The Hit List - Space case - The Tarot Lady

My husband is out of town until tomorrow. He’s been gone a few days, off to paint and view various art-house films. I suppose I should be missing him. In a way, I do. But I must confess: I love having the whole house to myself.

It’s as still as can be, quiet and calm. To be honest, it’s usually pretty chill around here. But this solitude stuff…it feels like a monastery and I love it.

It’s because I need space.

Loads of it.

I’m a space hog. A space case because I make a case about needing space.

The more time I have to be alone, the happier I am. It’s why I get up way early, long before he does. I steal those precious few hours for myself. Nobody gets in. That time is mine and it’s jealously guarded.

I’ve always been like this. You might blame my astrology chart for this tendency. With a privacy-loving Scorpio Moon, it’s a given that I dig that solo stuff.

But there’s something more to this.

It’s from growing up in a boisterous household with too many people crammed into a small dwelling. That type of environment meant no boundaries and zero privacy. I shared a small room with my sister and grandmother. My parents barged in whenever they wanted, to see if I was “up to something.” (I was usually reading.) My diary was read and I got in trouble for daring to write down my thoughts. The piggy bank that sat on my shelf was regularly raided by my brothers and I never got justice because I “had no proof.”

When you grow up in a situation like that, you either crave the noise….or, like me, the opposite.

My siblings are extroverted and enjoy being up in each other’s business. I’m different. Detached and cool, I rarely bother to pick up the phone to check in with them. It’s not that I don’t care – it’s just that I need to be in my own business. Quiet. Unobstructed. Unbothered.

BREATHE, Theresa, BREATHE.

For my spouse and children, this has been a dance of sorts. They have had to learn to adjust to my need for space without taking offense. It’s not them…it’s me. They get it.

The cats, on the other hand, don’t. It doesn’t matter if I tell them to piss off, they are there, starting at me, waiting, wanting that attention. Relentlessly guilt tripping me until have no choice but to let them leap into my lap and settle in for a good nuzzle. These session last for anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour.

And then…they go away to be alone and nap for hours at a time.

Perhaps that’s why I like these felines. They are okay with a little bit of love and plenty of space to stretch, to nap, to dream of chasing mice in fields. Yes, I am like that.

Cats get it and I get them.

That’s my boy, Monkey – up close and in my grill.

Fall beauty.

Other stuff:

Weird Al Yankovic songifies the last debate – and it’s great!

People are talking about this new head on a baby Jesus statue.

I am so getting one of these genius little brush/mirrors thingies from Milk + Sass.

Craving a simpler life? Check out A Simple Year – 12 Months of Guided Simplicity.

Cait Flanders wrote a thoughtful post on why she kinda, sorta hates calling herself a minimalist.

Did you have trouble getting to some of your fave sites yesterday? Turns out there was a big hack.

This New Wave Tarot Deck is MINE. Heh heh….just bought myself a copy.

Need to get your friend a cool gift? Check out Mixed Up Gifts: Gift Baskets Remastered.

Get more intentional with your spending. Sarah Von Bargen will show you how with Put Your Money Where Your Happy Is.

I recently got a very useful tarot reading from the one and only Damon Stang. He’s great!

Need a positive lift? Check out Susan Hyatt’s BARE deck. Inspirational body-positive cards that are sure to give you a good vibe!

Tarot lovers unite! The doors to the 2017 Reader’s Studio are open! Get your spot now before it’s sold out.

Shameless: When big companies rip off indie brands.

A tourist guide to NY fashion.

Kate McKinnon is killing it on SNL with her Hillary Clinton impression. More about this funny lady.

Michael Moore talks about his latest film and the importance of this election.

Mark your calendars: on August 21st we have a total eclipse.

Interesting: the founder of Snctm sex club may be getting his jollies but he’s not that jolly.

Moms take note: astrology advice on teenagers.

Tarot cards got this guy to confess.

Winter is coming…and some people aren’t going to like the forecast. I happen to be thrilled.

Everything that’s wrong with dressing rooms. I hate ’em!

Yup: why diversity in the fashion world matters.

Tick tock. Time is running out to get your cool bonus when you pre-order The Tarot Coloring Book.

On the wish list: How To Build A Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.

Ladies – this might be worth checking out: Hear Me Roar: How to Defend Your Mind, Body & Heart Against People Who Suck.

I’m heading out for a mini book tour soon! Join me at one of these fine Midwest venues for wee talks or full on classes – plus book signings!

November 4th at 7PM: Free Spirit Crystals – Official launch – Milwaukee. Join me for a free short talk, book signing + treats as we celebrate the launch! Books will be available for purchase.

November 6th at 1PM: Eye of Horus in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tarot For Total Beginners – a two hour workshop. $30. Books will be available for purchase.

November 12th at 11AM: Barnes and Noble, Fields Ertel in Cincinnati, Ohio. Join me for a short talk + book signing! Free! Books will be available for purchase.

November 13th: The Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Tarot For Total Beginners – a two hour workshop. $22. Going Pro – For Aspiring (or already) Professional Tarot Readers – a two hour workshop. $22. Books will be available for purchase.