Oh Deer Deer!

I LOVE Christmas…and I love watching the deer in my backyard! So…I know it’s early, but when I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday afternoon and spied this painting? Well, I HAD TO HAVE IT! I couldn’t help myself – too early for Christmas or not! Even with a case of Lyme’s from the dadgum deer, I still broke into the biggest smile when I put this up on the wall last night!

Because it just makes me smile every single time I pass it on the wall! It makes me laugh and we need laughter more and more these days. Laughter is a release of endorphins as you well know and why stand on the ceremony that it’s too early for Christmas when Thanksgiving has yet to arrive? I think the deer painting is more wintery with a touch of Christmas, but who cares? It brings me JOY and that’s what I was after – JOY!! (Plus the red cardinal added to it – a sign from above perhaps?)

Back in the day, I stood on the ceremony that each holiday/season remained until a timely moment when it had passed and it was generally thought of that the next one would begin. But this deer broke the rule – and I couldn’t be happier! Sure, we have Thanksgiving coming and my house is now decorated in a delightful mix of ‘winter’ and autumn and gratitude which works for me! For me, it’s the little things that make me happy and lately, being in the present moment and feeling that happiness is a priceless feeling! That whimsical reminder that allows us to smile, to reminisce on the ‘good old days’ and to bring that to this present day fills me with emotions that delight, expand and are shareable!

You may think I’m wayyy ahead of the winter/Christmas decorating season and that’s ok! We each have our own taste, rules and comfort zones. But for today and in the foreseable future, I know I have a giggle escaping each time I walk down the hallway and see the deer on the wall and I just felt I had to share it with you!

Shine On!

xo

11/1/26 Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit

Good morning and Happy November 1st to all of you! If you haven’t said it yet, or if you’re new to our monthly ritual, please say Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit now to continue good luck for the coming month! If you don’t know the back story to this tradition, check it out here!

I’m a bit nostaglic this morning as the first of November is All Saint’s Day and coincidentally would have been my Dad’s birthday. He passed away over a decade ago and because of the clocks falling back last night on Halloween, well, my inner clock is all skewgee. (Do you know that word too? Isn’t it fun to say? That’s one of my Mom’s – meaning out of alignment).

So I’m easing into the month and the morning as it’s delightfully a Sunday morning which always begs to have calm, peace and a certain serenity to it. Sipping my morning coffee, here I am, writing to you. The deer in my backyard have been a delight to watch these days as the forest turns its bright leafy colors. They are not afraid of the people in the house at all – sometimes even stopping to have a staring contest or to just allow us to gaze into each other’s eyes. I often wonder what they’re thinking…

A big buck stopped by the other day and sat outside my patio door for an hour staring into my home. I sat on the floor and we had a delightful conversation, (one sided of course) but it was a fascinating experience for me. I wish I knew what he was thinking, but he patiently listened as I just talked with him aloud (and sometimes telepathically). Even though I don’t have bunnies in this new house, I have plenty of deer stories!

Well, my friends, I do hope the month of November unfolds seamlessly for you. Fill it up with gratitude and allow yourself to let go like the trees do for their leaves…knowing full well that in the spring there will be a rebirth!

Shine On!

xo

Everything Is Coming Up Pink…

As you may realize, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and was renamed Pinktober to raise awareness, promote early screening and fund research. It’s an interesting month for those of us who have battled breast cancer. Sometimes it feels like pink ribbons reign everywhere, a not-so-subtle reminder of what we’ve endured while battling the disease.

I’ve personally lost friends to this disease which Pinktober shines a light on, for not all of us survived. I’ve written plenty about my friends who have passed, so I won’t repeat myself, but still, this isn’t an easy journey. Being honest, sometimes this life isn’t an easy journey, cancer diagnosis or not, but we keep going and rest when we need to, because that’s the inner strength that is born from battling difficulties.

I’m grateful that I’m still here. I have had a lot of support and love throughout my almost 25 year journey and I never take it for granted. It was never easy for me, nor for my family, friends and loved ones, to go through, but I’m still here today because of all their kind efforts and for them believing in me, including the amazing doctors, surgeons, and oncologists who continue with me today. It’s most definitively a group effort! It wasn’t pretty though. It was a messy time in my life and the spector of that remains even after all of it for we never know if/when it may return. I’ve had a few scares over the years, more issues, more problems, but it’s never quite reared its ugly head again in full force for which I’m eternally grateful. I’d like to be here to see my sons marry someday so that I’ll know they have a partner who will be with them when I’m gone. But life doesn’t always work out the way we plan it and that’s ok.

Breast cancer fighters/survivors know this firsthand. With disfiguring surgeries which (hopefully) remove the cancer, we learn that our breasts aren’t what make us women. We’re so much more than those cups. Chemotherapy may poison the cancer cells, the hair follicles, etc., but no matter what the body is enduring, the soul, the heart, the essence of who we are continues. By the time we reach radiation, that feels like a walk in the park in comparison. Subsequent medicines and/or surgeries to continue on the warpath may be needed as well and we need additional strength as fatigue sets in. It seems like a never-ending journey of endurance. But the end is sweet when we’re set free to go live, live, live!

Living after a cancer diagnosis looks differently because we’re different. Even with all of the loving, caring support we have been given, at night, alone in our minds, we have a choice – we choose our thoughts, our path, our beliefs. We excavate from a deerper part of our soul to empower ourselves, to believe that we can endure another chemo round, to survive another surgery, to get up the following morning to be present with our beloved family in the best way we possibly can.

We do it for ourselves and for everyone else. The grace and dignity that come with this part of a life path isn’t easily learned, but the growth that comes from it isn’t temporary. It changes our lives completely and truth be told? Perhaps for the better because we’re wiser. We’ve seen how precious this life is. We know in our hearts that love is all there is – the legacy that is left when we leave this earth for the last time. Our lives will be just a memory for some, a fading memory, so we have to be present in each and every moment that we can for there is no guarantee for a happy ending. That’s the burden and the gift behind The Presents of Presence.

Shine On!

xo

October 2026 Rabbit Rabbit!

Well, we’ve made it to October 2026! Wow – where has the time flown to – can you please tell me? It feels as if the years have been passing by at lightning speed. Are you feeling it too?

You know what to do, right? Say rabbit-rabbit-white-rabbit-white-rabbit/ for good luck all month long! It’s supposed to the first words you say in the morning, but not to worry if you’ve forgotten – quickly say them now and all is well! LOL

October marks the month for Breast Cancer and as you may know, I’m a survivor. Luckily for me, I like pink ribbons since the month seems to be festooned with them in honor of those who have tangled with the disease – tangled, survived, fought hard to stay alive despite it and for those sweet souls who have lost their battle to it. It’s not an easy month for some people for sure.

The first awareness campaign for breast cancer in October began back in 1985, but the pink ribbon campaign began in 1992. Now the pink ribbon is pretty much a universal sign for breast cancer awareness. There are other colored ribbons for other cancers too.

I need all the luck I can get so I’ve already said it a few times for those of you who may have forgotten. I hope my post finds you healthy, happy and may luck abound for you all month long!

Shine On!

xo

Good Morning Fox and the Moon

I awoke this morning to open the blinds and to look out to the front yard as I do every morning and was greeted by a red fox with a white tipped tail just trotting down the road in front of the house! He stopped and turned as if to look at me (I guess I startled him with the noise of the blinds opening) and then went on his merry way. What a lovely way to greet the morning!

Well, Good Morning to you Mr. Fox! When I walked outside a few minutes later, there was the moon in the sky above (I had my camera phone this time) so of course, I had to take pictures of it being that the energies of the full Harvest Moon are still lingering.

Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning – do you know that one?

I wondered what red sky in the morning along with a red fox meant spiritually, so I had to ask and this is what I found:

Experiencing a red sky in the morning alongside the appearance of a red fox is a powerful combination of omens that spiritually signifies heightened urgency, spiritual warnings, and the need for immediate, clever adaptation to an approaching life storm.

In short, the sky is telling you that change is coming, and the fox is reassuring you that you already have the intelligence and agility to successfully navigate it. 

Hmmm…an interesting combination for sure! I love how Mother Nature gives us signs when we notice them. This is a first here at the house for me. I had yet to see a fox – plenty of deer, but lacking bunnies! I have a squirrel whom I’ve named Nathaniel come to the house daily for drinks at the bird bath, a chipmunk named Chester who races by and plenty of birds. When I saw him, I knew this was something for my blog because I don’t want to forget Mr. Fox and the Harvest Moon! I’m so grateful to experience the wildlife here!

Shine On!

xo

Shine On Harvest Moon 2026

My Mom used to sing that line of the song: Shine on, shine on harvest moon, up in the sky…Do you know that song? Did you sing along with me? It’s funny how things pop up in your memory when you least expect it. Coincidence? Perhaps. Or maybe it’s just our loved ones sharing the synchronicity so that it touches your memory of them in a positive way.

We’re having storms here so we won’t be seeing the Harvest Moon anytime soon. The sky is already a grey blanket and the winds have been ‘howling up a storm’ (another Mom phrase!). I know I’m late with my post for the moon has already arrived, but here I am – better late than never (another Mom-ism)! Geez, she’s all around me these days…how lovely for me!

We are releasing nowadays with the full moon – gathering tidbits from the past to put away as we do for holiday decorations when the seasons change. Releasing, allowing, letting go of what no longer is in our present moment in order to make way for the opening into the next chapter, the next month, the coming heart-opening experiences that are just down the road.

Have you been feeling it too? That prickly sensation that some things no longer matter as much as they did? That letting go of the superflicious and instead grounding down to what really matter, the core of the essence of time, of life, of this moment? The innate understanding of what really matters as opposed to what we ‘think’ matters in a world full of options that flash by or that we scroll by in search of excitement?

Let’s shine a light on connections, on love, on kindness, on this present moment with peaceful understanding. Together we can do anything. Come on, take my hand…let’s

Shine On!

xo

A Blast From the Past

This is not what you think this is about – it’s not about the past necessarily, but more about the blast…Let me set the scene for you. Yesterday, there was a memorial service for our dear friend Liz. In fact, it was her birthday, even though she passed away 14 months ago. Her family and friends got together for a small ceremony to honor her at her favorite beach. On the boardwalk, we all sat listening to her family and friends speak about her, but interestingly, before the speakers began, there was a guitarist who was playing quietly as we all gathered. Seated on the benches awaiting the start of the ceremony, with the song, Somewhere Over The Rainbow playing on the guitar, I looked up to the sky and behold – a rainbow…I nudged my friends seated near me and showed it to them. Interestingly, the rainbow stayed, moved and even disappeared for a bit, then returning, while the speakers were reminiscing about the impact Liz had on their lives. Me? I sat in wonder watching the rainbow with tears escaping occasionally as people spoke about this remarkable woman with whom I had been friends for over 20 years.

After the ceremony, we walked down to the beach where the winds had kicked up the waves on the ocean and ceremoniously returned the seashells and feathers Liz had collected over the years on her beach walks back to the sea in her honor. When we gathered at a friend’s house for dinner afterwards, we were talking about how much we missed her and yet many times, still felt her presence here. One friend asked her to let us know she was here listening. Manifest herself. We waited a few minutes and then went on with eating dinner when suddenly her front door flew open – it sounded like someone had pushed it with a mighty force and we all sat frozen in our seats until the one who had asked Liz to manifest (and whose house it was) got up to close the door. The rest of us sat there frozen in silence.

Yes, it was windy. Yes, the door was closed. No, this has never happened to my friend’s door before and yes, we felt Liz’s presence with belief yet disbelief…could she have really exerted her energy to open the front door minutes after being summoned? Knowing that we would all take it as a sign that she had heard us and showed us that she was there? I guess I’ll never know until I get to the other side, but I had to share this experience with you because it was mind-blowing…yes the wind was blowing, but my friend’s front door is in an alcove so I can’t imagine the wind being able to open her front door with such force!

Even later on, after we’d all gotten our wits back together, you could feel the residue of energy by the front door (that’s the only way I can describe it). I will share that it freaked me out a little and yet, it gave me comfort as well because it’s aligned with Liz’s personality – she would have (in life) opened the door with great gusto, smiling and sharing her warmth and love of being alive. Boisterous and loving to connect with people, that was her…

Signs from our dearly departed? Yes, I’ve had quite a few in my lifetime, but this blast from the past, takes the cake.

Shine On!

xo

Praying Mantis Encounter

Another one for the books for this new place and the wildlife encounters…I forgot to post this one – it was stuck in my draft folder so I’m a little late, but on the cusp of the hummingbird-came-to-my-window/ The photos above are real and mine. I had walked outside my front door to water the Christmas cactus when I spied this praying mantis. So I stopped what I was doing and just sat there watching him. He didn’t move a lot, but I did capture photos of his different positions. I especially loved the top shot where his front arms are seemingly folded in prayer.

When I look back I remember I’ve had a few praying mantis encounters but it’s been a few years. Like the hummingbird, it’s not often that I have encounters with them. They’re rare. Now if I were talking about birds, robins, squirrels, chipmunks – well that’s normal around here. Even the deer stroll by occasionally to my utter delight! I have only witnessed one bunny thus far, but hoping that they’ll be more as time goes on. I miss them…you may remember how I adore them!

It brings me back to the reminder that these moments, captured in memory if not addiitonally in photography, are The Presents of Presence. Being still, allowing the moment’s peaceful connection with nature to be, without scurrying to the next adventure, the next thought of busyness, the next item to check off your to-do list. But being in the moment and soaking up all of the goodness that life has to offer here – that Mother Nature provides.

The praying mantis symbolizes stillness, patience, mindfulness and the quiet power of intuitive timing. The higher power of connecting to your divine insight and higher awareness are key factors in the spiritual meaning of seeing a praying mantis. For me, it’s a great reminder to stay calm and carry on…and to continue to believe.

Shine On!

xo

First Day of Fall 2026

Wow – where has the time flown to – today’s the first day of Fall!?! Welcome to the next season where the colors turn bright orange and the temps fall and we bundle up a bit more before winter kicks in…Gone are the humid summer days as we melt into the autumnal season!

I’ll admit, I’m excited by it! I love when the seasons change so we get a new season to acclimate to and a little bit of change to go along with it. It’s fun for me to watch out the windows at the forest now to see the leaves changing their colors and the branches swaying in the breeze. Let’s see how this season unfolds!

Being present as the leaves fall, temperatures drop and a new season begins can feel a little unsteady until you let go of what you think ‘should be’ and like the trees, allow the shedding of the past as you stand tall and strong, feeling grounded as the weather changes around you. Because it’s not changing you per se. It’s what goes on around you that changes your viewpoint, your circumstances, but you’re still you! Like the tree, still grounded in the earth, both feet (roots) securely so we can withstand the outer changes while we continue to keep steady on the inside.

Because when you have that groundedness, hurricanes can bend your branches, but you’re still you…Lose your leaves? No problem – they’ll grow back after a season of rest and renewal, bigger and brighter with even more foliage! It all just takes time. We can’t rush these things. We can only allow them to happen so that we can go with the times, move with the seasons and be all we can be!

Happy Fall Y’All!!!

Shine On!

xo

A Hummingbird Came to My Window!

She was fast, as I happened to look over to my patio window. I must have seen the fluttering movement out of the corner of my eye to catch her, and there she was – a hummingbird! She was definitely staring at me through the window as my brain began to realize what I was watching. In my mind, I telepathically greeted her and it was as if she nodded and then left. I was too captivated to try to find my phone to take a photo before she left. I was sitting there enthralled by the magical experience when suddenly she returned fluttering at my window in the same spot as if to say, “Yes, I was here and YES you saw me!” Then she flew away again. So, quietly I reached for my phone and stood at the window patiently awaiting her return, but it never happened. Even now that I’m in my chair staring out the same window, she hasn’t returned an hour later, but I glad that I was able to see her when I did! So, while the photo isn’t real, the experience most certainly was…

You know me, I had to look up a hummingbird encounter – I added what day it is today too… 

A hummingbird appearing at your window on Yom Kippur creates an intimate, face-to-face moment that deepens its spiritual meaning. In spiritual traditions, window represents the boundary between two worlds—the internal (our private, spiritual self) and the external (the physical world).

The spiritual meaning of a hummingbird visit on Yom Kippur can be understood through several powerful themes:

1. Stopping at Full Speed (The Ultimate Pause) The hummingbird is the only creature that can stop entirely while traveling at full speed. Yom Kippur is the day we completely halt our busy daily lives, fasting and stepping away from physical distractions to look inward. The hummingbird’s sudden hover is a perfect reflection of this sacred pause. 

2. The Figure-Eight and Infinity: A hummingbird’s wings move in the distinct pattern of a figure-eight, which is the universal symbol for infinity. On this day, we focus on the eternal nature of the soul (Neshamah) and its connection to the Divine. It serves as a reminder that our spirits transcend our temporary physical bodies.

3. A Spiritual Messenger from the Other Side: Across many cultures, the hummingbird is viewed as a messenger bridging heaven and earth, often symbolizing the presence or comfort of a departed loved one. This holiday features the Yizkor (memorial) service, a designated time where we intensely remember and honor ancestors and lost family members. A visit during this time can feel like a gentle reassurance that their souls are at peace and near. 

4. Renewal and Awakening the Heart: Hummingbirds move lightly and seek the literal sweetness of life. In Jewish thought, writers sometimes use the hummingbird to represent the opening of a tender, yearning heart center. After a day of rigorous introspection, repentance (Teshuvah), and shedding past heavy burdens, the hummingbird reminds us of the ultimate goal: starting the new year with a pure, light, and joyful heart. 

While I’m not Jewish, I knew what today was and funny enough, I awoke thinking of my dear friend Stewart who passed away recently and he was. Although I don’t know if it was a visit from him specifically, I’d like to think that it wasn’t a coincidence that I saw my first hummingbird here. I say first as I’d like to see another one again soon! Time will tell…

But I feel as though this new home speaks in wildlife messages again and I am truly grateful. Let’s see what’s in store for us as time progresses….I hope your day is filled with beautiful meaning, wonderment and magic…

Have you ever had a hummingbird encounter? Please share with me!

Shine On!

xo