Monthly Archives: March 2016

A Writers Retreat, A Miracle, Say Yes!

“You are the work of God, and His work is wholly lovable and wholly loving.This is how a woman must think of herselfin her heart, because this is what she is.” –A Course in Miracles

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I attendedthe “Women Writers in the Redwoods” conference last year. Thirty women cameand were coachedby five teachers in an incredible setting at Pema Osel Ling Retreat Center outside of Coralitas, California. Today, I found out I could have a discount/partial scholarship. I immediately wrote back and said, “Yes.” Within a few minutes,a friend asked a favor, and paid for the rest of the conference.

A powerful word, yes!

I do believe in saying yes, even when I don’t necessarily know how itsall going to work out. I’m always amazed when events are orchestrated to bring a gift. The retreat last year helped me recommit to my writing. I started blogging, writing my next book, and rejoined a poetry writing group. The retreat this year will help me continue my writingjourney, make new writerly friends, and seeagain all the wonderful women I met last year. And I know there will be unknown mystery gifts coming too.

Justmorning while reading a book on meditation, creativity, and joy, I thought I would like to join a meditation class. This isn’t a meditation class, but it is held at a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center in the Santa Cruz mountains. I do plan on meditating while there.

I must remember what the Course in Miracles says, “Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love.They are performed by those who temporarily have more for those who temporarily have less.”

Ah life, ah angels, thank you, thank you for your gifts. And remember, when opportunity shows up, sayyes.

What unexpected gifts have you received lately? Any miracles to report?

 

 

Twin Pelican Chicks

Pelican Twins! Well, my sister and I are not exactly twin pelican chicks, but we still have a lot of life in both of us. She was dancing this weekend on the East Coast and her husband filmed her. I saw the post on Facebook! I dance at my Jazzercise class most mornings. Did you know that people who dance fight dementia? Not that we’re worried about that at our age. I just know I feel great when I dance.

I drew the chicks above in my Drawing 2 class at Cabrillo College, our local community college last spring. I was very into learning how to draw birds, not a natural talent, but in the end I had so much fun.This was my teacher’s favorite of all the drawings I did. But, his wife was expecting twins!

My twin sister, Laurie, and I are very close, despite the fact we’ve lived most of our lives apart. We were born at midnight, so we have different birthdays. No, we are not identical. I, yes, was born first. Unfortunately, my cord was wrapped around my sister’sneck, and she was born blue. Yes, she forgave me.

Lauriehas always been so adventuresome and brave! I’ve followed her on some of her teaching travels to Brazil and Venezuela. Just a few short years ago on our birthday I followed her across a small bay to snorkel in the turquiosewaters with lots of colorful fish. She has helped me overcome my shyness and timidity, and to do things I never thought I could.

Happy Birthday, sweet twin. We’ll talk again this weekend, and I’ll see you nextsummer. Can’t wait!

 

Finding A Spirit Guide, I Mean Bird!

 

At my “Artist Way Class” we played with clay, let our hands do the talking, and were introduced to an animal guide for the class. My clay morphed from hawk to pelican.My guide, the pelican, has been showing up all week.

I was above Seabright Beach on the cliffs when this large, wide winged bird floated up on the wind level with my view of him. Oh, so majestic and ancient looking at the same time.I am for a moment transported into the mystery – the feeling that everything in life is orchestrated and in divine order.

According to Animals Speak by Ted Andrews, pelicans symbolically represent the ability “to be buoyant and rest on the top in spite of life’scircumstances. The pelican teaches that no matter how difficult life becomes, no matter how much you plunge, you can pop to the surface.”

I drew the picture above in my drawing class at Cabrillo College. I had fun getting to know pelicans through drawing them. Such amazing birds! The Audubon Society says of them, “An unmistakable bird of coastal waters. Groups of Brown Pelicans fly low over the waves in single file, flapping and gliding in unison. Their feeding behavior is spectacular, as they plunge headlong into the water in pursuit of fish.”

Call on a pelican when you’re going through challenging times and plunging to meet life’s challenges. Know you canjust rest on the spiritual waters, no matter what is going on in your life. Ask the pelicans for their magic and power!

What birds are you attracted to? What do you think they mean to you spiritually? What message are they giving you?