Come Get Your Love :)

Happy Holidays my dear ones! :)

The hectic part of the holidays is over! Whoop! The preparations continue. With holiday tunes playing, and a mug of coffee with Bailey's, I will wrap the gifts and ponder my blessings, which are many.

My thoughts turn to the lovely friends I have made in the blogging world, and because I won't have time before Yule to visit all my favorite blogs and send them love, I will do so here, and in no particular order.

• Dear Tracy from your lovely land of Seaside Enchantment, may the holidays wrap you in the love of your wonderful husband and your lovely children; and may their love carry you through the fantastic years to come. Thank you for bringing the simple enchantment into our lives through your blog. :)

• Dear Kate from Lens.Us.Together, may your life be filled with the beauty and wonder that I find in all your stunning photography, and may the closeness you have with your dear ones nurture you throughout all your days. :)

• Dear Jane from Painted House 52, may you find the connection with your little ones, especially your daughter; may your blossoming and passionate love with your husband grow stronger every minute; may you find your unique path to fulfillment in every aspect of your being! You are a talented, beautiful, strong woman! :)

• Dear Suzie from Suzie the Foodie, may you find oneness with nature and the welcome in your surroundings; may health pump through your body, and your soul soar in joy; may the love you have with your husband entwine you in wonder; and may the joy you find enrich your heart and soul and carry you through the challenges. Thank you for the awesome recipes, the grounded wisdom, the magickal discoveries you bring!

• Dear Connie from Dirty Footprints aka Creative Juicy Life, may your creative juices flow in their unstoppable power, and fill the world with the awesomeness that is you. May you bask in the love that is in your life and may it carry you to more juicy adventures. Thank you for sharing your soul and art with us. What a priceless gift you give. :)

• Dear Rosebud from For the Love of Beads, may you and your dears ones enjoy abundance, health and love; and may the beauty of your wonderful bead creations decorate the world like you ignite the imagination with your gorgeous creations. :)

• Dear Boho from Bohemian Mom, may you and your Hatchling know solace of hearth, steadiness of income, health, and of course a new car; may the love you have for each other become a shining beacon to all those around you, because you are truly an inspiring, powerhouse! You are a gem amongst the rocks, and don't you forget it! :)

• Dear Maithri from The Soaring Impulse, may the world be flooded with your lovely spirit, your endless giving, your inspiring footsteps. You bless all those who come in contact with you with your generosity, your compassion, your humor and your loving intention. May you be blessed with all that and more :)

• Dear Jamie from Jamie Ridler Studios, may your holidays be merry, filled with love and gathering. May the abundance of wisdom, and wishes, and the inspiration that you shower on us come back to you tenfold. You are love, Jamie, and it's an honor to know you. The happiest of holidays to you, Justin, and your dear ones. :)

• Dear Shannon from Original Bliss, may your steps take you on the path that you most crave, the path of fulfillment in every sense. May your incredible strength shine your way through the many changes in your life. Your artwork and your words have fertilized my mind and heart and soul. May you enjoy the wondrous love you share with your amazing husband and most talented children these holidays and forever. :)

• Dear Michelle from Dolls-n-Art, may the holiday festivities carry you throughout the year, surrounded by your love and loved ones, filled with creative abundance and success. I truly enjoy your dolls and your art. Your uniqueness is undeniable! :)

• Dear Shell from Swanofdreamers, may the magic you weave through your stories and dreams envelop you with love and possibility. May your path be fulfilling and your days filled with joy. You bring a smile to my face every time I visit your blog and you visit mine. Thank you :)

• Dear Judi from Mindmists, you are a superhero in my book, with your cargo pants, unique style and delicious humor, you rise above all situations like a shining star. May you find your love, may health be your constant companion, and may joy weave through your days like pixie dust. :)

• Dear Serena from Serena Lewis, may the love you filter through your spectacular art and photography, the caring you show with your every visit, the joy you share with your every word, carry you and your loved ones through the days and fill them with the magic that is you. :)

• Dear Paula from Happysnappy, may the laughter and humor you share with us be endless, and nourish your life and your creations. You are a ray of sunshine that lights the path for all of us. Thank you! May the holidays bring you, your wonderful husband and your amazing children much joy! :)

• Dear Dia from Vestella's Vale, as the wisdom of your words guide us, as the beauty of your harp enchants us, as the deliciousness of your discoveries enthrall us, so I wish for you every day of your life. The happiest of holidays to you and yours! :)

• Dear Tabby from I Choose Bliss, may the bliss and love you spread through the world, with your words and actions, motivate everyone to follow your lead, and make the earth a better place to live. To say you are an inspiration, is to make a huge understatement. I admire you beyond what words can describe. Much love, health, abundance and wonder to you, your incomparable husband and your lovely Princess. :)

• Dear Rebecca from The Difference a Year Makes, may your holidays be merry, may health wash over you and your husband, may that which you seek float to your doorstep. :)

• Dear Caroline from Whimsical Whispers, may the zen in you grow stronger like a light that can never be extinguished. May the wonderland that you share with us through your photography be your permanent residence. May love color your every moment, and wash it with the beauty that you bring! :)

• Dear Rowena from Warrior Girl, You're a Warrior Mama, Now, may your seeking soul find its pot of gold; and as the flying girls bring us to magical new lands, may your artwork be prosperous and abundant. May your novel be published; but most of all, may the love you share with your family be endless. :)

• Dear Kim from Queen of Arts, may the love you spread through your art and your stones multiply and come skipping merrily back to you tenfold! May the zest with which you greet life be eternal. Happy holidays to you, David and yours! :)

• Dear Tori from Tori's Path, may you continue to grow into the independent and wonderful woman you have become. You've come a long way honey, and I am so proud of you. Much accomplishment, fulfillment and joy I wish for you and yours. May life be as tasty as your culinary creations! :)

• Dear Molly from Her Speak, may the fluid, funky, flourishing spendiferousness that are your creations continue to flow through you and into the world. You bedazzle us with your abundant creativity like no other. Happy holidays to you, your Muffin and your loved ones. May stardust scatter on your path. :)

• Dear Pen from The Penny Has Dropped, may you and Cam know the peace, love, abundance and joy that you richly deserve. May your path to enlightenment be wondrous and fantastical, like your photography, your art and your words. :)

• Dear Dawn from Today and Everyday, may you continue to exude the tranquillity, peace and happiness that flows out into the world with your words, and creativity. May happiness settle in your very being permanently. :)

• Dear Pamela from A Touch of Inspiration, may the holidays be filled with fun, love, family, deliciousness, and discovery. May the path you seek glow brightly before you so that you may enjoy the new adventure. Health and abundance to you and yours :)

• Dear Rebecca from Just a Thought, may your amazing talent find lucrative recognition, may you be healthy and may love bind every moment of your experience. You are truly one of a kind who has ignited the imagination of many. Best of luck to you with POD and your endeavors, and the happiest and healthiest of holidays too! :)

• Dear Kara from Mother Henna, may your path to self-fulfillment be abundant and joyous; may the guiding light that you flood into the world, shine a glorious way to your own path. Your artwork and your words touch all of us in so many wondrous ways! Thank you :)

• Dear Holly from Your Mother Knows But Won't Tell You, when I think of you, I think of Goddess Mother. You open your arms to the world and embrace us with love and wisdom, with laughter and joy. May the world embrace you with the like and so much more :)

• Dear Linda from Vulture Peak Muse, may health flood your limbs, muscles, veins and pores and give you the energy of the sun. May love be your comforter. May the beauty of your words, your incomparable art, and photography and your potent words spread through the world like fireworks :)

• Dear Gemma from Gemmashouse, may the shining star at its zenith guide you like your art brings stars to our eyes, your words stellar power to our souls. May the holidays and every day be filled with love, health, and exciting discovery. :)

• Dear Tammie Lee from Spirithelpers, like your sparkling photography, your stunning images, your soulful poetry that brings such wonder to our eyes and hearts, may you be filled with the joy and wonder and beautiful love they bring. :)

• Dear Danette from The Drawing Board, may the new road you have taken bring you much discovery, creativity, joy and love. May you find the beauty that you bring to the world. :)

• Dear Jenn from Jennerosity, may your unique point of view, your manifold talents, and your amazing perspective flourish; may the holidays and every day bring you love, health and prosperity. :)

• Dear Steve From Color Sweet Tooth, as an explorer of image and color, an adventurer of experience and joy, a traveller of many wondrous paths, you have given us amazing perspective. May every day be a glorious adventure filled with laughter, joyous surprises, fulfilling love and splendid creativity. :)

• Dear Anna from Hoboj a Basa, as you fill the world with beautiful music, may your life have a soundtrack of love, creativity, abundance and exploration! :)

• Dear Kavindra from Lisa's Soul Getting Shinier, may your every day be filled with the uniqueness of your expression, the warmth of your compassion, the wisdom of your seeking, and the love of your intention. :)

• Dear Robyn from Tales of Inglewood, may your days be lighter, and you find the enchantment that your garden holds in every aspect of your life. You are truly magickal; may that magick fill your world. :)

• Dear Allison from Creative Positive Spin, like the childlike joy of your hooping may your days be filled with delight, exploration, health and most importantly love. :)

• Dear Breedale from Perpetually Changing, as you tend to your growing, healthy, love-filled family, as you find your unique path, may you be filled with joy my friend. With joy eternal.

And if I have missed any one of you, it's not intentional. I can sit here for days thanking each and every one of you for all the joy, wisdom, inspiration and love you have brought me. May your lives be filled with these; and no matter what challenges life throws your way, may you find the strength, humour and companionship to deal with them.

Blessed be everyone and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :)

Wanna Play?

1. come play with me, 2. hoola hoops in as stack, 3. play, 4. Ayyy mista DJ., 5. colour chunks ii, 6. Birds on the wall, 7. playing the nine pins, 8. Palace Play Land, 9. Wanna play?

Did you know that Jamie Ridler is psychic? She must be because she did it again! She picked the perfect prompt for Wishcasting Wednesday! She asks:

Who or what do you wish to play with?

How did she know that today marks the end of three weeks of intense work hours for me? How did she know that after today, and for the next couple of weeks, I will be ready and willing to PLAY?

And what do I want to play?

I want to be a kid again and play games on a whim.
Tiddly winks and hoola hoops and rides!
I want to get my hands messy with art supplies and run with abandon in the field.
I want to learn how to hoop and hoop til I drop with exhilaration!

I want to make necklaces again like I used to and play with beads and stones and shells.

I want to get my fingers sticky with glue from making collages.

I want to make one huge playful MESS!

I want to get back to djing and play music to get people out of their seats and dance.

I want to play with color and fill my days with PLAYFUL JOY!

I want to play with everyone! My little friends and my big friends.
I want to fill the air with laughter of play.

I wish that every day is filled with the joy of pLaY!

Swinging into Life

(click to enlarge)

Spring has sprung and so have I! Even though I am feeling the slight symptoms of a flu coming on (tickly throat, coughity cough, sniffles), I refuse to give in to it! Sorry, I don't have time for you! Go plague another body!

The sun is nurturing my soul and my spirit has been lifted right out of last week's doldrums. I know a lot of this has also to do with the fact that I am not in the pressure cooker that is my place of employment. It's really quite alarming what an awful effect it has on my state of being. I really need to reinforce my barriers so that it does not get to me as much! Or I really need to get out.

Yesterday, I had a meeting with two of the most awesome women I know and have the pleasure and honor of calling friends. They are helping me with my project to infuse the tired education system here with some creativity! It needs this transfusion desperately as it has been languishing in Intensive Care for eons! I will write more on this once it has been solidified. :)

I
am
excited!
!
!

:)

I have also been working on the textbook(s) I have been commissioned to write. I must admit, I was not very enthusiastic when this first fell into my lap, but... I am making lemon cake with it! I have been researching like mad, and have put together an outline that pops! It's chock full of fun and interesting activities! I will actually enjoy writing this :) The theme is Habitats and I have discovered such amazing projects in the works all over the world which gives me hope for humanity. More on this for sure!

Today, I am going to meet up with a friend of mine and her one-year old daughter, Maria! I am so looking forward to squishing, I mean holding, this new human! :) The sun is shining and so am I!

Brilliant!

I hope you are all well, and happy! My prayers are with those of you who need them. I have not forgotten about you, darlings!

Blessed be :)

Showers of Gratitude

To shiny objects
our attention drifts
and hangs on
with dreamy bliss

What catches our eye? Captivates our focus? Fuels our imagination? Makes our heart soar? Pumps blood through our veins like a mighty river?

Let me start by saying. This community fascinates me to no end. Your creations. Your thoughts. Your struggles. Your victories. Your quiet moments. Your days of bliss. Your tireless search for beauty and light, meaning and direction. Your care and support for others. Your presence.

Before I even think about what fascinates me, I want to thank you all, for being.

I got three awards recently by two wonderful women in our community. There are rules to these awards, but I will break them. If you want to see them, I will provide links to their amazing posts, and you can read for yourselves. :)

Paula is a woman whose energy and love of life is greater than all the oceans put together. She is a loving wife, and a wonderful mother to two amazing children. Her photographs speak volumes of her love of life and her quest for meaning. They are captivating! She extends this light and joy to others through her comments and suggestions. I am also honored to announce that Paula is our newest contributor to my blog-zine Ola! Moana. Please take some time and show her some love.

Paula gave me this award: Thank you Paula! :)


This award is given to commentators who show support, inspiration and encouragement to others. I bestow this award to each and every one of YOU. Your comments are a continuous source of fascination for me. This is not a cop out on my part. It's not that I can't be bothered to pick five. It's that I cannot pick. Each and every one of you whether you comment once or every day, have given me a precious gift, and I would like to honor you. Thank you. :)

Please feel free to grab this badge and give it to someone or everyone who has encouraged you! :)

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The other two awards were given to me by June. June is a wonderful source of inspiration. A wife, a mother, and a grandmother, June not only creates beautifully whimsical art and unique jewelry, she prompts others' creativity through themes on the Dark Side. She is a supportive and caring blogger who takes the time to honor others' creativity as well. Please take the time and visit her with some love. :)

June gave me these two awards: Thank you June! :)



This award I pass on again to each and every one of YOU. From cookies to earrings. From watercolor to paper. Your creativity springs forth from you like the fountain of life. You inspire thought with your images and words. You are simply wonderful.


And this! Thank you June! :)

This badge is one great big HUG for each and every one of you for being here. For caring. For being YOU! Thank you! :) Feel free to grab the badge and spread your hugs!

Please grab the badges and sport them with pride. I give them to you with love! :)

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Speaking of spreading the love. I have a gift to give to one special person who I have met through the blogosphere. She is a warrior, brave in her conviction, overcoming obstacles and doing so with honesty and bravado. She is an inspiration to others in oh so many ways, so I made this mantra card for her to honor her recent birthday.

So without further ado, this card is for our Sacred, and beloved Suzie!

For those of you who don't know, this is Suzie's personification of her creative spirit Cinnamon! This is how I see her.

Happy Birthday Suzie! May all your dreams come true! :)

(click on the image to enlarge)

Of course Cinnamon's setting is the kitchen! That is her seat of power! Her weapon of choice, the wooden spoon is not her only tool. On her utensil belt she carries all the tools of her majestic creativity. Through the windows, you can see the stunning vista of Cinnamon's beloved British Columbia. :)

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Steve Emery awarded me with the Six Random Meme. Steve is an amazing artist and person. His honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, creativity and intelligence shine through his words and watercolors. Please take some time to visit Steve, and be prepared to be absolutely captivated. Thank you Steve!

Six random things about me:

1) I have visited every single type of church, temple, or synagogue at least once, in my quest for spiritual meaning. I chose not to be part of any religious institution, with respect.

2) I always doodle flowers and eyes when I am bored, to stay alert.

3) I make a wicked chai from scratch! It's something I inherited from my Egyptian roots.

4) I got my first gray hair at age 18, and it started out as a strand of golden tinsel. Yes, like the one on Christmas trees. It was gold for three days, then turned gray.

5) I made my first necklace when I was four.

6) I have had prophetic dreams of people and places which I encountered later in my life.

That's it for now! Phew!

I award this meme to each and every one of you again. Why? Because I am fascinated with people's life details. :) So if you want to participate please feel free! :)

I know. I'm such a rule-breaker. :)

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Oh right. I forgot. I was supposed to be writing about my fascinations. I will. But not now. :)

For now, I will post an image I worked on yesterday. Yet more experimentation in a different style. :)

(click on image to enlarge)

Blessed be :)

Love Eternal

The circle of love is warm arms
that embraces us
There is no beginning
no end
A cycle of light radiating out from within,
beaming in from without.
The circle of love is a haven of safety
to be who we are
as we are
no questions asked
No expectations to be met
We are
A spiral of air filling our lungs
in
and out
The circle of love is a tender kiss
soul to soul
Sharing a heart
beating eternally
vibrating strong
feeling the stars' fire
The circle of love is clasped hands
A wall of support
keeping danger at bay
dissolving insecurity
palm to palm united
Feet planted firmly in the ground of our choosing
We do not stand alone.
Never
Alone
Because we are
in the circle of love.

As we reach this the final day of Soul Coaching, I feel the memories grow in my heart, strengthening it, making my steps surer, my gaze clearer, my smile brighter, my soul more serene.

These are the memories that will fuel me into the next turn of our journey spiraling into a fresh circle in the sunny beach of life. We walk tall, our shadows casting their greatness, no longer dark presences but silhouettes of our powerful projections. Our guides are smiling as they congregate to share a cup of tea and discuss their charges affectionately. We are connected now, and nothing can change that. We are a circle of love.

These are the memories that have become part of my life's collage:

• Allison's hoop and her smiling in it, joyful in her quest for boots
• Aurora's warm creations of wool that warm us like her words
• Beautiful Witch's magick that restores our faith in ourselves
  
• Boho's and her hatchling's new Queendom unfolding, comfortable and loving
• Breedale's strength and her blossoming motherhood that adopts the world
• Caroline's light and guidance, her spirit light that fills the world with zen magic
• Claudia's collages that fill the eye and by extension the heart with beautiful wisdom
• Danette's sheer power of creative will and intent, her budding into the mermaid she is, and the incredible honor of calling her my friend.
• Dawn's amazing sense of self, yoga splendidnesss and detoxification mundra
• Dia's unwavering wisdom and delightful harp that brings music into the soul
• Ellie's superhuman strength and loving heart, her incredibly powerful message
• Fatma's sparkling tips and rejuvenating wisdom
• Gemma's ageless beauty and wild boundless heart
• Judi's beacon of amazing humour, brilliant honesty and heartfelt dedication
• Kara's delicate and magical hennas, inspired color and drive.
  
• Kate's lens that spreads love and humanity, light- ly.
  
• Kelly's perseverance and bright unfolding
• Leah's paintings so full of beauty that color the palette of our inspiration
• Linda's powerful iconic art, whose images enrapture the imagination
  
• Lillian's majestic tree of support and gentle guidance.
• Lisa's boundless enthusiasm and words of encouragement like jewels in a necklace (circle)
• Marilyn's alter of indomitable power and light, her brilliant manifestation
• Megg's invitation to renew ties with girlhood and her gentle yet powerful creative force
• Melba's incredible journal so filled with heart and color
• Molly's explosion of creativity that captivates the imagination, expanding it
  
• Nicole's generous readings and the incredible spectrum of her wisdom
• Nydia's tender moments and budding growth
  
• Paula's cheerful and loving home and smiling faces filling it
• Pen's heartfelt journey and undeniably honest strength
• Peppy Lady's ceaseless urn of coffee and wisdom
• Robyn's garden and her stepping into the shoes of garden goddess, ever nurturing
• Romana's passionate integrity and dedication to humanity
• Sandra's wild green love that embraces the whole world
• Serena's mandalas that encircle our souls and words that feed our spirits with love
• Shannan's stunning visuals and uplifting words
• Shannon's drive and vision that cuts to the very quick of darkness and reveals a unique light
• Sherrie's bursts of color that light her manifold perspective, enriching ours
• Suzie's priceless wisdom, fearless growth, and tender heart more powerful than diamonds
• Tabby's powerhouse of light, strength, and loving support
• Thien-Kim's unwavering devotion and love-filled recipes
• Tori's spectacular unfolding into the woman she is and the woman she will be - a growing light
• Turtleheart's brave honesty and powerful message of survival.

These are just a few of the women who have quickened my life, my heart, my mind, my soul on this incredible journey. If I have not mentioned you, it is not because you are not priceless to me, it is because my brain cannot process everything. Each and every one of you is a shining star in the firmament of our collective soul, an irreplaceable link in our circle of love. This is not goodbye. This is, where next?

Which leaves me with one more person. Last and never least.

Jamie.

To say thank you is like giving a stick of gum to someone who has just saved you from the jaws of death. It simply is not enough. Because of you, (and yes Denise Linn) the world is brighter, filled with color and the possibility of boundless creation. You have shepherded us into the path of our fullest potential. Your vision of the future is here. You have touched and inspired not only each and every one of us in this journey, but everyone we encounter, and they encounter... ever-expanding the beautiful circle of love that you inspired. From my deepest self - I thank you. :)

Blessed be :)

I have a friend

I have a friend.
Her name is Danette.
She is my inspiration.
The gentle nudge in
the right direction.
Her encouraging smile.
Her infectious laughter.
A halo of color that entices the eye.
A joie de vivre that you can't deny.
A woman whose vision is honest
and pure
The zest she embodies will surely endure.