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.

Volunteerism

"Dedicate your life to a cause greater than yourself,
and your life will become a glorious adventure."
~ Mack Douglas ~

Last night I went for my orientation at the Dane County Humane Society. To say the least, I am impressed with this organization. Everything they do is for the benefit of the animals (and people) they serve. And they have fun doing it!

The orientation lasted 2 1/2 hours and during that time I found out about the mission and goals of the shelter, went on a tour, and heard from current volunteers. It was time well spent. After the presentation I couldn't sign up fast enough, get my picture taken and shout at the top of my lungs (to myself of course) WHEN DO I START?!!

I should be hearing from my trainer within the next few weeks to set up my schedule. I plan on starting with four hours - one day a week. My job will be 'Canine Companion' which means I'll be walking dogs and playing with them. Ruff, eh? (Get the pun? Rough=Ruff? I know I'm too funny!).

Anyway, if you've given volunteering just an inkling of a thought, I encourage you to get out there and at least experience the orientation. Who knows, maybe your life will be headed on a glorious adventure!

Me with my own brood - Bailey in my lap,
and from left to right; Chloei, Oliver and Shelby.

Snuggles Project

I've been thinking for some time that I'd like to volunteer in some way. All kinds of things popped in my head, but I couldn't wrap my heart around them. And then on Saturday, as I was wondering around the web, I came across the 'Snuggles Project'. I got warm fuzzies just thinking about it.

The 'Snuggles Project' is a group of volunteers who donate their time by making blankets for homeless cats and dogs that are in shelters. The blankets are either crocheted, knitted, quilted or sewn and the site even provides patterns, so you're sure never to get bored with the same old thing. The sizes vary, but I'm looking at making some 24 X 24 inches for small dogs and 36 X 36 inches for larger dogs. Want to make some for cats? They have suggested sizes for them too!

I'm choosing to crochet - it's fast, easy and dare I say it? Fun! The blankets I make this month will be donated to the Houston Poodle Rescue. That's where Bailey came into our lives from, so it has a special place in our hearts. He's pretty happy about giving something back too. Now if I could just stop him from eating all the yarn . . .