snickerdoodles

knock knock, this is IMPORTANT stuff friends...

Choose love over fear.
In every challenging, confusing moment, we have a choice. We can react in fear. Or we can put our faith in love.

Usually this means coming to a stop and considering all of the alternatives. Fear will darken and narrow your path. Love will broaden and enlighten it.

Fear = grasping.

Love = Non-attachment to outcomes.

Fear = I need this to be different, I need it to be my way.

Love = This is what is.

Fear = my child is being a problem.

Love = my child is having a problem.

Suddenly, when you choose love, your whole perspective changes. You go from, “How can I change or fix my child?” To, “How can I support my child in this moment?”

So the next time you’re at a loss, ask yourself, Which is the fear-response in this moment? What would a choice made from love look like instead? Sometimes love means saying, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Sometimes it means saying, “I trust you to figure this out.” Sometimes it means admitting, “I really don’t know how to handle this. I’m struggling. I’m doing my best.” Sometimes it means walking away, and leaving your child to sort things out for herself.
Your children will be faced with many obstacles in life, some big and others small. It’s up to you to model a healthy method for how to approach them. You can start with this question, “Will I choose to respond from a place of fear or from a place of love?”

Did I get your attention?

I haven't spent time here in forever friends. I am sorry as technically it is phased out Snickerdoodles,  but I also haven't quite got around to ending my subscription so I HAD to share this here. Sort of like I haven't quite got around to doing my taxes...but that is another story.  Katrina Kenison is the one who wrote the words above in a recent post called Parenting Advice from a 24 Year Old Son.  The link is to come.  Years ago in 2011,  I shared about one of her beautiful stories here as well,  the book The Gift of An Ordinary Day.  http://www.snickerdoodles.ca/snickerdoodle_life/2011/06/the-gift-of-ordinary-days.html   The post that link will take you to will also show her video which will give any parent a shake, have tissues ready.

I always love her insight. Being a parent is so hard, we need to fall back on the stories and wisdom of those who walked before us.  I hope any parents of teens enjoy this recent work by her as much as I did.  http://www.katrinakenison.com/2017/03/21/parenting-advice-from-a-24-year-old-son/  

Sharing here felt good...I may have to rethink my plan to completely let the Snicks journey go.  Life has opened up so many job opportunities I am enjoying so I will let things settle and what kind of balance I can find.  There is probably a reason I haven't completely released this project.

oxo

 

 

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The Obama family brought so much class and good to our world,  seeing them go and be replaced by such an idiot is still hard to fathom.  I just finished listening to Obama's farewell speech and was in tears.  Right away I went to the transcript and copied these parts to share and remember.

 

...Hearts must change. It won’t change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work the way it should in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

So regardless of the station we occupy; we all have to try harder; we all have to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family just like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own.

(APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING)

And that’s not easy to do. For too many of us it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods, or on college campuses, or places of worship, or especially our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. In the rise of naked partisanship and increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste, all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable.

And increasingly we become so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether it’s true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there...

 

And this trend represents a third threat to our democracy. Look, politics is a battle of ideas. That’s how our democracy was designed. In the course of a healthy debate, we prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts, without a willingness to admit new information and concede that your opponent might be making a fair point, and that science and reason matter, then we’re going to keep talking past each other.

(CROWD CHEERS)

And we’ll make common ground and compromise impossible. And isn’t that part of what so often makes politics dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on pre-school for kids, but not when we’re cutting taxes for corporations?

How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It’s not just dishonest, it’s selective sorting of the facts. It’s self-defeating because, as my mom used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you...

Show up, dive in, stay at it. Sometimes you’ll win, sometimes you’ll lose. Presuming a reservoir in goodness, that can be a risk. And there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been part of this one and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire.

 

Just a few parts that resonated deeply with me...watch it all and read it all here courtesy of the New York Times.  His words to Michelle completely made me loose it...such a beautiful loving and respectful partnership.  Lord help us with what is to come but we got this friends.

oxo

 

 

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come together...

We are being called to come together as a people of a new time, with wise hearts and an inclusive and united vision for the future. Our strength and our unity lies in our diversity.

We have our voices, we have our creativity and we have our sensitivity. These are powerful agents for change.

Powerful words from Mystic Mamma.   I was born under the Cancer zodiac sign and am definitely a child of the moon and affected by the moon cycles.   I no longer dread the restless nights or emotional crashes, I try to learn from them.  So much happened recently in our world.  The US election results were terrifying and devastating.   It doesn't have to be a terrible thing though.  It is a great thing to learn from and grow as a society. fr I have had a busy ten days with the kiddos but I wanted to quickly share all of this Mystic Mamma piece.  I found it very inspiring and comforting, and I see so many of you writing on Facebook how this is the worst year ever, or you cannot sleep or just general struggles.

Hope you enjoy and let's all embrace this November moon.  Trump is a petty tyrant and we have the power to do great things from a place of love and acceptance.  

oxo

 

We are being called to come together as a people of a new time, with wise hearts and an inclusive and united vision for the future. Our strength and our unity lies in our diversity.

We have our voices, we have our creativity and we have our sensitivity. These are powerful agents for change.

The pangs of animosity and division we have been witnessing and experiencing in the outer world have been rattling. 

Know that this is our collective rattle/shaker, made from the bones of our ancestors and from the roots and crystals of the Earth. It’s awakening us, reverberating through our collective energy fields, shaking us loose from our indifference.

Let us now on this exceptional FULL MOON SuperMoon in Taurus, ground into our knowing and remember the feeling of belonging that Mother Earth offers us.

Spend time in places where the land is untouched and wild and you can align your heartbeat with that of Mother Earth. Allow her energy to soothe our souls, ground us and remind us of what is eternal and true.

We all belong. There is work ahead, but we are in this together.

We are the bridge, and we must each individually and collectively continue to work on healing the divides.

Here are the MYSTIC MAMMA Astral Insights from our beloved featured astrologers. First from LEAH WHITEHORSE from her LUA Astrology:

“This Moon is a supermoon and is the closest the Moon has been to Earth for 68 years.

“The close proximity of our satellite seems to highlight its energies, magnifying them, so that we can get up close and personal to this tactile Taurus Moon…”

“During this Full Moon, it’s time to consider what you hold most dear, what really matters to you.

“Even with the opposing Sun in Scorpio spotlighting the profound transformation we are going through, this is a time when we can relinquish control and simply surrender to the moment, especially as the Moon is trine to Pluto.

“We’re empowered when we enjoy the present, neither mourning the past nor dreading the future.

“We’re stronger when we let go of the toxic need to be drawn into intrigues and power plays.

“This Moon is a leveller that brings us home to ourselves and our physical body. The world out there can wait says Taurus. Be patient. Reconnect with Mother Earth.

“Black Moon Lilith is conjunct the Sun which means there are still old ghosts stirring in the psyche. The Taurus Moon can see them but isn’t going to get scared off the playing field.

“This Moon knows that the more grounded we are in reality, the easier it is to deal with our fears, turning them into raw, creative potential…”

“Taurus reminds us that the Earth is abundant…make the effort to appreciate what we have. Gratitude is key to our evolution as Venus trines the North Node…”

“Gemstones and crystals are created deep within the Earth, in darkness, under pressure.

“This Full Moon in Taurus, gives us a chance to appreciate the treasures gained from difficult circumstances, the beauty that is born from the Scorpionic depths of death and despair.

“Each life trauma unearths a jewel for the rich crown of wisdom.”

Copyright 2016 LEAH WHITEHORSE.  All rights reserved.

From astrologer KELLEY ROSANO:

“There is a purging taking place. Release what no longer serves you.

“Be open to new opportunities. There is great reward now for your effort to transform. There is a strong healing energy with this Moon. Allow the energy to heal and empower you.

“The Taurus energy encourages you to align with your True Values. Make right choices. Create choices that support you…

“Get clear with what you want. Focus your intention on what matters to you…What needs to change for you? What does your heart desire?”

Copyright 2016 KELLEY ROSANO All rights reserved.

And from astrologer PAT LILES from The Power Path.com:

 “Let’s look to some bigger cycles here… 

“Saturn has been in Sagittarius since the election season of the USA began in fall 2015.  Many of our lessons have come through that lens. 

“Sag brings up issues of moral and ethical behavior and ideals. What is the truth?

“… Big lessons about who we are, what we stand for and a transformative time in our identity. 

“Some deep soul searching, trolling of our shadow as a nation and huge power struggles are taking place. 

“One can’t emphasize enough how important it is to hold the vision or shoot the arrow of the Sagittarian archer’s bow in the direction you want it to lead us…”

“Slow-moving Neptune’s Piscean energy is so strong now as it joins the South Node just days after Full Moon.  It is readying to move direct after five months of retrograde…

“Letting go of deep sorrow, blame and victimhood buried deep within the unconscious parts of ourselves is our true work.  

“Forgiveness, compassion, service have always been Neptune/Pisces’ most powerful tools. 

“Our reward is greater access to our creativity, imagination and profound intuitive abilities.

“Clearing those vestiges from the past allows the opening of channels leading directly to the spiritual realms where you begin to work in tandem with all the help of Spirit. 

“Do not underestimate the negative pole of Neptune:  illusion, denial, escapism, and deceit.  They will try to block you from your true relationship to Spirit and your own essence.  Neptune conjunct South Node is a rare and powerful occurrence!  Also a mandate! 

“Asteroid Psyche also sits exactly at this 9º Pisces point bringing in the element of testing to burnish the soul so it can be worthy of the unity of love. 

“It’s the elevating of the mortal to the immortal of the feminine soul in all of us.  The dance of the masculine and feminine continues as the feminine awakens and evolves in the spiral of life.”

Copyright 2016 PAT LILES All rights reserved.

From astrologer DIVINE HARMONY:

“The ruler of this lunation is Venus who just moved into Capricorn…”

“Venus in Capricorn is a grounding influence- so that the revolution (within and without) is not a flash in the pan but isdeeply grounded in our being.

“Now is the time to set the foundation for big changes coming in!”

“….When we look at the Dark Goddess we see her ALL OVER the chart…With the fierce Dark Feminine who shines a Light on the shit and shadow and sees through the darkness conjunct the lower will (Mars) and Higher Will (Pluto) we are challenged to raise her frequency up to the Highest level.

“Steering clear of power/control dynamics, playing the victim or the tyrant, being manipulative and/or controlling, and/or hiding in the dark for fear of being witch-hunted for speaking the Truth is so key.

“There’s a lot of powerful energy in the Dark Goddess archetype and she must be honored and channeled wisely.

“With Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio on the Sun as well- this Full Moon is a veritable Dark Goddess lunation!”

“I leave you with Ellias Lonsdale’s Star Sparks meditation for 23 Taurus…”

 Copyright 2016 DIVINE HARMONY All rights reserved.

STAR SPARKS 23 taurus
by Ellias Lonsdale

Taurus 23 A salamander glowing red-orang

“The fire in the belly of the earth.

“The kundalini flames. Sparking that which will never go out once it is truly and firmly lit.

“An overwhelming sensation coming out through every pore that the creative fires are stoked, the situation is crucial, everything is gathering toward the need to embody what lives within in everything we say and do.

“A destiny imperative to acknowledge and honor and sustain the inner flames in outward life, whatever this takes, even if we have to make up for lost time and do it all now.

“A dominating force. Taking through us the earth’s call to awaken to ourselves as her most active and forthcoming power of evolving beyond previous limitations.

“Yet prone to excess, susceptible to ego aggrandizement, tempted by every variant on the theme of becoming self-important and buying into the sheer dynamism of earth existence, without rightful discernment and tapping the well-springs of deeper wisdom.

“The inflation of the archetype. The dazzling opportunity to bring into ourselves and through ourselves the will of the whole.

“How we deal with this kind of power is so very decisive for the future.

“It is crucial for us to learn the lesson that the spirit flame is itself a threshold presence, a force from beyond, which we must express through us without getting stuck on our vision of our own special magnitude.

“Sometimes it is very subtle, the distinction between this self and all that we carry into the whole.

“And we are often here absorbed in grosser, more dramatic factors.

“The juggernaut of collective cycles and personal cycles converging and gathering momentum toward breakthroughs, breakdowns, whatever needs to happen, so that the fire in earth’s belly comes alive.”

Copyright 2016 Ellias Lonsdale All rights reserved.

And speaking of the the Earth’s call to awaken, if you live in the US it’s time to show our numbers and physically show up in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and elders who have been on the front lines at Standing Rock protecting our Mother Earth and our sacred waters.

On Tuesday, November 15th, join a massive day of action in solidarity with those at Standing Rock, and demand the Federal government and the Army Corps reject this pipeline. This is a movement-led day of action, taking leadership from indigenous groups active in the Standing Rock struggle including Indigenous Environmental Network and Honor the Earth. FIND OUT WHERE TO GO

*SUPER MOON* Blessings of love and light to all~~~

~MM

 

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David Whyte poetry & image...

 

THE HOUSE OF BELONGING

I awoke
this morning
in the gold light
turning this way
and that
thinking for
a moment
it was one
day
like any other.

But
the veil had gone
from my
darkened heart
and
I thought

it must have been
the quiet
candlelight
that filled my room,
it must have been
the first
easy rhythm
with which I breathed
myself to sleep,
it must have been
the prayer I said
speaking to the otherness
of the night.

And
I thought,
this is the good day
you could
meet your love,
this is the gray day
someone close
to you could die.
This is the day
you realize
how easily the thread
is broken
between this world
and the next
and I found myself
sitting up
in the quiet pathway
of light,
the tawny close
grained cedar
burning round
me like fire
and all the angels
of this housely
heaven ascending
through the first
roof of light
the sun had made.

This is the bright home
in which I live,
this is where
I ask
my friends
to come,
this is where I want
to love all the things
it has taken me so long
to learn to love.

This is the temple
of my adult aloneness
and I belong
to that aloneness
as I belong to my life.

There is no house
like the house of belonging.

...

'The House of Belonging'
From 'The House of Belonging'
Poems by David Whyte
© David Whyte and Many Rivers Press

...

Morning Light
Photo © David Whyte
San Miguel de Allende
Mexico 2014

 

Not my words or image, I just wanted to share because it was such a beautiful poem and powerful photograph.  As I settle into heART house and the reality of it being home sets in I am so happy, it is my own house of belonging.

David Whyte has a facebook page you can follow his work. https://www.facebook.com/PoetDavidWhyte/?fref=ts

oxo

Luckily we have had some sunshine, I have had some wonderful photo clients this week and my boys are back for 12 days so I feel pretty lucky.

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  I know it has been forever since I have posted, I have no excuses, I just had no words.  

So many things are shifting in my world and I am being swept away emotionally but am excited for what is to come.   While I have been in autopilot and rather uninspired keeping up with life lately I have found so much comfort and hope in the words of others through reading and deep conversations.  I am so grateful for all the love and blessings I have in my life and proud to be plowing ahead in a new home purchase and reno.  Focusing on me and the boys only for a while, everything I do is for them and I have come to realise if I don't take care of me there is no possible way I can keep strong and keep up with them.

Sharing something I found from a woman artist who has always inspired me.  Her birthday is today and she is under the Cancer sign like me and some of my dearest friends...

“You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled, with everything and all the reasons that wake you up in a haste and the demons that won’t let you sleep.

You deserve a lover who makes you feel safe, who can consume this world whole if he walks hand in hand with you; someone who believes that his embraces are a perfect match with your skin.

You deserve a lover who wants to dance with you, who goes to paradise every time he looks into your eyes and never gets tired of studying your expressions.

You deserve a lover who listens when you sing, who supports you when you feel shame and respects your freedom; who flies with you and isn’t afraid to fall.

You deserve a lover who takes away the lies and brings you hope, coffee, and poetry.”

Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 - July 13, 1954)

Celebrating the day you were born, sister Cancerian, and all the gifts you left us with.

 

 

oxo

 

a happy spirit...

I have been exploring Pinterest tonight working on my new heART key studio logo artwork as well as some work for another business I am excited to be involved with.  It is my happy place of ideas and images.  It is where I find myself often when I feel stuck or uninspired.  While scrolling I saw this quote and wanted to share it right away.

Techinically it is now Sunday, and I can think of no better way to begin a new week than moving forward with a happy spirit.

Adding this to my new and ever-growing heART key studio Pinterest page.   Life has been so busy with several projects lately I haven't had much time at all to devote to my own business, I would love a visit and follow to both heART key play places if you feel inclined.

Have a beauty-full new week friends,

oxo

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I am going to listen to this again and again till it is second nature.   Take 25 minutes as you tidy the kitchen or fold laundry and listen to this brilliant talk by Brené Brown on Super Soul TV.

 

http://www.supersoul.tv/supersoul-sessions/the-anatomy-of-trust

 

 

Happy Weekend friends,

oxo

 

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Firey, hateful opinions are flooding my Facebook feed and the news we are given seems to be nothing but awful stuff.  I do not want to live in a bubble of naivety.   Yet I  find that it is near impossible to stay updated on all the issues needing to be addressed without becoming thoroughly depressed and bitter. 

I really hope we can make a shift in the right direction.  No one can change the world alone.  Pick your causes and do what you can.  Don't let the heaviness and fear take over your days because it is giving up your power to all the darkness in the world. 

Take care of yourself and embrace the things you are grateful for so you can help from a place of love and grace.

I have shared this before  but I adore Brene Brown's break down of Empathy vs Sympathy from Refinery 29.   I do believe if we all softened our hearts we could create change.

 

And one last thing I would love to share...

 

Yesterday I shopped to make shoebox donations for Samaritan's Purse with my boys for Operation Christmas Child.   I made sure to buy things my boys would like and want.  We spent about $100 in total but it brings me great joy to know some children who have nothing will get stuff they need as well as some toys and special things to make them smile.    We have donated warm winter wear and some other things as well to our local Mission and I am looking for a way to serve in someway that I can afford with work and being a Momma.  I barely make my rent as is so it saddens me I cannot give more but I have several charities I trust who help here and abroad and trust what I do donate gets used where it is most needed.  Even when times are tight it doesn't have to be material things you give, we have time, resources and loving energy we can share as a society that are bound to lift us all up as a whole.  Don't be naïve and trust ignorant information.  Make your own decisions, listen from your heart and not a place of fear, hate and selfishness.  We are all smarter and better than that.

This has been a jumble of a post and simple shares but they reflect the things I have been wondering about in a powerful way.  Hope they are comforting and inspiring to you as well.

luv ya friends, 

k

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Just when I think I have found every Emerson quote I could possibly love another one presents itself. The one I found today resonated deeply in my soul.  I nature I always find my peace, I crave it.  

It couldn't be a more perfect October day. Finishing up chores indoors, then heading out with the boys to O'Keefe Ranch for the afternoon to enjoy autumn at it's best. We are doing some family fun activities then I booked a ghost tour at 4:30 as I am too chicken to do the Field of Screams at night.

I read today they need more volunteers if you are available and braver than I.  I think being a actor in the haunted corn maze would be so fun if you have the time.

Happy weekend friends,
oxo

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oh sweet October...

Well friends, I am sure I have shared this quote before in Octobers past but I couldn't resist sharing it once more.  You can find this and lots of other beautiful autumn inspirations on my Autum Love Pinterest board.

Anne of Green Gables was one of my favourite stories growing up and I spent many a summer on Prince Edward Island.  Wonderful relatives owned the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Park Corner and my ex's Grandmother grew up with Lucy Maud Montgomery.

 Georgie always had lots of fun tales to tell and songs to sing and was the best story teller I have every met.   The first time I visited PEI was in October when I was living in Halifax going to school at Dalhousie.  Georgie welcomed us in their old house in Kensington where we spent a weekend.  The huge trees all around were in full colour and absolutely stunning.  It was easy to see why L.M. loved Octobers on the island, it looked so much like the PEI in the Anne of Green Gables movies.

 Here is a really sweet interview of Georgie speaking of her Aunt Maude despite the terrible title of the clip.  She was living in the nursing home when this was filmed in their cozy little room,  and you even see ole Brucey boy come in at one point.  They have both sadly since passed but I am grateful to have found this to share with the boys who loved them both so much.

 

 

  The rest of my years visiting, it was always in the summer. I have lots of great memories of long days at the beach and fun times with a cottage full of family.  At Park Corner we played and took the horse and buggy past the Lake of Shining Waters, through the fields and dunes down to the shore.  

That first visit to PEI Georgie had the same dishes as my Grandma when I was young.  I always loved looking at them and making up stories.  The pattern is Romantic England by J&G Meakin from England and they are really resilient ironstone.  She gave me a nappie from her set to take with me, this is the pattern.

When they sold the house years later she gave me what was left of her set and since I have been collecting it when I see it and we use it everyday.  Seeing it brings back memories of my firecracker of a Babcia (Grandma in Polish) and Georgie.  The two of them would have made a fabulous team had they ever met.  It reminds me to be strong and to cook and bake for my family with love like they did.   I really have no need for fancy china or the trendy new dinnerware because my hodgepodge of iron stone has a special place in my heart.

The maple trees around my new little green house in town have yet to turn, yet autumn is definitely in the air this October 1st.  I am getting over a rotten sinus infection that set me back almost a week and looking forward to lots of days out enjoying the fall air and sunshine.

If you are interested in Prince Edward Island and would like to peruse my posts from visits over the years there are a few below. Since 1994 we went every second year in the summer...

 

 

Yummy Beer and Superman (our 2012 adventures)

Crab Crazy Days at Seaview

A post about Charlottetown

Live  (our 2010 adventures)

The Beach

Apres Holiday recovery  (2008 with lots of photographs)

Farewell Brucey Boy 

 

Enjoy October and crisp fall, orchard visits,  walks, apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes friends.  Now that I am moved and on the mend I will try and catch up with writing here.

oxo