The Hit List - Giving and Receiving

One day on the way home from church, my father pulled over by the old Hamm’s brewery. I peered out the window and saw three young hippies sticking out their thumbs. Dad rolled down the window and asked where they were going. They weren’t going too far and it turned out that it was on the way so he motioned for them to pile in.

Mind you, there were three of us kids in the back so we had to squish ourselves around to make room. I ended up sitting on one hippie’s lap which I swear is the reason why I developed a penchant for long-haired men. But that’s another story.

This small gesture illustrated my father’s personality. He was a difficult man in may ways but when it came to generosity, no one was more giving than him. I remember many times when he invited guys from work over for dinner because they didn’t have a family (plus he liked having drinking buddies). There were also many other times when I witnessed him helping folks out – or bailing out my siblings, who seemed to find financial woes well into adulthood.

Dad was a giver and I inherited that vibe.

I’ve found over the years that it’s much easier for me to give than it is to receive. I’m used to paying for everything – pulling out the wallet for dinners, coffees, or other such things. If someone needs something, I look for a way to make that happen. It’s just my way. Dad’s way.

I admit: when the shoe is on the other foot, I become overwhelmed. “Who me? Oh my gosh!” My face burns hot and I get anxious. I even try to give something in return just to keep the score even.

In other words: I have a receiving problem.

This last week I had to put that to the side because some generous folks in my life decided that I needed to be shown some gratitude. Two of my yoga student dropped off bottles of wine. One brought a plant (which got my cat TaoZen’s attention!). Then a group of folks pitched in to purchase some gift certificates for me. Just because they wanted to show their appreciation.

WOW.

It’s not even my birthday!

But you don’t need to have a special occasion to do something nice for someone. I was reminded of that that this week. I’m going to joyfully receive these kind gestures. Because you know what? It’s just as nice to receive as it is to give!

Psst…a big thank you to everyone for your generosity! You know who you are…

I was feeling the love this week!

Other Stuff:

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Because you need to know this: Who Every ‘Game of Thrones’ Cast Member Is Dating IRL.

Sansa Stark Would Be the Best Ruler of Westeros on ‘Game of Thrones’ and We All Need to Bow Down.

From Refinery29: Everything You Need To Throw The Ultimate Game Of Thrones Premiere Party.

I’ve been struggling with arthritis and insomnia so I decided to give CBD products a try. I’m a convert! The Healing Cream and Hemp Oil from Hemp Joy are changing my life.

Struggling to find clients? Check out this free masterclass with Racheal Cook: How to get more clients and fill your calendar stat! <-This is an affiliate link.

Wow: ACLU sues Southwest Virginia town on behalf of tarot card reader.

I love her: Billie Eilish Talked About Living With Tourette Syndrome On “Ellen.”

We’re living in The Handmaid’s Tale times: ‘Death sentence for women’: Alabama proposes law to make abortion punishable by up to 99 years in prison.

I needed this: Die, robocalls, die: A how-to guide to stop spammers and exact revenge.

Yay to this: Jessamyn Stanley is launching a yoga app!

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Get them: The 10 Best Astrology Books for Aligning Your Self with the Stars.

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Meanwhile over at Vox: Why astrologers study politicians’ birth times.

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I’m quoted over at Refinery29: This Star Sign Might Have Better Odds Of Being A Billionaire.

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We just had a New Moon in Aries. Here’s what you need to know – and some free mini tarot readings for each sign with the Dust II Onyx tarot!

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You know I want this: The Mystical Dream Tarot: Life Guidance from the Depths of Our Unconscious.

Coming soon from Kim Krans: The Wild Unknown Archetypes Deck and Guidebook.

If you’re a writer, you will defo want to check out Story Arcana: Tarot for Writers by Caroline Donahue.

I interviewed Caroline about her book and got some great tips on how to use tarot for writing.

This looks amazing: Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths: The Fascinating History of the World’s Most Powerful Gems and Stones.

The Tarot Coloring Book is for people who want to learn about tarot in a creative, experiential way.

You can preorder Tarot For Troubled Times – it’s my latest with my co-author, the wonderful Shaheen Miro!

Love astrology but can’t make heads or tails out of it? My third book will help you out: Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious). You can pre-order it now!

Classes:

I’m teaching at New Renaissance Books in Portland, Oregon on July 2nd at 6:30. Tarot Cards for Shadow Work – Together we’ll explore shadow work, Tarot archetypes, Birth Cards, finding the good in “bad” cards – and the dark side in the “good” ones. You’ll come away with knowledge about your Tarot Birth Card and some suggestions for making peace with your shadow.

If you’re in the Bay Area, join Chris Zydel and me on July 7th for Brushes + Cards + Shadows An Intuitive Painting and Tarot Workshop. It will be EPIC!

Join me and Shaheen on Friday, July 26th for a Tarot For Troubled Times event and book signing! Where: Free Spirit Crystals in Butler, Wisconsin. What time: 7 PM. Cost: Free!

Tarot for Troubled Times with Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed. Learn about shadow work, archetypes, tarot birth cards, and remedies for tough times. Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Details coming soon!