Entertaining

We are finally settled enough in our new home to entertain. One of my very favorite things to do. Today a dear friend will arrive for about a week, followed by our daughter and grandson, followed by our youngest daughter. For all of you parents out there that live far from your children - I know you understand my excitement!

I found this very "cool" popsicle maker. My husband and I have tried freezing orange juice and they were wonderful. I'm hoping to make some really fun ones with my grandson. I splurged on the fast freeze maker because it will make the popsicle in 7-9 minutes - which is about the attention span of a toddler. (It will make up to 9 popsicles from a single freezing of the maker.) My thoughts are that he can help me make them, and then eat his hard work while he is still thinking about it. :-)

In the meantime my husband is enjoying my healthy experiments. I'm going to try grape juice tonight. Or how about blueberry lemon-verbena?

Teachable Moments

Lately I've been working on trying to think positive thoughts about people and situations. You know, like trying to find something nice to think about the lady in front of me at the DMV. Instead of being negative and judgmental, thinking she really needs a pedicure, instead focusing on how nice her hair looks, or how kind she looks when she smiles. Punctuating the thought and replacing it with a positive one.

But I've been running into some difficulty, especially while driving, taking something back to Best Buy, dealing with the cable company, bank, or anything having to do with computer problems.

Seriously - it's really hard to stay in a positive frame of mind when you have to deal with life. I keep failing right and left. If left to my own devices I can think some really negative things about people. Whole scenarios about that fancy car that just had to cut me off just before the stop sign we were both approaching...

I don't know if it's the heat, or the negativity in the world right now, but trying to control my thought processes is a full time job. It's exhausting! Too many teachable moments!

Sometimes I just want to stay home so I won't be "tested."

What about you? How do you stay centered?

Rest In Peace, Auntie

Some lives are harder than others. My Aunt had one of those.

Born late in life to her parents, she was always loved, but the family had moved on from small children. Some in the small town in which they lived thought she was actually the illegitimate daughter of her older sister, age 18, who would eventually become my mother. Of course, she wasn't, but the stigma would follow her like a cloud through life. A dark cloud followed her everywhere.

She was caught in a fire that destroyed the family restaurant, while still in her crib. Caught in the back, she was left to perish until her older brother broke free from those holding the family back and raced in to save his baby sister. He would be known as the family hero, especially by her.

They rushed her, wrapped in sheets, from the small town of Gerlach, 100 miles to the nearest town which was Reno, Nevada. She was badly burned, thought not to make it. She did. She was always bucking expectations.

Scarred for life, she had a tough one. The same uncle once said that she never mentally matured beyond age 18. He was right. She never did.

She was desperate for love. Desperate for someone to care enough for her to give her what everyone around her had. But only used and abused, it never happened. She never quit looking - in all the wrong places.

A son, without the father. Raised with the help of her mother. A prison term of 18 months for a mistake made while trying to ingratiate herself with the wrong people. No one was ever hurt, or a victim of any crime. She never got over it. Never recovered from it. Was forever terrified of authority. Her one and only brush with the law. Cementing the fact that the poor go to prison and the rich hire lawyers that evade even the most heinous crimes.

The last ten years were in bed, cared for by her son and his family. Felled by congestive heart failure and diabetes, one leg amputated, the other in jeopardy. Beautiful grandchildren that she adored, so proud of their accomplishments.

After my visit earlier in the month, she evidently didn't make it home again. I have no idea why she wasn't taken home that day - she was waiting to go. But instead she was sent to a convalescent home. It must have been such a blow. All she had with her were some pictures of her dogs - long gone, but not forgotten.

Her heart stopped five times last night. They revived her every time.

Until this morning.

Now she can go home, walk into the arms of those that love her, free from pain.

Rest in peace, Auntie. Give my Mama a kiss, okay?

Power of Prayer

There is some scientific proof that prayer really does work. To explain the physics of it would take too much time here, but there has been successful work done in the field of focused intention, such as prayer. Dr. William A. Tiller, of Stanford University, has pioneered work in using human intention to affect change in an array of substances. Through his work, and others like him, it is not too much of a stretch to take it a step further and consider that focused thought, such as prayer, may actually send an organizing principle and have an effect on the world. Here from Living the Field:

Crissie Blaze, co-author of Power Prayer suggests for "greatest effect say the prayer out loud, with all of your heartfelt feeling, hands raised, with palms facing outwards, and visualize energy streaming through you as a brilliant white stream of light. This is energy from "The Field" conditioned by your love and the intention of your prayer. By raising your hands, you allow spiritual energy to flow freely through your heart center and the psychic centers in the palms of each hand."

She says a secret to the success of prayer is to "give them everything that you have - your concentration, faith, love, reverence and focus - then detach and carry on with your everyday life. By detaching from the result, you hand it over to the magical power of the Absolute."

Here is her suggested prayer for peace, allowing you to pick what feels most comfortable in your worldview. Of course you may choose however you would like to direct the prayer.

Oh mighty God
I offer my heartfelt prayer in thankfulness to you
And ask that I might be a channel for your peace and love,
So that this may flow through me to all life,
To humanity, in all its diversity of race and creeds,
To plants, animals, and even rocks beneath our feet
So that we may know that we are One planetary family
Dwelling within Thy Great Heart.


Oh wondrous Parabrahma,
May your divine and infinite power flow now
At this very moment - in an everlasting stream of light
To bring peace and freedom to our world.


Oh, Eternal Creator, Provider and Sustainer of all Life
Great peace, Great peace, Great peace,
May Thy will be done.

I have a few to say today. Including a send off to Barry of An Explorers View of Life, who passed away yesterday. Rest in peace, dear Barry.

One for our dear little Lilly, who I have heard is back in the hospital. To say this breaks my heart, is an
understatement.

One for my Aunt Judy, who is very close to joining my mother, my grandmother, my grandfather, my uncles.

One to a husband of a dear blogging friend who is fighting a terrible disease and an insurance company that doesn't want to live up to its obligations.

One for a blogging friend in Amsterdam, living with MS, who just had a set back.

One for the cap to hold on the Gulf, and that health will return to the people, the water, and the animals so decimated by this disaster.

And one of the above, so that peace may come to our planet, and our young men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan can come home.

Living The Field

I have signed up for an intensive online workshop that Lynne McTaggert has put together that covers a variety of topics she has researched for her books. She's authored The Field and The Intention Experiment, both bestsellers. I did a book review on The Intention Experiment, and I just ordered The Field. Her research into quantum physics is extensive.

She states that the condensed lessons are a bridge between new science and Spirit. Of course, that is subjective. One has to go with what resonates and feels right. But so far I have found Lesson #1 interesting and well-written. Although I don't necessarily advocate her beliefs, I find her writing impressive and her sources compelling.

You can also get it in audio book.

For $4 per month you get one lesson. Each of these lessons are extensive. I find that I read parts at a time, as the material is dense. Often I need to go back and reread. I can see why you only get one lesson per month. I thought the fee nominal considering the content. If you are interested, here are the first three lessons:

Lesson 1:  

- The Secrets of Healing (part 1): how to begin

- How bio-resonance works

- Using sound as a healing therapy

- The truth about the pineal gland

- A healer reveals how she heals

- Using intention to shape the future

- Learning how to channel

Lesson 2

- Everything you wanted to know about the Zero Point Field - by the pioneering scientist who helped discover it

- The Secrets of Healing (part 2): using the pulse

- How the Vedas provide the secret key to healing sounds

- Tuning in to the Earth's magnetic field

- What makes an intention strong?

 - Finding your own sacred space

- Is consciousness eternal?

Lesson 3

- The science behind altering mass

- How our molecules 'talk' to each other

- The Secrets of Healing (part 3): Using the breath

- Medical breakthroughs from behind the Iron Curtain

- The ancient sounds used for healing

- Using the earth's rhythms to tune in

- How we affect machines

- The power of the collective intention

- Near-Death Experiences: what they can teach us

You can sign up here. If you do, please let me know what you think.

Off The Grid

Fascinated by the book I'm reading, The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks, I became even more fascinated to learn he lives "off the grid."

In our publicity saturated world, to find an author who prefers to write without anyone knowing much about him, including his real name or where he lives, is compelling to say the least. Especially considering the Big Brother content of his novels.

Has anyone read the Fourth Realm trilogy? (I think there is a movie in the works.) I'm only on page 39 of the first book, and have put his next two books on my shopping list.

Madmen & Headboards

I've been trying to explain to someone recently about the headboard I would like to have for my bed. This is the headboard! Doesn't it look like something you could lean against and read a good book? Does anyone else remember these headboards from the 60's? Tuck & Roll come to mind?

Telling people I wanted Don & Betty's headboard from Madmen wasn't cutting it. Now I have a picture. Ha.

Season four begins July 25th. :-)

A bug!

Yesterday started out normal. I went to the nursery and found some indoor plants, did the usual stuff around the house and then.... BAM! A flu virus.

How do these little bugs enter your body? I mean, where are they lurking? On the plants I was handling, or on the sandwich from the deli across the street from the nursery? And what, exactly, is it doing inside our bodies to make us feel so bad?

24 hours later and I'm finally starting to feel like I'll survive, but I wish there was some kind warning light we could carry around with us to illuminate those nasty little germs. Some kind of horn that could go off - or maybe an I-Phone app. Now that would be an app worth paying for!

How 'bout that Mel!

If you don't believe that what you put out there comes back to you, check out the firestorm Mel Gibson has attracted. He's a perfect example of what, and how you think, eventually creating situations in your life. I also believe he falls into my recent category of people who practice to deceive attracting bad juju. I think I'm going to pass on his new Beaver movie.

He's been a great reminder for me these last couple of days, because I've been a bit on the cranky side.

What do you think?

Facebook & Censoring

I don't have a Facebook account, so I'm asking all of you - do you censor Facebook connections? If so, how do you do it?

I keep reading, and listening to people, who are put out by having to "friend" someone that they don't really want to share their lives with, but have no idea how to do it in a nice way. They don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. In most cases it's young people who don't want the adults in their lives (or their parent's friends), to know what is going on in theirs. They want it to be about their social connections and not about family members knowing too much.

This would have been a problem for me in my younger years. It was much better that the adult members of my family only knew what was actually going on through gossip. Much safer. Had they known the truth, I'm sure they would have disowned me. In fact, I don't let most of my family members or social circle know about my blog, either. For the same reason. It wasn't that long ago that I was only known by my nom de plume "Lover of Life." It was a big step to add my name.

And, quite frankly, I really don't want to have blow by blow playbacks of what my children are up to. They don't tell me everything, which is just fine with me. (My father often said he didn't want to know what I was up to in my twenties. To the point of covering his ears and making "lalalalalalalala" noises, when I tried to over share.)

What is weird is when other people, out of the blue, tell me what my children are up to. I get kind of a creepy feeling. Kind of like - should they know what I don't? Even if I don't want to know it?

Which brings me back to Facebook. Is this an issue for you or your family members? And if so, how do you deal with it?

7 Secrets of Synchronicity

I've finished 7 Secrets, and as is my policy to pass on information that could be useful to some of you, here is my review:

As some of you may know, I met the MacGregors while they were doing the research for this book. They were just starting their blog, and had put a Goggle Alert for the word "synchronicity." Up popped my blog with this post. We later met for lunch while we were all in the Columbia River Gorge area. They were in Hood River on vacation, and we were in Portland visiting our children. So I have been looking forward to the outcome of their hard work for some time.

I was not disappointed. It is well-researched and well-written. Using anecdotal stories, many from bloggers, the book helps you to realize how the world is so much more than we ever believed it to be. That blogging in itself, may be synchronicity at work in a very powerful way. How often have you found information from blogs that you may have been seeking, or needing and didn't realize it, until you read it on a blog?

The seven secrets of synchronicity, as explained in this book, breaks down the components of synchronicity. Explaining what it is, how it works, how to recognize it in your own life, and more importantly, how to have more of it! Understanding what it is enables the individual to live on a deeper level, more in tuned to their environment, other people, and other living creatures. This book shows us how to recognize the incredible interconnectedness we all share, and how to respect it.

I also enjoyed the "Divining Synchronicity" section of the book. I have always been very curious about I Ching and Tarot cards, but didn't really understand how they work, and how they can be a useful tool in everyday life. Now that I'm past my grandmother's voice telling me all things divining are the devil's work, I can follow my instincts regarding energy, consciousness, and connection. So I have ordered a brand new set of Tarot cards. I'll keep you updated on my new adventure.

I believe the human being is going through an evolution. I think that these ways of "knowing" will someday be the norm and what we feel to be cutting edge will one day be archaic. But for now, this book will appeal to those who feel as I do - the world is changing and so are we. It's time to embrace the  paradigms of the future.

I Feel So Bad!

I feel so bad about the frogs in our pond. I think we killed them!

We moved into this house with a pond and waterfall. When we moved in the frogs were deafening in their cacophony each night. We just loved it.

But we have a problem. We have never had a pond in our yard, and after a few weeks we noticed algae growing in a big way.

Light bulb! Maybe that was what that little bag of giant tablets was all about that was left just inside the front door when we moved in! On the bag was a stamp with the name of the pond company. I called, and they said I needed to put one of those giant tablets in the pond where the water runs, and to replace it when it's gone. I asked him about the wildlife using the pond and he assured me it was safe. After all, we drink water with chlorine. Well...

My instincts said it was not good, but I did what he told me to do and now I don't hear the frogs anymore. :-(

I went online and it said they are very sensitive to chemicals. But what I don't understand is why the owners would leave these tablets where we would see them if it might hurt the frogs. They obviously loved the frogs, too, due to numerous frog statues throughout the yard. Geeze, a note on how to care for the pond would have been helpful!

Now I just feel sad.

A Nudge From Beyond

In Trish and Rob's book 7 Secrets of Synchronicity they talk about the interconnectedness of all beings. How sometimes we are nudged in directions that we don't always understand when it is happening.

Last week I was unboxing and going through some really old stuff that has been stored in a trunk that my brother made for me. In my exuberance to rid myself of "stuff," I came across a box that belonged to my mother. I'm not sure when it was given to me, but I think it was when my grandmother died about ten years ago. I was busy with children and work at the time and didn't go through the box, which had  Joyce's Correspondence, on the top. My mother died when I was six years old.

When I opened the box there was a picture of my aunt, my mother's sister, on the top. She was about five years old in the picture. I immediately felt guilty for not visiting her in way too long. My aunt is completely disabled from diabetes, having one leg amputated and completely bedridden. We talk occasionally on the phone and I send her money and other things that she needs when I can. But I have avoided visiting her because it is just painful and unpleasant. I know, selfish of me. But she lives in California and we have been living in Oregon and Minnesota, so visiting has been easy to avoid. I might add that she lives with her son and his family, so she is surrounded by people she loves, she is not alone.

But that doesn't excuse me. I know that.

Just as I was leaving for Sacramento (where she lives) I get a call from my brother. He says our aunt is in the hospital and may not make it. Visiting her is now unavoidable, as I am heading in that direction for the 4th of July at my brother's house.

All I can say is thank you to the nudges I was given, including the picture in the box of my mother's correspondence. She was awake and feeling well enough that she was heading home that day. My aunt was so happy to see me, and my brother, that it brought tears to my eyes. She kept saying how much she loved us.

I don't know how much longer she has, probably not long. She has congestive heart failure, diabetes, and may lose her other leg. For a woman that is only 61 years old, she is not in good shape. But for me it was a lesson learned. I'll make a point of trying to see her every few months. It was not as bad as I had feared, and the good that came of it far outweighed the bad. My mother and grandmother would want me to take care of her in any way that I can. So that is what I will do.

I've hidden money in her bag, to dole out to her grandchildren. I've ordered new hospital gowns for her, and sent her a bottle of her favorite perfume - Poison by Christian Dior.

But more importantly, I'll gift her with a visit from someone who loves her.

Happy Fourth of July!

To all of us celebrating this holiday, I wish you peace and happiness. And for all of those not celebrating this holiday, I wish you peace and happiness.

Here is my menu, to be a part of a group menu:

Good Cooks Fried Pickles with two dips.
Macaroni Salad - Made the way my family has made it for generations.
Green salad with raspberry dressing, red grapes and blue cheese.
Fume Chicken Salad
Ina's homemade Onion Dip - chips

I, for one, plan on swimming in my brother's pool and drinking my new favorite wine - NEW AGE - which is just a very light fizzy white wine that you serve with squeezes of lime.

Wishing you love and laughter this bright summer day!