Inspiration to Re-Invent

At 52 years old, I have to re-invent myself—again! I just came back from the new movie, “Julia & Julie”—or is it “Julie & Julia”? It stars Meryl Streep as Julia Child, the popular and much satirized cook from the 1960s. I know my mother was familiar with her—my mother was a great cook. And we had the iconic copper pots and pans hanging in our kitchen.

The ability to really cook is something I truly lack—although Mother tried hard to teach me. I never had the patience or the desire. Yet I bought a house with a huge kitchen thinking that if I only had enough room, I would begin to learn how to cook. I’m sure I have the talent. I just don’t have the desire.

Our heroine in the movie, Julie Powell, who at age 30 has to reinvent herself, much the same way Julia Child did when she was 40 and newly married and living in France. Julia Powell is played by the ever delightful Amy Adams.

The movie was great and I highly recommend it to all – those who love France, those who love to cook, those who love Julia Child and those who love Amy Adams and most particularly those who need inspiration when it comes to their lives.

So why am I reinventing myself (again!)? Because I have once again been ‘let go’ or ‘laid off’ from my job. I was a computer analyst – I write the requirements for software developers to write code against and then I test the software that is developed to make sure it works. It isn’t a terribly hard job, at least not for me, but you do have to know about various computer systems and industry standards and regulations. But after a dozen or so systems and projects they all look and feel the same.

Apparently CEOs of America companies feel we computer analysts get paid too much to do this taxing job, for they have found a method to make their bottom line and wallets even fatter – ship our jobs overseas to India where the Indians get paid much less than we ever could live on here in America.

I won’t rant and rave over all of this exporting of jobs – I’ll save that for another blog. My point here is that once again I am looking for work and finding none in my field or very little. This specific Recession really is a dozy.

Well, thank God I can write. And not just this blog—I actually am published – my fantasy short stories were published by DAW Books in the late 1980’s. Has it really been that long? And I’ve self-published my non-fiction books, all five of them, more recently—just this year in fact.

And I enjoy writing and teaching – and helping people connect with their inner guidance system. So at least this time, I know what I want to do—a far cry from times before when I would lament on what I was going to do next with my life.

That’s the inspiration of this movie – explore your options and your choices – then do something about it. Go after your dreams, your wants, and your desires.

I will say that at least at my age, I’ve figured out that much. So at least I’ve learned something along the way. And hopefully the lessons going forward will be more fun and allow me to reinvent myself with a new flair and zest for life. I draw inspiration from the movie, “Julie & Julia”. Yes, that is the name of the film—I looked it up.

Go see this film—you too may draw inspiration from this merging of two stories. At the very least, you’ll want to go home and want to try your hand at something inspiring. Like maybe learning how to cook. Or write a blog.

Economic Hard Times for Light Workers

What is a light worker? This term was picked up in the 1990’s as a person who works in and around spiritual concepts as defined by the New Age. It is a person who strives for the highest good and reaches for the light of a higher power to illuminate life.

We define the term – light worker – so we can ask the question – in these tough economic times how can the light worker stay the course? How do they survive unemployment, down-sizing, layoffs and such? How do they manage to stay optimistic amidst ever increasing doom and gloom news stories that the media is putting forth and that their friends and family harp upon?

Speaking from personal experience, this is a tough assignment but one that can be accomplished by keeping the eye on the main objective and application of universal law principles. These principles are part of the light worker vernacular: law of attraction, law of karma, law of gratitude being just a few of these laws.

Each one can help the light worker stay the course with steadfast and optimistic objection for they realize the reality they create is their own and the universe operates under certain rules which they are aware of and can navigate through.

Once they remove the emotions out of the equation and realize that there are answers out there for them to gather and work with, the light worker can recognize their own path of potential which can lead to new adventures with even more rewards than the last several adventures.

The light worker has at their disposal an arsenal of ready helpers in the form of various high spirit guides, ascended masters and archangels and angels. The light worker must be ready to ask and receive these helpers’ assistance. So it is the asking of help, that may help begin to lift the light worker’s spirit and put them back on course, if indeed they falter.

Being reminded to ask for help and then acting upon that help once given, allows the light worker to get back on the path of illumination. Refocusing efforts and tasks allows the light worker to turn away from worries that block the energy flow and can stymie results that are manifesting as a result of putting in an earlier desire. Maintaining balance in both health and mental facilities helps the light worker maintain a steady course.

Over excess of worry, panic or otherwise emotions of dissent will only slow the progress of manifestation. The light worker teaches these principles to others – but the angels and guides will remind the teacher to adhere to these principles too.

Again shifting attention away from the subject of worry will allow the river of manifestation to continue to flow and not be stopped or otherwise misdirected.

Relaxation and enjoyment of life is imperative at this time – the light worker realizes that once the manifestation order has been placed with the universe, their job is simply to allow manifestation to happen as the universe does its job in processing the order.

The light worker has to remain vigilant in listening for clues and signals and outright command of actions, but otherwise a sense of accomplishment and relaxation will continue to allow the universe to merrily bubble on the stove of life until the meal is ready to be brought forth and served.

Acting upon signals and clues will allow the light worker to move along the predisposed path and acting upon commands will bring the task at hand faster. Patience may be needed as the universal pot boils. The phrase “A watched pot never boils,” is a good saying at this time.

Remember to have faith in the universe – it is on your side and the light worker knows this to be true – it has been on their side in many times before with equally productive results.

The light worker knows that time is a friend and not the enemy and faith will carry them through these times as well as times in the future, when needed.

This then is how the light worker strives to rise above the gloom and doom news of the day – knowing that they create their own reality and manifest their own destiny. Knowing that the naysayers and critics are there for contrast to allow the light worker to rise about the fray of the day and to allow the light worker to make better choices in an ever expanded banquet that is open to them in particular and to all in general.

Tough times don’t last --- these are a cycle of life and again the light worker is aware of this although a reminder from the angels and spiritual light worker team may be necessary.

With this knowledge and these tools, the light worker can go on and survive—and thrive in good times or in bad. Light workers work with Light and the light will always outshine the darkness.

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The preceding was channeled material from Demetrius - a chorus of loving and intelligent beings who mission is provide knowledge towards enlightenment.

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Blake Cahoon has been a light worker for over twenty years! Check her books out at: http://www.amethystmoon.com/ and learn more about light workers and Demetrius.

You Can Go Home Again

They say you can’t go home again…this is not true—you can and sometimes you should. But it won’t be the same—you can’t expect it to be the same; especially when forty years have passed as was the case when I went “home” again this summer.

For me Home was New York – where I was born (in New York City) and raised (in Rochester, NY) to the age of eleven.

My sister, who is three year younger than myself, and I went east this summer along our Heritage Trail – first to Cleveland, Ohio – where long dead relatives once lived and then onto Buffalo, NY or rather to Niagara Falls – where we had visited as young children. Apparently my father had filmed some new exhibit way back when; he was a film producer/director/editor – and wound up in Rochester, NY at Kodak –our next stop.

Here we roam the shopping plaza and apartment buildings of our youth with much aplomb and with many memories –some good and others not quite so good. We found our old elementary schools and found some changes, but not many. We found the woods we once played in and still found a heavily wooded path that we could still travel. That path wasn’t quite so wooded back forty years and it was probably easier to travel as children. Still we were both delighted that we managed explore the woods that meant so much to us.

We visited with the now much older parents of true best friends from our childhood.
We are now the age our parents were when they left Rochester. These folks knew us only as children – it must have been strange indeed for them to visit with us as adults. For me they now were wonderful people I could relate to as adults, as opposed to being simply the parents of my childhood best friend. They still have the playhouse that my father built for us – its been a tool shed in their backyard and it still stands—a testament to my father’s carpentry skills.

We also managed to visit the church we went to as children – and I found to my amused amazement the stained glass windows depicted not scenes of Jesus and the saints as so many mid-western churches to – but instead huge pictures of angels! These were the angels that guarded me as a child and which so influenced my life as an adult. No wonder I’m so into angels!!

We explored the huge Ellison Park, remembering lively times of snow sledding on its steep hills – they are still as steep as we remembered! This park meant much to us growing up and remains today still beautiful. We also managed to head up to our favorite amusement park on Lake Ontario—and found many of the same rides we loved as a child, including the ominous Jack Rabbit roller coaster—not quite so tall as I remember and the old merry-go-round with its colorful horses spinning to calipee music. Some things don’t change much with age – and for that we were grateful.

Next we headed towards New York City – Greenwich Village – where we both were born and I was raised during my first years of life. I don’t remember much of this time – although it was fun to see the brownstone I vaguely remember. And we went to the infamous ‘Beam Building’ otherwise known as the Empire State Building. On the rooftop of the brownstone, my father would point out the beam in the sky that issued forth from the Empire State Building – and I would marvel in delight. I have to say while the Empire State Building didn’t awe me as much as a child, I did marvel in delight at all the lights of Time Square – which television simply does not do justice.

I was also awed by the Statue of Liberty and loved the quaint little restaurants and elegant hotels of old that New York has; there is indeed an energy here which I could see could be addicting. But then people from Chicago say the same thing about their city too.

I was born in New York and raised in Rochester then moved to Central Florida (where New Yorkers were transplanting themselves). I once considered all these places my ‘home’. Now I live in the Chicago area – and have for close to fifteen years. Yet I don’t consider this area to be ‘home’ – or at least I didn’t until my summer trip to back east.

Home is where your heart is and where you lay your hat, figuratively speaking. I thought home for me was New York – but I found out that was simply where happy and not so happy memories lie. I lay down a few demons in this trip – and so now more happy memories than not remain for me. You can go home again—and all the past and present memories will remain intact—this I know for me is true.

I had fun on this trip, exploring new places and old. My memories served me well in traversing the past and I was glad I went. Once I was a New Yorker; but not so much any more. I don’t consider myself a mid-western either. My home is my sanctuary—a spot to lay my head and to contemplate the world while watching TV on my couch or for entertaining friends and family.

I have learned that it doesn’t matter where my home is…it is important to be present in my physical home where ever my heart is. And my heart and soul are travelers and explorers.

The old adage of you can’t go home again was wrong – you can and many a times, you should. It is a method of clearing the soul and setting the spirit on a new path. At least it was for me.

Picture: Blake Cahoon in front of her first elementary school where she first began talking to ghosts. Photo used by permission.
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Check out more spiritual growth products from Blake Cahoon at www.AmethystMoon.com

Denying Passage

Denial – it’s not just a river in Egypt. Okay, so it’s an old joke but one that’s appropriate for this column. For about a year ago I entered the stage that all women go through, but because One: I don’t like to acknowledge my age and Two: I wasn’t ever given any real information about this stage of life from my mother or female elders; I was basically clueless. What am I talking about? The secret that no one really tells you about or even talks about: menopause.

This stage starts usually in the early fifties for a woman, although years before symptoms can occur. Symptoms listed on the web are vague but include weight gain, hot flashes, and depression among many others. So when certain symptoms started to show up in my life that surrounded mood swings and sudden bouts of weakness, I chalked it up to other aspects of my life.

It wasn’t until I went through a whole battery of medical tests and racked up several good sized medical bills – and yes that is with insurance – that I came to the happy diagnosis myself – it was menopause that was causing most of my problems!

I have to thank several of my female friends who have passed through this passage of life already and who help clue me in. But this passage is a very complex and unique process—I don’t have the same symptoms as any other woman – although we may be in the same vicinity of the ball park. Notice I said vicinity of the park not even in the park! This is what makes this stage and all of its many symptoms so difficult to diagnose.

And I went to several doctors – did I mention medical bills-- with no real results. But I wasn’t going to the right doctor – which is a gynecologist. Who will be my next stop on this roller coaster ride. I don’t particularly like roller coasters – they make me nauseas. Another possible symptom by the way. Notice I said possible – you may have some, all or none! Geez!

So here’s a clue for you --- if you’re heading towards or at the age of fifty or fifty plus – make sure you consult with your gynecologist. I prefer a female one because I am convinced a man cannot have a clue about all that happens to us during this time. Also head to the library or bookstore and check out books on menopause. A few good ones include ones by Christiane Northup, MD and Gail Sheehy, author of "The Silent Passage."

‘Cause your girlfriends will regale you with their own personal tales of woe, but their woe may not be your woe. And as far as the Internet is concerned – forget it. Their listed symptoms are way too general to figure out what is truly happening to you.

Don’t be a river in Egypt – it’s going to happen sooner or later and with knowledge comes preparation and strength. And the good news is –or so I’ve heard – once it’s over – you feel great – again! I’ll let you know when I get there – I’m still in the middle of river! But at least now I know which direction to swim!

How to Handle Adversity

It is said that what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger. Certainly the people who have lost their homes and farms in the great Midwestern floods of spring 2008 will learn if this statement is true for them.

There was a sign outside a church that read “Adversity causes man to be introduced to himself.” When I first read this, I was confused. But the more I thought about this statement, it reminded me of the statement of what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.

When adversity comes into our lives, it is because we need to learn a lesson from the challenges that being presented to us or it is a method for us to see what we are really made of. Pressure makes diamonds and so adversity makes the human.

That is what this planet is all about – contrast. It is the presence of the good and the bad and our reaction to either that makes us humans beings – emphasis on being. We can choose to react with fear, with strength, with anger, with sadness or with love to almost any event in our lives.

We all learned a powerful lesson on September 11, 2001. Or most of us did; some did not, while others have let time diminish those lessons. And so now more adversity is upon us. It is what shapes and defines us, as we react to that adversity.

So when adversity comes into your life – watch how you react to it. What is the outcome you desire? How is your reaction and actions going to result into your desires?

I recently was laid off from my job in a time where more and more people are losing their jobs. I could have panicked. But I remained calm and began sending out my resume and going on interviews. I knew I would get another job and it would be the right job for me at the right time. I received a call for an in person interview on the Monday following my last day at my old position. The interview was on Tuesday. I got the offer call for the job on Wednesday. I would start the week following the next week—allowing me a vacation—something I had wanted and let the Universe know that I wanted.

I wasn’t sure it was the best job for me—until I got to the new job. I was traveling a little more than I wanted, but found a free web site that let me download hour long interviews and burn them to CD. Now I would have something to listen to on my drive—again something I had asked the Universe for. Also I was being compensated more now than my last position – out of special circumstances – so ultimately I received a raise. Plus the people were very nice – and the work itself was interesting, another couple of something’s I had asked for and received. My final sign that I was where I was supposed to be was my request for a nearby post office. I found the post office was a block away and with hours that spanned from early morning to evening. Okay, I said with a smile to the heavens above. Now I knew I was in the right place.

I could have panicked when my last position came to an end. But I didn’t. I remained calm and faithful that the Universe (or God—or whatever one calls that something Bigger than the rest of us—because I know It does exist) –would provide in my hour of adversity.

While I didn’t get flooded out like so many others, or burned out from the wildfires that are now burning in the west, I had lost my job – I did have adversity in my life. How I chose to react to that adversity, I feel was how the outcome manifested itself. As a result I grew stronger in my faith and in being confident that the Universe will provide for me in all circumstances, especially when I ask.

What adverse events are popping up in your life? How are you reacting to that adversity? What are you manifesting? Ask yourself these questions the next time adversity comes knocking on your door. Big or small, the universe will help – if and when you let it. May all your adversities be small ones!

Blake Cahoon runs a few web sites: AmethystMoon.com, LightEarthEnergies.com, is a writer and a film maker. She is a spiritual teacher and produces material to live a better life.

Butterfly Stirs Creative Soul

Many years ago I was sitting in a park one summer day on a hillside that overlooked a small lake, contemplating what to do next in my life. I was in my thirties at the time and I still hadn’t figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up. (And quite honestly I’m still trying to figure that out!).

I found myself going over some options in my head – at the time I was a writer for a small family owned company which had holdings in lots of businesses, including real estate and motivational work. I really enjoyed that job – I was able to create freely on many different projects, including writing motivational material, press releases, newsletters, marketing materials, children’s books and video scripts for late night ad-commercials. Alas the business changed direction and I was wanting for another job—yet again.

I find myself in that position again these days – a scary thought being unemployed with a mortgage and small kitties to feed, but yet exciting not knowing exactly what is ahead. A sense of anticipation rests in the air, as I put out feelers for new positions and think about the time when I won’t have to work for someone else.

I’m not sure that time is now – right now I personally don’t see that happening yet – unless I choose to play the lottery and win –but I am putting the thought out into the universe so at least the possibility of opportunity can arise.

I ask my angels and faerie folk to manifest my desires – to work in a place of comfort, freedom and safety, with positive energy and a good support system, doing something creative that I feel excited about and make excellent money at, performing or creating something worthwhile. Oh, and put a rush on that order – I have less than thirty days to find such an opportunity!

Note I said opportunity – not job, not even career – but rather an opportunity to be someone I enjoy being and being around, and making enough money to support myself comfortably at the same time.

So that is my desire—out it goes into the universe—while images of me sitting on a long ago hillside linger in mind. And there was a butterfly that day – one with colorful wings – whose flight was lazy and peaceful. Butterflies are signs of change – new beginnings – metamorphosis.

And that day is again today….and with the thought of butterflies comes the thought of a small video that my father’s spirit brought to me that same year – I had the inclination to pick up a video camera and put together a documentary on butterflies. I’m not sure why.
To this day, I am uncertain exactly why – but I’m sure that it was my father’s spirit who came to me and told me also that butterflies are signs of hope – for new beginnings are full of hope. And so today as again I contemplate my future – I am thinking of butterflies—of new beginnings, of hope and of….video creation….hmmm….where is that video camera of mine? I have an idea….my creative soul stirs and angels and faeries whisper to me and new ideas take hold.

The road ahead still remains a mystery, but I know my angelic support system is also out there pounding the pavement with me….may your journey stay as exciting and full of promise as mine…

…and stay tuned!

PS: Our new website is now posted: http://www.lightearthenergies.com/

Happy Earth Week 2008

How many of us get off track on a regular basis? I know I do—life is going good and then wham! I fall off the track and suddenly have to get up, look around myself and ask: “What just happened?”

Often I already know the answer: I wasn’t paying attention. And sometimes it’s important not to pay attention – it’s very time-consuming to pay attention all the time and can be quite exhausting as well. But when I don’t pay attention I do have a tendency to wander or fall off those proverbial tracks of life.

I think for me it’s the weather that causes this. Or having too much on my plate, all at the same time.

This last couple of weeks, I’ve been off my game. I’m going to blame the changing season—spring is finally here (see earlier blog on that subject) and the flowers are coming up and the leaves are starting to appear on the trees. I didn’t wear a coat for the first time today – yippee!

I haven’t wanted to do anything but be outdoors – and so this past weekend I was outdoors – in my garden, finally able to dig in the good green and brown (dirt) earth as I planted new bulbs and bushes in my back yard. It felt good to dig holes and fill my gloved hands with handfuls of dirt as I lovingly planted my new bushes.

A cool breeze caressed my face and birds were singing in the nearby trees across the field that is my backyard. I connected with Mother Earth this last weekend, and paid tribute to her by planting new plants – just in time for Earth Day (April 22).

When we connect with the earth, we actually do become more grounded – by digging in the dirt and appreciating the earth, earthworms and all, I allow my spiritual and emotional self to be more grounded. And slowly I am becoming less spacey and getting back on track.

When you are feeling off or lose your way, try going for a walk in the neighborhood, a local park, or even enjoy your backyard. This will expel pent-up negative energy and allows your own positive flow to take hold again.

And remember to do something to honor the Earth – recycle your newspapers, change your light bulbs to a more energy-efficient type, plant a bush, a tree or even some flowers, or unplug a seldom-used appliance. There are lots of ways to appreciate the planet we live on and embrace the principles of going green.

And somewhere along the way, you may find yourself getting back on track too; or at least enjoying the track you’re currently on, a little bit more. Fresh air and green grass can do wonders to renew the soul.

Happy Spring everyone! (I can’t say it enough!) And Happy Earth Week too!

Seek Balance

Don’t look at the news of late—it’s very depressing. The economy is depressed, the US dollar is losing its value, people are losing their jobs and homes and gas prices are going up.
Should we be surprised? Probably not—if you understand America’s corporate greed mentality.
Will we survive? Of course. The government will bail us out –at least for now—and life will go on.
But will balance be maintained? For that is what is happening—the economy albeit the world is seeking balance.
The answer will only be found in the future. But more upsets will be found again if balance is not found.
The universe likes balance and so if it is a government, or a corporation or our own bank book—balance will be sought out. This goes for our personal life as well.
If you are out of balance, the universe will seek to get you back in balance. Often times this is done by causing illness or catastrophic events to come into our life – forcing us to slow down and stabilize the situation. Refuse the offer to rectify the situation and gain balance, and the illness may worsen or the events become more severe.
A second method of the universe creating balance is the cause the worse to happen. This is when people literally hit bottom – they are wiped out financially, a tornado hits their home destroying it or a fatal illness hits them or a loved one. Planes crash, people die, wars are waged. The stock market is out of whack. Balance will have to come eventually.
So our economy will balance out—eventually, unless we allow our government to cause a fatal event. Do what you can to gain balance in your own life—and be sure to add your voice to the universe for balance for our country come this November at election time.
Balance comes to those whose purpose rises above the ego-ruled masses, where greed gets in the way of greatness.
Seek balance for this brings peace and harmony and can heal a wounded heart—and possibly a wounded country.

Spring is Finally Here!

Spring is finally here officially this week. The calendar says to—but I know so, for I saw my first robin of the season this weekend.

This winter season has been a brutal one for the Midwest for we’ve had more than our share of snow this year. Other parts of the country from mid November to mid May.
We moved from this city to sunny Florida to escape the snow. As a child I loved snow; as an adult who has to shovel it—I’m not too crazy about the white stuff any longer except around Christmas time when it should be mandatory. But alas—we rarely get a white Christmas and this year was no expectation. In fact, I think it was the only day it didn’t snow!

This area doesn’t really know snow – not the snow belts of Michigan or New York – and so when it snows as much it did this year, we get cranky. The sun wasn’t out much over the last few months and this didn’t help the mood.

For me, this winter, I have noticed the tendency to follow the way of certain animals—bears for example. I hibernate during these times when the cold, dreary weather is just too much for my aging psyche. No, I don’t physically crawl into a cave for months on end—although spiritually and psychologically I seem to. Friends and activities are kept at a distance, dreams are shelved and I concentrate on the mundane tasks of living day to day.

I write this because I find I am not alone in this hibernation period. I have found other kindred souls of late who find there are times of the year where they simply have to disconnect in order to recharge.

As a younger person, I didn’t understand this activity and probably dismissed its value. Older and wiser me knows now the importance of this activity and finally recognize this habitual behavior.

My sister calls it cycling—I cycle in my behavior from having lots of activity in my life to wanting none in my life. I have had a tendency to go from being a workaholic to being a hermit. After years of observation, I now concur this is what I do.

But it is not a flaw—but a coping mechanism to regain balance. Recognizing this pattern however, allows me not to find fault in myself or my behavior, but rather puts me in a search to better balance my life without going to extremes. And so spring is here and I am crawling out of my winter cave with renewed vision and purpos

Enjoy this spring—the new flowers, the birds singing and the sun is shining. Warmth envelopes us and we can shed those heavy winter coats. Turn your face to the light of the new season and smile – especially if you’re an occasional hibernator, like me. Welcome, spring!

The First Snow

The first snow fall happened yesterday. Actually last
night...oh, it wasn't much --just a few flakes of snow
caught on the wind which was fierce. Leaves were
ripped from the trees, almost the last of them to go.
Now is it is November and Halloween is behind us.

It is my birthday month. Last year was a big year and
family and friends celebrated. This year will be more
quiet, it is on a Monday this year--a work day. I
think next year it is on Thanksgiving...it does that
ever so often.

I already have a small Christmas tree up. It sits on
my mantle along with a garland of silk autumn leaves.
The radio is already playing Christmas tunes--there is
a station that usually starts the 1st of December and
plays non-stop Christmas songs. This helps put people
into the mood of the season and I enjoy old favorites
that remind of childhood and snow. But this year they
started on November 1st and I'm not quite that ready
to listen to Christmas carols.

Chicago really doesn't get much snow--anymore; at
least not what I remember Rochester, New York getting.
This is where I first saw snow and played in the wet
and white, fluffy and cold banks. I used to sled at
a neighborhood park and build snow men and tunnels
from November to late April.

But I was disappointed when I moved to Chicago and saw
that we hardly ever get a white Christmas. And what
good is snow if you can't at least get a white
Christmas out of it?

So when the first snow flakes fell last night, I was a
happy camper. I enjoy snow. I like the way it fall
on the branches and glistens in the moonlight. Okay,
I don't like shoveling it; but other than that--I
enjoy it. Okay, I don't like driving in it. But I
can still appreciate winter's beauty.

Take time to appreciate this coming season's weather
-- where ever you may live. The passing of the
seasons can be a delightful time and of course, this
is a magical time. When Mother Nature falls asleep
and we get to celebrate with family and friends the
time when the light will begin to appear again. Take
time to appreciate the season and your family and your
friends.

And stay safe and warm if you live in the cold
climates like me. And remind again, how much I love
the snow, when it piles up in my driveway and the
temperature is 20 degrees below!

Until next time....

Getting into a Comfort Zone

I started a new job three weeks ago, after being with my old company for seven years. The new place is in the same industry as the old, but feels friendlier and more intimate. The old had grown and grown over the years and as is common with corporations, it has had it’s share of growing pains.

I’m glad to be in the new place. It will provide better opportunities for me; the people are nice and I’m surrounded by friends who also found themselves from the old to the new place.

The commute is longer though—now an hour as opposed to less than 30 minutes. (Thus the reason for delay in latest blog getting be posted – I’m still getting used to the new hours.) I often don’t get home until 7 pm at night now.

I’m still trying to find the best way to the new place and back. The drive can be very pretty -- there is one route that is full of trees that hide million dollar plus homes. It’s fun to see all the nice homes—the tiny glimpses that I can see behind their gated walls.

Demetrius likes nice homes—he expressed a desire for me to live in such a fine surroundings. Some call these new homes Mac Mansions – they all look alike and we wonder how these people afford such a place.

I love the fact that my favorite non-physical entity wants me in such a home – which is fine for him since he doesn’t have to find a way to pay mortgages, much less taxes.

But the point he was making is that I deserve to be in the best place possible for me. By exposing me to wealth—as my morning and often evening drive now takes me through Wealth-ville – I can get comfortable with such dwellings and what it means to be wealthy. I can gain an appreciation; that I might not otherwise had for the finer things in life.

Often we self-sabotage ourselves when we express a desire which may currently be outside our comfort zone.

So our guides and angels, knowing of our desire, will show us aspects of that desire so we can become more accustomed to that which we have asked for. We are allowed to move towards our goals and desires in a comfortable, non-threatening method. We can then hold on to our desire when it does become a reality in a more easy manner. The angels know our comfort level and will move us according to that comfort level.

Everything happens for a reason. What have you expressed a desire for lately? And how comfortable will you be with it when it becomes a reality?

Goldfish Memory

Goldfish memory. That’s what I seem to have these days. Goldfish memory.

They say goldfish do not get bored in their tiny goldfish bowls, swimming around and around all day, because they have a memory span of only 3 seconds. “They” being scientists, sociologists and such.

I was in the Alzheimer’s ward of a retirement home recently, visiting my sister’s godmother. Whether she knew who were or not was unclear. We had visited several times before when her memory was better.

She would greet us happily however and greet us with “Hello! How are you! How have you been?”

Perhaps this was her standard greeting to everyone. Soon she would tell us how happy she was, that she was doing fine. At some point she would tell us how much she loved Santa Fe, which where her home for many years had been, before living in the nursing home.

But that was about as much now as we would get from her. After a few minutes, she’d almost greet us again; as if we just arrived there and then tell us how she was doing, ending on how much she loved Santa Fe.

It was sad to watch and almost painful, if she hadn’t been so happy. She was like the goldfish in the bowl, happily swimming in circles, coming back to the same spot with no memory of being there before. Goldfish memory.

There were many others in the ward with more devastating types of memory loss and moods dark and grim. It wasn’t a happy place. To know there are cures out there that aren’t being allowed must be frustrating to so many.

Thankfully for us, my sister’s godmother was happy at almost ninety.

But I was planning on making a point with my own memory. Something about…. oh rats, there is goes again. I don’t remember.

Ah well, goldfish memory. I’m sure I’ll think of it soon.

Practice ARK

I saw a wonderful movie the other day: “Evan Almighty.” This was a spin-off movie to the more comedic “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey and Morgan Freeman.

In this movie, “The Office’s” Steve Carell played Evan Baxter, who is a newly elected congressman who wants to change the world. Consequently he is visited by God (Morgan Freeman expertly reprising his role), who instructs Evan to build an ark, as in Noah’s ark. Soon strange biblical-type events begin to occur. Amid funny scenes surrounding animals and growing facial hair, there are many poignant scenes as well as gentle messages that are coming directly from the heavens.

At one point, God incognito as a waiter named ‘Al Mighty’ sits down with Evan’s wife, for a heart to heart talk. She is torn between loving her husband and wanting to lock him up as a nut case, since he’s building an ark in their backyard. She also wonders, as does everyone else about the Evan’s new beard and wardrobe. Evan’s hair is now grown out along with his beard; he tried to shave but God just grew it all back in an instant. Evan is also now running around with shredded robes and dress of the original Noah. According to Evan, the outfit provided by God, is very comfortable compared to his three-piece designer suits that he was custom to wearing, before all the craziness began.

God sits down with Evan’s wife, played by Lauren Graham from TV’s “Gilmore Girls”, and points out that people pray for all sorts of things. New jobs, new cars, happier families (her prayer) and that God doesn’t instantly wave a magic wand and give these items to people; rather he provides opportunities for these items or events to happen. When Evan begins building his ark, he has his sons to help him and they all become closer as a result. Evan’s wife’s prayer is answered.

I thought that this was an excellent method of reminding people of the way God works. When we prayer or ask, it is indeed given. But not necessarily in the manner in which the person specifically wants. Rather opportunities are presented so the final outcome is what the person wanted or needs. The essence or underlying truth of the request is always fulfilled.

Look back on what you’ve asked God for lately and observe how your life has been presented with opportunities for the request to take place.

The other poignant moment come when God speaks to Evan about how to change the world. According to God, one can change the world by one act of random kindness at a time. Acts of Random Kindness…ARK…. building an ark…was the biblical story really a metaphor for something bigger than a flood?

The movie has us thinking on that point and introduces several other relevant issues pertinent to today’s world and how we tend to operate. It is funny and poignant, without being preachy. It is a great movie for the entire family.

I know for me I will continue to build my own ark, practice my acts of random kindness and watch out for floods where ever or when ever they may come.

Honoring the Earth

My fairy class last weekend went very well. I love it when the students can connect with the material offered.

In this class I think one of the highlights was a photo in the workbook of a fairy ring. For the caption of the picture, the fairies had asked me to put ‘Can you find the fairies?

The photo in the book, “Connecting with the Fairies” was originally in color, but for the book was in black and white. I had needlessly worried that the photo wouldn’t show as well in black and white.

For this picture, a close-up of the toadstools in the fairy ring, which had shown up last summer in my front yard, was a great photo and was apparently full of fairies! My students saw them before I did!

There was a small gnome fellow and a female fairy, complete with wings, among several others the students found in that photo. I was thrilled and I think my students really enjoyed the class. I was also introduced to JaJaiai – a fairy queen who reigns over the flowers and field beyond my back yard. She came to me in a meditation that was part of the class.

The fairies remind us to be kind to Mother Nature and all of her plants, minerals and animals. In the time of ‘going green,’ remember to honor and respect Mother Earth. Make every day Earth Day. The fairies will bless you when you do.

I know I have been blessed with more energy and love recently. I have been given new knowledge and ways to connect my life with that which is beyond, that which is Divine. I feel richer as an individual and more connected to the whole. For this I am grateful to both the Divine and to the fairies.

As you honor yourself, you honor the whole.

Why Do We Self-Sabatoge Ourselves?

Way back in July of ’06, I started to write a weekly blog about everyday activities, my thoughts, ramblings and also some insights from my various guides, angels, etc. I enjoy writing these blogs and I received a variety of wonderful praise for the insights that they lent themselves to. Then my angels said to me one day, after I finished a nice blog, “Finish six more of these and you could almost have a book.”

Well, that stopped me dead in my tracks. A book! Wait a second, I’m not writing a book here—I’m just managing to get some thoughts out into cyberspace. I’m not ready for a book!

So I stopped writing the blog.

But the truth was – I did want to write a book and my angels knew it. And writing about the spiritual subjects that I write about, well, it would be a decent –okay—good book. Heck, I might even sell a few copies.

But I stopped writing.

I enjoyed writing. People enjoyed my writing and I enjoyed hearing that they enjoyed my writing. Yet I stop writing.

Why? I asked myself. And then I began to think about other types of projects I started and then stopped.

We’ve all had them—that unfinished knitted blanket, the unfinished novel, the unfinished painting, the unfinished paint job in the kitchen, the unfinished fill-in-the-blank.

Are we were chronic unfinishers? Dabblers who simply want to experiment for a time and then go on to another project? Did we just get bored with the project? Was it too frustrating for us? Or was there something else going on here?

Why do we self-sabotage our own success?

For the finish of a project does show that we can be successful. Do we not want to be successful?

People fear many things – the dark, ghosts, the bill-collector, monsters, mother-in-laws, the IRS. But they also fear failure and more often than not, they also fear success.

Why do we fear success? This was the thought that I had – for I was convinced that it wasn’t failure I was afraid of. But the funny thing is – success and failure are often the two sides of the same coin—that is, they are often more related to our underlying feelings than sometimes we care to admit.

For me, I think it comes down to some form of responsibility – if I am successful – then I am responsible for my creation. And in the form of a book – well, what good does a book’s knowledge do, if you don’t share it with the world?

I’m not afraid of criticism – I’ve had my share of that; but rather if my book is published and is successful, then I might have to come up with more successful material – and often times it was hard enough just getting through the first project, much less be expected to complete more.

But that is the risk of success. Success is risky – people will expect more of you and you will expect more of yourself – the next time around.

Can this be scary? Yes. But not when you have a great support team around you. And that includes your angels and guides. Plus your friends. And your family – if they are in alignment with your project. And if its blanket you finished knitting – they probably would enjoy it’s warmth, if not the color or design.

For those bigger projects – stop blaming yourself if you’re not ready to finish them. If you don’t want to own the success, that’s OK. Either stop the project or if needed – get someone else to finish for you. You can consider yourself successful then—great leaders know when it’s time to delegate tasks to others.

For me—I’ve started to write again. I enjoy it; people enjoy it. And if a book comes out of it—well, maybe I’ll make a buck or two.

I choose success and the risk to takes to be a success. How about you?

Are you living an Inspired Life?

Hello and welcome back to all our loyal readers and welcome to those who are just discovering this Blog.

We received some very nice e-mails in response to last week's blog; I want to say thank you to all who did write--your thank you's are what helps fuel my own passion.

I never quite know what I plan to write in this space, but inspiration inevitably conquer the writing blocks.

Speaking of which, Dr. Wayne Dyer taught me that the word inspiration or to be inspired simply means "In spirit"? So when we are inspired, then we are truly connected to our Source or God or Universe or whatever you choose to call that which seems to allow us to be and thrive here on Planet Earth and beyond.

I have found inspiration in many things--from the weather --good or bad, hot or cold (and we've had both this last week!) to the purrs coming from my kitties, who now want to be on my desk most of the day, helping with my inspiration process, in between their catnaps.

What inspires you?

This is an important question to ask yourself at least 3 -4 times a year so that you can assess your life and see if you're on track with the purpose you chose for being here. What inspires you? What fuels your fire? Feeds your passion?

Or has the fire burned out?

Too often people go through life on auto-pilot. They are almost too tired or too afraid of looking at their life; because then they would realize that they were unhappy with their life and the fire has either died down so low or been extinguished completely, that they don't have the energy to rise up to greet life.

Then they have two choices: do something about it or do nothing and leave all at status quo.

The easy path, of course, is not to do anything--leave everything at status quo. For whatever reason, these people choose not to participate in life, but merely survive it.

Or you could actually trying living a fulfilled, happier, joy-filled, contented existence by fully embracing life and letting life embrace you.

Which person are you?

I know my answer--I embrace life. I choose to LIVE! For that really is what the Creator wanted for us. That is why the Universe opens its arms to us for the asking.

Did you know if you spell GOD backwards it is DOG -- man's best friend, who provides unconditional love?

Did you know if you spell LIVE backwards it is EVIL -- the opposite of 'to live'?

I hope this summer provides plenty of inspiration for you so you can chose to LIVE your life!

Remember--it is your life--Live It!

With Light and Love,
Blake

You Decide How You Want The World To Be

Last week I went to the post office to mail one of my many packages that I send out to people--books, alien toys, crystals, etc. from my company, Amethyst Moon. The town I live in is a small town, way up near the Wisconsin border from Chicago and the post office isn't that big, although it isn't that tiny either. But it is always crowded apparently. I hate getting there past 4 pm because inevitably, there will be a line.

Well, this day was no exception. There was a line and it slowly crawled along as it got longer. The air conditioning wasn't on and it was starting to get hot in there and people were grumbling. I held good spirits up as much I could, but I soon surrendered to the same grouchy mood all were now in. I was finally first in line after at least 20 minutes and saw part of the problem: only 2 people on duty, although a 3rd was trying to help people who just had mail to pick up or had to buy stamps.

There was one clerk who was helping a lady with a brown wrapped package, taping this thing over and over. The lady behind me wasn't really very happy and the woman behind her was even more unhappy. I looked and saw at least 15 -20 people behind her, all with unhappy, impatient faces.

And I let out a long sigh, as I'm want to do when I'm feeling frustrated, as it was now 30 minutes at least since I had started standing in this line. And then I thought to pray to my angels- specifically Elijah--for some relief. The answer I got was surprising: Start smiling, he said.

What? I thought back. Why? I'm stuck in a line in a hot post office where the clerk behind the counter seems to be getting perverse pleasure in the fact we are all getting upset and impatient! I answered back. I've been here 30 minutes!!! I have better things to do--I started to rant and rave, silently, of course, to Elijah. And indeed the clerk did feel to me that the madder we all got, the slower they were going to go. (Ever notice that the DMV does the same thing?)

You have 2 choices in this situation: get angry and feed the frustration or smile and laugh and lift the energy, Elijah told me.

Of course, I thought! I teach this stuff, I thought and I laughed out loud. And smiled.

Well, the unhappy woman behind me looked at me strangely--why the heck was I laughing? We were mad, not happy!

I looked at her and smiled, "Okay, so we're standing here forever--there's only 2 choices we have--wait it out or get over it."

She hmmphed at me, as if I were crazy. But I wouldn't be deterred--I was already feeling better about life as I noticed I got the clerk's attention. She continued struggling with her package and the woman that was mailing it.

I waited a minute or so and then muttered to the woman behind me, "Well, I was going to get a PO box today," I said and glanced over the angry crowd, "--but I think I'll wait!" I almost gulped,in a comical manner.

"It's that type of thing that takes so long," the 2nd unhappy woman stated flatly.

"Yup. True enough," I said and while I don't remember the specifics, I do remember I must have cracked a joke that caused the 2nd woman to smile and that made me smile even more.

The 1st woman didn't crack a smile and that prompted me to nudge her to smile--so I started teasing her about smiling. Well, if you ever start that--it's not hard to get people to crack a smile. Well, she finally did smile and the 2nd woman smiled. And then I was on a roll, as others were beginning to notice and the mood started to lift as people began to smile.

"You see if you smile--despite everything--you can raise the vibration here and this blockage will begin to move!" I announced, to the room, many who now were starting to laugh or smile at my antics. This made the clerk behind the counter unhappy and so she began finishing her package faster, something I could see happening.

"I want to know what you are smoking!" the 2nd formerly unhappy woman said, who was now laughing.

"Nothing but life itself!" I announced. "See! It works, we are started to smile and laugh and now the line is moving!!!" I said, as the clerk finally called me up.

I quickly went to my mail business as the woman behind me, now semi-smiling, went to the other clerk and got waited on. By the time I left and headed out to my car, the line was really moving and the mood in the post office had lifted tremendously.

We choose how we want our world to be: either you can be happy or be angry about life. I choose happiness.

Next time you're stuck in a line, try smiling and making small talk with those around you. They may or may not respond, but you did your part to make the world a better place--and that's what counts.

Until next time, remember to smile! And remember to choose wisely!

With Love and Light,
Blake and Elijah

Appreciate What You Have

Last week I almost lost my cat. I have 2 male cats who I (used to) let out into the back yard, where they would wander for a few hours and then faithfully come home. But no, last Tuesday, my one cat, Merlin didn't return home, when he was supposed to. He didn't come home the next morning either, nor that night. Nor the next morning, where I was now in a panic. All this time, I was also having to deal with ordinary life, but I was very distracted. All my guides told me it would be OK; as did my various animal communication friends. And finally after 4 days of worry and walking the neighborhood calling his name, and posting signs and visiting shelters, etc., Merlin came home--a bit skinnier, but none the worse for wear. And my world was again happy and joyous and in balance.

And here it is the Fourth of July 2006 and we live in a wonderful country that thousands seek to live in every year because it is a country full of freedoms. And after last week and now this week being such a patriotic week, the song lyric about the big yellow taxi comes to mine: "...don't it ever seems to go, that you don't know what you've got til it's gone....big yellow taxi came by last night and took away my old man....".

So my question is: What don't we realize that we don't know what we have til it's gone? What does it take to truly appreciate what we do have?

It took me for my beloved Merlin to get lost for days, to make me really appreciate having him in my life. His purr delights me and he can sleep by my side for hours comforting me with his mere presence.

And on this patriotic week of the Fourth of July--the week we gained our independence, I am very appreciative of my life as it currently is--free to be what I truly am-- a loving creative source. And I can do that because I live in a country which allows me the freedom and resources to be that free individual.

I also appreciate my family who came to visit this weekend and my friends who also came to call. I appreciate my health and technology that allows me to type this message to the rest of the world.

Look around you this week and appreciate what you have. Maybe it's not everything you want right now--but I bet that if you lost what you do have, you'd appreciate it then. Don't wait until that time--appreciate it to today--so you don't have to say: "...that we don't know what we've got til it's gone....".

Give thanks...appreciate...be grateful...and let the universe know that you hold joy for the things you do have in your life...and watch more come to you as a result...

Happy Fourth Everyone and God Bless America.

With Love and Light,
Blake

Time...where did it go?

Hello! It's now June and despite the fact I have now vowed to update this blog weekly--it's more like monthly if that. Where does the time go?

Of course we create our own reality and I've been creating mine and I've been very busy at it. Amethyst Moon has been going through a transistion period and in that period I've been the co-captain of the ship steering it through many ports of call.

Every week I think about what I want to write here on this white space and I've come up with many ideas. Then I can't find my link to my site, or the phone rings, or I've got to run a chore, or the cat needs to be fed or petted, or the phone rings again...well, you get the picture.

Someone asked me today why wasn't I doing this or that--and I said, yes, yes, I know--but I'm so busy doing what I am doing, that there isn't much time for what all I can do. Priority is the key and organization. Skills I am working on--in my spare time!

Over the last months, I've been searching for ways to grow my company. I've checked out various internet marketing sites including Neil Shearing's -- an interesting gentleman from England, who used to be a bio-chemist in Chicago. He's got some great products where you can resell information and e-books. Or how to make money from a home business. He sounded interesting and so checked him out and bought a product that you had to download. When I first had trouble downloading the product, I wrote him and he personally wrote back and walked me step by step through the process. The product turned out to be helpful by the way and someday I hope I have time to follow through on all the information he gives to the entrepreneur.

I also checked in with other similar affiliate programs and found lots not to my taste or what I was looking for, but several good ones, that if I had time, I could make money with.

But then the young cat jumps on my desk or the other cat (15 years young and blind) wants attention and of course I have to give it them--they are my children. (And we wonder why mothers go crazy with their kids and don't have time to themselves.) Or the computer suddenly has a virus notice pop up--the second of the day--and asks me to scan the entire computer (a 5 hour process apparently!) No, I don't have time right now!!! I'm trying to write on my blog!!! Go away!!! I cry out to the heavens!

I have been reading the Abraham book: Ask and It Is Given. This book is channeled by a group of Non-Physical Entities that are called Abraham and are channeled by Esther Hicks who along with her husband, Jerry travel the country and speak in front of groups with messages from Abraham. This is a fascinating book and I am embracing the concepts--successfully, I might add--that it teaches. My own guides have been trying to get me to read this book for the last year, but I have so much on my plate....well, I finally had the time and so I read it.

I am now listening to their tapes and as providence would have it (or in my case, my angels lead me to), I went to a live Abraham-Hicks presentation a few weeks ago and gained even more insight. And more to do on my plate as a result!

So I have on my schedule (for I am getting more organized-- really!) to update my blog every Thursday. This is my current goal. Goals are important--write them down and prioritize them. Then find the time to make them happen!

That's the next thing I'm asking for--but I have to be careful of what I ask. More time--yes; but not too much time. Just enough.

Here's hoping you have time to enjoy this summer (or winter if you're down below the equator and reading this!)

And I'm asking for more help in getting more organized and have time for my blog posting. Opps, the phone just rang! It was an advertiser and what was he talking about just as we finished our business--time!!! And the angels are listening....

With Love & Light, until next time-
Ms. Blake Cahoon

Interesting Spring

Well, it's been an interesting April and it's now it's May. What happened to me in April? Well, the first half was dedicated to traveling to New Mexico. Albuquerque to be specific--where a wonderful childhood friend lives. I was able to stay with her and her family while I explored what I had hoped to be a new home. But alas, there are no jobs for me in this scenic town and I headed back home, realizing as my friends home told me: no matter where you go...there you are.

I did enjoy a scenic trip back, going through the Rockies and across the plains of Kansas and the hills of Missouri. I didn't know that Missouri had so many trees or hills. Kansas has oil, did you know that? I didn't. I missed out on some spring tornados by listening to my angels and was grateful that I do listen to them. I would have been right in the path of a twister which overturned a large cargo truck, if I hadn't listened.

And finally I returned home--all the problems that I had run away from were still here. Even now I'm still processing some of them and have solved others. Perhaps I just need a cross-country drive to clear my head of the clutter that seemed to be stored there from winter. A good spring cleaning, as it were.

My 'road' over the last 6 months has been interesting and I am still venturing forth on a new journey. I don't know where it will take me--I guess that's part of the adventure. I do know that I trust my angels, my skulls and God. Yup, I said--God. The Almighty. Not the Source, or Goddess, but God. Opps, I've now become politically insensitive and insulted many. Oh well, that's how I'm feeling these days. No matter where you go--there you are.

So, as I watched spring unfold as I traveled south and then got to watch it unfold all over again once back home in Illinois, I am reminded that like spring, I too am 'unfolding' as I approach, gulp, my fiftieth birthday in the fall. I don't feel 50 and frankly I don't look it--at least in my mirror I don't.

I am thankful for the friends I have abroad and for my friends and family I have here in Illinois. I am thankful for the country I live in for I was able to travel across this great land without fear and with great joy at the sights and landscape. And I am grateful for repeats--of spring that is--with it's myriad of colorful tulips and daffodils, and new green leaves on the trees, recently brown and dormant. New growth, new beginnings. April in the USA....yes, a month I definitely enjoy. And can relate to.

May your spring be a blessed one, full of new growth, possibilities and beautiful flowers!

Until next time....
Blake, the country wanderer