Tomorrow, 8/23/25, we get to see a Black Moon, or more accurately we get to not see a Black Moon. From NPR – https://www.npr.org/2025/08/21/nx-s1-5505395/black-new-moon-explainer

Unlike the sound of its name, it’s not the same one that Creedence Clearwater Revival created in their song Bad Moon Rising – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUQiUFZ5RDw

It’s still a new moon and so it’s time to start anew, again. In a post I made recently, I referred to how I set my goals and direction. I noted that of all the things I’ve tried using the moon and its phases helps me keep moving forward. The new moon is my time to begin looking forward once more. After the full moon I took some time to finish up what I had started and to begin thinking about what to do next. And here we are. Let’s start with what finished, then tentative plans, and finally what is the first step of this month’s journey.

1. What’s finished
   • The hunt for the lost death certificates. Estate paperwork met Covid and her friend Long Covid. Papers disappeared only to be found by me nearly 20 months later in, of course, the very last place I looked. And let me tell you, that was a lot of looking
   • Identified ideal guest (also meaning ideal client)
   • Finally got the Sudafed I asked for at the same time the papers went into hiding. It was satisfying to have that little box in hand.
2. What tentative plans have been brewing
   • Adding more media and options to my expression toolbox.
     • Audio – Once upon a time, I was a radio DJ for a short while and I enjoyed it immensely. That was back when we used vinyl by the way. I have a great face for radio.
     • Video – Not in my comfort zone, which means I will most likely end up doing some. Why? Because that is how we grow.
     • Public Speaking – I spent over 250 hours teaching. I can talk. A lot. But, I’m really rusty on presenting after living as a hermit for the last 5 years. Finding ways to get out is in the recipe for this one since I am slowly getting my health back. Baby steps here.
   • Legal matters
     • Finding a lawyer vs Do it myself Estate clearing
       • I don’t know any lawyers and I don’t know what makes a good lawyer
       • There’s no need for probate and they say it’s “simple” but I don’t trust that.
       • Have to research if I finally have all the necessary papers
   • Now that I can think and breathe again I would really like income.
     • Income is such a nice thing
     • I prefer to avoid the endless employment application circle and ageism. I’m not sure why employers don’t hire older workers. It’s not as if we are going to stay there 20 years and expect one of those ancient relics called a pension. Also, since most employers don’t supply health insurance that isn’t an issue.
     • Back to income is really nice and I am aiming to be a multimillionaire so I can give lots and lots of money away before I pass, along with making sure my children are secure in this crazy world.
3. First steps for the next cycle
   • Tackling the legal matters first
     • They need to get finished so that I can move forward on multiple fronts
       • The weekend of research begins tomorrow (always sounds bad) But yes really it begins on Saturday.
       • First stop. State Court and County Court websites. Hopefully will find all the info I need there but we shall see.
   • Audio seems the simplest to figure out and I have the equipment for that already. Go with where you are and what you have to work with is a good mantra. It keeps down the excuses for procrastination. More research, along with some play. I like that. I do not get enough play in my life.
   • Since that seems like a very short list, and I do need to get out, I will go somewhere non-essential this month and also I will go somewhere essential. I do need to get my passport because I’m not going to be a hermit forever and if someone wants to offer me a castle in Ireland, I would love to have options. I do love the idea of Scotland as well but I found I understand the Scots best when we are all drunk and I no longer drink much. That’s the essential. The other one? I think I should go somewhere that I’ve been before. Somewhere that has good memories. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History… is closed!
   • https://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/
   • That is so typical, and the new moon cycle begins with the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. (To A Mouse – Robert Burns) Always a good thing to keep in mind along with being flexible.

And so there it is. That’s one way to use the new moon as a point of new beginnings. Start the pattern with optimism, hope and belief that we can change our lives. Paths get bumpy, and sometimes we have no idea where the path is headed, but the darkness of the new moon changes to the bright light of the full moon. The world is always changing and if we’re wise we can flow with it and follow our path even in the dark, having a laugh when things go “agley”.