Janet Boyer

For All You Do, Mom

Noah (our 13-yr-old for those who haven't had the pleasure of knowing him) just shoved a handful of rumpled bills in my hand. "I want to give this to you for all you do for me." He insisted despite my protests. He had tears in his eyes, all proud of himself. He gave me $15. Priceless. 

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

 

 

Teachers Bullying Autistic Student

You have GOT to see this. THIS is why I yanked my son out of pre-school...and have homeschooled him ever since. I was IN the room when a teacher yanked Noah's arm and shook him at age 5. I was helping other kids wash their hand across the room. Her eye caught mine and she LIED to my face...after I saw what she did. Unfortunately, this is apparently rampant...even in specialized schools.

You must watch this video. The tip of the bullying iceberg? When the teacher calls the child "a bastard". The kicker? They're still employed by the school district!

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

D is for Dad

Today is dedicated to the letter "D", brought to you by the Blogging from A-Z Challenge.

I can't believe it's been a month since Dad passed.

July 11, 1945 - March 3, 2012

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot,Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

My Color Blind Son

We were in Wal Mart.

Noah was about 7 years old at the time. He pointed at a cute little girl with rainbow beads all through her hair.

"Look, Mom! A pretty brown girl!", he exclaimed.

We don't have many people of color around us, you see.

"Yes!", I replied. "She IS very pretty!"

A few years later, Noah said, "I think I might marry a Chinese girl someday".

I replied, "That would be wonderful! As long as she treats you well and you love her, we'll love her, too."

I'm glad my son hasn't been exposed to the racism I grew up with, and that he is oblivious to "differences".

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot,Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Take Time to Smell the Tulips

Just took this pic of our orange tabby, Stewart. 

He's taking time out to smell the newly blossomed tulips.

Are you taking the time to smell the flowers?

-- Janet

When Death Happens, Do We Quit?

I buried my Dad two days ago.

This won’t be a memorial post...I’ll do that soon. :o)

But as I was chatting to a few people on Twitter and Facebook, I realized that I’ve received compassionate, wise advice repeated often:

Be gentle with yourself.

Take it easy.

Don’t overdo it.

Of course, this is especially wonderful advice to someone who normally runs on two speeds: Inertia…and “too much is never enough”. I tend to be “all or nothing” in my approach. 

As a quadruple Scorpio who has witnessed the death of three people, I’m no stranger to the deeper mysteries and scary things of life.

My first reaction leans towards extreme Hermit mode, wanting to cut off ties from “extraneous” people and “frivolous” pursuits. Then, Destroyer mode kicks in, and I want to scrap everything I’m working on and blow up every blog I run. 

But the flip side of the Destroyer is the Creator…arguably the strongest archetype at play in my psyche.

Then, the Sun dawns and I remember to NOT to create means to stagnate. Stagnation equals “not growing”. 

When you’re not growing, you die. That is, die before you’re dead.

My Dad wouldn’t be honored if I stagnate; it would be a form of soul-death.

Uprooting the tender shoots of planted ideas wouldn’t serve the living. Turning away from my gifts that vine their way through my writings wouldn’t serve me, either.

Yes, it’s conceivable that I, or anyone else, could “bury” themselves in work or other pursuits to “avoid feeling”. 

I know what that feels like. What it looks like.

I’m grateful for well-meaning friends and colleagues reminding me to be easy on myself.

And they’re right.

Yet, I’m discovering that “easy on myself” doesn’t mean quitting writing. 

Rather, it means to pay attention to what my soul wants (needs?) to communicate via words—even if only to myself in a private journal. To refuse to play the popularity game that so many writers get caught up in, especially with the admonition to “build your platform!” or “never go dark!” in social media efforts.

I remember the poets, essayists, and storytellers of old who communicated their soul without the help of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ or Klout. 

These ones told stories and captured the human condition for others to ponder because they were compelled to, not necessarily because they were ABLE to.

My Dad’s death reminded me of this important distinction: If I’m not writing or communicating from a deeply authentic place, then I’m just doing it because I can. And, even if I write well—and others agree—that doesn’t mean it’s fulfilling or meaningful.

I think we extroverts may get caught up in the “how am I driving?” social media and traffic metrics more than introverts, because we usually look outward for feedback—a sounding board to echo back our effectiveness and to help us refine what we feel, think and value. 

None of us know if we’ll be here 24 hours from now. Life is too short to do what deadens you.

Do what you love.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot,Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin

Homeschooling - What I Think I Do Meme

I homeschool our 13 year old, right? So I decided to make a HOMESCHOOLING meme. Yes, I really did make this (just now)!

Feel free to pass this along if you relate. ;o)

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot,Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin

No TV for 3 for 4 (Years)

This week marks four years that our little family of 3 members (well, 5 if you count the fur babies) have been without TV programming.

Invariably, when people find this out, we get asked two questions. I thought I'd share them here, as well as our answers.

Q: Where do you get your news?

A: Internet. On Twitter, I know the news faster than my Mom who has satellite TV.

Q: What do you do instead?

A: Read. Write stories/poems/books. Paint. Make art. Play video games. Watch DVDs. Digital graphics. Blog. Talk to one another. Enjoy our lovely backyard. Go to the park. Ride bikes. Try new recipes. Put on skits. Listen to music. Play games. Write letters to penpals and friends from all over the world.  Cuddle with the kitties. Build things. Swing on the glider. Sing. Dance. Exercise. Laugh...a lot.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Noah Sez - I Should Be Cat-Mind, Not Monkey-Mind

Our wise resident sage Mr. Noah just declared he should be cat-mind, not monkey-mind.

In Buddhism, the monkey mind describes the mental state of turmoil or racing thoughts. Noah, our 12-year old, is currently reading The Mindful Child by Susan K. Greeland. Although geared towards parents, teachers and caregivers, I asked Noah to read it for his own benefit.

Through mindfulness practices such as watching the breath and focusing on the present moment, Noah has benefited greatly in managing stressful thoughts and emotions. I taught him about the "monkey mind", and how it likes to squeal and yell--jumping from one thing to the next.

Apparently, my little lesson took root...because he just made the above comment about wanting a "cat-mind".

We often observe our cats, Neo and Stuart, and I point out how they have no worries of the future, nor do they beat themselves up for the past. They just ARE--and are enjoying every minute of their beingness!

So what kind of mind would YOU like today?

 
-- Janet (Mom to Noah--another Renaissance Soul Ablaze)

Noah Sez: Gift of Peace

As I was working on the computer, Noah just came over to me and gently laid his hand on my forehead. Immediately, the tension drained from my body. I felt so relaxed.

He could see it, too. He said "I guess I have the gift of peace. It's from Jesus Christ. He gave it to my DNA before birth."

His Dad has this gift, too. Utterly amazing to behold, and feel.

Noah picked the image for this edition of Noah Sez, as well. I asked him why this choice, and he replied: "Because it shows that the Earth is in Someone's hands...safe. Protected. Harmony."

-- Janet (Mom to Noah--another Renaissance Soul Ablaze)

Noah Sez - Connecting with God

I've been thinking about doing this for months.

Since our son, Noah, was a toddler, we've called him "little guru". He has taught us SO much...not only through his Autism (PDD-NOS) diagnosis, but also his rise about those challenges to become a thoughtful, compassionate, witty, articulate, wise and funny young man.

Noah is 12, and will be 13 in September. He comes up with such piercing insights, and incredibly hilarious zingers, demonstrating maturity way beyond his physical age. Some have called him an "old soul" (like his parents), in fact.

I often write down these wise and witty nuggets, and often Tweet them to my followers or share them with my Facebook friends. However, I've now come to the conclusion that my little guy's soul needs to be "out there", touching the world with his light, joy and sagacity.

So welcome to a regular new feature to my blog: Noah Sez!

Out of the blue, Noah just said (as he often does with no mitigating stimuli): "You don't have to set the alarm for church to connect to God. You can connect with God at a museum, in your house, at the market...anywhere.

Yeah, I know. Pretty heavy, huh?

I hope your enjoy our little man's wisdom as much as we do! Free free to comment on the Noah Sez posts, and I'll be sure to relay them to Noah. In fact, if you have any questions for him, you can send those along, too. He's quite intuitive. :o)

-- Janet (Mom to Noah--another Renaissance Soul Ablaze)

Go the F--k to Sleep Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson Free at Audible.com

Yes, folks, it's true: the highly anticipated bedtime story for adults now has the perfect, stellar narrator in Samuel L. Jackson. The hardcopy version of Go the Fuck to Sleep was released today.

Right now, though, Audible.com is offering a free download of this 6 minutes audio version, including the options to have it on Kindle, PC or mobile devices.

This offer is only good for a limited time, so hurry on over to this link to download your free copy.

And if your kiddo is keeping you up at night...go suck your thumb, pull the covers over your head and listen to this profane gem.

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Oatmeal Pecan Cookies

This is one of my all-time favorite oatmeal cookie recipes...and my husband Ron makes them the best! This picture was taken just minutes ago (so you KNOW what I'm chowing on right now). Enjoy!

Oatmeal Pecan Cookies

1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter flavored Crisco
¼ cup butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons half-and-half (or milk)
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
¼ cup chopped pecans

Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In mixer bowl beat shortening and butter for 30 seconds; add sugars and beat until fluffy. Add egg, half-and-half and vanilla; beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating until well combined. Stir in oats and pecans. Chill dough in refrigerator for 2 hours (or put in the freezer, covered, for 25 minutes). Form 1-inch balls. Dip tops of balls in additional granulated sugar, if desired. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 9-11 minutes.

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013).

Autism Touches

Well. Here I am. My first public post about Autism. And in April, Autism Awareness Month.

Sorry for the staccato opening there.

I'm in tears now, because I just showed my son video clips of Autistic spectrum behaviors from the Autism Speaks video glossary. All this was spawned when I read When Children with Autism Become Adults on the New York Times website.

Our Noah was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified...another term for We don't know how/why you're son is fucked up and, oh, by the way, there's no cure) when he was 3 years old. Come to think of it, it was right before 9/11. Shit, a Tower year, indeed (for you Tarot folks).

We, he, has come a very long way. In fact, the stinker just brought us both a cup  of coffee! *takes a sip* He's now entering adolescence. He's 12.5 and his voice is changing. When he laughs, it's so hearty, I call it the Adolescent Foghorn. (And we do laugh a lot around here. Now, anyway.)

I'm not going to give you a sob story or relate my ordeal. I have the T shirt (an anxiety disorder!) and I sure as hell don't want your pity. God forbid if I used Woundology (to use a phrase from Caroline Myss) to trade for your readership, support, friendship or patronage, right? (I'm kidding! Don't look so serious. Yes, I can see you through my magic crystal ball.)

So, anyway, just wanted to share that Autism touches lives in a very deep way. Sometimes, that touch can cause social ostracization, guilt, anxiety, depression or worse. Did you know, for example, that 1 out of 70 boys are diagnosed on the Autism spectrum? That's a fucking epidemic if I ever heard of one. More than Cancer, AIDS and Diabetes COMBINED, in fact.

I'm thankful Noah has come such a long way. He's articulate, bright, creative, hilarious, happy, optimistic, compassionate, helpful and diligent in his studies. Oh, yeah, I homeschool him. Forgot to mention that. When I witnessed a teacher shaking him in pre-school (I was across the room helping other children as a volunteer)--and then lied to my face when she caught me staring (she said he "fell")--I knew that my first instinct to homeschool any children I had was right.

We've endured the stares of people and other parents. The tsk tsk of uptight super-Moms and snotty restaurant patrons (and staff). Thank God all that is now over and we can now eat, shop and watch movies in public. And, thanks to the magic of modern medicine, I no longer have panic attacks, constant diarrhea and debilitating anxiety (thanks Lexapro!).

Unfortunately, there's no magic pill for Autism, though. (In fact just a little while ago, Noah asked me if there was a pill for it).

I have spiritual tools that have gotten me through Autism (click here to know one of my secrets). No wait. More than gotten me through. Empowered me to not see myself as a victim, but as a co-creator of my experience. As an opportunity to be a more expansive, patient, compassionate, strong, graceful, resourceful human being.

Am I perfect? Uh, no.

At home--as a wife and mother--I practically am. I recognize that (no, I'm not kidding on this one. It's what they tell me, too). But, that means my imperfection probably shows up more online. Attitude? In spades. Bluntness? I don't time for your bullshit. Honesty? Honey, after what I've been through, I don't have the time or patience to sugarcoat the truth or kiss your ass so you'll like me, buy my books, call me "sugar" or "cupcake" on Twitter, or let me into your special "town" or "guild".

You wanna block me on Twitter or call me a bitch? Go right ahead. That ain't nothing, homey. "fist bump"

So. Here we are. Thanks for staying with me this long, dear reader. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them, OK? I promise I don't bite. (Well...let's just say I won't bite commenters on my blog.)

To know more about Autism, including signs, visual symptoms, diagnosis, care, transition and resources, please visit Autism Speaks.

I'm beginning to think I'm the New Age Eminem...

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013).

White Chocolate Banana Cake

Wanting to whip me up something special for Mother’s Day last year (and inspired by a local restaurant's Italian Walnut Cake), Ron found this delicious recipe of White Chocolate Banana Cake. To call this dense cake scrumptious is an understatement! Although it takes a bit of work, it’s well-worth the effort…so if you’re looking for a special cake recipe for Mother’s Day, birthday, anniversary or family gathering, this is definitely one to put on the menu.

White Chocolate Banana Cake

½ cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
4 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate (melted and cooled)

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 packages (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups confectioners’ sugar
½ cup (or more!) finely chopped pecans, toasted

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in bananas and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in melted chocolate.

Pour into three greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing cake from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Spread between layers and over the top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with pecans. Store in refrigerator. Yields 12-16 servings.

Note: Ron and I LOVE toasted pecans, so we end up toasting a whole bag (about 2 cups) and sprinkle the nuts between layers, pat them around the sides and then on top. YUM!

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013).  

Ron's Pear Pie Recipe

He paints, he builds bookcases, he sculpts--and yes, folks, he even makes pies! Darn good ones, at that.

In fact, his Pear Pie that he made Saturday was the best pie I've ever had (I kid you not). It was so good, I asked him to write out the recipe so I could share it with you. Isn't he sweet?

PIE CRUST

4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 ¾ Cups Butter-flavored Crisco
1 Tablespoon Sugar
2 Teaspoons Salt
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
1 Egg
½ Cup Cold Water

Mix the flour, Crisco, sugar and salt with a fork until the mixture is fine crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the vinegar, egg and water. With a fork, combine wet and dry ingredients. Form a ball, and then chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

When it’s time to make the crust, separate the ball into quarters (fourths). Set aside 1 quarter for the top crust and another quarter for the bottom crust. Take another quarter and cut it in half, adding ½ to the top crust dough and the other ½ to the bottom crust dough (one quarter of the total dough will be extra). Lightly flour work surface and use a floured rolling pin to roll out the top and bottom crust. Do NOT knead the dough by hand. Use the extra quarter dough within several days or freeze.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 DEGREES

PIE FILLING

8 Cups Bartlett pears (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 Cup sugar (plus optional extra sugar for top crust)
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
1 Teaspoon vanilla
3-4 dashes of nutmeg
1/8 Cup finely crushed corn flakes (cereal)

In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced pears, vanilla and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add dry mixture to pears, mixing by hand. On top of the bottom piecrust, evenly sprinkle the finely crushed corn flakes. Gently pour pear filling into prepared pan. Place top crust over filling. With a knife, make a few slits in the top crust. If desired, sprinkle sugar evenly on top crust.

Place pie pan on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 F for 50 minutes.

Enjoy!

-- Janet

Ask Ron

As I've been sharing on my Facebook page and via Twitter, Ron has been painting The Fool card for our top-secret Tarot deck. Well, I'm pleased to report that he's just finished the last brush-stroke on The Fool! It looks fantastic, not to mention adorable and funny. *grin*

Some were curious about Ron's art process, including his studio and what music he listens to on his MP3 player. Well, this is your chance to Ask Ron about anything you want!

Michelle says: Tell Ron that your internet friends are very excited, and we love the work he's done so far on The Christmas Tarot (and that, a-hem, we are all still eagerly anticipating a *proper* and *original* Christmas Tarot), and that we are very happy to see his wife acting like a kid in a candy store and that he should keep her this happy by painting more cards. Oh, but also assure him that we know he works very hard at his day job and doesn't have much free time, but we appreciate every little bit of it that he can dedicate to creating Tarot cards. (Gee Janet, does Ron even know he has his own fan club amongst your friends?)

He does now, Michelle! *laughs* He's flattered! So Ron has agreed to answer everyone's questions.

From Laurra: Are you primarily a detail person or a big picture person. I'ma muse type...I get Ideas... I get big pictures... staying focused is my challenge... how do you do it on a project this big?

Michelle wants to know: As a matter of fact, I would LOVE to hear about the music he plays while he paints!!! And if he has any rituals to get "into" the right "mood" for painting, and what kind of paint he uses, and what kind of artistic education he had (formal vs self-taught), and what his studio looks like, and if there are any particular foods he eats while he works, and how he proposed...

Teehee! That's Ron's art studio at right. We bought the other side of our duplex a few years back, and Ron converted the other kitchen into an art studio. (Makes it very convenient for washing out brushes!) He made the wooden desk so it would be a custom fit.

Ron loves Alex Grey's Oversoul, so he has a huge signed print on the wall right in front of where he sits to paint.

He also custom built, and painted, the frame for Oversoul.

So feel free to add your questions in the comment section below and I'll be sure to interview Ron within the next few weeks, answering all the queries already shared, as well as whatever stuff you'd like to know.

While he can't answer specifics about the Tarot deck (in terms of theme and actual card depictions), he will definitely answer your questions about painting, art, Tarot, collaborating on a deck, favorite movies, hobbies, his day job and so on.

Thanks for your interest, everyone...and let the interrogation (er, questioning) begin!

-- Janet

 

On Marriage and Wedding Anniversaries

Last Saturday, we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. My husband is a kind, gentle, intelligent, artistic, soulful, wise, hard-working guy who is also a fantastic father to our 11-year-old son.

Rather than spending the day out and about (our favorite way to celebrate usually involves going out to lunch, seeing a movie and doing some shopping--with our son in tow), we spent the weekend laying around.

Unfortunately, Ron and I were under the weather all weekend--sinus trouble, low-grade fever, allergy symptoms, headaches, etc.

Blech.

But he and I have been through enough together that having a seemingly "ruined" day (as many would deem it) is just a part of life. After all, a marriage isn't about a particular day. In fact, it's more about what you do the other 364 days of the year that makes a marriage (or doesn't).

I was chatting with one of my Tarot Classroom students in our Forum and she, too, was to celebrate her wedding anniversary around the same time as ours--two days later, I believe. Even more unfortunate for her, she spent her very firstwedding anniversary helping her husband recovering from back surgery. The poor dear has been his rock and support for many months now as she's dealt with his recurring back pain, so their first year hasn't been very newlyweddish, if you get my drift.

As we were almost-jokingly comparing our anniversary tragedies (one thing I've learned in life: you MUST retain a sense of humor and not remain attached to permanence...because it doesn't exist. Expectation is futile. Yeah, you can quote me on that.) 

I then recalled a more somber wedding anniversary.

With my first husband, John, we had to rush him to the ER two days before our 6th wedding anniversary. He was experiencing light-headedness and had been pale for a few weeks. We thought it was the overbearing heat in our non-air conditioned trailer that we lived in while pastoring a local church.

The day of our anniversary, he was diagnosed with leukemia (AML). Two days later, in the hospital, he fell in the shower, busting his face on the toilet--shattering all his front (perfect) teeth. The kicker? He was a professional trumpet player/musician. Music, along with words, was his main "voice" for ministry.

We spent our 7th anniversary on his death bed, the pulmonologist extracting a gallon of fluid from one lung. He died a month later.

The point? Marriage, and anniversaries, aren't about a date, it's about what happens the other 364 days of the year.

As I said to my inspirational Tarot student and friend, she is a fantastic wife in the midst of extraordinary challenge and that is to be commended.

So for all of you out there that are facing challenges with a partner--job loss, disability, illness, separation or financial difficulty--remember that celebrating an anniversary or special date isn't what really matters in a relationship.

The true hallmark of enduring love is that you are there--the other 364 days of the year.

-- Janet

Test Post

Test post

Download Court Card Class