This Endless Family
Uncle Bertie is a bit eccentric, a world traveler and collector of odd artifacts. Very odd. That racoon sculpture in the bell jar comes from a place called Maple Junction, an isolated village in our very own Appalachin Mountains. Bertie loves remote spots and knows how to find them.
He's an Aquarius, Taurus Rising, and Mars in Sagittarius. Not the neatest pin. He does have a Mercury/Saturn aspect, though, and his work is very organized.
Never married, preferring the free life of the bachelor, Uncle Bertie has adopted many of his nieces and nephews who adore him and gather round all the time to hear his colorful stories of his vast travels. They seem to gather even more color as time goes on, keeping the younger ones shrieking and squealing. He's very funny. Does outstanding animal imitations.
Bertie's Taurus Rising has kicked in and he's hard to budge lately, taking it easy and organizing the logs of his journeys. He's been writing excellent articles for various periodicals on many subjects, so he is happily occupied as usual.
He's a great conversationalist. A delight at dinner.
posted by jm at 3:20 AM
52 Comments:
kj, a bath sounds like an excellent idea...I tried editing a manuscript in the bath the other day and it didn't work too well, bu I like the idea -- which was to be in a warm kind nurturing place while trying to slash and burn -- I tend to be too harsh a cutter and get discouraged in the editing phase.
Juju, I've been deep into learning on this one. Editing is a fine fine art and I'm just beginning to understand it. It makes all the difference in the world.
I tend to be too harsh a cutter and get discouraged in the editing phase.
I think this is exactly where harshness is required. When it first comes out there is no sensible control . That's the fun. But to be a great piece is has to be edited diligently and mercilessly. Deleting paramount.
I'm involved in a editing of my entire 40 year body of work. Daunting but revealing. Saying just enough. I'm learning about letting go.
Writing on this blog has been one of the most illuminating experiences I've had. I've always written but never edited. As soon as started doing it I realized what an education I was about to get and how it would spill over into my music and my songs. I've always been sparse in my musical arrangements but now I'm spacing the notes differently, I think because of the editing here.
I find a lack of excessive emotion and sentimentality come into the editing process. The begging and whining have a tendency to go and I feel like saying it directly and to the point. Sometimes I'm amused at how juvenile some of it is.
I worship great writers. Short stories, as you know.
Oh, kj, it's been glorious fun. A new thing and all.
The hardest part is deleting songs entirely from the repertoire but I'm afraid courage and good sense will require this surgery.
jm, I think you are right about cutting. But I often have a tendency to kill the energy of my writing when I cut. Or I rewrite so often that it loses its texture. Or maybe its just some critical part of me that is almost never happy with what I do. Anyhow, while in a way I love editing, I'm always frightened that in the end I'll have killed my pleasure (this not true in non-fiction writing). On the other hand, I've been exposed to so many writers who believe "first thought best thought" and don't care if it really isn't much of a thought at all.
kj, I am astounded. This is the greatest question known to man! I've been working on exactly this.
Is there an overall theme for an evening? Or do you choose as you go along?
I've been choosing as I go according to the mood of the moment, but I am toying with the idea of changing this and having a more planned performance. Big big adjustment and it scares me since I hate structure and restriction.
The decision is whether to be simply a musician, ending up in the background, very easy, or to make a more theatrical event out of it which is a hard challenge for me. A legitimate show. I even want to incorporate some comedy and commentary ideally.
A great one woman show would be wonderful covering the whole spectrum of experience.
This is very interesting juju. I think everyone is unique in how they come to the best technique for making the statement.
Or I rewrite so often that it loses its texture
This could be a problem. Knowing when to stop and leave some imperfection. Very very difficult.
What is so interesting is your Moon in Capricorn. The Moon is our emotional and release and in Capricorn it goes through the structure and critical process naturally. So some spontaneity is lacking anyway by the time the feelings find ground.
Even in the energetic beginning the Capricorn is watching and judging waiting for the chance to make it perfect.
So leaving just a little looseness, not enough to freak the Cap, is the challenge. Your Libra rising can balance this successfully. Important to be the judge yourself. Very important.
I find that even in your posts here, I enjoy following them tremendously. When I see your name, I know it will be good. I don't struggle like I do with so many people's verbiage.
This spells out exactly what I love about editing as well. Its detachment
Oh I love this part!
To me that's the greatest gift a writer can give me. Flow. To make it easy for me to follow. Full of pleasure. Making me want it to go on and on.
Same experience exactly kj. I haven't been to the site yet, but I know it will be good.
The tide is turning and this last Full Moon was the crisis point.
Of course you should go. We talked about this the other day and I know you have something great to contribute. The time is finally coming. And it's going to last for a long while.
Next year is going to exciting politically. I've felt thet way for some time now. One of the most exciting political times I've seen in our country.
stay away from places that will bite me in the long run.
Me too. Go where our allies are.
Thank you jm. Your comments are really helpful. I think right now, in this new project, my challenge is to really balance the Cap with the Libra -- and since it feels like Cap dominates the process I'm trying to be a little looser or at least a little more tolerant of myself.
Funny, the question about feeling vs planning in your music, I first thought of in terms of your blog. How you select the pictures and topics. It feels spontaneous, and one never knows what each image or writing you do will open up in the rest of us.
He's going to be our next Pres so you might as well get with it and enjoy the ride. After the midterms, the march will start.
BTW, thank you for Uncle Bertie. I've always wished I'd had a little more Uncle Bertie in me. He seems so contented and organized in spite of a bit of untidiness. And so warmhearted. Actually I know someone like him, and just saw him recently -- it always feels good. Maybe I'll adopt him as my secret Uncle.
Can you say anything about the new project juju? I'll fully understand if not, but I sure am curious.
It feels spontaneous, and one never knows what each image or writing you do will open up in the rest of us.
What a beautiful statement. And fascinating since I've been looking at the difference between just creating and posting on the spot, or writing ahead. I think both work. Big dilemma, but I might have just answered my question about performance.
The biggest lesson I'm learning is to realize I have no control over the audience response. The image that opens up. This is actually a good thing when recognized. The surprise element. The success or failure in reaching the soul of the audience should in no way ever stop the process of expression. That's where the detachment really comes in. And naturally the more immersed I am in the release, the better the reponse. It's so simple.
Oh juju! I'm so glad you like Uncle Bertie. He makes me happy like no other.
I've always wished I'd had a little more Uncle Bertie in me. He seems so contented and organized in spite of a bit of untidiness. And so warmhearted. Actually I know someone like him, and just saw him recently -- it always feels good. Maybe I'll adopt him as my secret Uncle.
So beautifully, beautifully said. How I love writers.
I think that's wise not to post, kj. Just follow the action.
My Saturn return in Leo in the 5th house is exact right now and the lesson is coming home.
Once the part of the self is expressed there should be no snatching it back to rework even further, or to try and influence the audience to make them like it more. The act of release is the ecstasy.
The freedom from manipulating the response is the greatest joy on earth. When you've truly done it for it.
Don't worry, kj. I almost posted there myself today! But I caught it quickly.
But no big deal if you do. Really. Enough talk. Do it or don't.
jm, thanks for asking about my project. I guess its a little novella, kind of experimental. I've got some plot, and a bunch of words, most of which will be cut, and then I'll have to add a bunch more. For the moment, I'm doing that superstitious writer thing of keeping quiet about it to try to guard the energy.
Speaking of energies, feels like a lot of different ones here today. Funny that Uncle Bertie would bring this situation on...
Speaking of energies, feels like a lot of different ones here today. Funny that Uncle Bertie would bring this situation on...
Very interesting comment. Any chance of further explanation? I value your insight.
Today its all misty and mysterious and I'm up in the snow and clouds and pines. I wanted to ask an astrological question -- I've been having various troubling (though hopefully not too terrible) issues with house and health. A friend just told me these were second house things -- and to look at my second house transits. So I found in my birth chart I've got Neptune in Libra in the second house and Saturn in Scorpio in the second house. And it looks like at the moment Mercury and Jupiter are transiting the second house. But I don't know what this means -- or if second house is really the place to look. And could you tell me the name of the astrology book you suggested again. Many thanks. We seem to need your guidance today -- maybe your inner Uncle Bertie...
Also interesting about Uncle Bertie. I decided at the last minute to create this one in the midst of big questions. A lot of chaos is around, confused emotions and I decide to continue on my path, relatively unchanged.
There's more to it, though.
Bertie is that to me. His own man, content with himself, not given to agonizing self analysis, but appreciating life as it is.
Today its all misty and mysterious and I'm up in the snow and clouds and pines.
Oooooh.
I need my guidance today!!
This last Full Moon was a crisis for the collective and a turning point. The Aries Moon was the surgical lance and poisons are now going to drain. Many people are having health problems.
There is a lot to look at, and the natal configuration is where to start. Mars in the 6th is a lot of minor health problems as you go, often inflammation, maybe colds, sudden intense things, and issues in the lymphatic system with Pisces. The Mars works out aggression this way and it's usually benign. Anger at the self.
Work, routine, overdoing, etc. are ongoing problems. Diet, and losing energy by doing too much for others, causing health disturbances. Sometime a minor adjustment works temporarily.
People with Mars in the 6th like to motivate themselves workwise, on their own schedule.
The house problems are an ongoing thing with Moon in Capricorn there and a search for a solid stable base of operations. Enough money to have the kind of home you want, and sometimes Capricorn likes expensive things.
Moon in the 4th makes your home extremely important. The only thing happening now is all the Libra squaring it and this is temporary.
The other thing is the Saturn ruler in Scorpio in the 2nd bringing money and value into it, Jupiter is headed there now. So the question of whether the expenses are worth it might come up. This will go on until the end of Nov.
There is also energy pulling you away from the house and Moon in the 4th doesn't like this. Has to be for now.
There will probably be a more reclusive time in your life coming up when you can master your writing craft. Fairly soon.
Don't get into trouble kj!
Thank you so much for all that information jm. I'm in a house I love, but it has turned into such a huge and of course expensive project. Which it wasn't meant to be. But I do hope I find that writing time you mentioned - that was my whole intention in getting this house in the first place, was to have a place to write that I loved.
And kj. No mistake. very significant that the blog is back.
I have a part-time job. And a 10 year old son. And the house which is a huge time cruncher. But I think I could make more time to write than I do. I feel like I'm beginning to pick up steam again and get more writing done.
kj, Do you have a writing schedule or regular practice?
I think you have it(home) and I believe the expense is worth it, juju.
Getting it all squared away now is wise so you can work with no distraction.
Next year Saturn will be in a reclusive place in your chart for 2 1/2 years, then on to a new phase of your life altogether.
In 2 years Pluto will enter your 4th for years of digging deep into your home.
So all of this is a prelude.
You are talented and we often come to these crossroads. You owe it to yourself and your gift to do everything you can to accomodate it. There's an element of crisis when the depth of the desire becomes apparent and we really have no choice.
Not that many are truly gifted, so I'm hoping here.
My favorite fiction writers have soothed me more than anything I can think of. In ways, they are my best friends.
Plus, you have the potential for worldly success. The ruler of your 5th house of creativity is in your 10th house of recognition and success. There you have it!
I have this one too, so let's go!
I feel like I'm beginning to pick up steam again and get more writing done.
This I can promise. You can use your Cap Moon patience to clear the path now even if it takes a little more time than you'd like.
After Jupiter moves on in November, you'll know better about the house. Then a year after that Jupiter will go into your 4th. That's when I found my perfect place to work. So either this one will straighten itself out, or the right one will come.
Hey jm, yes, lets go!
"Next year is going to exciting politically. I've felt thet way for some time now. One of the most exciting political times I've seen in our country." And lets hope the country is going to go with us. I do feel as if I'm setting some groundwork for the future -- and I'm pleased you confirmed that.
And kj, just the idea of your early morning reveries is inspiring, though I'm too often startled into action by the alarm and trying to rush my sleepy kid off to school. But for a while again I was writing down my dreams -- got to get back to that again.
Along with the political fresh air, which I think is going to be very surprising to many, I think a better climate for the arts will be included.
I do feel as if I'm setting some groundwork for the future
I feel exactly this which is why I'm waiting a minute to make my big move.
Watch out world when I do!
And thanks kj for the thoughts on metaphor or theme. In the early stages of this project I've got some themes going -- what I have to figure now is dialogues between people and getting the tone right, and the tone of the whole novel(la) I guess -- as written its kind of serious, but there's a kind of humor I'm drawn to that I think I haven't quite let have voice. t this dialogue here has made me think about tone...
Tone is so important.
And yes. I've been giving a lot of thought to the central theme issue. Would like to explore as we go with your experience kj.
I feel like this country now is like a rising beast. I haven't experienced an election like this. There is a unity that is unique in wanted to rid ourselves of this pestilence.
As the energy mounts I think we can all ride it in a personal way to get ourselves to new level. I just got a call about voting and got goose bumps. So much for my detachment!
JM, do you go into a sort of altered state when performing?
Sometimes. Heheh.
I've often wondered it that's what performers feel. That sense.
Yes. I go on complete automatic pilot when it really happens and the rhythm becomes more perfect than I could have imagined. It's when I've stopped interfering. It carries me. I live for these precious moments.
a state that felt like grace or something
That's exactly what it is.
It's my lifetime dream, that show, kj.
{{{{{{kj!}}}}}}
I second the emotion...
and I too have found performing transforming
though I still have terrible stage fright beforehand
Same thing. My husband and I were in an outdoor amphitheater one night completely alone. I took the stage and recited a monologue to the universe. And him, the genius, of course. I was transported. He never stopped talking about that moment the rest of his life.
Neither of us could remember anything I said. It was the spirit flying. It was off the top of my head. Oh what a night!
I think almost everyone has stage fright. That's part of the thrill.
I mean I too want to support you jm in your great career!!
Fear is such an amazingly complex emotion. We crave it. Best to use it to our advantage.
I'm off to dinner. Thank you both for a wonderful evening of conversation...
OH MY GOD!!!!! I'm going to make it! I just got it and I know.
Oh my god!
From a Leo too! Oh oh oh.
Juju. Thank you so much for popping in! What pure joy.
don't know much in general, kj!
You mean about the spirit?
It was something that came out of my chest, while I was walking on the stage, and completely overtook me. I was a creature I didn't recognize although I felt like a tiny, not young lady as the actress.
It stopped my hus in his tracks. he was way up on the top and my voice carried up to him trasporting him.
It was the Thespian of the Ages that came to me and this is entity that I need for the performance I visualize. Since then, I know it's real. Oh it was incredible! My first encounter with total self confidence.
All that I see in performance around me is absolute child's play compared to what I experienced that night. Music, acting, all of it is not connected with the rhythms of life.
I realize I am an impossible idealist, but what can I do? I will never stop seeking this theatrical connection to the universe. I'm a player too.
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