| Finally!! I had a lot of trouble getting my payment to go through, that's what has taken me so long to get this started.
I intend to start at the beginning and go right on through Bruce's whole life. So here is the first batch of pictures:
4-30-1985 Two Days Old
He weighed in at 10 lbs. 3oz. He was born at home after a 21 hour labor, and there was a large portion of that where he was just plain stuck. He came out with his head all cone-shaped and a big purple goose-egg shaped bruise on it. Poor kid didn't even cry, he was too tired. He just laid in his dad's arms and looked at him. He was born on the night we changed our clocks for daylight savings time, and it was 2:03 am when he was born, but since we should have changed our clocks at 2:00, I guess you would have to say he was born at 3:03 am, Sunday morning, 4-28-1985.
"And the child that is born on the Sabbath Day, is bonnie and blythe, and good and gay".
10 days old
5-8-1985
We took tons of pictures just like this. He spent his whole first year of life in my arms, He refused to sleep if you laid him down. This is about the time I sat and cried one day, because he didn't even look like a newborn, he looked about a month or so old.
5-14-1985
This isn't just a bad picture - I really was that pale. I lost a lot of blood when he was born, passed out on the floor soon after, and then got an infection which left me comatose one afternoon, and the doctor and chiropractor both had to make housecalls to get me standing up again. I knew it was bad, but when I saw this picture, I saw the living proof. I think we took this because it was the first time since he was born that I could leave the house. I probably scared people!
5-26-1985
His First Outing
We spent an afternoon up at Nettle Lake with the family. To the left of Bob is my brother Dan, and behind my mom is my brother Kevin. Dad is holding my niece Shannon, who was 2 years, 4 months old. Bruce was their second grandchild, Bob and I were 26 when he was born.
We really screwed up when we named him. Bob's middle name is Wayne, and we considered naming him Bruce Wayne, but we chickened out. Then it turned out he was a huge Batman fan, and just the kind of kid that would have enjoyed having a name like that so much. Gregory Robert would have sounded just as good as Gregory Wayne, so we could have switched them. But now we have an honorary grandson named Jaryn Robert after Bruce and Bob. So I guess it was meant to be.
When we told my mom and dad we were having a baby, my dad said "Now the trouble starts!" and then later he felt he had to apologize for that. But there was a lot of truth in that.
~~*~~
Bruce was a Taurus
I have never seen a person whose general horoscope described him so perfectly. This one didn't even take into account his birthtime, and I could have written it myself:
All About Taurus, from the Astrology.com website: (emphasis mine)
Those of you born under a Taurus Sun may be tired of all the drab, serious descriptions of this fixed Earth sign: stubborn, somber, hard-working -- yawn, right? Often misunderstood as either the thick, stolid Bull yoked like a pack animal or as the brutish, rampaging Bull in the china shop, Taurus is actually a little of both -- and much more. You're very concerned with your well-being (and a little afraid of becoming vulnerable), so you sometimes work overtime (like the time Bob had to go to McDonald's and make him come home, after working 21 hours?) to accumulate the material possessions that make you feel safe (cell phone, cds, cd player, car, speakers, clothes). But you're also the most tactile of all signs, finding security through physical touch (good thing I nursed him, then). Safety may be your goal, but your currency is sensation.
Caresses, embraces, massages, soft or textured fabrics (nothing but cotton for my baby!) -- these all speak volumes to you, pleasuring your sensitive skin and soothing your gentle, assurance-seeking soul. Your instinctual yet deliberate attention to physical sensation makes you an amazing lover. You're also meticulously caring as a friend; you notice the needs of others and attend to them tenderly and affectionately ("I need some more lunch money, Mom." "Why did you run out already this week?" "Because I gave mine to Cory."). And once someone is your friend or honey, you're unwaveringly devoted (LOYALTY was his middle name).
You move through the world quietly and calmly, listening intently to the advice of others and responding to the stimuli that make concrete sense. If it's too abstract or vague, it's just not that important to you (The hardest thing for him to understand was his own self-worth). You consider how to invest your energies very carefully, and because of your cautious approach to life, you rarely take major missteps. You're the eye of many a storm, tranquilly taking on even the hardest tasks in an almost Zen-like state, focused on completion ("I can do this!"). You may be happy, but others can misinterpret your serenity as disinterest. Tell the doubters that centeredness and focus are forms of passion!
Here are the aspects of his chart with his birth time, from the Astrodienst website:
Sun in Taurus, Moon in Leo
You were born with the Sun in Taurus and the Moon in Leo. You are determined, often obstinate, and ambitious. You are very sensitive to offense, sometimes to an extreme.
Internally, you are warm-hearted and amorous. You want very much to assume a prominent position in life, and you should fulfill this ambition.
Because of the passionate nature of the sign of Leo, your personality will appear as arrogant, impulsive, passionate, and amorous. You are very susceptible to romance and will find love without difficulty.
The Leonian aspects of you, ruled by passion, may hinder your accumulation of material things. At some point in your life these two forces will come in conflict. Yet it is within your power to resolve the problem and achieve a better integration of your personality.
You should check your temper, because you are inclined to anger, which can distort your usually logical and organized thoughts. These qualities can be compensated for by your good nature and general goodwill toward all.
Ascendant in Capricorn, Saturn in the Tenth House
At the time of your birth the zodiacal sign of Capricorn was ascending in the horizon. Its ruler Saturn is located in the tenth house.
The sign of Capricorn denotes an existence in which temperament is very important. You will give an image of ambition, persistence, will power, consistency and perseverance. You were born with the tendencies to seek material, social, and, perhaps, even political power.
Capricorn tends to a challenging life which forces you to exert all your resources in order to triumph. Because of your tact and prudence, you will be favored with the good will of important people.
Your mind is egocentric, rational and you have a natural tendency toward scepticism. Able to work hard, you will bear obstacles and frustrations with patience.
You will proceed with prudence in your love life and in all other activities. You will seriously consider all of the ramifications of marriage, especially the aspects of your independence, and you will not marry until you are sure of your choice. After marriage however there is a tendency to conduct a peaceful and quiet life.
You are very economical in your daily activities, and if you do not exert some control over this trait, it could appear as rather mean.
You are best placed in governmental, municipal, political, or large business organizations where hierarchy is very exactly defined. The key word for your professional orientation is responsibility.
This position indicates a striving for political or social power. Your attitude towards higher pursuits will be meditative and rational. You will be inclined towards philosophical and scientific activities, losing interest in reform and politics. A rise in life would be nevertheless difficult. Saturn is slow and gives accomplishments only after much hard work and perseverance.
Venus in the Second House
Venus is found in the second house at the time of your birth. Intrinsically, this is an ideal astrological position as it promises easy means of livelihood. Money will stream in regularly and readily without excessive effort or preoccupation.
Sun in the Third House
The Sun appears in the third house at the time of your birth.
Your individuality as ruled by the Sun must pass several karmic tests of a mental character in order to return to its spiritual abode with a richer knowledge in this state of consciousness. Your mind strives for glory, social success, honors, power and magnanimous elevation by means of intellectual understanding.
The path for the realization of fame, honor, nobility and advancement lies through study, communication and self-expression. Your views about life are optimistic, self-assured, kind and generous.
The liabilities of your mind are a lack of interest in detail or occupations and matters that you regard as being below your dignity.
Moon in the Seventh House
The Moon was found in the seventh house at the time of your birth.
Exciting romance may occur at an early stage in life. We must warn you, however, that unless modified by further interpretations, the partner may have fluctuating affections.
You're also one of those who throughout the relationship manifests a great variety of personality roles and who seldom shows in intimacy his real nature.
Saturn in the Tenth House
Saturn was found in the tenth house at the time of birth. This a very challenging position for a person who seeks worldly success. The inhibiting powers of Saturn are expressed in a heavy, cautious, and very serious personality. Many of the limitations that will arise throughout life result from your own psychological disposition which is oriented to narrow bounds. The key to a satisfactory solution of the various problems that will arise throughout life lies in your ability to endure difficulties with patience.
Inwardly there are ambitions, aspirations, and thrift; properly projected these psychological characteristics could yield power, an image of pride, and a perpetual craving for material objects and worldly wealth.
~~*~~
from Astrology.com
Bruce's Chinese Astrology - The Ox
 The Ox of Chinese Astrology is no bull in a china shop. Steadfast and solid, this powerful Sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Oxen tend to be plodding and methodical; they approach projects in the step-by-step manner that serves them best, and they never lose sight of their goal. They are tireless workers who are detail-oriented and believe in doing things right the first time.
The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. This sturdy sort is less than social by nature and tends to become introverted in a crowd. To make things worse, they can't be bothered with what other people think and prefer to do what makes them feel best. Behind that calm facade, though, lives an Ox who can feel hurt, lonely and unable to connect with others. Friends and family are a great source of comfort to this beast, even if they don't always understand what makes the Ox tick. As a lover, friend, family member, or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable.
Out in the world, though, Oxen tend to be stubborn, dogmatic, my-way-or-the-highway kind of people who have no concept of when to back down. Oxen don't care to be pushed, especially since they think they're the good guys of the Chinese Zodiac. There is some truth to that theory, since the Ox is smart, trustworthy, caring and honorable. If you need honest, steady and unbiased advice, call on the Ox.
A good lesson for mighty Oxen is to strive to overcome a judgmental nature that keeps them from getting close to others. If they can learn to value their own good qualities, they'll have more room in their hearts to invite others in.
~~*~~
Bruce's Element - Wood
Like the rings of a tree circle out and expand through the years, so too do those born under the Chinese Astrology Element of Wood. You Wood personalities seek chances for growth and for renewal in all you do, 'branching out' (excuse the pun!) whenever possible. Your open, expansive mind makes you a compassionate and generous friend, colleague and ally. You understand the inherent value of what you and those around you possess, and your confidence allows you to act upon your beliefs.
While your strength forms the backbone of any social group or partnership you're a part of, you could have a tendency to be a bit too systematic in your thinking, and sometimes your passivity allows others to overwhelm and inhibit you. Don't let yourself be lost in a vast forest, an anonymous tree among millions of others. Make your mark on the world -- you're especially adept at business ventures.
~~*~~
from the book Numerology - A Mystical Magical Guide
by Hazel Whitaker
Bruce's Numerology - The Power of One
Ruling Planet - The Sun
Colors - Yellow, Orange, Gold
Gemstones - Topaz, Amber
The Power of One attracts the pioneering and inventive forces. It signifies originality, independence, and leadership. People with this Destiny Number tend to stand out in a crowd. They want to take over, organize, and offer inventive ideas - they want to be in charge. Even though they can become unapproachable, other people lean on them for guidance, depending on the One personality to come up with solutions to their problems.
The karmic lesson which a Number One Destiny attracts are expectations of high achievement; the exploration of new ideas; the rewards of success; and the fear of failure. This destiny requires a competitive spirit and a determined decisive mind. Great physical and mental energy are prerequisites of the Number One character if they are to achieve the success they deserve; but "superior beings" are intimidating, so very often the person with this number finds themselves aloof and alone, bewildered because they love centerstage and thrive on applause. Destiny did not intend a Number One personality to be second best at anything, so they choose careers which afford them plenty of scope and control, i.e., scientific researchers, politicians, inventors, designers, engineers, explorers, and fire fighters.
At their best, they shine like their Ruling Planet, the Sun. However, the sun can get in your eyes at times. At their worst, they may become so full of self-importance they could begin to believe they can do no wrong. When this happens, they become tyrants who will not suffer fools easily. They are then intolerant and judgental.
The #1 Tarot Card he was born under is The Magician:
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/magician.shtml
MAGICIAN
Basic Card Symbols
Red & White coloring, the lemniscate (infinity symbol), a small wand, a table displaying a chalice, a pentacle, a staff (wand) and a sword.
Basic Tarot Story
Traveling on his way, the Fool first encounters a Magician. Skillful, self-confident, a powerful magus with the infinite as a halo floating above his head, the Magician mesmerizes the Fool. When asked, the Fool gives over his bundled pack and stick to the Magician. Raising his wand to heaven, pointing his finger to Earth, the Magician calls on all powers; magically, the cloth of the pack unfolds upon the table, revealing its contents. And to the Fool's eyes it is as if the Magician has created the future with a word. There are all the possibilities laid out, all the directions he can take. The cool, airy Sword of intellect and communication, the fiery Wand of spirituality and ambition, the overflowing Chalice of Love and emotions, the solid Pentacle of work, possessions and body. With these tools, the Fool can create anything, make anything of his life. But here's the question, did the Magician create the tools, or were they already in the pack? Only the Magician knows - and on this mystery, our eloquent mage refuses to say a word.
Basic Tarot Meaning
At #1, the Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things so just by speaking them aloud ("And God said 'Let there be Light!' and there was Light"). Reflecting this is the fact that the Magician is represented by Mercury. He represents the gift of tongues, a smooth talker, a salesman. Also clever with the slight of hand (Mercury *was* the god of thieves!) and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil. The 4 suits laid out before him remind us of the 4 aces, which in the Tarot symbolize the raw, undeveloped, undirected power of each suit. When the Magician appears, he reveals these to you. The reader might well interpet this card as telling the querent that they will be given a vision, an idea, a magical, mental image of whatever it is they most want: the solution to a problem, an ambitious career, a love life, a job.
Observations
If any card in the Tarot is the Tarot, it is the Magician. He's one of the most recognizable cards, always a favorite. He's also the only card in the Majors that refers to the minors with the "trumps" displayed upon his table. If the reader believes the Magician stands for the Querent, then the Querent either is, or is currently finding himself eleoquent and charismatic at this time. Both verbally and in writing, he is clever, witty, inventive and persuasive. People listen and agree with him. He also has an interest in science. He might be, in fact, a doctor or scientist or inventor.
Standing for someone other than the querent, the Magician could be a skillful doctor, scientist, inventor lecturer, salesman, or con-man. It's important to remember that the Magician can as easily be clever as skilful, a trickster as well as a magician. This is someone with a magnetic personality, someone who can convince people of almost anything. For better or worse, his words are magic.
Most importantly, the Magician card stands for the "reveal" - as in a magic trick. The handkerchief is draped over an empty box, the Magician waves his wand, *presto!*--now there is a dove in the box. The Magician card does the same for the Querent--only what it reveals is not birds or rabbits but NEW ideas. Emphasis on NEW. When the Magician card appears, the Querent is likely to say: "Now there's an idea! Why didn't I think of that before?" Truth is, the Querent had that idea in his head all along. The Magician merely revealed it to him. But what will the Querent do with this idea?
~~*~~
I will leave you here dear readers, until next week, as it may take you a week to read and digest all that. Enjoy! Penny
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