I have finally realized that my “everything” is my soul and every other relationship that has ever been part of my life is temporary; to provide an experience only available as a human. Some relationships last for years and others end with the blink of an eye. No matter the length, they are all necessary for our growth.
As I reflect on my past relationships, I notice that the souls I did not like when I first met them are the very ones that eventually became good friends. It is an odd observation that has caused me to contemplate why that is true. My best answer is that one or both of us grew because of the lessons the relationship offered.
I have often said that God/Source is the biggest people user there ever was. I believe that is why we are here. We are mixed and matched over and over to help each other evolve. I also believe that is why we are all alike, yet different. It is much like baking a batch of cookies, some are underdone, some are overdone and some are just right, but they all came from the same dough.
When the time comes to let go of a relationship that has provided love it is difficult, but it is also necessary. It is important to realize that the soul has more work to do, whether on earth or in another realm. The only relationship that is ours to keep forever is the one we have with our soul.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Pure Love
Pure love just is- it needs no explanation, but when we ask for understanding it will be given. Last night I asked the Universe to help me understand why I had experienced the ultimate spiritual love connection with a male soul; that being his twin flame soulmate. He did not feel the same toward me. It made absolutely no sense. I knew I hadn’t made it up nor was I crazy.
I have now been given the answer. IT WAS A PERSONAL GIFT FROM THE UNIVERSE TO ME and had very little to do with any other soul. Receiving this gift taught me how it feels to love from the heart, using no other body parts.
Out of all the souls currently inhibiting a human body, this man was chosen to assist the Universe in delivering this magnificent gift of love. It reminds me of something that occurred while I was a columnist interviewing a friend for his life story. I believe I am to share it to make my point.
Hank had served in Vietnam and as a result carried around much mental baggage. His most stressful memory was that of being shot at while occupying a fox hole with a young soldier. Hank lived; the young man died in his arms.
While listening to him express his unresolved anger about this incident a message came to me to give him. It was, “Hank, of all the soldiers on that battlefield, you were the one chosen to help this young man die.”
His view immediately changed and I could feel his anger with God/Source diminishing. I promised Hank I wouldn’t put this information in his story, which I didn’t, but it seems it is now time to share it with other souls.
Pure love needs no explanation it just is!
I have now been given the answer. IT WAS A PERSONAL GIFT FROM THE UNIVERSE TO ME and had very little to do with any other soul. Receiving this gift taught me how it feels to love from the heart, using no other body parts.
Out of all the souls currently inhibiting a human body, this man was chosen to assist the Universe in delivering this magnificent gift of love. It reminds me of something that occurred while I was a columnist interviewing a friend for his life story. I believe I am to share it to make my point.
Hank had served in Vietnam and as a result carried around much mental baggage. His most stressful memory was that of being shot at while occupying a fox hole with a young soldier. Hank lived; the young man died in his arms.
While listening to him express his unresolved anger about this incident a message came to me to give him. It was, “Hank, of all the soldiers on that battlefield, you were the one chosen to help this young man die.”
His view immediately changed and I could feel his anger with God/Source diminishing. I promised Hank I wouldn’t put this information in his story, which I didn’t, but it seems it is now time to share it with other souls.
Pure love needs no explanation it just is!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
How to Grow a $6.00 Chicken
Now that I have your attention I confess the chicken is no longer living, but be assured it gave up its life for a good cause. This post is about stretching a roasted chicken I purchased for $6.00. Gotcha!
First, I removed the arms and legs and ate the arms for lunch and a leg for dinner yesterday. Today I cut off most of the remaining meat and tossed the carcass into a pot of water along with some chopped celery and onion. I let it simmer until I had a nice broth and easily picked off the clinging pieces of meat from the carcass.
Next I combined the pieces with others I had chopped up from the rest of the bird. I tossed them back into the pot of water (now broth) with a couple of cans of low sodium chicken broth and a few of my favorite seasonings such as, parsley flakes, thyme, salt & pepper and celery flakes.
After bringing it all to a boil I added a package of frozen vegetables and a cup of Ditalini (tiny tube pasta).I let it simmer for 10 minutes. Soup anyone? As I have previously mentioned on another post, it is one of my very favorite things to create in my kitchen.
To recap in case you lost track of my little chicken, I had two meals yesterday, made a large pot of soup and have enough white meat left for at least three more meals.
That's how you grow a $6.00 chicken!
First, I removed the arms and legs and ate the arms for lunch and a leg for dinner yesterday. Today I cut off most of the remaining meat and tossed the carcass into a pot of water along with some chopped celery and onion. I let it simmer until I had a nice broth and easily picked off the clinging pieces of meat from the carcass.
Next I combined the pieces with others I had chopped up from the rest of the bird. I tossed them back into the pot of water (now broth) with a couple of cans of low sodium chicken broth and a few of my favorite seasonings such as, parsley flakes, thyme, salt & pepper and celery flakes.
After bringing it all to a boil I added a package of frozen vegetables and a cup of Ditalini (tiny tube pasta).I let it simmer for 10 minutes. Soup anyone? As I have previously mentioned on another post, it is one of my very favorite things to create in my kitchen.
To recap in case you lost track of my little chicken, I had two meals yesterday, made a large pot of soup and have enough white meat left for at least three more meals.
That's how you grow a $6.00 chicken!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Use Your Heart
I follow several blogs and have many friends on Facebook who offer wisdom to live by. The words that really get my attention were written from the heart of the author who knows exactly what he/she is doing. When a writer writes from their heart it resonates with the hearts of readers and often makes a difference in their lives.
What a beautiful gift to not fear sharing personal thoughts with others. I believe it is much like the lyricists who wrote some of the older songs. Some are still listened to today. They weren't just loud noises offending the eardrums. They had heart and offered messages to live by.
I am very happy that I waited until this period in my personal growth to begin writing because I do use my heart to share personal experiences with readers. Sometimes there is an advantage in being part of the older generation. I have had a lot more personal experiences to share and until someone stops me, I'm going to keep on doing exactly what I am doing- writing from my heart!
What a beautiful gift to not fear sharing personal thoughts with others. I believe it is much like the lyricists who wrote some of the older songs. Some are still listened to today. They weren't just loud noises offending the eardrums. They had heart and offered messages to live by.
I am very happy that I waited until this period in my personal growth to begin writing because I do use my heart to share personal experiences with readers. Sometimes there is an advantage in being part of the older generation. I have had a lot more personal experiences to share and until someone stops me, I'm going to keep on doing exactly what I am doing- writing from my heart!
A New Day
Waking up this morning I see why I have been led away from some of the people, who I once thought I couldn't do without. The Universe certainly has an interesting way of teaching us. On this new day I see that I am the one who evolved and they stayed exactly where they were. Unhappy controlling beings. wondering why their life isn't what they believe it should be.
The big issue in my life has always been one of control. That's what my new book, Journey of an Enlightened Egotist is all about. It is my journey from a control freak to a soul based human.
There are as many ways to control as there are people. Throughout my life I have been given a variety of experiences brought by teaching souls. All were mentally abusive leaving me to think there was something wrong with me. So I conformed, becoming a controlling person myself, until I realized that was not who I was meant to be.
February is a very short month, but so far it is proving to be a very beneficial one for me. I have taken the appropriate steps to put all controlling people on notice that if they continue to abuse me in any way I no longer need them in my life. Whether they be friends or relatives, my message to them is shape up or ship out!
Today is a new day, a bright sunshiny day with unknown opportunities just waiting to be discovered. I'm on my way.
The big issue in my life has always been one of control. That's what my new book, Journey of an Enlightened Egotist is all about. It is my journey from a control freak to a soul based human.
There are as many ways to control as there are people. Throughout my life I have been given a variety of experiences brought by teaching souls. All were mentally abusive leaving me to think there was something wrong with me. So I conformed, becoming a controlling person myself, until I realized that was not who I was meant to be.
February is a very short month, but so far it is proving to be a very beneficial one for me. I have taken the appropriate steps to put all controlling people on notice that if they continue to abuse me in any way I no longer need them in my life. Whether they be friends or relatives, my message to them is shape up or ship out!
Today is a new day, a bright sunshiny day with unknown opportunities just waiting to be discovered. I'm on my way.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Archangel Gabriel
My recent posts have been guided by the Archangel Gabriel, who helps writers write and teachers teach. It is a wonderful feeling to consciously become aware of such powerful and learned assistance. It is also very flattering to know that my writing has caught his attention.
In addition to his help with my blog he recently tried to help me with a situation involving an on again off again male friend. I have felt for some time that this man and I have a strong spiritual bond. Since the relationship is in the on position at the moment I asked "spirit" to express their opinion. That's where Archangel Gabriel came into the picture.
The most important part of asking for assistance is to listen to the advice. We humans always seem to think we know best. After all it is our life. If only I had paid attention to the advice offered I would probably not be writing this post today. I was told straight out that although the man in question and I do have a very strong spiritual bond, he is not who I am seeking. I was also informed that he has many relationship issues that will not be settled in this life time.
Did I listen? Of course not! I continued to try to make the relationship work by giving it another chance. After hearing from him today I finally realized Gabriel was absolutely right. He will never let down the draw bridge to his castle. His friendship simply comes with a higher price than I am willing to pay.
The next time I am offered advice from an Archangel I am going to listen and act accordingly!
In addition to his help with my blog he recently tried to help me with a situation involving an on again off again male friend. I have felt for some time that this man and I have a strong spiritual bond. Since the relationship is in the on position at the moment I asked "spirit" to express their opinion. That's where Archangel Gabriel came into the picture.
The most important part of asking for assistance is to listen to the advice. We humans always seem to think we know best. After all it is our life. If only I had paid attention to the advice offered I would probably not be writing this post today. I was told straight out that although the man in question and I do have a very strong spiritual bond, he is not who I am seeking. I was also informed that he has many relationship issues that will not be settled in this life time.
Did I listen? Of course not! I continued to try to make the relationship work by giving it another chance. After hearing from him today I finally realized Gabriel was absolutely right. He will never let down the draw bridge to his castle. His friendship simply comes with a higher price than I am willing to pay.
The next time I am offered advice from an Archangel I am going to listen and act accordingly!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Don't Stomp On My Flowers
In 1960 a movie starring Doris Day and David Niven came out titled Please Don't Eat the Daisies. I don't remember the exact plot, except that it was about relationships and setting boundaries. Thinking about the title formulates a picture of a field of beautiful flowers.
I believe each soul when born into a human life begins to develop a flower garden in their allotted space. It is up to each being during their time on earth to not only plant the seeds, but to fertilize, cultivate and properly care for their personal garden so that they will leave earth a little more beautiful than when they came.
On this day, February 18, 2011 there are approximately 6,900,749,011 souls in the world, according to available statistics. That number increases by 80 million each year. That's a humongous number of flower gardens being planted each day!
That number also produces an incredible amount of opportunities for other souls to stomp on the flowers in our garden anytime they choose to do so. For the protection of what belongs to us, it is our responsibility as caretakers to set guidelines and boundaries; so that the seeds we plant will thrive abundantly.
To promote good relationships other souls should be allowed to enter our spectacular garden, enjoy the beauty offered, savor the fragrances, appreciate the potpourri of color and even gently caress a blossom now and then. Other souls, no matter who they are or how important they may believe themselves to be, should never be allowed to stomp on our flowers.
I believe each soul when born into a human life begins to develop a flower garden in their allotted space. It is up to each being during their time on earth to not only plant the seeds, but to fertilize, cultivate and properly care for their personal garden so that they will leave earth a little more beautiful than when they came.
On this day, February 18, 2011 there are approximately 6,900,749,011 souls in the world, according to available statistics. That number increases by 80 million each year. That's a humongous number of flower gardens being planted each day!
That number also produces an incredible amount of opportunities for other souls to stomp on the flowers in our garden anytime they choose to do so. For the protection of what belongs to us, it is our responsibility as caretakers to set guidelines and boundaries; so that the seeds we plant will thrive abundantly.
To promote good relationships other souls should be allowed to enter our spectacular garden, enjoy the beauty offered, savor the fragrances, appreciate the potpourri of color and even gently caress a blossom now and then. Other souls, no matter who they are or how important they may believe themselves to be, should never be allowed to stomp on our flowers.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Massive White Dove
Looking up can produce some magnificent sights. The last few days have offered some beautiful white clouds over my little town. Most residents probably don't even notice. Because I have taken some very inspiring photos of clouds over the last few years I do notice and I truly appreciate every gift the Universe offers me.
As I drove into town yesterday I looked up and to my left and could not believe what I saw. It was a massive white bird, resembling a dove with outstretched wings. Its claws were clearly visible and perched on nothing except blue sky. When I realized what I was looking at the first word that came to my mind was PEACE.
I later related the vision to a friend whose response was,"send me a picture". I told her that was impossible and she would just have to take my word for it this time. The image was so huge its wing span went on for blocks. No material camera I know of could possibly have taken it all in. Like many visions I have been given in recent years this one was meant to share through my gift of words.
To believe or not to believe that I saw a massive white dove in the sky, bringing the message PEACE is of course, your choice.
Peace be with you all!
As I drove into town yesterday I looked up and to my left and could not believe what I saw. It was a massive white bird, resembling a dove with outstretched wings. Its claws were clearly visible and perched on nothing except blue sky. When I realized what I was looking at the first word that came to my mind was PEACE.
I later related the vision to a friend whose response was,"send me a picture". I told her that was impossible and she would just have to take my word for it this time. The image was so huge its wing span went on for blocks. No material camera I know of could possibly have taken it all in. Like many visions I have been given in recent years this one was meant to share through my gift of words.
To believe or not to believe that I saw a massive white dove in the sky, bringing the message PEACE is of course, your choice.
Peace be with you all!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Absence- the Silent Teacher
The anonymous quote "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is a great conversation starter. In my experience, it often gives me time to look at the whole picture and see what the experience is silently teaching me.
It also gives me time to answer some pertinent questions. For one, Is this relationship/person hurting me? Would I be better off without it? Am I depending on this relationship/person to feel loved? Is this relationship/person causing me to be less than the Universe knows that I am?
If the truthful answer to any of these questions is yes, I am learning that my next move should always be DROP IT and find someone/something better! There are billions of souls out there and many of them are waiting for me to fully wake up so that we can connect in a healthy relationship.
Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones; as the wind blows out the candle and blows up the bonfire.~Francois de la Rouchfoucauld
If I go away
What would still remain of me?
The ghost within your eyes?
The whisper in your sighs?
You see...Believe
And I'm always there.
~Jon Oliva
Can miles truly separate you from friends? If you want to be with someone you love aren't you already there?~Richard Bach
Laughter is the closest distance between two people.~Victor Borge
I'm not sure exactly why, but the words to Leonard Bernstein's beautiful song "Somewhere" just seem to fit as an end to this post.
There's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere
There's a time for us
Some day a time for us
Time together and time to spare
Time to look, time to care
Someday
Somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere
There's a place for us
A time and a place for us
Hold my hand and we're halfway there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow
Someday
Somewhere
It also gives me time to answer some pertinent questions. For one, Is this relationship/person hurting me? Would I be better off without it? Am I depending on this relationship/person to feel loved? Is this relationship/person causing me to be less than the Universe knows that I am?
If the truthful answer to any of these questions is yes, I am learning that my next move should always be DROP IT and find someone/something better! There are billions of souls out there and many of them are waiting for me to fully wake up so that we can connect in a healthy relationship.
Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones; as the wind blows out the candle and blows up the bonfire.~Francois de la Rouchfoucauld
If I go away
What would still remain of me?
The ghost within your eyes?
The whisper in your sighs?
You see...Believe
And I'm always there.
~Jon Oliva
Can miles truly separate you from friends? If you want to be with someone you love aren't you already there?~Richard Bach
Laughter is the closest distance between two people.~Victor Borge
I'm not sure exactly why, but the words to Leonard Bernstein's beautiful song "Somewhere" just seem to fit as an end to this post.
There's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere
There's a time for us
Some day a time for us
Time together and time to spare
Time to look, time to care
Someday
Somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere
There's a place for us
A time and a place for us
Hold my hand and we're halfway there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow
Someday
Somewhere
Monday, February 14, 2011
What's in a Name?
As we all know, according to Shakespeare at least, “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That seems to be an appropriate starting point for my blog post on this Valentine’s Day 2011.
Babies are given a legal name when born, which usually includes the last name of their biological father. Except in cases of adoption, a male keeps his name for the rest of his life. It is not always true with the female of the species.
Yesterday my friend Maria, who makes regular comments on my posts, and I had a lot of fun tossing this subject back and forth. It started with the fact that for personal reasons she dislikes her maiden name and after her divorce kept her ex husband’s name because it was the lesser of two evils. She said, “I would like to just be called Maria, but I don’t know if it is legal to not have a last name.”
It got me thinking- Oh no not again I heard a silent voice inside exclaim!
Although I do not have a problem with my maiden name it doesn’t fit anymore. After all I have been married twice and have three grown children. A lot of stuff has happened since I used that name. I have been divorced from my second husband for almost 12 years and kept his name because I live in a small town and I am fairly well known. I would be the only one who knew who I was if I used another name.
One good thing that happened as the result of our conversation yesterday was that I realized I no longer wish to use my last name as a published writer. That is not who I am. Without hesitation, I removed Gunn from the manuscript I will soon publish and if you notice, from my blog. From now on I am Barbara Loure`, the person I was born to be, without anyone else’s name. It feels great to be me!
Last night I remembered the very first letter to the editor that I submitted as a free woman. It was one of the first things I got by with as a published writer. The letter, written in 2000, follows with its original caption “Missing Person”
Dear Editor,
This is an appeal to the citizens of Grants and surrounding areas. Please return my first name. It is not Mrs. It was Barbara when I was born and I need it back. Donald Gunn AKA: Don or Donnie and I have been divorced since July 9, 1999.
I have lived in this town for 24 years, know almost everyone and have two jobs in public relation fields. I would think, word of mouth being what it is, people would have noticed that I am no longer married.
I would go to the top of Mt. Taylor and yell, My name isn’t Mrs., but since my divorce I don’t yell.
I am a freestanding, self sufficient female, only responsible for myself. Please, my name is Barbara, not Mrs.
Along this line of thinking, one of my pet peeves is to have a waitress refer to me as hon, sweetie or dear. I may belong to the older generation, but I am not senile. If you don’t know my name don’t say anything and please don’t call me a guy!
To cap off the online conversation Maria and I were having about names I couldn’t resist sharing a thought I had on the way home from the store yesterday. She couldn’t stop laughing.
My only daughter started out with the respectable Scottish name of Gunn. She briefly married a Stoughtenger, but kept his name because they have a son. If her plans go as expected she will change it to Semenchuck on 11/11/11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. From now on I will remember this when thinking about how smart she thinks she is.
Shakespeare was right; a name does not make us who we are. For that we just need to take a look inside.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone,
Barbara Loure` (the accent mark over the e makes it lou-ray as in "a drop of golden light")
Babies are given a legal name when born, which usually includes the last name of their biological father. Except in cases of adoption, a male keeps his name for the rest of his life. It is not always true with the female of the species.
Yesterday my friend Maria, who makes regular comments on my posts, and I had a lot of fun tossing this subject back and forth. It started with the fact that for personal reasons she dislikes her maiden name and after her divorce kept her ex husband’s name because it was the lesser of two evils. She said, “I would like to just be called Maria, but I don’t know if it is legal to not have a last name.”
It got me thinking- Oh no not again I heard a silent voice inside exclaim!
Although I do not have a problem with my maiden name it doesn’t fit anymore. After all I have been married twice and have three grown children. A lot of stuff has happened since I used that name. I have been divorced from my second husband for almost 12 years and kept his name because I live in a small town and I am fairly well known. I would be the only one who knew who I was if I used another name.
One good thing that happened as the result of our conversation yesterday was that I realized I no longer wish to use my last name as a published writer. That is not who I am. Without hesitation, I removed Gunn from the manuscript I will soon publish and if you notice, from my blog. From now on I am Barbara Loure`, the person I was born to be, without anyone else’s name. It feels great to be me!
Last night I remembered the very first letter to the editor that I submitted as a free woman. It was one of the first things I got by with as a published writer. The letter, written in 2000, follows with its original caption “Missing Person”
Dear Editor,
This is an appeal to the citizens of Grants and surrounding areas. Please return my first name. It is not Mrs. It was Barbara when I was born and I need it back. Donald Gunn AKA: Don or Donnie and I have been divorced since July 9, 1999.
I have lived in this town for 24 years, know almost everyone and have two jobs in public relation fields. I would think, word of mouth being what it is, people would have noticed that I am no longer married.
I would go to the top of Mt. Taylor and yell, My name isn’t Mrs., but since my divorce I don’t yell.
I am a freestanding, self sufficient female, only responsible for myself. Please, my name is Barbara, not Mrs.
Along this line of thinking, one of my pet peeves is to have a waitress refer to me as hon, sweetie or dear. I may belong to the older generation, but I am not senile. If you don’t know my name don’t say anything and please don’t call me a guy!
To cap off the online conversation Maria and I were having about names I couldn’t resist sharing a thought I had on the way home from the store yesterday. She couldn’t stop laughing.
My only daughter started out with the respectable Scottish name of Gunn. She briefly married a Stoughtenger, but kept his name because they have a son. If her plans go as expected she will change it to Semenchuck on 11/11/11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. From now on I will remember this when thinking about how smart she thinks she is.
Shakespeare was right; a name does not make us who we are. For that we just need to take a look inside.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone,
Barbara Loure` (the accent mark over the e makes it lou-ray as in "a drop of golden light")
Friday, February 11, 2011
Did I or Didn't I?
For readers who are wondering if I did or didn't submit my manuscript yesterday, The answer is yes and no. Confused? Please read on.
After finally getting over the fear of entering into a relationship I had ambivalent feelings about I accessed the Lulu.com website and found that my previously saved password no longer worked. After several frustrating tries to login I clicked help. Apparently they got tired of waiting for me to publish and I had to create a new password. Oddly it was a perfect fit for this, my 3rd published book.
As my confidence improved I tried to follow the instructions. First I typed in the title and choose the type of paper and size of the finished book. This isn't hard, I thought. I followed the instructions and my document was loaded onto the site. As I scanned the document I noticed that it was off by two lines. I played around with the tool bar provided, but was unable to fix the problem.
Everything was there, including a sketch and a spirit photo, but something was wrong. I realized the document was taking more pages than I really wanted it to. I don't like wasting things, including space. Since I didn't know how to edit I saved it and went on to the front and back cover. It didn't take me long to realize there was no way that I was going to complete this part without "on site" help.
At this point the stress I had experienced yesterday from procrastinating came back full force. I remember expressing words that I do not care to share. I went back to the document page and pushed delete!! I decided I am very happy that I have been sharing the manuscript with others in the form of a word CD. Who needs it to be published in the form of a book anyway, I thought.
I shared my decision with an online friend who has been very supportive. She suggested taking a break and thinking about things. She also suggested meditating, which is something I do not do very well. I have been told that I am a "moving meditator", meaning that my body needs to be doing something so that my mind can communicate with my higher power. I have actually found this to be true.
When I got up this morning I was still happy with my decision, even though my friend said she felt strongly that my manuscript is supposed to be published. Since the Universe has not provided hands on help I did not see that happening.
I followed my usual morning routine and went to the family center to walk and exercise. I had the whole place to myself so I began thinking about yesterday's stressful happenings, trying not to be negative. I sorted out what was wrong and what was right. I decided one of the big problems was spacing and it was fixable by me. It would reduce the number of pages by a third, which was acceptable. I also realized I had managed to load the document once so I could do it again.
I had a workable plan! I just needed to stop at the point of creating the covers and find hands on help. All was not lost after all. So to rephrase my answer to the question, "did I or didn't I?" the new answer is not quite yet, but I am making positive progress. Stay tuned!!
After finally getting over the fear of entering into a relationship I had ambivalent feelings about I accessed the Lulu.com website and found that my previously saved password no longer worked. After several frustrating tries to login I clicked help. Apparently they got tired of waiting for me to publish and I had to create a new password. Oddly it was a perfect fit for this, my 3rd published book.
As my confidence improved I tried to follow the instructions. First I typed in the title and choose the type of paper and size of the finished book. This isn't hard, I thought. I followed the instructions and my document was loaded onto the site. As I scanned the document I noticed that it was off by two lines. I played around with the tool bar provided, but was unable to fix the problem.
Everything was there, including a sketch and a spirit photo, but something was wrong. I realized the document was taking more pages than I really wanted it to. I don't like wasting things, including space. Since I didn't know how to edit I saved it and went on to the front and back cover. It didn't take me long to realize there was no way that I was going to complete this part without "on site" help.
At this point the stress I had experienced yesterday from procrastinating came back full force. I remember expressing words that I do not care to share. I went back to the document page and pushed delete!! I decided I am very happy that I have been sharing the manuscript with others in the form of a word CD. Who needs it to be published in the form of a book anyway, I thought.
I shared my decision with an online friend who has been very supportive. She suggested taking a break and thinking about things. She also suggested meditating, which is something I do not do very well. I have been told that I am a "moving meditator", meaning that my body needs to be doing something so that my mind can communicate with my higher power. I have actually found this to be true.
When I got up this morning I was still happy with my decision, even though my friend said she felt strongly that my manuscript is supposed to be published. Since the Universe has not provided hands on help I did not see that happening.
I followed my usual morning routine and went to the family center to walk and exercise. I had the whole place to myself so I began thinking about yesterday's stressful happenings, trying not to be negative. I sorted out what was wrong and what was right. I decided one of the big problems was spacing and it was fixable by me. It would reduce the number of pages by a third, which was acceptable. I also realized I had managed to load the document once so I could do it again.
I had a workable plan! I just needed to stop at the point of creating the covers and find hands on help. All was not lost after all. So to rephrase my answer to the question, "did I or didn't I?" the new answer is not quite yet, but I am making positive progress. Stay tuned!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Procrastination Causes Stress
Today I am procrastinating and yes it does cause stress. So why am I doing it you might ask? The simplest answer I can come up with is -fear.
Since my second book was published in 2005 I have been working on a manuscript. It took five years to write because I first had to live the experiences that I was led to share through my writing. This book is important and I know it is time to get it published so that I can take the next step. I intend to travel and write about people I meet on my journey.
It is not the contents of the book that I am concerned about. By the way, the official title is Journey of an Enlightened Egotist. It has been called several things through it's creation, including A Whole in the Middle and Cut out the Crap.
I have decided to self-publish this book through Lulu.com and that is what is causing my current procrastination. It is the literal mechanics of their particular formatting that has me nervous. I have never worked with them before and at the moment do not have the confidence I need to push the submit button. Computer literacy is not my strong point, partly due to the decade I was born in.
Until five months ago my daughter was the person I turned to when I had a computer question or problem. She is no longer available for assistance, which has taught me a valuable life lesson. I learned that depending exclusively on anyone other than myself is not a good idea. I just never know when that person will cease to exist in my life.
It was my goal when I got up this morning to actually push the submit button and get Journey of an Enlightened Egotist on its way. I distinctly remember uttering the words before I got out of bed, "Today I intend to..." I know the longer I procrastinate the more stress I am causing myself. As my deceased mother would have said, "Either do it or get off the pot!"
Since my second book was published in 2005 I have been working on a manuscript. It took five years to write because I first had to live the experiences that I was led to share through my writing. This book is important and I know it is time to get it published so that I can take the next step. I intend to travel and write about people I meet on my journey.
It is not the contents of the book that I am concerned about. By the way, the official title is Journey of an Enlightened Egotist. It has been called several things through it's creation, including A Whole in the Middle and Cut out the Crap.
I have decided to self-publish this book through Lulu.com and that is what is causing my current procrastination. It is the literal mechanics of their particular formatting that has me nervous. I have never worked with them before and at the moment do not have the confidence I need to push the submit button. Computer literacy is not my strong point, partly due to the decade I was born in.
Until five months ago my daughter was the person I turned to when I had a computer question or problem. She is no longer available for assistance, which has taught me a valuable life lesson. I learned that depending exclusively on anyone other than myself is not a good idea. I just never know when that person will cease to exist in my life.
It was my goal when I got up this morning to actually push the submit button and get Journey of an Enlightened Egotist on its way. I distinctly remember uttering the words before I got out of bed, "Today I intend to..." I know the longer I procrastinate the more stress I am causing myself. As my deceased mother would have said, "Either do it or get off the pot!"
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Perfect Day
CELEBRATE
An angelic celebration takes place
When two souls realize they are one
Not held back by earthly boundaries
Going in the same direction at the same time
With no clear destination
Not understanding how it happened
Acknowledging that it did and
going to any length to nurture the bond.
Barbara Loure` Gunn
1999
For a perfect day leading to a perfect life
always follow your heart.
An angelic celebration takes place
When two souls realize they are one
Not held back by earthly boundaries
Going in the same direction at the same time
With no clear destination
Not understanding how it happened
Acknowledging that it did and
going to any length to nurture the bond.
Barbara Loure` Gunn
1999
For a perfect day leading to a perfect life
always follow your heart.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Re-thinking is Good!
A couple of days ago I found a quote on a blogger post that I thought was very wise when I read it. I passed it along as a facebook post and received several positive comments. Thinking, this is really good, I used it as my opening statement in an email to a friend. He inspired me to re-think my words.
The statement I was led to re-think was: From your perspective I can see why you think as you do, but I'm not responsible for the way you think. I am only responsible for the way I think. Anyone see anything wrong with this?
After re-thinking, the glare from the arrogance was blinding me! Unless we have lived the life of another and experienced their experiences,there is no possible way one person can know what the perspective of anyone else is.
From my own perspective and experiences I can understand how I believe another might think/feel, but that is as close as it gets.
This is why I think it is so important for people to share experiences by the simple act of communication. It is one of the big reasons I write my blog; to share my everyday experiences with the hope of inspiring another to re-think things that happen to them.
Thanks Gabriel!
The statement I was led to re-think was: From your perspective I can see why you think as you do, but I'm not responsible for the way you think. I am only responsible for the way I think. Anyone see anything wrong with this?
After re-thinking, the glare from the arrogance was blinding me! Unless we have lived the life of another and experienced their experiences,there is no possible way one person can know what the perspective of anyone else is.
From my own perspective and experiences I can understand how I believe another might think/feel, but that is as close as it gets.
This is why I think it is so important for people to share experiences by the simple act of communication. It is one of the big reasons I write my blog; to share my everyday experiences with the hope of inspiring another to re-think things that happen to them.
Thanks Gabriel!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A Human Bridge
Yesterday I was a participant in a wondrous Universal experience that I believe I am to share to help others believe in the power of following their intuition. I have a friend who has known since she was a teenager that she is an “earth angel”. She has a strong connection with angels who reside in another realm. I do not doubt that she has the ability to receive messages from them. Her job is to pass them on to her fellow humans. She is much like a human bridge between the unseen and the seen. Even though she has been given a very special spiritual gift she asks the angels to always “keep me humble.”
She and I understand we are messengers, each in our own way. Sharing our spiritual gifts with one another has provided a close friendship that we have come to appreciate. Lately I have been having a concern with my relationship with someone else. I know how I feel, but I do not know how the other person feels. The gap in knowledge is bothering me- a lot! I finally followed my intuition and asked my earth angel friend if she had any feelings about this matter. She said she would ask her angels and get back to me.
Yesterday she did just that and the answer was more than I anticipated- much more. It seems her source, which I had assumed were ordinary angels, turned out to be the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael no less!! Wow do I ever feel special!
The information they offered made perfect sense in every detail. Gabriel told me exactly what I needed to do if I wanted to wake up my sleepy friend. Both Archangels added their thoughts about what could happen in the future with this person. I did exactly what Gabriel suggested that I do. I am certainly not going to argue with Archangels. What happens next is not up to me nor Gabriel or Raphael. I need to trust Source/God that it will be for the highest good of everyone involved.
I have had some previous experience with Archangels and I know they listen to us when we sincerely ask for help. After I did what I was asked to do I referred to Doreen Virtue’s book Angels 101, refreshing my memory on these particular angels. I found that Raphael, whose name means “he who heals”, guides healers and would be healers. He is one of only three sainted Archangels. The others are Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel, whose name means “messenger of God”, helps messengers such as, writers, teachers and journalists.
As I was sitting at my computer, absorbing the experience and looking at items hung on my wall, my eyes landed on a 12” long dark yellow wooden angel I had purchased at the dollar store. My reaction was- oh my God! Part of the information I had just read in the angel book said Gabriel's color is dark yellow. Adding to my amazement, there is a mate to this wooden angel hanging outside my front door. Believe it or not, it is green, the color represented by Raphael.
Even though my “earth angel” friend is simply a bridge she is a mighty strong one. Thank you Angels for your help!
She and I understand we are messengers, each in our own way. Sharing our spiritual gifts with one another has provided a close friendship that we have come to appreciate. Lately I have been having a concern with my relationship with someone else. I know how I feel, but I do not know how the other person feels. The gap in knowledge is bothering me- a lot! I finally followed my intuition and asked my earth angel friend if she had any feelings about this matter. She said she would ask her angels and get back to me.
Yesterday she did just that and the answer was more than I anticipated- much more. It seems her source, which I had assumed were ordinary angels, turned out to be the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael no less!! Wow do I ever feel special!
The information they offered made perfect sense in every detail. Gabriel told me exactly what I needed to do if I wanted to wake up my sleepy friend. Both Archangels added their thoughts about what could happen in the future with this person. I did exactly what Gabriel suggested that I do. I am certainly not going to argue with Archangels. What happens next is not up to me nor Gabriel or Raphael. I need to trust Source/God that it will be for the highest good of everyone involved.
I have had some previous experience with Archangels and I know they listen to us when we sincerely ask for help. After I did what I was asked to do I referred to Doreen Virtue’s book Angels 101, refreshing my memory on these particular angels. I found that Raphael, whose name means “he who heals”, guides healers and would be healers. He is one of only three sainted Archangels. The others are Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel, whose name means “messenger of God”, helps messengers such as, writers, teachers and journalists.
As I was sitting at my computer, absorbing the experience and looking at items hung on my wall, my eyes landed on a 12” long dark yellow wooden angel I had purchased at the dollar store. My reaction was- oh my God! Part of the information I had just read in the angel book said Gabriel's color is dark yellow. Adding to my amazement, there is a mate to this wooden angel hanging outside my front door. Believe it or not, it is green, the color represented by Raphael.
Even though my “earth angel” friend is simply a bridge she is a mighty strong one. Thank you Angels for your help!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Patience Yuk!!
My water problem or lack of running water still exists and there isn't a thing I can do about it except be patient. The best I could do was place my name on a plumber's list. Patience yuk!
There are people in worse situations due to our unusually cold weather and I try to keep that in mind. Many residents in surrounding cities have no natural gas and are having to go to centers just to keep warm. I have a nice warm house and plenty of food so I guess continuing patience is not a big deal.
The good thing is the weather is supposed to warm up. Maybe by the time the plumber gets to my name my pipes will have thawed and he will simply repair the one that burst and my life will get back to normal.
When things like this happen I always try to remember that there are those who don't even have a home. I'm thinking in particular of a man who wanders around town every day with everything he owns in a backpack. I often see him in the morning as I drive to the center to walk. I pray he has found shelter and is safe. Nobody deserves to live like that.
If a lack of patience is the only thing I have to deal with during the worst weather of recent years I am grateful that the Universe is looking out for me.
There are people in worse situations due to our unusually cold weather and I try to keep that in mind. Many residents in surrounding cities have no natural gas and are having to go to centers just to keep warm. I have a nice warm house and plenty of food so I guess continuing patience is not a big deal.
The good thing is the weather is supposed to warm up. Maybe by the time the plumber gets to my name my pipes will have thawed and he will simply repair the one that burst and my life will get back to normal.
When things like this happen I always try to remember that there are those who don't even have a home. I'm thinking in particular of a man who wanders around town every day with everything he owns in a backpack. I often see him in the morning as I drive to the center to walk. I pray he has found shelter and is safe. Nobody deserves to live like that.
If a lack of patience is the only thing I have to deal with during the worst weather of recent years I am grateful that the Universe is looking out for me.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Water Water
I followed my intuition plus added everything I know about avoiding freezing water pipes, but one section under my house has been frozen since yesterday morning. There wasn't much I could do except think happy thoughts and picture the pipes thawing. Nothing seemed to be changed this morning until about 10:00 A.M. when I heard a very loud noise under the house. Yep the pipe had burst and water was, I imagined, pouring out.
During the last few years I have had much practice with broken water pipes so my first move was to go outside in the freezing cold, remove the door to my water closet and turn off the water to the house. Next I called a plumber, who of course didn't answer his phone. I'm sure I am not the only one of my neighbors with a similar problem. I left a clear message detailing my situation.
I then decided I had better go to the store and pick up some extra drinking water just in case. While there I noticed that a young friend of mine who has in the past repaired my pipes had the day off. When I got home I called his number and reached his wife, who was very understanding of my situation. She promised to relay the message to her husband when he returned from an errand.
Well my dear Universe I have done all I can from this end, the rest is up to you. Although I would have plenty of running water if I turned it back on, I have no desire to live under my house. Do something please!
During the last few years I have had much practice with broken water pipes so my first move was to go outside in the freezing cold, remove the door to my water closet and turn off the water to the house. Next I called a plumber, who of course didn't answer his phone. I'm sure I am not the only one of my neighbors with a similar problem. I left a clear message detailing my situation.
I then decided I had better go to the store and pick up some extra drinking water just in case. While there I noticed that a young friend of mine who has in the past repaired my pipes had the day off. When I got home I called his number and reached his wife, who was very understanding of my situation. She promised to relay the message to her husband when he returned from an errand.
Well my dear Universe I have done all I can from this end, the rest is up to you. Although I would have plenty of running water if I turned it back on, I have no desire to live under my house. Do something please!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Short Circuit
The next time we have an electric storm I think I will attach an antenna to my head and stand in the pouring rain, looking heavenward. Perhaps it will short circuit my habitual responses to people close to me who think I am less than I know I am.
Dr. Wayne Dyer suggests,"What other people think of me is none of my business" and Don Miguel Ruiz teaches,"Don"t take anything personally". That's a little hard to grasp when someone is in my face calling me names loud enough for others to hear. My knee-jerk response has always been anger, hurt and wondering what I did to cause such a negative point of view from this person. Followed of course, by examining my life to see if the offensive soul could possibly be right in their opinion.
Just because I have always reacted that way, assuming the role of the victim, does not mean I have to continue on that path. Anybody can change if they really want to. When our reaction to an experience causes us to think less of our self it is time to stop and change course. Believing anything someone else believes about us is the same as giving them permission to live our life.
Maybe I don't really need to stand in the rain, with an antenna on my head, in an electric storm, to short circuit my habitual responses. Perhaps I just need to picture the absurdity of letting someone else live my life. There is only room in my body for me!
Dr. Wayne Dyer suggests,"What other people think of me is none of my business" and Don Miguel Ruiz teaches,"Don"t take anything personally". That's a little hard to grasp when someone is in my face calling me names loud enough for others to hear. My knee-jerk response has always been anger, hurt and wondering what I did to cause such a negative point of view from this person. Followed of course, by examining my life to see if the offensive soul could possibly be right in their opinion.
Just because I have always reacted that way, assuming the role of the victim, does not mean I have to continue on that path. Anybody can change if they really want to. When our reaction to an experience causes us to think less of our self it is time to stop and change course. Believing anything someone else believes about us is the same as giving them permission to live our life.
Maybe I don't really need to stand in the rain, with an antenna on my head, in an electric storm, to short circuit my habitual responses. Perhaps I just need to picture the absurdity of letting someone else live my life. There is only room in my body for me!
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