I welcome 2019 and all the lessons and universal gifts it will bring. I am tired of hanging on to crap I do not need.
Life without you would be a lot less stressful! I'm going for that!!
Monday, December 31, 2018
Welcome 2019
I don't make resolutions, but as this year rolls to an end I am making myself a promise. I am going to detach from all people and things that are holding me back from the person I was sent to earth to be. Yes, that includes people who are so focused on themselves that they can't see beyond their stuck up noses!
I welcome 2019 and all the lessons and universal gifts it will bring. I am tired of hanging on to crap I do not need.
Life without you would be a lot less stressful! I'm going for that!!
I welcome 2019 and all the lessons and universal gifts it will bring. I am tired of hanging on to crap I do not need.
Life without you would be a lot less stressful! I'm going for that!!
Sunday, December 30, 2018
The middle
Yesterday I shared a short poem I wrote on 1/29/15 with the soul who was the inspiration. The poem has no title but here it is:
As the New Year comes around I believe
I will never be who you want me to be
You will never be who I want you to be but,
We can search for and meet in the middle.
This morning I realize that even though the poem was written with a specific person in mind, it applies to everyone in my life. I am the only person who has lived my life and therefore am the only one who has experienced the ups and downs on my assigned path.This is not only true of my life, but of every person I have met through the years.
During my life I have spent way too much time comparing myself to others and listening to who those others think I should be. It is time that I sail my ship by myself and only listen to my intuition, the voice of my own soul.
I sincerely hope the person I sent my poem to responds in a positive manner, but if he doesn't choose to find the middle, that is his choice and his life.
As the New Year comes around I believe
I will never be who you want me to be
You will never be who I want you to be but,
We can search for and meet in the middle.
This morning I realize that even though the poem was written with a specific person in mind, it applies to everyone in my life. I am the only person who has lived my life and therefore am the only one who has experienced the ups and downs on my assigned path.This is not only true of my life, but of every person I have met through the years.
During my life I have spent way too much time comparing myself to others and listening to who those others think I should be. It is time that I sail my ship by myself and only listen to my intuition, the voice of my own soul.
I sincerely hope the person I sent my poem to responds in a positive manner, but if he doesn't choose to find the middle, that is his choice and his life.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
My little mountain
I have taken a lot of pictures of the mesa outside my office window. It sometimes seems as if it has a mind of its own. I would like to share a few of them with you. The first was taken this morning after the snow we got yesterday. It was really pretty as I looked out and saw the sun begging me to take a picture.
The sun can do amazing things to my little mountain.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Surviving abuse
On this Christmas morning it's hard not to feel alone when most of my biological family ignores me. The gifts I mailed to my youngest grandson and three great grandchildren have not even been acknowledged. It is like I don't even exist. It reminds me of the M & M commercial when Santa faints after saying, "I do exist!"
I know I shouldn't complain when I look around and see that there are many people who not only don't have families who care, but have no homes, clothes or food. Some of them do not even know who their biological family is because they were abandoned as babies.
I just finished reading a book by Karen Emilson titled, Where Children Run. It is a true story about children who survived unbelievable abuse at the hands of their step father and mother. It caused me to see that even though my family treats me like I don't exist, I am lucky to have friends, a warm house, clothes and food to eat.
So far I have survived a negative parent, a womanizing husband, an alcoholic husband, cancer and two ungrateful children. It doesn't seem like there is much more the universe can throw at me. So on this Christmas morning I think I will just be grateful for what I have.
I know I shouldn't complain when I look around and see that there are many people who not only don't have families who care, but have no homes, clothes or food. Some of them do not even know who their biological family is because they were abandoned as babies.
I just finished reading a book by Karen Emilson titled, Where Children Run. It is a true story about children who survived unbelievable abuse at the hands of their step father and mother. It caused me to see that even though my family treats me like I don't exist, I am lucky to have friends, a warm house, clothes and food to eat.
So far I have survived a negative parent, a womanizing husband, an alcoholic husband, cancer and two ungrateful children. It doesn't seem like there is much more the universe can throw at me. So on this Christmas morning I think I will just be grateful for what I have.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Stay calm
I woke up to an interesting experience this morning. It was one for the books or at least my blog.
Before I went to bed last night I had placed several documents in the front pocket of my purse to be taken to my safety deposit box at our local bank. My son had added his passport and the title to his car after telling him they should be in a safe place and not in his pile of papers on his desk. He is the only other person who has access to the box.
When I went into my office this morning I noticed the documents were not in my purse. I knew they were there when I went to bed. My first thought was that my son had removed them to check on something and hadn't put them back. When he got up I asked him why he took them. Surprised, he said, "I didn't take them".
I thought he was kidding, but I began searching everywhere they could possibly be. I checked the floor and looked through my file cabinet. Nothing! I knew where they were when I went to bed. Where could they be?
There was nothing I could do. I still had to go to the bank to take care of some important business so I put the problem on the back burner and went to town, still thinking my son must have removed them.
When I came home I sat down at my computer desk and noticed some papers sticking out behind my file cabinet. I checked to see what it was and you guessed it! The missing documents were found. My purse had apparently tipped over and they fell out.
Now I am thinking, what was this experience trying to teach me?
Quite possibly, stay calm and everything will turn out just fine.
Before I went to bed last night I had placed several documents in the front pocket of my purse to be taken to my safety deposit box at our local bank. My son had added his passport and the title to his car after telling him they should be in a safe place and not in his pile of papers on his desk. He is the only other person who has access to the box.
When I went into my office this morning I noticed the documents were not in my purse. I knew they were there when I went to bed. My first thought was that my son had removed them to check on something and hadn't put them back. When he got up I asked him why he took them. Surprised, he said, "I didn't take them".
I thought he was kidding, but I began searching everywhere they could possibly be. I checked the floor and looked through my file cabinet. Nothing! I knew where they were when I went to bed. Where could they be?
There was nothing I could do. I still had to go to the bank to take care of some important business so I put the problem on the back burner and went to town, still thinking my son must have removed them.
When I came home I sat down at my computer desk and noticed some papers sticking out behind my file cabinet. I checked to see what it was and you guessed it! The missing documents were found. My purse had apparently tipped over and they fell out.
Now I am thinking, what was this experience trying to teach me?
Quite possibly, stay calm and everything will turn out just fine.
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Merry Christmas
I have been writing this blog since November 2009 and when I look back on some of the posts I am amazed at the content. I am grateful for everyone who has read my words and especially to those who have found a bit of inspiration. On this 2nd day before Christmas I wish you peace from all your worries and the ability to believe in miracles that happen every day.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
100% free
Nine days before the year ends and I do not owe anyone anything! I am not sure how I did that, but I did.
When I think about all the home renovations I have paid for in the last couple of years and the unexpected expenses I have taken care of I am amazed at what I have accomplished.
I can't help looking back on my ex-husband's situation. Our ages were about six weeks apart. We were married for 27 years when we mutually divorced in 1999. From that point on our lives could not have been more different. He had a full time job, a Social Security income and sold his parent's house. Because of the way he lived, he died in a nursing home with nothing but a ton of bills that Indian Services ended up paying. My missing family also took care of his every need while he was alive.
I, on the other hand have held part time jobs to supplement my Social Security income, take care of myself by myself and as I previously mentioned, owe no one anything as this year ends.
When I view the difference between our lives I can't help but be proud of the way I have managed mine, with no help from my wonderful family.
When I think about all the home renovations I have paid for in the last couple of years and the unexpected expenses I have taken care of I am amazed at what I have accomplished.
I can't help looking back on my ex-husband's situation. Our ages were about six weeks apart. We were married for 27 years when we mutually divorced in 1999. From that point on our lives could not have been more different. He had a full time job, a Social Security income and sold his parent's house. Because of the way he lived, he died in a nursing home with nothing but a ton of bills that Indian Services ended up paying. My missing family also took care of his every need while he was alive.
I, on the other hand have held part time jobs to supplement my Social Security income, take care of myself by myself and as I previously mentioned, owe no one anything as this year ends.
When I view the difference between our lives I can't help but be proud of the way I have managed mine, with no help from my wonderful family.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
You be the judge
The following is a copy of a letter I recently wrote to the Frigidaire corporate office, after I followed their unfair practices. This morning I received a phone call in response to my request for them to reimburse the charges I just paid. Their answer no way! So I am keeping my promise to use whatever means I have available to report the situation. You be the judge!
Frigidaire Corporate Office,
On March 21,2017 I purchased a Frigidaire wall oven at Baillo's in Albuquerque,NM. I live in Grants,NM. The cost of the oven was $1,379.34 including delivery. It cost me $225 to have it installed by your authorized repairman. This person has since retired.
From the time it was installed to October 2018 the oven has refused to heat properly three times. Your warranty office set up service calls with the only authorized repair person left in Grants. This person is currently not in business.
The oven again stopped heating properly a couple days after Thanksgiving 2018. I called the warranty office to report the problem. On December 4th I got a call from a Frigidaire representative informing me that your company had decided to replace the oven because they could not locate a repairman in my area. I was also told that I was expected to pay $526.43 for a dealer to come to Grants, remove the old oven and install the new one, making sure it was working properly before he left. He would also take the old oven back to Albuquerque. I was told that this was not covered under the current extended warranty I purchased for $44.06 in March of 2018. I would like to add that this representative was very nice, but could only follow Frigidaire corporate procedure.
I reluctantly agreed because the only other option I was given was to remove the old oven, take it back to Baillo's, exchange it for a new one, bring it home and install it. How anyone thought I could accomplish that when your company had already admitted they could not find a local repairman is beyond me.
I bought your product in good faith and followed all the instructions to have it repaired. It is not my fault that it has never worked properly or that a repairman could not me found the repair it. If I had found an unauthorized person to repair the faulty oven you would not have paid for it and no doubt cancelled the warranty. It is a totally useless piece of paper!
I am 81 years old and I live on a Social Security income. I cannot afford this unwarranted expense. I am asking that I be reimbursed for the $526.43 this mess is costing me. I feel I have been ripped off by Frigidaire! You can be assured that I will never purchase a Frigidaire product again if my request does not get the proper attention it deserves. I will also do everything in my power to spread the word about your company and your unfair practices, using all the social media contacts I have at my disposal.
Frigidaire Corporate Office,
On March 21,2017 I purchased a Frigidaire wall oven at Baillo's in Albuquerque,NM. I live in Grants,NM. The cost of the oven was $1,379.34 including delivery. It cost me $225 to have it installed by your authorized repairman. This person has since retired.
From the time it was installed to October 2018 the oven has refused to heat properly three times. Your warranty office set up service calls with the only authorized repair person left in Grants. This person is currently not in business.
The oven again stopped heating properly a couple days after Thanksgiving 2018. I called the warranty office to report the problem. On December 4th I got a call from a Frigidaire representative informing me that your company had decided to replace the oven because they could not locate a repairman in my area. I was also told that I was expected to pay $526.43 for a dealer to come to Grants, remove the old oven and install the new one, making sure it was working properly before he left. He would also take the old oven back to Albuquerque. I was told that this was not covered under the current extended warranty I purchased for $44.06 in March of 2018. I would like to add that this representative was very nice, but could only follow Frigidaire corporate procedure.
I reluctantly agreed because the only other option I was given was to remove the old oven, take it back to Baillo's, exchange it for a new one, bring it home and install it. How anyone thought I could accomplish that when your company had already admitted they could not find a local repairman is beyond me.
I bought your product in good faith and followed all the instructions to have it repaired. It is not my fault that it has never worked properly or that a repairman could not me found the repair it. If I had found an unauthorized person to repair the faulty oven you would not have paid for it and no doubt cancelled the warranty. It is a totally useless piece of paper!
I am 81 years old and I live on a Social Security income. I cannot afford this unwarranted expense. I am asking that I be reimbursed for the $526.43 this mess is costing me. I feel I have been ripped off by Frigidaire! You can be assured that I will never purchase a Frigidaire product again if my request does not get the proper attention it deserves. I will also do everything in my power to spread the word about your company and your unfair practices, using all the social media contacts I have at my disposal.
Friends
This year I am very grateful for the friends that I have. I don't ask them for favors very often, but when I do, I know I can count on them. I recently received a lovely poem on a birthday card from one of my loyal friends and I want to share it with you.
I think it's true what they say:
Life really is a journey-
and it's not always easy to know
which maps to trust
or what to pack for the trip.
But whatever the weather,
wherever the road leads,
I think the best possible
traveling advice would be this:
Bring a friend. ~Keely Chace
It reminded me of a poem I wrote in 1999.
Take Time to be a Friend
How long does it take to be a friend?
To share a thought, a dream, a plan, a life
To offer a smile, an ear, a shoulder, a hug
to gently guide, support, defend, respect
To help, to love, to pray for the other?
How long does it take to be a friend?
A moment of a lifetime.
I think it's true what they say:
Life really is a journey-
and it's not always easy to know
which maps to trust
or what to pack for the trip.
But whatever the weather,
wherever the road leads,
I think the best possible
traveling advice would be this:
Bring a friend. ~Keely Chace
It reminded me of a poem I wrote in 1999.
Take Time to be a Friend
How long does it take to be a friend?
To share a thought, a dream, a plan, a life
To offer a smile, an ear, a shoulder, a hug
to gently guide, support, defend, respect
To help, to love, to pray for the other?
How long does it take to be a friend?
A moment of a lifetime.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Making progress
Alright!! I just got a call from the person who is delivering my new oven this morning. All I have to say is, this one had better work! I can finally bake some Christmas cookies. My favorite is Thumb Prints and I will be using plumb jelly to fill them. My son, who isn't much of a cookie fan, likes Peanut Butter Chocolate bar cookies. I already gave out the fudge, which thankfully did not require the use of my car, that is still in the auto shop.
All the gifts that needed to be mailed are on their way or have already arrived at their destination. I am so glad I followed my intuition and mailed them early. I have been informed that most of my family are going to be spending Christmas in Georgia. Since my oldest son and I won't be joining them I have a Christmas letter ready to mail to the Gunn clan. Hopefully it will be read when they open their gifts. I am trusting the universe on that one! The contents will be a big surprise for some of them. I wish I could see their faces!
Since my oldest son's birthday is also Christmas day I am going to invite someone to join us for dinner that I have known since he was a teenager. He and his brothers actually went to school with my second son. When you live in a small town you know people forever!
I am making progress with holiday plans even though the universe did its best to screw up my life.
All the gifts that needed to be mailed are on their way or have already arrived at their destination. I am so glad I followed my intuition and mailed them early. I have been informed that most of my family are going to be spending Christmas in Georgia. Since my oldest son and I won't be joining them I have a Christmas letter ready to mail to the Gunn clan. Hopefully it will be read when they open their gifts. I am trusting the universe on that one! The contents will be a big surprise for some of them. I wish I could see their faces!
Since my oldest son's birthday is also Christmas day I am going to invite someone to join us for dinner that I have known since he was a teenager. He and his brothers actually went to school with my second son. When you live in a small town you know people forever!
I am making progress with holiday plans even though the universe did its best to screw up my life.
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Intuition
Every once in a while I like to take a meaningful word, look it up and find quotes that matter. The word intuition is very important to me because I truly believe it is the voice of my soul. This is what some other people had to say about intuition.
Good instincts usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out.~Michael Burke
Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.~Benjamin Spock
Trust your hunches. They are usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.~Joyce Brothers
Intuition is seeing with the soul.~Dean Koontz
Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next.~Dr. Jonas Salk
So you see I am not alone in thinking that intuition is a very special word!
Good instincts usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out.~Michael Burke
Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.~Benjamin Spock
Trust your hunches. They are usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.~Joyce Brothers
Intuition is seeing with the soul.~Dean Koontz
Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next.~Dr. Jonas Salk
So you see I am not alone in thinking that intuition is a very special word!
Saturday, December 15, 2018
When you are bored
Since Monday I haven't been able to go anywhere because my car was kidnapped by the local auto shop. Hopefully I will get it back in a couple of days. That is if I pay for the costly repairs. Oh well it's only money!
My oven has also been out of order since shortly after thanksgiving so I haven't even been able to bake. That is supposed to be replaced Monday morning.
In the meantime I am getting more than a little bored. I decided to mess around with some pictures I drew with pencil several years ago. I thought they needed color so I chose the one I have used as the picture for my writing site, grabbed my newly purchased box of brush pens, never having used them before, and got to work. I guess it wasn't bad for a first effort.
Then I decided to make a picture I drew in pencil back in 2001 come to life. This one is very special and is titled, "Journey Home". It is a mental view I was given of a young woman who had died of cancer and her angelic guides. I believe the female figure is her aunt and the male is her grandfather. Perhaps using color pencils on the original makes it come to life. I'll let you judge for yourself. I have never claimed to be an artist.
I'm still bored but at least I found something interesting to try my hand on.
My oven has also been out of order since shortly after thanksgiving so I haven't even been able to bake. That is supposed to be replaced Monday morning.
In the meantime I am getting more than a little bored. I decided to mess around with some pictures I drew with pencil several years ago. I thought they needed color so I chose the one I have used as the picture for my writing site, grabbed my newly purchased box of brush pens, never having used them before, and got to work. I guess it wasn't bad for a first effort.
I'm still bored but at least I found something interesting to try my hand on.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Life's teachers
I believe that we are all teachers and we are all students. Every little thing that happen to us, as humans, teaches us in some way, from the minute we take our first breath to our last. One of my favorite books is Mitch Albom's, The five People You Meet in Heaven. Reading it caused me to look at my life and try to pick them out. Of course, each year I live causes those people to change positions.
Growing up at a time when most people I knew didn't expect much from life, no doubt set the tone for my future. I have never been impressed by those with money or the things their money buys them. I have always been satisfied just to be comfortable with what I have. Ending each year knowing that I do not owe anyone anything makes me very happy.
There have been people in my current life that have been my greatest teachers. The first being my maternal grandmother. She taught me values that one just can't learn in school. She also believed in me when I had not yet learned to believe in myself. My oldest son, who due to unusual circumstances, is now living with me, ha taught me how to let go of control and let others live their own lives. My youngest grandson is my current teacher. It has been my pleasure, and I believe my job, to find his strengths and encourage them. It is something I did not know how to do with my children. He is currently teaching me that it is time to allow him to grow up and live his life, unassisted.
I believe the most important lesson life has taught me this time around, is to stand up for myself and not let anyone walk all over me. The words to the song, "These Boots are Made for Walking", (and one of these day these boots are going to walk all over you), just popped into my mind from another place.
The current portion of my life is probably my happiest. I have been given multiple opportunities to use my gift of words to inspire others, keeping in mind that we are all teachers in our own way.
Growing up at a time when most people I knew didn't expect much from life, no doubt set the tone for my future. I have never been impressed by those with money or the things their money buys them. I have always been satisfied just to be comfortable with what I have. Ending each year knowing that I do not owe anyone anything makes me very happy.
There have been people in my current life that have been my greatest teachers. The first being my maternal grandmother. She taught me values that one just can't learn in school. She also believed in me when I had not yet learned to believe in myself. My oldest son, who due to unusual circumstances, is now living with me, ha taught me how to let go of control and let others live their own lives. My youngest grandson is my current teacher. It has been my pleasure, and I believe my job, to find his strengths and encourage them. It is something I did not know how to do with my children. He is currently teaching me that it is time to allow him to grow up and live his life, unassisted.
I believe the most important lesson life has taught me this time around, is to stand up for myself and not let anyone walk all over me. The words to the song, "These Boots are Made for Walking", (and one of these day these boots are going to walk all over you), just popped into my mind from another place.
The current portion of my life is probably my happiest. I have been given multiple opportunities to use my gift of words to inspire others, keeping in mind that we are all teachers in our own way.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Cash or credit?
I'm not sure what the universe is trying to do to me but the last few weeks of this year have been an experience I do not want to relive.
Last month I paid my favorite plumber $275 to repair a leak under my house that I didn't know I had. Last week he came to fix a leaking water faucet in my bathroom. That ended up costing me another $350 because he had to replace the faucets due to our yucky water in Grants. Next, because we do not have an appliance repair person here, Frigidaire, is going to charge me $488 for someone to come from Albuquerque and replace my oven, still under warranty, with a new one. I was informed my warranty doesn't cover installing a new one.
This morning another little tidbit happened. I was leaving the family center after exercising, heading to the grocery store, when my car just stopped. Yup it would not move. A very nice lady stopped to see what she could do. She volunteered to push me off the road to a small patch of dirt so the car would be out of danger of being hit from behind. She then took me home. I was very grateful for the kindness of the lady. At the moment I am waiting to find out what is wrong with the car and just how much this is going to cost.
Up until this morning I will have paid for everything in cash, even though I am trying to save $4,333 for a new roof on my house next summer. I just found out my car is going to cost $1,200 for a new timing belt. Oh, I almost forgot to add the $4,300 I already spent on a leach line for my septic tank a few months ago.
My thought this morning is THANK GOD I HAVE GOOD CREDIT!
Last month I paid my favorite plumber $275 to repair a leak under my house that I didn't know I had. Last week he came to fix a leaking water faucet in my bathroom. That ended up costing me another $350 because he had to replace the faucets due to our yucky water in Grants. Next, because we do not have an appliance repair person here, Frigidaire, is going to charge me $488 for someone to come from Albuquerque and replace my oven, still under warranty, with a new one. I was informed my warranty doesn't cover installing a new one.
This morning another little tidbit happened. I was leaving the family center after exercising, heading to the grocery store, when my car just stopped. Yup it would not move. A very nice lady stopped to see what she could do. She volunteered to push me off the road to a small patch of dirt so the car would be out of danger of being hit from behind. She then took me home. I was very grateful for the kindness of the lady. At the moment I am waiting to find out what is wrong with the car and just how much this is going to cost.
Up until this morning I will have paid for everything in cash, even though I am trying to save $4,333 for a new roof on my house next summer. I just found out my car is going to cost $1,200 for a new timing belt. Oh, I almost forgot to add the $4,300 I already spent on a leach line for my septic tank a few months ago.
My thought this morning is THANK GOD I HAVE GOOD CREDIT!
Sunday, December 9, 2018
A Christmas tradition
My most favorite Christmas tradition is making a batch of fudge and sharing it with my friend John, whose wife died in 2007. She was also my friend. I make it every year because she would if she could. Following is a memorial he wrote for his wife that appeared in our local paper several years ago.
We know that almost every joy in life involves the element of risk and yet we don't want to miss out on the joys and love that may come into our life, because we are afraid of being hurt. It's worth the risk. We choose to love others, our family and friends, because God gave us free will to choose and the deep mutual need for other people in our life. The more deeply we love, the more deeply it hurts when we experience the loss of our loved one. With every rising of the sun, when each day starts without you, I try not to think that we're far apart, but that you are right here in my heart. For nothing great is lightly won, and nothing won is ever lost, when we believe that God knows best. For I believe it is God's will for you and I to be together again some day.
John
We know that almost every joy in life involves the element of risk and yet we don't want to miss out on the joys and love that may come into our life, because we are afraid of being hurt. It's worth the risk. We choose to love others, our family and friends, because God gave us free will to choose and the deep mutual need for other people in our life. The more deeply we love, the more deeply it hurts when we experience the loss of our loved one. With every rising of the sun, when each day starts without you, I try not to think that we're far apart, but that you are right here in my heart. For nothing great is lightly won, and nothing won is ever lost, when we believe that God knows best. For I believe it is God's will for you and I to be together again some day.
John
Saturday, December 8, 2018
The end might be the beginning
As the year winds down I am taking stock of what is new. I did an Ancestry.com DNA test several months ago and I now have several 3rd cousins that I was not aware of. That's kind of cool since I thought all of my cousins were deceased. Some of them are now my Facebook friends. I increased my e-books on Amazon.com by one, making a grand total of three. Speaking of Facebook, my number of friends has also increased. Another online change is the writing group that I created. I am thrilled that we now number 40 members. Not bad, for not not knowing what I was doing!
I am trying to master the ability to offer and let it be, not expecting others to respond the way I want them to. A long time ago I read this quote: Once a gift is given it belongs to the receiver. That's a really good thing to remember, especially for a recovering "control freak". No matter what, I am not in control of anyone else.
I believe my connection with the spirit world has gradually become stronger. I still do not know the "real" name of my main guide. I am still calling him Richard even though I know it is not his name. The images I see in the photographs I take are becoming stronger also.
It appears that I am evolving and becoming more accepting. So I am pretty happy with what is new and am looking forward to a new year and more changes.
I am trying to master the ability to offer and let it be, not expecting others to respond the way I want them to. A long time ago I read this quote: Once a gift is given it belongs to the receiver. That's a really good thing to remember, especially for a recovering "control freak". No matter what, I am not in control of anyone else.
I believe my connection with the spirit world has gradually become stronger. I still do not know the "real" name of my main guide. I am still calling him Richard even though I know it is not his name. The images I see in the photographs I take are becoming stronger also.
It appears that I am evolving and becoming more accepting. So I am pretty happy with what is new and am looking forward to a new year and more changes.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Happy birthday!
The calendar says that today I have lived 81 years It doesn't feel like it! I look around and I see that I have outlived my parents, my brother and all of my first cousins. My three children are still alive, although two of them no longer bother to communicate. Only two of my four grandchildren acknowledge that I am still living. It's a really good thing I have friends who care!
Speaking of friends, one of them just suggested, never mind what your birth certificate says, pick a year that you would like to be. I decided to give that some thought. I think I will go back to the year 1999 when I was 62. That sounds about right! It is the year I decided to start dumping all the negative things from my life. It has taken me 19 years to accomplish that.
1999 was the year I decided that I had enough of living life for other people and it was time I focused on myself and the God given gifts I was given. I clearly remember an experience that occurred during a hypnosis session to stop smoking. Suddenly a bolt of lightening came from somewhere out there and pierced my heart. I felt no pain, but the memory was embedded on my brain. I think it was a wake up call to get on with what I was sent here to do.
I believe my mission or gift if you will, is to inspire others to be the best that they can be.
So today on my 81st birthday I am going to be 62, a magical year!
Speaking of friends, one of them just suggested, never mind what your birth certificate says, pick a year that you would like to be. I decided to give that some thought. I think I will go back to the year 1999 when I was 62. That sounds about right! It is the year I decided to start dumping all the negative things from my life. It has taken me 19 years to accomplish that.
1999 was the year I decided that I had enough of living life for other people and it was time I focused on myself and the God given gifts I was given. I clearly remember an experience that occurred during a hypnosis session to stop smoking. Suddenly a bolt of lightening came from somewhere out there and pierced my heart. I felt no pain, but the memory was embedded on my brain. I think it was a wake up call to get on with what I was sent here to do.
I believe my mission or gift if you will, is to inspire others to be the best that they can be.
So today on my 81st birthday I am going to be 62, a magical year!
Saturday, December 1, 2018
I did it
Even though people have been putting up their Christmas trees and decorations for awhile I was determined to wait until the first day of December. I did put a wreath on my front door to replace a pumpkin man though.
So today I removed the boxes from my closet that contained my decorations. I have a really nice assortment of snowmen that usually adorn my shelves and tables. I have been collecting them for several years.
What I avoided until the last was the table top tree. I almost didn't put it up last year, but changed my mind at the last minute. This year, after much contemplation, the tree and all its ornaments is staying in my closet.
I decided it just brings back too many past memories of when I actually had a family to celebrate with. The last time I had a family Christmas was 2009. Since then my grandson comes over for a short time on Christmas eve to exchange gifts and that's it. I am not even sure if he will be coming over this year.
My birthday, which is tomorrow, is pretty much not noticed, except for a gift from my son. The last birthday cake I had was, well so long ago I don't even remember.
Anyway the Christmas decorations are now up, minus a tree. I can't stand to let those little snowmen sit in a box all by themselves for another year.
So today I removed the boxes from my closet that contained my decorations. I have a really nice assortment of snowmen that usually adorn my shelves and tables. I have been collecting them for several years.
What I avoided until the last was the table top tree. I almost didn't put it up last year, but changed my mind at the last minute. This year, after much contemplation, the tree and all its ornaments is staying in my closet.
I decided it just brings back too many past memories of when I actually had a family to celebrate with. The last time I had a family Christmas was 2009. Since then my grandson comes over for a short time on Christmas eve to exchange gifts and that's it. I am not even sure if he will be coming over this year.
My birthday, which is tomorrow, is pretty much not noticed, except for a gift from my son. The last birthday cake I had was, well so long ago I don't even remember.
Anyway the Christmas decorations are now up, minus a tree. I can't stand to let those little snowmen sit in a box all by themselves for another year.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
A life prompt
The new prompt for my online writing site, Write On, is life. This came from a long time friend and is going to cause me to spend some time thnking before I am ready to post my thoughts on the subject.
Currently living the life of a human, my first thought this morning was from that view. How does it affect me etc.?
As I was driving into town to exercise I began looking around and realized that I am not the only living creature in this world. I wonder what life would be like if I were a frog or a butterfly or a tree? The word to me means living and they are all doing that, in their own way. They too are breathing and surviving.
Because I am living the life of a human it is not possible for me to think like a frog or a butterfly or a tree.
In recent years I have been guided to totally accept reincarnation, so I am aware that I have lived life before, and not always as a human. In one life in particular I was a beautiful white horse, carrying a reluctant knight into battle. Imagine that?
I do know that the opportunity to live life as a human was given to me to clean up my act so to speak. In other words evolve, get past some of the negative traits that still cling to my soul.The major thing I have learned this time around is that we are all one. We all come from the same place and will eventually return, having evolved or not. The second important thing I have leaned is that family is much more than biology.
Currently living the life of a human, my first thought this morning was from that view. How does it affect me etc.?
As I was driving into town to exercise I began looking around and realized that I am not the only living creature in this world. I wonder what life would be like if I were a frog or a butterfly or a tree? The word to me means living and they are all doing that, in their own way. They too are breathing and surviving.
Because I am living the life of a human it is not possible for me to think like a frog or a butterfly or a tree.
In recent years I have been guided to totally accept reincarnation, so I am aware that I have lived life before, and not always as a human. In one life in particular I was a beautiful white horse, carrying a reluctant knight into battle. Imagine that?
I do know that the opportunity to live life as a human was given to me to clean up my act so to speak. In other words evolve, get past some of the negative traits that still cling to my soul.The major thing I have learned this time around is that we are all one. We all come from the same place and will eventually return, having evolved or not. The second important thing I have leaned is that family is much more than biology.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
When things go wrong
I wonder, does anything ever really go wrong? I'm thinking, perhaps not. It might just be our insane desire to have things go our way. The words "control freak" come to my mind. I am quite familiar with them.
A friend of mine offered that controlling is caused by being attached to the result. I believe he was right. We are responsible for offering, but it is the responsibility of the other person to accept or not.
There are times though when equipment, for instance, stops working. Lately I have had an overdose of this happening. First it was my computer, then my monitor and now my printer. What in the world is gong on? Well, I replaced the computer and monitor. My son informed me he just ordered a new printer as a gift for my upcoming birthday. So everything will be brand new. It is like the universe is trying to tell me something. An online business maybe? We will see what the new year brings.
A friend of mine offered that controlling is caused by being attached to the result. I believe he was right. We are responsible for offering, but it is the responsibility of the other person to accept or not.
There are times though when equipment, for instance, stops working. Lately I have had an overdose of this happening. First it was my computer, then my monitor and now my printer. What in the world is gong on? Well, I replaced the computer and monitor. My son informed me he just ordered a new printer as a gift for my upcoming birthday. So everything will be brand new. It is like the universe is trying to tell me something. An online business maybe? We will see what the new year brings.
Friday, November 23, 2018
After the turkey
After the turkey is cooked, eaten and the remains put away for another day one wonders what now before the next major holiday of the year? I have decided to call this day FRIENDSHIP DAY and in celebration found this poem that I had hidden away for a day like today. It is called, If I Could Catch a Rainbow, author unknown.
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you are feeling blue
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own
A place to find serenity
A place to be alone
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea
But all these things I am finding
Are impossible for me
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair
But let me be what I know best
A friend that's always there.
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you are feeling blue
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own
A place to find serenity
A place to be alone
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea
But all these things I am finding
Are impossible for me
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair
But let me be what I know best
A friend that's always there.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
It'sThanksgiving again
Wow the years go by and the memories pile up! Some are good and some not so much. I remember the first time I hosted a family Thanksgiving. My father didn't trust me with the turkey so he stopped by to make sure I didn't poison anyone. Everything turned out well for a first time effort.
As every mother knows the time will come when the job of hosting a holiday meal will fall to someone else. For the last four years the people sitting at my holiday table have numbered two, my oldest son and myself. Most of my immediate family live out of state and my daughter prefers not to include us.
Since my son has been living with me he has chosen to use his grill to cook the turkey. This year the smallest one he could find at Walmart was almost 18 lbs. He decided it was too big to barbecue so I get to go back to cooking it in my oven. Yay! Just goes to show if you wait long enough everything comes back!
This morning the turkey is thawed, the pumpkin pie is chilling, the vegetables for the dressing are chopped and a bowl of cranberry salad is in the refrigerator.
It is Thanksgiving once again!
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
A positive garden
Recently a friend suggested that I think of the things I do, especially my writing, as sprinkling seeds, some take and some don't. This same person noticed that I am a little frustrated that members of my new writing group are not responding as much as I would like them to.
She suggested thinking of the group like a garden.
Alright I can do that.
Even though I planted most of the people myself, some of them are not growing. It's getting colder, perhaps they are frozen and will thaw in the spring.
My friend's suggestion was to nurture the ones that are coming up and don't worry about the ones that are not.
It made sense to me. Why would I want to nurture things that appear to be dead?
I realized this same thought can easily apply to almost anything in my life. I have a record of trying to resurrect people who have proved over and over that they just don't want to play anymore. What a waste of time that is! Turning the other cheek is one thing, but when the whole head is involved, it is just plain wrong!
So I will take my friend's suggestion and nurture what is coming up. By this coming spring I will have a beautiful garden full of energizing color. The seeds from those plants will keep growing and growing.
She suggested thinking of the group like a garden.
Alright I can do that.
Even though I planted most of the people myself, some of them are not growing. It's getting colder, perhaps they are frozen and will thaw in the spring.
My friend's suggestion was to nurture the ones that are coming up and don't worry about the ones that are not.
It made sense to me. Why would I want to nurture things that appear to be dead?
I realized this same thought can easily apply to almost anything in my life. I have a record of trying to resurrect people who have proved over and over that they just don't want to play anymore. What a waste of time that is! Turning the other cheek is one thing, but when the whole head is involved, it is just plain wrong!
So I will take my friend's suggestion and nurture what is coming up. By this coming spring I will have a beautiful garden full of energizing color. The seeds from those plants will keep growing and growing.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Help is on the way
My new writing group, "Write On", is slowly growing. In looking for help to inspire the current 29 members to actually write on the given prompts, I invited someone to join the group that I knew would put some juice in their veins.
This miracle worker is a man by the name of, Bob Luckin. He is also an artist and a retired minister. He has given me permission to share his recent view of correct writing. It is the best explanation I have ever read. Here are his words:
"Each and every word is a work of art. Once all the words have been properly assembled, we must frame the work in a way that brings it to life. Poor spelling, punctuation and grammar is like framing a Rembrandt in a Walmart frame".
His words have caused me to more thoroughly check out what I write before my finger pushes the enter tab. I have always prided myself on good writing skills, but there is always room for improvement.
Thank you Mr. Luckin, your help is much appreciated!
This miracle worker is a man by the name of, Bob Luckin. He is also an artist and a retired minister. He has given me permission to share his recent view of correct writing. It is the best explanation I have ever read. Here are his words:
"Each and every word is a work of art. Once all the words have been properly assembled, we must frame the work in a way that brings it to life. Poor spelling, punctuation and grammar is like framing a Rembrandt in a Walmart frame".
His words have caused me to more thoroughly check out what I write before my finger pushes the enter tab. I have always prided myself on good writing skills, but there is always room for improvement.
Thank you Mr. Luckin, your help is much appreciated!
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Getting to know you
For the last few months I have been exercising at our family center to keep my body in as much shape as possible for my age. Another lady and I have become friends and every couple of weeks we go out for coffee and a chat. She is several years younger than I am and we are so different it isn't even funny, but for some reason we connected. Apparently she is a new member of my tribe that I didn't know was missing.
I came from a small family containing one younger brother. Although I had several 1st cousins, we were not close.
My new friend had 9 brothers and sisters and has 7 children of her own. Her family is very close. She is in daily contact with her adult children, a fact I am having trouble understanding. During our coffee chat yesterday she shared some personal information that shed some light on this subject. She said that when her first husband died suddenly her children rallied around to support her.
I wondered what would it be like to have that kind of family support. Then I realized that I do have family support, but not from my biological family. During recent years I have picked up spiritual family members who have become very supportive. Because of them I have evolved to the human I am today.
I am always reminded of the song Julie Andrews sang in, The King and I, Getting to Know You. It is one I used to sing to my daughter when she was a baby and I was changing her diaper.
I came from a small family containing one younger brother. Although I had several 1st cousins, we were not close.
My new friend had 9 brothers and sisters and has 7 children of her own. Her family is very close. She is in daily contact with her adult children, a fact I am having trouble understanding. During our coffee chat yesterday she shared some personal information that shed some light on this subject. She said that when her first husband died suddenly her children rallied around to support her.
I wondered what would it be like to have that kind of family support. Then I realized that I do have family support, but not from my biological family. During recent years I have picked up spiritual family members who have become very supportive. Because of them I have evolved to the human I am today.
I am always reminded of the song Julie Andrews sang in, The King and I, Getting to Know You. It is one I used to sing to my daughter when she was a baby and I was changing her diaper.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Life matters
I was watching the news last night about the terrible fire that is sweeping through California. Several celebrities were interviewed because they had lost their houses. My response was big deal! These people have so much money they can easily rebuild.
My next thought was, what about the ordinary people who have lost everything and have no funds to rebuild?
In comparing the two situations I clearly saw that the universe doesn't care about money, color or race. Everyone is treated the same, no matter who they are. I find that interesting in a world that has become so focused on money, status and race.
It brought back a memory from several years ago when I had a brief experience as a member of a small parish council. The priest entered the room with a question for our group. He asked, if your house was burning down, except for living things, what would you save?
There were all sorts of answers, but the priest was looking for just one- nothing.
Whoever you are, whatever you have, there is nothing more important than your life.
My next thought was, what about the ordinary people who have lost everything and have no funds to rebuild?
In comparing the two situations I clearly saw that the universe doesn't care about money, color or race. Everyone is treated the same, no matter who they are. I find that interesting in a world that has become so focused on money, status and race.
It brought back a memory from several years ago when I had a brief experience as a member of a small parish council. The priest entered the room with a question for our group. He asked, if your house was burning down, except for living things, what would you save?
There were all sorts of answers, but the priest was looking for just one- nothing.
Whoever you are, whatever you have, there is nothing more important than your life.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
A little piece of paper
In looking for something that I couldn't find I ran across a little piece of paper with some previously written notes. At the top of the page it said, "the happiness trap". After reading it I decided to share it to the best of my ability. I assume it was another push from an unseen entity.
Giving a thought attention (fuel) makes it bigger. Turn off the switch and let it run its course. Don't try to fight it. Ask, "is this thought helpful?" If it is not say, "thank you mind" and let it go.
Accept how you feel and do not analyze it by asking,"why me?" That's a question that never has an answer.
Don't fuss with the story your mind is telling you. Just say, "thanks mind but I am not playing today".
This information was either meant as a reminder for me or to be passed on to whoever needs help with the happiness trap.
Giving a thought attention (fuel) makes it bigger. Turn off the switch and let it run its course. Don't try to fight it. Ask, "is this thought helpful?" If it is not say, "thank you mind" and let it go.
Accept how you feel and do not analyze it by asking,"why me?" That's a question that never has an answer.
Don't fuss with the story your mind is telling you. Just say, "thanks mind but I am not playing today".
This information was either meant as a reminder for me or to be passed on to whoever needs help with the happiness trap.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Rethinking
Sometimes it is wise to let an idea gel for awhile before taking action. Another word for patience I would guess. Yesterday I was thinking that I need to find a way of sharing my spirit photographs online. My original thought was to create a group of like minded friends. I suppose that might work, but I already manage a writing group and one is enough.
Messing around on my computer last night I remembered that several months ago I created a website called, Previous Posts. In checking it I had to laugh when I saw my last post was February 2018. Seriously? It reminded me of someone I know who starts things and never finished them. I definitely do not want to follow him!
It seems my guides are pushing me to take another step forward.
After mulling things over and taking a good look at the site I came to the conclusion that I might be able to rearrange things a bit and change the name to, Previous Posts & Spirit Photographs. I could also spend a little money and pay a small monthly fee to publish the site so it will get more attention from viewers.
Although I am still rethinking the situation it is clear that this may be the way to move forward and kill two birds with one stone, as the saying goes. Not that I would, of course, it's just an expression.
Messing around on my computer last night I remembered that several months ago I created a website called, Previous Posts. In checking it I had to laugh when I saw my last post was February 2018. Seriously? It reminded me of someone I know who starts things and never finished them. I definitely do not want to follow him!
It seems my guides are pushing me to take another step forward.
After mulling things over and taking a good look at the site I came to the conclusion that I might be able to rearrange things a bit and change the name to, Previous Posts & Spirit Photographs. I could also spend a little money and pay a small monthly fee to publish the site so it will get more attention from viewers.
Although I am still rethinking the situation it is clear that this may be the way to move forward and kill two birds with one stone, as the saying goes. Not that I would, of course, it's just an expression.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Alright I get the point
My last blog post was about not really understanding what I am supposed to do with my spiritual gifts. If you read back you will see that a friend suggested that I think of them as seeds that are dropped here and there, some take and some don't. I think that is a wonderful idea. Of course, the words I write and the spirit photographs I have been taking since early 2000 are not just for me they are meant to be shared with whomever needs them.
Although my new writing group, "Write On" is sparking interest, like anything new it is moving along a little slower than I would like. There's that word patience again. It causes me problems every time. I am sure my guides are asking, "will she never learn?".
A week ago my son helped create a new work space for me which should have given me a clue that my gifts are headed in a different direction than I had planned. This is my new uncluttered space.
In my closet I have several years worth of pictures I have taken, containing spirit images. I have spent a lot of time trying to arrange a local place to share them with others. I came close several times but nothing ever fit. I have wondered more than once what am I supposed to do with them? I am very aware that they were never meant to make money. They were meant to be freely shared with others. It appears that for some reason I was chosen to be a messenger for my Creator.
The following is the picture that I have always believed to be the one I was led to take to show people that we never die. From my experience, I know we can communicate with those living in another realm if we believe we can. I have shared this picture more than once and it is called, "My Man". It was taken at our local Riverwalk several years ago. I believe his name is Joseph.
Now that I have dipped my toe into creating an online group for writing perhaps it is time I gathered like minded people together to form a spirit photography group. It would be a way of sharing without moving from my new comfortable work space.
For years I have dreamed of being a motivational speaker, I apparently imagined the wrong stage!
Although my new writing group, "Write On" is sparking interest, like anything new it is moving along a little slower than I would like. There's that word patience again. It causes me problems every time. I am sure my guides are asking, "will she never learn?".
A week ago my son helped create a new work space for me which should have given me a clue that my gifts are headed in a different direction than I had planned. This is my new uncluttered space.
In my closet I have several years worth of pictures I have taken, containing spirit images. I have spent a lot of time trying to arrange a local place to share them with others. I came close several times but nothing ever fit. I have wondered more than once what am I supposed to do with them? I am very aware that they were never meant to make money. They were meant to be freely shared with others. It appears that for some reason I was chosen to be a messenger for my Creator.
The following is the picture that I have always believed to be the one I was led to take to show people that we never die. From my experience, I know we can communicate with those living in another realm if we believe we can. I have shared this picture more than once and it is called, "My Man". It was taken at our local Riverwalk several years ago. I believe his name is Joseph.
Now that I have dipped my toe into creating an online group for writing perhaps it is time I gathered like minded people together to form a spirit photography group. It would be a way of sharing without moving from my new comfortable work space.
For years I have dreamed of being a motivational speaker, I apparently imagined the wrong stage!
Saturday, October 27, 2018
What's the point?
Over the last almost twenty years I have written thousands of words and in comparison have made very little money on the projects I have followed through on. A really good example is my newest book, "What Now My Love? A Writer's Journey". It has been two months since I published it on Amazon.com and I have apparently sold one copy, plus I gave two hard copies to friends.
This morning I am asking myself what's the point? I am sitting here at my brand new computer pondering that question.
I have felt for a long time that my writing is meant to inspire, but I always thought that meant to inspire others. Could it possibly be that the universe has been pushing me to inspire myself? The push certainly wasn't meant to bring in money. What a joke that is!
Writing does make me happy, especially when I allow my spiritual guides to lead me. Sometimes I read what I have written and wonder aloud, "Did I write that? It is really good!".
Does anyone really give a damn what I write? Are the newspaper columns, books, blog posts and poems I have been writing over the years just a waste of time? Will anyone care when I no longer live the life of a human? I know that I have occasionally inspired someone else, but is that enough? Something seems to be seriously be out of balance.
I am not the kind of person to give up but I would sure like to know what is the point?
After sharing this post online one of my friends came up with a suggestion that makes sense. It was to think of my writings as if I were scattering seeds- some take some don't. Sounds like an excellent idea to me! Sort of like Johnny Appleseed with words.
This morning I am asking myself what's the point? I am sitting here at my brand new computer pondering that question.
I have felt for a long time that my writing is meant to inspire, but I always thought that meant to inspire others. Could it possibly be that the universe has been pushing me to inspire myself? The push certainly wasn't meant to bring in money. What a joke that is!
Writing does make me happy, especially when I allow my spiritual guides to lead me. Sometimes I read what I have written and wonder aloud, "Did I write that? It is really good!".
Does anyone really give a damn what I write? Are the newspaper columns, books, blog posts and poems I have been writing over the years just a waste of time? Will anyone care when I no longer live the life of a human? I know that I have occasionally inspired someone else, but is that enough? Something seems to be seriously be out of balance.
I am not the kind of person to give up but I would sure like to know what is the point?
After sharing this post online one of my friends came up with a suggestion that makes sense. It was to think of my writings as if I were scattering seeds- some take some don't. Sounds like an excellent idea to me! Sort of like Johnny Appleseed with words.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
A frustrating adventure
The last few days have not only been frustrating but expensive! My computer gave me a warning that the hard drive was about to go out. Wonderful! It was a refurbished computer and should have been updated a long time ago. It couldn't have come at a worse time as I am trying to save money to get a new roof on my house next spring or summer.
To make a long story short my son and I went to Walmart and found a new one within my price range. I am grateful that he is computer knowledgeable and got it hooked up and ready to go. Then we discovered that my old monitor was not going to work with it. So back to Walmart to get a new one.
Although everything is now working my son decided it needed more memory and another item (not sure what that is) that will make it run better.
So yesterday I thought everything was going to work well, but I was wrong! My internet provider decided to pick that day to play some games and the service kept going on and off for several hours. Every time I got ready to type something it was off.
I am sincerely hoping all goes well today because I am still attempting to get used to my new toy. It does, after all, make up a large part of my social life. Even though this has been a frustrating adventure it has been a learning experience.
To make a long story short my son and I went to Walmart and found a new one within my price range. I am grateful that he is computer knowledgeable and got it hooked up and ready to go. Then we discovered that my old monitor was not going to work with it. So back to Walmart to get a new one.
Although everything is now working my son decided it needed more memory and another item (not sure what that is) that will make it run better.
So yesterday I thought everything was going to work well, but I was wrong! My internet provider decided to pick that day to play some games and the service kept going on and off for several hours. Every time I got ready to type something it was off.
I am sincerely hoping all goes well today because I am still attempting to get used to my new toy. It does, after all, make up a large part of my social life. Even though this has been a frustrating adventure it has been a learning experience.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Success
It looks as if my idea of offering a writing group online is going to be a success. We are gradually adding members and moving in the right direction. I should have done this a long time ago. I am just taking a moment to invite any of my readers to join us. The group is called, Write On and since it is in the infancy stage now would be an ideal time to come join us.
Hope to see you there!
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, October 14, 2018
New direction
Something unexpected popped into my head and I decided to follow through with an idea that took my prior local writing group in a new direction. I had recently sent out feelers to start a new group and got nothing in return. I decided the idea was no longer going to work. Well that sucks I thought!
My guide Richard, who always comes to my aid when I get stuck, apparently saw my disappointment and offered a new idea I had not considered before.
Today I created an online writing group and began by inviting some Facebook friends to join. You have to start somewhere! It is called Write On and I chose a lotus blossom as a picture to go along with the title. It is a beautiful flower that has its start in mud. I wonder is there a message there?
I am hoping to attract ordinary people who may never have had a chance to write.The only rules are respect and support of what others write. I actually stole that word respect from my children's writing camp. It was the only rule we had and it worked for the kids. I also stole the idea of suggesting a changing prompt, from my adult writing group.
Perhaps everything I had already experienced was simply practice. Could be!
I have a strong feeling this new group idea is going to work. I believe it is what I am supposed to be doing. It's pretty cool that members will be from all over the world instead of just those from my little town of Grants, NM.
Moving on seems to be the direction I am supposed to be taking. Also joining me as an administrator is my long time friend, Lois M., whose mantra is "onward and upward".
My guide Richard, who always comes to my aid when I get stuck, apparently saw my disappointment and offered a new idea I had not considered before.
Today I created an online writing group and began by inviting some Facebook friends to join. You have to start somewhere! It is called Write On and I chose a lotus blossom as a picture to go along with the title. It is a beautiful flower that has its start in mud. I wonder is there a message there?
I am hoping to attract ordinary people who may never have had a chance to write.The only rules are respect and support of what others write. I actually stole that word respect from my children's writing camp. It was the only rule we had and it worked for the kids. I also stole the idea of suggesting a changing prompt, from my adult writing group.
Perhaps everything I had already experienced was simply practice. Could be!
I have a strong feeling this new group idea is going to work. I believe it is what I am supposed to be doing. It's pretty cool that members will be from all over the world instead of just those from my little town of Grants, NM.
Moving on seems to be the direction I am supposed to be taking. Also joining me as an administrator is my long time friend, Lois M., whose mantra is "onward and upward".
Friday, October 12, 2018
Not a nice word
Today someone posted something about hate on Facebook and it reminded me of something that happened when I had my adult writing group. It was the custom to take turns coming up with a subject to write about. A man in the group said he had been working on something and suggested the word hate. It produced some interesting articles. The following is the piece that I wrote:
Hate is such an ugly word, but it is after all only a word. It is the feeling behind the word that gets us in trouble. I distinctly remember shouting,"I hate her" when complaining to my grandmother about a former classmate. I was a teenager riding in the back seat of her car at the time. She immediately turned around and quietly said, "You don't hate anyone".
That simple response has stuck in my mind my whole life. I try not to use the word at all although it occasionally pops out. For instance my recent utterance, "I hate this snow", was the result of not looking past the icy roads that kept me a prisoner to appreciate the pristine beauty it left.
According to Webster hate is having a strong dislike or ill will toward a person or thing. My definition of hate is a person who is unwilling to open their mind and heart to something beyond what is normal for them. For me the word hate especially brings up the word prejudice. That word quickly moves on to race, color, religion, economic status and anything else that categorizes a person or group of people. Hate has started many wars between people and nations because they cannot accept the other as is.
I feel very fortunate to have grown up without hate as a daily experience. The people around me come from all walks of life; some are rich some poor, some black some white and every color in between, some are religious some spiritual. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to learn from each one. They have all brought something different to my life and provided opportunities for me to evolve.
I do not consider any entity below or above me and so there is no reason to hate or be jealous of what anyone else has. We all came from the same source with our very own guidance system. To my knowledge we are all going back to whence we came when we are finished walking our path on this planet called earth.
Of course, there is that occasional person who expresses hate/dislike toward me. Others sometimes don't like what I say, think or do. When that happens I have two choices. I can buy into what they believe, causing even more hate, or simply ignore them; realizing that is after all, their problem not mine.
I don't mean to give the impression that I have never expressed anger at someone's behavior, but temporary anger is a long way from hate. While still in the infant stage it can be dealt with by communicating, providing both parties are willing to listen and be heard. Hate is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned.
Apparently my grandmother did a very good job with me in her simple response to my hatefulo behavior way back then by responding, "You don't hate anyone".
Thanks Nana, you did good!
Hate is such an ugly word, but it is after all only a word. It is the feeling behind the word that gets us in trouble. I distinctly remember shouting,"I hate her" when complaining to my grandmother about a former classmate. I was a teenager riding in the back seat of her car at the time. She immediately turned around and quietly said, "You don't hate anyone".
That simple response has stuck in my mind my whole life. I try not to use the word at all although it occasionally pops out. For instance my recent utterance, "I hate this snow", was the result of not looking past the icy roads that kept me a prisoner to appreciate the pristine beauty it left.
According to Webster hate is having a strong dislike or ill will toward a person or thing. My definition of hate is a person who is unwilling to open their mind and heart to something beyond what is normal for them. For me the word hate especially brings up the word prejudice. That word quickly moves on to race, color, religion, economic status and anything else that categorizes a person or group of people. Hate has started many wars between people and nations because they cannot accept the other as is.
I feel very fortunate to have grown up without hate as a daily experience. The people around me come from all walks of life; some are rich some poor, some black some white and every color in between, some are religious some spiritual. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to learn from each one. They have all brought something different to my life and provided opportunities for me to evolve.
I do not consider any entity below or above me and so there is no reason to hate or be jealous of what anyone else has. We all came from the same source with our very own guidance system. To my knowledge we are all going back to whence we came when we are finished walking our path on this planet called earth.
Of course, there is that occasional person who expresses hate/dislike toward me. Others sometimes don't like what I say, think or do. When that happens I have two choices. I can buy into what they believe, causing even more hate, or simply ignore them; realizing that is after all, their problem not mine.
I don't mean to give the impression that I have never expressed anger at someone's behavior, but temporary anger is a long way from hate. While still in the infant stage it can be dealt with by communicating, providing both parties are willing to listen and be heard. Hate is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned.
Apparently my grandmother did a very good job with me in her simple response to my hatefulo behavior way back then by responding, "You don't hate anyone".
Thanks Nana, you did good!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
A spoonful of sugar
There are times when something happens that just makes me angry.
My oven that I bought in March 2017 is, for the third time, not heating properly. It is very frustrating to think I am going to cook dinner, turn the oven on and it barely gets warm. For the second time a new ignition was installed about two weeks ago. It has been a week and I am still trying connect with the repair person who is authorized to fix it- again. I have left four messages for him because he doesn't answer his phone.
I called the warranty number Tuesday and talked to a not so very nice man who said give it to the end of the week. I hung up after saying, "that's just great!"
This morning I decided to give the repair person until 11:00 to call me. He didn't so I called the warranty number back. A very nice lady answered my call this time. She took down everything I said and told me she would report the problem to the service department.
I told her either the repairman was missing something that was causing the ignition to malfunction or the oven needed to be replaced. I was told that if they could not reach the repairman and no other one was found in my area the oven would have to be replaced. Yay that would be good! I already know he is the only one available.
Because the lady was so nice I ended the phone call with a good feeling instead of anger.
My oven that I bought in March 2017 is, for the third time, not heating properly. It is very frustrating to think I am going to cook dinner, turn the oven on and it barely gets warm. For the second time a new ignition was installed about two weeks ago. It has been a week and I am still trying connect with the repair person who is authorized to fix it- again. I have left four messages for him because he doesn't answer his phone.
I called the warranty number Tuesday and talked to a not so very nice man who said give it to the end of the week. I hung up after saying, "that's just great!"
This morning I decided to give the repair person until 11:00 to call me. He didn't so I called the warranty number back. A very nice lady answered my call this time. She took down everything I said and told me she would report the problem to the service department.
I told her either the repairman was missing something that was causing the ignition to malfunction or the oven needed to be replaced. I was told that if they could not reach the repairman and no other one was found in my area the oven would have to be replaced. Yay that would be good! I already know he is the only one available.
Because the lady was so nice I ended the phone call with a good feeling instead of anger.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Wait for it
In talking to a friend the other day she related that her motto is, "if you want it done right do it yourself". I know the feeling because I tend to follow that path too. Although sometimes it would have been better if I had waited for someone else to do their share.
Three weeks ago I had someone repair damage done to my living room ceiling from a roof leak. It took several applications of what the roofer called mud to make it look like the rest of the ceiling, but it still needed to be painted. I bought a gallon of paint with the hope that it would match the previous paint.
Over the weekend I taped the entire ceiling and with a small brush painted along the tape.I had to use a ladder because I am not tall enough to reach without it. I had thought my son would do the rest of the painting.Well he didn't!
Yesterday I decided to do it myself. I kept telling myself, "you can do it". After moving all the furniture out of the way and covering the almost new carpet with plastic I was ready to begin, even though my heart was not in the job. I started by painting the section that had been repaired. I noticed that it was only slightly different from the old paint. I decided to leave it and get a second opinion whether it was necessary to paint the entire ceiling.
It was decided that it was close enough. By that time my leg and foot, which I already had a problem with, was hurting from climbing up and down the ladder.
Yesterday I removed the tape and thought to myself, what a waste of time and energy. I have been in pain for three days and this morning I was thinking, if I had just waited I could have saved myself a lot of negative energy.
Did I learn a lesson? We will see!
Three weeks ago I had someone repair damage done to my living room ceiling from a roof leak. It took several applications of what the roofer called mud to make it look like the rest of the ceiling, but it still needed to be painted. I bought a gallon of paint with the hope that it would match the previous paint.
Over the weekend I taped the entire ceiling and with a small brush painted along the tape.I had to use a ladder because I am not tall enough to reach without it. I had thought my son would do the rest of the painting.Well he didn't!
Yesterday I decided to do it myself. I kept telling myself, "you can do it". After moving all the furniture out of the way and covering the almost new carpet with plastic I was ready to begin, even though my heart was not in the job. I started by painting the section that had been repaired. I noticed that it was only slightly different from the old paint. I decided to leave it and get a second opinion whether it was necessary to paint the entire ceiling.
It was decided that it was close enough. By that time my leg and foot, which I already had a problem with, was hurting from climbing up and down the ladder.
Yesterday I removed the tape and thought to myself, what a waste of time and energy. I have been in pain for three days and this morning I was thinking, if I had just waited I could have saved myself a lot of negative energy.
Did I learn a lesson? We will see!
Monday, October 8, 2018
Keep your word
One of the most important traits to me is keeping your word when you give it. One of the nicest compliments I have ever received was from someone who really didn't like me very much. She said, "you always keep your word even when you later change your mind". Yes I do.
Wondering what other people had to say about the subject, I googled it. It offered some interesting quotes that I want to share.
People with good intentions make promises. People with character keep them.
When you don't keep your word you lose credibility.
Not keeping your word is a quick way to get cut off.
Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.
Keep your word. When you say you will do something and don't do it you teach others (including yourself) that you cannot be trusted.
So it appears that I am in good company and I value the company of like minded people who also keep their word when given.
Wondering what other people had to say about the subject, I googled it. It offered some interesting quotes that I want to share.
People with good intentions make promises. People with character keep them.
When you don't keep your word you lose credibility.
Not keeping your word is a quick way to get cut off.
Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.
Keep your word. When you say you will do something and don't do it you teach others (including yourself) that you cannot be trusted.
So it appears that I am in good company and I value the company of like minded people who also keep their word when given.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
It's a new day
God helps those who help themselves. Right? Right!
I have done everything I can to create a path to solve my current financial problem. If the universe decides to add their two cents that would be great. Waiting around for a miracle to appear is stupid.
My path may take a little longer, but I will have the satisfaction of doing it myself. So there!
I have done everything I can to create a path to solve my current financial problem. If the universe decides to add their two cents that would be great. Waiting around for a miracle to appear is stupid.
My path may take a little longer, but I will have the satisfaction of doing it myself. So there!
Saturday, October 6, 2018
More than one way
I have always liked the expression "there is more than one way to skin a cat". I wouldn't want to skin a cat and have no idea where this idea came from, but there is more than one way to do almost anything.
For the last couple of weeks I have had a problem involving money or rather lack of it. I will need to have a new roof put on my house sometime in the next year. I told the roofer it would have to be next spring or summer before I could afford the job. In the meantime I need to figure out how to save enough money.
I have been going back and forth with different plans, including a part time job, which at my age I do not want to do. I have even tried to think of things I can sell that are just taking up space. I contemplated doing the local craft show in December. I ruled that out because it is a three day show. Been there done that and really do not want to do it again.Besides it always falls on my birthday.
The first thing I did was open a savings account. Something I hadn't done in years. I knew if I was going to expect money I needed a place to put it. Made sense to me!
Several things happened last week that caused me to believe it was time to buy a lottery ticket. This was something I hadn't done in years, but it just seemed right. Wrong! I managed to match two numbers and was very disappointed. I felt like the universe had set me up and I was angry for awhile.
Another thing that is upsetting me is the fact that I can't seem to make any money from my writing. I have three e-books on Amazon and have submitted two articles to magazines with no response. I also have a poem submitted to a contest which won't end until next April.That's enough to make any writer depressed. I simply can't afford an agent on my income.
Well that's what has been going on in my little world lately. I was about ready to just give up when something unforeseen came into the picture. My income was suddenly increased and I decided to add that extra money to my new savings account, each month. It isn't a lot, but it will add up as the months go by.
As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat. There may also be other ways in the near future that I do not know about. I have turned the problem over to the universe.
P.S. Being naturally curious I checked out the saying in question.The earliest printed citation of the saying is found in a short story by American humorist, Seba Smith, 1840. The entire quote is: "There are more ways than one to skin a cat so there are more ways than one of digging for money." Interesting huh?
For the last couple of weeks I have had a problem involving money or rather lack of it. I will need to have a new roof put on my house sometime in the next year. I told the roofer it would have to be next spring or summer before I could afford the job. In the meantime I need to figure out how to save enough money.
I have been going back and forth with different plans, including a part time job, which at my age I do not want to do. I have even tried to think of things I can sell that are just taking up space. I contemplated doing the local craft show in December. I ruled that out because it is a three day show. Been there done that and really do not want to do it again.Besides it always falls on my birthday.
The first thing I did was open a savings account. Something I hadn't done in years. I knew if I was going to expect money I needed a place to put it. Made sense to me!
Several things happened last week that caused me to believe it was time to buy a lottery ticket. This was something I hadn't done in years, but it just seemed right. Wrong! I managed to match two numbers and was very disappointed. I felt like the universe had set me up and I was angry for awhile.
Another thing that is upsetting me is the fact that I can't seem to make any money from my writing. I have three e-books on Amazon and have submitted two articles to magazines with no response. I also have a poem submitted to a contest which won't end until next April.That's enough to make any writer depressed. I simply can't afford an agent on my income.
Well that's what has been going on in my little world lately. I was about ready to just give up when something unforeseen came into the picture. My income was suddenly increased and I decided to add that extra money to my new savings account, each month. It isn't a lot, but it will add up as the months go by.
As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat. There may also be other ways in the near future that I do not know about. I have turned the problem over to the universe.
P.S. Being naturally curious I checked out the saying in question.The earliest printed citation of the saying is found in a short story by American humorist, Seba Smith, 1840. The entire quote is: "There are more ways than one to skin a cat so there are more ways than one of digging for money." Interesting huh?
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Happy birthday dad
My father would have been 106 today, but he left his body behind in 1967. I was 30 years old with two children and a husband whom I should never have married.
I don't often think about my father because my mother pretty much ran the family. He did most of the cooking and probably due to that fact I love to cook and bake. The strongest memories I have of him involve cooking. When I was a child I had major surgery and some say I was not expected to live. The night before I went to the hospital my father announced I could have anything I wanted for dinner. I choose a little fish called smelt that he often fried. It was one of my favorite things to eat. The other memory is when I was a young mother and he helped me roast my first turkey. All the relatives were coming to my house for Thanksgiving.
So today on what would have been his 106th birthday I celebrate his life and the contribution he made to mine.
Happy birthday dad!
I don't often think about my father because my mother pretty much ran the family. He did most of the cooking and probably due to that fact I love to cook and bake. The strongest memories I have of him involve cooking. When I was a child I had major surgery and some say I was not expected to live. The night before I went to the hospital my father announced I could have anything I wanted for dinner. I choose a little fish called smelt that he often fried. It was one of my favorite things to eat. The other memory is when I was a young mother and he helped me roast my first turkey. All the relatives were coming to my house for Thanksgiving.
So today on what would have been his 106th birthday I celebrate his life and the contribution he made to mine.
Happy birthday dad!
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
From the past
Sifting through some previous blog posts I found one I wrote in 2012. Lately it seems things are coming back in interesting ways. I decided to share a portion of the observations from six years ago. The post was originally titled, "Step by step".
In 1999 a new friend loaned me his copy of Richard Bach's, "Illusions". I was told it was the story of a reluctant messiah. Today I am wondering why he chose to give me this particular book. I had no desire to be a messiah. What in the heck is a messiah anyway? I suppose in the simplest terms it is a leader. In any case this book opened up a brand new path for me to walk on, step by step.
Bach's unique spiritual perception and unusual writing style immediately captured my attention. Without his knowledge he became my mentor. His example taught me to never be afraid to express what is on my mind and to learn to write from my heart. It didn't matter what anyone else thought because I was not writing for the unbelievers. I gradually grew to accept the fact that I had a message to share and would be given the means to accomplish my mission. All I had to do was take every opportunity that came along, step by step.
Years after reading "Illusions" I am very proud of my accomplishments. It doesn't mean that I am a better writer than anyone else; it simply means I willingly followed the real Messiah and in doing so I also became a leader for others to follow.
I find it very interesting that so many things from the past have recently been coming back. Why this is true I do not know. It is almost as if the universe is giving me another chance or perhaps it is simply a mirror, reminding me of how far I have come in the last twenty years.
Someone once made the comment "stuff happens". Yes it does and it is up to us just how we react to it. As I look back on the last twenty years I can see that I didn't always make the wisest of choices, but for the most part I am pleased with myself and the things I have accomplished, step by step.
In 1999 a new friend loaned me his copy of Richard Bach's, "Illusions". I was told it was the story of a reluctant messiah. Today I am wondering why he chose to give me this particular book. I had no desire to be a messiah. What in the heck is a messiah anyway? I suppose in the simplest terms it is a leader. In any case this book opened up a brand new path for me to walk on, step by step.
Bach's unique spiritual perception and unusual writing style immediately captured my attention. Without his knowledge he became my mentor. His example taught me to never be afraid to express what is on my mind and to learn to write from my heart. It didn't matter what anyone else thought because I was not writing for the unbelievers. I gradually grew to accept the fact that I had a message to share and would be given the means to accomplish my mission. All I had to do was take every opportunity that came along, step by step.
Years after reading "Illusions" I am very proud of my accomplishments. It doesn't mean that I am a better writer than anyone else; it simply means I willingly followed the real Messiah and in doing so I also became a leader for others to follow.
I find it very interesting that so many things from the past have recently been coming back. Why this is true I do not know. It is almost as if the universe is giving me another chance or perhaps it is simply a mirror, reminding me of how far I have come in the last twenty years.
Someone once made the comment "stuff happens". Yes it does and it is up to us just how we react to it. As I look back on the last twenty years I can see that I didn't always make the wisest of choices, but for the most part I am pleased with myself and the things I have accomplished, step by step.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Oops!
This morning I was counting the things I like best about
myself and I came up with: honesty, loyalty and the ability to share.
Honesty has always been #1 all through my life. I simply
cannot tolerate lies or the people who live by them. My youngest grandson
recently accused me of lying and it made me so angry I came very close to changing
my will. I decided to give him some time to grow up and change his mind.
I have always been loyal, even when the other person turns
out not to be the person I thought he/she was. It takes a lot for me to give up
on someone and it usually happens when I finally see that hanging on is causing
me more pain than my soul deserves.
Now then we come to the ability to share which is an
interesting virtue. First of all I believe this should be moved up to #1 and
this is why. Several years ago a friend who has psychic abilities told me that
when I found my passion I would realize my purpose.
After many years I really believed my passion was writing
because it is something I love to do and I know that I have unseen help doing
it. It seemed right to me until this morning when I asked myself, “What is the
thing you like most about yourself?” My answer was not writing it was “sharing”.
What?
It was then I realized that I absolutely love sharing everything that comes into my life.
It is what makes me very happy. I have always known that nothing is mine to
keep. My mother-in-law once said I was
very generous, but I didn’t think so. That’s just the way I was made and I don’t
believe it makes me anymore special than anyone else.
So I have come to the conclusion that sharing is my passion.
Writing is simply one of the tools I use to express that passion. I also use
photography and word of mouth; actually whatever comes to me through my
conscious connection with my spiritual insights. Someone once said I use everything
at my fingertips to express myself. He was right! Someone has to stir the ashes
or the fire will go out!
In conclusion, I have decided that sharing is my passion,
but does it change my purpose? Absolutely not. Odd isn’t it? My purpose is and
always has been “to inspire others to be the best that they can be”.
Although there was a little oops in the path, the
destination did not change.
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