Have a Very Merry

It’s two days before Christmas and the windows have been open all day. The house smells fresh and crisp like an early spring afternoon. I smile, transported back to a time when livin’ life was simple: ponytails, runnin’ through sprinklers on the front lawn, slamming screen doors, ice cold bottled Coca-Cola, bare feet on warm asphalt, staying outside until sunset, unbridled laughter and innocence.

I can’t stop the flood of memories and I wish it felt more like the holidays of my youth with, first and foremost, cold weather, also firewood stacked by a roaring fire in the fireplace, caroling, the warmth of family Christmas parties, gettin’ fancy in holiday floor length girlie-girl dresses, homemade sugar cookies, stacks of Christmas cards, vintage Christmas tree ornaments, pine scented incense wafting from the Räuchermännchen and candles gently turning the Weihnachtspyramide. 

I’m grateful for so many things in this moment. 

I hope your Christmas is beautiful and happy and filled with love. I leave you with the lyrics of my favorite song of the season. 

Let your heart be light…

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

From now on

Our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Make the Yule-tide gay

From now on

Our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

#christmas #christmasmemories🎄 #nostalgia #holidays #holidayseason #memories #family #love #writer #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #blog #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #simplertimes #traditions #räuchermännchen #weihnactspyramide

Simple Life, Unimaginable Joy

Someone, somewhere is doing laundry, I can smell Bounce dryer sheets and it makes me smile. Clean clothes are one of life’s simple joys. 

Southwest rumbles low, on approach to Birmingham Shuttlesworth, the bold blue, sunrise yellow and warm red color scheme, unmistakable—happy landings! 

A very vocal crow caws incessantly in the distance. They do that now whenever they see me, probably because they want more food. Be careful making friends with crows, they have voracious appetites. 

Sweet, tiny, slate gray Junco birds come and go from one of the bird feeders, a brown thrasher waits patiently for his turn. 

A red paper wasp dive bombs me—I try not to panic, it was too close for comfort and having been stung once, I never want to be again. 

Valkyrie stands sentinel at the fence, waiting for a glimpse of the neighbor cat with the crooked tail who will blithely ignore her when she barks. 

These mild December days I don’t take for granted, but how I long for colder weather and maybe even a dusting (or more) of snow. 

Anyway, I hope you ventured outside today and Life gave you a reason to smile, just because. ♥️

#simplejoys #gratitude #solitude #itsthelittlethings #sundayvibes #birds #porchlife #appreciatewhatyouhave #milddecemberday #blog #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggersofinstagram #writer #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #bloggercommunity #nature #dryersheets #southwestairlines #crows #cats #wasp #junco #birdphotography #brownthrasher #presentmoment

December? Already?!

Time, is speeding up. I think we all feel it. December is here again…how?! 

This year has presented me with some of the most profound and blissful moments of my entire Life. This year has also been filled with pain, feelings of helplessness, loss and struggle, but I don’t let negativity wear me like a second skin anymore. Understand, Life is balance. Good and bad, the moments come and go, and the journey to peace is to allow them to do just that. Feel them. Sit with them. Pause. Contemplate. Bitch a little if need be, thank the Universe, and keep going. 

Use your time wisely. These moments are fleeting and much too precious to waste. Welcome to December. 

I hope you all are well. 

#time #reflections #december #gratitude #bewell #timeflies #givethanks #balance #lifeisgood #focusonthegood #bekind #givethanks #keepgoing #youvegotthis #peace #spiritualjourney #spiritualgrowth #zen #presentmoment #presentmomentawareness #love

 

Osteoarthritis

Hip Pain.

Osteoarthritis in my left hip has gone from being an intermittent nuisance to a chronic pain problem this past year and some days I can barely walk. Some days the pain is so bad I want to throw up or cry, and most nights are spent desperately searching for any position that feels remotely comfortable. The old me would have been to a doctor already and had pain and sleep meds in hand. The old me would have complained morning, noon and night. The old me would have resigned herself to a life of misery and would have eaten herself into an early grave. 

Now.

I am so beyond grateful just to wake up every day and see what Life has in store for me. Pain, is not going to beat me. There are so many more worthwhile things on which to focus my energy. My journey has only just begun! Healthy eating, daily mindfulness and meditation are cornerstones to better living for me. Choosing natural alternatives over pharmaceuticals is also the norm for me now, and you would be amazed at how much better they are—it’s mind blowing! 🤯 I’ve just started using magnesium spray for the hip and can already feel that it’s working. I’m thinking about making my own, maybe starting a little apothecary, who knows…

Yeah, the new me, she’s got this. 

#hippain #hippainrelief #osteoarthritis #womenover50 #postmenopause #healthyliving #magnesiumbenefits #apothecary #ivegotthis #mindfulness #journeytohealth #journeytowellness #plantbased #organic #natural #naturalhealing #plantsasmedicine #herbalmedicine #writer #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #writersofig #blog #blogger 

Time to Rewrite the Rulebook: Newsflash, There are no Rules!

Your parents told you to                                             

Go to school and

Get good grades so you can

Get into a good college and 

Decide what job you want to do 9-5

For the next forty plus years, then

Find a spouse

Buy a home

In a nice neighborhood 

With good schools

Have children

Rinse and repeat

Who decided this was the societal norm, the standard equation for a happy life and why do we  think that anyone doing it differently is wrong? 

Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. There is more happiness and unbridled joy than you can possibly imagine on the outside of that box in which you’ve been conditioned to live. Stop pining away for whatever it is you wish you could do and go do it! You’re not too old, and it’s never too late. 

Abundance flows where energy goes—follow your heart. Follow your passion. 

LIVE!! 

Words of Wonder

When was the last time you stood barefoot and alone in your backyard and beheld all the wondrous colors of the sky, changing each moment with the setting sun. Blue-gray popcorn clouds drift aloft on gentle wind currents and the last rays of the day paint pastel pink and orange in between. The sky is alive, canvas moves as breath. Colors become muted and fade entirely as the sun slips away, leaving hues of purple and gray against dancing shadows overhead. 

My joy is absolute, my smile radiant, and in this moment I am born again. I am free—free from worry, free from stress and struggle, free from anxiety, free from depression, free from pain. In this moment I am free to feel Love and simply Be. My Life has become an expression of gratitude. I am connected to Divine Spirit and Mother Earth in such a palpable and profound way that I am forever changed, raising my frequency and stepping into the fullness of who I truly am. 

Protect your energy and as ever, be well. 

 

Three-Quarter Moon: Original Poetry

 

Meet me at two-thirty, said the three-quarter moon to me                                                               On the back porch in the shade where we’ll watch the chickadees

Rising in the daytime gives me so much more to see 

Snow capped mountains, fields of green, dogs and honeybees 

Quietly, we sit together observing nature for a time

The moon high up in her world, and me below in mine

I wonder if she has memories, because we’ve sat right here before

Two old souls just passing time, until our lights shine bright no more

Thank you for your company, I said, I’m alone too much these days 

Visits are few and far between, I whisper, as tears occlude my gaze

Sweet friend you’re never alone, I’m always here with you

A constant presence in your life, though I’m not always in view

Come back tomorrow to this shaded porch, and we’ll watch the birds awhile

That sounds lovely thank you, I nod, and gave the three-quarter moon a smile

Who is God

Someone posed the question to me, who is God? As if I could possibly know the unknowable—no one knows who or what God is. If you believe that God fits nicely boxed into any one definition that mankind has assigned, then I dare say you need to check your hubris and open your mind. 

For me, I prefer using the term Source or Source Energy, Spirit, Divine Consciousness, Divine Light—being neither male nor female, but also both, because there is nothing that God is not. Like Yin-Yang, Life is balance.

Who is God?  

God is everything we don’t understand and all the things we do.

God is the most delicate wildflower unseen and the honey bee who pollinates it.

God is a river rock at the bottom of a woodland stream, polished smooth by eons of cascading mountain water. 

God is the red tail hawk soaring in a clear blue sky and the cottontail bunny who burrows in the green grass below. 

God is the wind and the rain, the sunshine and the rainbow. 

God is the unfathomable eternal universe, and the scientific mathematical equations of quantum physics trying to prove its existence. 

God is the crying newborn baby and a grandmother’s last breath. 

God is Kundalini rising, seven chakras and the third eye.  

God is the sinner and the saint. 

God is Unconditional Love and abiding faith. 

God is You.

God is Me. 

Whistle While You Work

 

A tree removal company was across the easement early this morning removing a dead pine tree. I sat on my back porch, sipping English breakfast tea, watching an agile man, donned in bright orange, as he slowly climbed that hundred foot loblolly pine. He would pause long enough on his ascent to fire up his chainsaw, expertly dropping limb after limb. His saw and his voice carried across the expansive electrical valley. He was speaking Spanish—jovial and infectious. I had no idea what he was saying, but his cadence implied happiness, which was confirmed when he began to whistle and then sing like a beautiful bird on high. I wish I could thank him for the company this morning and for being the very best example of someone living in the moment. 

Be well friends.  

#presentmoment #presentmomentawareness #liveyourbestlife #pinetrees #treeremoval #whistlewhileyouwork #focusonthegood #allwehaveisnow #morninginspiration #seizetheday #goodvibes #motivation #writer #writersofinstagram #writersofig #blog #blogger #bloggerlife #gratitude #lifeisgood

20,277

Today, I opened my eyes for the 20,277th day in a row. 

Never have I been more grateful to realize the dawn breaking through the cracks in my window blinds, or how glorious that first big morning stretch feels, ending in tremors just like a cat’s tail after a long nap. My sleepy, cozy dog next to me mutters in protest, but she gets up, scream-yawns, does her own stretches, wags her tail and smiles up at me before we head outside. Our morning ritual. 

I forgot to turn the heat on last night and it’s chilly in here—I set the thermostat to 68 and the furnace kicks on for the first time this season, the familiar “what’s burning” smell wafts through the registers.

Winter is quite literally in the air this morning. A blustery wind and falling temps makes it feel like 24° and I am in heaven. I inhale deeply, the sharp cold air hits my lungs and I am invigorated. 

Every moment of my life is an act of mindfulness and gratitude and it has profoundly changed me. I have been elevated and awakened, experiencing the fullness of Life and the daily miracles that come with it. I am at peace. 

The Practice of Listening

Communication is vital to any healthy relationship and your relationship with Spirit is no exception, in fact it’s the most important conversation you need to be having. 

My connection was static this past summer, all of my attention being focused on our Valkyrie and her well being. For months, I allowed stress, worry, sadness and anxiety to rent space in my head—negative, low vibrational energy that I had long ago evicted. Thankfully, prayers were answered and Valkyrie is on a path to wellness again, so those soul sucking energies were not even able to unpack. Like unwanted guests, they got the boot. 

Life pulls us in many directions, often leaving us too drained and distracted to hear when Spirit speaks, much less listen—and listen we must. Sitting with Divine Spirit this week has been like drinking cool water after walking many miles in the desert. Crystal clear messages were delivered by angels unseen and felt deep within my soul. The beauty of coming back to that sacred space is knowing I am never alone. My being is once again exalted. 

Listen. Take care of yourselves out there. 

Goldenrod

Goldenrod grows in abundance on the easement behind my house, swaying gently today on a pleasant autumn breeze. The crystal clear blue sky is a picture perfect contrast. Mother Nature’s beauty is miraculous to behold. When was the last time you just sat for awhile, and observed the scenery around you? 

Dragonflies, their striking iridescent bodies, catch the sun as they dip and dive all around me. Turkey vultures circle high above on unseen wind currents, their six-foot wingspan, black on blue, slice through the air in a well orchestrated dance before dining on a meal macabre. Sugar ants, never at rest, walk single file across my fence and an anole suddenly skitters across, catching the attention of my dog who sniffs and snorts in its wake. 

It is in these moments that peace overwhelms me. It is in these moments that Spirit fills me to overflowing. It is in these moments that I feel Love beyond measure and I experience gratitude in incomprehensible abundance. 

I hope wherever you are, that you took some time to nourish your soul and give thanks for the gift of Life. 

Be well. 

 

Ten Years!

 

Musings of a Madwoman

I had long ago given up on anyone reading my little blog, save a few family and friends. Mostly, I write for me, a way to keep the grey matter clutter free, so to speak. Therefore I have let Entanglement take the backseat for awhile, an afterthought, a dying ember, a small voice in the Void slipping quietly to sleep until I feel inspired to wake her now and again with a little blurb about life and whatnot. Perhaps it's time to stoke the embers and bring her back to life.  

Recently it has come to my attention that there have been many, many new readers, many people perusing posts both old and new and my heart is singing—what a gift—welcome! Years ago, I wrote about a Chinese proverb, keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come. I feel like an entire flock of birds has taken up residence in my heart these days and my heart is a symphony. As I’ve said before, I hope you find something appreciable in this potluck of mental musings.

Be blessed. 

 

You can find this entire collection of posts (save the very recent) in my book, Musings of a Madwoman: A Sane Way to Discard the Insane Brain, exclusively on Amazon and FREE on Kindle Unlimited. 

#gratitude #welcome #blog #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #writer #writersofinstagram #presentmoment #presentmomentawareness #allwehaveisnow #lifeisagift #weareone #focusonthegood #itsthelittlethings #thankyou #entanglement #grateful

Normal Things

She hasn’t left the house in over four months—healing an active breed dog has been a lesson in patience, of which I have none, never have, but of love for her, my heart is always full. 

So, today it was time. We relinquished all responsibilities and put Valkyrie in the car for a much needed return to normalcy—windows down, radio up, and a ride around her favorite spots gave us all a good soul recharge. It literally brought tears to my eyes. 

Still the healing journey continues. Her exposed quick is slowly, slowly getting better. She’s still knuckling so any progress she makes is erased almost on a daily basis—again, a lesson in patience. But today, she was joyful and we were all happy, doing normal things which no one, especially I, will never take for granted. 

I hope you all are well and being grateful for Life’s seemingly mundane things, they are the things worth living for, after all. 

#gratitude #belgianmalinois #healingjourney #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogstagram #dogslife #bestfriend #unconditionallove #bestgirl #littlethings #writer #writersofinstagram #blog #blogger #writingcommunity #blurb #happy

We Don’t Deserve Dogs

The bird feeders have been empty for months. The lawnmower died, so the grass is overgrown. The mood in the house, heavy and stagnant—reeking of an infected wound that seems to have permeated every porous surface, its odor tattooed into my sinus cavity, forever intertwined with my amygdala, never to be forgotten. 

Sweet amber eyes bore deeply into mine this morning as if to will me the strength to make it through another day, as if to say…you’ve got this. This precious soul, who I don’t deserve, whose existence has been an utter hell these last three months, gives me more than I could ever possibly give to her. Her love is perfect and unconditional. Her tail still wags and she still greets the day with lively enthusiasm of what will be—even though she suffers. In this, we can all learn a lesson from our beloved dogs. 

So. Time to wag my tail and go greet the day, and it is beautiful. 

#writer #blog #blogger #writersofinstagram #dogs #belgianmalinois #healing #injury #bestfriend #goodgirl #unconditionallove #dogsarefamily #lifelessons #notfun #suffering #keepgoing #havefaith #dogsofinstagram #poorbaby #prayingforhealing

The Shift

Don’t let the events of the World distract you and steal your focus. It’s all a stage, smoke and mirrors. Breathe. Center. Remember, where focus goes, energy flows. 

The shift is happening—this is our awakening—and if you don’t know what I’m talking about then you need to heed the call of your inner voice and connect with Spirit. This is THE time for amplified soul growth, for quantum leap soul growth. Be fully present in this moment and exclaim your gratitude to the Universe for Life! 

We were born for this: to illuminate the darkness with our Light, to bring Hope to the hopeless, to release the curses and traumas of our ancestors stored deep within the walls of our double helix, to step fully into our Christ Consciousness and be consumed by unconditional Love and to experience the Oneness of All—Divine Source Energy.

Everything outside of You is an illusion. Truth lies within. 

You are loved and you are never alone. Be well. ♥️

#soulgrowth #spiritualawakening #awakening #oneness #weareone #presentmoment #gratitude #shift #breathe #center #christconsciousness #unconditionallove #source #sourceenergy #love #writer #blogger #awareness #bewell

Dream

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” - Poe

The single best line Edgar Allan Poe ever penned, in my opinion—ominous and beautiful in its truth. 

I dreamed dreams so perfect that I wished I’d never wake and lived nightmares so horrific I wished I’d die. Heaven and hell reside within us all, in dreams. 

And what of waking from this dream within a dream? El vivir es dormir, el morir es despertar—to live is to sleep, to die is to awaken. We are fledgling spirits put to sleep in our youth who never dared dream that the whole Universe calls upon us to wake the power that lies within. 

Make every moment in this beautiful realm your best dream. 

Meditation

The house smells of palo santo, singing bowls at 528 Hz stream softly, the vibe is chill, my inner demons for the moment, silent. Holding Apan Mudra I begin my breath work (inhale), it’s been too long since my last meditation, time to detox and bring back balance (exhale). 

I cannot explain the peace I feel while meditating. Unplugging from the Matrix and plugging into Divine Consciousness—feeling Oneness, Love, Joy, Beauty—I am reminded that THIS is the only thing that’s real. We are not of this World. We are merely passing through, learning, growing, evolving and then? Well, no one really knows for sure, but I don’t believe our adventures end with our last breath, perhaps they’re just beginning. 

We all return to Source. Separation is a myth. You are never alone. Love is all there is and all we have is Now. Be blessed. 

  

No Worries

Hey, that thing you’re worried about—stop. Don’t waste another ounce of your precious energy on it. Instead, take this moment and ask yourself: am I loved? am I healthy? is there a roof over my head, food in my fridge, gas in my car, a little money in the bank? If you can say yes to any of these questions, then you have riches beyond measure and that worrisome thing, doesn’t matter, not even a little. 

Live in Love friends, not fear. Be happy every moment. Do more of what nourishes your soul. Elevate your thoughts, take some deep breaths and smile—laugh with the purity of your inner child and marvel at the wonder of who you are—you are a tittle of our Divine Source, our Cosmic Consciousness, our Loving Creator and you are as beautiful and infinite as the Universe. 

So stop worrying, none of it really matters anyway.  

Always, be well. 

Be Kind, Be Well

 

♥️ this ♥️

Just had to re-share…

I want you to look at this photo. 

I mean -really- look at it. 

What do you see?

Two women. Two battles.

Two hearts. Two souls. Two bodies. 

When you look at this photo, try not to judge. 

Instead, try to understand that we all face our own battles every day. 

Some we might share with others, some we keep to ourselves.

They might be obvious. They might not be.

Everyone is facing something they struggle with. 

EVERYONE. 

And no matter what separates your battles from hers, his battles from theirs, we are ALL human.

Be kind ❤

*************************

this photo touched my soul

this photo moved me deeply 

I have had an unhealthy relationship with food my entire life—as an adult, I have been a binge eater, growing to nearly 300 pounds and I have starved myself down to 117 on a 5’9” frame. Even though I am finally comfortable in my own skin, I will always struggle with my body image, as most women do, whether or not they admit it. 

I have achieved some semblance of balance in the last year-and-a-half on my wellness journey for which I am proud—present moment living has been my single most profound, life changing epiphany—freeing me from many mental health challenges to which I was bound, far too long. I still struggle, though to a drastically lesser extent, and I am still learning how to flow with the reality that I create for myself in every thought’s subtle shift. It’s a beautiful Life and I’m grateful to be here, still. 

Love and hugs, wherever you are, this moment. ♥️

Gratitude Journaling

 

Slipping into clean sheets

The hum of a box fan

Iced coffee to-go on Saturday morning

Hot tea, daily

Puppy kisses whenever possible

Wind chimes before a storm

Ambient Smooth Jazz 

Writing traditional Haiku

Yellow swallowtails

Towering bright white cumulonimbus clouds

Quantum physics 

Birds of prey 

The musical genius of composer John Williams 

Gratitude keeps me humble. Gratitude keeps me from taking things for granted. Gratitude keeps me grounded. Gratitude keeps me ever focused on the present moment. 

When was the last time you made a list of things for which you are grateful? Make one now, in the notes on your phone—add to it whenever the notion strikes you. Refer back to it when Ego gets in your head. A simple expression of gratitude allows the Divine spark within to show you what an extraordinarily abundant Life you are living, Now.

Be well. 

Black Sheep

You do not have to explain the way you live your life. to. anyone. People will judge you—let them. Your life, your path, your journey, is yours and yours alone. People fear what they don’t understand. Your peace and bliss upset their demons. You are healing generational trauma. You go against the grain. You stepped outside the box, broke it down and got rid of it. You don’t conform to societal norms—good! That really gets ‘em steamed. Why? Who knows and who cares! By merely existing the way you do, you live rent free in their head—isn’t that funny. 

Be your authentic self. Always, unabashedly. Let the haters hate. Power is the ability not to have to please, and you will never please everyone, so live your life unapologetically your way. You're no wallflower, let your Light shine. Be your best, truest self. Be mindful, grateful and kind in every moment. Smile at the sun, howl at the moon. Be silly. Be weird, embrace it. Find your people. Live your Truth. Love out loud. You know who you are. 

Three Crows

 

It started with one curious crow. He showed up one day and perched on the fence for a long time, checking out the lay of the land and probably trying to work out the physics of just how he was going to alight on any one of the hanging feeders filled with food. Crows up close and personal are bigger, and more beautiful, than you might think. I named him Corvin. He continued to come, alone, day after day as if he knew I was watching and waiting, as if he was trying to send me a message. 

The first time I put out some whole peanuts—just tossed them on the ground. Corvin cautiously studied them from the fence line for a long time before diving in, literally, iridescent black wings carrying him gracefully to the ground. I held my breath as he cocked his head side to side, up to the sky, all around and back down to the feast I had laid out for him. I watched him shell nut after nut and then he took a beak full, extended those beautiful wings and flew away. Ahhhh, bliss.

The next day, Corvin returned with a friend who was a bit smaller and much more timid. I named her Onyx. I like to believe they are a mated pair. Corvin keeps watch while his beloved pecks at the buffet, which now includes dog kibble (which Valkyrie is none too happy about) and suet pellets that are basically crow crack. My wallet is empty but my heart is full—I’m feeding crows!

Crows are not aggressive unless threatened, and they don’t bother the other birds on the feeders, although their arrival does cause a scattering, and oh what an entrance they make! If it’s a sunny day, I always know they’re coming by the subtle shift of light as their three foot wingspan momentarily blocks out the sun, all of the birds in the yard take flight at once—an ephemeral flapping of dozens of wings and then, crows. 

Three of them now, sometimes four and on rare occasions as many as six or seven, but every day there are three—Corvin, Onyx and Maleficent. They know that between 8-9 a.m. I come outside to fill the feeders and lay out their smorgasbord de jour. I always hear them caw off in the distance, heard but never seen until I close the sliding glass door and, as if on cue, they appear—three of them, three of us, families that stay together and help one another, love one another, for life. 

As always, be well. 

Breaking Old Patterns and Behaviors

 

This past week, I was confronted with a very challenging situation that was a heavy dose of negativity—for days I was caught up in an uncomfortable drama that I, alone was causing. Instead of using my own knowledge and experience when difficult circumstances come— allowing them to flow through and then letting them go, I fixated on the problem, feeding it my frustration and anxiety until it became all consuming—an old pattern of behavior that was as easy as slipping into my favorite cozy pj’s.

Last night as I was counting my blessings, something I haven’t done this past week because I was so consumed, I asked for guidance. How do I maintain my peace, my gratitude, my bliss, in a World that is anything but? How do I interact with people, places, things and events that seemingly want to douse the Light I’ve tried so hard to become? The answer came to me this morning so clearly, an answer that should have been obvious, an answer to which Source always gently guides me—write. 

Write. It doesn’t matter for whom. Just write. Purge those negative feelings. Cast out the darkness and allow that beautiful golden Light to flood back into your vessel. Feel Source embracing your Being in this moment. Know that everything will be okay. You are the entire Universe. All of your troubles are imagined, none of it is real. The only Real is Love, Source, this eternal Now—I see all of the perfection in it and in doing so, my soul pushes up through the mud a little closer towards enlightenment. 

Every moment is an opportunity for expansion and growth. Don’t be a slave to your past behaviors, it truly does not serve you, only keeps you dark and stagnant. Be in the moment. Let the Light envelope your being and feel how abundantly loved you are. 

Be well. 

55

Fifty-five feels good. Celebrating quietly—the beauty of Life, and the wondrous oneness of Source that flows through every living thing, brings me a peace that is indescribable. 

I find, the more I verbally express my deepest, heartfelt gratitude for the birds that line my fence every morning waiting to be fed, for the bright warm sun, blue skies and cool breezes that embrace my being, for the earth beneath my feet, for the flowers blooming in my backyard, for every utterance of appreciation from the simplest trivialities to the major milestones—the more my soul is elevated, the more Love I feel, and the easier life becomes. 

So, talk to the bee that lights on a dandelion. Tell the old oak tree in your yard how strong and beautiful she is. Smile up at the stars on a clear, cloudless night and wonder at the magnificence of it all. Walk barefoot in thick green grass and give thanks to Mother Earth for the gift of being here. Sit quietly with your face to the sun and listen when Spirit lovingly calls you, child. 

I’m so blessed, and humble to simply Be. Life has never been better. Live in this moment, truly be, in this moment and your life will change. You will witness miracles.

Be well.  

Beaten in Love—New Edition Author's Note

I used to be a big, leap before you look, girl. It’s no big surprise then, that all my romantic relationships have been unsuccessful. After my last train wreck I said, no more, and I meant it. You see, I entered each love affair with the best of intentions, only to find that the man I thought I loved was someone else completely. Is it my defect of character that’s to blame, or do my exes bear at least some responsibility in the failure of the union? Well, it takes two to tango, so I’ll just leave it at that.
      It took 49 years for me to realize that I am enough. I don’t need a companion to complete me. I wish I had learned this lesson in my 20’s. I could have avoided so much pain. Specifically, I would not have allowed myself to become a victim of violence at the hands of the man I loved. Please believe me when I tell you that if he lays hands on you even once in anger, he will do it again, no matter how sorry he claims to be. Love yourself enough to walk away. 

It is human nature to shy away from people, places, things, and situations that make us feel uncomfortable. I wrote this book to draw attention to domestic violence. It is not a pleasant subject to talk about, or read about, so how do you think women who are actively involved in abusive relationships feel? The cycle of abuse; you ask any woman who has ever been a victim of domestic violence and she can tell you with certainty what that means. Each story is similar, yet unique in its horror.

     Embarrassed, we don't want to call attention to our own plight. Ashamed, we live in fear. Alone, we don't ask for help because of the consequences, i.e., a beating. It isn't easy to ask for help, especially after Stockholm Syndrome sets in. Thirty-thousand women and men around the globe lose their lives at the hands of their partner every year. How many of these stories get one iota of recognition. Very few.
   Then, there are those that cry out for help, time and again and no one comes to their rescue. They may get out, save themselves, only to be stalked, hunted down, and killed like an animal. Sometimes in these situations, tragically, other family members become victims as well. Again, have you heard about these cases? Maybe, but no more than a blip on the local news.
    The cases that do make national headlines are the Scott Petersons and Chris Wattses of the world. Morbid, voyeuristic curiosity makes their stories trend #1 on Netflix. Laci and Shanann may not have been domestic violence victims in the way we traditionally think, but their lives and the lives of their children were brutally and unexpectedly ended by their sociopathic husbands. Which is more terrifying, living in constant fear of being hurt, or being ambushed with no warning? Does it matter? Neither is acceptable. Both are heartbreaking. Are you uncomfortable yet?

Domestic Abuse Hotline 800-799-7233

Beaten in Love is now available, again, on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Republished by me, still a work in progress, forgive the flaws. 

  

 

Soak it Up

There is nothing better for the soul than an early spring day in the south—seventy-four degrees, slight breeze, no humidity, vibrant blue cloudless sky, zero biting bugs—instead, plenty of big fat bumblebees buzzing and tumbling through the air happily. It’s the kind of day you want to soak up, and spend every moment drenched in the sublime perfection of its beauty. I can’t help but smile. Worry, fear, stress, frustration, sadness—they do not exist. There is only peace, gratitude, joy, love, laughter, abundance and overwhelming happiness. My life is full beyond measure. 

I hope wherever you are, the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. I hope you enjoyed time alone, or time with a beloved. I hope you got to go to the park and throw a ball for your dog. I hope you smiled because somewhere in the distance you heard children laughing, bringing with it a happy memory. I hope you ate a good meal and then went for a nice long, leisurely walk by the lake and watched the geese. I hope you soaked it all in. I hope you, too, are happy, well, and living ever in this glorious present moment. 

Peace 

Present Moment Musings

Every morning at dawn I go outside, express gratitude to our Creator for another glorious day and feed the birds. I won’t go so far as to say I’ve trained them, but they sure have trained me! As I go from one feeder to the next, a male house finch perched in the budding branches of a boxelder maple sings loud and strong—like ringing the breakfast bell. I stand back and watch as finches red, purple and gold, wrens, sparrows, tufted titmice, chickadees, cardinals, towhees, mockingbirds and mourning doves gather in a fluttering wave each adding their own song to the melodious cacophony—a morning symphony just for me. This simple ritual brings me more joy than I can possibly articulate. Wrapped in the warmth of the sun’s rays, observing the Earth waking up fills me with peace and assures me that everything is just as it should be in this eternal moment of Now. 

Five years ago, I was chronically depressed, crippling anxiety my constant companion. I was in the darkest depths of despair begging God for help and guidance when in reality it was all an illusion of my own making. 

One night as I was praying, He asked, “Did I take care of you today?”

To which I replied, “Yes.”

“Then stop worrying about tomorrow.”

And I did. 

If you are living aware that you have everything you need in this moment, you will forever have all that you need. A simple practice that one hundred percent changed my life. I never understood how to match the frequency of the life I wanted to live. Now I do. Worry, fear, lack—these negative frequencies cannot exist, you cannot attract them when you are living in joy, wonder, love, gratitude and the abundance of the present moment. 

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of living in the present moment, I invite you and encourage you to try it. Think about this—you cannot go back to the past, you cannot move into the future. All that you have is right now. When you spend time in what-ifs, regretting actions of the past or pining away for a better life down the road, somewhere in the future, you miss the subtle perfection and absolute abundance of right now. 

When you are anxious or stressed, come back to this present moment—feel the sun on your skin, feel the steady rhythm of your heartbeat, feel the wind in your hair, sing your favorite song while you drive, take your dog for a pup cup, notice Spring in every bud waiting patiently to blossom, sit quietly with Spirit and listen to the wisdom that comes to you. 

I hope you are happy and feeling loved wherever you are this moment. Be well.  

Sun Gazing

Early to bed, early to rise
makes a woman healthy, wealthy and wise.

First light. Moments before the sun breaks the horizon, when the sky glows deep orange, red and yellow and the dawn, crisp, resonates with birdsong, when Divine Spirit thrums through every cell of my being, I breathe deep and wait.

Morning rays reach out, invisible tendrils of luminous warmth, touching damp fence posts and frosted grass, creating an ethereal world of steamy fog that mirrors my every exhalation. Gazing at the sun, I give silent salutations, greeting the day with wonder and gratitude. Daybreak, is my favorite time of day. 

I am a novice sun gazer and even so, I cannot adequately describe the utter beauty found in these early hours staring directly into the sunrise—center fractal movement, geometric haloes and a solar aura of vivid blue, orange and yellow—it’s dazzling. 

I probably sound crazy. But hey, I’ll take being an eccentric 21st century hippie to being plugged into the matrix any day!

Y’all be well out there. This moment is all there is, be happy in it!

Riches

abundant sunshine

gentle breeze

deep breaths

songbirds

daffodils

 
dog panting, tongue out tail wagging

ladybugs

first bumblebee sighting

driving with the windows down

singing

laughter

bliss

full moon

absolute freedom

I am rich beyond my wildest dreams.

Alive and Wide Awake

A year ago, a large head of romaine was $1.99 at Sprouts and could easily feed three—now, it’s $2.99 for a head that barely makes a salad for one, so you have to buy two, which still isn’t enough for three.

Halo’s, those cute little oranges that are great healthy snack, now taste like chemicals. I just returned a five pound bag to Walmart because they were literally inedible. The customer service lady was nonplussed. At least I got my $8 back.

Want some cashews? They’re $8.99 a pound. Pistachio’s? $9.99 lb. Chopped pecans? $8.98 for a one pound bag. Nuts have always been expensive—but this is ridiculous.

If, like me, you’re staying away from processed crappy chocolate bars and thinking you’re making the healthier choice by choosing dark chocolate treat—think again, it may be laden with lead and cadmium.

Do you like honey as a natural sweetener? Well, the USDA is now feeding honeybees a waxseen to combat an aggressive bacteria called foulbrood. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about—nothing to see here, move along.

Don’t even get me started on what they’re doing to the meat industry—there’s a reason I’m a devoted plant based eater and even that has been given a heavy coat of pesticides. Homegrown has suddenly become the trend, with many starting gardens and buying chickens only to find the crops won’t yield and the hens won’t lay eggs. Perhaps it’s something in the air, or the water, or the seeds and feed? Tin foil is in Vogue now in case you didn’t know.

All this to say that in the last year, I have learned so much and have been very selective about what goes in my body, and thus, have become diligent about reading labels. If there are things you can’t pronounce it goes without saying—put it back. A new ingredient I learned this year was cochineal. Cochineal is bugs. Bugs. It’s in everything from ice cream to eye shadow. IYKYK

Prices are up, quality is down. Wages are stagnant. Collapse. Reset. It’s nothing new under the sun, and yet, it is. Maybe for the last time.

What a time to be alive. What a time to be wide awake. Life has more meaning, moments are far to precious to waste. Look up at the stars on a cold, clear night and ponder your place in the vastness of the infinite. All of the Universe is in you, looking at itself through your eyes, and when you stand in that realization—nothing else matters. We are loved beyond comprehension.

All we have is now. Be well.