Thursday, May 17, 2012

Me, the Libra.

I am not a believer in astrology, but every now and then, I get asked what sign I am.  When I mention, Libra, the response is generally a positive one, but I get a little side eye, so I did a little homework on what the Libra represents.  I must say, I was a little amazed at what I found out about my astrological self.
The Libra is a positive sign representing the Goddess of Justice.  I am pretty JUST! The traits of the Libra are dominant, active, yang (meaning masculine) and are focused on others and how they relate to them. I agree so far, except for the masculine part. Next, the Libra is a partnership sign, with a capital P, because Libras do not want be alone. For the Libra, everything is done right, if its done as a pair. Libras are good when paired up, too, since they epitomize balance, harmony and a sense of fair play. While they are true team players at work, their favorite partnership is at home: marriage and relationships. Libras feel most complete when they are coupled up with their lover, forever. Right again!  The Libra is cultured, refined and love beautiful things. Check! 
Libras like to put their mind to good use, and enjoy communicating their thoughts to others. They like to use their smarts (and talk) to get to know others better -- yes, knowledge about people is where it's at for Libras. You can expect the Scales to make a fair argument, too, since they live by the principles of diplomacy and compromise. When this approach doesn't work, however, Libras are not above using their persuasive charms to get their way.  Manipulative?  Nah, Libras really are too nice for that. WOW! So, right!  Especially right about the charming part…
Then I became more curious and needed to know what astrology says is the negative side of the Libra and it was pretty accurate too.  One trait that many people may not find very appealing is the Libra’s distaste for dirty work and manual labor. Some may perceive this as laziness, and in some ways it may be just that. They prefer the type of job that will confine them to a desk, but they also have problems taking ideas they develop and putting them into play. While they are very creative and could be very ambitious, they really don’t know how to put new-found ideas into play. Part of this may be due to their insecurity about their own abilities. Sad, but true!  And then I read this….
Male and female Libras have materialistic natures but at the same time, they will fight to the end for a cause in which they believe. However, they crave attention and constantly need to hear praise. Indeed, they don’t take criticism well, but many people are in the same situation. It is not necessary a negative thing to wish to hear praise; it is however, something that the Libra must learn will not occur as often as he or she would like. Those who are in contact with these people on a regular basis will learn quickly how much they crave to be accepted and to know they are appreciated.  
So if what I read is accurate. The Libra, ME, is prone to jealousy, is sensitive, fair, harmonious, and vain. The Libra is nice people and cares very deeply about their friends and loved ones. If you bring them into a room full of tension, they will quickly make everyone feel at ease. The key is to work with the positive traits and downplay the negative ones.   So for those of you who know me, watch out, it sounds like I have an identity crisis!  J


Thursday, May 3, 2012

Someone I loved...died.


I googled her name today and only one search for her appeared.  Only a simple archived obituary with only 18 entries of comments from our family and friends was left of her for the world to see.  I searched through almost 6 pages of content searching feverishly for a glimpse of her past. Surely there was information on her dreams, a paragraph on her wishes, footnotes on beliefs or things she touched, aromas she smelled throughout her life, something, anything, but there was nothing.  Only a simple, short obituary.  Had her life been reduced to a simple name, age, city, 5 lines of family and where her final resting place would be? 
Then I began to recollect that she wanted to be a dancer in her youth, she was working on a book, she loved old western movies, she drove her car with 2 feet (one on the gas and the other on the brake), she loved to sing (even though she couldn't), she kept a journal, she loved coffee (two sugars and one cream), she kept a prayer in her wallet for God to protect her money, she had a green thumb and her plants flourished under her care, she collected antique blue and white china tea sets and she lived her life vicariously through every one of her seven children.  
A few years before she passed away, we discussed what she wanted for her life and she didn't selfishly ask for anything for herself, but she wanted me to live my life to its fullest, not build on empty promises and leave a legacy I could be proud of.  She wanted me to be ready for the day I take my last breath and then take the next breath in eternity.  Suddenly as I combed through the Internet looking for pieces of my mother, she was in the fiber of my memories.  My mother planted seeds of morals and self-worth, things that I could take with me as I aged and raised my own family.   I never thanked her for that.  I never told her that she was my hero and my definition of Mothers Day, fighting off the boogieman in my closet in my youth and my feelings of inadequacy as an adult.  I can only hope she knows how proud I was of her as she fought cancer all while fighting back the tears so we wouldn't see her cry.  Someone I loved, died.  And although there is no google search that defines who she was to me and my family, we miss her. Terribly.



PHYLLIS RIDDICK
AGE: 61 LAKEWOOD
Phyllis Riddick, 61, of Lakewood, passed Saturday, Sept. 13. She was born to the late Kathleen and George Hall.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, the Rev. Gerald R. Riddick; seven children, Todd, Gerald and his wife Gaynelle, Veronica and her husband Mustafa, Lisa and her husband Eric, Denice and her husband Ron Sr., Catherine and Keith; 15 grandchildren, Marquette, Sequoia, Christina, Charmell, Crystin, Courtney, Atiya, Sydney, Aliya, Michael Jr., Ronald Jr., Akiya, Eric II, Keith Jr., and Kelsey; a great-grandchild, Kyionna; her mother-in-law, Ardieth; a sister-in-law, Hope and her husband Bobby; and friends.
The viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bagwell Funeral Home, 131 S. Broad St., Penns Grove. Another viewing will be from 9 a.m. Friday until the funeral service at 10 a.m. at Sixth Street Baptist Church, Lakewood. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Salem.