The Miracle of Friendship

Soul Sisters; Kelley, me, Jenn, Lauren, and Marjie.

 

Some friendships last forever. This has proven to be true with a certain group of women I met on the campus of Ithaca College some 35 years ago now. You know it’s a lasting bond when you don’t see someone for 20 years and you pick up like you just saw them yesterday. The same banter, same jokes, same smiles. The same soul connections. Only now there are miles of experiences to share; happy times, sad times, encased with a plethora of bumps and bursts along the road of life.

It’s this road that brought the five of us back together this past summer. Our Jennifer tragically lost her dear husband, Ron, this past February. One day it held the sweetness of Valentine’s Day and the next day he was gone. I attended the beautiful service for Ron, complete with a room full of love and ending with a heartfelt Henry David Thoreau quote. The same quote that is the main quote in my book. A sweet validation that our souls are always connected in this world and beyond.

After the service, Cindy (another soul sister of mine and friend of Jennifer’s) and I walked to the club reserved for all of us to gather. Interesting how a loss makes you notice beauty in the world more. We were commenting how beautifully the trees were lining the lawns of Buffalo’s most prestigious historical homes. Life becomes a bit surreal when we face losing it. I ran into Jenn in the privacy of the coat room, which was good because after not seeing her for 15 years we needed the comfort of a cocoon. She to melt into me, and me to be strong for her. I held her on my lap for a few minutes while she wept. Feeling our sister friendship that never faded. I still remember so clearly Jenn’s words pressing through her tears as we hugged, “I was hoping you’d come.” It was never a question for me.

Soon after, Lauren contacted me suggesting the five of us gather at either her cottage or mine in support of Jenn. I happily offered my place, and after a few emails with Marjie, Kelley, and Lauren, the summer weekend was arranged. I can’t quite describe the joy I felt upon seeing each Holmes Hall girl arrive but with every welcome hug we grew into what we knew. Loving each other.

A few wineries later, we returned to the cottage for more laughs, delectable delights, and reminiscent chatter.  Intermittently holding the sadness between us to allow Jenn her grieving space. Always holding her in the silence interspersed with tears.  We agreed that this must be an ongoing theme in our lives, to reunite every year or two.

Funny how the most tragic of events can breathe rays of sunshine into life. One thing I know for sure, this girlfriend bond that began back in 1979 will never be broken. The magic of love between our connected souls will forever hold the truth of our inexplicable, extraordinary existence. The miracle of friendship.

Me and Jenn enjoying beach time at her place this past summer.

Vibration Station

“The basis of your life is freedom; the purpose of your life is joy”

~The Teachings of Abraham, by Jerry and Esther Hicks

The above quote is one of the twelve teachings of Abraham-Hicks, a powerful synopsis of the law of attraction, intention, creation, and all universal energy.  The vibrational energy we send out into the universe is exactly what returns to us.  What we focus on comes to be.  If our intention is to freely give love, that love will naturally flow back to us.  If we view life as one big struggle, we will naturally experience life as difficult.

It is your choice how you envision your everyday life and who you choose to include in your circle of  friends.  Just remember, what you think, eat, breathe, live, spend your time with, creates the environment you are living in right now.  If you choose light, love, laughter, this will be.  If you choose darkness, negativity, sadness, so be it.

Enter the energy you wish to live, set the intention you dare to dream, create the environment that surrounds your desires, and imagine….just imagine.

Soul Mirror

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master…”
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

I found some quiet, alone time late last night as I experienced “Eat, Pray, Love” at the theater.  The film is very close to the book as it covers forgiveness, love, loneliness, self soothing, letting go, fear, trust, emotional pain, and exploring your own truth.

I believe soul mates come into our lives in many different forms at different times, when we require a particular lesson.  Some remain through our lifetime, some come and go, and some we know only for a brief time.  All mirrors are valuable lessons, the key is recognizing your own shadow in what your soul mate is dancing for you.  Allow the joy, anger, pain, laughter, frustration, and euphoria to settle and rest with your spirit.  Even when you feel lost, you are simply riding your waves to the lighthouse.

Look in the mirror.  What do you see?  Ahh, the unveiling of you and me.

We Are The World

“We Are The World” goes beyond any worldly disaster, it’s something to be practiced  in our everyday lives.  Hold out your hand to someone today and give with your heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glny4jSciVI&feature=related

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

I’ve always loved this quote;  full of meaning, love, and Spirit.  I am grateful for every soul that has touched my life.  Those who have come and gone, those who continue to touch my life, and those I have yet to meet.  Just as you have enhanced my existence, my wish is that I have done the same for you.  My purpose in love is to heal, and be healed.  May those I have touched feel the warmth of my soul, just as I have felt yours.  Peace.

“People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.”

Author Unknown

View beautiful video below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLltt5cPDOc

Lines of Beauty

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

My lifetime friend, Louise Cady-Fernandes, has started a wonderful new venture.  It is a topic that many in our culture are afraid to touch.  Louise found this out as she searched out similar views.  Sadly, not much was found.  The area of interest?  Aging.  Something so many in our culture appear to be afraid of embarking on.  I remember studying this phenomenon in college.  The media and certain groups promote youth, tight skin and invisible waistlines.  Why is it that we shy away from the beauty of aging?  Yes, youth can be beautiful, and so can that gorgeous woman who smiles with her eyes.  Feathery lines outlining the wisdom that remains underneath.  Why is there fear attached to aging?  Is it that we are closer to death?  Why not embrace the process that takes us to our last day?  All the life, the experiences, the pain, the wisdom acquired, the joy, the whole roller coaster!

Recognize the beauty of our teachers, our mothers, our fathers, ourselves, as we age.  Live healthy and naturally, treat our bodies with respect and love.   Allow our bodies to age gracefully with every nutritious meal you eat, every energetic step you take and every experience you encounter in this wondrous thing called life!

You’ve earned every line of beauty….  Louise has featured her amazing Mom as the “Beauty of the Week” on her blog.  I know she is truly Louises beauty of Louises life.  http://www.linesofbeauty.com

In Your Eyes

love I get so lost, sometimes
days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
when I want to run away
I drive off in my car
but whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are

all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes

love, I don’t like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive

and all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light,
the heat I see in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes  ~Peter Gabriel

The light, the heat, in your eyes….the window to the soul.

“In Your Eyes” video from the Secret World Live DVD, 1994  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoEQREKFQG4

Friendship

God’s most amazing gift to each and every one of us.  I thank all who have entered my life and have taught me so much along my journey.  I treasure every moment, the easy and the difficult, the flow and the dams.  So grateful.  I love you ALL!

A Father’s Love

” I loved Susan from the moment she was born, and I love her now and every minute in between. And what I dream of is a man who will discover her, and that she will discover a man who will love her, who is worthy of her, who is of this world, this time and has the grace, compassion, and fortitude to walk beside her as she makes her way through this beautiful thing called life.”  ~ Quote from the movie, Meet Joe Black

Last night, as I perused the channels, I came across what is possibly my favorite movie of all time, Meet Joe Black. It has a mixture of life’s checks and balances;  real love, false love, anger, deception, death and most touching to me, the love a father has for his daughter.  The quote above is William Parrish’s  (played by Anthony Hopkins) description of the depth of a father’s love.   For anyone who has had a father such as this, you are blessed.  You have experienced a  love that has nurtured you in a way to recognize real love when it enters your life.  Recognition and choice are two separate entities, however.  We can be given all the love and tools available to choose wisely but it is ultimately up to you to love yourself enough and remember what that real love felt like.  Real love is unconditional, it is full of forgiveness, it is acceptance and nonjudgment, no matter what.  Real love lives forever and always bounces back.  Even when angry, the blow softens and is replaced with the heart.  Real love is taking yourself out of the equation and wanting true happiness for the other.  Real love is real.

I had a father like William Parrish.  He may not have been as emotionally expressive, but his actions spoke louder than his words.  Always there, always available, always on time.  Always with his hand held out to save me from drowning, yet allowed me the freedom to learn my own lessons.  Always with a full heart and never asked for anything in return.  I felt the unconditional, strong love William had for Susan.   My Father’s love, a true blessing.

Whether you have had a father similar to William Parrish, or not, remember to love and respect yourself enough to choose one who is capable of giving you the love you deserve.  One who is worthy of you and the love you give.  Your heart doesn’t lie.  It will tell you if real love has entered your life.  Real love enhances your life and flows with effortless  energy.  Just as the sun provides to a blossoming flower.  False love zaps all energy and leaves you depleted as you second guess all your efforts.  Treat yourself like the precious flower that you are and you will attract those that treat you the same.

Our roots lay our foundation.  It is up to us to choose how our garden flourishes.  Plant seeds of love in your own heart and experience the beauty of life!

Manifesting Your Heart’s Desire

“The power of intention is the power to manifest, to create, to live a life of unlimited abundance, and to attract into your life the right people at the right moments.”  ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Whatever it is you wish to bring into your life, you have the ability and power to manifest that desire.  What is it you are requesting to enhance your experience of daily living?  Put that intention out there, say to yourself, “I am creating this business”, “I am attracting positive people into my life”, “I send out love and receive love “, whatever it is you desire can, and will be, manifested with each step you take.  Write down your intention, stick it on a poster board, look at it everyday and remind yourself that you are able to bring to you whatever it is that you want!  Don’t sit around waiting for someone to do it for you, reach deep within and move to the challenge.  Put in your energy and hard work. When your intention comes to fruition you will feel the joy of accomplishment.  The knowledge that you manifested this on your own only makes it sweeter.

You have the power to create, and draw to you, all that awaits you in the universe!  Never forget that.  You have strength.  You have ability.  You have the power of intention.  Focus on your dreams and watch them come alive!