Let it be...

Don't look back...you're not going that way!

As 2013 draws to a close, there is time for reflection on what has transpired over the past 12 months.  In my life, there has been great joy, there has been turmoil, struggles and even tears of loss and pain.

  

But what I find amongst the multitude of thoughts and emotions as I look back over this past year, is the most incredible and profound beauty of inner peace that provides me with great love in abundance.  The simple and most perfect JOY of all!!!  LOVE, plain and simple and utterly perfect.

 "This above all; to thine own self be true." —William Shakespeare

The peace that comes from within when you have achieved a higher consciousness is so vivid that it actually transforms your very own appearance, as though it seeps out through your pores.  It portrays an illumined spirit which others can actually see when they look closely at you.  The image or personality that your body temple projects in the material side of life is greatly enhanced by the discovery of your soul.  Soul awareness provides the opportunity to live in Heaven On Earth!  And that my friends, is truly the meaning of Life!!!

  

 "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." —Teilhard de Chardin

Many people seek happiness by looking externally to others and believe they must obtain certain objects or things to make them feel whole or complete.  True happiness can only be established when the Kingdom of Heaven is realized.  And it is not when your body dies...the time is now...here on earth.  And the location for that can be found in your very own heart which is connected to the soul.  When you allow your soul to awaken, you will be elevated quite rapidly to another realm of existence.  There are no religious boundaries that contain the Kingdom of Heaven.  You already own it.  Look inside of yourself, for therein lies the truth.  And we all know that THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE! 

I send out my very best Aloha Spirit, which contains love, compassion and peace, to one and all for the coming of the New Year 2014.  May you rise above and become one with the universe...and me:)

 

HAPPY HAPPY ~ JOY JOY!!! 

 

Peace On Earth and Goodwill Towards Men

  “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

— Albert Einstein

 This glorious sky presented itself to me the other day while all the snow was still pretty and white on the ground.  The beauty of winter and the joy that is projected out of doors by Mother Nature reminds us all to be grateful for the blessings of this beautiful life.  And Einstein knew perfectly well about the universe and what it has to offer by way of cosmic connections. 

 

 Yes, underneath this glorious December sky is the message of harmony.  When you become awakened to your inner consciousness, you will discover a Love Divine, and only then will you have the ability to truly experience Heaven on Earth.  This is the true meaning of life.  For you can not attain love and peace, nor happiness by seeking it externally or expect another individual to provide it for you.

Peace comes from within.  And each of us has it within our power to be genuinely happy.  The wisdom that comes when you discover your soul is sacred and must be nourished and nurtured.  It's quite easy to do this by practicing compassion.  Forgiveness may be required....of yourself as well as the forgiveness of others.  And when you tune in to the message that the universe sends out to you, you will then find that time stands still. It's a beautiful thing!!!

Peace be with you... 

Tuned In

 As the seeker tunes in to his very own soul, the cosmic communication becomes much more vivid. There is a constant connection and an ongoing dialogue in the conversation with the universe.  You see, when you go within, right to the center of your very own core being, you are completely free. Free from the obstacles and events of everyday life that present themselves in the other dimension; the material world...where your body lives and moves and works.  Where your body lives.

Once you become aware, and it can happen with such rapidity that you will be in utter disbelief.  But then you will begin to capture and recognize the signs and the symbols that are like beacons to show you that you are indeed a child of the universe. That you are connected.  That you belong.  Yes, there are those moments, when the brain lets your mind take over as it acknowledges sight, sound, touch, smell, taste.  Then to combine all those senses as you take in the breath of  life; your very own life as you inhale.  The life that you breathe in, and the very life that you exhale and send forth, back into the cosmic atmosphere to be rejuvenated and recharged as it tunes in and communes with its unique frequency; your very own sixth sense in another dimension.  Your very own vibration that communicates with others who are picking up or tuning in to receive your message.
 

It gets better...synchronicities and "aha" moments , those times when you just have to shake your head and smile, for there is no real explanation, other than you are in tune and tuned in. What you must realize at those moments, is that it is all meant to be.  Those events occur because you have allowed yourself to open up to the possibility that there is much more to the situation than a sheer "coincidence".  These moments occur because you have put forth a particular energy that has been acknowledged by another energy force, and they collide to send out a signal to let you know that this truly was no accident at all.  Be prepared...your vibes may be tuning in and intersecting with your very own soul mate!

Upon waking up each and every day, practice gratitude.  For when you open and release the positive energy in the form of gratitude, you are providing nourishment for the soul.  The reward you receive for expressing thankfulness, will provide you with an inner calm and peace.  And that is what will keep you focused and free from angst and turmoil.  You will find yourself with a great big genuine smile for the effort. Try it.  And stay tuned...the universe is having a conversation with all of us!

  And yes, IT'S ALL GOOD!

Thinker

Wordless Wednesday

Random Acts of Kindness

Giving...Giving Thanks...Thankfulness...Gratitude...Blessed Be...Loved...

Life!

Truly, when one awakens to a brand new day, whether the sun is shining, or the rain is falling, or the cold winds blow a pretty white flurry of snow flakes through the atmosphere, it is a day for Giving Thanks!

Always show kindness.  Now something we always do as a family, and I mean always, unless of course an 18-wheeler pulls up behind us at the toll booth, (you'll get that in just a bit) is, we pay the bridge toll for the vehicle behind us when crossing the river.  (It costs much more, per axle in fact, if a tractor trailer pulls up behind you to cross the bridge.)

This is the first time the middle child has ventured off away from home for Thanksgiving.  And just before leaving the house, suitcase in hand, stopped to double check that there was enough cash at the ready to pay the bridge toll for the car behind her as she went over the river and through the woods, this Thanksgiving Day.

Now, think about this; depending on the recipient of this very small random act of kindness, the person pulling up to the booth could be so immersed in some mental turmoil full of angst almost ready to stomp the gas pedal and push your vehicle a little faster through this toll booth process.

If that is the case, this simple gesture has instantly, without warning, transformed the negative mindset of this stranger into a positive vibration first made obvious by a smile...a genuine smile that comes naturally when a happiness occurs.  A complete 180!

I'd like to think that this angry person, ok maybe just a tad cranky, with their own toll cash at the ready to toss out to the toll taker, forks that cash over for the car directly behind him, just because he's still so stunned by having his toll paid for.  And maybe, this next recipient is in the same "former" state as this lucky individual who was just awarded a sign via the cosmic universe...a very symbolic gesture indeed, that we are all connected...

-

Now, the case may be that the vehicle, (car, SUV, mini-van, pick-up truck) pulling into the toll booth is already in a happy state of being; singing all the way up to the toll taker, tunes a-blasting.  Again, cash at the ready, is now presented with or given a present, via a very simple gesture of a kind soul, who just passed through the booth, and paid your toll...without hesitation you keep on singing, and you do the same!

Yes, pay it backward!

Nature...the good, the bad, the ugly...always brings peace!

Either way, to either of the lucky persons "steered" in behind you as you approach the toll plaza, you are blessed!

Rejoice in that, and SMILE!
For Smiles spread JOY!
And Great Joy is LOVE!

A Love Divine!

Listen, and you will hear the message being spoken to you, to your heart and soul through the quiet noise of Nature.  Join in the dialogue.  It will have a profound impact on your life...

Giving...Giving Thanks...Thankfulness...Gratitude...Blessed Be...
Loved...Life...

Aloha

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Blessed Be

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, and tuning in late to "Sonography" for Martina McBride's Blessed, I am burning "Blessed Be" incense handmade from all natural plant material from Nina at Two Crow Cottage. 

 I get kissed by the sun each morning

Matching socks (a rare sight)...it's cold outside

Put my feet on a hardwood floor

Rosebud Sandy's porch swing...sweet!

Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing just soaking up the day

I think to myself, I think to myself

This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed and I feel like I've found my way

I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve

Across a crowded room, I know you know what I'm thinking 

by the way I look at you...

And no words have to be said

I think to myself, I think to myself

This love is a beautiful gift

I have been blessed...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude

Seasons change...

And as the cold north winds blow, 

the dry, brown leaves become part of the earth.

The skies turn gray with the hint of snow

and the chill prompts a deep cleansing breath 

to the heart and soul....

clearing the mind of angst in the material world.

We must tune in and remind ourselves

that we are one in this universe.

The circle of life continues,

and the soul lives on.

Peace comes from within.

Ch..ch..ch..changes...again

Waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagine yourself to be. 

~ Alan Watts

With the changing of the seasons, comes a natural time of reflection.  A time to realize that the personality that is seen or perceived by those around you, is not necessarily the true self that lies deep within your soul.  For therein, lies the true being, the true spiritual essence of your very soul.  And that is where peace resides. 

Coming Home

Wind Turbines of Western PA

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_home3.html#Vv0bjfIDh5EImZ1T.99

"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."   Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_home3.html#Vv0bjfIDh5EImZ1T.99

There is something quite satisfying about taking a journey back home in the middle of Autumn. Especially if the rain holds off so you can get out there to enjoy the simple beauty of the great outdoors.  Driving across the state of PA is very long, and quite lovely. 

It is good wholesome living. When you see all the farms and all the churches (yes, rednecks clinging to their guns and religion...and damn proud of it) in a rural setting like this, well that speaks to my heart and to my soul.  It is such a peaceful environment.  Driving along to see the simple, very basic needs of everyday life obtained by hard work is very rewarding to witness, let alone actually live it.

Green Acres for sure!

 Farm after farm, folks waving to the passersby who are obviously visitors, for in these rural locations, everybody knows everybody, and they all know each others' vehicles (pick-up trucks, tractors, horses), so when an odd vehicle carrying out of towners, with out of state plates, passes through, they are greeted with hospitality.  Can only be one reason to be this far off the beaten path.  It's no secret that if someone is passing through this neck of the woods, they are here for one reason only; and that is coming home....and I did just that with all my redneckedness intact!  Some things never change.

 

 

The changing of the seasons is a way of life.  Especially in the Northeast where Mother Nature puts on a display worthy of this Universe.  And coming home, is a peaceful easy feeling. The same feeling that a child has running free in their own "Garden of Eden".  The innocent stage of life, where nothing mattered...nothing at all.  The carefree days, before setting off into the real world where grown up topics are displayed in living color, and inevitably make their way into your peaceful existence.  The realization as you move through life as an adult of the corruption that has taken hold of our society, cannot infiltrate your peaceable kingdom if you stay true to your very own soul.  And by going home to your "Garden of Eden" with your soul intact, is the very best way to live your life to its fullest.  All we have is the present. The past is gone.  The future may never be...make peace and live for right now.   JUST BE!!!  

The long and winding road...that leads...

back home.

Prince at Two Crow Cottage

"Kiss me, quick!"

Linking up today for Tuesday Muse and One World Tuesday
Stop by to say "HI"

Forever Autumn "Sonography"

Linking up with Kathy B for my first "Sonography"

Forever Autumn by The Moody Blues

 The summer sun is fading as the year grows old.

Like the sun through the trees you came to love me.

Through Autumn's golden gown we used to kick our way.

Those fallen leaves lie undisturbed now.

Cause you're not here.

My life will be 

Forever Autumn, cause you're not here.

Autumn Fog

Sunlight through the Autumn fog

"The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden."  

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Linking up with Nancy at A Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday.  

Stop by to say "hi".

1.  This morning I saw a "venue" of turkey vultures.  No, I did not know that a group of vultures was a "venue".  But I like it!  They were very cool looking, trading places along the fence.  I tried to get the shot with wings spread... but, of course, I'm not quick enough.  They may be preparing for flight.

2.  Autumn in New York is absolutely fabulous so far.  Of course, the past 2 Octobers brought us the terrible Sandy Hurricane, and the one before that we had a treacherous freak snow storm, both the last week in October leaving us without power for days...so for Christmas Santa brought us these awesome lanterns and radios that the elves picked up from LL Bean.  So get out there with your Canon, Nikon, Samsung Galaxy, or even your Iphone, or Ipad and capture Mother Nature at its finest.

 

 3.  The gorgeous colors of Nina's Sassafras tree make for a lovely display.  Yes, I snagged a few branches while wandering the gardens at Two Crow Cottage with a nice glass of apple cider!

More Autumn beauty and bounty

 4.   I believe I have a twin.  Not a biological one that looks like me, but one who thinks and feels and breathes with me.  One who understands and one who really knows me and what I am all about!  It's cool.  Yet, we live thousands of miles apart.

 

 5.  This weekend will be one of reflection.  I plan to meditate in the beauty of nature. I will be aware of all the signs and symbols that the universe is sending my way in its ongoing communication with my core inner being.  My soul is alive and well!

Autumn in New York...Aloha!

Also linking up here...Orange You Glad It's Friday???

Invitation to Within

This was a blog post I found last year by Tara Leaver.  It was a very powerful message for me then, as I was finding my very own PASSION from within.  These are the Ten Invitations written by Gill Edwards that Tara shares.  They speak volumes to me now, as I continue on my spiritual journey within.  And my, my...it's a beautiful thing!  Enjoy!  And thank you Tara for sharing your PASSIONS!

 The Ten Invitations

1. You are invited to love yourself, others and life without condition – trusting that, in an evolving Universe, everything is unfolding perfectly.
2. You are invited to do whatever makes your heart sing and your spirit dance. Only that.
3. You are invited to live fearlessly and passionately – to step into your divinity, while embracing your humanity.
4. You are invited to treat yourself and others with extraordinary respect and kindness – reaching out with love towards all beings, and seeing the Light within everyone.
5. You are invited to honour everyone else’s beliefs, feelings, values and choices – knowing these add to the variety of life, and that everyone’s path or guidance is unique.
6. You are invited to honour the earth, your body and all creation as sacred and divine – and to celebrate life in all its richness.
7. You are invited to choose your own mission or purpose, expressing your creative gifts, talents and vision in whatever way feels most joyful.
8. You are invited to listen to the inner voice of Love, which always sets you free – knowing that your goodness and worthiness are never in question, and that you can do no wrong.
9. You are invited to trust in a loving and abundant Universe. Ask and it is given. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened.
10. You are invited to follow your dreams and desires – trusting your feelings, and using your imagination, to create your own heaven on earth.

Enough said...now feel it...and live it!!!  And Breathe in all the goodness that the Universe has to offer.  For when you exhale, you will spread it throughout the cosmic atmosphere and it will reach out and touch a very special soul as they breathe in your good intentions, for we are all connected and the Universe is definitely speaking to us all!  HAPPY OCTOBER IN ALL OF ITS BEAUTIFUL GLORY!

Clarity

Dewdrops taken with Samsung Galaxy S3

1.  A new day dawns, leaving dewdrops on the tips of the still green blades of grass.  It is a simple JOY as the Universe continues its conversation with me and reaches into the depths of my soul to keep me in tune.

This one taken with Canon PowerShot A3300

2.  The cosmic energy that flows through the atmosphere is very powerful if you are attuned and open to receive it in all of its positive glory.

 

The Shawankgunk Ridge provides a vantage point for a fantastic view in the fall.

Slip into a pair of Nike sneaks and hit the trails.

3.  There is much peace in Mother Nature for the seeker. 

 

 4.  The colors of Autumn are a message of transformation...there is an alteration taking place.  I like to think of it as a renewal, for this is the time that Mother Nature takes hold and preserves all the goodness & beauty that was bestowed upon us through Spring, into Summer until now, as she prepares for rest and renewal.

The Journey within...

5.  It is a glorious day!!!  I am in a complete and peaceful state of 

JUST BEING!!! 

Won't you join me?

 

Joining Nancy at A Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday!!! 

Stop by to say "hi"!