What's In A Label?

As I began taking the weekly Yoga-Pilates-and-Belly-Dance session out East, I had a hard time using the word Goddess which is what the sessions are really called – Goddess Sessions. I implied it with my post “My Experience as a Goddess”, but you may note I glazed over it.

I was always comfortable being a strong woman, an outspoken woman, a woman-who-thinks-outside-of-the-box, an emotional woman, funny woman, flirty woman, juicy woman, smart woman, and even a “good woman” which still makes me think I should be looking up at a big, manly farmer with straw sticking out of his mouth. The description of Goddess never was a word that I could use to describe me.

This has changed as I found a definition that I’m comfortable with. In fact, this is now a term that I think every woman should embrace. Give me some feedback if you find anything contradictory or blasphemous if you were to hear me refer to myself as a Goddess. Knowing me and connecting the similarities of this definition add up to only one thing…I am a Goddess.

Defining a Goddess…

*A woman that is in the process of learning to know, accept and love herself on all levels: mind, body, and spirit.

*A woman who, because she focused on a personal growth and self-awareness, experiences a life increasingly filled with peace, joy, passion, and fun.

*A woman that understands that she has an unlimited capacity to make her life anything she wants.

*A woman who is inspired to give to those around her out of her sense of gratitude and abundance.

Just wait until I do my Goddess portrait…there will be no doubt...Flora's got nothing on me!

Law of Attraction in Action...Take Two

PREREQUISITE READING: Today’s Previous Post

Now that you understand what I have latched on to, like a dog with a bone I might add, wait until you hear how my life has changed. I get what I want - what I truly want. It may come across very childlike or spoiled, but I prefer to think it is an acquired skill to ‘get what you want’ at no expense to anybody else.

Last week at Hyacinth (above photo), I walked around the shop and saw that some of the furniture pieces that displayed the many wares had SOLD signs attached to them. The owner, Tina, has some great little breakfronts, credenzas, tables, stools, etc. I noticed a big round mirror had a SOLD sign on it. I looked down and saw an old style dark wood three-drawer table/cabinet. There was an identical one only a foot or so away. It was only when I stepped back that I realized the mirror was part of a six-drawer vanity table. I loved it and was sorry to see a piece like that go. Now if you are a true Butterfly Living follower, you’ll remember that I am in the market for a vanity.

After weeks of staking out this shop, Tina, a Feng Shui expert, and I have had many talks about positive energy, Law of Attraction (as I refer to myself and Logan as students of the Law of Attraction.) I said to her that if the woman who bought this changes her mind, I’d like to be #2 on the list. She replied, "Sure, but the woman was very interested." I looked at her and said, “She’ll change her mind, and then it’s mine.”

Yesterday, when I popped in, I started to look at other pieces and noticed the SOLD sign was missing. I looked at her and said, “She’s not taking it, is she?” She said, “No, and you said that would happen.” So for $80…I got me a new (to me) vintage vanity. This was my greatest LoA act so far. I asked, believed, and received just what I wanted. (Psst! Isn't it nice?)

One more little piece of proof that I’d like to share. Getting fit, losing weight, exercising…that can benefit with LoA too. Here I learned that each time we attempt to lose weight, change our eating habits, or increase our activity after years of ups and downs, there are very deep rooted doubts that the Universe/God/Angels catch on to and thereby, cancel out a positive thought. So, instead of saying, “I’m going to lose weight”, as that’s been said often before, you say “I’m in the PROCESS of losing weight.” That is believable even to that nagging voice inside your head. Plus, by eliminating the hows & whats of the plan, just visualize your ideal weight, size, figure, etc. I tried that by simply stating, “I am a Size10 and weigh 130 lbs.” Guess what?!? I now find myself with a bottle of water in my hand, asking for a Skinny Latte at Starbucks, and passing on fresh baklava sitting 3ft from my desk. You ask me “Why?”Because that’s what a size 10 does. I unconsciously hypnotized myself with that one statement. Let's add the WalkWalkJog and some belly-dancing/yoga/pilates and you have yourself a Size 10 in the making.

Okay, ye non-believers, let’s see where I am in six months. Do you except that challenge? When you see a trimmer, richer, more peaceful Karen…then you will agree. In fact, I’ll repost this entire post and give you an update on all areas in a nutshell. So, come back online on September 27th and get ready to start yelling,

I believe! I believe! I believe!

Because lucky me, I already do.

Law of Attraction in A-C-T-I-O-N

Since reading a series of Law of Attraction (LoA) books by different authors, I am amazed that I have not read any inconsistencies between the different writers. All of them share the obvious foundation as being Ask, Believe, and Receive. I resisted reading The Secret for a bit, simply because the sample on my Kindle did nothing more than give similar quotes from different people through the years. It was only when I finally hit BUY on my electronic reader that I fully understood, THAT was the book. Again and again throughout hundreds and thousands of years, were quotes sharing the same message, in biblical terms, “Ask and ye shall receive.”

Knowing my Faith, as with many, can have moments of doubt, which I accept as a human trait and as well as a sign of intelligence, I become concerned that I might read something that shakes it. The opposite has happened. Understanding my Faith means that I have to believe in the unseen and know that it is so in my heart. With gratitude, my core belief has been renewed. And now, I will share how that has happened.

Years ago, Kerry, had touched on her spiritual side and explored it similar to me. Through magazines, books, little shops, understanding relics and symbols of different cultures and religions, both of us were searching for an answer at similar stages in our lives. I’m not saying “what is the answer to life?” answer. I’ve always thought the words ‘life’ and ‘live’ are so closely connected that my answer for the reason of life which for me it to live each day in whatever form that brings goodness and contentment to you and those around you. That is the fiber to how I make decisions and move through and over hurdles.

It was after looking through a LoA book that Kerry gave me one holiday that I was given the exercises that I needed to follow to fully understand the magic in me. I began keeping a Today’s Proof Journal as well as an Abundance Journal. [More on that another day.]

I began with one or two things a day. Easy things that I always knew worked out for me such as getting a great parking spot or getting a perfect seat at the swim meets close to friends. Remember there would be hundreds of cars and people at the respective places and that was over a 1 in 300 shot of that happening.

Two big examples cemented my belief that Ask, Receive, Believe were indeed an actual power.

The first was driving down Northern State after talking with two men about how this parkway connected to Veteran’s Highway. Neither gentleman knew. I relied on my instinct which believed at some point they either crossed or became the same road. As I was driving, I said out loud, “I just wish I knew I was headed in the right direction”, when suddenly an overhead traffic board said TRAFFIC CONDITIONS GOOD TO 454 which I knew to be Veteran’s Highway. I looked up at the car’s ceiling and said, “Thank you.” I went on a bit and then said, “I wonder how much longer.” Again, a sign popped up on the side of the road 5 MILES TO 454 / 3 MILES TO 495. This time, with an even broader smile, I said, “Thank you.” It was when I was driving down 454 and did not recognize the street that I said out loud for a third time, “I’ll feel better when I see the airport signs.” You know where I’m headed now, don’t’ you? Of course, the first of many airport signs appeared with the airplane symbol pointing me in the right direction. The timing was unbelievable for each of the three prompts. Not ironic. Not a coincidence. It was LoA in action.

The second was what I believe to be even more uncanny, if that is at all possible. I had told my partner, Jen, at work that I need matches for incense that I had at home. Being a non-smoker, I never thought to ask a shop keeper for some. Within five minutes, we were walking to the local Church downtown to attend a quick mass and receive ashes for Ash Wednesday. As we walked out our revolving doors, on the middle of the big cement promenade was a brand new, never been opened, book of matches. She looked at me and said, “You are kidding me?!?” I admit that I smirked at her as I bent down to get this gift. It was only later when I shared the story with Logan that he pointed out the underside said THANK YOU on it. A side note, when we walked in the crowded, tiny chapel five minutes late, there were no seats. I hadn't expected one, but I did expect I'd be offered a seat. Sure enough, as I stood behind a gentleman, when it was time to sit, he turned to me and offered me his chair. I smiled and shook my head 'no.' Who needed a seat - not me. I just needed to know it was there if I needed it.

And that is when my belief took flight. Now…get ready for the next post. (I can only do so many words on a blog entry.) TO BE CONTINUED…

Post Script: "It Is Time" Blog Post

The very day that I said I would let the writing take over and time would tell how my words got out there, my words got out there. Jessimina shared my blog via her blog and this might just have opened up the door to be a "read (past tense) author" to some.

It's a start.

It Is Time

For nearly three years, I have been visiting this cyber writer's table and touching on events, personal thoughts and views, and sometimes no idea where my keyboard tapping would take me. I think it's time to change it up a bit.

We often say that we have no time to get it all done. I'm thinking otherwise. Time is always there. We can't stop time from coming. It is a sure thing that minutes, seconds, nanoseconds are present throughout our entire lives. It might be from digital clocks that we think time stands still or is limited. (And I'm not talking about power outages that scream, I mean blink at us 12:00 12:00 12:00.) Sit back and look at the good old wind up clock where the second hand sweeps and is almost pushing minutes in our direction.

With that, I declare, yes, I said "declare"...it's time for me to start submitting articles to magazines and get my words out there. No longer will I wait for my cozy little writer's corner to be finished in my cellar. No wasting time on what will I write or what magazine shall I gear it towards. I am going to write and write and write until I feel that I have something that must be shared AND then, time will tell (had to throw that in!), how to find the perfect home to capture my words.

Now is the time, correction, now is MY time when I will stop gazing out this train window thinking about tomorrow, and start my writing project. Tick Tock...time to go!

My Favorite Store...Soon No More

(I made a rhyme!)

DISCLAIMER: Today is April 5th, as I read some past posts, I can see how my ADD can manifest in the strangest ways. This post, which is all over the place, is the proof that I need to embrace that ADD is not an "excuse" when life seems to run amok...it is real and it is me. Fast forward to the April 5 post and see what ADD means to my life. And now, enjoy the post below sponsored by "When-Meds-to-Low."

Recently, I discovered a neat store called Hyacinth. It has the most beautiful pieces that you don't even know you need until you see it. For weeks, I knew it would be closing in April. With that piece of info, I go there now once a week and treat myself to things. Today's treat was a beautiful perfume bottle for my vanity. (To those of you who know me, know that I don't have a vanity...yet.) Last week, I broke down and bought a beautiful print with a great reminder about "Life" and what we need to remember for my office downstairs. Which brings me to -

My office downstairs is taking a nice turn. I recently bought a used hollow closet door from Habitat for Humanity's Restore Store out on the island. Then on to IKEA where I bought these metal sort of "sawhorse" legs (x2) to balance the door, thereby, making an awesome (appropriate word for it) work station. The dark door goes perfect with my dark trim and the light buttercreme yellow walls. Loving how it's coming together. Dear friend Chris thought I should just buy a 6ft table for same purpose. I ask you, where is the charm in that?!? Thank you, Hyacinth, I will hang the print as I hammer the last nail when all is finished.

Another treat that I gave myself, was a framed print the size of a panoramic photo, with a saying that was written with me in mind. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind." These words of wisdom are from the famous author -- wait for it -- Dr. Seuss. A genius, don't you think?

Without seeming too self-indulgent, I also bought a beautiful "love ball" which hangs on my french window where the light spills into the room. Being a modern, single woman, I have to remember to love myself and spoil myself with pretty things. Boy, I make a good boyfriend for me. Just a little something missing in that area...but pretty things work for this girl.

So as I continue to take advantage of the 25% discounts (I did mention that, didn't I?), I am sad for the day when that relationship must end. Then I guess I'll just continue to search all the local Home Goods for the little pieces that are completing my office and the upcoming renovations that Logan and I are about to begin. A quick peek into that is that master bedroom becomes big family room, current den becomes Logan's room, and I move on over to Logan's room. It's musical chairs renovation style.

And a second peek into a future blog, I begin my adventure with Habitat for Humanity in May. Hoping the skills I bring and the ones I learn will add to the changes that we're making. Shoot, I may just tear don't the closet and put up some sheet rock myself. I keep telling Logan to ask his Tech (wood shop) teacher to teach him some renovation skills. Together, K&L Renovations could make some great changes. Just in case, I'll keep working some overtime for the building funds.

Hyacinth, sniff, you've been a splurge that I so needed. I've changed my blog logo to a recent present to one of your and now my treasures. You'll be missed!

PS - hooray, owner is starting a website from Texas. That might work. Maybe.

Moving Along...Finally

It has happened. I now exercise regularly. Yep, looks like I turned that corner. Now some of you couldn't understand the point of having a Personal Trainer and NOT exercising regularly. Well, I blame it on those darn neurons in that thick, pretty head of mine. Negative reinforcement...negative feelings...and pride in an ugly form.

I am happy to have added what I call Walkwalkjog to my daily routine. I wake up early -- yes, I hear your voice, Mom, loud and clear -- and walk 2 blocks & jog 1 for 30 min. I don't really like it. In fact, I dread the "jog line" that I see in my head as I cross the street after my second Walking Block. On the other hand, I do like the "walk line" that greets me after that single Jogging Block.

I asked Jen, who runs, "Why does my butt hurt?" She said that it's a good hurt. So I guess that's my butt's way of saying "you go, girl!"

Let me also add to this Moving Along post that I enjoyed my second week of my once-a-week Chakra Movement class. I felt a wee bit more flexible. What I did gain from last night's class is that one of the girl's that I find very motivating is slightly juicy and reminds me that real women have curves. Just watching her move her body and get lost in the music, helps me to refocus my image of what a real woman is. THAT is my block with all that I do. I realize that I never could visualize myself as a girl with curves...or maybe see myself as a woman. I guess it's time to let that girl leave my head and welcome that woman home with all her strengths and overcome any lingering weaknesses. After all, from age-old pinups like Bettie Page and Marilyn Monroe to the more recent current day beauties as in Emme and Kate Winslet - all "saftig" (German for Juice-y!) and all quite real. Doable. Reachable. Obtainable.

After all, I AM woman...aren't I?!?

Yep, I am.

My Experience as a Goddess

Remember how I shared this year (my Year of the Cougar) that my theme song is "I Am Woman?" Well, sit back and get ready to smirk & shake your head gently...

I went to a Goddess class last night. This is a group of 9 or 10 woman who meet once a week for a class on energizing the Chakras spots through dance movements and guided meditation with a little Reiki thrown in.

Picture this: gathering in a parlor area of a small shop specializing in honoring woman with perfumes, statues, beautiful jewelry, and books on inspiration & meditation. In the back is a light wooden floor with a wall to ceiling mirror on one side and a beautiful mural of Bottacelli's Venus on the back wall and tulle on the ceiling sparkling with white lights in this dimly lit room.

Now that you can visualize the surroundings, let me share the evening as I experienced it.

Soft music plays as we gather around and introduce ourselves and share a challenge and a success. Then with scarves lined with coins tied around out waists, we line up and follow Jessimina as she takes us through a 50 minute Chakras movement session. This sort of belly-dancing (there goes the smirk) and movement works the muscles and energizing the different Chakras spots.

The movements are all so graceful when demonstrated by Jess, but quite awkward for beginners. To motivate me even more was another first timer, a young blind lady with her guide dog. Any awkwardness that I felt, disappeared as gratitude for my body swelled and at the same time such respect for this...Goddess. Truly, how inspiring.

The next 20 minutes or more, as time seemed to stop, was spent on meditation. Some laid down on mats, as I sat listening to a CD of guided meditation walking you through all the Chakras spots. Jess then walked around and gave Reiki massage to all. My eyes remained closed and without a sound, I felt Jess' touch. It was not a physical touch, it was an almost warm, tingly sensation spreading through my upper back. (There goes the gentle shaking of the head.)

We ended with sitting up and trying to connect our thoughts to somebody special. An exercise is connecting to the world through their eyes.

As I know it sounds a bit out there, I have finally grasped what has come over me. I have always held fast to my Faith and will continue to do so. It's just that I am now adding spirituality to my Faith and honoring myself in the process. I am the happiest that I can remember. I am peaceful. And finally, I am excited as each day is here. No more looking to the tomorrows when everything will line up just right. Tomorrow is here for me. All is good in my world. Namaste!

Silver Championship - Day Two...

Today is Logan's second day at the Silver Championships. This meet is the end of the "short course" season for many swimmers. There are some that will move on to Jr Olympics and even the final stop the Zone.

Day one found Logan in three events with one resulting in a ribbon for his beloved breaststroke (100 - 4 laps.). Today finds him in one event: 200 Breast. And then in the afternoon, he's off to the CYO meet.

He will now begin to train for the "long course" which has 50 meter lanes - 16" longer then usual 50 ft (2 x 25" laps that include a flip turn.) Looking forward to seeing how this extended swimming will improve his sprints.

To help visualize the challenges of the long course, one of his buddies, had to be helped out of the pool after a 200 Fly. These 4 laps + extra 64" were quite a challenge. As a spectator, we cannot appreciate what a turn with a kick off the wall does for them. Not sure if the swimmers get it at first either...but they soon do.

Cheers to my Aquaman's past season & excited to see his growth as a swimmer for his next adventure.

March 9: Logan received a 5th Place Medal for his 100 Breast.

Law of Attraction

Several months ago, at the suggestion of a very successful friend, I read Louise Hay's book "Heal Your Life." This 1970s book touched my soul as her beliefs and words clarified my beliefs. From there, I read Arielle Ford's "Manifestly Your Soulmate" with the Law of Attraction.

Both books shared something that was easily digestable to me. Both believed that we need to love ourselves and accept that we are lovable as we are now. In the present body shape, the present financial condition, and whatever stage our current life path was on.

Now, I was fortunate to have been brought up by a mom who did not believe in guilt or regret. In the same token, brought up by a father who gave me my faith which is the basis of forgiving and caring about others. So, I got what Louise and Arielle was saying.

This has lead me to understand that believing I deserve goodness and that I am indeed worthy, has led to my many good moments.

Me and mom are blessed with finding parking spots up front in crowded parking spots. This example of a good moment dictates my life.

Now, I'm not saying my life was all rosy. However, I do believe in the most parts...it was and is.

The Law of Attraction has been proven to exist. It is simply asking, believing, and receiving. Seems simple, but our internal voices squash an encouraging outcome because we cancel out what we desire. I turn to my higher power (God) and refer to my Universe (still God) and seem to have learned how to quiet that negative voice.

This all happened when I met somebody unexpectedly for a brief 30 minutes who I connected with and left feeling great. It was only when it was revealed that he was younger then me (by Logan - thanks, son!) that I said to myself, "why would he want me? I'm old. He could find younger AND prettier, thinner. Within 5 minutes or so, I shouted inside "No! Out!" as I had stored subconsciously this gem from Louise. I realized several things. #1 - if there was a connection, he already met me, saw me, knows what I look like and recognized I was older. #2 - if he chose me (and I him as I'm part of the process too), I had to not every make an issue of "me" as there will always be younger and prettier girls throughout time. It was a release of my personal demon and block.

Now, I live each day knowing that I am worthy as I am. I've always said that...but only now do I believe. So I ask, CAN now believe, and am ready to receive. More LoA coming your way as there is too much to share on this one post. So go forward and ask, believe, and joyfully receive. I am.

Turning a Corner

Growing up, I always leaned towards, what I called it then, a Positive Energy. I'd joke with friends as I waved my hands across my body, like fanning smoke, and would say, "You're messing with my Chi."What does a 13 year old know about Chi? I'd give out Hug Therapy when friends were down or whip out bubbles at work and declare a Bubble Break. And when I heard a Tsk! or heavy sigh, I'd squirm a bit and try to ignore what it threw in my direction. I never was taught about auras. Though the idea of coloring people's energies did not seem far-fetched to my younger self.

Now, fast forward to the present time, and my belief system is finally becoming clear. In the past few months, as you might have gleamed from my recent posts, I seemed to have finally understanding my personal beliefs better.

For me, it all comes down to living and loving wherever and at whatever stage of life we are in. The tougher moments allow us to recognize the better moments. The better moments allow us to endure and get through the tougher moments. And if we will allow ourselves to help others AND ask for help when no volunteers present...then it is all good.

Recently, I asked Tina to bring Logan to swimming one morning during the school break when I had to work. I realized her three kids would be sleeping and that gave her a chance to relax in her beloved pajamas (Tina LOVES her rare pajama-time.) I will say knowing there might be a few of them that week for her, helped me to ask this favor. And...hardly doubting her answer...she said "yes." It felt good, and I know when was happy to help me.

Actually, it was Tina who recently told me I don't have to do it all alone. At that time, she had called Kelly to bring me for a procedure a few months ago when she was unable. I told her to not be silly as Kelly lived three towns away and a cab would cost only $5 or $$6. She (they) would not hear of it.

So now I continue to grow to appreciate that we all need to do things, feel needed, and appreciate being able to help as well as to ask and accept help.

Now, I began this post with positive energy, because of where my posts are headed. I seem to be touching on this energy as the core of who I am and want to continue to be. And with that, I end this post and begin another on the Law of Attraction.