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.

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!

My Dog ~ Oliver

My dog Oliver is one of those rare dogs who despite outward appearances (he is a Dachshund after all) loves his mommy and would do anything just to be by her side. Being a Dachshund, his legs are short . . . so short in fact that he can't jump on the furniture. For most people that would be a good thing, but for this mommy it means picking him up and placing him next to her on the sofa, or as is most often the case, he lies on the floor as close to her as is doggy possible. Getting up on the bed is a whole other matter, this mommy bought her doggy dog stairs.

And as is so often the case when there's more than one animal in the house, sometimes there is not enough attention paid to one or the other and it takes a turn of events to tip the scales. And so it was with Oliver yesterday. In his usual style he came and danced in front of me to be let out. As he was heading down the step to the great outdoors, he let out a great yelp of pain, tucked in his backside, turned and looked at me with pain in his eyes. It was more than I could bear. I scooped him up and tried to figure out what had happened. Suspecting a back injury, I called the Emergency Vet Clinic, let them know I was coming, settled Oliver in his kennel and headed out.

Two hours and an x-ray later, it was determined that Oliver had slipped a disc. So begins a four to six week recovery with steroids and pain killers. Confinement is the order of the day and he needs to be carried in and out to do his business. No playing either which not only depresses Oliver, but his partner in the playing game, Chloei, and she's not happy about it.

I've sent out the call to my Reiki Healing Circle for healing energies to be sent to Oliver. Thanks to my crystal teacher (for reminding me that I have crystal power), I've placed crystals in his kennel for pain relief and healing. Prayers and healing thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. I know that with this arsenal for him (along with proper veterinary care) Oliver will heal and be back to his old antics. I'll keep you posted.