Thursday, April 28, 2011

Following the Yellow Brick Road

Well now that God/Source has determined that the manuscript I have been working on for five years is truly finished and I have received instructions on how to share it with the world it is time to start over once again. This time it will be with a refreshed attitude and a focus on a real goal.

Exactly like my current life, I plan to rewrite some material I previously offered at the beginning of my writing career; leaving out the parts that acted as an anchor and drug it down. Re-writing with a brand new prospective will be challenging and exciting. I have known for some time that this project will be titled, Spirits of Cibola County. I wouldn't be surprised if it included some of the beautiful local photos I have taken along the way.

Like Dorothy I am off to see the Wizard and find the wonderful talented person who was hiding inside all the time! Since I don't have a scarecrow, a tin man, or a lion to help me, I'm sure my many supportive friends will do just fine!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

It's Over

Wow! This has been an interesting, educational and busy extended holiday weekend. At the beginning of last week I thought I would be spending Easter alone, but the universe apparently had other plans. My oldest son was able to come for a visit and just left this morning. He brought along his computer knowledge and built in patience as a teacher. As a result, my computer has more memory and I know more than I knew a week ago about what I can do with it.

I now have a copyright on my newest project,"Journey of an Enlightened Egotist". I was not aware that it is now done electronically. My first two books were done the hard way- literally! I remember making hard copies, having them bound and shipping them off to the appropriate office. This time it was so much easier and the book is now official. I felt like God was saying, "It is finished stop messing with it and move on to your next project!"

In regards to this project, my son is in the process of making it available on Amazon as a Kindle in a few days. In my heart I knew it was not supposed to be published as a hardcover book. I had recently attempted to do that on Lulu.com and ended up deleting it because my intuition was telling me that was not where it belonged. I have always known this project was meant to be self-published in some form. I do not want an editor to change one word. This is how the Kindle cover will look, the photo is mine.


My son also listed my previously published books, Wake Up! and A Gathering of Spirit on half.com. I have had copies sitting in a box in my closet for years not going anywhere. When you have limited resources and electronic knowledge it is difficult to promote projects. These books are timeless so it really doesn't matter that they were written several years ago.

In exchange for computer help I cooked up some scrumptious meals for my house guest, using my special talent. He didn't have to cook and we didn't have to eat alone. We also watched two movies neither of us had seen; The King's Speech and Secretariat. Both were excellent.

All in all it was an interesting, educational and busy holiday weekend that I am very grateful for having experienced.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter Rituals

Looking back on past Easter rituals simply confirms that I am no longer who I was. As with my families lives, I have moved on. It no longer means, participating in lent, buying new clothes to wear to church services, dyeing and hiding eggs, cooking special foods for a traditional family dinner.

Until last night I planned on spending Easter alone, except for my cats Ebony and Smokey. It looks as if my oldest son might be joining me for a couple of days. His company will not only be welcome, but I will have an in house computer expert to assist me with my current problems. He might even help me figure out the best way to publish my new project, Journey of an Enlightened Egotist.

So now I am off to the store to purchase things that we both like to eat to make my son's visit a happy occasion. It really doesn't take rituals it just takes love and a willingness to make it happen. Isn't that what Easter is all about?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

A Nickel's Worth of Wisdom

While cleaning up my yard yesterday I reached for a plastic bag that had been caught on a cactus. My eyes spotted a shinny nickel lying on the ground as if dropped from the sky. It was not the least bit dirty.

Intrigued, I picked it up and placed it in my pocket. After finishing my yard work I checked out my find. I noted the date was 1998. That was the year before my journey of "conscious" awakening began. I had finished raising my three children and it was time to move on to another phase of my life. My interest in the nickel was peaked.

Many times universal messages come in the form of numbers. I reached for my copy of Betty Bethard's, The Dream Book, which provides symbols for understanding. First I looked up the meaning of the numbers individually:

one= new beginnings, oneness with God,unity of life
nine= completion, ending of the old, triple trinity
eight= cosmic consciousness, infinity

Because I know numbers are to be added to achieve the ultimate message I did just that.
1+9+9+8= 27 2+7=9

Aha! That brings me back to completion, ending of the old and triple trinity. The message could not be more perfect. Just as in 1998 my current life is on the brink of another phase. The difference is because of hard work and a conscious willingness to learn, I have acquired a ton of spiritual knowledge. I know the time has come to use what I have learned to help others.

I don't need a crystal ball when Source/God drops nickels of wisdom at my feet!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Riding the Wave

Thank you Mercury I have had a ball riding your wave of energy, or lack thereof!

My life is so much better now than it was on March 30 when your astral "interference" began. The communications that didn't work gave me time to re-think many relationships and even end some. I would never have done that without you.

Other glitches, such as a pebble causing a crack in my windshield, allowed me to be grateful that I have buy back insurance and it will only cost $100 instead of $700.

The terrible winds we have had in New Mexico have caused me to again be grateful that I live in a state that does not have disastrous weather, such as tornadoes and earthquakes. It made me appreciate my little town even more.

Other things have happened that will increase my income in the near future. It was nothing I did. I was just in the right place at the right time. Mercury has pushed me to stand back a little and look at the whole picture of my life. That in turn resulted in, for once in my life, putting me first.What a concept that was!

I'm sure there are many people who are blaming Mercury for all the terrible things they think have happened to them in the last three weeks. I for one am very grateful for riding the wave of its energy.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Attracting Souls

Looking around my world this morning at the people I feel closest to I realize once again that those I am most comfortable with are the ones who are not afraid to be who they are. They come in all ages and without effort, shine their light for all to see. It is so refreshing to be around people who do not hide from others.

Because I am a blogger I am always amused by writers who start blogs and web sites and never put anything on them. Oh, they might write one or two posts and actually go to the trouble of creating an attractive opening page, but that's it. Some writers hide behind their alter ego or a cartoon image, which to me is also interesting. It makes me wonder why they are not sharing who they really are.

From my own experiences, I know what fear of being who you are is all about. I spent many many years being afraid to let anyone else know me, being afraid to let love in. The reason was basically because I had allowed numerous people to hurt me, until I reached the point of not trusting anyone. I hid behind the titles of daughter, wife and mother and used them as built in excuses to not be the authentic me.

It is very easy to blame others for the condition of our life. It is just as easy to let go of the collection of negative energy and take full responsibility for our own life.

In 1999 I decided this is enough!! I started on a conscious path to rid my life of all negative people and things. Believe me it didn't happen overnight and I still occasionally attract some of those souls. Maybe it is a test to see how long I will tolerate them. I am getting better, but sometimes someone will stick like a bug to fly paper, until I remember my job is not to fix anyone; not even myself.

My only job is to just relax and enjoy being me. That's a full time job that I am beginning to love. I also love the souls that I am now attracting to my life.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Cleaning Up the Leftovers

I spent the morning participating in an indoor yard sale at our family center. I didn't make a whole lot of money, but I did dispose of material things that either reminded me of someone I no longer want in my life or things that once belonged to someone else and I had been left to take care of them.

I had very little to bring back home and I was relieved that I am now down to what actually belongs to me and is truly my responsibility. That is with the exception of a playhouse full of toys my grandson no longer plays with. My attitude about that is, that's his problem. Since it isn't actually in my house I can't see it.

When I think back to all the things that have been dumped on me in the past I really have to laugh. My mother died unexpectedly in 1987 and I was responsible for dealing with an apartment full of her junk. It took 10 days to filter through all the material things she had collected over 70+ years. To say she was a pack rat is putting it mildly!

Next came my divorce from my husband of 27 years in 1999. When he moved out he left behind a large shed full of garbage that I had to again filter through. It took months. Although he had tools and thought of himself as a handyman of sorts he did not take care of his possessions. Not even himself, now that I think about it! That may be part of the reason we are no longer together!

Then came my darling daughter, who in 2001 decided to move to New York state to be with her new husband and await the birth of their son. She was at the time in her last trimester, so I suppose I should take her hormones into consideration. As a parting gift she left me with all sorts of crap; including a garage floor upon which she had dumped all the items left over from a yard sale she had with her mother-in-law. Bye bye sweetheart do have a nice life!

Excuse me, when did I become the local garbage attendant? Did that happen when I became a mother in 1960? If I had known then what I know now...well you know the rest of that I suppose.

Official notice to the world- I am no longer in the business of taking care of other people's left overs!

Friday, April 15, 2011

A Sincere Apology

It appears that I may owe jts a very sincere apology for "assuming" the bearded photo I published earlier this week was of him. I have just been informed by the man himself that my assumption was incorrect. However; the question in the post titled, "Mug Shot" was not is this man jts? The question was, is the photo and the image in the water the same man?

My conclusion was they are not even close!

Technically, I do not owe anyone an apology, but because I am an honest person I will offer it anyway. Looks as if the spirits are having a wonderful time leading me astray this week. There is a reason for everything!

The sketch of the man in the water is still a mystery and may forever remain that way. I have always felt it is someone very special that I am destined to meet someday, somewhere.

The two photos did provide an unusual blog post, if nothing else. Amusing others is apparently part of my job. As I have said before, I know I often give God/Source plenty to laugh about.

The post/posts in question have now been removed from view. Whether you accept my sincere apology is entirely up to you jts.

I Killed My Best Friend

This morning I read a FB post written by the mother of a little boy who is celebrating his birthday today. The mother decided the best gift she could give her son was to stop smoking- now. The post touched me so much I sent her a copy of an article I wrote seven years after I stopped smoking. Then I decided to share it with the rest of my readers because sharing my experiences is the reason I write this blog.

I KILLED MY BEST FRIEND

For a variety of reasons I grew up having very little self-esteem. When I graduated from high school I had no clue what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life. I had been an average student who finished school because it was expected. At 19 I was a very lonely person who desperately needed a best friend.

The friend I choose for the next forty years was three inches tall, smelled bad, controlled my life and led me in the direction of poor health. The relationship was what would be considered abusive today. At the beginning nobody warned me of danger and in all those years nobody offered to help me let go of my destructive companion.

There were of course, those who shook their heads and fingers at me making rude comments about how disgusting this relationship was. They probably thought they were helping, but they only made me angry and caused me to stubbornly refuse to let go.

Seven years ago I looked in the mirror and did not like what I saw. I decided I did not deserve to be controlled by an object that could not possibly move from my hand to my mouth without my help. I realized I was the only one who could end the relationship and I have never been sorry that I did.

Believe me when I say, the only way you will successfully stop smoking or any other negative addiction is to become self centered and care about yourself. Whoever you are, believe that you are a valuable person who deserves the very best life has to offer.

There are people around you who want to help you quit smoking. The hardest thing you have to do is learn to care about yourself and be willing to accept their help. I know from personal experience that once you do that the rest is a breeze.

Do you really want a best friend who is three inches tall, smells bad, controls your life and is leading you in the direction of poor health and perhaps death? If the answer is no, follow my example and give yourself permission to live the healthy life you deserve.


Originally written by inspirational author, Barbara Loure`Gunn, and published in the New Mexico YEAH TIMES (Youth Empowerment Advocacy Heroes newsletter) in 2006.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Blinded by the Glare

I am reading Danielle Steel's book Sisters. It is about family relationships. One of the sisters was in a terrible auto accident, which left her blind and took the life of the mother. The young woman, who had been an artist, had to relearn everything she had known up to that moment.

Compiled with other enlightening experiences I have had this week I began thinking about looking at the world with no sight. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing, if just for a little while God/Source turned off all the lights in the universe and everyone had to relearn everything they thought they knew.

Starting over as if people knew nothing about the others in their life would be a magnificent gift from our Creator. To not be able to see the physical and rely on what the heart senses would be like seeing with new eyes, cleansed with love.

Through many tests I have survived I now realize the real person cannot be seen with human eyes without the assistance of an open heart. Our soul is our true eternal being housed in a temporary body.

Close your eyes and imagine that you can clearly see the pristine person inside of everyone who crosses your path. Do not be blinded by the glare of living your human life.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Miracle of Love

Today I am sharing a poem I wrote about ten years ago. Although I changed a couple of words found in the original I still believe in the contents. Moving forward on ones spiritual journey naturally causes a better understanding. Please enjoy.


THE MIRACLE OF LOVE

Finding the person God has known since birth
Builds a bridge between heaven and earth
Peace and fulfillment flow freely from within
Like a cup running over with love to the brim

Asking His guidance to help with strife
Helps one appreciate precious moments of life
Understanding ourselves makes us strong
Willing to forgive all things that are wrong

Resisting all that living could bring
Until we could find the one true thing
Eliminating all battles from our past
Makes it easier to love and have it last

Acknowledging your presence here or away
Cements the foundation we build today
Our love has been growing for an eternity
The time has come to acknowledge our destiny

When God and His angels connect two as one
The light outshines rays formed by the sun
Love encircles everyone they know
Performing as a magnet moving to and fro

Anyone can believe in the miracle of love
Be still and patient it comes from above
Like the flame of a candle soft and warm
The miracle will happen when love is born

Barbara Loure’ Gunn 2000

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Lemonade Anyone?

Remember the saying “when life gives you lemons make lemonade”? That is exactly what I have been doing since mercury raised its head. I know he’s around because I feel his presence. Every week I have a new challenge to deal with. I am squeezing as hard as I can, but I may need some sugar to make the drink palatable.

In my last post I mentioned the negative soul that I had spent the weekend with. I realized after shutting the door on her that she reminded me of my own daughter, who decided several months ago that I do not exist. They both are very manipulative and absorb more energy than they should be reasonably allotted. They are like bulls in a china store who by their very presence demand attention. I’m not going to bore you with a lot of details, but I have definitely decided that I don’t need controlling people in my inner circle. All I need to do is be alert and I will no longer attract them.

I did have a left over challenge to deal with from my trip that I am giving mercury credit for. When I checked my account I noticed there was a big mistake in the billing from the motel. It was over twice as much as it should have been. Without anger, I immediately called the bank help number and filed a claim. Because of my quick action the error was resolved within a couple of days.

Now for the biggie which is still in progress. For this one I will need a lot of sugar and perhaps a bowl of patience, knowledge and positive thought tossed in for good measure!

Last month, some of you may remember, Social Security deposited a sizable amount of money in my checking account with no explanation. It took me two phone calls to find out, yes the money was mine and they would not ask for it back. It was another two weeks before I was sent the letter of explanation, which in truth didn’t explain much. Being reasonably certain the money was mine, I splurged and paid my car insurance and bought much needed tires for my car.

Everything was going well until my mail came yesterday. I opened another letter from Social Security stating “this letter replaces our previous letter”. Basically it informed me that they had made an error which caused a check to be sent to me. The error has now been corrected and they regret any inconvenience. It gets better!

As a result of adjustments to my benefits for 2008 they have determined that I owe them $223 more than the check they deposited last month. They also expect me to send it all back within 30 days. My response this morning is, don’t hold your breath you idiots. I immediately mailed off the form to request both reconsideration and a waiver. It at least buys me a couple of months while the matter is being resolved. Since mercury is out of here on April 23 I am thinking that might help.

So back to my miscellaneous lemons, as you can see I will need a whole lot of sugar to make lemonade before I call Social Security on Monday morning. If there are any angels hanging around who aren’t doing anything I could use your help too. I know I don’t deserve this!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Home is Where the Heart is!

It took me 24 little hours to realize that everything I need to be happy is right under my own nose. I just returned from a weekend jaunt with a very prejudiced female friend. I have reached a point in my personal journey that simply will not tolerate such behavior. This morning I just wanted to be home and get as far away from this person's energy as possible.

I have found that God/Source gives us chance after chance until we finally see the lessons put before us. When that day comes it feels as if the universe shouts- congratulations now you are ready for your next step!

My friend and I were standing in line at Panda Express in Albuquerque, NM last night when she suddenly turned to me and blurted out, "There are Mexicans everywhere!" Although I kept my mouth shut, I silently told her what I thought. I knew if I responded it would start an argument. Along with being prejudiced she also has a serious need to always be in charge.

When things like this happen it gives me a chance to look at my own life and appreciate where I am and what I have had the opportunity to learn. Where a person came from or how much money they have means nothing. What is in their heart makes them who they are.

Home is where the heart is!

Friday, April 1, 2011

The Silent Treatment

I decided to play a new game for awhile and see what happens. For the enlightenment of my regular readers I am taking a short hiatus and will just be observing. I have friends who do this all the time. They step back and silently watch what everyone else is doing without commenting. Keeping my mouth shut will be a new experience!

I checked my horoscope this morning and see that this month is going to begin a wonderful journey for me, which will last for several years. I want to make sure that I don't miss anything! Many others are worrying about what Mercury has in store for them, during its retrograde journey. Apparently I was born at just the right time to be universally blessed. I am not going to worry about a thing!

While I am involved with giving my fellow humans the silent treatment, just remember I am still here, watching and listening for the perfect opportunity to reappear! You all be good now!!

Lessons

Life is full of everyday lessons
based on experiences each has had.
Endings always signal beginnings
adding new experiences to our past.
Slowly waking and accepting
lessons needed to stay on our path.

Barbara Loure` 2001