Allure

A life experience which some unfortunate souls have never known, allure is unadulterated power . . . to intrique, fascinate -- to attract.  Simple planning, organizing, traveling can contain purpose, enjoyment, fun.  Entertaining ourselves is easier today than ever before.  Visiting restaurants, bars, festivals, parties, sparky 'happenings' of all kinds will provide pleasure . . . but it is that irresistible urge to return to something, to a place, necessity to feel again that difficult-to-define rightness effortlessly charming the heart and soul, which cannot be ignored.

Yearning will fade and then resurface at random moments, with a piece of music, a scent, the sound of a particular voice or glimpse of certain colors.  A spirit of life, love and excitement floats soundlessly just out of reach.  We know, however, because we have been there. 

Deep and abiding allure is a gift that New Orleans casually bestows -- with or without acknowledgement of recipients.  Cooperation is not required.  Weaving in and through the mind, settling permanently in all pleasure centers, it will bring you back, over and over.    

Southern & Northern

And what it really means . . . that is, what personal characteristics distinguish a Southern person from a Northern person?  Those born and nurtured below the Mason-Dixon line . . . and those who entered this world above it.  Many lists of comical differences exist -- but there are fundamental points everyone should know before doing a comparison.

For starters, Southern boys love their mamas . . . and Southern girls adore their daddy.  Not only while growing up . . . they are moving toward BECOMING their mama and daddy - or a close facsimile, all their lives.  The best football teams are always in the South, and this fact is not lost on any of us.

Do not get in a fight with a Southern boy - even if you are in possession of a switchblade or a gun . . . he has both and will not hesitate to take you out.  In fact, that is exactly what he plans going in, and unless you possess the same level of adrenalin and purpose, you are toast.

Southern girls love to look good.  And they do -- they are among the most beautiful women in the world and they absolutely know it.  Southern girls also love cheerleading, babies and old people, their men, and each other -- not necessarily in that order -- but think carefully before getting on a tennis court with one of them.  Relentless will not even cover it and you could wind up shredded before you know it.

There is a playful, often casual exterior with both men and women of the South.  Do not harbor any illusions about the seriousness with which these people live their lives, protect their personal liberty and their families, and safeguard their way of life.

As to Northern people, speaking to that way of living is less familiar . . . we are all humans who love our freedom and families, and want to protect our individual way of life.  It's COLD in most of those places . . . no soft white sand beaches, hot balmy summers driving along the water, spring breaks spent in happy repose around a blazing fire on the sand.

While we love everyone . . . our infallible sources of wisdom tell us it is our spiritual duty . . . we want warmth, from weather to hot blood, all the way across the intensity scale.

Tame the Tongue

Bridling emotions . . . essential quality when conducting a relationship of any type.  Unpleasant reactions seldom lead to positive progress - indeed, to any forward motion at all.

Prior to expressing a thought which has mean, trivial or negative import, spend a moment in silence within your own mind.  Decide to avoid conflict, if only for a short period of time.  Expressing an idea or opinion is never as important as the impact it has on another.

An animal which is uncontrollable is soon either trained differently or gone.  Explosive, abusive words inflict lasting damage.  Do remember that your judgments are yours alone . . . present them with modest consideration when possible . . . and with caution at all times.

Talk to yourself.  It is the least you can do.

Jealousy and Envy

Two consuming conditions, resulting in much misunderstanding and deep angst. Different in nature, the most striking similarity is a consuming fire of illusion.

Jealousy connotes resenting that which another possesses. Anger, sense of loss, or resentment contribute strongly to emotional jealousy. Feeling 'less than' is a powerful detriment to rational thought.

Begrudging others good fortune or success is a hallmark of envy. It is a mean emotion which feeds on itself if allowed to remain in the mind.

In either feeling/emotion, dissecting its origins will accomplish much. Comparisons are futile. Learning to understand that personal failings or faults cannot be modified by projection of ill will or lack on another is the beginning of wisdom.

Stay within the sphere of that life you have been given. Appreciate those characteristics that are useful. Stay away from comparing - it is irrational and incendiary.

Learn to like yourself.

Rituals

Seductively comforting, rituals can be essential in lulling participants into any zone directed toward following the light. Like a reassuring siren song, performances in ritualistic mode deliver those feelings of rightness, acceptance, safety.

Lucidly enter these periods of respite in life. Lift that filmy veil of illusion occasionally. Contact the individual soul for its understanding of any such routine. Communicate with truth during, before and after taking part in a prescribed or required activity.

Know the beliefs and/or needs of the heart and mind . . . willingness and compliance may not necessarily produce true enlightenment.