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!

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.

The Heart of Art

Tamara at 'The Heart of Art' is offering a free art class which begins on October 18th. She's doing this as a way to offer those who are unable to afford her other classes a way to enjoy her art and techniques. What I really like about Tamara and her art is that she includes the act of 'healing' into each art form. Isn't that awesome? Not only can you create beautiful art, but you can heal yourself through your art.

The other thing I like about Tamara is that she's empowering women to be the best that they can be and to think about themselves positively and as the beautiful women they were meant to be. Anyone who can do that is an amazing woman herself!

So, my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Tamara for offering this free art class. I'm looking forward to participating and sharing my pieces with you as I complete them. Visit Tamara and maybe even sign up yourself!