The Hit List - Sharp knives

Last week, my daughter cut her hand open while trying to wriggle the pit out of an avocado. One hysterical call to her stepfather followed by a trip to the emergency room and a fainting episode, she’s properly stitched up and back to her hipster avocado toast loving ways. She’s a lot more careful with knives though. (Ps did you know that this is a common injury? There was another person in the emergency room for the same thing and Joy Behar allegedly had her own avocado knife tussle the same week!)

This was a reminder to me that I needed to get my knives sharpened with our local sharpener guy.

It also got me thinking a lot about knives. When they are sharp, they can cut to the bone. Sharp knives leave an impact.

When a knife loses its edge, it becomes dull. It’s much harder to make a cut or an impression. It’s safer but really, do you want to use that?

This is the same when it comes to business. There are some brands who think a tamer flavor is better for their bottom line. In some cases, that succeeds – up to a point. It may make money but an emphasis on fitting in and being “mainstream” means mild. Bland.

The only time a bland diet is recommended is when you are sick.

Think about that for a minute.

Anyhoo, I’m a huge fan of magical sprays – sprays that are infused with essential oils and formulated for specific results. I used to purchase from a company a while back that made marvelous ones. The bottles had gorgeous vintage labels and they worked. My favorite was the Protection Spray. However, the next time I ran out I was saddened to see that the company decided to change everything up. They got rid of the cool business name, modified the formulas and labels to be “less witchy”, and became unrecognizable in the process.

When this happened, the products seemed to be less potent. (Made me wonder if they were using cheaper ingredients.)

The business claimed they were doing this as a way to “reach more people” by being less mystical. Sigh. I never bought another product from them again. They lost their edge. Vanilla is not my thang.

Recently, I discovered a new magical spray company, Angela Mary Magick. Right off the bat, her tagline is clear on what she’s all about: Everything is a spell. That caught my attention. So did the products. These sprays are gorgeous to look at – and they are loaded with mythical ingredients (water from Lourdes!), and INTENTION. These are magick in a bottle.

When your package arrives at your door, it’s always beautifully put together. There is nothing bland about it – the owner of the company takes great pains to make sure you’re getting a bewitching experience. This is what a good, memorable business is all about. I’m seriously hooked on these products and constantly telling people about them. Because that’s the thing: when something is a standout, people talk. That leads to the best kind of business. Authentic fans who love you for YOU.

It’s one of the reasons why I never, ever want to water myself or my work down just to appease the masses. Individuality and non-conformity are important to me. Being your own self in a sea of alikeness is not easy but it feels better. It’s real, not plastic. It means something.

Words mean something too and this is what I think when I see these ones used in marketing:

Mainstream = sell out.
Ordinary = ho-hum.
Everyday = generic.
Standard = so what?
Average = palatable.
Conventional = BORING.

Let’s not allow the urge to be accepted by the masses convince us to conform to some “safe” version of ourselves.

Instead, embrace all your quirks. Bring them forward. Let your freaky-deaky self lead the way. (Psst this applies to individuals as well as businesses.) Be special, extraordinary, magickal AF.

In a world of common and normal, be an Angela Mary Magick. Or a Gabriela Herstik, Damien Echols, Fabeku Fatunmise, Chris Zydel, Briana Saussy, Andrew McGregor. (These are the folks who inspire me. They are anything but bland or conventional.)

Never lose your edge.

Stay sharp, my friends. (Psst but don’t hold avocados in your hand when you pit ’em.)

Other stuff:

Here’s how to properly – and safely – cut an avocado.

CANNOT WAIT: Nikolaj Coster Waldau on Game of Thrones Season 8: “We’ve gone all in.”

Speaking of Game of Thrones: Kit Harrington and Leslie Rose are set to marry.

Radical Tarot offers a thoughtful post on sliding scales.

Uh huh: there is no wrong way for a feminist to dress.

Kelly-Ann Maddox’s video on converting to Christianity and denouncing Witchcraft/New Age is a MUST listen.

This 11-year-old girl is divorcing her 38-year-old husband.

Gala Darling created this GENIUS High Vibe Honey thang – a tarot and tapping combo. She’s taking it live! If you’re in Los Angeles in August, get your sweet self to High Vibe Honey Live.

Some steps to follow: How To Help Immigrant Children Separated From Their Families at The Border.

Glennon Doyle has been taking it on: Yesterday we gave our babies love, today we give our lawmakers hell.

These cowboys and cowgirls of the Mississippi Delta don’t ride herd, they ride for fun.

Here are 100 ways to make the world better for non-binary people.

The tarot revival thanks to Brexit, Trump, and Dior.

7 cosmic signs that you’re a true Cancer baby.

I had intense dreams last night. Here’s a post on how to interpret dreams.

Badass: Meet The Satanic Feminists Who Are Fighting For Social Justice.

Here’s what happens when you try to live like a legend for a week.

Good advice: How to Survive This Summer’s Eclipses That Will Rattle Your Relationships.

Interesting: I Stop Celebrities From Blowing Their Money.

Live Be Yoga: How I’m Staying Grounded Through Nonstop Travel and Transition.

Good to know: How to find your power during Mars retrograde.

Scary: immigrant child detention centers are becoming death camps.

How to invest in upcoming artists before they become big.

Ethony’s Tarot Summer School is in session! Get in and learn from this amazing lineup of tarot experts.

A history of violence: why police are not welcome at Pride.

Love this: Everyday Monet: A Giverny-Inspired Gardening and Lifestyle Guide to Living Your Best Impressionist Life.

I am in love with Falksalt crystal salt flakes. Just picked up this chipotle version.

What a gorgeous cookbook: A Recipe for Cooking.

Oooh check this out: Evolution of Goddess: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Activating Your Feminine Superpowers.

A little poetry: Explorations of a Cosmic Soul.

This book on self-care looks lovely: It’s OK to Start with You.

Did you check out Sarah Selecky’s new book: Radiant Shimmering Light?

New to tarot? The Tarot Coloring Book is the easiest way to get acquainted with the deck.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Sharon Gannon: The Magic Ten and Beyond – Daily Spiritual Practice for Greater Peace and Well-Being.

Here are my upcoming live classes:

Intuitive Tarot Reading at New Renaissance Books. Date: Tuesday, July 3rd from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Location: Portland, Oregon.

Brushes and Cards: a fun day-long event with painting + tarot. You’ll be in good hands with me and intuitive painter, Chris Zydel. Date: Sunday, July 8th. Location: Oakland, California. SOUL-D out!

*NEW* Astrology for Total Beginners: learn the basics of natal chart interpretation. This two-hour workshop will get you up to speed on what all that astrology stuff is about! Join me at Boston Tea Room. Date: Wednesday, October 10th. Location: Ferndale, Michigan.

Pens and Cards: a day full of tarot exploration and writing with author Sarah Selecky and moi. Date: October 13th. Location: Skybarn, Prince Edward County, Ontario. Only TWO seats left!

Intuitive Tarot Reading at Boston Tea Room. Date: Sunday, October 14th. Location: Ferndale, Michigan.