Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Yesterday was the holiday and this morning I am sitting in my recliner resting and, I'm sure, still digesting all the goodies from yesterday's feast. I was at my Mom's house, where she lives with her second husband of 26 years, Sal. She is 86 years old and he is 5 years younger. Together they work as a Team to prepare holiday meals, from the antepasto prepared with his home-cured Pickled Peppers, to the made-from-scratch biscotti, egg biscuits, pies, etc. Naturally, these are all from recepies that my Mom's collected through the years, handed down from Great Aunts, Grandmothers and Godmothers.
Each time we celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve, I can't help but remember gatherings from the past in that same space. Yesterday, I was sitting in a rocking chair that my Dad used to occupy when he was still with us. All the Great Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents and Godparents are gone now, but at these times, they come alive again in my memories. It's a bittersweet feeling remembering and realizing just how much has changed, and how much I have changed.
Watching my Mom do the kitchen tasks she's done for most of her adult life still fascinates me, as she does them with such confidence and ease. However, as I watched her, the realization that she's in the Winter of her life and that there may not be too many more holiday gatherings ahead, made me sad for the moment. But then I began thinking what a full and rich life she's had, At that point, I began to celebrate her age and the fact that she's in excellent health, lucid, and is still very independent.
Living in gratitude is what I most want to accomplish this year and going forward in my life. I know that I am so thankful for the presence of my Mom in my life and for the fact that she is still having a life of quality. Because she has lived this long, she has given me an opportunity to see her as a parent, a person, and a woman, as I traveled through my 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and now my 60's. With each decade, I saw her with "new eyes" influenced by my own development. She has been, and continues to be, the driving force behind my small family and as long as she lives, the child in me lives also.
I am also grateful for the life that I've had and the people who have come in and out of it, each leaving an impression on me, and contributing to make me who I am today. I am 64 years old and am grateful for living this long so I could learn the lessons I am leaning now. I hope your holiday was warm and rich and that you took a moment to remember holidays past. As Star Trek and Harry Potter taught us, no one is really gone if they still live in your heart.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
SMILE Power
A few days ago, I was in an Urgent Care waiting room. In the room with me was a young Mother of two boys - one around 4 and the other must have been around 2. The 2 year old started crying and fussing so much, that the Mother "exploded" in front of me, jumped up, stuffed him into his jacket, and said "I'm not going through this!" aloud in frustration. She picked him up and ordered the 4 year old to put his jacket on because they were leaving. She then proceeded to march past me and out the door carrying the little one, still wailing, on her hip. The 4 year old was slowly following her, not wanting to get too close to her wrath. I watched him as he came closer and his little face had the most terrible look. I bent slightly forward so his face would turn to me, and as he walked by, I gave him a friendly smile. At first he looked shocked and wary, then he smiled back - it was a small smile, but I could feel it was genuine.
This entire experience reminded me of another Emergency Room visit way back in 1979. I still remember it because it haunts me to this day. My friend was being examined and I was in the Waiting Room. In front of me sat a family of four - the Parents and two boys aged 2 and 5 (I estimate). The 2 year old was everywhere, crawling, running, making noise, etc., and his Mother was chasing him, talking baby talk and calling him "Bud Bud". However, when she spoke to the older boy, her tone was harsh and she ordered him to get tissues, toilet paper, the baby's toys, and never said "Thank You". This older boy obeyed like a robot and never said a word the entire time I was there. When this boy sat next to his Father (who ignored the entire family), I could feel the tension from 3 rows behind them. He would glance at his Father once in a while, but there was never eye contact between them, no words, and certainly no signs of affection. I remember having the thought that this boy seemed scared of his Parents. The baby's behavior was never curbed and I couldn't help thinking that the Parents were clearly displaying a double standard.
My heart went out to this boy, and today, I still think about him. I can still see his face and I wonder how his life went after that night. It was so sad and I feel sad thinking and writing about that evening so long ago, but last week's experience brought up old emotions. I wonder if the little boy from Urgent Care will fare better than the boy from 1979.
I have no children, but I was a kindergarten Teacher for some years and understand how a smile can go a long way in relationships with children. What face does your child see when he or she walks towards you? Do you smile? Do you acknowledge them at all? Do you stop what you're doing and listen to them? Do you make them feel they are loved? The Parents I described above acted like their children were inconvenient and not appreciated and I felt sorry for all of them.
My friend has 2 children that I've been close to since their births and lately, I am very aware of the face they see when they look at me. A loving smile and acknowledgement of their prescence in your space can build self-worth, self-value and self-esteem. It's true; just try it. Something as easy as a smile can make both of you feel better, and if done consistently, it will be something your child will long remember about his Parent(s). I know rearing children is not an easy job, but at some point try to become aware of the face your child sees on a daily basis. Let the LIGHT from within you shine on your child and spark the LIGHT inside of them. NOW is the time to make your child feel loved and appreciated as part of your family. I know I will try very hard to give a loving smile to any child in my prescence going forward because self-worth and self-esteem cannot be purchased at a department store or on-line.
Best wishes and Angel blessings to you for a wonderful Thanksgiving! Linda
This entire experience reminded me of another Emergency Room visit way back in 1979. I still remember it because it haunts me to this day. My friend was being examined and I was in the Waiting Room. In front of me sat a family of four - the Parents and two boys aged 2 and 5 (I estimate). The 2 year old was everywhere, crawling, running, making noise, etc., and his Mother was chasing him, talking baby talk and calling him "Bud Bud". However, when she spoke to the older boy, her tone was harsh and she ordered him to get tissues, toilet paper, the baby's toys, and never said "Thank You". This older boy obeyed like a robot and never said a word the entire time I was there. When this boy sat next to his Father (who ignored the entire family), I could feel the tension from 3 rows behind them. He would glance at his Father once in a while, but there was never eye contact between them, no words, and certainly no signs of affection. I remember having the thought that this boy seemed scared of his Parents. The baby's behavior was never curbed and I couldn't help thinking that the Parents were clearly displaying a double standard.
My heart went out to this boy, and today, I still think about him. I can still see his face and I wonder how his life went after that night. It was so sad and I feel sad thinking and writing about that evening so long ago, but last week's experience brought up old emotions. I wonder if the little boy from Urgent Care will fare better than the boy from 1979.
I have no children, but I was a kindergarten Teacher for some years and understand how a smile can go a long way in relationships with children. What face does your child see when he or she walks towards you? Do you smile? Do you acknowledge them at all? Do you stop what you're doing and listen to them? Do you make them feel they are loved? The Parents I described above acted like their children were inconvenient and not appreciated and I felt sorry for all of them.
My friend has 2 children that I've been close to since their births and lately, I am very aware of the face they see when they look at me. A loving smile and acknowledgement of their prescence in your space can build self-worth, self-value and self-esteem. It's true; just try it. Something as easy as a smile can make both of you feel better, and if done consistently, it will be something your child will long remember about his Parent(s). I know rearing children is not an easy job, but at some point try to become aware of the face your child sees on a daily basis. Let the LIGHT from within you shine on your child and spark the LIGHT inside of them. NOW is the time to make your child feel loved and appreciated as part of your family. I know I will try very hard to give a loving smile to any child in my prescence going forward because self-worth and self-esteem cannot be purchased at a department store or on-line.
Best wishes and Angel blessings to you for a wonderful Thanksgiving! Linda
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Oprah is a Lightworker!
Hello again,
I started watching the Oprah Show at the beginning of her last season on TV. Some topics fascinated me and some I had no interest in and did not watch. But toward the end of the season, she began speaking more from her heart than I had ever heard her speak. She focused on topics like forgiveness, shame and compassion, to name a few. Now, she is the owner of her own TV network (OWN) and is running a show called "Oprah's Lifeclass", which anyone can view on TV and on-line. You can sign up on-line and right now over 1.1 million people are taking part in this interactive class.
She's only 1 and 1/2 weeks into this new 6 week class and has beautifully covered topics such as anger, beauty, secrets and shame, joy, and responsibility to name a few. During the show she uses clips from her 25 years on the air as examples of the topics and often does follow-ups on the people involved in the clips. It is fascinating! She reveals so much of her personal experiences and mistakes from her youth and her career that, many times, she wells up with tears as her voice cracks with emotion. Needless to say, at these times my eyes get a bit teary too.
As you know, I am an Angel Healing Practitioner and a Lightworker. A Lightworker is a compassionate person who, by living their best soul life, helps others rise to do the same, thereby making the world a more loving and peaceful place. I believe Oprah is a Lightworker too. I know some people love her and some feel the opposite, but no one can dispute that she made TV history when she decided not to give controversial and hateful people a platform on her show to spread their negativity. Oprah wanted to focus on doing good, spreading joy, helping those who needed it, and bringing her viewers to a place of self realization so they could live a better life. She created the "Angel Network" which helped thousands of people in need. She frequently offered her viewers challenges to go out and make a difference, and ordinary people were moved to do just that. One challenge I loved was when she gave $1,000 to a few people and they found creative ways to make it grow into many thousands and to pay it forward.
I also want to mention her "Master's Class" and "Visionaries" shows that are so thought provoking and tell wonderful life stories, such as Maya Angelou's and Tyler Perry's. This is reality TV worth watching, in my opinion, and I heartily recommend these shows. It is truly amazing to see what events needed to occur in order for these people to arrive at their callings and place of celebrity - it's better than fiction!
In summary, I'd like you to take a look at any one of the shows I've mentioned and see if it sparks a "light" inside of you. You don't need to study for years or pay lots of money to become a Lightworker. All you need is the desire to lead your best life and respond to those in need, either one-on-one or many at a time. Oprah says the common thread binding people together is the need to be "seen" and told that "they matter". Just a casual smile and eye contact with a stranger or someone you love can accomplish that. I try to remember this every day because, as Oprah says, "when you know better, you do better".
I started watching the Oprah Show at the beginning of her last season on TV. Some topics fascinated me and some I had no interest in and did not watch. But toward the end of the season, she began speaking more from her heart than I had ever heard her speak. She focused on topics like forgiveness, shame and compassion, to name a few. Now, she is the owner of her own TV network (OWN) and is running a show called "Oprah's Lifeclass", which anyone can view on TV and on-line. You can sign up on-line and right now over 1.1 million people are taking part in this interactive class.
She's only 1 and 1/2 weeks into this new 6 week class and has beautifully covered topics such as anger, beauty, secrets and shame, joy, and responsibility to name a few. During the show she uses clips from her 25 years on the air as examples of the topics and often does follow-ups on the people involved in the clips. It is fascinating! She reveals so much of her personal experiences and mistakes from her youth and her career that, many times, she wells up with tears as her voice cracks with emotion. Needless to say, at these times my eyes get a bit teary too.
As you know, I am an Angel Healing Practitioner and a Lightworker. A Lightworker is a compassionate person who, by living their best soul life, helps others rise to do the same, thereby making the world a more loving and peaceful place. I believe Oprah is a Lightworker too. I know some people love her and some feel the opposite, but no one can dispute that she made TV history when she decided not to give controversial and hateful people a platform on her show to spread their negativity. Oprah wanted to focus on doing good, spreading joy, helping those who needed it, and bringing her viewers to a place of self realization so they could live a better life. She created the "Angel Network" which helped thousands of people in need. She frequently offered her viewers challenges to go out and make a difference, and ordinary people were moved to do just that. One challenge I loved was when she gave $1,000 to a few people and they found creative ways to make it grow into many thousands and to pay it forward.
I also want to mention her "Master's Class" and "Visionaries" shows that are so thought provoking and tell wonderful life stories, such as Maya Angelou's and Tyler Perry's. This is reality TV worth watching, in my opinion, and I heartily recommend these shows. It is truly amazing to see what events needed to occur in order for these people to arrive at their callings and place of celebrity - it's better than fiction!
In summary, I'd like you to take a look at any one of the shows I've mentioned and see if it sparks a "light" inside of you. You don't need to study for years or pay lots of money to become a Lightworker. All you need is the desire to lead your best life and respond to those in need, either one-on-one or many at a time. Oprah says the common thread binding people together is the need to be "seen" and told that "they matter". Just a casual smile and eye contact with a stranger or someone you love can accomplish that. I try to remember this every day because, as Oprah says, "when you know better, you do better".
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remembering 9/11
Today is the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. It seems incredible that 10 years have passed. We all remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news, much like the day of the Kennedy assasination. After 10 years, how have our feelings changed? Has the shock diminished? Has the anger dissapated at all? Can we ever forgive those who made this happen? What have we as a country, and as individuals, learned from this experience? All good questions to ponder today.
Since I grew up in a military family that traveled overseas a lot, my childhood experiences are different from most people I know. What I mean is that I've seen real poverty on a daily basis - people who live in hovels, are filthy, beg for food, have absolutely nothing, and live every day at a survival level we can't possibly imagine. I remember my Father showing me these places and always saying, "There for the grace of God, go I", and hoping I got the point. I did and I'll always remember the look on their faces. I can only imagine their feelings when the military prescence went into their neighborhoods or if they saw a family, such as mine, observe them and their sad way of life like it was another tourist attraction. Could you really blame them for HATING us?
Whenever I hear about the mid-East turmoil and their hatred of America, I remember those places my Father showed me and can totally understand how the motivation of hate could result in an event as tragic as 9/11. My personal feelings lean toward forgiveness and know that is the only route that can ever put this event into perspective. On the other hand, how could I or anyone forgive the murder of almost 3,000 innocent people in one day?
This is what I really want to talk about today. Forgiveness. Through my angel studies, I've finally come to understand when you "forgive" someone for something that hurt or wronged you, you are NOT condoning what they said or did, but really letting those bad feelings go from your own heart, thereby trading pain for peace. If you release those feelings from yourself, you now have room to accept something new from the Universe. Release the old; accept the new. It sounds simple, but I'll tell you it's hard to do at first, but becomes easier in time. Forgiving others also includes forgiving yourself for any part you had in that bad experience, because nothing is ever one-sided. As my Mother used to say, "It takes two to tango." I got that one too.
I know that there will always be severe poverty like the kind I saw as a child, and when people live at that survival level, there will always be conflict. How do we change it? Perhaps one way is through forgiveness. Just something to think about today. Linda
Since I grew up in a military family that traveled overseas a lot, my childhood experiences are different from most people I know. What I mean is that I've seen real poverty on a daily basis - people who live in hovels, are filthy, beg for food, have absolutely nothing, and live every day at a survival level we can't possibly imagine. I remember my Father showing me these places and always saying, "There for the grace of God, go I", and hoping I got the point. I did and I'll always remember the look on their faces. I can only imagine their feelings when the military prescence went into their neighborhoods or if they saw a family, such as mine, observe them and their sad way of life like it was another tourist attraction. Could you really blame them for HATING us?
Whenever I hear about the mid-East turmoil and their hatred of America, I remember those places my Father showed me and can totally understand how the motivation of hate could result in an event as tragic as 9/11. My personal feelings lean toward forgiveness and know that is the only route that can ever put this event into perspective. On the other hand, how could I or anyone forgive the murder of almost 3,000 innocent people in one day?
This is what I really want to talk about today. Forgiveness. Through my angel studies, I've finally come to understand when you "forgive" someone for something that hurt or wronged you, you are NOT condoning what they said or did, but really letting those bad feelings go from your own heart, thereby trading pain for peace. If you release those feelings from yourself, you now have room to accept something new from the Universe. Release the old; accept the new. It sounds simple, but I'll tell you it's hard to do at first, but becomes easier in time. Forgiving others also includes forgiving yourself for any part you had in that bad experience, because nothing is ever one-sided. As my Mother used to say, "It takes two to tango." I got that one too.
I know that there will always be severe poverty like the kind I saw as a child, and when people live at that survival level, there will always be conflict. How do we change it? Perhaps one way is through forgiveness. Just something to think about today. Linda
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Wow, What A Week!
What a week! It was tough for me and here are some reasons why.
Hurrican Irene swept through here last week and I believe I was luckier than many others in RI. I only lost power for a day and night, but I did lose sleep because I spent the night at a friend's house in an uncomfortable recliner. It's taken me almost 3 days to make up that sleep and begin to feel normal again. Being without power and just sitting at home waiting for the rain to come was an interesting experience....a little anxiety of what will happen and a little relief from the stimulation of sound. Without power, the world can be a pretty quiet place. I caught up on my scrapbooking while it was still light out and that took my mind off everything except what I was cutting and pasting.
I find when it's quiet, my thoughts turn to self-examination and asking some hard questions. Am I happy? Which direction do I want to head? What do I need to be happier? Lately, I don't feel happy at all. I am just coasting through the days, no major planning for the weeks ahead or taking steps toward a goal. My last entry mentioned that I've been in a low energy pattern for awhile now . . . not wanting to do or go anywhere or be social. I'm still feeling the same and each day I hope that spark that makes me "Me" will come back.
My Dad died suddenly 4 years ago and I still hurt. I found him at the bottom of the cellar stairs after he had fallen. I called 911 and he went to the hospital, but did not survive the head injury he incurred. To me it feels like yesterday and whenever his birthday rolls around, June 22, and the date he died, July 7, I just go into a funk. And if that's not bad enough, I turned 64 in August. I never really enjoyed the summertime before because I don't like the heat, but with all these associations, I am just realizing as I type this that I REALLY don't enjoy the summer months! Also, my Grandmother died on my birthday some years ago and I can never forget or change that. Wow. . . . major light bulb! Or as Oprah would say, this is an "ah ha" moment.
Before I sign off, I think I should say something positive to lift the mood of this posting. Hurricane Irene did a lot of damage, cost thousands of people their power, and challenged everyone's temper. But it could have been soooo much worse! Therefore, I am grateful I suffered only a little inconvenience and was able to return to my in-tact home within 24 hours. I am very grateful to have a home, a car, a job, and money to live on. I am soooo much luckier than some people in RI. I appreciate it and thank the Universe every day! Linda
Hurrican Irene swept through here last week and I believe I was luckier than many others in RI. I only lost power for a day and night, but I did lose sleep because I spent the night at a friend's house in an uncomfortable recliner. It's taken me almost 3 days to make up that sleep and begin to feel normal again. Being without power and just sitting at home waiting for the rain to come was an interesting experience....a little anxiety of what will happen and a little relief from the stimulation of sound. Without power, the world can be a pretty quiet place. I caught up on my scrapbooking while it was still light out and that took my mind off everything except what I was cutting and pasting.
I find when it's quiet, my thoughts turn to self-examination and asking some hard questions. Am I happy? Which direction do I want to head? What do I need to be happier? Lately, I don't feel happy at all. I am just coasting through the days, no major planning for the weeks ahead or taking steps toward a goal. My last entry mentioned that I've been in a low energy pattern for awhile now . . . not wanting to do or go anywhere or be social. I'm still feeling the same and each day I hope that spark that makes me "Me" will come back.
My Dad died suddenly 4 years ago and I still hurt. I found him at the bottom of the cellar stairs after he had fallen. I called 911 and he went to the hospital, but did not survive the head injury he incurred. To me it feels like yesterday and whenever his birthday rolls around, June 22, and the date he died, July 7, I just go into a funk. And if that's not bad enough, I turned 64 in August. I never really enjoyed the summertime before because I don't like the heat, but with all these associations, I am just realizing as I type this that I REALLY don't enjoy the summer months! Also, my Grandmother died on my birthday some years ago and I can never forget or change that. Wow. . . . major light bulb! Or as Oprah would say, this is an "ah ha" moment.
Before I sign off, I think I should say something positive to lift the mood of this posting. Hurricane Irene did a lot of damage, cost thousands of people their power, and challenged everyone's temper. But it could have been soooo much worse! Therefore, I am grateful I suffered only a little inconvenience and was able to return to my in-tact home within 24 hours. I am very grateful to have a home, a car, a job, and money to live on. I am soooo much luckier than some people in RI. I appreciate it and thank the Universe every day! Linda
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Why Should You Read MY Blog?
Hello and welcome to my thoughts! I decided to start my blog today because my cousin told me how to do it . So here I go, ready to share my thoughts and feelings with the world.
2012 . . . is coming fast! The world has had so many natural disasters that one can't deny "something" is changing in, on and around Mother Earth. Personally, I've had lots of ups and downs that are unusual for me, and talk about sleep.......it's all I want to do! I have the energy to function, but there's no extra perkiness or desire to do things, go places and be social. I'm hoping that changes for me soon. I don't believe the world will end in 2012, but I do think we'll have to endure more unpleasant events during the rest of this year and I'm not looking forward to it. Each time I hear about an earthquake, tsunami, flood, I sink deeper into a personal sadness, as I'm sure do many others.
On a lighter, brighter note, let me tell you about myself and how I decided to become an Angel Healing Practitioner. Two years ago, I closed my business and 2 months later, my old friend and business partner passed away. After I sold my assets and buried my friend, I really needed something positive in my life. Just by chance, I signed up for an Angel Card Reading and that half-hour awakened my spirit and let lightness into my existance.
I started studying the history and heirarchy of Angels and took a course which certified my as an Angel Healing Practitioner. In this blog, I will share what I've learned in books, through lectures and by giving readings. I also teach Angel Classes and have heard great stories of personal experiences with Angels from above and those posing as humans on Earth.
I hope you'll return to my blog and also hope you'll find something here that will lift your spirits. Signing off for now with high hopes for all our lives, now and in the future, Linda
2012 . . . is coming fast! The world has had so many natural disasters that one can't deny "something" is changing in, on and around Mother Earth. Personally, I've had lots of ups and downs that are unusual for me, and talk about sleep.......it's all I want to do! I have the energy to function, but there's no extra perkiness or desire to do things, go places and be social. I'm hoping that changes for me soon. I don't believe the world will end in 2012, but I do think we'll have to endure more unpleasant events during the rest of this year and I'm not looking forward to it. Each time I hear about an earthquake, tsunami, flood, I sink deeper into a personal sadness, as I'm sure do many others.
On a lighter, brighter note, let me tell you about myself and how I decided to become an Angel Healing Practitioner. Two years ago, I closed my business and 2 months later, my old friend and business partner passed away. After I sold my assets and buried my friend, I really needed something positive in my life. Just by chance, I signed up for an Angel Card Reading and that half-hour awakened my spirit and let lightness into my existance.
I started studying the history and heirarchy of Angels and took a course which certified my as an Angel Healing Practitioner. In this blog, I will share what I've learned in books, through lectures and by giving readings. I also teach Angel Classes and have heard great stories of personal experiences with Angels from above and those posing as humans on Earth.
I hope you'll return to my blog and also hope you'll find something here that will lift your spirits. Signing off for now with high hopes for all our lives, now and in the future, Linda
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