Ask Miss Gary: Issue 1 [End date May 26, 2022]

ISSUE 1

Thank you, everyone who wrote in with your questions! I received ten entries total, each with their own curious inquiries! I wish I had time to give every single one special attention, but only one can make this issue of Ask Miss Gary!

Yvie writes (summarized) of being torn between her homeland shrine, where she served as a Shinto priestess, and her current place as a follower of the Do. She identifies with lemongrass, a scent known for its pleasant, cleansing aroma and qualities.

Using my glass rod, I poured out the oil for her and began to look at her past. Swirly, swirly, swirly. The picture came into view, bubbling at first, before resting on the surface.

A CLAM?!

Yes. It's unmistakable. The oil on the surface of the water was of a familiar bivalve, partially open and still. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Miss Gary, you've lost your mind." That's besides the point. Clams are sturdy, long-lived, and sustainable creatures in our oceans.

But, their movement is hindered by their biology. They can use their foot and siphon to get about, but their mobility is extremely limited. But, if the clam is a symbol of her past, then what of the present?

You've got to be kidding me. A grasshopper?

Small and spry, the grasshopper has no issues with getting around. In some cultures, they're actually considered to be good luck, and bring about personal peace and mindfullness. I consider this to be quite relevant to both her past and present vocations, which require a lot of forward-thinking, meditation, and the ability to keep moving. Not to mention, she's done quite the traveling in her tenure to have arrived here in the tri-kingdoms.

Where she was limited in her movements as a clam, she is able to move to and fro as she pleases, now. But, the problem with the grasshopper is having to make that leap of faith, and hoping you don't land in a predator's mouth.

A vase. Now, you're just pulling my leg.

Don't draw conclusions, draw water. For the third part of my oil divination, I place a thick sheet of paper over the basin, letting it soak up the oils. I do love the smell of lemongrass, as it's quite invigorating and delicious. It gives us the mindset of renewal. I get a good look at the stains on the fibers. It's very unusual that I get such a symmetrical design imprinted!

Simple and elegant, the vase is an excellent vessel for carrying and storing things, liquid and solid. Whether you're holding water for flowers, or it's serving as an urn for ashes, it's a great solution. The vase symbolizes the future state, what we anticipate Yvie will be going through.

So, how does it all fit together into a single narrative?

The Conclusion

Yvie, you've spent a long time in your secure bed of sand, unable to move and explore until now. You've since sprouted legs, and are taking all sorts of dares into exploring possibilities and ideas. That doesn't mean you've left your old life behind, and you don't need to feel bad about that. When it comes to your wanderlust, and being torn between two worlds, there is a solution the fates are guiding us to.

You will be the vessel to carry the knowledge and cultures between the two lands. You can share what you have learned in your new home with your former, and bring a new and interesting perspective to your current. A vacation isn't out of the question, if it means taking a moment to examine your roots and your ability to enrich the lives of so many people. Or, if that's not an option, perhaps you could write back to the shrine of your many experiences and things you've learned.

Let's not forget our other entries!

Thank you again, for all the wonderful questions! I can't just leave all my writers hanging, so here's a little bit of advice for each!

Reanalla: Come to the runway?
- I'm sorry I couldn't make the last runway event! I hope someone shook a tail feather for me!

WayaJr: What's fun?
- The most fun thing for me is helping other people! But for a dashing rogue and military man, why not a training exercise?

Seng: Fate abandoned me!
- Fate is fickle, bordering on being a meanie-head sometimes. But, don't give up. Fate may have turned away for now, but the future is still coming. Keep your chin up!

Retrinity: A good pet?
- A puppy might be a loyal, kind companion for you in your travels! I'd avoid anything that has to be carried.

eYespy: Secret to your hair care?
- Oh my god, so much brushing. You have no idea how much brushing. We're talking hours' worth. My poor hands.

PoeTxi: Destined to divorce?
- To start a new chapter, we have to turn the page on the old one. Think of it as your old self passing, and a new rebirth for the future! And stay friends!

Jolie: How to show my respect despite being better?
- Humility and poise go a long way. I know it's hard, but sometimes you have to tone down thoughts of how awesome you are compared to other people in order to relate.

PhillipJFry: I keep soiling myself when I hear the Queen!
- Please see a shaman or an herbalist, immediately.

SenobYaj: How can I become inspired to envision a blade?
- Take a walk into nature, speak to your friends and focus on what passion they bring you, or meditate to regain focus. Inspiration comes from the strangest places!

Lovingly,
Garamond "Miss Gary" Beatrix