Miss Marie: Rest and Be Well.

Posted by Barbara Techel
Miss Marie: Rest and Be Well.
Miss Marie on left, Sistah V on right

Last week Thursday morning I had plans to have my dear friend Sistah V (a.k.a. Victoria) over for tea. As a last minute impulse about an hour before Sistah V’s arrival, I sent my other dear friend, Miss Marie, who lives nearby, a text asking her if she’d like to join us.

It’s escaping me right now how we all know each other. But it was an impromptu stop at Miss Marie’s house for Sistah V and my birthday two summers ago, that we giggled and had so much fun that we said we need to get together more often.

Well, you know how that can go in full lives. While I see them both now and then on separate occasions, getting together as a trio can be challenging.

But it all worked out last Thursday and four hours later we were bidding each other reluctantly goodbye. It was a very sweet time.

I was surprised when mid-morning today I received a text from Miss Marie, “Call me when you have a moment. I’m in the hospital.”

Well, I immediately called. Miss Marie had quite the scare Friday around 9pm when she started to experience chest pains. The ambulance came and she was rushed to a local hospital where all tests turned out okay, but they were concerned about the stress test and her sky rocketing blood pressure so off to a bigger hospital she went as the medical staff was concerned about a blockage they couldn’t see.

Fortunately, all went well with that test and there are no blockages. I drive by Miss Marie’s house a few times a week, as it is on the way to downtown to the library or deli, so she was concerned I’d be worried if I didn’t see her car home and called to let me know what was going on.

I’m glad she did and I’m especially glad she is okay. Miss Marie has really become quite dear to me the past few years and I’d hate to see something happen to her. She is a very young 70, but one never does know.

While there isn’t anything conclusive about what could have caused her chest pains, we talked a little and it could be stress from her helping to take care of a good friend the week of Christmas who was actively dying. Her friend passed away the day Miss Marie left for home.

Miss Marie is a very active lady and it’s not always easy for her to just slow down and rest. But I gave her strict instructions that she must.

She said, “I suppose it’s okay to be a slug.” She has to be one for at least three days as they went in through her wrist for the tests and she has to let that heal.

Not quite sure how I could help Miss Marie, after we hung up the phone, I decided to make a sign to welcome her home as she will be released sometime today.

So typical of so many women, we find it hard to just be…so thinking about our conversation, and wanting to add a bit of laughter as it is good medicine, this is the sign I made for her and hung on her door:

I also thought it would be a good idea to get out my deck of angel cards and ask of them which angel will be with her right now. Why does it not surprise me that just the right angel presented herself. I made a copy of it and tucked it an envelope for Miss Marie to reflect on and know that Shanti is with her.

Rest, and be well, Miss Marie…and know that angel Shanti and I give you full permission to be a slug.

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Kylie and Gidget: Projections or Just Love?

Posted by Barbara Techel

Kylie and Gidget: Projections or Just Love?

It was November 2013 when Gidget came to live with us. She had a few homes before us, though I don’t know her full history.

But it wasn’t until this past year that she started to cuddle more often with Kylie. While I try not to project why this is, I’ve wondered if perhaps she finally feels like she is home – that she won’t have to leave again. That it is safe to let herself fall deep into the love of Kylie.

Then there are times I wonder, being that Kylie is eleven now, does Gidget sense something? Is she making sure to spend as much quality time as she can with Kylie?

Perhaps silly, but these things run through my head. And then, when I let go of projections, I just see two peas in a pod that are such a beautiful example of what love really is.

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New Year Guidance from Llama and the Angels

Posted by Barbara Techel

New Year Guidance from Llama and the Angels

As promised, I mentioned in my post yesterday, Moving into the New Year with Ritual, I said I was going to randomly draw an animal and angel card as my guidance for the New Year and share with you.

I chose to draw from Daily Guidance from your Angels oracle cards by Doreen Virtue and The Animal Wisdom Tarot card deck from Dawn Brunke.

I first chose an angel card and wasn’t at all surprised that I got Change in Direction.

The need to want to focus on doing more workshops in 2017 has been growing steadily this past year. In some ways it wasn’t an easy decision, because I know I want to keep balance in my life, which means I decided to let go of a book project. But once I realized I could just simmer in it and that I wasn’t completely letting go, it became easier for me to set it aside and concentrate on what feels like the right path for me. By doing so, it opened a space within me, like a feeling of ahhhhh, and a vast open place to which to explore.

The card itself reads:

The changes you’re experiencing are Divinely directed by your newborn willingness to open your heart to love and our guidance. You are protected now and in the future, so follow your path to the happy outcomes you desire.

In reading further from the booklet, what resonated with me was that it also said “the angels are guiding you through this transition. The Law of Attraction insures that you’ll manifest wonderful new opportunities and relationships. You’re starting a new phase of your life.”

I’ve felt this coming for a very long time. Writing and publishing my second memoir last year, Wisdom Found in the Pause – Joie’s Gift was important to me in “doing the work” I want to teach and what would lead me with more confidence to this new direction.

And just like Through Frankie’s Eyes and the work and mission I had with Frankie, it was all about “walking my talk.” It’s how I feel about Wisdom Found in the Pause that taking time for oneself, going within, and listening is what I did during my sabbatical, and will continue to do by doing my best to stay grounded and centered in small practices of ritual each day.

And while I didn’t really look at this New Year and my new direction as transition as the angel card says, I see now that it is. It’s new territory for me and will no doubt have learning curves. But I keep in mind how I will grow and evolve from this.

The next card I chose was an animal card and received Llama. I must first say, that Llama has been showing up often, as on many days I draw an animal card as part of my grounding rituals.

What stands out and resonates for me in Llama’s wisdom is this:

While most Seekers enjoy fast-paced travel and action, Seeker of Fossils prefers a solid foundation, steady movement, and consistent growth. With stamina and dedication this individual proceeds prudently and honors personal convictions. Persistent, persevering, and dependable, Llama guides steadily, helping us to keep our goal in sight.

The blend of air and earth elements suggests a grounded ability to understand abstract, metaphysical concepts. As a bridge to higher dimensions, Llama offers freedom and safety while traversing the expanse of space and time.

I’ve come to a time in my life that hurry isn’t what I want. I want to be sure that my foundation of rituals in my yoga practice, meditation, working with oracle cards and my SoulCollage® cards, and practicing self care in other ways is core to my days. In doing so, I can open my mind to new ways of thinking and understanding. I’ve experienced this by staying grounded, and now wish to open to it even more, while also wanting to help and encourage others to do the same.

So, wow. I love the magic of how oracle and tarot cards can help with guidance in our life and a tool that if we really sit with the messages can serve us in such a positive way in living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

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