Tag: Tarot

  • Rutt Rowe and other things….

    Hello!

    For a while now, I have been following Mike Rowe on Facebook.  You may remember Mike from the TV show Dirty Jobs, or recognise his voice from the Deadliest Catch.  Mike is a smart guy, and has alot of interesting things to say.  He is not political. He is not irrational. He is well read, realistic and very well spoken.  He has a foundation in which he is working hard to create well trained workers to fill the many open job opportunities here in America. His posts can be very entertaining (see the ones about the contest to name his new puppy – Fred won, but I was so rooting for Rutt!). Today, tho, I read some words from Mike that fully stopped me in my tracks…..

    "What you do, who you’re with, and how you feel about the world around you, is completely up to you."

    Seems simple at first glance, right? Obvious, even. Then sit with it a while and see what questions come up for you.  Do you begin to notice some icky little demons pop out of the closet in your mind? Boundary issues?  Empowerment struggles? Self doubt? I know I did!

    It is worth a little time to sit with these words and examine what in you is holding you back from being happy. Happy in your relationships, Happy in your job, Happy in your head – The choice is ours. It always  has been.

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

    PS Thanks, Mike. And if you ever do decide to run for President, you have my vote!

    Mike rowe

     

     

     

  • Where ever you go….

    …there you are!

    So, in my head, I actually thought this quote was from a Ziggy cartoon when I was a child. I did a little searching and found the quite attributed to a few different people, but not Ziggy, so I must be mis-remembering. AnYwAy….. Most of you know I moved across country a few months ago.. BIG life change – HUGE! New place, new life, new weather, great people! Yet sometimes (today being one of those times) I find some old patterns arising again. I came across the article below, and it made me look at myself and my "inner surroundings" in a new light. I hope you enjoy!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

    Not As Happy As You Want To Be…..

    Once we treat our inner self with respect, patience and love, we transform not only ourselves but those around us.  We see the world as a place of beauty; a vast area to live and breathe openly and with great joy.

             Do you love your life?  Are you not as happy as you would like to be?  Sometimes it's what is happening on the inside that drives what is occurring on the outside.  How many times does it feel to you that your life is out of control?  Stuff is happening so fast and so often.  Your kids aren't listening, the dog isn't listening and your husband says you didn't tell him what you know you told him.  Is it them?  Or is it you?You aren't going to like this…it is you.  If you are unhappy with what is going on, the first place to look is to you.  Great news though, you have the power to change it all.  Yes, you do!  What is going on inside is causing the turmoil on the outside.  What are your thoughts about yourself?  Are they positive, encouraging and supporting?  Or are they more along the lines of "I can't believe I forgot that, you idiot!"  I won't go on – I'm aiming for an upbeat feel here. If your thoughts are negative and you are always putting yourself down, the chances are the negativity is all around your being.  Therefore, when people aren't listening to you, you get annoyed, aggravated and even angry at them.  I call that the outward manifestation of your inner being.  What it really is though, is that you are truly annoyed, aggravated and angry at yourself.  So, then how can you turn that around and get the results you are wanting? Here are five tips to turn it around:

    1. Remember that you have the power to change what you do not like by taking small simple steps.
    2. Stop being so hard on yourself.  When you hear your inner voice say something negative, stop it right there and remember a time where you felt confident.
    3. Be kind and encouraging to yourself.  Treat yourself as you would another person and you'll soon shift to a better inner feeling.
    4. Start talking to yourself in a more positive and supporting way.
    5. Begin to pay attention to how you are being with others.  Are you showing up in a negative, unloving way and if so, shift that to a positive and loving manner.

    Through your actions, what you will begin to see is a transformation in yourself.  You will see that you are communicating clearly and that others are really listening.  It's almost like magic and truly beautiful.  You will notice yourself responding differently to others, and others responding to you in a good, positive, very pleasing way.We see the outer part of ourselves so often we forget that we have an inner self as well.  Once we treat our inner self with respect, patience and love, we transform not only ourselves but those around us.  We see the world as a place of beauty; a vast area to live and breathe openly and with great joy.

     
    (Source ArticleFactory)

  • You Were Made For This!

    Hello!

    Having gone through a great many changes in my life the past two years, there were many times I have read and reread this article below. The images of ships upon the water spoke deeply to me, and reminded me frequently to seek guidance from Capitaine Agwe. Master of the Sea, he is one to go to for guidance, setting a course through the stormy seas of life. Our own Brother Menfo now offers readings and rituals to his guardian lwa, Capitaine Agwe and his wife, LaSirene. You can view his offerings at www.spellmaker.com/menfo.htm  I hope you find some jewels in this article to help you through any stormy patches you may find yourself in.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    You Were Made For This

    By Clarissa Pinkola Estes

    My friends, do not lose heart. We were made for these times. I have heard  from so many recently who are deeply and properly bewildered. They are concerned about the state of affairs in our world  now. Ours is a time of almost  daily astonishment and often righteous rage over the latest degradations of what matters most to civilized, visionary people.
          You are right in your assessments. The lustre and hubris some have aspired to while endorsing acts so heinous against children, elders, everyday people, the poor, the unguarded, the helpless, is breathtaking. Yet, I urge you, ask  you, gentle you, to please not spend your spirit dry by bewailing these difficult times. Especially do not lose hope. Most particularly because, the fact is that we were made for these times. Yes. For years, we have been      learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement.
          I grew up on the Great Lakes and recognize a seaworthy vessel when I see one. Regarding awakened souls, there have never been more able vessels in the waters than there are right now across the world. And they are fully provisioned and able to signal one another as never before in the history of humankind.

    Look out over the prow; there are millions of boats of righteous souls on the waters with you. Even though your veneers may shiver from every wave in this stormy roil, I assure you that the long timbers composing your prow and rudder come from a greater forest. That  long-grained lumber is known to withstand storms, to hold together, to hold its own, and to advance, regardless.
          In any dark time, there is a tendency to veer toward fainting over how much is wrong or unmended in the world. Do not focus on that. There is a tendency, too, to fall into being weakened by dwelling on what is outside your reach, by what cannot yet be. Do not focus there. That is spending the wind  without raising the sails.

    We are needed, that is all we can know. And though we meet resistance, we more so will meet great souls who will hail us, love us and guide us, and we will know them when they appear. Didn't you say you were a believer? Didn't you say you pledged to listen to a voice greater? Didn't you ask for grace? Don't you remember that to be in grace means to  submit to the voice greater?
    Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any  small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely. It is not given to  us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good.

    What is needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of  acts, adding, adding to, adding more, continuing. We know that it does not take everyone on Earth to bring justice and peace, but only a small, determined group who will not give up during the first, second, or  hundredth gale.
          One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a      stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these – to be fierce and to show mercy    toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity.

    Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing  to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.
          There will always be times when you feel discouraged. I too have felt despair many times in my life, but I do not keep a chair for it. I will not entertain it. It is not allowed to eat from my plate.

    The reason is this: In my uttermost bones I know something, as do you. It is that there can be no  despair when you remember why you came to Earth, who you serve, and who sent  you here. The good words we say and the good deeds we do are not ours. They are the words and deeds of the One who brought us here. In that spirit, I hope you will write this on your wall: When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for.

        Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D

  • Coconut Sweet Potatoes.

    Hey there!

    Every once in a while I come across a recipe that just screams PAPA LEGBA to me 😉 And since we are coming into the season where sweet potatoes are everywhere,  I have a feeling this might be something that he would enjoy. Actually, I think just about anyone would enjoy this, it is just yummy! I made a batch using uncanned sweet potatoes, and it was quite delicious.  I just baked it a little bit longer than what is listed below. Warm, southern style comfort food. If you try it, post a comment here on my blog and let us know what you think 😉

    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    Coconut Sweet Potatoes.

    • 3 (16-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 2 Tablespoons butter
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
    • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    • 3 Tablespoons flour
    • 3 Tablespoons melted butter

    TO PREPARE:

    Combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, 2 Tablespoons butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl.  Mash until blended. Spoon into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Combine the coconut, pecans, brown sugar and flour in a bowl and mix well.  Stir in 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Spread over the sweet potatoes. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.

     

    Images4

  • How do you deal with Frustration?

    Good Morning!!!

    Hope you all are doing well and are enjoying this lovely summer! 

    As some of you know, I have been working at times to settle some matters dealing with my father's estate. Estate stuff, at least in this situation, tends not to be very simple. I often have an idea or thought or plan of how things will go with a certain issue, and then, well, God Laughs! 

    Driving home yesterday, I certainly was feeling rather frustrated. I got to thinking alot about this feeling, and I really don not like it! It sucks, basically. And I think I would really rather not feel it so much anymore. I did a little surfing when I got home, to see if there are some tips on dealing with frustration. I would like to share with you what I have learned….

    First, just to help clarify – Frustration is a feeling that arises when something occurs which keeps us from reaching a goal or expectation. There are other feelings which can occur as well, such as disappointment. BUT mix a little anger with your disappointment, and you have frustration.

    "Expectation is the mother of all frustration"

                    …… Antonio Banderas 

    Second, we can experience different levels of frustration in different parts of our lives. Some folks are more easily frustrated in the work enviornment, some with family, some in more social settings. It seems to be the more intense a situation, the more important the goal is to us, the more easily we can become frustrated.

    Anyone out there working on a love situation? How important is it to you that it resolve successfully? 

    Third, how we handle our frustration can definitely directly influence how much frustration we could be feeling in the future! Huh, you say? I said that the first time I read this as well. But look at it this way….if we learn to handle our frustration productively, and that leads to a positive resolution to our situation, then there will be nothing to get frustrated about in the future! 

    Of course, frustration is not always a bad thing. It can be quite motivating and can help us figure out steps so that we can reach our goals. But it is how we choose to express our frustration may cause more stress in our life and the lives of others.

    So, how do we handle our frustration? What are some good tips to practice or skills to develop? 

    I found this wonderful article by Judith Orloff about Frustration, and ways to handle it. Dr Orloff has 4 tips for handiing frustration with people. Here is an exerpt: 

    Tip #1. Focus on a specific issue—don't escalate or mount a personal attack.
    For instance, "I feel frustrated when you promise to do something but there is no follow-through." No resorting to threats or insults. In an even, non-blaming tone, lead with how the behavior makes you feel rather than how you think the other person is wrong.

    Tip #2. Listen non-defensively without reacting or interrupting.
    It's a sign of respect to hear a person's point of view, even if you disagree. Avoid an aggressive tone or body language. Try not to squirm with discomfort or to judge.

    Tip #3. Intuit the feelings behind the words.
    When you can appreciate someone's motivation, it's easier to be patient. Try to sense if this person is frightened, insecure, up against a negative part of themselves they've never confronted. If so, realize this can be painful. See what change they're open to.

    Tip #4. Respond with clarity and compassion.
    This attitude takes others off the defensive so they're more comfortable admitting their part in causing frustration. Describe everything in terms of remedies to a specific task, rather then generalizing. State your needs. For instance, "I'd really appreciate you not shouting at me even if I disappoint you." If the person is willing to try, show how pleased you are. Validate their efforts: "Thanks for not yelling at me. I really value your understanding" See if the behavior improves. 

    (end exerpt) 

    I will be trying some of these techniques with the various realtors, inspectors, lawyers, etc associated with my dad's Estate and let you know which ones I have found helpful. If you try any of these tips out, I would love to hear how they worked for you :-) 

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

     

     

     

     

  • How much is too much?

    Hi there-

    I came across this very good little commentary and wanted to share! It says so much in a few paragraphs. How much is enough? How much is good for us to tolerate? or not tolerate? I hope you all find this as helpful as I did.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    Too much Tolerance can be a Bad Thing.

    Commentary 

    By

    Robert Pagliarini

    (MoneyWatch) You may not know it, but you have a tolerance meter — an internal gauge that tells you when enough is enough. The problem for many is that their tolerance meter is set too high — that they put up with far too much for far too long. We stay at jobs we hate because it is "comfortable enough," and because changing requires so much more energy. We'll endure critical bosses who never have nice things to say about us because we tell ourselves that they're not "that bad." We'll live paycheck to paycheck for years because we fool ourselves into thinking it's the "best we can do."

    It is easy to fall into the mental trap of mediocrity. Because it doesn't take much to get by, we grow complacent. We stop growing and seeking challenges. We don't push ourselves to succeed. We cultivate a lifestyle well below our potential, but one that is just good enough that it doesn't require much challenge or action.

    Tolerance is critical for survival. It has allowed us to endure horrific conditions by helping us quickly adapt to the situation. Our ability to adapt to our surroundings is both a gift and a curse. There are some life forms that cannot survive unless their conditions are ideal. Vary their environment even a little and they perish. We don't have this problem. We can tolerate, and even flourish, in wild extremes.

    But when it comes to our careers, relationships, health, and lives, tolerance and adaptability are also curses. It's amazing how much we can tolerate when our environment changes slowly. Incremental change is our worst enemy. It permits us to gradually accept living standards that we never would have accepted in the beginning.

    The best way to determine if you have settled is to take an honest look at your present situation. Are you where you want to be? Have you forgotten once vivid dreams and aspirations? Success has been defined as the progressive realization of a worthy goal. Based on this definition, are you successful?

    There is a dark side to not "settling." I'm sure there is at least one person in your life that suffers from the belief that nothing is ever good enough. No matter how successful they become or how much money they make, they are never satisfied with their lives. This mindset is a guaranteed formula for frustration and unhappiness. So while it is healthy and motivating to work for and dream about reaching your goals, it is imperative to be thankful for where you are and what you already have. Regardless of your situation, you have a thousand things for which to give thanks. Do not lose sight of these aspects of your life. Don't lose sight of how far you've come and of what you've already accomplished on your journey in life.

    The solution is to demand more from yourself (and often from others!). Draw a line in the sand and make a commitment to progress. Look at your situation with a set of fresh eyes and ask yourself, "How can I do better?" The moment you realize getting by isn't good enough is the moment your life can start to change.

      © 2013 CBS Interactive Inc..

  • On FB and in a relationship – this is a MUST READ!

    Happy Friday!

    Do you want this….

     

    or this?

    I came across this artlcle last night just before bed, and I had to restrain myself from getting up right then and there and posting the link!  Over the past few years, I have seen this exact thing happen over and over — some of you who I have read with will remember me telling you to get off of FB and stop looking at certain people's profiles — For The Good of your Case! I am so glad that there are people looking into this issue of the impact of FB and the whole new level of knowledge or exposure we have about other people in our lives. Being able to look into someone's life this closely was not heard of 10 or 15 years ago – and of course, people were not sharing this much information then either. Balance is everything!

    I do hope this article is helpful to some! And have a great weekend everyone!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    Excessive Facebook use can damage relationships, study finds

    Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and
    maintain relationships.  However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging
    to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri
    School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to
    experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative
    relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.
    In their study, Clayton, along with Alexander Nagurney, an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo,
    and Jessica R. Smith, a doctoral student at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, surveyed Facebook users ages 18 to 82 years old. Participants were asked to describe how often they used Facebook and how much, if any, conflict arose between their current or former partners as a result of Facebook use. The researchers found that high levels of Facebook use among couples significantly predicted Facebook-related conflict, which then significantly predicted negative relationship outcomes such as cheating, breakup, and divorce. "Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner's Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy," Clayton said. "Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners. Also, our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating."
    Clayton says this trend was particularly apparent in newer relationships.
    "These findings held only for couples who had been in relationships of three years or less," Clayton said.
    "This suggests that Facebook may be a threat to relationships that are not fully matured. On the other hand, participants who have been in relationships for longer than three years may not use Facebook as often, or may have more matured relationships, and therefore Facebook use may not be a threat or concern."
    In order to prevent such conflict from arising, Clayton recommends couples, especially those who have not been together for very long, to limit their own personal Facebook use.
    "Although Facebook is a great way to learn about someone, excessive Facebook use may be damaging to
    newer romantic relationships," Clayton said. "Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other."
    This study is forthcoming in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.

    

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    Facebook and other
    social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create
    and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook
    use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell
    Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of
    Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far
    more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic
    partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including
    emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    Facebook and other
    social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create
    and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook
    use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell
    Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of
    Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far
    more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic
    partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including
    emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    Facebook and other
    social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create
    and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook
    use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell
    Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of
    Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far
    more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic
    partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including
    emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

  • 15 things to make you happier!

    Hello!

    This is a link to an article I just saw on FB. I don’t often repost
    things I see there, because I figure, If I saw it, than so has everyone
    else. BUT today I am making an exception. This article is well worth
    reading. The 15 things are by some standards no small things, but even
    if this article just gives us a little awareness of the time and space a
    few of these things may be taking up in our lives, it is so worth it.

    Hope you all have a grand day!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    ABQ102010 124

     

  • Following a Resolution.

    Hi there!

    Part of ny New Year's resolution was for me to try new and exciting things. I am taking a jewelry making class. I am getting ready to sell my house and  make a really bold move. I am looking at my financials in a new light. I have also decided to try branching out a bit in my practice. I am currently starting up a shop on Etsy, and have also recently listed my readings on KEEN. It can be relaly hard in today's world to know how and where to focus one's energies. There are so many options on the 'net today and social media, to say the least, can be overwhemling. They key for me is to try really hard not to get overwhelmed by the choices, and know that the only way to know what path is right for me, is by trial and error. I do my research, listen to my guidance, and then take a try. It is a step – not always forwards, but a step none the less. Change can be scarey. New things can be overwhelming. But no progress can be made by standing still. In these days following the New Year, when your resolutions are still fresh in your mind, I encourage you to try, to take a step and see where it goes. You will miss 100% of the chances that you do not take.

    Blessings,

    Sister Bridget

  • Belleau Wood.

     

    Happy New Year!

    I may be a bit early with my wishes where you are – and a little late where some other are. But wherever you are, I hope you are with loved ones, and enjoying the last of this holiday season.

    I recently came across this song by Garth Brooks again, after kind of having it slip my mind. It really is lovely, and tho it is about something that happened at Christmas time during WWI, the message fits New Year's as well. The lyrics of this song are really poetic – but my favorite are really the last 2 lines.

    Enjoy, and I wish for next year to be the best ever for all!

    Love

    Sister Bridget