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With all the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect present for someone you love, here's a powerful idea . . . how about offering them your presence? When you consider the time it takes to find the right gift, pay for it, wrap it, and deliver it to the person, that time may more appreciated if you simply arrange to show up and spend time with them. It really doesn't matter if you're going to a movie, watching one at home, playing a game, having tea, cooking a meal together or going out to eat. My experience is we all need and desire more time with those we love. The Gift of a good conversation, reflection of silly shenanigans you've pulled off together that your parents would have killed you for if they would have known, awkward and embarrassing moments that became secrets only the two or three of you shared together all add to a fun afternoon or evening setting across the table from each other. Which is interesting in and of itself, ever notice how seldom we really look each other in the eyes and simply chat? Not about someone else, rather, about each others lives; the fears, joys and dreams for our lives. Presents come and go with the fads, fashions and latest technologies; however, the presence of someone we love far exceeds any present that may be purchased. So, for you last minute shoppers, send a text, an invitation, leave a voice mail or tie a note to a homing pigeon. However you choose to communicate with your family and/or friends, put down you credit card, pick up your keys and go "over the river and through the woods," to visit someone you love. I promise all parties will remember the Christmas the best gift they received was the Gift of your presence!
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What precisely is Cyber Monday? Is it, indeed, a day to save money, or is it a ploy to get people to spend it? Maybe it's a day to notice the stars; to scan the sky for UFO's, or to have a double shot of caffeine as your morning cup of java? Whatever it is, it certainly pumps up the adrenaline in people willing to join the fast paced energy in search for a bargain.
Let's see there's Taco Tuesday, Throwback Thursday and TGIF. I know Wednesday has often been referred to as "Hump Day," what if we make it Wicked Wednesday? Wouldn't it be fun to use our creative juices to think of really wicked things to do that day? At the very least it would be interesting to see what people conjure up from the idea. Maybe, just maybe people would find it a day to think beyond their mundane "Hump day," and, instead, consider it a day to spice up the middle of the week. Of course, as is in all things, Wicked Wednesday is wide open to a person's interpretation of the word Wicked. Whatever the interpretation might be, it certainly would offer a day to "think outside the box." I'd love the hear what sort of thoughts, visions, ideas pop in your head when you hear the word "Wicked." Until then, enjoy the rest of Cyber Monday and if you find a good buy on a bath pillow or bath salts, it's on my Santa's list. And, I promise I've been a very good girl this year! It is with a very grateful heart I wish everyone a heart-felt, delicious Thanksgiving. With all the focus on Black Friday savings, how about considering the abundance you already have. If you woke up this morning you had a very abundant blessing. If you took a breath, you had a blessing. If the water was available to take a shower, coffee pot brewed your morning cup of a hot substance, and you were able to move about in a warm home you have blessings.
These are but a few everyday events that are often overlooked for the blessings they provide. If you have someone who loves you, even if they sometimes drive you crazy, you have an abundant blessing. If you have food in your cabinets, running water, and a means to cook your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, you are wealthy. These are but a few of the many every day actions we all too often take for granted. This Thanksgiving when you wake up, whisper gratitude for the first thing you see and then smile. Continue throughout the day noting each item you use, person you speak with, each tree, leaf, critter you encounter and speak a gratitude for each. It just might make your heart realize all the blessings you have that are all too often taken for granted. And, it might help you remember just have very loved and "seen" you really are! Maybe, just maybe, Black Friday will instead become a Gratitude Friday! And so our first snow is upon us; howbeit only a couple of inches. My heart is warmed and a childlike excitement fills my whole being as the beautiful white gifts from above blanket Earth Mother with beauty. I am reminded of the story, "Unblemished Snow" in Head to Heart Talks. It is a reminder of the purity and innocence that surrounds us IF we allow that childlike remembering to emerge. How I love the reminder of purity, and the feel on my skin when the white fluffy flakes moistened my face as I looked up. I would open my mouth and allow the flakes to enter my being as a sense of ageless wonder filled every cell with a memory of amazement. It continues every year at the first snow!
It is also Veteran's Day. Yet another reminder of the courage, dedication and discipline it takes to offer oneself for the good of the whole, despite the consequences. It is a time to remember that within all of us is a place of childlike innocence that keeps us moving forward despite the obstacles and experiences we encounter on this Earth walk. Here's to re-membering that sweetness of hope, adrenaline rush that nudges us forward and the sheer willingness to move toward a new endeavor, just for the sake of the adventure. Here's to embracing the unknown in order to create our next heartfelt memory that brings a smile to our face just remembering it! Now is the perfect time to step back and examine what you have harvested in your Life this year. What seeds did you plant in the Spring? A new: job, home, relationship, some renovation, or may be something really big like a new attitude, a new mindset, a new understanding! Now doubt there was something you made a resolution to accomplish; a dream or desire to enrich your life.
As the Harvest was gathered by the Farmers that planted the seeds in the Spring, take a few moments to consider what you have manifested during 2019. Do this with soft eyes and a gentle spirit for the baby steps and/or giant leaps that were accomplished. If that voice you hear is loving and kind, then listen. If it is harsh and condemning, let it know it is one of the things you are going to take into the winter season to dream away. Transform is really the best word. For the often critical voice came to you through the teachings of society. It was intended to help you maneuver you way through the cultural norms in order to "fit in" to what was expected of you to be successful. (That word is in italics because success measured by society may not necessarily feed your heart. ) As will soon be posted on the front page, we are offering a Sacred Pipe Ceremony as an outward expression of what each of us would like to take into the winter and bring forth in the Spring. Just as seeds must dry and prepare themselves to be planted in the Spring, so our dreams must created with clear intention and purpose. We hope you will join us so our many gardens will be reflections of what other like minded people want to see more of in the world! It's that time of year when the harvest is rich and full. The brown cornstalks stand tall reaching to the heavens as the ears of corn point downward toward Mother. Soybeans are a wheat color as they offer their final product as a gift to the community.
With the sky a vivid blue dotted with white puffy clouds, Grandfather Sun brightly shines his bright yellow rays to warm the cool temps of Autumn. It is a welcome sight to those of us fortunate enough to live in the rural lands of the Midwest. At least those of us that live in such areas feel very fortunate to experience the richness of the farmlands. Shiny silos are buzzing with giant tractors pulling massive size wagons of the gifts gathered from the Earth. The sounds of the grain dryers provide a constant hum as the Farmers hurriedly work the land while the weather supports the Gathering. Semi-trailers are lined up ready to receive the dried goods to carry to market. Reminds me of the tremendous gifts received when dedicated people focus on the task at hand and stay the course so the community can be fed. Next time you go to the grocery store, consider the hands that planted, gathered, canned, froze, packaged, hauled and stocked the goods you see on the shelf. Consider all the effort and commitment required to bring that food to the shelves. You might send a quick prayer or whisper of gratitude to the human beings who brought these goods to your grocery, including the grocer and his/her employees. And while you're at it, include the land and soil of "mother earth" and the rain and warmth provided by "father sky." Above all, send much love and gratitude to the Gatherers of these goods, the Farmers! All of our lives are dependent on the collaborative efforts of all beings on earth to sustain us! Yes, it is "officially" Fall; however, Grandfather Sun continues to spread his warmth on us in the Midwest. Apparently, the purity of snow is cleansing the way to Fall for those in the upper Rockies. Whatever the climate shares with those on Earth Mother, it is, indeed, a glorious time of year. Time for things to continue along the Wheel of Life as we move into the beautiful time of Harvest. All the good work of planting seeds, tending the weeds in our garden of Life are about to bring forth the Harvest of our efforts. Whether it be vegetables, flowers, or a dream we've been tending, Fall provides us the opportunity to gather the "goods" of our efforts and take them with us into the Winter months. But let's not get ahead of ourselves with the cold winds of Winter; let's gather together around a crackling fire, cool temps, s'mores and hot dogs and enjoy the end of another summer of outdoor activities around a fire with family and friends. Keep a watchful eye for our next Gathering as we offer an opportunity for a warm fire, crisp air, a cup of hot cocoa and share a few stories from our summer adventures. Then maybe we'll share our dreams for what we want to germinate over the Winter season. It's my favorite time of year!! Here's to colorful leaves, giggles around the fire and a warm belly from our favorite cider or cocoa.
Summer is in full swing as the heat turns up, giggles abound from children playing from morning to night, and the smell of grilled foods fill the air! How quickly the warmth of summer adds to our memories that will carry us into the cool air of Fall and cold temps of Winter. Summer is, indeed, the smell of cotton candy, sound of carnival rides, and overall merriment that local Fairs bring to our communities.
As the fullness of summer offers opportunities for families and friends to stay up late and travel miles for annual vacation spots, I am reminded of the sweetness that comes from drinking lemonade, iced tea and favorite flavored popsicles. Let's enjoy this summer season and savor every opportunity to gather with friends, family, and neighbors, as we enjoy the elements of nature and breathe in all the fresh, crispness that comes from the Heat of Summer! Earth Mother was celebrated April 22, our human Mother's will be recognized this Sunday, May 12. Whatever relationship you have with your mother (biological, adopted, step) it is always respectful to acknowledge the gift they gave to you. Sometimes that "gift" was given in the form of a distant, unaffectionate Mother, or a loving, compassionate one, the truth is, you are who you are today because of your Mother. The Cherokee believe our parents often teach us in reverse. That means if they were distant, absent and emotionally unavailable, you simply flip the coin and use your experience to be the opposite when and if you become a parent. Flip the coin and see the distant, absent parent as a teacher to you of how to be independent, resourceful and supportive of your beautiful soul! Take this approach and you will know how to be the loving, supportive parent to your child that you wanted from your parent.
Most of us play that parent role in some way, shape and form during our life. It may be a neighbor child or young adult, or someone you mentor as a new employee. Whatever the form such a relationship takes that places you in the position of a role model, know that everything you think, say and do touches the lives of those around you. Those young souls looking for guidance, discipline, a listening ear may have their parent role filled through their interactions with you. Many of us have several women that have shown us what a Mother looks like. Acknowledge all of them, for you are today what you learned from them in your life. So, consider the "Mothers" in your life and write a note, pick a flower, make a call simply to acknowledge their presence and position in your life. Then look in the mirror and ask what sort of "Mother" you may be to someone who walks across you path. As Gandhi said, "Be the Change you wish to see in the World," so I say, Be the parent you wish to see in the world! And to my Mother who is now on the other side, I say, "Thank you for showing me what unconditional love looked like, and thank you for showing me how very grateful you were to have me as your daughter! It has carried me well in my life! From my heart to yours, Happy Mother's day to all your beautiful ladies! This Saturday a Sacred Pipe Ceremony will be held in Peru, IN. Please RSVP by noon on Thursday IF you plan to attend. Vicky at: vkwspirit@gmail.com or leave a message on this website.
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Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
March 2020
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Head to Heart Talks
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