The number 4 represents stability, practical attainment, consolidation, and dependability.  It represents manifesting plans into reality; making your dreams come true; creating a foundation for the future.   Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.  It can symbolize opportunities offered; seeing things as they really are.  When it is reversed it may represent seeking guidance, taking advantage of a good opportunity, reevaluation of goals

I am currently in a place of emotional stability and attainment, at least with regards to relationship issues.  Well I guess more accurate, I should say with regards to my hubby.  We are emotionally stable, happy and able to make decision based on what will fulfill us rather than financial need.  That puts us in a much better place than a lot of people I know, whether they're currently working or not.  We have the ability to enjoy what we've achieved.  If we're dissatisfied with what is being offered to us in life, we have the ability to refuse it.  It is like emerging cleansed and whole from the waters of life.

Maybe the opportunities we are being offered just don't make us happy.  Looking at the bowl set on a pedestal in the Wheel of Change 4 of Cups I am struck by its simple beauty.  I think that's something I need to focus on more - the simple beauty of life.  I don't need more things, I just need to allow myself to enjoy the things I have.  Another doll or book isn't going to make me that much happier but perhaps letting go of books that I no longer need will allow me to share some of the joy they brought into my life with other people.  It's a simple concept and is often advocated by a wide range of people.  In theory it should be easy but in reality I have a bit of a problem letting go of anything, especially books.

The nude figure walking out of the water on the Motherpeace cards seems to reinforce this concept - it's time to strip things down to their simplest form and release the rest.  I may not be there yet but I'm starting the process.  I've been slowly letting go of books via Paperback Swap.  Of course I've also been adding books but I think I'll eventually reach a point where I'll let go of more than I take in.  Some books I've tried selling on Amazon but I get really pissed when I calculate how much it costs me to do that.  If I sell a book for $10 Amazon takes a percentage off the top and gives an allowance for shipping.  So that just about evens out.  But when you add in the cost of packing and postage I might end up actually keeping $6 from that sale.  I'd rather give it away to someone who would really enjoy it.  I'm not trying to make a profit, I just want to make sure they go to people who will appreciate them.

I would love to donate these books to a library but libraries have become selective about what they accept.  I guess I can't blame them, I would imagine that a lot of people donate books to the library just to get them out of the house.  They might not be in good condition or might be out of date editions.  On the plus side there is a thrift store not to far from here that has a book section so anything I don't think will go on Paperback Swap (because there are already so many copies available), I'll drop off there.  At least it's a start.