// December 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
I’ve got a feeling, China, that 2010 is going to be your kind of year. That you’ll be happier than you’ve ever been, laughing harder, smiling wider, standing taller, walking lighter, dancing crazier, hugging longer, living grander, loving louder, and if you want, selling the pictures to a tabloid to raise money for your new charity. Can you feel it, too? The Universe
// December 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU, life the universe and everything
Sometimes, China, when there’s absolutely no other evidence, you can still know whether someone’s telling the truth or not, from all else they’ve said. That’s what I say, The Universe
// December 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
// December 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // funny-bone
// December 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // funny-bone
// December 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
Each person in your life is there for a reason, China, and that reason always has something to do with love.
Like me,
The Universe
// December 22nd, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
When driving down the road of life, China, rarely do you know how good you have it, until you see it in the rear-view mirror.
Which is not to suggest that you should look back now, but to remind you that where you are today is more awesome and amazing than you probably realize.
10-4,
The Universe
// December 22nd, 2009 // No Comments » // I-Ching, magick
| Fu: Turning back, After a dark period, the light always returns; now you can face a new phase of renewal. This is the right moment as you will be able to regenerate yourself. There will be no resistance to your way towards success. |
Earth
Thunder |
Ching 24
|
// December 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // House-of-Chaos, family, magick, personal
‘Twas the night before Yule, when all ‘cross the heath,
not a being was stirring; Pagan, faerie, or beast.
Wassail was left out & the alter adorned,
to rejoice that the Sun King would soon be reborn.The children lay sleeping by the warmth of the hearth,
their dreams filled with visions of belov’d Mother Earth.
M’lady & I beneath blankets piled deep,
had just settled down to our own Solstice sleep.Then a noise in the night that would leave us no peace,
Awakened us both to the honking of geese.
Eager to see such a boisterous flock,
When we raced to the window, our mouths dropped in shock!On the west wind flew a gaggle of geese white & gray,
With Frau Holda behind them in her giftladen dray.
The figure on her broomstick in the north sky made it clear,
La Befana was approaching to bestow Yuletide cheer.From the south came a comet more bright than the moon,
And we knew that Lucia would be with us soon.
As these spirits sailed earthward o’er hilltops & trees,
Frau Holda serenaded her feathery steeds:“Fly Isolde! Fly Tristan! Fly Odin & Freya!
Fly Morgaine! Fly Merlin! Fly Uranus & Gaea!
“May the God & the Goddess inside you soar,
From the clouds in the heavens to yon cottage door.”As soft & silent as snowflakes they fell:
Their arrival announced by a faint chiming bell.
They landed like angels, their bodies aglow.
Their feet left no marks in the new fallen snow.Before we could ponder what next lay in store,
There came a slow creaking from our threshold door.
We crept from our bedroom & were spellbound to see
…There in our parlor stood the Yule Trinity!Lucia, the Maiden, with her head wreathed in flame,
Shown with the radiance for which she was named.
The Lightbringer’ s eyes held the joy of a child,
And she spoke with a voice that was gentle, yet wild:“May the warmth of this household ne’er fade away.”
Then she lit our Yule log which still burns to this day.
Frau Holda in her down cloak stood regal & tall;
The Matron of Solstice, the Mother of all.Under her gaze we felt safe & secure.
Her voice was commanding, yet almost demure:
“May the love of this family enrich young & old.”
And from the folds of her cloak showered coins of pure gold.Le Befana wore a kerchief on her silvery hair;
The veil of the Crone who has secrets to share.
In her eyes gleamed a wisdom only gained by spent youth.
Her voice was a whisper but her words rung with truth:“May health, glad tidings, and peace fill these rooms.”
And she banished misfortune with a sweep of her broom.
They then left a gift by each sleeping child’s head,
Took a drink of our wassail, and away they sped.While we watched them fly off through the night sky we laughed,
At the wondrous magick we had found in the Craft
As they departed, the spirits decreed
Merry Yule To You All & May All Blessed Be!
// December 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
// December 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // House-of-Chaos, Tiny House Projects, family, personal
Fraser Fir
Every year the strong and sturdy females of the Darrington clan trek into the wilderness to track and hunt the annual House-of-Chaos holiday tree. This year was no exception and China and Mia felled a well-endowed Fraiser Fir for the foyer of the new Tiny House.
We aimed, took our shot and together we carried the lucky fir tree back to 8th Street were we mounted it, dressed it and trimmed the heck out of it before loading up the presents underneath.
and here is our final product!
// December 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // House-of-Chaos, Tiny House Projects
I have fed the birds for a long time. At our last place, in Timber Top, our loft was surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park system and we has a wonderful array of wildlife, including birds. Last year I took a 15 second video clip on my cell phone of the massive activity occurring at the 3rd story patio feeders:
So naturally we were going to continue feeding the birds at our new place. Then when Mister Bird showed up in November we wanted to get him a nice shelter before it got bitterly cold. After a trip to Wild Birds Unlimited we were outfitted nicely with seed, feeders, houses and suet. Then Mister Bird brought a friend.
Now, the houses are hung, the feeders are filled and the suet is sloshing. I hope all the birds enjoy.
// December 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // House-of-Chaos, Tiny House Projects
HOC: Breezeway
The weather is turning cold and I’ve finally gotten the breezeway into good condition. I have, in the past five months:
That’s a lot! Yay!
// December 19th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // House-of-Chaos, Tiny House Projects
This is the red paper lantern lampshade that I used to cover the bare bulb fixture in the center of the breezeway at the Tiny House-of-Chaos.
I got it at Cost Plus World Market for $19.99:
Yoko Red Square Paper Lantern (SKU #381930)
It’s hip to be square. The signature lighting in Asian homes and festivals for centuries, paper lanterns today provide casual lighting solutions for everyday decor as well as special occasion illuminations. Triple square silhouette with in crushed red paper with wire framing. Use with World Market cord kit. 15″Wx16″L.
// December 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // House-of-Chaos, family, life the universe and everything, news, personal
Mia’s new hedgepiggy and the newest member of the Tiny House-of-Chaos, I introduce “Pamplemousse” the hedgepiggy, showing off his “defensive hedgepiggy position” which protects his soft underbelly.
I’ve done this position many times myself! Welcome to the family Pamplemousse!
// December 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
Most of my status updates from Facebook over the course of a very interesting 2009.
// December 18th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
In case they look at you funny, China, when you tell them of your loftiest dreams, goals, and to be financially autonomous, all you have to do is turn your head sideways, raise an eyebrow, and slowly say, “I… have… connections….”
Because you do.
Me,
The Universe
// December 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
Most people will find the following very hard to believe, China, but, there is nothing, ever, worth being unhappy about.
Because no matter what happens, it will add to you, you’ll still live forever, and our love affair will remain tabloid fodder in realms far, far away.
Thank you.
Earth rocks,
The Universe
// December 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
Just wanted to remind you, China, that sometimes success is better measured in smiles received, giggles heard, and hands held, than in dollars earned, deadlines met, and kilos shed.
And I must say, you’ve done well for yourself.
Yeah us!
The Universe
// December 15th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
Sometimes, China, it’s the ones you love the most who are the best at pushing your buttons.
Coincidence?
The Universe
// December 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
Surrender to the magic, China. That’s why it’s there. That’s why you’re there — to learn that there really are miracles and that they abound, as if on command, once you understand the truth about your reality and heritage.
Surrender, yet prepare.
Ask, yet expect.
You can do this. You’ve been doing it your entire life. Be swift and awaken to the truth, because for the new souls now watching, your successes will also be theirs.
It’s good to be you,
The Universe
// December 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
// December 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
We wish you a fantastic set of winter holidays, to be celebrated in your own special way. Enjoy family, free time and frivolity!
Much, much love
Clan Darrington
// December 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
My mom, Jan Sykes, and my daughter, Mia, enjoying a comical moment in the conservatory at Stan Hywet “Deck the Halls” festival.
// December 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // family, life the universe and everything, news, personal
Akron is home to many things: rubber, LeBron James, the Zips, DEVO… Stan Hywet:
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is Akron’s only National Historic Landmark and Save America’s Treasures project. It is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
It’s a wonderful place and I’ve spent many hours wandering the gardens, conservatory and house.
During the winter holidays Stan Hywet holds an event called “Deck the Halls” and it’s a beautiful display of lights and decorations. On Saturday, December 6, 2009 Clan Darrington went to the annual pilgrimage of the display:
// December 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // NftU
Accepting full responsibility for every little thing in your life, China, is what opens the floodgates to joy and power.
Or to what we here call “joypower.”
Every little thing,
The Universe
// December 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // magick, personal, spirit
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// December 6th, 2009 // No Comments » // life the universe and everything
// December 6th, 2009 // No Comments » // House-of-Chaos, Tiny House Projects
The Curse of the Evil Beige Paint
When I moved into the tiny House-of-Chaos in May 2009, the walls were painted with that cheap, beige paint that you can get for about $50 for 5 gallons. Ick. Ugh. Ooof.
It had to go, but to what? I know I have a lot of work in all areas of the house, so what to tackle first? One of my goals is to do all of the renovations out-of-pocket and not to gain any additional financing to support a remodel.
So I got an idea one day: The ugly gray paneling that was in the breezeway, well it extended into the dining area up to the chair-rail. What was behind that paneling?
The hole behind the paneling
Ah. There are holes behind that paneling, and water stains from where the roof leaked. Now that the roof has been replaced I’m not worried about water continuing to damage the walls, but I’m also not really into replacing all of the walls quite yet.
So I took the paneling off:
Removing the Paneling
Gave her a new coat of gray paint:
Cut in the windows with a sharp new white after sanding them down as best as I could:
Original Window Yuckiness
Installed new nickle-finish hardware on the window sashes and latches:
New LatchesInstalled new birch plywood project panels which I stained ebony with my magick molding stain (now expanded to just “magick stain” since we’ve extended past the molding):
And installed new molding for the chair-rail:
White composite chair-rail molding
and the baseboard:
To finish we stripped the extra paint from the registers and air intake vents and repainted them a satin black:
and ta-da! It now looks like this!
Dining Room - after
Dining Room - After
The whole set of images from the entire project can be viewed:
// December 6th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // House-of-Chaos, Tiny House Projects
We installed a new Simplex push-button lock onto the entry door from the breezeway. Nice. That way we don’t need to hustle with a key to get in. Just know the uber-secret pass-code and clicky-click you’re in!
This is what we ordered (but in nickle):
Simplex 7000
The Kaba Ilco Simplex 7108 Lock is Stylish, Compact, and adds the security that you are looking for. Because of it’s sleek body and wide variety of finishes, Simplex 7000 makes for the best residential push button lock that Kaba Ilco has to offer. Fully Mechanical with a rugged housing that is also weather-resistant. The dead-latching feature locks every time the door is closed, while the deadbolt lock is locked manually.
Features:
- Rugged all-metal construction is weather resistant, providing added strength and durability.
- Easy to maintain – no batteries to replace.
- Optional model features include spring latch and deadbolt.
- Easy Installation and Code Changing Instructions
and this is how it looks installed:
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