With Grace and Gratitude

Last night I was reading a thread on a social media network that contained this Link about the National Defense Authorization Act and more than a few opposing comments.  As I skimmed through the written portion of the article as well as the comments on the thread, I became more and more disheartened.  Images of soldiers on every street corner, of citizens being "captured" and taken away at will, of my children living in fear of a single misstep all floated around in my head.  This was something else that must be FOUGHT AGAINST!  (The images went well beyond that, but no need to be a complete Debbie Downer here, after all, this Blog is AllSUNNYDaze, not rainy daze....)

Soon after reading this, I went on a little jaunt to buy dog food.  Something about the motion of the car seems to get my creative juices flowing (either the motion or the fact that the car is the only place I can find quiet these days) and so it began.

I was thinking about how awful it would feel to be under complete military control.  Then I thought about the threat of military control or even the perceived threat.  Other people have experienced it and they have survived, but this nation was founded on a completely different set of values.  The more I continued this line on thinking, the more I realized how bad I was starting to feel.  I could actually feel my vibrational frequency lowering, as if I was slowing down inside my car.  In my mind I saw soldiers prevalent everywhere.  They were patrolling streets, roadways, towns, buildings, you name it, they were there in my mind.  The police departments were no longer needed because the local and state laws no longer mattered, only the Federal laws were implemented.  So, in my mind I was completely oppressed and jobless, and still heading to Target to buy dog food.  "At least I still have this freedom," I thought.  And then I began to realize that I still have ALL of my freedoms.  The images of soldiers began to be joined by images of Lightworkers milling around, unassumingly going about their business with serene smiles on their faces.  (The image of Lightworkers was inspired by a poem that I stumbled upon on Facebook.  I can't find it now.  Has anyone else seen it?)
As the new images arose in my mind's eye and the realization that nothing "bad" had happened, I feeling of gratitude began to settle within me.  I brought my focus back to the NOW.  I was in the car.  Driving.  I pulled into the parking lot of the shopping center and marveled at the lights.  Wow.  What beauty!  I got out of my car and freely walked into the store where I saw a young friend restocking shelves.  I innocently asked her how much the items in the dollar bins cost, she whacked me in the shoulder and we both laughed.  I recognized the joy that I was experiencing.  I moved onward through the store, chose to purchase a DVD and then, still experiencing the feeling of awe for simply being able to have this experience, I grabbed the dog food and headed to the checkout.  (For mental imagery purposes, I'm not a large person and while I'm also not the size of an elf, a 40 lb. bag of dog food is not a whole lot larger than I am.....sort of like an ant carrying a sunflower seed.....)
Still experiencing the higher vibrations of of joy and gratitude I completed the checkout and made my way back to the car.
The point of all of this is not the activity that I was performing, it is the realization that it is our VIBRATION that matters!  It is our focus on what we desire and our attention to how we are feeling at the moment that affords us the opportunity to SHIFT to a positive feeling.  Yes, the link that I posted above tells a sad tale.  The possibilities are disheartening.  But there is a gift in all of that!  The GIFT is the opportunity for each of us to look past the sadness; to allow ourselves to look within and find what it is that slows and lowers our vibration, then to find that point of focus that raises us up and reminds us to let our light shine.  Where there is Light, there is NO darkness.  What may seem a battle that is to be met with resistance is actually an opportunity for a change of perspective.
(Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here.  There are times when action is needed.  "Bad" things happen and if we can be of service to assist and help another, then so be it.  We "serve" with grace and gratitude, not from anger or sorrow.)

The point of all of this?  Focus on the little things.  The wonderful things.  After reading and getting the gist of the link above as well as the associated comments, I recognized a dark path just ahead.  Then, I suddenly realized how immensely fortunate I am NOW.  All of the good that exists NOW....the fact that we are currently living in the "Land of the Free"..... that I can go and buy dog food where ever I want....  and from there, I found joy and gratitude in each breath.....  In the NOW.

Breath.  Return to NOW.  What are you feeling right NOW.  What is beyond that feeling?  Just feel it and be with it and just be here NOW and enjoy.

With Grace and Gratitude, thank you for being YOU and for sticking with me through the random thoughts!  

Blessed and Tongue Tied

Have you ever felt inspired?  I know I have.  Just a few moments ago I felt inspired to write and update this page after many months of finger tapping silence.  Just as I sat down at a little table at the bookstore cafe, however, I realized that there was a very intense conversation going on behind me and I couldn't seem to tear my ears away from it.  How rude of me.  And how interesting.  I could have done without the food in the mouth talking, though, but that was certainly none of my business, being the eavesdropper. 

They have now taken their drinks and moved on and I am grateful for that.  

Last weekend I had an amazing experience at the Mind Body Spirit expo!  Sharing in the joy with my lovely wife and a wonderful friend on Friday, we perused tables and vendors and treats before the biggest treat of all, an up close and personal experience with Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith of Agape International Spiritual Center.  Wow and more wow.  

I returned on Saturday to see Doreen Virtue.  It was snowing.  October, East Coast, south of New York, North of the Carolinas.....not supposed to be snowing yet!  There was no stopping me for this one, though! I'm not one to be star struck.  Celebrity status is not something that I am overly excited about normally.  I appreciate and respect the work and the individual as just that, a working individual with talents different than my own.  I am grateful for the gifts that they share with the rest of us.  Well, something about this expo blew all of that right out of the water for me.  I will take you back in time to experience this portion of my journey......

Friday.  This day was much easier, as I had my wife and our friend to speak for me.  I said little, as far as I can recall.  I just enjoyed the experience, immensely, I might add.  

Saturday.  This trip I made alone.  As I said, it was snowing.  I hadn't thought about checking the car for an ice scraper or snow brush, but thankfully Target was nearby and I was able to purchase one.  I made it back into the expo just in time to visit a lovely booth to purchase a couple of shirts that I had my eye on the day before.  (These lovely ladies were just fantastic.  I look forward to posting links to their business as soon as I write them for permission to do so.)  It was then time for the Doreen Virtue book signing!!!!!  I had some books and I was getting them signed!!!!  What to say?  I had no idea what to say!  I waited in line, anxious, excited and just plain thrilled to be there....the energy was amazing!  It was my turn.  I handed her the books.  I smiled.  She asked my name.  I smiled.  She smiled.  I thought, "I wonder if she is seeing Angels around me?"  

"guh, SHELLEY," I blurted out.   

Still trying to think of something to say, I finally settled on explaining that she was one of my first Twitter followers.  Yes, Doreen Virtue had followed slmusings on Twitter.  (She's not following anymore.....alas, it was one of 25000+, so I'm not offended.)  My explanation, by the way, was met with a rather blank, but kind stare.  I then realized that someone with her busy schedule probably does not check her own Twitter follows.  She likely has a staff for that.  Oh well.  No matter!  My books were signed and I interacted with Doreen Virtue, Angel Therapist, Spiritual Doctor of Psychology, and Author of more than 20 books!  I happily skipped away, anxious for the reception prior to her lecture.

Fast forward about 30 minutes to reception time.

I scurried to the room where (I thought) the reception was to be held and got in line.  It seemed odd to stand in line for a cheese and cracker style reception, but I figured that maybe everyone was really hungry and maybe Doreen was hanging by the cheese to greet everyone.  Then a very nice lady got in line behind me and kindly explained that this line was for a reading by Deborah King.  (I am not really familiar with her teachings, but the brief explanation that I received was fascinating and I am anxious to learn more.)  Now I was in a quandary.  In attendance at a very spiritually uplifting event, I had found myself in the wrong place, but was it the right time?  I mean, clearly I was here for a reason, but was the reason to get a reading from Deborah King, or to simply learn who Deborah King was?  I had paid quite a lot for the Doreen Virtue full package tickets.  My new friend helped me.  She suggested that I go check out the reception, then return to line if I couldn't find it.  Just then an expo helper came to guide some other wandering souls over to the reception.  I hopped on their train and followed.  (please keep in mind that I was still quite giddy....just thrilled to be there....think "kid in candy shop"....lego addict in lego store.....small child on Christmas morning...you get the point.  (the term "excited utterance" might also come to mind.))

Ok, so enter reception room.

The first thing I did was tell my favorite sign language story to an interpreter.  The story involves pizza, lesbians and a miscommunication.  Yeah.  Good one.  (remember the "excited utterance" thing?  yeah....)  After recovering from that moment, I signed in, got my name tag and shuffled off to find a table.  Everyone there seemed to have a large group, so I tossed it out to the Universe and followed the lead of my "guides/Angels/intuition".  Making my way toward the back with my snacks, I saw a table with one lovely lady seated next to a chair with a coat on it.  I deduced that this must be a table with only two people and therefore plenty of room to spare.  I gently asked if I could join her and she graciously welcomed me to her table and into her presence.  What a WONDERFUL wonderful person, and I say that with sincerity, not just because she told me that I was one of the funniest people she had ever met.  (Okay, the compliment was worth more than it's weight in gold, but still, she was (is) super!)  My new friend "El" introduced me to her friend "En" and we chatted like we had known each other all our lives.  Isn't it just wonderful how the Universe works?  As we were sharing, Doreen Virtue was making her way around to each of the tables, visiting and taking pictures with everyone.  She arrived at our table and I got my phone out for a photo.

She said, "Hi, everyone!  Are you having a good time?"  

I stood up.

She stood there.

I smiled.

>pause<

She smiled.

(I have no idea if anyone else was speaking at this point)

I finally realized that there had been a question, so I said, "Thank you, these are my new friends".

I then realized that the question had not had anything to do with my new friends, really.

Doreen then asked if we wanted a picture and I managed to compose myself long enough to muster my two new friends into a photo.  I got a rather blurry shot of them, as I was so excited I could barely hold the camera still.  I then, ever so calmly, made my way over to Ms. Virtue.  Feeling very small, yet full of Love and Light, we posed for our picture.  I think I then said something to the effect of, "blah blah blah blurt blurt blagh....I like pancakes and fruit cups and Angels are really fun....blah blah blah".  

Yeah. 

I'm smooth.

Maybe I didn't really say anything.  I might have asked her out on a date.  I really don't know.  It was weird. I felt weird.  And giddy.  

Truly, it was amazing to meet her in person, especially just a day after being in the presence of Rev. Michael and Rickie as well.  They are such wonderful teachers and sharers of their gifts.  I feel blessed to have experienced this entire event.  

Doreen's talk itself was just incredible.  I am still feeling the effects of the expo even a week later, and am finding such joy all around.  

With that, I close this little update, as it is time to leave the cafe and enjoy a weekend with a dear friend with whom I get to spend too little time.

Many Blessings to all!

Namaste

Mind Set

Just saw that Dr. Oz is about "Can you think yourself skinny" C'MON!!!! Why would any of us be overweight then if all it took was a mental change??? Don't I wish!!!!

I saw this quote today and it struck me instantly as an amazing opportunity.  I should specify that I did not watch the Dr. Oz show, so I cannot speak to the thoughts or ideas that he presented.  I can, however, present some (mostly) educated comments and a (unique?) perspective in regard to the statement above.

"Can you think yourself skinny?"  At face value, this may seem absurd.  The thought that we could say to ourselves, "I'm skinny", and then have all of our "extra" mass disappear into oblivion, seems outrageous to say the least!  I mean, we all know that if we just sit around on the couch just "thinking" about weight loss, all we will do is expand exponentially.  Right? 
Let's first take a look at why we might expand in such conditions.  (and by "expand", I do mean at the waist line, NOT in the field of awareness; although, we would certainly be more aware of the tightness of our britches!)  Follow me into the "field of expansion" for a venture into the world of Wanda Weighinscale, if you dare.....

 

Wanda returns home after a stressful day at work.  She has been busy all day and is tired, hungry and feeling unhappy about her body condition.  In short, she is uncomfortable with her current place in life.  She saw a preview for a show about "thinking herself thin", so she decides to try it.  After all, there are no hours left in the day to go to the gym, besides, she's just too tired to go.  She's tried all of the weight loss plans and diet foods, and nothing has worked for her.  She steps on the scale and consistently sees an unsightly number, bringing her attention over and over again to the fact that she weighs much more than she would like.

Wanda plops herself down on the couch and begins to think.  She thinks and she thinks and she thinks about how she would like to be thin.  All the while she is thinking, she is feeling more and more resentful of her current condition.  She is envisioning in her mind's eye the many thin models and athletes that she has seen on television and in the magazines.  Now she is reminded of the "fat jokes" that she hears around the office and that she used to hear in high school.  Her self loathing is increasing, her frustration is off the charts.  But, she is still thinking about being thin, so surely it must be working.  She continues this process for a week, gradually placing more and more thought on picturing herself thin, even though each time she looks in the mirror she sees someone who is not her image of "thin".  Wanda finishes her "work out" on the seventh day and heads to the scale.  She is disheartened when she sees that she has actually gained a pound.

"How can this be possible," Wanda wonders.  "I've been picturing myself thin, I've been thinking about being thin....."

 

What Wanda has not realized is this.  While she has been picturing herself as thin, she has been harboring resentment that she is not thin.  She has actually been placing her focus on her LACK of thin, which has been pushing her thin away. 

 

So does this mean that it is not possible to "think ourselves thin"?  In my humble opinion, absolutely not!  (Not exactly, anyway)  Let's go back to Wanda....she's still staring in the mirror, feeling sad.  Maybe we can cheer her up a bit.

 

Looking at her over sized reflection, Wanda steps off the scale and slides it angrily across the floor. 

"I love you"....

Wanda jumps and looks around.  She is the only one home. 

"I LOVE you"....she hears it again, this time from the direction of the mirror.

Wanda turns and looks at herself in the mirror.  It's as though her reflection is speaking to her.  She hears distinctly, "I love you just as you are.  Don't you love me?"

Wanda is perplexed.

"I LOVE YOU!  YOU!  As you are!  You are beautiful and you are all I have.  Without you, I cannot exist in this world.  I need you and I Love You!"

Wanda stares intently into the mirror and says, "Who are you?"  

"You!"

Now Wanda thinks there is an echo.  She repeats more slowly and distinctly, "Who.....are......you?"

"YOU"!  She hears, this time sounding much more forceful.  "I am YOU.  I am part of you and you of me.  We are one.  Together, we are you.  Without the you of us, we cannot exist.  I love the you that is you and the you that is in me.  I need only for you to love me back so that we may be One again."

Wanda is not a fan of riddles, and thinks carefully about this.  Suddenly she understands.  Her reflection is telling her that she must love herself as she is and for all that she is.  It is her self-loathing and frustration that is keeping her from feeling complete.  It is not that she is too heavy or too tall or too short or too "whatever".  It is her mind-set that is keeping her from feeling good about herself.  If she is to bring her body back to a state of wholeness and well being, she must begin within.  

Wanda stares intently into the mirror and says, "Thank you".

Her reflection smiles back at her.

Wanda gazes into the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen and a smile that is as vibrant as the sun.  She blinks and the cobalt blue eyes blink too.  It is then that Wanda realizes that she is gazing at herself, not a disembodied reflection.  She recognizes her own beauty.  She sees past the appearance that she has long perceived as over-weight and unattractive and recognizes the glorious light that shines within her being.  Wanda finally feels what it is like to be beautiful, in her own mind.  

From that moment on, Wanda no longer felt the sense of frustration or anger about her physical appearance.  She no longer paid attention to the newest "fad" diet.  She had no need.  Her intention was to love herself and care for her body, knowing that this "vessel" is all that she has to remain part of the physical world today.  Wanda began to honor her body, her spirit and her mind.  Through this sense of honor, Wanda found herself drawn to nutritional teachings that she understood and enjoyed.  She found herself meeting others with similar experiences and she began to exercise more than she had ever thought possible.  

Wanda experienced a change in her mindset.  She learned to love herself and learned that she IS enough, just as she is.  She released the stressful thoughts of "needing" to lose weight and shifted her focus to well-being and gratitude for her life experience.  Wanda's new love of self brought her to a place of joy and thanksgiving that she had never thought possible and with this joy came a new sense of vibrancy and energy.  This change of mind set lead Wanda to a new physique.....one that she had always dreamed of experiencing, but never thought possible.

Thank you, Wanda.

Wanda's story may be one of extremes, but I think it illustrates my point.  While we may not lose weight or gain our ideal circumstance by simply sitting and thinking, a change of our thought patterns is an excellent first step.  It is the CHANGE OF MIND SET and the FEELINGS associated with this change that lead us on our desired path.  A very wise woman has said to me MANY times, "When the intention is clear, the mechanisms for it to occur will fall into place."  And so it is with anything that we desire.  As we set our intention, allow our mind set to shift and feel that what we intend already is, it SHALL BE SO!

Random Tales from a Rainy Day

The less than balmy head of Old Man Winter continued rearing today in the form of very cold rain (the sleet and ice missed us, for the most part, thankfully), making our not-so-plowed streets quite challenging to navigate.  Despite the odds, we all ventured out.  Mare to Yoga, Baby Ruth and the KitKats to dance class and I to a morning of fitness and Martial Arts fun.  Today's story really begins, however, with my fantastic idea of a "quick" shopping trip after the organized group activities ended.

Taking the weather into consideration, I thought that the stores would certainly be slow and would absolutely welcome any customer who ventured through the doors.  Expecting a barren wasteland of parking spaces and snow mounds, I made my way to the local Best Buy/Target/Wegman's plaza.  My crowded spaces radar perked up a bit when I observed the traffic in the turning lane.  Still, I scoffed at the idea that anyone else could possibly have the same sense of adventure that I have!  Onward I trekked.  And then around.  And around.  And around.  Around the Best Buy parking lot I drove until finally a spot availed itself to me.  I happily trotted into the store to retrieve my bargain, only to find that the bargain did not exist AND I was by no means the only customer with a sense of adventure for the day.  Somewhat disheartened, I vowed to place an order from Amazon.com later in the day (for 1/3 the cost) and headed back to my car.  The thing that helped me to keep my chin up was the knowlege that I was going to provide a wonderful spot for someone to park.  All of those folks who had been circling the lot like I had just done would be making a mad dash for this one little spot.  I got out of there as quick as I could, then realized that there were at least five or six open spots around me now.  Apparently everyone else saw me leaving so they left too.  Oh well.

(Don't worry, the adventure continues)

I braved the odds and made my way over to Target.  I think the last time I saw such mayhem in the parking lot was "black Friday".  Between the cars, pedestrians, shopping carts and snowbanks, I wasn't sure which way to go.  I contemplated driving home to park in my driveway and to then walk back, but like I said before, it was cold and rainy.  (and it would have been a 10 mile walk)  Finally I located a parking spot in the Wegmans area.  This was suitable, as I would be ending my excursion with a jaunt into this store.  The downside was the walk to Target, two stores down.  Wishing I had put on some waterproof boots, I sloshed my way through the parking lot, down the sidewalk and into the store.
I was on a mission.  I had my mental list.  It contained two and one half items.  (the one half was for the thing that I thought I might get if I saw one for a good price)
I made my way to thing number one - storage container for Barbies.  On the way I stopped to gaze longingly at the display of rubber rain boots.  I pretended that they were on my wet feet and continued to the containers.  There I met a very nice lady looking for a lid.  Together, we found her lid and solved some of her moving problems.
Yes, a piece of tape with a label on an opaque lid would render the same information as a "see through" lid.  AND, the lid would even fit the container.
She was a very nice lady.  We both chose our special storage devices, wished one another well and continued on our way.  I took a "quick" look for thing "one half" and found many wonderful, shiny, new objects on the way.  The ideas began to flow.  (I think Target has something in the lights that taps into those with addictive/obsessive type personalities.  Somewhat like the coffee at Starbucks.  It's probably not crack, but it must be similar.)  Anyway, I regained my focus and turned the corner.....ah, the bargain bin.  Did you know that kid's clothing is much cheaper than that for adults?  AND, a boys size XL fits wonderfully on someone my size......$4.50 for a champion workout shirt!  BARGAIN!
Regaining focus once again, I trudged onward for item # 3.  Then I saw the pretty colors.  I began to drift toward the fitness aisle and caught myself just in time to weave in front of an unsuspecting customer and her cart.  She bobbed, I weaved and we shared the path.  As we pressed on, I commented to her that I am clearly too easily distracted.  She shared a knowing smile, nod and chuckle and we parted ways.

Having successfully completed my Target quest, I snapped the lid onto my spiffy new container which now contained the rest of my wares and ventured out the door to begin the trek to Wegman's.  Of course, at this point, it had started to rain even harder.  I was really wishing for those rubber boots; maybe even a raincoat or an umbrella!  I looked up and noticed a man in front of me with an umbrella.
I then contemplated acting out the scene that was playing in my mind:
Catching up to the Man with the Umbrella (aka "my new best friend"), I would duck under his cover and walk along with him.  Of course, he would look at me quizzically,  and I would say, "Hi".
Not knowing what to do or say because he would be much too polite to send me back into the rain, he would just furrow his brow and say, "Hello".
"So, where ya going?" I would ask.
"Uh....", he would stammer.
"Well, I'm going to Wegman's.  May I travel with you?"  (Of course, by this time we would be almost there and my mission would have been accomplished whether or not he granted permission.)

In reality, by the time I finished playing out the scenario in my mind, I was almost at Wegman's.  "The Man with the Umbrella (aka "my new best friend") had already ditched me for another direction.

Wegman's.
It was a MADHOUSE!  I wondered if there was a storm brewing, then remembered that the Superbowl is tomorrow.  Gotta get everything fresh for the big game!  Not I.  Nope.  I was there for three things...maybe four or five, but no more than that!  Twisting and weaving, dodging and ducking, I maneuvered my cart in any direction I could go.  Then I realized that I should probably get out of the entryway before someone saw me dancing.  (I love the security camera and screen where you can see yourself when you first walk in!)
Seriously, I did twist, weave, dodge and duck to get through the store.  It was like driving on the Garden State Parkway in heavy traffic.  You've got to keep your head up, eyes open and scan for openings and brake lights, then just GO!
Making my way through the store and having more than a few near collisions, I realized that I was nearly laughing out loud.  Normally I would have found this to be a very stressful situation, but today I found it quite entertaining.  I even found a smile for the folks who glared at me for asking them to pardon me rather than ramming into them with my cart.
Finally, in the mustard aisle, after another series of near misses, I made another friend.  A lovely lady and I shared a dodging situation due to a "thinker" in the middle of the aisle.  Having successfully navigated around this person, I blurted out my fantastic idea to my new friend.
"Ya know, there should be pull off spots in the aisles.  We could call them 'thinking booths'.  These would be small areas where you can tuck in and study your list or just contemplate your next move.  They will be like phone booths, but not.  And they could contain a map of the store, this way, you can plan your attack!  Then, when you arrive at your desired purchase, it could be a 'push-by'.....a 'grab-and-go.  No more than 5 seconds will be allotted for anyone in front of any product.  If you can't figure it out in 5 seconds, you don't need it and you must move on."
I moved on after that.  I may have startled her, but she did laugh.  A little.  (Besides, I really do think there should be "thinking zones" in the supermarket, esp. on busy days.)
I maneuvered up to the registers and then it dawned on my that I had no reusable shopping bags.  Being a woman of green that I am, this pained me a bit.  Then I realized that I did, in fact, have my brand new  container from Target in the cart!  How lucky!  I could fit nearly everything in my new box with my Target goodies.
It was my turn to pay and I confessed to the cashier that I did not have a bag.  She assured me that it was ok.
I then stated proudly, puffing out my chest a wee bit, "But I DO have this crate"!
She laughed.
(She was pleased, as I was, that I had such an ingenious idea.  At least I think that's why she laughed.)
She looked at the items in the crate and asked if I would like her to scan them from there.  I replied that I would rather she didn't, as I had already paid for them at Target.
We shared another laugh and a few more smiles and nods and then the paying was complete.

Feeling quite lovely about my experience overall, I headed back toward the car.  Of course, by this time I no longer had any concept of where I had parked, but at least I did know that I had driven there to begin with!

Fortunate misadventures

We are expecting treasured guests any minute, so I am taking a few moments to begin the tale of today's adventures.
It all began this morning, which really should come as no surprise.  When else would the day's adventures begin?  Unless of course it's a nightshift day.  That would, of course, indicate that the day would begin at night.  No need to confuse things, though.
I got out of bed and slid my chilled toes into my warm, snuggly slippers, then donned my soft and fuzzy bathrobe.  It has snowflakes on it and I love it.  I headed downstairs and straight for the coffee pot.  Morning routine out of the way and two lovely young ladies ready for adventure, Baby Ruth, KitKat #1 and I began some fun with Photo Booth.  We had a grand time "riding the roller coaster" and playing with the special effects.  Not long after this, it was time to head off to Kindergarten registration, handled by my lovely wife.
Fast forward a few hours to the afternoon "appointment".  I scheduled my first "One to One" session today at the semi-local Apple store.  By "semi-local" I mean that the store is located about 30 miles away, but I am partial to this one because of the kind sales person that I encountered during a visit with a friend.  I should note also that I have had this computer for about 9 months.  I purchased a full year of One to One lessons since I am switching from PC to Mac.  I am just now beginning those lessons, so I want to pack as much in as possible!
I met my Tutor for the day, a lovely gentleman by the name of Jon.  He was nice, funny, personable and quite knowledgable.  I am certain that I dazzled him with my Mac-literacy.  He gave me tips and taught me new tricks.  I now know how to use keyboard shortcuts, swipe my fingers in various configurations across the track pad and balance a ball on my nose.
The most significant part of the visit (significant in regard to this post, that is) came when Jon and I began the quest of determining the source of an iWeb blog comment issue.  (For some reason, when attempting to post a comment to the blog, the user gets a very distorted comment screen.  This is a known issue on message boards, but has yet to be fixed from what I have seen.)  At the time, we were viewing my web page (here come's a plug....), http://www.soul-musings.com and reviewing some special features of iWeb.  Jon was unsure of the solution to the comment posting issue, so he did what any humble tutor would do.  He asked a co-worker.
Mr. Brilliant-pants Co-worker puffed his chest out and strutted over to us.  He said, "Oh, well, you need to ."  (as he was saying this, he reached between us and began to tap on my keyboard.  
Slightly concerned, I said, "Uh, wait, what are you doing?"
Continuing to tap, he said, "Well, the configuration just needs to be reset in order to....." (I tuned him out at the words "Configuration and reset".  (I should also note that I know enough about computers to be quite dangerous, and my reasoning for the Mac Class is to continue my seamless transition from PC to Mac, as well as learn the subtleties of a new system.  I know full well what a "configuration" is and I did NOT want mine "reset"!)
Quite in-dignified by my questioning of his performance, Mr. Brilliant-pants proceeded to puff up and tell me something about resetting the browser settings after publishing the website in order to get everything to appear as it should.
Now, had he been patient and finished listening to the explanation of the issue, he would have heard that the problem exists not ONLY on my system, but also on that of anyone who has attempted to access my comment section.  He would also have heard that there are, in fact, discussion threads about this same issue on various web sites.
It was at this moment that I observed all of my carefully CONFIGURED Top Sites (akin to "bookmarks", but quicker to view/access and clearly easier to erase) disappear and RESET back to the default setting.  I then saw myself grabbing Mr. Brilliant-pants Co-worker by the wrist and twisting his arm into the shape of a "Z", followed by a swift knee to the inguinal crease and then a kick right in the head.  Thankfully, part two of this visualization was just a fantasy.  (Thankfully for Mr. Brilliant-pants, that is.)

Jon sat with his head on his hand, mumbling apologies as I declared, "YOU JUST ERASED ALL OF MY TOP SITES!  WHY?  WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?"
I dared not turn around, as I feared that part two of above fantasy would come to fruition.  Mr. Brilliant-pants mumbled something about being sorry and just trying to help, but that's what had to be done, so he was sorry, sort of.  (Yeah, and your fish swam sideways through his castle, so I just "had" to flush him down the toilet.)  Thanks, Man.
As I inhaled a deep, cleansing breath, I realized that iWeb and my entire business was still visible on the screen.  I quickly closed the program before any more RESETTING could be done.  As I did this, the irony and overall significance of the situation came to me.
My business, SouL Musings, is about Raising the Positive Vibration of the Soul.  At this moment I was vibrating, alright, but not so positively.  I looked at Jon, who was mortified, and said, "You know, my day job is very different from this business here (pointing at screen).  This business is all about a calming, Zen-like attitude and focus.  I am going to return to that focus now, as all things in life happen for a reason and for us to learn from them."  (Yes, I said all of this.  I think I was scaring him.)

The truth of that matter is, however, all things do happen for a reason.  Even the most seemingly frustrating situation can have a positive outcome if we allow it.  The reconfiguration and resetting of my top sites lead to my learning of a way to set my preferences to avoid this issue in the future.  (I knew that the resetting was possible because I had accidentally done this previously and had FINALLY gotten them back to my desired settings.)

I also learned something about EGO.  Mr. Brilliant-pants was quite pleased with his knowledge of Macs,  Safari, and iWeb.  He was eager to demonstrate this knowledge.  So eager, in fact, that he didn't listen to the full explanation, nor did he take the time to consider that the "student" may have had a tiny bit of a clue about the situation at hand.  While he was coming from a place of helpful desire, his ego took over when I questioned his actions.  None of this was intentional on his part, but it was highly frustrating from my point of view.

The moral of the story?  Listen.  Listen to the totality of the question being asked or statement given.
Allow.  Allow the question or statement to merge with your own knowledge of the given subject.  Respond.  Respond to the inquiry from a place of humility and common ground.
I am certain that this lesson was mine, not that of Mr. Brilliant-pants Co-worker.  I hope that he gleaned a bit of newfound knowledge as well, but I am absolutely CERTAIN that I did!

In the final moments prior to our guests arrival, I was reminded that the cars needed to be pulled forward in the driveway.  This is a task that I am made for!  Out the door I went in my slippers with their handy dandy rubber soles and warm fuzzy insides, tiptoeing gently over the ice that had reformed from the melting snow earlier in the day.  I made my way gingerly around the mini-van and attempted to press the "unlock" button on the keyless entry device.  Unfortunately, I hit the "lock" button instead.  More unfortunately, before I could grab the door handle, I slipped on the ice causing an acute loss of balance.  Fortunately, there is a large pile of snow next to the van to soften the fall and shorten the distance of same.  More fortunately, as my hand slid into the snowy glove, I applied adequate pressure to the "unlock" button, thereby unlocking the doors of the van.  You see, all seeming misfortunes have their way of becoming fortunate!

Love and Blessings everyone!

Raising the Vibration

 Yesterday was January 11, 2011.  1.11.11.  If you are a fan of my SouL Musings Facebook page, you may have seen the following post (which I copied and pasted from a friend - can’t take credit for it):

Mother Earth needs our help....On 1/11/11 at 11:11 am your local time, we are organizing a global wave of love. All you have to do is get into the feeling of love and tone the AH sound 11 times. Let's stand together and sound a wave of healing that WILL be heard around the world. Sound is energy that can transform the world. Can you spare 11 breaths or about 111 seconds for Humanity? If visualization comes easy to you, visualize feeling love. If you are not good at visualization, grab your lover, hold your baby or child, snuggle with your pet, or smell some beautiful flowers. It doesn’t matter how you get there so long as you find a place of unconditional love that you can hold and build for approximately 11 breaths or 111 seconds. We will then tone the heart sound Ahhhhhhhh 11 times while holding the thought of love in your mind/body/spirit. Imagine you are exhaling pure unconditional love out into the world and with each exhale a pink cloud of love embraces mother earth restoring Earth and humanity to a divine state of perfection. Don’t try to imagine what a divine state of perfection looks like. Just trust and believe that it does exist and hold that feeling of love. If you have never toned before it is so easy and we do it all the time after a good meal. Inhale slowly until your lungs are full, on the exhale try to hold the AH sound until all the air is expelled from your lungs slowly. Repeat 10 times for a total of 11. Don't trying to hold it to long or you will lose your breath. That’s it. Imagine the exuberant feeling of love and sound your trumpet ahhhhhhhh. Please invite ALL your friends and let’s start a wave that will be heard around the world. Sound is healing. *1 Corinthians 15:52* In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

    As I borrowed a quiet moment at 11:11 AM and trumpeted the “ahhhhhhh” or “ommmmm” sound while generating a feeling of unconditional love to surround our planet, I wondered why I don’t do this more often.  This particular moment (and again at 11:11pm) was certainly one of great power and also a perfect time to coordinate with others across the globe, but there is certainly no need to wait another 100 years to practice raising the vibration of love across our planet.  

    In the essence of time, (I had hoped to spend more time with introspection and chatter in this post, but circumstances dictate that I must be brief today) I propose this:

    Each day at 11:11 (or 10:10, or 1:11), take a moment, come back to your heart center, breath deeply, inhaling unconditional love and joy deep into your own Divine Being and the exhale this feeling, holding an image of our planet with waves of this love surrounding her.  (Or any other visualization of your choosing.)  The more we do this as individuals, the more we share in proliferating the positivity for all.  The more we intentionally focus our energy, the more we train ourselves to stay in the vibration of Love and Joy without the need for a reminder.  

    We are living in a time of great possibilities.  The energy of our planet is shifting and we are more than capable of shifting with it, creating more positive vibrations and more GOOD than we have ever imagined.  It is up to us to determine the course of the shift as well as our flow along with it by remaining open to the possibilities, focusing our attention on unconditional love and gratitude and sharing our Divine gifts with one another.

Love and Blessings.

Namaste’