22.9.12

The Equinox | September 22 - A Time For New Beginnings And Letting Go



Just the other day I was expressing to my husband how powerful the fall is for me.  I told him I felt like it was a time for new beginnings, to set new goals, and to let go of the past.  I also feel this way when spring hits.  Perhaps it's because of the seasons beautiful changes in nature or could there be a little more at play?  I came across this article today and it made me think just a little bit deeper as to why I have such a strong sense to expand myself personally and spiritually at these times.  Anyone else feel this way?


The Equinox. Nature’s Powerful Energetic Message
By Stacy Vajta
It’s the Equinox (September 22, 2021 7:49am PDT), a day where the sunrise and sunset are 12 hours apart, giving equal hours to day and night. It’s one of four important dates that are linked to nature and her energetic cycles, as well as the cosmic cycles or patterns that affect us all.
fall image The Equinox. Natures Powerful Energetic MessageHere where I live, we are shifting into the fall. The Autumnal Equinox marks nature’s entry into a new year. And just as in nature, as the leaves begin to fall, the crop cycles complete and we harvest what can sustain us through the winter, energetically we do the same.
The energetic vibration of the fall equinox signals a time for us to begin to move our energy within. And with this energetic shift, we begin to let go of what no longer sustains us, while we asses what we wish to pull deeply into our being to transform throughout the winter and emerge anew in the spring.
And for those stepping into spring, the message is just as clear. However, with the Vernal Equinox nature speaks to you in full creation.
The spring equinox energetically begins a process where the energy shifts from intent into form. The spring equinox takes us beyond the deeper “planning” and the architecture of what we chose to create as Spirit, and allows us to step into a wonderful partnership with Nature to bring things into bloom! And for those celebrating the spring now, this “planning” stage that is transforming within you now was set in motion the previous fall, when you began what we here in the north are doing now.
spiral tree The Equinox. Natures Powerful Energetic Message
So you can see, the Equinox is a very powerful time with a clear energetic message held in nature and the Devic Realm that urges us forward in motion in our own spiritual evolution. It does indeed have its own signature of energy, which can be felt – and used – as a tool in your energy work.
To get to that level of energetic information, we need to tune into the Devic Realm. And once we do, we can begin to recognize that force in its many shapes and forms. There’s certainly a hierarchy in this realm of consciousness which supports us.
The word “Deva” is from the Sanskrit language, meaning “a being of brilliant light” and is used to indicate a non-physical being. I think of the Devic Realm as including what I see as the Overlighting Devas, or the archetypal spiritual intelligences behind all that we create here, as well as Pan and Nature Spirits, those energetic forces behind nature and that support bringing that consciousness into form.
This energy is present at all times but shifts as we move through our own personal cycles with the seasons; and it has a different feel and intent depending on if you are celebrating winter, spring, summer or fall.
So how can you connect into this energy as you celebrate the equinox?
My favorite way to experience this energy is to simply be in meditation at the time of the equinox. I find that if I move deep within the earth, as well as connecting up into the energies above me I actually feel a shift at the time of the equinox. I try to pay special attention to that Devic Realm, where nature speaks, as I stay open to what message awaits me.
You can try this too! Call in your guides, the nature spirits and the overlighting devas…the over-lighting consciousness of what you want to be working with. Think of it as the spirit of things like healing, your work, your family…whatever. It’s the consciousness that informs the the form!
And then as you are connected into these energies, feel into them. See what is there for you as you hold the bigger picture that you are either in a place of bringing these into form (spring) or allow them to finalize and transform into something new (fall).
I’m already feeling the pull to draw my energy within and explore what I need to let go of and what I’ve been holding onto that is holding me back. And the energy that I am experiencing now as I feel into the equinox is that of great support to let go. It feels like open arms and a deep encouragement to release. I’m actually excited to fall into the autumnal equinox energy and feel the energy that feeds me as I let go.
If meditating and working with your energy in that way isn’t how you connect into this rich energy and support, head out into nature. But as you do, allow yourself to look deep into the energy that is present. Feel into the quiet energetics of the season and listen within to what you are drawn to act on or do for your own healing. And then let yourself have the time to do that.
You may be in creation mode (spring) or in a phase of gathering up information (harvesting) or starting the process of moving within to let go (dropping your leaves so to speak). We each have our own unique timing, but the message that is inherent in the energy of the equinox is there to support us and guide us to the next phase on our journey.
Today, listen in to that message…it comes with love.

Article via  http://www.lightworkersworld.com/2012/09/the-equinox-message/

20.6.12

Color and Texture

A Creative Afternoon Walk in Inglewood
a Special Little Man

After a long and busy month of photo sessions and editing,   I felt the itch to get out and find something interesting to shoot.  Just for fun.   So, I grabbed my sweet boy (who decided to stay home from school as he "thought" he was sick) and we headed to the oldest neighborhood in the city.  A revitalized neighborhood enriched with quaint locally owned authentic cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and antique thrift stores.  We had a nice little lunch at a Mexican restaurant and then ventured out onto the streets to find inspiration.  It was only a matter of time before the colors and textures of the 100 year old buildings announced their beautiful rustic and hysterical presence. 

28.4.12

Build A Beautiful Succulent Arrangement


 I felt inspired to build this arrangement for several reasons.

1. Sometimes... I get bored.
2. I've been eyeballing the Jade plant for a while.  Not sure why.  They just seem happy.
3. Any excuse to hang out at the greenhouse.
4. Living plants purify the air.  With 4 boys in the house, I'm gonna need some plants!
5. Green symbolizes prosperity and who doesn't want to prosper?
6. I love playing with dirt. There's just something so peaceful and therapeutic about it.

Ok So, You will need:

An aprox 10" glass container,  5"high
1 bag of sand
1 bag of pebbles
1 bag of glass pebbles
3-4 4" succulent plants

Step 1.  Visit your local greenhouse for the best quality succulents.  Don't forget to smell the air and indulge in the humidity while you're in there.  Take your time.  These things can't be rushed.

Step 2.  Choose 3-4 4" plants depending on the size of your glass container. 
Step. 3  Base coat your glass container with sand and then situate the pots in a visually appealing manor.  Do not take the pots out of the containers as the plants need these to drain. Be sure the tops of the pots sit below the rim of the glass bowl.
Step 4.  Fill remaining space between plants with more sand and then small pebbles.  Near the top, you can add some glass pebbles or larger rocks. You be the artist.  Be sure to cover the edges of the pots with the rocks so you don't see them.
Step 5.  Step back and enjoy your beautiful creation.  Succulents like a lot of sunlight so choose it's dwelling accordingly.

22.4.12

Earth Day | The Long Way Home

I have the best intentions in doing my part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  I think about the quality of life I want for my children,  grand children, etc. so that one day they will hopefully be a part of a healthier environment and generation.  I do admit, I'm not perfect in this intention.  A lot of guilt overcomes me at times when I throw stuff in the garbage because my recycling bin is full or if I cannot bear to rinse a rancid container of Fromage Cottage.  Blahhhh! 

This day was an exceptionally busy one for me - full of editing and volunteer work for my son's school band.  But in between all the craziness, I knew it was gonna be a magical day for pictures.  The sky was incredibly blue and the clouds were low and puffy with heavy grey bottoms.   I took the long, scenic way home after picking the kids up from school that day just because I knew it would be more glorious.  And it was!  This particular day inspired me to stop and make time amongst all the madness to appreciate the beauty and wonders all around.  To me, Earth Day means just that - taking the time to STOP and appreciate the world that we take for granted, and to play an active roll in doing the things we need to do to help protect this planet we call HOME.

With great love in my heart for the Earth and it's perpetual beauty, Happy Earth Day!
  Click here to read about the origin of Earth Day. 

8.4.12

Unique Nests Ideas from Etsy

I guess I gotta thing for birds and nests.  Even better, PERSONALIZED bird nests! Quite fitting for this time of year, I'd say.  These items are all for sale on Etsy and are handmade by different artists.  I love shopping on Etsy! Personally, I would way rather spend the extra money to buy something handmade, as opposed to something that came off the assembly line.  I have a great deal of appreciation for the time, care, attention, and love that these artisans put into their work.  Did I mention that I LOVE Etsy?!?  It's the perfect one stop shop for that perfect gift for a friend, loved one, or yourself ;)


Mom's Nest - Personalized Rocks

Newborn Fur Nest Prop For Photographers

Baby Girl Theme Shower Invitations

Original Bird Nest Etching
  Etsy

 Striped Bird Nest Throw Pillow

Bird Nest Crochet Necklace

Nest and Old Barn Photograph


25.3.12

Uncover Your Hidden Talents

Here is an article that I came across and thought I needed to share it.  No matter how old we are or what stage of our lives we are in,  I strongly believe that we all have special gifts, skills, and talents that we're meant to discover and share with others.

By Loral Langemeier

How many times have you said this? “I don’t have any gifts.” “I am not a gifted person.”
If you have been thinking that, you should definitely think again. Just because they didn’t put you in the “gifted and talented” program during grade school doesn’t mean you don’t have gifts and talents you can use immediately to create positive change and wealth in your life. You may not think you know what your gifts are, but it’s more likely that you’re denying them. We are all blessed with gifts as a part of our nature. We are born with them! It’s our responsibility to uncover them, develop them and then share them with others.
We are given everything we need to have the lives we want.
It is within you, in your make-up, to be whoever you want to be. Maybe your mindset is driving you in such a way that you are repressing those wonderful gifts given to you as part of your creation. But I am here with GREAT news. They are there, and they are yours! All you have to do is unearth them and build something spectacular.
Our talents and skills are part of our being.  In fact, each of us has a distinct set of tools that are our own.  And that’s why we were put on this planet – to share those talents and skills with the world!
Turn off any self-talk that tells you that you are destined to live a small life. You’re not. You have internal gifts (resourcefulness, energy, attitude, all sorts of positive attributes) and external gifts (food, water, nature, people and other helpful resources). If you are thinking, “My only gift is that I can get up every morning and get through it all again,” turn it off right now. That’s a damaging mindset! It will do nothing but hold you back and you deserve so much more!
Your gifts can make great things happen in your life!
The issue you face, when you don’t realize all of the wonderful gifts you have, is that it can be incredibly overwhelming! When you focus far too much on your problems, perceived shortcomings or other obstacles you get yourself STUCK. If all you see is growing debt, lack of money, fleeting dreams or a dismal future, you are stopping your momentum before it even has a chance to start.  If you’re one of those telling yourself you can’t afford a bigger life, or that you don’t have enough time to do everything you need to do, or you’re too tired, overworked, and have a lackluster life – stop! It’s time to shift your mindset and take action to create positive results!
Focus on the good things you do have, not on what you don’t have. Change the conversation in your head. Be good to yourself when you talk to yourself!  Change the people you associate with, if you need to. Get positive support. Reach out for what you want. Bring together those you need to help you succeed in creating a bigger life.  You have the potential, the capability. It is within you. Once you tap into it, you will see immediate results and great rewards come to you. When we use, share, and value our gifts properly, we receive rewards in the form of positive, regenerating energy and optimism.  If we give away our value, even literally, by extending our skills and talents without getting paid or recognized, it depletes energy and creates a negative attitude.
Gifts can make you feel like you have superpowers!
Your inner strengths, your natural abilities and everyday skills are the gateway to a brighter future. Here’s an exercise which will help you reset your mindset and help you access all of the wonderful gifts you have.
Sit down and write out everything you’re grateful for, everything you’re able to do and everything you even wish you could do. Get in the habit of thinking positively about yourself and what you’re capable of.  When you change that conversation with yourself, something miraculous happens! You are filled with Yes! Energy and before long, it will seem like anything you can dream of or want to do in your life will be possible.
By eliminating that negativity, you will crush small thoughts, small actions and a small life.  Living small is a crime against you!  A positive attitude opens doors and invites opportunity.
Open those doors and let the opportunity flood in and fill your life with success.

Think Bigger

Funky Upcycled Tie Patches for Kids Jeans

I have no idea what my 3 boys are doing to blow out the knees in their jeans all the time.  I swear they only last a few months.  I started to panic a bit when I looked at how large the pile of "jeans to be patched" was getting.  The thought of patching all these did not excite me, nor did spending more $$$ on more jeans.  Then, a wonderful idea hit me and I felt compelled to attack that growing pile of tattered jeans.

Here's What You Do

1.  Go into your husband's closet and grab some of his most favorite colorful and funky ties.  You can  also find very cheap ones at a thrift store if you don't want any trouble.

3.  Cut out a square patch on the tie large enough to cover the hole on the jean.
4.  Stitch-rip about 1 foot of the inner seem on jean near the hole.
5.  Pin patch on the inside of the jean to cover the hole.
6.  Stitch here...stitch there...zig here...zag there.
7.  Restitch side seem and there you have it.

 Cool Pants For Cool Kids


4 down and 6 more to go.


Thanks for helping Mom!
xoxo