Keep it simple

I've learned to treasure and appreciate the small and simple things in life. I truly believe that's where the magick is! And today I have reached the pinnacle of jean wearing. This is the point I have been living for and striving for. Not only do I officially have a favorite, comfy pair of jeans. But they have finally graduated to their first hole in the knee!! My patience has paid off! Now they are perfect. And I must tell you, husband and I recently went to flatbread (they have g.f. pizza~another simple miracle) for dinner. As we were walking along the shops at Farm valley, we noticed jeans in the window of one of the stores that were full-o-holes...apparently people actually buy them like that!

Goddess girl jeep

I love mother earth. I honor her, I respect her and I want to do what I can for her. I believe in going 'green' so that I create as little toxins as possible that end up in her. And I know that smaller cars are 'greener'. But I have to tell you, I LOVE my goddess girl jeep. I'm not sure what I'd do without her. My driveway alone is reason enough. It's currently a steep downhill skating rink. The other night my son's 4-wheel drive was broken and he couldn't get up our driveway at all. My GGJ keeps me safe as I traverse not only my driveway but the icy/snowy roads as well. And I have to tell you, it makes me oh-so-happy! (did you know that if you go downhill in slippery conditions in neutral instead of drive, you slip less?....just a tip from the winter warlock husband!)

A perfect moment

Yesterday was a day filled with many wonderful moments. I'm left with one that felt most perfect. The snow and ice were falling outside. I was blessedly inside, having rescheduled my work. The husband was out plowing (with his amazing ability to fly around in those conditions like the winter warlock that he is). The son was still abed (no school-itis). The fire was burning (Pele in all her glory as my hawaiian friend reminded me). The cats were curled up in their respective cozy corners of the house. I was under an afghan curled up on the couch myself, with raven at my feet and shaya (yes, I really do have another dog...he just prefers to stay out of the spotlight) under my arm. Just as I was drifting into a nap, I saw my mom come in (from the other side) and I felt her brush the hair away from my face. My breath was deep and steady and all seemed right with the world.

Raven's World-5

My family went out for copy paper for the computer and came home with a little black lab puppy. Sometimes that's how it works in my life. That's how you know it was meant to be. We all knew she had to come home with us as soon as we saw her. On the car ride home my husband, sons and I were trying to decide what to call her. "Rainbow" I suggested. But my men immediately decided that simply wasn't 'cool' enough. But there were no suggestions coming from them, either. At that moment we looked overhead and out the sunroof to see a ton of ravens flying above us. "Well I guess it's Raven," says my son from the backseat. As so it was. For more of Raven's story, you can listen to the archive of my radio show on animal guides and helpers which you can find on my website, too.

Here's what Raven would like to share today:

"We (your animal guides and companions) are sensitive to the energies around you. Both seen and unseen. We can see the energy grid. The connectedness of ALL. You would do well to pay attention to us. To the signs we are constantly showing you. We (like children--and you if you remembered) can read people's energies. Our read is without ego or human judgment. It is pure. Our read is also without social graces. We don't talk ourselves out of our instincts and knowings. For instance, pay attention if we show you we do not 'like' someone. There is often a reason that you are not 'seeing.' "

Pasta?

The chicken soup was really good. I snuck in some kombu (kelp) for all its nutrients and some astragalus root of course for its immune boost with all the usual chix soup suspects as well. After going gluten free I've had to contend with rice pasta. Now, I'm an Italian girl and I used to be quite a snob about pasta. Rice pasta took a whole lot of getting used to. It wasn't until I found 'tinkyada' g.f. pasta that I thought I could do this at all. For the soup last night I tried mrs. leeper's corn pasta elbows just for something different. It wasn't that bad. I noticed at the health food store there's quinoa pasta, too. Out of all the g.f. grains that has the most fiber, calcium and protein. All that I need. I'll have to try that next!

Rest

Today has turned out to be my day of rest. (cycles) I'm looking forward to a slow day. I plan to put together penicillin soup as my friend rose calls it (homemade chicken soup, of course) so we can have it for dinner tonight. A load or two of laundry may be done. And then I'm going to enjoy having time to finish reading "For (we're not) Listening to the Sun" by Tobias Lars who will be my guest on my radio show on thur. (Discovering Nature's Spirit).

Indigo children

Yesterday I was doing a reading for a woman who has an 'indigo' son. (like I do) The metaphysical world has classified children energetically. (Doreen Virtue has authored quite a bit of information) There are indigos, crystals, rainbows... The indigos have some common characteristics such as intuitive, warrior, don't do well in old fashion institutional, structured settings, can see through the bull***t, ... Basically they are here to pave a new way. One without greed and fear. One that honors all beings and the Earth. And it dawned on me as I was doing this reading, that the new administration has pledged to shift all these same old ways. And it dawned on me that the youth vote was vitally important. And it dawned on me that there are some older indigos out there, too. And I realized that it's really working!!

On a different note, as I'm blogging this very post this morning, the husband just came into our office and handed me a cup of coffee. What a wonderful way to start the day!

Cycles and rhythm

Since shifting The Purple Rose from an open retail store to a healing center just over a year ago it has blessedly freed up my time. Working by appointment only allows me more control over my schedule. What I have noticed now is that really it is not about 'control' at all. Rather it's about surrender. I've been blessed with this newfound freedom. And now my 'schedule' is based on cycles. There's a divine rhythm and flow. At first it was disconcerting because I was used to 'structure'. But I'm getting better at going with the flow. Like today and the past few days have been filled with activity and work. But what I've noticed is that spirit will then give me time to rest. And then it will pick up again and then I can rest. And it's no longer dependent upon the calendar or the clock. I never know when my day(s) off will be. Those 'man made' time pieces never worked for me anyway. Now life is based more on the natural rhythm that's right for me! Thank you Angels!

Teachers

While hosting the psychic and mediumship development circle last night at The Purple Rose, our discussion turned to the topic of 'teachers'. There's that old saying, 'when the student is ready, the teacher appears.' There's another quote I found (though I don't recall the author) which is "A good teacher simply reminds the student of what he (or she) already knows." I love that one because I truly believe that when I step into the role of teacher, I'm there to empower my students. That if I do my job right, they will soon not need me anymore. Especially in the world of psychic gifts. I believe our gifts are our birthright. They are already within us. They don't come from anyone or anything outside of us. I'm just there to remind you how to use them. And I'm always fully aware that the roles are shifting constantly. There is always so much I'm learning from my 'students', too!

Son's birthday

Somehow while I wasn't looking a son turned 19 this week. I'm not sure how it happened or where the time went. A lot of it seems like a blur. While there are many pieces that stand out- like putting painted tiny toe prints on t-shirts to surprise dad, his first time on water skis, and teaching him to drive (wasn't that just yesterday?). One thing I know for sure is that my love deepens (for both sons) with each passing year. It feels to me that our relationship continues to evolve, shift and strengthen as he continues to become the man he is meant to be. I stand in excited anticipation to see him at 20, 25, 35...and I wonder at which age will I begin to love and watch over him from the other side!!

Raven's World-4

To hear more about Raven and to learn her story, be sure to tune into my radio show tomorrow (at 3 p.m EST) or catch it on archive if you miss it live!

Here's Raven's thoughts for today:

"We (your animal guides and companions) want you to live in the moment. Enjoy the now. This space is all that there is. We distract you from the day to day worries, stress and doldrums you fall into. We hear you and are really here for you now. You are busy regretting yesterday and worrying about tomorrow. When we nudge your arm with a toy in our mouth, it is for you to stop. Pay attention. Play, now. In this moment. For not only is it all there is. It'll make the next moment so much better!"

Excitement

It certainly feels like an exciting day today. No matter what your particular persuasion.


Raven is doubly excited this week. Not only does she get her column tomorrow on my blog (raven's world), but also this thur.'s radio show is about animal guides and helpers. She will be receiving honorable mention on the show, too! If you'd like to call in to the show, I can share with you what animal guide(s) are with you at this time and how they are helping you.


Also, exciting is a give away of winter comfort items on annie's blog. Check it out!

Where will you be?

For my day off today I tried Quinoa flake cereal for breakfast (it's g.f. and high in fiber, protein and calcium) and not too bad with some brown sugar, while I enjoyed a cup of organic coffee. I had the house to myself for a bit of time which is always a welcome change. (as is having everyone together, too) Okay, yes I did play some Candlebox (candlebox post ) which inspired me to begin some much needed house cleaning. But then I stopped so I could have time to read a book and watch Oprah, too. It was a very inspiring show. It helped renew my excitement about tomorrow's historic, amazing, powerful, life-changing event. And I thought to myself when I discovered that our new president will be sworn in at noon, where will I be. And I realized with shock and horror that I will not have access to tv at that time. Hopefully the people around me will agree to listen to it on a radio. Because I realized I CANNOT miss it. So, I ask, beautiful readers, where will you be? Will you be listening, too?

Monday Mourning

This morning is a sad one for me. Even though the temperature has reached a balmy 20 degrees. Even though I have today off!!! This morning marks the first day of the winter stretch with no more full days of sunday football. For me this is the darkest time of the year. I know, we still have the superbowl. (and wouldn't it have been more fun to have the 'bird bowl' if the ravens won) But it's just not the same. The superbowl is more of a commercial enterprise rather than good old fashion football. (~sigh) So to cheer me up last night the husband made me his famous 'faux' beer battered shrimp. Because I'm gluten intolerant, I cannot have the beer or the batter anymore. So what he does is mix g.f. (gluten free) chix broth with pamela's baking flour and some salt, pepper and garlic. He dunks those beautiful shrimp in the mixture and places them to fry in a generous amount of olive oil. I'm here to tell you it's just like the real thing. I'd tell you it's better, but it's been so long since I had the real thing it's hard to know. But the inside is moist and the outside is crisp...And quite frankly, it's pretty healthy, too!

A new hope

I am not here to pass judgment on anyone or anything. I am not here to say that one event is "good" and one event is "bad". I cannot begin to know our overall divine plan. But when I see the surreal image on the tv screen of that huge plane floating on the hudson river with all the passengers waiting patiently for rescue. When despite the desire to 'feed the flame of fear', the newscasters were forced to quickly assure us all are safe. Because they were. Sitting there in front of the tv with tears of relief that I was not watching yet another tragedy. I saw ordinary people doing extraordinary things (the pilot, the crew, the passengers, the boats...). I had a knowing that something more was at play. More than even a pure divine piece. There was a "human" piece. It was a community (state, nation) in a vibration of love instead of fear. And I was watching the miracles that can result. When we come together collectively in a vibration of love. And I could not help but wonder whether the timing was purely coincidental. As tue. approaches. Perhaps we are truly breathing in new hope collectively. Just imagine what we all can do!

Not diggin' it

Ordinarily, I am thrilled to find and watch shows that deal with the paranormal in a fairly accurate way. 'Fairly'. So I enjoy shows like 'medium' (where did that show go?) and 'ghostwhisperer' even though each of course will have their little quirks. And I am tremendously loyal to James Van Praagh (JVP) who was instrumental in my own mediumship training (and is one of the producers of ghostwhisperer). However, I have to tell you I am SO not diggin' the new story line. And I am still quite upset that they never explained last season's cliff hanger of prof. payne not seeing a shadow of one of the group of the cast of characters. Speaking of the cast of characters, do they constantly have to dwindle and or die. Is it just going to be Melinda wandering around aimlessly by herself talking to dead people. And is it possible for Melinda to speak to another psychic from time to time. One that can explain to her that when earthbound spirits cross into the light they are NOT GONE!!!! That our loved ones are still with us from the other side from the light. But in a healthier way than if they are earthbound. And one of the best parts of the show for me was that jim, her husband, believed in her and her gifts, but even more kept her grounded. Now that they decided to kill him off, she's way too out there for me. Which brings me to this whole jim 'walked in' to a random recently dead guy's body story line. Come on, I do this work and I'm not buying it. And she's following this poor stranger around like a pathetic puppy dog just waiting for him to miraculously turn back into her one true love. I tell you, I'm just not diggin' it. I can't imagine where they are going or if I can stay on much longer to watch. Beautiful readers, what do you think?

A plethora of thoughts

This morning I was up much earlier than I had intended. Our town has an automated phone call thing that lets you know when school is cancelled or delayed. Usually when they call extraordinarily early (actually ever since Annie posted her displeasure about early calls from her town on her blog, they've been calling a bit later), I have a chance at returning back to that sleep thing. Today, they could not make up their minds and called THREE times before they went ahead and just cancelled. I assume it was because of the cold since I see no precipitation outside my window. I'm sure the son is going to be really upset (~not) at not having his first midterm today (and a 3 day weekend to boot).

Speaking of cold, last night I needed two sets of pjs, one sheet, three blankets, one quilt and one furnace of a husband to keep me warm while I slept. The last time I had the courage to look last night, the thermometer read "2" outside our kitchen window. I truly wont warm up again until my oldest and dearest friend, the hot and humid weather, finally returns.

My cats are also quite unhappy with the current weather situation and starting to voice their displeasure. Because we live far away from any real traffic, we let the ones who wish venture out into the fresh air during the day. But anything below 20, we keep them in. I think they are going a bit stir crazy. I'm worried that we might soon see some sort of serious revolt. That and the husband found an organic brand of food that accommodates Midnight's troubled bladder (no ashe...). While we humans are very excited about the new food, they, the felines, are most certainly not.

Beautiful readers, I seem to have suffered a "blogging" injury. Because I'm hooked (okay, addicted) to blogging now that I've started it, and of course reading others' blogs as well, I spend much more time at the computer. Because I wear bifocals (since I was a young teen actually) I need to "lift" my head up and look "down" at the screen. Last night I actually suffered a stiff neck!! So I'm using the remedy that always worked when I was a small child...phone books on the chair!!!

And last but certainly not least, Michael on my radio show yesterday went through all of the astrological signs for what's coming in the year ahead!!! If you'd like to know just check out the archive (link on the right side of my blog)! He also went through what type of humanitarian offering would match up perfectly with each sign. Wicked cool stuff!

Wellness fair

Yesterday I spent time meeting new people and doing readings at a hospital. They were coordinating a holistic wellness day for their employees. I am so tickled that even the more mainstream health care providers are opening more and more to holistic practices, too. As a complement to western medicine. There was massage, readings, reiki, crystals, and some herbs and oil stuff, too. What a beautiful blend of resources.

Raven's World-3

Raven would like to speak to you on Wednesdays, it seems. She welcomes your comments and questions. Here's her thoughts for today:

"We (your animal companions and guides), like you, need food for sustenance for our bodies and our cells. We like many of you are sensitive to what is in the food. We (unlike you) generally do not get to choose what we eat. You have very strong wills, you see. Not many of you understand that you can ask us and we will tell you. So please watch what you feed us. We would do better with organic animal food. Or even better, homemade with all the proper additives if you're willing to do the research (or listen to us). And when you feed us your food, it should be pure. Otherwise we will be eating the same toxins that you are. And we will keep getting the same cancers that you do."

It's going to get better!

The first question I asked Michael Jernegan in my pre-interview with him for my radio show this Thur. (3pm EST) is "is it gonna get better?" "Yes." He emphatically assured me. Michael is an astrologer with over 30 years experience and I must let you know he accurately predicted the election long before the election took place. So when he assures me it'll get better, I'm relieved. So let's make a deal to turn off those scary news reports, tell your friends and acquaintances to stop harping on the drama, stop buying into words like "crisis", and turn on shows, well, like mine. And we know that even if it's all hogwash (which I don't believe it is), if we all focus more on the positive then that's what we all create anyway!!! Give it a try, I say, we've certainly got nothing to lose.

Calm during stormy seas

Usually the full moon is my creative, full of life time. This past moon was different. She instead shone her unusually bright light on old baggage I'm still carrying that is no longer serving me. In my experience with many of my clients, too, we are moving through waves of old grief, fear, limiting beliefs, and whatever else is lurking in that old suitcase. My understanding is that it will help us to manifest more fully what we desire. Which is great, but, in the meantime, quite frankly, some days are just plain tough. Spirit recently channeled through me a new Flower Essence. This is the first blend I've done (the others are single flowers). It's called 'Calm during Stormy Seas'. Flower essences can work with the emotions and spirit behind an issue or condition (they are different from aromatherapy). They harness the highest vibration of the plant which when combined with our own energy can bring forth our innate ability to heal ourselves. My new blend has been really helpful for me. It's my own version of what some of you may know as Bach's rescue remedy, but I use local flowers and, of course, my healing and magical touch! (you can always learn more about my essences on my website or just ask!)

Doesn't get better than that...

Yesterday was one of those rare days that just flowed effortlessly. Annie and I were busy at The Purple Rose. Every second Saturday we do readings together. Co-link, if you will. It's an amazing experience for us and often for our clients we've been told. We are able to join in the loving channel that brings forth messages and reach even higher vibrations together than we could alone. During the day I received two unexpected gifts (just because, they said). I came home just as the snow was beginning to coat the roads. (perfect timing as I do not enjoy driving in the snow) I walked in to find that the husband had a fire waiting for me. I made a cup of tea, popped some corn and joined the husband under the blanket to spend the snowy, new england, weekend as 'God' intended...watching the playoffs! (even though my dolphins are watching from their living rooms, too) We enjoyed an easy medley of left-overs for dinner including spaghetti squash with meat sauce.

Technical Difficulties

Apparently there was a problem with the sound of my guest's voice during my radio show on Thur. She was fading in and out. It's a real shame because what Shoshanna was sharing about Qigong and Chinese medicine was really interesting. The engineers are attempting to remedy the situation for the archive of the show so it's easier to hear.

Next week I'll be speaking with Michael Jernegan, who is an astrologer. He's going to share with us what to expect in the year ahead and also do mini readings for those who call in! (Thur. at 3 EST)

Secret Candlebox obsession

Beautiful readers, I have a confession to make. A friend recently got a group of us tickets to see Candlebox (an '80's rock band) in Hartford. It was an amazing two night show. The first night was a regular show and the second night was an intimate acoustic performance. After the first night I got their new cd and even had the lead singer autograph it. (my girlfriend caught the sweaty towel!) I have to admit that I'm hopelessly addicted to this cd. I cannot seem to stop playing it. I have to keep the cd in my purse so that I can have it at home and in the car. My husband has no idea how much I actually listen to it and he already makes fun of me every time I have it on. I was struck the first night by two songs in particular. The first song 'miss you' was a tribute written to the lead singer's father who had recently passed. We were told before the song how his father was a vet and had stormed the beach at normandy and that he was also dedicating the song to all of our troops. Even though my 'sign' clearly read "the medium is out"(b/c I was at a concert), I saw his dad appear like a huge angel behind him. As well as the energy of many who we have recently lost. His father stayed this clear for the entire song. The love and pride that was flowing off of his father brought tears to my eyes. If only the singer could have seen what I saw...hopefully he feels him as he sings. The second song that struck me was called 'breathe'. (which my angels are always reminding me to do) There is a line in the song 'You're so much more than I'd ever hoped...breathe me in so I am whole' I can hear the Goddess herself reminding us to do this...as if drawing down the moon. (full moon is Sat.!)

Tune in!

Yesterday was my only day off this week and I found myself in need of self-nurturance. There was a fire, cups of tea, and wholesome meals. Oprah's show yesterday was on spirituality so I decided to tune in. There was a panel of experts who were giving advice to "skypers". One lady had a situation where her bakery business was failing and her family had invested all of their money into it. I think in that moment she needed the equivalent of Chef Ramsey to go in with some practical advice. But one thing that Rev. Beckwith said stuck with me. He said that in those moments where we are experiencing life's challenges, we need to ask the question, 'What quality do I have to birth to have peace of mind' in this situation. That these challenges show us what spiritual quality we need to cultivate within us. For many of us at this time it seems to be 'faith'.

I would love to hear from you during my radio show today!!!! (3:00 p.m. EST...the link is on the right side of my blog)

Raven's World-2

Raven loved all of your comments!!! She welcomes you to share more with her and ask her questions, too!! She'll be sure to answer them in her next column!!

Here's Raven's thoughts for today:

"While it is true that the weather is cold, and as you can see, I do enjoy my time in front of the wood stove, we are meant to experience all kinds of weather. We are meant to experience everything!! That's what being "alive" is all about. We need to enjoy feeling all kinds of weather even if it is for just a few minutes. The snow, the rain, the sun, the moon, the wind. It is the essence of the elements. Of nature. Of what we are all made of. It cleanses us and reminds us of who we truly are. We need to enjoy feeling. Many of you are numbing yourselves. Feeling is one of the greatest gifts of being in body. Let your feelings flow through and enjoy them. All of them. Many who are "enlightened" believe we should only feel "positive" energies. But that is just your perspective. And it is not balanced. All feelings are neutral until you give them a label."

Stuff

Just now as I was thinking of what to write, my cat, Merlin, jumped up on my desk and started to walk on the phone. Somehow he managed to turn on the speaker phone and dial. All of a sudden the operator came on and announced, "We're sorry, the number can't be completed as dialed..." I wonder if that's a good thing or a bad thing. It would have been cool to see who he was calling!

Last night was a late night for me after teaching the first part of my Psychic Remembrance course. It is so much fun to be a facilitator to the rekindling of that intuitive spark that lives within each of us!!

who am I to judge?

I suppose it could happen to anyone. It goes along with that metaphysical concept that I'm always spouting about us being all one. If we are truly all one, you could get confused as to which teammates are yours. You could repeatedly throw the ball to members of the other team. Even though you've stopped the dolphins from advancing in the playoffs, perhaps you're working for a larger purpose-- such as sharing equally or peace on earth.

I've been enjoying being part of others' blogs where we've been sharing how we've been cooking in concert with our husbands lately. I think I have the topper. Last night the husband not only cooked the fish using a new recipe with garlic mashed potatoes and beans. But he actually CAUGHT the fish, too!!!! (last summer, it was defrosted from our freezer).

An ungrounded son

Today marks the day a son is released from being grounded. As the kids got older we've had to be more inventive on imposing consequences for straying outside the bounds of our expectations. But grounding is tried and true. The word itself is so interesting. Don't we all need to remind ourselves to recenter and ground. For me grounding reels the wayward teen back into the bosom of his family for a time. A wonderful opportunity for me to enjoy him being home more, too. Grounding serves to allow him a reconnection to us and our values so that they may be that much closer to him as he returns once again to forming his own.

Qigong anyone

I am learning more about the chinese practice of Qigong. I recently finished the book "Qigong for Staying Young" by Shoshanna Katzman in preparation for my radio show next Thur. Shoshanna will be my featured guest! (my show is "Discovering Nature's Spirit" every thur. at 3 EST on the seventh wave network at voiceamerica.com) What's most exciting to me is that the more I study different spiritual & healing practices the more I am reminded that we are truly all one. In Qigong I felt threads from other modalities I've studied such as Reiki, yoga, feng shui and even belly dance!!!

Raven's World-1

When I began this blog, I had a strong feeling that my black lab, Raven, wanted to be heard. I even joked with my husband that she needs her own blog. The name "Raven's World" kept coming to me over and over again. (From her, I'm sure) Since I don't have the time or energy to do two blogs I told her that she can share mine whenever she has something to say. Here's Raven's message for today:

"We are your guides, you know. Your animals. We are here with you at this time. We all have different purposes. In what we are meant to show you. It would behoove you to pay more attention. Some of you pay no attention at all. Mostly we remind you that you are loved. Purely. Without condition. We wish you would see yourselves as we see you. We are healers. We reflect to you what needs healing. We want so much for you to be happy. And to reclaim your joy. I keep grabbing my leash. My family would benefit from walking me more. In the woods. In nature. But like most of you they are too busy to listen."

Diagnal snow

Yesterday afternoon I was doing Yoga and watching the snow fall outside my window. I noticed how the snow was mainly coming down in a diagnal pattern. As I looked at my window, the snow was falling from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Every now and then it would shift a bit to horizontal. But it never came down in a direct vertical straight line pattern. Then the wind would take it and play with it. It would circle and sometimes it even appeared as if the flakes were standing still. I thought about how that snow reflected me. That I never seem to move well in direct straight lines either. I used to force myself to do so when I was a prosecutor because that's the way the system and the profession worked. I imagine those of you who were in a "corporate" type environment had to (or still have to) do the same thing. A square peg in a round hole thing. But we were not meant to live or be that way. We cycle just like nature. And I've discovered that I still get to where I need to be. Just like that snow that "succeeded" in forming a blanket on the earth in its own way. And even in objective manifestation measurement terms, it ended up being six inches, a "plowable snow event" to my landscaper husband's calculation and standards. Just like that snowfall, when I'm able to follow my own unique rhythms and patterns, I still get things done. But I get there fully present, as a woman who's whole, and in a way that is most healthy for me.