( NOTE TO EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS --- I have switched from FeedBlitz to FeedBurner on this blog. If you had been receiving this blog via email, you will have to re-sign up with the new service to continue getting this blog. Sorry about this switch but FeedBlitz was about to start charging me and blitzing mama's wallet is not allowed. Sorry for this slight inconvenience!)
Happy Weekend! I want to thank Megan "JoyGirl" Bord for being a superlative guest blogger this week and thanks to all of you for your generous comments! It was SOME party!
I also want to "advertise" Blog-4-Cause - please type this in google search as I'm not good with buttons/links - This is a wonderful fund raiser for Breast Cancer thru the Susan G. Komen organization. Fellow bloggers have united to put together a book - a free ebook - and hope in turn you will make a donation to the cause. Lance Ekum and his friend Joanna put unbelievable time and effort in compiling blogs for this book - many hugs of thanks to them! Please do what you can to spread the word - on line and off - about this project! Over 150 bloggers contributed to make this book - I am honored and delighted to be a very small part of this. LET'S ALL HELP!
The video this weekend is yet another amusing look at how men and women communicate (or not). Laughter is good medicine - so take yours now. I'll be back Monday with a blog - I'm still deciding if it's a "normal" one or if I'll go with Monkey Goes Bananas. You'll just have to come back and see!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Reclaiming Great Relationships!
A heavenly drum roll, please. I am introducing a special guest blogger today - some of you know her already! It's Megan "Joy Girl" Bord!
If you know her, you also know why she is the Joy Girl! To me, she is an adorable bundle of positive energy and I'm so happy to share her with all of you!
Reclaiming Great Relationships
“When a woman falls in love with the magnificent possibilities within herself, the forces that would limit those possibilities hold less and less sway over her. A relationship that keeps us tied to the push and pull of co-dependent neuroses is a block to our shining. When we are very clear that we want to shine…then we attract into our lives the kinds of relationships that help us do that.”
Nadia at Happy Lotus was kind enough to recommend that I read A Woman’s Worth, and my gosh, it has woken me up to some phenomenal concepts about being a woman in this day and age, and how the feminine energy is once again waking up en masse. (Thank you, Nadia!) It has also reminded me of what it takes to make great relationships.
When it comes to relationships, whether they’re intimate partnerships, friendships, or even familial connections, why do we – men and women alike – ever subject ourselves to anything less than complete respect, reverence, truth, love and compassion from others? Why is it that we think we are not worthy of those things?
I was in a romantic relationship a few years ago that was fantastically toxic. And I knew deep down that the unhealthiness played to the lowest common denominator of “not good enough” beliefs I’d formed 20 years earlier when my dad left. Despite knowing that this particular relationship wasn’t good for me, I stayed. At the time I preferred, I suppose, to be unhappy and with someone, than to be by myself and blissful. I also naively believed I could change him if I just gave one more chance, or held on for one more week. I’m not sure if I was more convinced I could change him or me, but either way, it took three years before I had sense enough – and self-love enough – to finally cut and run.
Mark at The Naked Soul wrote a post about a friend of his who is currently in an abusive relationship (Relationship Myth: I Can Change Him/Her!). Despite her understanding of the situation, she cannot seem to extract herself from the abuse permanently. When I read the post, I saw myself in it.
Until, as Marianne Williamson said, we fall in-love with ourselves completely and see within us the magnificence and divinity we were born with and are here to profess to the world, we will continue to attract painful relationships. When we’re hurting on the inside, we draw to us hurting on the outside. As an intelligent woman, I never wanted to believe that I was responsible for the unhealthy relationship I was in until the day I could no longer deny it.
Why would I continue subjecting myself to abuse? What benefit was there in doing so?
As a creature of habit, I’ve learned that on a subconscious level I tend to gravitate toward that which I know. For years, I only knew pain, insecurity, and drama. It wasn’t until I put my foot down and proclaimed to the Universe, “I’ve had enough of this toxic nonsense!” that my life opened up to real and healthier love. When I cut that one toxic relationship from my life once and for all, I was rewarded with an incredibly true, patient, and respectful love that had me jumping for joy at every turn.
Imagine!
And that’s not to say that true love is always easy. As Marianne Williamson said, “…we expect love affairs to always feel good. They don’t. Actually, relationships don’t feel good anyway. We feel good… No man can convince a woman she’s wonderful, but if she already believes she is, his agreement can resonate and bring her joy.”
So it’s been my experience that the more I willfully step into my own power and reclaim my greatness, I’m greeted with equal greatness at every turn. I’m in a relationship now with someone who respects me, wants for my happiness, has compassion, and uplifts me when I’m feeling down. He is mirror, reflecting back to me the truths I now feel about myself. As such, he’s shown me that in the last few years I’ve grown to love myself much, much more than I ever thought possible. But he’s also shown me that I have a ways to go.
And so the journey continues.
My wish for the world is that we all keep heading in the direction of unwavering self-love, supporting and loving each other every step of the way. There is greatness to be had, after all, and there’s no better time than now to claim it.
Megan (Joy Girl) Bord
If you know her, you also know why she is the Joy Girl! To me, she is an adorable bundle of positive energy and I'm so happy to share her with all of you!
Megan authors the blog "It's All About Joy!" and is also in the process of having her first book published ("The JoyGirl's Guide to Living a Magical Life"). Her main goals are to be happy, spread joy, and learn as much as she can about unconditional love. Her blog is where she shares all the things she's learned so far --- the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Megan's blog for today ----------
Reclaiming Great Relationships
“When a woman falls in love with the magnificent possibilities within herself, the forces that would limit those possibilities hold less and less sway over her. A relationship that keeps us tied to the push and pull of co-dependent neuroses is a block to our shining. When we are very clear that we want to shine…then we attract into our lives the kinds of relationships that help us do that.”
Nadia at Happy Lotus was kind enough to recommend that I read A Woman’s Worth, and my gosh, it has woken me up to some phenomenal concepts about being a woman in this day and age, and how the feminine energy is once again waking up en masse. (Thank you, Nadia!) It has also reminded me of what it takes to make great relationships.
When it comes to relationships, whether they’re intimate partnerships, friendships, or even familial connections, why do we – men and women alike – ever subject ourselves to anything less than complete respect, reverence, truth, love and compassion from others? Why is it that we think we are not worthy of those things?
I was in a romantic relationship a few years ago that was fantastically toxic. And I knew deep down that the unhealthiness played to the lowest common denominator of “not good enough” beliefs I’d formed 20 years earlier when my dad left. Despite knowing that this particular relationship wasn’t good for me, I stayed. At the time I preferred, I suppose, to be unhappy and with someone, than to be by myself and blissful. I also naively believed I could change him if I just gave one more chance, or held on for one more week. I’m not sure if I was more convinced I could change him or me, but either way, it took three years before I had sense enough – and self-love enough – to finally cut and run.
Mark at The Naked Soul wrote a post about a friend of his who is currently in an abusive relationship (Relationship Myth: I Can Change Him/Her!). Despite her understanding of the situation, she cannot seem to extract herself from the abuse permanently. When I read the post, I saw myself in it.
Until, as Marianne Williamson said, we fall in-love with ourselves completely and see within us the magnificence and divinity we were born with and are here to profess to the world, we will continue to attract painful relationships. When we’re hurting on the inside, we draw to us hurting on the outside. As an intelligent woman, I never wanted to believe that I was responsible for the unhealthy relationship I was in until the day I could no longer deny it.
Why would I continue subjecting myself to abuse? What benefit was there in doing so?
As a creature of habit, I’ve learned that on a subconscious level I tend to gravitate toward that which I know. For years, I only knew pain, insecurity, and drama. It wasn’t until I put my foot down and proclaimed to the Universe, “I’ve had enough of this toxic nonsense!” that my life opened up to real and healthier love. When I cut that one toxic relationship from my life once and for all, I was rewarded with an incredibly true, patient, and respectful love that had me jumping for joy at every turn.
Imagine!
And that’s not to say that true love is always easy. As Marianne Williamson said, “…we expect love affairs to always feel good. They don’t. Actually, relationships don’t feel good anyway. We feel good… No man can convince a woman she’s wonderful, but if she already believes she is, his agreement can resonate and bring her joy.”
So it’s been my experience that the more I willfully step into my own power and reclaim my greatness, I’m greeted with equal greatness at every turn. I’m in a relationship now with someone who respects me, wants for my happiness, has compassion, and uplifts me when I’m feeling down. He is mirror, reflecting back to me the truths I now feel about myself. As such, he’s shown me that in the last few years I’ve grown to love myself much, much more than I ever thought possible. But he’s also shown me that I have a ways to go.
And so the journey continues.
My wish for the world is that we all keep heading in the direction of unwavering self-love, supporting and loving each other every step of the way. There is greatness to be had, after all, and there’s no better time than now to claim it.
Megan (Joy Girl) Bord
Saturday, October 24, 2009
No Fear, No Doubt, Just Fly!!!!
I have always had a "thing" for birds, so this video for the weekend has quite a few. But the message - Ahhh, yes, the message! Watch it...........then go spread your wings! Have a love filled weekend - start by loving YOU!
Hugs to all,
suZen
Hugs to all,
suZen
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Cinderella at the USO Ball
The ball is over. Today (though not recovered) Cinderella is back to the daily stuff. Doing laundry. Sweeping the kitchen. Baking muffins. But the memories of the ball are fresh, sweet and even a bit teary. The food was surprisingly good, the entertainment fabulous and we rocked away the night.
The picture above would be the hubs in the tuxedo, and me freezing in 42 degrees with the flimsy shawl outside our house (YAY I figured out how to do photos, so look out! haha I cannot delete them either - sorry about the duplicates - rookie here) The photo of feet? Ask Wilma!! She insisted on a photo of feet. I hope you like it Wilma!
We were greeted by white gloved military, polished to perfection, showing us the way at every turn in the building. A wave of the pointed hand directed us, to the left, up the stairs, to the right. And the main entry was a flag aisle to walk down. It took my breath away. Those soldiers did not move for two hours!
There were brief speeches, films, awards given and several performances, done in the rehearsed precision only the military seems to pull off. I am putting a video of a SIMILAR performance on here. Those are bayonets on the ends of these rifles - sharp ones! They were gleaming in the spotlights. The group I saw was much larger than this and also much louder - they did their thing to drums. It was great in person! After they finished, to rousing applause of course, I had a giggle thinking of my son, his humor inherited from you-know-who, sometimes a bit irreverent. I could just hear him in my mind saying, "Yeah, these dudes do great tricks BUT ......can they SHOOT?" He was a sharp shooter. A great shot, but no tricks. He fought a war. It was no performance!
The Lt. Dan Band lead by Gary Sinese was fabulous! He plays the bass guitar - and he had several singers with him. I have no idea who they were but wow, they should be famous - fabulous singers - all the current music, great to dance to! Sorry the pictures we had taken of him on stage are pretty pathetic so I didn't post them here. BUT - here is a video from a concert he does here every year in July - this gal does a great Janis Joplin song "A Piece of My Heart" which not only do I love this song but the military DOES have a piece of my heart - more on that later.
Gary Sinese's contribution to the USO is unbelievable! One wonders how he finds the time to star in his tv show CSI. He travels constantly on behalf of supporting the troops and has started "Operation Iraqi Children" organizing corporate sponsors and schools in the U.S. to collect and send much needed classroom supplies to the children of Iraq. That organization has branched out to OIC/Katrina Relief Fund for people who wish to support sending shcools supplies and other children's needs to those affected by hurricane Katrina. Sinese is a man of great heart and dedication - a shining example of what it looks like to really make selfless contributions to make this world a better place.
If anyone out there is wondering about what to do, how to give back to community, where to put your time and energy, I would not hesitate for a nanosecond to recommend you see how your local area USO could use your time, energy or talents. It certainly is NO pre-requisite that you endorse military POLICY - you know it's all political anyway. It's the people, they're kids really, and young families, that need so much help! The PEOPLE, not the politics!
The USO provides many services for the military - many you may not know about. It isn't just the Bob Hope goes to entertain the troops for Christmas kind of organization. Should you wish to make a donation to your local USO, you would be giving a true blessing to the military men and women who are daily giving of themselves in the name of freedom for our country. They put their lives on the line every day. We could say thanks with a contribution!
Your support makes possible the operation of USO Centers that serve more than 270,000 on an annual basis. Your contribution would help fun year-around support for deployments and homecomings for our members of the military called to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. It makes
it possible for the USO to provide emergency relief, including car seats and baby care to military families in need. Your generosity funds no-dough (as in "I've run out of money") dinners for those serving, holiday meal and assistance for military families in need, home-style Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for members of the military at home and abroad, and dozens of other worthwhile programs.
It was indeed a gala event. The anticipation for a "prom" night is fun. A shout out of thanks to all the girls at Frank Giranda's for putting me together - and no, I did not fall in the shoes! I loved the whole evening, even the teary parts.
So now I go back to my daily routines, Cinderella in the "afterwards." For others that were there, those spiffed up brass and gold encrusted uniforms get hung up too, just like my dress. But their camo goes on, and many are on planes heading out this week. You know where. They won't be home for the holidays. Think of them. Think of their families. Think of what you can do to help.
.
Special note to hubs - You are my Prince Charming - for SURE in the tux - but even in jeans! xxooxox, Cinde
Monday, October 19, 2009
Wasting Time - MillieWisdom on Worry
1990
I glanced at the clock while I was loading the kids breakfast dishes into the dishwasher. It was a few minutes before 9:00am. Millie would be waiting for me, so I quickly finished up, slipped into my shoes and walked up the road to her house. As I approached her yard, she was out surveying her garden. She was always surveying her garden!
"Hi Millie!" I offered up as cheerfully as I could.
"Brave front you've got going. There's a dark cloud with you today!" she said, now surveying my face, squinting at me like some old gypsy reading tea leaves.
"Oh no," I denied as best I could, "No front, Millie. I'm just a little tired."
"Well let's get some coffee into you and you can tell me all about it." she said walking toward her front door. I followed obediently. I knew she knew. She went straight into the kitchen for the freshly brewed coffee and brought the pot to the table. The table was set for coffee already - Millie was always ready.
"What's the worry du jour? That means..."
"I know what that means Millie. Like the soup of the day. Do you think I worry every day?" I was instantly uncomfortable thinking she may think that. I realize then it was because that thought smacked of truth. Or maybe I DID know it, but didn't know what to do about it? The truth - I worry too much.
"Let me tell you something. I can only tell you this because I'm old. You don't get as smart as me til you're old. Pity! It all becomes so damn simple. But your age? Oh honey! Damn shame you waste your time! Yes you do. You just don't realize it!"
I had a mouthful of her delectable fresh from the oven cardamon roll and couldn't reply. I don't think it mattered because she was just warming up.
"You're worried about something. Got yourself in a funk over something. Do you know that it doesn't matter WHAT it is? 99% of the things we worry about happening, don't happen. And all the worrying we do about other people is just plain wasting your time over, expecially (Millie-word) when there is nothing you can do about it! Yep! Waste of time!"
Having swallowed the roll I asked, "But if I don't think about others, doesn't that mean I don't care? I mean I worry about my kids, I care about them!"
"Love them! Don't worry about them. I had twice as many kids as you have and I know I worried twice as much too. What I'm telling you is that worry is the waste of time. You could be thinking about so many other things that don't have black clouds attached, that don't get you in a funk. Do you know what I discovered? If I could erase and deduct every day I spent worrying from the total number of days I've been alive, I would be at LEAST 14 years younger right this minute! I wish to hell I had those years back!"
"How did you arrive at 14 years?"
"God told me."
"Oh? He TOLD you? He's talking to you now?"
"He talks to me all the time. I just don't always listen to Him."
"Well that's good. I thought you said you two were mad at each other."
"Oh that was a while ago. We made a peace about it. It was a misunderstanding. He has a great sense of humor. I often forget that. I think he is always sittin' way up there, all lofty and smart. And he IS, but he loves a good joke, ya know."
"I'm glad to hear that - I guess. Somehow I don't equate you with messages from God. I suppose I should. He can use just about anything or anyone to get thru to us what we need to hear."
"You betcha! You'd be surprised who talks to me! An old lady living alone out in the country is only as alone as she chooses to be! Some days I feel plum educated from all the wisdom floating around this house. Gotta tell you about it, well, bits of it anyway, cuz I know I'm not supposed to keep it to myself." she said pouring more coffee into our cups. "You feelin' any less "tired" now?"
I laughed. "I guess so." Strangely I did feel lighter than when I first arrived.
"Well, here's the thing. Whenever you start worrying about something, catch yourself. Think of the time you spent worrying and promise not worry anymore cuz you are wasting time. Do something else in your head. You can DO this! Think about something else! What will be, will be, despite all the worrying you do. It doesn't change anything. It just robs you of your time."
"What about caring tho?"
"Look, you should CARE, but not worry. If you hear someone is suffering with something, send them love, send them hugs, send them flowers, a note, and let it go. Caring is loving BUT there is no requirement here that says you must worry about it or that worry MEANS you care. That is trying to justify the fact that you are worrying. Worry is worthless. It is also not trusting. You are hanging on to awful thoughts about stuff and not trusting that it will all work out. You think it won't work out if you don't worry about it? Hogwash! It is draining you. And for WHAT?"
"You're probably right, Millie."
"There ain't no probably about this. Think of my 14 years of worry as the biggest example of wasting time!"
"That's sure a chunk of life, 14 years! I can see why you'd want THAT back!"
"Yeah. I'm working on a deal with God. We'll see how it goes. But --- I am not going to worry about it!"
It was coffee with Millie - and as usual, much more!
.
I glanced at the clock while I was loading the kids breakfast dishes into the dishwasher. It was a few minutes before 9:00am. Millie would be waiting for me, so I quickly finished up, slipped into my shoes and walked up the road to her house. As I approached her yard, she was out surveying her garden. She was always surveying her garden!
"Hi Millie!" I offered up as cheerfully as I could.
"Brave front you've got going. There's a dark cloud with you today!" she said, now surveying my face, squinting at me like some old gypsy reading tea leaves.
"Oh no," I denied as best I could, "No front, Millie. I'm just a little tired."
"Well let's get some coffee into you and you can tell me all about it." she said walking toward her front door. I followed obediently. I knew she knew. She went straight into the kitchen for the freshly brewed coffee and brought the pot to the table. The table was set for coffee already - Millie was always ready.
"What's the worry du jour? That means..."
"I know what that means Millie. Like the soup of the day. Do you think I worry every day?" I was instantly uncomfortable thinking she may think that. I realize then it was because that thought smacked of truth. Or maybe I DID know it, but didn't know what to do about it? The truth - I worry too much.
"Let me tell you something. I can only tell you this because I'm old. You don't get as smart as me til you're old. Pity! It all becomes so damn simple. But your age? Oh honey! Damn shame you waste your time! Yes you do. You just don't realize it!"
I had a mouthful of her delectable fresh from the oven cardamon roll and couldn't reply. I don't think it mattered because she was just warming up.
"You're worried about something. Got yourself in a funk over something. Do you know that it doesn't matter WHAT it is? 99% of the things we worry about happening, don't happen. And all the worrying we do about other people is just plain wasting your time over, expecially (Millie-word) when there is nothing you can do about it! Yep! Waste of time!"
Having swallowed the roll I asked, "But if I don't think about others, doesn't that mean I don't care? I mean I worry about my kids, I care about them!"
"Love them! Don't worry about them. I had twice as many kids as you have and I know I worried twice as much too. What I'm telling you is that worry is the waste of time. You could be thinking about so many other things that don't have black clouds attached, that don't get you in a funk. Do you know what I discovered? If I could erase and deduct every day I spent worrying from the total number of days I've been alive, I would be at LEAST 14 years younger right this minute! I wish to hell I had those years back!"
"How did you arrive at 14 years?"
"God told me."
"Oh? He TOLD you? He's talking to you now?"
"He talks to me all the time. I just don't always listen to Him."
"Well that's good. I thought you said you two were mad at each other."
"Oh that was a while ago. We made a peace about it. It was a misunderstanding. He has a great sense of humor. I often forget that. I think he is always sittin' way up there, all lofty and smart. And he IS, but he loves a good joke, ya know."
"I'm glad to hear that - I guess. Somehow I don't equate you with messages from God. I suppose I should. He can use just about anything or anyone to get thru to us what we need to hear."
"You betcha! You'd be surprised who talks to me! An old lady living alone out in the country is only as alone as she chooses to be! Some days I feel plum educated from all the wisdom floating around this house. Gotta tell you about it, well, bits of it anyway, cuz I know I'm not supposed to keep it to myself." she said pouring more coffee into our cups. "You feelin' any less "tired" now?"
I laughed. "I guess so." Strangely I did feel lighter than when I first arrived.
"Well, here's the thing. Whenever you start worrying about something, catch yourself. Think of the time you spent worrying and promise not worry anymore cuz you are wasting time. Do something else in your head. You can DO this! Think about something else! What will be, will be, despite all the worrying you do. It doesn't change anything. It just robs you of your time."
"What about caring tho?"
"Look, you should CARE, but not worry. If you hear someone is suffering with something, send them love, send them hugs, send them flowers, a note, and let it go. Caring is loving BUT there is no requirement here that says you must worry about it or that worry MEANS you care. That is trying to justify the fact that you are worrying. Worry is worthless. It is also not trusting. You are hanging on to awful thoughts about stuff and not trusting that it will all work out. You think it won't work out if you don't worry about it? Hogwash! It is draining you. And for WHAT?"
"You're probably right, Millie."
"There ain't no probably about this. Think of my 14 years of worry as the biggest example of wasting time!"
"That's sure a chunk of life, 14 years! I can see why you'd want THAT back!"
"Yeah. I'm working on a deal with God. We'll see how it goes. But --- I am not going to worry about it!"
It was coffee with Millie - and as usual, much more!
.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Comedy of Words - Language is Funny!
.
I hope you'll take the five minutes for this video - it really is a great comedy routine! We all have language but sometimes it fails us - in a funny way! And the end will make you wonder just HOW DID WE come to pick certain sounds for words!
The language of laughter is universal! Have a marvelous weekend and make laughter a big part of it!
I hope you'll take the five minutes for this video - it really is a great comedy routine! We all have language but sometimes it fails us - in a funny way! And the end will make you wonder just HOW DID WE come to pick certain sounds for words!
The language of laughter is universal! Have a marvelous weekend and make laughter a big part of it!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monkey See, Monkey Do
I've written about the power of our minds before but by golly, it is a topic that fascinates me, perhap the older I get? Is it that I want a complete understanding of my most valuable piece of equipment, my mind, before I loose it? Whatever, we have unbelievable power and an energy field. Your energy field affects other people in THEIR energy fields. This can be a good thing --- or not.
If you are in a lousy mood, most people will pick up on this before you even open your mouth to speak. In crowded places, especially the standing room only kind, the energy fields are akin to many kilowatts of electric current. If there are a few crabby rude people in the group, the atmosphere becomes a negative charge spreading and affecting everyone.
I always shied away from crowds without understanding why. Friends always wondered why I didn't want to go to huge parties, concerts, or Christmas shopping. I understand now. I am ultra sensitive to energy fields around me. I will go Christmas shopping NOW, before Halloween, just so I don't have to join the masses of humanity crowding the malls, waiting impatiently in line and being rude. It's like I'm avoiding a disease. I can go out all peaceful and come home a bitch. My positive energy doesn't stand a chance when it is so outnumbered.
If anyone out there has EVER doubted the power of our minds and the absolute reality of energy fields, please read on! In "Pace of Grace" (which I've been reviewing in blogs) there is the fascinating story of the 100th Monkey. Here is an excerpt from Popov's book:
"We can spread peaceful thinking throughout this planet. The notion of critical mass is powerfully supported in some research about "the hundredth monkey." Scientists discovered a remarkable phenomenon while studying the behavior of monkeys over a period of weeks on several islands. To observe the animals more easily, the scientists tossed food onto the beach so that the monkeys would emerge from the jungle. The monkeys would sit on the beach, picking sand off of the fruit and eating it. One day, one of the monkeys decided that instead of picking the sand off of a banana, he would wash it in the sea as well. By the time the hundredth monkey on one island imitated this practice, the monkeys on the other islands, who never saw the practice, instantly began to adopt it."
Isn't that monkey story amazing ??? There was information about washing the bananas out there - out in energy fields - that led monkeys to this new behavior and it came from a lot of monkeys doing and thinking the banana washing! It wasn't even Monkey See, Monkey do - it was Monkey Think, Monkey Do, More Monkey Do without any conversation or training! Almost ironic that we are learning how powerful our minds are from monkeys! I think that says we have a lot more to learn. Maybe there is actually something potent about my monkey mind references?
Are you convinced you DO have an energy field? What do you feed it?
.
If you are in a lousy mood, most people will pick up on this before you even open your mouth to speak. In crowded places, especially the standing room only kind, the energy fields are akin to many kilowatts of electric current. If there are a few crabby rude people in the group, the atmosphere becomes a negative charge spreading and affecting everyone.
I always shied away from crowds without understanding why. Friends always wondered why I didn't want to go to huge parties, concerts, or Christmas shopping. I understand now. I am ultra sensitive to energy fields around me. I will go Christmas shopping NOW, before Halloween, just so I don't have to join the masses of humanity crowding the malls, waiting impatiently in line and being rude. It's like I'm avoiding a disease. I can go out all peaceful and come home a bitch. My positive energy doesn't stand a chance when it is so outnumbered.
If anyone out there has EVER doubted the power of our minds and the absolute reality of energy fields, please read on! In "Pace of Grace" (which I've been reviewing in blogs) there is the fascinating story of the 100th Monkey. Here is an excerpt from Popov's book:
"We can spread peaceful thinking throughout this planet. The notion of critical mass is powerfully supported in some research about "the hundredth monkey." Scientists discovered a remarkable phenomenon while studying the behavior of monkeys over a period of weeks on several islands. To observe the animals more easily, the scientists tossed food onto the beach so that the monkeys would emerge from the jungle. The monkeys would sit on the beach, picking sand off of the fruit and eating it. One day, one of the monkeys decided that instead of picking the sand off of a banana, he would wash it in the sea as well. By the time the hundredth monkey on one island imitated this practice, the monkeys on the other islands, who never saw the practice, instantly began to adopt it."
Isn't that monkey story amazing ??? There was information about washing the bananas out there - out in energy fields - that led monkeys to this new behavior and it came from a lot of monkeys doing and thinking the banana washing! It wasn't even Monkey See, Monkey do - it was Monkey Think, Monkey Do, More Monkey Do without any conversation or training! Almost ironic that we are learning how powerful our minds are from monkeys! I think that says we have a lot more to learn. Maybe there is actually something potent about my monkey mind references?
Are you convinced you DO have an energy field? What do you feed it?
.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Butterflies
Happy Weekend Everyone!
I was fluttering around on YouTube for a video with butterflies - a bit more celebration over the new look here and something upbeat. I found a lot of butterfly videos and as I watched some of them, there were time lapse ones showing butterflies emerging from their cocoons. Cool. Amazing!
Then I got to thinking ---- what if WE did a time lapse on our lives? What would it be like?
Then I got to thinking ---- just how long do we spend in our cocoons?
Then I got to thinking ---- (you can see Monkey Mind just LOVES this!) I wonder if sometimes we aren't afraid to leave that cocoon and go fly free? Do butterflies have life plans, careers, agendas?
It's all stunning when you look at nature and how it evolves into exactly what it was meant to be. No instructions or tutorials, no therapy or life coaches, no kick in the butt from mom!
So I picked a short one with upbeat music - hoping this will get you pumped up to do some free fluttering and enjoy the weekend! What do butterflies say to you?
I was fluttering around on YouTube for a video with butterflies - a bit more celebration over the new look here and something upbeat. I found a lot of butterfly videos and as I watched some of them, there were time lapse ones showing butterflies emerging from their cocoons. Cool. Amazing!
Then I got to thinking ---- what if WE did a time lapse on our lives? What would it be like?
Then I got to thinking ---- just how long do we spend in our cocoons?
Then I got to thinking ---- (you can see Monkey Mind just LOVES this!) I wonder if sometimes we aren't afraid to leave that cocoon and go fly free? Do butterflies have life plans, careers, agendas?
It's all stunning when you look at nature and how it evolves into exactly what it was meant to be. No instructions or tutorials, no therapy or life coaches, no kick in the butt from mom!
So I picked a short one with upbeat music - hoping this will get you pumped up to do some free fluttering and enjoy the weekend! What do butterflies say to you?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Magical Make-Over(s)
.
As some of you have noticed, this blog has had a much needed make-over. And noooo, I did NOT do this myself! Come on, if nothing else I remain humbly consistent in my total lack of computerese, so for those of you applauding what you THINK is any new-found expertise on my part, well, forget it!
This new look was created by Beth Mancuso of http://www.ManicMother.com - a beautiful mother of two little boys, one of which I've written about previously. He is battling cancer - please see http://ForEzra.com to make a donation. Beth is also a brilliant photographer! She is setting up a website where you can view (and purchase) her fabulous work!
Beth, a thousand hugs of thanks, honey! You took this blog from a utilitarian oxford nun's shoe to a light and airy sandal. It's just what I had in mind - especially the butterflies! I don't know how you did it - especially long distance and all. Suffice to say I remain totally mystified by technology and I'm really, really, really impressed!
I apologize to the many comments on last weekend's video that I didn't quite get to. I was up at the lake house for IT'S make-over. The actual construction starts in November but I was up to paint the master bedroom before the new floors go in and was joined over the weekend by hubs and my son who - as boys will be boys - did a complete demo of the kitchen! I didn't grieve seeing those cabinets go any more than I did over the loss of the old blog's boring brown oxford shoe.
Coming back home this week found me in a whirlwind of domestic goddess catch up plus visiting all the blogs I missed reading while away - not to mention helping my daughter move into a new house and painting HER bedroom. I'm doing some faux brick painting on the wall above her fireplace to make it look as though the brickwork goes up to the ceiling. She's also planned for me to do a mural in her kitchen. One of these days I have to master putting photos on my blog don't I? Hmmm, don't hold your breath! I'm juggling just to get the rhythm back with posting thought provoking/inspiring/motivating blogs!
So make-overs seem to be taking over right now. I even have a DAY of one coming up for myself. On the 17th, hubs will be in a tuxedo, me in a formal "prom" dress for an evening of Chicago's fund raiser for the USO, complete with music by Gary Sinese and the Sgt. Dan Band. It's been many years since I've found myself in a dress like this and high heeled shoes - a bit of panic at first - but at least I have incentive to not eat anything beyond basic sustenance! I feel like Cinderella going to the ball and wish the gals at the beauty shop all the luck in the world with transforming me for this event! I shopped HARD for this dress - it's gorgeous really - but just a bit of irony here.
I get rid of the boring brown blog right? What color is the dress? Brown!
As some of you have noticed, this blog has had a much needed make-over. And noooo, I did NOT do this myself! Come on, if nothing else I remain humbly consistent in my total lack of computerese, so for those of you applauding what you THINK is any new-found expertise on my part, well, forget it!
This new look was created by Beth Mancuso of http://www.ManicMother.com - a beautiful mother of two little boys, one of which I've written about previously. He is battling cancer - please see http://ForEzra.com to make a donation. Beth is also a brilliant photographer! She is setting up a website where you can view (and purchase) her fabulous work!
Beth, a thousand hugs of thanks, honey! You took this blog from a utilitarian oxford nun's shoe to a light and airy sandal. It's just what I had in mind - especially the butterflies! I don't know how you did it - especially long distance and all. Suffice to say I remain totally mystified by technology and I'm really, really, really impressed!
I apologize to the many comments on last weekend's video that I didn't quite get to. I was up at the lake house for IT'S make-over. The actual construction starts in November but I was up to paint the master bedroom before the new floors go in and was joined over the weekend by hubs and my son who - as boys will be boys - did a complete demo of the kitchen! I didn't grieve seeing those cabinets go any more than I did over the loss of the old blog's boring brown oxford shoe.
Coming back home this week found me in a whirlwind of domestic goddess catch up plus visiting all the blogs I missed reading while away - not to mention helping my daughter move into a new house and painting HER bedroom. I'm doing some faux brick painting on the wall above her fireplace to make it look as though the brickwork goes up to the ceiling. She's also planned for me to do a mural in her kitchen. One of these days I have to master putting photos on my blog don't I? Hmmm, don't hold your breath! I'm juggling just to get the rhythm back with posting thought provoking/inspiring/motivating blogs!
So make-overs seem to be taking over right now. I even have a DAY of one coming up for myself. On the 17th, hubs will be in a tuxedo, me in a formal "prom" dress for an evening of Chicago's fund raiser for the USO, complete with music by Gary Sinese and the Sgt. Dan Band. It's been many years since I've found myself in a dress like this and high heeled shoes - a bit of panic at first - but at least I have incentive to not eat anything beyond basic sustenance! I feel like Cinderella going to the ball and wish the gals at the beauty shop all the luck in the world with transforming me for this event! I shopped HARD for this dress - it's gorgeous really - but just a bit of irony here.
I get rid of the boring brown blog right? What color is the dress? Brown!
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Pace of Grace
.
Isn't that thought lovely? To have a pace of grace? It is the title of a book that I swear jumped off the shelf at me in the library. I have read it TWICE now. First the library one, then I had to order the thing because the library book had 50 plus sticky notes in it for blog ideas and I needed to transfer them into my own copy before returning it. Obviously I LIKE this book. I'm blabbing about it to everyone so I should blab on my blog as well.
In her book, Linda Popov introduces the Virtues Project to help us live more reverent, purposeful lives. She lists five strategies:
1. Speak the language of virtues
2. Recognize teachable moments
3. Set clear boundaries
4. Honor the Spirit
5. Offer spiritual companioning
In her words "The Virtues Project inspires the practice of virtues in everyday life by helping people of all cultures to discover the transformative power of these universal gifts of character. The virtues are spiritual life skills that help us to live our best lives."
There is a huge list of virtues that you can go to www.paceofgrace.net to see, with a definition of each one. The list may appear daunting. It did to me. I wondered how I could remember this list of really good stuff when I couldn't remember where I left my coffee! But the book walks you through the stategies. Lots of Aha moments as I read, and the practice of incorporating virtues into my life is very doable. I was frankly relieved to know some of things I was doing already. I am just more aware and mindful of my thoughts, speech and actions. I even like holding the title, A Pace of Grace, in my head during the day to pace myself, even if there are moments I'm not pulling off the grace part!
I'm putting a link for this book on this blog - not because I'm a big salesperson but for your utter convenience in getting it. I do this from time to time - no, I do not expect a thing from this - I do this for you, not for me. (My mortgage payment comes from elsewhere, ha!) There is an absolute wealth of really, really good stuff in this book - my 50 plus sticky notes will attest to this. You'll be reading some future blogs that presently are sticky notes but the idea originated in Linda's book, which I will always reference of course.
A quote (one of many!) in the book is anonymous -
"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot sustain you."
And so it is, with a Pace of Grace.
Isn't that thought lovely? To have a pace of grace? It is the title of a book that I swear jumped off the shelf at me in the library. I have read it TWICE now. First the library one, then I had to order the thing because the library book had 50 plus sticky notes in it for blog ideas and I needed to transfer them into my own copy before returning it. Obviously I LIKE this book. I'm blabbing about it to everyone so I should blab on my blog as well.
In her book, Linda Popov introduces the Virtues Project to help us live more reverent, purposeful lives. She lists five strategies:
1. Speak the language of virtues
2. Recognize teachable moments
3. Set clear boundaries
4. Honor the Spirit
5. Offer spiritual companioning
In her words "The Virtues Project inspires the practice of virtues in everyday life by helping people of all cultures to discover the transformative power of these universal gifts of character. The virtues are spiritual life skills that help us to live our best lives."
There is a huge list of virtues that you can go to www.paceofgrace.net to see, with a definition of each one. The list may appear daunting. It did to me. I wondered how I could remember this list of really good stuff when I couldn't remember where I left my coffee! But the book walks you through the stategies. Lots of Aha moments as I read, and the practice of incorporating virtues into my life is very doable. I was frankly relieved to know some of things I was doing already. I am just more aware and mindful of my thoughts, speech and actions. I even like holding the title, A Pace of Grace, in my head during the day to pace myself, even if there are moments I'm not pulling off the grace part!
I'm putting a link for this book on this blog - not because I'm a big salesperson but for your utter convenience in getting it. I do this from time to time - no, I do not expect a thing from this - I do this for you, not for me. (My mortgage payment comes from elsewhere, ha!) There is an absolute wealth of really, really good stuff in this book - my 50 plus sticky notes will attest to this. You'll be reading some future blogs that presently are sticky notes but the idea originated in Linda's book, which I will always reference of course.
A quote (one of many!) in the book is anonymous -
"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot sustain you."
And so it is, with a Pace of Grace.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Funny Side(s) of Aging
.
I'm not a big fan of aging - in fact, I don't think about it. I still THINK I can physically do all the crazy things I did forty years ago. I watched this video and saw myself WAYYYYYY too much, especially with the treadmill and roller blades - I sure had a good laugh! Hope you will too!. Here's to starting the weekend with a good hearty giggle!
.
.
I'm not a big fan of aging - in fact, I don't think about it. I still THINK I can physically do all the crazy things I did forty years ago. I watched this video and saw myself WAYYYYYY too much, especially with the treadmill and roller blades - I sure had a good laugh! Hope you will too!. Here's to starting the weekend with a good hearty giggle!
.
.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blogging for a Worthy Cause
Kevin of Always Home and Uncool has asked me to post this as part of his effort to raise awareness in the blogosphere of juvenile myositis, a rare autoimmune disease his daughter was diagnosed with on this day seven years ago. The day also happens to be his wife's birthday.
*
Our pediatrician admitted it early on.
The rash on our 2-year-old daughter's cheeks, joints and legs was something he'd never seen before.
The next doctor wouldn't admit to not knowing.
He rattled off the names of several skins conditions -- none of them seemingly worth his time or bedside manner -- then quickly prescribed antibiotics and showed us the door.
The third doctor admitted she didn't know much.
The biopsy of the chunk of skin she had removed from our daughter's knee showed signs of an "allergic reaction" even though we had ruled out every allergy source -- obvious and otherwise -- that we could.
The fourth doctor had barely closed the door behind her when, looking at the limp blonde cherub in my lap, she admitted she had seen this before. At least one too many times before.
She brought in a gaggle of med students. She pointed out each of the physical symptoms in our daughter:
The rash across her face and temples resembling the silhouette of a butterfly.
The purple-brown spots and smears, called heliotrope, on her eyelids.
The reddish alligator-like skin, known as Gottron papules, covering the knuckles of her hands.
The onset of crippling muscle weakness in her legs and upper body.
She then had an assistant bring in a handful of pages photocopied from an old medical textbook. She handed them to my wife, whose birthday it happened to be that day.
This was her gift -- a diagnosis for her little girl.
That was seven years ago -- Oct. 2, 2002 -- the day our daughter was found to have juvenile dermatomyositis, one of a family of rare autoimmune diseases that can have debilitating and even fatal consequences when not treated quickly and effectively.
Our daughter's first year with the disease consisted of surgical procedures, intravenous infusions, staph infections, pulmonary treatments and worry. Her muscles were too weak for her to walk or swallow solid food for several months. When not in the hospital, she sat on our living room couch, propped up by pillows so she wouldn't tip over, as medicine or nourishment dripped from a bag into her body.
Our daughter, Thing 1, Megan, now age 9, remembers little of that today when she dances or sings or plays soccer. All that remain with her are scars, six to be exact, and the array of pills she takes twice a day to help keep the disease at bay.
What would have happened if it took us more than two months and four doctors before we lucked into someone who could piece all the symptoms together? I don't know.
I do know that the fourth doctor, the one who brought in others to see our daughter's condition so they could easily recognize it if they ever had the misfortune to be presented with it again, was a step toward making sure other parents also never have to find out.
That, too, is my purpose today.
It is also my birthday gift to my wife, My Love, Rhonda, for all you have done these past seven years to make others aware of juvenile myositis diseases and help find a cure for them once and for all.
To read more about children and families affected by juvenile myositis diseases, visit Cure JM Foundation at www.curejm.org.
To make a tax-deductible donation toward JM research, go to www.firstgiving.com/rhondaandkevinmckeever or www.curejm.com/team/donations.htm.
*
Our pediatrician admitted it early on.
The rash on our 2-year-old daughter's cheeks, joints and legs was something he'd never seen before.
The next doctor wouldn't admit to not knowing.
He rattled off the names of several skins conditions -- none of them seemingly worth his time or bedside manner -- then quickly prescribed antibiotics and showed us the door.
The third doctor admitted she didn't know much.
The biopsy of the chunk of skin she had removed from our daughter's knee showed signs of an "allergic reaction" even though we had ruled out every allergy source -- obvious and otherwise -- that we could.
The fourth doctor had barely closed the door behind her when, looking at the limp blonde cherub in my lap, she admitted she had seen this before. At least one too many times before.
She brought in a gaggle of med students. She pointed out each of the physical symptoms in our daughter:
The rash across her face and temples resembling the silhouette of a butterfly.
The purple-brown spots and smears, called heliotrope, on her eyelids.
The reddish alligator-like skin, known as Gottron papules, covering the knuckles of her hands.
The onset of crippling muscle weakness in her legs and upper body.
She then had an assistant bring in a handful of pages photocopied from an old medical textbook. She handed them to my wife, whose birthday it happened to be that day.
This was her gift -- a diagnosis for her little girl.
That was seven years ago -- Oct. 2, 2002 -- the day our daughter was found to have juvenile dermatomyositis, one of a family of rare autoimmune diseases that can have debilitating and even fatal consequences when not treated quickly and effectively.
Our daughter's first year with the disease consisted of surgical procedures, intravenous infusions, staph infections, pulmonary treatments and worry. Her muscles were too weak for her to walk or swallow solid food for several months. When not in the hospital, she sat on our living room couch, propped up by pillows so she wouldn't tip over, as medicine or nourishment dripped from a bag into her body.
Our daughter, Thing 1, Megan, now age 9, remembers little of that today when she dances or sings or plays soccer. All that remain with her are scars, six to be exact, and the array of pills she takes twice a day to help keep the disease at bay.
What would have happened if it took us more than two months and four doctors before we lucked into someone who could piece all the symptoms together? I don't know.
I do know that the fourth doctor, the one who brought in others to see our daughter's condition so they could easily recognize it if they ever had the misfortune to be presented with it again, was a step toward making sure other parents also never have to find out.
That, too, is my purpose today.
It is also my birthday gift to my wife, My Love, Rhonda, for all you have done these past seven years to make others aware of juvenile myositis diseases and help find a cure for them once and for all.
To read more about children and families affected by juvenile myositis diseases, visit Cure JM Foundation at www.curejm.org.
To make a tax-deductible donation toward JM research, go to www.firstgiving.com/rhondaandkevinmckeever or www.curejm.com/team/donations.htm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)