Love In A Cup

 I have looked at this through different views, and regardless of how I see it...It is a heart~!

When drinking one of the drinks for health I am to have ...this came forward after the last sip~! What a
message...like an omen to me~!

I love my life and the many little heart-felt miracles I
have had this week~!!!!

So, watch for messages in all you do...the Universe is always speaking to us in whatever way it may get 

our attention...here it came in the glance of the bottom of a cup I think I will keep for awhile to remind me of my heart...and the love and nuturing  it gives myself and the sharing of that love with others~!                        

Life's Gifts

I am one of the most Blessed people I know~! I am here to witness so much love and friendship...and it is such a wonderful gift to have them both in my life~!!!
I have been asked by many, what happened to me, and why I was in the hospital....I have been thinking of how best to respond...and this seems to be it.
I had not felt well for some time, but put it off to the autoimmune disfunctions I live with on a daily basis, just flaring up; along with not pacing myself, and considering my own needs, as much as I do others.  Then, last week, I contracted a virus. I was so miserable, but knew it was a temporary thing...so I just prayed each day for strength to make it through the day. God has never failed me...and I knew I was not alone in this time of great pain.
I went to the Dr on Monday morning, expecting to only have an IV to rehydrate me, and some blood work to check stats...well, that was not to be. I got the privilege to be taken by the Aid Car of the Mulkiteo Fire Department, and three of there fine personnel, to Providence Hospital, in Everett.
There I was taken directly to a room, no long waiting for me...I was given VIP service it felt like...and everyone was so attentive and caring...God knew my needs again, as I have been in the hospital too many times under very stressful conditions. This was such a different experience~for which I am so thankful to have experienced. It shifted my perspective and gave me a calmness through the severe pain.
It turned out I had a NoroVirus, that had infected  one of my heart valves, and also the small intestine. That set in motion the severe dehydration that was followed by Acute renal failure, sinus bradycardia, Atrial Fibrillation,and a very rapid ventricular rate...along with the gastroenteritis,was adrenal gland enlargement along with diverticulosis; and the fibromyalgia flare, to exacerbate into a full blown meltdown for my central nervous system. I was a stroke waiting to happen, and still am, so I am told, by the wonderful physician that attended me in the hospital.
I was released late yesterday afternoon, to come home, where I would be in a safer enviroment to heal; and I was so happy for that gift~! I missed Glen and the nature that normally bring me comfort and joy each day. I definitely don't take those gifts for granted, but felt very selfish in wanting to return to them~!
Today, I have slept and attempted to come communicate a few times...it is so nice to have this electronic connection to my family and friends~ it was amazing to me to see just how many people have shared with me during this, and the out pouring of love, and offering of help and assistance, for any needs~!!!   Again, I am so Blessed... with Gifts from God's Love...shown through my fellow friends and family~!!!!
I return to the PCP on Tuesday, for further testing, and review of baseline information. Then, I will be seeing a cardiac specialist  for the heart valve, to discuss the treatment plan, and procedures from that prospective.
I have every reason to believe that this was a wake-up call for me to focus more on taking care of myself, instead of being the caretaker for others...putting myself in the position I usually give others. It is very humbling to me to think of this with a new perspective of selfness for self care~!
So, I come to each of you today, and ask that you consider your health issues, and the need to attend to them with loving care...and not to ignore your own needs. Treat yourself with the attention and love you give to your family and friends...YOU are important to God and the Universe,, or you would not have the opportunity to be here to share~!
 It is a Divine Gift to have this Opportunity of a Journey called Life~ It is to be lived with a gusto, and appreciation, many of us  have let go of, or forgotten, due to the responsibilities we have placed upon ourselves.
So, It is with Much Love I say, I  am so Grateful for Life's Gifts, I have been given, and still receive...LOVE being the Most Precious, from God, Our Creator, and from Each of YOU that Brighten my Days~!!!!
With a Joy-filled Heart, Deborah

Leisurely Stroll

This morning we were greeted by two young deer that came to vist. They were just strolling down the road, and came into the yard to see what might be on the menu~! The deer were very relaxed, as if they came here each day~ I think they knew we were excited to see them, and greatful they are still around
the area~! With the amount of developement in the area, the last few years, we have seen less and less of the wildlife, we so enjoyed, in years before~!

This was a reminder to me to about the many blessings and gifts we are given each day, and many take for granted~ Nature serves to remind me to never take anything for granted...and my memories are sweetened by the refreshment of new visions and sightenings...like today~!
A fresh breeze blew by after they went into the brush, toward the lake. I felt we had been visited by Spirits of long ago, that once lived here in the peat bog ...as this was tribal lands...for Summer and Fall ... fishing,berry picking, and basket weaving times.

I think that is why the Eagles visit so often, as do the Osprey, Falcons, and  various others...living in the bog has its advantages~and we hope to perserve this area for years to come, keeping it in the most natural of states.

Nature Walk

 This was a good day for a walk, in nature. I enjoyed listening to the sounds of the birds talking to each other. Stopping to quench my thirst, I found these three nest. They are located in the brush along the edge of a small creek. It is amazing to see them withstand the winds that flow through the area.

 The creek is back within its boundaries, and flowing gently on toward the Snohomish River and into Puget Sound...ever changing...always a different view, and picture to see~!

All in all a wonderful day~ I love the clouds, and had to take a break to watch them, and look for the messages they bring.
The blue sky is a special gift here in the gray of the Northwest...never take a bright day for granted~!
Growing up in the Southwest, I had much to learn about the change of Season,and short growing time for a garden, in the Northwest.
I have to say clouds bring brightness to my worldly view~!  To float on them and find myself in other places, lost in their shapes and energy...the vibrations grow...feelings touch my soul and I am forever changed. Spirit guides me though earthly messages...nature, is a strong source of  solace and comfort,that renewal is constant for All~

How Fast Things Change

One day you wake up to a call "your fired" and it is from a demented soul, that you have been DPOA for Health Care of...how do you react??? I was so shocked it was like a punch in the gut~! I have to remember this is a person I once knew, and they are no longer that same person, but the same soul~! To find joy in the change is not easy, unless I let go of the past and accept what the present is, and flow with the NOW.
Staying in the Now is not easy for us humans we tend to go back to days before, and then to the future, and rarely stay here in the present. To be happy in the moment is hard for us in this day and time...to keep up with all the latest electronic gizmo's, and such...instantaneous gratification to the max~! A far cry from my early days of youth. I am happy to stay grounded to the earth, and know that all the changes I am experiencing are only opportunities and challenges for birthing a new part of self...more of who I am growing to be.
I have a wonderful support group of open minded souls that bring Brightness to my days~! We meet on Wednesday nights for 'class', and each week, I open to learning and understanding change. The changes we are all experiencing, on different levels. There are also others in my social community that bring Light and Love to my world of sharing...each being a part of the bigger Oneness we are.
Our vibrations are shifting, and our colors are changing...the aura's in nature reflect a more neon hue to the colors...and depth of richness in the greens~! I go to the wooded areas of my yard, or to the forest to surround myself to the greens of the various ferns, leaves, branches, plants, all so lush and vibrant this time of the year~! This charges my batteries~!!!
So, changes are happening, doors are continually opening for me to explore more new adventures~! I am being called on more often to assist others along their paths, and that brings me Joy~!This is a great time for me; and I am excited to experience the whirlwind of change...on to bigger and better things~knowing that Spirit is guiding me along this path~!!!  As the Earth turns and shifts... so do We~!

A Day's View...late February

Late February, and we are having an Artic Wave of weather coming through our area. I love the crispness of this time of the year...especially, if I am cozy inside by the stove, with a good cup of hot tea, and often, a good book.
Today, was one of those days. I took my time today, and did just what I wanted...reading several articles I had set aside and marked in different publications. Something I have had on my "to do" list for much too long. It felt good to have the time to"just be" with myself.
The last several weeks has tested my strength of character,and emotional boundaries. I watched a friend survive having a kidney removed due to renal cell carcinoma, and end up with Congested Heart Failure. Each day I have watched the 'progress' and needed a day to hear it from a distance. Talking with the nurses today, and knowing everyone was doing their part, I could relax for the first time in many days....Knowing there is a Oneness of All Knowing taking care of the bigger picture~! Thank YOU for the Snow...I needed this picture, to reflect the many Blessings I have each day to explore more of who I truly want to be when I grow up~!
I am so thankful for a day to 'think' of our gifts, and how special we each and everyone are to the big picture...It is not easy for me to accept some of my family birth or not, some days, barely myself...but I am shifting my outlook, as there are less and less of my age group to communicate with, and I don't want to loose myself in the picture~!
Being a caretaker to others, is often a road that too many travel without healthy boundaries. Been there done that, way too many times. I have grown in this relationship, and found new parts of self, to open doors to...on both sides...no longer an enabler to my friend, but a solid rock of support....and better friend to myself for taking a step back, and day off. My husband enjoyed having a 'home cooked' meal tonight~! That was nice...sharing a meal and being together in the evening, for a change. I had missed that special time of sharing, as Glen's schedule and mine are very different these days.
I have learned to not take a moment for granted...time is a wonderful gift~!
Time to close the damper on the stove and nestle in for the night...Lake Cassidy is on the quiet side of a Bright Moon above the Cascade Mts View~!

Happy New Year~!

I have taken awhile to come back to you, my blog~! What a beginning this year has brought my way~! To be here now is a comfort to my soul... I had several days of wanting to share, but not enough hours in the day sometimes to do for myself all I would like...this year I have a mind set for more fun, adventure, and JOY in each day~! So...I will be back to visit with stories and happenings of my daily encounters with others, as I open myself to step out into the world again on different levels of self expression, and growth.

I have been invited to speak to a group on Alternative Health Modalities...Colors and Their Vibrational Healing; to emotional and physical pain. I am excited about that~! So many are looking outwardly for healing through RX and treatments foreign to the body...Colors are apart of us, as is vibration. A more natural approach, very economic, and only takes time and focus...along with Belief in Self Powers.

I am also attending Metaphysical Classes, and learning more each week about myself and the Ancient Sciences that all things are rooted in. Numerology, Astrology, Astronomy, Tarot, Kabbalah, I-Ching,and other mystical mysteries with Native American, First Nation practices, as well~! I also am re-reading the Bible, this year with a new understanding.

I have always been a curious one, to explore and gain knowledge to better understand others, and life in general. This gives me a much broader view of many, many aspects of the mind of myself and others; and history, which is another interest of mine.

So...I am bringing a harmony to my souls vibrations of learning and growth...that is more than a Middle C on the scales...but that is a good start...all I need now is my tuning fork...and to find my voice...to speak more of my thoughts. In time, I will do just that~!

Here's to Opening Myself to the Gifts and Blessings this New Year has to offer~ with Great Appreciation of all those that have helped me step up and speak out...you honor me, and I am so very thankful for the influence you have shared with me; thus far, along this journey~!

Our First Snow~!

A great time shared with these two...they stayed around instead of flying or swimming off, when I began to talk to them, and take their picture about 20 times. I loved the light changing so rapidly in sky. This is right before the snow began to fall. A few steps farther along the path, and the flakes began to get bigger, fast~! What a wonderful way to enjoy a morning in mid November~! A bit early for the season in the lowlands but a real eye opener for us as we continued along our path. The river otters didn't let it bother them either...they played, rolled,and dived along the rivers current and flow, as we walked  along the edge of the action above on the paved path of travel...not the natural of the area...as you can see... water is the mode of transportation...for the life in the river; or the life on the river, fisherman, loggers, and the like.  We didn't take time to sit and view the others we could have seen along the way. As we were leaving, the regulars  begin to show up for their strolls and letting their animals walk them around the park.

As we rounded the corner the view became less to see, and we were in the moment with the weather, the river and the day~! I am so very fortunate to have my friend and Earth Angel to accompany me on these outings. We are able to let the inner child come out to play and it is a special and magical time for the both of us...connecting to the nature around us and sharing in a slower pace than  many in today's fast paced world.Looking out at the River View...examining  my opportunities and knowing the Universe is with me and I am one with all...I will achieve my goals...maybe like the snail instead of the  crow. And I am in awe of this time of seasons changing, in my life.

"Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is every step. We shall walk hand in hand. There are no political solutions to spiritual problems. Remember: If the Creator put it there, it is in the right place. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." — Native American quote

Native American Appreciation Month

This is the first time that I have known our Federal Government to set aside a formal time of Recognition, as a National time to Honor the First Nation, and it's members~! Thank YOU to the administration for doing this~! Native American Appreciation Month is a great statement...I would like to see more action accompany the words~!

Many of us have never had to live in the conditions of the Reservations...we have had a soft and comfortable life, with many amenities not known to the Reservations, or the homes there. We take so much for granted in this life...I think everyone should have to live for  a time during each season with the Native Americans and learn about their lives,and hardships.

Many think the government programs furnish so much...what that furnish is minimal and basic, but not nutritious for health and growth of the youth and maintenance for the adults...if so, there would not be the need for so much dialysis treatments, and diabetes education, on the Reservations here in the United States~!

I would like to see a day when all American's in need would be given healthly information and provisions to grow and share in the community. This is one reason I believe in what National Relief Charities, through AIRC and AIEF are doing for all Native Americans on Reservations through out the US~!
These 'Peoples" of the Various Tribes, are strong and filled with resilience...they have been given the worse conditions, and made the best of them for more than 200 years~!

 I personally have seen, and learned from Elders and the Youth, what is important to them for the future of their People...no different  than want you want for your family and loved ones. Comfort of a warm home in the Winter, Clean Water to drink without having to haul it many miles, to ration and use with great care; and to enjoy a meal of healthy live food instead of heavily processed, boxed ,empty, nutritionless carbohydrates~! And over processed  hydrogenated peanut butter~!!!  I get sick thinking about the provisions they are expected to eat~!!!

I would love to bridge the gap with understanding and compassion for all~! The importance of education, communication, and compassion are surely needed for the perserverance to grow into health for all communities.
I have a dream to see all given a chance of education and knowledge of health; to grow in strength, and to return to community to share with others to strengthen the lives of the youth... the ones to carry on in the future.

So, I will close with a thought...Transition is huge for one that leaves the Reservation and the steps out to take the chance, for the cultural, spiritual, nutritional, ecomnomic, and lifestyle shifts that far exceed that of other cultures.
 May we all work together to Raise Awareness and Compassion for those we have in the past ignored, forgotten,  set aside, and thrown to the wind~!
Empowerment comes when we are all proud to be in our own skin...and follow our path...feeling good about our Spirit ~! May you feel good about your Spirit and know we are all one with  our Creator~!

River Life

 Today along the river walk, I was in awe of the sights and sounds of 'River Life'~! When arriving there in the parking lot a little after 9AM,this morning, was a treat I haven't had for a couple of weeks....

It was if I was returning home...to a peaceful hamlet... away from the concrete jungle; and all the traffic, and people in such a rush...this was like walking into my backyard for a time of exploring, not just exercise, to improve my health. There were so many sights to see, and sounds of the life there...otters, playing in the currents of the fast moving river...bobbing up and down...splashing each other in glee; and calling out to each other, as they headed back out through Puget Sound...and then on to the sea.

There were Cooper Hawks and Cranes, that were sitting in the trees, and when approached...they took flight before us, at low levels to let us see their colors; and hear them 'speak', before heading on down the river, to fish elsewhere. A beautiful sight when they all took flight, together... at one moment in time...like a band or drill team, in precision drill~!

Rock Statues, along the way looked like protectors of the trail...artfully displayed at the rivers edge. Centennials ready to defend the path; and the life around the water. I love to build rocks; and the zen moments I feel when they are in place,are calming ot the soul...nice to see others have the 'same mind' of connecting energy to form a new life, as such, for others to share.

There were Otter Dam's... strategically placed, to work the rivers path in a new direction at various places...a couple of them had been broken, and were under repair~! The Otters work so hard...it is a shame the construction crews and engineers along the interstate, and in our county couldn't take a lesson or two from them~!

We walked farther today than we usually go...almost double the length of the walk...so much to see~!!!

When we came to the bridge and decided to turn around and head back...the rain came down heavily, and I didn't have a care in the world at that moment...
I was one with nature; and it felt so right~!!! I am thankful for the time I have, and places I have a privilege to view...it keeps me grounded in knowing there are lessons to learn from the life of 'others' I see~!  The many locals that come here are a peaceful lot, and for the Northwest...most are friendly...if spoken to first...others are in their own world, and pass you by with a dazed faraway look...maybe this is their only haven of rest, from the busy world of today.
This is one of the few places of which I feel I am back in the 'South'...it is a slower pace than anywhere-else  except the mountains, or the small lake where I reside.
                                                                
 On the way back down the path there was shaggy manes; which I didn't see when starting out... a prized find this time of year...one of the most delicate of all mushrooms in the wild~!!!I had to have a few...so I very carefully, chose a few of the finest ones I found, leaving others for the spore...to come and visit again; for the next 'stand' and visitors like the deer, to have as a treat, as well~!

Then...after all the fun and curiosity  the walk brought, as we headed to the car...a train came along to remind me... I had not gone away from reality...just sidestepped it a while. The river flowing fast headed to the sea, and the train pulling a heavy, long load headed to the big city of Seattle, and on down south... 'It' seemed to say...I will tell the stories of my tracks; along the path of the river, and Puget Sound... the same as you ...to whoever will listen; as I blow my warning, and  pick up my speed~!

The beautiful colors of the trees in the parking lot welcomed us back with bright colorful hues...and the light was much brighter as we approached to leave, than when we first came...like a smile from nature to say...thanks for taking the time to care~so glad you were here to share~!

After getting in the car and leaving, driving down the road...a Heron was standing in a swampy field...fishing~! He paused and turned to look at us, then gave us a sideways pose...I felt him say it was okay to sit and watch the view. He never budged...and I was pleased to share that moment with him...in his backyard...with the wonderful view~!

                                                                                                                                                                     

A very Spiritual Expereince, shared with my walking buddy and 'Earth Angel' friend, Lyndee...who appreciates nature as much as I do~!We take the time to appreciate and explore with reverence  the habitat of the area.  Lyndee also protects me, and helps me stay balanced as we are  walking...as I regain my grounding, I am finding a part of myself "growing in the right direction"... as my Grandpa would say~!

Many need a formal place to gather and to share the beauty of God's Handiwork...not me~!!!! I only need to step into Nature to know I am One with God, and my soul smiles~!

The Song of the River

                " The Song of the River "

The snow melts on the mountain, and the water runs down to the spring,

And the spring in a turbulent fountain,With a song of youth to sing, Runs down to the riotous river,

And the river flows to the sea,

And the water again Goes back in rain

To the hills where it used to be.

 And I wonder if life's deep mystery

Isn't much like the rain and the snow

Returning through all eternity

To the places it used to know.

For life was born on the the lofty heights                                                   And flows in a laughing stream,

To the river below,

Whose onward flow

Ends in a peaceful dream.

And so at last,

When our life had passed 

And the river has run its course,

It again goes back,

                                             O'er the selfsame track,                                              

to the mountain which was its source.

So why prize life

Or why fear death.

Or dread what is to be?



The river ran

It's allotted span

Till it reached the silent sea.

Then the water harked back 

to the mountain-top...to begin it's course once more. So we shall run the course begun, Till we reach the silent shore.

Then revisit earth, In a pure rebirth, From the heart of the virgin snow.

So don't ask why We live or die, Or whiter, or when we go,Or wonder about the mysteries That only God may know~! 

                                                            ---W.R. Hearst

Happy November~!

As a new month enters, I am in awe of the beauty we have surrounding us~! The Fall colors are so vibrant and alive...I love the reflection it brings my heart, to view these God given gifts to All~!

Today, I went out and raked some leaves, so the 'smell' of the earth would surround me...in doing so... I found a moment of complete Inner Peace.

Nature is one of the few places I find this...and it is my 'church' of choice, most Sundays.



I have been thinking today, and contemplating what 'Inner Peace' means to me, on a personal level. To obtain and hold ... I am going to list the main 12 reasons here to reflect .

                                    THE SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE

1. A TENDENCY TO THINK AND ACT SPONTANEOUSLY, RATHER THAN FROM FEARS BASED ON PAST EXPEREINCES;

2. AN UNMISTAKABLE ABILITY TO ENJOY EACH MOMENT;

3. RELEASE FROM AN INTEREST IN JUDGING OTHERS;

4. RELEASE FROM AN INTERST IN JUDGING SELF;

5. RELEASE FROM IN INTEREST IN CONFLICT;

6. RELEASE OF INTEREST IN INTERPRETING THE ACTIONS OF
     OTHERS;

7. A RELEASE OF ABILITY TO WORRY;

8. FREQUENT OVERWHELMING EPISODES OF APPRECIATON;

9. CONTENTED FEELINGS OF CONNECTEDNESS WITH OTHERS AND WITH NATURE;

10. FREQUENT ATTACKS OF SMILING THROUGH THE HEART;

11. INCREASING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO LOVE EXTENDED BY OTHERS, AS WELL AS THE CONTROLLABLE URGE TO EXTEND IT;

12. AN INCREASING TENDENCY TO LET THINGS HAPPEN, RATHER THAN TO MANIPULATE THEM AND MAKE THEM HAPPEN.

Goals

Today, I am up from a nasty three days in bed...I had told myself I would be here daily...I have so much I want to say; and yet do not really know where to start.
I do know; I am visualizing my goal and imagining how good I will feel once I actually achieve it~!
Not being a typist, I am somewhat challenged, but thank goodness for spell check...alas...being a National Spelling Bee finalist in my youth might be questioned today~! lol
I have always enjoyed putting my thoughts to pen and paper...now I am learning an updated version for myself...and hopefully, by the beginning of the New Year, I will be more 'in the loop', with present communication tools~!
For the last 19 years I have lived on a small lake in the Cascade Foothills, of Western Washington State, with my husband Glen, and a menagerie of animals. We just lost our last domesticated four legged friend,Smokey,(Glen's cat) a couple of months ago...it still feel strange to not hear Smokey's demanding voice when he was ready for a treat, or to watch him guard his territory and self from the wild ones, that visit our place as well.
Our residence is on a peat bog...many have no idea how peat bogs are disappearing...and are actually endangered. We are here to preserve this one...if only an acre~! I have worked with agencies to give more information of our natural resources that are forgotten, overlooked, or not considered. I have found most people have no idea about the importance of peat...except for landscaping.
We live close to the land, and recycle back to the earth all we have available...I love this because I see the 'bog' churn and constantly recycle itself~! We use organic means of taking care of the land and ourselves...so this is a busy time, with the change of the seasons...the Fall colors are beautiful and once the leaves drop, I will be grinding them for compost to protect the bulbs I will see new color from in the Winter...crocus, primroses,and others later in the Spring, like the tulips, daffodils,and iris.
We don't have many of the amenities of the cities. We are still on well water, use a wood stove as our only source of heat,and have electricity, but not gas,or sewer system...Wa State has more septics than any other state...even for new homes in many areas...so we aren't missing much. We would like to be off the 'grid' totally, in the future.
 I have felt like a pioneer woman since living here, compared to the life I had in Texas, where I grew up; and also,where I have lived here in Washington, before my days on Lake Cassidy~!
I have learned so very much I never thought about before living here...except when maybe watching a movie~! I don't watch many movies these days...I just go out on my deck or into the yard and am in my own movie.
We are on the migratory path for many species traveling  though our area. I am looking forward to the Winter Swans and Snow Geese, being here in November...they are two of my favorite fowl~!
Beyond that we have a local family of falcons, and a family of eagles that nest just up the road from us.
Glen and I were out on the front deck one day last week, and were watching some pillaited woodpeckers having a great time on some birch trees of the neighbors...then, out of the blue sky...a falcon dived in to their space...of course, the falcon is much stronger than the woodpecker...but, that day the woodpeckers won...we watched them attack the falcon, nonstop,as they soar into the air and defended their turf even more~! I think it shocked the falcon to see a defense such as that...he bid them farewell, rather fast, and was heard as he flew away, squawking about it~! lol
For me that was a lesson of learning about teamwork, and being impassioned about surviving in your own space...believing in yourself regardless of the confrontations and challenges you might be facing... about living in the moment and going forward~!

New Beginnings

So, today I begin a new part of my journey...a blog~! I have been told for "ages", that I needed to put my stories and photographs together and "do something" with them~! I am taking that step now~! Baby Steps~!!! lol
So, with help from my Dear Friends,  Ken Rassure, that lead me to this site, with encouragement: and my Dear Sister-Friend Maria Vallianatos, assisting through the set-up, as I am learning how to operate in today's world, a bit late in life, but still a member~! I will not be left behind~!!!
I have intention to be here daily, if only for one sentence...so here I go~!

Hello World~!

Greetings to my blog~!  Thanks for taking your your time sharing with me, here in cyberland~!