Lovely

Dear God,
Let all Lovers be content
Give them happy endings
Let their lives be celebration
Let their hearts dance in the fire of your Love.

Rumi

2012 Greetings

Happy New Year to all.
May it bring all that you need. And may all that you need be what you want. And may your needs and wants be what the Divine selects for you.

We celebrated last night with a ride in one of the dangerous-looking autos. They seat three to five people squashed together and look like small green and yellow eggs with wheels speeding through the streets. We then walked through the streets looking for "something" happenin, but there was "nothing". Yet, in nothing there is everything.

At midnight we wished each other happy new year on the sidewalk, observed some fireworks and sidewalk explosions ( ie festive explosions) and returned to the hotel.

I was in 2012 ten hours ahead of TT, which, as I write this, has just crossed into the new year.

Happy Birthday to Me

Click on image to enlarge my birthday potato, which let up my birthday morning yoga session.

Here's to a magnificent life now and up ahead.

Libra Lime

Last night I was invited to go out with a few friends for a Libra Lime. (For those who aren't from Trinidad and don't know what 'Lime' means, click here).

The Librans in the group of nine were:
Richard - 26 September
Fazal - 1 October
Nisha - 4 October
Me - 7 October

(Other signs of the zodiac at the table were Leo, Sagittarius . . . and not sure of the other two).

The very talkative and entertaining-bordering-on-attention-grabbing waitress at our table also turned out to be Libran (can't remember what date). In addition to praising Librans whenever she came to our table, she had a few good jabs at the one Virgo at the table (her ex husband was a Virgo).

"Virgos tink dey always right!" she commented (half joking, half from experience) as she walked off to get an order.

Later in the evening she offered we four Librans free Haagen Dazs birthday ice cream—Vanilla or Chocolate. When the Virgo asked if he could have some too, she retorted: "This is for the Librans."

Virgo: Earlier I told you I was born on 9 September, but it's really 9 October.

Waitress: Doh try dat. My ex was born on 7 September. I remember your birthday is just two days after.

She then walked off with another joking-yet-probably-from-experience comment: "Dem Virgos not only tink they always right, dey also jealous!"

Eventually the Virgo did get his ice cream, which he had to pay for.

 Happy Birthday if you're Libran and your birthday is today.

A time to be born, a time to die

Today is mummy's birthday. Happy Birthday (again), Mummy.

Today is also the day that my beloved Hindi left this dimension and entered a new one. What can really be said? Her body was not her. Her Spirit is now somewhere else—romping, creating mischief, looking for holes in fences, breaking rules, eating everything in sight, courageously being Miss Independent and wagging her paintbrush tail while doing all of the above.

Hindi, you will definitely be missed. Thank you for the love and lessons you shared with me from the time we first met on the steps of the Temple in the Sea on Independence Day (or more aptly . . . Hindipendence Day) 1999.

May Dog Heaven find a way to keep up with you.

Sprout is being adopted!

A short while ago, I got an email that made me scream with joy and immediately run to the phone to dial the sender to thank her profusely. I will copy and paste her email below. While reading it, you will agree with me that she is the IDEAL companion for Sprout (who turns out to be a boy, not a girl).

Talking with Halcyon on the phone and hearing the excitement and joy and love in her voice, I have no doubt that little Sprout is going to the right home and will have a very happy life!

Woohooooooooo!

The email (also as a comment on the last Sprout post):

Elspeth,

I just wanted to let you know that I went to see Sprout today, and have decided to adopt him. BTW he is a boy. I have no clue how I stumbled upon your blog yesterday, and read the "update" posting. Before I had even read the first posting of his rescue and survival, I had already decided that I would adopt him. After reading that first posting about his survival and yoga start...I absolutely knew he was the kitten for me. I have spent months pondering the adoption of a kitten, as I lost my beloved 13 year old cat last April. Ironically his name was Baby Cat...and he was 27lbs of girth. My heart has been broken since his passing, and I did not think I would ever be able to have another cat. But Sprout has changed that.

I was always told that I would know when the time was right...and I know that this is that time. I have to wait three weeks before bringing little Sprout home....

Thanks so much for rescue-ing him...nurturing him....and blogging about him.

Warm regards,

Halcyon

Let go

Heart of flames bursting forth from 31-12-2008 bonfire in the garden

*

Tonight I will have my third annual end-of-year bonfire celebration. As always, we will engage in simple, enjoyable symbolic rituals to release the old and receive/embrace the new.

I needed to get wood for the fire. I was planning on driving around and picking up wood from the roadside, as I and my friend Vandana (who was spending Christmas with me) had successfully done last year. However, walking home yesterday from the bank, I noticed a large pile of dry logs and tree branches at the corner of my street. Perfect.

I told a friend about it and her response was "The Universe always provides." This simple phrase is very powerful and true. It struck me that this is the theme of this year's bonfire . . . and the theme of life.

Do not be afraid to let go of who and what is not for you. In this way, you will receive what is truly yours.

Remembering Christ Mas

We live in an abbreviated world. Txting . . . I mean, texting has diminished many words to a few letters. E.g. C u l8r (See you later). Tweeting has abbreviated potential paragraphs to 140 words. Similarly, the commercial hustle and bustle of this season of Christmas has been abbreviated into Xmas.  After all, who's going to waste valuable tweeting space and time to write out the whole word . . . C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S.

Many people say "Put the Christ back in Christmas." What they mean is, the "X" of Xmas says nothing of the Being after whom Christmas is named—i.e. Jesus Christ. Even though, historically, the 25th of December is not Christ's actual birthday, it is the date on which Christians celebrate His birth worldwide.

Looking around, I don't think Jesus Christ is the focus of Christmas to the general masses. The focus is shopping, gifts, eating, drinking and partying. 

Sometimes when the radio is on in the car, I hear a song I used to like,—e.g Boys of Summer" (Don Henley) or "Feel Like Making Love" (Bad Company) . . . only the version being played is a remake . . . a horrendous remake by one of these new bands that all sound the same. What used to be a musical classic is now blaring through the speakers, sounding cheap and shallow—three chords repeated over and over and a voice wailing in the background. What makes it worse is when someone who has never heard the original thinks that the remake is the original and says "Wow! I love that new song by J-Lo!"

Maybe, similarly, one day in the future, someone will be on a game show like Jeopardy and the question will be "Which historical figure did Christmas celebrate?" The clock will tick slowly and just before the "baaaaarp!" noise that indicates time is up, the person will slam their hand down and shout out "Santa Claus!!"

This Christmas, with all of the traffic and the frenzy of people shopping, the onslaught of advertising all around us, the stressful vibe of people "having" to buy gifts . . . I found myself thinking "I don't like Christmas. I cant wait for it to be over." I didn't mean this in a Scroogish way—just that I don't like the commercialism and craziness.

I'm not a "religious" person. Manmade, organised religion divides rather than unites us. It judges rather than loves us. And in terms of Jesus Christ, I think many Christians don't live up to His name and what He represented—Truth, Love, Forgiveness, Humility, a friend of the downtrodden and marginalised.

I don't naurally feel moved to honour Christ by going to church, because I have often found church to be hypocritical. But I do feel moved to recognise that Jesus was a great Soul who walked this earth and has brought peace and healing to many. I myself have had personal experiences in which Jesus played a major role. This had nothing to do with "manmade church"—it was just me and Jesus on a one-on-one basis. I can't put it into words, other than to say such moments are simple and gentle yet life-changing.

So, on this Christmas Eve, my favourite day of the season (I'm not too fond of Christmas day itself), I say to Jesus—Even if many don't know You or remember You, may we all still be touched and moved by Your Spirit. May the true gifts of love, forgiveness, healing, peace, reconciliation, rebirth find their way to each of us, amidst the glitter, bows and wrapping paper. May those who hide or suffer in dark holes be flushed out and illumined with LIGHT. May those who use Your name in ways that I imagine would not be pleasing to You (i.e. discrimination, judgment and personal financial gain) come to understand that we are all worthy of the greatest Love and that no one is superior.


Thank You for your example. You exist in a form that is beyond description, beyond manmade constructs and labels. May this unlimited power be realised by each of us reading this, regardless of religion, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, social status, police record—and may it ripple out to bless all whom we encounter henceforth.

So be it.

No better gift

Yesterday was a fantastic birthday from my first conscious breath upon waking to my last conscious breath before sleep. It gets better every year.

Last night's celebration can't be put into adequate words.

When I got home after, and all was quiet, it struck me in a massive wave—the realisation of the magnitude of love I have in this lifetime, within and all around me. There is no better gift.

Today is Birth Day

Thou Art Yoga presents

Humee Hum Brahm Hum

A Celebration of Birth

(on the night of a Super New Moon).

All are welcome.

DATE: Thursday 7 October, 2010,

TIME: 6:00 p.m. sharp – 9:00 p.m.

DRESS: White (as much as possible)

(In Trinidad):  Studio Lounge, 62 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook (opp. Kid’s World)

(Abroad):  Gather with loved ones, tune in to your heart and chant the mantra.

*

THE EVENING’S PROCEEDINGS

6:00 p.m. OPENING 

Tune in to the Heart.

6:03 p.m. WELCOME MESSAGE

6:08 p.m. CHANT

The Kundalini Yoga mantra Humee Hum Brahm Hum. We are We, We are God (Whatever is to be already is).  Throughout the night, whenever this version of the mantra is played (1.43 minutes), special things will happen. (To be announced at start of event, so please be on time).

6:10 p.m. onward: SURRENDER TO LOVE (an interactive exhibition with a difference)

An exhibition of photographs by Elspeth Duncan, wrapped as gifts—so the images cannot be seen. This is an opportunity for you to surrender to the Unseen and trust the gift/message that is for you. (A total of seventeen images available).

Special price of $44 per image (for 7-10-2010 only). Walk with two $20 bills and four $1 bills.

6:05 p.m. onward: CELEBRATE

Mix, mingle, enjoy great company and the special musical selection.
DJ-for-the-night: Irukandji.
Enjoy the intimate ambience of Studio Lounge as you sip on in-house Lounge drinks or special home-brewed Yogi Tea.

*****

"Thou Art Yoga is a global movement for creative consciousness. THOU = You. ART= Creation. YOGA = our connection with the Divine. Not everyone may come to know Yoga by way of a yoga mat and daily practice. But Yoga (Divine connection) is already in all of us and simply needs to be realised. My intention is for Thou Art Yoga to be a catalyst for the global upliftment of people and awakening of consciousness through Yoga (particularly Kundalini) and the Creations (music, art, workshops, events and more) inspired by it."

(Elspeth Duncan/Tek Har Kaur, October 2010)

Please keep Thurs 7 October 2010 open

Last year's invitation

Please keep 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday 7th October 2010 open. There will be a special gathering to celebrate my birthday and more. All are invited, wherever you are in the world.

The 7th October 2010, night of a Super New Moon, is a powerful night to be present in yourself, as you are, where you are.

Last year I got married. (Read about the ceremony and the vows here)

This year I give birth.

Details soon.

Sat Nam.

Happy October!

Libra

With open arms, we October Librans welcome the greatest month of the year ... our birthmonth.  

Winning streak

A few days ago I won the By-My-Art t-shirt competition. And today, the Prep's Garden video (featured above) which I shot late last year won the TV/video category of the IICA/CARDI Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award 2009.

As I sat in the prize giving ceremony today, waiting to hear the results, I thought of how great it would be to win ... not just for winning's sake, but because I know the children, their parents, their teachers and the entire school were so excited and pleased when I did the video ... and would be thrilled if it won.

Looking forward to going to the school (my old primary school - The University School) and surprising them on Monday morning at assembly, by announcing the victory.

Splitting the prize money will be the cherry on top.

V is for Vote. V is for Victory.

The winner
*

Soon we will be voting for our new Government and (first female) Prime Minister. In the meantime, people voted for t-shirts. The results are below. Love won.

Also, I didn't even realise my father had voted ... much less correctly guessed the top 5 designs in their Guess-the-5-winning-designs part of the contest. He wins a free t-shirt.

(Updated: Correction - it's actually my mother who won the free t-shirt, but she sent her votes via email and daddy's name is on the email. So the organisers thought it was from 'Julian Duncan').

Below is the e-mail from the organisers.

And The (5) WINNERS Are!

1. Elspeth Duncan: 34 votes

2. Jean-Marc Hunt: 19 votes

3. Ibrahim Miranda: 19 votes

4. Mario Lewis: 15 votes

5. Tamara Tam-Cruickshank: 15 votes

6. Omar Lewis: 12 votes

7. Seon Thompson: 11 votes

8. Hassan Hajjaj: 10

9. Hadassah Emmerich: 8

10. Raimi Gbadamosi: 8

Julian Duncan is the WINNER of a free By-My-Art T-shirt for predicting the winning designs.

By-My-Art will like to sincerely thank all the participating artists who gave their time to prepare and submit their designs. Without your contribution this project would not have been possible. Most importantly we want to thank [YOU] all our By-My-Art supporters. Our journey has only just begun.

We have some very new and interesting developments to share with you as the Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week gain momentum. Look out for new announcements and giveaways.

www.bymyart2010.blogspot.com

EVOLVE. Vote now.

The image above is my submission to the By-My-Art t-shirt design competition. It was selected as one of the top ten. The organisers are asking people to vote online for their top five t-shirt choices. (Rationales written below each t-shirt). Please do not vote here on this blog. See the information below and vote either on their Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/ya4vmfk) where you can see the other t-shirts ... or send them an email with your top five choices in order of preference.

Thank you for voting.

See info below from BY-MY-ART.

****

BY-MY ART

Vote Now

By-My-Art need your vote for the top (5) t-shirt designs.

You are welcome to cast your vote for the top (5) t-shirt designs and we might also have a surprise for you.

All you have to do is tell us which (5) T-shirt designs you will wear.

The 10-finalist designs will be shown on bymyart’s Face book page and our blog: www.bymyart2010.blogspot.com. You can cast your vote and leave your comments on either: bymyart2010@gmail.com on our Blog or Face book.

The members of the By-My-Art Jury will count your vote and listen to your comments.

VOTING

The process of voting is as follows:

THE INTERNET USERS' FAVOURITES

· You have one-week to cast your vote and tell your friends.

· Online visitors can choose the By-My-Art blog, Face book or email to cast their vote for their favorite [5] t-shirt designs in the period between 3 April 2010 to 11 April 2010, 12: am.

· Do remember, you can only vote once for you favorite top [5] t-shirt designs.

FINAL DECISION AND NOTIFICATION

The names of the winners and their designs will be will be revealed 12 April 2010 on By-My-Art’s blog site www.bymyart2010.blogspot.com and Facebook

Happy Anniversaries to me

Heart cloud over Mission Bay, Toco (31 December 2009)

Was just talking to a friend and mentioned the date ... and then it struck me. How could I forget? Today is the 8th of January, my anniversary of two things:

My 5th year of blogging (I started this blog 5 years ago on this date)

My 9th year of no smoking, drinking (alcohol and coffee).

Now is wow.

Blue Moon & New Beginnings

Time lapse of clouds rolling over the Blue Moon directly above us on the cliff
31 Dec 2008 - 1 Jan 2010
*

As time crossed the bridge from 31 December 2009 to 1 January 2010, I was on a cliff in Balandra with my friend Vandana, who came to visit me for a few weeks.

Below us was choppy black sea with galloping white waves, illuminated by the Blue Moon directly above like a spotlight. We didn't even know there was going to be a full moon that night ... much less a blue one. It was huge and amazing and seemed to have orchestrated itself to be over us at the moment that the year turned. Being the second full moon in one month, blue moons signal a powerful time. It is said that if you have special wishes and desires, this is the time to send them forth to the Universe in the form of rituals, prayers, etc.

Without even knowing, this is what we did.

We went onto the cliff at about 11:30 p.m. and did our own little personal rituals. Being on the cliff was like standing on a finger projecting into the Universe, surrounded by all of the elements - earth, air, fire (we were burning incense), water, ether. We had plastic tablecloths that we lay on, looking up at the stars and clouds racing over the moon The energy was tangible.

At 11:55 we did eleven minutes of a Kundalini Yoga meditation for prosperity. This took us to until 12:06 on 1st January 2010.

Then, inspired by this, V did her own ceremony, with me and the elements as her witness.

It was the perfect start to a new chapter.

When dawn cracked, after doing some meditation and yoga, I went down to the cove and found a large piece of driftwood floating in the water. It was shaped like a bow. I mentioned it to the friend I was talking to on my cellular phone at the time and she said: "And you are the arrow."

I brought it back home with me. It is a symbol of my focus for this year and the many bulls-eyes I will be hitting from now on.

Elfpeth

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Enjoy your Divali

Om made by my friend Glen, in his front garden

Truth over untruth, Light over darkness

One for my Birthday

My birthday gift to myself is "Oneness".

The above photograph is of my feet and my footprints on the beach sand. It symbolizes me standing face to face with the Self and committing to the process of becoming One. The "empty" footprints are not really empty. They are full of every aspect of myself that I am consciously welcoming, embracing, merging with in my True Self.

By extension, the 'empty' footprints also represent standing face to face with and seeing/reflecting the external other (i.e. the various reflections we encounter around us in our daily interactions). The intention is to see, be and reflect our True Selves, from a place of Love = Divinity (non-duality) within and without.

Using this photograph as a template, I invite you to create (as a personal meditation for yourself) a symbolic photograph of your own bare feet and your footprints. If you don't have sand, you can use your empty shoes, chalk marks drawn around your bare feet, impressions on the ground made by your bare wet feet ... or anything else you can think of. In your own time and space, stand face to face with your Self and recognize, welcome, embrace, merge with all that enables you to be the full and true "You".

Sat nam

I will close with the words in the birthday card that Daddy made for me:

You deserve the best birthday on Earth ... not to mention the Moon, the Stars and the Universe.

... and yes, it already is the best.

Elspeth