words – about meteors

A few weeks ago I was out walking my dog around 10:00 at night near the beach when I suddenly looked up….to witness something super bright shooting above my head at lightening speed. meteor showerIt seemed to be very close but I didn’t know what it was.  There were a few other people around although they didn’t seemed to notice. It was brief but undeniably other worldly, and seemed to land in the water only a few feet away.  I thought that maybe it was my imagination but on the news that evening there were several reports of a big bright meteor falling from the sky.  Very cool.

negative4I love this description:

“I have realized; it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most. That I see and feel who I really am, the most! I think that’s what a comet is like, you see, a comet is born in the outer realms of the universe! But it’s only when it ventures too close to our sun or to other stars that it releases the blazing “tail” behind it and shoots brazen through the heavens! And meteors become sucked into our atmosphere before they burst like firecrackers and realize that they’re shooting stars! That’s why I enjoy taking myself out of my own element, my own comfort zone, and hurling myself out into the unknown. Because it’s during those scary moments, those unsure steps taken, that I am able to see that I’m like a comet hitting a new atmosphere: suddenly I illuminate magnificently and fire dusts begin to fall off of me! I discover a smile I didn’t know I had, I uncover a feeling that I didn’t know existed in me… I see myself. I’m a shooting star. A meteor shower. But I’m not going to die out. I guess I’m more like a comet then. I’m just going to keep on coming back.”  – C. JoyBell C.

 

 

Health MATTERS: blocking Negativity

negative1Have you noticed how spending time with certain people can leave you feeling drained? 

Life throws you some curveballs sometimes.  An illness, a death of a dear friend or family member and you need a sympathetic ear.  A friend who will just listen.  But then there are people who just thrive on complaining about every negative thing in their lives….and it never seems to end.  Once in a while I can understand, but not an endless stream. I came across the following on another blog –http://thenursesshift.com/ (experience greater health, balance and abundance through holistic health choices, enhanced nutrition and a dash of Metaphysics.)

I am sure that most people can think of someone who they would rather avoid than bathe in their negativity. They may not even be very negative, but you just find that after being with them, you feel drained. What about those day’s where you are just feeling off or in a bad mood? You could have just created this mood yourself, or you could have picked it up from the person you just had coffee with. What many people aren’t aware of is that they are picking up energies from other people and these energies are not always the kind you would want. Eventually, these unwanted energies will cause diseases.negative2

Some people are extremely sensitive to other people’s moods and energies. These people are called Empaths. Empaths feel other people’s anxiety, stress and tensions very deeply. By the way, DOGS are considered to be empaths which makes sense if you think about it – they are always watching your facial expressions and sensitive to everything. EVERYTHING is energy (even if you can’t see it) and just like a leech can attach to your leg in water (YUK), someone’s negative energy can attach to you, which is even nastier. As much as I would like to completely avoid negative energy, this is not always possible. In my work, I am in several different hospitals on a weekly basis, so I am often dealing with people who have illnesses and mental health issues, and because of this I have had to learn to protect myself.

I’ll give you an example of an experience that I had this week where someone came to me who had just been diagnosed with Cancer, and was scheduled for surgery and radiation. She was very emotional and needed someone to talk to. I discussed her situation with her and at the end of the conversation gave her a hug. Then I went about my day and almost immediately, I started to feel very drained and off. I recognized that I wasn’t feeling myself at all, but silly me, I didn’t make the connection.

That evening I was completely exhausted and went to bed really early. In fact, I actually thought I was coming down with something. I woke up at 2 am with extreme anxiety (which is something I never get). As I lay in bed tossing and turning, I started to put 2 and 2 together, and realized that this energy I was feeling WAS NOT MINE. I immediately got up, smudged (see Smudging below) myself with sage and felt better. This was a great lesson and reminder to me, not to let my guard down. I thought to myself – what did I do back when I had no idea about energy, and what do other people do who don’t realize that they need to protect themselves? The amazing news is that YOU can protect yourself from picking up the nasty energies that have no place in your life – read on…

Here are 8 simple, yet powerful ways for you to protect yourself:

1) Crystals and stones – there are many different crystals for protection. I like Black Tourmaline, Labradorite, and Hematite. I don’t leave home without mine. They should be worn on the left side of the body. Try holding different stones and see how they make you feel.

2) Smudging – originating from the Native American tradition, this is a powerful cleansing method. With an intention to remove negative energy from the body, cleanse the body with the smoke from the herbs. Sage is the most common herb used. Sweetgrass and cedar are used as well.

3) Salt bath – taking a bath in salt is very cleansing to your aura. Regular table salt or sea salts can be used. You can also add in essential oils, I like lavender, cedarwood, and neroli.

4) Affirmations – repeat to yourself 3 times: I am surrounded by protection, no negative energies can touch me, and I repel all unwanted energies. I do this at the start of my day and anytime I am in a situation with tension.

5) Surrounding yourself with a shield – I like to imagine a shield of gold light around me, other colours can be used as well. I do this several times a day. Be sure that you visualize the colour coming beneath your feet (up your soles) and sealing up.

6) Meditation – connect to your breath and get into the present moment.

7) Practice Yoga – yoga balances out the chakras and can move around stagnant energy.

8) Energy Healing – energy healers can remove all the unwanted energy, cleanse and balance the chakras, and aura. If you are dealing with very strong energies, I would recommend seeing an energy healer.

I hope you give these a try and see what works best for you. When I use these techniques I feel more in control, especially where my emotions are concerned. Protecting yourself will allow you to move through your day with more ease and energy. In the long term, keeping your energies balanced will greatly improve your health and prevent disease.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

― Nikola Tesla via http://thenursesshift.com/

 

 

Feel-good Friday: Fun at Playland

Confession #1 – I used to be an amusement park junkie.playland6playland10

Confession #2 – I have also been on every ride at almost every Disneyland in the world (except for the newer ones in China – but there’s still time). My favourite to date is still Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  Anyway, this is all to say that a lot of time had passed since I’d been on rides and I almost forgot the childlike excitement and anticipation of the experience.  Until last Monday, September 1st  when my sister gifted me & a few others with entry to the PNE which included free unlimited ride passes at Playland.  I would not have wanted to waste them, plus I don’t remember the last time I was there.playland11

For years I had no fear while riding the big rickety wooden roller coaster with my dad at Belmont Park in Montreal and remember the fights that ensued with my parents over the fact that my dad let me stand up on the ride.  Of course I was not supposed to tell my mom but I was proud that he let me do it.  After the private venture park closed for good (in 1983 followed by a Montreal-style police raid) we defected to La Ronde (also in Montreal), and much later tried out all the roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto.  Yes, every single one!playland7

But that was then and I quickly realized I’m not nearly so daring now.  I was surprised and disappointed that I actually had to psyche myself up to go on several of the rides at Playland and they weren’t even the most exciting ones.  But I also realized that I’m still a kid at heart and still got nervous and excited even though I was standing in line with 6 year-olds, arguing over which one of us would get to sit up front (and finally striking a deal with an 8 year old because he also wanted to sit up front – (which separated the friend I went with, making her sit on her own 2 cars behind).  I caught friend sticking her tongue out at the two 6 year olds sitting in the middle car.  She (also nervous because it had been so long) said she wanted to be seated right behind us but they purposefully made sure that that would not happen and ran ahead of her giggling – after promising not to do so.  Meanies!playland1Lesson: little brats turn into big brats. 

playland5

Confession #3 – I have never been for actual Confession and I thank god for that!

playland3Have you faced your fears lately?  Which rides are your favourite?

 

Beauty biz – Glitter be Gone!

I like to wear a bit of glitter and then take a quick dipglitter2

 with the new Sephora dip your nails inside instant nail polish remover.  So easy and no more need for messy cotton balls. I have their regular remover which is excellent except for when you wear glitter polish.  And girls like glitter.  It will take it off eventually but after too many trys so I’m glad they came up with this one.  I tested it on removing a polish that had two extra coats of Sally Hansen triple shine glitter top coat which is really hard to remove with normal nail polish remover. It worked but don’t be impatient because it takes several seconds. That stuff is very hard to get off.  Mostly it works ultrafast and is effective.  They claim that it also removes nail patches, all types of nail art, including nail tattoos, and pen marks.glitter1

How to use it:
Just a quick dip into the foam and sparkles and nail polish instantly (or almost instantly) come off your fingertips. It comes with an exclusive scrubbing sponge to help remove the toughest products.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens and is dermatologist tested.  Cost $12

Have you tried it?

style – Bootie Call

my new suede boots
my new grey no fuss suede pull-ons for tucked in skinnies or pants worn over-casual/dressy.

We can expect a few more weeks of sunshine here and there but you know what’s around the corner.  Time to put your best Fall Foot Forward….whether it be practical, riding (that’s not really a bootie but we love it anyway), motorcycle, funky casual or casual dressy. They all have a place in your shoe closet.

 

I’m looking for comfort, walkability (to some degree – at least two blocks) and Style.

my new distressed looking fringe benefit boots
my new distressed looking boots with fringe benefits – Ralph Lauren.  Definitely to be worn with jeans. Funky/Casual.

Boots with fringe will be HOT in colder weather.

Here’s my pick for a great casual look for rainy days:

Sorel Medina Boot
Sorel Medina Boot

SOREL Medina Boot

  • UPPER
    Waterproof vulcanized rubber upper with waterproof full-grain leather detachable gaiter
    Lycra lining on upper and felt lining on gaiter.
  • FOOTBED
    Molded EVA footbed with arch support
    Pigskin leather topcover
  • MIDSOLE
    Vulcanized rubber
  • OUTSOLE
    Handcrafted rubber outsole with herringbone design.

Price – $225.  A solid, practical all around town Vancouver bootie.

Chelsea lately!
Chelsea lately….Fashionable, Practical, Walkable – all around perfection with a solid heel.  They come at all price points but shown here are some favourites.

A solid Chelsea boot should be a staple in every woman’s closet for the fall and winter seasons.

Above: LEOPARD-PRINT CALF-HAIR “HALLOW” BOOTS, $1,295, JIMMYCHOO.COM. FAUX-PATENT-LEATHER “RONAN” BOOTS, $150, FRENCH CONNECTION, USA​.FRENCH​CONNECTION​.COM. VELVET BOOTS, $430, PENELOPE CHILVERS, SHOPBOP.COM

 What’s your preference?