Home
zenkeeper
08 October 2008 @ 01:26 am
With Divine Love & Guidance: Rev.;Spiritual Advisor & High Priest/REIKI MSTR; body worker/Transformational Life Coach/Personal Fitness Trainer; martial arts/NLP; huna/Feng Shui disciple/Cosmic Librarian/Humanitarian/Liberal/Philanthropist


 
 
zenkeeper
30 June 2006 @ 02:04 am
Although this story is fictional, the cultural milieu is based on the
history of the Philippine-American War of 1899-1901 (downplayed by
American textbooks as the "Philippine Campaign" or "Philippine
Insurrection.") Any similarities to any persons or events, past or
present are purely coincidental except for historical figures mentioned.
This story may contain scenes which involve sexual situations between
males. If this type of material is offensive to you, or it is not legal
for you to be reading this type of material, please do not read any
further. Please do not copy this story for distribution or post on any
online server without the author's permission.



July 20, 1900 4:30 p.m



It is raining hard here in the jungles of Batangas where I arrived a few
days ago, on the orders of the Supremo, Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo. The
town the Supremo assigned me, Calaca, is thankfully safe and not
battle-scarred even though, I have to admit, this small poblacion is
nothing compared to the lights of Manila. How I wish I was still in
Manila with my regiment- damn those Americanos! The bastard Americanos
are closing in on us and I hope these monsoon rains will stop their
advance. How they fooled us when they promised to help us with our
independence against Spain just so they can occupy my country is the
height of treachery. They deserve to be garroted and shot. I heard the
Supremo told us that if he will be given a second chance, he'll shoot
personally the foreign devil, Dewey, who fooled him into thinking he was
on our side.



I am keeping this journal alive so it will keep me alive and sane in this
boredom. Nothing really happens in Calaca- just a cluster of thatch
houses beside an emerald green river nestled among coconut plantations-
and my fellow soldiers are getting restless. They want to see action.
They want to kill Americanos. They want to slice their necks apart. At
least that negro, Kapitan Feyden, I have heard that even though he came
with the negro regiment from San Francisco, he deserted and fought
against his white masters just so us, Filipinos, can have our freedom
from colonial yoke. He is a real hero to all Filipinos. And truly, that
negro is more Filipino than some of the rich Ilustrados who coddle and
pander with those white American imperialists so that they can pocket
more profits at the expense of the blood of their fellow countrymen.



Fortunately, it's good that all the people here are sympathetic to our
fight for freedom. Even the alcalde, Enrique Ledesma who was gracious
enough in billeting us in a spare two-story guest house, is supporting
us. Thank God.



Tonight, my close friend Lt. Rocha and I will be having dinner with the
Mayor's brother. I must say, his younger brother has a very pleasing
personality and an agreeable face. Very mestizo, with dark hair, thick
eyelashes, broad shoulders, and alabaster skin- a marriage of East and
West. I was foolish enough to blush when we first shook hands during my
arrival. I can't help it. I can feel his eyes boring into my soul every
time we talk about his coconut and banana plantations. But this may just
be my imagination, for I don't think Simeon is interested in me in that
way. These feelings that heat my loins are getting more difficult to
suppress. This time, I thought a volcano would erupt from my cojones.



Although he is rich and powerful in these parts, Simeon is still a
bachelor at the age of 26, which is very odd considering there is an
abundance of mestiza lasses fanning themselves for his attention. Simeon
in all my existence is one of the most masculine-looking, piercing, and
most handsome gentlemen I have met. But then, he said "God will give me a
sign, Crisostomo. When that sign comes, I will make that person mine,
even if that person doesn't want to." He looked at me, smiled, then
gave a chuckle.



So, I congratulated him for his fortitude and temperance, but I reminded
him "Don't take too long a time in waiting for someone who may not come.
I say, take the risk, with or without a sign." He just laughed. His
laughter was boisterous but genial. He makes me want to know him more.
And perhaps tonight I will.





July 20, 1900 11:00 p.m.



I just had arrived from Simeon's palatial house. The road home was dark
and muddy, and damn, the walk has soiled my good pants. It will take
another two days to wash the mud off in this foul weather.



I should have left earlier if it were not for Simeon's insistence to join
him in his private lounge for some after-dinner Poker. He was already
drunk and I asked if he wanted to call it a night, but he was determined
to play his silly game. He even had the temerity to suggest we play strip
poker as he had learned from Madame Victorina's brothel. Of course, my
friend Luis Rocha was not amused. I instead laughed it off just to defuse
that awkward moment. Good thing because Simeon and later, Luis laughed
with me. But I saw the playful flicker in Simeon's eyes looking at me
just to see if I will bite his offer or not. It was wise on my part not
to give any indication of pleasure to his offer, an ability I had honed
since childhood.



Simeon just smiled at Luis and me, and dared us to bet on several rounds
of poker. I hadn't had a centavo with me and Luis only had a couple of
pesos, so I begged Simeon to call the bets off. However, that mischievous
mestizo had other ideas in mind. He said that our payment will be
deferred, subject for retrieval during an appropriate time. He made me
sign a couple of blank chits as assurance of my good faith. Luis looked
incredulous but relented nonetheless.



It was huge mistake. I lost a fortune. For 20 pesos, one can already have
a fiesta for 50 people, and for the 100 pesos I lost in the game, it will
take more than a fiesta to pay it all off. Simeon, with his enigmatic
smile, reassured me that he will not ask for immediate payment, but he
will collect it from time to time, be it in cash or in kind. From his
reputation in town as a strict paymaster to the obreros, I felt a cold
shudder run down my back. It has just been two weeks since my arrival and
I'm already buried in debt. And the rich bastard just smiled at me.



As for Luis, he won 30 pesos which Simeon gladly gave him in a small
pouch. Luis smiled wanly as he jiggled the small bag of coins and
stuffed it inside his uniform pocket. I felt envious of Luis then.
Simeon told me not to worry because since I am his friend, he will
collect the debt in amicable terms. I hope so. I guess the leather
journal I gave Simeon as a present when I first arrived has reminded him
of our friendly relationship.



Other than the poker game, the dinner was generally uneventful. The food,
consisting of spit-roasted pig, callos, pork empanadas, lumpia, paella
valenciana, sinigang soup, lengua estofado, and other Spanish entrees was
rich and superb. It was even topped with fresh mangoes, ensaymadas and
leche flan, the specialty of the cooks of the Ledesma household. All food
was placed in expensive china and drinks in baccarat crystal. Even the
toothpick holders in the shape of pineapples were made from silver. I
wonder if this was their everyday supper.



Mayor Enrique was in a sour mood that night and was fairly quiet the
whole meal. His wife was not with him, so probably he had another verbal
disagreement with Mrs. Ledesma. On the contrary, Simeon and his two
sisters, Clarita and Stella were good enough to regale me with their
childhood tales- of Muslim pirates from Mindanao pillaging Calaca during
summer, of ghosts of headless nuns seen in their convent school, of a
cache of jewels found behind the ruins of San Isidro church, of bandits
stealing bananas in the dead of night and how the obreros or farmhands
gave the bandits who were mere twelve years old a good whipping. We had a
hearty time laughing our heads off, even Luis Rocha was boisterously
laughing with Simeon. Clarita wanting to talk more about the family
stories told the group of Simeon's first amorous crush. She said her name
was Soledad, but from her descriptions, she must have looked like a goat,
because in the end, we couldn't help but laugh at Simeon who was too
embarrassed to comment. Simeon just looked at me and smirked. He took a
swill of his rum, then left.



July 22, 1900 3:00 p.m.



It has been two days since we left Calaca. The skies were cooperating and
hadn't rained so far but the ground we were walking was still soft and
wet. Our boots were sloshing at every step. It was slippery on some parts
that we were forced to hold on jungle roots and vines. This is not good
for the attack.



Yesterday morning, I got a cable communiqué from Heneral Aguinaldo
ordering my men to station along the slopes of Mt. Tanginamo. American
troops were allegedly seen in the nearby town of Lemery, so capturing
them was a strict order. We needed to lure them into the thick jungle of
Mt. Tanginamo and when they're in our midst, we capture them alive. It's
best this way so we can have leverage in dealing with the treacherous
Americanos.



Lt. Rocha is with his men on the other side of the mountain, so today,
it's just me and my hundred and two never-tested men. At least in my
previous regiment, the men I was with in Manila, they were
battle-hardened and their bravery never wavered. This time, I am full of
doubts. The troops are barely twenty years old and their arms are 2nd
class stolen Spanish rifles. I only write to God to help us in this time
of need.



As I looked over to the East, the coastal town of Lemery looked quiet
with its single stone church and cluster of houses around it, but with
the Americans infiltrating the jungle, one can never be too sure. I have
to keep my eyes open tonight.



July 23, 1900 11:00 a.m.

Just after breakfast, I had a pigeon carry me a message to my commander
in Calaca. I wrote down in coded Tagalog that we had captured last night
two Americano soldados roaming in our part of the jungle.



It was probably before midnight. The camp's fire was already extinguished
and everyone was already sleeping save for the soldiers assigned for the
watch. I was dead tired and wanted to sleep but I felt I can't have these
young men alone without an officer in charge.



I was relieving myself in a clearing nearby when suddenly I heard grass
being trampled underfoot. I first thought it was one of my soldiers, so I
left it at that. Squatting on the side of the field to relieve one's
bowels made me a target for capture. But then, I had no choice. I had to
let nature take its course. I had to wait for them to come. At first I
thought it was one of the sentries, but then, I heard voices- two male
voices speaking in English. The first voice was gruff while the second,
boyish and scared.



I made no attempt to move from my position. The voices and the footsteps
stopped abruptly several meters away and then I heard a buckle being
unfastened and pants being pulled down. At first, I thought that they are
going to relieve themselves also, but then, I heard a soft moan saying,
"Yeah, chow it down, Colt. Take all my manmeat or I'll ram it through
your throat."



This was followed by more moans and whimpers. I suddenly realized what
they were doing. I quickly wiped my bottom and did not bother to put on
my pants, I just got my pistol from my holster and slowly and slowly, I
crept to the edge where I can see two soldiers, one laying on his back
with both hands kneading another soldier's head into his crotch. I saw
the sweaty grimacing face of the older one glistening against moonshine.
The younger one was busily massaging his partner's thighs while his head
kept bobbing up and down the other man's meat sucking dry of all its
juices. The tempo increased and the poor boy's head was being rammed
unmercifully by soldier's thick veiny shaft. I then heard the gruff voice
saying, "OOOOHHHH yeah! You pussy! Take my sperm!! Drink it all!!!" with
his pelvis lodged in the younger one's mouth.



I became so excited that my pitoy was fully aroused. My loin was getting
wet and hot from the torrid scene unfolding in front of me. I released
the safety pin from my pistol and growled loudly "You two! Don't even
move a muscle!" in halting English.



The two suddenly stopped their juicy activity and looked up to me in
horror. They were speechless, their eyes widened. And in a split second,
the younger one took his rifle and tried to aim at me. I quickly aimed
for his hand and in the darkness, a loud flash escaped my pistol. It
didn't hit him but it was enough for him to know that I was serious.



I said, "Don't MOVE!" They did not. The young soldier was very scared and
there was even some sperm running down his gaping mouth. He looked like
17 or 18, tousled hair, button nose, his face boyish but hardened. I
stepped forward and kicked both of their rifles away from their grasp.
Both of them were paralyzed in their lover's position.



I then yelled to the younger one, "Lick my penis. Chupa me pitoy!" I
guess he did not understand my heavily-accented English, but when I
pointed the pistol to my throbbing member and waved to his face, he then
understood. He crawled in front of me and placed his hand inside my
calzoncillo. I felt his rough hand touching my penis, holding mine in his
calloused hand, rubbing the already turgid member.



Just as he was about to pull down my drawers, I heard shouts in Tagalog
coming towards me. It seemed that my sentries heard the shot. They rushed
over and saw that I caught two Americanos in a state of undress. They
cocked their rifles on the two interlopers and laughed heartily. I felt
the blood that rushed to the embarrassed faces of these soldiers.



Their weapons were confiscated at gunpoint and their uniforms
sequestered. I had them tied up and placed inside a thatched hut in the
middle of camp. I told my men to guard the house perimeter while I talk
to the prisoners in private.



I stepped inside the hut and the two Americanos were scared to death.
They saw my pistol in my hand and they trembled on the floor. The older
one even wet his underpants with urine. I felt excited then, the rush of
power was exquisite and the rush of blood to my loins was exhilarating.
Here on the bamboo floor are two good-looking American soldiers at my
mercy; two white imperialists helpess under the race they came to
subjugate.



I knelt in front of the older soldier and said, "What is your name and
rank?"



I was hoping he will be civilized enough to answer my perfectly civilized
question, but he spat on my face and shouted, "You muthafucking nigger!!
When I get out of here, I'll personally shoot you between your eyes, you
got that you fucker!! You stupid goo-goo!! You nigger!! You monkey!! You
no good piece of shit!!"



Never have I witnessed such racial profanity. These filthy Americans!
They make the Spaniards look like angels! If the Spaniards discriminated
us based on class and wealth, these Americans discriminate us based on
skin color! My hatred for them doubled. I don't want them to rule over us
if this is the way they will treat my countrymen- calling us goo-goos,
niggers, and monkeys. I stood up, wiped my face and straddled his had
rippling abdomen. I said again, "What is your name and rank, you
imperialist pig?"



He merely spat on my face again and called me names that any good
Filipina would blanch. But as I sat in his gut, I felt something
enlarging in the cleft of my buttocks. I looked down and saw his penis
jutting forward to my hole as if wanting to enter me. I looked back and
his face went from white to livid purple, and he began to curse me at the
top of his lungs. I moved up and down and clockwise over his hardened
loins and the soldier began to moan, "OooOOhh^Å Yeahh^Å Shhhiit you
monkey!"



I stood up and walked over in front of his sprawling legs. I smirked at
the poor soul, his face contorted with disgust, pleasure and
disappointment of me leaving him. I asked once again, "Name and rank?"



He smiled back and said, "You stupid idiot! You monkey! No goo-goo nigger
will make me talk!"



Incensed by his impertinence, my right boot took a swing which connected
to his aching balls. The soldier gave out a loud painful cry as he
cowered in a fetal position, groaning in pain. I walked over to the
younger soldier who tried to kill me with his rifle. He had that blank
stupefied look- shock I believe it was. I went over and straddled his
lean muscular abdomen and asked him, "Name and rank!"



He murmured, "D-D-David C-Colt, sir, private."



"Bueno. You seem sensible Pvt. Colt. Answer me correctly and you might
even go home to your base. Tell me, you like men, David?"



David's face went crimson. He looked away trying not to make eye contact
with me. I slowly pressed my buttocks on his rapidly hardening penis. He
moaned a little and he pushed his pelvis to meet my butt. I realized that
this boy was far enjoying our little meeting.



I looked at him intently and asked again, "You like men, David?"



He looked away. He was too embarrassed to answer.



"Bueno. Be a good boy, hijo, and you may just be able to go home."



I think Pvt. Colt shall be the one I will use during the interrogation.
So, I undressed Pvt. Colt's drawers and knelt beside him. I used my hand
to begin stroking his 8 inch fat penis and I myself was truly aroused at
this foreign penis.



"Ohhh^Å Sir^Å. Please^Å," David moaned.



"Please what, private?"



"Ahhh^Å hhhhh^Å. th-this is wrong sir^Å"



I snickered. "Oh? Then let me right it then^Å" I squeezed his base more,
making the poor boy writhe in a fit of ecstasy.



I know I enjoy the company of men from an early age, but this is the
first time I have seen and touched a penis of a foreign youth. It was
turgid, stiff but rubbery, white with a flaring head, its hairs curled
and amber-colored, and the smell heady and strong like a queso de bola.
Unlike most Filipino penises I have seen, this was the first adult penis
that was uncircumcised.



I clasped my hand on his hardened shaft and I squeezed it tight, stroking
it up and down, setting clear pearls of fluid flowing down the slit,
wetting my stroking hand. I felt aroused by the whole process and I
licked my lips seeing the exquisite ecstasy the young soldier was in. My
brown hand began to stroke quicker, applying vigorous strokes and
different pressures on the shaft.



The power I felt was so heady and tantalizing. I feel its electricity
coursing down my veins encouraging me to do more than stroking, but I
think it was for the best that I stuck to mere stroking. But oh but, the
temptation to taste David's forbidden fruit was making my head spin.



I heard him say, "Ohhhoohhh^Å yeahhh^Å more^Å please.. sir^Å. Ahhhhh^Å"



My hand stroked the entire length of David's hard shaft, from the base up
to the oozing tip. David's pelvis buckled and tried to meet my hand, his
eyes shut and his mouth opened in lustful pleasure. After a few more
strokes, I felt his penis thickened and with one forceful push of his
loin, his penis erupted in volleys of creamy white fluid that landed on
his rippled stomach.



My hand caught a lot of his cream and I smelled it, sniffed it, and
realized that it smelled the same as mine. I was tempted bring my stained
hand to my mouth to taste his seed, but I want to keep my control of this
boy, so I just wiped it on his drawers.



I asked, "Private Colt, tell me the location of your camp, the number of
troops, your commander, and your purpose of your incursion in these
parts."



The older soldier groaned in pain, "NOOO!! Colt!! You stupid kid!! Don't
tell this goo-goo anything!!! He'll kill us all! He'll eat us for
supper!!"



Seeing that this might influence the kid, I sighed. "If you will not
answer my question, then, we shall kill you both and bury you here. Of
course, if you do answer my question correctly and politely, you will be
treated fairly."



David's eyes traveled to his partner, then to mine. I saw his doubt and
hesitation but after a few minutes of restroking his quickly stiffening
member, he blurted out, "Please sir! Don't kill us! We're good men, sir,
really!"



I sense a chink in the armor. I pressed on. "So Private Colt, please tell
me where your base is located, the number of troops, your commander and
your purpose of your visit here in our fair province." I kept kneading
his massive penis.



"OOhhhh^Å..We have a small camp just on the outskirts of Lemery, sir,
about a couple of miles from town. We're just a small detachment sir,
about 50 men sir, and, and, hhaaaaahhh^Å^Åmy commander is Lt. Wolff and
we're here to build bridges sir."



"You know Private Colt, if your information is wrong, my men will
castrate you. Are you telling the truth?"



David stammered, "Yes, sir. Please believe me sir."



"Bueno."



I saw tears streaming down his cheeks. He was ashamed of betraying his
people for the enemy. But I kept stroking his turgid member, stroking and
squeezing it tightly until David shot another batch of cream into my
hands. He was panting like a mad dog, his eyes closed with shame.



I got up and left the hut. I ordered my men to check the tightness of the
cords in their hands to make sure everything was secured. As I walked
towards my hut, I suddenly realized that David's cream was still stuck on
my fingers. I sniffed it and took a small taste. I looked around just to
make sure no one was there. I took my fingers and licked it all. Not a
single drop left. I think I'll make Pvt. Colt talk some more. Probably
tomorrow.



Please send all your comments to: holyrambutan@gmail.com . Thanks and
enjoy the story.
 
 
zenkeeper
26 January 2006 @ 11:57 pm
2006 is now set in course. With the power of Spirit supporting me, I am manifesting my destiny with the intentions that I had set forth. I am experiencing exactly what I need ... to get to where I need to go. I have the most ideal friends to support my endeavors, goals and higher aspirations. I am being challenged with the organization of my personal and business life which has me focused on time management.

My life at this point feels like I've just screamed out, "Monopoly!" Up until now, I have been feeling like I had been the player that consistently lost all my properties and cash, every-time I went around that game board. Abundance is mine from this day forward ... in all aspects of my life. All that I desire is in my life now.

The Kaizen Group is now moving along with the next several months already booked and set. My focus to empower the community participants with active business coaches, successful business people and role models has made an imprint on all those that are touched. I will make a bigger impression with each and everyone that belongs to my Ohana.

BALANCE is key. Where are you on a scale when you weigh your mind, body and spirit? These three entities work together and if off kilter, bliss is not attained. Be true to yourself, be true the ones you love and always remember the ones that supported you along the way. Keep the faith in what brings you joy and happiness ... doubt will simply destroy you and all that you dream of being. TRUST.
 
 
Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: Angels Sing In My Sky
 
 
zenkeeper
10 January 2006 @ 04:29 pm
Chinese New Year: Year of the Dog

Welcome to the year of the Dog! The Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2600 BC. The Chinese calendar is a yearly one, with the start of the year being based on the cycles of the moon. Therefore, the beginning of the year can fall anywhere from late January to mid February. This year it falls on January 29, 2006.

A complete cycle of the calendar takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years each. Each of the 12 years is named after an animal.
Legend says that Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from the earth. Only 12 came to say farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person was born has a profound influence on his/her personality. The Chinese Zodiac consists of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

If you were born in 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, or 1994, you were born in the Year of the Dog.

The Dog Personality
People born in the year of the Dog tend to be very well liked. Dogs are honest, intelligent and straightforward. They have a deep sense of loyalty and integrity, are trustworthy, and inspire other people¹s confidence because they know how to keep secrets.

Dog people are usually animated and attractive. Generally amiable and unpretentious, they can get along with others easily. Dogs like to meet others halfway, are always willing to listen to reason and can be counted on to do their share.

Most people born under this sign are very strong, often able to take large amounts of stress or hardship without ill effect. Even though Dogs often put on a bright and cheerful appearance, the Dog is by nature somewhat a pessimist. They tend to worry unnecessarily and would benefit by learning to relax and realize that it is impossible to control everything.

Career
Dogs are resourceful and eager to help out at work. Reliable to a fault, they never shirk their duties and always do their fair share and often more.
Dogs enjoy learning new skills and as a result are cherished employees.
Responsible and compassionate by nature, dogs can be trusted with sensitive information. A Dog¹s just and fair disposition often finds them in positions of leadership where decisions have to be made; it¹s discerning nature and superb insight into human nature make it an successful businessperson.
Dogs make excellent nurses, counselors, priests, politicians, judges, clerks, police officers, psychiatrists, scientists, teachers, and professors.

Money
Dogs care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. In many cases, they will be born into a good family; if not, they will pull themselves up by their own bootstraps to elevate their status in life.

Dogs work hard and spend wisely. They do not work to buy luxurious things, rather they work to secure a future for their families. Dogs generally have hidden savings accounts for future family endeavors such as family vacations and college tuition.

Friends & Enemies
Dogs are easy to get along with and generally have many friends. They are giving, supportive and calming to those they hold dear. They don¹t hold grudges or bear any bad feelings towards anyone who has treated them respectfully and justly.

While dogs are often tolerant of their friends and all of their imperfections, they can be stubborn, critical of and emotionally cold to people they dislike or who deceive them. Dogs are practical, fearless and known for a very sharp tongue, often leading them to be ultra-realistic and outspoken.

Dogs are excellent listeners, always willing to offer a sympathetic ear to anyone in need. The Dog is a sign people like to turn to when they need help because the Dog will come through every time. This animal has a capacity for great empathy and is sensitive to others, particularly if someone has suffered an injustice.

Dogs will often put the well-being of others before their own. Money and status don¹t matter much to the Dog. This sign is more concerned with the welfare of family and friends and will do whatever it takes to help them.
Dogs are compatible with Rabbits, Tigers and Horses and find enemies with Dragons.

Love
People born in the year of the dog tend to enter relationships that are balanced, where both partners can give as well as take. When in love, Dogs are usually very generous, loyal, and honest.

While the dog personality is very easy to love, they often have trouble trusting others. Therefore, Dogs find it easier to form a friendship first and let it slowly develop into a romance. Potential mates must gain this sign¹s confidence and trust gradually. Without this trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.

Once committed, Dogs they are loving and faithful and quick to defend their partner. This sign places complete faith in their partners and gives them undivided support. At times, Dogs can become possessive and protective, but generally they are open and trusting of their mate. In a Dog¹s eyes, the person they love can do no wrong.

Famous Dogs
Famous people born in the year of the Dog include President George Walker Bush, Sylvester Stallone, Shirley McLain, Dolly Parton, Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, David Bowie, Henry Cooper, Winston Churchill, Confucious, Judy Garland, Alexander Hamilton, Herbert Hoover, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Sophia Loren, Elvis Presley, Norman Schwarzkopf, Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot, Steven Spielberg, Elvis, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Cher.

Chinese New Year Traditions
The celebrations of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, last 15 days and are some of the most festive of the year. Preparations usually begin about one month before the New Year. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any traces of bad luck. Doors and window panes are given a new coat of red paint and hung with paper scrolls decorated with themes of happiness, wealth and longevity, a practice believed to keep away ghosts and evil spirits. Many traditional Chinese homes also have live blooming plants and flowers symbolizing rebirth and wealth such as blossoms, peony flowers and kumquat trees.

Because it is believed that one¹s behavior during the New Year¹s season sets the tone for the rest of the year, words that sound like unlucky or undesirable events, such as death or poverty, are not to be spoken.
Arguments, scolding children, crying and breaking things are also taboo.
During this time, it is typical to wear something red, as this color is believed to ward off evil spirits. Black and white are avoided, as these colors are associated with mourning.

On New Year¹s Eve traditions are carefully observed. An elaborate dinner with large amounts of traditional food symbolizing abundance and wealth for the household is prepared. Each of the nine to 12 courses signifies a good wish such as happiness, good luck, or prosperity. Nian Gao, the New Year¹s cake and the ³prosperity tray,² an eight-sided tray filled with fruit, snacks, cookies and cakes, are also served to guests. Each item of the tray represents a type of good fortune: red dates and lotus seeds bring prosperity, melon seeds bring proliferation, and oranges and tangerines bring wealth and good fortune.

After dinner, families stay up and visit together until midnight, when fireworks light up the sky and doors and windows are opened to allow the old year to go out. The custom of putting up red paper and lighting firecrackers began as a way to scare off Nian, a beast that preyed on people the night before the beginning of a new year. Nian destroyed the villages, injured the villagers and took away the livestock and grain stored for the winter. One year as the monster appeared, it was scared away by the color and crackling sounds made by bamboo used in the villagers¹ fires. From this time on, villagers burned bamboo sticks to keep the monster away during the New Year.
Today, firecrackers have replaced the burning of bamboo sticks as a way to drive off ³evil energy² and attain peace and good fortune.

New Year¹s day is spent visiting family, friends and neighbors. A custom called Hong Bao, or ³Red Packet,² takes place on this day. As a symbol of good luck married couples give children, unmarried adults, and the elderly money in red envelopes.

Lion Dance
Performances of the dragon and lion dances can also be seen in the streets.
Chinese consider lions to be good omens able to repel demons and evil and bring good luck. The dances are accompanied by loud music played on drums, gongs, and cymbals. When the dancers stop in front of a residence or business, it is thought to bring good fortune to the occupants. In return, the residents usually present the dancers with money as a thank you and reward.

Lion Dancing is one of the oldest cultural arts of the Chinese people. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty, around 800A.D. The Emperor of the time had a dream in which his enemies were attacking him, but just as he was about to be overtaken, a mysterious creature saved him.
When he woke, the Emperor tried to tell his counselors about this fabulous beast that had saved him, but no one could tell him what it was. Finally, one counselor said that it sounded like a creature that could be found in the West - a lion. Lions are not native to China, so none of the counselors had seen this beast with their own eyes. Thus, the Chinese lion was created by combining the features of the dragon and the phoenix.

Because the lion had saved the Emperor, the lion was considered to be good luck, and so the lion dance evolved as a way to encourage good luck and ward off bad luck.

The Festival of Lanterns
The Festival of Lanterns, a celebration with singing, dancing, and lantern shows, marks the end of the New Year. Often used to adorn temples, gardens, house and boats, the decorative lanterns come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Silk, paper and plastic lanterns often depict animals, flowers, historical figures and scenes from popular stories. These lanterns are used as signposts to guide guests and spirits of ancestors to the Lunar celebration and back again.

The special food for the Lantern Festival is Yuen Sin or Tong Yuen. These are round dumplings made with sticky rice flour. They can be filled and served as a sweet snack or made plain and cooked in a soup with vegetables, meat and dried shrimp. The round shape of the dumpling is a symbol of wholeness, completeness and unity.
The Chinese use the New Year as a time to express their appreciation for protection and good fortune during the year. It is also a time of reconciliation when debts are paid and old grudges are easily cast aside.
Although celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness.
 
 
zenkeeper
22 December 2005 @ 09:03 am
From my heart to yours; I challenge you to recite this daily affirmation for 30 day … then behold the power you truly have.

Daily Affirmative Prayer

God is with me now. He has a plan for my life.
I believe in the power of God. I believe in miracles.
I believe in the radical action of God's love here on Earth.

There is no opposite to this power -
it flows from God through me now.
All love and understanding fills my heart.
God uses my hands, my feet and my voice this
day to do His will.

All good is effortlessly drawn to me today.
I cannot fail to be at the right place at the right time.
There is limitless good - more than enough for everyone.
All fear and negativity are washed clean from me now.

There is no need to worry or rush, the
Universe has perfect timing.
I embrace this new day and the miracles it brings.
I am a radiant beam of light which attracts friends,
love, success, good health and joy.

I am not afraid to be happy today.
I am not afraid of love.
Love and acknowledgement shine
on me from all directions today.

People are drawn to me and love to
assist me in truly helpful ways
My business and all my affairs are run by
Divine Intelligence.

I always have more than enough money
to pay all my bills and live an abundant lifestyle.
This is a rich season of Divine Harvest.

My body radiates good health and energy
as this is the pure reflection of God's love.

I am never alone nor lonely for my
brother Jesus is here beside me.
I breathe life in deeply and I am
relaxed and at peace.

My mind is clear and my heart is full of love for all of life.
Nothing wavers me from my truth today.
All that I need is given me.

I have no lack of any good thing.
There is a power in me. I have my
Father's power to heal and reveal.

My relationships are loving and intimate.
My appetites are made right by the
principle of perfect assimilation.

Every organ and cell of my body is alive
with Divine Intelligence.
This intelligence keeps the flow of
energy and health at an optimum.

I maintain my perfect weight and
desire the best foods and exercise.
All mental, physical and emotional habits which
are not of a sweet and loving nature
now drop from my atmosphere.

I deserve love and compassion
now in the form of my right mate.
The Universe has chosen the right one and that
person is welcomed by me now.

I have an intimate relationship and I am happy.
My family and loved ones are surrounded by
the white light of Divine Protection.

I am thankful to the Father for all this good and for my life.
I step back now and allow the Universe to do the work.
I do not interfere nor doubt.
I trust that it is done and so it is.

Amen
 
 
Current Mood: calm
 
 
zenkeeper
22 December 2005 @ 01:18 am
SATORI-Awakening

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella (or vice versa) and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are, and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look and how much you should weigh, what you should wear and where you should shop and what you should drive, how and where you should live and what you should do for a living, who you should marry and what you should expect of a marriage, or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man (or woman) on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that just as people grow and change so it is with love . . .and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms ... just to make you happy. And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely.... You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 28/29 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up". You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK ... and that it's your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want.... AND that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his or her touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect. And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve . . . and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance.

You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time . . . FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it, living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes-bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state --- the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever to settle for less than your heart's desire. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.
 
 
Current Mood: accomplished