Something Beautiful and dignified

Dear Robert,

You have my admiration. Time and time again; I am reintroduced, and completely in awe, of the decent human being that is you.

You have my respect; for the respect you consistently show other people, even when they are showing you less. You are more.

You are solid. Even when your environment is in a constant state of flux and seemingly fractured chaos, you are unwavering and give testament to yourself.

The only support I can offer you is through my written words, but know that they are infused with deep feeling and great regard.

With Love,

Tess

Something Beautiful: The Tree That Keeps on Giving

This tree. Isn't it beautiful?

Maybe it's more than beautiful, maybe it's majestic.

It has presence.

and

It's teeming with life.

Notice all the other types of living things which have joined forces with this tree? While they depend upon it for their survival, they are simultaneously helping to feed and support it. It's its very own Gaia Hypothesis⧿or stated simply, a reflection of our own interconnection.

We could all learn something from this tree. Your life; the way you live it, and the choices you make are yours alone, but you are not alone.

On that note, I'm going to grab a cup of coffee; because it's way to freaking early to be humming that song thinking like this.

That's it for now.

Love,

Tess

SCHWING!!!!!

Hello!

Miss me?

I apologise for the lull. I was away for a bit.

I'll fill you in on the beautiful and bizarre things I experienced while I was away later. For now, I'll leave you with this photo:

The last time I stood in front of this tree I encountered a smiling elephant exfoliating herself... now there's just a rope for swinging.

I'd rather have the elephant.

But that didn't stop me from swinging! Ohhh yeah baby... I swung!! *whispers* Is this tense of 'swing' freaking you out too? Then I slipped off the rope, flashed at 12 year old (give or take a year), and got sand in some uncomfortable places..

whooo hoooo!! another great trip!!

That's it for now.

Love,

Tess

The Bizarre: You've got to be Jossing me!

I live within walking distance of a typical open-air market where you can: eat a fish head curry, buy fresh fruits and meats, and stock up on your Hell notes... er.... say what?

Joss paper, aka, "Hell notes" (or Spirit money), are sheets of paper made made from coarse Bamboo or Rice paper to resemble currency. These notes, as well as various papier mâché items, are burned in traditional Chinese deity or ancestor worship ceremonies. Additionally, Joss paper is also burned during Chinese funeral ceremonies to ensure the spirit of a loved one is sent into the afterlife with sufficient money to purchase all they desire, as well as papier mâché replicas of favourite items they enjoyed while they were living.

Kinda makes you feel bad for all those people who were burning effigies of George W. Bush a few years back doesn't it?....

Here is my local Joss Paper and Stick Store:

Hell notes are known for their ridiclous denominations.

The bills feature the image of the Jade Emperor on the front and the Hell bank "branch" on the back

Who doesn't want to take their La-Z-Boy & a six-pack with them?

I've been asking since I was 10! Please tell me I don't have to die to get a Schwinn Cruiser.

What? No black?

A house!... and with a picket fence to boot!

Because, even though it's hot, nobody wants to be naked in hell.

When they're making him out of paper.... I'm all over it.

Burning with Love,

Tess

This Errant Blogger

I am an inconsistent blogger at best.

I tend to over-think things when I'm writing. Pffffpt! I tend to over think everything, and this can be paralyzing.

I don't know what the deal is. Maybe I don't like committing to the words, or maybe I think I'll come up with something better later, or that I won't say it correctly. Maybe I'm just a coward, or a perfectionist. Yeah, that's it! I'm a cowardly perfectionist... who likes to procrastinate.

I realize that part of maintaining a good blog is developing good habits⧿and I only seem to know how to develop bad habits.

::stares blankly at the page for the next 10 minutes while sipping a glass of merlot::

What was I going on about? Oh yeah, habits!

In an effort to develop a habit of writing⧿not a riding habit⧿ *snort* I am going to attempt to make regular short posts (in addition to my long irregular posts) about anything beautiful or bizarre that catches my eye. Surely, I can do this right? I like to think we all encounter something beautiful (or bizarre) every day, if we just take the time to look for it.

So here it goes... something beautiful:

I was mesmerized by these rain drops on the leaves of a banana tree after a rain. Did you ever break open a thermometer to see what was inside? They look like Mercury don't they?

With LOVE to anyone who is beautiful and/or bizarre,

Tess

About balloons, art, memories, double takes, and coincidences

Dear Rob,

Wow!

By: Clare Pattinson

When I saw this drawing your mother donated to PACT, I think I might've *gasped*. Yes, I love the vibrant colours and the exaggerated features of her drawing⧿but that's not what caused my reaction.

THIS is what caused my reaction:

Holy shizbats!! Talk about freakish coincidences!!

This is a cutaway of a piece painted by a incredibly gifted artist who lived around the corner from me when I was younger. I was in awe of her talent, and being so kind, she would invite me in to look at her work. It was a feast for the eyes. Each painting was so incredibly beautiful I could cry. I wanted one so badly, but since I had just started my first job there was truly no way I could afford the purchase. I think she took pity on me, because when she relocated, she offered to sell me the piece, (at a ridiculously low amount) and, to accept monthly payments until it was paid for.

This painting and I have a long history together: It was held hostage, has a standing offer for a silly amount of money should I ever agree to part with it, contributed to a break-up, traveled with me to various continents, and has inspired countless passionate conversations. It is my favourite possession.

What does this have to do with anything?

Well, aside from causing me to do a double take, and a trip down memory lane... Nothing. I just thought it was worth a post, because I love freakish coincidences... What would life be without them.

Love,

Tess

Robert Pattinson expresses himself for a worthy cause

Dear Rob,

I usually don't post things without a bit of humor, but I feel this important.

Speaking for myself, I don't think I could survive my child coming to harm at the hands of anyone, let alone a stranger−so as a parent, I'd like to thank you for taking part in such a worthy cause.

This is mesmerizing...

By: Robert Pattinson, donated to PACT

PS: I see the astrological symbol for Libra. Does this mean you love me? *snort*

erm... sorry. This was meant to be a serious post.

With love and gratitude,

Tess