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greeting cards feel*express*connect at soulebrate.com and at soulcialize.com

How are you today?

As I drank a smoothie this morning which consisted of blending frozen organic wild blueberries, raspberries, and peaches, along with 1tablespoon chia seeds, 1teaspoon turmeric, 1teaspoon Spirulina, 1tablespoon Navitas cocoa powder, a sprinkling of black caraway seeds, a pinch of Stevia, and because I haven’t gotten around to preparing coconut or almond milk, in went 1cup of filtered water, I marveled at the fact that since completing the 21-day CLEAN PROGRAM by Dr. Alejandro Junger, the taste for coffee is non-existent. This from a person who truly enjoyed drinking, and savoring, a wonderfully delicious cup of coffee, either at home, or at a cafe. I’m still asking myself, “What the heck happened?” I’ll just say that life is ever changing and ever fascinating.

And the smoothie? Well, it was tasty, and so feeling energized, I checked out the greeting cards on Tara-jenelle Walsch’s website www.soulebrate.com These greeting cards are “inspired by Byron Katie and Neale Donald Walsch,” and tend to move the spirit. The beauty of the cards help set the pace for a lovely day. The words and the design have it all.

After feasting my eyes on the cards, I decided to check out her video at www.soulcialize.com Now should you decide to watch and listen also, be prepared for words that will possibly hit home, words like, “. . . half of the world was using food, gambling, sex, alcohol, trying to numb out. . . .” and “. . . somewhere along the line we were using our heads more and our hearts less.” and “. . . there’s nothing we have to learn how to do, we need to just be . . . free, open, accessible, available, alive, intentional, connect with our heart, with life, with others, with ourselves.”

Yes, listen to her story and cry with her, and listen to where she is now and be happy for her, and for all of us, and let’s allow ourselves this gift of being truly alive during the time we’re here on Planet Earth.

I hope you enjoy Tara-jenelle Walsch’s words on her video, and then I hope you’ll enjoy a spectacular Saturday.

 

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essene market&cafe, and the house of tea, ltd

This past weekend I meandered over to Essene Market&Cafe in Philadelphia to buy chick pea miso and wheat-free Tamari at WWW.ESSENEMARKET.COM”>WWW.ESSENEMARKET.COM On the way to, and directly across the street from Essene was a shop called THE HOUSE of TEA.Ltd. The shop’s window beckoned tea lovers by enticingly displaying some teapots and accessories from around the world. Yerba mate was on my list so I went in and took a place on line. It was a small shop and it felt as though it had history. I didn’t mind standing in that particular line listening to customers ordering. There were many wooden bins filled with teas I’d not heard of, and customers easily paid much more than I was used to paying for a few ounces of tea. Quality tea, I thought, as I continued to wait. I bought yerba mate and left knowing it wouldn’t be my last time in that little shop.

Now this is what I want to tell you. A few days later I checked the website of this small shop with history: WWW.HOUSEOFTEA.COM and was treated to a wonderful biography of the founder of the tea shop. And all I want to say is that if there’s any one reading this who can’t decide what to do in life, as odd as this sounds, you just might find inspiration when reading about the life of the founder of the small tea shop. Click “Our Heritage” and read about “Nathaniel Litt, architect, circus clown, magician, chef, jam-maker and tea shop owner – changing careers seemed as easy as changing his socks. If he got interested in something, he simply did it.” And I want to add that he didn’t do anything half way; he trained at some of the best places.

Ah, life, how very interesting it all is.

It’s another beautiful, warm and sunny day where I am, and I hope it’s the same for you.

Let’s enjoy.

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parenting


I had a recent discussion with someone about bringing up a child in today’s world, and when I got off the phone I took a long, deep breath. it’s an ongoing discussion, and anyone raising a child knows about all the advice and opinions coming from books, magazine articles, blogs, family, and friends, and the confusion at times when needing an answer and finding contradictions.

I feel though that a few things haven’t changed: the ease of teaching at that early fun age by just walking and talking and playing rather than trying to get a teenager’s attention later on; the loneliness of making tough decisions, and the strength that follows; the importance of honing one’s intuition and common sense; guilt that creeps into the mind at all hours of the day and night (It serves no purpose, and it drains one’s energy); the importance of forgiving and then forgetting; communicating as much as possible; laughing often; knowing when to let go; and appreciating the gift of a precious life to care for and to love.

Then I thought again about writing more, and said, no, no, no, it’s too broad a subject having too many opinions. So, instead I’ll generalize and take the easy way and say: parenting in today’s world is having to give all you’ve got and expecting nothing much in return – for a while. It’s about knowing that if you do your very best, you’ll end up smiling often. It’s about building a strong foundation of trust in oneself, one’s child, and the Universe. It’s about developing the power of intuition. It’s about understanding that every child is different and nothing is written in stone, and no one knows a child better than a loving parent/caregiver. It’s about not comparing. It’s about using lots of common sense. It’s about unconditional love, understanding and compassion. It’s about letting go at the right time. It’s about hopefully staying two steps ahead until those parenting skills (which are mostly learned “on the job” – interesting because it’s such an important job) kick in. It’s about remembering the words of the older generation who keep repeating them when they sense you’re about to fall apart: “I know it seems like the longest journey you’ve ever been on, but trust me, it all goes by so fast.” Difficult to imagine, but true; I know from experience that it passes in a flash. Enjoy the ride, and every so often smile when reading the words of Khalil Gibran.

“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.”

* * * * * * *

And the following are Krishnamurti’s words taken from an address he had given in 1927 and printed in the book The Spiritual Tourist: A Personal Odyssey Through the Outer Reaches of Belief by Mick Brown (“This book starts out excellently and then gets better.” Robert M. Pirsig, Author of ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE):

“What are you seeking . . . you who strive and struggle and ache eternally with unsatisfied longings? Is it money? Is it possessions? Is it fame? Is it physical comfort? Is it love? Is it spiritual safety? . . . Yes indeed, you think it is one of these things. But I tell you it is not. What you are seeking for ceaselessly, day and night, is Happiness . . . The thing you seek is ever at your hand. Be Happy, and then whatever you do will be worthwhile . . . Do that which makes you happy to do, and you will do right.”

Today the sun is out in full force and I hear people laughing as they walk pass my window. It looks like a beautiful day; let’s be happy and enjoy.

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harry

Daughter Emi fell in love with a man whom she met at the Staten Island Film Festival, and she hasn’t stopped talking about him since. He’s even on her phone screen saver. I can’t blame her; he’s the kind of person it’s easy to fall for. Harry is his name and he’s an actor and singer, among other things. Did you recognize him in the photo? He’s starred in a number of movies and has certain hit songs that tend to repeat over and over again in one’s head upon hearing them.

At the Staten Island Film Festival he spoke about the documentary, Sing Your Song, which tells the story of his life. Emi listened with rapt attention. There’s no doubt that family and friends will be coerced into watching it – more than once, I’m betting. That’s fine though; he’s created an amazing life and the film has to be a wonderful one.

It seems though that Harry has his own life to live, and Emi will have to move on without him. I know we’ll have to let her pine away til she realizes that some things, well, let’s just say, are just not to be in this lifetime. It’ll be easy to know when the moving on happens because the photo of Harry on her phone’s screen saver will be replaced by a picture of a lovable animal, or a beautiful mountain, or maybe an inspiring quotation, or perhaps a new boyfriend having Harry’s grace, his style.

In the meantime, we’ll listen to Emi talk about Harry, and we’ll wait.

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thinking about bees and thinking about skin

Finally an answer to the puzzle of why bees are dying off in developed Western countries. After many scientific studies it’s been realized that “one group of agricultural toxins – neonicotinoid pesticides – is a major contributor to their rapid demise.” It’s good to know that bees are returning to the four European countries that have banned these products. Check out the websites urging us to help save the bees.
Thank you, www.NaRichmond.com for the information.

and thinking about skin:

Parabens or any ingredient that ends with this word – affects hormones

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) – toxic contaminant

Sodium lauryl, or laureth, sulfate – contaminant that may cause skin damage

Triclosan and triclocarban antibacterials – present potential thyroid concerns

Triethanolamine (TEA) – contaminant that may trigger allergies

Dimethylol Dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl urea – preservatives that release formaldehyde

Fragrance and dyes – may cause allergies or cancer and affect the nervous system

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone – preservatives that may cause allergies and affect the nervous system (Phew! Need to watch the spelling of those words).

The following website will guide us in learning about products that won’t harm our skin:
CosmeticsDatabase.com

* * * * * * *

“The situations, circumstances, events and relationships that you encounter in your life are a reflection of the state of consciousness you are in. The world is a mirror. If you are anchored in your nonlocal self the whole world is available to you.” – Deepak Chopra, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire

“All the greatest beings who have ever strolled through the Earth’s gardens have been people of transcendent faith. Every one of them had a tranquil attitude and a calm belief in the helpful powers of invisible forces. These forces are always available to everyone!” – David Wolfe, The Sunfood Diet Success System

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I can’t imagine . . .

I can’t imagine what it’s like to be in Japan right now. What are people thinking about as they wait, wait for so many things: bare necessities, word about family and friends, about the air they’re breathing, the condition of their homes, the next hour, the next day. And wondering what’s happening, and what will happen.

Viewing a catastrophe from the other side allows for many questions, too. How is it possible to watch real time events from a distance, and not be affected by them? The problem with witnessing world events, as we do daily, – some pleasant, but mostly not – is that we are helpless to render much support. The period in which we live gives us the technology to watch suffering on a huge scale. What’s incompatible with the watching is that most of us will not, for different reasons, be able to lend a hand. To observe the amount of suffering that occurs throughout the world, and not be equipped to help, doesn’t seem natural. What then do we, the people, do with our compassion, our anxiety, our inability to be of help?

Sarcasm, humor, depression, restlessness, alcohol, drugs, sex are some of the ways we cope, and in the process try to disguise our feelings. They’re not solutions. What’s the answer then? We’re not going to eliminate technology so that we can slide back to a time when we were ignorant of global events. We can wish for a better world, but it won’t happen overnight. It’s been said that to find answers to challenges we have to focus on the solutions, and not the problems. Time after time we sit and watch cruelty displayed before our eyes – torture inflicted on innumerable innocent civilians, killings in all forms from wars and the aftermath of wars, dictators running amok – all kinds of intolerable suffering. And we watch suffering brought about by tsunamis, earthquakes, and yes, nuclear disasters.

What can we do to help? I think that prayer is a practical method that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. For years I’ve read books, articles, and heard stories about the power of prayer, and the right way to pray. And until recently, none of it clicked for me, and so I didn’t give prayer the attention it deserves. Then one day I decided to buckle down and learn “what all the fuss is about,” and so I began reading, observing, and really listening to what those who have experienced the power of prayer were writing and talking about. It’s said that when the feelings of the mind match the feelings of the heart we connect to Cosmic Power (God). In new and used bookshops and in libraries, I found a wonderful array of books and magazines explaining the power of the heart and mind joined in prayer. We all have to find the book that sings to our heart. It’s a personal quest. That’s okay, discovery is a delightful part of learning.

So, in lieu of physically being able to help those in need, we can put our watches away for 20 minutes or so, twice daily, and quietly focus only on the Cosmic Power within. We let go of all worldly concerns and allow our heart and mind to join at the same frequency, then we pray and listen. It’s written in sacred books that that is where our Higher Self resides – waiting for us to respond to it. We practice praying in the same way we practice cooking, skiing, painting, driving, etc. – to be good at whatever it is we want to learn, we practice. To be a master, we practice over and over and over.

May the Creator of the universe guide, protect, direct, and guard the people of the world, especially those now in need of your help. Thank you.

* * * * * * *

When I was first going to add to this entry, I had so much to say that I couldn’t say anything. I think the most truthful and balanced words I’ve heard in the past few weeks come from Japanese people themselves. They know they can rebuild and rebuild stronger and in a way that is more congruent with the world, so that they can flourish and bloom. That is how we should all look at every instance that appears to be a damage situation. There is always rebuilding. The world will never stop improving and reshaping and for that I am glad to be here. I continue to learn from other people’s amazing perseverance and ability to shine in all stages of life. -Emi

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“The Gig” a Collaboration of musicians and dancers at Steps

I just went to a brilliant event constructed by Whitney G-Bowley, a dancer who while dating a drummer back in college, was inspired to see dance and music live onstage together. Cut to now. January 2011, Steps dance studio on Broadway between 74th and 75th Street in Manhattan. Caleb Hawley is singer/composer/musician of the night whose work is performed on a stage in the large studio. Caleb was on “American Idol” last week, and his songs are beyond clever and hysterical, a perfect fit for the dancers who brought each lyric to life and kicked and flipped through every piece. It was a super idea of Whitney to bring so many gifted artists together! Caleb and his band were energetic and had fun while playing a great show, and the five trained dancers visually entertained and wowed us all on this very freezing NYC night, in the airy creative womb of a supportive excited crowd.

“The Gig” is aimed to show at The Highline Ballroom in March. I will post the details when they become available. For now here’s the event’s website: http://www.gigtheshow.com/

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a precious one

Do you have a feeling sometimes, when seeing someone for the first time, that that person is a wise ole’ soul. It’s the eyes, and perhaps the posture. That’s how I felt about Charlie. The first time I saw him he was alert in a low-keyed kind of way, and in tune with what’s going on around him. And when I saw him reach for ultimate relaxation in a full-body stretch I was fascinated. He quickly took me into his world; it was so pure and simple. I could have stayed and watched him all day.

I noticed also that when someone talks he really listens. He’s not thinking about other things, his attention is on listening and understanding. Another thing about Charlie is his acceptance of what’s going on around him. He’s as okay with noise as he is with silence. That’s an important quality to have in today’s rather noisy world.

When I first saw him on 25 November 2010 at NYU Hospital he weighed a little over five pounds. He was small, and he was strong. It’s nice to feel that energy. He didn’t mind going from one set of hands to another as we eagerly waited turns to hold him. Charlie was tranquil, and he was beautiful. And there was a lot to be thankful for on that Thanksgiving Day.

Charlie is blessed; he’s in a loving home created by parents, Sumi and Toshi. I think he knows that, and that’s the reason he smiles a lot.

There are people who write that babies are much more than who/what we think they are. In many books it’s written that until the age of three (some say five), a child is more in the spirit world than the physical one. Stories abound telling of children who are able to give intimate details about their most recent past life. Sometimes I like asking Charlie what he knows. He seems to be thinking about that.

And so, this is to Charlie, welcome to our world. May it serve you well; may you serve it well. You are indeed well-loved. When sister Sophie has your attention you will be well-entertained. She has been waiting for you.

I saw a video on the Open Center’s website about Lorna Byrne. She writes about Angels. It’s her world. Click on: Sharing What the Angels Have Taught Me, and then click on: Angels and Children The Natural Connection, on her wonderfully-inspiring website.
www.lornabyrne.com

www.edgarcayce.org

www.opencenter.org

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michael

When Michael got his first camera, it was love at first sight. He wended his way along the streets of Manhattan observing, waiting, enjoying, clicking, and developing. He captured the city in spring, summer, winter, fall – the parades, the buildings, the solemn times, the happy times – people in general.

Recently I mentioned to Michael how nice it would be to see a few of these photos, perhaps as part of a blog. I think he said yes to that, but I’m not sure.

One incident stands out when remembering Michael and his camera. I remember a lovely evening and a teenage Michael. He’d left the apartment with his camera, and then he was back – his face had an expression I didn’t recognize.

This is what happened: There was for many years a wonderfully stocked newspaper and magazine shop with friendly and kind owners at 23rd Street and Third Avenue. He’d gone into the shop looking for the latest photography magazines. In front of the racks was a young man also carefully perusing the fine display. They stood together both earnestly looking for the right magazines. The young man finally chose, bought, and left. Soon after Michael left with his purchase. The scene that greeted him changed the evening. A few minutes ago a young man was happily browsing in a shop. Now he was sprawled on the street as were his motorcycle and magazines. They said he died instantly. That night a camera was put on its shelf for awhile.

In many books it’s written that we are all one with each other – that we are connected with all of life. If Michael had come upon the scene of the accident while walking, undoubtedly he would have continued on with the evening. However, a slight connection with the motorcyclist changed all that.

Why do I write about this story when it seems to not have a direct connection to photography? Well, it’s this – a good photographer has a keen eye and when that eye instinctively focuses on something, and clicks the camera which stills the image, the photographer’s photos “speak” about beauty, joy, harmony, love, sadness, tragedy, fun, sickness, faith, adventure, power, success, courage – life and death in their many forms. They “speak” to different people in different ways. Perhaps the things seen with a camera are seen because of one’s life experiences – not everyone sees the same things through a camera’s lens.

I  know posting this is not a guarantee that photos are forthcoming. However, I’m cultivating the fine art of patience.

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consider philadelphia

Historical places, good restaurants, easy walking city, theatre, museums, fine hotels and B&Bs, the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and sports are what visitors expect when in Philadelphia. It’s easy to collect a long list of things to see because the city gets better every year. And people tend to know this because more people are coming as tourists, and as residents. Philadelphia is about history, and about museums (many are along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway), there’s Chinatown, small new shops, interesting walking tours, dueling piano bars, comedy clubs, jazz, Reading Terminal Market, Fairmount Park, a terrific zoo, and a Philadelphia Convention Center being expanded for bigger and better meetings. At the Independence Visitor Center at the NE corner of 5th and Market Streets well-informed people stand behind a long counter ready to answer questions and distribute the appropriate pamphlets for neighborhoods of choice. And a cafe awaits nearby for regrouping and sorting of plans. Maybe you can find Albert Lee. www.independencevisitorcenter.com

Though Philly is a fairly small city as cities go; it has all that’s expected of a city without the maddening crowds. The Christmas lights are up, at Macy’s the Wanamaker organ is ready for glorious Christmas music, and Rittenhouse Square Park feels good when walking pass the simply displayed, with a touch of elegance, Christmas lights.

Tour buses, walking tours, horse drawn carriage tours, a Duck tour, or a pointed finger will guide you to the buildings surrounding the Independence Visitor Center where history is waiting. Hungry and feet tired yet? Want a relaxing meal? You won’t have to go far.

With feet rested and energy replenished it’s time to see more of what’s uniquely Philadelphia. If you’re still in the general area of Market Street, a walk on 3nd toward Arch Street offers splendid shopping, and Betsy Ross’s house and Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place are on Arch Street. If Elfreth’s Alley was by-passed earlier, now is a good time to take a look.

And should there be an interest, a nice walk north on 3rd Street toward the 600s, and a turn east toward 2nd Street, will find a retail shop belonging to Penn Herb Co. Ltd. at 603 North 2nd Street, and also where an up-and-coming neighborhood is enjoying a new look. www.PennHerb.com A stroll on 3rd rather than 2nd will find a fine array of shops. However, if someone wants to take a glance on 2nd Street, or other streets leading toward the 600s, why not.

But then, there you are all the way north; perhaps now you have time to go south checking out what’s on Walnut Street, or continue walking south to the antique shops, and the Italian Market, and much more. Or you can wend your way west to the University City area to see what’s going on there, or perhaps you want to go to the theatre. A little reading of maps and pamphlets, a decision, and away you go. Keep it uncomplicated, Philadelphia has been here a while, and you can always come back, right?

Whatever or do, wherever you go, enjoy.