March 1 : Blizzard! March comes in like a lion. The library closes early. Wind is blowing. Snow is drifting. My snowman is almost buried!
March 2 : We have another 18" of snow. There is a 3-foot drift across the front sidewalk, and drifting halfway up my front window. Gwen cannot see over it!
March 11 : Warming up. Rode with Dawn and Kathy down to Wabasha to see bald eagles along the Mississippi. On the way back we see lots of horned larks in the fields along the roads.
March 13 : Temperatures have been averaging 20 degrees above normal for several days. High is 66 today. I got out my birdbath and put away the snowman.
March 22 : I see the first robin of the season. I also have a pair of house finches at the feeders. Most of the snow has melted.
March 24 : Signs of spring are everywhere! Red-winged blackbirds are here by the hundreds. Also seeing lots of killdeers and mourning doves. Lots more robins. The juncos are still here. In the am I notice three bulbs coming up by the birdbath. When I go out in the pm I notice a lot more that are coming up, mostly in the area around the birdbath.
March 26 : Record high of 81 degrees!
March 27 : Some of the purple crocus has bloomed. It seemed to pop all of a sudden. I didn't even know any had come up!
March 31 : I see some of the little iris have bloomed along with the crocus.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Growth Through JOY!
The topic of "growth through joy" was brought up on the Michael Teachings list this morning. The question asked was "Have you experienced growth thru joy?" Do certain circumstances lead to growth through joy? And how do you promote growth through joy for yourself? Since this is a conscious choice I have been making more and more for myself over the last couple of years, and since last year in particular, this is something I have thought about a lot. In fact, I just reaffirmed this choice last night, as my reply to the list relates:
What a great topic! I'm not sure that one can "experience" growth. It just happens as a by-product of living. One can experience CHANGE which is probably the best evidence of growth. Some growth happens rapidly, and so is easy to notice. Other growth happens very slowly and might only be noticed over several lifetimes. I believe that Michael has said (but don't have an exact quote at hand) that growth through pain is the most rapid, direct approach. If you want things to change quickly, pain will do it. Growth through joy --- well, most of us are too impatient to go this route.
But, scholar that I am, I am doing an experiment this lifetime. First half - growth through pain. Second half - growth through joy. You can all read my report when we are back on the astral! It has been interesting so far. For the past year, I honestly can't tell if there has been any growth at all. Of course, I also have a GOAL of Growth, so there is a certain "drive" to experience MUCH. And I have perseverance to go with it. Now one thing I am realizing : perseverance goes very nicely with learning through JOY. But I have actually wondered if perhaps my overleaves, or some of them, have changed. I know that isn't usual, but I am finishing 7th mature and beginning 1st old. I do believe it is POSSIBLE. But lately, I have been experiencing a sort of restlessness. I'm not sure what it is that I am restless FOR, unless that goal of Growth is sort of stirring again behind the scenes. I am looking for something to CHANGE but I don't know what yet. Am I restless in my career? Do I want to experience a romantic relationship? Do I need a new "project"? (Scholars always have LOTS of projects, heh heh.) What is it? I don't know! And it is beginning to feel uncomfortable. Can perseverance keep me from rushing into something painful? Certainly I don't need to up and quit my job or anything like that. But I want something to change.
I was with a group of folks last night, and a friend was reading "Fairy Cards." So I asked my question about this restlessness that I am feeling, and here is the reading:
Laurel: I'm feeling restless lately, but not sure for what. I think it may be career oriented (or life task?)
K: I have drawn the card 'letting go'
You aren't receiving positive results because you're struggling too much to solve the problem. By letting go, you're opening yourself up to a miraculous resolution.
Laurel: letting go of choosing a direction?
K: Problems are caused by human thinking and action. That's why problems are solved by additional human thinking and action. When we think hard or struggle to resolve a crisis, things may actually get worse! By drawing this card, you are being asked to stop the human struggle. Stop thinking about the problem since a focus on negativity can manifest even more negativity. Say aloud or silently "I am willing to surrender this situation to my Creator right now."
Laurel: well, I wouldn't say I'm struggling - just wondering what essence wants to do next.
K: By affirming this statement, heaven is able to intervene on your behalf. You will instantly feel relief, and will be gratified to see how easily and naturally the situation resolves itself. Affirmation: I am willing to surrender this situation to my Creator right now. When I let go, Everything turns out perfectly.
Laurel: can we add a card to that?
K: I am also getting the additional information that you are trying so hard to see what your essence wants that you are actually blocking yourself from seeing what your essence wants. Feel more playful and relax into it and you will let the response come through when you least expect it.
Laurel: just looking for an idea to play with...
K: (shuffling again...) 'problem resolved'
An issue that's been bothering you is being healed behind the scenes. The solution is creative, ingenious and is a joyful surprise for you.
Laurel: I like joyful surprises!
K: You're on the cusp of experiencing welcome relief from a problem that has been bothering you. The fairies want you to know that you have reason to smile, as heaven is working on a solution that is so creative that you'll chuckle with delight at God's sense of humor.
Laurel: wonderful!
K: Basically, it's a win win for everyone. You'll be receiving good news such as the healing of a strained relationship, an unexpected financial resource, a resolved health issue, a happy addition to your home, a new career opportunity or a romantic proposal. Please don't strain to figure out 'how' this situation will be achieved or in what form it will manifest. Instead, enjoy feelings of excitement and gratitude as you allow heaven to help you.
Pretty cool, huh? I think once you make a CHOICE to experience growth through joy, the universe really will bend over backwards to make that happen. You just keep going forward. I do think the "fairies" are right - growing through joy means letting go. You let go of trying to control things. Control = impatience = painful lessons. You let go of knowing HOW things are going to happen. It doesn't mean you stop doing things. Manifesting something requires being WILLING to do whatever it takes. You may not HAVE to do anything, but that willingness has to be there. I learned this lesson last year about this time, when I was looking for a new place to live. I had decided that it was going to be easy, it was going to come about through joy, etc.... BUT, I actually was limiting the universe's ability to bring it to me, by letting my money fears get in the way. I have a fairly limited budget, and there wasn't a lot in my price range. Ironically, when I got to a point where I let go of those fears and became WILLING to look at higher priced apartments, I found what I needed AND at the price I could afford.
Now, instead of frowning and feeling vaguely restless, and needing to know what is next, I am feeling marvelously open and with a delicious sense of anticipation. Whatever essence wants next, it will be WONDERFUL! Is today any different from yesterday? No - all I did was choose again my intention to grow through joy. And it feels so much better!
What a great topic! I'm not sure that one can "experience" growth. It just happens as a by-product of living. One can experience CHANGE which is probably the best evidence of growth. Some growth happens rapidly, and so is easy to notice. Other growth happens very slowly and might only be noticed over several lifetimes. I believe that Michael has said (but don't have an exact quote at hand) that growth through pain is the most rapid, direct approach. If you want things to change quickly, pain will do it. Growth through joy --- well, most of us are too impatient to go this route.
But, scholar that I am, I am doing an experiment this lifetime. First half - growth through pain. Second half - growth through joy. You can all read my report when we are back on the astral! It has been interesting so far. For the past year, I honestly can't tell if there has been any growth at all. Of course, I also have a GOAL of Growth, so there is a certain "drive" to experience MUCH. And I have perseverance to go with it. Now one thing I am realizing : perseverance goes very nicely with learning through JOY. But I have actually wondered if perhaps my overleaves, or some of them, have changed. I know that isn't usual, but I am finishing 7th mature and beginning 1st old. I do believe it is POSSIBLE. But lately, I have been experiencing a sort of restlessness. I'm not sure what it is that I am restless FOR, unless that goal of Growth is sort of stirring again behind the scenes. I am looking for something to CHANGE but I don't know what yet. Am I restless in my career? Do I want to experience a romantic relationship? Do I need a new "project"? (Scholars always have LOTS of projects, heh heh.) What is it? I don't know! And it is beginning to feel uncomfortable. Can perseverance keep me from rushing into something painful? Certainly I don't need to up and quit my job or anything like that. But I want something to change.
I was with a group of folks last night, and a friend was reading "Fairy Cards." So I asked my question about this restlessness that I am feeling, and here is the reading:
Laurel: I'm feeling restless lately, but not sure for what. I think it may be career oriented (or life task?)
K: I have drawn the card 'letting go'
You aren't receiving positive results because you're struggling too much to solve the problem. By letting go, you're opening yourself up to a miraculous resolution.
Laurel: letting go of choosing a direction?
K: Problems are caused by human thinking and action. That's why problems are solved by additional human thinking and action. When we think hard or struggle to resolve a crisis, things may actually get worse! By drawing this card, you are being asked to stop the human struggle. Stop thinking about the problem since a focus on negativity can manifest even more negativity. Say aloud or silently "I am willing to surrender this situation to my Creator right now."
Laurel: well, I wouldn't say I'm struggling - just wondering what essence wants to do next.
K: By affirming this statement, heaven is able to intervene on your behalf. You will instantly feel relief, and will be gratified to see how easily and naturally the situation resolves itself. Affirmation: I am willing to surrender this situation to my Creator right now. When I let go, Everything turns out perfectly.
Laurel: can we add a card to that?
K: I am also getting the additional information that you are trying so hard to see what your essence wants that you are actually blocking yourself from seeing what your essence wants. Feel more playful and relax into it and you will let the response come through when you least expect it.
Laurel: just looking for an idea to play with...
K: (shuffling again...) 'problem resolved'
An issue that's been bothering you is being healed behind the scenes. The solution is creative, ingenious and is a joyful surprise for you.
Laurel: I like joyful surprises!
K: You're on the cusp of experiencing welcome relief from a problem that has been bothering you. The fairies want you to know that you have reason to smile, as heaven is working on a solution that is so creative that you'll chuckle with delight at God's sense of humor.
Laurel: wonderful!
K: Basically, it's a win win for everyone. You'll be receiving good news such as the healing of a strained relationship, an unexpected financial resource, a resolved health issue, a happy addition to your home, a new career opportunity or a romantic proposal. Please don't strain to figure out 'how' this situation will be achieved or in what form it will manifest. Instead, enjoy feelings of excitement and gratitude as you allow heaven to help you.
Pretty cool, huh? I think once you make a CHOICE to experience growth through joy, the universe really will bend over backwards to make that happen. You just keep going forward. I do think the "fairies" are right - growing through joy means letting go. You let go of trying to control things. Control = impatience = painful lessons. You let go of knowing HOW things are going to happen. It doesn't mean you stop doing things. Manifesting something requires being WILLING to do whatever it takes. You may not HAVE to do anything, but that willingness has to be there. I learned this lesson last year about this time, when I was looking for a new place to live. I had decided that it was going to be easy, it was going to come about through joy, etc.... BUT, I actually was limiting the universe's ability to bring it to me, by letting my money fears get in the way. I have a fairly limited budget, and there wasn't a lot in my price range. Ironically, when I got to a point where I let go of those fears and became WILLING to look at higher priced apartments, I found what I needed AND at the price I could afford.
Now, instead of frowning and feeling vaguely restless, and needing to know what is next, I am feeling marvelously open and with a delicious sense of anticipation. Whatever essence wants next, it will be WONDERFUL! Is today any different from yesterday? No - all I did was choose again my intention to grow through joy. And it feels so much better!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Day Off
The past month has been a busy one! I even took a vacation, though some of it was a working vacation. Gwen got spayed. Maggie left Carver County. The church choir did a Haydn Mass. Welsh classes and dance rehearsals have been meeting regularly. I went to Madison for the 2nd annual Wild Welsh Winter Weekend. Prior to that I went to Geneva to visit Becky and family. Calen had strep throat. I met up with some online friends, including two I hadn't met before. The Wild Welsh Winter Weekend turned into the Wild Winter WEATHER Weekend with about 18 inches of snow over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I drove right into it Friday evening, and the two-hour drive from Geneva to Madison took four and a half! I ended up teaching all of one Welsh folk dance. There were some language students who came on Saturday, so I helped with that. All of the other events were canceled. Ah well! I enjoyed just hanging out with friends Dan and Robin, and Danny's two sisters who had come for the weekend. They were staying at Annie's Bed and Breakfast in Madison. We picked up some pizza and went there Sunday evening, where we watched Pirates of the Caribbean on a big screen TV with surround sound. Lots of fun! The B&B is lovely (well, except for the two deer heads on the dining room wall.) Annie has a fondness for rabbits and crystals - lots of rabbit figurines and giant specimens of amethyst, quartz, geodes, etc.
Back in Minnesota on Monday, as I had to work that evening, and every day last week. We got hit with more wild winter weather, beginning on Wednesday. I left choir rehearsal early and passed dozens of cars that had spun off the road. On Thursday we got to close the library early. I was quite sure we would be closed or open late on Friday, but NOOOOOOO. Completely snowed in out here in the country, with 3-foot snowdrifts across the front walk and halfway up the front windows, I got out only because Jose was out clearing the drive with the Bobcat, and he plowed a single-lane path for me all the way to the main road. I threw the shovel in the car just in case, and was glad I had it when I got home. Our road had been plowed, but the snow now blocked the drive, and I had to shovel a path for the car.
Then I had a busy weekend, with our St. David's Day annual luncheon. The speaker this year was local composer David Evan Thomas, who used to work at the Schubert Club when I was there briefly. He delighted me by starting off playing a piece for virginals by my very favorite Renaissance composer Thomas Tomkins. Of course he played it on the piano... I learned something new, too! Thomas Tomkins was born in Wales. No wonder I like his music!
Dance rehearsal Saturday night, Haydn Sunday morning, and I was ready for a break! So I canceled the Welsh class and went shopping instead. Bought socks, new boots, and some gourmet tea at the Mall of America. Yesterday it was back to work again already. So today - finally! - I have a day off. The mood at work has been unsettled. With Maggie gone, and Suzzanne still out on maternity leave, there is a staff shortage again and tempers seem a little frayed. I am still feeling uncertain just what my role is. I have asked if I might be given more collection development responsibilities. Hopefully, once we get a new branch manager, we will all have a renewed sense of direction.
Now that it is mid-afternoon, I suppose I should give some thought to what I want to get done today. Time to whip my budget into shape - I've been postponing that to get a few more large bills out of the way. Cooking? Hmmm - maybe I should see what I can throw in the crockpot. Shoveling the front walk so I can get to the bird feeders? Put away Christmas decorations? (Yeah, I know...) Do laundry? Or shall I spend the day goofing off, playing on the computer, reading a book? The nice thing about living alone, is there is nothing I HAVE to do. Whatever I choose, it will be what I WANT to do.
Back in Minnesota on Monday, as I had to work that evening, and every day last week. We got hit with more wild winter weather, beginning on Wednesday. I left choir rehearsal early and passed dozens of cars that had spun off the road. On Thursday we got to close the library early. I was quite sure we would be closed or open late on Friday, but NOOOOOOO. Completely snowed in out here in the country, with 3-foot snowdrifts across the front walk and halfway up the front windows, I got out only because Jose was out clearing the drive with the Bobcat, and he plowed a single-lane path for me all the way to the main road. I threw the shovel in the car just in case, and was glad I had it when I got home. Our road had been plowed, but the snow now blocked the drive, and I had to shovel a path for the car.
Then I had a busy weekend, with our St. David's Day annual luncheon. The speaker this year was local composer David Evan Thomas, who used to work at the Schubert Club when I was there briefly. He delighted me by starting off playing a piece for virginals by my very favorite Renaissance composer Thomas Tomkins. Of course he played it on the piano... I learned something new, too! Thomas Tomkins was born in Wales. No wonder I like his music!
Dance rehearsal Saturday night, Haydn Sunday morning, and I was ready for a break! So I canceled the Welsh class and went shopping instead. Bought socks, new boots, and some gourmet tea at the Mall of America. Yesterday it was back to work again already. So today - finally! - I have a day off. The mood at work has been unsettled. With Maggie gone, and Suzzanne still out on maternity leave, there is a staff shortage again and tempers seem a little frayed. I am still feeling uncertain just what my role is. I have asked if I might be given more collection development responsibilities. Hopefully, once we get a new branch manager, we will all have a renewed sense of direction.
Now that it is mid-afternoon, I suppose I should give some thought to what I want to get done today. Time to whip my budget into shape - I've been postponing that to get a few more large bills out of the way. Cooking? Hmmm - maybe I should see what I can throw in the crockpot. Shoveling the front walk so I can get to the bird feeders? Put away Christmas decorations? (Yeah, I know...) Do laundry? Or shall I spend the day goofing off, playing on the computer, reading a book? The nice thing about living alone, is there is nothing I HAVE to do. Whatever I choose, it will be what I WANT to do.
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