Full Moon Update for April 19, 2019 by Lena Stevens

The Full Moon Update for April 19, 2019 by Lena Stevens continues her tradition of providing useful and timely insights for those of you with an interest in astrology and shamanism.

You can read the full report on the The Power Path School of Shamanism website.

This Full Moon Update caught my attention today so I thought I would share it.

Full Moon Update for April 19, 2019 by Lena Stevens

Full Moon is Friday, April 19 at 5:12AM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

This is an intense full moon pushing us through our own birth canal into new truth, choice and action.

It is an important time to complete and put to rest anything that stands in the way of moving forward.

Take the time around this full moon to declutter and continue any projects that are in process of being completed.

The less you procrastinate the better. The less you worry about how others may judge you, the better. The less you blame others “out there” for the state of things, the better.

Stay in your own lane this weekend and try not to get rattled, overwhelmed and irritated.

Nature heals, so use the time to be in nature, feeding yourself with the energy of beauty, abundance and simplicity. It is an exciting time of many possibilities even though it maybe challenging to navigate.

Instead of being triggered by what is happening around you that you may not agree with, adopt the mantra “this too shall pass”. This is not about being passive by any means. It’s about being neutral but actively moving forward “in your own lane”.

Blessings,
Lena

You can read the full report on the The Power Path School of Shamanism website.

Courage & Serenity To Help Change The Things I Can No Longer Accept

God grant me

the courage & serenity

to help change the things

I can no longer accept.

God grant me the courage & serenity to help change the things I can no longer accept.

So many things need to be changed in our world as the 1%, having bought so many of our elected politicians as well as our civil servants, are driving our Western societies back in time to a New Feudalism.

How do we, who do not wish to become slaves and serfs again find the courage and strength to change the things about our societies that we can no longer accept?

Gangsters Are Running This World by Roger Taylor Caught My Attention Today

Gangsters Are Running This World by Roger Taylor of Queen caught my attention today as I was browsing music on YouTube. A timely song with insightful commentary about the state of our world given the slow, but steady, takeover of our world by the 1%.

Lyrics: Gangsters Are Running This World by Roger Taylor

There’s blood on the streets
Panic in the air
The markets are trading up
In madness and fear
As I lay on my bed
Mind’s trying to rest
There’s a whole heap of worry
Pushing down on my chest
Gangsters are running this world
You can shout but never be heard
Gangsters are running this world

We all need a reason
To be alive and wonder
The smell of the coffee and bread
The sound of the rain and the thunder
The mist in the frozen fields
The thrill of the race
The sweet pain of your first love lost
The sun on your face
(All the while)

Gangsters are running this world
We’re all just sheep in the herd
Gangsters are running this world

I wanna fly on the wings of love
I want the clean, fresh air in my face
I wanna tear down every border and wall
I wanna take part in the human race
I wanna fly on the wings of love
I wanna run down a path of hope
I wanna fly on the wings of love

Gangsters are running this world
You can shout but never be heard
Gangsters are running this world

(All the while)
Gangsters are running this world
Lyrics by Roger Taylor

Gangsters Are Running This World by Roger Stine caught my attention today

Roger Taylor

Roger Taylor playing drums

Roger Taylor is a singer, guitarist and drummer known for playing with legendary band Queen and for his work as a solo artist.

Born on July 26, 1949, in King’s Lynn, England, Roger Taylor would become a member of famed band Queen with lead singer Freddie Mercury, releasing major hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Under Pressure.”

Taylor embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums, and also formed group The Cross.

After Mercury’s death, he has continued to play with Queen and create new productions.

I Woke Up This Morning And I Was Above Ground

“I woke up this morning and I was above ground.” has been an ongoing response from me when someone asks me how I am doing and I may not be feeling very upbeat and positive.

I am not sure when I first heard this expression but I did post it to the blog on May 28, 2007.

I woke up this morning and I was above ground

But, of course, all things in our current lives begin when we wake up and we are above ground, and not dead and buried under ground.

Moreover, if we are not above ground my expression “Be practical and expect miracles if we just take the first step forward every day” becomes superfluous. Therefore I think that I need to reframe this expression. An attitude of gratitude would probably be more appropriate for me. what do you think?

With that idea in mind I began to search the web to see where the expression pops up and I came across Above Ground by Plies rapped by him with the line “I’m just happy I’m above ground”.

I am not a fan of rap but I can enjoy his lyrics.

Video: Above Ground by Plies

Lyrics: Above Ground by Plies

[Chorus]
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some may make it this time around
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some more got gunned down
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground

[Verse 1]
Thank god every day I wake up
For letting me see another 24
And I ain’t letting nobody stress me
I just dance for damn shows
And some people might make happy
I’m just happy I ain’t dead and gone
I’m just happy that I woke up
And my name ain’t called in a tombstone
I’m just thankful my freedom here
That I can see a see help me
I don’t care about all the bell for wussy
I’m just thankful for the selfish shit
I’m just happy I can still walk
I’m just happy I can still talk
I’m just happy that the judge thought look at me sitting my ass off
I’m just breathing this good air
You blessed bitch if you still here
Cuz someones who’s out here
The entire lash ain’t still here
Free all the ones who need freeing
Help all the ones in need
I ain’t let nobody steal my joy
Cuz I’m happy bitch that I can still breathe

[Chorus]
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some may make it this time around
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some more got gunned down
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground

[Verse 2]
I ain’t ever have bad days
Best never let the devil have his way
Them broke six figure
I’ma keep a smile on my face
Only caught up into bullshit
I hold a gasp into dumb shit
And please don’t call me
Telling me not somebody I had to say about
Because I ain’t interested
All my focus on is keep shining
Keep balling ad keep grinding
Ain’t word bout another dick
Cuz I’m too busy got to get mine
Ain’t I looking for no love
You can keep your thousands keep your hoes
I ain’t tryna keep it real with nobody
Out here we keep it real with us
Do you and I’ma do me
Cuz I am here where I gotta be
Cuz sometimes you can miss your blesses
When they right in front of you cuz you can’t see
I swear to god I got a plan b
I ain’t let nobody stopping me
I woke up this morning and was still above ground
So I’m winning bitch

[Chorus]
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some may make it this time around
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some more got gunned down
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some may make it this time around
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground
Some more got gunned down
I’m just happy I’m above ground
I’m just happy I’m above ground

Who is Plies?

I am not a big fan of rap and I have never heard Plies before, so I was curious above who this guy is. Here is the story I found on Wikipedia:

Algernod Lanier Washington (born July 1, 1976), better known by his stage name Plies, is an American hip hop recording artist.

He is the founder of Big Gates Records. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Washington was a wide receiver on the football team of Miami University in Ohio in 1996 and 1997 before he became a rapper.

After dropping out of college, he founded Big Gates with his stepbrother. Signed to Slip-n-Slide Records, from 2007 to 2008 he released three albums. Plies debuted in 2007 with The Real Testament with successful singles “Shawty” and “Hypnotized”.

Plies also released two albums in 2008, Definition of Real and Da REAList, and later released Goon Affiliated in 2010.

ALERT: Some risque language is present in this video.

Runnin’ Down A Dream by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is in my My Morning Kickstart Music List.

Runnin’ Down A Dream by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is in my My Morning Kickstart Music List.

The idea of ‘runnin’ down a dream that never would come to me” really catches my attention.

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

Lyrics – Runnin’ Down a Dream

It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was drivin’
The trees went by, me and Del were singin’
Little runaway, I was flyin’

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

Felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last three days the rain was unstoppable
And it was always cold, no sunshine

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

I rolled on, the sky grew dark
I put my pedal down to make some time
And there’s something good waitin’ down this road
And I’m picking up whatever is mine

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

Songwriters: TOM PETTY / JEFF LYNNE / MIKE CAMPBELL

Runnin’ Down a Dream lyrics © Emi April Music Inc., Gone Gator Music, Wild Gator Music, Emi Music Publishing France, EMI APRIL MUSIC INC

Runnin’ Down A Dream: Documentary by Peter Bogdanovich

Runnin’ Down a Dream is a 2007 documentary film about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, directed by Peter Bogdanovich and a wonderful look at the journey of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The 4-hour documentary chronicles the history of the band, from its inception as Mudcrutch, right up to the 30th-anniversary concert in Petty’s home town of Gainesville, Florida, on September 21, 2006, at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, University of Florida.

The film features interviews with George Harrison, Eddie Vedder, Stevie Nicks, Dave Grohl, Jeff Lynne, Rick Rubin, Johnny Depp, Jackson Browne and more. Petty’s solo career is also touched on, as is his time with The Traveling Wilburys.

Take a looksee at the review FILMReview: Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers written by Nick Schager.

April Snow Showers Bring May Flowers

April snow showers
Bring May flowers.

As you can see, things happen a little differently in Spring in Montreal, Quebec.

Today is Tuesday, April 9, 2019, and below you can see Quebec filmmaker Philippe Falardeau taking photos of snowflakes, during a snow shower, in Old Montreal.

Quebec filmmaker Philippe Falardeau takes pictures of a snow squall in Old Montreal on Tuesday.

This beautiful photo was taken by ALLEN MCINNIS for an article in the MONTREAL GAZETTE.

23 Signs and Symptoms of Clinical Depression

The word depression is tossed around so casually that it is often not heard when it needs to be. Clinical Depression can be life-threatening. Many people who suffer from clinical depression kill themselves.

Most of us feel sad, lonely, or down at times. It is how we often react to loss and the daily struggles of life. However, when these feelings become overwhelming, cause physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life.

23 signs and symptoms of clinical depression

Take a looksee at the following 23 signs and symptoms of clinical depression including:

  1. Insomnia
  2. Early-morning wakefulness
  3. Sleeping too much
  4. Fatigue
  5. Persistently feeling sad
  6. Persistently feeling anxious
  7. Persistently feeling “empty”
  8. Trouble concentrating
  9. Trouble remembering details
  10. Trouble making decisions
  11. Feelings of guilt
  12. Feelings of worthlessness
  13. Feelings of helplessness
  14. Feelings of Pessimism
  15. Feelings of hopelessness
  16. Irritability
  17. Restlessness
  18. Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
  19. Overeating
  20. appetite loss
  21. Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away
  22. Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment
  23. Suicidal thoughts

Clinical depression can creep up on us and weave itself into our lives without us being aware. It is insidious.

If parts of the above list resonate with you, or they appear to apply to a loved one or friend, reach out for help. There is help available. In Canada The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is a great place to begin.