So, we closed on the Oil City house two weeks after after seeing it, and shlepped an air mattress, dishes, a table and two dining chairs over. Camping for adults!
All is wonderful in the house, and given the location (think ski slope) we're not surprised that the floors are slanty. John laughed about getting his "sea legs," well, he's the captain of the Oil City ship, it just lists to starboard.
The energy in the area feels very ancient, and powerful to me. It might be the mountains, or the Allegheny river, but you can feel the depth of energy as you approach the area.
Even though it felt 'clear' in the house, I smudged and invited AA Michael and Co. to clear and protect the space. I might have been additionally motivated by the meth lab bust up the hill a bit or the many signs advertising the Northside Anti-Drug Rally. In all things, better safe than sorry.
So, last weekend we realized we needed a couple comfortable chairs. We heard about the Oil City Antiques Warehouse and headed over the river and through the woods (and under the bridge and back, back, back) to find it. We were initially leary, the rain and gloom didn't help the ambiance. But OMG! when we got inside it was like a combination of "Pawn Stars" and "Pickers.," (History Chanel shows I love). Mesmerizing! Luckily, we met Pat, who took us directly to the chair section, on the second floor. We scored two excellent chairs, that matched the size and color (Win!) of the living room and fit in our Honda Element.
Getting the one in the narrow front door was a bit of a struggle, but finally it was in.
Part two of the weekend involved a visit to the Oil City Library, a Carnegie Library that is lovely and imposing at the same time.
We browsed the stacks and I saw a large glossy book about ghosts and hauntings.
I swear I never watch ghost hunting shows, or read scary stories (vampires and ghouls no longer qualify as 'scary', thank you to everyone who took creatures of the night and made them the equivelent of soap opera stars.) But I flipped through the book and don't you know, started reading a story about haunted second-hand furniture. Blech! I didn't finish the tale but eyed the chairs with deep suspiscion when we got home.
Rhett Butler was snoozing behind the stuffed chair, so I assume between him and AA Michael, they were safe. Lesson learned.
Just a note about Oil City Antique Warehouse: This is a wonderful destination, and if you're anywhere near, please visit. It's on Pump House Road. They have amazing finds and helpful staff.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Why you should manifest
Because it works.
Whether or not you're conscious of it, your thoughts create your reality every day. Step back a minute and think about it.
How do you feel when you're in a good mood? Expansive, right? Things look better, 'bumps'in the day are manageable and you feel lighter. In fact, the longer you maintain that 'good mood outlook' the better things become.
Now remember what if feels like when you're down. Completely the opposite. "Bump" are worse, attitudes are worse, you feel like one (bad) thing leads to another.
The common denominator in both situations is our thoughts. We're thinking higher vibrational thoughts when we feel happy or content. Keeping yourself in this mind-set requires practice and focus, but it's worth the effort. When you let your mind run in a million directions, half of them negative, you're drawing random and negative energy and situations to yourself.
Control your thoughts, experience better situations.
"This all sounds well and good," you say. "All fluffy and light. What about real situations?"
Ok, here's my latest manifesting.
In July, we visited a community we really liked, 2 hours from home. We both decided we'd like to visit more often, and came to the conclusion a small cottage/vacation house would fit the bill. While John looked at real estate listings in our 'handy-man special' price range, I wrote out a list of desireable attributes for the property.
Those attributes included (but not limited to ) appliances, safe neighborhood, enclosed yard, nicely finished, garage, and in our price range. At the end, I wrote "This or something better." John laughed and said yeah, that would be great.
We looked at a couple homes that probably needed a lot more TLC than we could afford to give them. A LOT MORE. Frankly we had a couple convos about whether this was a reasonable idea. I knew that if it was meant to be, it would happen easily and in the time it was meant to be. So, we enjoyed the time we spent going over and back and talked about the fun stuff we could do over in the community, and how great it would be, to be a part of the place. And - to not have to board Rhett.
So the second week into this venture, we saw The House. It was recently listed, included all the attributes we listed (plus more!) and the realtor could show it that weekend. The result? The house was vacant, the owner was motivated and we close on it next week. In the spirit of full-disclosure, this house is in the community next to the one we originally liked, but we like this community even better, and have access to both with an easy drive.
If I can do it, you can do it. All this took was belief, joy and trust. And you have to open to the possibilities. Spirit will give you exactly what you ask for, or better. So ask for the best.
Whether or not you're conscious of it, your thoughts create your reality every day. Step back a minute and think about it.
How do you feel when you're in a good mood? Expansive, right? Things look better, 'bumps'in the day are manageable and you feel lighter. In fact, the longer you maintain that 'good mood outlook' the better things become.
Now remember what if feels like when you're down. Completely the opposite. "Bump" are worse, attitudes are worse, you feel like one (bad) thing leads to another.
The common denominator in both situations is our thoughts. We're thinking higher vibrational thoughts when we feel happy or content. Keeping yourself in this mind-set requires practice and focus, but it's worth the effort. When you let your mind run in a million directions, half of them negative, you're drawing random and negative energy and situations to yourself.
Control your thoughts, experience better situations.
"This all sounds well and good," you say. "All fluffy and light. What about real situations?"
Ok, here's my latest manifesting.
In July, we visited a community we really liked, 2 hours from home. We both decided we'd like to visit more often, and came to the conclusion a small cottage/vacation house would fit the bill. While John looked at real estate listings in our 'handy-man special' price range, I wrote out a list of desireable attributes for the property.
Those attributes included (but not limited to ) appliances, safe neighborhood, enclosed yard, nicely finished, garage, and in our price range. At the end, I wrote "This or something better." John laughed and said yeah, that would be great.
We looked at a couple homes that probably needed a lot more TLC than we could afford to give them. A LOT MORE. Frankly we had a couple convos about whether this was a reasonable idea. I knew that if it was meant to be, it would happen easily and in the time it was meant to be. So, we enjoyed the time we spent going over and back and talked about the fun stuff we could do over in the community, and how great it would be, to be a part of the place. And - to not have to board Rhett.
So the second week into this venture, we saw The House. It was recently listed, included all the attributes we listed (plus more!) and the realtor could show it that weekend. The result? The house was vacant, the owner was motivated and we close on it next week. In the spirit of full-disclosure, this house is in the community next to the one we originally liked, but we like this community even better, and have access to both with an easy drive.
If I can do it, you can do it. All this took was belief, joy and trust. And you have to open to the possibilities. Spirit will give you exactly what you ask for, or better. So ask for the best.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Lammas - What are you harvesting?
Ah, Lammas, the first of three harvest festivals for those of us following the wheel of the year. I love this time of year, my tomatoes are coming in, and my garden is lush.
So, what are you harvesting this time of year? I am seeing the benefits of some groundwork I laid awhile ago. Actually, it was unconsciouly done, but Spirit has a way of bringing it all together.
One of my goals was to be more articulate, personally and professionally - and you're reading one of my creations right now. I'm also passionate about social justice and taking responsibility.
Today, I made a second call to my city hall, and spoke with the city manager about a sidewalk that's been broken into pieces and tossed in it's hole, for two years. This week, the homeowner dumped woodchips in it. This street is the main route to the middle and high schools, and along the parade route of our little autumn parade. More importantly, we have zoning laws that are supposed to prevent this danger.
Also on the menu was the uncut weeds - thigh high - surrounding the Charter One Bank in the downtown. Now, I listened to the usual council won't enforce/we have no money blah blah, but I did get my point across regarding the sidewalk. Also commented that I may be showing up at city council, since city manager says they are the culprits who won't enforce our zoning.
Am I buying this? Not so much, because I'm a veteran of local government and especially zoning. But by expressing concern in a polite and professional way, I got his ear, and a possible invitation to sit on the downtown development committee. I've always said, put the complainers on the committee. Good for me.
And Charter One - yes, he said he'd get that baby trimmed up. ("They are not being good partners," said Karen.)
So you know I'm a passionate reader and closet novelist. One set of neighbors - both elementary school teachers with Master Degrees, tossed two cardboard boxes of like-new kids books, in the trash. They're moving - thank you Higher Power - and it's bad enought they don't recycle, but tossing books? You're teachers for heavens' sake. And, they just finished nattering to my husband about how much money teachers have to spend on their classroom.
I made a kamikaze raid on their trash and will deliver the books to my library this week.
So, why is this my harvest? Because I finally feel the courage to speak my mind, and have the 'knowing' that I can do this (act) in a responsible manner. It's standing in my power, from the heart and acting with Spirit.
So, what are you harvesting this time of year? I am seeing the benefits of some groundwork I laid awhile ago. Actually, it was unconsciouly done, but Spirit has a way of bringing it all together.
One of my goals was to be more articulate, personally and professionally - and you're reading one of my creations right now. I'm also passionate about social justice and taking responsibility.
Today, I made a second call to my city hall, and spoke with the city manager about a sidewalk that's been broken into pieces and tossed in it's hole, for two years. This week, the homeowner dumped woodchips in it. This street is the main route to the middle and high schools, and along the parade route of our little autumn parade. More importantly, we have zoning laws that are supposed to prevent this danger.
Also on the menu was the uncut weeds - thigh high - surrounding the Charter One Bank in the downtown. Now, I listened to the usual council won't enforce/we have no money blah blah, but I did get my point across regarding the sidewalk. Also commented that I may be showing up at city council, since city manager says they are the culprits who won't enforce our zoning.
Am I buying this? Not so much, because I'm a veteran of local government and especially zoning. But by expressing concern in a polite and professional way, I got his ear, and a possible invitation to sit on the downtown development committee. I've always said, put the complainers on the committee. Good for me.
And Charter One - yes, he said he'd get that baby trimmed up. ("They are not being good partners," said Karen.)
So you know I'm a passionate reader and closet novelist. One set of neighbors - both elementary school teachers with Master Degrees, tossed two cardboard boxes of like-new kids books, in the trash. They're moving - thank you Higher Power - and it's bad enought they don't recycle, but tossing books? You're teachers for heavens' sake. And, they just finished nattering to my husband about how much money teachers have to spend on their classroom.
I made a kamikaze raid on their trash and will deliver the books to my library this week.
So, why is this my harvest? Because I finally feel the courage to speak my mind, and have the 'knowing' that I can do this (act) in a responsible manner. It's standing in my power, from the heart and acting with Spirit.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Talking Tarot
The Magic Toshiba Laptop has a webcam and I've put up a video on my website http://www.spiritcelebrates.com/ and YouTube. It's very elementary but I will build on that with additional videos.
Always remember, If I can do it, you can do it. As soon as you start the wheels turning, you'll be presented with opportunities. For example, Ye Olde Dell laptop was on life support and what was holding me back? Fear of setting up new laptop. And honestly, they all look alike to me.
So, shout out to my friend Oz who did the research for me, and gave me reasonable affordable options, and even offered to set up this bad boy. But, I surprised myself and got it set up, hooked up and operational with interent etc. Honestly, technology has come a looooong way since we bought that first one. Still - proud of myself to meeting the challenge.
My point is, when you really want to do something, the Universe conspires in your favor. It's like that old spiritual adage, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This is true! Always be open to your teachers - and your students, yes! you are a teacher too! and take the opportunities that come your way.
Always remember, If I can do it, you can do it. As soon as you start the wheels turning, you'll be presented with opportunities. For example, Ye Olde Dell laptop was on life support and what was holding me back? Fear of setting up new laptop. And honestly, they all look alike to me.
So, shout out to my friend Oz who did the research for me, and gave me reasonable affordable options, and even offered to set up this bad boy. But, I surprised myself and got it set up, hooked up and operational with interent etc. Honestly, technology has come a looooong way since we bought that first one. Still - proud of myself to meeting the challenge.
My point is, when you really want to do something, the Universe conspires in your favor. It's like that old spiritual adage, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This is true! Always be open to your teachers - and your students, yes! you are a teacher too! and take the opportunities that come your way.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Peak Experiences
You mostly hear about peak experiences on sports or adventure shows, where athletes or adventurers are telling us about the adrenaline rush they get from an extraordinary play or achievement.
No doubt climbing Mt. McKinley, or hitting the run that wins the World Series qualify as peak experiences. You don’t have to see the shine in their eyes to know they’re feeling that rush, even as a memory. We feel it for them, too.
But what about a spiritual peak experience?
They don’t make the news, and unless you have friends that share your spiritual enthusiasm, or you subscribe to a magazine such as “Spirituality and Health” you probably won’t hear (or have the opportunity to discuss) a peak spiritual experience.
Spiritual paths are marathons. And when you’re traveling, you have to accept there are climbs, descents and plateaus. But every once in a while, there’s a moment – of ecstasy or peace or manifestation – that takes our breath away.
That’s our peak experience.
It hurts to let that experience fade because chances are, I'm not going to have them on a daily basis. Like a junkie, I want the next fix now. That’s when I find myself pushing for the spiritual ‘high,’ the next step, the next insight. Inevitably, this death-grip approach throttles any further spiritual progress.
This is when – for me- “Let go and let God,” has meaning.
My take away from these very personal experiences, and lessons, is to have patience, to release expectation, and to be open to receiving. Living in the ‘now’ moment, instead of holding the past, or anticipating the future.
Jack Kornfield’s book “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path” has always intrigued me. I love the title, and since it’s still on my reading list, I can’t give you a review. But it’s title alone has become a mantra for me.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Yoga Junkie
I revived my yoga practice this month.
Maybe 'revitalized' is a better word, because I've been attending a 45 minute fitness yoga class at our Y for four years. But the class was repetitive, and geared toward fitness. There was no breathing or meditation and I thought I could make up for that loss at home. After all, I'd taken yoga for nearly 15 years, on and off, at several studios.
Actually, two things propelled me to take my practice back to a studio, and into a more sacred realm. One was a series of dreams, where a turbaned man was instructing a yoga class. The other was hyper-extending my knee during a fast session of Upward Dog, Downward Dog.
And there is nothing like pain to prompt change.
Around the same time, I began attending the UU Church near us (see my post about Put up or Shut up) and someone mentioned a holistic health store and restaurant in another little town. In a flash, I remembered I had been to this store, and I thought they offered yoga. Sure enough they did, and at a variety of times and levels.
After four classes, the improvement in my self-esteem, tranquility and flexibility is remarkable. Icing on the cake is a deep respect for the teacher, and the sacred space she creates, and allows us to co-create with her.
I am infinitely grateful.
So the take away here is: listen to your dreams and guidance.
On a side note, I spend much of June and early July putting up a website. It's called Spirit Celebrates and it's at www.spiritcelebrates.com. I performed my first wedding for the daughter of my dear friend and one of my soul sisters, and there's a picture from the ceremony.
Maybe 'revitalized' is a better word, because I've been attending a 45 minute fitness yoga class at our Y for four years. But the class was repetitive, and geared toward fitness. There was no breathing or meditation and I thought I could make up for that loss at home. After all, I'd taken yoga for nearly 15 years, on and off, at several studios.
Actually, two things propelled me to take my practice back to a studio, and into a more sacred realm. One was a series of dreams, where a turbaned man was instructing a yoga class. The other was hyper-extending my knee during a fast session of Upward Dog, Downward Dog.
And there is nothing like pain to prompt change.
Around the same time, I began attending the UU Church near us (see my post about Put up or Shut up) and someone mentioned a holistic health store and restaurant in another little town. In a flash, I remembered I had been to this store, and I thought they offered yoga. Sure enough they did, and at a variety of times and levels.
After four classes, the improvement in my self-esteem, tranquility and flexibility is remarkable. Icing on the cake is a deep respect for the teacher, and the sacred space she creates, and allows us to co-create with her.
I am infinitely grateful.
So the take away here is: listen to your dreams and guidance.
On a side note, I spend much of June and early July putting up a website. It's called Spirit Celebrates and it's at www.spiritcelebrates.com. I performed my first wedding for the daughter of my dear friend and one of my soul sisters, and there's a picture from the ceremony.
Monday, June 6, 2011
"Put up, or Shut up"
I'm not insulting you. That's what I've dubbed the year 2011. My "Put up or Shut up" year. For context, 2010 was "Try one new thing each month" year.
So, this is the year I'm making good on all the dithering.
I finally realized that it would never be a perfect time to write a novel, that I would never polish my writing enough to feel good about blogging, and that I may not be perfect, but it's perfectly ok to be me.
There's a church I've driven past a million times, and for months I've found excuses not to get my rear in gear on Sunday morning. Snow, too tired, rain, bad hair. And finally, FINALLY I knew I had to either go, or drop the whole idea.
I'm glad I went.
And so, this is my lesson, if I feel like checking something out, I'm going to do it, or let it go. How much time have I wasted worrying about doing something? Too much. I decided to put myself out there with teaching some classes, which made me sweat because who was I to have such grand ideas? Well, why not me? And I had little cards printed up, with such a pretty design. And when I handed one out, I realized I forgot to put a phone number on them.
A year ago this would have absolutely made me believe I was not meant to do this. Now, I just laughed and wrote my number on the card. It's not the end of the world.
I don't have to be perfect, and neither do you. We're all wonderful Works in Progress, and unless we get over ourselves, we're never going to know how Wonderful we all can be.
So, this is the year I'm making good on all the dithering.
I finally realized that it would never be a perfect time to write a novel, that I would never polish my writing enough to feel good about blogging, and that I may not be perfect, but it's perfectly ok to be me.
There's a church I've driven past a million times, and for months I've found excuses not to get my rear in gear on Sunday morning. Snow, too tired, rain, bad hair. And finally, FINALLY I knew I had to either go, or drop the whole idea.
I'm glad I went.
And so, this is my lesson, if I feel like checking something out, I'm going to do it, or let it go. How much time have I wasted worrying about doing something? Too much. I decided to put myself out there with teaching some classes, which made me sweat because who was I to have such grand ideas? Well, why not me? And I had little cards printed up, with such a pretty design. And when I handed one out, I realized I forgot to put a phone number on them.
A year ago this would have absolutely made me believe I was not meant to do this. Now, I just laughed and wrote my number on the card. It's not the end of the world.
I don't have to be perfect, and neither do you. We're all wonderful Works in Progress, and unless we get over ourselves, we're never going to know how Wonderful we all can be.
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