The Magnificent Mile

My best friend, Bernie, came from Canada last Monday to visit with us for the week. We hadn't seen each other for a few years, but it was as if we hadn't been parted. Being friends for 45 years, we know each other inside and out, forwards and backwards, and everywhere inbetween. She's been my anchor through some pretty stormy seas, helps me to see that life really is 'that simple', and makes me laugh so hard that my belly aches.

It felt like a whirlwind kind of trip and by Friday we were on our way to Chicago to take in the sights. Thank the Goddess for the GPS . . . how did one ever survive without one? I'm a small city/town kind of girl and driving through Chicago, not knowing where I was going, was almost more than I could bear. We did, however, make it safely to the hotel. That night we had a lovely dinner and a BIG glass of wino!

Saturday morning we leisurely got up and got ready to head out to the Magnificent Mile. It was cold and the wind was blowing, but we headed out bravely to face the day. We did some shopping at Macy's (where we had our brows shaped . . . yeeouch!) and the Hershey store (yummy!). I bought some lotions at the H2O store and Bernie bought a couple of hats from Eddie Bauer. We got Green Tea Latte's from Starbucks and took a picture under an enormous Marilyn Monroe statue.

We walked the mile up and down. There was Tiffany's and Cartier, Nordstrums and Saks Fifth Avenue. I can see why they call it the Magnificent Mile, but honestly, unless you're rich the likes of Oprah Winfrey, it can be a little intimidating and well, not quite so magnificent. One day maybe, but for now it's Target and JCPenney for me!

Afterwards we hopped in the car. We had a few hours before it was time to take Bernie to the airport so we decided to check out Schaumburg and have some lunch. Getting out of Chicago was harder than getting in and after taking a few wrong turns we ended up at the mall in Schaumburg. Ours hopes at eating at the Cheesecake Factory were soon dashed as there was a 30 minute wait, so we ended up eating at McDonalds, looked around a bit and then headed back to the airport.

Bernie caught her flight and got home safely and my trip back to Madison was uneventful. We're already planning our next visit . . . which will hopefully be in Maui next year! Aloha!

Imbolc/Welcome Spring

This year is decidedly different from last year. The energy feels different. And the way I'm viewing certain aspects of my life is different. Rather than focusing on a single idea, I find that my mind is stretching farther - out of it's limits you could say. I'm expanding, growing and learning things about myself I didn't know before. And part of that growth and change includes my beliefs and spirituality.

While I was clearing away my Yule altar and thinking on what I wanted my altar to represent for Imbolc, I decided that while I respect and admire Brigit, setting up an altar to her this year didn't seem to fit for me. I was quite perplexed and at one point thought that setting up an altar for this Sabbat was going to go the way of the Dodo. And as usually happens in these moments of uncertainty, when I clear my mind of any thought on a thing, is when Divine inspiration hits. 'Spring' said inspiration - set up an altar for spring.

And while it seemed a little early to be celebrating spring in my neck of the woods, I heeded inspiration's voice and started setting up an altar for spring. And as usually happens when I start working on an altar, I am led by Divine guidance. I never know how an altar is going to turn out until it is done and I'm lighting the incense and candles. I stand back and look in awe and amazement and what has been created. Not of me, but by me.

I had originally thought that I'd be placing one of my Goddess figurines on the altar, but as happened last year at Ostara, Mary called saying that she wanted and needed to be on the altar. And as I always do, I listened to Mary's gentle urgings and placed her on the altar.

And so whether you're celebrating Imbolc, Candlemas or Spring, tune out, listen for Divine inspiration and get ready to set up your own altar in whatever way inspiration leads you. You can't make a mistake . . . Inspiration won't let you.

If you're looking for more information on this Sabbat, I came across a wonderful website by Mara Freeman. She elaborates deliciously on Brigit, Imbolc and Candlemas.

Happy Imbolc! Happy Candlemas! Happy Spring!

New Year's Eve at Bluff Trail Labyrinth

Last night my friend Carl, Brian and I went out to dinner and then headed out to the Bluff Trail Labyrinth to celebrate New Year's Eve. Melanie, our hostess, guided us through three meditations, one of which was with 13 crystal skulls. Each meditation was unique and profound in their own way. I especially enjoyed the Crystal Skull meditation and connecting with these amazing and knowledgable creatures. I was downloaded with information and when the time is right for me to know what it is, it will come into my consciousness.

Just before midnight, the twenty of us gathered there, headed out single-file to walk the Labyrinth. It was amazing . . . Once in the center we stood in silence, reflecting on the year that was soon to be behind us and at the stroke of midnight, I threw in my good-bye to 2011 along with some letters I had written for releasing what I didn't want to bring into 2012. As I watched the letters burn in the fire, I was grateful to put those issues and concerns out to the universe to heal and take care of for me. I felt a physical release in my body as well.

With all the energy gathered in this amazing place, we were all delighted when the roar of thunder crossed the sky behind us. It was a fitting end to a wonderful evening.

May each and every one of you experience the energies of this New Year with anticipation, excitement and joy. It is destined to be your best year ever!

Happy New Year 2012!

A Simple Morning Ritual

In our fast-paced, hectic lives sometimes it can seem like adding a mountain to a molehill in trying to work in our spiritual lives with our mundane lives. While reading a book on Feng Shui the other day I came across a very simple morning ritual that takes only about five minutes out of your morning . . . longer if you have the inclination to meditate on the points.

It's called "Invoking by Pentagram". Light your favorite incense or essential oil. Facing East towards the morning sun if you can, take a few deep breaths and start by placing your right hand fingers to your brow, just between your eyebrows. Say, "I am Spirit". Next, touch your left hip and say, "I am Earth". Touch your right shoulder and say, "I am Water". Touch your left shoulder and say, "I am Air". Touch your right hip and say, "I am Fire". And finally, touch back to your brow completing the pentagram and say, "Thus I seal my affirmation". Inhale the incense or essential oil for a few breaths and then begin your day!

Happy New Year!

Are you ready to ring in the New Year? Whether we like it or not, it will arrive this Saturday night champagne corks popping and fireworks blazing. Brian and I will be spending New Year's Eve with our friend Carl going out to dinner and then out to the Bluff Trail Labyrinth for a discussion on 2012, a Crystal Skull Mediation and then finally walking the Labyrinth with a blazing bonfire in the center.

I'm looking forward to the New Year with anticipation. I've laid the groundwork this year for my Reiki practice (Loving Heart Reiki, LLC) and am looking forward to it's growth whilst helping people with this amazing relaxing and healing modality. I'm looking forward to volunteering with Agrace HospiceCare visiting clients and families in their homes providing whatever service I can to help in their time of need. I'm looking forward to new learning opportunities with Karuna Reiki® and the next four phases of the EMF Balancing Technique®. I'm looking forward to Clean Eating and exercising along with yoga for a balance between my work, home and personal life. I'm looking forward to my continued Spiritual practice and to monthly meditation evenings with friends. I'm looking forward to more laughing, even if it's at myself.

New Year's resolutions? No, I don't make them, but I do set goals for myself and this year I plan on achieving every one of them. Yes . . . it's going to be my best year ever!

Happy Holidays!

It seems that I have been enjoying the 'hustle and bustle' of the season since about September. So much has happened and is happening that I feel at a loss to express it all. The past year has been extraordinary in so many ways.

Firstly, I became a Certified Reiki Master and EMF Balancing Technique® Practitioner. I set up my own practice in my home and just recently moved into a space at the Harbor Wellness Center in Middleton, WI. Truly a blessing of which I'm most grateful for. If you haven't visited my website, you'll find it at 'Loving Heart Reiki, LLC'. I designed the website myself and am really quite proud of it.

Along with the website I've started a blog 'Loving Heart Reiki, LLC' where you'll find more information and keep up to date on what's happening with my Energetic Arts practice.

Yesterday I graduated from the 'Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy' and am now a Certified Crystal Healer! You'll find a Graduation post at the LHR blog at the link above.

This past Tuesday I attended a Volunteer Orientation at 'Agrace HospiceCare' and am looking forward to starting HomeCare training in February. It is intensive, for a volunteer position, with five 4 hour sessions after which I'll be able to visit Hospice patients in their homes and at Nursing Homes. This is a position which I'm truly looking forward to and one that I'm called to do. I believe it's part of my life's purpose to bring healing and comfort to those who are making their transition from this life to the next. It is a humbling and awesome responsibility and one that will be fulfilling in so many ways.

None of this, however, would have been accomplished without the love and support of my husband, Brian; my teachers and mentors, Mary and Stephanie; my best friend south of the Canadian border, Carl; and all the friends who have shared and encouraged me along the way. Without you, life would be very dull indeed!

I'm ready and positioned for an awesome start to 2012. Foundations have been laid, I've done the work, and now I'm ready to sail on to the horizon . . . ever mindful of the highs and lows of the waves.

Yule decorating . . .

Wow! I can't believe we're already at the end of November. Where does the time go? I've been so busy with classes and getting my business up and running that it seems the time has just slipped away. Although, that being said, it also seems as if time has been standing still. I've been waiting patiently (which is a feat in and of itself for me) to move into my new space at the Harbor Wellness Center. The time has finally come and I'm going over today to clean up and do some painting. I'm a jumble of feelings, mostly good and positive, but there's that little creak in the door and I'm trying hard to keep out the nagging doubts.

I have managed to set up my Yule altar and get the lights out on the house. Half of them won't work and so I find myself replacing them, on the cheap. I found two lighted wreaths at ACE yesterday for $2.99 and spent $13 on a new lighted garland for our light pole. We still need to replace (or fix) one of the net lights along the front hedge . . . I'm leaving that mess up to Brian along with stringing electrical cords to my lighted window boxes. Once everything is taken care of, I'll share some pictures.

Here are pictures of my altar . . . hope you enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends, far and wide, who are celebrating Thanksgiving today. Brian and I usually don't celebrate today having celebrated back in October over the Canadian holiday. Alas, we don't do that anymore either because now we celebrate Mabon, the Pagan Thanksgiving.

That being said, today we're sharing Thanksgiving with our friend Carl who has generously offered to cook today. The only thing we're taking along is homemade stuffing and two bottles of red wine. Yay!

What am I thankful for? Men who cook (thanks Brian and Carl!), the opportunity to start and grow my own business, warm Bijou hugs and puppy dog kisses, the freedom to follow my own spiritual path, good friends, family, and to the Creator for making all things possible.

May you all be blessed by the God and Goddess this Thanksgiving and may the year ahead bring you abundance and prosperity.

Blessed Be, Teresa

I AM . . .

This fill in the blank poem circulated on facebook today so I took some time to sit with it and think about what I really felt in answering the questions. Some answers came straight away, others I had to think about . . . really think about. I've been working on setting my ego straight, you know, the gal who wants it all for herself, world be damned. It's not who I am anymore, well, not that I ever really was. Of course I want my world to be beautiful, but I also want the world as a whole to be beautiful with joy, abundance and love for everyone.

This is no small task. It takes work. Real work. It takes introspection, journaling and reading, lots and lots of reading. And every now and then it takes something like this poem to prompt one on to a greater level of understanding, not only of oneself, but of the world and the people in it.

So, here's the poem as it appeared on facebook and following is the poem I wrote . . . hope you enjoy and take some time to write your poem.

I AM

I am (two special characteristics)
I wonder (something you are actually curious about)
I hear (an imaginary sound)
I see (an imaginary sight)
I want (an actual desire

I am (the first line of the poem restated)
I pretend (something you pretend to do)
I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)
I touch (an imaginary touch)
I worry (something that really bothers you)
I cry (something that makes you very sad)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
I understand (something you know is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (something you actually dream about)
I try (something you make an effort to do)
I hope (something you actually hope for)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

by My Destiny Astrology

I AM

I am Grace and Compassion.
I wonder what's on the other side.
I hear the song of a bird.
I see the world as it was in the beginning.
I want life to be abundant and joyful.

I am Grace and Compassion.
I pretend I have everything I desire.
I feel excited about life's possibilities.
I touch the face of Love.
I worry I'm not living my full potential.
I cry for animals who are abandoned or abused.

I am Grace and Compassion.
I understand that in order to succeed, I must first do the work.
I say life is a journey and the only truly important thing is love.
I dream of living, giving and sharing in a beautiful, healed world.
I try to live a better life every day.
I hope for a world of peace and prosperity for all.

I am Grace and Compassion.

by Teresa Martens

Wellness Fair - 2011

This past Friday and Saturday I attended the Wellness Fair at the Harbor Athletic Club. I had an amazing time, met some new friends, and connected with people from all walks of life. It was truly an inspiring and energizing experience!

I've posted pictures of my table display at my 'Loving Heart Reiki' blog, but here's one to tempt you!

Day 12 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule Recap

Well, Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule has come to a close, but you can still visit Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' for a recap of the talented and inspirational artisans that were featured over the last 11 days, moi included. Were you able to get some of those names crossed off your list? With all the beautiful items that were showcased it almost makes one want to add more names to their list . . . well, maybe not, but it's tempting!

Hope you enjoyed the Stroll and all the glorious eye-candy!

Day 11 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Today's featured artisan is Laura Staley from 'Creative Jewelry Designs by Laura Staley'. Laura is a South Carolinian and comes from a mutli-generational artisan/crafty family who tastes vary from painting to lapidary and jewelry making. Her jewelry designs are truly unique and one-of-a-kind and she enjoys doing custom work with brides, beauty queens and fashion designers! Here are a few of my favorite items from Laura's Etsy shop . . .

To read more about Laura and to check out the featured artisans from the previous 10 days, please visit Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs'.

Day 10 - Stroll The Shops for Christmas/Yule

Well, tomorrow I'm off to participate in the Wellness Event at the Harbor Athletic Club Wellness Center on Allen Blvd. in Middleton. I'm as prepared as I can be, although I do have a few last minute details to take care of. So, that being said, Day 11 and Day 12 of the stroll will have to wait until I'm finished up at the center since I'm there from 7 to 7, there's not likely going to be much time for anything else!

So, without further adeiu, I present today's featured artisan, Audrey from 'Principessa Jewels and Glass'. Audrey creates vintage style jewelry and glass beads that are gorgeous and quite simply, divine! Audrey started making jewelry about seven to eight years ago and after some time evolved into making her own lampwork beads. She lives in Texas with her husband, daughter and canine companions, and one newly adopted kitten named 'Nutmeg'. Here are a few of my favorite items from Audrey's Etsy shop . . .

And be sure to hop over to Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' to learn about all of the artisans, yours truly included, who have participated in this year's stroll! Only two days left to take advantage of 15% off every item in my Etsy shop 'Plume Poppy Designs' using coupon code STROLL4YULE!