July 29 2026

 

July 29 2026 - 3:33 PM - Main Level Sun Room 

Journal entry - I wanted to write letters, I haven’t - I wanted to read more - I have. So there is still time to begin and there is time to continue.

I am reading from an untethered soul and skimming through the underlined parts from chapter 15, unconditional happiness – And this caught me today.  

“The highest spiritual path is life itself. If you know how to live daily life, it all becomes a liberating experience.”  and then in a later chapter about death - Michael A. Singer speaks of the idea of being so full in each moment that if death comes, you are not lacking, you are ready.

I loved this today, again, as I did when I read it last week; today it was confirmed in The Sanctuary Circle with Rebecca Campbell – when she said - ‘how deeply can you embody your life, this is the spiritual way, lean into our aliveness, into our life’

Which always circles back to a participant in a workshop I led back in the early 2000s, he stated his goal was to learn how to ‘be a participant in his life’ – this phrase and his desire has stuck with me all these years. 

I want to start adding bits of curated pieces. 

Show: The Other Bennet Sister (Britbox)

Song: Honey, I - Scout Willis (listening right now on repeat)

Book: the untethered soul Michael A. Singer 

Audiobook: Mary Magdalene Revealed

Daily Book: Journey to the Heart - Melody Beattie

Saved Instagram: Asking people you meet for advice 

3D Print this week: Mini Owl Fidget - Micro Zoo - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld

Visit the full article here 

It’s been an odd week – and it is only Wednesday.  I am missing sharing information, missing having fabulous conversations and maybe haven’t been as grateful or present as I could have been. 

That’s on me. And I can change it. 

Love, Karen 

July 18 2026

 July 18 2026 

I had a late get up - 6:30 and the time feels late to me. I had strange dreams about going to a concert and not having a nice hotel and/or finding the room we were assigned. 

I went downtown to Superstore with Larkin, and it was overwhelming, so many people were scattering about - and me, attempting to find a sports bra; there were none.  I find having to have my glasses to hand ready to read labels - disorients me. Also I did feel a bit rushed, this was my own feeling. Not Larkin’s although, we wanted to be down and back before the rain. 

Which we did and when it did rain, it came in sideways. Chairs were blown off the deck. 

I have read a bit from the following: 

• The Meaning of Happiness - Alan Watts

• The Untethered Soul - Michael Singer 

• The Other Bennet Sister - Janice Hadlow

• Today’s passage from DailyTao.org 

I have printed some items on the 3D printer with teal colour, once I change the filament I print a ton of little prints – as well as anything I specifically want.  

I sat with my harp today, and as I put harp music on while reading, I thought, I do like harp and will begin again. I will find a way to bring enjoyment to the tuning of it and to the changing of the strings, which currently needs to be done with a D string. 

I haven’t heard from many friends of late, usually I am the one connecting - or is that true? Or is it something I think is true.  I will pay attention to this before I decide on the absolute ‘truth’ of it.

I haven’t watched The Other Bennet Sister for a few days, and this show is my current obsession.  The character being loved and known for who she is, without conforming to what society said she needed to be.  She found herself by being bolstered by kindness and encouragement.  It is a lovely show. Simply lovely. 

I have started this project of writing. Writing has been on my heart and living in the back of my mind for years; and I would say, I was inspired by Seth Godin with his everyday blog, I wonder if that is still going? (BRB) Yes it is - https://seths.blog/ - recently I was inspired, again, to write by a creator on Tik Tok, @tiwtchy.witch (Twitchy witch) - she was sharing about how we are reading more and more Ai - and we need to begin using our own voice. I support this and I still use Ai – the one thing I love about the idea of me writing now is, it will not be hard to tell – these are my words and my way of writing, which may at times feel a bit chaotic and all over the place, because often I think this way, and I speak this way.  Years ago a client of mine remarked on a recent email newsletter I had sent out – she loved reading it because as she said, ‘it sounds exactly like you, like how you speak’ - I took it as a compliment and she meant it as one.  So I took it. I am going to write. I do not know what I will be writing about.  

Today, it is a bit about today and the starting of this ‘project’ or the start of this decision. I am finally fed up with hearing myself say, ‘I’d love to write’, ‘I could write’ – I have no immediate goal to write a book – although, if I did, it would be a daily book, so now, I am also saying, hmmmm, well, this daily writing fits.  This is my daily writing.  

I will post this on my website and I will not let anyone know. I am going to write. Maybe I will share what I am writing after I have written 100 posts. Today, so I don’t paralyze myself, I will not edit this piece, I will edit for spelling and missed words as I go, thanks to google docs; however I will not edit for content or for structure or grammar.  I am not even sure I understand grammar and what I mean is, I may not know the rules. 

The weather now since the storm passed is cloudy, still very warm. The clouds are a nice break from the straight down sunshine we have been having.  Gosh, I am not sure I like summer all that much.

With my writing perhaps I will share my thoughts about books I am reading, focusing on themes of happiness, love and self awareness. I will, maybe, also write or share about shows I watch. 

I am just now also thinking of doing videos and simply transcribing those as my blog, it could work, ha ha because it would then for sure it would sound like me talking, because it will be. 

During covid, I did 100 days of videos in my FB Group, The Happiness Studio and I really enjoyed it and from the comments, others enjoyed it too.  So it could be a project in tandem, video and blog – so a vlog – I mean, there is a name for it. 

I may also use this space to share about how I journal, or what I journal or record in my many journals. I have more than a few books on the go in which I hand write thoughts, teachings, quotes, ideas etc. Here is one thing I like to do, you may enjoy it as well.  I write the date, the time and the location – meaning where I am in the world or simply where I am in my house, because often, location can shift perspective. I also start a new book when I travel; I am not sure why, it is something I started a few years back and I like it.  I guess if I need to refer to something - from a trip, I know which journal it is in.

This is me  - done for now.  

Started: 3:40 PM Finished: 4:20 PM
Lower Level Sunroom, Torrie Crescent 

1027 words.

Week 22 - Consistency is key!

We've been doing the PiYo workout for 21 weeks now; we are just beginning week 22.

I have learned a few things about myself and consistency since beginning.

1. I can do something consistently, I had always thought of myself as someone who didn't commit, who didn't finish. 

2. You can accomplish alot in about 30-40 min/day. 

3. It's easier if things are set out and ready to go. These workouts follow a schedule, a calendar. Also we have our mats out, because we have the space to do so. Everything is set.

4. I am accountible to a group and an accountibility partner. Truth is; in December, I was ready to quit all of it or at least cut back and then I connected with a partner who wanted to keep going. So I did too. I had to work out, because she was too and I didn't want to let her down. Then I wanted to work out.

5. Effort is subjective. Same workout, different day. Some days are waaaay more challenging than others. It gets done. It's not always pretty.  It gets done.

6. I have a recording system. A calendar with stickers. I like to see the calendar filled with stickers. Makes me happy.  So, I keep going.

7. I set myself up an end date. Somehow this is important for me. I decided to get through the winter. That's 6 months. I have 3 weeks to go.

I now have to begin thinking about what I want to do next. How I want the next 6 months to move. 

I'll keep you posted. 💖

Now They are Together

This morning - I received a text message from my lovely Aunt - saying Scooter had passed away. 

She passed peacefully - she simply stopped breathing.  

Now earlier this morning - my Aunt felt my Dad's presence {they were brother/sister}, and Scooter felt it too -- as she sat upright and started looking down the hall and wagging her tail - she didn't move, she was happy in her bed - feeling and probably seeing my Dad.  (It was 5 a.m. - my Dad's favourite time was early morning) 

Scooter had trouble with her hips in recent years and over the last year had trouble with her breathing.  She was about 12-13 years old.  

We, my family adopted Scooter from our local SPCA when she was about 4 years old. She was a light in our world, we had the two girls as home, and Samantha had been asking for years for a dog, and I was in a deep cycle of depression so a dog seemed so right.   

We went to the SPCA looking with Adrian recommending if we could to get a lab.  Nice dogs, labs.  Anyway, the girls and I go -- and went through all the cages, and looked around the yards outside -- and I turned away from the last cage and said; 'That's it - there are no labs' and Kristina said - 'yes, Mom there was one' and we turned around to go back to look and Scooter was attempting to crawl under the fence to follow us...she was ours from that point onward. 

So, how did she end up as Dad's dog?  

Well, we had a cabin two lots over from my parents in Newfoundland and one year we flew down to spend some time with renovations etc.  We took Scooter.  The longer we stayed the more Scooter loved it.  She slowly shifted her alliances over to my Dad.  Every night Scooter would go out to do her business and and I would call her back in; because she would always start walking over to my parents place. I would call her and she would look at me; 'like do I really have to, I want to go home'.  

It was also around this time we were selling our home -- and anyone selling a home, knows keeping it tidy is key -- and a lab and a newly acquired beagle make for a bit of sweeping and vacuuming on a regular basis.  

So I asked my parents if they would look after Scooter. 

They said yes, and she never came back here. 

She remembered us when we visited the following year, yet it was clear, she was Dad's dog. 

She followed him everywhere, had her own seat in the truck and a spot to nap with him. Ran along side him on the ski doo and went visiting with him as well, and as you can see -- went ice fishing. 

When my Dad passed in September - my Aunt and Uncle were so kind to adopt Scooter.  They were so gracious and loving. Scooter was treated royally.  Lovely new beds, treatments at the spa and more of our family to love. 

We are grateful. 

Scooter has truly been the family dog. She was well loved. We will miss her; of course. However there is peace in knowing she and Dad are together again.  Sitting by the lake.  

Much love 

One day. Soon.

One day, soon. I will be able to walk for an hour without needing an hour recovery time. One day.

Today

Today I was sitting with my fabulous pink tartan net book on my lap and I was looking for a piece I have been adding to since February.  It is not a piece really, it is a journal entry.

Anyway, while looking through my files, adding key words in a the search bar I ended up finding a piece I wrote a year ago.  I have posted today on my other blog. Have a look if you are interested.

I am currently in a situation where my heart is leading the way, thoughts are flowing from it regularly.  So this is newly found piece is timely.

I am now going to spend some time moving through some other files I have here on this beautiful net book.

Currently I am sitting in a hotel room in St. John's Newfoundland.  My view are the hills along side the St. John's harbor, Signal Hill - a great view.  Every morning I find myself being drawn to this wonderful view.  Watching as the sun clears the fog, lifts the clouds and brightens the day.

At any rate, there was a time in the recent past when I was writing more, and the time has arrived again.

Blessings to you.
Have a brilliant day.

Very Cool Find

So, on December 3rd and 4th  I posted about being in a patch of pain and wonderment --  here are the links:  December 3, December 4.  At any rate; as everything usually is -- it was perfect.

It was about 10 days later I went to meet up with a friend in Edmonton for a some much needed woman friend time.   We were in one of our favourite used book stores and I found this book -- drawn to it really and then I saw the title.

You know I had to get it!  

So, I get it home, and I open it up -- and what else is inside?

Another message from the Universe - saying yes, you are supported and loved.  You are on track.

Inside the front cover is this:

Heart with the letter - E.  Simple enough.  Obviously a gift to the previous owner.
 NOW, it was a gift for me; signed and passed on -- from a (now deceased) favourite uncle -  Uncle Ed; Ed, whom I called 'E' .

E and I - 1965 

Message received.  Thank you 

The world is just great isn't it.  All is perfect, all is well.


I will leave you with a quote from the book:

The real voyage of discovery consists not in 

seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.  

~ Marcel Proust ~ 

Beautiful Glasses

I like pretty things. I like cool things. I like attractive things.
I especially love dishes and use all my 'nice' ones.

Now these wine glasses are not expensive; I picked them up at the Superstore years ago as part of my Christmas dish collection.  I like them. What's not to like?   Clear, stemmed and starred!

So I posted in twitter today that I might use these for my new project:juicing.  It would be along the same lines as drinking my Chinese herbs from my Fairy Mug.  It takes something ordinary and makes it extraordinary! 
I mean why drink out of an ordinary glass when you can drink from one with stars!
Right now? It is filled with white wine. That's special right?

' Welcome Back', said my Journal

As Christmas is coming to a close for another year, the papers and the Internet are full of predictions and forecasts for my world -- you know; based on my horoscope. I am a Gemini.  This is my year! Yea!

I also love to hear what the stars and moon have to say as well -- from a different perspective so I enjoy a bit of astrology based on the moon cycles, not only because I am a Gemini.  I find it all rather interesting.  One report based on the moons -- moving from the full moon to the new moon suggests to put forth effort - real effort toward doing something I want to happen. Now is the time to stop dreaming about it and do it -- and as my daughter said as we listened, 'we only have to work hard for two weeks!' Sign me up!

I am a journal fanatic.  Love them.  I acquire many through gifts or I purchase them when I see ones that are beautiful with the correct type of paper.

I had (note ~ had) a rhythm and routine of writing in the morning; while the darkness moves away from the light, my writing was sort of like that as well; only more the dark words, thoughts and feelings moving into light, love and creation.

So what does all this mean?

It means - on the last new moon - a time of creation - I asked for the motivation to write and to get back to my journals - since it has been a while -- 4 months.  Really, 4 months without as much as a paragraph written in a journal.  I have written for assignments etc -- not the same.

So this morning, I had the urge -- the call --- my pen called me and I answered.  Now, I wrote two lines and they were a quote -- however I am going with it.

It has begun.

It begins with a call, a word, a thought, a longing to move my thoughts from head and from heart onto paper.  The pen - purple and wonderful transfers my thoughts and brings it all into form.  It is on the paper.  Done. It has begun, again.

Yea! Yes! High Five! Hugs all around!  Really that is what if feels like -- a celebration.

My heart is lighter and my thoughts are now quick.  And you know what; it is only for two weeks right? From the full moon to the new moon --- I can do anything for two weeks, right?

Let the writing begin (again).

Being Still is Moving Forward

I woke this morning with a more optimistic outlook and the body to match.  Relatively pain free movement is mine! Yesterday was different - see yesterday's post.

Yesterday I was perfect; it was perfect.  I know this.

Yesterday I asked the question: 'How can I move forward when all I want is to be still?'  Rumi shares with us: 'the answer is in the question'   So here is the answer:  'I move forward by being still' -- The answer also comes from my beautiful friend, Janet and my new brilliant friend Megan.  Who posted wonderful comments stating the same on my FB page.

Sometimes in the pain we get lost to what is real. What is real?  That all is well, this too shall pass and it is perfect.

I know I have written about this before, yet the pain pulls me in and I sometimes get lost.  Sharing was my way of helping myself and allowing others to help me as well.    Pain is fine, so I went with it, rode it through the day.  I was and still am grateful I had scheduled a clear day on Monday; I allowed myself to be in it with a few resisting thoughts (as per the blog post yesterday).   It may have moved through me, because today I feel good, my good.

I choose to see myself as healthy - and I move with the feeling of being well and as such lately I have been doing more; I am sure you have done the same a time or two. Yesterday's pain was overwhelming, intense and I was in shock - it was a visitor from a long ago time.  I am now glad I answered the door welcomed it in.  I had a brilliant a-ha this morning - the thought had crossed my mind before - however it now resides in me, a belief.  It is this: when I am busy all weekend, teaching, facilitating, doing more -- Monday is a time of rest and recoup. A gathering of wellness.  An integration  time, a release time - a nap day.  This fits perfect with my long held love of having Monday's off!

I was showered with love yesterday through supportive comments and healing actions.
Thank you.

One of my friends, Megan shared this beautiful piece from Paulo Coelho:

Ask a flower in the field: ‘Do you feel useful? After all, you do nothing but produce the same flowers over and over?’

And the flower will answer: ‘I am beautiful, and beauty is my reason for living.’

Ask the river: ‘Do you feel useful, given that all you do is to keep flowing in the same direction?’

And the river will answer: ‘I’m not trying to be useful, I’m trying to be a river.’

Don’t try to be useful. Try to be yourself: that is enough, and that makes all the difference.

Walk neither faster nor slower than your own soul. Because it is your soul that will teach you the usefulness of each step you take.Sometimes taking part in a great battle

But sometimes you can do that simply by smiling, for no reason, at someone you happen to pass in the street.

Without intending to, you might have saved the life of a complete stranger, who also thought he was useless and might have been ready to kill himself, until a smile gave him new hope and confidence.



Love to you

How do I Move Forward When All I Want is to be Still?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting a Vision Board Experience. It was filled with joy, personal discovery, love and peace.  Women gathered, met and began to scan through hundreds of magazines - looking for the images and words to match the feelings and desires they wanted to have on their Vision Board.  The end results were varied and beautiful.  We shared, visualized and shared gratitude.

Now, I love hosting workshops or group experiences.  LOVE it.

What I am now coming to terms with is the aftermath of the all the prep ( which started with soup prep the night before and then up at 6 a.m. - to complete preparations - and then the workshop itself and then the take down). Normally I am not in a rush to put things away - I am blessed to have the space to leave items lingering around. Today, I thought I would start the clean up - however my body is in shut down mode.

I deal with a few issues, swollen injured ankle, bulging disc in my low back, degenerative discs in my neck and chronic pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia.  So last night after dinner and sitting for about an hour - movement without support was almost impossible.  Shuffle between rooms was my mode.

Today I am shut down completely. Twice in the hot tub last night, once before dinner and again at 12:30 a.m. when the shooting pains and aches could no longer be tolerated.  This morning -- my intention....full self care -- so I had a wonderful breakfast, started a fire, did very very gentle yoga - had two naps and have been moving as much as possible; I have an appointment for reflexology here at the house, which is fabulous - because I am not sure I can drive, I have taken pain medication and now all I want to do is cry.  Cry and release this pain that builds so intensely in my body.

So now I cry - now the pain is released.  The intensity of it eases; the ache lessens and I feel a bit more prepared to get on with the next part of my day.  A bit.

The question now becomes -- how do I continue to host workshops and be well?

How do I move forward when all I want to do is to be still.

From my Inner Wise Self

Tonight while I was participating in my class with SARK. We were encouraged to write a letter from our Inner Wise Self, the part of ourselves that knows us, sees us and supports us.

We had four minutes.

Here is the message from my letter.

Maybe the message is for you as well?

I see you resisting your heart

living in the fearful place

The light shines there too

I am here holding a candle 

when you are ready ~ I am here

I see you, I know your heart 

I feel your darkness ~ yet

I do not dwell with you there

I dance in the light, play in the shadows 

singing your name ~ 

calling to your heart ~ whispers in the wind

I am here.  Light a candle.

Call my name and together; we dance 

Soul Voice of Karen 

Love to you.

Poem: "Beannacht"

Here is a beautiful poem by one of my favourite authors and poets, John O'Donohue.

I came across this while looking for a blessing to send a friend who had recently completed two years of schooling.  I wanted to wish her, one of my Anam Cara's (soul friend) great love as she continues upon her path of brilliance and self fulfillment.  I then went on to share it with yet another Anam Cara (I have about 5, so far!).  She and I were chit chatting about our favourite poets, Rumi and Hazif - to name a couple and and then I spoke about John O'Donohue.  I shared, she loved and she shared. 


I just today found another opportunity to share this blessing; a wonderful woman on a journey of love -- check out Marianne's blog here:  http://grandeurvision.wordpress.com/

Recently I learned something interesting about listening to poetry.  While attending a live stream event;  Celebrate Your Life,  Neale Donald Walsch - shared a poem - he had the poet read the poem twice as he explained; first we listen to poetry with our minds our brains, our ego and try to sort it all out the second time we listen with our hearts. I chose to trust what he said. So my friends, listen to this twice.  


Here is a line I love from the poem. 
Let it fill your heart. 


...and so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, 
an invisible cloak to mind your life. 

So after a busy week or so of travel the last two days have been catch up time with work and projects.


Tonight I had a wonderful hit of inspiration and created 21 wonderful journal questions...did you know I love to journal? The journal is a tool I use to create clarity and focus; to sort my world.  The questions were born from my own journals.  I was able to get these 21 so quickly; within 15 minutes and from less than two weeks of journal entries.    

Sometimes a journal prompt is just what you might need to get started, to let the writing come, to let the thoughts arrive.

Here is one: (actually there is two for one!)

Decisions are powerful.  What will you decide to do today?  How might your life change because of this decision?

Hwy 63 - Hwy of Dreams and Opportunity

This weekend my family and I will drive down the Hwy 63 and then on Monday drive back up as we back to our home.

Hwy 63; I am now calling it - Hwy of Dreams and Opportunities.  The direction in which you travel on it, either north or south, makes no difference either way you are most likely moving toward a dream or an opportunity.  Hwy 63, I have decided is like life; or at least like my life.  It is under development and growth.  I will meet a few obstacles along the way and also like life it is best savored when we slow down and enjoy the journey.

So this weekend, the first long weekend of the fine summer weather, as you and I both travel the hwy - thank you for savoring the journey!

Safe and enjoyable travels.

I, Karen, mother of Kristina and Samantha, daughter of Rita, daughter of Pearl, and daughter of Rose wish all the Mothers a wonder filled day; full of love and beautiful moments.

(Pearl, my Nan with her Mother, Rose)
 

I love and honour my Mother, Rita. She paved the way for me and for her 3 beautiful granddaughters. I was born into the wondrous 60's and my mother was a woman with her eyes on the future and all the opportunities before her. As such she lead the way and was an example for me, educate yourself, love your work and remember to keep your girlfriends close to your heart.

I will also take this opportunity to honour my Mother-in-law, Kathleen. Kathleen raised four brilliant children, one of which I have loved for 27 years, and really truth be known probably all my life. Kathleen raised a boy who grew into a man who is fully engaged in his role now as father and husband. A strong woman has raised this great man. 
Thank you.

Being a Mother has been one my most sacred and blessed roles.

Today I also love and honour my daughters Kristina and Samantha, two of my greatest blessings. Love flows to you. From the day you were wished for, dreamt of and conceived to this day and beyond our wild imaginings of time...you are loved beyond measure.

I extend blessings for the Mothers of the future, the Mothers of many and the Mothers of one. Love is sent you all this day.  Join me in honoring the role Mothers have played in our world!

 May your memories be magical and 

let your future be fabulous!

Yes, it is a happy Mother's Day.

My facebook post from today: Today as we move through our day in McMurray and in Alberta, let's fill our hearts with love and gratitude for life. Prayers and love for the families and the rescue workers directly affected by this tradegy. Love for us all we move through this deep sadness for our community and for our province. We have had another tragic death on our provincial highway 63. The above quote of love was my post this morning and it quickly filled Facebook along with the statuses filled with anger and calls for action. We love our community here, we love Alberta and it is time to ensure the roads are safe. Roads are one factor in highway deaths, drivers poor choices also contribute. Responsibility for ourselves and care for others sharing the road is what is called for here. Love love and love

The Perfect Way to Journal!

I wanted to follow up with yesterday's post about my journal and how you can begin or enhance your experience.

Some people may think of a journal like a diary, recording the day's events etc.  I like to consider and work in my journal as if it were and is a thought processor, a feeling sorter, an idea sifter.  A place where all these can land and be seen.

So here are some tips to begin and for you to find the perfect way!

1. Get yourself some paper or a book or a notebook that calls you to write in it.  If it feels a little lack luster or is not perfect for you - you can make it perfect.   Now what to do to if the paper feels lack luster?  Doodle on it - draw a heart, a flower, a dragon, a stickman, draw lines, draw sprials - bring it to live.  Trust me once your start writing the paper will take it's first breath.
2. Find a pen or pencil you love to write with - at the beginning you may find a pen in a drawer and start writing with that, however after a while your perfect pen will find you - you find a pen or a pencil that smoothly rolls over the paper, a pen has just the right amount of ink for the paper and a pen that feels so good in your hand it becomes an extension. 
3. Write.  Not sure what to write?  Write - 'I am not sure what to write about, however I would think or I feel'...and see what happens.
4. No editing, let it flow.  Write and write - you don't ever have to read it or you may want to read it later or right away - you will know.  Resist judgement - this is a journal there is no right or wrong.
5. Everything you write is perfect!  

 Enjoy. Learn. Write. Cry. Laugh. Share. Love. Discover.   It is all perfect! 

(Small print - you may love to write and have the keyboard as your pen, however there is something powerful of connecting from heart to paper via the extension in your hand.  Slowly writing allows space for the words and the feelings to arrive, to be.  Sometimes on the keyboard, we think so much we forget to feel. ~  You, of course can do both or one or the other, only YOU will know which is perfect for YOU!)

Journal Time! Sacred Space - on the paper!

This was the view from journal table this morning.  

This was the view of my journal table this morning. 

I enjoy the luxury of beautiful house with this incredible space for me to spread out and to be creative.  I have this table in a room upstairs in a room which overlooks the trail system.  I can write in my journal, enjoy my time and have a quick peak out the window. On occasion when I look away from my thoughts I enjoy watching deer pass by on their way to a neighbors bird feeder or just the other morning watched a fox cross the path with breakfast ready to enjoy when he returned to his den.  


This writing space is sacred to me.  I can write in my journal of course seated at other tables, on my lap while traveling or as I have enjoyed at beautiful hotel desks. However I love my journal table, adorned with silver tray to hold my coloured pens, a lighter and my glasses; along with the tray I have candles, other journals, empty or filled to keep the energy around words high and active.  I also have box of tissues...journaling can be lovely weepy work.   What is most important about my journal time? Is that I do it.  I journal.  I spend time with my thoughts, my ideas and my wonderings. 


So when I say the writing space is sacred, the sacredness is the space I create on the page.  The space I create in my mind as I release the words.  The words flow through me and onto the paper softly sometimes coming like whispers; or on more than a few days the words have been clamoring to get out - and I can't seem to write fast enough.  


The point of this? I encourage you to write, journal, jot.  Bring your thoughts into form.  Writing in a journal has moved me through and beyond many lonely days, many dark days and many sick days.  On the days I don't journal, I ache for it. My journal sits patiently waiting, knowing it will help if only I would sit and start. The journal time; it rights my world, sorts my life and puts me back on my path.  


I know the power of this tool and I again encourage you to write - words, sentences, paragraphs and stories, draw, doodle or jot!


Write what has happened, write what could happen, write what will happen.  


Create.  Create your world through your words.  

I am responsible for my own happiness

"Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for. Happiness is something you design." -- Jim Rohn

I love the quote above.  Why?  Well, because it suggests we are responsible for our own happiness. Something I discovered and have rediscovered again and again as I have moved through these last 48 years. 

I am responsible for my own happiness. I wanted to be happy when I grew up and I bet you did too.  I bet when you are speaking about your children, about your friends, or your parents – you say, ‘ I don’t care what they do; as long as they are happy.’ True?  True.

Happy, happiness, big meaning.  What does it mean to you?  Of course it is subjective, relative and an in the moment answer.  You could be out in the freezing biting rain, and you would be happy to be dry and warm by the fire.  You could be in a horrible relationship and be happy to be on your own or you could be alone and be happy to be in a relationship.  Do you see how we could go around in circles with this? 

This brings me back to personal, responsibility with regard to happiness. I am happy right now – I am sitting in my beautiful home, looking out over the snow covered garden and writing (typing).  So right now I am having a moment of happiness. 

My life is held together with threads of these moments – each tied to a memory; each reaching for the next moment. While I have these threads weaving my life together, holding me up, supporting me– I say I AM happy and that would be true; I feel happy, I look happy.  It would also be true to say I deal with depression.  Some of my threads are darker than others – all weaving the story of my happy life; my charmed life.

I was diagnosed with depression officially some 9 years ago.   Now, all through my life time I have had moments of depression, seasons as it were.  I come in and go out – it welcomes me and greets me like a long lost friend. I sink into it – remembering the language, remembering the routines; the rhythms of this mysterious world. 

Would you believe me if I said I am happy and depressed?  I would. I do. I am.  I believe it because I can express gratitude for moments in my day; my week, my month and my life.  I can do it when I am in the dark and I can do it when I am in the light.  I am bilingual as it were, sitting in the dark, speaking the language of the light.  I am actually blessed to live in this world of duality – the one where I search, I seek and I find the joy, the light and the happy moments.  I see them, I feel them and I love them. 

I also love the darkness – it wraps me up, comforts me and welcomes me without question – there is no effort on my part to sink back into the world of comfort, comfort for me. This world is where I speak more to my guides, ask my angels for help and pray more.  This is the world where I put effort to keep going; talk myself into the light. From this world I make conscious choices. 

This brings me back to the quote.  I feel my happiness is earned, received and appreciated.  I take full responsibility for it, ask for it and accept it with gratitude when it is received. I do not expect others to fulfill my happiness, to create it or to be the responsible for it.  I am the one.  I say to you; you are the one.  You are the one!