This blog is for those courageous spirits who attended the Celebration of Rage retreat, October 29 – November 1, 2009, at Hope Springs Institute. We had a fabulously fun time together and many of you requested a simple way to stay in touch. So, use this blog to share insights, appreciations, what’s wacky and wild, and how you are living true to your Legacy Slogans. Hugs, Ruth
Leading Authority on Emotional Wisdom
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Nancy, you’re gonna love this…..
I went to my accupuncturist today and we were addressing a sudden sinus “thing” that started yesterday evening. He handed me this LIQUID HERB (ohh, Lord). His words regarding the taste of this LIQUID HERB…..
“It’s like strawberry short cake………..but not.”
TRUST ME, it is not.
Ohhhh, I laughed so hard I could hardly stay in my seat. I could see each of you just laughing and laughing with me. It was a sweet, sweet moment.
I hope you are all finding lots of other great, one liners to make you laugh.
At Vickie’s request, I have attached Born Again. I should be the 3rd poem on the attachment titled The Keeping Has Kept Me Tired. I also attached New Life, Shalom, also a clear reflection on the birthing process.
Blessings, my beloveds,
Terri
OK, Raging Beauts, I’m feeling so full of gratitude for each and every one of you and your precious souls. I feel so nourished by the deep connections we experienced.
As we were leaving Hope Springs, I was so caught up in the good feeling, that I misjudged the time it would take to get to Columbus for my 6:05 flight. Vicki and Purvi made theirs, but I missed mine! BUT IN A GOOD WAY!!! Seriously, ask Vicki and Purvi, I was so unstressed about missing it that it was a great experience. I got on the next flight, and it got into Chicago early, so I was able to make the original connecting flight back to Oakland. It was seamless! But kind of cliffy. And actually, my bags made it to Oakland with me!
Terri, I love the Strawberry Shortcake story!
Connie, did you walk to the tree today?
Lou, how was the drive? You dropped your sun butter on your way out to the car!
Mary, I’m going to look up Muse. Your voice is so beautiful!
Purvi, glad you made your flight. Hope your cold is better and you’re taking good care of yourself.
Valerie, I downloaded Krishna Das Pilgrim Heart this morning, and danced to it before I meditated. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Vicki, neighbor, I look forward to connecting since we’re so close. You really are an awesome charades player!
Finally, Ruth, Ruth, Ruth…you are such a precious jewel as a person and in the work you do. Your brilliance has made a profound difference for me in my journey. Thank you from the bottom of my light, birdless heart.
Love, love, love, Nancy
Home and happy. Still digesting. Thinking of my Sisters in Spirit; missing and loving you all. Found myself working at my desk with less tension. Paid close attention to my voice. Not constricted. Ordered your book, Ruth! Better late than never! I intend to digest it thoroughly and reference it often. Terri, I couldn’t find your poems. May I read them to David when I finally find them? Love you all, xoxoxoxoxox – Conni
…..”Holy Guano, Batman!”
My daughter called last night and she and the girls AND Jimmy are coming to visit this weekend. I haven’t spoken to or of Jimmy in about a year and a half due to his having done something that demonstrated total dishonesty and lack of integrity pr respect toward David and I. My reaction made the situation even uglier. Didn’t consider the fact that Amy and the girls were stuck in the middle I was so wrapped up in my self righteousness and anger. Eeeeenyway, long story short – even before the retreat I was preparing my self to try and extend my hand to him, but wasn’t sure how to do that. About a week before ‘Rage Romp’ Jimmy called David and told him he’s ready to start making things right again. That he is fully aware that it will take time and effort for all of us, but that he want’s his girls to grow up knowing his grandparents. Interesting….the man I thought was such a flake had the kutzpah to take the first very large step toward reconciliation. Now that I have the necessary tools (thank you, thank you Ruth and all) under my belt, I feel strong enough to work with this wonderful turn of events. YAY!
I never ceases to amaze me how events in our lives fall into place at exactly the right time.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo to all
I sent the poems via email, before I read the email w/ this link. Check there.
All sounds so beautiful and good.
Greetings you beautiful women, What a gift to share this time and experience with you all. And the beautiful things you shared from deep inside you. Such a precious sharing.
Back home and keeping the spirit alive, which I am committed to doing now.
I look forward to continuing to share and help one another continue to move forward.
Big hug and love to you all,
Valerie
Conni, it seems like you created the opportunity for this opening to happen by doing your courageous work at the Rage Romp (I LOVE that name!). What a miracle!!!!
This morning, I sat quietly with my coffee, looking out the window, then danced to Krishna Das, and then meditated. With each breath, I focused on creating space in my body. It was so funny, I realized that as soon as I experience some feeling IN MY BODY, my thoughts commandeer the situation and start coming up with BOOK TITLES. Seriously. As I created spaciousness around my heart, my thoughts were “From Burden to Blessing…the Nancy Rose Story.” I’m glad I noticed, I realized how often this happens, and I’m glad I can laugh at myself.
I love you all so much,
Nancy
Leading Authority on Nancy…
Ruth, I realized I don’t want to post my last name in my comments. Could you please delete Rose and just put R. both places where I have it? Thanks, N
Hello Juicy Women!
Turtle is slowly sticking her head out today after the 7 hour drive home (safely) and questionable getting sick yesterday – I thought I might need some Strawberry Shortcake tasting herb – but rest, monolaurin, toning and movement are helping.
I came home to my partner Beth in some major stress with the move of her parents to Senior Housing and work which I TOTALLY had reactions to as the “her in me”. So, I put on Gloria Estefan, and we danced and moved and growled – Rage Rompin…. Feeling light again!
Nancy, thanks for locating the missing SunButter – may someone at Hope Springs enjoy it (or I’ll get it next week when I’m there).
I hold our circle in my heart and know that with all of you at my back (which you literally were on Sunday), I can trust myself to slow down, take my time and move forward in Turtle Timing. I AM MORE THAT MY THOUGHTS, I AM MORE THAN MY FEELINGS.
Hugs to you all.
Lou
Beautiful women,
Hope you all received the pics I sent by email before I saw this chat room. Forgot to send my other promise that’s now below — the recipe for the Roasted Pepper Rolls.
As I continue to process, my eye condition that my mother was so distressed about surfaced. It has always made me fell like “damaged goods.” But then gladly, it came to me that “Yes, I have this condition…but it is only a part of me.” YEAH!
Terri — so glad you’re thinking about publishing. Don’t know much about it myself but a friend took a writing class and got lots of good suggestions. Keep us posted.
Blessings to all as we deepen our journey.
Vicki
Roasted red peppers (#10 can)
2 10-oz packages frozen spinach, thawed, water squeezed out (can substitute kale or chard) They used fresh spinach
6 oz pine nuts, roasted and ground coarsely
4 oz parmesan cheese finely grated
Salt and pepper
Basil pesto thinned with olive oil if necessary
Toast and chop pine nuts
Stir pine nuts, spinach and parmesan together — salt & pepper
Put spinach mix on pepper and roll up
Brush rolls with pesto and bake at 350 until heated through (about 40 minutes)
ENJOY!
Terri, I’ve checked and rechecked my email and I don’t think the attachment is there. I really want to read your poems…..actually, I’m DYING…..(2%) to read your poems. Would you mind resending them via email? Thank you soooooooooo very much.
I can’t wait
I can’t wait
I can’t wait
I can’t wait
Good Morning to all my Beautiful Sisters in Spirit!
It’s a good day. Terri, I finally received your poetry. It appears you retyped them for me. That took time, and I thank you for it. As I read them, I heard your voice in my head. I wasn’t reading them to myself; you were reading them to me. And with your voice came peace and strength anew. Please may I share these poems with my David?
Lu, I’m glad you made it home. I’m sure that drive was grueling after all the energy you used over the weekend.
Vicki, thank you for the recipe. I hope to make it soon.
On a sad note, David and I made the decision to give our old cocker spaniel, Stoney the relief he craved. I had taken him to our vet on Thurs., before coming to HS as David was not able to care for him as he needed cared for. He was old and sick. I somehow knew the day I took him for kenneling, he would not be returning home. Anyway, he’s gone now and I’m taking my time putting his things away, but am still loving him and I’m sure his Spirit has come home.
My strength comes from the memory of each of your faces and hugs and laughter. I love you all so much!
I have a really wonderful little book titled ‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’ and it is filled with daily meditations. I thought the one for Nov. 4 was especially poignant. It is for all of us:
“Individuality colors life. Our moods have color, our clothing, our skin-tones, our ideas. We were not created to be all alike, but we were created to be ourselves – to fill a place that no other person could fill. The earth would be a dull place if every hill and tree and valley were in a line and nothing could ever be different. If everything had one drab color or was totally flat, we would follow suit and be just as dull. No rule exists that we have to be like everyone else. We don’t have to follow trends and do unwise things because someone else is doing them. Our lives are separate entities – apart from the crowd. It is our ‘a du da lv de’, our personal responsibility to keep self-respect, without question’.
“God Almighty has mad us all.” – Red Cloud
uh oh……if I could just correct one teeny little mistake…..jeez…..”God Almighty has MADE us all”. – Red Cloud
Anybody agree that was a tad bit Freudian?
Day three of our return. I love having this blog to rest in the essence of each one of you.
Conni — Freudian — YES but the meditation is beautiful. I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your Stoney. I, too, needed to make this decision in the last year. My experience is that it’s never easy…and also never too soon. Terri — Seeing your face and hearing your voice as I read and reread your poems gave me a great sense of peace. I do hope you take your gift out into the world — and find someway to capture your voice as well.
Lou — So happy to hear you’re home safe in Lombard. I looked for the Judy Hollis tape/CD but wasn’t able to find it but I’ll keep looking. So far so good about eating my meals at the kitchen table.
I need to speak to one of my housemates — a wonderful man in his 40s who’s lived here for almost two years. The last six months, he’s been consulting (and selling cars) at Toyota and his whole lifestyle has changed. Every night, he drinks heavily and gets very loud, watches TV off the kitchen, stays up late and often sleeps on the couch, and eats late at night leaving a mess for the rest of us to clean up. As I think about each of you, I gather strength to step out from behind my Dominance disguise and speak my compassionate truth. Blessings Dear Sisters.
Love you all so very much.
V
Vicki, Go to JudiHollis.com and send Judi an email. I know she has the eating DVDs.
In therapy yesterday I imaged pinning on a coat everything that belongs to my mother and then giving the coat back to her. Wow, that coat was HEAVY.
I have a cold which usually is a sign that I’m pushing so I’m in bed today, resting my mind, body and spirit.
Blessings,
Lou
You know that you are doing well when you have Sinusitis AND Bronchitis AND it’s your birthday AND you (I) still feel blessed and loved and healthy and connected.
Vicki and Connie, I’m glad you’re enjoying the poems.
Lou, I’m glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Nancy, YOU GO GIRL! With all your room making activities. Way to take control.
Terri, when’s your birthday???? Mine was yesterday! And, you won’t believe this…..I’ve got a nasty head cold and bronchitis, too. Sheesh!
Are you feeling better, yet? Had anymore strawberry shortcake?
It sounds like several of us have colds and the like – releasing toxins! Getting rid of grunge!
Dear Precious Women,
I truly enjoyed meeting all of you. Connecting with you was very nurturing for my spirit and soul. The inspiration and support you offered will always be cherished.
In addition to the blog, what are your thoughts on another approach to keeping in touch and offering support? Perhaps we can schedule a weekly or bi-weekly tele-conference call in an effort to discuss personal goals/challenges/successes? This would allow us to further connect with and support one another. We could consider determining a time that works for all of us and locating a call in number. Any interest?
All the best,
Purvi
Purvi, what a lovely idea. I would definitely be interested in staying connected by phone. Realistically, once a month feels more doable to me.
Lou, thanks for the suggestion to email Judi Hollis. Not thinking too clearly as I, too, have a bad cold. Saying you’re in bed resting was a good reminder to nurture myself…and thanks to Conni for the reminder that of course we’re releasing toxins.
Feeling very blessed knowing you all.
V
Yes, I am definitely in for finding a way to keep using the support of one another to further or growth and personal goals.
Nancy and I had also discussed a comfort box that we could mail around to one another, one at a time. The “kit” could contain: a cozy shaw; a few good teas; (this ones for you Lou) really cozy, knitted socks, good CD, etc. We could put a list of everyones address in it.
Good morning Sisters!
I hope this finds you all well and in a good place.
Purvi, I really like your idea and I hope we all find a way to keep our Sister Circle alive. My only concern about teleconference communication is that (most likely) all of us are not equipped technologically. I don’t think I have that capability. I hope those of you that are will be able to plan and honor that idea.
Terri and Nancy, I really like the idea of the comfort box. I AM technically capable of managing that one……LOL. It would be good to be visited by each of your essences since it is not possible to meet regularly in person.
During my daily chat with Betsy this morning, she suggested a really good way to keep in touch. I wish I could think like she does. Anyway, her suggestion was that we each make a commitment to visit this blog on a certain day each month. Everyone share what’s going on; how we’re doing; talk about our concerns, our joys……KEEP US CONNECTED!
We made a huge commitment to attended the retreat. HUGE! We – together – created something that many women don’t have. A circle of caring, nurturing, loving women who are truly Sisters in Spirit. I’m hoping that – for now – committing to one day a month (on the same day) to spend a bit of time on this blog with each other will appeal to you all. Later on perhaps, we’ll find the right time and venue to come together again, share stories and laugh around a dinner table somewhere.
I think of you all everyday. I send you good, loving energy and celebrate knowing each of you.
Love to you all,
Conni
Hello wise women,
I just returned from Philadelphia where I spent 4 wonderful days with my grandson Danny. That said, I came home and spent 15 minutes moving, raging, crying, etc. Lots stirred up in me.
Happy Belated birthday, Scorpios!
I will do whatever makes sense to stay connected. I know of a place that has conference lines for a minimal price that we all call into. And I am absolutely on board for a comfort box! ( I LOVE the socks, Conni).
Terri, will you send me the documents as well?
I head to Hope Springs again tomorrow morning for my Women’s Leadership Collaborative so will be offline until next Monday. I will think of all of you.
Love, Lou
Hi Girls,
So nice to be able to read your comments. It helps keep the momentum going for me. This has been a struggle, so I welcome all ideas about keeping connected. I vote for “‘all of the above” ideas!!! Conference call, one day a month on the blog, comfort box…
I’m in my creative process re: our slogan tshirts, and would welcome some feedback from you guys. Do you think a tshirt is the way to go, or would you prefer something else, like something to hang on the wall, or a totebag, or??? I’m having fun imagining the design, and ask for your patience while I obsess and ruminate over it!
Dancing before meditation has been so wonderful. Yesterday, I danced to Krishna Das, Firefall, and Allison Krauss and then tried something different in my meditation. I lit a floating candle in a small clear crystal bowl of water, and since I had water and fire, I brought in air and earth by opening the window and placing a plant at the little altar. Then I did my 20 minutes with my eyes open, focusing on the flame. Same monkey mind jumping around at first, but the flame was hypnotic and soothing. Remember the owl that was hooting in my new theme song, “Who Let the Doves Out? (hoooo? hoooo?)…well, that owl was staring at me from the center of the flame. (sort of like Jesus on the grilled cheese).
Soooooo much love to you all, and thank you for being instrumental in opening me up to receiving love as well.
Love, Nancy
Beautiful Friends! I’m just now visiting the chat room…and really enjoying visiting each of you through your posts. Your aliveness, your strength, even your laughter is very present to me. I am SO grateful to be connected with you today.
I’m still integrating the flow of our time together. I also danced a bit with a cold when I returned, but what was really present was some SERIOUS constipation. [We're all friends here, right?] I got it that some part of the old was moved out of hiding but was really, REALLY resisting being fully released. Still present to the learning unfolding there.
The day after I returned from the Rage Romp, my father was in a serious car accident. He’s fine, but now my Matriarch role has been expanded to include “driver”. Very emotional time for us, and I’m really okay. My time with you in the circle has really opened me to all my strength and capacity to adapt.
I’m open to a call once a month if that can be arranged. There are free conference calling services out there…one such service I have used is http://www.freeconference.com/Reservationless.aspx.
Terri, I’m also really interested in sharing your poems with some of my circles… and await hearing from you about whether or not that is okay.
I offer my voice in service to Grace! Aho!
MWAH!!
My birthday is Nov. 6 ~ I know we Scorpios were close, but not that close!!
I laughed out loud at your observation, Nancy , about the owl in the flame being sort of like the picture of Jesus on the grilled cheese. You tickle me. Tell me what to do, I’ll teleconference. Send me a comfort box; I’ll add something and send it on……Anything!
Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your dad, but very relieved that he is okay. I know you’re okay. I ‘hear’ it in your post.
And Terri, I too am waiting to see if it’s okay to share your poems with David. I’d love to read more of your work. When I read poetry now, it is always your voice in my head. Beautiful.
I had to go to the office today, and usually I’m crazed when I go there. I usually start to tighten up just thinking about it. But it was okay! I was calm, no tightness in my throat…..my voice actually sounded soothing when I spoke. I’m blown away. Things are really okay – good; not contrived because I wish them to be.
Nancy, T-shirts has my first vote although tote bags are always useful. I feel like wearing a T-shirt would be like wearing a badge of honor, or courage…..something like that. Please, if you will let us know the cost and shipping so we can help defray your expenses.
Gotta go back to the work computer, now. Love you all!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Conni
I don’t remember who all is Scorpio. I am – Nov 5; you, Mary – Nov 6……..who else?
I don’t have time to read all of the above, but wanted to respond to a few I caught…
1/ yes, Connie, feel free to share the poems w/ whomever you please. No need to ask, but it was sweet of you to do so.
2/ OK. If you want to participate in the gift box (for lack of a better word/words) post your address. It may be a few weeks, but I am going to purchase something comforting and mail it to someone. That person can add to the box, if they choose, then mail it on to the next woman. I say we commit to not keeping the box, for now, NO MORE than a week.
3/ Will continue to check blog from time to time, but may have difficulty keeping up if there is a lot to read.
4/ I am hoping to attend the silent retreat in February if anyone else is interested.
5/ My birthday was Nov. 5th, as well, my great Scorps.
6/ Nancy, I’ll take the quotes in whatever way your creative mind puts it together. I’m particularly fond, I will say, of the T-shirt or tote bag suggestion.
Love to you all,
The leading authority on Terri
I like all the ideas about connecting too. I do think each person picking a day to visit and share in the blog is a wonderful invitation for each of us to go deeper. We could actually try all the ideas and see which one(s) stick.
Nancy — whatever you come up with for the quotes will be just perfect. I do agree with Conni that we can wear a T-shirt as a badge of honor. Let me know if I can help.
Mary — so great to hear from you and holding you SO BIG in your Matriarch role. And if I lived closer, I would definitely attend the silent retreat.
Terri — here’s my address…and so happy we can share your poems.
2216 Laguna Vista Dr, Novato, CA 94945
Happy birthday all Scorpios!!
Love, Vicki
Terri, thanks so much for letting us share.
My address is 634 Falls Road, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612
phone – 740 634 3479 – just in case anyone wants to chat with their mouth instead of their fingers…….
We’re going to Portsmouth, Oh tonight to a little shop called ‘Your Journey Within’. Aloma, the owner, sells an eclectic variety of items…..crystals, CD’s, scarves……smudge supplies, herbs – a really neat little shop. Anyway, David, Cecil and I are going down this evening and Cecil will be facilitating a ‘Healing Circle’. We do this every few months and he has quite a large turn out. Cecil is a Lakota Elder and Holy Man that winters with us. People sit in a Circle. I go around and smudge everyone, David drums and sings and Cecil goes around the circle with prayer and blessings for each person. It’s very beautiful. He talks and shares some teachings first. I always leave there with the scent of sage and sweetgrass on my clothes and in my hair, and a real peace in my heart. I wish you could all be here.
It’s a beautiful day! I’m going to try to get my ‘real work’ done early so I can spend some time alone outside before we go this evening.
Love to you all – will check back later….(DUH!)
Conni
Hi Lovelies,
Time seems to speed up…except at “bootcamp” which I went to today on a one week free trial. Ooooch!
I think about everyone often, especially when I’m working on the tshirt, which is coming along. I wanted to ask everyone is black a good choice?
My sisters both told me I sound different on the phone since the retreat. When I asked different, how? they said happier, more relaxed. Maybe I am, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees right now. At the retreat, with all that focus and NO distraction, things fell into place more easily. Here, with total distraction, it’s a struggle. Actually, meditation is the answer to that…funny, I haven’t meditated today, and it shows.
Sang onstage at the concert of the Garage Bands from the music school. It was a total blast, singing backup vocals for the faculty band. I love being onstage!
Don’t want to lose our connection, girls!
Love, Nancy
Nancy,
I still see you in my mind dancing in your black frilly blouse. A beautiful site! Makes me smile every time I think of you. Life is good here. I’m still feeling pretty relaxed. I can hear it in my own voice. I find myself laughing more at the chaos from work rather than becoming so angry at it. What a relief!
You’re right…….please, oh please Raging Rompers….lets not lose our connection.
Love to you all,
Conni
OK, let’s see if this works–I’m going to post this widget that will link to the T-SHIRT DESIGN!!!!
If this doesn’t work, I’ll email each of you. Or maybe I’ll email y’all anyway.
This was a blast to work on.
It looks like it will be around $30 each since we need so few. Anyone who needs help with the cost don’t worry, we’ll find a way. Everyone should have one.
Feedback please!
OK, I’ll email each of you the link cuz it didn’t post.
Nancy – I LOVE IT!!!!!!! I had to take my glasses off and get real close to the monitor to read everything; it’s perfect. How do we order?
Thanks Conni! Go on the site and look at the sizes, and just let me know what size you want. I’ll order them all at once and everyone can reimburse me…
Hey Ladies! I just wanted to say HELLO and share my latest news: I HAVE A NEW JOB. I have been applying for jobs for over a year. I had gotten so disheartened by the whole experience and NOW here I am. To some degree–a very close one–this position is my dream job.
Starting Jan. 4th…I will be the new Administrator for what is called the South Central Neighborhood Place. I’ll paste a short description below. The Admin for these facilities–there are 7 or 8 in Louisville–really only indirectly supervises all the agencies involved, which you will more about below.
Neighborhood Place South Central (Not Fully Open)
502-574-6476 (Voice) · (502) 574-6476 (Fax) · 810 Barret Avenue – Louisville, KY 40204
(Interim Address)
Services Currently Available: School Social Services and Truancy Referrals, Family Case Management Services, Perinatal Case Management, Emergency Financial Assistance, Information and Referral, Healthy Families, Resource Person for Pregnant Teens, Lead-Poisoning Intervention, Linkage to Employment/Training. This facility also provides mental health and chemical dependency screenings with case management and referral services.
Mission: Leaving myself and the world a little closer to Shalom.
It’s not close to the pay you would expect, but IT’S ALL GOOD and it still beats what I’m making now. The experience is going to be priceless.
I can’t order the T-shirt right now, just bought 2 new CDS, a couple of books, and two concert tickets, plus the usual groceries and such. I should be able to purchase soon, and looking very forward to owning.
Love to you all! Sorry for the long message.
Terri
Terri,
You ARE going to leave your mark on the world. You are talented, loving and I think you’re wonderful.
Shalom,
Conni
Nancy — the Tshirt is fabulous!! Love the creativity — really shows your designer eye. Thanks a bunch. I’ll take a medium.
Vicki
CONGRATULATIONS Terri. Sounds like a big step toward the vision you talked about with multiple services under one roof. You will be absolutely fabulous.
Happy Thanksgiving All.
Vicki
Congratulations Terri on following your heart and making it happen! It must be so exciting, empowering, and liberating to have your long awaited dream turn into a reality! You go girl!
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Nancy, I love the t-shirt design. Thank you for making the effort to create it for all of us. I’d love to order one.
For those of you who are interested in participating in the conference call, when are you available? Perhaps we can plan to chat live on the evening of Tuesday, December 8th or Wednesday, December 9th? How does 7 or 8 pm CST sound? I’d be happy to secure a toll free call in number that we can all call into.
I would love to participate in the comfort gift box, monthly online exchange, along with any other suggestions that can help our Sister Circle to stay connected as your friendship and support means a lot to me. It inspires and nurtures my soul.
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Best wishes for joyous Thanksgiving!
Purvi
I need some addresses lady…..and within a few days….the magic box should appear on someones door step.
Hi Everyone,
I feel myself in slow motion, distraction yielding to depression. This is a positive, for I’ve run from depression most of my life. I’m allowing and trusting.’
My Collaborative meeting was awesome, and I drew a life size turtle as a visual of the magic in my life. I celebrate finding her again.
So appreciate all of your updates.
Hugs, Lou
Update: I STILL HATE GOD. Just checking in
I’m waiting to find the “just right shaw” for the comfort box. I already have a couple of goodies to go with it.
I hope you’re all still finding ways to open your heart for yourselves and others.
Terri
Terri, I HEAR you.
I am transcending my fear of depression and realizing how much I learn when I listen. I remain grateful for my gift of unemployment to allow me time to listen to my rage child.
I was in the yarn store last night getting help with the socks I’m making for my daughter for Christmas ( my first pair). I’m listening to the music and my body starts moving – I realize that I’ve heard this music before. I ask the young man at the register and he says, “I’m Hindu and this is …” Then I remembered – it was Valerie’s music. Valerie would hear a couple of lines and then repeat them. What a wonderful sense memory of our time together.
My address:
Lou Sutton
952 South Edson Ave
Lombard IL 60148
Lou
miss you all. could really use a weekend sitting at the dinner table eating, laughing.
finding myself in a terribly depressed state. david is still grieving for his beloved stoney and last night i held my old cat in my arms as she took her journey. i promised her i would not leave her. i buried her this morning. the sun shone so brightly and i was grateful. she was the color of the sun. anyway, i am succumbing to sadness, overwhelming sadness. david is weak and in pain and has become very depressed. we both weep almost every day. i think my heart is breaking. i’m sorry to be a wet blanket.
Somebody, quick! Say something funny!
It’s so interesting how as winter descends, we feel ourselves slip…ladies, let’s hug each other through this, if not physically, at least here on the blog…
Conni, losing beloved animals is so hard on the heart…I’m so sorry for both you and David. You have so much love to give and think about directing it inward to your sweet, precious self. You deserve it!
Lou, how wonderful that you aren’t distracting as much and are facing the sadness. Many hugs to you, special lady!
Terri, thanks for the update. And we all know that God _____ ______, right? I knew I loved you the minute you shouted that out straight from your gut.
Purvi, you are such a courageous soul. I draw so much strength from seeing your tenaciousness. Hope you’re finding some opening in the 10 minutes a day, like we talked about, precious one.
Vicki, you and I need to connect and see each other. Let’s chat on the phone and take advantage of the fact that we live 30 minutes from each other!
Mary, my sister, how are you feeling with the change in role? Sounds like your work with the Raging Beauties couldn’t have come at a better time. How’s your dad doing?
Valerie, thank you for the music of Krishna Das. And of the vision of you dancing so lightly and spritely around us at Hope Springs.
Ruth, I remain so profoundly grateful to you for creating the space and the means for us to do the work we did at Hope Springs and beyond.
Ladies, I’m moving on the 23rd to a new home about a mile from where I live now. Talk about rebirth! This is MY place. I am so excited, and in such focus. I can’t even explain it. It’s just so right. The new home is small, and cozy, and sweet. I’m letting go of so much stuff, physically, mentally, deep down. My goal is to be “nimble.” It’s my new favorite word.
There is a room off the garage that I am going to turn into a sacred space. My idea is for it to be a place for women to be able to come to spend time alone to connect with their inner guidance through music, dance, meditation, stillness, whatever. It will be whatever one needs it to be…and it will be available to whomever needs it. I would love all of you, my sisters, to come visit and bless the space with me, because it was with you that I was blessed to find this in my life. How about a coordinated trip to the Napa Valley? Springtime here is profoundly spectacular…
I found a beautiful wrap today ladies! The box will be on it’s way soon. I may wait until I’m off next week to pack it up and ship it off. I have to go for now, but will be back soon to catch-up.
Nancy – how wonderful – a move right after the Winter Solstice. LIght, grace and ease to the process.
Has anyone heard from Vickie… I noticed she has not posted anything for awhile. Vickie……..are you doing OK??
Good morning, everyone. Today is David and my wedding anniversary. It’s a good day. Tomorrow the days start getting longer! Spring is around the corner.
Even though I find it difficult to endure long cold winter days and nights, I know it is essential for Mother Earth to have the rest. The snow blankets her and cleanses her. The cold allows Her to rest….gives Her strength. We were going to Winter Solstice celebration, but I think we’ve decided to stay home….maybe drum and sing.
Need to get back to work.
Blessings and love to you all.
What a wonderful day to have a wedding anniversary – on the winter solstice. Blessings to you and David, Connie.
I remain deep in the underworld, depression requiring me to look within as the mother bear holds me in the cave.
Welcome to the returning light…
Love to all, Lou
Lou, I’m proud of you for looking within rather than distracting. Out of the darkness will emerge a lighter, more peaceful Lou. You are more than your depression, more than your rage. Your sweet, strong flame burns inside of you and will light your way. I will pray for you, too! Love, Nancy
PS moving truck will be here in 20 minutes…and I’m EXHAUSTED!!!! More from my new home soon!
Lou,
Bear Spirit be with you, my Sweet Lou. She’ll take care of you as you progress. I’ll hold you close, too.
Love,
Conni
Lou…….I gotcher back!
Nancy, you were the first to send your address. I’m ready to send out the “care box.” Are you ready to receive or should I move on to the next person while you get settled?? It’s up to you.
Lou, blessings to you, sweet lady. I hope you are taking care of yourself. Don’t forget to move……
Anyone have contact info for Vickie??
Ohhhh,and Happy Anniversary, Connie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome. Awesome.
Happy moving, Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary, I was hoping to make your retreat, but, I think, the new job and crazy car repair bills are going to keep me at home. Maybe next year. I was really looking forward to it.
I feel so held knowing I’m not alone. I celebrate my breath knowing that each one takes me to greater connection to my turtle.
Blessings and love to each of you as we approach the ending of a year and anticipation of the next.
Blerssed New Year.
Guess what, everyone? Vicki and I are planning a date to get together and in two weeks I’ll be in Chicago and have a date to see Lou! I feel very lucky! Happy New Year to all of you soul sisters. Let’s connect as much as possible in 2010. It’s very nourishing….
Started the new job this week! Other than some resistance/ interference from the great unconscious…..all is fabulous. This is going to be quite the experience.
Happy New Year to you alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!
Hello courageous women,
Sorry I’ve been so out of touch. Read all the posts and came away feeling blessed and inspired just knowing each of you. Spent a lovely evening with Nancy last week and was reminded of the special bond we created in just three short days.
One of my housemates just gave notice. While I am relieved, I know I must look at my role in this failed relationship. As things deteriorated, I struggled mightily at staying connected and seeing her wisdom. Learning…learning.
I pray that your New Year is inspired, rich and full of blessing, both material and spiritual.
The day after my last post I was walking Ellie, fell amd broke my left wrist – 6 weeks in an immobilizer – 6 weeks of using only my right hand, Lots of feelings surfacing as I continue to allow…
I’m wondering when I’m nurturing and healing old wounds and when I’m fostering the sense of feeling wounded….
Terri,
I can speak from my experience… You’ll KNOW.
I realized today that there must be some part of me that wants people to see that I am overwhelmed, frustrated, tired and angry.
So, right now, I’m honoring that I have years of feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, tired and angry….for very good reason, damn it!!!
And, TODAY, I would like to move into the space of no longer feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, tired and angry…it’s not worth to toll it takes on my health and the influence it has on others. Balance….ohhh elusive balance.
love to all, and all those I don’t know I love yet.
still thinking of you all….
Sunday April 25th, I officially, biologically, became a crone. The definition of menopause the cessation of menses for 1 year. And the definition of crone is a wise woman who is in memopause. Truly a time of celebration for me.
Blessings to you all.
Love, Lou