Please help ~ Orb of Light and Flickering Electricity?

With deepest sympathy for your loss

I talk with my Mom everyday, sometimes more than 2x a day and yesterday she told me what had happened the night before ~ and I want to tell you so that perhaps you can literally shed some light on the subject ~ pun most definitely intended. ♥

Awakened in the middle of the night, Mom saw a bright white ball of light on her bed.  Her room was darkened, so that no light was visible.  The light could not be reflected from anywhere else.  It was there, on it’s own, positioned on her bed, on her legs.  She said she watched it for a long time, wondering what it was and trying to figure out where it was coming from but she couldn’t see how it could just be there.

She said when she moved her legs, it moved with her.  It just stayed with her, a white orb, settled on top of the covers, on her legs.  It stayed for a long, long time ~ she fell asleep watching it.  And she wondered if it was my Dad, her husband, who died on June 21st last year.

She thought I might think she was losing her mind, but I don’t.  Not at all.  I think perhaps it was my Dad, come to visit her and stay awhile.  To simply let her know that he’s around, watching over her perhaps?  She also told me how her kitchen light blinks crazily at times (he loved to sit at the kitchen table reading the paper) and she’s even had the electrician in twice to check it, but there’s nothing wrong with it.  Jokingly we’ve said it was my Dad because when he passed, the hospital lost all electricity for a few moments until the generator kicked in.

And now that I’m thinking of it, we had a thunderstorm the other day and my lights didn’t go out, but my clicker fireplace went on full blast and wouldn’t turn off ~ the electricity jolt of the lightning also fried my cablebox, internet router and 3 plugs on the tv.  Could that be Dad too?  If it was, I’d like to ask him not to put on such a show and break things!

I would love it if anyone could shed some light on this as we’re flummoxed.  Do you have any stories of departed loved ones who’ve returned in different ways?  I won’t think you’re crazy if you have had some experiences that you can’t explain ~ please feel free to share.  You know tomorrow’s Father’s Day, perhaps that’s why he’s here?  Didn’t want to miss out on his special day?  Perhaps I need a medium?

Thanks for all of your help!

Shine On!

xo

Yes, keep shining that light Dad! ♥

Dad’s Flag Day

Today is Flag Day for those in the United States.  June 14th, marks the celebration of the birthday of our flag ~ a reminder of the love of freedom, liberty and justice for all that our country stands for and that our flag embodies ~ it is a day to proudly fly the American Flag.

And for me, it is a reminder of my Dad, who proudly flew the American Flag from our porch’s flagpole.  It was my Dad who showed me how to roll the flag and put her away.  He carefully never let her touch the ground and when she was battered by wind and the elements he carefully folded her and disposed of her properly.

It’s funny because I’ve never really remembered how reverently he treated the flag until now ~ and it brings to mind that at his funeral, we were blessed to have the help of the Navy to make it a military funeral which he would have loved.  At his request, he was even ‘piped over the side’ by a friend ~ just one of the few nuances to his service that those who attended experienced.

Which brings me to the Daily Prompt as I think this moment of recall counts ~ today I realized how strongly he felt towards the flag and the USA.  I never really thought about it until now, but as clear as day, I can still see his daily ritual of putting the flag out in the morning and taking her in at night and if she were left out, she had to have the porch light illuminating her.  I’d bet wherever he is now, he’s the one in charge of the flag!

Father’s Day looms this weekend and the first anniversary of his death comes shortly afterwards.  It’s been a long year without him ~ full of struggles, tears and conflicting emotions.  In fact, it simply doesn’t seem like he’s dead sometimes because I can trick myself into thinking he’s on one of his biking trips.  But then of course, when I have to continue to take care of everything for his business and my parents’ affairs, I know he’s gone.

I didn’t have an easy relationship with my Dad.  It was fraught with turmoil.  But I’d really appreciate seeing him again standing on the porch unfurling the flag proudly today.  He was very proud of his country, proud to serve her and proud to be a Navy man.

Long May Her Flag Wave!

Shine On!

xo

Daily Prompt: In Good Faith

Describe a memory or encounter in which you considered your faith, religion, spirituality — or lack of — for the first time.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/daily-prompt-faith/

Power Up ~ Let’s Write Your Success Story!

Let’s Write a Success Story ~ YOURS!

This is your life.  There, I said it ~ whoops, I mean, I wrote it.  Not that you need me to tell you this, but sometimes I think we need to remind each other that we are in charge of our own lives.  It’s our decisions and our choices which have led us to this place called the Present. 

The success or failure of our life rests in our capable hands.

How’s that for a truth?

What do you think about that?  Are you happy with your Present?  Do you wish to change it?  Well, you can!  It’s simple.  Starting now, take baby steps to change what you don’t like and grow what you do like!

What?  You don’t know what you want?  You can’t think of what you need?  You don’t know how to get it?  Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed?

Ok, let’s start at the beginning my friends…Step One ~ take out a piece of paper and write down your ultimate fantasy life ~ no holds barred, without limits, what would it look like?  Include all that you would like to enjoy in your life ~ does that include a loving partner?  Children?  Pets?  Home?  Car?  Job?  More money?  Happiness?  More Love?  Peace?  Friends?  Family?  Joy?  More free time?

Just free-write and list what you want to see in your life.  When you’ve exhausted your mind and added all that was swirling around, put down your pen and take a deep breath.  Now reread what you’ve just written.  Do you see a trend?  Is there a theme of what you want in life?

Are there any bits that you can accomplish today?  Do you have any of them already?  Can you ‘see’ yourself having them today or tomorrow or by the end of 2013?

There’s no need to do any more today, unless of course, you remember something else you want to add to your list.  Perhaps you should keep it with you this week as you go about your daily routine.  You never know when you’ll be inspired to add something else to your life list!

Shine On!

xo

After I wrote my post today and just before I hit publish, the Daily Prompt came out ~ You’ve got the power is one of my favorite lines and theme running through my life!  If I could enact a single law, it would simply be the law that

YOU HAVE THE POWER to live your life exactly how you want to live it provided that it brings love, happiness and harmony to yourself and others!

Daily Prompt: You’ve Got the Power

You have the power to enact a single law. What would it be?

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/daily-prompt-law/

S.O.S.

Today’s Daily Prompt asks ‘when you’re unwell, do you allow others to take care of you, or do you prefer to soldier on alone?  What does it take for you to ask for help?’ which I found to be an interesting subject so I thought I’d use it for my post today.

I’ve been unwell ~ breast cancer ~ diagnosed at the end of 2001 which means I’ve been dealing with the fallout of the disease for almost 12 years.  Certainly it doesn’t seem that long, but at times, it feels like forever.  I’ve been unwell to all different degrees with the pink beast ~ my body has endured more than her share of surgeries, with one still on the horizon and more medicines have been pumped into her with all different side effects as a result.  Believe me, I’ve had my share.  There have been days where I couldn’t get out of bed due to intense pains, but I soldiered on with help so that I could be a part of my family for a little while each day.  I’ve tried to be an inspiration to my family and others, although I’m not afraid of asking for help when needed.  Being a Mom/Wife with an active family but being under the weather, I needed and accepted all of the help that was given so kindly to me.

But today as it so happens that I”m battling a cold/allergies ~ not quite sure which, but it’s something I’ve been battling now since Friday and not getting any better.  My boys are older now so they can help around the house which is great news for me.  Will I ask for help from others outside our immediate family?  No.  But will I accept help?  Yes.  In fact, during the torrential storms of yesterday, my neighbor stopped by and asked if I needed anything as she was going to the store.  I took the opportunity to ask for a gallon of milk which she bought for me and delivered so kindly during a crazy storm which flooded our neighborhood.  I am blessed.

Do you accept help or do you soldier on?  I find that people often want to help, but don’t know how or what to offer.  For me, it was easy ~ feed me and my family!  So the next time you hear of a friend who needs a helping hand, take that special opportunity to connect with them ~ offer to make dinner or go to the grocery store.  Perhaps you take her/him out to lunch or drive them somewhere ~ even helping with rides for the children helps when you’re battling an illness.

It’s when we send out love that we receive even more than we send out!  Take a moment today to see who you can help ~ you can make a difference for even the smallest of kindnesses sometimes mean the most!

Shine On!

xo

When I thought of SOS, I thought of this song…perhaps you’re in the mood for a little Abba?

Daily Prompt: Take Care

When you’re unwell, do you allow others to take care of you, or do you prefer to soldier on alone? What does it take for you to ask for help?

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/daily-prompt-take-care/

The Secret of Success

“People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. 

When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.”
—Norman Vincent Peale

In stretching out of my comfort zone these last few weeks, I’ve found that when I let go of all of the stuff I carry around in my head, you know, those nagging thoughts of negativity, I’m finding that success is coming my way.  I’m becoming less attached the the outcomes and more involved in the taking of baby steps towards my goals!  Are you having the same experiences?

Have  you been stretching these past few weeks with me?  Are you finding that your life is opening up a bit more for the better?  Let me know what’s going on with you!  If I can help in any way, you know I’ve got my hand held out for you!  When I focus on simply stretching out of my comfort zones everyday in whatever shape that takes, I am finding that I am enjoying life more ~ I am having more success ~ I am making more connections with others ~ and in turn, I am able to help others to find their success as well!

Norman Vincent Peale wrote many inspirational books, one being  The Power of Positive Thinking.  Even though this book it was originally published in 1952,  its fundamental truths continue to hold today.

So, on this Happy Monday, I thought I’d start the week off with a bit of success for us all!  I am grateful to Paul Mark Sutherland for today’s quote ~ please click here  to be directed to his blog called Goal Habits.com which is one of my favorites that I read every morning for inspiration!

Shine On!

xo

Be Yourself ~ It’s the New Normal!

“If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.”

  ~ Maya Angelou

Are you trying to be normal?  Do you try to act normal?  Is normal what you are striving for?  If so, then stop right there and let normal go please.  There’s no need for you to strive for that any more because you’re better than normal!  You’re more special than normal ~ you are more amazing than normal ~ because you are you!

You are unique, you are wonderful and you are a blessing to this world!  It’s time to embrace YOU and stop the constant comparing in your head of yourself against what you consider normal ~ just let go!

It’s taken me a long time to shed the normal gene from my life and to embrace the specialness that is me.  For you see, when I put myself up against what in my own thoughts I’ve decided is normalcy, I feel like I fail miserably.  I simply do not measure up to society’s vision of normal.  Nothing about me is normal ~ not even my age at diagnosis of breast cancer, the way I got it, what’s happened to me since I was diagnosed ~ simply put, none of it.  I’ve been a rarity right from the start ~ but a rarity trying desperately to be normal.

Until recently, when I decided to stretch out of my comfort zone and embrace the ME that’s been itching to develop, to stretch and to shine!  That girl has decided to embrace her uniqueness, her specialness and connect with others by showing herself, with all of her vulnerabilities, not caring if she’s accepted or not!

Why fit in when you were born to stand out? ~ Dr. Seuss

And in doing so, I’ve found happiness, fulfillment and connections far beyond my expectations!  I’ve found self-love, peace within myself and a sense of tranquility in my world.  I’ve let go of control, of what I’ve deemed normal and I’ve allowed myself and others to simply be themselves.  To love and connect with them and to accept us all as we are!  It’s being accomplished through baby steps, like everything else I do, but as I am a work in progress, so is the self-development!  That’s what’s prompted Inner Hotshot University (IHU) ~ it’s in the power of being you that you accomplish great things!

I’m shining now for all to see ~ accept me or not ~ being myself is the new normal!

Shine On!

xo

Daily Prompt: The Normal

Is being “normal” — whatever that means to you — a good thing, or a bad thing? Neither?

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/daily-prompt-normal/

This Girl Is Not Afraid!

This Girl is not AFRAID! Psalm 27:1

Are you still with me ~ stretching out of your comfort zone ~ whatever that means for you?  Are you exploring your Inner Hotshot a bit these days?  Have you looked back to see what you used to be like or what you used to do without fear that you don’t do now?  And are you stretching your limits a bit?

For the last few weeks, I’ve been easing out of my comfort zone, one experience after another and the results have been really good!  I wanted to take this opportunity to check in with you before tomorrow to see if you’re still trying!  I know it’s not easy to be uncomfortable, but take it from me, it’s well-worth it!

I’ve been blessed to have my friend SAngel who has been leading the way for me ~ holding out her hand when I’ve been afraid ~ so that when I need support, a gentle push and even a pat on the back, I know she’s there for me.  It’s an amazing journey these days ~ I’m changing my life and watching it blossom the way I have felt inside!  It’s amazing when you have a supportive friend who knows what you are enduring and who stands by you when you’re uncomfortable and then praises you when you’ve accomplished the task!

Fear holds most of us back ~ the fear of looking silly to others, the fear of not succeeding, the fear of failure, sometimes even the fear of success!

I love this wallet sized inspirational card from SendOutCards.  It’s one of my favorite little gifts that I add to cards when I send them to a friend.  For some reason, the whole butterfly metamorphosis and lack of fear depicted on this card makes it just perfect!

So today, please know that I am sending you this card ~ holding out my hand to you ~ take hold ~ You are not afraid anymore!  You have a friend in me!

Shine On!

xo