...use them today. I love pens of all kinds. Some people might call me a pen-hoarder, but I don't think I am. I think I'm fickle when it comes to pens. I'll use one for awhile and then another comes along that's a bit flashier and I change to it without letting go of the first one. There are some pens that are my mainstays - I have two fountain pens I use regularly. All the others get changed out on a regular basis. I have every color of the rainbow and some colors never seen in a rainbow. Some are ball points and others are gel pens.
This morning I realized I don't use my glitter and metallic pens that often. I tend to save them for special writing or decorating of a page. Then I realized this is just plain wrong. Why not enjoy glitter writing on a regular day? Why wait for a special event? So, I pulled out a green pen that writes in glitter and have been using it today. It's been fun and the page is very pretty!
Maybe tomorrow it's be the metallic blue pen. That would be nice for a Thursday!
25/365
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Such joy!
Today I had thought I would write about the level of concern I have that our country seems to be on a path of no return, a path that I see as negative and dangerous. Then something happened! As many of you know, I love crystals and stones and have worked/played with them for well over 30 years. Many have come and gone over the years and my acquisition of them has slowed a lot in the last ten or so years. Recently, however, a few new ones came to me.
I wrote about my first two Brandberg (some call them Brandenburg) amethysts I got. They're both pocket stones and I can't wear them as pendants unless I have them set. This was fine with me until.....I saw a post on a Facebook page that focuses on crystals and a woman posted a photo of a Brandberg pendant she got from one of the artists at Etsy.com. Hmmm......
Sure enough, there was an amethyst pendant at one of the shops. I ordered it and when it arrived I saw that it was also an elestial with multiple facets as well as being part smokey. The energy is very much of a workhorse. A few days later for a reason I didn't understand at the time, I went back to the same site to see if there might be another one. Indeed there was - a gorgeous twin soul, light amethyst, that is also an enhydro.
Enhydros have ancient waters trapped in them - this one has a small bubble of water that moves. It arrived yesterday and I discovered it, or they, are actually tabular crystals that grew together. Today, I put the new pendant on and was immediately flooded with incredible joy. I found a second chain and put the second one on and the two of them are working together.
The issues of the world haven't been solved but these delightful stone people are helping me raise my personal energy space to a higher level where I don't have to take on the negative energies floating around in the ethers. They can help me to project more joy wherever I go and that will help in some small way.
Here they are. The one on the right is the first one and the one on the left is the newest one that emanates incredible joy!
I wrote about my first two Brandberg (some call them Brandenburg) amethysts I got. They're both pocket stones and I can't wear them as pendants unless I have them set. This was fine with me until.....I saw a post on a Facebook page that focuses on crystals and a woman posted a photo of a Brandberg pendant she got from one of the artists at Etsy.com. Hmmm......
Sure enough, there was an amethyst pendant at one of the shops. I ordered it and when it arrived I saw that it was also an elestial with multiple facets as well as being part smokey. The energy is very much of a workhorse. A few days later for a reason I didn't understand at the time, I went back to the same site to see if there might be another one. Indeed there was - a gorgeous twin soul, light amethyst, that is also an enhydro.
Enhydros have ancient waters trapped in them - this one has a small bubble of water that moves. It arrived yesterday and I discovered it, or they, are actually tabular crystals that grew together. Today, I put the new pendant on and was immediately flooded with incredible joy. I found a second chain and put the second one on and the two of them are working together.
The issues of the world haven't been solved but these delightful stone people are helping me raise my personal energy space to a higher level where I don't have to take on the negative energies floating around in the ethers. They can help me to project more joy wherever I go and that will help in some small way.
Here they are. The one on the right is the first one and the one on the left is the newest one that emanates incredible joy!
24/365
Sunday, October 28, 2018
The government is not a business.
We’ve been watching a Netflix series called Welcome to Waverly. Seven people who mostly identify as democrats/progressives (spoiler: there is one gay Republican), from mostly coastal states, agree to spend six weeks in Waverly, Kansas: population 600. The idea is to get people together from a small, rural town and people from big cities, people with diverse backgrounds and political ideaologies, and see what happens.
There’s one scene when one of the progressives, who has gotten quite drunk, is talking with some of the locals around an outdoor fire. She asks them if they voted for Trump and why. One woman said she voted for Trump because, “The government is a business and he is a successful businessman.” The progressive says, “No he isn’t, he isn’t a successful businessman,” and then walks away.
In my opinion, she lost such a great opportunity to have a discussion that needs to be had. Government isn’t a business and shouldn’t be run as a business. Governments are meant to govern, to represent the interests of the citizens, to be sure laws are enforced, to insure that people can live safe lives, to oversee the common good. Businesses exist to provide a service or goods of some kind and to make a profit. There is a huge difference.
And if our current government were a business, it would be on the brink of shutting down due to the enormous deficit that has been created in the last two years.
I don’t care if the president is a good or bad business person. I want to know that he or she can govern with intelligence, compassion, and with the common good of all people at the forefront of his or her mind. The same is true of all elected officials at every level of government. If a person can’t govern in this way, if they are putting their own interests and pocketbook ahead of the country, they need to find another job.
Some great relationships were formed during the filming of the show and tears were shed when they had to part. They learned the great truth that we’re all more alike than we are different and that it is okay to hold different beliefs - we can all get along if we’re willing to listen to one another and be willing to compromise. Those who continue to stoke the fires of hatred and separation are doing this only for their own profit. The more we common folks can meet and get together, the sooner we can leave this mess behind us. There really can be some Kumbaya moments in our future.
22/365
There’s one scene when one of the progressives, who has gotten quite drunk, is talking with some of the locals around an outdoor fire. She asks them if they voted for Trump and why. One woman said she voted for Trump because, “The government is a business and he is a successful businessman.” The progressive says, “No he isn’t, he isn’t a successful businessman,” and then walks away.
In my opinion, she lost such a great opportunity to have a discussion that needs to be had. Government isn’t a business and shouldn’t be run as a business. Governments are meant to govern, to represent the interests of the citizens, to be sure laws are enforced, to insure that people can live safe lives, to oversee the common good. Businesses exist to provide a service or goods of some kind and to make a profit. There is a huge difference.
And if our current government were a business, it would be on the brink of shutting down due to the enormous deficit that has been created in the last two years.
I don’t care if the president is a good or bad business person. I want to know that he or she can govern with intelligence, compassion, and with the common good of all people at the forefront of his or her mind. The same is true of all elected officials at every level of government. If a person can’t govern in this way, if they are putting their own interests and pocketbook ahead of the country, they need to find another job.
Some great relationships were formed during the filming of the show and tears were shed when they had to part. They learned the great truth that we’re all more alike than we are different and that it is okay to hold different beliefs - we can all get along if we’re willing to listen to one another and be willing to compromise. Those who continue to stoke the fires of hatred and separation are doing this only for their own profit. The more we common folks can meet and get together, the sooner we can leave this mess behind us. There really can be some Kumbaya moments in our future.
22/365
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Flabby arms and sleeveless tops
I caught a glimpse of my flabby arms this morning. Of course, they've been that way for years. I think the only time I didn't have flabby arms was when I worked in machine shops eight to 16 hours a day, lifting up to a hundred pounds at a time - chest high. I was in my early 20's then when everything related to my body was easier than it is these days.
My thoughts turned to the trend among women, the trend to wear sleeveless tops. I think Michelle Obama started it when she began wearing sleepless tops in the White House. Maybe it became a way to align with being in good shape and having power as a woman. I don't own a sleeveless top. Never will.
It bothers me when I see professional women in a professional setting, say working as a lawyer, wearing a sleeveless top while the man they are opposing is suited up, tie and all. Personally, I think it detracts from the woman's ability to project a powerful position. I feel the same way about showing cleavage. There's a time and place for that and a business or legal setting aren't the places or the times. I know some women disagree with me strongly, saying they are reclaiming their right to their bodies by deciding when and where and how much cleavage to show the rest of us.
In the midst of these mental meanderings, I heard about today's domestic terrorism: the attack on a synagogue in Pittsburg. At least eight people lost their lives. Others have been injured physically or psychologically. Some will never recover from this one morning in their lives. All they did was go to their place of worship, a place they saw as safe and comforting, a place of transformation - but, not the transformation they experienced this day.
I decided that if my biggest troubles today are my flabby arms and my criticism of professional women who wear sleeveless tops or who choose to share a bit more cleavage than I deem correct - hey, this is a good day. And for that I am thankful.
21/365
My thoughts turned to the trend among women, the trend to wear sleeveless tops. I think Michelle Obama started it when she began wearing sleepless tops in the White House. Maybe it became a way to align with being in good shape and having power as a woman. I don't own a sleeveless top. Never will.
It bothers me when I see professional women in a professional setting, say working as a lawyer, wearing a sleeveless top while the man they are opposing is suited up, tie and all. Personally, I think it detracts from the woman's ability to project a powerful position. I feel the same way about showing cleavage. There's a time and place for that and a business or legal setting aren't the places or the times. I know some women disagree with me strongly, saying they are reclaiming their right to their bodies by deciding when and where and how much cleavage to show the rest of us.
In the midst of these mental meanderings, I heard about today's domestic terrorism: the attack on a synagogue in Pittsburg. At least eight people lost their lives. Others have been injured physically or psychologically. Some will never recover from this one morning in their lives. All they did was go to their place of worship, a place they saw as safe and comforting, a place of transformation - but, not the transformation they experienced this day.
I decided that if my biggest troubles today are my flabby arms and my criticism of professional women who wear sleeveless tops or who choose to share a bit more cleavage than I deem correct - hey, this is a good day. And for that I am thankful.
21/365
Friday, October 26, 2018
Pearl and her squirrel
This post is best read when you're not dining. You've been warned.
Earlier this week, I was working from home by myself. Well, the two corgis were here, but Rhonda was out. I had taken the dogs outside for a break and was waiting on the porch for their return from doing their business in our fenced yard. The older of the two, Rhodie, came right back and joined me on the porch. Where, oh where, was the younger one, Pearl?
I called her. Nothing. I squeaked her favorite toy, usually a surefire way to get her to come running. Nothing. I cracked our horse whip (no, we don't use it on the dogs; we just use it for the sound that usually makes them come running). Nothing.
Then I saw her. Pearl was behind a tree right next to the fence to our neighbor's house. She came out from behind the tree and began to walk towards me with pride in every step. In her mouth was a squirrel. It wasn't moving. There was a lot of red to be seen. Quickly, I put the other dog in the house. Now it was me, the squirrel, and Pearl.
Although Pearl was very proud of having the squirrel and I could tell some part of her wanted to give it to me, there was a much bigger part of her who wanted to keep the catch. I had no idea if she found the squirrel already deceased or if she had caused the death. Either way, I had to get the squirrel from her. This wasn't the first time she had a dead squirrel - the last time she managed to get one into the house and that resulted in my having to do some clean-up I'd rather not discuss.
I tried walking closer to her, but she would turn and walk the other way. For quite awhile we played the game of keep-away. "It's my squirrel and you can't have it." I was frustrated not only because now I had to deal with the dead squirrel, something that would normally come under Rhonda's job description along with taking spiders outside, but I had a full work to-do list that wasn't getting done.
What to do? Finally, it dawned on me. What we resist persists. What if she thought I didn't care about the squirrel? What if I ignored her? I went back to the porch and stood with my back to the walkway and to Pearl. I acted like I was looking at my phone. I heard her come up the steps behind me and then leave again. I stayed still and kept my back to her. Slowly, she came up the steps again. I held my breath.
Pearl moved slightly in front of me by the door, her prize still held tightly in her mouth. I reached down and grabbed her by her collar and, still holding the prize, she looked at me sideways as if to say, "But Mommy, I can have so much fun with this in the house. Let me show it to Rhodie, please?" I had to give her the command to drop it a few times. Finally, she did. I scooted her into the house, shut the door behind her and then had to deal with the consequences of her predatory nature.
Maybe if there's something you've been chasing in your life, all you have to do is turn your back on it and it will come to you. Here's the mighty huntress - looks so innocent, right?
Earlier this week, I was working from home by myself. Well, the two corgis were here, but Rhonda was out. I had taken the dogs outside for a break and was waiting on the porch for their return from doing their business in our fenced yard. The older of the two, Rhodie, came right back and joined me on the porch. Where, oh where, was the younger one, Pearl?
I called her. Nothing. I squeaked her favorite toy, usually a surefire way to get her to come running. Nothing. I cracked our horse whip (no, we don't use it on the dogs; we just use it for the sound that usually makes them come running). Nothing.
Then I saw her. Pearl was behind a tree right next to the fence to our neighbor's house. She came out from behind the tree and began to walk towards me with pride in every step. In her mouth was a squirrel. It wasn't moving. There was a lot of red to be seen. Quickly, I put the other dog in the house. Now it was me, the squirrel, and Pearl.
Although Pearl was very proud of having the squirrel and I could tell some part of her wanted to give it to me, there was a much bigger part of her who wanted to keep the catch. I had no idea if she found the squirrel already deceased or if she had caused the death. Either way, I had to get the squirrel from her. This wasn't the first time she had a dead squirrel - the last time she managed to get one into the house and that resulted in my having to do some clean-up I'd rather not discuss.
I tried walking closer to her, but she would turn and walk the other way. For quite awhile we played the game of keep-away. "It's my squirrel and you can't have it." I was frustrated not only because now I had to deal with the dead squirrel, something that would normally come under Rhonda's job description along with taking spiders outside, but I had a full work to-do list that wasn't getting done.
What to do? Finally, it dawned on me. What we resist persists. What if she thought I didn't care about the squirrel? What if I ignored her? I went back to the porch and stood with my back to the walkway and to Pearl. I acted like I was looking at my phone. I heard her come up the steps behind me and then leave again. I stayed still and kept my back to her. Slowly, she came up the steps again. I held my breath.
Pearl moved slightly in front of me by the door, her prize still held tightly in her mouth. I reached down and grabbed her by her collar and, still holding the prize, she looked at me sideways as if to say, "But Mommy, I can have so much fun with this in the house. Let me show it to Rhodie, please?" I had to give her the command to drop it a few times. Finally, she did. I scooted her into the house, shut the door behind her and then had to deal with the consequences of her predatory nature.
Maybe if there's something you've been chasing in your life, all you have to do is turn your back on it and it will come to you. Here's the mighty huntress - looks so innocent, right?
20/365
Thursday, October 25, 2018
What do the numbers mean?
Maybe you've noticed there are some numbers at the end of my blogs lately. What are they? As you might know, Rhonda posts a photo a day on Facebook. This is the second year she's done this - beginning on her birthday. I tried posting a photo a day and it didn't work for me.
I write, but not always as much as I would like to. I decided that, beginning on my birthday, this year I would blog once a day for the next year. Thus, the number today being 19/365: the 19th day I've blogged out of 365!
Although I'm working on several books and although I write my Wednesday Inspiration weekly, the idea is that writing a daily blog will help me make writing more of a habit. Several of you have said you're enjoying my daily thoughts, so let's see where this goes!
19/365
I write, but not always as much as I would like to. I decided that, beginning on my birthday, this year I would blog once a day for the next year. Thus, the number today being 19/365: the 19th day I've blogged out of 365!
Although I'm working on several books and although I write my Wednesday Inspiration weekly, the idea is that writing a daily blog will help me make writing more of a habit. Several of you have said you're enjoying my daily thoughts, so let's see where this goes!
19/365
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
A reminder for all of us...
A great colleague and friend who read my Wednesday Inspiration today, sent me an email thanking her for the reminder that if anything is going to get done about the mess our country is in, it will be up to us - the people - to handle it. She said when the Dalai Lama was in town a few years ago, the group of thousands sang this song:
Who’s going to change things?
We the people
Who’s going to change things?
We the people
Cause if we the people don’t do it,
It won’t get done!
I love it! Lets do it!!!!
18/365
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Another white feather? Yes!
Ok, the angels really have my attention this time. I was sitting on the side of the bed putting on my shoes this morning when I saw something white and wispy out of the corner of my eye. Probably dog hair, I thought to myself. I always tell people if you can't live with dog hair, don't have a dog. Most breeds shed. Anyway, I reached to pick it up and guess what it was? A white feather!
Most likely it came in on someone's paw. I don't remember seeing any white feathers outside and we don't have pillows with feathers. Definitely a gift from the angels and one they want to be sure I keep. No way to walk away from this one and leave it for someone else!
Shortly thereafter, I got a call from my 86-year old sister who went into the hospital last night without telling me. She lives about an hour and a half away so had someone from her church who lives closer take her to urgent care and they put her in the hospital. She should be home today, she says. I get the feeling I am going to need all the angelic help I can get and, of course, asked them to go support her as well. Please put her in your prayers - her name is Kitti. Thank you - and I'll let you know how the saga of the white feathers continues.
17/365
Most likely it came in on someone's paw. I don't remember seeing any white feathers outside and we don't have pillows with feathers. Definitely a gift from the angels and one they want to be sure I keep. No way to walk away from this one and leave it for someone else!
Shortly thereafter, I got a call from my 86-year old sister who went into the hospital last night without telling me. She lives about an hour and a half away so had someone from her church who lives closer take her to urgent care and they put her in the hospital. She should be home today, she says. I get the feeling I am going to need all the angelic help I can get and, of course, asked them to go support her as well. Please put her in your prayers - her name is Kitti. Thank you - and I'll let you know how the saga of the white feathers continues.
17/365
Monday, October 22, 2018
It's the meanness that bothers me the most
I don't know about you, but what bothers me the most about today's political climate is how mean it's become. We used to be able to disagree without being disagreeable and without being mean-spirited. I don't get why it has to be this way now. I know lots of people I disagree with about various things and they disagree with me. But we don't call each other names; we don't yell at one another; and we don't threaten physical or legal harm to one another. We respect one another while holding different viewpoints.
Some people won't like me saying this, but it's true: there's one group that tends to be meaner than the other. Even though they currently hold all the power, some of these folks feel so insecure that they have to yell, lie, threaten, cheat, steal and - maybe - even help cover up a murder.
It feels like we're going down a funnel - spinning, spinning, spinning - not being sure how far down we'll go or what's at the bottom. Where will we land? I hope it's a soft landing, but I have my doubts.
16/365
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Call me unspiritual, but I don’t like waiting
Yesterday, we had to sit in some traffic and then we had to wait in line at a fast food place. I was annoyed and here’s why. First, though, let me say that I know many people will judge me and say I’m not very advanced if I don’t know how to use times of waiting for spiritual purposes. My response: I know how to. I don’t want to.
Although we live in eternity, what’s also true is that we live on this planet a certain number of years and then move on. People can sugar-coat that all they want to with platitudes about how we live forever and time is just an illusion. We live in these bodies on this planet a certain number of years and then we move on. For me, it has always been important how I use my time. Maybe I got this attitude from my mother.
One of the best admonitions I’ve heard is this one. Choose the books you read carefully because for every book you read, there is another you can’t read. I have expanded this to include all choices about how I use my time. Whatever I choose to do means there is something else I can’t do. If I choose to spend 30 minutes pulling weeds, that is 30 minutes I can’t spend crocheting.
Is this coming from a sense of lack? Or does it come from a sense of treasuring my time on this planet? The older I get, the longer I live, the more I realize how precious this lifetime is and the more consciousness I want to bring to my choices. When others impose themselves onto my timeline and try to steal some of my minutes, hours, or days, I will be gracious. I will do my best not to get annoyed. I will also do my best to keep them away from my timeline in the future.
15/365
Although we live in eternity, what’s also true is that we live on this planet a certain number of years and then move on. People can sugar-coat that all they want to with platitudes about how we live forever and time is just an illusion. We live in these bodies on this planet a certain number of years and then we move on. For me, it has always been important how I use my time. Maybe I got this attitude from my mother.
One of the best admonitions I’ve heard is this one. Choose the books you read carefully because for every book you read, there is another you can’t read. I have expanded this to include all choices about how I use my time. Whatever I choose to do means there is something else I can’t do. If I choose to spend 30 minutes pulling weeds, that is 30 minutes I can’t spend crocheting.
Is this coming from a sense of lack? Or does it come from a sense of treasuring my time on this planet? The older I get, the longer I live, the more I realize how precious this lifetime is and the more consciousness I want to bring to my choices. When others impose themselves onto my timeline and try to steal some of my minutes, hours, or days, I will be gracious. I will do my best not to get annoyed. I will also do my best to keep them away from my timeline in the future.
15/365
Friday, October 19, 2018
The angels gave me my white feather
It’s said that when you find a white feather it’s the angels saying hello. It’s their way of saying they are with you, that you’re cared for and loved. At varying times, I’ve found feathers - black ones, blue ones, brown ones, spotted ones. But not white. I’ve always taken the feathers as a message from the angels anyway, but I will be honest and say that I always felt a bit left out because my feathers weren’t white ones.
That changed yesterday. I had picked up a to-go order of Thai food and was headed to my car. As I walked down the sidewalk, there it was: my little white wispy feather. Wouldn’t you think that after all this time I would have picked it up to bring home with me? I have many other feathers on my desk. In a split second I made the decision to leave it where it was, to just bask in the meaning and message of the feather. I would leave it for someone else to find so they could also feel loved by the angels.
It was and is enough that I finally got my white feather message.
14/365
That changed yesterday. I had picked up a to-go order of Thai food and was headed to my car. As I walked down the sidewalk, there it was: my little white wispy feather. Wouldn’t you think that after all this time I would have picked it up to bring home with me? I have many other feathers on my desk. In a split second I made the decision to leave it where it was, to just bask in the meaning and message of the feather. I would leave it for someone else to find so they could also feel loved by the angels.
It was and is enough that I finally got my white feather message.
14/365
Thursday, October 18, 2018
I’m curious
Years ago, I moved from the state of knowing to that of curiosity. As a teacher and mentor, of course I do know a lot on one level. But I’ve learned that when I can open my knowingness to being curious, I know a lot more. We’ve all been around people who know everything. No matter the topic, they put forward ideas of which they are certain. I wonder what would happen if they could put aside how much they know and open their mind to being curious.
Instead of knowing what’s motivating someone else, why not ask, “I wonder where that attitude comes from?” Instead of saying, “I know exactly how this is going to turn out,” why not ask, “I wonder how this will unfold?”
Being curious instead of knowing everything surely does make life more interesting and a lot more fun!
13/365
Instead of knowing what’s motivating someone else, why not ask, “I wonder where that attitude comes from?” Instead of saying, “I know exactly how this is going to turn out,” why not ask, “I wonder how this will unfold?”
Being curious instead of knowing everything surely does make life more interesting and a lot more fun!
13/365
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
How do we motivate the younger people?
How do we help them understand how critical it is for them to get involved in the political process - voting or running for office? How do we help them understand that the people who are currently deciding the state of the world they, their children, and grandchildren will live in are not going to be alive to reap the consequences of what they are doing today?
Is it right that the people deciding the fate of our planet won't live long enough to experience the results of their decisions? Or that these people don't seem to care or understand the legacy they're leaving for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren?
Most of the people who hold the greatest political power right now are in their 70's and 80's. They are mostly privileged older white men who won't be around in another 20 or 30 years when the true consequences of today's decisions will come home to roost.
When we're younger, it's easy to to see the world from our narrow viewpoint of the next year or so. It's easy to shrug one's shoulders and say, "This really doesn't affect me. I've got to pass these tests or make my student loans, or find a new girlfriend."
Fortunately, there are some young people who understand that their future is being decided today. They are getting involved and making their voices heard. We just need more of them.
12/365
Is it right that the people deciding the fate of our planet won't live long enough to experience the results of their decisions? Or that these people don't seem to care or understand the legacy they're leaving for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren?
Most of the people who hold the greatest political power right now are in their 70's and 80's. They are mostly privileged older white men who won't be around in another 20 or 30 years when the true consequences of today's decisions will come home to roost.
When we're younger, it's easy to to see the world from our narrow viewpoint of the next year or so. It's easy to shrug one's shoulders and say, "This really doesn't affect me. I've got to pass these tests or make my student loans, or find a new girlfriend."
Fortunately, there are some young people who understand that their future is being decided today. They are getting involved and making their voices heard. We just need more of them.
12/365
Monday, October 15, 2018
Who’s going to win: you or it?
There are people of all ages who fight technology. Not only do they fight it; they are proud of the fight. The problem for them is that technology will win. Just as when the automobile began to replace horses there were people who swore they would never drive a car, today we have people who refuse to learn how to email, surf the web, or text.
Although it’s true that most of the people I know who fit this are in their 60’s and beyond, I also know younger folks who fight technology and are proud of the fact that they don’t know how to download simple documents or listen to MP3 files. “I’m not giving up my cassette player!”
I also know people in their 80’s and 90’s who have embraced technology, quickly learning how it has helped them live happier lives. They easily keep in touch with their children and grandchildren, have learned new hobbies, and some have even met the new love of their lives.
Evolution continues and will continue whether we like everything that happens because of it or not. It’s far better to go with the flow rather than try to hang onto that tree branch sticking up out of the water. Chances are it isn’t connected to anything below the surface and you’ll be going with the flow whether or not you want to!
Technology can be friend or foe - it really is up to us to decide.
10/365
Although it’s true that most of the people I know who fit this are in their 60’s and beyond, I also know younger folks who fight technology and are proud of the fact that they don’t know how to download simple documents or listen to MP3 files. “I’m not giving up my cassette player!”
I also know people in their 80’s and 90’s who have embraced technology, quickly learning how it has helped them live happier lives. They easily keep in touch with their children and grandchildren, have learned new hobbies, and some have even met the new love of their lives.
Evolution continues and will continue whether we like everything that happens because of it or not. It’s far better to go with the flow rather than try to hang onto that tree branch sticking up out of the water. Chances are it isn’t connected to anything below the surface and you’ll be going with the flow whether or not you want to!
Technology can be friend or foe - it really is up to us to decide.
10/365
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Oops: I took co-dependency to a new level
There are some folks who can't be around scents because of allergies and general sensitivities. I'm blessed because I'm not one of them and can enjoy incense, essentials oils, etc. However, I do know how terrible it is to have your breathing interfered with because someone wears oils or perfume, burns incense, or has loads of flowers in an inside space.
Out of respect for people with such sensitivities, I quit wearing any sort of scents when I go out. If someone with such issues comes to my home, I also make sure there are no scents that could cause them discomfort. Guess what I realized the other day. So as not to offend others, I also quit using oils and incense in my own home when no one will be here who has any sort of sensitivity issues. Oh, my! How unfair to myself!
Whereas I will continue to be respectful of others, I am now allowing myself to wear my delicious essential oils and use my diffuser again when in my own home. I think I'll look at some other areas where I might be engaging in doing or not doing based on other people's needs and not my own!
9/365
Out of respect for people with such sensitivities, I quit wearing any sort of scents when I go out. If someone with such issues comes to my home, I also make sure there are no scents that could cause them discomfort. Guess what I realized the other day. So as not to offend others, I also quit using oils and incense in my own home when no one will be here who has any sort of sensitivity issues. Oh, my! How unfair to myself!
Whereas I will continue to be respectful of others, I am now allowing myself to wear my delicious essential oils and use my diffuser again when in my own home. I think I'll look at some other areas where I might be engaging in doing or not doing based on other people's needs and not my own!
9/365
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Here's a way to heal issues you have with others
A friend and I were talking on the phone the other day and she was telling me about an impactful counseling session she and her spouse had. What she said has stuck with me as being so powerful that I want to share it with all of you.
When you have an issue between you and someone else, something you don't agree on but something that has to be dealt with, instead of allowing the issue to exist between you, move it out in front of you so you face it together, side by side. Brilliant!
Here's a way I thought of to make this practical. Write the issue down on a piece of paper. Put the piece of paper between you, facing one another. Now take the piece of paper together, turn so you are sitting side by side, and put the issue out in front of you. Now you are working on it together rather than having it be something that comes between you and causes friction.
Just think if we could do this between political parties - work on issues together instead of having them be what separates us. What if parents could do this with their children? What if bosses and employees could do this? My imagination just explodes with the possibilities for healing, manifesting, and loving.
8/365
When you have an issue between you and someone else, something you don't agree on but something that has to be dealt with, instead of allowing the issue to exist between you, move it out in front of you so you face it together, side by side. Brilliant!
Here's a way I thought of to make this practical. Write the issue down on a piece of paper. Put the piece of paper between you, facing one another. Now take the piece of paper together, turn so you are sitting side by side, and put the issue out in front of you. Now you are working on it together rather than having it be something that comes between you and causes friction.
Just think if we could do this between political parties - work on issues together instead of having them be what separates us. What if parents could do this with their children? What if bosses and employees could do this? My imagination just explodes with the possibilities for healing, manifesting, and loving.
8/365
Friday, October 12, 2018
Which ending will we have?
In our household, movies have one of two endings. A movie can have a Krysta-ending or it can have a Rhonda-ending. With a Krysta ending, everyone meets their challenges successfully, lives up to their full potential, and rides off into the sunset happy, fulfilled, loving and loved. With a Rhonda-ending, the hero dies, the couple divorces, or the dog runs away never to be seen again. It’s not uncommon during a movie for me to say, “I hope this has a Krysta-ending!”
Rhonda says her endings are more like what would happen in real-life. Things don’t always work out the way we want them to. She’s right, of course. But, as I tell her, I don’t watch movies just to see real life. Those are called documentaries. I always hope things can work out better in a movie than they might in real life.
Right now, I feel like we’re all living in a movie and we don’t know which ending we’ll have. The holy teachings of the East through the Bhagavad Gita say all of this is God’s lila or play and we are each called to be participants. The challenge, as I see it, is we’re not shown the entire script ahead of time. We read our lines and move around the set the way the director tells us to. But we are not privy to the entire script. That’s scary.
I’m hopeful for a Krysta-ending. I guess we’ll just have to keep turning the pages and see what happens.
7/365
Rhonda says her endings are more like what would happen in real-life. Things don’t always work out the way we want them to. She’s right, of course. But, as I tell her, I don’t watch movies just to see real life. Those are called documentaries. I always hope things can work out better in a movie than they might in real life.
Right now, I feel like we’re all living in a movie and we don’t know which ending we’ll have. The holy teachings of the East through the Bhagavad Gita say all of this is God’s lila or play and we are each called to be participants. The challenge, as I see it, is we’re not shown the entire script ahead of time. We read our lines and move around the set the way the director tells us to. But we are not privy to the entire script. That’s scary.
I’m hopeful for a Krysta-ending. I guess we’ll just have to keep turning the pages and see what happens.
7/365
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Stop talking and listen!
A woman called me the other day and inquired about advertising on our website. She asked a question and then when I responded, she started talking again. This happened four or five times. Finally I said to her, “I’m trying to answer your questions, but every time I begin to speak, you start talking again.”
“Oh,” she said, “I’ll be quiet and listen so you can answer my questions.”
How often do we do this? We ask God for answers and then won’t be quiet and listen. “What should I do about thus and so,” we ask. “Should I do this or that? Should I go here or there? Maybe I need to do this?” Meanwhile, God tries to guide us, give us clues, show us the way. But we’re so busy talking, we can’t hear.
Maybe we need to put on our listening ears, as Judge Judy tells the people who come before her in court. There’s a reason we’ve been given two ears and one mouth. The guidance we need is always there. We just have to stop talking and listen.
6/365
“Oh,” she said, “I’ll be quiet and listen so you can answer my questions.”
How often do we do this? We ask God for answers and then won’t be quiet and listen. “What should I do about thus and so,” we ask. “Should I do this or that? Should I go here or there? Maybe I need to do this?” Meanwhile, God tries to guide us, give us clues, show us the way. But we’re so busy talking, we can’t hear.
Maybe we need to put on our listening ears, as Judge Judy tells the people who come before her in court. There’s a reason we’ve been given two ears and one mouth. The guidance we need is always there. We just have to stop talking and listen.
6/365
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
My little bowl
About 30 years ago, Rhonda and I taught ourselves how to make pottery . We didn't have a kiln so built one out of red bricks filled with sawdust. This is called "sawdust firing." We learned about it from books. Today, there are You Tube videos that show how it's done. After making a bowl or other item, we buried it in the sawdust and started it in a slow burn that could take as long as eight hours to finish and another four or five to cool down. One of the signatures of sawdust firing is the darkness of the completed item as well as how it retains some of the markings of the fire.
I still have two bowls I made as well as a set of runes. This small bowl sits on my altar and I use it to burn sage or incense.
There's something very special about making something you use for your spiritual practices and I highly recommend it. You aren't creating a piece of art to be shared with the world. I never thought I would take this photo and share it. I made the bowl for my own use and treasure it. What could you make that fits within your tradition and how could you incorporate it into your life? Even something as simple as a drawing of a cross, a tree, or a candle could hold and focus your energy, making your spiritual work more personal, enduring, and endearing.
4/365
I still have two bowls I made as well as a set of runes. This small bowl sits on my altar and I use it to burn sage or incense.
4/365
Monday, October 8, 2018
What the movie Kumaré can teach us
Although this documentary came out a few years ago, I just saw it. The movie is about a New Jersey-born man whose cultural background is Indian who decides to create himself as a spiritual guru to discover how far he can go to create followers. He designs his own forms of yoga, spiritual teachings, chants, and practices. The movie shows us what happens in the lives of his followers and how the experiment impacts his life.
Most interesting is how people can view someone the way they want him or her to be in order to satisfy their yearning for meaning and focus. Enter what’s going on in our country right now and you have an explanation for why people are jumping on bandwagons that others can’t understand. It can be attractive and easy to believe what someone tells us because they have led us to believe they have our best interests at heart when, in fact, they are playing a shell game. Sometimes, people tell us to look in one direction so we can’t see what they’re doing in another.
The answer? Discrimination - we were given the power to discriminate, to look beneath the surface of what someone says or does and make our decisions in a fully informed manner rather than letting emotional needs sway our thoughts and actions. Ask yourself: what’s the long view here and what’s in it for the people trying to sway my opinion?
I won’t spoil the ending of the movie in case you want to watch it (on iTunes). I think I’ll try to track down the man who made Kumaré and see if I can interview him. It would be interesting to find out what changes have happened for him and how he sees what’s going on in the world today in terms of his movie.
3/365
Most interesting is how people can view someone the way they want him or her to be in order to satisfy their yearning for meaning and focus. Enter what’s going on in our country right now and you have an explanation for why people are jumping on bandwagons that others can’t understand. It can be attractive and easy to believe what someone tells us because they have led us to believe they have our best interests at heart when, in fact, they are playing a shell game. Sometimes, people tell us to look in one direction so we can’t see what they’re doing in another.
The answer? Discrimination - we were given the power to discriminate, to look beneath the surface of what someone says or does and make our decisions in a fully informed manner rather than letting emotional needs sway our thoughts and actions. Ask yourself: what’s the long view here and what’s in it for the people trying to sway my opinion?
I won’t spoil the ending of the movie in case you want to watch it (on iTunes). I think I’ll try to track down the man who made Kumaré and see if I can interview him. It would be interesting to find out what changes have happened for him and how he sees what’s going on in the world today in terms of his movie.
3/365
Sunday, October 7, 2018
I was surprised by something someone said to me....
Yesterady evening, after having had a wonderful lunch with some friends, Rhonda and I were sitting down to watch a documentary I’d wanted to see for awhile - Kumaré. Rhonda said to me, “I hope you’re not offended by this, but I think you’re really preoccupied with politics.” This perked up my ears and I asked what she meant.
“Well,” she explained, “I’m interested in what’s going on but after awhile I get so depressed about it all that I have to turn it off in my mind and think about something else. This doesn’t seem to happen to you. You keep being interested, no matter what.”
No offense taken. Yes, I am concerned. I think everyone on this planet should be concerned. When I was in my 20’s, I had no interested in politics at all and I didn’t even vote. I always said there was no point in voting because my one vote didn’t make a difference. One day someone I greatly admired said to me, “You’re very smart and have a lot going for you. But you have one glaring fault: you don’t follow politics enough. You don’t know what’s going on in the world and that could be a problem for you.”
What I’ve learned since then is every vote matters and I do need to know what’s going on politically. Why? Because what happens in politics touches every aspect of our lives from the price we pay for butter and gasoline to our ability to live our lives in freedom, the way we choose to live. Right now, these things are being threatened and, yes, I fully intended to stay on top of what’s happening and do whatever I can to protect our democracy from those who would trample it in exchange for money and power.
Some of my spiritual friends tune out politics, saying that Divine Mother is in charge, we’re just going through what’s called Dwapara Yuga, and all is well. Yes, all is well as long as we play our parts. Each of us is here for a reason and I don’t think that reason is to ignore what’s going on. I believe we’re here to be engaged from the level of spiritual understanding and action. It’s too easy to forget the action part. We need to speak up. We need to vote. We need to visualize and affirm right action on the part of those who hold the offices that make the rules the rest of us live by.
We polished off the evening with the documentary which I highly recommend. But that’s a post for another day.
2/365
“Well,” she explained, “I’m interested in what’s going on but after awhile I get so depressed about it all that I have to turn it off in my mind and think about something else. This doesn’t seem to happen to you. You keep being interested, no matter what.”
No offense taken. Yes, I am concerned. I think everyone on this planet should be concerned. When I was in my 20’s, I had no interested in politics at all and I didn’t even vote. I always said there was no point in voting because my one vote didn’t make a difference. One day someone I greatly admired said to me, “You’re very smart and have a lot going for you. But you have one glaring fault: you don’t follow politics enough. You don’t know what’s going on in the world and that could be a problem for you.”
What I’ve learned since then is every vote matters and I do need to know what’s going on politically. Why? Because what happens in politics touches every aspect of our lives from the price we pay for butter and gasoline to our ability to live our lives in freedom, the way we choose to live. Right now, these things are being threatened and, yes, I fully intended to stay on top of what’s happening and do whatever I can to protect our democracy from those who would trample it in exchange for money and power.
Some of my spiritual friends tune out politics, saying that Divine Mother is in charge, we’re just going through what’s called Dwapara Yuga, and all is well. Yes, all is well as long as we play our parts. Each of us is here for a reason and I don’t think that reason is to ignore what’s going on. I believe we’re here to be engaged from the level of spiritual understanding and action. It’s too easy to forget the action part. We need to speak up. We need to vote. We need to visualize and affirm right action on the part of those who hold the offices that make the rules the rest of us live by.
We polished off the evening with the documentary which I highly recommend. But that’s a post for another day.
2/365
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Happy birthday to me!
For years, for reasons I can’t explain, I looked forward to turning 60 years of age. For some reason, I thought my 60’s were going to be wonderful years. They weren’t. I faced many challenges that surprised me. Yes, I know some like to call challenges opportunities and, in some ways, I guess the situations were opportunities. They still feel more like challenges/hurdles to me.
Two different astrologers said age 70 would be the beginning of great things for me, that my true service and work would begin at 70. That made me tired to hear: did they mean everything I’ve done in my life to date was peanuts? It felt that way to me. Nothing that I can call “great” happened during this past year. No new service has risen to the surface and no great aha moments came. Sure, I started my new Sages After 70 video show and I have continued my work with New Spirit Journal, mentoring, writing, and my personal spiritual practices. I even added some new ones. But nothing earth-shattering happened: crickets, as they say.
Today feels different to me. The odometer turned to 71 this morning. I feel energized. My annual tarot reading shows magnificent cards. Many of us are reeling at the political events happening and there’s even some hand-wringing going on and I totally understand that. I am deeply disappointed in the way our system seems so broken and no closer to being repaired than it was a year ago. I am disappointed that the treatment of Mother Earth seems to be deteriorating instead of getting better. I could go on about many things that disappoint me right now. I won’t.
I won’t because, despite it all, I feel hopeful - in my own life as well as on behalf of the world. Something deep is brewing and the celestial hands are stirring the pot and turning up the heat. I hope there is a return to civility between people who disagree with one another. I hope we can sit down together and find common ground. There are forces that don’t want this to happen.
My hope is that the young people will continue to find their voices and get energized. My generation was involved in many positive things that are now under attack. We have to join together and become a force for goodness, civility, compassion, and positive evolutionary growth that won’t be denied.
I care: do you?
(1/365)
Two different astrologers said age 70 would be the beginning of great things for me, that my true service and work would begin at 70. That made me tired to hear: did they mean everything I’ve done in my life to date was peanuts? It felt that way to me. Nothing that I can call “great” happened during this past year. No new service has risen to the surface and no great aha moments came. Sure, I started my new Sages After 70 video show and I have continued my work with New Spirit Journal, mentoring, writing, and my personal spiritual practices. I even added some new ones. But nothing earth-shattering happened: crickets, as they say.
Today feels different to me. The odometer turned to 71 this morning. I feel energized. My annual tarot reading shows magnificent cards. Many of us are reeling at the political events happening and there’s even some hand-wringing going on and I totally understand that. I am deeply disappointed in the way our system seems so broken and no closer to being repaired than it was a year ago. I am disappointed that the treatment of Mother Earth seems to be deteriorating instead of getting better. I could go on about many things that disappoint me right now. I won’t.
I won’t because, despite it all, I feel hopeful - in my own life as well as on behalf of the world. Something deep is brewing and the celestial hands are stirring the pot and turning up the heat. I hope there is a return to civility between people who disagree with one another. I hope we can sit down together and find common ground. There are forces that don’t want this to happen.
My hope is that the young people will continue to find their voices and get energized. My generation was involved in many positive things that are now under attack. We have to join together and become a force for goodness, civility, compassion, and positive evolutionary growth that won’t be denied.
I care: do you?
(1/365)
Thursday, October 4, 2018
The new form of communication: YELLING.
Have you noticed that for some people the newest form of communication is YELLING? It seems they believe that if they say something loud enough, often enough, with enough anger, what they are saying will miraculously become true. Unfortunately, for listeners without much discrimination, this can work. For the rest of us, yelling only signifies how lacking in confidence the speaker is. Yelling can also indicate fear.
I was trying to remember the last time I actually raised my voice and yelled. It was 2002. My 5-month old, blue merle corgi Jazz had recently joined the family. We were taking her, on leash, for a walk in the neighborhood. A boy about eight or nine years old had let his large black dog out of his yard off leash. The dog charged us. Jazz suddenly pulled in the opposite direction and her collar slipped off her neck. She ran away.
I stood in the middle of the road holding the leash and collar, scared for my dog’s safety. She didn’t know the neighborhood or where our house was. She was young. We lived in the country with lots of predators all around us. There was a train track close by. I feared for my dog’s life.
I yelled at the boy telling him how he had endangered my dog’s life by letting his dog out of his yard. I was scared and angry. This wasn’t the first time this particular dog had been allowed to roam our neighborhood.
I searched for Jazz, fearing she was gone forever and would most likely be lunch for a coyote, bear, or cougar. When we got home, there was Jazz sitting on the porch waiting for us. Relief flooded over me and she lived with us for another 13 years. As an aside, I learned that the particular collar she wore was defective. Although I would make sure it was on her securely, unbeknownst to me it would loosen as we walked. Once I discovered this, it went in the trash.
When I watch public figures yell, I realize this. They are scared. They are angry. They are insecure. I ask myself, “Why?” Maybe if they yell loud enough and long enough even they will begin to believe themselves. For me, when I hear them yelling it is a sign they are scared. Maybe they should be.
I was trying to remember the last time I actually raised my voice and yelled. It was 2002. My 5-month old, blue merle corgi Jazz had recently joined the family. We were taking her, on leash, for a walk in the neighborhood. A boy about eight or nine years old had let his large black dog out of his yard off leash. The dog charged us. Jazz suddenly pulled in the opposite direction and her collar slipped off her neck. She ran away.
I stood in the middle of the road holding the leash and collar, scared for my dog’s safety. She didn’t know the neighborhood or where our house was. She was young. We lived in the country with lots of predators all around us. There was a train track close by. I feared for my dog’s life.
I yelled at the boy telling him how he had endangered my dog’s life by letting his dog out of his yard. I was scared and angry. This wasn’t the first time this particular dog had been allowed to roam our neighborhood.
I searched for Jazz, fearing she was gone forever and would most likely be lunch for a coyote, bear, or cougar. When we got home, there was Jazz sitting on the porch waiting for us. Relief flooded over me and she lived with us for another 13 years. As an aside, I learned that the particular collar she wore was defective. Although I would make sure it was on her securely, unbeknownst to me it would loosen as we walked. Once I discovered this, it went in the trash.
When I watch public figures yell, I realize this. They are scared. They are angry. They are insecure. I ask myself, “Why?” Maybe if they yell loud enough and long enough even they will begin to believe themselves. For me, when I hear them yelling it is a sign they are scared. Maybe they should be.
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