Music is Inspiration

Music has the power to lift, to inspire, to enlighten, to move our bodies, hearts and minds. It's really hard to ignore it.

This music video has a powerful message that quickens your feet to move, run in fact! :) Enjoy!

Interview This Wrecker!

What a week! It has been a challenge getting through it, and I am feeling the effects.
I'm a bit under the weather, which is a major signal to slow down.

But before I get into all that... I have an exciting announcement to make!

Connie from Dirty Footprints Studio is interviewing me live on air tomorrow at 3 pm Eastern!
So, if you have the time and want to listen in or call in, join the fun!
The link is posted on her blog.
If you don't know Connie,
you should check out her deliciously creative,
amazingly energetic and
abundantly inspiring blog!

Now on to the wreckage.

This week I was caught in the rain without an umbrella.
So what did I use to cover my head?
The journal of course!

(click on images to enlarge)
My camera is disappointing, or it might be the user, so it's difficult to see the water drops.
The journal was drenched.... And now it looks like.....


THIS!
It can't and won't close. And it's water logged, but I still love my little journal!
I took some time to paint in it and have some fun, to balance out the heavy work week.


Evidence of my creative endeavors on this test page!
I am going to glue this paper towel I used to clean my water color pens.
But there's more!



I took some veggies that were wilting in my fridge, and I made some stamps!
Pepper and carrot impressions!
But I couldn't leave it at that! NO!


I wanted to paint it. Give it some color! FUN! :)


I took a peaceful moment to glue a page from a magazine.
It's actually two pages that I turned into a collage.
There are some powerful messages here! :)


I embellished my office supply page with things I found in my classroom desk.


I made a sign!
Life is infinite possibilities.
Enough so that we each can live our own way.
And isn't that amazing?

Last but not least, I am including a photo of the page I sent to Kara, aka Mother Henna!

This page was inspired by the workshop that Kara lead entitled "Find Your Own Hero".
I fell horribly behind and will be picking it up again when I am on vacay in 11 days!
I digress.

This is my Super Hero!
And who better to give it to than the woman who inspired the journey!
Thank you Kara!

If you have not checked out her blog, please visit!
Not only is her art and words infinitely touching, blessedly real, and remarkably inspiring,
she runs some juicy workshops!

My Super Hero.

That's it for week 7 for me!
Check out other wreckage, on our wonderful Guru, Jamie Ridler's blog, here!

Jamie a driving FORCE of creativity, leadership, and ongoing inspiration. I consider myself so lucky and privileged to have crossed paths with her. When I am in her presence or reading her thoughts, I feel a light emanating from her. A light that envelopes the world.

Jamie, if you're reading this, I thank you from the bottom of my being! Blessed be. :)

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!

You Are Fabulous!

I painted the above in PS using some fractals I made. It encapsulates how I was feeling yesterday. Some realizations were brought sharply into focus yesterday, about myself and others, that disheartened me. It was a feeling that made me want to cry, and stayed with me most of the day. Yet, externally, my day was peaceful. It was a lovely sunny day, and a few of us went for a mini adventure at lunch to get us out of the building and into the beauty.

It was a day of yin and yang. I absorbed it. Didn't judge it. Tried not to judge myself too harshly, and decided to let the feelings come out in painting. Sometimes a few misplaced words or phrases can crush someone. The intention is not that, but it might not change the outcome. I wanted to turn that feeling around, and so I made this:

You Are Fabulous Award

Yesterday, I posted about the awards given to me by some amazing women I was lucky enough to meet in the blogosphere. Today, I was going to post who I was passing those awards to.

Then, I started thinking. I want to create an award of my own. One that expresses how much I appreciate and respect each and every one of the amazing people I have met through blogging.

With this award, I honor the fabulous in each and every one of you. So feel free to take this award, and post it.

Write about what makes you fabulous, without reserve or humility. Take a moment to celebrate YOU.

This award carries no rules other than that. Give it to one person. Give it to many people. Give it to everyone. Just keep it for yourself. It's all good! :)

I will be posting this award intermittently and giving it to various bloggers over the course of the year. Hopefully, that way, it will make its way to every fabulous you at some point.

Today, I give this award to four bloggers. Women whom you might or might not know, but who are fabulous in their own way.

• I give this award to Judi whose amazing humor and wisdom, graciousness and honesty strike a happy chord in my heart every time I read her blogs. Every time I read a post or a comment from this lovely woman, I smile. Her search for meaning and knowledge, her zest for life, her cargo pants are just a few things that make Judi fabulous.

• I give this award to Texty Ladies whose relatively new blog for writers gives amazing prompts and contains fascinating articles. They are inspiring and fabulous! Check out their blog and delve into the fun of writing! :)

• I give this award to Michelle whose new blog Raggedy Ruckus features her charming doll creations. Each one is splendid its own way, and makes me want to buy her out. She is Serena's daughter, proving that talent indeed is hereditary! :)
  

• Last but not least, I give this award to Original Bliss whose artwork and empowering intuition make me want to jump out of my seat and yell, "Yeah!" She has a way with images and a way with words like no other. Her raw honesty is absolutely exhilarating! She often shares videos of her wunderkinds whose talents are absolutely stunning!

I wish I could take the time to give awards to everyone on my blog roll today, but time does not allow. Know that a "You are Fabulous" award is coming to you in the near or relatively near future! You probably don't realize the miraculous restorative power your beings, your images and your words have, but I am here to remind you of it.

You all complete me.

Blessed be :)

Face Value

(click to enlarge)

This is the last of my giveaways, painted in photoshop, the original is 1024 x 768, and will be one of four choices for my blog anniversary coming up at the end of this month. I will be posting the details on how to enter soon :)

The world has seemed a little different lately. I would like to attribute it to the lovely weather we have been having, the glowing sun, the awakening in the air, the first flowers budding from the dry ground.

But that is not just it.

I attribute it to the phenomenon called Susan Boyle. If you don't know who she is, just run a search on her; it will surely lead you to her viral video audition on Britain's Got Talent. There is a reason this video has over 25 million hits to date.

She brings us hope.

Not just that our dreams can come true, but that our dreams can come true despite jeering, eye-rolling and small-minded assumptions that have reigned in this Face Value, judgement-plagued era.

This one angelic performance has served to undermine some of the biggest misconceptions that have served to belittle many, and cause much misery.

The assumption that only Hollywood beauty is worthy of attention.
The assumption that outer appearance is the only measure of beauty.
The assumption that "beauty" is inextricably linked to talent and worth.
The assumption that there is only one measure by which a person can be praised.

Bullocks to them.

This wake-up call has sounded quickly and clearly throughout the world. The crystal clarity and heavenly smoothness of her voice has rung the alarm on our superficiality and cynicism.

It would be easy to blame this attitude on the media, but the media is fed by us. We have been more than ready to tear people down simply because of how they look. We have been sitting back on the sofas of our judgement in smug satisfaction for too long. Susan Boyle unseated us, and it's about time.

So today I take a moment to thank Ms. Boyle for liberating us, more soundly and effectively than any revolution could have.

Sing on beautiful one. Sing on! :)

Purple Musings

(click on image to enlarge)

Today I feel purple, and that's a good thing. There is something about this color and all its nuances that infuses me with a spectrum of emotions from a peaceful contentment to a deep excitement.

Its symbolic meanings range from royalty, wealth and ambition, to wisdom, dignity, independence, and creativity, to spirituality, mystery, and magic. (According to color-wheel-pro.com) In other words it's chock full of goodies!

It was Cleopatra's favorite color, and that fits my Greek-Egyptian roots. She was one of the most kick-ass women in history. Ruler of one of the most powerful countries at the time, she was a Goddess and the last Hellenistic Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. She dropped all association with her younger brother Ptolemy and became sole ruler of Egypt, even going as far as printing only her face on their coins! Never before did a female Pharaoh shrug off male superiority, before her. She was a Woman of Consequence, who inspired love and devotion as well as political allegiance in two of the most prominent men in the Roman Empire - Caesar and Mark Anthony. How amazing was she? She even left the planet on her own terms.

In Feng Shui, purple is associated with the high vibrations of the 7th chakra and deep spirituality.

What else does purple inspire?

the Purple Heart
Purple Rain
the Purple Rain Protest (anti-apartheid movement)
the Purple Pleione (a fast spinning star)

What does purple inspire in you?

Then there is the tree.

Trees both ground me and raise my spirit to the heavens. Trees are the inspiration for legends and mythology. There is a language of trees. Each tree has its own personality and each type of tree its unique imprint in the world and beyond the world. In literature such as in Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, trees are alive with parts of their own to play.

Trees inspire poetry and prose. There is nothing more delicious than sitting under a tree on a hot summer day, even taking a nap. Hugging a tree brings you into a deep communion with the earth and all its magic.

Trees are life. They oxygenate us and feed us. They shade us and protect us. They inspire our imaginations and souls. They provide homes for a myriad of animals, and support tree houses where children's fantasies take flight.

Trees are majestic and beautiful.

All this inspired my painting today. All this I gift to you on this day in February.

Blessed be :)

It Begins...

Yesterday, I think my head exploded.

I got into this state of creativity, and activity like no other! I played around in photoshop all day. Took a long walk to balance things out. Several ideas crystallized in my head and formed decisions. More on the decisions later. :) But first art...

I am exploring light and shade right now in photoshop and I made another graphic novel scene. For those of you who don't know what a graphic novel is, the best way I can describe it, is it's a comic book for adult audiences. It deals with more serious, darker issues. They use usually mostly black and white stylized art. Frank Miller is a great and prolific example of a graphic artist.

Here is my scene:

Subway Encounter

(click on image to enlarge)

It's full of mystery and intrigue, and little bit sexy too. My focus was light and shade. Light and shade. S0 I took out all the colors except her lips. It took me a long time to do this because drawing with a mouse is becoming increasingly challenging. I need to stop whining about it, and go buy myself a tablet already. I'm taking the day off Wednesday for my birthday, so that is what I will get myself. :)

The next piece sort of came out by itself. I started freehand drawing without really thinking about it. I was going to draw yet another scene from this graphic novel which seems to be developing on its own, frame by frame. (More things to ponder...)

Cityscape

(click on image to enlarge)

This is all new to me. What I like about this above piece is the free-flowing "nothink" (thank you Kim ) way I made it. I didn't attempt to be realistic in anyway, yet it captured the essence of this city. I am surprising myself! It's really exciting to create. From nothing, comes something. And there it is!

The Decision

I could not ignore the screaming, and from your lovely advice, I didn't. Besides, I couldn't if I tried.

So Ola! Moana is reborn... here! <-Please, click on the link and leave her some ♥ love!@ :) It's a blog-zine (has this be coined yet?) in its infant stages, but I am excited!

I have to say all this surge of creativity is in large part due to you!

Y0ur encouragement, your comments, your own amazing creativity in whatever form it takes, is fueling me. Leah's Creative Every Day, Jamies' Next Chapter series, your sublime art, writing, cooking, decorating, photography, collaging, pottery, videos, child rearing, crafting, jewelry designing, Mantra Mondays, Trash Tuesdays, Project 365, Celebrating the heArt loveliness is infectious and I love it!

THANK Y♥U! and Blessed be :)

Garnet Moon

(click on image to enlarge)

Before I say a single word about anything, I would like to once again say THANK Y♥U to each and every one of you! Thank you for coming to my humble blog. Thank you for leaving your comments of encouragement, support, praise, advice, perspective. Thank you for sharing your stories; thank you for showing me I am not alone. It makes me happy that I know you are somewhere in this world, making it a better place.

Tonight is a FULL Moon! If you can, you must go out there and bathe in her splendor. I must be part wolf, because the moon has always been my guiding light and haven. She is so serene, so purely sculpted, and even if defiled by astronauts and their toys, she has retained her beautiful dignity.

The magical Jamie, our fountain of inspiration, is now hosting the Full Moon >Dream Board!

I decided to combine two of my inspirations into one.

I am also participating in Jamie's book club -12 Secrets of Creative Women- (see left sidebar). As part of this amazing circle, Jamie is interviewing 12 inspirationally creative women, the first of whom is Jennifer Lee. You really must listen to the interview yourself! Just follow the links :)

Ms. Lee talks about acknowledging her inner Muse's voice. While I was listening to her interview and, before that, reading her blog, I thought, "I have acknowledged my guide; it's time to acknowledge my muse."

So here she is: Garnet Goddess, featured in this month's dream board above.

The garnet is one of my favorite stones which coincidentally is my birth stone. It contains the richness and headiness of wine, the life force of blood, and the dulcet tones of passion. This fully describes my muse because she is fearless. She is confident. She is fiery. I am happy she is in my life.

I painted her using PS and a mouse as per usual. I added a couple of pieces of stunning garnet jewelry to adorn her, and gave her a back drop of Garnet Brocade flowers. I really enjoyed making this piece. It was a wonderful way to focus, meditate and create. Thank you again Ms. Lee for the sparkling inspiration!

For the Dream Board, I added my wish to the moon. Unconditionally. That is how I want to be. :)

On that note, I am happy to announce I made my decision. It came loudly and clearly. I will take the position of Curriculum Leader for one more year. I need to finish what I started and see it to its completion. Then, I can step away, knowing I have done everything I need to do in restoring order to a department that desperately needs it. Then, it will be off to whatever new challenge comes my way. :)

Speaking of challenges, I was so intrigued to find so many voices joining mine in their childhood experiences with art. I am currently working through all the wonderful blogs on my roll and on the rolls of 12 Secrets and Creative Every Day where I am finding such synchronicity, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes.

One of my new blog friends, Steve Emery made a very insightful comment (among so many) in yesterday's post that left me thinking. He said, "Oh - and as for the discouragement of teachers. Sigh. Sometimes it makes me angry. Other times sad. And yet other times I wonder if it's like the soil a seedling has to push through - it's tough, not everything or everyone makes it through, but when you do, you are firmly rooted in it - almost like the criticism makes you stronger, more determined, more yourself."

So TRUE! Their criticism did egg me on to prove them wrong because I am a stubborn wench, and I cannot abide by others putting me or anyone else into a box, into a category, into the corner. So I must take a moment to thank Steve for pointing that out, and to thank all the naysayers in my life, because without them, in part, I would not be who I am today. My roots would not have been quite so sturdy and my quest for the light would not have been quite so determined!

May you each find the strength to bust through the confines of others' judgement, find your inner muses, and sing in the moon's lovely light! And sing it loudly and unconditionally! :)

Blessed be :)

Soular Energy

This is it, the moment of decision. I had to choose between the lovely side board pictured in my previous post or a laptop. I asked all of you which would you get and I got a resounding answer. Laptop it is. :)

Thank you so much to all of you who helped me with this. Your opinions and comments mean the world to me! :)

Now the question remains... Mac or PC? Feel free to use the poll on the left. :)


Mac is simply the best when it comes to graphics programs, and you know I am all about graphics. It's user friendly, viral free, and in all my years of owning them, I never once had to reformat, sweep for viruses, reboot, reconfigure, reinstall, or want to shatter it against the wall.

The problem is since I switched to PC (whose bright idea was that?) I have acquired software for PC. Adobe, Microsoft Office, etc...

If I buy a Mac, I must also buy software for it. Granted Mac software is less than half the price as the same software for PC.




PC's major advantage is pricing. It's a good $500 less than a Mac laptop of similar specifications, and I really do not need to replace the software (though I am using Photoshop 6.0 and they now offer CS4 which is several upgrades and cool features away). It's also compatible with a lot of software that my job uses, and there is more software available for PC platforms.

The setbacks: viruses, Vista operating system (yuk), performing constant procedures to keep the computer safe.

Once again, I ask for your valuable input and expertise on the matter. Mac or PC?

Now, on to less commercial issues... :)

I was enjoying myself surfing all your blogs, as is my habit, and reading all the amazing, creative, interesting, touching, hilarious posts. Thank you all so much for taking the time to blog and connect and be part of this growing and nurturing online community. :)

The thing that struck me the most, that no matter where each of us is, no matter what our personal history or recent experiences, no matter what our usual outlook is, we are all feeling a surge of positive energy the likes of which I have not seen before. Despite the economy and media dissemination, a lot of us are excited about 2009 and the infinite possibilities ahead.

That is HUGE!

All of us, and our positive intentions, our loving visions and hopeful manifestations of the present have a chance to significantly change the world from our little corners.

The world is plagued by natural disasters, human monstrosities and atrocities, senseless wars and killing (are there any sensible ones?), depleted resources, and deprivation of the essentials for HUMAN existence.

Yet.

There is this growing positivity, this loving outreach, this compassionate outlook that is growing everywhere. Imagine if we harness that? We can power the world with soular energy, change the little corners where we are, bit by bit. A smile, a small donation, a helping hand, a project that unites in intention can do wonders! I am excited to be part of this surge of positive energy that will light up the world, better than any outlet. I am so honored to have met each and every one of you, your caring hearts, your tender moments, your soulful searches, your powerful creativity.

You have not only inspired me, you are inspiring the world.

You feed the birds, and bake cookies for your neighbours, you greet strangers with smiles, you offer a warm bowl of soup to a sick friend, you buy the homeless coffee on a cold day, and read to sick kids in the hospital. You raise children with conscience and talent and love, on low budgets through trying times, sometimes alone. You worry about your grown children and care about children who are not your own. You bring beauty into the world through journals and collages, paintings and sketches, mittens and muffins. You give freely of yourselves, your homes, your blessings, your ideas, your support, your inspiration. You search your souls, no matter how battered they are, to make yourselves better.

Do you even realize how truly amazing you are?

Well, if you don't, you simply must know that you are the breath of this world, the mold for a better future, the song of the Universe.

And I for one am happy I met you.

Blessed be :)

Bits and Pieces

As I slowly awaken from the holiday haze, I am marshaling my resources, focusing my energies to make my New Year's ceremony exactly right. I need to pick the word that best epitomizes what I want to achieve and manifest in 2009. I will be turning 40 in three weeks, so I have to make it count :)

I know what I most want is a fuller life.

• Art abundant. I want to see all the visions and projects that currently reside in my head, out in the world.
• Finances beefed up. I need money to make the changes to my house and to travel more. Ideally, by selling my creations. :)
• Love rich. I want to share my life with the man for me, surrounded by family and friends. I want my home to be teaming with people occasionally. (Not all the time, because I savour my peace and quiet.)
• Health restored. I want to reach my healthy body weight and to be freed from the excess that has resided on me for far too long.

These are the things I wish to manifest in the New Year. I welcome suggestions of a word that encapsulates all of them.

Today, I have included my design for the Seven Cups. Traditionally, it is depicted as a man standing before many cups brimming with both good and bad things. It's about excess. What better way to depict excess than a posh store window in gilded colors? I added the Lamborghini busting out of the building for effect. This card technically does not have any cups, but the meaning is the same. :)

Now on to Awards! Weee!

June was sweet enough to award me with a very elegant award! I discovered June recently and she has a few amazing blogs, all very interesting and thought-provoking. I especially love her art challenges here! Thank you June!




I have to write the five things I am addicted to: Oy!

1- dark chocolate preferably with nuts and toffee or orange pieces
2- blogging: I simply must. Reading people's blogs is a constant source of inspiration, positivity, humanity, creativity.
3- Corrie Street - I have written about this at length. It's one TV program I simply will not do without and have never been disillusioned with
4-coffee: Been there, said that :)
5-clementines: I love these little juicy bundles of goodness.

Damn. I don't' have time to talk about my shoe and bead addictions... Okay. Another time :)

I will be passing the award along at a later date. But if you love it, then it's yours! Everyone who visits and who I visit is FABULOUS! :)

Robyn was sweet enough to bestow on me the Proximity Award for a second time! How lucky and honored am I? :) For a unique perspective, words of wisdom, and humorous truth, visit Robyn's blog. And before December is over, don't forget to find your way into the Enchanted Portal and the bird's wing!



To add to the blessings and honors being showered on me (HOW did I get this lucky?) Frustrated Artist tagged me with the five-a-day meme again! :) Visit her blog for heartfelt and insightful observations on life! :)

Blessed be my friends. You all hold such a special place in my heart. Visiting your blogs, reading your amazing comments brightens my life! :) Thank you :)

Freedom

I wake up early but in a delicious mood. It's my first day off for the holidays and I am mistress of my own time!

How awesome!

Outside the world is blanketed with snow. The first storm of the season. Everything is white with blue gray shadows outside, like a million doves resting peacefully. We are expecting more snow, so this is a perfect weekend to hibernate with a good book, pop corn and movies. A few deep power naps and some frolicking in the snow should balance out the next couple of days nicely, and restore my energy levels.

Yesterday, the last day of school, was filled with smiles and well-wishes, cookies and goodies.

We also had our assembly where the teachers performed for the students.

Okay. Can I say how exhilarating that was? When we got on stage and throughout our performance, the students brought down the house. We felt like superstars. From the way they reacted to our performance, I think we killed it. Heh! When I get the video or a link to youtube with our performance, I will get to see it. And so will you! :) I'm not too shy to post it. ;)

Today's card is Release, a transformed "Judgement". I chose to rename this card for the obvious reasons. Judgement, though a word that means balanced consideration, has also become associated with rigidly negative connotations. I'm all about transmuting the negative into positive, so "Release" was born. Out of the fire, powerful intentions shimmer into the universe. Reborn, renewed, released, this surge enlivens the spirit, the heart, the body with a fresh infusion of life. This is a sacred communion between the soul and her origin spirit. It is a profoundly personal source of enlightenment, not a dire accounting of one's flaws.

We have all been there. We are our own worst critics, most of us. I know I can be. I don't know why it is so much easier to put ourselves down, than to give ourselves praise. We worry that we will seem immodest, arrogant, self-absorbed; but if we do not acknowledge our own victories, and forgive ourselves of our flaws, while working on them with awareness, then we are not authentic.

I release all that I am, knowing I am growing into the soul I am, free from the influences that pummeled me into submission. I shed the negative, accusatory influences that have sought to bring me down. I step out of the soup of negative energy into the fire of transformation, being all that I truly am.

This is my wish for you. To be reborn from the ashes of the destructive influences in your lives, and out of the fire of intent, rise, the truly splendid souls you are!

Blessed be :)

100th Post!

Woohooo! I made it to my 100th post! I never thought how much starting a blog would change my life, but it did.

It started as a solitary journey, a need to type out my thoughts and let them go into cyberspace. I had this growing desire to let my thoughts wander out of my head onto the web. Most of the time they went unread except by me, but it was alright. In the action was the reason. I wanted to put my voice out there.

There were months I published quite a few posts, and months when I hardly published anything at all.

Then through a series of fortunate events, I came upon Soul Coaching and decided to participate at the last minute. I didn't think I would have time to complete it, but I thought I would give it a try.

And I am glad I did. Going through the exercises taught me a lot about myself and has started me on a journey of awareness like I have not had before.

But more importantly, it allowed me to connect to a world of amazing people whose encouragement, advice, support and friendship have come to mean so much to me. My journey is no longer solitary. I reach out, and others reach back. I have become part of a community of souls that has filled my heart with hope.

Externally, my life has not changed that much. Yet. I live in the same home. I work at the same place. I deal with the same B.S. I am in a leadership position now, which has added to my stress exponentially.

All that is just the peel of the fruit. The juice and pulp have altered. I am transforming.

I have started and will complete my Tarot project which is the child of this journey. It was birthed through this process, and now has a voice of its own. Its own purpose and destiny.

I am identifying the things that fill me and the things that deplete me, and in so doing I am in the process of allocating them according importance and impact in my life.

I am aware of myself, and how I react to others. I am learning to stop blaming myself for others' decisions and actions. I am asserting myself more, not in an effort to control others, but in an effort to have integrity in what I believe in and who I am.

I was taught at a tender and early age to subjugate myself for others. That my feelings, my needs and my goals were not as important as anyone else's. That even in saying that they were, I was being selfish. This made me vulnerable. I was damaged, as person after person came into my life, took what he or she needed, and then left without a backward glance. Each time, I was left with a lower self-worth, half-broken. But I didn't break. I kept on. I tried to make others happy.

Now I know how sadly deluded I was. I cannot make anyone happy. I am not responsible for anyone else's happiness. That is not to say I can go around stomping on people and disregarding their feelings. It does mean however, that they cannot do that to me either.

I don't know if I am relaying how important this last realization is, but it's gigantic. It's liberating.

This is why I have chosen The Star for today's Tarot. It speaks of possibility. Of hope. Of being guided to a better today. This card is about the nourishment of dreaming. The integrity of vision. The belief that one's path is authentic and true. With this card, I am aware of my accomplishments, and of the road ahead. It is filled with light.

May the Star guide your steps to your soul's ease.

Blessed be :)

Standing Proud

This picture, to me, epitomizes hope and achievement. These are the finalists of So You Think You Can Dance-Canada. I have always loved dance- watching and experiencing it. I am fully aware that, if my life had taken a different course, I would have been a dancer. This is one reason I celebrate this show.

Another major reason is, it reinforces pride in being Canadian. Unfortunately, I don't see a lot of pride fostered for our country. We practically have to force students to stand quiet during the National Anthem at school. When confronted, at least half will say, very ignorantly, "It's not my country." (And this almost always said by someone born here.) I always reply, "I don't care which country you call your own. You stand at attention and respect for any country's National Anthem, much less the one that at the very least provides you with a free education!" Grrr @ ignorance!

Canadian sports and athletes are well supported by the general public, but most Canadian television shows, arts and movies are not. They snub their noses at them, like they are inferior to those of our neighbours south.

This show, has engendered a following and pride in being Canadian that few others have. We Canucks like to make fun of ourselves, but rarely do I hear anyone say "I am proud to be Canadian!" I have heard it on this show many times.

It also highlights the incredible versatility and talent in our country. Niko is a contemporary dancer; Miles is a popper; Allie is a ballerina; and Natalli is a Latin dancer. They represent the vast flavour and potential of this country that is so often unsung. So, I had to take a minute and say... YAY CANADA! :)

Now, for today's card.

So far, I have been designing the cards with "positive" meanings. Then, like a lightning bolt, realization came. All the cards are positive. With happiness we are rewarded, with challenge we learn. There is nothing negative here. So, when the, up to now, dreaded Tower card asked to be introduced, I experienced a twinge of trepidation. The card's images gently wiped all that away.

In upheaval, new ideas arise. In sorrow, humanity is expressed. From the rubble, new ideas are born. There is always someone to catch our fall. There is always a hand to steady us. Support will rally. New beginnings will unfold. A new dawn opens up, as we soar away from our troubles.

And here it is - The Tower. Today's card.

In relevance to my life, the meeting with all the staff went incredibly well. Attendance was historic for that school. The audience was rapt. I might even venture to say, we impressed them.

The avalanche is beginning. We are usurping those who sit secure in their tower, oppressing us.

In the ensuing upheaval, a new, more benevolent rule will arise. Peace will come upon the land, and we will be free to go about the business that we are there to do - inspiring, educating, leading, and helping shape our country's and the world's future. Allowing young minds to form their own opinions, strengthened by knowledge, empowered by their own creativity, cognizant of the infinite potential that they own.

Blessed be :)

And so, it snowed...

I awoke this morning to see a fine coating of snow on the ground, and despite the weather reports, despite the fact the I have lived in Canada almost my whole life, my jaw dropped.

It isn't even Halloween yet!

Snow has become a particularity big challenge since I have become a home owner. It's disposing of the stuff that daunts me. The salting, the shoveling, the unburying make me slightly ill. Snow is beautiful when it falls but when it crusts over into a pile of dirty ghoulish figures on your front garden making the sidewalks narrower and the driving more treacherous, it ain't so pretty anymore.

But...

Snow does lighten up the dark winter. The sky reflects it almost lovingly.
Snow does make a soothing crunching sound when you are walking on it, especially in the quiet of the night.
Snow does taste refreshing when it hits your tongue, as it falls in dainty patterns from the sky.
Snow does make lovely sculptures. Snow people, snow animals and snow castles.
Snow does smell fresh, like pillows of oxygen lying on the ground.
Snow does make the city noises hush. It tames the obnoxious tones into reverent whispers.
Snow does make the hard chill of sub-zero ease.

There is no shortage of tips on how to deal with natures white dump. I suppose I can stay stocked with huge bags of salt, and make sure the sidewalk and driveway are well-seasoned before a heavy snow fall. I suppose my neighbour's tenant will help with the shovelling, this year. I suppose I can make an appointment to get snow tires on my car, this year. I suppose I can buy a better coat or winter jacket.

I don't want to move to Florida, so I suppose I will make the best of it. It will add some cardio to my morning routine! I suppose it will help with my new svelte figure!

Ok. Ok. Let it snow. Let it snow? Let it snow!

Gym as Temple

Today, I changed my Sunday morning routine for the better. I added a new component that has infused my lazy tradition with energy.

I went to the gym first thing this morning! I had the opportunity to carefully tackle the machines and weights I can't during the week because of time constrictions; but more importantly it vitalized my day and gave me some quiet time to reflect on the bounties that the Universe has been kind enough to bestow me. This is a spiritual habit I will be happy to espouse!

I rewarded myself with a large Tim Horton's coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Yes, I am fully familiar with the nutritional statistics, but Sunday brunch has always been in my tradition, now boosted with an hour and 15 minutes of cardio and weights. I savoured my lovely meal and delicious coffee while watching Corrie Street, guilt free! :)

Ah, the sun is shining and it will be another glorious autumn day! Life is good!