Glastonbury Chalice Well and Gardens

 

In honor of Midsummer, a moment of meditation at the Chalice Well and Gardens in Glastonbury, England.

T Stands for Thor: Ragnarok

So, last month, Himself and I finally got the chance to see Thor: Ragnarok. My pick. I did take photos of us at a restaurant, but I can't find the photos on my camera or laptop. I deleted some photos off my camera to get rid of the annoying you have no more room message. Out of all the times, I've deleted photos from my camera roll, I've never had photos deleted from the folder on my laptop where photos are backed up. Even though I've always gotten a message that a photo deleted in one place will be deleted from all devices. Apparently, an iOS update fixed that bug. I can't remember where we went to eat. No biggie. Thor will lend a hand by showing his coffee cup. Grab your favorite beverage, no smashing.

I love the Thor stories, and let's face it, Chris Hemsworth is easy on the eyes. This Thor saga is a coming of age story and reminded me a bit of The Wizard of Oz. Thor must step up his game to protect the people of Asgard against Hele, the Goddess of Death. Through the process, Thor learns his power derives from himself and not in Mjölnir, his hammer. (Like Dorothy and her ruby, red pumps)

The script must have been written by an adolescent male as comic relief was was not funny. The jokes seemed forced and continued ad nauseum. And it could be I'm not a fan of Jeff Goldblum, the villain in the movie. There was also the debate about who would win a battle if Thor were pitted against The Hulk.


via GIPHY

 Hela (Cate Blanchett), the Goddess of Death, was impressive as she cavorted on screen in her Las Vegas showgirl headdress. (Though Himself told me Hele  appeared with similar headgear in the comic book.) She pulls off molded leather well, and it looks like she was given sensible heeled boots instead of stiletto heels.

Great movie if you're a Thor fan or have nothing better to do. The movie has probably left the major theaters so you might have to wait for it to hit Netflix.

 Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.

T Stands For Anniversary

Friday last, Himself and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary. We had talked earlier in the year about spending our anniversary in Boston. We were going to go to the observation platform of the Prudential Tower and then have dinner at Top of The Hub restaurant with spectacular views of the city. As an aside, Boston's nickname is The Hub and not because the city is laid out in a spoke and wheel pattern, but because it's The Hub of the Universe. (-;

Himself began having problems with his back and having to use a cane to walk. He's been seeing a round of doctors and lots of tests. A trip into town would entail too much walking so plans changed.

We began the morning early with an exchange of cards left at each other's computer so we'd be sure to find them. My card to him with the baby goats (I call Himself "Kid") says Me (how I sign my emails to him) and you. We just goat together. :-D

Then out the door to drop the Eldest at the train station. She was spending her day off in Boston with some friends. After the train station, we headed to Newton-Wellesley hospital as Himself hand an appointment with another neurologist. On the way through the hospital maze, we passed by the hospital gift shop. Himself said, I found the perfect gift for you. Take a look at this. It was a tee-shirt and we both laughed. Maybe for Christmas, he said.

While Himself saw the doctor, I sat in the waiting room and worked on a crochet project. The doctor ordered another X-ray so we made our way to Imaging. With so many X-rays, CT Scans, MRI's, Himself is positively glowing. After the X-ray, we tried to follow our bread crumbs through the hospital to the parking garage. As we passed the gift shop, Himself said, I have to get you that tee-shirt. So he gave me an impulse buy anniversary gift.

From the hospital, we headed West towards home with a stop for brunch at a new IHOP (International House of Pancakes) There's an IHOP not too far away from us in White City (a section of Worcester) but it is cramped and in desperate need of a face-lift. Not a place the Little Princess likes to go even if the food is good.

When we arrived, the parking lot was full and the restaurant packed. No Time Lord technology here as the restaurant wasn't bigger on the inside. It was clean and nicely appointed so garnered an LPA (Little Princess Approval)

A welcome cuppa for me and a Pepsi for Himself.

Two weeks ago when Himself told me about the new IHOP, I saw an advertisement on television for IHOP's new French toasted donuts. Serendipity. So we both ordered the Apple Fritter French Toasted Donut. I had this as a combo with scrambled egg, bacon, and hash browns. Himself had pancakes, sausage, and an omlette. With this much food, we were good to go for the entire day.

After bruch, we headed to the cinema to see 

The Dark Tower based on the series by author, Stephen King.

We don't usually see movies at this theater as it's not close by, but we were in the area and decided to see a movie before heading home. What we didn't know was this theater is plush and offers Dine-In movies. The seats are wide, comfortable and recline.

Seats also had a swing out tray table. Reminded me of a baby's high chair.

The menu offered everything you could think of to eat. Appetizers, entree's cocktails, soft drinks, and desserts. And all brought to your seat at the push of a call button. But we had already eaten enough for a week and couldn't even manage a sip of water. We settled into our seats and watched the movie.

In my younger days, I read a lot of Stephen King. Even read the books he had written under the pen name, Richard Bachman. For some reason, I never got around to reading the Dark Tower series.

I thought the movie started a bit slow. Not a surprise since the background of the series had to be told. Once the action started, it was riveting. And what's not to like? Cowboys, demons, and an alien. parallel universe., Arthurian myth (how could I have missed this!?) and the Gunslinger's code.

Idris Elba as The Last Gunslinger, Roland Deschaine of Gilead ( descendant of King Arthur) on a quest of revenge against, The Man in Black played by Matthew McConaughey from toppling the Dark Tower which holds the universe together. Caught in the middle is the boy, Jake from New York, with The Shine, astonishing psychic abilities.

I thought Idris Elba was fabulous as the Last Gunslinger. Didn't mince words and quick on the draw. So much like Randolph Scott, Gary Cooper, and The Duke.

I've only seen Matthew McConaughey as a Southern gentleman good guy. So was stunned at his quiet, dark villain. Deliciously chilling.

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.

Animal Totem

Last week, I had stated the bear is my animal totem. Sandra asked how one finds their animal totem. She also suggested the topic would make good blog fodder. Thanks for the idea, Sandra.

Many native peoples around the world ascribe to the belief of an animal totem or guide. A spirit to guide us on our life journey. The spirit is usually an animal. From the animal we gain certain aspects of our personality. And you don't get to pick your animal spirit. The spirit picks you.

You may also have more than one animal spirit during your life. They may come into your life, teach a lesson, and then leave after a time. Usually, there is one animal that stays with you during your life.

I have been drawn to bears for the longest time. I think  I was in my teens or early 20s when I started feeling a pull towards bears. While I'm attracted to all bears (polar, panda, grizzly, sun), I identify with black bears.

As a child, maybe 5 or 6 years old, we went to visit a friend of my mother. On a stairwell leading to the basement, was a stuffed bear cub dressed like Smokey ( the) Bear, the fire prevention bear. I don't know where they got the bear cub, whether they picked it up or if the husband was a taxidermist. The little bear was dressed in a tiny pair of blue jeans, a belt with a large belt buckle, and a ranger hat. I remember staring at the little bear for the longest time, and every time we visited, I would make my way down to visit the bear cub.

What are the traits of a bear? A bear is a solitary creature. Most people think bears are agressive, but they really are passive unless provoked or frightened. Don't ever get between a mother bear and her cubs. Still waters run deep and dark. Bears are territorial. They like to play, but also know when to rest. (They also have the good sense to hibernate during the Winter) Bears enjoy sweets (honey and berries). Polaris, the North Star, found in the constellation Ursa Minor in the Northern Hemisphere (The Little Bear, Little Dipper, or Little Ploughshare) is a fixed point used in navigation. So attributes of being constant, stable, reliable.

I have also been drawn to cats. (I have been owned by 3) and since my parents passed away (4 years ago this year), cardinals.

So, how do you come to understand which animal is your totem? Usually, by meditation and then watching and listening for signs and symbols. Think also about an animal you may be drawn to. Not because you think the animal is cool, but you're attracted in some unexplicable way. You might find Animal Totems and Meaings an interesting site to explore.

Now, none of the information I've presented is scientific, and I'm not an expert on the subject (though maybe I play one (-; ) but "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet Act I, scene V

What's your animal totem?