Author: Marv Machura

Hi Friends!

Here’s my latest single release. You can find it on most online music sources and on my own channel at Apple Music, YouTubeMusic, Spotify, etc.

It is fun song about the winter cold and snow. It is also about how we do not see the world the way the world is; we see the world the way we are! If we are in love, a cold snowy day can seem magical, wonderful, and happy!

Thanks for listening!

Here’s new video in this series that reviews how authoritarian regimes are often caught unaware as to how to control new media of communication that enter the world as we travel on further into the electronic and digital age.

If you are drawing from the Tarot to divine your future, and you draw this card from the Tarot, you may feel your heart sink and a type of dread descend on you. The Tower represents a complete and irreparable break with something important and significant in your life. It is a destructive force that will be soon upon you–and there is nothing you can do about it. The only way forward is acceptance and moving on from the wreckage.

Whatever it is that is about to end will be good for your spirit in the long term especially if you can get over your own feelings of unfairness, anger, and depression that are likely present in your life right now. Try to keep in mind that it is not your fault for this ending, that the Universe wants what best for your spirit (always) and as Lao Tzu says,”New and wonderful beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.”

Wands = Fire/Energy/Health

When you draw the Seven of Wands, you will soon be experiencing trials and tribulations that have the potential to sap your energy and forward progress. So be careful that you do not fall into the traps of indulgence and avoidance that often accompany these times of life difficulty. There are times when you need to stubbornly stand your ground–and this is one of those times. Remember, no conflict, no story. So keep writing your story with you as the smart, active, and successful hero that you are! Lock you sights on your glorious future and bring it on! You got this. #fivecardpentagramtarot #marvmachura #tarotcards

Hi friends! I hope your weekend is going great–as mine is: celebrating life on Silverstar Mountian with Brenda Fraser. It is exactly 11 years ago when we went on our first date back in Edmonton, Alberta! Cheers!

“Make the most of each moment.”

Life is good.

Anniversary

The years go by so quickly

Sometimes seemingly stuck or silent

While nothing happens of note or import

But then in a moment our lives change

In the magic and miracle that

Is at the heart of all meaningful experience,

And we remember and celebrate

That turning point that brought us here.

Hi Friends,

Today is the celebration of Malanka!

Malanka is one of the oldest surviving celebrations/traditions from the land of my ancestors: Ukraine.

The Malanka recalls a time Mother’s Earth’s daughter (often called “Lada” or “Malanka”) was captured by the Evil One and taken below the earth. Because of this horrible capture and deceit (brought on largely by greed, envy, and lust), the earth had fallen into a perpetual winter of suffering, silence, and cold.

Various versions of the story have differing details of her escape and release from the underworld. One of the most common is that her Brother, Basil or Vasil, descended into the underworld, defeating the Evil One (who often is identified as Malanka’s Uncle) and returning Malanka to the surface of the Earth.

With the return of the beautiful Earth Mother’s daughter, the endless winter was defeated, and the spring could once again return.

During the Soviet Communist subjugation of the Ukrainian Nation and people following the Marxist/Leninist Revolution (roughly 1921-1991), much like in the legend, the Malanka celebration was mostly forbidden–and certainly not officially sanctioned as it is now that Ukraine is free!

In our recent years, I am sure that many of us can relate to the “endless winter” of what has become of our joys, happiness, community, and general health and well-being. Indeed, Malanka was (officially and even officiously) cancelled last year and this year as well–as are so many aspects of our lives a darkness/coldness has fallen hard on our lives.

So, this year, I hope for a real Malanka, to reappear and happen: the beautiful daughter of Mother Earth will be set free from her dark, cold prison, so that we can once again dance, sing, plant crops, laugh, celebrate, and otherwise enjoy the beauty of our too-short lives on this wonderful planet.

Happy Malanka 2022, friends. Do what you can to keep the life-force of hope, goodness, and freedom in your hearts. The winter will end; spring will return; music and dancing will again return to bless our lives with sunlight, joy, love, and liberty.

The Present is a Present

My Baba’s parents

Look upon me from a restored photograph

From a time and place

So different from my own.

Yet I see myself (and so many of my family members)In their eyes, faces, and hands.

I somehow know these people–and love them:

These hardworking and noble ancestors

Who rose to the challenge of life,

Never gave up, and pushed

On and onward

Conquering despair–and all the “slings and arrows”of “outrageous fortune”

To remind me of my own place, time

And responsibility

To keep carrying on and onwardIn spite of uncertainty, fear, and sorrow

With a hopeful heart

And deep, abiding faith

In purpose, truth, and love.

Article in the Alberta Report, 1997

Sweet Alberta Memories. I often miss the aspen parkland of North Central Alberta where I grew up and lived most of my life. The resonant musical sound of the breeze through the poplar leaves will never leave my heart. This spot (my backyard acreage in Sherwood Park) was my home for ten fabulous. years. Grateful! Have a great day everyone! Make the most of each moment. Our moments go by quickly. Life is good.