One of my favorite points of the year is the "verge of new Year"....the week leading into New Years day. It has been many years since I celebrated New Years in any special fashion. It was always a tradition for me to go out on New Years Eve. I do actually regret letting go of my New Years Celebrations because I really did enjoy them. I would go out on New Years eve...paint the town red...freeze! and then celebrate New Years Day by meeting up with all my friends for a Breakfast to ring in the New Year together. This was a tradition I loved. But my transient lifestyle really caused me to lose out on this.
I think this year, in addition to seeing improvements to my financial and business sectors, I would like to strive to be a better connector. I am a natural maven. I know about people and things and what's going on and where, and I do connect people with things...all the time. something I do less of then I wish I did is to have the kinds of moments, celebrations and occassions that I genuinely love rather than the ones I feel obligated to. I have already made a few adjustments in that area, but I must really get there and be organized and clear-minded.
My viral conditions cause me to have periods of high energy and periods where I am totally zapped of energy and enthusiasm. A person can fake it if they must but when I am zapped, I am really tired, cranky and sore. I have physical, emotional and mental symptoms altogether and at once. They come up quickly and with little to identify them early. These lulls can last a day or two or even a week or two. When I have a long stretch this can be difficult and even costly for me. I have been trying some holistic approaches for treatment and I feel very happy about it. I prefer to use vitamins, dietary changes, fluids and organic topical solutions too. These have greatly enhanced my life and also have been beneficial in making me feel the necessary connection to my illnesses. It is a simple but important reminder that our bodies as a whole are our complete and total responsibility. My viruses ( I carry 2 that are problematic for me) will be with me for life.
Pretty much every person I have ever met in my life has a health issue that troubles them...every single one of us in the world. Some people's problems are simple compared to others. I mean, if you suffer from recurring acne, it bothers you, right? But it's not nearly as serious as being a diabetic who needs daily insulin. But for the person with the acne, it affects their life and how they treat themselves or feel about themselves or others. Every person and every condition they have that needs addressing is significant. I have become a lot more sensitive to others medical needs than I ever was before. There was a time in my life when I really thought whatever I was going through was the most difficult thing in the world. I realize now how wrong that was!
I cannot say enough good things about Holistic living though. There are so many benefits to choosing organic food, vitamins, non-chemical products, etc. I mean, I love my perfumes. But since I like to spritz, I make a few modifications so that I can enjoy them without overburdening my body with toxins. For example, when I cleanse, I use handmade Natural Soaps that contain only all-natural ingredients and are pure. I moisturize with a lightweight oil and spot treat dry areas with a heavier cream or medicated one if needed. This eliminates a lot of chemicals I could be layering and clogging my pores with. This way, when I spritz my beloved fragrances, I have fewer chemicals to be absorbed. I also spritz my clothes, particularly my scarves, instead of my skin. My scarf stays close to my neck and heart and allows the fragrance to work with my body temperature while not sitting directly on my skin. It's a little cheat. I should switch to natural oils, but I really love that Burberry!
When I feel low in energy, the first, very first thing I do, is to drink an entire bottled water and take one to two chewable vitamin C tablets. I also have several other daily supplements that I take immediately when I have that lull. Perhaps I am not consistent in taking them daily for prevention, but I automatically go to them when I need to readjust.
Whatever works for you...keep at it. Whatever needs adjustment, beleive in it! I am thinking of all my friends today who are sick or who need encouragement...with love. 2012 is going to be an amazing year, so get ready! I am....
~namaste
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Anonimity
Being anonymous is something to ponder at this particular time of year. I have been hearing stories lately about people doing nice things for others and paying off layaways and giving generously to charities. Being anonymous is an idea that is biblical. Jesus told his disciples to give freely and do not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. This means, it is not about you or about receiving recognition but rather assuring that others have what they need and want and love.
Sometimes life feels like you are living in a fishbowl. Everyone can always see what you are doing. But I migh observe that we ought to be more concerned with what we are feeling, understanding that other people can also see that! In particular, what we are feeling about ourselves or about those around us or our jobs. We represent ourselves through our feelings and so it is good to check in on that occassionally and see what our image shows to others about us.
I enjoy my social media outlets, but I feel the need to be out of the public eye more and so I will be leaving facebook soon.
Sometimes life feels like you are living in a fishbowl. Everyone can always see what you are doing. But I migh observe that we ought to be more concerned with what we are feeling, understanding that other people can also see that! In particular, what we are feeling about ourselves or about those around us or our jobs. We represent ourselves through our feelings and so it is good to check in on that occassionally and see what our image shows to others about us.
I enjoy my social media outlets, but I feel the need to be out of the public eye more and so I will be leaving facebook soon.
Monday, December 19, 2011
2011, Reflections on a year
If I were to pick any icon for this year, it would have to be the Wheel of Fortune.
The wheel has the direction and the direction has movement...it is always shifting or spinning or adjusting, bringing things into focus and out of focus. Who benefits from this great wheel? The Lucky one will benefit but there is no whimsy. One does not acquire luck at complete random. We can control that somewhat. We are great creators in the likeness of all Creation and The Light and therefore we are not always subject to whatever the wind may blow. We are in fact, connected to it!
Letting my Light Shine, has been the Theme of 2011.
Becoming a Creator
This year, I went from being pitiful and foolish to being a creative force that is gaining strength. I ditched some old ideas and moved ahead in life and as I enter 2012, I have a lot of work already to do. I feel no need to set resolutions because I am already resolute and what I am doing is already gathering speed and movement of its own.
January was very slow...prodding at best. February brought changes in my relationship and status regarding my daughter, Annika. March proved to us all that we can accept amazing gifts in life and that we can be worthy. April showed me that even those worthy and hard-working need to humble themselves enough to face difficult truths. May started off on a note of disappointment...when I was able to see that being good at something is not enough. You have to be passionate about it! June foreshadowed July, when death met us and reminded us that he never sleeps. Simmering home troubles were all to happy to dominate and I ended July feeling stronger from the arguments that earlier left me sore. In August, I just shined. It was my birthday and a time of great meditation. I had great financial earnnings and a busy social life. September was interesting. September a lot of things changed. I lost a few friends who I am better off without. I told a few people some hard truths that they are better off for knowing. I helped my daughter adjust to some difficult things. I disowned my Dad, a long overdue move. My blessing in September was that I got my first writing gig. October was a lot of work but worth every moment. November nearly breezed past without notice. Many wonderful moments of growth and shared joys and sadness and working together. December started slow with Mercury in Retrograde but picked up steam with a burst around the 15th.I learned that relationships require work. I have no desire for fickle relationships and anyone who is fickle or does not truly care about me can leave. I am willing to put in 100% toward my relationships but if I do not feel it reciprocated, then that person can leave and I will let them leave. We are in full expansion as the year draw to a close.
I changed a lot of things this year about myself. I changed my lifestyle, effectively improved it. I changed my haircut and color and now I love it. I modified my lifestyle, particularly my social circle (if only in realizing who needs to be where in my life and who does not). These improvements are my crown. My crown for the year. I shall wear it from now until December 31st at midnight, after which I shall tuck it away (like these words) and pick up my shovel and my sword and keep working. Now is the time to celebrate, and cherish, and LOVE each moment that has been 2011.
To all of you, to my loyal readers, to my friends, to my loves, THANK YOU.
~namaste~
The wheel has the direction and the direction has movement...it is always shifting or spinning or adjusting, bringing things into focus and out of focus. Who benefits from this great wheel? The Lucky one will benefit but there is no whimsy. One does not acquire luck at complete random. We can control that somewhat. We are great creators in the likeness of all Creation and The Light and therefore we are not always subject to whatever the wind may blow. We are in fact, connected to it!
Letting my Light Shine, has been the Theme of 2011.
Becoming a Creator
This year, I went from being pitiful and foolish to being a creative force that is gaining strength. I ditched some old ideas and moved ahead in life and as I enter 2012, I have a lot of work already to do. I feel no need to set resolutions because I am already resolute and what I am doing is already gathering speed and movement of its own.
January was very slow...prodding at best. February brought changes in my relationship and status regarding my daughter, Annika. March proved to us all that we can accept amazing gifts in life and that we can be worthy. April showed me that even those worthy and hard-working need to humble themselves enough to face difficult truths. May started off on a note of disappointment...when I was able to see that being good at something is not enough. You have to be passionate about it! June foreshadowed July, when death met us and reminded us that he never sleeps. Simmering home troubles were all to happy to dominate and I ended July feeling stronger from the arguments that earlier left me sore. In August, I just shined. It was my birthday and a time of great meditation. I had great financial earnnings and a busy social life. September was interesting. September a lot of things changed. I lost a few friends who I am better off without. I told a few people some hard truths that they are better off for knowing. I helped my daughter adjust to some difficult things. I disowned my Dad, a long overdue move. My blessing in September was that I got my first writing gig. October was a lot of work but worth every moment. November nearly breezed past without notice. Many wonderful moments of growth and shared joys and sadness and working together. December started slow with Mercury in Retrograde but picked up steam with a burst around the 15th.I learned that relationships require work. I have no desire for fickle relationships and anyone who is fickle or does not truly care about me can leave. I am willing to put in 100% toward my relationships but if I do not feel it reciprocated, then that person can leave and I will let them leave. We are in full expansion as the year draw to a close.
I changed a lot of things this year about myself. I changed my lifestyle, effectively improved it. I changed my haircut and color and now I love it. I modified my lifestyle, particularly my social circle (if only in realizing who needs to be where in my life and who does not). These improvements are my crown. My crown for the year. I shall wear it from now until December 31st at midnight, after which I shall tuck it away (like these words) and pick up my shovel and my sword and keep working. Now is the time to celebrate, and cherish, and LOVE each moment that has been 2011.
To all of you, to my loyal readers, to my friends, to my loves, THANK YOU.
~namaste~
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Correcting Past Mistakes
This is a difficult part of life but one we all must accept. I do not live in regret, I am not that type of person. I simply say, I am wrong and I must change. When we are teens and we are rebellious, there is no way to hear reason. The longer we stay stubborn like that or stuck in "my way is best" mode, the longer it takes us to correct (correction)...to make corrections. This idea of Correction is from kabbalah. To learn more about this, visit www.ukabbalah.com
Correction and Restriction are the key points of kabbalah. These are a common thread existing within most religious beliefs, like Christianity. But in my life I have absorbed it in, as if by osmosis. I believe in it. I believe we all are designed to have desire but choose restriction and when we are going the wrong way, to use correction.
Anyway, as for my own correction, I am feeling troubled and I am using meditation and faith to begin making correct some of the things I have done wrong, or allowed that just are wrong. The reason I do not live in regret and never would allow such words is that it would make illegitimate all that was created from the union that I now seek to dissolve. All that existed was not bad or wrong. But clearly, I made choices at the wrong time...when I was not ready to make them. This was my major failure that I now must bear the consequences of. I do not however, have to continue on a path that is leading me to sadness, depression, loss of self-worth, mental abuse, emotional abuse etc.
I have more faith and power inside then I give myself credit for. Whatever comes, I am more than equipped to handle it. For some reason, I continuously fail to recognize my personal power. My power comes from asking The Light for help. First, admitting I need the help and asking to be the Vessel for goodness to flow through me, not to be just given to me, but for me to be used to deliver it outwardly. This is what I desire.
Each day that passes I am aware that I am less angry about what I saw, what I discovered and what my 5 senses delivered to me. But inside, I remain Certain of what my extra sensory perception is telling me...what my intuition just knows. I often find that I know things about others...about what they will say or do, about what they did say and do, about what they are thinking and even the moment they change their minds about something they previously thought or about doing something they were going to do. I can almost see the movement of energy as if with my eyes, but it is a mental picture. Because of this ability, I feel it is unfair to dwell on the physical evidence when I know there are deeper reasons for all things. I choose to focus my actions on the basis of those deeper reasons.
I do not want to merely exist
Correction and Restriction are the key points of kabbalah. These are a common thread existing within most religious beliefs, like Christianity. But in my life I have absorbed it in, as if by osmosis. I believe in it. I believe we all are designed to have desire but choose restriction and when we are going the wrong way, to use correction.
Anyway, as for my own correction, I am feeling troubled and I am using meditation and faith to begin making correct some of the things I have done wrong, or allowed that just are wrong. The reason I do not live in regret and never would allow such words is that it would make illegitimate all that was created from the union that I now seek to dissolve. All that existed was not bad or wrong. But clearly, I made choices at the wrong time...when I was not ready to make them. This was my major failure that I now must bear the consequences of. I do not however, have to continue on a path that is leading me to sadness, depression, loss of self-worth, mental abuse, emotional abuse etc.
I have more faith and power inside then I give myself credit for. Whatever comes, I am more than equipped to handle it. For some reason, I continuously fail to recognize my personal power. My power comes from asking The Light for help. First, admitting I need the help and asking to be the Vessel for goodness to flow through me, not to be just given to me, but for me to be used to deliver it outwardly. This is what I desire.
Each day that passes I am aware that I am less angry about what I saw, what I discovered and what my 5 senses delivered to me. But inside, I remain Certain of what my extra sensory perception is telling me...what my intuition just knows. I often find that I know things about others...about what they will say or do, about what they did say and do, about what they are thinking and even the moment they change their minds about something they previously thought or about doing something they were going to do. I can almost see the movement of energy as if with my eyes, but it is a mental picture. Because of this ability, I feel it is unfair to dwell on the physical evidence when I know there are deeper reasons for all things. I choose to focus my actions on the basis of those deeper reasons.
I do not want to merely existin a physical way. I desire to be The Light...for my kids, friends, family and people who I do not yet know. If True Love is meant for me, then I must believe it will present itself. I will not need to go looking for it.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Inventing Yourself
Inventing our primary self happens autonomically. It requires no effort but allowing so-called "nature" to take it's course. But some astute individuals will realize that there can only be true happiness and true success, if we purposefully set about to create the life, the image and the reality we desire. I am grateful that our universe has been designed in just this way. That as long as I have life left in me, I have another moment to create, recreate or adjust my reality, my picture, my life.
Like this blossoming lotus, I can open myself up to the world...I can allow some of it in. But I am delicate too and easily affected by the harshness that sometimes accompanies openning. The exterior of the lotus is where it is fragile. Under the surface however, exists the bulb which can produce regrowth and can go on and on and reinvent herself in a new blossom.
It is vital to all people that they purposely set their course, rather than drift about aimlessly until they end up somewhere they are not fond of. In my future, I have imagined many fine things. Some of these things are probably a long way off from appearing but they will appear. My question for myself right now is a simple one:
WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE?
If I am going to receive the wealth of blessings that I surely will receive, what am I willing to give?
I have been answering this question for a while. It is a hard question...one posed by the author of "Think and Grow Rich". Whatever you desire comes form a give and receive relationship. If you plan to receive a blessing in your lifetime, or just to achieve what you conceive...you must offer as much in return or more! I have a lot to offer the world. I often get caught up in my baser desires and this is where the majority of us stay..exist...live. Not me. Not anymore. Not for the past 6 months since I learned this about myself. So where does that leave me?
My journey is more of a quest. I am in search of the Truth. I realize we live in difficult times. People around me have many fears and some have serious weaknesses. Some have a combination of the two. We are all afraid of something, but we must keep on making the effort regardless. We must feel the fear and do it anyway. We must face the unknown with courage, and yes it is ok to be afraid of the outcome. It is frightening. Many people I know have found themselves forced to this precipice where they had to accept circumstances that were beyond their control and not what they desired. In my case, I am the one about to cause another human being to face this and it will hurt that person...me and a few others too. So we are all going to feel the pain together but it must be done.
In a few months, I imagine life will be looking very different. We will all be living very differently than how we live now. I have so few words on this. There just are no words. For now I will focus my writing outward because inside there is a lot of dullness.
~namaste
It is vital to all people that they purposely set their course, rather than drift about aimlessly until they end up somewhere they are not fond of. In my future, I have imagined many fine things. Some of these things are probably a long way off from appearing but they will appear. My question for myself right now is a simple one:
WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE?
If I am going to receive the wealth of blessings that I surely will receive, what am I willing to give?
I have been answering this question for a while. It is a hard question...one posed by the author of "Think and Grow Rich". Whatever you desire comes form a give and receive relationship. If you plan to receive a blessing in your lifetime, or just to achieve what you conceive...you must offer as much in return or more! I have a lot to offer the world. I often get caught up in my baser desires and this is where the majority of us stay..exist...live. Not me. Not anymore. Not for the past 6 months since I learned this about myself. So where does that leave me?
In a few months, I imagine life will be looking very different. We will all be living very differently than how we live now. I have so few words on this. There just are no words. For now I will focus my writing outward because inside there is a lot of dullness.
~namaste
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Oh, how I love WORDS
I am forcing myself to create a blog entry today. I love to write, maybe I ought to write about loving to write! Ok, I will. Here goes:
I just perused my blog entries and read one from January 2011. In that particular entry I am mundanely recapping the upsets of the week and capitulating about hopes and dreams and goals. It seems so funny to me that a year ago I was that way. I am such a different person now. It is so vital and necessary to me that I DO NOT focus on sharing the negatives or the troubles but rather that I focus firmly on the positive. For this reason I have stopped watching the news. But I digress...we have found a subject and we must stay on it! I love to write.
This week I read 2 books. I believe that if you are to have any hope of writing something good, or any hope of writing something that will inspire people, you must study such things by reading what has been written already. I read "The old man and the sea" by Ernest Hemigway and also I am still reading "Think and grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Nothing is new under the sun and all has been done before. It is necessary that we continue to repeat the process, for much like exercise of the physical body, the repetition of our most desired virtues creates strength, not for the body but for the soul. Any and all writing that is good should speak directly to the soul, not just have a symetry or balance in it's physicality. So I seek to inspire and have found many forums to allow that to develop. These are my great successes to date and I plan for greater still to come!
With the support and teamwork of my friends Bob, Sam and Berta, I am endeavoring to work with a small and strong core network of personal development believers. We call our group, "Conceive, Believe Achieve", or CBA for short. Our group exists as an internet community that meets once per month and also uses conference calling to discuss literature and other personal development techniques.
Another source for my inspiration and creativity to flow and do it's work is in the very place it always has been...my family and home. At home I still invite families to leave their children with me while they work so that they may have peace of mind that their child is not a cog in the daycare machine, losing their precious developmental moments under the observance of apathetic childcare workers. Here in my home, their children are fed both physically and spiritually in that they are loved and respected. I do not hesitate to treat them as I would my own children in order to assist them toward understanding the world they live in and how they exist within it.
My own daughter is an Actress, and at certain times her schedule dominates our day. I journal her performances, manage her blog and other social media presence. I support her by driving her to auditions and casting calls, writing her resume and updating all her vital documentation like photos, portfolio and resume. When it comes time to juggle and adjust and get her places, we manage...if barely.
My son is a preschooler who needs to be educated and this I do as well from home during the regular course of governing the daycare here at my home. He is 3 and a half, can spell his name, his sister's name, mom and dad. He has learned to write (not well enough to be read yet) his name as LEX. He reads letters everywhere and asks what they mean. He counts. He is very clever and a good student and a good boy. He makes my job fairly easy.
In the winter of 2010 into 2011, I created this blog and then one about Annika's acting career, and then one about Lex. This fall I created a fourth about my passion, Walt Disney World Florida. I also joined another blog forum where I visit infrequently. I use facebook and twitter to advertise my blogs and I monetize my blogs using google adsense. I am not a techy and am fairly not internet-savvy but I get by. My blogs brought me to my most recent passion...BLOG WRITING. I spent the summer creating romance stories and trying my hand at a handbook for childcare. I seem to have a lot of failure ideas. When I recap them, they make me laugh. Failure makes me laugh...as if it will stop me! No, I persist in doling out my special brand of sunshine and stories and it landed me an awesome freelance writing job. I could not be more happy about anything. I love doing this. I am including a link below where some of my work can be read.
http://thehairshaman.com/ I wrote the entries entitled: "Your practical guide to the moon"
"Thicker Fuller Hair"
"Thoughts of 2012"
I am so proud to be seen on The Hair Shaman page.
http://morroccomethod.com/blog/ I have written so many that have appeared here, I must go through and gather the titles. More recently, I have written the blogs titled,
"Bad Hair day? Difficult hair type?"
"Fascination with color"
"shampoo daily? worry no more"
"Love your curls again (or for the first time)"
"Three words...handmade natural soaps"
and there were about 20 more.
Working as a freelance writer has been the answer to a lifelong desire I have had since about age 8. My first really major piece of literature was a first-hand documentation of the events of Hurricane Gloria when I was around 10years old. It has been lost and never to be recovered but was about 30 pages handwritten. I had some published poetry in high school. I stopped writing and submitting when one day I walked into my grandma's and found one of my mournful laments pinned up on her refrigerator. I guess a friend saw the name and cut it from the local paper and mailed it to her with a note that said, "is this your grandaughter"? Um...YES...until she DIED OF EMBARRASSMENT. Grammi still has that stupid poem up on the fridge 18 years later!
A few years back I started a children's story for fourth grade reading level. But it didn't go far...it felt a little familiar and forced. The ideas were not flowing. I created two impressive essays that I submitted to LHJ and Readers Digest. I never heard anything back from them but I knew they were good. So I focus on keeping my writing skills sharp and hopefully improve them by keeping these vaious personal blogs to practice my styles.
As we close the year of 2011, I find myself having a unique focal point. Retrospect...reflection of a great year. This has been a trying and challenging and particularly up-and-down year for me. In another blog I will discuss that further but for now I will close with something inspiring.
"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say. ~Anaïs Nin"
anon dear friends, anon
I just perused my blog entries and read one from January 2011. In that particular entry I am mundanely recapping the upsets of the week and capitulating about hopes and dreams and goals. It seems so funny to me that a year ago I was that way. I am such a different person now. It is so vital and necessary to me that I DO NOT focus on sharing the negatives or the troubles but rather that I focus firmly on the positive. For this reason I have stopped watching the news. But I digress...we have found a subject and we must stay on it! I love to write.
This week I read 2 books. I believe that if you are to have any hope of writing something good, or any hope of writing something that will inspire people, you must study such things by reading what has been written already. I read "The old man and the sea" by Ernest Hemigway and also I am still reading "Think and grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Nothing is new under the sun and all has been done before. It is necessary that we continue to repeat the process, for much like exercise of the physical body, the repetition of our most desired virtues creates strength, not for the body but for the soul. Any and all writing that is good should speak directly to the soul, not just have a symetry or balance in it's physicality. So I seek to inspire and have found many forums to allow that to develop. These are my great successes to date and I plan for greater still to come!
Another source for my inspiration and creativity to flow and do it's work is in the very place it always has been...my family and home. At home I still invite families to leave their children with me while they work so that they may have peace of mind that their child is not a cog in the daycare machine, losing their precious developmental moments under the observance of apathetic childcare workers. Here in my home, their children are fed both physically and spiritually in that they are loved and respected. I do not hesitate to treat them as I would my own children in order to assist them toward understanding the world they live in and how they exist within it.
My own daughter is an Actress, and at certain times her schedule dominates our day. I journal her performances, manage her blog and other social media presence. I support her by driving her to auditions and casting calls, writing her resume and updating all her vital documentation like photos, portfolio and resume. When it comes time to juggle and adjust and get her places, we manage...if barely.
My son is a preschooler who needs to be educated and this I do as well from home during the regular course of governing the daycare here at my home. He is 3 and a half, can spell his name, his sister's name, mom and dad. He has learned to write (not well enough to be read yet) his name as LEX. He reads letters everywhere and asks what they mean. He counts. He is very clever and a good student and a good boy. He makes my job fairly easy.
In the winter of 2010 into 2011, I created this blog and then one about Annika's acting career, and then one about Lex. This fall I created a fourth about my passion, Walt Disney World Florida. I also joined another blog forum where I visit infrequently. I use facebook and twitter to advertise my blogs and I monetize my blogs using google adsense. I am not a techy and am fairly not internet-savvy but I get by. My blogs brought me to my most recent passion...BLOG WRITING. I spent the summer creating romance stories and trying my hand at a handbook for childcare. I seem to have a lot of failure ideas. When I recap them, they make me laugh. Failure makes me laugh...as if it will stop me! No, I persist in doling out my special brand of sunshine and stories and it landed me an awesome freelance writing job. I could not be more happy about anything. I love doing this. I am including a link below where some of my work can be read.
http://thehairshaman.com/ I wrote the entries entitled: "Your practical guide to the moon"
"Thicker Fuller Hair"
"Thoughts of 2012"
I am so proud to be seen on The Hair Shaman page.
http://morroccomethod.com/blog/ I have written so many that have appeared here, I must go through and gather the titles. More recently, I have written the blogs titled,
"Bad Hair day? Difficult hair type?"
"Fascination with color"
"shampoo daily? worry no more"
"Love your curls again (or for the first time)"
"Three words...handmade natural soaps"
and there were about 20 more.
Working as a freelance writer has been the answer to a lifelong desire I have had since about age 8. My first really major piece of literature was a first-hand documentation of the events of Hurricane Gloria when I was around 10years old. It has been lost and never to be recovered but was about 30 pages handwritten. I had some published poetry in high school. I stopped writing and submitting when one day I walked into my grandma's and found one of my mournful laments pinned up on her refrigerator. I guess a friend saw the name and cut it from the local paper and mailed it to her with a note that said, "is this your grandaughter"? Um...YES...until she DIED OF EMBARRASSMENT. Grammi still has that stupid poem up on the fridge 18 years later!
A few years back I started a children's story for fourth grade reading level. But it didn't go far...it felt a little familiar and forced. The ideas were not flowing. I created two impressive essays that I submitted to LHJ and Readers Digest. I never heard anything back from them but I knew they were good. So I focus on keeping my writing skills sharp and hopefully improve them by keeping these vaious personal blogs to practice my styles.
As we close the year of 2011, I find myself having a unique focal point. Retrospect...reflection of a great year. This has been a trying and challenging and particularly up-and-down year for me. In another blog I will discuss that further but for now I will close with something inspiring.
"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say. ~Anaïs Nin"
anon dear friends, anon
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Day 2 Tuesday
Woke at 6am, feeling refreshed!
washed my face, dressed, made coffee
meditated for 15 minutes until i was interrupted abruptly...
made Annika's lunch and packed her school bag
Prepared breakfast
received Tyler
Drank coffee and talked with David about his work
braided Ani's hair and got her to the busstop
Lex woke up, made him a drink and put on a movie, "Alvin"
Started my list for today
checked emails and facebook
changed Scentsy event
adjusted a prior Blog
hung out with kids, helped with homework
made tuna
made mac & cheese
fed kids and David
ate some
rested on couch...feeling very ill
watched "Big Bang Theory season 4 Disc one entirely
tucked kids in bed
showered
went on the internet...kids still not asleep and it's close to ten.
Want to refresh my memory about my horoscope
having a funny tete a tete with a friend of a friend on facebook
summarizing my emotions..feeling partly nostalgic and partly disgusted with people.
need to brush hair and then off to bed
review messages on meetup.com
created a note about Harry Chapin on facebook
Did Preschool activities at the table (3 pages each)
wrapped 6 Christmas gifts
organized Surprise Bday party materials
arranged to pick up bday party favors
called Grammi, found out what Auntie Joy wants for her birthday, got invite to sunday 2pm party
found out Auntie Faith is sick, wrote her a card and mailed it
stamped and labeled invites to christmas, put then out in mail
raked sandbox
cut potatos and made french fries for Ty and Lex lunch (with nuggets)
helped boys wash hands
picked up toys all around the living room, blocks, tracks and cars
we ate lunch together, then I cleaned all the dishes and the oven
I prepared Lex' chocolate milk
Tyler helped clean up porch
Lex and Ty listened while I read them three books
then went upstairs to play v smile and go for a nap
adjusted cba blog
created personal photo gifts, then wrapped and labeled them
wrapped all christmas presents.
shopped online
created menu, shopping list and budget for and family celebration
created menu, shoppling list and budget for Christmas Eve family time
cleaned up xmas wrapping
ate a sandwich
served the boys pretzels for a snack
checked the mail
returned an email message
washed my face, dressed, made coffee
meditated for 15 minutes until i was interrupted abruptly...
made Annika's lunch and packed her school bag
Prepared breakfast
received Tyler
Drank coffee and talked with David about his work
braided Ani's hair and got her to the busstop
Lex woke up, made him a drink and put on a movie, "Alvin"
Started my list for today
checked emails and facebook
changed Scentsy event
adjusted a prior Blog
hung out with kids, helped with homework
made tuna
made mac & cheese
fed kids and David
ate some
rested on couch...feeling very ill
watched "Big Bang Theory season 4 Disc one entirely
tucked kids in bed
showered
went on the internet...kids still not asleep and it's close to ten.
Want to refresh my memory about my horoscope
having a funny tete a tete with a friend of a friend on facebook
summarizing my emotions..feeling partly nostalgic and partly disgusted with people.
need to brush hair and then off to bed
review messages on meetup.com
created a note about Harry Chapin on facebook
Did Preschool activities at the table (3 pages each)
wrapped 6 Christmas gifts
organized Surprise Bday party materials
arranged to pick up bday party favors
called Grammi, found out what Auntie Joy wants for her birthday, got invite to sunday 2pm party
found out Auntie Faith is sick, wrote her a card and mailed it
stamped and labeled invites to christmas, put then out in mail
raked sandbox
cut potatos and made french fries for Ty and Lex lunch (with nuggets)
helped boys wash hands
picked up toys all around the living room, blocks, tracks and cars
we ate lunch together, then I cleaned all the dishes and the oven
I prepared Lex' chocolate milk
Tyler helped clean up porch
Lex and Ty listened while I read them three books
then went upstairs to play v smile and go for a nap
adjusted cba blog
created personal photo gifts, then wrapped and labeled them
wrapped all christmas presents.
shopped online
created menu, shopping list and budget for and family celebration
created menu, shoppling list and budget for Christmas Eve family time
cleaned up xmas wrapping
ate a sandwich
served the boys pretzels for a snack
checked the mail
returned an email message
Monday, November 28, 2011
Day 1 Monday
The challenge? write down everything you did today...each day for 7 days. The benefit? Realize how much you accomplish.
I woke at 6 am...2 alarms clocks (BAH)
Washed my face, dressed and put on makeup while my son called me to go get him a chocolate milk.
Son came downstairs so i attended to him...drink, potty, movie.
I made coffee, packed Annika a lunch, set her bag by the door
Received daycare client, Tyler...fed him cereal for breakfast
Woke Annika, fed her cereal for breakfast
Got Annika on bus, saw David off to work.
Talked to Jessica for 1.5 hours because we needed to catch up
cleaned the downstairs toilet, sink and floor while on the phone with her
broke up a few fights the boys were having over toys on the porch
served a snack on the porch while the boys played
put on a movie for Tyler (Spy Kids)
made and served lunch. Sat with the boys while they ate.
Brought the boys upstairs to play vsmile. Showed Tyler how to choose directions...was impressed that Alex had mastered one of his activities in the Dora game.
While they were engaged, I made all the beds and folded Ani's clothes.
I cleaned the toilet and sink upstairs
emptied the bathroom trash
picked up all the blocks, trains, tracks and cars on the porch
showed Tyler all our Christmas tree ornaments, listened to him describe the ones he liked. Showed him his gift under the tree
posted a FB status update
put boys for nap
called Verizon...was on hold 15 minutes, then transferred to hold another 15 minutes, but got my questions answered.
While holding, I checked email...responded to Mr. Hornstein ALAP about Annika
went on Tripadvisor and wrote 15 reviews including photos
checked the MM blog and then sent an email to MM supervisor requesting assignments
checked horoscope
checked mail, sorted it and read some.
checked bank account
fed bread to birds
read one chapter of "Your Invisible Power"
folded blankets in living room, vacuumed the rug in LR and kitchen
washed the breakfast and lunch dishes
reviewed Blog stats for Wondrous and Annika's Bliss...updated a photo of Annika and Mrs. Boyd.
warmed a cup of coffee.
STARTED THIS LIST (1:50pm)
2pm, Cousin Danielle Arrived, chatted about Xmas gifts, gave her two snacks, said good bye to Ty
Lex watched the other half of Spy Kids while I sipped my coffee.
sigh
then the kids came from school...I was on the phone offerring encouragement to a friend which also lead to me agreeing to take on her two little ones two days a week...
then I assessed homework, sent the kids to get rocks
washed more dishes
received feedback on my blog writing for MM
swept back porch, repurposed an old toy box to store our wood so it can stay dry for burning in the winter
then swept front porch, rolled some rugs and repurposed them inside.
took out xmas tree, swept and layed in rug and replaced tree
received a shipment of nuts LOL
fed the kids a snack
took laptop and went outside with Lex and Ani and Nic
*realized I am hungry and then was glad I took some chicken tenderloin out of the freezer earlier and oh ya...I also organized the canned goods in the black cabinet while I was talking to Jess earlier, which reminded me that I am making rice and beans and chicken for dinner.
I was going to rake the pine needles and sweep the wood deck in the yard but instead I recruited to Nic to rake and Lex to sweep...So proud of myself!
Got sister Jessica to assist with planning Annika's surprise bday party
when David came in, so did the kids so I got them settled to homework, washed more dishes and prepared dinner...assisted Annika with homework
Reviewed mail with David
threw out old food from refrigerator and brought recyclables out to bins.
checked my delivery schedules for Amazon and Target, accounting for what came out of the bank...trying to plan my evenings errands after meal..
kicking back waiting for Melissa to pick up Nic.
brought David a dish of rice and beans, toasted garlic bread, corn and chicken parm
I took Annika out shopping, came home...had an hour long talk with Annika about popularity and about how to deal with people's negativity toward her Acting career.
Then Rhyanned called and we talked about Christmas shopping while we both watched Shrek the Halls.
I made the kids brush their teeth and then tucked them in
Browsed avon online
sent an email to Mrs. Boyd to ask permission for Annika to bring a movie to school for her birthday
read one chapter of "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill
finished this list...going to go pee and hit the sack. 11 now...I like to be asleep by 11! we know what happens at 6am!
~namaste~
I woke at 6 am...2 alarms clocks (BAH)
Washed my face, dressed and put on makeup while my son called me to go get him a chocolate milk.
Son came downstairs so i attended to him...drink, potty, movie.
I made coffee, packed Annika a lunch, set her bag by the door
Received daycare client, Tyler...fed him cereal for breakfast
Woke Annika, fed her cereal for breakfast
Got Annika on bus, saw David off to work.
Talked to Jessica for 1.5 hours because we needed to catch up
cleaned the downstairs toilet, sink and floor while on the phone with her
broke up a few fights the boys were having over toys on the porch
served a snack on the porch while the boys played
put on a movie for Tyler (Spy Kids)
made and served lunch. Sat with the boys while they ate.
Brought the boys upstairs to play vsmile. Showed Tyler how to choose directions...was impressed that Alex had mastered one of his activities in the Dora game.
While they were engaged, I made all the beds and folded Ani's clothes.
I cleaned the toilet and sink upstairs
emptied the bathroom trash
picked up all the blocks, trains, tracks and cars on the porch
showed Tyler all our Christmas tree ornaments, listened to him describe the ones he liked. Showed him his gift under the tree
posted a FB status update
put boys for nap
called Verizon...was on hold 15 minutes, then transferred to hold another 15 minutes, but got my questions answered.
While holding, I checked email...responded to Mr. Hornstein ALAP about Annika
went on Tripadvisor and wrote 15 reviews including photos
checked the MM blog and then sent an email to MM supervisor requesting assignments
checked horoscope
checked mail, sorted it and read some.
checked bank account
fed bread to birds
read one chapter of "Your Invisible Power"
folded blankets in living room, vacuumed the rug in LR and kitchen
washed the breakfast and lunch dishes
reviewed Blog stats for Wondrous and Annika's Bliss...updated a photo of Annika and Mrs. Boyd.
warmed a cup of coffee.
STARTED THIS LIST (1:50pm)
2pm, Cousin Danielle Arrived, chatted about Xmas gifts, gave her two snacks, said good bye to Ty
Lex watched the other half of Spy Kids while I sipped my coffee.
sigh
then the kids came from school...I was on the phone offerring encouragement to a friend which also lead to me agreeing to take on her two little ones two days a week...
then I assessed homework, sent the kids to get rocks
washed more dishes
received feedback on my blog writing for MM
swept back porch, repurposed an old toy box to store our wood so it can stay dry for burning in the winter
then swept front porch, rolled some rugs and repurposed them inside.
took out xmas tree, swept and layed in rug and replaced tree
received a shipment of nuts LOL
fed the kids a snack
took laptop and went outside with Lex and Ani and Nic
*realized I am hungry and then was glad I took some chicken tenderloin out of the freezer earlier and oh ya...I also organized the canned goods in the black cabinet while I was talking to Jess earlier, which reminded me that I am making rice and beans and chicken for dinner.
I was going to rake the pine needles and sweep the wood deck in the yard but instead I recruited to Nic to rake and Lex to sweep...So proud of myself!
Got sister Jessica to assist with planning Annika's surprise bday party
when David came in, so did the kids so I got them settled to homework, washed more dishes and prepared dinner...assisted Annika with homework
Reviewed mail with David
threw out old food from refrigerator and brought recyclables out to bins.
checked my delivery schedules for Amazon and Target, accounting for what came out of the bank...trying to plan my evenings errands after meal..
kicking back waiting for Melissa to pick up Nic.
brought David a dish of rice and beans, toasted garlic bread, corn and chicken parm
I took Annika out shopping, came home...had an hour long talk with Annika about popularity and about how to deal with people's negativity toward her Acting career.
Then Rhyanned called and we talked about Christmas shopping while we both watched Shrek the Halls.
I made the kids brush their teeth and then tucked them in
Browsed avon online
sent an email to Mrs. Boyd to ask permission for Annika to bring a movie to school for her birthday
read one chapter of "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill
finished this list...going to go pee and hit the sack. 11 now...I like to be asleep by 11! we know what happens at 6am!
~namaste~
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Rhode Island's South County
I spent 5 years of my life living in South County RI. To anyone from outside of the RI area, it may seem odd that I refer to it as "South County" rather than to name the particular city or town where I resided. You see, I moved into my dorm room in June, 1992 at age 17. I was dropped off and forgotten, it seemed. But through the sadness, a new life emerged for me. This would be 5 years of self-discovery, faith, passion, music, learning, and yes even more pain. But Einstien theorized that time doesn't exist in a linnear way as we believe it does, and that all the things that happen to us happen at once. If this is true, there are many interesting implications. Suffice it to say, for the sake of my article, that I simply point this out to say that although this was a long time ago and I no longer live there, the love for the places I have been lives on. I took great pride in being a URI student, but it was much more than just the student life or URI campus that forever changed me while I lived in South County.
I was rasied in the country...in rural Foster RI. In my junior year of High School I was abruptly moved to Warwick and I finished out my remaining high school years there, departing as quickly after graduation as possible and moving to URI campus a few short weeks after graduation day. I stayed living in South County for 5 years and would have continued living there if not for certain (forceful) influences affecting me. I loved the serene landscape of both country living and ocean living. Today, I live in Warwick, very much by the ocean. It is nice. But to this day, nothing compares to her...to my South County. To Wickford with it's quaint shopping village and Charlestown with it's majestic forests and beaches, to my favorite night-club/hot spot, The Ocean Mist...I just love South County RI.
The view from the deck at Ocean Mist, day or night is a most desirable place. I had many a spectacular evening here. Some were romantic, some with friends, most while following a band or hearing a band or even while performing with one. The spot has private beach access...small, no one bothers you...people are nice...the air feels great.
Almost everyone can recognize this Icon in RI. I can still remember one of the last days I ever spent with my brother was here. We took my stepdaughters to Narragansett beach and then we toured the Coast Guard House Towers and the Narragansett Town Square. Of course, I had already examined this entire area pretty thoroughly. Surprisingly, there were still new things we discovered on that day!
While I was living at URI, I was forced out in the Summers and so I travelled like a homeless bum from one home to another and stayed as a visitor. I learned a lot from these experiences. I began to figure out how to add value wherever I stayed and try not to be a taker. I am afraid that because of my age, I was probably more of a taker, but now I see the error of my ways. I am very patient with younger people...especially when they are making those type of blunders. There will come a moment in their lives when it clicks and they understand how they should behave. But it is good to be young and carefree! I used to spend LONG hours just hiking in the woods beyond where presently The Ryan Center is. At that time it was undisturbed woods and paths. I would probably be terrified of hiking there alone nowadays, but back then I loved it! I also loved to spend long hours in prayer out in the gardens at URI. There was one night I remember in particular was a very hard night for me and I stayed there all night until the sun came up. Then there was the cherry blossom tree I used to sit in...it was near the science buildings. When I was feeling extra bold, I would go with a friend to the roof of one of the old Buildings...I think it was the Roosevelt Building. I have also sat up on the roof at the Fine Arts Center. In later years, I would find solace at the football stadium...running the bleachers or just sitting on them.
I never used to take pictures, so I only have the image from my minds eye and the few old photos stashed somewhere that I kept. But it was beautiful. I love to be surrounded by nature. South County provided the best of both worlds for me because I loved the woods, the fields, the farms, the community and even the ocean! I fell in love quickly with the seasonal travellers and the sounds of silence on the URI campus in summer, followed by the chaos and bustle of the regular school year. I would love to be a student again. I have fond memories of people and buildings and classes and meals and celebrations!
Another fond memory for me is the Dahlias. There is a Dahlia farm in South Kingstown or Kingston somewhere...and I forget now but it was lovely! I used to dedicate as much time as I could spare to helping over there. I remember one year giving all my relatived potted dahlias, for no reason at all.
 |
| URI Quad in Autumn |
I spent 5 years of my life living in South County RI. To anyone from outside of the RI area, it may seem odd that I refer to it as "South County" rather than to name the particular city or town where I resided. You see, I moved into my dorm room in June, 1992 at age 17. I was dropped off and forgotten, it seemed. But through the sadness, a new life emerged for me. This would be 5 years of self-discovery, faith, passion, music, learning, and yes even more pain. But Einstien theorized that time doesn't exist in a linnear way as we believe it does, and that all the things that happen to us happen at once. If this is true, there are many interesting implications. Suffice it to say, for the sake of my article, that I simply point this out to say that although this was a long time ago and I no longer live there, the love for the places I have been lives on. I took great pride in being a URI student, but it was much more than just the student life or URI campus that forever changed me while I lived in South County.
I was rasied in the country...in rural Foster RI. In my junior year of High School I was abruptly moved to Warwick and I finished out my remaining high school years there, departing as quickly after graduation as possible and moving to URI campus a few short weeks after graduation day. I stayed living in South County for 5 years and would have continued living there if not for certain (forceful) influences affecting me. I loved the serene landscape of both country living and ocean living. Today, I live in Warwick, very much by the ocean. It is nice. But to this day, nothing compares to her...to my South County. To Wickford with it's quaint shopping village and Charlestown with it's majestic forests and beaches, to my favorite night-club/hot spot, The Ocean Mist...I just love South County RI.
Almost everyone can recognize this Icon in RI. I can still remember one of the last days I ever spent with my brother was here. We took my stepdaughters to Narragansett beach and then we toured the Coast Guard House Towers and the Narragansett Town Square. Of course, I had already examined this entire area pretty thoroughly. Surprisingly, there were still new things we discovered on that day!
While I was living at URI, I was forced out in the Summers and so I travelled like a homeless bum from one home to another and stayed as a visitor. I learned a lot from these experiences. I began to figure out how to add value wherever I stayed and try not to be a taker. I am afraid that because of my age, I was probably more of a taker, but now I see the error of my ways. I am very patient with younger people...especially when they are making those type of blunders. There will come a moment in their lives when it clicks and they understand how they should behave. But it is good to be young and carefree! I used to spend LONG hours just hiking in the woods beyond where presently The Ryan Center is. At that time it was undisturbed woods and paths. I would probably be terrified of hiking there alone nowadays, but back then I loved it! I also loved to spend long hours in prayer out in the gardens at URI. There was one night I remember in particular was a very hard night for me and I stayed there all night until the sun came up. Then there was the cherry blossom tree I used to sit in...it was near the science buildings. When I was feeling extra bold, I would go with a friend to the roof of one of the old Buildings...I think it was the Roosevelt Building. I have also sat up on the roof at the Fine Arts Center. In later years, I would find solace at the football stadium...running the bleachers or just sitting on them.
I never used to take pictures, so I only have the image from my minds eye and the few old photos stashed somewhere that I kept. But it was beautiful. I love to be surrounded by nature. South County provided the best of both worlds for me because I loved the woods, the fields, the farms, the community and even the ocean! I fell in love quickly with the seasonal travellers and the sounds of silence on the URI campus in summer, followed by the chaos and bustle of the regular school year. I would love to be a student again. I have fond memories of people and buildings and classes and meals and celebrations!
Another fond memory for me is the Dahlias. There is a Dahlia farm in South Kingstown or Kingston somewhere...and I forget now but it was lovely! I used to dedicate as much time as I could spare to helping over there. I remember one year giving all my relatived potted dahlias, for no reason at all.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Kiedis
Whenever I am lonely or hurting or have no inspiration or words. for whatever reason, because sometimes lonely is just there...even when there are plenty of smiling faces. But sometimes, lonely is just there. And lonely requires a cure. The lonely must lift themselves...elevate. And so I must frequently see I am there and go to my place where I derive the inspiration to continue. When I am lonely, I turn to Kiedis and I am guided back. The answer to all things is in the words, always. One phrase, turns me to another, turns me to a thought and leads me to my prayer and creates an idea and becomes a vision which gains energy and movement and then is action. So when I have nothing to act upon, I return to Kiedis. Kiedis is my beginning. What is yours?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Taking time for Thanksgiving
I am thankful that the Universe has created a gap, an opening and a slight emptiness and yearning within me. If there was no space, no yearning...what would urge me to keep moving forward? We fill ourselves with light so that we can shine on others, but then eventually it fades. This is when we must return to be filled again. I return each day to my meditation and my Source of light. I offer first my gratitude and then I ask my Source of Light," Please fill me, please help me because I am weak in my flesh and cannot do the work". It needs to be The Light in me that does the work. If it is not from The Light, and I only rely on what my hands can build and what my ears can hear and what my eyes can see, then it will be built...but it will not last. I have not travelled this path to achieve failure, no. I have come to achieve great things, and I will achieve them.
If my daughter becomes a famous actor, I expect her to use her fame to help those in need...and not as some side hobby but as her mission and her passion. She cannot seek to succeed for herself alone. If I become a published writer and people look to me for inspiration in the written word, I want to use that gift and that ability to change people's lives! If I sing (and I can), then I want it to be music that inspires people to create, rather than songs that glorify just me or my singing ability. If I parent my kids, it will always be in a way that leads them to greater self-discovery and knowledge of the world and the Spiritual world and what they must know to live.
So I will spend this weekend of Thanksgiving with the people I adore, and I will allow the pause that I am currently experiencing from many of my creative endeavors, and I will not for one moment feel discouraged, not one. I will shine. I wish all of my readers the most pleasant holiday too!
~Namaste~
Saturday, November 19, 2011
My new Muse, Audrey McClelland
Over the past few weeks, a phrase has come up repeatedly in my life.
"When the Student is ready, the Teacher will Appear"
The reason I love this expression is that 5 years ago I would have had NO CLUE what this meant, and I would have had no capacity to have understood it. If that makes you laugh, perhaps a little bit at yourself too..then consider the fact that our life timeline is a comedy of errors! Mistakes I made in my twenties, as I look back on them now, I cannot imagine having not known then what I know now! And when it comes to my two children, aged 10 and 3...there are many moments I find myself repeating a mantra in my head that basically says, "remember their age".
Recently, alongside some college friends of mine, I co-created a Social Group here in Rhode Island. we call this Group "Conceive, Believe, Achieve!" or CBA for short. It was the "thought" that sprouted to the thing...and therein produced the teachers! I was delighted when my friend Sam Lemay first suggested that we attempt to find out if there was any interest in such a group by using the website called (meetup.com). We did just that, and on the first day there were 25 members! Our first physical meeting happened a month later in Warwick RI and it had 20 guests! Our goal is to revolutionize the course of common life by empowering others to conceive of wonderful goals and then go out into their communities in the true spirit of giving and living and achieve great things (for themselves and others). I am proud to be a part of this group and to write their blog. You can follow and join at:
www.meetup.com/cbagroup
and read our blog at:
www.cbagroup.blogspot.com
So how does CBA Group connect to my new muse, Audrey McClelland? I am glad you care to know and I am glad to share it. I love synergy...synergism...synchronicity and symbiosis. All of these and the Law of Attraction are working in my life right now. I feel ready for full expansion. I want this blog that I am writing today to be read by people all over the world. I would like it to be the inspiration for others to make their mark. Being an individual is a quality most of us cherish. I no longer do. To me, being an individual is a way of separating ourselves from our friends, family and community and I no longer want to separate. I want to connect...in greater ways then ever before.
At our first meeting of CBA, I had a conversation with an acquaintence I have known for many years, Armand Albuquerque. As I explained my vision for the future of my business (I am an entrepreneur), he remarked that it sounded like I want to "Brand" myself. He was right, that was precisely what I want to do! I do not want to brand myself for the sake of being so in love with myself that everyone needs to know me. I want to Brand myself because this is the way to a full and complete life and there are many opportunities to make the Right impact and really empower others. If along the way I am able to earn what I need to support my family too, then I have achieved the highest I can ask of my goal and I will not want for more!
Following this discussion, I began to work on this "brand" idea. I regularly meditate as it is, and each day I go through an exercise of visualizing where I want to live, because a move to a new home is imminent in my lifetime. I now am working on visualizing what my brand would be...what is my life about? What are my talents, interests and favorite business pursuits and how can I assimilate all these into one place like a website? How do I circulate my website or promote it? How do I earn money with it? How do I inspire people with it? What can I use my writing for? What is the right format? I have many questions that need answers...as you can see. But as we discussed in the introduction to my blog today, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear".
Yesterday afternoon, I found myself discussing my vision with another college friend, Alberta Lemay (Sam's wife and co-founder of CBA). She is an extraordinary woman who has no idea how much I admire her. Years ago, when we were college students, we did all the fun stuff together. Today, she is a successful hospice nurse, mother of two and a business woman with great vision! It was more refreshing then a cold lemonade on a hot August afternoon talking with her yesterday! She shared ideas that I had thought of and it occurred to me that I was not alone in my thoughts or beliefs about HOW people should live and WHAT they should create. Berta offered me something others had never done...woman to woman inspiration! I now have a vision for she and I to go forward and inspire women in all walks of life to believe in their dreams!
Finding friendships like the ones I have with Berta and with Sam and with our fourth founder, Bob Coderre, is both surprising and empowering. But to go further, my daily visualizations, meditations and new career direction have given me something new...a MUSE. A real-life, already accomplished, mentor to learn from. This morning, in the Saturday edition of The Providence Journal newspaper (free copies are thrown on my lawn once a week), I found an article about a woman who both impressed and inspired me, showing me how what I want to do can be done! At first I felt a twinge of jealousy because she is already established and successful at this, but as is true of every business model, if it works-it can be reproduced! I realized then and there that with imagination, confidence, knowledge and a Certain Plan ( a very specific vision), I will be able to accomplish the same thing she has. This person is Audrey McClelland and she has created her Brand. Audrey McClelland has a home-based Blog/Website business that creates income to support her family, and frankly, her family are the FOCUS of her Blog and ultimately contribute to its success. This is my exact vision and dream for my life...to do what she has done.
I encourage everyone to check out Audrey's link below:
www.momgenerations.com
and I would like to express my gratitude that her story was told. The article was written by Jenna Peletier of the Providence Journal. I could not have asked for a better Saturday, and I now plan to become a regular subscriber to The Providence Journal. I would be sad to see publications like newspapers lose their circulation to "All web" news in general.
I hope that one day, my brand...my business model, will inspire others. For now, I have a lot of work ahead of me and I am ready to start! My sleeves are rolled up, I have a plan, I have supporters, I have my community..here we go! First things first...off to meditate to create the vision and later, to allow my THOUGHTS to BECOME...THINGS.
For now, my practice site for my business model can be found below. Any advice on how to improve on it would be gratefully accepted!
www.angelofavonlea.web.officelive.com
~namaste~
"When the Student is ready, the Teacher will Appear"
The reason I love this expression is that 5 years ago I would have had NO CLUE what this meant, and I would have had no capacity to have understood it. If that makes you laugh, perhaps a little bit at yourself too..then consider the fact that our life timeline is a comedy of errors! Mistakes I made in my twenties, as I look back on them now, I cannot imagine having not known then what I know now! And when it comes to my two children, aged 10 and 3...there are many moments I find myself repeating a mantra in my head that basically says, "remember their age".
Recently, alongside some college friends of mine, I co-created a Social Group here in Rhode Island. we call this Group "Conceive, Believe, Achieve!" or CBA for short. It was the "thought" that sprouted to the thing...and therein produced the teachers! I was delighted when my friend Sam Lemay first suggested that we attempt to find out if there was any interest in such a group by using the website called (meetup.com). We did just that, and on the first day there were 25 members! Our first physical meeting happened a month later in Warwick RI and it had 20 guests! Our goal is to revolutionize the course of common life by empowering others to conceive of wonderful goals and then go out into their communities in the true spirit of giving and living and achieve great things (for themselves and others). I am proud to be a part of this group and to write their blog. You can follow and join at:
www.meetup.com/cbagroup
and read our blog at:
www.cbagroup.blogspot.com
So how does CBA Group connect to my new muse, Audrey McClelland? I am glad you care to know and I am glad to share it. I love synergy...synergism...synchronicity and symbiosis. All of these and the Law of Attraction are working in my life right now. I feel ready for full expansion. I want this blog that I am writing today to be read by people all over the world. I would like it to be the inspiration for others to make their mark. Being an individual is a quality most of us cherish. I no longer do. To me, being an individual is a way of separating ourselves from our friends, family and community and I no longer want to separate. I want to connect...in greater ways then ever before.
At our first meeting of CBA, I had a conversation with an acquaintence I have known for many years, Armand Albuquerque. As I explained my vision for the future of my business (I am an entrepreneur), he remarked that it sounded like I want to "Brand" myself. He was right, that was precisely what I want to do! I do not want to brand myself for the sake of being so in love with myself that everyone needs to know me. I want to Brand myself because this is the way to a full and complete life and there are many opportunities to make the Right impact and really empower others. If along the way I am able to earn what I need to support my family too, then I have achieved the highest I can ask of my goal and I will not want for more!
Following this discussion, I began to work on this "brand" idea. I regularly meditate as it is, and each day I go through an exercise of visualizing where I want to live, because a move to a new home is imminent in my lifetime. I now am working on visualizing what my brand would be...what is my life about? What are my talents, interests and favorite business pursuits and how can I assimilate all these into one place like a website? How do I circulate my website or promote it? How do I earn money with it? How do I inspire people with it? What can I use my writing for? What is the right format? I have many questions that need answers...as you can see. But as we discussed in the introduction to my blog today, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear".
Yesterday afternoon, I found myself discussing my vision with another college friend, Alberta Lemay (Sam's wife and co-founder of CBA). She is an extraordinary woman who has no idea how much I admire her. Years ago, when we were college students, we did all the fun stuff together. Today, she is a successful hospice nurse, mother of two and a business woman with great vision! It was more refreshing then a cold lemonade on a hot August afternoon talking with her yesterday! She shared ideas that I had thought of and it occurred to me that I was not alone in my thoughts or beliefs about HOW people should live and WHAT they should create. Berta offered me something others had never done...woman to woman inspiration! I now have a vision for she and I to go forward and inspire women in all walks of life to believe in their dreams!
Finding friendships like the ones I have with Berta and with Sam and with our fourth founder, Bob Coderre, is both surprising and empowering. But to go further, my daily visualizations, meditations and new career direction have given me something new...a MUSE. A real-life, already accomplished, mentor to learn from. This morning, in the Saturday edition of The Providence Journal newspaper (free copies are thrown on my lawn once a week), I found an article about a woman who both impressed and inspired me, showing me how what I want to do can be done! At first I felt a twinge of jealousy because she is already established and successful at this, but as is true of every business model, if it works-it can be reproduced! I realized then and there that with imagination, confidence, knowledge and a Certain Plan ( a very specific vision), I will be able to accomplish the same thing she has. This person is Audrey McClelland and she has created her Brand. Audrey McClelland has a home-based Blog/Website business that creates income to support her family, and frankly, her family are the FOCUS of her Blog and ultimately contribute to its success. This is my exact vision and dream for my life...to do what she has done.
I encourage everyone to check out Audrey's link below:
www.momgenerations.com
and I would like to express my gratitude that her story was told. The article was written by Jenna Peletier of the Providence Journal. I could not have asked for a better Saturday, and I now plan to become a regular subscriber to The Providence Journal. I would be sad to see publications like newspapers lose their circulation to "All web" news in general.
I hope that one day, my brand...my business model, will inspire others. For now, I have a lot of work ahead of me and I am ready to start! My sleeves are rolled up, I have a plan, I have supporters, I have my community..here we go! First things first...off to meditate to create the vision and later, to allow my THOUGHTS to BECOME...THINGS.
For now, my practice site for my business model can be found below. Any advice on how to improve on it would be gratefully accepted!
www.angelofavonlea.web.officelive.com
~namaste~
Friday, November 11, 2011
Lose Someone so you can Win Your Life back
Today is VETERANS DAY in the United States. 11-11-11, as it happens to be. I have known many veterans over the course of my life and currently know a few enlisted servicemen and women. My readers know, that my brother was KIA in 2004. So on a day like today, I have some feelings and thoughts...perhaps not the same as the majority of my friends and neighbors. But out there in my community, there are like-minded individuals who feel that honoring Veterans today is important.
Some years I march in parades, while other years I hear a speech and visit the Cemetary. On Memorial Day this past year, I took my family away to New Hampshire for the weekend. No matter how I use this time, I am mindful..and not just ON THAT DAY...but always...I am mindful that I am here, alive and living. As I live, I offer gratitude on a daily basis for the opportunity to do so. It is easy to forget or take for granted the lives of fallen ServicePeople like my brother. But because it is personal to me, I have that perspective burned into my consciousness where it stays always.
This photo above is Sgt. Todd Parisi removing the yellow ribbon from the tree at Dad and Jane's House during the funeral procession. This picture is very dear to me.
This picture here...THIS is tomorrow's Veteran. He is the son or daughter of any person in any community anywhere around our country. He or she is or was an average kid who wanted to go to college or make a life for himself. The military is an important life choice.
The date on this picture would indicate to me that it was taken exactly one month before John died.
So what does my Blog title mean? Lose someone...so you can win your life back. We are all engaged in warfare. Our war is on the spiritual vs physical level. Although my John used weapons and fought a physical enemy, his enemy was never a person or the Taliban or AlQueda. His purpose in life was to fight a Spiritual battle. I wonder what tools he used for that.
Losing John had a profound effect on everyone here in our circle. It made such a devastating crater that those at ground zero were just taken out. My Mom and my Dad will never be the same. My sisters and I are affected in varying ways. But for me, Losing someone meant winning Life back. John would never ever have wanted any of us to suffer and be miserable without him. John loved to live and play and travel and meet new people and he was an all-around great guy.
Losing John started me on a path of discovery. After a year or two of depression, related to losing him, I tried getting back out into "The Workplace". I took a job at AAA. I found myself always emotional and never achieving the level I wanted to be at. I had moments whem I was truly strong and I was impressive, but I could not perform that way consistently, and so the depression came back when I was pregnant with my son and working there. People were way more understanding then I could have expected. I had great times there. But eventually, I had to ask myself, how long can you carry-on with this facade of happiness? I didn't want to just keep getting by, I wanted to really WIN MY LIFE BACK.
I left that job in 2009, but I did not experience my first real breakthrough until 2010. I often credit reading The Secret on my birthday (August 20) with my initiation into discovering The Right Way to live, but actually the changes began a slight bit earlier in May 2010. I was stricken with the desire for change around that time. I had an inner prompting to exercise, lose weight and improve myself. It was because of this that I would be in Danielle's car the day she got wrongly fired from Sears, and I would sit on a copy of The Secret in her passenger-side seat. Because of her detour through Cranston to retrieve a phone charger, I was able to read the first few chapters of this book, which started my thinking. I had never heard such ideas as what I was reading and now...today...I completely take for granted that EVERYONE knows this! I wonder if they do?
When I began that transformation, it was slow...it was a process and did not happen instantly. although time, according to Einstein, exists everywhere all at once rather than in a line, we are all constantly being exposed to new things and receiving new messages. I guess it is possible they are old messages, just newly received. Anyway, no one really cares what you know unless they know that you care right? At first when I would talk about my new beliefs, people seemed uncomfortable or perhaps they were judgemental of me for not just reading a book and then saying "hey that was a good book" and putting it away. I could not do that. I re-read it many times and I went on to receive and read The Power. But the theme of my life choices had become "transformation".
So, Losing someone caused me to WIN LIFE...back. I can remember a time in my life when I was connected with these beliefs. It was time of innocence for me. I can still remember it though. I used to convene with nature and escape to the woods where I would ponder the nature of all things and talk to my God, and sing and pray and cry and run. I would literally frolic in the woods. That is the level of joy that we are expected to feel if we truly believe in Certainty. If we want to Win back our lives...the lives we were meant to have. This is how we were created to Live. We are no accident of evolution...no by-product. We (people) are the Divinity of the World.
~namaste~
Some years I march in parades, while other years I hear a speech and visit the Cemetary. On Memorial Day this past year, I took my family away to New Hampshire for the weekend. No matter how I use this time, I am mindful..and not just ON THAT DAY...but always...I am mindful that I am here, alive and living. As I live, I offer gratitude on a daily basis for the opportunity to do so. It is easy to forget or take for granted the lives of fallen ServicePeople like my brother. But because it is personal to me, I have that perspective burned into my consciousness where it stays always.
This photo above is Sgt. Todd Parisi removing the yellow ribbon from the tree at Dad and Jane's House during the funeral procession. This picture is very dear to me.
So what does my Blog title mean? Lose someone...so you can win your life back. We are all engaged in warfare. Our war is on the spiritual vs physical level. Although my John used weapons and fought a physical enemy, his enemy was never a person or the Taliban or AlQueda. His purpose in life was to fight a Spiritual battle. I wonder what tools he used for that.
Losing John had a profound effect on everyone here in our circle. It made such a devastating crater that those at ground zero were just taken out. My Mom and my Dad will never be the same. My sisters and I are affected in varying ways. But for me, Losing someone meant winning Life back. John would never ever have wanted any of us to suffer and be miserable without him. John loved to live and play and travel and meet new people and he was an all-around great guy.
Losing John started me on a path of discovery. After a year or two of depression, related to losing him, I tried getting back out into "The Workplace". I took a job at AAA. I found myself always emotional and never achieving the level I wanted to be at. I had moments whem I was truly strong and I was impressive, but I could not perform that way consistently, and so the depression came back when I was pregnant with my son and working there. People were way more understanding then I could have expected. I had great times there. But eventually, I had to ask myself, how long can you carry-on with this facade of happiness? I didn't want to just keep getting by, I wanted to really WIN MY LIFE BACK.
I left that job in 2009, but I did not experience my first real breakthrough until 2010. I often credit reading The Secret on my birthday (August 20) with my initiation into discovering The Right Way to live, but actually the changes began a slight bit earlier in May 2010. I was stricken with the desire for change around that time. I had an inner prompting to exercise, lose weight and improve myself. It was because of this that I would be in Danielle's car the day she got wrongly fired from Sears, and I would sit on a copy of The Secret in her passenger-side seat. Because of her detour through Cranston to retrieve a phone charger, I was able to read the first few chapters of this book, which started my thinking. I had never heard such ideas as what I was reading and now...today...I completely take for granted that EVERYONE knows this! I wonder if they do?
When I began that transformation, it was slow...it was a process and did not happen instantly. although time, according to Einstein, exists everywhere all at once rather than in a line, we are all constantly being exposed to new things and receiving new messages. I guess it is possible they are old messages, just newly received. Anyway, no one really cares what you know unless they know that you care right? At first when I would talk about my new beliefs, people seemed uncomfortable or perhaps they were judgemental of me for not just reading a book and then saying "hey that was a good book" and putting it away. I could not do that. I re-read it many times and I went on to receive and read The Power. But the theme of my life choices had become "transformation".
So, Losing someone caused me to WIN LIFE...back. I can remember a time in my life when I was connected with these beliefs. It was time of innocence for me. I can still remember it though. I used to convene with nature and escape to the woods where I would ponder the nature of all things and talk to my God, and sing and pray and cry and run. I would literally frolic in the woods. That is the level of joy that we are expected to feel if we truly believe in Certainty. If we want to Win back our lives...the lives we were meant to have. This is how we were created to Live. We are no accident of evolution...no by-product. We (people) are the Divinity of the World.
 |
| My Brother John's Last Accomplishment in life...earning his Purple Heart. |
~namaste~
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
How do you measure your (Life) Progress?
Hello friends. I am awake this morning and full of joy and hope. Although my sinuses are swollen and I have NO WORK to do, I feel free and happy. I am grateful that I do not need to be busy to feel important. I do not need to be over-committed to feel satisfied. I do not need anything or want anything. I have all that I need for real happiness. I now really see that I am not the only person who lives this way and wants to live this way...by choosing to separate myself from living in the physical world only. I am glad to know that I am not the only person who believes that our lives are created by our thoughts and choices. I believe that things are as good or as bad as we perceive them to be, and that is all.
This morning I am reminded of some influential authors on this subject: Dale Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie, Napolean Hill, Charles Haanel, Wallace Wattles and Rhonda Byrne. These are some of my like-minded associates. I began this blog, "Thoughts Become Things" after I read the book The Secret.
The Secret was the beginning of my journey. It was my awakening. I went on to read Rhonda Byrne's second book, The Power. The two books referenced many other teachers, and mentors and believers of the "secret knoweledge of the universe". From her writings, and her references, I constructed a list of authors and books and continued my reading. Each new teacher showed me a way to tap into this Universal Energy and Universal Thought. This increased my personal power. Over the past year, I have seen a transformation in my life from where I was a faithless person, so lacking in hope that I nearly committed suicide to the person I am today. I will elaborate more on this shortly, but first I would like to acknowledge that friendship is always important. Relationships, as challenging as they can be, are an essential element on this journey. I have been blessed to find like-minded friends, faithful friends, generous friends, loving friends and just long-suffering friends. All of my relationships fall into one of these categories (at least). and also, there have been people who have chosen to walk away from me, or I from them.
So how do you measure your progress? The many teachers and mentors discussed earlier would tell us that everything is possible for us if our thoughts are pure and our intention is to use what we receive for the greater good. We must give if we are to receive. What we receive is given to us freely from the Universe through the Law of Attraction (LoA) and therefore, we must seek it with a pure heart, lest we receive an abomination rather than a blessing. The LoA, like the Law of Gravity, is non-discriminating and does not judge our methods or our motives. But what we give out to the world, like a mirror reflection, comes back to us...so it better be good! As human beings who are created in the likeness of the greatest power in existence, we need to Be the Light of the world...not just reflect it or take it. I want to be the light. That was the only message I really ever needed to hear...that it is my duty to Be the Light. All I have to do is just Be the Light. So now let's measure.
I measure my progress by a simple method. I gave and I received. How much did I receive? What did I receive? What am I receiving? How has what I have given compared and what more can I give? Did I receive what I believed? What did I actually achieve? Did I achieve what I conceived? When I conceived the idea of what I desired, did I do so with a pure heart and the desire to share it? After conceiving what I desired, I had to believe it was possible in order to receive it and achieve my goal. So how do I measure all this? How do I measure my life while it is ongoing? What is my tool for this, or what is my equation? There are many questions here. In Kabbalah, we are cautioned about allowing our joy and happiness to fluctuate with the occurance of what we perceive as "good happenings". When we rise too high or fall too low (emotionally speaking), we are not truely connected to the Light of the Creator or to the Energy of the Universe.
First, as I measure, I acknowledge that there are areas with great blessings for me in my life right now. There are also areas where I am not being blessed right now. How I interpret this is that these areas where I am not experiencing blessings reflect places where I am not giving enough love and where my tikun* exists. This is my "weak spot" and I am responsible for making it better. All in all, that is good news! Nothing is beyond my ability to improve! So my calling then, is to overcome these and improve myself. The main area in all of our lives that needs constant restriction is our Egos...our sense of the Self, the Individual. I personally believe we are far too separated from one another and that in order for the world to heal, for there to be peace, we all must have the same consciousness. That consciousness would be LOVE..only love.
So in August of 2010, prior to reading The Secret, I was a sad lost soul who had contemplated suicide, become a liar and a cheater and an all around selfish person who kept people at arms length or further so that I did not need to give...so that I would not be asked to participate or share or choose or put myself "out there". Slowly, after discovering there was a LoA and other powers at work, I began to emerge again from that sheltered place. I began to try new things and seek opportunities. Part of what I was destined to do, and needed to do was to meet new people and broaden my expereinces. Incidentally, meeting people and broadening my experiences became a very useful technique for me in dark times....times when I found it hard to find a happy place to meditate or clear my mind. But my outreach proved helpful, and has been my saving grace!
That summer, I had decided it was time to expand my work horizons. Also, having been unhappy in a relationship for a long time, I was wondering how it would/could improve or if it was time to end it and if so, how? When? I followed Rhonda's advice and began visualization exercises...studied The Master Key by Charles Haanel and began regular daily yoga and meditation. By October, I was offered the part-time job I wanted and had some breakthroughs in communication with my partner. I was now finally able to genuinely see the good in him instead of always focusing on the negative. By February, another remarkable transformation had occurred. This one involving my 9year old daughter, Annika M. Salgado(annikamsalgado.blogspot.com). She and I began a journey for her as a child Actor! My desire to expand business-wise was also experiencing growth in the enterprise of being a Planner/Organizer, although more slowly then I had hoped for. Summer 2011 felt like a slow period but there was a LOT of relationship-building and cooperative efforts with family. Also there was loss...due to death in the family and due to friends/relatives who were no good for me.
September 2011 rolled around and I felt like a bush that had been pruned to the trunk! My existing work had produced lovely results in deeper relationships and new contacts and increased praise and reputation. BUT...it was not my desire to grow this business and so the challenge was...knowing when to say "no" to what I do not want. I do not want to continue doing daycare. I want to expand my business enterprise to include Event Planning that will generate income. I want to write and be published and receive income. I want to work at home where I can care for my kids while receiving income. I want money in the bank...for a rainy day or a vacation! I want bills covered and then some. I want my own car. I want to sing and use my creative abilities to generate income. So September was a challenge...to keep the faith. I challenged myself to put aside the desire for money and the desire to have income to spend. I challenged myself to restrict those desires and force myself to attract the opportunities that I was passionate for!
October proved that this all works. Not only did I see the culmination of the group/family effort happen when my stepdaughter Daly was married on October 23rd, but I saw the real results of my faith. You see, when momey got tight, I got tighter. When people let me down, I stood firm. When we lost something, I had faith that something better would come to replace it. And when I turned down business so that I could create some space for my miracle...my promised blessing...it CAME! It came not once but many times. It showed itself everywhere...like a little pop-up show. I saw my miracles blossoming like a happy garden in springtime! I saw the light...because I became the light. What was I willing to give in order to receive? I gave up the thing most people cling to...security, the "sure thing" path. I believed more was possible. I should be very clear here...this was only possible because I am not the primary breadwinner for our family. In order to be blessed, I needed to give more and more and support and encourage that person who does that for me and that is my children's father! If not for his stability, I may never have been able to see this happen!
So first there was the invitation to write Blogs for money. Then there was the invitation to sing. Next was the invitation to volunteer. Then the invitation to Plan. There was the invitation to people's homes and parties. Most importantly, there was the invitation to create.
In addition to invitations, there was what I was given! I was given praise. I was given Love. I was given gifts! I was given honor and respect. I was given hope. I was given encouragement. I was given partnership. I was given opportunity! I was given a community. I was given MONEY! I received these things exactly when I needed them and in accordance with my faith.
What did I give? What did I do to earn this? Quite simply...I...WAS...THE...LIGHT.
I called people. I followed-through on promises. I stepped-out of my comfort zone. I pushed through selfish emotions. I studied and read and prayed and meditated and chanted and affirmed. I encouraged and lectured and spoke to people in the truthful way. I sometimes shed light for people and sometimes caused them to think, even to hurt as they thought, but to face the truth and not run away. I parented. I honestly listened. I responded to people. I did NOT turn away. I did not ignore. I GAVE...of myself and my talents. I did not allow insecurity or uncertainty to make me a selfish person. I showed strength under fire. I OVERLOOKED people's shortcomings.
~namaste~
*tikun is a kabbalistic view of qualities a person has, especially faults, that must be overcome in the course of their lifetime.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
~LOVE~The Crooks' Wedding~LOVE~
It is wonderful when you see love...real love. It is a gift when marriage is about real love. In the case of my dear stepdaughter and my new son-in-law, LOVE was the center focus of their wedding and will continue to spearhead the marriage. As I write this, they are travelling in The Poconos enjoying their honeymoon. I do hope they are having a great time! Their wedding was gorgeous. The theme of the wedding was "Red Roses". On each table at the reception were personalized m&m's housed in the hollow of a plastic car. Each table also held a camera in a paper-covering with red roses. The centerpieces of the table were exquisitely appointed 2 ft glass vases, lit...with a Red Roses bouquet at the top. Everything was elegant. From the moment you stepped into the reception, you were relaxed and comfortable. The dj had great energy and dancing took a center focus, as a major part of PuertoRican culture. I for one thoroughly enjoyed watching all my loved ones dance...they are such great dancers! As awkward as I felt, I spent a bit of time out there with them and even danced with 3 gentlemen myself (she's still got it folks!)
The ceremony itself was serene. Guests quietly reflected while awaiting the arrival of a Bride so beautiful she was heaven-divined. The wedding party was perfect in their red and black and white. Every man, woman and child was in awe as they stood for that Bride...escorted by both Mom and Dad, and greeted by an eager Groom. There was a lot of Love by the Lake that day. The Limo driver, photographer and videographer were all a special part of this day...they operated so smoothly and gently that they never took a moment's focus from the Bride and Groom or the other important elements of the day. Instead they captured tender moments everywhere and enhanced the enjoyment of the day! The Coordinator of the day, Ms. Tracy Hill from Crystal Lake Golf Club, was exceptionally graceful and reassuring! Her waitstaff gave us the utmost care...especially Hailey and Ryan who served in our rehearsal dinner and also on the Wedding day. Hailey served us generously, even standing in the cold with us while we completed the professional photos and giving her jacket to the shiverring flower girl! The level of professionalism shown by each and every vendor was beyond anything I have seen before. It has made such an impact on me!
In preparing for the day, the Bride and her entourage arrived by Limo 2 hours ahead, and were given a special room to prepare themselves. The Groom and his party spent some time in the Pub (mostly just in the doorway), out of sight of the Bride. The Groomsmen and the Bridesmaids each carefully protecting the Groom and Bride from accidentally seeing each other. The Father of the Bride paced nervously with the Ring Bearer and several of the younger Groomsemen entertained us on a nearby piano. All the while, the photographer and videographer captured special moments that would otherwise be forgotten! It was Sunny and warm with a slight breeze all day and into the evening. As the sun disappeared, the temperatures plummetted but we would not notice as the party busily heated-up the dance floor.
The arrival of the Wedding Party to the Reception was met with excitement. The Bride danced with her new Husband and also her Father. Guests buzzed around the head table and showered loving words and hugs and kisses to their favorite people of the day! The food was delicious that night. I myself had an exceptionally wonderful Vegetarian dish, but both the Chicke and Beff looked delicious as well. There were no complaints about the food at our table...nor the service! The Garter/Bouquet-catch proved to be the "show" of the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, calling it a night at a whopping 9pm! The Father-of-the-Bride and I had to usher home a very sleepy Ring-Bearer and Flower Girl.
My favorite part of the entire weekend actually didn't happen until the following day. The Bride and Groom came home! Let me explain...the Bride has been living with us. Their honeymoon was to start on Tuesday and so on Monday, they had arranged for visits and dinners and a little downtime. I am glad to say that their downtime was here at my home. I feel it has been a privilege to serve them and be a part of their special wedding period...however long it lasts! My children SO adore their Sister and their New Brother, that we could not keep them apart. But as is their generously loving nature, they warmly embraced the kids and allowed them to play with them and rest with them and ended up having some very unexpected bonding time! We sadly saw them leave....knowing they are happy and that we are forever changed...by their Love.
~namaste~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)