Music, Tinsel, Holidays and Hope

"The connections that we discover sometimes defy logic. Logic however, is based primarily on linear human laws. In the matter of the divine, logical and linear thinking does not apply." Dave Roberts

I had a conversation this morning with a kind, gentle man; the father of Jeannine... "gone too soon". He filled my heart once again as we spoke briefly of the Compassionate Friends world wide candle lighting, he way up in NY... sharing the inspiration once again felt there in his community. The connection that is strong with the relationship now differently with his beloved daughter, the faith and spiritual connection that continues to build and grow feeding his love and his soul. A kind, gentle man he is, one that touches my heart.

Here in this time of the holidays, compassion kindness, music, tinsel and lights that color the darkness... Grief and hope seem to be strange bedfellows. The light is there within each of us only to be stirred from embers at times it seems. Music for the soul, feet to be moved into calls to action for peace, for purpose for kindness no matter the struggle, the battle, the difficulty. There is stress and joys mixed together at times clouding the wonder and magic of the season.

Time seems to go by so quickly, those moments that once were, now often etched in real or perceived memories heightened by song, by ornaments or hopes.  Snow covering the lands often remind others of times that were softer in so many ways, of memories that evoke a smile or laughter perhaps even a tear or twenty.

The hustle and bustle is on ... trees being picked with such care, or brought out from storage and puffed up as decorations are placed here there and everywhere.

Folks pausing as they exchange greetings wondering if the right greeting is the one they want to say... it seems more complicated these days.

Just for the moment, just for the now of it, it may be good to just go with what feels right, what feeds the soul in good ways. To feed the right wolf and nourish the soul.

It may be a great time to remember Dave's quote that started this blog today; to write it down and carry it in your pocket, put it on a post it note and refer to it often.
It is the time to remember that YOU defy logic and linear thinking often... when moving into and through the holidays; when walking through the grief or the music that moves you. The would ofs should ofs could ofs that seem to visit during the dark months of the year.

When we bear witness, when we care, when we get tied up in tinsel... it is easy to get wrapped up in the thoughts, the rational thoughts of feelings, emotions, and those of others.  Remember YOU, remember to take best care of you, as you walk YOUR walk... dance your dance with the music that only you can hear, feel... It is unique to only you, in your own light, your own way, your own path.

One way or the other, the holidays are here, the joy and cheer are upon us... The Elf on the shelf is being seen doing all sorts of things and those spirits of loved ones no longer with us will be surrounding us; if we are open to receive them...

 May your heart be open for hope, happiness, get joy and kindness in the days ahead.


It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

 Here's to hoping that you don't get your tinsel self tangled in emotions or traffic as you run from here to there along the way...  May the light within you find its way to shine through the hard times, the difficult times, the missing times, those "hard candy Christmas times" as you find your way and the light of others to outshine the dark times. Knowing love never dies, knowing that you are never alone.
Be gentle with yourself, be kind to yourself and to others, knowing each person is walking a path we know nothing about.

Many blessings 
Walk in Beauty
DRSES

Those moon effects are still around: Beaver Moon, Frosty Moon, Mourning Moon

Oh boy,

it's the smallest FULL MOON of the year,

it's Beaver Moon, also known as

Mourning Moon

have you been feeling it?

Let's not be fooled by the small part; after all a Full Moon is a FULL MOON

and we all know that things change with the swelling of tides, emotions, and with the magic of fullness!
This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon, maybe as it shines on the glistening, the sparkling over rivers, waters and fields as our temps go lower and lower in now what we call the winters of our season!

It's known as Beaver Moon; so as those Beavers run for their lives to protect their furs from the ones that hunt to get their winter coats, and also prepare themselves for the frost of Frosty Moon it is wise that we prepare to see all sorts of happenings today and through the week as a result of the little moon!

Depending on where you live and where you stay up late, you may just get a glimpse of  a subtle penumbra eclipse, during which the moon passes through the light penumbral shadow surrounding the umbra. The umbra is the darkest shadow of the moon cast by the Earth. It just depends on where you are, if you will have the joys of seeing this!

Guess it is safe to say, the joy of the day and this Full Moon, 

be glad you are not a beaver is my thoughts!

Just as the bushy tails, they are busy, very busy and yet now must watch out in those swamps for trappers and traps!

Here the squirrels are busy and I could swear they sit in that old Oak tree that puts out more acorns than Carters' Little liver pills on a given day into my yard and driveway just waiting for me.

It is then that I am certain they take aim, and fire those acorns with precision of our Armed Forces and are able to hit me square on the head and shoulders each and every time I walk out the door!

Yet they are gathering, but I cannot imagine where they could put them all, they now waddle when they attempt to walk.

It is the gathering season friends, 

so gather your resources wisely,

you are your most precious gift to you and to others, so take best care!

If you live near a swamp, walk gently,

if you live near an Oak tree, you might want to consider a hard hat,

and if you live ...

live beautifully with each breath of wonder and awe

as we are in the little FULLNESS OF THE MOON!

Get your attitude of gratitude and have the best day ever!

Walk in Beauty

DRSES

just Howl cos' you can!

The Holidays are officially here!

Just amazing isn't it? Still a Black Friday where people line up, stay up all night in pursuit of finding whatever it is today that they could of had last week at probably a better price... Today they will grab, get all the stuff they thing they must have, when yesterday they said they had enough and were grateful for what they had. Oh well, some things are just beyond my understanding.
If you are out and about with the crowds of "Black Friday", you are out and about with the crowds of "Black Friday". I sure hope you find all that you are looking for among the crowds while holding on to that feeling of great gratitude and thankfulness that filled the air yesterday! Just maybe you or someone you know were hitting the streets and the bargains held in many of the stores yesterday after a sumptuous meal as the doors were unlocked to those "amazing bargains", folks standing at the ready to run from aisle to aisle with happy faces and intent feet flying.  Wonder how many faces are showing those smiles out there today with happy feet? 

Oh Thanksgiving... such a day to see the posts on Facebook for the thousands of people talking of such warmth, such joy, such remarkable photographs of family, food, as they expressed such lovely sentiments of "thankfulness".  Of course those were scattered with the same political posts and opinions of others while mixed with the daily hatred/judgment of others. Let us not leave out the comical ones of adding prozac to the the Turkey so that everyone in the family could just get along and be good to each other for the day of thanks! Yep,  it does a heart, soul and spirit good to read of the thoughts of so many in unison as they give thanks on a day where so many are on the roads, sharing meals, sharing precious moments or pics of the same united traditional meals on different plates!

My question becomes this: IF that can be done once a year on a Thursday in November, why oh why can't it catch on for every day of the year? OK, maybe not turkey with all the trimmings... but the attitude of gratitude should, could and is attainable.

We don't need the "Black Friday" as the follow-up to clean dishes and over filled bellies, the Adrenalin surge as we try to find a parking place, then running like our lives depend on it into the stores with wild eyes to find the "next best thing" on sale as the motivator to keep going. Do we?

What is it that they are wanting so badly anyway? Is it the thrill, the excitement, the t-shirt that says, "I survived Walmart/Mall Black Friday?"

As I sit in the quiet, having coffee, wondering what in the world this world has come to... I am still filled with remarkable gratitude, I am so thankful for each and every person who has walked in and through my life. Some for a reason, many for a lesson... I am still full from that turkey of yesterday, still tickled by the 4 leggeds who stood in turn for their turkey bites and those tongues of theirs savoring each little bite.

Oh how grateful my heart is, how thankful I am for each moment of this precious life.

Wishing you a tongue licking weekend... Hope you have leftovers for that fantastic turkey sandwich later today... nothing like it.

Black Friday... Super Saturday... and of course after a long and wonderful weekend, folks can sit back and click on buttons for the famous
"cyber monday" for even a better deal. There's no crowds to fight, no running from store to store, no Adrenalin surges nor parking places to maneuver...  As Olivia would say, "Whatever floats your goat"!

Get your gratitude on and just go with it! It's official now... I myself saw Santa cruise past Macy's in the parade! Everyone can blast the Christmas music, pull out the tinsel, start those decorations and get those happy Elfs out on the shelves. Yes Yes, oh yes, You can say Merry Christmas and and be just as merry as gay as ya want to be!  Just be KIND.... and don't believe everything you read.

Walk in beauty,
DRSES

author of:
Down The Hallway
Healing Heartaches
Chronic Pain with John Argent
www.authordrsherryeshowalter.com

Happy Day of Thanks

Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving! May the blessings surround you, the feelings of gratitude begin your holiday season while carrying you into the new year.

May you feel the attitude of gratitude with each step you take!

It's the day of thanks. May your "thanks" be plentiful and your giving be continual.

On to the Parade... I hope you are smelling great smells as you settle in for a day of joy.

 My heart if filled with great gratitude... for all who gather.

Wado!

Walk in beauty
DRSES

June 3... Happy Birthday Granny, those memories

Once again... a day that will always be remembered, memories that will always be held sacred. A heart that still beats in the hearts of all that are still here. Sometimes you just have to wonder what Granny has been up to there on the other side, but at times there is no wondering what she would be thinking...

"a-li-he-li-s-di ~ u-de-ti-yi-s-gv-i" 
(Cherokee for Happy Birthday) 
"e-ni-si" [Cherokee for] Grandmother

WAdo~

Look for dancing all over the skies

today, might just see something special or hear the Thunder drum

it will be Granny and the spirits

celebrating her special day, our beginnings as well,

and

a day we celebrated her

and

I still do! Oh she loved surprises and celebrations, and parties, good music and a wrapped present, and a card to shake to see if that green stuff fell out of it!

Dance on beloved Granny

in the lights

of the other side.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdjcha_you-ll-alway-be-the-wind-beneath-my_people


"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.” 
Winnie the Pooh
/*\


Get in that happy place of yours
and block the door
so that no one can get to you or it
haha
Unless invited that is.
best of all things to all of you
Remember
if you don't like something ... change it.
If you cannot change it... change your attitude about it
and your
reaction.
That may be all that is needed to enhance your coping strategy.
then practice practice practice
THE BRAIN THRIVES ON COSISITENCY
so give it consistent messages
and
you will have consistent results
at your command
cos
you command the brain, the one that lives inside your head anyway!
~
Those memories... Love is eternal
 

Walk In Beauty
DRSES
author of
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/
order your autographed copies above!

Wishing each of you the best of all things, here, there and just everywhere. 
Dr. Sherry

Tarpon Springs, NYC... The Thin Blue Line

May the families, friends, communities find comfort with each other in some way, in some time, in some place. Thank you officers for your service.

My heart is heavy.

The Compassionate Friends will soon light the night sky; Remembering

As December begins, the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many are missing those who have gone before us. Many many are filled with memories when their lives were brighter somehow but now stand in the sea of grief. The holidays can be harsh for those missing loved ones. It is soon to be the time when folks will gather around the globe to remember the children, ALL the children who have died. 

The Compassionate Friends will once again bring together what is perhaps the largest gathering of folks to light the candles in remembrance of those children, ALL children, all ages, all causes who are "gone too soon".

Worldwide Candle Lighting

 
 People will gather, in large and small groups around our globe  in fellowship. Some for the first time, in shock, in numbness, with such profound new grief. 
They will be met by others who have walked grief's path; others will join once again  with hugs and that knowing look in their eyes. They have walked a path of pain, of such loss that brings them together in unity.. Some will arrive around 6pm to help set up the room, they will break bread together, some will have music playing as they find their seats, as they look for familiar faces, or see themselves in the faces of others.

At 7pm they will be lighting candles for one hour to honor, to stand, to share the light of those no longer here.
Imagine the sight around our globe and the light of healing.

visualize the memories of the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who left too soon. As candles are lit at 7:00 p.m. local time, hundreds of thousands of people join their love and energy as they  commemorate and honor the memory of all children gone too soon.

Many who cannot attend, many who have not lost their own child, but love and care deeply, will also be lighting candles in or at their homes. It is powerful, it is healing, it is for the children, and also for those still here. IT is a flame to inspire those holding those candles to embrace the light.

Now believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on the globe, the 17th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting, a gift to the bereavement community from The Compassionate Friends, creates a virtual 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone.

 Started in the United States in 1997 as a small internet observance, but has since swelled in numbers as word has spread throughout the world of the remembrance. Hundreds of formal candle lighting events are held and thousands of informal candle lightings are conducted in homes as families gather in quiet remembrance of children who have died, but will never be forgotten.

When we talk about children; we talk about the tiniest to those who have grown. To those who died suddenly, those with rare or common disease, to those who went to bed and never woke up, to human error in medical settings, to those who made bad choices, to those who were victims of accidents, of horrendous happenings.

All were; ALL ARE LOVED beyond measure by someone; parents, siblings, grandparents, communities, friends. All are missed, all are mourned. All are remembered always.

The pain of grief has its way with folks during the holidays' ... it can be sneaky, it can be forceful. It can also be better handled when acknowledged, when faced...

Say their names, honor them.

Ask yourself: "How can I live my life as the legacy now?" "How would my loved one want me to dance now?"

I wish you the strength to heal, the desire to move into your holiday wanting to be more than the emotions that are sometimes so powerful that you find yourself wanting to scream.

Just SCREAM... and notice how your body feels, how you feel. Know that is ok, if that is what you need to do. 
Just keep moving, one step then two; working hard  to move on with life finding gratitude that you are still here to say their names and to live your life in a way that all are proud of.

Walk in beauty,

Check out where those gatherings are happening.
buckle up your courage, join us!


"So that their lights may always shine" the world will be lighting those candles.

I do believe we are also lighting those candles "so that their light reminds the holder of the candles that they can; if they choose, to shine on, differently... yet brightly within"


Know that you are being thought of around the globe, and that we will light those candles together so that their lights may shine brighter.

 
DRSES