Here is a great resolution to make for 2011. Think about it, here we are on the verge of a new year, meaning one ends so a new one can begin, right? So think of it as a new you, here you are embarking on a new year so why not revise and renew yourself as well? Everywhere you look today, there are problems. Turn on your TV or computer, pick up a magazine or paper, and what do you see? Problems. When you talk to your spouse, co-workers, family members or friends, and within minutes someone will bring up a problem...or two or three.
In an unforgettable way, Michael McMillan teaches us in his mini movie that many problems aren't problems at all - only opportunities for unseen solutions waiting to be formed! The movie is approxmately five minutes, give or take a few seconds. Check it out and why not apply some of this informative info into a New Years resolution. I bet you will be surprised. Click here to check out the movie. It's called Pink Bat.
Friday, December 31, 2010
In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity.
For many companies and individuals, 2010 has been a difficult year. But if you look at success in the long term, the difference in our success or failure is not chance, but choice. Because when adversity strikes, it's not what happens that will determine our destiny; it's how we react to what happens.
As we head into the last quarter of this year, we don't think there is a person or a business out there that wouldn't want to finish strong in 2010. But, we must understand that finish strong is more than a statement...it's an attitude. It's an attitude of believing you can do something, and it's having the courage and determination to see it through. And of course, you can apply this "finish strong attitude" to your business or your life!
Vince Lombardi said, "The will to win...the will to achieve...goes dry without continuous reinforcement." So if your goal is to finish strong in 2010, then stay motivated and keep your thoughts positive so that "shot of inspiration" comes to you and sticks with you when you need it most. And believe me...you will need it. In a perfect world, we hear something once, record it in our brain, and never need to hear it again. Well, our world is far from perfect. We all occasionally have doubts, fears, and disappointments in life. During those times we need to reinforce, encourage, and motivate ourselves to keep moving forward towards goals.
So here's a Finish Strong in 2010 inspirational movie to help you stay on track. Click here to view it.
Brightest blessings to all!
As we head into the last quarter of this year, we don't think there is a person or a business out there that wouldn't want to finish strong in 2010. But, we must understand that finish strong is more than a statement...it's an attitude. It's an attitude of believing you can do something, and it's having the courage and determination to see it through. And of course, you can apply this "finish strong attitude" to your business or your life!
Vince Lombardi said, "The will to win...the will to achieve...goes dry without continuous reinforcement." So if your goal is to finish strong in 2010, then stay motivated and keep your thoughts positive so that "shot of inspiration" comes to you and sticks with you when you need it most. And believe me...you will need it. In a perfect world, we hear something once, record it in our brain, and never need to hear it again. Well, our world is far from perfect. We all occasionally have doubts, fears, and disappointments in life. During those times we need to reinforce, encourage, and motivate ourselves to keep moving forward towards goals.
So here's a Finish Strong in 2010 inspirational movie to help you stay on track. Click here to view it.
Brightest blessings to all!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Beloved Pets. How much does it really 'cost' to be a pet owner?
Article written by Nancy Keates:
For Mary Cotter, the first sign of concern came when her 7-year-old, Logan, appeared dizzy. His regular doctor said everything was fine, but Cotter insisted Logan be seen by a neurologist, who after an MRI found a tumor in his inner ear. An operation followed, and for the next month Cotter took Logan on a four-hour round-trip trek every day from her home in Ledyard, Conn., to a specialty hospital in Boston for radiation therapy. The total bill for the tests, blood work, surgery and radiation came to $14,000 -- not surprising in this age of sky-high medical costs. Except for one thing. Logan is a golden retriever. After another surgery for an unrelated illness, the total cost of Logan's care is approaching $20,000. Today Logan is healthy, but he has a new nickname: "20K."
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. But these days, all that love is leading to an unprecedented level of expense for millions of owners, who are only beginning to understand the pet-world concept of sticker shock. Caught up in a wave of new medical options and lured by an increasingly sophisticated cadre of veterinarians, pet owners across the country are forking over thousands -- and even tens of thousands -- of dollars to treat illnesses that would have gone undiagnosed or untreated just a few years ago. And then doing it again if they have to. Of course, pet owners and most vets have the animals' best interest in mind. But that doesn't make it any easier: With health insurance covering the humans in many families, it's not unusual for pet owners to spend far more money on health care for their cats and dogs than for their sons and daughters. Even the Great Recession failed to take a bite out of Fido's health care tab. According to a report by market-research company Packaged Facts, Americans spent $20 billion on veterinary bills in 2010 -- an 8.5% increase from a year earlier and more than double the amount spent just a decade ago. Much of that money is being spent on new medical technology. With some of the advances in human health care spreading to the animal kingdom, pet owners have many more options for treatment -- and many more chances to fork over money to cure their pets or at least prolong their pets' lives. Dogs and cats can have pacemakers implanted at a cost of $1,000 to $1,500, while pets with kidney failure can get a kidney-clearing procedure that runs $20,000 to $25,000 for just the first few weeks. Not long ago a vet would most likely have recommended euthanasia for a cat or dog diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness. Today high-tech procedures and equipment, such as chemotherapy and MRIs -- and yes, CAT scans -- allow for better diagnosis and more-advanced treatment.
They also require highly trained specialists. In the past three years, the percentage of veterinarians who are board certified for small-animal surgery has more than doubled, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Until the late 1980s, there were no board-certified veterinary oncologists, for a simple reason: There was no program for certification. Now vet schools offer oncology-specialization programs and have full-fledged cancer centers, while dozens of private centers have opened across the country with board-certified staff. At the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, 14 veterinarians specialize in medical, surgical and radiation oncology. They're supported by a full nursing staff, residents and even a clinical-trials team focusing on diseases from canine lymphoma to feline sarcoma. Add it all up and "it's a revolution," says Stephen Withrow, the center's associate director.
Of course, expensive technology wouldn't be of much use if no one wanted to take advantage of it. That's where an equally powerful trend comes in: the increasing tendency of Americans to humanize their pets. All those people paying for pet massages and buying designer doggie clothes find it all but impossible to say no when the health -- or life -- of their pet is at stake. And like anxious parents with a sick child, these pet owners aren't about to argue when a vet recommends treatment for a beloved pet. Indeed, in a recent survey by the Associated Press and Petside.com , 35% of pet owners said they were very likely to pick up $2,000 in vet costs to treat a sick dog or cat, while 22% said they'd pick up $5,000 in vet costs.
Empty nesters, who make up a growing percentage of dog owners, are particularly vulnerable. As a former "helicopter parent," Vicki Parker, 55, of Scotch Plains, N.J., admits that she's turned her hovering tendencies toward her dog. "It gives me something to worry about," she says of her chocolate lab, Bear, who has become her constant companion since her son moved out three years ago. More than a year ago, when Bear received a diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma, a type of soft-tissue tumor, Parker paid $1,800 for the surgery. Since then, Bear has had chemotherapy, blood work and oncology visits, for a total cost of about $4,000. "It was really scary," says Parker. "But I felt like I couldn't say no." That's small change compared with what some pet owners end up shelling out.
Gary Nice, president of the National Canine Cancer Foundation, says he spent progressively more to care for three golden retrievers, each of whom developed cancer. First, Nice spent about $3,000 on tests for Bailey before finding out that cancer had spread to his lungs and there was nothing more to do. After that, Ashby developed a brain tumor. At the time, there was no treatment (there is now), and shortly after MRIs and tests that totaled about $3,500, Ashby died. Fast-forward to 2008, when an X-ray revealed Duncan also had a tumor. "By this time we were watching our dogs like a hawk," says Nice, of Longview, Texas. Duncan had his spleen removed and underwent a host of other procedures, for a total cost of $5,000. Although Duncan died 45 days later, Nice, 57, would do it again. "What would a parent of a child say if someone asked them how much they'd be willing to spend on a cancer cure?" he asks. "They'd probably hit you."
(This is just a small portion of the article. To read the article in full length, please visit the link below:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111673/the-$20,000-pet)
For Mary Cotter, the first sign of concern came when her 7-year-old, Logan, appeared dizzy. His regular doctor said everything was fine, but Cotter insisted Logan be seen by a neurologist, who after an MRI found a tumor in his inner ear. An operation followed, and for the next month Cotter took Logan on a four-hour round-trip trek every day from her home in Ledyard, Conn., to a specialty hospital in Boston for radiation therapy. The total bill for the tests, blood work, surgery and radiation came to $14,000 -- not surprising in this age of sky-high medical costs. Except for one thing. Logan is a golden retriever. After another surgery for an unrelated illness, the total cost of Logan's care is approaching $20,000. Today Logan is healthy, but he has a new nickname: "20K."
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. But these days, all that love is leading to an unprecedented level of expense for millions of owners, who are only beginning to understand the pet-world concept of sticker shock. Caught up in a wave of new medical options and lured by an increasingly sophisticated cadre of veterinarians, pet owners across the country are forking over thousands -- and even tens of thousands -- of dollars to treat illnesses that would have gone undiagnosed or untreated just a few years ago. And then doing it again if they have to. Of course, pet owners and most vets have the animals' best interest in mind. But that doesn't make it any easier: With health insurance covering the humans in many families, it's not unusual for pet owners to spend far more money on health care for their cats and dogs than for their sons and daughters. Even the Great Recession failed to take a bite out of Fido's health care tab. According to a report by market-research company Packaged Facts, Americans spent $20 billion on veterinary bills in 2010 -- an 8.5% increase from a year earlier and more than double the amount spent just a decade ago. Much of that money is being spent on new medical technology. With some of the advances in human health care spreading to the animal kingdom, pet owners have many more options for treatment -- and many more chances to fork over money to cure their pets or at least prolong their pets' lives. Dogs and cats can have pacemakers implanted at a cost of $1,000 to $1,500, while pets with kidney failure can get a kidney-clearing procedure that runs $20,000 to $25,000 for just the first few weeks. Not long ago a vet would most likely have recommended euthanasia for a cat or dog diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness. Today high-tech procedures and equipment, such as chemotherapy and MRIs -- and yes, CAT scans -- allow for better diagnosis and more-advanced treatment.
They also require highly trained specialists. In the past three years, the percentage of veterinarians who are board certified for small-animal surgery has more than doubled, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Until the late 1980s, there were no board-certified veterinary oncologists, for a simple reason: There was no program for certification. Now vet schools offer oncology-specialization programs and have full-fledged cancer centers, while dozens of private centers have opened across the country with board-certified staff. At the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, 14 veterinarians specialize in medical, surgical and radiation oncology. They're supported by a full nursing staff, residents and even a clinical-trials team focusing on diseases from canine lymphoma to feline sarcoma. Add it all up and "it's a revolution," says Stephen Withrow, the center's associate director.
Of course, expensive technology wouldn't be of much use if no one wanted to take advantage of it. That's where an equally powerful trend comes in: the increasing tendency of Americans to humanize their pets. All those people paying for pet massages and buying designer doggie clothes find it all but impossible to say no when the health -- or life -- of their pet is at stake. And like anxious parents with a sick child, these pet owners aren't about to argue when a vet recommends treatment for a beloved pet. Indeed, in a recent survey by the Associated Press and Petside.com , 35% of pet owners said they were very likely to pick up $2,000 in vet costs to treat a sick dog or cat, while 22% said they'd pick up $5,000 in vet costs.
Empty nesters, who make up a growing percentage of dog owners, are particularly vulnerable. As a former "helicopter parent," Vicki Parker, 55, of Scotch Plains, N.J., admits that she's turned her hovering tendencies toward her dog. "It gives me something to worry about," she says of her chocolate lab, Bear, who has become her constant companion since her son moved out three years ago. More than a year ago, when Bear received a diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma, a type of soft-tissue tumor, Parker paid $1,800 for the surgery. Since then, Bear has had chemotherapy, blood work and oncology visits, for a total cost of about $4,000. "It was really scary," says Parker. "But I felt like I couldn't say no." That's small change compared with what some pet owners end up shelling out.
Gary Nice, president of the National Canine Cancer Foundation, says he spent progressively more to care for three golden retrievers, each of whom developed cancer. First, Nice spent about $3,000 on tests for Bailey before finding out that cancer had spread to his lungs and there was nothing more to do. After that, Ashby developed a brain tumor. At the time, there was no treatment (there is now), and shortly after MRIs and tests that totaled about $3,500, Ashby died. Fast-forward to 2008, when an X-ray revealed Duncan also had a tumor. "By this time we were watching our dogs like a hawk," says Nice, of Longview, Texas. Duncan had his spleen removed and underwent a host of other procedures, for a total cost of $5,000. Although Duncan died 45 days later, Nice, 57, would do it again. "What would a parent of a child say if someone asked them how much they'd be willing to spend on a cancer cure?" he asks. "They'd probably hit you."
(This is just a small portion of the article. To read the article in full length, please visit the link below:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111673/the-$20,000-pet)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Auto repairs.....being ripped off or needed repairs?
Written by Jessica L. Anderson
Victoria Rumsey felt as if she was being taken for a ride. The brake warning light on her 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was on, so when she was getting her oil changed at the dealership, she asked the shop to look into it. She was told she needed a new suspension, brake pads and rotors. Rumsey didn't want to put a lot of money into the car, so she told the shop to skip the suspension. Then she got a call from the dealership's used-car division telling her that the service department mentioned she might be in the market for a car because hers was not drivable. Rumsey called the shop and found out that a broken knuckle (part of the steering assembly) would add $2,000 to the tab, and she couldn't drive the car without the fix. She decided to have the car towed from the dealership and ask a friend to do the repairs. The cost of parts: less than $150. "I felt as though I was being misled because I was a woman and didn't know too much about cars," she says.
Nine in ten women believe they are treated differently at auto-repair shops than men are, according to a national study by the Car Care Council, an association that encourages consumer education. Even I, the car writer at Kiplinger's, have been the target of repair-shop gender politics. Take our advice on taking control -- but keep in mind, anyone can get ripped off. These rules aren't just for ladies.
Get a clue.
You can diagnose what's wrong before you hit the shop by using the CarMD tool ($99; www.carmd.com). Just plug the hand-held device into your car (every model after 1996 has a standard connection port) and it reads the car's computer codes. You can then plug it into your computer for a full report of what problem the codes indicate, the most likely fix, and what labor and parts for the repair cost in your area. The report also lists recalls for your vehicle and summaries of technical service bulletins (recall notices are also available at www.nhtsa.gov). You can also use the car-care guide at www.carcare.org to learn about typical repairs and questions to ask the mechanic.
Show them you know.
Familiarize yourself with the owner's manual -- you'll avoid unnecessary maintenance if you know what needs to be done at every service interval. When choosing a repair shop, make sure the technicians are ASE certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Use all your senses to describe a problem, says auto expert Lauren Fix, author of Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car (St. Martin's Griffin, $17.99). If you say you feel the car pulling to the left, particularly at speeds faster than 40 miles per hour, or you hear a knocking sound only when you turn right, it shows that you've been paying attention and may help the technician diagnose the problem faster.
Don't overpay for repairs.
If you're getting the car repaired by an independent shop, call the service department at your dealership after you get the diagnosis to see whether it's covered by the warranty, a recall or a technical service bulletin; having the car fixed at an independent shop won't void the warranty, but you may have to pay for the repair. RepairPal.com can help you find out whether your mechanic is quoting a fair price. Enter your car's make, model and year, plus your zip code. You'll see a price range for dozens of fixes at dealerships and shops in your area.
Get a second opinion.
If you're unsure about what you're being told, go somewhere else. Don't repeat what the other shop said; just provide the same information about the problem and see what the mechanic finds and what the shop will charge to fix it. Before a repair, ask to see the part, where it goes and why it needs to be replaced, and then ask to see the old part after the repair is made. If you feel pressured to make a repair, walk away.
To read or view the article by it's link, please click below:
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1646/How-to-Avoid-Getting-Ripped-Off-for-Auto-Repairs
Victoria Rumsey felt as if she was being taken for a ride. The brake warning light on her 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was on, so when she was getting her oil changed at the dealership, she asked the shop to look into it. She was told she needed a new suspension, brake pads and rotors. Rumsey didn't want to put a lot of money into the car, so she told the shop to skip the suspension. Then she got a call from the dealership's used-car division telling her that the service department mentioned she might be in the market for a car because hers was not drivable. Rumsey called the shop and found out that a broken knuckle (part of the steering assembly) would add $2,000 to the tab, and she couldn't drive the car without the fix. She decided to have the car towed from the dealership and ask a friend to do the repairs. The cost of parts: less than $150. "I felt as though I was being misled because I was a woman and didn't know too much about cars," she says.
Nine in ten women believe they are treated differently at auto-repair shops than men are, according to a national study by the Car Care Council, an association that encourages consumer education. Even I, the car writer at Kiplinger's, have been the target of repair-shop gender politics. Take our advice on taking control -- but keep in mind, anyone can get ripped off. These rules aren't just for ladies.
Get a clue.
You can diagnose what's wrong before you hit the shop by using the CarMD tool ($99; www.carmd.com). Just plug the hand-held device into your car (every model after 1996 has a standard connection port) and it reads the car's computer codes. You can then plug it into your computer for a full report of what problem the codes indicate, the most likely fix, and what labor and parts for the repair cost in your area. The report also lists recalls for your vehicle and summaries of technical service bulletins (recall notices are also available at www.nhtsa.gov). You can also use the car-care guide at www.carcare.org to learn about typical repairs and questions to ask the mechanic.
Show them you know.
Familiarize yourself with the owner's manual -- you'll avoid unnecessary maintenance if you know what needs to be done at every service interval. When choosing a repair shop, make sure the technicians are ASE certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Use all your senses to describe a problem, says auto expert Lauren Fix, author of Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car (St. Martin's Griffin, $17.99). If you say you feel the car pulling to the left, particularly at speeds faster than 40 miles per hour, or you hear a knocking sound only when you turn right, it shows that you've been paying attention and may help the technician diagnose the problem faster.
Don't overpay for repairs.
If you're getting the car repaired by an independent shop, call the service department at your dealership after you get the diagnosis to see whether it's covered by the warranty, a recall or a technical service bulletin; having the car fixed at an independent shop won't void the warranty, but you may have to pay for the repair. RepairPal.com can help you find out whether your mechanic is quoting a fair price. Enter your car's make, model and year, plus your zip code. You'll see a price range for dozens of fixes at dealerships and shops in your area.
Get a second opinion.
If you're unsure about what you're being told, go somewhere else. Don't repeat what the other shop said; just provide the same information about the problem and see what the mechanic finds and what the shop will charge to fix it. Before a repair, ask to see the part, where it goes and why it needs to be replaced, and then ask to see the old part after the repair is made. If you feel pressured to make a repair, walk away.
To read or view the article by it's link, please click below:
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1646/How-to-Avoid-Getting-Ripped-Off-for-Auto-Repairs
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Super foods to help fight cancer and keep you healthy.
Here is an article I came across written by Leslie Barrie. Today, so many people are much more 'heart' conscious and into exercise routines and watching their diets. It's long been said to incorporate fruits and veggies into your daily routine of meals. Enjoy the article, it's worth the read.
Six cancer fighting superfoods - by Leslie Barrie
To reduce your risk of cancer, look no further than your fridge. "All the studies on cancer and nutrition point to eating plant-based foods for their phytonutrients and other special compounds," says Richard Béliveau, PhD, chair in the prevention and treatment of cancer at the University of Québec at Montreal and author of Foods to Fight Cancer.
Aim for five to nine daily servings of all kinds of fruits and vegetables—especially these six superstars.
Broccoli
All cruciferous veggies (think cauliflower, cabbage, kale) contain cancer-fighting properties, but broccoli is the only one with a sizable amount of sulforaphane, a particularly potent compound that boosts the body's protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals, says Jed Fahey, ScD. A recent University of Michigan study on mice found that sulforaphane also targets cancer stem cells—those that aid in tumor growth. The more broccoli, the better, research suggests—so add it wherever you can, from salads to omelets to the top of your pizza.
Helps fight: breast, liver, lung, prostate, skin, stomach, and bladder cancers
Berries
All berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. But black raspberries, in particular, contain very high concentrations of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which slow down the growth of premalignant cells and keep new blood vessels from forming (and potentially feeding a cancerous tumor), according to Gary D. Stoner, PhD, a professor of internal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. (Stoner uses a concentrated berry powder in his studies but says a half-cup serving of berries a day may help your health, too).
Helps fight: colon, esophageal, oral, and skin cancers
Tomatoes
This juicy fruit is the best dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red hue, Béliveau says. And that's good news, because lycopene was found to stop endometrial cancer cell growth in a study in Nutrition and Cancer. Endometrial cancer causes nearly 8,000 deaths a year. The biggest benefits come from cooked tomatoes (think pasta sauce!), since the heating process increases the amount of lycopene your body is able to absorb.
Helps fight: endometrial, lung, prostate, and stomach cancers
To read the full article, please click on the link below: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/vitality/6-cancer-fighting-superfoods-2428408/
Six cancer fighting superfoods - by Leslie Barrie
To reduce your risk of cancer, look no further than your fridge. "All the studies on cancer and nutrition point to eating plant-based foods for their phytonutrients and other special compounds," says Richard Béliveau, PhD, chair in the prevention and treatment of cancer at the University of Québec at Montreal and author of Foods to Fight Cancer.
Aim for five to nine daily servings of all kinds of fruits and vegetables—especially these six superstars.
Broccoli
All cruciferous veggies (think cauliflower, cabbage, kale) contain cancer-fighting properties, but broccoli is the only one with a sizable amount of sulforaphane, a particularly potent compound that boosts the body's protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals, says Jed Fahey, ScD. A recent University of Michigan study on mice found that sulforaphane also targets cancer stem cells—those that aid in tumor growth. The more broccoli, the better, research suggests—so add it wherever you can, from salads to omelets to the top of your pizza.
Helps fight: breast, liver, lung, prostate, skin, stomach, and bladder cancers
Berries
All berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. But black raspberries, in particular, contain very high concentrations of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which slow down the growth of premalignant cells and keep new blood vessels from forming (and potentially feeding a cancerous tumor), according to Gary D. Stoner, PhD, a professor of internal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. (Stoner uses a concentrated berry powder in his studies but says a half-cup serving of berries a day may help your health, too).
Helps fight: colon, esophageal, oral, and skin cancers
Tomatoes
This juicy fruit is the best dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red hue, Béliveau says. And that's good news, because lycopene was found to stop endometrial cancer cell growth in a study in Nutrition and Cancer. Endometrial cancer causes nearly 8,000 deaths a year. The biggest benefits come from cooked tomatoes (think pasta sauce!), since the heating process increases the amount of lycopene your body is able to absorb.
Helps fight: endometrial, lung, prostate, and stomach cancers
To read the full article, please click on the link below: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/vitality/6-cancer-fighting-superfoods-2428408/
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Numerology
Do you like numbers? Are you fascinated by them - meaning is there a special number that you relate to or feel a significance with? In other words, do you have a lucky number?
Well, a friend of mine, Blair, is a Master Numerologist. Blair can explain how you have a life number, a predetermined number, how numbers in your birth date or name can affect health, wealth, and much more. He is the real deal. I just love him. If you are curious about how numbers affect your every day living, well, here you go. Tell him Luna recommended him on her blog. To find out more about Blair and his website, Click Here!
Brightest blessings to all!
Well, a friend of mine, Blair, is a Master Numerologist. Blair can explain how you have a life number, a predetermined number, how numbers in your birth date or name can affect health, wealth, and much more. He is the real deal. I just love him. If you are curious about how numbers affect your every day living, well, here you go. Tell him Luna recommended him on her blog. To find out more about Blair and his website, Click Here!
Brightest blessings to all!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Alright Ladies, this is for you.
I was out and about on the internet just milling about and seeing what I could get into, when I stumbled across this site. If I had a dime for everytime I heard this: If only I could captivate a man, why can't I find the right one, why didn't he call, why doesn't he love me anymore, what am I doing wrong?
Obviously, Ladies, you are not alone. There are far to many of you with the same questions-all the time. For those of you who are skeptics and do not want to be bothered with spirit, readings, life coaching, well-here you go. Perhaps this will help you. I do not know if it will, but just follow your intuition. That is never wrong.
Click Here! If you would like to be the type of woman that men adore!
Brightest blessings.
Obviously, Ladies, you are not alone. There are far to many of you with the same questions-all the time. For those of you who are skeptics and do not want to be bothered with spirit, readings, life coaching, well-here you go. Perhaps this will help you. I do not know if it will, but just follow your intuition. That is never wrong.
Click Here! If you would like to be the type of woman that men adore!
Brightest blessings.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Discovering Hypnosis
Have you ever thought about hypnosis? Have you seen scenes in movies or on tv where someone is hypnotized into doing something? Have you ever tried it to stop a bad habit, like biting nails or smoking? Now, let me ask you this, if you say no to being hypnotized, think about what it means to be hypnotized. Are subliminal messages the same as being hypnotized? Have your friends or family ever hypnotized you? You might be surprised.
This is a mini documentary that I came across by HypnoTranquility. Check it out and let me know what you think.
http://www.hypnotranquility.com/special/discover-hypnosis/self-hypnosis
This is a mini documentary that I came across by HypnoTranquility. Check it out and let me know what you think.
http://www.hypnotranquility.com/special/discover-hypnosis/self-hypnosis
Friday, December 17, 2010
Are Poinsetta's Poisonous?
The beautiful and colorful poinsetta has received a bad rap for being poisonous. Truth be known, it is not. Here are some interesting facts about this plant and the history on how it got it's bad rap rumor. The article is by Melissa Breyer.
Pity the poor poinsettia. All it ever wanted was to be a nice emblem for the holidays: To be patiently wrapped in red foil and hoisted on hostesses, to festoon festive Christmas sweaters, and to be eternally mimicked in plastic. But somewhere along the way it picked up a bad-girl reputation as a lethal beauty -- lovely to look at and terribly toxic if tasted! But are the rumors true? Are pretty poinsettias potentially poisonous? About 70 percent of the population will answer yes, and although every year there is a bumper crop of stories explaining otherwise -- the myth persists. And myth it is. Poinsettia's are not poisonous, merely the victim of a popularly enduring urban legend.
It all started back in the early part of the 20th century when the young child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf -- a story which was later retracted. But, as these things have a habit of doing, the toxic potential of the poinsettia took on a life of its own. Now many people treat poinsettias as persona non grata (or poinsettia non grata, as the case may be) in their households.
According to the American Medical Association's Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants, other than occasional cases of vomiting, ingestion of the poinsettia plant has been found to produce no ill effect. And other experts have weighed in as well.
The Society of American Florists worked with the academic faculty of entomology at Ohio State University to thoroughly test all parts of the poinsettia and conclusively established that there were no adverse effects. In 1975, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission denied a petition to require warning labels for poinsettia plants.
As for your pets, the American Veterinary Medicine Association of America does not include poinsettias on its list of plants that are a threat to animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that ingestion of poinsettias may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting, and/or diarrhea -- but nothing severe or fatal.
Mistletoe, on the other hand? Not so innocent. Along with inspiring smooching if stood underneath, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal distress, a slowed heartbeat, and other reactions if ingested, due to the presence of harmful chemicals like viscotoxins. Although not thought to be fatal, it can cause severe reactions. In pets, mistletoe may cause gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea, bradycardia, erratic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood pressure. Yikes!
So keep the mistletoe securely fastened above your door, but fear the poinsettia no more.
To view the article by link, click here.
Pity the poor poinsettia. All it ever wanted was to be a nice emblem for the holidays: To be patiently wrapped in red foil and hoisted on hostesses, to festoon festive Christmas sweaters, and to be eternally mimicked in plastic. But somewhere along the way it picked up a bad-girl reputation as a lethal beauty -- lovely to look at and terribly toxic if tasted! But are the rumors true? Are pretty poinsettias potentially poisonous? About 70 percent of the population will answer yes, and although every year there is a bumper crop of stories explaining otherwise -- the myth persists. And myth it is. Poinsettia's are not poisonous, merely the victim of a popularly enduring urban legend.
It all started back in the early part of the 20th century when the young child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf -- a story which was later retracted. But, as these things have a habit of doing, the toxic potential of the poinsettia took on a life of its own. Now many people treat poinsettias as persona non grata (or poinsettia non grata, as the case may be) in their households.
According to the American Medical Association's Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants, other than occasional cases of vomiting, ingestion of the poinsettia plant has been found to produce no ill effect. And other experts have weighed in as well.
The Society of American Florists worked with the academic faculty of entomology at Ohio State University to thoroughly test all parts of the poinsettia and conclusively established that there were no adverse effects. In 1975, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission denied a petition to require warning labels for poinsettia plants.
As for your pets, the American Veterinary Medicine Association of America does not include poinsettias on its list of plants that are a threat to animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that ingestion of poinsettias may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting, and/or diarrhea -- but nothing severe or fatal.
Mistletoe, on the other hand? Not so innocent. Along with inspiring smooching if stood underneath, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal distress, a slowed heartbeat, and other reactions if ingested, due to the presence of harmful chemicals like viscotoxins. Although not thought to be fatal, it can cause severe reactions. In pets, mistletoe may cause gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse, dyspnea, bradycardia, erratic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood pressure. Yikes!
So keep the mistletoe securely fastened above your door, but fear the poinsettia no more.
To view the article by link, click here.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Inspiration - grow and show, live and love.
Here is a wonderful three minute mini movie by Kate Nowak. She woke up one morning and felt compelled to create this wonderful movie. Brightest blessings!
http://www.blessyoumovie.com/miami/?cm_mmc=MIAMI-_-NL-_-03.17.2010-_-MYBBmov
http://www.blessyoumovie.com/miami/?cm_mmc=MIAMI-_-NL-_-03.17.2010-_-MYBBmov
Monday, December 6, 2010
Every day is a gift.
Are you ready for the new year? How has 2010 been to you? Good year, bad year, or just indifferent? What have you learned this year thru your lessons? Every day is a gift, which is why it's not called the past and it's not called the future, it's the present, living in the now. Are you living in the now? Are you kind, considerate and inspirational? Are you closed minded, negative and cold to others? Time to start comtemplating. Do you know who you are? What would happen if you were told that you only had months to live? How would you change and what would you do? Just a few things to ponder. If you do not like who you are or what you have become, well, it's time to turn over a new leaf - out with the old and in with the new. Time to reinvent yourself.
Here's a little excerpt from Barry Gottlieb: If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
Do you have true abundance? I believe true abundance is not measured by what you have; rather, it is measured by what you give. In our culture, it seems that most people are caught up in their "need for greed." Perhaps this is why so many people struggle to find their happiness, and why over 25% of the people in our country suffer from anxiety. We live in a culture where we are taught to judge a person based on what they have, rather than on who they are and what they contribute to society. Barry Gottlieb wrote a book titled, 'Everyday is a Gift.' It discusses his journey in life, one which you may very well connect to in certain ways, and how he transformed into who he is today. It's a real eye opener.
Five important steps/things to remember:
*Gratitude. Every night before you go to sleep, recite aloud at least ten things for which you are grateful.
*Forgive. Let go of the past. Forgive those who have hurt or angered you. Stop carrying this poison around with you every day.
*Love. Be sure to tell those people in your life who mean so much to you that you love them and appreciate them.
*Donate. Go through your closets. Anything you haven't worn or used in the past year, box it or bag it and take it to a place where those who are less fortunate will benefit from your donation. Get your children involved!
*Praise. Make time to praise. Look for and recognize the good in others.
Here's a little excerpt from Barry Gottlieb: If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
Do you have true abundance? I believe true abundance is not measured by what you have; rather, it is measured by what you give. In our culture, it seems that most people are caught up in their "need for greed." Perhaps this is why so many people struggle to find their happiness, and why over 25% of the people in our country suffer from anxiety. We live in a culture where we are taught to judge a person based on what they have, rather than on who they are and what they contribute to society. Barry Gottlieb wrote a book titled, 'Everyday is a Gift.' It discusses his journey in life, one which you may very well connect to in certain ways, and how he transformed into who he is today. It's a real eye opener.
Five important steps/things to remember:
*Gratitude. Every night before you go to sleep, recite aloud at least ten things for which you are grateful.
*Forgive. Let go of the past. Forgive those who have hurt or angered you. Stop carrying this poison around with you every day.
*Love. Be sure to tell those people in your life who mean so much to you that you love them and appreciate them.
*Donate. Go through your closets. Anything you haven't worn or used in the past year, box it or bag it and take it to a place where those who are less fortunate will benefit from your donation. Get your children involved!
*Praise. Make time to praise. Look for and recognize the good in others.
Friday, December 3, 2010
A great gift idea you can make yourself and save money doing so.
A Citrus Splash/Body Spray
Ingredients: 2 cups distilled water, 3 tablespoons vodka, 1 tablespoon of each - orange and lemon peel (finely chopped), 5 drops lemon verbena essential oil, 10 drops mandarin essential oil, 10 drops orange essential oil.
Directions: Combine the fruit peels with the vodka in a jar, cover and let stand for 1 week. Strain the liquid, add the essential oils and water to the liquid. Let stand for at least two weeks - shaking jar once a day. Keep in a dark bottle or keep in a cool dark area.
Soothing Body Spray
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon witch hazel, 1 teaspoon lemon extract, 1 teaspoon cucumber extract, 1 cup water.
Directions: Make an after shower spray by combining all the ingredients putting in a pump spray bottle. It will totally refresh you.
**There are laws about vodka so if you are considering giving away to people in different states/countries or selling the product, consider substituting the vodka with rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. Both of those will work just as great.**
Experiment using different types of flowers and herbs. You're sure to find something that you'll love. I like making rose water and spraying it on my linens. I also like using olive oil to make certain oil sprays that I can use after bath/shower to make skin soft and silky. Have fun and don't forget to PAMPER yourself.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Looking for ways to cut taxes?
Here is an interesting article for home owners trying to cut a few costs with taxes. It's worth taking a peek. It's called six tips to make a case for property tax cuts by Brett Graff. (Yahoo!Finance)
Visit http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes/article/111408/6-tips-to-make-a-case-for-property-tax-cut?mod=taxes-advice_strategy
Visit http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes/article/111408/6-tips-to-make-a-case-for-property-tax-cut?mod=taxes-advice_strategy
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Six alternative uses for your freezer!
And you just thought a freezer was to freeze and save perishable items. Well guess again. Here are some helpful tips that you probably never thought to use your freezer for.
Remove wax from candlesticks - Grandma's heirloom silver candlesticks will get a new life if you place them in the freezer and then pick off the accumulated wax drippings. But don't do this if your candlesticks are made from more than one type of metal. The metals can expand and contract at different rates and damage the candlesticks.
Clean a pot - Your favorite pot has been left on the stove too long, and now you've got a burned-on mess to clean up. Place the pot in the freezer for a couple of hours. When the burned food becomes frozen, it will be easier to remove.
To view the article in full, please visit the link: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/6-alternate-uses-for-your-freezer-2412274
Remove wax from candlesticks - Grandma's heirloom silver candlesticks will get a new life if you place them in the freezer and then pick off the accumulated wax drippings. But don't do this if your candlesticks are made from more than one type of metal. The metals can expand and contract at different rates and damage the candlesticks.
Clean a pot - Your favorite pot has been left on the stove too long, and now you've got a burned-on mess to clean up. Place the pot in the freezer for a couple of hours. When the burned food becomes frozen, it will be easier to remove.
To view the article in full, please visit the link: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/6-alternate-uses-for-your-freezer-2412274
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Herbs for indigestion.
Here is a helpful article to help relieve the over indulging aspect of the holidays. It's written by Melissa Breyer.
Common causes for indigestion include overeating, eating too quickly, fatty or greasy foods, too much caffeine, too much alcohol, too much chocolate, nervousness, and emotional trauma. Translation: The holidays. Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen; it may cause bloating, belching, and nausea. One thing is certain, it's no fun!
If that last wafer-thin mint has you cowering on the couch, you may want to try one of these natural aids for indigestion. Herbs have been used for millennia to treat any matter of ailments, and indigestion seems to be one woe that is well-suited for natural remedies.
Fennel / Fennel Seed - There is a reason Indian restaurants serve the fennel seed mix, Mukhwas, after dinner. Fennel seed has long been used to help fight gas, cramps, and acid indigestion, and to help ease spasms in the intestinal tract. Fennel has a long history of use in both food and medicine. Traditionally, it is said to act as a carminative, which means that it helps the body expel gas and sooth indigestion. Fennel is also a common ingredient in "gripe water," a traditional (and very alcoholic, by the way) preparation used for treating infant colic. A typical dosage of fennel is one to one and a half teaspoons daily, plus you can make tea with it.
To read the article in full, please visit the link: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/seven-herbs-for-indigestion-2412331
Common causes for indigestion include overeating, eating too quickly, fatty or greasy foods, too much caffeine, too much alcohol, too much chocolate, nervousness, and emotional trauma. Translation: The holidays. Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen; it may cause bloating, belching, and nausea. One thing is certain, it's no fun!
If that last wafer-thin mint has you cowering on the couch, you may want to try one of these natural aids for indigestion. Herbs have been used for millennia to treat any matter of ailments, and indigestion seems to be one woe that is well-suited for natural remedies.
Fennel / Fennel Seed - There is a reason Indian restaurants serve the fennel seed mix, Mukhwas, after dinner. Fennel seed has long been used to help fight gas, cramps, and acid indigestion, and to help ease spasms in the intestinal tract. Fennel has a long history of use in both food and medicine. Traditionally, it is said to act as a carminative, which means that it helps the body expel gas and sooth indigestion. Fennel is also a common ingredient in "gripe water," a traditional (and very alcoholic, by the way) preparation used for treating infant colic. A typical dosage of fennel is one to one and a half teaspoons daily, plus you can make tea with it.
To read the article in full, please visit the link: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/seven-herbs-for-indigestion-2412331
Friday, November 26, 2010
Are you ready to work on yourself? Ready to turn over a new leaf on life?
Hey all, Happy Holidays. Yep, for those inquiring minds who want to know, I am working. This is a good time to see what is coming, what you need to leave behind, what to work on, how your fears are stopping you and standing in your way. Reach for the stars, keep your dream alive. Ready to see what your path is leading you to? Hit me up. You can reach me here, on fb, myspace, craigslist, by twitter or click the link: http://readingsfromtherealm.vpweb.com/
I'm ready. Are you?
Love, light and blessings. Namaste!
Remember, the experiences you draw to you thru the doorway of your soul, stay open, as long as you do. Be sure to get on with life. Stop looking at how it used to be or how it should be. It's time to let it be. With the new year around the corner, take stock of your goals and where you see yourself next. Rewrite your story.
Thought day the day: Worry about your character, not your reputation. Your character is who you are. Your reputation is who people think you are. Be comfortable in your own skin and embrace the day.
I'm ready. Are you?
Love, light and blessings. Namaste!
Remember, the experiences you draw to you thru the doorway of your soul, stay open, as long as you do. Be sure to get on with life. Stop looking at how it used to be or how it should be. It's time to let it be. With the new year around the corner, take stock of your goals and where you see yourself next. Rewrite your story.
Thought day the day: Worry about your character, not your reputation. Your character is who you are. Your reputation is who people think you are. Be comfortable in your own skin and embrace the day.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Great deal on one of my favorite sites!
I so love Llewellyn. If you are into books, new age mystic stuff, wiccan/pagan, decks, this is a great site to check out. You can find just about everything and anything here. Great deals going on! Check it out. You don't want to miss out on the deals!
Black Friday Special: Get 35% Off Everything Use coupon code FRIDAY at checkout. 3 Days Only! November 24-26, 2010 Free Shipping on U.S. orders over $25. Some restrictions apply.
www.llewellyn.com
Cyber Monday Special: Get 30% Off Stocking Stuffers Llewellyn has the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday giving list—right down to the stockings! 2 Days Only! November 28-29, 2010. Free shipping on U.S. orders over $25. www.llewellyn.com www.llewellyn.com
Black Friday Special: Get 35% Off Everything Use coupon code FRIDAY at checkout. 3 Days Only! November 24-26, 2010 Free Shipping on U.S. orders over $25. Some restrictions apply.
www.llewellyn.com
Cyber Monday Special: Get 30% Off Stocking Stuffers Llewellyn has the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday giving list—right down to the stockings! 2 Days Only! November 28-29, 2010. Free shipping on U.S. orders over $25. www.llewellyn.com www.llewellyn.com
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Free internet for deployed troops to call home this holiday season.
Every Vote Counts! On Saturday night, a group of 500 people voted and it took JoeOnTheMove 501(c)3 up two places from 15th to 13th place in the PepsI Refresh Project. JoeOnTheMove 501(c)3 is currently in the running for a $250,000 grant from Pepsi to help troops deployed overseas call home this holiday season. The contest ends on November 30th at midnight. Every vote can make a difference so we need your help voting daily for JoeOnTheMove 501(c)3 and the Free Phone Calls For Soldiers Cause. You can vote every day by texting 104113 to the number 73774 and by visiting http://www.RefreshEverything.com/callshome and voting online.
Please vote everyday using both methods and help the troops call home this holiday season! Thank you for supporting the troops!
Please vote everyday using both methods and help the troops call home this holiday season! Thank you for supporting the troops!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Roach infested dog gets second chance.
Ripley sure is one lucky dog. On Oct. 19, the two-year-old poodle was found in a Louisiana ditch near a no kill shelter. Shelter workers noticed Ripley and picked him up with a towel because they weren't sure exactly what they were rescuing. His fur was so grossly overgrown that he looked less like a dog and more like an ... it.
Once they figured it out, they got the dog to a vet and called Tracy Lapeyrouse with My Heart's Desire, who took him in. Live and dead cockroaches were snarled inside his matted and overgrown mane, and his mouth was so covered by fur that his rescuers didn't even know how he managed to eat.
But now, thanks to some Good Samaritans, and one (or possibly several) seriously effective razors, Ripley has a new leash on life — and is garnering national attention. "I keep telling people he looked like the Elephant Man," Tracy, who heads up My Heart's Desire rescue group in Houma, La., which is currently caring for Ripley, tells Tonic. "This is probably the most grotesque grooming issue I've ever seen, and I've been doing this for 10-plus years."
Lapeyrouse fortuitously named the 5 1/2 pound dog Ripley, "because I was driving home with him and he needed a name and I kept saying no one would have ever believed this was a dog. It was like Ripley's Believe it or Not. Then I thought, Ripley!"
To read this article in it's entirety, please visit: http://www.tonic.com/article/believe-it-or-not-cockroach-infested-dog-gets-second-chance/
Once they figured it out, they got the dog to a vet and called Tracy Lapeyrouse with My Heart's Desire, who took him in. Live and dead cockroaches were snarled inside his matted and overgrown mane, and his mouth was so covered by fur that his rescuers didn't even know how he managed to eat.
But now, thanks to some Good Samaritans, and one (or possibly several) seriously effective razors, Ripley has a new leash on life — and is garnering national attention. "I keep telling people he looked like the Elephant Man," Tracy, who heads up My Heart's Desire rescue group in Houma, La., which is currently caring for Ripley, tells Tonic. "This is probably the most grotesque grooming issue I've ever seen, and I've been doing this for 10-plus years."
Lapeyrouse fortuitously named the 5 1/2 pound dog Ripley, "because I was driving home with him and he needed a name and I kept saying no one would have ever believed this was a dog. It was like Ripley's Believe it or Not. Then I thought, Ripley!"
To read this article in it's entirety, please visit: http://www.tonic.com/article/believe-it-or-not-cockroach-infested-dog-gets-second-chance/
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Gemstones according to numerology tradition.
Hello everyone. This was written by a friend of mind, Blair, who is a numerologist. I thought I would share.
You might think that birthstones are only associated with the Zodiac signs. This is not exactly true. They are also associated with what month you are born in. The origin of the twelve monthly birthstones was thought to have originated in Bible as they were found on the breastplates of Aaron. Yet another difference between the monthly and the Zodiac stones is that the monthly stones have more a numerological association whereas the Zodiac stones relate more to astrology.
January - The garnet is named as the January birth stone in just about every tradition or culture The glittering red g garnet is the stone representing January in Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions. In the ancient Hindu tradition the stone for January was the serpent stone but this is not a stone that has been seen by anyone. Chances are it was a ruby or a black stone.
February- The symbolic stone is agreed upon as being the amethyst according to North American, Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions. In ancient Hindu it was the chandrakankta which once again is a stone nobody living today has ever seen so it cannot be described.
March -. The modern North American names the aquamarine as the stone for this month. However in Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions the stone for this stormy month is the bloodstone. In the ancient Hindu tradition it was a stone calledgold-sivalinga which once again is not a stone ever seen by
contemporary eyes.
April - North America culture names the diamond as the birth stone for April. In Jewish, Hindu and Polish cultures the diamond is also named as the April birthstone. However in Roma, Persian and Russian traditions the stone that has symbolized the month is sapphire.
May - In contemporary North American, Arabic, Hindu, Polish and Russian traditions birthstone for the month of May is emerald. However the Hebrew and Roman traditions say the month belongs to the agate.
June - June is one of those months that seem to be symbolized by an array of stones. Contemporary North American culture names the stone of the month to be moonstone, pearl or alexandrite. Ancient Hindu tradition also names the pearl as the birthstone for June. However in ancient Roman and Hebrew traditions June was ruled by the emerald (possibly because the green represented summer.) In Russian, Polish and Arabic cultures the stone that rules this month is agate which to make things even more confusing is a striped stone comes in many colors.
July- In North American, Polish and Russian culture the birthstone for this mid summer month is ruby. In Hebrew and Roman traditions it is onyx. The Arabic culture assigns the carnelian to July and the Hindu religion says a sapphire represents the month.
August - Many different stones are often said to belong to the month of August. The modern North American tradition says the month is symbolized by peridot. The Hebrew and Roman traditions attribute it to the carnelian. The Arabic and Polish traditions say the month belongs to the sardonyx. The Hindu tradition assigns August the ruby and the Russian tradition assigns it the alexandrite.
September - In modern North American traditions, this autumn month is said to be ruled by the sapphire. However in Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions peridot is given as the ruling stone. The Hindu tradition assigns the zircon to September.
October - The opal or the tourmaline is usually assigned to October. However Hebrew, Roman, Arabic and Polish birth gem stone traditions say that aquarimine is the symbolic stone. The Russian culture says the month is ruled by the beryl. Ancient Hindu tradition says the stone is coral.
November - The North American tradition assigns either yellow topaz or citrine as the gemstones for this month. The Hebrew, Roman, Arabic and Russian traditions also say it belongs to topaz. November is symbolized by the cat's eye in the Hindu culture.
December - The North American tradition says December is symbolized by three choices of three blue stones: tanzanite, turquoise or blue topaz. The Hindu religion also assigns it to topaz and the Russian and Polish traditions assign it to turquoise. The Arabic, Roman and Hebrew traditions say the rosy colored ruby rules this month.
This is interesting because very often your choice of a Zodiac stone will conflict with what is the birth month stone. Some of the stones also cross over to astrology. For instance if you are born in November the symbolic stone is topaz and if you are a Sagittarian born after the 23rd then your stone will be at topaz as
well.
You might think that birthstones are only associated with the Zodiac signs. This is not exactly true. They are also associated with what month you are born in. The origin of the twelve monthly birthstones was thought to have originated in Bible as they were found on the breastplates of Aaron. Yet another difference between the monthly and the Zodiac stones is that the monthly stones have more a numerological association whereas the Zodiac stones relate more to astrology.
January - The garnet is named as the January birth stone in just about every tradition or culture The glittering red g garnet is the stone representing January in Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions. In the ancient Hindu tradition the stone for January was the serpent stone but this is not a stone that has been seen by anyone. Chances are it was a ruby or a black stone.
February- The symbolic stone is agreed upon as being the amethyst according to North American, Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions. In ancient Hindu it was the chandrakankta which once again is a stone nobody living today has ever seen so it cannot be described.
March -. The modern North American names the aquamarine as the stone for this month. However in Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions the stone for this stormy month is the bloodstone. In the ancient Hindu tradition it was a stone calledgold-sivalinga which once again is not a stone ever seen by
contemporary eyes.
April - North America culture names the diamond as the birth stone for April. In Jewish, Hindu and Polish cultures the diamond is also named as the April birthstone. However in Roma, Persian and Russian traditions the stone that has symbolized the month is sapphire.
May - In contemporary North American, Arabic, Hindu, Polish and Russian traditions birthstone for the month of May is emerald. However the Hebrew and Roman traditions say the month belongs to the agate.
June - June is one of those months that seem to be symbolized by an array of stones. Contemporary North American culture names the stone of the month to be moonstone, pearl or alexandrite. Ancient Hindu tradition also names the pearl as the birthstone for June. However in ancient Roman and Hebrew traditions June was ruled by the emerald (possibly because the green represented summer.) In Russian, Polish and Arabic cultures the stone that rules this month is agate which to make things even more confusing is a striped stone comes in many colors.
July- In North American, Polish and Russian culture the birthstone for this mid summer month is ruby. In Hebrew and Roman traditions it is onyx. The Arabic culture assigns the carnelian to July and the Hindu religion says a sapphire represents the month.
August - Many different stones are often said to belong to the month of August. The modern North American tradition says the month is symbolized by peridot. The Hebrew and Roman traditions attribute it to the carnelian. The Arabic and Polish traditions say the month belongs to the sardonyx. The Hindu tradition assigns August the ruby and the Russian tradition assigns it the alexandrite.
September - In modern North American traditions, this autumn month is said to be ruled by the sapphire. However in Hebrew, Roman, Arabic, Polish and Russian traditions peridot is given as the ruling stone. The Hindu tradition assigns the zircon to September.
October - The opal or the tourmaline is usually assigned to October. However Hebrew, Roman, Arabic and Polish birth gem stone traditions say that aquarimine is the symbolic stone. The Russian culture says the month is ruled by the beryl. Ancient Hindu tradition says the stone is coral.
November - The North American tradition assigns either yellow topaz or citrine as the gemstones for this month. The Hebrew, Roman, Arabic and Russian traditions also say it belongs to topaz. November is symbolized by the cat's eye in the Hindu culture.
December - The North American tradition says December is symbolized by three choices of three blue stones: tanzanite, turquoise or blue topaz. The Hindu religion also assigns it to topaz and the Russian and Polish traditions assign it to turquoise. The Arabic, Roman and Hebrew traditions say the rosy colored ruby rules this month.
This is interesting because very often your choice of a Zodiac stone will conflict with what is the birth month stone. Some of the stones also cross over to astrology. For instance if you are born in November the symbolic stone is topaz and if you are a Sagittarian born after the 23rd then your stone will be at topaz as
well.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Gifts for the Holidays-Astrology gemstones
Choosing the right gemstone has a lot to do with your birthday. According to the Astrological Table of Gemstones, each sign of the zodiac has its own special gem.
Aries: Aries is a fire sign that shines brightly with an inner fire. It is headstrong and always at the cutting edge, so what more fitting gem for this sign than the brilliant diamond? As Aries also rules the head, diamond earrings or studs are especially appropriate.
Taurus: This sign loves the lush bounty of nature, so the correct gemstone is the lush green emerald. Ruled by Venus, Taurus loves a beautiful setting. Remember that when you gift a Taurean an emerald necklace, for Taurus also rules the throat.
Gemini: Bright, lively Gemini needs a sparkling gem, and both the shimmering agate and the sparkling crystal are appropriate. Have them set in rings, cuff links or bracelets as Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which rules the hands.
Cancer: This sign is ruled by the Moon, so the pearl and the moonstone are the correct gems for this sign. They are best presented as a beautiful brooch or tie pin, or you could try a belt or gems set in a silk girdle, as Cancer rules both the breasts and the stomach.
Leo: This warm hearted fire sign responds to the ruby, with its fiery glow. Leo rules the heart, so a pendant, brooch or tie pin will be the perfect setting for a ruby gift.
Virgo: This sign loves the fruits of the earth and the glow of nature - its natural element is summer, so the lush golden glow of the sardonyx makes a fine gemstone for Virgo. Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which makes rings, cuff links and bracelets the ideal setting for Virgo’s gem.
Libra: Airy, balanced Libra appreciates fine things, and especially the Libran gem, the sapphire. Ruled by Venus, Libra is as fond of adorning the neck as Taurus, but will wear jewelry in any form. Remember that Libra loves balance, so perfectly matched sets, like earrings, bracelet and necklace will be the favored choice.
Scorpio: This dark, mysterious sign favors something out of the ordinary in gems - the correct gem for Scorpio is the vivid, iridescent opal. Scorpios like concealment, so a gift which is not readily seen will be appreciated - a pendant which can be worn under clothes, a compact or charm which can be kept out of sight, will appeal to Scorpios.
Sagittarius: This is a fire sign that appreciates freedom and loves to travel. The sparkle of the Sagittarian gem, the topaz, echoes the sparkle of this exuberant sign. Whether blue or typical topaz gold, this gem will suit Sagittarians in a simple setting that can be worn on the run.
Capricorn: This status conscious sign favors a gem with understated elegance - the amethyst is the perfect gem for Capricorn. The setting should be timeless, for passing fads do not retain their value. For busy Capricorns, a watch setting is perfect - but they will also appreciate elegant rings or earrings.
Aquarius: While there have been many candidates for the gemstone of this sign, the Aquarmarine, which echoes the name shines with cool blue radiance, is the most appropriate choice. Aquarius is the sign of the unexpected, and rules the ankles so you can choose unusual settings, such as an ankle bracelet.
Pisces: This sign is most closely associated with the vastness of the ocean, so the most appropriate gemstone is jade, which echoes the endless depths. This gem can be presented in any form, but especially appealing to Pisceans are delicate adornments for the feet and hands.
Repost from 4/09
Aries: Aries is a fire sign that shines brightly with an inner fire. It is headstrong and always at the cutting edge, so what more fitting gem for this sign than the brilliant diamond? As Aries also rules the head, diamond earrings or studs are especially appropriate.
Taurus: This sign loves the lush bounty of nature, so the correct gemstone is the lush green emerald. Ruled by Venus, Taurus loves a beautiful setting. Remember that when you gift a Taurean an emerald necklace, for Taurus also rules the throat.
Gemini: Bright, lively Gemini needs a sparkling gem, and both the shimmering agate and the sparkling crystal are appropriate. Have them set in rings, cuff links or bracelets as Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which rules the hands.
Cancer: This sign is ruled by the Moon, so the pearl and the moonstone are the correct gems for this sign. They are best presented as a beautiful brooch or tie pin, or you could try a belt or gems set in a silk girdle, as Cancer rules both the breasts and the stomach.
Leo: This warm hearted fire sign responds to the ruby, with its fiery glow. Leo rules the heart, so a pendant, brooch or tie pin will be the perfect setting for a ruby gift.
Virgo: This sign loves the fruits of the earth and the glow of nature - its natural element is summer, so the lush golden glow of the sardonyx makes a fine gemstone for Virgo. Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which makes rings, cuff links and bracelets the ideal setting for Virgo’s gem.
Libra: Airy, balanced Libra appreciates fine things, and especially the Libran gem, the sapphire. Ruled by Venus, Libra is as fond of adorning the neck as Taurus, but will wear jewelry in any form. Remember that Libra loves balance, so perfectly matched sets, like earrings, bracelet and necklace will be the favored choice.
Scorpio: This dark, mysterious sign favors something out of the ordinary in gems - the correct gem for Scorpio is the vivid, iridescent opal. Scorpios like concealment, so a gift which is not readily seen will be appreciated - a pendant which can be worn under clothes, a compact or charm which can be kept out of sight, will appeal to Scorpios.
Sagittarius: This is a fire sign that appreciates freedom and loves to travel. The sparkle of the Sagittarian gem, the topaz, echoes the sparkle of this exuberant sign. Whether blue or typical topaz gold, this gem will suit Sagittarians in a simple setting that can be worn on the run.
Capricorn: This status conscious sign favors a gem with understated elegance - the amethyst is the perfect gem for Capricorn. The setting should be timeless, for passing fads do not retain their value. For busy Capricorns, a watch setting is perfect - but they will also appreciate elegant rings or earrings.
Aquarius: While there have been many candidates for the gemstone of this sign, the Aquarmarine, which echoes the name shines with cool blue radiance, is the most appropriate choice. Aquarius is the sign of the unexpected, and rules the ankles so you can choose unusual settings, such as an ankle bracelet.
Pisces: This sign is most closely associated with the vastness of the ocean, so the most appropriate gemstone is jade, which echoes the endless depths. This gem can be presented in any form, but especially appealing to Pisceans are delicate adornments for the feet and hands.
Repost from 4/09
Friday, November 19, 2010
Is it time to detox?
Is it time to detox?
We hear so much about that these days. There are ads in magazines, tv commercials, info-commercials. Lots of different ways are available to cleanse the body of impurities, chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics in food and water which lead to forms of bacteria that can build up in our bodies. After all, look around you. People have more health problems, children have allegies and acid reflux at such early ages, people are experiencing thin hair and hair loss. All of this can be traced back to our food intake and what is lurking within it.
But what about detoxing for our minds? People go around with minds full of bad thoughts and the wrong thoughts. Example, so and so hurt me, how I can’t do this or that, work sucks or I’m out of work completely and can’t find a job. Well, listen to that. Those are toxic and poisonous thoughts. It affects our minds, body and spirit. It affects and contaminates our perspective, outlook and self image. I am sure we have all met people who are bitter, negative and always expect the worse to happen. They can be cynical and criticize everything. Think to how you feel being around someone with those so called ‘qualities’ or characteristics. Do you feel dread? A sense of hopelessness? These are the ones that need a mental/spiritual cleansing. Now, you may be wondering, how do you detoxify your mind and spirit? Well, first you must decide to starve the mind of the impurities of dwelling on situations. You must decide to let them go. Okay, it happened, dwelling on it won’t make it go away any faster or come to pass quicker. By dwelling on negativity, you keep it alive and around you. In other words, you are feeding it and giving it new life and so it tends to stick around. Example, don’t dwell on what you don’t have, look at what you do have. Don’t dwell on the illness, loss of work, what mistakes have been made. Your best days are still ahead of you. They are in front of you. You’ve heard the saying, the best is yet to come. Well, detox your mind and it will be. Strength and victory can be yours. Keeps thoughts of faith, hope and be determined to be a valor and have victory. It takes as much energy to think positive as it does to think negative.
Now, once people have detoxified their bodies of the chemicals and pesticides that have occurred as a result of their diets over the years, they tend to see improvement in some areas and even feel better - more energized, more creative, more healthier. Well, by detoxing your mind of these negative thoughts, you can put yourself on a spiritual diet to obtain victory and joy. Don’t you think its time to bring that back into your life? Lets get back the confidence. Instead of saying I can’t do this, why not turn it around and think, how can I make this possible and have it happen. Let go of disappointments and hurts, learn from them, then turn it around. It is possible and you hold the key. Do you have faith? Do you believe in God? Well, if He leads you to it, he’ll lead you through it. God loves you and wants you to overcome. He wants you to be happy, enjoy the day you’ve been given. If someone tries to dampen your spirit, think to yourself, who do they think they are? I refuse to let them rain on my parade. This day is a gift and I’ve decided to be happy and face things with strength. Smile at the person and walk away. Leave the misery behind you. Don’t give in to why can’t you be like your brother or sister. Why can’t you be smarter in school. How can you not grasp or understand my concern? Or what about this one, you know you’ll never amount to nothing, you’ll never succeed, etc. You are who you are. You are unique and different from everyone else. People haven’t been cloned to be alike in every aspect. You are who God wants you to be. All things are possible with faith. What matters is what God thinks of us. That is precisely how I made it through some of my younger years. I was different and considered strange because of my ‘gifts’ that I was given. People didn’t understand and some may have even been scared. At first, it bugged me immensely. Then I got over it. I don’t care what they think or say. What matters is how I feel and think and what God thinks. He thought me worthy which is why he made me different than them. Or it could be I’m more sensitive to things than they were. It helped me to think differently and by thinking God doesn’t think of me as a freak or as scary, then I didn’t let those thoughts penetrate my mind anymore.
Try detoxing the mind. It might just do you better then you can imagine. Brightest blessings!
Written by LAA in 2009 and reposted.
We hear so much about that these days. There are ads in magazines, tv commercials, info-commercials. Lots of different ways are available to cleanse the body of impurities, chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics in food and water which lead to forms of bacteria that can build up in our bodies. After all, look around you. People have more health problems, children have allegies and acid reflux at such early ages, people are experiencing thin hair and hair loss. All of this can be traced back to our food intake and what is lurking within it.
But what about detoxing for our minds? People go around with minds full of bad thoughts and the wrong thoughts. Example, so and so hurt me, how I can’t do this or that, work sucks or I’m out of work completely and can’t find a job. Well, listen to that. Those are toxic and poisonous thoughts. It affects our minds, body and spirit. It affects and contaminates our perspective, outlook and self image. I am sure we have all met people who are bitter, negative and always expect the worse to happen. They can be cynical and criticize everything. Think to how you feel being around someone with those so called ‘qualities’ or characteristics. Do you feel dread? A sense of hopelessness? These are the ones that need a mental/spiritual cleansing. Now, you may be wondering, how do you detoxify your mind and spirit? Well, first you must decide to starve the mind of the impurities of dwelling on situations. You must decide to let them go. Okay, it happened, dwelling on it won’t make it go away any faster or come to pass quicker. By dwelling on negativity, you keep it alive and around you. In other words, you are feeding it and giving it new life and so it tends to stick around. Example, don’t dwell on what you don’t have, look at what you do have. Don’t dwell on the illness, loss of work, what mistakes have been made. Your best days are still ahead of you. They are in front of you. You’ve heard the saying, the best is yet to come. Well, detox your mind and it will be. Strength and victory can be yours. Keeps thoughts of faith, hope and be determined to be a valor and have victory. It takes as much energy to think positive as it does to think negative.
Now, once people have detoxified their bodies of the chemicals and pesticides that have occurred as a result of their diets over the years, they tend to see improvement in some areas and even feel better - more energized, more creative, more healthier. Well, by detoxing your mind of these negative thoughts, you can put yourself on a spiritual diet to obtain victory and joy. Don’t you think its time to bring that back into your life? Lets get back the confidence. Instead of saying I can’t do this, why not turn it around and think, how can I make this possible and have it happen. Let go of disappointments and hurts, learn from them, then turn it around. It is possible and you hold the key. Do you have faith? Do you believe in God? Well, if He leads you to it, he’ll lead you through it. God loves you and wants you to overcome. He wants you to be happy, enjoy the day you’ve been given. If someone tries to dampen your spirit, think to yourself, who do they think they are? I refuse to let them rain on my parade. This day is a gift and I’ve decided to be happy and face things with strength. Smile at the person and walk away. Leave the misery behind you. Don’t give in to why can’t you be like your brother or sister. Why can’t you be smarter in school. How can you not grasp or understand my concern? Or what about this one, you know you’ll never amount to nothing, you’ll never succeed, etc. You are who you are. You are unique and different from everyone else. People haven’t been cloned to be alike in every aspect. You are who God wants you to be. All things are possible with faith. What matters is what God thinks of us. That is precisely how I made it through some of my younger years. I was different and considered strange because of my ‘gifts’ that I was given. People didn’t understand and some may have even been scared. At first, it bugged me immensely. Then I got over it. I don’t care what they think or say. What matters is how I feel and think and what God thinks. He thought me worthy which is why he made me different than them. Or it could be I’m more sensitive to things than they were. It helped me to think differently and by thinking God doesn’t think of me as a freak or as scary, then I didn’t let those thoughts penetrate my mind anymore.
Try detoxing the mind. It might just do you better then you can imagine. Brightest blessings!
Written by LAA in 2009 and reposted.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The 12 Universal Laws.
Another great reminder video to apply daily in your life. See the difference it makes once you awaken to the wisdom.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The 12 Laws of Karma
This is an important video for those of you who have forgotten or just didn't know. Try applying this wisdom to your everyday life and routine and see the difference. Namaste and blessings.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
All Souls Night! It's here, celebrate and be sure to listen.
A wonderful song for the season. Loreena is one of my most favorite singers. She has such a beautiful voice. She is so hypnotic to me. During this very special time, the veil between the physcial and the spiritual realms are very thin. Be sure to listen, celebrate, pray, give thanks and remember those who have transitioned before us and left this physical plane, ask for blessings, give offerings. Enjoy and brightest blessings to all.
Listen......with your heart.
I, personally, love this video. It one of my absolute favorites. The message is profound and may even bring a tear to you eye, especially if you are tuned in with nature. I love trees and make it a point to spend time outside everyday, no matter how cold it is or rainy. Have you hugged a tree lately?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Multi dimensional Chakras
This is a wonderfully enlightening video about Chakras and how to understand, use and apply to every day life. Don't you think it's time to rise up to your higher consciousness?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Pennies from Heaven..?
Here is a beautiful article I stumbled across. For those of you who believe in or work with angels and spirit guides, you'll want to give this a read. For those of you who don't, you'll still want to give it a looksie. It's well worth your time. Brightest blessings to all.
http://psychicbloggers.com/archives/2037
http://psychicbloggers.com/archives/2037
Guides - a beautiful reminder.
This is a beautiful video with a profound and specific message just for you. Namaste and blessings.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Living and working with cats - by The Conscious Cat.
I loved this story. How true it is. My furball is a Godsend, to say the very least. She participates in numerous day to day activities with me. Just last night, I was up feeling a tad lousy with my acid reflux acting up. She sensed my discomfort, came right over and hopped up on me. (She is almost 20 pounds, lol). She waited til I got situation and then laid right across my abdomen. Within 15 mintes, I was fine. Talk about a healer....she is full of magickal Reiki.
Here is a partial of the article written by The Conscious Cat. Enjoy - and include your furry friend in things. You'll be amazed of their wisdom, power and magic.
For the last fifteen years, I’ve been fortunate that cats have not only played a fundamental role in my home life, they’ve also been a significant part of my work life. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
LIVING AND WORKING WITH CATS (the Conscious Cat)
It all started with two office cats at the veterinary hospital I managed. First, there was Virginia, who I fell in love with at my initial interview despite the fact that her introduction to me involved claws and runs in my stockings. She ruled the office with an iron paw, assisting me with paperwork, often by sitting right on top of it, and kept me in line with frequent swats at my mouse hand. Several years after Virginia went to the big office in the sky, Buckley took over as office cat. In addition to supervising my work and making even the less glamorous aspects of my job more fun through her joyful presence, she had another job at the clinic—to provide comfort to the animal patients and to distract their worried owners. There were times when she disappeared from the office, and when I went looking for her, I found her on the bench in the waiting room, next to a client waiting for news about a sick pet, cuddled up to the person, asking to be petted, and making them smile through their worry. Other times, she curled up next to a recovering cat or dog in the treatment room.
To read the article in full, please click here.
http://blogs.dogtime.com/the-conscious-cat/2010/10/living-and-working-with-cats
Here is a partial of the article written by The Conscious Cat. Enjoy - and include your furry friend in things. You'll be amazed of their wisdom, power and magic.
For the last fifteen years, I’ve been fortunate that cats have not only played a fundamental role in my home life, they’ve also been a significant part of my work life. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
LIVING AND WORKING WITH CATS (the Conscious Cat)
It all started with two office cats at the veterinary hospital I managed. First, there was Virginia, who I fell in love with at my initial interview despite the fact that her introduction to me involved claws and runs in my stockings. She ruled the office with an iron paw, assisting me with paperwork, often by sitting right on top of it, and kept me in line with frequent swats at my mouse hand. Several years after Virginia went to the big office in the sky, Buckley took over as office cat. In addition to supervising my work and making even the less glamorous aspects of my job more fun through her joyful presence, she had another job at the clinic—to provide comfort to the animal patients and to distract their worried owners. There were times when she disappeared from the office, and when I went looking for her, I found her on the bench in the waiting room, next to a client waiting for news about a sick pet, cuddled up to the person, asking to be petted, and making them smile through their worry. Other times, she curled up next to a recovering cat or dog in the treatment room.
To read the article in full, please click here.
http://blogs.dogtime.com/the-conscious-cat/2010/10/living-and-working-with-cats
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Voyage - by Paul 'Wildcat' Sutherland
The voyage of life ...Where are we? Where are we going? Do you ever take the time to stop and think? Do you ever slow down and go within to find the answers you are looking for? You are the creator of your destiny ...
The Voyage ... by Paul "Wildcat" Sutherland
As you journey through your life, do you ever pause for thought? Have you ever taken time to sense how much you’ve learned or taught? Most humans just don’t think at all beyond their basic needs or what the consequences are. Of all their acts and deeds, the voyage can be long and hard, though easy for a few. But how the trip turns out my friend, is really up to you. For only you can choose the way. Your vessel will set sail. Just listen closley to your heart and you will never fail. Deep within your heart and soul a light shines bright and true. Like an eternal flame of love, it’s always there with you. So take some time to meditate
and give yourself respect. Go inside, be with your source. You’ll see how you connect. Give yourself the priceless gift of faith, of love and light. For divinity within in you will always steer you right. You never have to walk alone or find you’re lost at sea. You smooth the voyage for your soul when you pause, slow down and be.
(I thought this was a very profound message, worth posting and considering. Brightest blessings).
The Voyage ... by Paul "Wildcat" Sutherland
As you journey through your life, do you ever pause for thought? Have you ever taken time to sense how much you’ve learned or taught? Most humans just don’t think at all beyond their basic needs or what the consequences are. Of all their acts and deeds, the voyage can be long and hard, though easy for a few. But how the trip turns out my friend, is really up to you. For only you can choose the way. Your vessel will set sail. Just listen closley to your heart and you will never fail. Deep within your heart and soul a light shines bright and true. Like an eternal flame of love, it’s always there with you. So take some time to meditate
and give yourself respect. Go inside, be with your source. You’ll see how you connect. Give yourself the priceless gift of faith, of love and light. For divinity within in you will always steer you right. You never have to walk alone or find you’re lost at sea. You smooth the voyage for your soul when you pause, slow down and be.
(I thought this was a very profound message, worth posting and considering. Brightest blessings).
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Please join me in protesting this travisty. Help save them.
I am very concerned after reading this. Please sign the below petition. Together, we can make a difference, we can bring about change, and, make a positive change. These animals are almost extinct. Please help to save them. Animals have feelings and emotions just as we do. I donate a portion of all my proceedings to different charities. I give to the wolves, WWF (World Wildlife Federation-not wrestling), abused farm animals, humane societies, beaten/abused/abandoned animal charities, I protest against the skinning of animals, the abuse to circus and carnival animals, beaten horses, glue factories and list goes on and on. I signed it. Did you?
http://animals.change.org/petitions/view/protest_against_the_continued_hunting_of_wolves_in_sweden
http://animals.change.org/petitions/view/protest_against_the_continued_hunting_of_wolves_in_sweden
Friday, October 22, 2010
The power of thoughts.
Our thought process really plays a huge role in our everyday lives. Many situations that come around are all due to our thoughts. It's time to reprogam our minds. Try it for a week and see what the outcome is.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Yay, good news. I am happy to see this.
Druids recognized as religion in UK.
LONDON – Druids have been worshipping the sun and earth for thousands of years in Europe, but now they can say they're practicing an officially recognized religion.
The ancient pagan tradition best known for gatherings at Stonehenge every summer solstice has been formally classed as a religion under charity law for the first time in Britain, the national charity regulator said Saturday. That means Druids can receive exemptions from taxes on donations and now have the same status as such mainstream religions as the Church of England.
Druids have practiced for thousands of years in Britain and in Celtic societies elsewhere in Europe. They worship natural forces such as thunder and the sun, and spirits they believe arise from places such as mountains and rivers. They do not worship a single god or creator, but seek to cultivate a sacred relationship with the natural world.
Although many see them as robed, mysterious people who gather every summer solstice at Stonehenge — which predates the Druids — believers say modern Druidry is chiefly concerned with helping practitioners connect with nature and themselves through rituals, dancing and singing at stone circles and other sites throughout the country believed to be "sacred."
Ancient Druids were known to be religious leaders, judges and sages among the Celts during pre-Christian times, although little evidence about their lives survived. There are now various Druid orders and about 10,000 practitioners in Britain — and believers said the numbers are growing because more people are becoming aware of the importance to preserve the environment.
The Druid Network fought for nearly five years to be recognized under the semi-governmental Charity Commission, which requires proof of cohesive and serious belief in a supreme entity and a moral framework.
After initially rejecting the Druid Network's application, the Charity Commission decided this week that Druidry fit the bill. "There is sufficient belief in a supreme being or entity to constitute a religion for the purposes of charity law," the commission said. Adrian Rooke, a Druid who works as a counselor, said Druidry appeals to people who are turning away from monotheistic religions but still long for an aspect of spirituality in their lives. "It uplifts the spirit," he said. "The world is running out of resources, and in that context it's more important to people now to formulate a relationship with nature."
To read article in it's entirity, please click the link below.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101002/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_druids_recognized
LONDON – Druids have been worshipping the sun and earth for thousands of years in Europe, but now they can say they're practicing an officially recognized religion.
The ancient pagan tradition best known for gatherings at Stonehenge every summer solstice has been formally classed as a religion under charity law for the first time in Britain, the national charity regulator said Saturday. That means Druids can receive exemptions from taxes on donations and now have the same status as such mainstream religions as the Church of England.
Druids have practiced for thousands of years in Britain and in Celtic societies elsewhere in Europe. They worship natural forces such as thunder and the sun, and spirits they believe arise from places such as mountains and rivers. They do not worship a single god or creator, but seek to cultivate a sacred relationship with the natural world.
Although many see them as robed, mysterious people who gather every summer solstice at Stonehenge — which predates the Druids — believers say modern Druidry is chiefly concerned with helping practitioners connect with nature and themselves through rituals, dancing and singing at stone circles and other sites throughout the country believed to be "sacred."
Ancient Druids were known to be religious leaders, judges and sages among the Celts during pre-Christian times, although little evidence about their lives survived. There are now various Druid orders and about 10,000 practitioners in Britain — and believers said the numbers are growing because more people are becoming aware of the importance to preserve the environment.
The Druid Network fought for nearly five years to be recognized under the semi-governmental Charity Commission, which requires proof of cohesive and serious belief in a supreme entity and a moral framework.
After initially rejecting the Druid Network's application, the Charity Commission decided this week that Druidry fit the bill. "There is sufficient belief in a supreme being or entity to constitute a religion for the purposes of charity law," the commission said. Adrian Rooke, a Druid who works as a counselor, said Druidry appeals to people who are turning away from monotheistic religions but still long for an aspect of spirituality in their lives. "It uplifts the spirit," he said. "The world is running out of resources, and in that context it's more important to people now to formulate a relationship with nature."
To read article in it's entirity, please click the link below.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101002/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_druids_recognized
Friday, October 8, 2010
New Moon in Libra-a little food for thought.
Autumn Equinox Moon: Dreaming with All My Relations
New Moon in Libra: Oct 7 - Nov 4 2010
Did you experience enough changes during the Virgo Moon cycle in the past 28 days? Was it very cleansing, creative and moving? We are now finishing this moon and hopefully you paid attention to your intention for a few weeks...
This is the great moon of relationship, marriages, business partnerships, all types of committed partnerships and the cultural laws of right relationship. Autumn new moons begin a time of re-balance, because as we head towards the winter moons, we begin to slow down.
Venus rules this moon cycle and this month we have a lot of Libra energy and planets upon us. When working with moon medicine, its always the opposite so we play out our moon in a more independent Aries archetype. Aries is the independent eternal child, as all fire signs are in order to constantly create. Aries rules the self within relationship and what the self needs for passion. Venus is all about needs and comfort, beauty and harmony in relationships, so the opposite meets and we meet the opposite in this moon
... the celestial line-up in Libra this Moon Cycle is:
Sun (me in the world)
Moon (me within my inner world)
Saturn (me and my responsibilities to my physical world)
Mercury (me and my communication or lack of)
Hygiea (me and my personal health)
Vesta (me and the fire of my feminine)
Roll all these planets into the arena of Relationship and we get one more clue to how we behave, how we express emotion and how we need to compromise or set boundaries or both. Spring is the opposing energy of Autumn, so rather than jumping forward - we move toward retreat, instead of going all the way and starting something new in relationships of any kind, we pull back and move inward towards a unique relationship with the self.
What we planted last spring, has now come to harvest this moon cycle. Sooner or later, this daughter of a modern moon myth, has a much older and wiser sister... Venus is the light closest to the earth that shines the brightest along with her sister Moon and shines forth all of our inner duality - the one with ourself and with others. How we balance this is a matter of awareness without judgement and with great discernment.
Venus shines so bright because Libra rules culture, the arts, the humanities, the expressions of right relationships with beauty, not only its imbalance but the hidden inner beauty wishing to shine forth. This moon cycle we can feel alone or socially over booked, so assess and set your intentions to re-balance where you sit in your world.
We are either at one stage or another in our most important relationships:
1. finding; 2. building; 3. clarifying; 4. maintaining; 5. surrendering; 6. destoying; 7. letting go or 8. alone in in human relationships...
What relationship is most important right now in the last three days? What phase is it in? If you work on relationships with someone in this manner, then you can navigate Venus or mother earths Autumn territory with a little bit more clarity, groundedness and decisive action.
Sample New Moon Intentions this month...
I have appropriate boundaries
I am balanced and grounded
I am supportive of my needs
I am creative expressing my joy
I am beautiful
I adore my life (fake it till you make it)
I am exploring where I am at in my life
I am in the present moment
(This was sent compliments of my friend, Mary. She must have been reading my thoughts-because she saved me from having to write a bit about this moon. I thought I'd share).
New Moon in Libra: Oct 7 - Nov 4 2010
Did you experience enough changes during the Virgo Moon cycle in the past 28 days? Was it very cleansing, creative and moving? We are now finishing this moon and hopefully you paid attention to your intention for a few weeks...
This is the great moon of relationship, marriages, business partnerships, all types of committed partnerships and the cultural laws of right relationship. Autumn new moons begin a time of re-balance, because as we head towards the winter moons, we begin to slow down.
Venus rules this moon cycle and this month we have a lot of Libra energy and planets upon us. When working with moon medicine, its always the opposite so we play out our moon in a more independent Aries archetype. Aries is the independent eternal child, as all fire signs are in order to constantly create. Aries rules the self within relationship and what the self needs for passion. Venus is all about needs and comfort, beauty and harmony in relationships, so the opposite meets and we meet the opposite in this moon
... the celestial line-up in Libra this Moon Cycle is:
Sun (me in the world)
Moon (me within my inner world)
Saturn (me and my responsibilities to my physical world)
Mercury (me and my communication or lack of)
Hygiea (me and my personal health)
Vesta (me and the fire of my feminine)
Roll all these planets into the arena of Relationship and we get one more clue to how we behave, how we express emotion and how we need to compromise or set boundaries or both. Spring is the opposing energy of Autumn, so rather than jumping forward - we move toward retreat, instead of going all the way and starting something new in relationships of any kind, we pull back and move inward towards a unique relationship with the self.
What we planted last spring, has now come to harvest this moon cycle. Sooner or later, this daughter of a modern moon myth, has a much older and wiser sister... Venus is the light closest to the earth that shines the brightest along with her sister Moon and shines forth all of our inner duality - the one with ourself and with others. How we balance this is a matter of awareness without judgement and with great discernment.
Venus shines so bright because Libra rules culture, the arts, the humanities, the expressions of right relationships with beauty, not only its imbalance but the hidden inner beauty wishing to shine forth. This moon cycle we can feel alone or socially over booked, so assess and set your intentions to re-balance where you sit in your world.
We are either at one stage or another in our most important relationships:
1. finding; 2. building; 3. clarifying; 4. maintaining; 5. surrendering; 6. destoying; 7. letting go or 8. alone in in human relationships...
What relationship is most important right now in the last three days? What phase is it in? If you work on relationships with someone in this manner, then you can navigate Venus or mother earths Autumn territory with a little bit more clarity, groundedness and decisive action.
Sample New Moon Intentions this month...
I have appropriate boundaries
I am balanced and grounded
I am supportive of my needs
I am creative expressing my joy
I am beautiful
I adore my life (fake it till you make it)
I am exploring where I am at in my life
I am in the present moment
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
A little history on upcoming Fall events and festivities.
Sukkot 2010: Sept 22-29:
Sukkot 2010 begins at sundown on September 22, running until sundown on September 29. Sukkot is also called "the Feast of Tabernacles", and falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Sukkot literally translates to "booths" or "tabernacles". Sukkot began as a sort of Jewish Thanksgiving, celebrating the harvest of crops and wine ("Feast of the Ingathering"). Historically, Sukkot commemorates the 40-year period during which the Israelites wandered the desert: a tabernacle, in its original sense, is a portable and somewhat fragile dwelling in which Israelites used after the Exodus from Egypt. It is one of the three biblically mandated Shalosh regalim where Jews make pilgrimages to the Temple. The Holy time lasts seven days, including Chol Hamoe, and is immediately followed by another festive day known as Shemini Atzeret.
Oktoberfest is a 16 to 18 day festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany with some six million people attending every year. The Oktoberfest is an important part of the Bavarian culture. Other cities, across the world, also hold Oktoberfest celebrations modeled after this Munich event.
The Munich Oktoberfest traditionally takes place during the 16 days up to and including the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival will go on until October 3rd, which is German Unity Day. The festival is now 17 days when the 1st Sunday is October 2nd and 18 days when it is October 1st. In 2010, the festival lasts exceptionally until the first October Monday, to mark the 200 year jubilee of the event. Festivity gather-ee’s eat huge amounts of traditional hearty fare - such as Hendl (chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (ham hock), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstl (sausage) along with Brezn (pretzel), Knodel (potato or bread dumplings), Kasspatzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancake), Sauerkraut/Blaukraut (red cabbage), as well as Obatzda which is a spicey cheese butter spread and Weisswurst, which is a white sausage.
Dussehra (Oct. 17) is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India, although it can be known by different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and 'Dashmi meaning 'tenth day), as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife - Sita. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.
Actors will dress as Rama, Sita (Rama’s wife) and Lakshmana (Rama’s brother) and re-enact the time of the battle at the Ramlila ground. After the enactment of the climax of the war with Ravana, the character playing Rama shoots an arrow with a flaming tip and the crowd gatherers will cheer. Merriment ensues as people indulge themselves games, dance and music that are held at the fair.Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festival - Durga Puja. This day marks the end of Durga Pooja celebrations, the preceding nine days being collectively referred to as 'Navratri'. Vijayadashmi is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti, who incarnated in the form of Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror.
On Vijayadashmi, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into water, after the nine days of festivities. It is said that the people of the earth in the eastern state of West Bengal adopted Durga as their daughter and thus, she visits the home of her parents every year, during the last four days of Navratri, along with her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, and daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati. She finally leaves for her husband's place on Vijayadashmi. Similar customs are seen in Orissa and Assam. In the North-eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna are burnts at Ramlila maidans.
In the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Vijayadashmi holds special significance. The day is considered auspicious for starting education or any form of art, such as dance and music. Saraswati Puja is conducted on the day, when the formal commencement of education of small kids takes place. It is called 'Vidya aarambham' (the beginning of Vidya, meaning education). In Karnataka (especially Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated with fanfare. Huge processions can be witnessed in both the States. Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same - to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil.
Halloween: October 31
Behind the name, Halloween (Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland) means All Hallows Eve or the night before the 'All Hallows.' It’s also called All Hallowmas, All Saints or All Souls Day. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians would observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the church year and all Catholics were obliged to attend Mass. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made offerings to them. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1.
The Greek Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient Druidic fire festival called Samhain, celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Samhain is pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with cow. In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe'en. In Welsh it's Nos Galen-gaeof (that is, the Night of the Winter Calends. According to the Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society: "Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered. Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From this, the half year is reckoned and is also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess). The Scotts defines it as Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer. Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity. The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd and Arawn for the Welsh. Most of the customs connected with the Day are remnants of the ancient religious beliefs and rituals, first of the Druids and then transcended amongst the Roman Christians, who conquered them.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
It's that time of year again...Autumn parties and Fall festivities.
Here are some interesting beliefs about corn and it's magical qualities. White or snow/silver queen corn is believed to sweeten people up to a new idea or to form a friendship. Yellow corn would help seal a deal or bring out fullness of friends/relationships. Corn served with unsalted butter was believed to be good for emotional ties and corn with salted butter was to be good for business.
Squash and pumpkins are sacred to Oshun (African/Cuban goddess who resides over love and gold). In Native American and European lore, the pumpkin was eaten for prosperity or fertility. Spiced pumpkin is believed to make wishes come true. Jack-o-lanterns were believed to scare away harmful forces. You may also see many as table decorations, centerpieces or they are placed on porches and used to decorate outside.
Pomegranates, in Middle Eastern traditions, represent prosperiety. In Greek lore, it represents female power and mystery.
Apples, of course, can be eaten at any time of year, but it is said that when they are ingested in the fall season, they bring special blessings. The apple has been known to be the fruit of the Goddess and represents her creative power. Should you take an apple and cut it in half (horizontally), you can see the five pointed star known as the pentagram. (For more on the pentagram symbol, please see my article/note about it).
Many types of spicy foods are served during this season. Spicy foods warm the blood, create energy and can open the sinus's to prepare the body for the oncoming winter. Have a joyous and festive fall season.
Just a little note.....
Hello, greetings and Merry meet to all. Just a quick note to say that I apologize for the delay in postings to my blog. I ended up taking a hiatus due to the path that I was journeying on. Let me explain. I took a job back in May that really threw me for a loop. It was not at all what I had expected and it was very demanding. It messed up my normal routine and tied up much of my time. However, I allowed myself to stay 'caged in' for longer then I should have. I left that job a few weeks ago and really needed to repair the damaged to myself that I allowed to happen. Again, I apologize for the delay with postings, but I am now ready and excited to start them again.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Releasing the Divine Feminine-James Tyman
James Twyman is an internationally renowned, best-selling author, filmmaker and musician who has a reputation for travelling to some of the world's greatest areas of conflict, sharing his message of peace. James has performed at the United Nations, and the Pentagon and war zones such as Bosnia, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Russia. James has written ten books including Emissary of Light and The Moses Code. He has also produced or directed four films including the award winning Indigo, and the film version of The Moses Code. Known as the Peace Troubladour his work has inspired hundreds of thousands of people.
This recording lasts 22 minutes. Enjoy.
http://www.stevenobel-interviews.com/DownloadMP3Squeeze.aspx?ID=152
This recording lasts 22 minutes. Enjoy.
http://www.stevenobel-interviews.com/DownloadMP3Squeeze.aspx?ID=152
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I am, I am, I am - take a peek at this video.
Here is a wonderful video which serves to remind us how unique and wonderfully special we all are. Please be sure to take a peek at it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqUAv5Bbv8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqUAv5Bbv8
Friday, July 23, 2010
A few things to ponder about disease - by Benjamin Ka-han McAvoy
Here is a yet another article written by my friend, Benjamin. He is always thinking and voicing thoughts-sharing wisdom and helping others in their own well being. Love and light to all.
Why Disease Happens by Benjamin Ka-han McAvoy
There are several contributing factors as to why disease happens. First and foremost, falsehood, which is simply a lack or absence of truth, love, health, etc. As was mentioned in the EFT paragraph above, a blockage in the body's acupuncture energy meridian system happens before the symptoms of disease show up, and these blockages are due to our lifestyle choices and way of being. As well as an energy blockage, our way of being also leads to an imbalance in the body's pH levels, as well as cell dysfunction, both of which happen before the symptoms of disease come about. Pretty much every disease share these 4 common things: Cell dysfunction, a nutrient deficiency, an energy blockage in the acupuncture meridian system, and a pH imbalance. And all four of these are the result of unawareness and the absence of truth, love, and health.
Saying Goodbye to Disease, So to fix all of these problems that were just listed, we first need the truth. Now that we have an understanding of what MIGHT be the truth, we can put it to practice to see if it actually is or not. After all, nobody really KNOWS the truth unless something has been experienced FIRSTHAND, and even then only under certain circumstances. Nobody KNOWS the truth unless they ARE that which is to be known. Second and thirdly, we need motivation and at least a little self-discipline. Motivation usually comes when an individual has grown "sick and tired of being sick and tired", and this is all the motivation they need! For those who haven't reached those extreme lows of the depths of hell, it might help to question whether we really want to reach that point before we learn the lesson. It's a matter of learning the easy way or the hard way. It's generally far easier to prevent disease than trying to regain it. For those interested in preventing disease, their motivation is usually the joy and benefits of an enjoyable healthy life that lets them live life fully, quite often for the benefit of others. We experience the love, joy and happiness that we ARE by simply BEING it and sharing it with others, and if it's not shared with others, it won't be experienced. Denying love, joy and happiness in others, is actually denying yourself of it. Similarily, denying yourself of love also denies others of it. If a light bulb just appeared above your head, you're on your way to a much more enjoyable life!
Hope this makes sense
Benjamin ♥
Why Disease Happens by Benjamin Ka-han McAvoy
There are several contributing factors as to why disease happens. First and foremost, falsehood, which is simply a lack or absence of truth, love, health, etc. As was mentioned in the EFT paragraph above, a blockage in the body's acupuncture energy meridian system happens before the symptoms of disease show up, and these blockages are due to our lifestyle choices and way of being. As well as an energy blockage, our way of being also leads to an imbalance in the body's pH levels, as well as cell dysfunction, both of which happen before the symptoms of disease come about. Pretty much every disease share these 4 common things: Cell dysfunction, a nutrient deficiency, an energy blockage in the acupuncture meridian system, and a pH imbalance. And all four of these are the result of unawareness and the absence of truth, love, and health.
Saying Goodbye to Disease, So to fix all of these problems that were just listed, we first need the truth. Now that we have an understanding of what MIGHT be the truth, we can put it to practice to see if it actually is or not. After all, nobody really KNOWS the truth unless something has been experienced FIRSTHAND, and even then only under certain circumstances. Nobody KNOWS the truth unless they ARE that which is to be known. Second and thirdly, we need motivation and at least a little self-discipline. Motivation usually comes when an individual has grown "sick and tired of being sick and tired", and this is all the motivation they need! For those who haven't reached those extreme lows of the depths of hell, it might help to question whether we really want to reach that point before we learn the lesson. It's a matter of learning the easy way or the hard way. It's generally far easier to prevent disease than trying to regain it. For those interested in preventing disease, their motivation is usually the joy and benefits of an enjoyable healthy life that lets them live life fully, quite often for the benefit of others. We experience the love, joy and happiness that we ARE by simply BEING it and sharing it with others, and if it's not shared with others, it won't be experienced. Denying love, joy and happiness in others, is actually denying yourself of it. Similarily, denying yourself of love also denies others of it. If a light bulb just appeared above your head, you're on your way to a much more enjoyable life!
Hope this makes sense
Benjamin ♥
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Interesting tidbits about HDTV without high dollar fees.
I was out and about browsing on the internet when I stumbled on an article by Dan Schointuch. I found it quite interesting. To read the article in full, click the link below.
Almost a year ago I moved into a new apartment and did something revolutionary: I didn't set up cable or satellite TV. I was frustrated by the lack of choice (only one provider), lengthy contracts, and inexplicably high price. As someone who watches a lot of television, this seemed like a truly difficult problem, but I resolved to find a way to see my favorite shows without paying a cable or satellite bill. Fortunately, it was much easier than I thought.
You might not know it, but you can watch HDTV with an antenna. Over 99% of U.S. TV households can receive at least one local sation over the air, while 89% can watch five or more. The picture is perfectly clear thanks to the switch to digital TV completed on June 12, 2009. You'll either see a crisp, beautiful image or no image at all (static is a thing of the past). And the best part? All your favorite programming will still be in HD.
To read the full article, please click below:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110122/you-dont-have-to-pay-for-cable-tv?mod=series-a-article
Almost a year ago I moved into a new apartment and did something revolutionary: I didn't set up cable or satellite TV. I was frustrated by the lack of choice (only one provider), lengthy contracts, and inexplicably high price. As someone who watches a lot of television, this seemed like a truly difficult problem, but I resolved to find a way to see my favorite shows without paying a cable or satellite bill. Fortunately, it was much easier than I thought.
You might not know it, but you can watch HDTV with an antenna. Over 99% of U.S. TV households can receive at least one local sation over the air, while 89% can watch five or more. The picture is perfectly clear thanks to the switch to digital TV completed on June 12, 2009. You'll either see a crisp, beautiful image or no image at all (static is a thing of the past). And the best part? All your favorite programming will still be in HD.
To read the full article, please click below:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110122/you-dont-have-to-pay-for-cable-tv?mod=series-a-article
Helpful uses for coffee filters.
I came across a pretty neat article written by Lori Bongiorno about coffee filters and their uses. I have used a few of these suggestions for years - like tea bags, cachets and flower pots. I thought this was worth sharing. Enjoy and why not try a few?
(By Lori Bongiorno) I was surprised to come across several articles with long lists of alternative uses for coffee filters. I'd never really considered them for anything more than making coffee, and even then I know that choosing a reusable filter or making coffee in a French press is one way to stop throwing money away and cut back on waste.
I have to admit, though, that there are some very good reasons to keep a box of coffee filters on hand. They can come in handy in a number of situations and ultimately save you money since coffee filters are less expensive than other options.
Here are some of the most interesting and practical uses for coffee filters that I've come across. Please feel free to suggest other uses in the comments below!
*Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they don't leave behind any residue.
*Save a bottle of wine. Broke the cork? No problem. Just place a filter over a pitcher and carefully pour the wine into it.
*Line flower pots. Place a filter at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from leaking out of the drainage hole.
*Protect china and non-stick cookware. Place a coffee filter between dishes or pans when storing or packing.
*Wipe off smudges. In a pinch, you can use to clean eyeglasses, camera lenses, televisions, and computer monitors.
*Keep your microwave clean. Prevent splatters by covering dishes or bowls in the microwave with coffee filters. Using another plate is your best bet, but filters are a good alternative to plastic wrap. And you can easily reuse them a few times.
*Make a bouquet garni. Tie up bay leaves, parsley, or other herbs in a coffee filter. Drop it in your stew or soup pot, and easily remove it when you're done cooking. Recipes often suggest cheesecloth for this process, but a coffee filter is an easy-to-find alternative.
*Diffuse the flash on your camera. Place a coffee filter over your flash to soften the brightness. You can also try putting coffee filters over lights or lamps to lessen the harshness of direct light when taking indoor photos.
*Make sachets. Tie lavender or other dried flowers and herbs in a coffee filter to make great-smelling bundles you can store in drawers and closets.
*Use for sewing projects. Coffee filters make a great backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.
*Make tea bags. Wrap loose tea in a filter and tie with a string.
*Use for storage. Wrap Christmas ornaments and other rarely used fragile items before packing away.
(By Lori Bongiorno) I was surprised to come across several articles with long lists of alternative uses for coffee filters. I'd never really considered them for anything more than making coffee, and even then I know that choosing a reusable filter or making coffee in a French press is one way to stop throwing money away and cut back on waste.
I have to admit, though, that there are some very good reasons to keep a box of coffee filters on hand. They can come in handy in a number of situations and ultimately save you money since coffee filters are less expensive than other options.
Here are some of the most interesting and practical uses for coffee filters that I've come across. Please feel free to suggest other uses in the comments below!
*Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they don't leave behind any residue.
*Save a bottle of wine. Broke the cork? No problem. Just place a filter over a pitcher and carefully pour the wine into it.
*Line flower pots. Place a filter at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from leaking out of the drainage hole.
*Protect china and non-stick cookware. Place a coffee filter between dishes or pans when storing or packing.
*Wipe off smudges. In a pinch, you can use to clean eyeglasses, camera lenses, televisions, and computer monitors.
*Keep your microwave clean. Prevent splatters by covering dishes or bowls in the microwave with coffee filters. Using another plate is your best bet, but filters are a good alternative to plastic wrap. And you can easily reuse them a few times.
*Make a bouquet garni. Tie up bay leaves, parsley, or other herbs in a coffee filter. Drop it in your stew or soup pot, and easily remove it when you're done cooking. Recipes often suggest cheesecloth for this process, but a coffee filter is an easy-to-find alternative.
*Diffuse the flash on your camera. Place a coffee filter over your flash to soften the brightness. You can also try putting coffee filters over lights or lamps to lessen the harshness of direct light when taking indoor photos.
*Make sachets. Tie lavender or other dried flowers and herbs in a coffee filter to make great-smelling bundles you can store in drawers and closets.
*Use for sewing projects. Coffee filters make a great backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.
*Make tea bags. Wrap loose tea in a filter and tie with a string.
*Use for storage. Wrap Christmas ornaments and other rarely used fragile items before packing away.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Vulnerability - by Benjamin Ka-han McAvoy
Here is a little exerpt from my friend Benjamin. He asked me to pass it on so I am. Enjoy the wisdom being passed on and try to incorporate it into your life.
Loneliness, neediness, and vulnerability all have their roots in our fundamental yearning for spiritual completion. These emotions emanate from the deficit at our core and present us with an uncomfortable glimpse of, and misplaced response to, our central problem: we live our lives cut off from other people, from the higher worlds, and from the Divine. We dwell in a world of separateness and incompleteness, looking outside ourselves to fill our hidden inner emptiness, to assuage our half-formed spirit. We look for relationships and outer security in the false belief that these will solve the problem. Though we always misinterpret and displace it to the outside, our true need is a sacred longing, drawing us into the depths of our being, toward the Divine. Only through spiritual completion can we satisfy this central hunger of human life, by coming into oneness with other people and with God.
Our practice then is to reinterpret into truth our feelings of loneliness, neediness, and vulnerability. When we notice such emotions arising in us, instead of pushing them away or desperately looking for someone to marry, we open to these feelings, look into them, and recognize their source in our spiritual need. We allow our loneliness, neediness, and vulnerability to feed our spiritual practice, by turning their outward orientation and their energy toward our inner work.Working diligently at spiritual practice fills that inner void, brings lasting satisfaction, and opens us to the higher. We let our need become a source of strength that helps drive our spiritual inner work.
We can grow closer to other people and more complete by recognizing our inner emptiness and letting the higher fill it. Then instead of others feeling our grasping for relationship and being repulsed thereby, they can feel our growing wholeness and love, and be drawn by those qualities. In this way we develop our relationships both with people and with the Divine.
With much love to all
Light as always
Benjamin ♥
Loneliness, neediness, and vulnerability all have their roots in our fundamental yearning for spiritual completion. These emotions emanate from the deficit at our core and present us with an uncomfortable glimpse of, and misplaced response to, our central problem: we live our lives cut off from other people, from the higher worlds, and from the Divine. We dwell in a world of separateness and incompleteness, looking outside ourselves to fill our hidden inner emptiness, to assuage our half-formed spirit. We look for relationships and outer security in the false belief that these will solve the problem. Though we always misinterpret and displace it to the outside, our true need is a sacred longing, drawing us into the depths of our being, toward the Divine. Only through spiritual completion can we satisfy this central hunger of human life, by coming into oneness with other people and with God.
Our practice then is to reinterpret into truth our feelings of loneliness, neediness, and vulnerability. When we notice such emotions arising in us, instead of pushing them away or desperately looking for someone to marry, we open to these feelings, look into them, and recognize their source in our spiritual need. We allow our loneliness, neediness, and vulnerability to feed our spiritual practice, by turning their outward orientation and their energy toward our inner work.Working diligently at spiritual practice fills that inner void, brings lasting satisfaction, and opens us to the higher. We let our need become a source of strength that helps drive our spiritual inner work.
We can grow closer to other people and more complete by recognizing our inner emptiness and letting the higher fill it. Then instead of others feeling our grasping for relationship and being repulsed thereby, they can feel our growing wholeness and love, and be drawn by those qualities. In this way we develop our relationships both with people and with the Divine.
With much love to all
Light as always
Benjamin ♥
Monday, June 28, 2010
Chakra Attunement.
Introducing the new Chakra Attunement Series - Each powerful 15 minute track has been carefully designed to create a wonderful listening experience that promotes inner balance, peace, and tranquility by assisting in the attunement of the 7 chakra centers. These tracks can also be used for stress reduction, meditation and hypnosis.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sacred Sound Alchemy.
This was brought to my attention by my friend, Experiencer Journey. He wrote a small paragraph which is very insightful and worth reading. He stated, "Many times when we are feeling unwell, we think to treat the body but not the spiritual body. Many illnesses can be directly related to the spiritual body. Healing oneself involves healing, on all levels. I've posted frequencies before but this is specific for healing. It is not just the frequency but has the frequency embeded within the music :) - enjoy."
This is wonderful for DNA repair and healing. Here is a little more info to ponder. Forgotten In Time: The Ancient Solfeggio Frequencies - There is no taste, no sound, no light and no color. Our taste and sound receptors are impulse converters;There is no light and no color outside of our brain.Colors and light are formed in our brains by conversion.
Light energy vibrations of different frequency(i.e., of different wavelengths) are converted by a transducer(the eye) into signals(impulses) that can be received and processed by neurons in the brain of as colors.
Love signal is a healing audio and visual meditation with music, sacred geometry and Solfeggio frequency 528 Hz, the miraculous frequency for transformation and DNA repair. There is a special sound and color of love according to Dr. Horowitz, a Harvard-trained award-winning investigator. Broadcasting the right frequency can help open your heart, prompt peace, and hasten healing. "We now know the love signal, 528 Hertz, is among the six core creative frequencies of the universe because math doesn't lie, the geometry of physical reality universally reflects this music; these findings have been independently derived, peer reviewed, and empirically validated," Dr. Horowitz says. Music & video by Jandy the Decibel Jezebel Poem by Katie Pye The Solfeggio Scale and note names; 1. UT...396 Hz (Center Pillar of the Tree)
The third note, frequency 528, relates to the note MI on the scale and derives from the phrase "MI-ra gestorum" in Latin meaning "miracle." Stunningly, this is the exact frequency used by genetic biochemists to repair broken DNA - the genetic blueprint upon which life is based! MI - 528 Hz - relates to crown chakra. Dr Mirahorian suggests an association with DNA integrity,transformation and Miracles . MI - 528 Hz - relates to crown chakra;
The regular "C" that we all know of in this culture (which is from the diatonic scale of do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do) is not the 528 Hz frequency "C. A regular "C" vibrates at a frequency of 512 Hz. The "C" of 528 Hz used for DNA repair is part of an ancient scale called the Solfeggio Scale.
This is wonderful for DNA repair and healing. Here is a little more info to ponder. Forgotten In Time: The Ancient Solfeggio Frequencies - There is no taste, no sound, no light and no color. Our taste and sound receptors are impulse converters;There is no light and no color outside of our brain.Colors and light are formed in our brains by conversion.
Light energy vibrations of different frequency(i.e., of different wavelengths) are converted by a transducer(the eye) into signals(impulses) that can be received and processed by neurons in the brain of as colors.
Love signal is a healing audio and visual meditation with music, sacred geometry and Solfeggio frequency 528 Hz, the miraculous frequency for transformation and DNA repair. There is a special sound and color of love according to Dr. Horowitz, a Harvard-trained award-winning investigator. Broadcasting the right frequency can help open your heart, prompt peace, and hasten healing. "We now know the love signal, 528 Hertz, is among the six core creative frequencies of the universe because math doesn't lie, the geometry of physical reality universally reflects this music; these findings have been independently derived, peer reviewed, and empirically validated," Dr. Horowitz says. Music & video by Jandy the Decibel Jezebel Poem by Katie Pye The Solfeggio Scale and note names; 1. UT...396 Hz (Center Pillar of the Tree)
The third note, frequency 528, relates to the note MI on the scale and derives from the phrase "MI-ra gestorum" in Latin meaning "miracle." Stunningly, this is the exact frequency used by genetic biochemists to repair broken DNA - the genetic blueprint upon which life is based! MI - 528 Hz - relates to crown chakra. Dr Mirahorian suggests an association with DNA integrity,transformation and Miracles . MI - 528 Hz - relates to crown chakra;
The regular "C" that we all know of in this culture (which is from the diatonic scale of do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do) is not the 528 Hz frequency "C. A regular "C" vibrates at a frequency of 512 Hz. The "C" of 528 Hz used for DNA repair is part of an ancient scale called the Solfeggio Scale.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Regression into a past life and how it helps me in today's world-by Sonia Shah.
As I was out and about on the internet, I came across this fascinating article written by Sonia Shah. Many people have thought about past lives, who they were, what they did, what was it like, etc. Some of us have traveled back into the past thru dreams, meditations or even hypnosis. By going back in time, you can find some answers to the questions that you have today, like why am I not happy, why don't my romantic relationships work, why am I drawn to this person or time period, why do I feel that I've known my best friend forever? These questions are normal and many, at one time or another, have thought them. So if you are or were thinking about past life regression and wanting to try going back to see how it can help you in your life today, here is one person's story to help you decide whether you want to persue it or dismiss it. I hope you enjoy the article.
REGRESSION INTO A PAST LIFE - by Sonia Shah
MY nerves were jangling when I went to see Nicolas Aujula, a past life regressionist. It's not uncommon to wonder about the sense and purpose of our existence. And the concept of reincarnation and past lives has fascinated me for ages. But I was very sceptical about the ability to go back in time to access an individual's former life. It seemed inconceivable this could solve the mystery and purpose of the current one. It also sounded daunting and a little nonsensical.
My reaction proved to be a standard first response to Nicolas. He has conducted a regression on Big Brother star Sophie Reade and other celebrity clients include Toyah Wilcox. I was curious to know if there was anything more behind this "made-for-TV and entertainment purposes" setting.
Questions poured out of me. "What if I see something frightening that will traumatise me? What if I killed someone? How will I know it's not my imagination telling me I was Marilyn Monroe or the Queen of Sheba?" I was told to relax, not to analyse anything and to try to keep an open mind. If a horror scene surfaced, I was assured it wouldn't have any hold over me and I'd learn important life lessons.
I did a deep breathing exercise and my tenseness disappeared. My over-analytical mind went into a clearer mental state and a creative visualisation helped me to further relax each part of the body. In between, I really wondered if I'd be able to view anything significant at all, but then the movie in my mind started unfolding. "Are you male or female? How do you see yourself?" asked Nicolas, who is based in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Astonishingly, a pair of dark feet with gold anklets appeared. A plait of black hair coiled around an off-the shoulder, white cloth wrapped around me. I was crouching over a riverbank washing clothes against stones. I was in my early twenties and lived with my father in a remote village in India, where our straw house was the only dwelling in the vicinity. As I considered the absence of my mother, I was surprised by my emotions. Tears flowed when I replayed the memories of her death during my early childhood. It's not often I become emotional and, feeling slightly embarrassed and perplexed, I apologised to the stranger in front of me and moved on to the next scene.
"Do you not have anybody close to you apart from your father?" "No, but I believe in the Indian goddess Mataji. She gives me strength and gets me through everything," I replied. It felt bizarre to portray myself as a Hindu deity worshipper and I chuckled uncomfortably. I was aware certain goddesses such as Lakshmi signified wealth and Saraswati was revered for creativity, but I wasn't sure about Mataji. After the regression, I found out she represented strength for Hindus. Back in the regression, after my father's death, I left our home and travelled aimlessly through many villages with many people offering to look after me. Several days later, I stumbled into a temple and the instant presence of Mataji drew me in. The image of her powdered complexion, long black hair and psychedelic saree adorned the temple's marble floors and wood walls. In return for food and board, I swept the temple and found solace in Mataji and meditation. The temple had many books displaying colourful images of celestial beings from Hindu scriptures. I was illiterate, but eventually an old man came to my rescue. He regulated many temple events and administered some ceremonies. He also turned out to be my real-life grandfather, shockingly enough, whom I'd never met. He'd passed away in his early fifties, six years before I was born, but I recognised him immediately as I'd seen his pictures in my family home. Logistically, it was possible, but my focus on the past came to an abrupt halt. The image of meeting my grandad in a past life but never in this present one seemed too peculiar to digest.
Nicolas assured me it was normal to sometimes recognise people from the past, whether your paths had crossed or not. He made me feel better and I settled back into temple life, where the rest of my years were spent peacefully. I wasn't tangled in any relationship dramas and died a spinster. The puzzles of this life started to fall into place. Relationships seem quite alien to me and I'd often tried to veer away from them. I'm not rushing around to find Mr Right as you might expect of a woman in her thirties. Instead, I've tried to find ways of meeting life's challenges. Some try kickboxing, or learn Thai cooking but I've been trying meditation. Maybe the past influenced it and had created a feeling of nostalgia.
It was time to bring me back into the present. On the count of three, I woke, feeling dazed as though I'd just had a pleasant dream. After my last few months of angst, I suddenly felt very calm. I felt a sense of envy for the temple cleaner's life. I felt very connected with myself in the past and, even though I felt I'd got close to that point in this life, events and traumas had put me in a wretched state. This didn't seem to be the case with my life in India, but it's easy to avoid drama when one's existence is enshrined in a temple. I'd carried a straightforward and disciplined life and felt more composed and at ease. It's compelled me to inject more of those characteristics from the past into the present. Since my journey into the past, I've developed a healthier state of mind, an inner strength and a better understanding to confront situations more constructively. I learned I'd have to relive moments from the past and integrate them into a commercial and hostile environment. The more I practice, the more barriers I break down with this formula. I'm still revelling in the afterglow of the experience, which always helps when something unpleasant comes along. It all makes sense now.
REGRESSION INTO A PAST LIFE - by Sonia Shah
MY nerves were jangling when I went to see Nicolas Aujula, a past life regressionist. It's not uncommon to wonder about the sense and purpose of our existence. And the concept of reincarnation and past lives has fascinated me for ages. But I was very sceptical about the ability to go back in time to access an individual's former life. It seemed inconceivable this could solve the mystery and purpose of the current one. It also sounded daunting and a little nonsensical.
My reaction proved to be a standard first response to Nicolas. He has conducted a regression on Big Brother star Sophie Reade and other celebrity clients include Toyah Wilcox. I was curious to know if there was anything more behind this "made-for-TV and entertainment purposes" setting.
Questions poured out of me. "What if I see something frightening that will traumatise me? What if I killed someone? How will I know it's not my imagination telling me I was Marilyn Monroe or the Queen of Sheba?" I was told to relax, not to analyse anything and to try to keep an open mind. If a horror scene surfaced, I was assured it wouldn't have any hold over me and I'd learn important life lessons.
I did a deep breathing exercise and my tenseness disappeared. My over-analytical mind went into a clearer mental state and a creative visualisation helped me to further relax each part of the body. In between, I really wondered if I'd be able to view anything significant at all, but then the movie in my mind started unfolding. "Are you male or female? How do you see yourself?" asked Nicolas, who is based in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Astonishingly, a pair of dark feet with gold anklets appeared. A plait of black hair coiled around an off-the shoulder, white cloth wrapped around me. I was crouching over a riverbank washing clothes against stones. I was in my early twenties and lived with my father in a remote village in India, where our straw house was the only dwelling in the vicinity. As I considered the absence of my mother, I was surprised by my emotions. Tears flowed when I replayed the memories of her death during my early childhood. It's not often I become emotional and, feeling slightly embarrassed and perplexed, I apologised to the stranger in front of me and moved on to the next scene.
"Do you not have anybody close to you apart from your father?" "No, but I believe in the Indian goddess Mataji. She gives me strength and gets me through everything," I replied. It felt bizarre to portray myself as a Hindu deity worshipper and I chuckled uncomfortably. I was aware certain goddesses such as Lakshmi signified wealth and Saraswati was revered for creativity, but I wasn't sure about Mataji. After the regression, I found out she represented strength for Hindus. Back in the regression, after my father's death, I left our home and travelled aimlessly through many villages with many people offering to look after me. Several days later, I stumbled into a temple and the instant presence of Mataji drew me in. The image of her powdered complexion, long black hair and psychedelic saree adorned the temple's marble floors and wood walls. In return for food and board, I swept the temple and found solace in Mataji and meditation. The temple had many books displaying colourful images of celestial beings from Hindu scriptures. I was illiterate, but eventually an old man came to my rescue. He regulated many temple events and administered some ceremonies. He also turned out to be my real-life grandfather, shockingly enough, whom I'd never met. He'd passed away in his early fifties, six years before I was born, but I recognised him immediately as I'd seen his pictures in my family home. Logistically, it was possible, but my focus on the past came to an abrupt halt. The image of meeting my grandad in a past life but never in this present one seemed too peculiar to digest.
Nicolas assured me it was normal to sometimes recognise people from the past, whether your paths had crossed or not. He made me feel better and I settled back into temple life, where the rest of my years were spent peacefully. I wasn't tangled in any relationship dramas and died a spinster. The puzzles of this life started to fall into place. Relationships seem quite alien to me and I'd often tried to veer away from them. I'm not rushing around to find Mr Right as you might expect of a woman in her thirties. Instead, I've tried to find ways of meeting life's challenges. Some try kickboxing, or learn Thai cooking but I've been trying meditation. Maybe the past influenced it and had created a feeling of nostalgia.
It was time to bring me back into the present. On the count of three, I woke, feeling dazed as though I'd just had a pleasant dream. After my last few months of angst, I suddenly felt very calm. I felt a sense of envy for the temple cleaner's life. I felt very connected with myself in the past and, even though I felt I'd got close to that point in this life, events and traumas had put me in a wretched state. This didn't seem to be the case with my life in India, but it's easy to avoid drama when one's existence is enshrined in a temple. I'd carried a straightforward and disciplined life and felt more composed and at ease. It's compelled me to inject more of those characteristics from the past into the present. Since my journey into the past, I've developed a healthier state of mind, an inner strength and a better understanding to confront situations more constructively. I learned I'd have to relive moments from the past and integrate them into a commercial and hostile environment. The more I practice, the more barriers I break down with this formula. I'm still revelling in the afterglow of the experience, which always helps when something unpleasant comes along. It all makes sense now.
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