Happy Ostara!

Well, time slipped away on me and I wasn't able to get a video or pictures of my Ostara altar done before today. But for those of you who enjoy the videos, not to worry, I'll have one up in a day or two!

Sending everyone Happy Ostara wishes and may the Goddess bring you abundant blessings!

Ch, ch, ch, changes . . .

Well, it seems like here in Wisconsin we skipped over spring and went straight into summer. The temperatures have been in the high 70s and low 80s. It is so nice to wake up in the morning to the sound of birds singing!

On a sad note, our dog Shelby was diagnosed with bladder cancer back in September and he has progressively been getting worse. So we made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to let him go. I can't tell you how much my heart aches . . . if you've ever been in this situation you know all too well the pain and heartache of having made such a decision. I am most grateful to my friend Marsha for suggesting a veterinarian that came to our home. Shelby was able to pass over in the peace and comfort of his own home. As difficult as it was, it was also peaceful and I know we did the best we could for him. I'll always miss his physical presence, but I feel he is still with me in spirit. He is now with our Teddy over the Rainbow Bridge having a ball! Rest in Peace, beloved and loyal friend and companion.

I started my Volunteer position with Agrace HospiceCare last week and have been assigned to two lovely people. Although I've only had a few visits, I have to say that I'm looking forward to my visits next week and in the weeks to follow. And I learned how to play Kings in the Corners! What fun!

And lastly, I'm moving my Reiki practice, Loving Heart Reiki, LLC, from the Harbor Wellness Center to a new space in Madison above the Duncan Edward salon. In order to provide a more relaxing, tranquil and peaceful experience for my clients, I feel this move is necessary and I'm looking forward to the change.

So, it's been a heartbreaking, life changing, moving forward kind of month, but this I know for sure, time heals and change happens . . .

Happenings

My goodness! How times does fly! I can't believe we're almost at the end of February and spring is on the horizon . . . even with the four to five inches of snow we had overnight! It's a light, fluffy snow and I have to say it's really quite beautiful. I took some pictures this morning . . .

I've been keeping myself pretty busy with classes and Reiki/EMF sessions. I've completed four of the five required training sessions for Agrace HospiceCare and should be out in the field sometime in March . . . I've completed two of four classes towards certification as an Aromatherapist . . . I'm giving a presentation on Reiki for the Young Onset Parkinson's Group next Thursday . . . and a trip has been planned to Sedona in May for Karuna Reiki® training. If you'd like to see the expanded story visit this post on my Reiki blog.

Do you know how it feels when you think you're doing nothing and then you sit down and really think or write about what you have been doing (or you go back over the week or month in your planner)? I've been in kind of a slump thinking that nothing's happening and then I wrote about it all this morning and realized something IS happening! Sometimes when you're so wrapped up in the doing, you don't realize it until you step back and take inventory. I realized that as I was writing my post this morning I'm doing okay. Things are happening and I'm right where I'm meant to be. All is good . . .

Valentine's Day

While prancing around the internet the other day searching for information on the Shen Yun dancers, I came across the Overture Center site and low-and-behold Jim Brickman was coming to town! I love Jim's piano playing and have most of his CDs. I couldn't get on the phone fast enough to find out if hubby wanted to go to a 'Romantic Evening with Jim Brickman' with me. He didn't . . . no surprise there, but he said to buy the tickets and maybe Carl would go with me. As it turns out, Carl did go with me and so we enjoyed a wonderful evening beginning with Sushi and ending with Jim Brickman.

I was so inspired by the evening that I've decided to dust off the old ivories and start playing the piano again. I'm also inspired to pursue a life-long dream of singing and so, I've signed on for voice lessons with Melanie Cain, a noted voice and piano teacher here in the Madison area. I can't wait to get started!

Is there something you've always wanted to do? What's holding you back? You may never be the nation's hotest romantic musical sensation or Susan Boyle, but YOU can be the best YOU ever and pursue your dreams . . .

Love is my Religion

I love this video . . . it's what I always say when I'm participating in a discussion with my friends who come from different faiths . . . the bottom line is 'Love'. Enjoy!

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!