Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
"Prophecy of a Scene"
a pile of dog shit
lies in wait
for some unlucky bastard
to step in it
the hot sun, beating
the pink dress
left in a frenzy and astray
upon the side walk,
melts away.
-my submission to Bad Poetry on the Milk Fever blog. (edited version)
lies in wait
for some unlucky bastard
to step in it
the hot sun, beating
the pink dress
left in a frenzy and astray
upon the side walk,
melts away.
-my submission to Bad Poetry on the Milk Fever blog. (edited version)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
"Dandelion Drunken and Dizzy, New Mexico"
"Dandelion Drunken and Dizzy, New Mexico"
talking time with the sun rolling up the mountain
talking time with the trees pushing up dark, wet soil
talking time with the red reflections of sky in mud
whispering my love into the breeze of Northern New Mexico
the second hand love of users and drunks
the third eye love of gurus, saints, mothers and Jesus
the trampled on love of dogs
and the primal love of sweat
rolling, pushing, prodding, poking love of the world
invisible gem of unparalleled cut and shine
held in the hand of an older man whom I have called,
"one of my strange reflections"
feeling the breeze push through my window
I soon loose the vibration
the one to unwrap my head from cellophane sun
the one to wake me in the morning
the one who writes poetry in mid breath..
I'm feeling dizzy.
I dance off abnormally
to go rest my head
on a cold, rain wet pillow,
sloshing full of free wine and wishes
for a lover to share something with
Seamus Fitzgerald © 2010
talking time with the sun rolling up the mountain
talking time with the trees pushing up dark, wet soil
talking time with the red reflections of sky in mud
whispering my love into the breeze of Northern New Mexico
the second hand love of users and drunks
the third eye love of gurus, saints, mothers and Jesus
the trampled on love of dogs
and the primal love of sweat
rolling, pushing, prodding, poking love of the world
invisible gem of unparalleled cut and shine
held in the hand of an older man whom I have called,
"one of my strange reflections"
feeling the breeze push through my window
I soon loose the vibration
the one to unwrap my head from cellophane sun
the one to wake me in the morning
the one who writes poetry in mid breath..
I'm feeling dizzy.
I dance off abnormally
to go rest my head
on a cold, rain wet pillow,
sloshing full of free wine and wishes
for a lover to share something with
Seamus Fitzgerald © 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
HERB OF THE MONTH
So, I have been holding on to this idea for quite a while.
For some reason or another, I was just plain lazy
and did not press on to acting it out.
A mental stagnation of sorts.
Perhaps, one could say, metaphorically,
indigestion.
With that said,
this brings us to the first
Herb of the month;
Ginger
And what better time to do so
when, at least here in the Northern Latitudes
the cold winter has swooped upon us.
Ginger,
is a tuber
technically a rhizome
of the plant Zingiber officinale.
Ginger, as we have come to call it
in modern day English,
originates from the French term, gigembre
the ye Old English, gingifere
Medieval Latin, ginginer
The Greek, zingiberis
Old Persian shingavir
Pali, singiver
and ultimately,
the Tali, inji ver
BASIC OVERVIEW IN HISTORY AND USE
Cultivation of Ginger can be traced back as far as 5,000 years ago to Southeast Asia.
At an early date, Rome also cultivated ginger extensively, importing it from India. Though
it was in widespread use by the Romans, it quickly disappeared from the regional market after the fall of the Roman Empire and the seizure of the spice trade by the Arabs. With Arab voyages to Eastern Africa and Zanzibar, in the 13th and 14th century, the cultivation followed and spread. Soon after that, in 15th century, ginger crossed the Atlantic ocean, settling in the Caribbean where it thrives quite easily.
The real beauty in Ginger, is that it is both medicinal and culinary, which inherently makes it a very easily dispensable herb, especially to those a little more than unwillingly to take their "medicine" (to all the little...I'll hold my tongue.... out there) And why should they be willing to take their "medicine". The true art of medicine, I would feel safe to pose, is being able to easily and simply exist within the customary diets of a culture; to not be considered just "medicine" but food. For this very attribute, I laud ginger as an ultimate healer of the world.
So, with that all said, let's look at some basic chemical attributes of Ginger. First let's start with volatile oils. Three of them to be exact. Causing the distinct odour and flavour of ginger, Zingerone, Shogaols and Gingerols make up one to three percent of a fresh ginger root. Scientifically, these oils have been shown to increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract in laboratory animals and are analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antibacterial properties. Ginger oil has been shown to cure skin cancer in mice and being a mild irritant, has been used for the feauging of horses, meaning to apply as a suppository via the anus or vagina, if the horse a mare, in order to make for a tail held high and a disposition of strong energy. In fact, this something I never knew I would know, the good ol' chaps in England used to add an eel to that mix. Very...charming. currently the practice considered in humane and in many countries illegal, though I have read it is still a practice in the middle east. Now you may be thinking this is useless to know but, think again. Ginger, as it has long been known by herbalists and folklore, as a great carminative, aiding in the ease of indigestion. So perhaps, and I'm just putting this out there, a mild ginger enema wouldn't be so bad for the horse, and what is good for the horse, in this case, is good for you. Though, you don't have to always go to this "extreme". If you are still uncomfortable with the thought of injecting a mild ginger decoction up your anal canal, which really seems no different than stuff coming out, you can always drink a nice cup of fresh ginger tea. Add a little honey and mmm GOOD! this preparation is also very warming and gives one a great boost of 'fire' for these current cold and windy days. On top of being great for the treat of indigestion, giving warmth and respectively, raising horse sales, ginger also holds a reputation for use in treatments of colds, coughs, bodily pains such as headaches and overall internal and external inflammations, the flu, diarrhea and nausea caused by morning sickness, sea sickness and chemotherapy just to name few!
Here are a few regional and time tested uses for ginger throughout the world.
India
3-4 tulsi leaves taken with a bit of ginger root on an empty stomach is effective in treating colds, congestion and coughs.
ginger paste is applied to the temples to relieve headaches.
ginger with lemon and black salt is used in the relief of nausea.
China
"ginger eggs"; scrambled eggs with chopped pieces of ginger added to them are used for the treatment of coughs.
sliced ginger root is boiled in water with sugar or cola and used to treat the common cold.
Burma
ginger root and a sweetener made from palm tree juice are boiled together to prevent the flu
Congo
ginger is mashed and mixed with mango tree sap to make a drink known locally as "tangawisi", which is believed a panacea
Indonesia
ginger is considered to treat fatigue, combat rheumatism and put a strangle hold on poor dietary habits
Peru
ginger is sliced into hot water and taken to treat stomach aches
Philippines
A preparation locally known a "salabat" is made by boiling chunks of fresh ginger root in water and adding sugar. Salabat is consumed every morning at breakfast and is considered good for a sore throat.
A FEW PRECAUTIONS BEFORE TAKING GINGER
warfarin.
IDENTIFICATION, CLIMATE AND CULTIVATION
Ginger is a perennial reed-like plant with annual, leafy stems measuring about a meter (3-4 feet) in height. Producing clusters of white and pink buds that blossom into bright yellow flowers, ginger is widely used in landscaping around subtropical homes for its aesthetic appeal.
Cultivation of the root is carried out when the stalks have withered. The root is then immediately scalded or washed and scraped to "kill" it in order to prevent the occurrence of sprouting.
So there you have it, the first Herb of the Month!
I strongly encourage you to do your own research into ginger and not am afraid to experiment, because for all the facts you can find in print, the true knowing of any herb, comes from the serious observation of the experience it induces within and upon you.
To steal a little wise advice handed down over the ages, know thyself and all will be revealed.
For some reason or another, I was just plain lazy
and did not press on to acting it out.
A mental stagnation of sorts.
Perhaps, one could say, metaphorically,
indigestion.
With that said,
this brings us to the first
Herb of the month;
Ginger
And what better time to do so
when, at least here in the Northern Latitudes
the cold winter has swooped upon us.
Ginger,
is a tuber
technically a rhizome
of the plant Zingiber officinale.
Ginger, as we have come to call it
in modern day English,
originates from the French term, gigembre
the ye Old English, gingifere
Medieval Latin, ginginer
The Greek, zingiberis
Old Persian shingavir
Pali, singiver
and ultimately,
the Tali, inji ver
BASIC OVERVIEW IN HISTORY AND USE
Cultivation of Ginger can be traced back as far as 5,000 years ago to Southeast Asia.
At an early date, Rome also cultivated ginger extensively, importing it from India. Though
it was in widespread use by the Romans, it quickly disappeared from the regional market after the fall of the Roman Empire and the seizure of the spice trade by the Arabs. With Arab voyages to Eastern Africa and Zanzibar, in the 13th and 14th century, the cultivation followed and spread. Soon after that, in 15th century, ginger crossed the Atlantic ocean, settling in the Caribbean where it thrives quite easily.
The real beauty in Ginger, is that it is both medicinal and culinary, which inherently makes it a very easily dispensable herb, especially to those a little more than unwillingly to take their "medicine" (to all the little...I'll hold my tongue.... out there) And why should they be willing to take their "medicine". The true art of medicine, I would feel safe to pose, is being able to easily and simply exist within the customary diets of a culture; to not be considered just "medicine" but food. For this very attribute, I laud ginger as an ultimate healer of the world.
So, with that all said, let's look at some basic chemical attributes of Ginger. First let's start with volatile oils. Three of them to be exact. Causing the distinct odour and flavour of ginger, Zingerone, Shogaols and Gingerols make up one to three percent of a fresh ginger root. Scientifically, these oils have been shown to increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract in laboratory animals and are analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antibacterial properties. Ginger oil has been shown to cure skin cancer in mice and being a mild irritant, has been used for the feauging of horses, meaning to apply as a suppository via the anus or vagina, if the horse a mare, in order to make for a tail held high and a disposition of strong energy. In fact, this something I never knew I would know, the good ol' chaps in England used to add an eel to that mix. Very...charming. currently the practice considered in humane and in many countries illegal, though I have read it is still a practice in the middle east. Now you may be thinking this is useless to know but, think again. Ginger, as it has long been known by herbalists and folklore, as a great carminative, aiding in the ease of indigestion. So perhaps, and I'm just putting this out there, a mild ginger enema wouldn't be so bad for the horse, and what is good for the horse, in this case, is good for you. Though, you don't have to always go to this "extreme". If you are still uncomfortable with the thought of injecting a mild ginger decoction up your anal canal, which really seems no different than stuff coming out, you can always drink a nice cup of fresh ginger tea. Add a little honey and mmm GOOD! this preparation is also very warming and gives one a great boost of 'fire' for these current cold and windy days. On top of being great for the treat of indigestion, giving warmth and respectively, raising horse sales, ginger also holds a reputation for use in treatments of colds, coughs, bodily pains such as headaches and overall internal and external inflammations, the flu, diarrhea and nausea caused by morning sickness, sea sickness and chemotherapy just to name few!
Here are a few regional and time tested uses for ginger throughout the world.
India
3-4 tulsi leaves taken with a bit of ginger root on an empty stomach is effective in treating colds, congestion and coughs.
ginger paste is applied to the temples to relieve headaches.
ginger with lemon and black salt is used in the relief of nausea.
China
"ginger eggs"; scrambled eggs with chopped pieces of ginger added to them are used for the treatment of coughs.
sliced ginger root is boiled in water with sugar or cola and used to treat the common cold.
Burma
ginger root and a sweetener made from palm tree juice are boiled together to prevent the flu
Congo
ginger is mashed and mixed with mango tree sap to make a drink known locally as "tangawisi", which is believed a panacea
Indonesia
ginger is considered to treat fatigue, combat rheumatism and put a strangle hold on poor dietary habits
Peru
ginger is sliced into hot water and taken to treat stomach aches
Philippines
A preparation locally known a "salabat" is made by boiling chunks of fresh ginger root in water and adding sugar. Salabat is consumed every morning at breakfast and is considered good for a sore throat.
A FEW PRECAUTIONS BEFORE TAKING GINGER
warfarin.
IDENTIFICATION, CLIMATE AND CULTIVATION
Ginger is a perennial reed-like plant with annual, leafy stems measuring about a meter (3-4 feet) in height. Producing clusters of white and pink buds that blossom into bright yellow flowers, ginger is widely used in landscaping around subtropical homes for its aesthetic appeal.
Cultivation of the root is carried out when the stalks have withered. The root is then immediately scalded or washed and scraped to "kill" it in order to prevent the occurrence of sprouting.
So there you have it, the first Herb of the Month!
I strongly encourage you to do your own research into ginger and not am afraid to experiment, because for all the facts you can find in print, the true knowing of any herb, comes from the serious observation of the experience it induces within and upon you.
To steal a little wise advice handed down over the ages, know thyself and all will be revealed.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Travelin' Poem
"Toast to Hannah"
young Hannah was a travelin' child
born to a call of an ancient wild
queen of another highway line
stickin' her thumb out most of the time
looking like a wildflower in the sun on the side of the road though
she never be quick to admit she know so
bearing the foot of a soul sewn new
a smile way too hard to see
like a blind man tryin 'to eye a rain drop
on top an ol' redwood tree
the curve of a lost child and
voice of nervousness
unlike any girl I've ever met
now and since
if you're ever looking for a travelin' book
just look at the road young Hannah took
there you'll see foot prints o' black
shinnin' like obsidian and sharp as glass
to feel sorrow married to freedom
just watch young Hannah's
shackles and path
Seamus Fitzgerald
copyright 2010
young Hannah was a travelin' child
born to a call of an ancient wild
queen of another highway line
stickin' her thumb out most of the time
looking like a wildflower in the sun on the side of the road though
she never be quick to admit she know so
bearing the foot of a soul sewn new
a smile way too hard to see
like a blind man tryin 'to eye a rain drop
on top an ol' redwood tree
the curve of a lost child and
voice of nervousness
unlike any girl I've ever met
now and since
if you're ever looking for a travelin' book
just look at the road young Hannah took
there you'll see foot prints o' black
shinnin' like obsidian and sharp as glass
to feel sorrow married to freedom
just watch young Hannah's
shackles and path
Seamus Fitzgerald
copyright 2010
The Simple Healing Power of Aphorism
Lately I have been working with the idea of aphorism. for those of you who don't know what an aphorism is just keep reading. For those of you who do, just keep reading.
So rather recently life has taken a strange turn. My mind has started to turn to very closely to analyzing my situations, perhaps sometime too much. I keep tossing and turning indecision into chaos and inevitably that seems to snowball into various forms of mental and bodily anxiety. The one thing that has really kept me striving is that fact that i am not alone. As far as i have observed, a large number of people are swimming in the same sea. With that said, I want to offer a perspective into alleviating this current point of confusion that I have experienced and know I will overcome, and, if your are going through similar tides, then I hope that this may help.
When I come into a state of total distress I try to center my self as much as possible. This can entail moving the body and releasing physical strain to simply drawing a picture or taking part in crafts. Even just sitting and paying attention to the intake and outtake of the breath will overcome any obstacle. it all really comes down to whatever activity that you enjoy most and that is truly supportive and healthful to your physical and emotional body.
This is where the practice of aphorisms comes to play. An aphorism is technically defined as a "a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton)." This article is concerned with the use of aphorism for over coming personal and cultural obstacle. I could go into the history of the aphorism and it's many philosopher's, but i wish to keep it simple and practical for everyday life. I wish to open the possibility of an aphorism's power into common place life.It is amazing to experience the healing and door opening potential of words that more often than note is neglected and taken for granted.
The aphorism, or we can say mantra, is very simple. As simple as it seems it is very hard, for it takes persistence and, when it comes down to it, faith, to put into place. Also, to let you know, it doesn't work instantly. It is essentially a practice of patience and takes much time to cultivate.
Let's start with a simple and i believe universal phrase.
You can say this anywhere you feel it needed to alleviate the onset of situation related anxieties.
To yourself, in your breath, or in pure silence.
"I am in the right place at the right time."
Okay, know let's take a look at a basic formula for the creation of an aphorism. I was given this one by a good family friend of mine.
The first structure starts like this and is addressed to the inner most self.
"I invite..."
Let's say you are angry. The aphorism may go like this.
"I invite my anger to rest."
See how that feels. Does it fit? if not, simply tweak it until it feels right in the gut.
Now, when the anger rests you can take this a step further. It could go something like this.
"I invite my anger to reveal it's reason."
Say that as much as you like, paying attention to how it make you feel, any images that arise, memories, words, other feelings. It can be good to keep a piece of paper or better yet, a journal by your side. (a pen too!) Just jot down whatever you are experiencing.
Once you get to the cause (karma) of this anger you can once again take this a step further. Take a deep breath and say something like this.
"I invite this cause to surrender to love."
See how that makes you feel. Once again, these are just suggestions. You are more than welcome to tweak any of these to your personal instinct.
That is it for now. This should be a strong and basic foundation on which to explore the healing of aphorisms for yourself. Remember these can applied to any situation, from financial need to family illness, sudden and close death, relationships; the possibilities are infinite. With patience and persistence it is fully possible to heal mind, body and soul. Always remember, "All in good time."
Written and edited by Seamus Fitzgerald
December 6th, 2010 over tea at Hardtimes Cafe.
So rather recently life has taken a strange turn. My mind has started to turn to very closely to analyzing my situations, perhaps sometime too much. I keep tossing and turning indecision into chaos and inevitably that seems to snowball into various forms of mental and bodily anxiety. The one thing that has really kept me striving is that fact that i am not alone. As far as i have observed, a large number of people are swimming in the same sea. With that said, I want to offer a perspective into alleviating this current point of confusion that I have experienced and know I will overcome, and, if your are going through similar tides, then I hope that this may help.
When I come into a state of total distress I try to center my self as much as possible. This can entail moving the body and releasing physical strain to simply drawing a picture or taking part in crafts. Even just sitting and paying attention to the intake and outtake of the breath will overcome any obstacle. it all really comes down to whatever activity that you enjoy most and that is truly supportive and healthful to your physical and emotional body.
This is where the practice of aphorisms comes to play. An aphorism is technically defined as a "a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton)." This article is concerned with the use of aphorism for over coming personal and cultural obstacle. I could go into the history of the aphorism and it's many philosopher's, but i wish to keep it simple and practical for everyday life. I wish to open the possibility of an aphorism's power into common place life.It is amazing to experience the healing and door opening potential of words that more often than note is neglected and taken for granted.
The aphorism, or we can say mantra, is very simple. As simple as it seems it is very hard, for it takes persistence and, when it comes down to it, faith, to put into place. Also, to let you know, it doesn't work instantly. It is essentially a practice of patience and takes much time to cultivate.
Let's start with a simple and i believe universal phrase.
You can say this anywhere you feel it needed to alleviate the onset of situation related anxieties.
To yourself, in your breath, or in pure silence.
"I am in the right place at the right time."
Okay, know let's take a look at a basic formula for the creation of an aphorism. I was given this one by a good family friend of mine.
The first structure starts like this and is addressed to the inner most self.
"I invite..."
Let's say you are angry. The aphorism may go like this.
"I invite my anger to rest."
See how that feels. Does it fit? if not, simply tweak it until it feels right in the gut.
Now, when the anger rests you can take this a step further. It could go something like this.
"I invite my anger to reveal it's reason."
Say that as much as you like, paying attention to how it make you feel, any images that arise, memories, words, other feelings. It can be good to keep a piece of paper or better yet, a journal by your side. (a pen too!) Just jot down whatever you are experiencing.
Once you get to the cause (karma) of this anger you can once again take this a step further. Take a deep breath and say something like this.
"I invite this cause to surrender to love."
See how that makes you feel. Once again, these are just suggestions. You are more than welcome to tweak any of these to your personal instinct.
That is it for now. This should be a strong and basic foundation on which to explore the healing of aphorisms for yourself. Remember these can applied to any situation, from financial need to family illness, sudden and close death, relationships; the possibilities are infinite. With patience and persistence it is fully possible to heal mind, body and soul. Always remember, "All in good time."
Written and edited by Seamus Fitzgerald
December 6th, 2010 over tea at Hardtimes Cafe.
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