Queen of Swords

I went to the networking event and had a good time, although I did elect to leave "early". I had allowed two hours for the event, and had rescheduled another appointment for later this afternoon. When the tour took longer than I anticipated, I bowed out of the drumming/affirmation circle and potluck as gracefully as I could. I took a few minutes to do a private observance at the dolman, then headed home.

The tour included the labyrinth, of course, and our guide (the founder of the sanctuary -- a fascinating man) invited everyone to walk it.

I couldn't do it. Not with everyone else.

That labyrinth is the single most sacred spot on earth for me. When I enter it, I touch the deepest -- and most raw -- places in my heart and soul. I simply could not face embarking on that path with so many strangers around me. Maybe in the future. Not today.

Instead I stepped back into one of the shaded thickets so my lack of participation was less obvious, and offered prayers for those who were walking. Then I opened my eyes and let myself simply enjoy the beauty of the place and the day. When everyone had left the labyrinth, I took the broom and swept the entry stones.

The last time I went to the sanctuary, with Wolfling, we encountered two snakes. Today I had three squirrels come very close to me while I was alone. To me, squirrels have always meant play, and I took their presence with me as a message to lighten up and enjoy myself more, have some fun.

I slightly regret missing the potluck and getting the chance to talk more with folks, although I was getting "peopled out" after spending two hours with eleven strangers. I did, however, make a vital connection with a woman who is a celebrant for funerals for people who were not part of a specific faith tradition. Her service includes doing extensive interviews with family and friends and crafting a highly personalized eulogy, as well as leading the funeral service. We exchanged business cards, and are going to get in touch later.

I came home feeling a bit fried from the heat, the energetic and emotional side-effects of the tour, and the company, but am feeling much better after some Gatorade, a hair cut, a nap, and a 30-minute phone conversation with queenofhalves.

I had a meeting today with a counselor at the "transition management" company which MyCo retained to help us find new jobs. Not only do they do traditional job search stuff like networking, resume building, negotiation and etc., they also do advising on entrepreneurial ventures.

The guy I spoke to today already knew what spiritual direction is, which was a plus, and he got very excited about the specific plans for my practice as well as my already-developed ideas for marketing. He said that he definitely thinks there's a market for me.

The next step is for me to write a business plan and get back to see him to review it. I've given myself a two-week deadline.

I can't tell you how encouraging it was to have a total stranger become so engaged and enthusiastic about my plans and ideas -- and he assured me that he usually has a lot more questions about the viability of peoples' plans. He thinks I have a clear vision, a good understanding of business, and good ideas.

*happy dance!

And it's sunny out.

And we get to have Mom's pot roast for dinner tonight.

Today is a very good day.