staple into Native American Life.

So she comes to me because they needed to round up 3 artisan that are proficient in different styles of Native Art in order to put together, and teach the handful of teachers [who work on reserves] a class that they can pass to children from grade 1-11. We sat with the entire cultural department- which is comprised of West Coast, East Coast, Metis, Central American, and Plains Natives- to figure out the candidacy of the applying artisans, and what they could teach [or have the capacity to].

I was flattered that everyone was trying to pull at me specifically to teach the art of their style- but the West Coast folk on the board LOVED my work- and pressed the fact that I was the only candidate that could actually DO the art properly. The immediately put me up for candidacy to pass a simple art instruction on the basic design of West Coast art. Since I work with a variety of children and adults in different ages, I could handle the “hard” group of grades 1-3. So now I am putting together a simple one-class course that lets kids make a simple West Coast themed image with the animal of their liking. During which, they learn about shapes, positive and negative space, and basic colors.

This is awesome on so many levels. From the resume, to the personal. I’m just so happy! I know EXACTLY what I’m going to do!

Today my heart was ripped out

2009-11-08T19:49:16Z

Today, as I was heading to Aikido- I saw a poster for *vomit* New Moon.

And guess who I saw on this poster?

I saw Michael Sheen.

LUCIAAAANN!?!? WHY LUCIAN!??! WHY?!?! YOU WERE THE KING OF WEREWOLVES!!!! WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN USSS?!?!

That's it, Selene has to bust a cap in your ass. Oh Michael has to rip some limbs off.

Oh God, this "series" is the worst thing to happen to ALL dark lore EVER. It's such the teenager bullshit... why good god, cannot we have another Underworld?

Opportunities come in the form of feathers

2009-11-07T02:54:05Z

From time to time I like to post about things that go on at the NCC. Specifically, when special events occur- both personal and community wise- that give me a push in the right direction.

For the last little bit I have been ill- both with physical/medical ailments that can never seem to be identified by doctors- and with personal issues that include employment [or rather lack thereof], and general social/personal goal issues. I don't complain about this issues because I think it's childish- pointless, and in all honesty? Self absorbed. Either I deal with it, or I don't deal with it- but make a decision and DO something. Complaining is for children.
And when I think I hit a low, something happens to remind me of my ways.

There is an old saying that goes- The guardian guards us all, but who is it that guards the guardian?
My MM would remind me that on many occasion when it felt as if I was dispensing "wisdom" [yah right] to everyone who came to seek us, and yet my needs were left unattended to at the end of the day. "You need to get yourself a husband" was his response, and I would counter "Why- that's just ANOTHER thing I'd have to take care of!" he would laugh and counter that a good man would be the one more preoccupied with me and his family then himself, and that a good wife would preoccupy herself with her husband and family over herself- therefore building a web of love in the family. no one cares for themselves, but rather the other.
But alas, no male can tolerate me, so off I went back home to mom.
And always the question remind- who guards the guardian?

Now, for those not playing the home game- the symbol to which I am associated with has primarily only ONE function. It’s a guide/guardian. That's it. A teacher that leads people on the right path- but it itself only posses the power to guid and guard. Simply put, I listen to people’s problems, and tell them the best course of action. I givue advice. And this doesn’t mean I TELL them what to do, simply, I analyze their issue to a T and make them realize what it is that they truly want. The more I know, the more people I can help. It’s a guiding way. No hocus pocus, no "I dance naked in the wind and speak to the bears"- it's a very down to earth "I have a problem- let's hear it" scenario.
So the question remind? Who do I turn to?
Well, at the time, I would turn to my MM. But as time progressed, I moved about and around, and he went off to other ventures- I lost my ear of compassion. Sadly, we live in times that older folk- even teachers unrelated to cultural affairs- don't lend a listening ear. Too much "people will take it in the wrong way" or "I don’t' have time right now" or "I have my own worries/issues/family to deal with" and that little piece of human compassion in our societies leave- that little bit that says "I will help you even if I have problems myself" or more so- "I will take the time to listen".

So who do I turn to? The one that guards the guardian.

Ask them whatever you want, and they will tell you the same- Edlers have always said to turn to the stories. Oral traditions- the supernatural beings that because of them we are here. Look to the higher powers that guide us. Look to the things that "keep us" on an individual basis.

I have 2 Ways, one helper, and 2 younger brothers.
Each have their distinct stories, and their lessons I had to learn [culturally] and apply them when asked or requested. I tend to the issues of those who are my younger siblings, and also cherish the lessons, medicines, and stories they gave us.
Form time to time, one of them pops back up to he forefront to remind me of a lesson, or to remind me that they are THERE for the purpose of help.

And so today, I will speak to you about my Nagual's younger brother- Ocelotl.

I was born on Tochtli-Quiahuitl-Quiahuitl-Tlazolteatl . I was born and on a special day of the year- influenced by Cihuateteo- when the twins would stand at the crossroads and guide the souls of women who died in childbirth, and the warriors fallen in battle to the next realm.
My Nagual- discovered by a Medicine Women of Aztec-Huichal native decent, correlated with the 2 day variance of my birthrate- also the stone I was born under and favored the most, and my Day sign the guardian of his younger brother- Ocelotl.

And since I have been ill, I simply indulge myself with speaking to all my close relations to keep me focused- or rather discover what I need to be focusing on. But sometimes, in heading everyone’s advice, you forget to ask the person who can help you the most.

This all started when a couple of weeks ago, I had told a co-worker of mine the story of Ocelotl. He was asking what was my favorite story, as he himself an oral Story teller. I had said that amongst my favorite- possibly the one which was my most favorite, was Ocelotl. He remarked how the only image that strikes him over and over in Aztec culture, was the one with a well adorned/garbed man, holding the body of a dead woman. I said "THAT'S OCELOTL!"
I then was asked to indulge in the story, and tell him the tale. And I did. Right after, he had told me how not a few days prior; there were some South American vendors that came to a function- and with them, for sale, a fan made of the feathers of a red parrot. This, the most associated symbol with Ocelotl's wife. I flipped out, and promised myself that I would pay whatever they wanted to get that fan- if I could ever find them that is.

Well, since then, that story and its symbols pop up here and there and whenever. The more ill I became, somehow the more they would pop up.
Today at the center, I was helping to work in the store- and my co-worker was set to tell some stories- as he is the Storyteller that comes specifically for this event. However, while he comes on Monday, today it just so happened that he came for another session. We had visitors at the center. Central American Natives- they were celebrating the birth of a child- the first after the Grandfather’s passing. I was asked to retell the story at the event because of it’s profound standing in the culture. I couldn’t refuse because it’s an honor to be asked, and not something one can refuse culturally- so I stood in front of 50+ people, some who didn’t even speak English- and told the story of Ocelotl.

Near the end, I myself teared up at the telling of Ocelotl’s despair, and after I had finished, I did receive an applause and big whopping- so at least I did it well.
The grandmother of the mother who’s child was being celebrated came to ask me a few questions. She didn’t speak a word of English, but her daughter translated the praise she game my telling- that she knew exactly what had been said even if the words were foreign. I had done a good job. And after, she began to ask me where I knew the story from and the like- polite things like that. She then pried into my personal state of affairs- how am I feeling, am I married, why do I look ill… all these had to be answered honestly- there is NO lying to an Elder.
So she ended up hearing the current situation of my affairs. The whole load. I felt bad because it was a celebration- and not one that I was related to- but as most Native cultures dictate- when given a gift, you must give back twice fold in value- it’s a matter of pride, dignity, and your self worth. The old Grandmother then told me that the Grandfather we were celebrating- her pate husband- was in adoration of the parrots in the forest of their home land. And he too adored the story of Ocelotl for the same reasons I did- nothing happens by coincidence, only synchronicity. And she then gave me a gift – she promised me that my life will be full of opportunities that will bring me my happiness and my artistic endeavors, as well as a husband [ha!]. She gave me the gift in the form of a Red Parrot Feather- which she produced from a small flat cloth she was carrying. She then instructed everyone [privately] to give me the feathers, so that each feather would symbolize an opportunity, and I would have more than I could do with. The dominant amount I received were all red. Red parrot feathers like Ocelotl’s wife. I received 3 turquoise ones form 3 men who were also people of my Nagual’s kind, and giant blue feathers from those who wanted to give me different opportunities that I might not consider/pursue otherwise on my own accord.
I think I have well above… 30-50 feathers. All iridescent, mostly red.
Who Guards the Guardians? The Elders that remember them.

And the moral to be reminded- this wasn’t the first time I was in the midst of some desperate life conundrum, and that I was being blatantly hit in the face with a reference to this story. In fact, the first time something extravagant happened, I was called by my Medicine Woman and was reminded of something I had forgotten (and this time, yet again) that Ocelotl has a soft spot for women because of the origin of his wife. And I should have remembered this. REMEMBERED THIS.

So now I am sitting in my room, with a bag full of feathers- and will use the feather box I received awhile ago to house them. I’ll also be using this as a sign for my course of actions to come.

THEY ARE HERE!

2009-11-02T05:04:49Z

THEY ARE HERE!

THE UNOFFICIAL 2010 HETALIA CALENDARS ARE NOW OFF TO PRINT!

Due to demand, pre-order has been extended for another 2 weeks!
For info on how to pre-order the calendar, click here!

Now that all is said and done, I will be posting Zodiac months with their corresponding character and info.
To note: I decided to correspond the Month with the Zodiac ENTERING within that month. That means, even though it’s Capricorn until the middle of Jan, the First illustration for Jan is Aquarius.

January- Aquarius
Character: Belarus [featuring Russia]
Positive Traits: Independent, lively, loyal, honest/strait forward, individualistic, assertive
Negative Traits: Cold, detached, idealistic, assertive/aggressive

February- Pisces
Character: Austria [featuring Hungary]
Positive Traits: Artistic, emotional, sensitive, intuitive, adjust to circumstances, tender, receptive to new concepts
Negative Traits: Moody, temperamental, obsessive, prone to temptation, sensitive, escapist, vague and careless

March- Aries
Character: Denmark [featuring Norway]
Positive Traits: Adventurous, energetic, courageous, sharp, quick minded, fiery and passionate
Negative Traits: Temperamental, violent, stubborn, combative, impulsive and impatient

April- Taurus
Character: Sweden [featuring Finland]
Positive Traits: Dependable, enduring, prosperous, very affectionate, the strong silent type
Negative Traits: Stubborn, prone to jealousy, resentful, bad temper, can hold a grudge for ages
*note: It’s in his name folks. Berwald “Oxenstierna”*

May- Gemini
Character: Italies [North and South]
Positive Traits: Talkative, naive, flexible, polite and has well intentions
Negative Traits: Two-faced, uncaring, superficial, prone to being tense, cunning

June-Cancer
Character: Liechtenstein [Featuring Switzerland, Germany, and N. Italy]
Positive Traits: Loving, emotional, family oriented, sensitive,
Negative Traits: Clingy, possessive, over-sensitive, defensive

July- Leo
Character: America [featuring England]
Positive Traits: Magnanimous, warmhearted, faithful and loving, broad-minded, and charismatic
Negative Traits: Egoist, selfish, pompous, bossy, interfering, and patronizing

August- Virgo
Character: Germany [Featuring N. Italy]
Positive Traits: Modest, meticulous, practical, analytical, workaholic, diligent
Negative Traits: Prudish, overcritical, perfectionist, and sometimes uptight

September- Libra
Character: Poland and Canada [featuring Canada’s animal friends, and Lithuania]
Positive Traits: Diplomatic, sociable, peaceable, idealistic, just, respectful, and a good friend.
Negative Traits: Gullible, flirtatious, self indulgent, always looking to be liked, temperamental, and indecisive.

October- Scorpio
Character: France
Positive Traits: Sexual, passionate, emotional, determined, dynamic personalities, courteous, and have soothing effects on those around them.
Negative Traits: Sexual, possessive, fixation, jealous, resentful, vengeful, and prone to sexual deviation if not maintained.

November- Sagittarius
Character: Spain
Positive Traits: Adventurous, good humored, optimistic, energetic and enthusiastic, very caring, and good natured.
Negative Traits: Blindly optimistic, careless/irresponsible, tactless, and takes those around them for granted.

December- Capricorn
Character: Japan
Positive Traits: Conservative, resourceful, traditional, disciplined, consistent, wise, patient and reserved
Negative Traits: Prude, pessimistic, fatalistic, unfeeling and calculating

Once again, for info on how to pre-order this calendar, just click on this sentence!

gishkishenh @ 2009-11-01T21:22:00

2009-11-02T02:23:13Z

Oh Mr. Darci,
You walked onto the TV screen, and my cloths just fell off.

Pretty Smart for a Hyena

2009-10-25T04:43:54Z

The other day, me and and friend of mine were bringing up bad animal stereotypes believed to be true way back in the day.
I WANTED to say that "Hyena's were thought to be Hermaphrodites"... but somewhere along the trail of thought, "Hermaphrodite" became "Androgynous" became "Ambidextrous".
And so I said: "People used to think Hyenas were ambidextrous!"
Pretty smart for fellas who don't even have any thumbs.