This post is here to help you get a snapshot of who I am and what you'll find in this journal.

READ FIRST
Before you do anything else, I request that you read the following three posts.

• The AJ FAQs... aka What you'll see in my LJ... aka My Friend/Defriend Policy :: DW // LJ
  
• On Writing and Feedback... :: DW // LJ
  
• IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT :: DW // LJ

Other Posts of Note

• Divination Readings Options :: DW // LJ
  A list of all of the readings and divination methods I offer for people.
  
• Free One Card Day :: Welcome page coming soon
  This is a monthly tarot draw done to celebrate the full moon, or sometimes the new moon.
  
• Free Poem Day :: Welcome page coming soon
  This is done in even-numbered months to celebrate the opposite moon of the free tarot draw.
  
• Free Microfic Day :: Welcome page coming soon
  This is done in odd-numbered months to celebrate the opposite moon of the free tarot draw.
  
• 101 in 1001 - Round 3 :: DW // LJ
  This is my third round of having a major ToDo list of future accomplishments.

Public vs. Filtered Posts
For the most part, the entries in this journal are public. There are some that are filtered to circle/flist only, and I also employ some custom filters. There are 5 opt-in filters that you can request to be put on, once you've been granted access/friended on my journals. Those filters are as follows, in order of use...( the 5 filters to choose from...Collapse )

Original post @ Dreamwidth with comments. Commenting is welcome on either post.

101 in 1001
brought to you by DayZero, formerly known as triplux

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

aj's comments
I originally found this via a random perusal of 's lj many years ago... And you know, she had a good point in using this as an opportunity to make changes in life.

I will no longer keeping track of this project over on my Day Zero page because I don't feel the need to pay to have more lists or the ability to group things like I can do here.

So I'm starting this list on 17 October 2024, and will work to complete it by 15 July 2027.

[Note :: My list is shown with the categories in alphabetical order, not necessarily in order of preference or anything like that.]

The Basics
( the tasksCollapse )

Community Service
( the tasksCollapse )

Creativity & Hobbies
( the tasksCollapse )

Education
( the tasksCollapse )

Financial
( the tasksCollapse )

Health & Wellness
( the tasksCollapse )

House & Home
( the tasksCollapse )

Media
( the tasksCollapse )

Self-Care
( the tasksCollapse )

Social
( the tasksCollapse )

Spirituality
( the tasksCollapse )

Travel
( the tasksCollapse )

Writing Professionally
( the tasksCollapse )

{See also dw post}

Dear Doctor Who Femslash Drabble Exchange 2024 creator --

First off, thank you for participating! This is my first year participating in this exchange. I look forward to receiving your creation with the giddy anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning.

While I know you will create what comes to you, and I sincerely hope you have fun with the whole process, I just thought I'd mention this first: I've included prompt options for each of the relationships I requested. I'm just offering it as an option if you want to give it a shot. If not, I know I'll love whatever you write for me. I am all good with single, double, or triple drabbles, as the inspiration hits you. And I'm caught up through Fourteen's run, not that Fourteen is an option here, just giving a head's up of how much I've seen of the series so far...

( Prompts for each shipCollapse )

( Basic NotesCollapse )

And yes, I know this probably looks like I'm really fucking picky. In some ways, I am. But at the same time, it's totally your choice to follow or not follow what's written here [with the exception of my DNWs]. I just thought this might be something to help you out with ideas for the story you'll be writing. Feel free to peruse my journal & dear author letters tag to get more info. I really don't hide much....

If you're someone that knows me, you probably already know this about me. And you probably already know what I like. And if you don't know me, or aren't sure about something, ask the mods to ask me. Or, hell, ask shatterpath or theonlyspl because they know me and my likes/dislikes very well.

And really? Just have fun with this. The fact that you're signed up and willing to play along is awesome with me...

Once again, thank you in advance for the creation you're going to be making for me. I can't wait to get it!




{See also DW post}

Note: I realize I didn't do any of these updates since November 2022. I just don't have the spoons to go back and do all of them, so I'm just starting fresh with January 2024. All of the info is in the masterlist, so...


Percentages

• Started/In Process :: 17/101 :: 17%


• Completed :: 19/101 :: 19%


• Failed :: 9/101 :: 9%


• Dropped :: 3/101 :: 3%


• Unfulfilled :: 53/101 :: 53%

Specifics

• Link to my full list: DayZero || DW || LJ


• My start date: 21 December 2021


• My end date: 17 September 2024


• Total number of goals completed: 19


• Number of goals completed this month: 1


• Total number of goals in progress: 17


• Number of goals in progress worked on this month: 5


• Total number of goals officially failed: 9


• Number of goals abandoned/failed this month: 13


• Number of goals swapped out this month: 0



• List & description of goals I've completed this month:
  • 018. Write a story in a fandom I wrote prior to 2014 in 2024 -- A Little Osgoid to Chase the Nightmares Away [Star Trek: The Next Generation, Tasha Yar & Deanna Troi], posted 01/27/2024


• List & description of goals I've made progress on this month but haven't finished yet:
  • 037. Complete at least 4 online courses in 2024
    ~ Greek lessons on Duolingo were missed for the month due to personal issues
    ~ Ongoing Creative Writing & Acting classes through The Players Conservatory
         ~ Online participation weekly via Zoom for Acting Class
    ~ Magic in the Middle Ages course on Coursera -- started on 01/09/2024
  
  
  • 045. Start a yoga or martial arts class
    ~ bought an annual subscription for Body Groove on 01/07/2024
  
  
  • 062. Send a letter/card/postcard to one random friend once a month each year
    ~ mailed out shenanigans to Chris on 01/16/2024
  
  
  • 094. Participate in at least 2 writing contests in 2024
    ~ submitted my entry for Round 1 of the NYCMidnight Short Story Challenge 2024 on 01/27/2024


• List & description of goals I've abandoned/failed this month:
  • 003. Pick up trash along my favorite stretches of beach at least once a month for 12 months
  
  
  • 012. Write a poem a week in 2024
  
  
  • 025. Post meaningful content to my LJ/DW at least 3 times a week for 6 different weeks in 2024
  
  
  • 041. Try to set aside $200/month for savings
  
  
  • 052. Keep my desk area clean & orderly for at least 3 different months each year
  
  
  • 055. Go through our stuff & fill at least 1 2'x2'x2' box of stuff to donate/recycle/throw away 6 times in 2024
  
  
  • 069. Work through my Sea Magic book, starting on Imbolc 2022
  
  
  • 070. Finish working through my Mary Magdalene book
  
  
  • 071. Get to know & use my Writer's Block Tarot Deck
  
  
  • 091. Submit 3 articles, stories, or poems for publication in 2024
  
  
  • 095. Complete 1-2 new chapters/mo for current novel
  
  
  • 097. Write 1 full length screenplay [possibly using my 2 5pg short screenplays]
  
  
  • 101. Post at least once a week to my pro blog in 2024


• List of goals I hope to work on/complete next: In addition to the ones already in progress, I'd like to get started on the following in February.
  • 003. Pick up trash along my favorite stretches of beach at least once a month for 12 months
  
  
  • 004. Make a charitable donation of $10 or more in 3 separate months in each year
  
  
  • 012. Write a poem a week in 2024
  
  
  • 015. Write a story in a new fandom in 2024
  
  
  • 021. Finish a "WiP" from my hard drive in 2024
  
  
  • 025. Post meaningful content to my LJ/DW at least 3 times a week for 6 different weeks in 2024
  
  
  • 029. Leave proper concrit on at least 5 stories a week that I read online for 1 month in 2024
  
  
  • 041. Try to set aside $200/month for savings
  
  
  • 052. Keep my desk area clean & orderly for at least 3 different months each year
  
  
  • 055. Go through our stuff & fill at least 1 2'x2'x2' box of stuff to donate/recycle/throw away 6 times in 2024
  
  
  • 067. Celebrate all applicable sabbats in 2024 {due to end date}
  
  
  • 069. Work through my Sea Magic book, starting on Imbolc 2022
  
  
  • 070. Finish working through my Mary Magdalene book
  
  
  • 071. Get to know & use my Writer's Block Tarot Deck
  
  
  • 091. Submit 3 articles, stories, or poems for publication in 2024
  
  
  • 095. Complete 1-2 new chapters/mo for current novel
  
  
  • 097. Write 1 full length screenplay [possibly using my 2 5pg short screenplays]
  
  
  • 101. Post at least once a week to my pro blog in 2024


• List of goals swapped out this month & why:
  • n/a


• Your favorite goal worked on this month: You know what? My favorite goal in January was actually sending out a copy of Scott Cunningham's The Truth About Witchcraft Today to my good friend Chris, who recently started out in her spiritual path. It's a book I read when it first came out, and I was officially starting in my own spiritual path after leaving a life in the Lutheran church. I have recced it to family and friends to understand at least parts of my spiritual path, but also have gifted it to so many friends and mentees starting out over the years. She's a sort of mentee of mine in her spirituality quest, and I am honored to help her out. So when I found a copy at one of my favorite pagan shops in November, I snatched it up for her, but wasn't able to actually send it until after the holidays for various reasons. She was so excited when she got it. It made me really happy to pass that on to her like that and continue the tradition I created all those years ago.

Dear seasonsofdrabbles creator --

First off, thank you for participating! This is my first year participating in this exchange. I look forward to receiving your creation with the giddy anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning.

While I know you will create what comes to you, and I sincerely hope you have fun with the whole process, I just thought I'd mention this first: I've included options for romantic relationships I prefer amongst the characters chosen, if you're not up for writing romance, that's totally fine. I'm just offering it as an option if you want to give it a shot. If not, I'm happy with single character focus or multi-character platonic focus.

( Good Omens (TV)Collapse )

( Highlander: The SeriesCollapse )

( Reba (TV)Collapse )

( Star Trek: PicardCollapse )

( Star Trek: The Next GenerationCollapse )

( Basic NotesCollapse )

And yes, I know this probably looks like I'm really fucking picky. In some ways, I am. But at the same time, it's totally your choice to follow or not follow what's written here [with the exception of my DNWs]. I just thought this might be something to help you out with ideas for the story you'll be writing. Feel free to peruse my journal & dear author letters tag to get more info. I really don't hide much....

If you're someone that knows me, you probably already know this about me. And you probably already know what I like. And if you don't know me, or aren't sure about something, ask the mods to ask me. Or, hell, ask shatterpath or theonlyspl because they know me and my likes/dislikes very well.

And really? Just have fun with this. The fact that you're signed up and willing to play along is awesome with me...

Once again, thank you in advance for the creation you're going to be making for me. I can't wait to get it!

Note :: The first time I saw this meme was in seshen's LJ back in 2003. It's become a yearly ritual now....


User :: ariestess
Memories :: 6,357
Pictures :: 521
Account type :: Paid Account, expiring 3 March 2024
Date created :: 2001-02-13 22:05:58
Date updated :: 2024-01-01 [not including this one, of course]
Journal Entries :: 11,423 [not including this one, of course]
Comments :: Posted: 42,910 - Received: 20,008
Tags :: 261
Virtual Gifts :: 89
Userpics :: 150

Dear justmarriedexchange creator --

First off, thank you for participating! This is my first year participating in this exchange. I look forward to receiving your creation with the giddy anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning.

While I know you will create what comes to you, and I sincerely hope you have fun with the whole process, I just thought I'd mention a couple of things for you...

But first, a quick note. While I was going to separate out prompt options by relationship for each fandom request here, that just didn't work out, so if you come up with something that doesn't go against any of my DNWs, feel free to create what you're inspired to create. If you're not sure, please feel free to reach out to my contact person or the mods to check with me.

( Damien (TV)Collapse )

( Gargoyles (Cartoon)Collapse )

( Good Omens (TV)Collapse )

( Once Upon a Time (TV)Collapse )

( Poltergeist: The LegacyCollapse )

( Star Trek: The Next Generation Collapse )

( Star Trek: PicardCollapse )

( Basic notesCollapse )

And yes, I know this probably looks like I'm really fucking picky. In some ways, I am. But at the same time, it's totally your choice to follow or not follow what's written here [with the exception of the incest & noncon/dub-con things, which really bother me]. I just thought this might be something to help you out with ideas for the story you'll be writing. Feel free to peruse my journal to get more info. I really don't hide much....

If you're someone that knows me, you probably already know this about me. And you probably already know what I like. And if you don't know me, or aren't sure about something, ask the mods to ask me. Or, hell, ask shatterpath or theonlyspl because they know me and my likes/dislikes very well.

And really? Just have fun with this. The fact that you're signed up and willing to play along is awesome with me...

Once again, thank you in advance for the creation you're going to be making for me. I can't wait to get it!

ariestess

Dear hurtcomfortex creator --

First off, thank you for participating! This is my first year participating in this exchange. I look forward to receiving your creation with the giddy anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning.

While I know you will create what comes to you, and I sincerely hope you have fun with the whole process, I just thought I'd mention a couple of things for you...

But first, a quick note. While I'm going to separate out H/C prompt options by relationship for each fandom request here, if you come up with something that doesn't go against any of my DNWs, feel free to create what you're inspired to create. If you're not sure, please feel free to reach out to my contact person or the mods to check with me.

( Evil (TV 2019)Collapse )

( Good Omens (TV)Collapse )

( Once Upon a Time (TV)Collapse )

( Star Trek: PicardCollapse )

( Star Trek: The Next GenerationCollapse )

( Basic NotesCollapse )

And yes, I know this probably looks like I'm really fucking picky. In some ways, I am. But at the same time, it's totally your choice to follow or not follow what's written here [with the exception of the incest & noncon/dub-con things, which really bother me]. I just thought this might be something to help you out with ideas for the story you'll be writing. Feel free to peruse my journal to get more info. I really don't hide much....

If you're someone that knows me, you probably already know this about me. And you probably already know what I like. And if you don't know me, or aren't sure about something, ask the mods to ask me. Or, hell, ask shatterpath or theonlyspl because they know me and my likes/dislikes very well.

And really? Just have fun with this. The fact that you're signed up and willing to play along is awesome with me...

Once again, thank you in advance for the creation you're going to be making for me. I can't wait to get it!

ariestess

January 30, 2022
Unconditional Giving
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

You might feel secure with the resources you have available to you today. You may notice that you wish to share your abundance and help others in some way. Perhaps you realize that lending other people a helping hand is a way to celebrate your prosperity and thank the universe for your good fortune. Today you could consider finding a cause or charity you feel a strong connection with and donating to it or helping out a loved one who may need a little extra assistance. Try to make it a point to give from your heart without expecting anything in return. You may notice that the act of giving exponentially increases your sense of abundance.

Giving something to people who are in need can be a wonderful way to express the generosity of our spirit. When we have more than we really require, helping another person out can give us greater returns than we imagined -- particularly if we give from the bottom of our heart. For many of us giving comes easily, since we know that by making someone else's life easier we foster a deeper connection with them. Our generosity in turn increases the love we share with others, which is the universe's gift to us for our kindness. By giving from your heart, you engage in a cycle of unconditional love, since by giving love, you will also receive it. Setting the intention to give with your heart today will allow you to experience the unlimited and unconditional love of the universe.

January 29, 2022
Healthy Indulgences
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

You may be aware of a yearning to indulge your pleasure-seeking urges today, which could be the result of your desire to preserve your upbeat mood. If you notice that you feel impulsive today, you might want to redirect your urges toward something more constructive and healing. This would be a good time to indulge yourself but with the goal of taking better care of your health. Perhaps you might consider getting some bodywork done, eating healthy, or relaxing in a warm bath. These are ways you can pamper yourself and also take time to relax and enjoy the beauty around you. You may discover that your need to find pleasure will change to a desire to care for your spirit once you redirect your impulses.

When we use our spontaneous urges to find ways to nurture our bodies, we pave the way for a healthier lifestyle. Our pleasure-seeking impulses are often the result of filling an unmet need or a reluctance to let go of a feeling of joy. As a result we may feel that satisfaction comes from outside of ourselves. By taking care of our bodies in a loving and gentle way, however, we use our desires to help us. Bodywork or eating well nourishes our bodies and frees us from our immediate concerns. We then have more time to think about the joys of being who we are and connecting to our spirit. Give yourself a healthy treat today, and you will discover the true meaning of pleasure.

January 28, 2022
Heart-Centered Compassion
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

You might be reaching out and consoling others today because of a desire to help alleviate the distress of those around you. Performing simple acts of kindness for the people in your life may be a way to use your compassion to positively affect the lives of others. Perhaps today you can think about doing something for others by opening your heart center to the infinite love and energy of the universe. Bringing your focus to the center of your chest, you might imagine that with each breath you take a shining light emanates from your heart. Try picturing this light, filled with unconditional love, growing to envelop not only you but also everyone you will encounter throughout the day. You might find that by opening your heart in this way, your ability to hold others in perfect compassion expands.

Connecting to the unlimited energy of our heart center allows us to extend our full love to others. While our intention to help others is often sincere, unless we truly act from our heart it is difficult to have complete compassion for other people. Our motives or our inability to channel the love and energy of the universe can affect the power of the help we give. Opening our hearts, however, lets us tap into the boundless energy of the universe, which means that our actions are centered in a place of purity and unconditional love. By channeling the infinite power of the universe today, the compassion you have for others will know no bounds.

---

January 28, 2022
Silence
Vast and Potent

Silence can make us nervous thinking we need to fill the void, but there is immense strength in silence.

All sounds, from a whisper to a classical symphony, arise out of silence and disappear into silence. But silence is always there beneath sound and is the space where sound can exist. We tend to think of silence as the absence of sound, but silence has its own weight and quality. When you listen to silence, you can perceive its intense depth and power. Taking the time to experience silence calms the mind and rejuvenates the body. Silence is the void where we can hear the many sounds that we often ignore -- the voice of our intuition telling us the truth, the sound of the breeze blowing, the hum of the radiator, and the noises we make just because we are alive.

One way to experience silence is to wake up before the rest of the world has come alive. Try not to move into activity, and leave off the lights, radio, and television. Sit still and simply listen. You may hear your heartbeat or your breath, but keep your attention tuned to the silence that surrounds you. Stay this way for as long as you can, and allow the sound of silence to penetrate your body until it moves into your core. Feel the gentle, pulsing waves of silence and allow it to cleanse you. Five minutes of communing with silence can leave you feeling vibrant and connected to the universe.

At night, choose a moment after everyone around you has retired and tune in to silence. You can also experience silence throughout the day. Even in the midst of activity, moments of silence are always present. Usually we ignore or feel nervous around silence and try to fill these moments with sound. Yet silence is always there -- vast, potent, and available for us to step into any time we choose.

January 27, 2022
Embrace With Your Heart
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

You may experience a greater feeling of thoughtfulness when interacting with others today. It could be that by showing your affection for other people, you are extending your wish for their happiness. Perhaps you might develop your consideration for those around you by learning how to embrace them with your heart. When you come across people today, you can take a few minutes to look into their eyes and picture yourself embracing them. Imagining the warmth of your bodies and the spiritual connection you would develop from this hug, you can silently wish them happiness in all their endeavors. Doing so may help you expand your feelings of love for other people and create a deeper connection with them.

Learning to embrace others with our hearts is a powerful tool for developing greater bonds between each other. In certain situations, the physical act of hugging someone can sometimes be uncomfortable or inappropriate. Visualizing an embrace, however, is something we are able to do at any time. As we picture our energy intermingling, we will notice that our connection to the other person begins to strengthen. We recognize that our love for other people extends beyond the physical, for example, through actions and words, and into the spiritual. Mentally embracing others transmits our good wishes on a deeper level, in a way that mere words cannot, and it becomes easier to understand the true nature of our shared feelings. By picturing yourself embracing everyone you meet today, you will communicate the genuine depth of your feelings, understanding, and concern.

---

January 27, 2022
Taking a Leap of Faith
Let Go and Let Flow

When you make a leap of faith you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

Many people, in heeding the guidance of their souls, find themselves contemplating goals that seem outrageous or unattainable. In the mind's eye, these individuals stand at the edge of a precipice and look out over the abyss at the fruit of their ambition. Some resist the urge to jump, paralyzed by the gap between their current circumstances and the life of their dreams. Others make a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what they will encounter but certain that they will gain more in their attempts than they would bowing to self-protective instincts. This leap can be exceedingly difficult for individuals with control issues because the act of embracing uncertainty requires them to trust that surrender will net them the rewards they seek. Yet when you make a leap of faith, believing without a doubt that you will land safely on the other side, you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

There have no doubt been times in your life when you chose to go where the universal flow took you. Yet you may encounter instances in which your objectives require you to step outside of the boundaries of your established comfort zone so that you may freely and actively jettison yourself into a new phase of your life. While you may fear what seems to be the inevitable fall, consider that in all likelihood you will find yourself flying. A successful leap of faith requires your attention, as it is the quiet and often indistinct voice of your inner self that will point you toward your ultimate destination. Understand that the leap across the chasm of ambiguity may challenge you in unforeseen ways but you will make it across if you trust yourself.

If your mind and heart resist, you can dampen this resistance by building a bridge of knowledge. The more you know about the leap you are poised to take, the smaller the gap between "here" and "there" will appear to be. Your courageous leap of faith can lead you into uncharted territory, enabling you to build a new, more adventurous life. Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.

January 26, 2022
Restful Escape
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope

You may feel overwhelmed by strong emotions and long to escape your everyday reality today. You may find yourself feeling sensitive to the moods of others, which could cause you to overreact to minor conflicts. If you can set aside some quiet time to be alone and calm your emotions, you will be able to release your tension and regain a stronger state of mind. If you find that you are in need of peace and quiet more than anything else, you could engage in meditative activities to encourage a calm mind-set, or you could spend time on activities you enjoy in order to lift your mood. Reading an enjoyable book, listening to soothing music, or taking a restorative walk in nature could help to ease your sensitivity and renew your optimistic outlook today.

We can regain our inner balance and restore our peaceful state of mind by escaping our normal routine to engage in soothing activities. We often resist the urge to escape our ordinary reality because of pressing obligations. Taking short respites, however, can actually help us to be more productive in our tasks. By making time to honor our own needs for solitude and relaxation, we can release our tension and regain a sense of inner balance again. We then feel more optimistic and connected in our daily activities, and we can proceed with a stronger, more focused mind-set. Choosing to spend time pursuing activities you love can renew your focus and ease your sensitivity today.

---

January 26, 2022
Roadmaps of Life
Information and Inspiration

When we learn to attune ourselves to our inner compass, we follow a map that only we can see, our own path.

All the major spiritual traditions serve the purpose of offering us a roadmap to guide us on our individual journeys to enlightenment. These roadmaps are made up of moral codes, parables, and, in some cases, detailed descriptions of mystical states. We often study the fine points of a particular ascended master's narrative in order to better understand our own and to seek inspiration and guidance on our path. In the same way, when we plan a road trip, we carry maps and guidebooks in an effort to understand where we are going. In both cases, though, the journey has a life of its own and maps, while helpful, can only take us so far. There is just no comparison between looking at a line on a piece of paper and driving your own car down the road that line represents.

Some people seem well-suited to following maps, while others are always looking for new ways to get where they're going. In the end, the only reliable compass is within, as every great spiritual guide will tell you. The maps and travelogues left behind by others are great blessings, full of useful information and inspiration, but they cannot take the journey for us. When it is time to merge onto the highway or pull up anchor, we are ostensibly on our own. Strange weather patterns, closed roads, and traffic jams arise in the moment, out of nowhere, and our maps cannot tell us what to do. Whether we take refuge in a motel by the side of the road, persevere and continue forward, or turn back altogether is entirely up to us.

Maps are based on observations from the past and we are living in the present, so we are the only true experts on our journey to enlightenment. We may find that the road traveled by our predecessors is now closed. We may feel called to change direction entirely so that the maps we have been carrying really no longer apply. These are the moments when we learn to attune ourselves to our inner compass, following a map that only we can see, as we make our way into the unknown territory of our own enlightenment.