I've had a truly lousy day today.  I won't say that I didn't play into it with some of my behavior ('cause I did), but that also does not mean that I plan on taking all of the responsibility for the fracas that was this workday.

To make a long story short, the staff at this motel needs to figure out a way to synchronize communications between the housekeeping staff and the desk crew, and the head housekeepers need to stop acting like spoiled children.  I griped about the lack of sync between the branches of the hotel, and she runs off and, like a little kid, gripes about me to the general manager!  Never mind that I didn't say a thing about the way she disregards the protocol regarding smoking in non-smoking rooms, I speak out once and--forget it.  I am probably in trouble but oh well.

I returned home today and promptly fell asleep, waking up in a panic to bright sunlight...then realizing that it wasn't morning.  It was four.

Shaking my head in aggravation I started dinner.  Sauerkraut and sausages (turkey, with cheddar).  After eating I set the above setting.

For the first time today I felt a sense of peace returning to my mind.   It is an easy fix; but also one that is easy to forget the merits of.  As I lit the malted cream-scented tealight candles I couldn't help but wonder a bit at the ease at which my state shifted in the presence of an altar.  As a matter of fact, every few moments I find myself looking away from the lighted keyboard of the Treo and watching the steady glow of the candles, the reflective shine from the athame.  It is a soothing thing to look at.  Even the reflections cast by the double-edged blade are somehow soothing.  If this sounds odd, think of your favorite place to unwind in your place.  It doesn't have to be one that has spiritual connotations, necessarily.  Just think of that sense that one gets when you know that things really are fine now and you can relax, and there is the general idea.