NEW YEARS EVE 2009!

BEWARE OF FIREWATER

ON NEW YEARS EVE!!!

Heeehe... Oh those sweet memories of me making Granny pose for this picture!!! Never thought I would have the opportunity to use it for a message for New Years Eve!  Those going out or staying in for New Years, please use caution when imbibing of "firewater"... aka, adult beverages! Moderation is the key if you celebrate!

This is it... the 365th day of the year... whew, and quite a year it has been.

1904 started the first New Years Eve celebration at Times Square!

Sir Anthony Hopkins was born on December 31, as was Donna Summer! Perhaps it is your birthday as well, and if so... Happy Birthday to you!

In 1985 Ricky Nelson died; in 1997 Floyd Cramer died on December 31. Great talents both.

On New Years Eve more than 4,100 men and women will have died defending our freedom in Iraq. God Bless them, their families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers as you lay your head on your pillow tonight. Take a moment and send good thoughts of love and support to those who are fighting to defend our freedoms today, I pray they come home to us safely and think of those who love them.  Freedom isn't free.

The ending of 2009 is here; time to say so long to a year that has probably had more ups and downs than any year before for so many... And yes it is true, bad things happen to good people; always has, always will. Rather than say "why me", some say, "why not me". We are all so very blessed in so many ways, but at times it is difficult to see the blessings and we must look through different eyes and try harder. And at times we need just look at the path of others to realize that we indeed are fortunate.

I won't begin to touch on all the many things that run through my mind as 2009 draws to an end after all, those who are reading this have their own thoughts of the year as well; have walked their own paths and endured their own joys and heartaches. Each different, some similar to others I suppose.

Please remember, these pages are collections of thoughts; only thoughts... my thoughts.

Here we are; all preparing to say so long to another year; some are preparing for great times tonight, while others will stay at home, snuggle in and hope to stay awake to watch the many and varied festivities on television.  The ball will again drop at Times Square with millions standing in the cold to be a part of the controlled chaos!  Always wanted to do that, but these days am quite content just watching from my couch!

We will probably have a fire in the fireplace here in Florida, and engage in a serious competition bowling with the WII, and ultimately be beaten by the 8 year old! (I just hate that!) He even bowled a perfect 300 while visiting and of course the Godmother then had to make him a 4 scoop milkshake for a celebration! Ah but the pleasures of being a champion of WII bowling as Kamryn is!

We will be content to be at home sharing our last evening of our holidays, attempting to stay awake long enough to ring in the New Year!  Seems its easier for the younger ones somehow! We have missed Angie terribly, but had she been here the boys would be without pierced ears and I wouldn't have gotten in trouble! heehe  She has provided care to the folks at Highland Ridge and they appreciate her, so perhaps next year... she will get the time to be with us!

Laughter will fill our home again tonight, and we will count our many blessings once again that we have this night. But we will also have our moments of remembering... remembering those who are not with us. We will choose how to get through those reflections of sadness and of missing, and we will individually make the decisions that will impact the rest of our little tribe here at home. We'll make the phone calls that need to be made, connecting with those that aren't with us because of distance and circumstance. I will whet my breath and connect with those who are on the other side, and Granny will be here with us... she always is.  She lets us know she is close by, we all can feel her presence. She is in each heartbeat, in the sound of the laughter and the silliness and even some of the expressions that are used without a thought.

The first day of 2010 will find us talking about plans and hopes for the new year; even some of those resolutions. I find that keeping it simple works best. Taking one day at a time; small goals leading to larger hopes and then building from there. Perhaps I'll watch that video about "abs of steel" again and hope to get Michele Obama arms this year. Maybe I will even get off the couch a couple of times as I watch the video this time around, but I'm not making any promises or time lines! Remember, you don't want to set yourself up for disappointments!!! Again I will remind you... BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF! You are your best resource.

But for today; those who are with loved ones and those who are alone will find creative ways to cope and to heal; find ways to say good bye to the old as preparations begin to step into 2010!  Perhaps you will even find the courage to dance into 2010, after all the rhythm of life is there waiting...

For those who are alone, I hope you can find healthy ways to reach out and find support. Look carefully... faith communities are usually a good start; if you are grieving the loss of a loved one check out your local hospice for their bereavement group offerings. http://www.nhpco.org/  is a good place to look for hospices in your area or location.

If you are needing an individual therapist, remember to interview until you find a good fit: finding a good therapist is like shoes; you need a good fit! It is not a one size fits all situation! Support is important for everyone; take that step out of your comfort zone and make phone calls looking for support that is right for you. Look online, make phone calls, ask around to find what you need; ask your physician, ask your faith community, ask your neighbor, ask hospice... there is no shame in asking for what you need! Be wary of things that sound too good to be true... check things out.

Blessings to you and those you love.

I wish you enough.

Happy New Year!

Walk In Beauty!

Thanks to those who have commented and left their thoughts on the book, and purchased Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life! I am honored by your reviews and thoughts.

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

Order your autographed copies at:

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

SEE YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR FIRST!

Somedays You Just Gotta Laugh

and then

Laugh Some More!!!

Let me start this blog by saying... I love the comments! They show me that folks are really reading these words, and that just tickles me pink!

OK, let me begin by saying this: before engaging in any exercise program(s) you should consult your physician!

Now that I've said that, I will also tell you that I have never claimed nor will ever claim to be an expert on exercise or dietary matters... but I do know this! Gentle stretching is good for all of us, and it will help in ways you cannot imagine. I have also heard it said that if you eat several small meals throughout the day that you will feel great. I of course am not very good at that, but have heard others tell of the great benefit of doing so.  There is a website (webmd.com) that could be a great resource for you if you do not have access to a physician to discuss these matters with.

Blue moon is coming... the 31st on New Years Eve and I am so excited to see it! Yes, you can't find fault with a beautiful moon. It soothes the soul to be sure. I am reminded of Jessi Colter singing her bluesy rendition of "Blue Moon Out My Window"... wow that song takes me back a few years!

Blue Moons and a howling wolf and mournful wolf... hmmm..

Wolf totem:

Wolves have the stamina of ultimate of warriors, they are known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit of prey. They are unfortunately highly misunderstood animals, who have gained the reputation of being cold blooded. In reality wolves are friendly and social creatures. Aggression is something they avoid, preferring rather to growl or create a posture to show dominance.

Even though living in close knit packs provide wolves with a strong sense of family, they are still able to maintain their individuality. Wolves represent the spirit of freedom, but they realize that having individual freedom requires having responsibilities. Sounding familiar yet?

The wolf is a teacher and finder of pathways, he comes when we need guidance in our lives. Those who have a Wolf Totem will move on to teach others about sacredness and spirituality. Wolf can also teach how to balance the responsibility of family needs and not to lose one's personal identity.

Wolf teaches us to develop strength and confidence in our decisions. He shows we will learn to trust our insights once we learn how to value our inner voice. There is where many find the biggest struggle... inner voice/wisdom/trust.
This wisdom ultimately keeps us from inappropriate moves or action.
If wolf appears in your life examine where you need to develop more confidence and if you need more balance between friends, family, and yourself.

So as we approach the blue moon and the last of 2009; look within for the decisions and choices you will make in the new year!

Walk In Beauty!


Dr Sherry E Showalter, PhD, LCSW, BCD, MMsc,

author of
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.healingheartaches.com/
http://drsherryeshowalter.com/

COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR!

Granny was "da original bomb"

This photo is in Healing Heartaches and speaks to the memories and the wonderment of Granny! Her spirit lives on through the stories and through the lives of those who love her!

I have read the comments of readers and cannot help but be curious as to how many people actually do read these blogs... but I suppose I will never know just how far these blogs actually travel! To those who are reading and those who are commenting, I thank you!

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life is available on the website and now on Amazon.com as well. Of course if you order on the website listed at the end of these blogs, you will have an autographed copy! Autographed books are indeed more valuable you know...

Happy Birthday to Mary Tyler Moore who was born on this day!!!

This takes me to my thoughts for the day... I began this as the countdown to the New Year as we are but 2 days away from 2010!  This is usually the time when people are reflecting... thinking about the things and ways of the past year; all those many thoughts of what has been so to speak. And in doing this, it becomes also that time of "resolutions" for the New Year!

The problem with "resolutions for the New Year" as I see it... folks just bite off more than they can reasonably chew... they resolve to lose 100 pounds in 4 months; they resolve to stop smoking in 6 weeks; to stop eating chocolate in 1 day; to lower their cholesterol in two weeks by eating 5 bowls of cheerios a day; buns of steel if we but watch a video for 30 minutes a day for six weeks!  And so it goes... Disappointment is a bitter pill to swallow when things don't work out the way we hope and in the fast lane that we want to travel. Remember, we live in a fast paced world of fast food, high speed Internet and "git er done" mentalities. This may be one of the biggest reasons that we also have such difficulty with loss and grief issues... we are used to fast results and have little patience when things and issues take more time than others or than we think is reasonable!

Friends and family grow tired of hearing our stories; tired of hearing our troubles... they do not know how to help us! When we fall short of our self-imposed goals (often unrealistic to begin with), we then feel we are at fault! We find depression, sadness, and misery become our closest companion... Remember the expression: misery loves company???  Try not to make that expression your truth...

The best resolutions may be those that involve:

• SELF CARE
• BEING GENTLE WITH YOU AND OTHERS
• EATING WELL
• REGULAR EXERCISE
• GENTLE STRETCHING
• JOURNAL WRITING IN A NOTEBOOK OF YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, DAILY EVENTS THAT ONLY YOU SEE
• JOINING A SUPPORT GROUP IF YOU ARE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE AND ARE SEEKING SUPPORT OF OTHERS WHO ARE WALKING A SIMILAR PATH
• LAUGH OFTEN
• LEARN TO PLAY
• GET A MASSAGE, PEDICURE, MANICURE
• DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
• READ AND WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT YOU READ
• TAKE A WARM SOAK, AND THEN WATCH WORRIES GO DOWN THE DRAIN
• DEDICATE TIME FOR  RITUAL
• BELIEVE YOU ARE A SURIVOR
• LAUGH, LOVE, LIVE YOUR LIFE WELL
• PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
• TAKE A RESPITE FROM YOUR PAIN TO CARE FOR OTHERS
• BALANCER SOLITUDE WITH SOCIABILITY
• AGAIN... STEP GENTLY INTO THE NEW YEAR!

I welcome and encourage your comments here.

Walk In Beauty

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

A Bubble, A Boy and two dogs

It just doesn't get much better than this!

Sometimes it's the little things that bring the most joy in life; blowing bubbles, sitting in your new robe that Santa brought and holding the little four-legged's hostage!

For the rest of us; we get pleasure from watching such antics; finding the silliness and humor enough to fill our hearts and plant new memories that will last us through another year.

It has been a wonderful holiday; one filled with great times of laughter and fun. We've told stories of "back in the day", times when those who have died were alive and quite well, reciting those memories like they were yesterday.

We are the keepers of the legacies.

It is up to us to pass the stories along to the boys; to each other making sure we all remember and that we share in the telling as we keep those who we love alive in our hearts and a part of our traditions and holidays.

I hope that those I have been honored to walk alongside of have found healing pathways to keep their loved ones alive through the stories and through the traditions of this holiday season as well. I do recognize that it is not always easy; it is often painful-loveliness as we recall, remember and include those who have died into our celebrations.  It may help to remember that as long as we live they too shall live, as long as we remember them.

We are their legacies.

• Happy Birthday to Denzel Washington! I do so love that man!
• There are three more days left in this year!

Today's thought is quite simple:

Love those who matter, tell them everyday... Laugh with them, have fun with them... Enjoy them like there is no tomorrow!

Celebrate your day by doing something special for YOU today.

Walk in Beauty

author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

Dr Sherry E Showalter

Thank-you to all who have written such lovely emails and great reviews of the book! I have read each and every one!!!

Order your autographed copies of Healing Heartaches at:

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

~ DECEMBER 27, 2009 ~

It's the little pleasures!

Angie was pleased as punch to show off her socks!

It's almost noon time ... on this Sunday morning!

I must have been tired as I am just now getting to the computer

to send out this days' blog~ Yet another first... me late, very very late to get to my day's thoughts!

• It is the 361st day of the year
• 4 days left in 2009
• In 1932 Radio City opened in New York!
• In 1901 Marlene Dietrich was born!
• In 1943 Cokie Roberts was born!
• In 2009 at Christmas time a terrorist tries to take down a plane with fireworks, UNSUCCESSFULLY.

Brrr, there is a chill in the Florida air today; feels like winter to be sure. The family is here; we are having the best of times! Of course there are moments, probably the same moments those of you with families at your home are having as well. Each with their own ways and expectations; each with their own thoughts that sometimes collide like ships in the night! The good news is that those collisions are temporary; the balance is restored quickly, and the next "hallmark moment" right around the corner. People are funny at times.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing today; you are finding peace, you are creating joy around you no matter the circumstance, no matter the surroundings, no matter how near or far those you love may be.

Ah... my cuz Angie is working again today, there in Virginia with the residents Highland Ridge Nursing Home and we are missing her! But we talk often and bring her up to date on what we are doing here in Florida. Her latest update: The Godmother took the boys and had their ears pierced!!! Oh boy was that surprise a real surprise and met with "You did what"?

heehe...

She still loves me, but it took some time and the boys are thrilled as they gaze in the mirror admiring their diamonds shining as they profile and grin... another first with the Godmother! That's what Godmothers' are for .... right?

So for today I leave you with this thought:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"

Walk In Beauty!

From the author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss & Life

order your autographed copies at:

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com

~ DECEMBER 26, 2009 ~

Whew.. we survived!

Jeepers is exhausted, doesn't he look it!!!

Ole St Nick is back at the North Pole.. he probably packed on more than a few pounds after his trip around the world and the tons of cookies and more than I can imagine the number of glasses of milk that he must have consumed in order to wash them all down... Church bells were ringing as millions rejoiced in the birth of the baby Jesus; children' eyes sparkled with glee as they found presents under the tree. Children of all ages I might add!

The day was filled with "hallmark moments", laughter, tears and reminiscence of days past, present with those near and those far way. Dinners were varied and most often plentiful; parades were found on T.V.'s around the world... Our troops waited hours to get their moments by satellite in order to hear those wonderful voices of loved ones back at home, while others stood at the ready... protecting and defending our freedoms of our great nation.

Today finds the stores preparing to open and 0500AM; folks are hitting the beds early last night; with grand plans of shopping this morning! Many are returning to work; hoping for an easy day today! Most are exhausted, all over the globe! Heading out early; some to return gifts that were too big, too small, just not right, or just not what they had hoped for! But most will go in search of the illusive sales; hoping to find the bargain of the day... The hustle and bustle will fill the roads and the stores; the madness will continue! 

There are 5 more days remaining in 2009... soon the focus will shift and we will all look to the New Year; some making plans for New Years Eve, while others plan to stay at home and make special plans to hope and watch the ball drop (if they can stay awake!).  Others will begin to think about those resolutions they will make for a new year...

In 1972 Harry S Truman died

In 1974 Jack Benny Died

n 1998 Iraq announced its intention to fire up the US and Britain war planes that patrolled the Northern and Southern "no-fly zones.

In 2004 measuring 9.0 magnitude earthquake created a tsunami that killed 230,000 people. The animals tried to warn people before the tsunami and did the Elders but many did not heed their warnings.

Today is the beginning of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration held in the United States honoring the Universal African heritage and culture. It is marked by lighting a "kinara" (candle holder) and is observed from 12/26 - 01/01.  Happy Kwanzaa!

Somehow the fox comes to me this morning so I shall give you a bit of information of the fox totem!  Probably the most prominent characteristic of the fox is its ability to become one with its environment. This is a great time of the year when we think of the holidays and after holiday shopping to think of fox spirit.

Its brown summer coat will render it almost invisible in the forest while its white wintry coat allows it to blend in quiet nicely with the snow. The fox is a very observant critter and an amazingly fast animal, always on the ready to take action at any time. Its power lies in its cleverness;for example when leading its enemies astray.

A powerful teacher of this totem is the reminder for us in its concern for its family. People who claim the power of the fox are usually quiet observers and are skilled at remaining unnoticed. This means that they blend into their environment; moving around unnoticed in any kind of company and society. They are masters of camouflage; but always at the ready to come forward when needed to protect the family or those they feel strong kinship with.
For the spirit of fox this morning I give thanks... and so it is good!
The fox teaches how to grasp concept of unity, family, purpose and mindfulness while learning to use this knowledge wisely on all levels.
 
2010 is upon us! Resolutions are tough ones, most begin with weight loss; exercise, and often unrealistic goals ... I think that people often will set themselves up by setting these bars too high for themselves, which will result in too unrealistic a goal, making sabotage and disappoint a bit too easy. When results are not seen in a hurry we often just give up or give in ~~~ and then depression or anger try to take over. I would suggest you start small and work tall with your goals for the new year... Do make choices that will lead to success and build on those successes one step at a time. Rejoice in the success! Celebrate you and your accomplishments one day at a time.
 
For today... celebrate that you survived the holidays...
 
And... should you be one of those brave souls that wander out to the malls, remember to use patience; kindness and humor! It will help you today in all ways!
 
Walk In Beauty
 
 
Dr Sherry E Showalter
 
author of Healing Heartaches Stories of Loss and Life
order your autographed copies at:
 
http://www.healingheartaches.com/
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/
 
The reviews are coming in with folks saying, "I love it"

~ MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE ~

WOW

SANTA CAME LAST NIGHT ~~

Merry Christmas Everyone! Santa made his rounds last night all over the world... The boys here in Florida woke us at 0730 this morning, wild eyed and ready . . . to see if Santa had arrived in the night! The first clue was a good sign indeed... the peanut butter cookies and milk were GONE, all gone, with crumbs on the floor which the dogs immediately took care of with great delight!

And then to our wondering eyes we looked ... and with great delight and screams.... there were presents under the tree!!!! YIPPEE!!!

Kamryn immediately began to search and dig, finding presents and distributing gifts to all. The age old tradition a bit changed this year; this year Kamryn under the tree reading and giving presents to all. Coffee was brewing; the excitement mounts, music blaring... we're ready!!!

Wishing you and yours the best Christmas day ... Whether with family or apart; whether alone this year or mobbed with tradition, take care of you and those you love. Hold tight memories of holidays past; each reminder of beauty once known.

Know in your soul that this day will find its moments of profound joy and profound sadness, but it is how you choose to live it that really matters; it is what you choose to do with your day that really counts.

I wish you enough.

Walk In Beauty

Dr Sherry E Showalter and family

author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss & Life

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

~ CHRISTMAS EVE 2009 ~

It's Christmas Eve

The Tree is decorated!

Hard to believe... but here it is, Christmas eve morning. The house is quiet, all is still and all is well with the world inside the walls I like to call home. Whew... and how are you this morning?

I'd like to think morning has found you well; stretching from a good night's sleep; up and ready to greet your day! It's an interesting, fun and exciting day and evening to be sure...

Senate Democrats on Wednesday voted in a show of unity in the face of intense GOP opposition to cut off a bitter debate on their version of President Obama's health insurance overhaul, setting up a final passage vote on Christmas eve.

The Senate voted 60-39 to advance the legislation to the finish line with a final passage vote scheduled for 7 a.m. ET Thursday, the first Christmas eve vote since 1895, according to a Senate historian.
 
Now isn't that just something? haha  And to think; I thought it newsworthy that this year I got a "live Christmas tree"!!!
 
You can now track Santa on noradsanta.org  which I find fascinating and plan to check on periodically through the night! You can follow Santa in six languages now on the computer or have updates sent to your cell phone... this is very important information to know... particularly on such a special night!
 
The reindeer are on the ready: so given that they are stars in the show of Santa getting where he is headed (to my house of course!), let me introduce you to the reindeer totem!
 
The reindeer is a family-oriented totem, skillful in communication and varied social activities. This totem is a born-leader and reminds us to welcomes any opportunity to guide others in his herd into new directions.
Reindeer has an innocent demeanor and is helpful to friends and family both those of blood and of choice.
This totem teaches us how to adapt to community concerns, while being receptive to the needs of others . "All for one, and One for all" could easily be the motto for this totem. If a reindeer makes its appearance in your life; the lesson may very well be that it is time for you to step up and take an active role in caring for the herd.
If you have become isolated it may be asking you to take on a leadership role in getting everyone to work as a team. Or, if you currently have a domineering role, you may need to look and see if you are overshadowing others with your ideals and in that case perhaps take a more relaxed pace; allowing others to take the lead.
Reindeer totem shows us guidance as primary role. Be a kind and helpful teacher, not a bossy one.
It is little wonder that Rudolph (who would be categorized with other mystical totems) with his beacon red-light nose was chosen by Santa to guide his team of reindeer into the foggy Christmas Eve night.
Look around you, look within... ....
 
HO HO HO ....
 
Walk In Beauty!
 
Christmas Eve Blessings from the author of:
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss & Life
 
http://www.healingheartaches.com/
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/
 
 
 
 
 

Rainbows at Christmas Time

Christmas week is going quickly.... many are busy running here, running there, doing this and doing that... going, going and going some more...

This is the 357th day of the year, only 8 days left of 2009! Isn't that amazing? Where did the year go... seems to go by quick these days. Each day with its own set of challenges, struggles and even miracles. We must be mindful and make the choice: is the glass half-empty or half-full.... it is a choice we make!

In 1954 the first human kidney transplant was performed in Boston on this day! We've come a long way baby . . .

In 1970 the North Tower of the World Trade Center is topped out at 1,368 feet making it the tallest building in the world... and in 2001 our world stood still as that building changed the landscape forever in the hearts of a nation.

But for today, December 23, 2009 ... many are frantically wrapping up those last minute gifts while others are packing and preparing for trips to loved ones near and far.  Still others are preparing for the holidays differently than ever before, each making their own path; finding their own way...

Some are celebrating and having parties at work; bosses are showing appreciation to their staff with gifts and/or bonuses at year end. Bonuses that reflect an employee's dedication and often their value to the work or to the boss.  Some may do well to just give a card as opposed to risk the under-appreciation that may be felt (particularly if the gift is less valuable than previous years and the output is greater than could have ever been hoped for).  But often folks forget; they tend to overlook their most valued assets until it is too late... ah but for the spirit of the holidays to remind us of the value of the gifts of humankind.

And so it goes... a kind word, a thoughtful deed, a meaningful letter when finances are not there or times are tough can mean so much. Random acts of kindness from the heart are priceless it seems and never go out of style. The magic of rainbows in winter and the twinkle of lights will always amaze the child within no matter the age or circumstance.

A Ojibwa Tribe Legend about Rainbow!

As we pause to think of today's many achievements and the deeds of great ones it is interesting to learn what the Iroquois Indians thought of the heavenly bodies 2,000 years ago.

They believed the blue sky was a rich  fertile land where everything for man and animal grew in abundance. The Sun and Moon were man and wife who had come down through a hole in the sky each morning and returned back through another hole to better land at night.

Heng, the Thunder God, grew angry at the Sun as he watched the Moon grow thinner and fade away. Believing the Sun was mistreating- his wife, the-God cast a great black cloud across the Sun's shining face, not realizing the heat would melt the cloud and drops of rain would result in a magnificent rainbow.

Upon seeing, the multi colored rainbow, the animals were anxious to travel the path to this land above. They went to Turtle,  and begged to ascend the path. Ignoring warning of possible danger they ran up the rainbow. The animals did not realize that once the rain stopped, the rainbow would soon disappear and when that happened they were all left in the sky. The Iroquois claimed the gods outlined the animals' bodies in stars and some of our constellations are still known for the animal shapes they represent today. So there you go! A story for you on the week of Christmas...


Walk In Beauty,

author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.healingheartaches.com/
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/


p/s: Having a blast with the fam -1 Angie! We miss ya, Ang; and think about you while planning the next meal and riding around looking at the lights of night!

Magical Moments

Even Magic is excited! He has Kamryn and D'Vante here to play with; to run with and growl at and to kiss and lick like crazy... The puppies feel it, we feel it; the excitement is in the air, and the air in Florida is chilly this morning to be sure...brrr, think the family brought the cold from Virginia with them to the sunshine state.

The real tree is up, hope to have pictures soon! It is quite an event I must tell you. This new and real pretty fir,  it's a thirsty one and those ever fresh and fragrant little needles find their way all around the house already... hmmm, starting to understand why the artificial one has made it so long! But, it is wonderful and the ornaments are being placed with loving care. I, of course broke the first one I touched this year ~~~ and the rite of passage for the Godson's is working quite well.  #1 Godson took special care to place the tree "just right" in the stand... and then extra special care to "place the star on the top, again ... just right".  The little one, Kamryn is the "supervisor" so far and lets us know where we need more; or less and where to move things... he seems more concerned that we make peanut butter cookies for the man in Red as he has heard that is an all time favorite! He is also concerned that there be adequate space under the tree for presents, which brings me to the next subject of the day.

Do you and yours give presents during the holidays? Do you draw names? Do you go overboard?? Have you decided to just stop giving gifts as no one really needs anything this year??? Perhaps just cutting back, or coming to the realization we all have too much "stuff" and don't want to add more!!!

We decided to not give presents this year; to make it a year of experiential gifts of sorts (going to see xmas lights, going to shows, day trips, ect..) ... well, not being a materialistic person, I must tell you I have given this much thought... and ... I don't like it!

So, I have decided that it is just not right to not have presents under the tree, just not at all right if you will... after all what will hold those shiny needles and keep them from spreading all over the floor, or will keep the ornaments from shattering should they fall to the floor?  That is probably one really good thing about presents being under a tree... they serve as buffers of sorts. It is so pretty seeing all the colors; hearing all the rustle and watching all the joy in the eyes of those as they open and throw the paper around! Granny used to chase you around a room to get her present; it didn't matter the hour of night or day; if you walked in with a stack of presents you better watch out... she would find you and chase you down for hers!!! What joy and fun those days were.

But for today; the Godson's are having fun, they are enjoying the hot-tub, they are wondering where the Florida sun has gone... the family is having some of those "hallmark moments", and we are missing Angie who is in Virginia working and caring for those she works for... And the pace is getting faster here, folks trying to "get it all done" as the holidays are here... but for Mom, Linda, Dorothy, Ode, Kamryn, me and the four-leggeds, we are tucked in and we are blessed...

Magic hasn't bitten anyone yet, but it's not close to Christmas yet!!! haha and the others are too little to care, they just like to bark and have fun chasing each other all day!

All is merry and all is bright!

Well this year, I am covering all the bases here at home... the doors will be left ajar, the chimney cleared and the flue open... the lights on so that he can see; the kids will be locked in a closet to prevent them from peeking and scaring the man in the red suit... I am going to all the Malls this week and standing in line, just to sit on his lap and tell him where I live; remind him that I have been very good and that the kids are baking peanut butter cookies... I will wait and I will remind him that I didn't head butt any little kids to get ahead of the line ( think I'll take Kamryn with me for a front, he is a cute one!)

Yep, I'm covering all the bases since we have this moratorium on gifts this year... I'm leaving it up to my steadfast belief...

Yes, Dr Showalter, there is a Santa Claus... and so it is... and for that I give thanks! And it is good ~

See it ~~ Believe it ~~~ Receive It!

Expect a Miracle!

Be Kind

Pay It Forward, Today and Everyday

Be Gentle with You

When All Else Fails, Hug YOU...

Extend your hand to someone

Smile, Laugh, Dance, Embrace the Moment

Enjoy the little things in Life

"Have you been a good boy/girl this year" HO HO HO

"And what do you want for Christmas"

Walk In Beauty

Author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

Order your autographed copies at:

http://healingheartaches.com/

http://drsherryeshowalter.com/

Happy Winter Solstice!

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/

Happy Winter Solstice!

Meet Sweet Gypsy

Happy Winter Solstice to one and all! We sure do miss you Cuzzie, hope you are doing OK up there in Virginia ... heaven knows you can't miss us much as often as the phone and face-book chats are happening !!!

"The December solstice will occur at 17:47 (or 5.47pm) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 21, 2009. It is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences" (timeanddate.com)

So Happy Winter Solstice to all!

And so....

Christmas was first added to the Roman Catholic Church calendar as a religious feast day in the fourth century A.D. But Christmas is not the only celebration held around this time of year. December 25 was a significant date for various early cultures. The ancient Babylonians believed the son of the queen of heaven was born on December 25. The Egyptians celebrated the birth of the son of the fertility goddess Isis on the same date, while ancient Arabs contended that the moon was born on December 24. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a feast named for Saturn, god of agriculture, on December 21.

Before European contact, the Indian tribes of North America did not celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, since they hadn't heard of him. However, many of the American Indian people of North America have been Christianised for several hundred years. Over this time, customs which were introduced to them by the missionaries, have become adapted to the native cultures, and are an integral part of their Christmas traditions today, just as they are in most American homes. Although still today many celebrate all faiths within spirituality of oneness, or a Metaphysical approach to the Universal power of oneness!


Many Native American people found that the story of Christmas and Christ's birth fulfilled tribal prophecies and found the message of Jesus to be consistent with the truth that was handed down by their ancestors.


Christmas wasn't always celebrated in the US the way it is today. In fact, the Puritans of Massachusetts banned any observance of Christmas, and anyone caught observing the holiday had to pay a fine. Connecticut had a law forbidding the celebration of Christmas and the baking of mincemeat pies. A few of the earliest settlers did celebrate Christmas, but it was far from a common holiday in the colonial era.


Before the Civil War, the North and South were divided on the issue of Christmas. Most Northerners thought it was a sinful display, while Southerners saw it as an important social occasion. The first three states to make Christmas a legal holiday were in the South: Alabama in 1836, Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838. It did not become a US National holiday until 1870.

Christmas celebrations and traditions, as most of us in the US celebrate them today, became more common in America during the mid-1800s. The introduction of Christmas services in Sunday schools reduced religious opposition to a secular festival, as opposed to a somber religious day, while the Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol popularized the holiday as a family event, and women's magazines promoted the ideas of decorating for this holiday.


Some scholars suspect that Christians chose to celebrate Christ's birth on December 25 to make it easier to convert the pagan tribes. Referring to Jesus as the “light of the world” also fit with existing pagan beliefs about the birth of the sun. The ancient “return of the sun” philosophy had been replaced by the “coming of the son” message of Christianity.


Many Native Americans in North America, and Aboriginal groups elsewhere in the world, as well as other pagan religions such as Wicca, did observe a celebration near Christmas time, called the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year and falls on December 21-22 and was celebrated in the Americas long before European influence arrived. Different Indian tribes associate different beliefs and rituals with it.


For example, the Hopi tribal celebrations are dedicated to giving aid and direction to the sun which is ready to return and give strength to new life. Their ceremony is called Soyal. It lasts for 20 days and includes prayerstick making, purification, rituals, and a concluding rabbit hunt, feast and blessings.

The First Native American Christmas Carol


The first written native American Christmas carol was written down by a Jesuit missionary priest, Friar Jean de Brebeuf, around 1640-41, for the Huron Indians. The Hurons built a small chapel of fir trees and bark in honor of the manger at Bethlehem. This became the 'stable' where Jesus was born. Some Hurons travelled as much as two days to be there for the Christmas celebration.

The animals at the manger were the Fox, the Buffalo and the Bear. The Hurons also made a traditional tent of skins and their nativity figures were all dressed as native Americans. This Huron Carol, originally written in the Huron language and later translated to French, has become a well known and much loved carol today.

Santa Claus, St. Nicolas, or Handsome Fellow, a Native American Santa


The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sinter Klaas. This tradition was brought with the Dutch people who settled Amsterdam, New York.






Our modern day version of how Santa Claus should look comes from the Christmas poem A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the general public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast.


Countless legends are told about the Patron Saint of Giving known as St. Nicholas. He has been the patron saint of Russia, Moscow, Greece, children, sailors, prisoners, bakers, pawnbrokers, shopkeepers and wolves.

His gift-giving role in Christmas rites probably comes from his fame as the friend of children. This Christmas legend tells us that he also used to give anonymous donations of gold coins to persons in need. His cult spread in Europe and Christmas presents were distributed on December 6th when the celebration of St. Nicholas took place.
According to these legends, St. Nicholas was born in the city of Patara, and traveled to Palestine and Egypt when he was young. He was later imprisoned by the Emperor Diocletian, but was later released by the more humanitarian Emperor Constantine. He attended the first council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. St Nicholas reportedly died about 350 AD.


The relics of St.Nicholas are in the basilica of St. Nicola, in Bari, Italy (they were stolen from Myra in 1087 AD). For this reason he is sometimes known as St.Nicholas of Bari.

Within both Western and Eastern Christian Churches similar mythology, or tradition, exists.


There are many names for Santa around the world, but since I live in Florida.... I just call him SANTA... and I holler each and every time I see him; assuring him that "yes Santa, I have been very good this year!".
(thanks to http://www.aaanativearts.com/)

And so ... IT IS GOOD!

Walk In Beauty!

author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

Order your autographed copies at:

http:www.drsherryeshowalter.com

http://www.healingheartaches.com/

~~GOTTA GET A TREE~~ HURRY!

IT'S SUNDAY, GOTTA GET THE TREE!

ANGIE WHERE ARE YOU, I NEED YA!!

OK, hurry ... wake up everyone, we've got to go and get the tree!  NO NO NO, no time for breakfast, no time for pool... c'mon we gotta go get the tree ~~~ all the good ones will be gone!  HURRY

Well, no one in my tribe hurries, that is one thing about us Indian folk... we sorta just go with the flow on that one... we try to get moving but usually it is on our own time!  But today we will do our best to move it along as it is a "first", a new tradition of sorts!  This will be the first real tree since living in FL, mostly brought about because of the rapid fire of Healing Heartaches and not being able to have the house and tree decorated before the tribe's arrival!

And of course you add to that ... the Godson's are now 15 and 8... so, I was thinking this would be a great rite of passage for them as well! Have them pick out the tree and then get the honor of decorating it for "The Godmother and Elders"! heehe

This is going to be so much fun and I might just have a Black Russian and some good Christmas music to entertain and delight my senses even more as I watch the evenings events play out. Last years tree was just wonderful and provided us with hours, days, and more than a month of wonderment, peace and harmony... I just love the twinkly lights and the colors. I can gaze and get lost in the thoughts, memories and prayers of amazing grace for the longest time.  Holding cherished moments of my personal and professional life, while giving thanks for each one.

So ... for today

• It is the 354th day of the year~ YOU are a survivor!
• On this day oh so many moons ago, 1606, The VA Company loaded three ships and set sails with settlers to establish Jamestown!  eeeegad what a mess!
• I would rather think about the tree!
• Try to embrace the many blessings!
• Music is balm for the soul!
• Give a gift in honor or memory of a loved one or someone you respect greatly!
• Take a healing walk
• Find a creative outlet!
• If faith is important to you, participate in a holiday service or gathering!
• Write a letter/poem... Writing is a powerful tool!

These are all tools to put carefully in your personal tool-kit; use that which is helpful and just toss out the rest!

Walk In Beauty!

Gotta go get a tree!!!

author of Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

order your autographed copies, be sure to indicate in "buyers instructions, how you want me to sign yours!"

http://healingheartaches.com/

http://drsherryeshowalter.com/