H & H Brotherly Love enjoying their final days together until the Rainbow Bridge
Whatever you’re going through, remember the ebb and flow of life. Savor the moments, find shelter when it’s too much to bare, stop and let the water cleanse your soul. Life is cyclical and remember nothing lasts forever so slow down long enough to let it imprint on your soul.
It is with a heavy heart, we will say goodbye to Harry this weekend after so many times we’ve already almost said goodbye. He is a trouper and I appreciate all of your kind support and being a cheerleader for him when we thought his last days might be before Thanksgiving. Your wishes and love have helped sustain us and we have gotten to enjoy him for almost 5 more months, so thank you for all of your love and concern. It’s time but it’s never easy to say goodbye to a family member you have loved so deeply. He has lived an amazing life. I’m sure you’ll see him again for a final tribute.
Love and blessings to you today and all of those you love,
🙏❤️🐶
Cindy
Please remember to like( if you do of course), comment and or share if inclined.
Hope you had a great weekend! A couple of you noticed I wasn’t here to wish you a Fun Fri-Yay. Thanks for noticing, it means a lot. It was one of those weekends that was a whirlwind that make you re-evaluate what fun is. We all know fun is what you make it and I did find moments but I’m re-evaluating my time and what I can actually do verses what I want to do. Life is rich and full of choices and there are only 24 hours in a day. DARN! 🤣
AM I HAVING FUN YET?
This post is an array of things, thoughts, poems, rants etc. Just giving you fair warning in case you wonder what the point is or where it’s going. I DON’T know……YET! Ahhhh the unknown of life.
Our Palm at our pool
This was a poem I wrote last year before the coyote decided to take up residence. I changed the ending.
Our palm tree with vivid electric orange nuts, I dare not eat
A safe haven for shade and shelter
Squirrels gather for winter nights
Rats make nests out of leaves for babies
Owls keep watch and score varmints in the field
The Cooper hawks learn to fledge and take flight while they whistle
Cats chase to the top in delight but come up empty
So much for the raters, I thought they would be.
This is the rhythm to the day and circle of life that sustains my waking moments
Well that is, until Mr. Coyote changed all of that and instead awaits dinner of our cats tucked inside while eating nutsfrom our palm tree
And swimming in my pool hoping for a feast.
The trickster
Our morning starts out everyday with the coyote visiting, looking for breakfast, ie (our cats), it’s acutally eating our nuts from our palm tree…. go figure. Cats are safely inside and sadly can’t go out much at all. Hunter goes ballistic and we wait until it’s gone to let him out. He scours the property to make sure of it and gets his exercise on 4 acres sniffing him out, patiently waiting and ready to pounce on his next visit. Sure enough at one point, the coyote is back and Hunter chases him off and usually doesn’t leave the property but does on occasion. My heart always stops until he makes his safe return. NOK On Wood he continues to. (check out this cool bracelet company my son has). There’s no help from the town or support from the neighbors because they care more about the wildlife than they do about the safety of our animals which unnerves us to be honest. I was finally relaxing in the hot tub in broad day light and who should stick his head up but Mr. Coyote. I missed my up close and personal photo shot, because I sceamed and the sight of my nakedness, most likely had him running. 🤣
Scat from the coyote, mountain lion paw prints? Too small for coyotes. I’m tracking all of this for the town since I have to build a case to get help or someone has to get hurt before they help.It’s not normal for them to come so many times in broad daylight.
We baby sat our daughters cat, Cassian for a week while she was on spring break and finally got him acclimated to the others domaine and out of the hovel of a room he usually stays in. The ever evolving doors of coming and going in our house is always under construction. We are trying to put a gate up for safety but that is another bone of contention with the town because wild life should be free to roam. Don’t get me started. Cassian is a biter like my daughter, so she gets some of her own medicine and unfortunately, so do we when dealing with him. It was a zoo around here and everyone got well aquianted. The hissing has subsided and some games are now underway and territorial aggresion, determing who is the Alpha. It’s clear Ollie the Queen, rules the roost. Hunter is docile and only holds court when needed. So this took the majority of time this week. We could have left them all alone to duke it out for themselves but we would have come back to who knows what. We turned down 2 appointments to euthanize Harry because we just couldn’t do it and his is doing well at the moment. You know if you have a pet or have had to put one down how hard it is. We know we’re getting closer but he’s our family member and he still loves eating and drinking and stroller rides.
Cassian and Star our feral above doing well. Ollie the Queen says “hey this is my domaine”. Posturing, bossing and boom get’s nailed. Now who’s boss. Lol. Cassina isnfully acclimated as you can see! Guess whos’ coming to dinner.Harry gets the white plate and silver spoon, Ollie did find a gopher and now we have to teach Cassian table manners.
In the midst of all of this Marsha from Always Write (do check out her amazing site) sent me some things about her cats and we got to talking about litter boxes so I uploaded this litter box YouTube video of a litter box system I actually love. This was actually fun and crazy to do in my already too busy day. Bed head hair and P.J’s but I don’t care…. well, I do but I can’t be bothered.
You’ll need a bigger litter box to sit underneath this one but that’s it. 24 inches should do the trick.
Kiln Dried Pine Pellets and a 24 inch puppy pad and a 24 in cat litter box or plastic container out of that. They are currently out of stock but have a larger size available. DON’T use the tray and pads it comes with because it will cost you lots of money for replacement pads and the pellets are horrible and don’t work or absorb urine. Simply use the tray for breakfast in bed for you and your kitties. 💖
I know you have grown to know me as the postitive, motivational person that you look to for inspiration, so sorry if I am bursting that bubble, but life is the same for all of us and it’s stepping one foot in front of the other, trudging through and sometimes sailing to get where we’re going. It’s raw and real, ectasy or drudgery on any given day. Remember, no matter who you are; we are all the same in having to put one pant leg in and then the other as we dress for the day. So next time you go thinking if only I was ______ (fill in the blank) or had _______(X, Y or Z) The grass isn’t always greener but pastures are made by getting out your plough and tilling soil.
There are obstacles and it’s how we deal with them that matters.
Centering, clearing debris from our minds and our bodies to make pathways for what we want is a daily occurance. There are times you just want to put your head in the sand, but eventually you will have to face the music, so come out of hiding and find the song in your heart and sing it no matter how good or bad it is!
A plan of action and staying mindful of your time and what you want is vital to having what you want or you will get swept into the abyss. We all need time. Time to reflect, time to impliment, time to schedule the things that need to be done, time to dream and time to chillax. Otherwise, we end up spinning our wheels getting nothing done or fragments of pieces of things done, but not what our intended outcome is, only feeling fractured in the end.
With that said, I am moving to 1-2 posts a week and really going to try to keep to it if possible (Yes, I’m a WP addict but I can think of a lot worse). My client load is increasing again and I think we will even be starting massage in May. My newsletter has taken a backseat to my W.P. because I love my interaction with all of you here which truly is enriching and I want to be able to connect with all of you and see what you’re up to as well.
I’m changing to self hosting which is a wait and see and here goes nothing approach. We shall see how it goes but I’m following my kids advice and using my daughter’s boyfriends friend’s company. Fingers and toes crossed it all goes ok. Please let me know if you find issues.
And finally a song I love to get me through the day. You can see I’m late today and it will almost be Tuesday by the time it goes out. Not staying in optimum posting times, just trying my best today and that’s all I’ve got. And some days that’s enough, it has to be. Good enough is ok!
P.S. In my next life, I’m coming back as a coyote or one of my dogs or cats. 🤣
Make it a GREAT DAY!
And Yes, I’m finally having fun singing this song!
Thanks so much for visiting. This quote was inspired when I read something Ingrid from Experiments in Fiction wrote. Do not miss her thought provoking, honest and beautifully thread poetry rich with history and the written word. Thanks for inspiring always Ingrid.
Have a beautiful day and as always, please like (if you do of course), comment and or share if inclined. I’m so grateful of your precious time.
If there was no color, What color would we be? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as it’s written.
Same on the inside as we are on the outside. Different genes, shapes and sizes coming from different countries and nationalities but all wanting the same thing …. peace and harmony.
What color would we be if our eyes couldn’t see? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as it’s written.
Writing a new script and a new path as those before us started… up to us, to continue their legacy.
If there was no color, what color would we be? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as it’s written.
Yellow, black, blue, orange, purple, white, red will all be brown someday. Same on the inside as we are on the outside. All the colors of the rainbow, beautiful and bright, a melting pot of delight.
If there was no color what color would we be? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as it’s written.
Yearning for the same thing; food, shelter, love and peace and harmony. And if our words spoke love, what would happen to our hearts?
What color would we be if our hearts couldn’t see? Invisible ink that disappears from the page.
Wrongs made right where no one gets even. Would the hate disappear and violence and greed? An eye for an eye never brought anyone back. Would the bullying stop, if our colors were one and our preferences honored?
What color would we be if our eyes couldn’t see and our hearts could open in acceptance For every man, woman and creature?
Call me naïve, a hippie at heart How could we remedy the injustices from the very start?
What color would we be if our eyes didn’t see? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as it’s written.
I wish we could go back to when we were young and carefree. Where did we go wrong? What could we have done to rectify the wrongs, from these atrocities?
If there was no color what color would we be? Invisible ink that disappears as soon as it’s written.
That’s who I want to be…. Invisible ink!
Yes, I’m ridiculed for having unrealistic ideals but I’ll continue to hold my head high and my hands open with a hand up, not a hand out for our fellow mankind no matter what color we be.
The world would be boring if our eyes couldn’t see; so honor all of our colors; the rainbows of differences, that give color to our world. There are bad ones and good ones, and it is seen in all races, genders, religions, and countries my new motto is just don’t be an asshole.
Hi Friends,
I had written this piece within hours of recieving this text from my oldest daughter below. The last line was hers and I just had to add it:
Just found this video again, that I loved sooooo much when our minister at church played it years ago… I think this is the ultimate message that I believe in, and I get frustrated with a country trying to divide us instead of unite us… this is the message I believe in…. thought I’d share with you. I shared this in my classroom years ago, after I saw it, and it terrifies me that it might not be something I could share again for fear of being “canceled” in today’s society… love you! Thought I’d share, so you can see my thoughts versus how you sometimes think of me when we debate, lol
This was where I thought society was heading, and I was always so hopeful, this past year has made me much more cynical.
This was truly heartfelf for me to receive and we go round and round in discussions and things are so jumbled in our world today, it’s been an example of not being able to see the other person or what is going on in their psyche and hearts. It was also validating knowing that church in the young years actually are imbedded in her psyche of love in action.
I sent her my above poem and here was her response back which I just love.
Lovely mama, it’s all about heart, there are bad ones and good ones, and it is seen in all races, genders, religions and nationalities, etc. my new motto is just don’t be an asshole.
I laughed so hard and of course I later sat back and thought about why people have been assholes and what has happened to them in their life to go down this path. There is a lot of reasons for sure and it’s my job to help people uncover and heal the parts of themselves that made them assholes. I’ve been feeling sorry for the coyote laying at my pool and wondering if I could tame him. Oh God I thought, “DON’T BE AN ASSHOLE”.
I LOVE THIS VIDEO and am proud to share it and If it’s politically incorrect and I’m “cancelled”, I’ll take my chances and thank my daughter for sharing it with me.
Have a wonderful day and be your bright colorful bold self! Just DON’T BE AN ASSHOLE! What color would you be if you could choose any one that you love?
I would be purple or mayber blue and purple.
I so much appreciate your time, liking (if you do of course), comment and or share if you’re inclined.
It’s Move it Monday and as we move into April with the vaccine underway and more and more people vaccinated, we are hopeful for a continued reduction in cases with a hopeful eye on the future, as we get the virus under control.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year of staying in and masking up when we go anywhere and in many ways it feels like a lot longer; especially for those that have gotten Covid, lost loved ones, their businesses and income or suffered from mental health issues. Covid has been a black cloud for some and my heart goes out to all of you who have been shaken to the core of this dreadful disease.
It’s no wonder depression is on the rise and mental health has been compromised with isolation at a high. Winter months with reduced light is always challenging but here comes the sun with spring blessing us with warmth and light, so it’s time to celebrate and get our booties moving.
While some are thriving in this virtual reality world those are far and few between. For the most part, it’s been challenging for everyone and especially for people in big cities that are stuck between 4 walls everyday.
According to one survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40% of respondents—from a pool of more than 5,400—experienced a negative mental or behavioral health condition in the month of June alone; problems included anxiety and depression (CDC 2020). And the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America™ 2020 survey of more than 3,000 adults found that tension hit parents and people of color particularly hard, with many respondents stressing about the coronavirus, the economy and the government’s response to the pandemic (APA 2020).
The effect this has on our psyche can be insurmountable making getting up and moving critical for our mental state, not to mention our physical state. Weight gain is also on the rise with less movement with everyone glued to our computers. I’ve even spent hours on end at the computer writing when my job is generally active 24-7. Kudos to you if you are making exercise and healthy eating part of your life and adhering to a program.
Never before has it been so important to clear our head and break away from screen time. Exercise increases serration levels which reduces stress, combats depression, anxiety and addictive behavior such as drugs, alcohol, porn, over eating , etc. You are not alone and there are many scientific studies that show how movement and exercise can help combat these conditions and have better outcomes against the negative outcomes of mental health effects of the pandemic. Not to mention it helps weight-loss, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, reduces diabetes, increase immune function, reduces auto immune disorder symptoms, helps with Alzheimer’s etc.
SO…. HERE COMES THE SUN!!!!!
NO MORE EXCUSES! IT’S TIME TO DO THIS AND REMEMBER TO STAY MINDFUL AND BREATH which helps calm your nervous system, increase oxygen levels, and keeps your eye on the task at hand keeping you centered and relaxed.
Some of you started when I wrote my last Move It Monday and I gave you a base program to start with. Refer to that if you let it go by the wayside.
Otherwise, it’s time to step it up and I’ve devised a 22 minute workout to do just that. It’s a begining intermediate class but you can do it in segments and curtail it the level you need to.
Part of a No Guts No Glory class on a client Zoom session a little video glitch but what the hey, it’s Covid. lol!
Encourage More Daily Movement
We should all move our bodies in some form or fashion every day, says Hillary Cauthen, PsyD, executive board member for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. With the pandemic restricting many of our activities, it’s more important than ever to take daily walks (or runs), twice-weekly weight training, and 10- to 15-minute stretch breaks throughout the workday. Set up a buddy system or check-ins between training days. The more we move, the better they can tame stress.
IDEA is a Health and Fitness Association I am a member of if any of you want to check it out from time to time and I extrapolated some of my information from their sound advise.
Happy Monday wish is was Sunday, I don’t have to work day but it’s just another manic Monday. Hey, but I did have a good weekend and I hope you did as well. We woke up to the coyote laying at the pool sunbathing and Hunter up at 3, 4 and 5 wanting to chase it and so bummed I didn’t get a picture for you.
Make it a great day and week and Happy Celebrations to all of us as we get out in the sunshine and move!
Thanks for your continued support, liking (if you do of course), commenting and or sharing if you’re inclined.
I am so sad and shell shocked once again by the mass shootings, along with the suicide rate rising as I’m sure you are as well. This is a reflection of the inner pressures that build, creating a rage internally that gets displaced by either turning outward or inward. Seek help NOW if you are suffering from thoughts of destruction and save your life and the lives of others. Thoughts are only thoughts so don’t judge yourself, but actions are irreplaceable.Pick up the phone and get helpNOW. My heart goes out to all of the families and friends that have lost someone.
Thank you so much for dropping in today. Life is precious and so are you. I truly appreciate your time to like (if you do of course), comment and or share if you are inclined. Take good care of you!
No one makes it out alive: Some travel straight Some veer off Some in their own backyard Some over mountaintops Some to far off lands.
Either way, there are the peaks and valleys We travel with others and sometimes alone Wearing many masks along the way.
Our travels always take us back home to the essence of who we are and where we came. Walk the journey in love and when you fall down brush yourself off and never look back. There are many stories in your bones, Some to be told and some to strengthen your spirit.
Live a life that you can call your own, that houses your soul so when you make your way to your next dimension, You can take your place as the star that you are, shinning brightly. Yes, we walk the tightrope of time, TRUST IT!
Have a wonderful day or evening wherever this finds you on the globe. Thanks as always for taking time in your day to visit and please like ( if you do of course), comment and or share. Life is short and precious and you are important to me.
Sending you a very big hug and lots of love to all of you no matter what you are going through. Have a blessed day and stay strong. You are enough and the world is blessed because of your presence.
Thanks so much for visiting. Please remember to like (if you do of course), comment and or share. Until Fri-Yay Funday; Take good care of you!
I remember when I visited Ketut Liyer, Elizabeth Gilbert’s medicine Man that she talked about in her book Eat, Pray, Love in 2015. You can imagine how excited I was after all of the profound experiences she shared on her journey to find love after her terrible divorce. She had weekly visits with Ketut and he mentored and guided her to self realization of self love and care of her soul.
When I get a notion about something I want to do in my head, I will go to the necesary steps to make it happen. In this case, we were going to Bali and I thought it would be so much fun to see Elizabeth’s medicine that she so much revered in her writing and in the movie. We had to schedule an appointment before we went because he had such a renowned reputation and I wanted to be assured I could get a spot. When I called, I got someone that was not very professional on the phone but the hotel in Ubud I was staying in, confirmed it was indeed the right place.
I couldn’t wait and of course my husband thought I was crazy but what else is new. He is very pragmatic and considers this kind of thing witch craft of sorts but he’s been with me long enough to know not to ask questions, because at the end of the day, I will end up doing what it is I want anyway. His mantra is why waste my breath. He is also very patient and always willing to go along with whatever joy ride I take him on. I wasn’t looking for any kind of enlightenment in the least as my life was a waking meditation pretty much at the time, (well as of the last 10 years I’d say); but it was more the fun of meeting someone with such wisdom after reading so much about him.
We arrived after getting very lost in all of the unmarked streets in Bali and navigating the motorcycles with 2-4 people riding on one, with animals, furniture, plants etc which is in and of itself a challenge. It was mind boggling to us and I hear it is nothing compared to India.
When we got there we were greeted by an old woman who turned out to be his wife who told us to wait and he would be coming out soon. It appeared we were the only people there so there weren’t the lines I expected which was curious to me after all of the hype. It was 20.00 U.S. dollars for the 30 min visit which I happily paid.
A younger gentleman came out as well and took me to meet Ketut and guided my husband to sit in a chair below me, while I had my fortune told and he could read his book. Then his wife came out to meet me and gave me a big hug and said hello as well.
Finally, the moment I had waited for was here and there in front of me stood Ketut Liyer, The Medicine Man. He greeted me with a handshake and the biggest grin you have ever seen with only a few teeth in his head, was hunched over, had a difficult time walking and was about 5 foot tall if that. He smiled ear to ear and then we sat down on the floor of his porch to talk. He like most all of the Balinese people we met had the warmest heart.
I didn’t have any burning questions. I suppose I just wanted to know what was so special about Elizabeth’s medicine man and what knowledge he had to impart and pass on to me. He sat and asked my name many times and said over and over “You are very beautiful” and he would touch my face and then hold my hands.
“What is your name”? Of course I would tell him and he would ask again and say “You are very beautiful and wise and wealthy”. Honestly, I can’t remember much more of what he said other than “you will live long and have a very good life”. And then he would start over saying “You are very beautiful, what is your name”? He repeated over and over again. I’m not sure I even had a question except to wonder if maybe I had met the wrong medicine man. He was the sweetest man in the world, however, this of course was not what I had envisioned. When I left he gave me a beautiful blessing with the Bali bell and a very big hug and smile and again blessed me with his same words. Of course my next mission then became finding a Bali bell, a story for another time.
As we were leaving, we walked in the room of their office home and were once again greeted by the young gentleman and I said “he is very sweet and very old”. He said “yes, he is my father and I am so sorry” but he has dementia”. I said “yes, I see that, but no apologies are needed”. He apologized profusely again and said “we tell him he can’t meet the people but he refuses and wants to see them as often as they come”. “Of course”, I said. I assured him it was all worth it and that I love old people, which is true and besides I said “according to your father, I am very beautiful, I am wise and I am wealthy” and that is worth every cent. That mantra sticks in my head when I think of Ketut Liyer the medicine man, and the pleasure is all mine.
Sadly, and luckily for me he died in 2016 so I feel very privalaged to have met him. The baton has been passed on to his son who is also a medicine man and he will happily see you and show you around the family compound and give you a tour. All of the pictures on the office wall are displayed of Ketut Liyer with Elizabeth Gilbert front and center as well as others. Let me know if you see my picture if you go. I have looked everywhere for those pictures to mark a memory in time in 2015 but so far no luck. The pictures below are not him or his wife or compound but representational of the beautiful people we met and a land we love.
Elizabeth talks about how her book evolved in her own words
Elizabeth’s book was magical and took off like lightening which only happens once in a blue moon and editors can’t even explain how it happened. Others continue to to try to copy the name in some way or an other but there is some kind of unexplained fairy dust that blessed this book that had a protective aura around it. I believe it was a story that we all needed to hear and the messages she was receiving were being channeled through her as she listened to her inner wisdom and followed her intuition.
“Eat Pray Love” sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and became so popular that Time Magazine named Gilbert one of the 100 most influential people in the world. It was a New York Times best seller. Four years later, her book was turned into a film, starring Julia Roberts as Gilbert.Sep 23, 2015The writer has easily made $10 million in royalties from the book, and according to one source with knowledge of the deal, she earned another $1 million for the film rights.Aug 16, 2010
The movie grossed 204,594,016 world wide. The trailor gives you a good glimmer into both the movie and the book.
Dede Gardner, left, Ryan Murphy, Elizabeth Gilbert, center, Julia Roberts and Richard Jenkins arrive for the gala premiere of “Eat Pray Love” in London, Sept. 22, 2010.
Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) thought she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband and a successful career. Now newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. Daring to step out of her comfort zone, Liz embarks on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India and Bali. Release Date: August 13, 2010
I have read one of her books Big Magic but had no idea about her life story, passion and career as a journalist and writer. She has written 10 books and is and excellent speaker appearing on Oprah, Ted Talks etc. She is a master speaker sharing from her heart and has many wonderful YouTube talks about writing, her philosophy and it is well worth a visit. Her many life experiences and shared wisdom in writing and speaking is very inspiring. She has a contagious spirt that is motivating, colorful and inspires all of us to honor our process and live in joy while we follow our bliss.
Thanks so much for reading as always, liking (if you do of course), commenting and or sharing. Have a blessed day and follow your heart wherever it might take you today.
“Treasured Moments of far off lands in your own backyard take you home. There is no distance in hearts that love. All the faces I have known come smiling back at me as I ring the bell or spin the sacred Prayer Wheel”.
Prayer Wheel with my friend Debbie in Santa Cruz, Calififornia
Peace and Happiness for All
Welcome to Buddha Medicine Land
Strip away the illusion of who you think you are and enter the space of love and connection of all beings everywhere. This safe haven in Santa Cruz, California welcomes all to the land of open heartfelt connections. Just 1 hour south of San Francisco, be transported to your souls deepest desires. Feel the earth move under your feet and the echo of the great teachings of the Buddah, blessed by the Dali Lama amongest many other monks and those that live on the property.
Teachings that inspire and infuse our being as we Bless ourselves and others with love and kindness. May health and happiness be available for ourselves and all beings everywhere.
Tokens and food left for the Offering
One Year Later my friend sees her rock she left in honor of her friend’s Son’s Passing in the same place she left it.
Magic is found at every turn of the junction, while hiking this sacred beautiful land.
Stop to smell the flowers…
Stupa in process as they keep adding to it….If you build it, they will come
Everywhere you walk fills your heart, open your senses, quiets your mind, as you become one with nature.
Sound permeates your soul, igniting the light of the love of who your are, stripping away false illusions, raising your frequency.
And finally a stop at the gift shop for a treasure to bring home to remind me to come to my bell and stop daily to ring in the song of my heart, that’s always there if I only stop to listen.
Thanks stopping in and sharing this secret hidden treasure with me. When we stop to share our experiences in life they reinfuse our spirit and keep them alive; which was the unexpected gift of this post; so much appreciation for visiting.
