Patron Saint of Postcards Pilgrimage

Tumblr

2010-11-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm posting like crazy on Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook.

Dungeon

2010-06-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm in a sci-film called DUNGEON. I play Dorsle Bunn, a lady possessed by a demon!

This is stop-motion at its finest. If you like the Brothers Quay, you'll adore DUNGEON.

Here is DUNGEON's Blog.

Here is DUNGEON's Facebook Page.

GLOW

2010-06-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Jumbo Birthday Postcard

2010-05-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Shopdropping Continues in Kansas City

2010-05-29T09:18:00.001-07:00

Next shopdrop location: Barnes & Noble on the Plaza, Kansas City. Date: May 29, 2010.

I still wonder what happens when someone brings one of my postcards to the register.

Anyone out there know?

Postcards For Little People

2010-05-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

This tiny postcard set is available on Stellabelle Swag.

This Video is Cracking Me Up!

2010-05-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

After this video, you won't be the same.

STELLABELLE SWAG'S Postcards Now Available at Twisted Sister in KC

2010-05-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

Today I took my postcards into Twisted Sister, an outrageous card shop in Kansas City and the owner bought my postcards: Stellabelle Art Car and Welcome To Kansas City.

So, it's official, my stuff is now available in a store!

Here's Twisted Sister's facebook page

Ramona (of Leslie and the Lys) has just "liked" Stellabelle Swag!

2010-05-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite band is Leslie and the Lys, so naturally, I'm doing backflips in my room because Ramona has "liked" Stellabelle Swag on facebook!

And in other news, Dan Chusid (brother of Irwin Chusid) is the winner of my DO-NUT video dare idea contest.

STELLABELLE SWAG: World's Most Useless Gift Shop on Facebook

2010-05-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

I just had my release party last weekend for the opening of my new Facebook store:

Stellabelle Swag

Look for new products like cockroach slippers and postcards for Little People.

Free Absurd Gift Wrapping for all Mother's Day Purchases

2010-05-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Do you have a Mom who likes absurd things? Don't know what to get her?

There's free absurd gift wrapping at my Etsy store! Go here

Best Viral Video Ever!

2010-04-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Check this out, you can make your own also!

Patron Saint of Postcards Postcards Now For Sale

2010-04-24T15:03:00.001-07:00

buy them here

Stellabelle Art Car Postcards

2010-04-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Stellabelle car postcards now available!

New Kansas City Postcard

2010-04-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

This will arrive soon and be available on my Etsy site in the coming days.

Patron Saint of Stickers

2010-04-17T17:37:00.001-07:00

I've started making stickers. It's custom and is finished with Mod Podge. After I've completed more they'll be available in my Etsy store.

Lost Letters

2010-04-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

OH man! My best friend Daphne has finally found the lost letters from the past 15 years.

My hope in all things has been restored!

WIN A GIANT HAND-MADE POSTCARD

2010-03-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

TAKE ME TO THE CONTEST ON FACEBOOK
Do you dare? I do. In the video DONUTS I take the dare of walking into an elite advertising agency with nothing but a box of donuts and scoring an interview. This simple strategic move spawned the term DO-NUTS (people who embark on absurd adventures simply because they would rather DO something nutty than DO nothing!) ...Submit a challenge, insurmountable task, or winsome quest and I will attempt to make it a reality. I will DO it! And record the entire ridiculous episode for all to see.
The best submission will win a giant hand-made post card and hopefully will remind us to stop and smell the donuts.

Contest deadline: April 26, 2010

Please post your ideas here, my fan page wall or on Youtube

Good luck and may the most absurd idea win.

This feels like homework

2010-03-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

After spending an evening gorging on new artists I discovered on Facebook (Junko Mizuno and Ciou Hell) I realized that I'm neglecting my own blog. I have urges to make new postcards of Missouri and Kansas, but then I realize that I first have to get all sorts of other things done, all of which cost a great deal: 1. Back taxes I owe to the state of Kansas 2. Toys and other necessities for my child 3. Taxes I owe to California for early disbursement of my 401k. 4. Exterior HousePaint for my car so I can paint over a certain person's name and face 5. A new car door handle for the passenger side.
By the way, I really need to get that car door handle replaced because it is unopenable right now. It broke off during the cold cold morning last winter. I am considering starting a club to raise money for that door handle. I think I'll post a photo of the pathetic thing here.

Etsy Store!

2010-03-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

I now have an Etsy store! The first series is called Men of The House which was started in the early 1990's. It has taken me over fifteen years to complete.

The process is part cut-and-paste subconscious frenzy with an eventual analytical edit to find the narrative thread in each piece. Neatly knit borders and lace-trimmed frames evoke feminine campfire crafts.

Written by Daphne Young

DONUTS

2010-03-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

Daphne Young said it couldn't be done. The dare: Walk into the top ad agency in the city unannounced with nothing but a box of donuts and get an interview. I took the dare and made the video DONUTS.

Absence

2010-02-24T19:56:00.001-08:00

Crisis, trauma and a newborn have prevented me from creating new art. I want to change all that, and soon, I feel, I will be back to my true self, and will continue making things. I would love to tell the world my horrors, but something prevents me from spilling my guts. I hope to overcome the difficulties of recent times. Wish me luck.

Carlsbad Village Street Fair: 7 postcards sold

2009-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

After spending a grueling hour as a statue selling my postcards, I grew weary and headed towards a green patch of grass. There I met others who had hand-made things for sale. I began loudly proclaiming, "Welcome ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, gather round to see one-of-a-kind postcards that have never been before and will never be again. See your very own boat in a pool!"

stellabelle mobile

2009-05-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

Confessions of a Professional Shopdropper: MCASD

2009-04-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

So, my previous post didn't exactly tell the entire story of how my postcards made it into the MCASD. I used the guerilla tactic, better known as shopdropping.

I've been shopdropping at tourist stores in San Diego for quite some time and grown rather tired of the activity. I was in Little Italy a few weeks ago, at the Noel Baza gallery and spent some time chatting with the gallery owners. I told them about my postcard activities and shopdropping tendencies and they seemed amused. Then one of the owners told me that I should drop some of my postcards into the gift shop of the Museum of Contemporary Art, then write a thank-you letter to the director. What would happen? Would the director ignore my letter? Write a response? Ask to carry my cards? Politely try to get rid of me? What would happen to my postcards after they had been dropped into the store?

A huge grin spread across my face and I promised him I would follow through with his idea.

I received an email yesterday from Hugh Davies, the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego. It goes as follows:

Hugh Davies

to me, Inga

show details 2:46 PM (48 minutes ago)

Thanks for your letter and your cards.

Sent from my iPhone

My Postcards Now at MCASD in La Jolla

2009-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first day that my postcards are available at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's gift shop which is located in La Jolla, California.

Here's the thank you email that was sent to Hugh Davies, Director of MCASD.

Hugh M. Davies, Ph.D., The David C. Copley Director:

Thank you so much for accepting my Patron Saint of Postcards art series in the MCASD gift shop in La Jolla. It is with a great sense of gratitude that I write to you today as I have been diligently crafting these one-of-a-kind postcards for many years. You have truly made my year brighter. If I can be of further service to you, please don't hesitate to ask.

Your Humble Servant,

The Patron Saint of Postcards

Leah Stella Stephens

Patron Saint of Postcards: ROUND 233

2009-04-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Patron Saint of Postcards: ROUND 232

2009-04-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Furiously working day and night to create a mass amount of postcards for the giant street fair in Carlsbad, CA on May 3, 2009.

DVD Promo of Dungeon Now Available at Lou's Records

2009-04-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

IT'S OUT! The promo dvd for the film, DUNGEON, in which I play an old woman possessed by a demon is now available at Lou's Records in Encinitas, CA.

Alex Chiu at Kava Lounge

2009-04-18T17:28:00.001-07:00

Thursday Alex Chiu showed his super-fantastico art at the Kava Lounge.

Leslie Hall, the Gem Queen Herself

2009-04-14T17:26:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of seeing Leslie Hall at the Casbah. I will never be the same.

Leslie Hall on SignOnSanDiego

City Beat Cover

2009-04-14T17:23:00.001-07:00

My Frida character has made it to the cover of San Diego's City Beat.

normal.

2009-03-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Video Complete: LET'S CREATE A NEW HOLLYWOOD

2009-02-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

Watch Video
This video in the most simple terms is meant to show a different kind of future that is based not solely on the accumulation of wealth, but on a combination of cultivating respect for others, kindness, compassion and care for our shared world. But, in my opinion, this message has to be done with force and true unbridled passion. It has to be honest. We have to be honest about how our greed culture has warped our minds. It has certainly warped mine, and I am sick of the celebrity worship that dominates our society. It truly is a waste of time, and I don't judge people who get caught up in it because even I cannot help but know all about the details, because it is force-fed to us in every possible way. I AM SICK OF IT AND INTEND TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SICK SITUATION. "FED UP" is putting it mildly.

Some are not convinced that this movement is possible, but I beg to differ. There's a revolution going on in California and the elements that used to be fringe are coming together, building strong ties and a powerful center. This video is inspired by real people I have met recently who do not possess material wealth, and indeed, are considered to be in "poverty", but in actuality, they are some of the happiest people I have ever met. They have cultivated their minds and hearts which keep them fed. The do not live selfishly for themselves, instead, they are continually outward in their energy and show a deep concern for those around them. They get everything they need because of their magnetism and life force. They are the true leaders to our future.They are my teachers, in an informal way. No money is exchanged, and I have been feeling true growth from their knowledge.

Anyway, let's share, let's be aware, until WE HAVE NO HAIR!!!!!!!!

Enough of that serious shit, let's get down and dance!!!!!!!!

Manifestiny: Voice Artist and Child-Man

2009-02-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today turned out like a dream: I met a friend at the E Street Cafe and while waiting in line to order, a voice artist named Gary Elliot descended upon us, pouring out the Manifestiny and dancing wildly with bits of world audio flying out of all pores. He's a self-described General Eclectic, head Prof. IT without the harmful profit rays distorting his skin. I am in a trip that I never want to slow down. Manifestiny is all around.

And yesterday, the child-man Jafar entered my video. I placed him in front of the dragon mural, he danced his Tai Chi, and then whisked me into the tea room, while Bob Dylan's face lit the wall. We painted together and laughed, smiled and watched the Corporation. I had to cover my face when the poor cows and pigs were shown in cages. I wanted to save them. Jafar gave me a real big hug with teacup in his breast pocket. Then he removed the teacup and gave me another real big hug. As I drove away, I smiled thinking of Jafar. I continued thinking of him and he appeared, danced to my window and grasped my hand. We laughed again.

I wrote a song about Jafar and the main chorus is, "Can you see the smile of Jafar in me?"

He is nine days in San Diego and I'm the luckiest friend he has.

Youtube Interview With the Patron Saint of Postcards

2009-02-13T20:36:00.001-08:00

Here I am as interviewed by a fine young man named Scott:

Patron Saint of Postcards Interview

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Video is Complete

2009-02-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

I finished my first full-length music video which is called Ham and Cheese Sandwiches. I wrote the song over a year ago and finally completed the video this past week. I'm writing and composing loads of songs and will shoot more music videos on my youtube channel stellabelle.

I'm Making Music!

2009-02-07T22:42:00.000-08:00

I have added new songs to my music page on myspace. On one song, I sound like Tiny Tim and I have elongated laughter, coughs and strange vibrato singing on the other songs. I am focusing on singing, composing and creating new music mainly because my videos now require a new level of professionalism.

San Diego's Brat: The Skateboarding Parrot

2009-02-07T22:40:00.000-08:00

I met a man who has an exceptionally talented, skateboarding parrot named San Diego's Brat.

Shopdropping in Downtown San Diego

2009-02-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight I shopdropped in downtown San Diego. I first hit a drug store in Horton Plaza, then walked to Borders where I placed my Patron Saint Postcard into all the PostSecret books. After that, I shopdropped a few more on the racks of a tourist shop.

My reasons for shopdropping (or reverse shoplifting) are different from others. I have a compulsion that seems to just take over whenever I pass a rack of postcards. I have been shopdropping on and off for many months and have decided to document this phenomena.

Another reason I do this is because I used to shoplift as a teenager and I want to reverse all the bad karma I have accumulated from criminal activities of the past. I do not shoplift anymore, I have successfully replaced a lot of my bad compulsions with good ones. I still get a rush from putting my postcards into stores. I feel like I am doing community service now, because my Youtube channel: Stellabelle is printed on the back of the postcards and this channel is dedicated to showing the people a new perspective on life. I enjoy meeting as many people as possible and helping spread messages that never make it to mainstream media.

After feeling a sense of relief and glee that I was able to do this without any difficulty, I walked back to Horton Plaza and ran into a man with a skateboarding parrot named San Diego's Brat. I took this to mean that I did the correct thing for the evening.

Gave Away 3 Postcards and a 27 cent stamp

2008-12-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

Drawing: collaboration with Alex Chiu.
I went to Bar Basic last night and the highlight was giving away three postcards and one 27 cent stamp to Christopher Banchero. He was happy to receive my cards, and I in turn was joyful once again. It was a very nice encounter, one that makes me smile even now.
My postcard-giving activities are being subsumed by Beyond Toothpaste activities. David Webster needs my help, and he is regaining hope, I think. One thing is sure: he uses the word, "if" way too much, and I told him that he should delete it from his vocabulary. It's difficult. I have a tendency to say the word, "sorry" too much, which he is always pointing out.
I looked up the brand, METHOD, and think we should follow a similar path with the toothpaste.
I've never felt so motivated and happy to work in all my life. I am so happy that I quit my day job. I'm a little nervous, but full of energy.

Resume

2008-11-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

Leah Stella Stephens

10 Oak Hill Cluster

Independence, Missouri 64057
leahstella@gmail.com

cell: 619.384.0310

EDUCATION
Graphic Design I & II, Penn Valley Community College, 2005
Self-taught Web Design, Html, Photoshop, Illustrator
Advanced & Alternative Process Photography, Pima College, 1995
Received B.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of Kansas, 1994

EXPERIENCE

San Diego CityBeat, Art Direction and cover design, San Diego, CA May, 2009

Lead Graphic Designer and Marketing Consultant, Beyond Toothpaste, Cardiff, CA 2008-2009
Prepress Technician, Modern Postcard, Carlsbad, CA 2006-2008

Production Artist, Stouse, Inc., New Century, KS, 2002-2006

SKILLS
Web and Graphic Design using the Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop Digital Imaging, Digital Photography/Retouching, Screenprinting Colorist, Cut-and-Paste Collagist, Video and Sound Editing, Youtube Director (channel: stellabelle)

AWARDS

Winner of Seaport Village Busker Video/Photo competition, June 2008
Second Place Ping Pong champ, Modern Postcard, 2007 & 2008
Image Award Winner, Modern Postcard, 2007
Winner of Taschen's International 2006 Schlaupelz contest
(Prize included meeting with Los Angeles writers Sven Kirsten
and Diane Hansen.)

GALLERY EXHIBITS
Postcards 2008 at: Swiv Tackle Circus, Ducky Waddle’s, Caldwell’s
Road Kill Group Show, 2005, The Late Show, Kansas City, MO
Hotel Hell, 2005, Muddy's, Kansas City, MO
Paparazzi of the Common Folk, 2004, Muddy's, Kansas City, MO
Wrongland Postcard Times, 2004, Image Point, Kansas City, MO

REFERENCES
Franceska McCullough, Sculptor, Dallas, Texas
Daphne Young, fashion columnist for Scene Magazine, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

There's Nothing Cutting Edge About Starving To Death

2008-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Everything is changing. Obama was elected as our next president, my pilgrimage may take place at a later time because of one thing: I met an inventor that has the potential to change the course of human history. He invented Beyond Toothpaste which I have been using for about a month now. He has done his part, my bleeding gums have been cured, now it is my turn to help him. He doesn't have money to pay for a giant advertising campaign, so I have agreed to be paid in tubes of toothpaste. Funny thing is, I've never been good at sales in my whole life, but I have no problem selling Beyond Toothpaste because it is the first toothpaste that actually cures the diseases of the gums and teeth. Once people I hear my story that I'm not working for money, but rather for tubes of toothpaste, they splatter giggles all over the place and want to hear more. I met a guy named Doug last night at the E Street Coffee House in Encinitas who ended up buying a tube after we had a laugh riot together in our cafe chairs. What set him off is the fact that David's chief attribute is health, but he has had very severe problems doing simple things like finding enough money to eat daily. I told David that the next time he finds himself without food, instead of starving all day, he should call me and I'll get him food. David and I talk a lot about being on the cutting edge of things. He invented a light machine, also he designed sandals for men in the 1950's, and generally is advanced in many respects. I joke with David though, and tell him, "There is nothing cutting edge about starving to death". David is one of those rare people who won't ask others for help when he is in need. Introspection in large doses can lead to either the invention of a revolutionary toothpaste, or to quietly resigning oneself to a life of endless suffering. But not this time. I am going to do everything in my power to ensure David Webster gets the full credit for his invention. Beyond Toothpaste is more than just a revolutionary product, it is a philosophy in the making.

Here it is, the morning, and I haven't yet brushed my teeth. Instead of the yucky film that used to coat my tongue, teeth and mouth, my entire mouth is free of bacteria, slimy stuff and feels totally wonderful and clean. This stuff is going to revolutionize the entire dental hygiene field. Now, if I can only keep David Webster alive long enough for him to see his dream realized: helping the world keep their teeth and gums, essentially, he wants to see the people free from suffering.

Good Morning Postcard Complete

2008-10-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

This postcard was made for a very special person, Mr. Good Morning. He lets glitter fall on his shop floor and many of his treasures inside his store are not for sale. He is a remarkable person who teaches me wonderful things every time I hang out with him. Here are some phrases he coined which I now use on a regular basis: PEACE ON YOU! I HAVEN'T REACHED NEVER YET. One time I went into Good Morning and found an adorable squirrel baby that seemed to come from a recent dream of mine. I asked how much it cost, and after he saw the look in my eyes (that wanted it so bad), he said, "you can have it. It belongs to you."
Here is Mr. Good Morning in one of my videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2v8ipLfs2k

Letter to Aunt Bonnie

2008-10-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

Letter to Aunt Bonnie, the Seamstress from Montana:

Dear Bonnie,

Hello and how are you? I'm requesting your help on another sewing project. Starting on New Year's Day, my friend Alex and I are going on a pilgrimage to LA and making a film of the journey. So, I'll need a cape and another postcard apron for this escapade. I've enclosed the designs and I intentionally made it simple so that you can improvise if you want. Also, keep all the scrap material because I'd like an apron made to match the cape. The pockets can be white this time, not see-thru. If you want me to send another mock-up, let me know. Otherwise, just follow the color scheme and general design of the cape. I'm so grateful to have you as my Aunt. Thank you so much for helping my dreams find their way into the world.

Love,
Leah Stella

Dreams as Exceptional Events

2008-10-09T21:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.aspr.com/ullm.htm
This document by Dr. Ullman expresses my exact feelings on the subject of dreams. I'm thinking long and hard about the purpose of the pilgrimage and I believe that finding out the current state of consciousness of people is at the top of the list. I believe we all hold the keys to understanding the truth of ourselves, our society and culture through the acceptance and study of our dreams. I'm very curious to find out what other people are dreaming about in the modern world, one in which I feel that technology is reigning supreme. I feel that the creation of the Patron Saint of Postcards persona is a desire on my part to create a great connective tissue that forms between me and the rest of the world. One of the most basic human needs is to connect with others and I do feel that through the years, this connective tissue has been worn down by technology and consumerism. I think technology is wonderful and fascinating and yet I also feel that it is isolating. The thing I suppose I crave the most in this modern world is connecting with others in a deep and meaningful way in order to understand how we all perceive and process the world.

The Pilgrimage is ON

2008-09-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have been granted the time off from work. The pilgrimage is officially ON. I am relieved. Alex also has notified his employer and been given time off. It's looks like now we are really doing this.

Reorganization of Pilgrimage

2008-09-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

So, as I was walking in Carlsbad the other day, it occurred to me that the pilgrimage should begin in Los Angeles (my birth city) and then end in San Diego (my chosen city). I spent my first year of life in the Venice Beach area, so I think it would make sense to start the pilgrimage from Venice Beach. Plus, I would love to see what Venice Beach is like now. We might even spend a day there meeting all the characters and street performers.
Another detail that emerged: in order to cover the costs of postage (94 cents per international postcard), I could set up a request for donations of 94 cents. For that 94 cents, the person could choose which country to sponsor. Their picture would appear on this blog as the person who funded the postage for a particular country.

Fears Eased

2008-09-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

After a reassuring word from my company president, I now have a renewed sense of trust and optimism. He said he would meet with me this week to discuss my letter, and from the looks of it, my past dread seems like paranoia now. I'm exercising flexibility of thought and have already released myself from the previous strong attachment to the pilgrimage in case I am given an ultimatum. I'm not giving up, but I am also willing to consider all angles. I have to survive financially, be realistic and most importantly, be respectful to others.
That's the thing about taking big risks. You never know how others are going to take it. Considering the tight atmosphere in the United States right now, I think most people wouldn't even consider such a proposal such as mine. But I see another side to our constricting economy and that is this: it is my belief that people are wanting something more than consumerism. I know I am searching for a deeper meaning to existence, and I feel that as a whole, a new kind of culture has to emerge from the ashes of the past. The future has to be reinvented.
I'm a little nervous about the meeting with the CEO, but not as much as one would think.
When true passion and drive is present, others can sense this energy. So far my passions have led me in the correct direction. I'd like to continue to let this passion flow until it spills out in great bursts. I just hope others understand me and that I articulate my ideas in a clear manner.

Concerns About Pilgrimage

2008-09-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to build up endurance, I biked about 18 miles yesterday. I overdid it and my back is horribly sore and everything is foggy in my mind. I have degenerative disc disease, but have been taking very good care of myself and haven't suffered much pain in recent years. I am re-thinking the necessity to walk to Los Angeles and am considering alternatives such as: walking along every beach in San Diego, handing out postcards until I run out, with Alex filming this. I think pain always makes re-thinking a priority. I will continue the endurance training, however, with more foresight regarding the amount of exercise I do. Still no word from anyone regarding my request for time off.

Day After Submitting Letter

2008-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

I came into work yesterday (one day after I submitted my letter), turned on my computer and discovered that the Outlook Express icon for my mailbox had vanished. I began panicking, sure that I had been removed from the company emailing system. I assumed this to be the first sign that I would soon be deleted from my company. I tried to weigh all the possibilities, but my mind kept going back to the worst possible scenario: fired. I figured I would be escorted out of my company at any minute. At about this time my co-worker came to my desk and explained that IT had upgraded our mail application. He walked me through the process of reinstalling the new software. Relief isn't quite the word. Ecstatic, overjoyed, thrilled is more fitting. I was happy that my fears turned out to be absurd.

I still am waiting for a response to my letters. No word has been sent my way yet.

Writing Letters to My Supervisors and Company President

2008-09-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

This morning I wrote a letter to my company president letting him know that I am going on a postcard pilgrimage during Christmas. It is taking a real risk, I know, but I feel that it is important to communicate the message as soon as possible. I also wanted him to know my gratitude with regards to working at such a company that feeds its employees. I want everything to be out in the open, for soon, I have a deep suspicion that not only will it be out in the open, but it may be in the papers. I have no idea, at this stage, though. My supervisor at work hasn't directly addressed my request, and there are so many unknowns at this stage. I feel both relieved and scared. Relieved because external reality is now coming closer to the internal one. Scared because of finances and lack of money. Scared also because there are so many unknowns, including where we will stay, other people's judgement and how to tell my family about this. I am waiting to tell my family because I need to get all the work details sorted out first. I sincerely hope that my company grants me a leave of absence. That would be wonderful, as I cannot just take off without any notion of how to support myself when I return from the pilgrimage.

But it is a good day because I expressed my intentions in a clear manner to the president of my company. I will report back on how it was received.

the Saint sleeps

2008-09-10T01:04:00.000-07:00