On January 21st, 2020, one of my dearest friends transitioned and left this plane. My heart is still aching. “Ingy” Ingersoll was a full-time musician and NE Ohio celebrity. You may have seen and heard her perform at Playhouse Square or at an upscale restaurant while you dined. You may have even sung with her at her Piano Bar. Ingy was closer to me than most of my family; she was family to me.
Members of Ingy’s family, friends and Great Conjunction are working together to create a scholarship in her name to help students studying music. We would be thrilled if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution. If you’d like to participate, there is a tab for donations on the Great Conjunction website. More information about the scholarship will be forthcoming.
I was extremely honored that a tribute I wrote for Ingy was read at her memorial service. I would like to share it with you now.
The world is now a little dimmer and a little quieter.
There truly are angels among us and last night we lost a precious one. Deborah "Ingy" Ingersoll.
Mere words cannot accurately or adequately describe her. Ingy was incredibly talented but her heart was the most special aspect to her. She truly loved everyone and she loved unconditionally. And she lived Joy to the fullest.
When Ingy hugged you, you felt her unconditional love. When she smiled at you your heart would soar. When she laughed, you truly knew joy.
Through her joy of life and loving, and through her music, she created a community populated by people from all walks of life, every age, interest and background. We were all like satellites orbiting her sun. Deep, loving and lasting friendships were forged in the heat of her love and kindness.
Ingy touched my life in many profound ways. Simply having her in my life made me want to be a better person. She blessed me with her friendship and she became an important part of my family. She was always there to share my pains and my triumphs. Ingy even played an integral part in my wedding.
Now this angel has gone. And for those of us whose lives were blessed by Ingy, we must always love with abandon, laugh with vigor and sing. Just keep singing.
I am honored and so grateful that my heart is broken. To be in Ingy's heart, her life, was a gift beyond compare.
Good journey to you Ingy and from the bottom of my heart I thank you. I love you, my friend, my songbird.
- Written by Annette Noyes
The High Priestess represents, among other things, knowledge that doesn’t come through language. Her main representation is that of intuition—she’s the queen of the subconscious and your gut instincts. Add to that the concepts of preparation, study, and being receptive and we’ve got our advice for the month.
What does this mean practically speaking? I think there’s some kind of negotiation coming up. It could be for a new job, with your kids for more privileges, you asking for a raise, strategizing with your team, or anything that requires you to work with another person towards a goal. The High Priestess is telling you to “listen” with your guts and your eyes, not just your ears. Understand what’s NOT being said. Watch for nervousness, darting eyes, fiddling with pens, frowns, flashing teeth in fake smiles, or any of the little physical “tells” that people unconsciously make when they’re not being 100% forthcoming.
When there’s not 100% openness, that means something is being held back in reserve or there are hidden motives or truths. I don’t feel this less-than-perfect-honesty is malicious…it’s more like savvy negotiating and this could influence things one way or another. Therefore, when you go in knowing this, you’ll watch others more carefully, feel the energy of the room, and gather all the information that isn’t conveyed in words. Sometimes what ISN”T said is waaaaay more valuable than what is.
Happy February!
Annette Noyes
- Written by Annette Noyes
It’s highly appropriate that we get The Fool at this time of year. The new year, and decade, is fast approaching. This means we have the potential for ANYthing! However, with the reversal, it indicates some of your may be feeling nervous about new ideas, challenges, and adventures rather than embracing them fully. Generally, this trepidation comes from not wanting to make a mistake, appearing foolish, having your brilliant ideas judged stupid, or being embarrassed in any way.
The sad thing about this fear is you restrict or deny your innate free-spiritedness and joy in exploring life. This locks you into a stagnant cage that allows for little to no expression of self, creativity, or even breath.
What to do? Examine all the pros and cons of your situation, clever ideas, and prospective adventures and then go forth and solve the problems! invent the next best widget! and hike the Appalachian Trail! If you don’t make mistakes or try something new, you won’t fulfill the true possibilities of your life. So what if you goof! Ask yourself “What’s the BFD?” Is there Blood? Is there Fire? Was there Death? No? Then fix the goof and move on. LIVE your lives, people!
Happy December, folks!
Annette Noyes
- Written by Annette Noyes
As the year and the decade begin winding down, we move into the time where it seems there are parties every weekend! The Two of Pentacles urges you to find balance in your life despite all the hubbub and glitter and food and obligations. Juggling your family life with work and social events becomes so difficult at this time of year, but it’s vital that you do so. Otherwise, you’ll spend all of January in a state of “holiday hangover.”
Not only do you have to maintain balance between the facets of your life, but you have to maintain balance in your diet (all that holiday food and treats!!!) and budget. Along with all the parties goes gift-giving. If you MUST give a gift, make sure it doesn’t put you in debt just to keep up with Karen in accounting. Practice healthy boundaries and don’t be shy about enforcing them!
Fun times can, and do, devolve into agitation. You get two people into a room and you can have conflict. Add more and the probability for snark, embroilment in other people’s business, and attack goes way up. Add liquid “holiday cheer” and it’s likely there will be turmoil. That’s when personal boundaries really come in handy by having you put down your ginger ale and heading for the door. If you’re not there, you can’t get involved or hurt!
Happy November!
Annette Noyes
The Emerald Box Turtle
I know that you know what I’m about to say. November is a time for us to remember all the things for which we are thankful. You’re not only correct, but it’s true; it is a time to be thankful.
There are so many things for which we can be truly thankful. There are the big ones, like life, health, love, freedom and friendship. We can be thankful for a roof over our heads and meals on our tables. But there are so many other things, too. And they are all worth recognizing.
This month is also Veteran’s Day. Like you, I am grateful for our nation’s soldiers. They guard us against harm and protect our freedoms. I have nine veterans in my immediate family; my father, uncles, a couple of brothers-in-law and two of my sisters. Most of them protected us, but one of them fought. Thank you hardly seems adequate.
I am thankful for my friends who, on a regular basis, remind me to laugh at myself and push me to grow; friends like Pat Montandon, Admiral Dann, Teresa, Heather and Joe, Suzanne, Rev. Rachel and Toria. I am grateful for the beautiful colors of Autumn; they warm and sooth me. I am thankful for my fuzzy toe socks that keep my feet warm on cold nights and for my Star Wars T-shirts that allow me to express my inner child and my joy.
I am deeply thankful for my amazing, hard working, brilliant, kind, funny and handsome husband and for my wonderful, smart and funny fur-baby Helo. They bring me more joy than I can express.
I am thankful that the Universe, people and events and conspired to allow me to live my life the way expanding myself spiritually and bringing compassion, joy, education and (hopefully) enlightenment and peace to people within our community.
I am thankful for the many fascinating people that John and I get to work with through Great Conjunction. Such as the incredibly talented Rev. Sara Sachs, who’ll be returning later this month for our annual Victorian Flower Séance. Victoria Price shared with us lessons from her father Vincent Price as well as things she’s learned on her own spiritual journey. Rev. Rachel Hollander has guided us through a few lessons this year and will be doing more with us next year as well. Bets Danko and Kathy Evans-Palmisano who come from Pittsburgh to share their gifts and talents with us. And there are many others; far too many to list.
And that leads me to you. I am thankful for each and every person who has come to one of our events or even just read our newsletter or followed us on Facebook and Twitter. Without you we would have no point. Thank you.
So take a moment as soon as you’re able and think about some of the things for which you are thankful. And please share time with us in the future.
Happy November and Happy Thanksgiving!