Goddess of the Week: Athena

Birth of Athena. Attic exaleiptron (black-figured tripod), ca. 570–560 BC. Found in Thebes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Elizabeth needs a goddess for dealing with migraines.  Oi!  She needs Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

Zeus, the big cheater who could never keep his toga closed, lusted after the Titan Metis.  But there were two problems.  One, Metis was just not into him.  Two, a prophet foretold that Metis would bear Zeus a daughter, and later, a son, and that the son would kill Zeus and become leader of the gods, much like Zeus had done earlier.

Naturally, Zeus never let a little thing like impeding patricide get in the way of romance.  He pursued and flattered Metis until she couldn't see straight, and then, after they had their little tete-a-tete, he swallowed her.  (Talk about your bad dates!)

Now Zeus had a new problem.  He had such a headache!  He was doubled-over in pain.  He moaned so loudly the whole world heard him.  Finally, the smith god had to split Zeus's head open with an ax!  And then what happened?  Athena, fully grown and dressed in stylish battle armor, popped straight out of his head.

Now listen, Elizabeth, because this is important: Do not split your head open!  That only works if you are Zeus.  But Zeus got help, and so can you.  See your doctor.  Also consider an acupuncturist.  Also, I'm hearing mixed reviews about oxygen therapy.  Check it out.  Mostly, be gentle on yourself.  Unlike Zeus, you did not swallow some poor Titan.  Your sweet body is doing the best it can dealing with a really crummy situation.  Give it some love.

Channel this goddess: When having a migraine or really bad headache.  Titans aren't the only food triggers, by the way.  Also watch out for bacon, wine, cheese, chocolate--basically anything good.  Enjoy your gruel!

Need a goddess?  I got goddesses! Post a comment explaining what you need or want a goddess for.  Then check back in a week or two and see what you got.  It's fun!  It's free!  It's better than having a fully-grown goddess stuck in your head.

PS: On another note, local readers might appreciate knowing that my novel The Goddess Lounge is now available at Vroman's Bookstore, 695 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA.  Each copy is looking for a good home and is fully house trained.  Tell your friends.

Also, I'll be reading from The Goddess Lounge at a book signing and reception this Saturday, July 21 at SPACE Arts Center, located at 1508 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA.  The reception is from three to four-thirty in the afternoon.  The reading will be at three-thirty.  A portion of all proceeds will go to SPACE Arts Center scholarships.  I'm making cookies, so come on down!

Me and My Terror

When UPS came on Thursday, I knew exactly what was being delivered, which is why I waited 30 minutes to open the door.  Then, when I opened the door, I grabbed the box, opened it, stuffed the wrapping deep in the trash and stuffed the contents of the box deep in my desk drawer.  I took nary a look.  I said nothing, not even to myself.

The next day, I marshaled the courage to look in the desk drawer.  There it was: the proof copy of The Goddess Lounge.  I thought I might throw up.  But then I took a deep breath, and LOOKED.  It looks good, people.  It looks good.

It took about 20 more minutes before I could show the book to my husband.  I have told one other person.  Now, three days later, I am telling you.  Again, I think I might throw up.

July 3rd, is the day, people.  On July 3rd, if you are so inclined, you will be able to buy yourself an ebook (instant gratification) or order a paperback (Amazon, Barnes & Noble--I think you should be able to order it just about anywhere.  (There is a slight chance you might have to wait a few days more to order the paper back.  I will keep you posted.)  Starting July 3, you should also be able to click right through to Amazon right from my blog.  It's my hopes to get the book in some local stores.  Again, I will keep you posted.

In the meantime, I will go throw up.