Monday, December 26

CHRISTMAS DAY




Since ‘Life Happened,’ to me, I’ve really come to appreciate the major holidays. Not from my old perspective in life, but from where I currently am on my life’s path.

When my children were small, my parents were still alive and my siblings all lived close by, we enjoyed having the big family get-togethers. But as the years have passed and the family dynamics have changed, there was nothing for me to do but to change the way I moved through the holiday season, otherwise I was just depressed!

It has become a time for me of peace, tranquility and reflection. While living in Grass Valley, I would drive to Chico for Mass on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. ( I love to drive, I listen to God in the car! Otherwise I just order Him around!) The day before I would get a Grandma’s Turkey Sandwich from Starbuck’s and after Mass I would go to a cliff overlooking Lake Oroville. The sun was always shining and it was just me there enjoying the day, the bonus, the roads were empty! I loved driving through the grove of trees on the way there. I felt like they were hugging me! (It was a time in my life when no human could have done that for me!)

This Christmas, I traveled to Vancouver, WA, where all of my children and ex-husband will be gathering at my daughter’s.

My plane left at noon. Even though the plane was full, I was in the back and no one was in my row...so I had a nap:)!!! What a lovely present! I had a three hour layover in Vegas and enjoyed my time watching the people. Who was traveling on Christmas Day?

This Christmas and New Year’s time are everything that you’d like them to be in your life. I wish you love, joy, and laughter with whomever you choose to spend your time with. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Wednesday, December 21

WINTER SOLSTICE


Just wanted to pass on some information about the Solstice from Caylein Castell and Simone.

9:30PM PST the Sun enters Zero Capricorn marking the exact December Solstice. This year the Solstice Sun located on the Galactic Cross near Galactic Center is square the revolutionary change agent Uranus suggesting we are in for even more accelerated changes than ever before.

The year ahead promises enormous benefits, both material and spiritual (Jupiter), if we’re willing to release old patterns (Capricorn) and try something radically new (Uranus). Both the Solstice and New Moon charts also spotlight Venus, newly into experimental Aquarius, as she advocates for growth and freedom via aspects to Jupiter and Uranus.

With all the planets in forward motion from Dec. 25 through Jan. 23 (when Mars turns retrograde), 9:30PM PST the Sun enters Zero Capricorn marking the exact December Solstice. This year the Solstice Sun located on the Galactic Cross near Galactic Center is square the revolutionary change agent Uranus suggesting we are in for even more accelerated changes than ever before.

With all the planets in forward motion from Dec. 25 through Jan. 23 (when Mars turns retrograde), it’s a fine time to launch something new.

Navigating these times is different than ever before. It is a journey we are all taking together as one planet, one Earth, one people, in ONE reality. This is an exciting time to be witness to the end of the old cycle and the beginning of the new.

Tuesday, December 20

THE KINDEST THING WE CAN DO SOMETIMES....IS TO SET SOMEONE FREE



I’ve spent me first 50 years of my life protecting, sheltering, smothering, running interference for others. In essence, I made it my life’s purpose to be sure that other’s didn’t feel any pain, all the while, I was the walking wounded, bandaged from head to toe! I grew up thinking that it was my responsibility to be sure that others didn’t feel any pain!

Literally, on more than one occasion, God said to me, “I am trying to work here and you keep running interference for everybody! Move over and get out of my way!”

I’ve now come to see, (not so easily) that this helicoptering behavior actually is a hinderance not only to myself, but to the very ones that I am trying to protect. When I left my husband after the end of a 30 year marriage, I was truly a basket case. While I had a lot of support there was one sentence that a priest friend said to me that gave me the courage to stay true to my journey.

“Did you every think that you’re giving others an opportunity to grow, rather than you’ve deserted them?” As simple as that! That was the line that gave me the strength to stay away.

I’ve had to learn this lesson with my children, mostly my boys. There is something about mommies and their boys. (Actually there is something about the opposite genders.) As twisted as it sounds, there is something about women wanting the approval of the male and it’s not just me. To be even more specific, the opposite is true for many males as well. I’ve seen this over and over again, the male needing the approval of the female authority. (We’re working out something from our past.) We get opportunities to play this out with our children and other adult relationships as we move through our life’s journey.

There are many examples of practicing this in my GPS for Living Book. (Available now) It’s not an easy thing to do. When we choose ourselves, when we let go, when we do what is best for us, it can feel selfish. (Or so we’ve been told.)

But this rescuing, trying to protect others is detrimental to the expansion of the soul of another, not to mention our own.
Setting another free to find their own way in life is perhaps the Ultimate Gift. (See the movie by the same title) Whether it be a job, a child, spouse or someone that you’re in relationship with. Having the courage to figure out what makes you happy or at least knowing what doesn’t and making a change is perhaps the kindest thing that you can do for others but for yourself as well.

Monday, December 19

TAKING TIME TO ENJOY THE MAGIC OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!




I recently got a new job...something that is relatively new for me, since ‘Life Happened’ to me eleven years ago. I consciously made a decision that I would work as many hours as I needed for one month to see if I couldn’t get this beautiful, one of a kind (in the USA anyway) ionized water, Aqua Spa, on its feet.

Being a recovering workaholic, I knew the challenge would be taking time off. The local Cheers Bar owner had organized a trip to Tucson to see the WinterHaven Lights. There were several choices that one could use to see the lights. On foot, trolly, horse and wagon and hay wagon! I’m very happy to report we (old foggies) took the trolly. A great choice as it was raining BIG Time! Wait! I’m in the desert....where’s the sun????

Living in the desert has it’s own sense of holiday magic....the illuminaries are quiet beautiful. However there is something to be said for the traditional Christmas trees and lights. I’m happy I took the time to get away with some friends and experience a bit of the Christmas Magic. Wishing you joy and magic this holiday season!

Saturday, December 10

LUNAR ECLIPSE





From Simone’s Astro-Alchemy newsletter, today was an amazing time to witness the lunar eclipse. While I didn’t get this information out in time to actually see the eclipse, we’re still in the energy of it, so not too late to set your intentions.

From SImone’s Blog:
What’s your dream? See it coming true at Saturday’s total lunar eclipse in Gemini/Sagittarius. With Uranus turning direct the night before, inspiration and breakthroughs will be palpable. The eclipse will be most visible in Alaska, Hawaii, northwestern Canada, Australia, New Zealand and central and eastern Asia. The east coast of the U.S. may see only the initial stages before moonset. Over the central regions, the moon will set as it becomes immersed in the Earth’s reddish shadow. The Rocky Mountain and prairie states will see the moon set in total eclipse, while here in the west the moon will start to emerge from the shadow as it sets, reaching totality from 6:06 a.m. to 6:57 a.m. (PST). Adding to the magic, both the sun and moon will be seen simultaneously in most places in the U.S. and Canada. Don’t miss this gorgeous sight!

I am watching the movie “YES!” I love this movie! As we ready ourselves to move into 2012, think about, how do you want to live the rest of your life. I ask myself, a series of questions pretty regularly....the first two, “What would I do if I weren’t afraid? and What would I do if it wasn’t about money? They are usually pretty good indicators for me as to the longing of my heart.

It’s not too early to begin asking yourself, what are your dreams and aspirations as we being to move into 2012. Could it be time to say “YES” to you. What brings you joy and puts a smile on your face? Happy Holidays, don’t forget to take some time for yourself:))))))


http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.324194440925039.90720.100000034574979&type=1&l=7dfb462f70
A link from my friend who weathered the cold and took some amazing pictures!!!

http://astroalchemy.com/an-angel-on-her-shoulder-12-8-11/

Thursday, December 8

SHAMANIC ASTROLOGY




Shamanic Astrology saved my life.....not literally, but REALLY close! When my life fell apart, the church said, “Give more, do more, pray more.....keep smiling!” The doctors said, “You’ll be fine, we’ll give you hormones, anti-depressants and sleeping pills! (Uh, you did that for my mother and my sister and their both dead....no thanks!)

But what I have since found out that when ‘life happens!’ the invitation is to ‘become real’ to know who we are on a soul level, who we were created to be and that doesn’t happen quickly or easily....even The Velveteen Rabbit wanted to become real without all of the ‘sad’ things happening to him!

I was so desperate for some answers and I knew someone had to know something about this thing we call life! A friend said "You should call Daniel Giamario!” “Give me the number!,” and I drove to Portland, Oregon (I lived in California) to see him. He was the first person who had anything to say that I could relate to at that time in my life.

Over ten years later, I call this man my friend and I am still singing the praises of knowing our own personal cycles in our lives and how when we are consciously moving through life, God/The Universe supports our choices every time!

As I was researching my second book, GPS for Living, Navigating Through Life, (Now for sale:) it became more evident to me about the cycles in our lives and as the bible says in Ecclesiastics, ‘There is a season for everything, under heaven.’

We can easily see in nature that everything has a life cycle. Easily recognizable are the butterflies, frogs, starfish, moon and plants. We even know that we as humans have a cycle in our lives, from infancy to adulthood, but what is more intriguing is the cycles in our lives that we may not be aware of.

There are cycles in our lives when we are to rest and times when all the doors are open and we can move forward without resistance. There are many cycles that have the same characteristics and they just cycle around, each time giving up another opportunity to go deeper, getting lessons that our souls have come to experience.

Spending 5 days in an intensive learning more about timelines I came to see clearer that we all have age appropriate timelines as well as personal cycles that are unique to us all as individuals. Once again Shamanic Astrology gives everyone permission to be who they are and appreciates the fact that everyone has their own unique gifts to share with the world and their own unique time to share it in.

If you find your body wanting to rest simply honor that, knowing that~this too shall pass:) and all too soon the cycles will change and you’ll be full speed ahead, but this time, fully present because you honored the rest your cycle was offering.

Happy honoring of the cycles in your life!!!

Tuesday, December 6

MEXICO, HELP FOR THE DEPORTED IMMIGRANTS




I stopped into a local artist’s gallery to say hi and the first thing she blurted out was, “Pati, you have to call Fr. Sean!” “Ok!” Who is Fr. Sean?” She continued to tell me that he had been the guest speaker at the local bi-monthly forum, speaking about the Kino Border Initiative. (Help and dignity for those who have been deported.)

As I do, following things until they stop, I called the number and made an appointment to go and see what this was all about.
I had been saying that I wanted to go to another country and live in another culture. Duh! It’s only 20 minutes away! (Changing my perspective!)

I arrived and along with a group of high schooler’s and parents, I walked across the border to the structure where deported immigrants were lined up for a morning meal. The mission tries to do a little education session before the meal. There were plenty of volunteers to help cook and serve and so I tried to stay out of the way. Most of them are there for only the one meal and then somehow are bussed back to their homes, further south. When they were leaving, I did what came natural to me, connecting through the heart. I stuck out my hand, touched their shoulder, looked them each in the eye, wishing them good luck and fortune.

OMG! I FELT THE POWER IN THAT!

I could feel my heart opening and the tears welling. I realized then, that while so many times we can serve, do for, care for others, but to actually BE with another is the challenge. Our own uncomfortableness arises. It takes us to a place of vulnerability and can trigger our own wounded-ness. But these are the very encounters that can be healing for all involved, the cracks that allow the LIGHT to shine through.

We left to see the Women’s shelter which is 2 apartments on the top floor next to each other. Women can stay there for up to a week. There were two at the time we went and we were able to talk with them through a translator. One was trying to go to Tennessee where she had relatives, the other to New Orleans. I was amazed at their big ambitions, they had quite a journey to travel once they did cross the border. I didn’t really have many questions at the time, but now I do! ‘What were you thinking? Are things so bleak that you’ll risk anything in the hopes of something better? Or do you see it as an adventure? While they are there they are given information about the same issues we as american women struggle with....self-esteem, domestic violence, learning to say no, etc.

Just a short twenty miles south of my home, across a fence; there are people. People like me, people who feel and hurt and struggle. People who are grateful for the help they are given. People who want to be with their families or have the courage to leave their families in hopes of providing them with a better life.

People, who no matter where they live, have the right to human decency and dignity and people who when touched also feel love and the POWER!

I came away thinking that while I don’t know what any of this means for me, I did realize that no matter what a person’s stand on the immigration laws in the US are, it’s difficult to be in the presence on another human being and not find some compassion for their life’s journey.

(Their immediate needs are of course money, but also, sugar, corn tortillas, ladies underwear and toiletries)