Council of Truth Seekers

Synopsis:  A group of 7women search for the answers to big, burning, philosophical, scientific, and even mundane questions all while tackling being pigeon-holed simply because they are female. 

The Council

Ashlynn (Ash) Couture, councilwoman, holistic healer, herbologist, fortune teller, librarian

Cinderella (Ella, Cindy, Smoke), honorary member and leader of her own group called The Beauty Brigade.  She calls them The Brigadiers. 

Hana Ohotori, treasurer, bookkeeper, linguist

Evelyn (Lynn) Aristov, fact checker, tech, white hat hacker

Chanda Nipuna, chemist, engineer, physicist 

Bibi Okafor, researcher, masseuse  

Cho Ling, mathematician, scientist   

Jeannine (Jean) Abrams, philosopher, philanthropist

        ‘To understand the secrets of the universe, one must understand the secrets of energy, frequency and vibration.”—Nicola Tesla

Chapter 1—Beginning the Council

            Greetings and salutations.   My name is Ashlynn Couture and it is my deepest pleasure to welcome all of you.   You might wonder why it is there is a ‘Council of Truth Seekers’ to begin with.   It started long ago in my parent’s estate.  I was blithely chatting with our butler, Antoine about the woes, troubles and general state of unrest in the world. 

            ‘Wouldn’t it be marvelous if someone or a group could gather together and tackle these problems as a whole ?  They might be able to make a difference if they put their minds together.’, Antoine lamented.   My butler, austere as he was, was never afraid to speak his mind.  One could compare him to Carson on Downton Abbey, but he was as modern as they come.  

            It was a novel idea, but I wasn’t certain if it would hold water in this day and age.  We had more money than we knew what to do with and a lot of it was used to help the indigent.   I knew just handing money over to those who didn’t work for it only exacerbated the issue.   I wanted to get my hands dirty and I wanted to use my talents for good rather than just resting on my laurels and lamenting, complaining and watching the world spin into chaos.  

            Antoine, mom, dad and I all met during high tea one sunny May afternoon. 

            ‘I’ve been thinking about forming my own council.’, I started.

            ‘Oh ?  What will you do ?  How many members ?’, my mom, Claire responded. 

            ‘7 seems to be a stout enough number.  We’ll start tackling the questions mankind has been puzzled by for eons.   Not only that, but we hope to break the stereotypes surrounding our gender.’, I retorted with a hint of ambition and optimism in my voice.   In that room, surrounded by antiques, opulence and the tradition of our high tea, it would be an immense step out of my comfort zone, yet I knew it would be a journey that I and 6 other women needed to partake as a unit. 

            ‘Where will your members be from ?’, my father, Louis, asked inquisitively. 

            ‘Preferably from all over the world.  I want the Council to be diverse with viewpoints that vary.   It makes it more applicable to everyone worldwide.  I suppose we’ll be a new sort of UN.’, I said, with a mirthful laugh.   It would take a lot of doing but I knew the internet was a source of knowledge I had to take advantage of.  I began advertising my plan to the interwebs and surprisingly, 6 more women wanted to join in no sooner as I had created our website.

            Interestingly, they were women that all lived in the same place and could all come and meet in my home.   They were all from different backgrounds and had myriads of attributes I found attractive.   We all became fast friends and planned on having our first meeting as soon as we had time away from studies to start talking about issues that concern us all; even the most niggling mundane questions that drive us all batty in the middle of the night.  

Chapter 2—Meeting the Members

            It was a temperate day and I was checking my website for any reviews or hits.  The first came from a woman named Hana Ohotori.  She came from a Japanese background but was American born and raised.  Like myself, she wanted to create dynamic change in her neighborhood.   She believed in teaching children from a young age about tolerance, non-judgement, freedom of expression (with moderation of course about what was acceptable in a law-abiding society), practicing whatever religion one wished (with exception to fundamentalism) and working on such things as gun violence and simply violence as problem we all dealt with in one sense or another.   She was very outgoing, although she was demure and tinier in stature than myself.   We both loved tea; the stronger the better, though I preferred Earl Grey.   Hana became instant friends with my inquisitive (and sometimes meddlesome) little 7-year-old sister, Cinderella.   Ella had a fascination with the orient and often creeped into my study dressed as a ninja under her alias Smoke to frighten me.   I never buckled to that sort of scare tactic.  It took more than simple theatrics to startle me.  

            The second woman who took interest in the Council was Evelyn Aristov.  Originally a Russian orphan, she knew all about the CPS and the ‘system’ as far as it came to orphanages and raising children from a young age.  She didn’t have much of a childhood and speaking frankly, she was far more mature than all of us.  She did have the heart of a big kid and didn’t mind watching cartoons with Ella when she wasn’t helping her foster parents or volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters.  She also loved Make-A-Wish foundation and lived for giving her time to complete strangers.    She had a knack for computers and worked with the issue of black hats as a counter hacker.   Clever one, this dame. 

            The third was a lady named Chanda Nipuna.  Guessing by the surname, you’d be right to assume she was Indian.  I’m not talking Native American but East India.   She handles science, chemistry and physics.  Chanda is the most brilliant woman amongst us, but also the humblest.   She rarely loses her temper.  She taught me that when I become steamed, I should always remain elegant like the swan yet still paddle to keep afloat.   No one has to know I’m unravelling.  I don’t have to blow up immediately.  I usually have a ‘cone of silence’ I retreat to, but I’ve begun meditating with Chanda.  It has been efficacious, to say the least. 

            Our fourth member has African ties.  She is a masseuse and researcher.  Bibi doesn’t tie herself to these ‘titles’ because she says that ‘categories limit us’.  She’s very didactic and peripatetic.   She aspires to use her methods to begin change minutely.  She understands the butterfly effect more than most of us ever can, even growing up as a refugee and coming to the States.   She knows what it means to lose identity and gain newness of life. 

            Fifth comes Cho Ling.  Affluent like myself and exquisite with all financial matters, it was only logical that she became resident mathematician and handled COTS’ budget for spearheading lofty projects.   We all worked with our talents and held forums wherever we could.   We brought up ‘uncomfortable’ issues such as cracking down on crime, whether being gay or lesbian is a choice, nature versus nurture, the establishment of education, unemployment and under employment.  All of these hot button issues were brought to the forefront by Ling who had seen Zootopia, a children’s film, no less, that really dealt with inequality in our nation.  Only together could we even strive to work on not being afraid of speaking about these problems as adults and not bickering like neonates about them.   It was a long, rough row to hoe, but we all knew we had strength in numbers and capital behind us to assist us along the way. 

            Sixth, and certainly not the last, is Jeannine Abrams.   Jeannine prefers to go by ‘Jean’ but she also answers to the saccharine title of ‘Cookie’.  Her grandma used to call her that and she always adored the nickname.  Jean is a tough gal though.   Like Lynn, she comes from a very violent background.  It didn’t transform her in any way; she as much as the rest of us, is a gentlewoman of culture and grand intellect.   Her perspective on the indigent hits her very close to home though and she feels most useful in educating others about how to work and not just throw in the white towel when the road becomes jagged.   To many youngsters tend to whine and yowl and give up before they get ahead.   They didn’t grow up in a neighborhood like Abrams or Aristov did.   Seeing that and realizing my understanding had been distorted made me realize just how naïve I had been, being protected by my loving (yet fiercely defensive parents). 

 Having these 6 women around me caused me to develop into a more well-rounded woman.   It evoked a scene from one of my favorite television shows, Scorpion, which is based on the life of Walter O’Brian.   Toby, the behaviorist had been criticizing Page for agreeing with Walter about not allowing fraternization in the workplace and likened Scorpion as an organism that adapted to its surroundings.  I believe that COTS is the same and human beings are similar too.  People simply need to open up their eyes and hearts and stake their claim to what is just, right and good.  Sure it may not always be simple and straightforward, but even if we are a small band of women, we will be voices crying out in the wilderness for the benefit of any and all we come in contact with. 

Chapter 3—Starting Conversations

            Our forums happen in many places around the state.  Mom and dad were kind enough to buy us a large 5^th wheel that we travel in.  Not many outside the Council know, but all 7 of us have indescribable, ethereal gifts.   We don’t take them lightly and we don’t discuss them much with others due to the fact that some people fear what they don’t understand.   That is where the ‘conversation’ truly begins though; fear of the unknown. 

            We all fear the unknown, like it or not.   What I say isn’t revolutionary and it probably really isn’t controversial but the COTS speaks about problems we all face as the human race.   Ever since Adam’s fall, we’ve been plagued by following the path of wisdom or the path of lasciviousness and debauchery.   Granted, these paths can be curvy, wending and not always depicted in black and white.   No thing in this world is truly known by one dimension, even though we can only really comprehend two.   The other girls and I, though, we can see beyond the typical, especially the more mathematically inclined amongst us.  

            This is where matters can become contentious, cantankerous and ‘sticky’ at times in ‘conversations’ concerning ‘social status’.   This topic seems ‘taboo’ amongst so many of us.   I don’t see why it has to be.  I do realize that being a woman in today’s age is more confusing since the women’s liberation movement and civil liberties.   I’m not too terribly old-fashioned, but I am not a feminist by a long shot !   I consider myself a humanist and if we are to tackle a problem faced by our own kind I might as well address it.   There are caste systems in India as Chanda has taught me in the past.   Sadly, the untouchables are left alone and treated just like lepers are.  There are some untouchables here, but then again stereotypes keep them bogged down, shackled to poverty.  Some can rise above, yet so many feel it is the government’s problem to bail them out.  All due to privilege and being spoiled.   That’s really not the origin of our country.  A great many people died for civil liberty’s sake.  They did it without the help of government.  There were a few that wanted to be ruled by the crown (and it often makes me wonder what if the Revolution never happened ?) and were content to follow the decrees and edicts of a monarch.   However, so many hated being taxed and forced to do what they didn’t want and began making rules for themselves.  Yes, we borrowed from other countries who had successful business and political models but we’ve lost our identity due to sloth and ease.   Hard work equals success.   There is a myriad of people that know this to be true but hardly lift a finger to make it a reality.   We can’t force others to use elbow grease but slowly, we are beginning to see a shift of consciousness.   Change comes through small ripples at first.   Conversations are powerful and words are weighty.   This is why we research and pour over every text we can get our hands on.   We also teach through example.   So many have come through to the council and on to ‘graduate’ to healthier, happier lives in order to transform even more lives in the process.

            It’s gradual, yes, but I do think that what we’re doing is going to leave the world a better place than when we entered it.  

Chapter 4—Diversion

            A lot of strangers ask us about our personal lives.   It’s always the same inquiry, ‘You spend so much time helping others, what about yourselves ?’.   Strangely enough, the nature of our work is reciprocal.  We are helping ourselves by doing good deeds within communities all over the States.   Though we’re small, I do believe that the COTS has grown outside of the States.   Every time we head to one of our favorite places to unwind (like the spa, arcade, auto show, library, cinema, museum, etc.), we heard word of our services beginning to expand elsewhere, like Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and elsewhere.   It wouldn’t be long until COTS forums would be spread throughout the globe.  

            It is a fact that our duties assisting others does take an awful lot of time out of our busy schedules but it is always well spent.   There are quiet moments the other ladies and I will be meditating in the foyer, enjoying high tea in the kitchen or pouring over books in the library.   Sometimes we play elaborate games of lacrosse, catch or tag or simply run and dance.   We find, most of all though, that a massage unkinks us all and straightens out our chakras after a long week of giving back to the community.   Little by little, we see the fruits of our labors and we know that although it is laborious, it is beneficial for everyone involved. 

            One might wonder if we ever leave the estate or our own backyards.  The answer to that is already unequivocally, ‘yes’, with our 5^th wheel.   Yet there are days we simply need to take a respite to recharge.   Although other countries can be dangerous and the threat of terrorism looms on the horizon, there are those like us that are educating the public on what true Islam is and turning susceptible minds away from propaganda.   No matter what, agape always wins, as simplistic as it sounds, but as the Bible so eloquently state, ‘love covers a multitude of sins’.

            We take vacations in a variety of locations from the lavish tropical islands to something a bit more erudite and historical (i.e. Austria, Hungary, Germany, Europe in general).  To us, even educational trips are refreshing and we always emerge back at home more fulfilled and ready to tackle problems back in the States. 

Chapter 5—Wish Making for Adults

            Evelyn has always been fascinated with Make-A-Wish foundation and only recently and pondered why there wasn’t a chapter available for adults.   She wouldn’t tackle any dreams that were erotic in nature; there were plenty of places and people that handled that kind of business.  We weren’t the type of gentle-women who wanted to be associated as some sort of deviants or worse.   Besides, we weren’t rebels in that sense, anyways.   We only wanted to give down-on-their-luck people a chance to do something life-changing.   Eve decided to set up ‘Wish Makers’ for people 21 and older, giving them an opportunity to do things they would’ve never tried accomplishing before (or if they did, their bank account would be depleted).  Some of the wishes were things so basic as financial freedom or martial counselling.   Some were more far reaching for the communities we served.  In that capacity, we were already seeing violence depleting and our youth programs growing.  Advocacy against guns, drugs, rape and abuse was already multiplying.  We were seeing a surge in programs that taught youngsters about networking, working with their hands, focusing on their skills and avoiding peer pressure.   So far, our adults and youth were learning how to work hand in hand to change what was once a bad situation into something more constructive.   It was all due to Eve’s tiny idea.  I had no idea she could be such a sentimentalist.   Then again, I think we all were, and we all loved hearing uplifting news in a culture that usually glorifies negative headlines.  

Chapter 6—One World Family

            In our travels, the ladies and I have made quite a few friends and established quite a bit of notoriety with philanthropists worldwide we began holding conferences to raise awareness as to what COTS did.   We always began by saying ‘truth is beauty and beauty is truth, but it is all subjective and relative to the perspective of the individual’.   Our physicist said it even more profoundly,

            ‘We are all patterns and frequencies vibrating at our own pace.  Yet once we find that we’re all part of the same symphony and we play our own unique instrument, we strive to find harmony together.’ 

            The plainness in her speech really riled the congregation up and caused them to challenge beliefs they had held since infancy.   Chanda was really exquisite when it came to sticking it to the status quo.   She often stated that we were all part of the same family and we were all human beings simply doing what we could to co-exist, even though for some it was arduous at best.   COTS was only the beginning and other forms and chapters were being founded in small countries and counties all around the globe.   We would probably never really see our labors come to fruition, but we knew that our children, should we have any, would know a safer, healthier and more enlightened world.   Knowledge, was indeed power. 

Chapter 7—A Typical Day

            Many may laugh to scorn just how opulent of a lifestyle it appears that I live.  The Couture estate is very ornate from its 1800’s Victorian style architecture to the Tiffany lamps and luxurious billiard tables adorning the breakroom (as well as old arcade games and pinball machines.  There is even a bowling alley, roller rink and go cart circuit used by children statewide, so it is not expedient).  

            People guffaw when they hear of my butler, Antoine, but he is much more than simply a civil servant of the family.   He is integral to the operation of COTS itself and has become a surrogate father to many of the children I have seen come through my doors that may not have parents or lack parental instruction.   It nearly moves me to tears that many of these kids call me ‘mom’ as well as the other girls.  They think of us as sisters, which, in essence, we are.   Their minds are still susceptible to negative propaganda and seductive sways but we do our best to keep them on the right path.   It’s no wonder that by the end of the day all of us, no matter what walk of life we come from, are too pooped to pop.  

            We hear plenty of destructive feedback from hooligans who have nothing better to do than to revile, persecute, name call, backbite and mock.   They’re simply bullies who wallow in self-defeatism and deprecation.   People like this sometimes can be transformed but some special cases are like hitting a brick wall with a feather.   People that are that close-minded and resolute are typically left to their own devices, but we always give them a choice; learn, grow, participate, transform and have compassion with yourself and others.  

            There are days we give ourselves time to simply be feminine and revert to a childlike state.   We watch children’s films and cartoons and often find them rather illuminating.   All of the women know animation isn’t merely meant for kids alone but also speaks to those of us willing to glean from their examples.   Oftentimes, the result of having a sleepover is an idea that will bring more jobs to our ailing communities and deliver resources to those that only need motivation to find the right niche.   I honestly don’t think ‘vocation’ is a good noun.  All of ours are different and we really don’t know what we want to do with our lives.   It’s all about discovery and the adventure of discovering ourselves.   I think, to be frank, that is what the core of COTS is.  

Chapter 8—Getting High Off Nature

            Bibi was probably closest to the recent epidemic of meth and heroin addiction and abuse.   She knew a great and many people that had become addicted.  Like all of us, she knew how dismal addiction could be but had never once done anything illegal.   With the ease of purchasing many the ingredients to fabricate meth or buy paraphernalia, it was no wonder so many youngsters had begun dying or innocent victims becoming hooked thanks to pain medications prescribed by ignorant doctors who simply believed the abysmal advice that they were helping to ease the pain.   Doctors are wiser now, but so are dealers. 

            This is why Bibi has tackled this issue, especially since it is so prevalent in her neighborhood and rampant back in her ancestral land of Africa.   With our help, she was able to start youth centers and education, especially in how to stand up for one’s self.   The children had started building circles of friends that they could trust, ones that wouldn’t drag them down the bottomless pit of addiction.   She was able to set up campgrounds for these children, too.   Somehow, she felt responsible for all these children even though she wasn’t a mother.  I suppose that none of us can really overcome our maternal nature.  It’s simply in us to want to nest and nurture those who are vulnerable. 

            The camps and the youth facilities are really beginning to have an impact, especially in the run-down, 3^rd world communities that Bibi had known growing up as a missionary.   Preaching the Word is also necessary too, even though many believe it is nothing more than an idle tale or faery tale nonsense.   I can affirm that it is anything but.   A Higher Power, greater and more intelligent than we gave us all of these innovations.   He also placed innovations in the capable brilliant minds that we have seen face to face or touched from afar.   Many naysayers disbelieve that the next generation will do anything worthwhile or meaningful and to those people I say, ‘have faith’.   I know for a fact that they will change the world.  They may not be able to reverse climate change or lower pollutant emissions but at least they are thinking outside the proverbial box.   Slowly, surely, little by little, thanks to them, we are seeing betterment become reality.   Yet, like with all good things, positive change takes time and effort. 

Chapter 9—Wings of Angels

            There are many who will come to us, seeking refuge from past hurts or regrets, wondering if they can ever expect more of themselves or trust others.  Sometimes, COTS is the last resort for those who simply don’t know where else to turn or even how to reach out.   I tend to take on counselling.   I received my degree from an accredited university only recently.   Many stories bring myself and the other women to tears.    There are plenty of extra rooms in my estate to house people who are homeless, but it is not a weigh-station.   These people are encouraged to look for work and to involve themselves in their communities once they’re back on their feet.    Abuse often makes it difficult for these individuals to become anything other than introverted, but in time, they spread their wings and leave Couture mansion on their own, independent once more. 

            Praise will come from our past workshop recipients deeming us ‘angels’.   Such lofty praise we usually don’t know how to respond to will elicit an outpouring of euphoria from the 7 of us either individually or as a unit.    Truth be told, the praise is appreciated but we all know that pride precedes destruction.   We all do our best not to become too concerned with flattery, large egos or even competition amongst ourselves about who can help others better.   Altruism isn’t a contest, after all.    We simply savor being and the cosmic nudges we receive in a myriad of ways whether it be a whisper in the wind or a major event that transforms thousands of souls.   

Chapter 10—Archaic Ways Coming Back into Vogue

            Picture this.   Worst case scenario.   Armageddon has come and society as we know it has begun to unravel.   Those who are most informed and prepared tend to live as if nothing has changed and use their intellect to survive amongst whatever other talents they have as attributes.    Others however, scrounge, loot, war and basically begin rioting and killing each other on the street but have forgotten how to use old-fashioned forms of communication and begin to lose hope.   In order to prevent many people breaking out into panic, we re-educate people on how to use pen and paper, typewriters, filing systems, faxes, mimeographs, microfiche, 8 mm film and onward.    So many so-called ‘old-hat’ methods have long since been retired and relegated to basements or attics where they rust away, collecting dust and never being used to their utmost potential.   Also, these machines can be repaired and even recycled.   I’ve learned quite a bit, thanks to our recipients that recycling isn’t only useful, it’s quite a blast.  

            We may well avoid the nightmare visions that modern-day prophets have predicted for our kind time and time again.   We can only rely on technology so much.   We must come to grips with the fact that we are different parts of the same body and we need each other in order to survive.   I’m prayerful it doesn’t take a natural disaster, pandemic or nuclear holocaust in order to wake us out of our catatonic state.   Many of us are alert and know what is happening around us, but it’s hard to cause others to see just how interconnected and reliant we are on our fellow man.   The sooner we realize this, the better off we will be.   Of course, I am aware that coexistence isn’t always black and white and there are many hues in-between but we touch and are touched by each other in ways we fully don’t understand yet.    We are only scraping the most miniscule part of a cave chock full of precious gems, but I feel our coalition, as well as others delving deep into the mysteries of the world are just bursting to express ourselves and uncover truth. 

Chapter 11—Society’s ‘Norms’

            So many times, we are tried by society to ‘fit in’ to its molds and categories, trying to relegate us to one area or another.   Being ‘single’ seems to be a disease that no one ever wants to bear.   Truth be told, we all go through some moments of time being alone.   Yet, we really aren’t.  The word ‘alone’ means ‘all one’.  Defined, it signifies that the individual is balanced.   Balance itself is a life-long process, a transition, and none of the 7 of us (even my precocious sister) has come to mastery of that state.   It is constant, just like sleep renews us, and spring rebirths us.    This is why ‘normal’ isn’t such a grand definition and why society is so screwy most of the time.    Rules are meant for a reason but some can be broken within reason.   I suppose this is where we can be thought of as rebels, but it actually isn’t such a bad thing to be slightly deviant on this account.   Had some rules never been challenged, we wouldn’t have many of the technology and gadgets we take for granted.   All it took was a different arc of thought.  

            We don’t expect to be understood by the negative Nancies of the world, but we do know that these people too, have their place.   Without them our job would be so much easier and the world much brighter, but they’re here to test us and make us stronger.   They make us aware of who we don’t want to become.   If we slip down the crooked highway, it could be one step from developing into a monster that no one respects or loves (nightmare fuel, indeed, but there are incidences of this happening that quickly !).   We always do a check inwardly and outwardly, receiving feedback, constructive or didactic.  

Chapter 12—Bringing Dignity back to Charity

            With travesties like the Wounded Warrior project making big news, we help those in need with our own brand of charity.   Like Eva’s ‘Wish Makers’, there are other programs we have begun from a think tank at our kitchen table to fleshing it out in reality to all those who would be more than elated to help the downtrodden, overlooked, or just plain forgotten.   Someday, we will be able to instill trust back into charitable organizations but until that goal is met, we help as much as we can from our own backyard. 

            One of the many things we enjoy doing is helping those who cannot afford medicine to be treated fairly and equitably.   These people might not have help otherwise and many can be steps away from death’s door.   I use many of my holistic cures, Bibi uses reiki to help others and herself reconnect to Mother Earth, and Cho realigns chakras and uses the ancient art of acupuncture to realign the body’s chi.   Using different culture’s understanding of energy and the universe, we’re able to connect on a deeper level with other people.   We all desire to reach ultimate enlightenment, but we all know we are fallible, unpredictable and illogical creatures, bound to imperfection.   It’s our imperfection that ultimately unites us.  

Chapter 13—Pondering the Future

            All of us prefer to stay grounded in the present moment and not concern ourselves too much over what we cannot control in the future.   As the Good Book says, ‘tomorrow has enough troubles of its own’ and time itself is fluid.   We like to think that the acts we have done will mold tomorrow into a better landscape.  Whatever happens though, we simply maintain idealism and optimism.   Besides, our lot lives longer, we tend to be happier and more popular due to levity and ability to laugh at ourselves.   Laughter tends to be the best medicine as well as a kind word (or warm embrace) spoken in due season. 

Chapter 14—Care Packages

            Christmas may be far away from now, but my sister adores creating care packages for people who are down on their luck.   They get sent to quite a few people around the community and all around the world.   The other COTS coalitions have begun this small work and the outpour has been miraculous.  The response has been enthralling, uplifting, heartwarming and meaningful.   When you feel insignificant, just read the letter you receive from a recipient of a care package.   That one letter can turn a frown quickly into a smile.   This is why I love doing this job, even though it doesn’t pay a dime, but the down payment is much more lasting.  

            Little Cinder loves to be an elf and she considers herself a ninja fairy princess assassin.   I had never heard of that designation before but I thought it was righteously radical and quite imaginative.   I honestly don’t know where she comes up with some of these things but I pin it to the fact she adores the realms of sci-fi, magic, fantasy and Asian cinema.   I’ve been seeing her watch foreign kung-fu movies she has on Netflix.   We don’t really have to screen them, she’s old enough to understand what differs from real and fake.   She even takes a martial arts class, due to the fact she’s been so inspired. 

            ‘The Brigade is well equipped too.   Should we ever have to resort to physicality, we use force to our advantage.  Simple physics really.’, she says.   My sister, the neo-physicist.   I know one day she’ll change the world for good and she’s already sparkling so bright creating these packages for so many across the land.   She doesn’t do it for accolades or attention, just simply because she enjoys the feeling it brings her.   I adore her simplicity and grand giving heart.   All the women in COTS have this as well and know that something so logical can begin a movement and shift thought patterns around to the positive. 

Chapter 14—Rainy Days

            There are days that come that are always blessings to us.   Typically it’ll be just Cinder and myself, savoring some time together as sisters often do.   Quiet days such as this one give me time to bond with my special sister and enjoy the simple innocence of childhood.   She’ll be grown one day, but I feel that just like myself, we’ll both be big kids.   People that have given up on their inner child are truly sad, angry, dispassionate souls, but we feel that COTS gives people like that a second chance and ability to reignite imagination.   Wisdom is part of that, since it gives us all wings.   Had it not been for Cinder’s viewpoint, I would’ve never noticed this before.    I also came across a very poignant, deep line in Luke recently.   Not really one to wave the Christian flag, I still think it is at the crux of what we do as servants to everyone around us.   It was before Jesus fed the 5,000 that He told His disciples, ‘Give ye them to eat’ before the miracle occurred.  They were sharing their wisdom, agape and compassion and that is spiritual food.   It goes beyond simply doing but being helpful and it is active, rather than passive.   To think all it took was a little idea and my sister simply being herself to set this whole conception into motion.   Who would’ve thought it ?  

Chapter 15—Never a Dull Moment

            Whether it’s washing adoptable animals at the local humane society or doing our best to get homeless people back on their feet and independent, our lives are never dull.   Of course, there are times we have disagreements but it doesn’t tear us apart as sisters or friends.   Cinder will come in during our ‘meetings’ which are never boring.   She often contributes ideas for new causes for COTS to spearhead.   She’s quite the enterprising 7-year-old.   I wonder what she’ll do later on down the road when she’s old enough to actually have a job ?  I guess only Cinder knows the path she’s destined for but I sometimes wish I could walk around that remarkable mind of hers ! 

            There is no season where a need isn’t begging to be fulfilled or someone in dire straits calls us for help.   Sometimes these folks are ashamed and fear the stigma of being labelled as moochers when their intentions are well-meant.  Of course, we also council people who put themselves into messes due to insidious addictions like bad shopping habits, drug abuse (it often starts innocently through pain pills), pornography or even those simply used to physical or emotional abuse, not knowing any other natural way of living or being treated.   There are some individuals so stuck in one method of living or seeing the world they need to be pressed to alter their mindset.   The courses that we offer and the help we give allow many to have the tools they need (and require) to rehabilitate them.   We’ve seen so many come back into reality and it is as if they can see in a spectrum beyond what they knew existed.   It’s never expected to hear ‘thank you’ in return, but there are many who give us gifts we don’t expect or lend us a heartfelt hug.  These are more substantial than typical paybacks of respect, and usually those people pay it forward to others that are crying for help too.  

Chapter 16—Not a ‘Conventional’ Venue

            I can’t help but laugh when I hear some say, ‘it’s not common to see a group like yours at a convention’, unless that convention would be focusing on new age ways of thought, enlightenment or what not.   We like the more unconventional crowd to see us and wonder ‘what is this organization all about ?’.   Some of these people join our cause, others take our ideas and pass them along to others who can use them in a larger sense.   There are still those who are untouched but we still like to think the potential exists for everyone to have a transformation deep within their hearts.    Everyone deserves a second chance because we’re all just trying to get along one with the other, and some do it better than others.   We’re just here to lend a little helping hand and inspire those whom we come across. 

            We seem to find that the popular conventions bring out many diverse souls.  So many of them are searching for something more, something else.   They can’t seem to put their finger on the pulse of what that ‘something’ is.   This is where we truly shine.   All of us go to work, offering our expertise in our fields (which are substantially growing as we go through this transition we call life) and offer that searching, seeking soul a glimmer of hope in the world of transcendentalism or whatever other discipline they gravitate towards.   Many of these people are activists but don’t know where to begin and they wish to shake the world without causing too much upheaval or violence.   They don’t want to shed a negative light on the cause of activism.  So many groups pinpoint bad press and shroud themselves in poor choices.   We tend to shy away from being sensationalistic or overly-pretentious.   All we do is help and do our best to make the world a better place one soul at a time.   It is a tedious but splendid process.  Needless to say, it is all worthwhile. 

Chapter  17—Breaking So Called ‘Bad’ Emotions

            So many of us are addicted to bad emotions.  Granted, seething behind a stoic mask can end in someone blowing up and acting the fool but if one uses anger in positive mannerisms, many tasks can be done quickly (but sometimes not always efficiently).  The true trick is managing emotions in such a way one achieves balance.   It is accomplishable.   This simply takes time, deep breaths, the calm reassurance of a friend’s arm around you and pleasant music in one’s mind.  

            Substitution is another method and we’re tremendous at giving others creative methods of overcoming bad emotions or bad habits.  In time, it gives way to better thoughts and simply becoming better people.   Positivity that grows from the inside out tends to be infectious.  We’ve found that principal breathtakingly true.  It all begins with an attitude of gratitude and servanthood.  What better way to give back to All that is ?  

            All emotions are energy as Infinite Waters on YouTube says.   You can rearrange anger and make it serve you, rather than letting it controlling you.   Out of all of us, I think that Evelyn has the most issue with the past but thanks to meeting us, she is using this energy in a more positive light.   Plus, our yoga classes and meditation are giving all of us more focus and inner peace.   We also know that thinking of something funny or saying something ludicrous (like ‘bubbles’ or for me, ‘Magoo goggles’) makes it difficult to stay angry for too long.  

Chapter 18—Change is Inevitable

            Life is unpredictable, just as human beings are and sometimes sickness strikes us down.  As uncommon as that is, I remember one time I was knocked out cold by influenza.   It was particularly nasty and I, sad to say, don’t make the world’s best patient.   However, my sister, mom, dad and Antoine made certain that I made a full recovery in no time flat.   Before long, COTS was up and running again as if it never missed a beat.   There are days that I wonder if our coalition is actually doing any good or making any real impact.   Those are the times that I turn on the news and am reminded that we are as well as our friends all over the world.  

            Sure, change is bound to happen but we’ll never be going away.   We want to stick around as long as possible and prove that hope and magic do exist in the world.   Magic is just another term for something that can’t be defined or empirically proved.   The motivation, drive, gumption and perseverance to continue is enough to be contagious.   A little smile goes great miles as Antoine always reminds me.  It may be something that simple that sparks the fire in others but even that reminds me that light always wins out over darkness and we’re all on the right path whatever we do. 

Epilogue

            I have no regrets, there is nothing holding me back.

 I have loved deeply, laughed heartily and danced to my heart’s content. 

Life is a transition, each of us goes through hurdles either placed by others or ones we have constructed.  

            Either way, we all jump them and finish the race the best way we know how.     

            Our legacy will be remembered in our acts, deeds and stories, the lives we’ve touched and transformed.  

 One last thing, always remember, death is never the end, it’s just another story waiting to be born.   

~*~From the Teachings, Proverbs, and Sage Sayings of the Couture family