Merry Christmas!!!!

vintage christmas ornaments
Originally uploaded by paigek

Christmas is so close!!!

these.christmas.shoes.
Originally uploaded by Linda & her cam

Goodness, December is just flying by!! Hard to believe Christmas is a week away...

I'm making some handmade gifts this year to make up for the fact that I don't have the money to buy anything. The upside is that it's given me a chance to be more creative and stretch myself in new ways. It's also really fun for me!!! I enjoy coming up with ideas and seeing them come together...

I'm thinking of baking some sweet treats for gifts too! It's so funny how creative I become when I have to be...lack of funds always makes me get crafty and creative. I would prefer to have more money to be even craftier but I'm making it work this year...so far.

Happy week before Christmas to YOU!!!

One of my favorite holiday films which includes this little diddy...so fun.

Shedding leaves beauty.

Autumnal Maple
Originally uploaded by Zeb Andrews

This is my farewell photo to the group. I feel like we all got a chance to shed a bit during this journey...all that clutter clearing stuff really works! I hope to see everyone in January for the next Next Chapter...

Have a magical December!!

String of hearts

String of hearts
Originally uploaded by aussiegall

I feel like everyone on this journey really put their heart out there for all of us to see, and I have loved witnessing it. Sharing from that sacred space makes all the difference. So thank you, my spirit sisters, for letting me peek into your life over the last month. I have seen myself in many of you and been so inspired by your words and encouragement. A special thanks to Jamie for putting this together and for showing up everyday. What a gift you have given us! I will be seeing you in January!!

I look forward to putting even more of these exercises into practice over the next month, especially the fire week ones, as I mentioned before.

I discovered this beautiful Native American prayer during this journey and wanted to share it with you...

Walk in Beauty

Beauty before me
Beauty behind me
Beauty beside me
Beauty below me
Beauty above me
Beauty inside me
I walk in beauty

May you all walk in beauty and find it following you wherever you go in life. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

I Wish I May..... I Wish I Might...learn to wish again

I Wish I May..... I Wish I Might...
Originally uploaded by nancz

I want to start wishing again. Somewhere in the midst of life, I stopped wishing. I just gave up on that type of magic in my life. Too much disappointment, too many times things didn't work out, so gradually I just let my wishes slip away. Even if all my wishes don't come true, I still think it's important to let myself do this. That's what today was and is about for me...remembering how to wish again, to let myself really want something and believe I can have it.

So here are some of my wishes for the next year:

-Move back to LA
-Discover the book that my soul wants to write and write it.
-Get engaged to the perfect man for me
-My life is easy, joyful, creative, purposeful, and full of love and laughter

Can't believe tomorrow is our last day of this journey!! It has been very fascinating and I feel like I'll be going back and doing some of the days I missed just to keep this energy flowing. See you all tomorrow!

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday surrounded by those who love and adore you. So much to be grateful for these days. I'm learning the true meaning of gratitude in my life right now. What a gift!

Mother Earth in all her glory.

The Source
Originally uploaded by Irishphotographer

I loved today's meditation about imagining ourselves as the Earth. With deep oceans, rugged mountains, lush forests...It made me feel very connected and expansive. It was a very empowering exercise for me. I wish I felt like being out in nature more these days but it's so cold that I really don't feel like it. I think that's why this was helpful for me because I really felt like I was in nature eventhough it was only in my imagination. I hope I remember to use this meditation thru the remainder of the winter here in Tennessee. This is my first winter in eight years, since I just moved here from Southern California. It is quite a difference and it's only November!! The locals tell me it's January that's the dead of winter here...

How did you all feel about today's meditation??

Clean and Clear.

Clean .
Originally uploaded by Gísli Dúa

I want to feel as clean as this picture. I love cleansing my body although I do find it harder to do when it's cold outside. I don't think I've ever really thought that dry brushing was beneficial but the way Denise describes it makes me think it is. So I'm going to commit to doing that today.

"My mind, body, and spirit are clear channels for Love"

I also really like the simple question of "Is this cleansing or clogging to my body?" Simple. Just yes or no. It seems like a very non-judgemental way of staying in touch with what your eating. I always think in terms of good or bad with the food I eat, so I think it would be a nice departure for me to start thinking in terms of cleansing or clogging.

The Missing Link

conflagration
Originally uploaded by Farl

This week has made me realize that it is fire that has been missing from my life. So I think I'm gonna make December a fire month for me. To cultivate more fiery passion in my daily life, one week isn't going to do it for me. Taking action is such a fiery quality and I want that to be my devotion for now. What a gift to realize this...
The element of fire itself is scary and unpredictable and so is taking action for the most part. Again, for me it is about walking the walk instead of just talking the talk.

What are you learning during fire week??

Tree of Light

Tree of Light
Originally uploaded by JPhilipson

Light My Fire...

Light My Fire
Originally uploaded by -Gruesome-(Extended Flickr Break)

My internet connection has been down for the past two days, so now I am writing to you from Starbucks. So since this is something I don't usually do, I guess it counts for doing something different today. I'm trying to pay attention to the little joys these days and that's new for me. But it's been difficult. I feel like I glossed over and missed a lot of water week, which is interesting because it makes me wonder if I do the same thing with my own emotions-gloss over them. I've been battling a little bout of depression too. I can't pinpoint the cause, it just seems to be there. Maybe it's the coming winter and the shorter days filled with colder air...I don't know, I just hope it passes soon.

" I am free to experience joy in every moment...no matter what is happening in my life"

So much of this journey is about giving myself permission. To be happy, to feel joy, to not do it right, to express, to be creative...to just be. I am glad I have discovered prayer thru this journey...it has freed me a lot. I feel it becoming a part of my life, a permanent part.

Well I hope to get my internet connection working again soon, so that I can spend more time with you...

Hope your enjoying the journey. And thanks to whoever discovered the Denise Linn audio recordings online...they are such a great companion to this program!

Stillness and Peace

Tranquil Waters
Originally uploaded by Andy Fyfe

Ahhhhh. I love how I thought today was going to be another big assignment and then to my surprise, I was instructed to simply "Do Nothing". I'm a little relieved. . .

I'm proud of how I've been keeping up with my commitment to prayer this month...it feels really good to ask for help and to not feel like I have to do it all by myself. I'm gonna go drink a beautiful glass of water now...

Enjoy doing nothing!

Things that get me going and some that don't...

Second Hand Goodness 2
Originally uploaded by Kim McCabe

Since I was out of town until yesterday, I felt really disconnected from the group. I felt out of sorts and like I've missed out on so much. This is sometimes the part when I give up on myself and my ability to jump right back in. I get discouraged and decide to stop trying. Then I read Denise's introduction to today- Day 10 and she says "Even when you are not DOING the program, you are still ON the program. That is, even if you miss a day or do not do everything "right", you are still on the program." Impeccable timing, Denise. That was just what I needed to hear. So here I am picking up my perfectionist pride and moving along...

"I am moving into harmony with everyone and everything in my universe."



So... energy zappers... this was interesting since I've naturally been looking out for these over the last month or so...here are some of mine:

-- Too much reality television. I feel like I'm losing brain cells when I watch that stuff...

-- Watching the news. I once heard someone say news is an acronym for "Negative Events Within Society".

-- Junk food. In moderation I'm okay with it but lately this has gotten a little out of control for me...damn leftover Halloween candy. I just feel icky after too much of it.

-- Magnification mirrors. Nuff said.

-- Fitting rooms. See above.

-- Staying inside all day.

Energy juicers, luckily, was an easier list to come up, it was exciting just thinking about them...some of mine are:

+ A delicious cup of tea in a vintage tea cup

+ Epsom salt baths followed by a shower

+ Art museums

+ Being around creative, inspiring people

+ Kundalini yoga

+ Talking with a friend over a cup of coffee

+ Reading poetry

+ Writing poetry

Hope your all doing well wherever you are in your journey. I hope to get a chance to catch up on your blogs tomorrow, I miss reading about your thoughts and seeing your beautiful photos each day.

A Short Stay in Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw River Lighthouse
Originally uploaded by SNiedzwiecki

So I'm spending the weekend with my Mom in her new state of Michigan. There's not much to see here scenery wise, but the house she lives in is a restored Victorian home from 1877 and it is so beautiful!! I'll try to remember to get photos tomorrow...
My favorite thing about visiting my Mom is getting her to fix my favorite foods from growing up! Today, alone, I had two of them. Pickled okra and Cheddar Potato Pierogies. Nothing like comfort food to nurse me through the remains of the flu...
We also had a great time playing a french card game called Milles Borne that I haven't played in sooooo long. Now I'm off to bed to catch up with the reading for today and try get a head start on tomorrow. I wish I would have brought my own computer...would have been easier to stay in touch. But this weekend is about reconnecting with my Mom...so I'm going to focus on that. Hope your all doing well wherever you are in the journey and thanks for your support during my frustration from yesterday. I'm remembering to BE GENTLE this weekend. That is enough. And so am I.

Frustration creeps in.

Returning to the same ocean.
Originally uploaded by ali khurshid

Two months ago, I quit my job of six years, sold or donated everything I owned that wouldn't fit into my car, and drove that car from Los Angeles to Nashville to give myself a break. So now I'm staying in the guest bedroom of a dear friend of mines house here in Tennessee. The thing is I don't know what else to declutter!! I'm decluttered out!! I feel like I recently decluttered my life soooo much that there isn't much left. So everyday to be reading about decluttering is getting frustrating for me. I know part of this frustration has to do with the fact that I've been bedridden with the flu for the past two days. Just starting to feel better today, so thanks for all the wishes for a speedy recovery. I spoke to my dear friend, Katie, today who is also a fellow Soul Coaching journeyer and she set me right again. So thankful for her friendship...the kind I wish I could wrap up in a beautiful box and gift to others. She really is that great.
I did really enjoy today's affirmation, which seems to be helping me heal a bit faster:

"Fresh, invigorating energy fills my life"

Speaking of AIR, tomorrow I'll be flying in it! On my way to Michigan to visit my Mom for the weekend. I hope to keep up my blogging while I'm there....

Hope to get to read more of your posts today, it's always so great to hear what you all are going through. You are a bunch of very wise women. I'm glad to be with you on this Soul Coaching journey.

Clarity and the flu too.

"There is clarity within me and all around me"

I heart this affirmation! It makes me feel peaceful when I say it, like all is well in my world. It reminds me that I don't have to search so hard for the answers. That's a reminder I need frequently. Today was tough for me because I woke up with the flu that my roommate is just starting to get over. But even with that I was excited to tackle a small area of clutter. I have WAY too much jewelry. A lot of which doesn't really suit me or my tastes anymore. I had a bunch of necklaces that I had thrown in a bag when I moved recently that were calling out to be dealt with. It was actually very meditative to sort thru and untangle them while reciting "I am clearing out all that I do not need in my life". I also donated about half of that bag, which made me feel lighter. Hopefully untangling those necklaces will help untangle me a bit too. It also felt good to let go of a ring I was given by a long ago boyfriend...I haven't worn it in ages or even thought about it at all, but yet it was still there just taking up space. I also picked out some clothing from my closet that didn't need to be there anymore. My closet is still too full but it's also a small closet. Cleaning it out a bit and being able to finally close the door all the way felt good. At least all my scrunched up clothing isn't staring at me anymore!

Well, I'm off to sip on some more Theraflu and then get my vote on!! Can't wait to hear what you all learned about the clutter that you keep...

Change is in the AIR.

Leapin' for Obama
Originally uploaded by Delta Niner

Just a little bit of inspiration in honor of election day. Your vote is your voice, so use it!! Happy voting to you!!

I honor my commitments to myself and others.

our prayers
Originally uploaded by fubuki

I have decided that my commitment for the rest of the month will be prayer. Prayer is something that I think about doing but never end up actually doing. I want to pray for guidance, for help, for the best way to share my light with the world. Again I get stuck on the "how" of prayer rather than just doing it. But I hope that the more I pray over this month, the easier it will become. This also is a level 3 thing for me as it is something that I have been putting off as well. I thought a lot today about what I could choose and what I felt was doable and prayer seemed to speak to me. I also see it as a way to deepen my relationship with myself and my spirituality.

The values list was really thought provoking for me. Again it really seems to focus my intentions and take a look at what my life is currently saying versus what I want it to be saying. Bridging that gap, I suppose. Here's how my list ended up coming out:

1. Unconditional Love
2. Creativity
3. Connection to Soul Family
4. Adventure
5. Peace
6. Joy
7. Abundance
8. Integrity

I really want to work on unconditional love, to love people without conditions is the hardest thing and I'm realizing that it starts with me learning to love myself without any conditions. I'm pretty sure that's going to be a life long process but it's worth striving for...

There are still other things that I'm putting off, but I feel more confident in taking care of those things now than I have in awhile.

Can't wait to read about all your commitments and be inspired by all your bravery!! See you tomorrow!

The REAL Day One

Well, today was a lot of work! I started my altar as you can see, and will add more to it as the days go on. But on it is a photo of this giant Buddha from my trip to Hawaii last year, indian ghost beads from Sedona that represent earth since they are made of seeds and are for protection, a quartz crystal, and a white candle which is special to me because it from last weeks' training with Sonia Choquette and it was one of the candles on her altar. It's very simple and that speaks to me right now in my life.
Today's affirmation really spoke to me a great deal:

My evaluation of myself is not who I am.

I feel I'm always analyzing myself, trying to find out why I do or don't do things. So this affirmation brought me a sense of peace today. I even wrote in my journal-" I am so much more than any evaluation I could possibly come up with". That felt good to say to myself. Then as I went to the assessment it felt hard but necessary and overdue. It felt good, albeit scary, to bring my attention to myself in such a detailed and focused way. I went for level 2 today but I also do want to venture into today's level 3 territory at some point because those questions seem very important. I struggle a lot with my purpose and do I choose it or does it choose me. But I'm feeling a little too mental today so I'm gonna take a break and get outside or go see this art exhibit that I've been wanting to check out.
I loved reading everybody's affirmations and intentions! I got a lot of inspiration from them. Also seeing your altars was really great too!! Thank you for sharing so openly and creatively.

This song is busy soothing my soul right now

See you tomorrow!!

Day One

I've had a great week to lead me into this Soul Coaching journey. I just got back from Chicago, where I was studying with Sonia Choquette, who has been a mentor to me over the past 3-4 years. She is all about living from your spirit, so I was immersed in my spirit while with her and the other students. Still feeling that connection but not as strong as I would like...That's why I'm excited about Soul Coaching. I feel I need a more daily practice of getting in touch with me and I'm hoping this will show me the way to do that. I've also come to realize how much I go to other people looking for answers on what I should do, or what direction I should go instead of going inward to listen to myself. So it was very fitting when I opened a fortune cookie and found the message above in my hands. Just more proof that what I've been feeling was spot on. I love when that happens!!

I'm excited about putting together an altar. Although I'm also noticing some resistance to doing so, will people think I'm weird if they see it, or what if I don't do it "right". I think it's neat to have objects that represent the four elements, so I have candle for fire, I'll get a flower or leaf for earth, a small container for some water, but what to do for Air?? Maybe that's what incense is for?? I'll have to go out and to get that. I hope I get to see some of your altars! The whole process of putting together an altar does seem very sacred to me.

I also realized the need for affirmations in my life. I always feel silly saying affirmations to myself but I also feel that it really does work. Last week, Sonia Choquette told me that I'm not very receptive to my life being easier, so I thought I'd make that part of my affirmation:

"I am receptive to my life being easier. I am willing to allow my life to be easy and fun"

Did anybody else come up with affirmations?? I'd love to hear some of yours...as long as you don't mind me borrowing them!

What Your Soul Sings

What Your Soul Sings
Originally uploaded by °aurelias°

I'm going to be participating in this great online book club starting November 1st. The book we're exploring is "Soul Coaching" by Denise LInn. It's 28 days of getting in touch with your soul and I guess seeing what it wants...truly wants. I stumbled upon this whole thing randomly this evening and knew it was exactly what I needed...

I'll be blogging more regularly as a result, so you'll start to see posts on what I'm learning from this book over the next month, Kudos to Jamie who started this whole online book club...what a great idea!

What a man, what a life.

“I have steak at home; why go out for hamburger?” - Paul Newman, in response to a question about his marital fidelity
Originally uploaded by 365bunnies

The night before the news of Paul Newman's death, I was having dinner at the home of some friends. I posed one of my favorite questions to ask, when things got a little quiet at the table..."If you could pick a celebrity, past or present, to be with-who would you pick?" I answered first to get the ball rolling, and I said the same name I've always said. Paul Newman. Hands down. No competition. Not only was he the most handsome man to ever exist, in my book, but he stayed married to the same woman for fifty years, and donated millions of dollars to charity. Simply, the man got "IT". I hope to find someone just like him. Hell, I want to be just like him. The outpouring of sadness over his death reminded me of a beautiful quote that I'd heard many times but never seen demonstrated, until now.

“When you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries while you rejoice.” - Ancient Sanskrit saying

He truly left an imprint on this world. Isn't that what we all want to do?
I know I do.

I took this photo in a quaint little gift shop in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee. This word is something I have been putting off for far too long. The word "Bloom" is a verb and reminds me that I need to open up, unfold, and grow like flowers do-towards the light. No more distractions, no more excuses, no more time. Just begin.

Here's my quote to lead the way:

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” -Leonardo da Vinci

(Quote courtesy of Sparkletopia)

~Nashville~

~Nashville Lights~
Originally uploaded by MaryleeUSA

I made it!!!! Still recuperating from all the driving, so I'm just taking it easy for a couple of days to let everything try to sink in...It's all kinda surreal right now. It was a great journey and I'll post more of the details soon...

Oklahoma City

Skirvin Hotel
Originally uploaded by 1980Andrew

On our last night, I decided to splurge on the beautiful Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. It was just what this weary traveler needed. It took forever to get out of New Mexico because all the roads out of Taos were only two lane...but it was a beautiful scenic drive. So by the time we made it to OKC we were very happy to have such a luxurious bed to sleep in for the night. We went down to the bar and enjoyed a lovely old man playing a red piano for us. We met a guy from Brooklyn who was there recording an album with The Flaming Lips. It was a great night and I actually wished we could have stayed longer and taken in more of the city. It's the cleanest downtown area that I've ever seen...no homeless people, no trashy streets, no funky smells. On our way out the next morning, we stopped by the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. It's a very fitting tribute to the people who lost their lives there over a decade ago...

Taos

Taos Peak view
Originally uploaded by benrobertsabq

We got here late. Once the sun went down it was very difficult to find our way into Taos. There were no streetlights whatsoever and it was a tiny two lane road most of the way. Also all the signs that warned us about the variety of creatures that could be crossing at any time didn't help. There were signs for deer, elk, rams, and cows. We actually did see a buck and a deer on the shoulder right before we entered Taos...
Hopefully we'll get to see a little more of Taos tomorrow before we leave in the morning. My own pictures are coming soon...

Sedona

Sedona
Originally uploaded by joe_stremph

Where to begin...

Wow. This country is stunningly, achingly beautiful. I have been moved to tears at the sheer beauty of trees and just the vastness of it all. My spirit is overwhelmed with it's newfound freedom. I now believe that road trips are a necessity to the human spirit. They certainly are to mine. While in Flagstaff yesterday my partner in crime, Alison and I decided to take a day trip to Sedona...well Sedona turned out to one of the most spectacular sights we'd ever seen so have decided to spend the night. So here I am blogging from a place that must be visited by everyone at least once in their life. It blows the Grand Canyon out of the water. It truly is majestic and mystical and no matter how many pictures we take it just doesn't capture the magic that is Sedona. There are a million sparkling stars outside, looking up feels like your in a planetarium.
I got not one, but TWO psychic readings while here today. Both were a great confirmation that I have made the right decision by inviting all this change into my life.

Made it to Flagstaff!!!

Now I'm off to Sedona for the day...possibly night. There I'll be able to catch everyone up on all the fun stuff that happened in Flagstaff!! It's beautiful out here!! Photos to come soon...

Jumping into the new dimension

Jumping into the new dimension (DSC_4769)
Originally uploaded by Shutterhack

This photo really spoke to me for obvious reasons, but also because I like that the jumper here is not alone. It's as if his jump inspired the others to follow along and join in taking the plunge. I also liked the title the photographer picked - "Jumping into the new dimension". So fitting. That really is how this whole series of changes feels for me. Like my whole world is about to be different. And that is, well...exhilarating!! My personal jump is tomorrow...some friends are going to come and try to document it for me. I have felt very loved and supported this last couple of weeks, it's been just lovely.

Now back to reality, where I have to keep packing, selling my fridge, my bed, my everything...I'm having my moving sale on Saturday and whatever doesn't get sold, gets donated. Phew! A lot to do...

But there's always time for a little gratitude list...

Kelly & Ashley
Craigslist
The Foundation for a Better Life
To do lists
Panna Cotta
Esi's Fig Dish
Flip Flops

And the day came...

:: the risk ::
Originally uploaded by ArtByChrysti

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" - Anais Nin

Quotes are finding me like crazy this week! I have heard this one before but it's hitting me in just the right spot today. The sweet spot of recognition. Not allowing myself to fully step into all my abilities has been very painful for me. It's like I've been living half a life and that is simply not enough for me anymore. I have been so entrenched in fear that it's often hard to imagine a way out because there really isn't a way out...I'm learning that I just have to stop letting my fears dictate my decisions and also my lack of decisions. Fear is never going to go away, so I just need to stop listening to it so damn much.

This Friday is my last day at my job. Sunday is my last day in my apartment. A lot of endings/new beginnings this week. I still don't think it has hit me quite yet...I haven't really stopped long enough to take it all in...I think I'm a little scared of the feelings that might sneak up on me if I do. So instead I think I'll do a little gratitude list...

Mariachi Bands
Gnocchi
Katie
Oracle Cards
Guacamole
"Long Ride Home" by Terri Hendrix
Long talks that should have happened long ago

You have to leave the city of your comfort...

reminiscent
Originally uploaded by jaki good

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing, but what you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself. " -Alan Alda

I found this quote today, or I guess I should say it found me...I suppose I'm taking these words literally and figuratively.

It doesn't quite feel real yet...all this change coming my way. The hotel that I work at has two pools on the patio and it is tradition that on your last day the staff throws you in one of them. I think that will feel real. Although my plan is not to let them throw me in but instead to run and throw myself in screaming "FREEDOM" like Mel Gibson in Braveheart. That water is gonna feel good. Like some sort of cleansing away, I hope. Only 11 more days until that happens...



This song is busy soothing my soul right now...

Leap!

B L I S S
Originally uploaded by jaki good

I want to feel my heart coming alive again...

So here I am.  I'm giving it all up.  The apartment I love and its contents...the job I hate at a beautiful hotel that allows me to afford the apartment that I love... and Los Angeles.  My home, my job, and my city all at once.  It has to be this way.  I need a break from all this familiarity.  I've worked at the same place for six years.  SIX years.  The same drive, inching along the 405 in order to get from North Hollywood to Santa Monica (nineteen miles), that takes an hour.  The same customers that feel a lovely sense of entitlement.  The same unhappy co-workers to comiserate with whom I adore.  The same question that I ask a hundred times every shift: "What can I get you to drink?".  The same, same, same.  So I've made the decision to move to Nashville, TN for awhile to get back to ME. The me who isn't cynical, the me who isn't depressed, the me who still believes, the me whose heart is open.  Most of all the me who is a creative spirit.  That spirit needs to see new possibilities, new landscapes, new people, and it's LONG overdue for an adventure.  Which is why I'm driving across the country to get my butt to Nashville.  So this blog will document this trip and the changes made in it's wake. . .

My last day at my job is Friday, August 29th.  That's two weeks from today!!  Jesus peaches, I've got a lot to do in that short amount of time!!  It's going to be a whirlwind. . .

I was really inspired by watching "Hello Dolly" recently.  I've never been a fan of musicals except for "Moulin Rouge", so I was delighted with this gem of a movie.  I wanted to see this movie after watching WALL-E, (best movie of the year btw) which uses some of the music from "Hello Dolly".  I've never seen Babs look more stunning. . .what a beauty!!  Here she is in a clip that captures what I've been feeling lately.  It's a long clip but it's really only the first 3 minutes that I'm talking about. . .