In Flight

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Fasten your seat belt ladies and gentlemen, we are about to take off.

Welcome aboard Genie Air!
We are expecting some turbulence, so please keep your seats in the upright position.

If you look to the left you will see the storm moving eastward. They are calling this Hurricane Bullshit. It's raging at a speed of 235 kilometer per ridiculous, and is holding about 2000 kilograms of lost cause.

Don't worry. We are flying away from it.

To your right is sunny skies of possibility, accompanied by balmy breezes of freedom from stupidity.

Our destination: "Get the Hell Out"! There you will find a renewed sense of purpose, restored sleep and creative productivity.

Upon arrival, you will find you are baggage-free. We threw it all out. Who needs old encumbrances? Smell the sweet air of liberation, the light feeling of being weightless. Your steps will be buoyed by new hope, and resourcefulness.

The in-flight movie will be "This School Sucks but You Don't"; a farce about the education system riddled with spineless leaders and pointless ruts. It will make you cry with laughter and relief that this is not your reality.

Dinner will be served in two hours. A healthy meal of serenity with a side order of self-confidence. For dessert, we will be serving hot money pie topped with whipped cream.

Speaking of money, our lovely flight attendant of Wishes, Jamie Ridler, will play the visualization game, "What is your money wish?" To start you off, I will give you my answer.

I wish to make enough money to allow me to pursue a life under my own conditions. I would like to have the luxury to make my visions come true in a creative and productive way. I want to work with people I choose, and answer to no one who is lacking in intelligence, vision, compassion, and humanity.

I embrace the freedom, not to think about money, and do the things I have always been longing to do.

We have just cleared the storm. Please feel free to unbuckle your seat belts, and recline your seats. Relax, enjoy, and if you snore, we have handy nasal strips for your comfort.

Aloha!

:)

Alliance Creative

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It's funny how things seem to fall into place when you finally know what it is you really want and where you really want to go.

Today through Jamie's wonderful book club of 12 Secrets , we are asked to ponder on our Alliances, our Power Teams, real or projected.

I am in the process of creating a Power Team for a project I am envisioning. I call it Alliance Creative. It's a project that will infuse new life into the education system for administrators, teachers and students alike.

I strongly believe that the major stumbling blocks to progress are lack of creativity, an inability to think outside the box, and a reluctance to take chances. Once those obstacles are set aside, and this wonderfully empowering energy is released, the sky is the limit.

What does this dream team consist of?

Women and men who are committed to their own creativity. People who love to inspire others in the pursuit of their "dreams" without judgement or imposition, but with encouragement and acceptance. People who smile in the face of resistance, for there will be lots of it, and use its momentum to create change. People who can voice their opinions and be able to meld them with that of others to create a unified whole.

I picture a light-filled room with this Alliance Creative gathered. Our tools are big blank sheets and crayons, as we map the vision of the future. A future unfettered by past practices, and "this is the way we have always done things" or "when I was in school". A future that takes the technology offered us, and all the valuable non-technological tools of the past, and molds a new vision of what learning is.

The color of this future is not based on the shade of the skin, but the nuance of the palate. The shape of the future is not one dictated by Vogue but one engendered from the vortex of incredible power that lies within each and every one of us.

Alliance Creative is not driven by ego, or the need for fame and fortune, but my the altruistic need to fill this world with people in touch with their creativity, happy with their lives, and committed to the creativity and happiness of others.

This might sound like science fiction, but all the great science fiction authors predicted the future accurately. It begins with my vision, but the vision will be complete after Alliance Creative gets together the first time, and begins the drafting the blueprints.

Who will take the call? I don't know, but I am convinced it will be splendid.

Because, change happens one step at a time. :)

Hooky

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Today, I'm playing hooky! Shhh! Don't tell! :)

Mental health days are probably the best preventative medicine. Studies would show, if there are any, that productivity increases when employees take a day of rest at least once a month. Everyone needs time away to refresh, regenerate, destress. A day away from idiocy, is a great day indeed.

Speaking of idiocy...

Today, I ask for the power of affirmation, and I need your help. The Principals and their Vices found out on Monday what their placements for next year will be. I need a collective prayer to go out into the Universe, to release us from the tyranny and incompetence of this Administrative Team. I need the Power of Positive Thinking to bring to our school a compassionate, competent, creative Principal to fix the shambles of our morale. Someone who has a vision and balls. I know we can all do it. :) Will you send out a prayer, please? :)

Back to my hooky. :)

Today, I will be going up to Newmarket (an hour drive) with a friend to visit our other friend who has just had a cute little baby girl! I am excited! What a great way to spend the day off!

Yesterday, I went a little overboard in the spending but I don't regret it! I decided to create a basket of goodies for the mom, the baby and the big sister. I bought two cute little outfits (okay, seriously, they are CUTE!) and a pink plushy rabbit for Mia(the baby), pampering lotions, bath salts and chocolate for the mom, and a High School Musical make-up and hair kit for the older sister. I put them all together in a nice basket with pink ribbons, and cellophane. It was so much fun! I feel like Genie Claus :)

The best thing about playing hooky is that you're feeling well, and you are doing fun things while everyone is working. Isn't that delicious? When was the last time you played hooky? I highly recommend it.

I'm still in my pajamas, sipping my coffee and blogging when I should be at work! Fantastic! It doesn't take much to make me happy. Hehe.

And the good news continue. I have been looking for a Naturopath and/or Acupuncturist to help me with weight loss. I have ballooned despite the fact that I have been exercising and watching what I eat. I lost not even an ounce. So there is something definitely wrong. And I don't like doctors because all they do is throw medication at you, even before determining the issue.

Anyway, a friend of mine went to this amazing Naturopath and is highly recommending him. So I will be going probably on the weekend. I have a feeling this is it! Liberation is at hand!


The sun is shining. The temperatures are rising. And positive change is coming. Hallelujah!

I hope your day is as fantastic! Blessed be :)

Picnic Party!

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Today I invite all of you to a
Picnic!

Bring something fun with you!

• a favorite song that makes your body groove
• a delicious dish that makes your mouth water
• a marvelous link that makes your mind go AH!
• a great book that transports you to another realm
• an inspiring person who makes your soul do the happy dance
• an act of kindness that brings joy to the heart
• a funny joke that fills your lungs with laughter
• a fascinating video that makes your mind juices flow
• a piece of art that puts you in a reverie
• a thought that flows into your blood

And Share it with US!

Let's celebrate!

Whether it's hot or cold outside. Sunny or snowing. Let's take a moment and gather together and share our blessings, in a wonderful creative picnic.

I've got some bubbly and brownies.

And THIS!

Blessed BE! :)

Wishes Go and Never Fear to Tread

I might be a day late but I am not a wish short!

Our Amazing Weaver of Wishes Jamie prompts us with the question "Where do you wish to go?"

I got stars in my eyes when I read this. Oh how delicious! Where do I not wish to go? So many places to choose from. So many travels to embark on!

1. I wish to go to Barcelona and luxuriate in the wonder that is Gaudi. The magic realism that infuses his architecture absolutely takes my breath away. I want to grab a glass of full-bodied red, and gaze and gaze and gaze.



2. I wish to go to China and walk upon its Great Wall, marveling at what it took to erect it, wondering who walked there before and what dreams they had.




3. I wish to go to my beloved Tuscany, the place where my dreams lie. I want to stroll through its fields, filled with sunflowers, and finally live my dream.




4. And since, I will be in the neighborhood, I wish to visit Florence with all her classic beauty and the treasures she holds. I want to be in her seductive presence.



5. I wish to travel to Japan and walk among it's cherry blossoms and mountains, soaking up their ancient wisdom and beauty.



6. I wish to sail along the fjords, and let my soul soar among them, let my eyes travel down its curvaceous course.



7. Finally, but not lastly, I wish to go to the place of my roots, and travel on the path of my ancestors, breathe their air, love their land, smile their dreams.




This wishing puts me in a happy reverie. A flying dream that carries me on its wings, fulfilled. :)

May all your wishes come true. :)

Hibernation

I don't know if I was incredibly overextended or I needed some time out, but this weekend I took a break from the world. I literally did not step out of the house. This made for creative meals and a lot of down time.

I have been feeling bombarded by so many things, I decided I would stop or short-circuit.

I started by not turning on the TV until it was time for my Sunday must-sees.

Television, especially television news has taken to fear-mongering and graphic scenes of violence to garner viewers and may I say I do not like it one bit!

Opinions and subversive messages have been creeping up more and more in what should be unbiased and objective reporting. Every day, there is a health scare of epidemic proportions. The weather is a looming disaster even if it is only 4 centimeters of snow. The economy is suddenly in crisis; we will all be homeless unless we buy the new thingy. Inflation and recession have been around since there has been an economy. Why is this suddenly a crisis? A scared public is a public that can be easily manipulated. Pharmaceuticals dictate medicine, not the other way around. The banks dictate our standard of living. The conglomerates dictate our needs. Enough is freaking enough!

I holed up in my modest Queendom and said, "No, thank you," to outside influence. This is what inspired "The Devil" card which I have renamed, aptly I think, Subversion.

Now onto to happier things.

• I took the day off today! YAY for mental health days. :)
• I made an appointment to get a mani-pedi done (yes, finally!). I had to cancel my last appointment because of work responsibilities.
• I am going shopping at my favorite Arts Supply store for the workshop I will be doing with the grade 9s next week. We will be re-enacting the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" from Alice in Wonderland using masks, puppets and animated objects. How fun!
• I am going to treat myself to a healthy lunch and some time at my favorite coffee shop.

Even happier things!

My Tarot deck concept is coming to quick fruition. It is certainly something I have not seen and I will be publishing it. Yes, will. :) So if you have been asking me about it, or gathering the cards, just know you will be able to own a deck and an accompanying book in the near future. My shadow voice is whispering right now, like a blind mosquito in my ear. "You are so arrogant. What makes you think it will be published, or that people will even buy it?" I swat it away. I just know :)

You have all experienced it. That moment of knowing. It's a deep conviction that something will happen and happen successfully. There is no ego involved. Just knowing. It feels good, doesn't it? We often remember the negative knowing, that feeling in the pit of our stomachs that knows the bottom just fell out. I want to focus on the knowing that makes the butterflies in our stomachs wake up from their hibernation and dance circles around each other in glee. I am feeling that. I know something wonderful is about to happen. That my life will become as I envision it in my happy space.

I awoke from my weekend cocoon ready to fly. How about you?

May the butterflies in your stomach awaken and help you feel the great knowing of possibility!

Blessed be :)

Stairs to Starlight

(Stairs to Starlight by Genie Sea - a digital collage - Click for larger view)

This morning, I woke up more energized and full of purpose. I have come to accept the fact that my body no longer needs or wants to sleep in. At first my mind offered resistance, but then I used that extra time in my day to blog, read, mediate, exercise, create.

I had an incredibly relaxing day yesterday. I decided I was not going to leave my house and do whatever the mood enticed me to do.
I did. Nothing.
I did. Nap.
I did. Read.
I did. Create.
I did. Play with Stinky.
I did. Catch up on shows I missed during the week.
I did. Take a warm shower with rose water scented soap and get into fresh pajamas.
I did. Stay in them all day.
I did. Make a grilled cheese sandwich with flax seed bread and white aged cheddar.
I did. Thoroughly enjoy it.
I did. Design more Tarot cards.
I did. Find the organization I was going to donate money to instead of buying gifts. Covenant House
I did. Dream and visualize what I most wanted in my life. Health. Financial comfort. A home filled with love and companionship. Creative Expression and Publication of same. My Man. :)

Today, I decided to take a little break from posting my Tarot cards, and I posted a piece I did a while back, when dreaming was possibility. I call it Stairs to Starlight. I am on them again. Looking forward in the Now, and not behind. This piece is made with 16 images, and 21 layers, manipulated countless times.

I dare to dream again.
I dare to know that what I most desire will be materializing without effort.
I dare to want to spread love, joy, and the incredible message that anything is possible to as many people as possible.

What do you dare to do? What do you want to materialize? Because you know, anything is possible. :)

Blessed be :)

p.s. Check out the wonderful new award Jennlui gave me in the left side bar! I am so honored and grateful! Jennlui rocketh! :)

Strength

RAWR!

I wake up this morning, alert, and ready for anything. It might have something to do with the fact that I had a 3 hour "nap" last night, and then slept for another 7. :)

I had a bag of work to do but I simply could not do it. My mind took a vacation. My body said, "Give!"

As I go through my morning routine, getting ready to go to the gym, having my essential first cup of joe, I rally my forces for the day ahead.

Today, we gather the troupes for the epic battle with the Dragon Principal.

But first, the good news... There are rumours! The thing about rumours is that you cannot rely on them, but when they come from different sources, well... Rumour is, the Dragon Principal's reign is over! She will be leaving our school.

Now before I assemble the party hats, I send out an urgent request into the Universe to replace her with someone who is organized, has a positive vision, and genuinely cares about the school and the people in it. Someone who doesn't treat us like lobotomized primates would be nice :)

The card for today, aptly is Strength. She came to me a few days ago and requested that her day be today. How can you say "no" to fiery Strength? Calm and relaxed, she is capable of doing whatever needs to be done. At one with the King of the Jungle, she musters her forces to accomplish seemingly insurmountable tasks, with a smile on her face.

I have been thinking a lot about this, lately. Along the way, some of us, a lot of us, have been encouraged to adopt the attitude of defeat, to accept the role of victim, to bear the word"can't" like an unholy Grail. Why? The answer came simply. It is easier to control defeated people. Oppressive authority loves dejection and demoralization. And because it seems to be "impossible" to overcome oppression, people submit to it. Well, no. Not this woman.

I might bash against the wall of apathy. I might wrestle against oppression. I might put myself in a uncomfortable position. But I will not give up. Because this is not just about me. This is about everyone affected by the daily poison of incompetence, mean-spiritedness, and subversion.

I am so glad I have found a group of like minded souls who are ready to do battle with me. I feel at peace knowing someone has got my back. I am overjoyed that I am not the only voice crying "Stop!"

Today is the day we send a message. And that message is one of Strength. Strength in numbers. Strength in conviction. Strength in right. We grasp the holy Grail and ride on.

Blessed be! :)

Celebration

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I woke up this morning with this little tune in my head :
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up ev'rybody and sing

Ev'ryone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(ALL!) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose

Living life is fun and we've just begun
To get our share of the world's delights
(HIGH!) high hopes we have for the future
And our goal's in sight
(WE!) no we don't get depressed
Here's what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won't go wrong
This is our family Jewel

Trust the Sisters Sledge to know when the party is on! We have the munchies, we have the refreshments, we have the awesome company, let's dance! :)

It's funny. I almost didn't get on the train for this journey. I thought I would be too busy, too tired, too something. I'm so happy I decided to pack my satchel and hop on at the last minute. Along the way there were some rough patches, some delays; I even lost my travel book; but they were just bumps in the road. The scenery was breathtaking and the company enchanting.

The souvenirs of my travels

I have tapped into my creativity again that lay dormant for a while, forgotten in a drawer filled with emotional clutter. That drawer is more organized, and much lighter.

I have travelled into the Universe of loving souls just ready to reach out with a steadying hand, a hilarious story, a touching moment, a momentous discovery. I have learned I am not alone.

I have learned to love myself for who I am, and that I can shed the past and its trauma.

I have learned that in the endless ocean, there is beauty in its depths and lovely vessels to seek shelter on.

I have seen creations of such stunning vibrancy and spirit, that now I can even see a little clearer than before.

I have learned to accept the tears and let them flow, knowing that they are cleansing me.

I have come to accept my fiery nature, that burns injustice and oppression. I used to scold her for not being gentle enough, not realizing that not only did I need her, but others did too.

I have met so many captivating souls that my heart chakra has expanded to touch all parts of this glorious earth that I will visit one day.

I have learned to dream again, to hope again, to believe again, to be again.

What more can a girl ask for? :)

Blessed be :)

Belonging

As I settle into myself, becoming increasingly at peace with who I am - all of me - the sense of belonging increases.

I belong to the Universe
I belong to the splendid and generous Earth
I belong to my family of friends
I belong to my family of Soul Coaching Sisters
I belong to the community of my employment
I belong to my home, my haven, my Queendom
I belong to myself

For this day, I made the Seven of Crystals. It embodies a sense of accomplishment, of belonging, of satisfaction, of being one with the fruits of the earth and our labour.

I have learned much in our journey, but I know it is just the beginning. And what a glorious beginning it is! I have been embraced by the love and support of this wonderful group, and it is more precious and magical than any elixir. I feel ready to breathe in life, swim in experience, feel fiery passion, and settle in the roots of who I am.

Know that when this week is over, you have not seen the last of me. I will be visiting your blogs regularly and giving you the support and love that you have given me throughout this journey. I am excited to see what is in store for us in the abundant future!

Thank you so much! :)

As an update to my continuing job saga, the fruits of our labor are beginning to blossom. There is a revolution at hand! We are banding together to usurp the dictatorship of oppressive mismanagement and faulty vision! Hooray!

Blessed be! :)

A Guide with a Funny Bone

I have been told about my guide by several sources, and I have often tried to picture him.

Does he wear a white dress? No. My spirit guide has at least some sense of fashion. Togas have been out for centuries. I picture him more rugged, manly, yet sensitive. Yes. My Spirit Guide wears black. No color stereotypes for him! He has tribal tattoos and long hair. Maybe some piercings. My guide is hip.

My spirit guide must know death-defying acts, even though technically, he has defied death. He is able to travel quickly and with balance in tact. Over fire, air, water, earths. My guide is a fearless warrior, training me to be the same.

That is why I chose to make The Chariot for today's card. My guide.

There have been times I thought he was sleeping on the job. Could he not have warned me ahead of time? Hi. Watch your step. Dude, stay away from that!

Guides are not meant to stop us from making mistakes, otherwise what would we learn? How would we evolve? They are painful, but necessary.

At other times, I was convinced that he has a great sense of humour. Really? Did I need that haircut? Couldn't he have nudged me before I bought that jacket? Another blind date? No. My spirit guide is smart. He taught me not to take myself too seriously. Irony is a good teacher.

My guide is at least partly responsible for who I am and where I am today. And I am thankful. I didn't turn out too badly. If I say so myself. :)

Today, we are asked to spread our wings and spread the love. That's easy for me. I have been in the process of doing that all along.

I haven't always been this way. I have known cynicism. I used it well as a buffer from experiencing anything real. Then one day, I asked myself, "Do you really want to go through life under a dark cloud? Does it matter if there is higher purpose in life? If life reaches beyond the border of death? Doesn't it matter how you live life? Wouldn't it be better to live life to the fullest, and to your best capacity rather than sitting back and dissecting it?"

When faced with those questions, the answer was simple.

Having worked in a profession saturated with negativity and intellectual cynicism, and coated in ignorance, while surrounded by adolescent angst and enthusiasm, I learned a thing or two. I learned that you get more with praise than criticism. I learned the difference between critiquing and squashing the joy out of everything. I learned that creativity produces more results than staid traditionalism. I learned that being open brings more in, while being closed and unapproachable keeps possibilities away. I learned that there is a huge difference between political correctness and informed tolerance. I learned that if I operate with the premise that most people's intentions are good if sometimes misguided, (not everyone's Guide rocks it, like mine!) then I can approach them with equally good intentions, and affect change. I learned to love unconditionally, not only those who show me love, but everyone.

Am I perfect? Have I perfected all of this? Oh. hell no. I stumble. A lot still. But I am aware, and I correct myself. I will get it right. My guide will help me. :)

I wouldn't have learned this if he was not willing to let me get egg on my face, smack my head against the wall repeatedly, experience painful situations. He didn't bubble wrap me, but he didn't let me come to irreversible damage either. And for this I thank him.

You are doing an outstanding job, my black clad, tattooed spirit Guide!

Thank you, for being who you are and helping me become who I am. I give you spiritual high fives!