Devon Hunter

OHHHH, SHIT! I woke up today feeling so freaking energized and amazing that I can hardly stand myself… Okay, yes I can stand myself (but only just barely). I put some adjustments into place in the last few months and weeks, and I am so glad I did. I feel utterly fabulous right now. Haters be damned (see previous blog entry). I simplified my diet, adjusted my workout strategy, started napping (HUGELY important, I am finding), and decided to grow my hair out to the length I had in college. I’m sorry, but I can’t help being this fucking fabulous…

All this in time for the Chinese New Year, and this is MY year. The Chinese zodiac is a cycle of 12, just as the European, but rather than a 12-month cycle, it’s a 12-year cycle. So 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, etc. are dragon years. Within that 12-year animal cycle there is also a 5-year elemental cycle (earth, water, fire, metal, wood), so each animal/element combination comes around only once every 60 years… My birth year was a Fire Dragon year, and how appropriate is that for a flaming flamer of fiery burning energy such as moi?

What I love about being a Dragon is that we’re the only people symbolized by a mythological animal on the Chinese zodiac: There simply isn’t an animal in the physical world that can truly encapsulate the marvelous creatures Dragons are. MWAHAHAHA! But I’m biased, so you should probably dismiss that part. Anyway, I’m feeling energized and ferocious. I attribute it to the simple, but consistent diet I’m eating (and the napping). Really, if you don’t nap… honestly… you need to. Find a way. I promise you, it helps whatever ails you. That and water. And being a Dragon.

Okay, I would write more, but I have to go be awesome somewhere. Muah. xoxoxo

RAWR!

Wow, has another cycle passed already?? That must mean it’s been a great year (and it has)! There is so much I want to put here in this public space, but I just can’t yet; however, there is so much going on, and soon I can talk about it freely. In the meantime, for those of you who remember when I posted pics of my engagement ring last Yule, I want you to know that exactly a year later I now have the wedding ring that I’d always intended to match with it. AND IT’S GORGEOUS! OMG Yes, I do still plan to do the wedding to myself, and I have even chosen the theme for the event. I doubt Mom and Gramma can attend in person, so I am thinking that including them via Skype would be nice. I can record everything and put it on Youtube after the fact. At any rate, I am very excited about everything and very grateful, too.

Tomorrow I have some work to do, and then I go briefly visit family for the holidays, after which I will be going to Paris, France for a week for New Year’s. Won’t that be amazing?! OMG I love my life.

I was far more thorough and precise about recapping 2010, but I just don’t feel like doing that this time around. Suffice it to say that I exceeded all my financial goals, I have started working on the website I’ve been envisioning since the spring of 2009, and I’ve strengthened some personal bonds with some very wonderful people. I am happy. 2011 has been a magnificent year for me personally, professionally, and creatively. I hope that however 2011 treated you that 2012 will be better yet. Also, it’s Yule – the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year. This is when we celebrate the rebirth of the sun. Although the world is going to sleep, and the temperatures may drop, remember that from this point going forward the days are getting longer. If there is darkness in your life, meditate on the fact that the light is already returning. Have hope, and let this period of rest and planning be the preparation that allows you to leap forward into spring.

Happy holidays!

It was a glorious day: The colors were vibrant, but just past their prime, and there were icicles everywhere. There had been a snow storm the night before, so the symbolism was perfect. There was beauty everywhere, though it sometimes seemed a bit browbeaten.

The earth is going to sleep for a spell. And we are on the cusp of rest and temporary death.

The sky was incredible – the colors in the clouds were gorgeous. I trekked up to the top of Mount Mitchell (at +6,800 ft it’s the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River), and it was really amazing. That night I did the ritual itself on KITTEH’s screened-in sniffing parlor at my apartment. Grampa liked Port, so I used that, rather than a simple wine. KITTEH helped (KITTEH has strong magick). Grampa loved cats – sometimes I think he preferred cats to people (and I can completely relate to that).

But yes, it was a beautiful Samhain, even it it was the first time I had to do a ritual for the dead. It gave me a better sense of closure, and (for my part) I sent Grampa off on his long journey with love, friendship, peace, and joy. Happy Belated New Year!

“Au fur et au mésure que je connais mieux les hommes, je préfère mon chat.” (The more I know men, the better I like my cat.)

“C’eux qui s’amusent aux chats peuvent pas maudire les giffres.”  (People who play with cats should not curse the claws.)

Hello, Devon! Just wanted to quickly offer some overdue thanks to you! I’m not sure if you remember our couple email exchanges–it’s been a while. You offered some great advice to me on accepting myself and allowing people to know me fully and authentically. And getting to know myself at that level as well. Well, that really, really stuck with me! Like really! Long story short–I’m gay. I’ve accepted and embraced that it’s part of who I am. And, very recently, I’ve told some friends and, most importantly, my mom and dad. I’m still on this new journey. I’ve sorta met someone. Life is good! Authenticity is a beautiful thing! You played a part with your kind, encouraging and wisdom-filled email and I just wanted to take this opportunity express my sincere thanks and gratitude. I very much appreciate you taking a bit of time those months back and offering your thoughts. In many ways your words were life-changing! Thank you! And best of luck in this upcoming endeavor. I’m looking forward to reading about it and seeing it succeed! Take care! Joey

**********

Hello Joey! I am really glad that you are in such a happy place, and I think this is a great example of how honesty is liberating. Sure, you have to own the consequences of putting yourself “out there,” but at least you’re finally “out there” instead of trapped “in here.” You didn’t specify how people (especially your parents) are handling your truth, but I hope that even if they aren’t bursting with enthusiasm for you, that they are at least not being destructive or cold. In any event, it sounds like you have taken a brave step, and that you are being rewarded with a fulfilling journey. I don’t want to put too much weight in absolute terms (e.g. all, none, always, never, etc.), but it certainly seems that self-acceptance is generally going to be the healthier, happier road. I wish you continued success and happiness! Take Care! Devon

I’m finally, finally, finally going to Detroit! I’ve considered going on so many occasions, but have never done it. I will be meeting a new client for the first time, and I’m very excited, because together we planned the trip enough to be full, but loose enough for improvisation as needed. What is going to be particularly memorable is that we will be spending a great deal of the time riding roller coasters!!! I have never blogged it, but I absolutely LOVE them. They are everything that I adore about movement, dance, and gymnastics: Falling, turning, flying, stopping… I get high on those types of rides. The exhilaration of sitting down is almost the same kind of anxious nausea I got before performances when I was in high school, college, and graduate school. Everything about them makes me burst with pure joy. I am especially excited, because I can’t remember being on roller coasters since I was living in Los Angeles, and that was 1998 – 2002 (so it’s been nearly a decade, if memory serves). I’m a bit disappointed in myself: We have Carowinds right here in Charlotte, and I’ve never taken the time to go… Boo!! I should really take better advantage of all the amenities my city has to offer. But, at any rate, this is going to be so much fun!