Extremely Close..Incredibly Loud.

I saw this movie last night and was quite moved by the story. It put a deeper layer of understanding to the suffering of a young boy (and his mom) who lost his dad in 9/11. He goes on a journey looking for a lock and perhaps the lock that he opens by the end of his journey is his heart and his conscience.

I was very  moved by the intensity of his feelings, his secrets and guilt. This young boy was filled with fears that his father helped him to deal with on a daily basis even from the grave. I am still reflecting on some of his choices and trying to understand them.

I love going to the movies. You can become immersed in another person's journey and at the same time learn about your own. I hope you get to see Oscar's journey.

Pic .. Movies can take you to new heights.

Season for Non Violence Begins

Today until April 4th...64 days... is the Season for Non- violence. The 64 days are bookended by the memorial anniversaries of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Yesterday I spoke about Gandhi and his grandson's memories of his grandfather. Arun Gandhi shared those when Unity brought him to London on Jan 30th 2006 to kick off the season.

I shared Gandhi's idea of the Family Tree of Violence. The offspring in the family are physical violence and passive violence. At the end of the day review your interactions with others and see if your interactions fit under one of these two. Physical violence is where we use force. Passive violence is where we don't use force but our actions still hurt someone. This can look like oppression of others and cultural, sexual or religious prejudice for example.

Grandfather also shared that when we "throw away" a pencil for example, we are committing violence against nature. It took many natural resources to create it. And when we over consume, buy in bulk and throw away what we can't use or the many items that work but we want to update we are committing violence against humanity. Because we are over consuming there are others who don't have access to those products and this creates poverty for some.

Food for thought for the next 64 days and beyond hopefully. Visit www.agnt.org under multi media and view the Peace Mandela. When you click on the word courage you will receive quotes and inspiration for the day. Each day has a different focus.

Pic.. greenery in Naples.

Welcome to The World

There is nothing that says hope and wonder like the birth of a baby. Anastasia Rose was born Saturday morning at 4:32am weighing in at 6 lbs 2 oz and 17 inches long. Mom, Courtnay is doing fine and dad Clint looked tired yesterday when I visited at the hospital.

I always wonder about the transition for the babe from warm floating womb to a world of bright lights and clothes. Nine months of hearing mom's heartbeat to moments without it as babe is passed around. Perhaps babies are a sign of resiliance and transformation.

So to Anastasia I say, "Welcome to the world sweet one. You have chosen beautiful parents and a wise sister to help you on this earthly journey. You will be guided to listen to your inner wisdom and to remember where you came from. Go forth and be a blessing and embrace your blessings. Know how truly magnificent you are and walk in that magnificence. Listen to no-one who would tell you you are any less for they lack the Truth. And remember to always keep in touch with the Divine, your creator and your essence."

Pic of me and Anastasia... she is just 12 hours old! Going to her new home today with mom, dad and sister Emerald.

Boonsboro Inn

I recently placed an order for a book on-line and saw that the shipping cost was going to be $8 because my order was less than $25. So back I went looking for another book. I looked up the usual authors to see what was new.. Wayne Dyer, Michael Beckwith etc. and nothing. So I looked up Nora Roberts. It's been months since I read one of her books and discovered she has a new one. She's written 190 novels so chances are there is always a new one out! Now with the order coming to the same total I'm only paying for books.

This book is about an old inn that is being restored. As the characters walk through the building they are describing what each guest room, dining room and lobby will look like right down to the fabrics, colours and accessories. The descriptions paint a vivid picture for the reader. What I love about this is how our power of imagination can bring things alive.

Perhaps there is something in your life you would like to restore. Use your divine power of imagination to make it come alive. Picture it vividly and then feel what it would feel like if it were happening or created right now! And then take action.


Pic... of an old inn at Chautauqua New York.

Looking In The Mirror

Mirrors can be scary at times.. only because of the reflections in them. Believe it or not I'm not my beautiful self when I get out of bed! Maybe you aren't either? We need work right? We shower and do makeup or for the men shower and shave. We all or most have to deal with hair and then finally we are able to face the mirror and the day. So it's fairly easy to adjust a reflection of how we look.

It's the other reflections that are difficult to adjust. The times when we have to look at who we are and how we are showing up. The other part of this is that what you see and what others see aren't always the same. So there is that to sort through as well.

I love an expression a friend uses... bumping up against your growing edge. It's a good thing because it gives us the opportunity for spiritual growth. The "bumping" never feels comfortable and you can get bruised but out the other side there is spiritual growth. So whatever you are dealing with know that it is for you and this too shall pass. The gem is that it may not come back if you deal with it this time around.

Pic.. This cat lives in a store in Naples along with a friend cat. I wonder what it would think if it looked in the mirror and saw it's new cut. It has a sour looking face... maybe it knows already!

No-One and Nothing Is Against You

This is one tough lesson to learn. However I trust that the actions of most people are demonstrating their very best in any moment. Their actions have good intentions but sometimes the way they go about them can create chaos. This chaos can be hurtful personally. The hurt is usually an old hurt that is being triggered. And even so.. both parties can learn from the interaction.

The person whose actions were out of integrity can learn to do things with integrity. The person who is hurt can look at their feeling of being hurt and explore what that is about. It is a work in process and we are all human. The real work is to make a reconnection and re-establish trust for the greatest good of all.

He Was the Beanie Baby Guy

When I was first attending Unity Village for classes I met a ministerial student named Steve. He was a house room-mate of Rev. Pat Ball and they were in the same class. Steve was a nice fellow and at that time he was into selling the then popular Beanie Babies. Do you remember them? I still have some.

The one that sticks in my mind the most is the kangaroo beanie baby with a baby in its pouch. You see when I met Steve my Jenn was ill and it was a very difficult time for everyone. Steve sent me that kangaroo beanie baby in support of my journey.

Steve died three days ago. He was ordained and was ministering when he was diagnosed with cancer. His name has continually shown up on the Unity prayer list and I was surprised to hear of his passing. I don't know the whole story but part of it I heard from Steve himself. He was feeling abandoned by his church who wanted him to leave. I was sad to read his brother's words saying in the past year Steve was alone though apparently his family offered him help but he wouldn't accept it. I am sure there is a lot to the story I am not privy to. What I do know is that no matter what......a kangaroo mom takes care of her baby. Thanks Steve, you blessed my life.

Men Will Line Up

I just read there will be a Canadian Bachelor. I guess it's because it's clearly the way to find a wife.....NOT! Now I do have to confess I watch the Bachelor except some nights I flip back and forth between programs. I get very annoyed at the premiss that hardly ever works out. The problem is it is designed for failure. Near the end of the season the finalists are saying things like.... " I don't want to move."  "I'll have to change my job?"

Isn't it obvious from the beginning that somebody's going to have to move and in the world we live in it's usually the woman. I say to Bob, "Why don't they have all the women come from the same state as the guy?" He answers that would cut down on the viewers because the show wants people cheering for the girl from their state.

As Mary J. Blige said this morning on Live with Kelly..."I think too much of myself to be a part of something like that". In other words she will not compete with 25-15-10 whatever number of other women for one guy. I guess I watch it hoping to understand how people can think this could work. Are women trying to find the fairy tale ending? Well Canada ... here it comes! Maybe we Canadians will show we can do it better. We'll see.
Pic.. One thing I know for sure.... this man won't be applying!

To accomplish whatever you wish...... you have to become the person who is able to accomplish such things. This is an idea I read yesterday in the inspiring Unity Magazine. I've been contemplating the message. For me it is telling us to think about the qualities of being it takes to accomplish our goals and if we don't embrace them we will not be successful.

I also read....anything that gets between you and the life you want to live has got to go. This may mean behaviours, beliefs, and sometimes it might mean .... people you hang around with. All good food for thought.

In the article "2012 Will be what we make of it" Unity minister Joan Gattuso writes, "We either believe the Principles of Truth or we don't. We either believe God is good or we don't. We either believe all things work together for good for those who love God, Divine Mind, or we don't." She reminds us to live the Truth we espouse.

There are so many good articles in this issue. Copies are available at Unity.. get yours before they are all gone!

Pic.. Just some of the many birds the bird feeder outside of Unity's doors feed. Inside the doors we are feeding many many people.

The Bride to Be

It's getting more and more real....my baby girl is getting married! She was here on the weekend and did some wedding shopping and bought this sash. We are coming into wedding season and if I were to give a marriage course I would talk to the young couples about a number of things. Here we go:

1. If you have assumptions about your sweetie.......TELL THEM what they are. They won't know otherwise and you will be constantly disappointed if you don't.

2. TALK things through. Don't stamp your feet, yell, leave, shut down, throw things (yikes!) get revenge or give the silent treatment. TALK and the sooner the better.

3. Talking isn't blaming. Talking is sharing your feelings. It is letting the other person know how you feel. It also requires you to explore your feeling and try to understand where the root of them is.

4. Negotiate. You are not going to agree on everything. You both have your own ways of doing things. Talk about the big things you are bothered by.... let the little ones go. Negotiate what you are willing to change and willing to live with.

5. Keep kissing, keep seeing the wonder of each other and don't take each other for granted. Blessings.

Born Friday??

I was at the doctors today and in the waiting room was a wee babe. I asked how old he was and the mom said he was born Friday! She looked slim and here they were out and about. It's amazing how the body recovers so well. It's amazing too that this little soul was warm and cozy floating around for 9 months and now out in the wintery world.

I've often wondered what babies think. Is there a soul in there that looks out at the world and feels trapped in the baby body? I hope not, that would seem cruel. What I know is that baby is coming into a different world than the one I was born in. In his lifetime a world without computers would be a bizarre idea. He won't see or use a phone booth. An album, a typewriter, life without a microwave ....he'll never know. What will his life look like when he is 20? Boy.. the world is changing every day.

I even felt like my mom the other day when I realized I am not up on the latest actresses. Who are these younger ones? I know Robert DeNiro and Jennifer Anniston, well not personally....though there was that time with Colin Firth. Oh, I digress. Maybe I'm feeling older today that I'm thinking about these things. What about you? Are you amazed at how the world is changing?

Pic..At the time this archway was built I bet they could never have imagined today's world.

Retreat Was A Treat

Well it's the day after the weekend retreat and I'm living in the glow of people's appreciation for all that Mary and I offered. It was a great success. People came for their own personal reasons and in the group sharing it sounded as if intentions were met.

I was moved to see our creative expression room being so well used. One participant called it the "play" room and allowed herself to play. Each person created a frame with the name of the Power they wanted to more fully develop this year. Each frame was unique and told us something about its creator.

Our meditation room offered music; a number of reflective card sets to pick from and a box of sand for doodling while in thought. And of course there was the Labrynth which we learned did not fit any of the rooms! So we had to fold under the outer circle. We learned that sometimes our path requires some flexibility. We had to altar our path to get to the center; let go of the need for perfection and walk it our own way.

Everyone present learned they are powerful bright lights capable of creating the life they desire. Thanks everyone for making my dream of offering a retreat such a huge success and so satisfying for Mary and I.

Pic.. some of the people at the retreat.

A Dog that Delights

You have probably heard about dogs that act as companions for those in nursing homes and hospitals. I even recently heard dogs are being taken into university dorms to help de-stress university students studying for exams. Their presence helps to calm and soothe people. People love petting dogs and receiving the unconditional love dogs are known for.

Our Unity bookkeeper brings her dog Jakie with her when she comes in for a couple of hours on Thursdays. He runs around and greets us all and then settles down.....sometimes on a lap.. my lap. There is something wonderfully comforting about petting a dog while working. I fully understand how they are so therapeutic.

Can you be unhappy when there is an energetic, happy dog around? Not me!

You never know til you know...

It's been my dream for a number of years to offer a weekend retreat for Unity people and anyone interested in attending. Now that dream is being realized and like I've learned so many times you do not know how much effort something takes until you get into it.

It's interesting too that I am asking our participants to come without expectations and let the weekend unfold and I'm noticing I have all kinds of expectations. As the co-facilitator but the main teacher I want this retreat to bless people. I think that is very realistic and I need to breathe and trust it will unfold the only way that it can. I've doing the last of the prep today and I want to breathe and know that all is well.

What experiences have you had where you thought something looked easy until you got into it?

Pic.. one I took of the pyramids... do you think the creator of the pyramids thought this will be easy??

Hang Them Up!

If you are like me perhaps you have a number of pictures that aren't hung up yet. Jenn gave us a beautiful picture of her and Greg for Christmas. And I think it was last year that she framed a collection of pics from our trip to Egypt and Greece. Both needed to be hung up.

So the other day I was tidying up, found both and searched for the perfect place for them. I think I found it...in the foyer with other  family pictures. I think what you hang on your walls says something about the people who live in the house. Our small family of three is everything for us. Our times together are precious and the trips taken as a family are well remembered. To display our travel and family pics seems right and perfect.

So what's on your floor or in a cupboard? Are there pictures to hang? And if you look at what is hanging on your walls what do they say about you? Just wondering  :)

Pic of my new grouping. The pic of Jenn and Greg bottom right is a sweet one. He has a tender smile on his face and Jenn is resting on his shoulder with eyes closed and legs accross his. It seems to say "Love".

Compassion

I wonder if what the world needs now is.....compassion. Love yes but compassion goes a long way. We have a lot of people in our life and their journeys are often different from ours. Because of that we might want to change them.

Yesterday I wrote about singing the song of your heart. Changing others might look like wanting them to play in your band under your direction. The real journey is letting them march to their own beat and when they have challenges it's for you to share compassion. You don't have to fix anything for them in fact it's best you don't. They and you are on a hero's journey rich with the opportunity for spiritual growth.

It's not always an easy one but it can be fun, exciting and certainly interesting.

Pic I took at Graceland... some people learn to live full out!

Hugo

I saw the movie Hugo, a 3D feast for the eyes. One of the things said has stayed with me. It was, "machines don't come with any extra parts. If the Universe were a machine every one of us would be an absolutely necessary part."

In this world we are constantly being shown what we should look like; who we should look like; what we should think and want and watch and eat and drink and on and on. There is not a lot of emphasis on being yourself. We need to realize that it's not about being like Jennifer Aniston or Jennifer Hudson or for me, my daughter Jennifer. It's about being the best you you can be.

Only you can do what is yours to do this lifetime. There is no-one who will be able to bring the gifts you bring in exactly the way you do. Yesterday I spoke about finding the song of your heart also called passion. Living your passion is allowing your part of the machine to make its contribution to the whole.
Pic of a Labrynth... finding our way

Great Day

Some days feel better than others don't you think? Today was one of those days for me. The church service was rocking. My message was inspiring...people told me so and it felt like it. 

The music.. Emilio singing and Jake playing was awesome. People participated in the Spiritual Baptism receiving the blessing at their heart level. It was also celebration Sunday. Courtnay, my admin assistant, was given a gift from the board and myself as a gift as she leaves the end of the month for MAT leave. We introduced Roseanne, Courtnay's replacement, to the congregation. The service was followed by our Unity coffeehouse.

JJFiasco performed.. that's Jake and his talented wife Julia. They sing and compliment each other so beautifully. It's a pleasure to listen to them. Emilio sang a few songs as well before he had to head back to Toronto.

And then Mary and I shopped for this coming weekend's retreat. I got home at 5 to find my honey sick on the couch with a fever and very hot. Hopefully he is feeling better tomorrow. So today has been a good day. I hope yours was too.

Pic... bloom, dream and wish... find the song of your heart to create a vision for 2012..sing your song!!

Gratitude

Yesterday when I was at Unity I noticed the most magnificent sky as the sun set. Its colors were oranges and pinks and it was beautiful! I stood looking at it wondering if others were seeing this too.

So often I walk with my head down or at least looking ahead but most often not up. I noticed that the sky's beauty melted my heart so to speak. I felt expanded and connected to all that is.

Therefore my thought for today is "Look up!" Look up to the sky, look up for a higher knowing within your thoughts. Look up when you are down in search of a higher thought than the one that is depressing you. Look up....it's amazing what you may see!

Pic.. when I left Unity I took this picture...isn't it beautiful?

Young in Years & Young at Heart

I witnessed a very special moment that I think I'll always remember. My family were gathering in the foyer of our home, mom and Les were getting ready to go home. One and a half year old Penelope was standing there when all of a sudden 102 year old Les took hold of her hand and went running down the hall laughing with glee...both of them.

Les is such an inspiration. A couple of months ago when I visited them I found him in the bathroom wallpapering on a ladder! And now he has designed and is building a walker for my mom to use indoors. He was a British Airways engineer. He worked on the Spitfire and many other planes. He is an artist painting his Christmas card every year; he knows how to sew; he is an avid user of the computer in more sophisticated ways than me.

Perhaps the reason he has lived as long and has such a sharp mind and able body is because he always keeps both busy. But who knows? When Octarians are asked the secret to their longevity you might hear, "I have a drink every day." Others might say, "I never drank a day in my life". Some eat meat, some are vegetarians. I think one thing most people don't factor in is their spiritual age. Perhaps their spirit has a life span. The better we take care of our body the better our journey whatever age we are meant to live to.
Pic.. Les playing with Penelope

Time Changes People

My mom, who was visiting last night, commented, "Did you ever think that Michael (my brother) would be such a good cook?" My answer was no. You see my brother hated being in the kitchen when he was young. He had to be coerced into doing the dishes when it was his turn. I can actually remember him pleading with me, "Lori please do the dishes for me, I'll pay you!" Sometimes I could be bought but other times it was a matter of principle. It was his turn.

Now Michael is a master cook. At his house he does the all the cooking and he loves it! So last night he cooked us Chicken stuffed with bacon and pesto. So for all you cooks out there here's how he did it:

cut your chicken breast in half just enough to open it; cook your bacon crisp and crumble it and for each chicken breast you mix one teaspoon of pesto with some crumbled bacon and stuff that into the breast. Bake in the oven at 375 for 30-40 minutes and if you have any pesto left over brush it onto the top of the chicken breasts. Yummy!

AND then he made an exquisite Italian Crostata di albicocche. Recipe availabe upon request. So having my little brother visit has been wonderful along with my niece and her daughter.. the Holy Terror.. Penelope.
Pic.. Crostata di albicocche

The Holy Terror

I have long forgotten what it was like to have a little girl in the house. My brother, his daughter Maressa and her daughter Penelope are visiting. She does not stop! Her mother calls her the Holy Terror, I spell it with an H because of course she is whole, complete and divine.

Young ones are so curious. They want to touch everything. Open it if it's closed, turn it on if it's off, move it from here to there, answer phones that aren't ringing and generally leave chaos behind them in their path. And of course it's fun to play with her or try to. She hasn't quite let me into the inner circle yet. I've had a few hugs oh and she did sit on my lap and let me read her the Belly Button Book. I have forgotten how cute children's books are.

Penelope will be meeting her great grandmother today for the first time. How wonderful to see the lineage and how she looks like us Rowlands. So we have a busy day. We are off to shop shortly and then get ready for great grandma to arrive and have dinner. I'm taking today off for my New Years Day holiday day.

Pic.. sweet Penelope

Something to Keep In Mind

I want to share with you what I read somewhere, and it is:   I hear you, I see you and what you say matters to me.

It isn't always easy to live in this vibration because so often it's about sharing our own opinion and it doesn't really matter what the other person's point of view is. If ours is different we want to be heard, darn it!! The journey is accepting that everyone's opinion is important to be heard and respected. And if their opinion needs to be lifted up to a higher viewpoint then respectfully we try to do that. Respectfully..we try to do that.

I don't know exactly what it is but I can get my back up, maybe you can too. Let's face it we all do. The journey is being curious about our reactions and trying to get in touch with the inner conflict. It isn't about what the other person is saying so much as it is about what's been triggered within us. The healing has to take place within. In the meantime we try to leave as few hurt feelings around us as possible as we do our inner work.

Pic...it would be nice if life were as simple and sweet as a new kitty....this is our Hannah 5 years ago.

I'm Still Here!

Well I have decided to continue blogging. Thanks to all those who contacted me to let me know they enjoy reading my blog. So here we go... I have a new name for this year's blog that befits what I've been doing so often...sharing random thoughts.

Tonight I became aware that we people do not see things the same. And when we don't, feelings can get triggered and hurt. I wish that I could practice being in the world but not of the world. In otherwords, being present, observing, experiencing without being blown around by what is going on around me.

Rev. Gary Simmons wrote a book titled, "The Eye of the Storm". In the middle of the storm is a calm place. I want to be that place consistently. I think that breathing, going to my heart space and not taking it all so seriously would be one way to do it. What do you think?

Pic.. reaching for new spiritual heights..a goal for 2012