Keeping the motivation behind my thoughts and actions heart-based.

 My purpose is to be a channel of grace -- grace being the immediate presence of Spirit.  I designed a symbol which represents my life's purpose (hence the channel-like appearance) and had it tattooed above my left ankle on my 50th birthday.  I recommit to this purpose daily.  The colors are associated with the energy centers in our body.  This energy is oftentimes referred to as Life Force.

On July 15th, Terrill's post Empowering Stories about Women in Canadian Film recommended several movies.  Last night I watched Marion Bridge:

There are many raw ingredients in this movie - family secrets, a parent in transition, tension between three grown sisters and the cold gray fog of Nova Scotia.  The cinematography and supporting soundtrack beautifully portray these elements - all of which are woven together into a story of reconciliation that is quietly compelling. 

The only time I'm not comfortable is when I eat too much.

I used to be a backseat driver.  Now -- by intent -- I either sit in the passenger seat quietly, or I drive.

On July 15th, Terrill's post Empowering Stories about Women in Canadian Film recommended several movies.  Today I had the opportunity to view The Snow Walker:

This vintage tale is based on Farley Mowat's short story, "Walk Well My Brother."  It is the account of survival after a plane crash in the unforgiving land of the Canadian arctic.  The life of the 32 year old male pilot depends on a young Intuit woman, his only passenger who he had been flying to receive medical assistance.  It is a poignant look at friendship that is built on mutual trust and respect.

The cinematography captured the frozen landscape so well that it felt like the frigid conditions permeated the film.  The soundtrack -- especially during a scene with arctic caribou -- was outstanding and woven beautifully throughout the film.  

I front-load my day, getting up well before the sun, so I go to bed pretty early.  Everyone in my household and all of my friends are night owls.  When they are just hitting their stride in the evening, I am brushing my teeth and saying goodnight.  I have tried to convert to their schedule, but have not been successful. 

At the suggestion of my Gaia friend Clare, I have posted a link to my article, Legacy - A Lifetime of Experience in the Aug/Sept edition of Sibyl Magazine (pg 5).  Have you ever thought about what your legacy will be; what you will be remembered for?

When you die, what would you like your legacy to be?

I am not the only person who can see these, but not many people talk about seeing them, so I suspect that it is less common ... I see personal energy signatures - more commonly referred to as auras.

Trust is easy for me because I exercise it every day.  I trust the elevator to hold as I ride in it.  I trust the chair to remain standing as I sit in it.  I trust the train will stay on the tracks.  I trust the plane will get me from point A to point B.  I trust that other drivers will adhere to the rules of the road.  I trust the bridge will hold when I cross it ...

The same is true for people.  Until someone gives me a good solid reason not to trust them, I do. 

What have you seen today that is beautiful?
I saw two sparrows sitting amongst the geraniums in my window box.

Who in your life is beautiful inside and out?
My friends - and I do me "friends" in the truest sense of the word.  A few of them are pictured here with me.  From left to right:  me, Karen, Kathy, Pam and Jeanne.  These are the women that I spoke about in this blog.

What part(s) of nature do you find beautiful?
Trees.  Definitely trees.

Is there a piece of music or song(s) you think are beautiful?
Pachelbel's Canon in D

What color(s) are most beautiful to you?
Muted greens with a dash of soft brown

I think I would make an excellent journalist or reporter because I want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of people, places and things.

Do others find me curious?  Because I work with human energy, people find my field (area of practice) extremely interesting.

If the unknown is information I need to know more about for an area that I am unfamiliar with -- i.e. home maintenance, car repair, or a class that I am taking -- then I dive in head first and learn it.

If the unknown is none of my business, I leave it alone.

As part of the "Wisdom Years Birthday Initiation" for our friend, Susan Wisehart -- author of Soul Visioning -- Len and I, along with about 30 other guests, had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth and have a gong bath as part of her 60th birthday celebration.

Live harp music played by Marysue Redmann greeted us when we met up with everyone this afternoon.  An introduction was made by Susan's husband, Dave Birr, and then we flowed right into group chanting which was led by Michelle McClellan, and supported on guitar by Mark Jourdan.

Gong Bath
The 45-minute gong bath sound meditation was facilitated by Gong Master, Mark Placzkowski.  We each lay on our back in savasana position, with our head toward the gong; feet pointing away.  Mark then explained that a gong bath is like a very deep and lasting massage that tunes the physical body and soul to the greatest possible resonance.  Each of us received the sound energy of the gong as it was played; moving through the nervous system opening, clearing and recharging the whole person -- body, mind and spirit. The gong bath triggered a meditative/contemplation state in which negativity and chaos were suspended, resistance was cleared, and each person's whole being was reset to a state of synchrony and alignment.

Labyrinth Walk
With energy cleared and recharged, Dave then explained that a labyrinth is a path for assisting mental focus and relaxation that promotes going inward for guidance.  He shared that people have used labyrinths throughout history in many religions and cultures as oracles, a place to obtain answers to questions, manifest intentions and receive nourishment for the spirit.  Many consider a labyrinth to be a sacred space where intuition takes wing.

Each guest entered the labyrinth in one minute increments.  As we reached the center, there was a beautifully draped table set with stunning crystals.  We had been told to select a touchstone as a remembrance.  Unbeknownst to each other, Len and I discovered afterwards that we had each chosen a piece of Lepidolite.

The Trees ... hidden under the rich soil is an enormous underpinning of roots; an intricate system that extends two to three times the radius of the crown.  The deep roots anchor the tree; enabling it to dance without falter; to sway in unison with the other trees in the unpredictable wind.  Oh what a model for us to follow.

From life?  Nothing.  From me during this life?  I expect to learn from my experiences during this sojourn.  I expect to integrate the knowledge that I gain with the life that I live.

On July 15th, Terrill's post Empowering Stories about Women in Canadian Film recommended several movies.  Last night I had the opportunity to view
Away from Her:

A whiskered teddy bear of a man and a stylish and witty woman move around one another in the intimacy of their country cottage -- this opening scene reveals a well seasoned couple.  Like a favorite pair of comfortable slippers, you can see the ease in the interaction between Grant and Fiona.  Even so, something is not quite right.  As Fiona is pouring wine for their dinner guests, she becomes perplexed by the object that she is holding.  And later, when they are cleaning up the kitchen, she absentmindedly puts the frying pan in the refrigerator.  That is how the onset of Fiona's Alzheimer's disease is revealed.

The ensuing story is one that lifts you to vibrant heights and plunges you into dark valleys.  It weaves loving remembrances of cross country skiing near their snowbound cottage, with a nursing home that is sterile and has fixed routines.  The camera returns time and again to ski tracks in the snow, using them as a reminder of the vast whiteness of mind in which Fiona has become lost.

This is a heartbreaking film, but one that is well worth viewing. 

I feel F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! 

In fact, I feel so darned T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C that if I felt any better, they would have to issue me a ticket!

The same thing that I want from the air that I breathe ... sustenance.  And like the air that I breathe, beauty is all around me; it is everywhere.  

What do I want from me as it relates to beauty?  Appreciation.

For me, greatness inspires wonder.  I find greatness in nature.  From a dandelion to a snow covered mountain, and everything in-between.  I make a point of watching the sun rise every morning.  The vividly painted sky never fails to stir me.

What makes you feel strong and confident?
Lying on the ground at the base of a tree, or standing with my arms around a tree makes me feel strong and confident.

Whose strength do you admire?
Jane Goodall

Who keeps you going when times are tough?
My husband, Len

What creative activities do you enjoy?
Writing

Do you have a special name for that inner spark?
Spirit

I imagine there is an element of fear associated with that desire.  My emphasis is health
-- body, mind and spirit.  It is my intention to stay healthy right up to my expiration date.  I may be old.  I may be wrinkled and a bit weathered, but I will have a positive attitude and a twinkle in my eye!

A birthday celebration for my husband, Len.  I am currently making preparations for a sit-down dinner for 12 this evening.  What's next?  A lot of fun!

By intent, I have a much simpler lifestyle.

As you can see, Len's birthday celebration was great fun!  

















After the meal there was dancing, followed by a rousing game of spoons.  Oh my gosh, I never laughed so hard in my life!  A great time was had by all. 

Physically, I am a cookie cutter image of my mum! 
I've got her same sense of humor, love of adventure and voracious reading habits. 
Like her, I can cook -- rather well -- but do not enjoy it. 
I am a neat freak; a place for everything and everything in its place. 
I adore travel. 
I enjoy my own company and I love to laugh. 
I'll fight for the underdog every time. 
I may look like a pushover, but I can hold my own.  
I shoot from the hip, saying what I mean, and meaning what I say.  
I have a positive attitude; I always look up.   

I'm antsy.  There has to be a really good reason to sit down, otherwise I'm on the go!

When I was growing up my mother's way of saying "no" was to say, "When pigs fly!"  She had a way of saying it that was funny - it took the sting out and the edge off of her denial to my request ... always for my own good.

Outside my office window at HolEssence I keep a bird feeder.  We buy seed by the 50 lb. sack and go through it quickly.  As I was watching these birds, I thought, "These guys are pigs ... little pigs that fly!"

In thinking about that and capturing these photographs I thought ... "Why just last evening I had peanut brittle and a Corona for dinner."  And somewhere in the distance I swear I heard my mother's voice, "When pigs fly!"  (meaning noooooooooooo).

I don't take myself too seriously.  I can laugh at myself.

Like wind passes through leaves on a tree ... when I am listening to someone I feel their emotion pass through me, but I do not absorb it and make it my own.