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Lesbian Dating, Relationships, and Sexy Encounters
Mystical Mistress's Palace...
 
Welcome to my Palace...and allowing me to share a glimpse into my life, my thoughts...my dreams and the once in a blue moon rant/rave.
Thank you for stopping by...and saying HI!
I hope you'll come visit often...maybe follow my adventure as I move from AZ to CA....or just share a thought or a joke or ???
Your's truly the ~~ MYSTICAL MISTRESS OF MUCH NONSENSE...BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...
~~ Slide ~~
Keywords | Title View | Refer to a Friend |
California dreaming.....
Posted:Mar 12, 2006 1:46 pm
Last Updated:Mar 15, 2006 3:22 pm
8370 Views
California...here I come.
<<~~Here's the door that opened when the other one closed...and behind it is a new life.

Slide is moving to Riverside, Ca. as soon as a few details are worked out. It does have a lot to do with Jefe...but it also has a lot to do with my and my wanting to be closer to them.


Some of you may already know...and to some of you this is new "NEWS"....Jefe and I are in love...however we both know and realize it's all still very new and we are aware that we are moving rather fast...but we both know from experience the hard way...that life is very, very short.

We've both lost significant others to an early death...one to cancer and one to a motorcycle accident. Both of these special souls we cared and loved were in their early 30's...and it was many years we both grieved for their loss. Mine, was close to 4 years before I was able to be "ok" with it.

I'm hoping/planning on going out next week and will stay either until I find a new job, then come home and pack up and move or..will stay until May 1st...if I don't find one by then and then come home and pack up...and move.

My grand daughters birthday is the 23rd of April and his is the 28th...so I want to be there for that and was originally planning on just going then.

However, we decided it made more sense to come out now so that my job search and/or interviews and so forth would be easier, plus I can't afford to just fly out for 1 or 2 interviews back and forth. It will also give us time to build the relationship...and determine if I move straight in with him or get a place of my own...until we are ready to live together.

My is ecstatic...she screamed with happiness that her momma was gonna be closer.

I'm anxious to get this show on the road...start and build a new life with Jefe and of course be closer to my and grand (-in-law too).

Moving to California is going to have it's up's and down's and won't be easy. I have a lot of things I need to do and things to consider, like whether to rent out my house and let my brother be in charge of all that...deciding what to take out there and so forth.

Jefe will of course do what he can and will come and assist with the last leg of things...so, between the 2 of us...as long as we stay focused and continue to nurture and build this relationship...I don't see or feel there will be many obstacles in the way.

Anyway...that's the newest scoop goin on with me.


Have any of you ever relocated to start new with someone you've met and fallin in love with via the internet?

How did it turn out?

Are you still together?

What sorts of problems did you run into during the big move?

Any advice?

4 Comments
My nominations for the Blog Awards.........BLOGMIES!! are:
Posted:Mar 12, 2006 11:56 am
Last Updated:Mar 14, 2006 5:36 pm
8516 Views
My nominations for the Blog Awards.........BLOGMIES!! are:

Funniest (Male) bulging_boybulging_boy

Funniest (Female) [blog DaphneR] DaphneR

Best Pictures (Male) Sorceror07 Sorceror07

Best Pictures (Female) tillerbabe tillerbabe

Most Thought-Provoking (Male) [blog citizen_five] citizen_five

Most Thought-Provoking (Female) [blog 1hotwahine] 1hotwahine

Most Erotic (Male) [blog baza1965]


Most Erotic (Female) tillerbabe tillerbabe

Best Written (Male) [blog docdirk] docdirk

Best Written (Female) [blog sj365] sj365

Best Overall (Male) [blog citizen_five] citizen_five

Best Overall (Female) duststormdiva


Good luck to you all...

Hall of Fame nominations are:
[blog travelingintexas] travelingintexas
kyplowboy22 kyplowboy22
[blog mzhunyhole] mzhunyhole
[blog saintlianna] saintlianna

5 Comments
Think about this....
Posted:Mar 8, 2006 12:31 am
Last Updated:Mar 14, 2006 8:01 am
8581 Views
Are Dreams Really Impossible ~~ [post 260533] ~~ [post 257481]

These 3 posts are awesome in their own ways and there is a very deep and powerful message they convey...or at least I felt it and see it.

I hope you will too.

6 Comments
Keeper of my heart....
Posted:Mar 7, 2006 5:29 pm
Last Updated:Mar 14, 2006 8:01 am
8703 Views
I am full of emotion as the keeper of my heart had to go home this morning.

By yesterday, we were already missing each other...knowing that when this morning came he flys home and I go back to bed and nuzzle the pillow he slept on to breathe in his scent.

He's arrived home safe and sound...but I wish he was still here.

I would like to share some of what went on...but the rest is sacred/private....as it should be.

I won't keep you in suspense. Everything I hoped for proved to be correct. Yes, I cried when he left.

His plane was about a half hour late due to landing gear concerns out of Phoenix to Tucson. There wasn't a bit of uncertainty...and it felt as if we had known and been together for a long time. Natural.

On the way home from the airport I wanted to show him the RV center where I used to work and so we drove thru the resort and I mentioned that they have a pretty good restaurant...since he's in that field. He was hungry and so was I so we went ahead and had lunch there....shortly after we ordered...I had a devious little thought run thru my mind...and said "hmmm, I wonder if I can get an employee discount"....and we laughed pretty good over that one. It was great.

Then after we ate I wanted to show him just how big the dealership was, but they were having one of their annual events and the drive was blocked so we couldn't actually drive thru. No biggie, but the rent a cop was nice...and batting my baby blue's at him didn't work. Oh well.

Ok, so we get home...and both of us had been either up and awake all night or just awake...sorta like that Disneyland commercial where the little are sitting in the bedroom and the little boy says... he's too excited to sleep. So we take a nap...clothes still ON. Minds out of the gutter...you naughty pervs.

I had forgotten last week when we made plans for him to come that this weekend was the first of the month and that I always attend my Buddhist world peace prayer meeting...which he went to with me...and that was very cool that he did. I was honored that he did.

I recieved an email from one of my Buddhist friends last night and she says... "Ok, who was that gorgeous man you brought to Ko-Fu Gongyo??? Hope it works out for you!!! He's cute! lol.. good ol Lilly Rose...she doesn't miss a thing.

Sunday...we went to my Mom's...because earlier in the week when I told her he was coming...she freaked out...well, actually freaked out is a little overboard...but she was freaked a little.

Course, she's 72 years old...and romance/relationships born and fostered via the internet isn't something she really understands. However, she did email me after I told her, that she would try to be open minded about it. Anyway, he met mom and her boyfriend...Fred. It was a really good visit...she really loosened up and I could see she felt comfortable. Plus he made her laugh and they "high fived"...lol. So, he passed the mom test.

When we got home Sunday evening after dinner, there was a chat invite so I "Cam'd the fuck up"...lol... and he and I chatted a bit with a few of my favorite bloggers..my chosen blogland family...and that was a whole lot of fun, lot's of laughs...so they got to see him/me together. **Minds out of the gutter...you naughty pervs** No "webcam show"...lol.

Yesterday...he met my brother. First words out of his mouth were "your a tall sucker ain't ya" or something to that effect...lol. He is too...lol. Ok... so now he's passed the mom test and the brother test. Last one to go was the best friend test and so we went to my friend Robins. No problem, he passed with flying colors.

We laughed a lot...talked a lot...had a great dinner last night that he made...and what lies ahead only the universe knows...but as far as I'm concerned...he's a keeper...and I'm ready, willing and able to follow the path that I hope leads us to the same place.

Maybe this is the path to the door that is suppose to open when the last door closed?


You are amazing...and I am missing you.XXXXXXX
12 Comments
Working the RED carpet......Blogland style.
Posted:Mar 7, 2006 3:50 pm
Last Updated:Mar 10, 2006 12:09 pm
8687 Views
I've been out of the "hood" of Blogland now for the past several days....and so I'm just now catching up on all the blogs.

I think this is a fantastic idea... [post 257540] and also ( [post 259780] ~~ [post 261105] ).

Inspired by [blog Kaliedascope61] Kaliedascope61 [post 240514] and also, please check [post 261467]

I'm in total support of what [blog citizen_five] you citizen_five are doing and of your character.....and I fully understand the intent behind it. I encourage anyone and everyone who feels the same to participate. At least, before someone decides to spew negativity and spoil the spirit, I hope they will go and check out his blog and read his post's...and the comments.

Personally, I think it's a fucking shame that people do not recognize the fun of it, and the opportunity to point out other blogs. It isn't about the most popular bloggers....it's about the BLOGS.

Fuck the most popular list... I don't read blogs based on the "list". I read "posts" that catch my attention....then I read other post's with in that persons blog...and if I really like what I've read for whatever reason it touched me...then they get put on my "list".

5'r...is a true and genuine person. He has shared with us here in Blogland his heart and soul. I like 5 speed, always have and always will. He speaks from every ounce of his being. All of us who have known him...know he is far from being fake. Personally, I don't think he know's how to be "fake" in the sense he's been accused of.

I am very honored to know him (even though it is only through cyber space)....and to call him a friend. He is a man of his word and from what I know of him...know him to be ethical and fair. I know him to be a protector for those he loves and cares for, whether it is the people in his real world environment....or those of us in cyber space who have befriended him, who understand him and some of what he has gone through and have watched him as he battles lifes struggles. He has a sharp wit and a brilliant intellect.

I honestly believe that if you are his friend and he is yours....that it's a friendship that will endure the hands of time. Even if he may never meet any of us face to face. Of course, as with any friendship and/or relationship of any significance.....it takes 2 to keep it alive and healthy.

I feel this way about a great deal of other bloggers, who know (or I hope they know) who they are. I've said this before...and am saying it again....people do make connections through the internet and all sorts of bonds are formed and I can say with absolute certainty that the friends I've made are as real as the friends I see at home.

Anyway...that's all I wanted to say....I think it sounds like a lot of fun and I am anxious to see the results. I haven't quite made my decisions on who I think ought to be nominated but I will by the cut off date.

I borrowed this from kyplowboy22 but I don't think he'll mind...as long as I jump up and down a few times...Ain't that right KP?

*Y* <<~~~BOOBS.... cuz he likes that ya know.... happyf; <<~~~ jumpin up and down.

So...The categories for BLOGSARS or BLOGMIES are:

Funniest (Male/Female)
Best Pictures (Male/Female)
Most Thought-Provoking (Male/Female)
Most Erotic (Male/Female)
Best Written (Male/Female)
Best Overall (Male/Female)

1) Each category has a male and female component, so the sexes are not competing here! If it is a couple blog, it will be categorized according to which gender blogs most often.

2) A blog may be nominated for more than one category.

3) Only one nomination is required to get on the final ballot.

4) Nominations can be made through comments on post !!!FIRST ANNUAL BLOGGER AWARDS!!! or as email to citizen_five.

Nominations will run until 12: 00 AM EST on Saturday, March 11th, 2006. That gives everyone a week to nominate some one and get the word out. On March 11th, 12 polls will be posted with the male/female nominees for each category, and allow another full week to vote.

2 Comments
Approximately 16 hr
Posted:Mar 3, 2006 5:18 pm
Last Updated:Mar 10, 2006 12:18 pm
8933 Views
until I pick up my new special someone at the airport....

Champaynes in the fridge, everything is just about ready.

TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK....I wish it were tomorrow already.

I'm feeling more anxious and excited than nervous...

So, what about any of you...have you had a long distance attraction and taken the trip to go and actually meet? Or did they come to your town?

How did it turn out? Good, bad, ok, head over heels in love...lust?

Would ya do it again? Yes, Yes...Yes?
No...oh hell no...not without kickin and screamin?

Will you share your experience and tell us what went wrong?

What would you do differently?

My inquiring mind would love to know....and I bet theres a few others out there who probably would like to hear as well. Thanks...

8 Comments
Boys will be Boys....
Posted:Mar 2, 2006 12:38 pm
Last Updated:Mar 6, 2006 12:22 pm
8794 Views

So..what do ya think about this here...GUYS weekend. [post 255149] [blog travelingintexas]...wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall to watch that one?
Someone better call 911...cuz they're runnin out of beer
Does smashin a beer can into your forehead hurt?
YES...Dammit
Uh..no not really..duh...it's a guy thing.
OMG...You did what?
HA HA They're just silly
No runnin around in the shorty shorts boys...people might talk ya know.
Whose bright idea was this to have these Polls?
[blog 1hotwahine who is Vanna4u]
2 Comments , 11 votes
Slide's week in review....so far...and Vanna has revealed herself...WOO HOO!!!
Posted:Mar 2, 2006 10:53 am
Last Updated:Mar 9, 2006 10:42 pm
8659 Views
Monday...02/27/06 started with a FANTASTIC visit by our own Blogland Diva...
.

I had been given a couple of pass's a few months ago to the Elizebeth Ardon Red Door Spa located at one of Tucson's most RITZIEST resorts.

Dusty lives in Thatcher, Az. about 2 hours away and we had talked before about her coming down so we could meet and hang out.

So, Monday she came down a day early because on Tuesday she had a seminar to go to.

We had such a good time hanging out in the hot tub and doing the "girl talk" stuff...then later sitting in the meditation room snacking on apples and oranges and sipping cranberry juice in our oh so comfy robes. Then it was off to the showers to wash the chlorine off our bodies...and use all of the great products they have.

She finished her shower before I did...and one of the Red Door staff members came in and told her they close at 6 pm.... and it was now going on nearly 7.... oops. So, I hurried and got dressed and off we went for Mexican food.

All in all is was a great visit...she's a super sweet gal...and believe me...that girl can SING! I completely enjoyed having her here and it was so nice to get out of the house and close the door on the rest of the world for a little while..and get pampered in style...and she's always, always welcome... MI CASA, SU CASA.

And...I got my first ever nickname from his truly...."My inspiration comes from one of your pictures...you sitting in a sundress, calm, beautiful...reminded me of Hawaii. Beautiful, glory, splendor, pretty. All of these qualities you posses and then some."...**giggle**


Tuesday...02/28/06...was just an ordinary day, not much goin on. Except...plans were made with someone who is becoming quite special were discussed and agreed upon.

Wednesday...03/01/06....was an anniversary day in several ways. 1 was my mom had her surgery a year ago yesterday and the other was that had I stayed with the dealership I left last year in March...it would've been my 12th year....and yesterday it was a year ago that I was hired at the new (now old) job.

Also...plane reservations have been made and confirmed...for this new special person who has entered my life...that has made me giddier than a school girl...to come to Tucson on Saturday... and is staying till Tuesday.

I have to admit...I have a whole slew of emotions spinning around and thru my 5'2" frame...excited, anxious, nervous, hopeful, curious, a little bit scared...and apprehensive,..and everything in between. But mostly happy and ready to see where this adventure takes us.

This is a first for me to have someone come from so far to meet and also for him too. I've got my fingers crossed that the feelings we have so far...will prove to be right.

I am a firm believer in "SIGNS"...and I truly believe I was given a sign from beyond...a blessing if you will...telling me that this is a good thing.

Wish us luck..ok?

Did anyone ever guess who Vanna4u was? No? Yes? Should I have put this in a "POLL"?
(whose bright idea was that? Inquiring minds would like to know.)

She has revealed herself [blog 1hotwahine]


I hope everyone has had a really good week so far.

Many, many thanks to everyone who's popped in to say "Hi"...and a special thank you to someone special...XXXXXXX Slide {=}

5 Comments
A year ago today
Posted:Mar 1, 2006 7:24 pm
Last Updated:Mar 12, 2006 8:50 am
8889 Views
Spring of 2004 my mother discovered a spot on her left lung, about the size of a quarter I guess. This was right around the time my first grand was born in late April.

She told us all not to worry about it and that every 3 or 4 months she would go and have another cat scan to have it checked to see if it had grown or changed.

Her 2nd cat scan in August revealed no growth, no changes. Whew...that was good news.

In December of that year, she had her 3rd cat scan which did show a significant change. So, about a week later she had a needle biopsy.

It was malignant. Cancer.

My mom, is solid as a rock...and very rarely show's emotion where fear or sadness or even the slightest hint of depression....is concerned.

Many times growing up there were times I wondered how in the hell she could not feel or show certain emotions...and just as often...I would get mad at her because she didn't. It used to make me feel that she was incapable of it. However, she could laugh her ass off at some of the silliest things, she was very well balanced when it came to making decisions or when asked for advice. But to show fear, sadness...never. I had never once seen my mother cry. It bothered me for many years.

She told all of us that she didn't intend to do anything about it. She wasn't going to have surgery, she wasn't going to have chemo..or radiation. She just wasn't. She had watched her father suffer with cancer and with treatments when she was 17 years old...and she watched and took care of my Aunt Sandi towards the end of her life....and....my dad. She's seen many of her friends suffer through chemo and she just wasn't gonna do it. None of us were happy with her decision not to try and fight it, but we also respected her wish and didn't push it...even though we didn't agree and we wanted her to fight it.

She did however, go and have more testing done to determine what sort of lung cancer it was...and I can't for the life of me remember what it was...but it was a slow moving kind. That was a relief...at least it was going to give her some time.

Meanwhile her doctor convinced her to have another scan called a PET scan...and I probably should've done some research...but basically it is a very intense scan that can pin point cancer anywhere it is located...this way they can see if it had spread to other areas...and also to determine exactly where on her lung it was located.

It was contained to that one spot only...and had not spread anywhere else. Her doctor/surgeon said that where it was located he would be able to operate and remove it easily and that she shouldn't have to have chemo or radiation.

So she agreed that she would have the surgery and she did last year on this day... March 1, 2005

Now, my mom is a smoker...has been all of her life practically...smoked Lucky Strikes..non filter. The doctor and staff of the hospital was amazed at the lung capacity she had... 98%...better than some younger people and even better than some non smokers.

During surgery, the doctor was surprised to find that she continued to have very good lung/oxygen capacity. He ended up removing just the upper left lobe of her lung. She came through the surgery with flying colors.

The day after surgery, she got rid of the oxygen tank...and was breathing fine on her own and both lungs reinflated perfectly. But she had to stay in the hospital for close to a week in what they call a critical care unit...but it wasn't intensive care.

I went every day...and stayed as long as they'd let me, so did my brothers and sister. On the day before she was to be released to go home....I was sitting with her...just me and her. Pretty soon, I looked over and she was crying...tears just flowing like a faucet had been turned on and the knob to shut it off broke.

I looked at her and took her hand...rubbed her arm and asked what was wrong...was she hurting, was something happening, did she need the nurse..or the doctor?

When she was able to catch her breath...she said to me... "If I can do this...you can do it too. If you ever have to do this.. I want you to do it...too... all of you ...if I can..you can."

Course...I'm extremely sentimental..and I am very easily touched/moved to tears frequently...a trait inherited from my dad's mother...certainly not from my mom. So, now..I'm crying...she's crying...and it felt so good to me to see my mom have emotion...but all the while remembering..she's also been through a very traumatic surgery and everything that goes along with it...pain, anxiety...not knowing whether or not they got it all...etc.

She had a whole flood of emotions going on...and so did I.

I am happy to report that they did get it all and she has not had to have chemo or radiation at all. It was completely gone.

Recovery hasn't been real easy...and she looks kinda frail...and lost a lot of weight, but she's done pretty damn good...and her weight is starting to come back on....and that was a year ago today.

Happy First Anniversary Mom...I love you...and I don't know what I would've done if you weren't here. I can't imagine not having you...and I hope I don't have to worry about that for a very, very long time.

3 Comments
The answer you've all been waiting for....#1000 comment was made by.....
Posted:Feb 25, 2006 12:45 pm
Last Updated:Mar 12, 2006 8:56 am
8890 Views

My #1000 comment was made by vanna4u

So, who is this mysterious/air head...Vanna?

Here's a hint...Vanna4u , is her ....or is it a he....alter ego.

Vanna want's to be revealed....so here's a list of where "she's" been seen in just the last few days.

Do you know who she is? Anyone care to guess?

[blog travelingintexas] ~~ Lots of Sex in Texas!
Could It Be...Feb 25, 2006
Leave Divinty's Well Wishes For a Quick Recovery Here...Feb 24, 2006
Essential Trav: What Your Momma Shoulda Taught you!(2 posts)...Feb 24, 2006

[blog DaphneR] ~~ Just a thought
Daphinitions...Feb 25, 2006
Daph's Dating Tips...Feb 25, 2006
It A Miracle...Feb 25, 2006
Now That's A Monument!...Feb 22, 2006

womanoirish ~~ SexontheBlog by Woman O'Irish
Debunking the Porn Myth...Feb 24, 2006
Survey Question - Do You Think Porn Is Real?...Feb 22, 2006

HotTXpussy4U ~~ It's Just ME - Or Maybe NOT
Live for the Day...Feb 24, 2006

[blog 1hotwahine] ~~ wahine kine stuffs
Dueling Traits?...Feb 23, 2006
Got the Casual Sex Thing Figured Out...Feb 22, 2006

[blog impish_pixie] ~~ Mischievous Musing's
It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood...Feb 22, 2006

bardicman Up On the Roof
The Sea of Despair...Feb 22, 2006
Sadie(2 posts)...Feb 22, 2006

onelittlesecret ~~ Romantic's Playhouse
Note to self: ..Feb 22, 2006

keithcancook ~~ The Venting Blog
Selections From the BlogLand Dictionary(2 posts)...Feb 22, 2006

[blog citizen_five] ~~ 5Speed's Rest Stop on I-69
Liberating Constraint Part 1: The Walk ...Feb 22, 2006

[blog saintlianna] SEIJYA
Blogesis(3 posts)...Feb 22, 2006
212 Medea...Feb 20, 2006
8 Comments
Who will be #1000?
Posted:Feb 24, 2006 12:40 am
Last Updated:Mar 5, 2006 9:27 pm
8944 Views
<<~~~ This picture was sent to me by a chat buddy...on my birthday...he's a photographer in Phx...and the title of the photo is "Roping".
He also took the picture a few post's down.

It's Rodeo week in the Old Pueblo...
yee haw! 'Cept I'm not really a cowgirl...but I know how to ride cowgirl style...

My next post will be about whoever is comment #1000.

I'm anxious to see who it is....


{=}pssst....is this the color orange you like? {=}{=}
14 Comments
EROTICA....
Posted:Feb 22, 2006 4:14 pm
Last Updated:Mar 5, 2006 9:27 pm
8925 Views

<<~~~~ baza1965 I was looking at my "who's viewed me" and this member showed up on the list.

So being the ever so curious Mystical Mistress that I am... decided to check his profile...and low and behold he has a blog....so, naturally I took a look inside....and OMG...the first post dated today 2/22/06 was so hot I couldn't even bring myself to read the rest...but...

I will...go back, no doubt about it. It's hot stuff.... and he is fairly new to blogging it appears. So go check it out. [blog baza1965]
[post 245466] ~~~ [post 245469]
[post 245520] ~~~ [post 245540]
3 Comments
20 years ago today.........
Posted:Feb 21, 2006 9:58 pm
Last Updated:Mar 5, 2006 9:27 pm
8857 Views
I became Buddhist....20 years ago today. It's probably one of the best things I've ever done for myself...cuz I don't think I could've made it otherwise.
<<~~~~~ This picture is of a Butsudan (Japanese: Buddha House) is the cabinet where you enshrine your Gohonzon to protect it. This is very, very similar to the alter I have in my home...not exact but pretty close. I had mine built 19 years ago.

Hopefully, next week (Monday) when Duststormdiva comes to visit ...I can show it to her...(we're going to the Elizibeth Arden "Red Door Spa" for a day of pampering...can't wait.

Anyway...I follow "The Liturgy of the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin"....and I chant

NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO and twice a day, every day...

I recite our morning and evening prayers. Gongyo....and we face our Gohonzon...In Japanese, "go" means worthy of honor and "honzon" means object of fundamental respect. Nichiren defined the universal Law permeating life and the universe as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and embodied it in the form of a mandala. In the Gohonzon, a scroll on which are written Chinese and Sanskrit characters, Nichiren symbolically depicted the life state of Buddhahood, which all people possess.

In the morning it consist's of 5 silent prayers...
First prayer is for Appreciation for life's protective forces. (shoten zenjin)

Second prayer is for Appreciation for the Dai-Gohonzon. It's the scroll or mandala we focus on when we chant.

Third prayer is for Appreciation for the three teachers.

Fourth prayer is for the attainment of kosen-rufu. Which means "World Peace". This prayer also is where we pray for fulfillment of our personal wishes/goals.

Fifth prayer is for Appreciation and prayer for the deceased.

In the evening version of the prayers we only recite the 2nd, 3rd and 5th prayers.

We use many offerings on our alters...and they mean/symboliz the following:

The ringing of the bell during gongyo serves to offer a pleasing sound to the Gohonzon and life.

Candles stand for the truth of non-substantiality or the latent potential of life. They also represent the property of wisdom or the Buddha's enlightened spiritual property and they symbolize the potential wisdom to become aware of our innate Buddha nature.

A cup of fresh water is placed before the Gohonzon each day prior to morning gongyo, it is removed just before evening gongyo. Traditionally water was offered as something of great value in the hot country of India where Buddhism began. It's offered, as if you would offer a drink to a visitor in your home. It also has the property to purify.

"Greens" symbolize the "property-of-action", the Buddha's enlightened physical property or his compassionate action and the potential to form a correct relationship with the environment that allows us to manifest our Buddha nature.
The greens are used to adorn the space before the Gohonzon, which is eternal and supreme. Therefore, they should be something symbolic of permanence and purity.

Food and/or fruit or other non-animal foods can be another offering to the Gohonzon. Cooked food, such as rice, is sometimes offered on special occasions, such as New Year's Day. When offering food, we ring the bell three times, place our palms together and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times as a gesture of deep gratitude and appreciation. FYI..I have a bottle of Champayne as my offering....lol.

Incense represents the truth of the Middle Way, the essential property of the Buddha's life or the property of the Law, and the potential of our innate Buddha nature. One to three sticks of incense are burned in a flat position so as to help engender a feeling of serenity before the Gohonzon. The incense burner is placed in the center of the altar, and incense is burned from left to right. Incense serves to create a fragrant atmosphere.

I continue to practice and the only reason for that is the proof I have seen in my life and others who practice.

We call it "Actual Proof"...and it's the only reason we continue....proof in the pudding as some people say.

It's the only philosophy or religion I've ever found that shows me proof....course you have to do it...it isn't magic....and most importantly....
You get what you need not what you want, as you grow from the inside out.

This practice was introduced to me by my Aunt Sandi...who passed away from breast cancer...11 years ago...on the 27th of this month. She was only 6 years older than me and we were more like sisters than Aunt and neice.

I am grateful to her and have far more appreciation than I know how to express to her sharing this Buddhism.

That's why I am Buddhist...hopefully my little pebble I've thrown in the pond will ripple out and touch others with all that is good.

I won't see world peace in my lifetime..nor will my or grand ..but someday...it will happen.

I can only hope for peace in my life and w/in my circle of family, friends...and people I come across in day to day life and as long as I don't contribute to the bad stuff...then it's all good.

Try to anyway... as best as I can...with the tools I have.

Thanks for letting me share this with you.
{=} Slide.

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