Rabbit Rabbit February 2023

Happy Blessed February and rabbit-rabbit-white-rabbit-white-rabbit/ to all of you! I have our sweet 8 year old kitty Tigger curled up in my lap so it’s a little difficult to type. She’s taken to establishing herself on my lap every morning and affectionately not allowing me to do what I need to do on the computer. She likes it when I kiss the top of her head (like her forehead). Maybe she likes that Third Eye love connection! Either way, it’s lovely to feel as if she wants to be with me and I welcome her open-heartedly. It’s also the time that there’s no pup running around the house because he sleeps in, so she has me all to herself and the house is quiet, so it’s just the two of us.

As for the pup, he’s now over a year old and he’s a big love. He’s a lap dog even at 70 lbs! Buster has changed our lives in so many ways. Who could have predicted that the little ball of white fur could become such a big part of our lives?! I love that my sons have pets as they have taught us all so much! Even though we’ve lost two cats along the way due to old age, Chessie and Tiffy, their loyalty and love lives on in our memories.

I love that February is here as it’s a short month and the theme is LOVE! Just reading/saying the word LOVE makes me smile. Does it do the same for you? I hope so because we all need love. I think it’s just as important as air, water and food as well as connections. Love is not just the saying of ‘I do’ anymore. It’s a universal code of respect, kindness, caring and generosity of spirit. It’s being human with an open heart. Lucky for me, mine’s still beating even though I’ve had some issues with it. So far, though, so good! I can’t believe in June it will be a year since I had open heart surgery. Thank goodness times flies as this part of my life has been a tough ride. But, I’m grateful for all of it!

I hope that this month brings you all the love you can hold (and more!). May you enjoy a February filled with all the goodness that 2023 brings…thanks for stopping by and reading. I hope all is well with all of you! Keep shining your heartlights!

Shine On!

xo

Life Is Fleeting

Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day… make a wish and think of me.

Robin Williams

Today marks two years since my Mom passed away. It feels like only yesterday and yet at the same time, it feels like years have passed since my sister and I were with her that fateful day. I awoke this morning at 5:30am, much earlier than usual, only to remember that two years ago, at that same hour, we were with her as she was transitioning. I wondered if on some level she had awakened me so I could be there to honor her at her hour. I spent the next hour in prayer, perusing through the multitude of photos and videos of our family, remembering the good times we spent together.

It’s a strange feeling to remember that you’re all alone. Only those of us who have lost our parents will understand that bereft feeling that startles you without warning. For so much has changed since she passed away. I’m still recovering from Open Heart Surgery and while my Mom wouldn’t have been capable to help me recuperate, it would have been lovely to have her here. To know that she was with me even if she couldn’t do anything more than pray for me. Thank the Good Lord that my parents gave me my sister for whom I am so grateful. She has been a Godsend to me.

I have learned that they are always with me. Even though I have many loved ones on the other side, I know they are around me. I can catch glimpses of them. I know our precious pets can too as I watch them track someone in the room who is invisible to the naked human eye. They know. They hear. They are aware of the loving energy that surrounds us.

I have a friend whose husband passed away and he makes his presence known in many ways to his still living wife. While you may not ‘believe’ in such things, I have born witness to some unexplainable events, coincidences and synchronicities that keep my faith strong in the belief that we are energy and those who have passed can communicate with those of us still here on earth.

I like this quote from Robin Williams especially because I’m a skywatcher myself and love to catch a glimpse of a shooting star as it streaks across the night sky. While I had never heard this quote before, I thought it was apropos. So tonight, you know I’ll be sitting on my front porch, watching the night sky.

Have you ever had any moments when you believed you received a visit from a departed loved one? I’d love to hear about them if you’d please share! Keep shining your heartlights!

Shine On!

xo

Super Blood Moon Eclipse

I’m sure many of you have read about the lunar eclipse that’s happening tonight/early tomorrow morning (depending on where you live). It’s in Scorpio in case you were wondering…

Are you, like me, a stargazer? Do you hope to actually see it for yourself? Well, you can as the lunar eclipse will be visible over South and West Europe, South and West Asia, Africa, most of North America, South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica, if you’re in those regions! Lasting in total for 1 hour and 25 minutes, the overall duration will be seen for 5 hours and 19 minutes. If you’re on the East Coast (like me), it will occur at 12:12 A.M. on May 16, 2022. On the West Coast, it will take place at 9:12 P.M. on May 15, 2022. Add that this will be one of the longest total lunar eclipses until 2029, I’d highly suggest you set your alarm to experience it if you can!

On Instagram, @1111divinelight1111 posted:

This makes sense to me, especially since our puppy Buster has been barking at something (or someone) he sees, but we mere humans do not. Even this morning, he was attentive and staring intently, yelping and barking, all while being super protective of me. This has happened out in the yard as well with me quite a few times in the last week. The low, throaty growl punctuated by the bark (from a pup who doesn’t bark often) raised my eyebrows, wondering what he was seeing and wishing I could as well. Also, it made me thankful for his protective presence by my side.

Not to be outdone by her new younger brother, our sweet cat Tigger has been on higher alert as well. You know how animals are more aware than we and these two are no exception. Their unconditional loving presence in our home helps the energy here immensely.

I love the thought of the magic of the moon being always by my side. Don’t you? Please let me know if you get a glimpse of the eclipse! I’d love to hear all about your experience!

Shine On!

xo

National Love Your Pet Day

I didn’t even know there existed a “National Love Your Pet Day” but apparently, it’s today!  So here I am, because who doesn’t love their pets?  You know I love the bunnies and other wildlife in my yard, but they’re not pets in the traditional sense.  Better said, they’re what I consider part of my extended animal family.  Well, those and the many dogs who live nearby and walk past my home with their owners.  I love to sneak in a little puppy love from time to time as they walk by.  It’s a nice change considering I have cats who do not walk on leashes, nor go outside.

Pets bring a life force of unconditional love into our homes.  The responsibility of being a pet owner can feel burdensome at times, but the goodness far outweighs any poop detail!

As a child, our family had many different pets over the years. My favorites were the black Labrador Retriever and alley cat who were best friends.  We also had various beta fish and gold fish (won at county fairs), two parakeets and even a hermit crab for a brief period of time.

When I had my own family, I knew that we needed a pet in our lives.  While we’ve never had a dog (yet), I do love dogs and maybe someday when the time is right, we’ll have a dog in our family.  But in the meantime, we’ve been a cat family.  Two rescues and a purebred so far.  Years ago our family went through the heartbreaking decision to let our 17 year old rescue who stayed with me throughout my cancer ordeal, never leaving my side, be free to travel over the Rainbow Bridge.  We still have our almost 6 year old rescue (whom my sons chose and she looks very much like our dearly departed kitty) and our American Bobtail who’s been with us for more than 10 years.  Both girls are housebound and aren’t outdoor kitties which is fine by me.

They are a huge part of our family.  Their antics and affection add a richness to our lives that has helped us through some tough times.  In fact, I’ve often written about our family phrase “fur therapy” (when you just need to hold one of the cats and feel that special unconditional pet love).  When my sons come home we hug and kiss hello and soon afterwards they usually scoop up a cat to hug as well.  The soothing petting of a cat and feeling that purr rumble is actually healing and proven scientifically.  Did you know that?

In addition, our family has been the home for an anole, a hamster named Hamtaro (Hammie for short) and some requisite gold fish.  All in all, I don’t think my children nor I would be able to be without a pet in our lives because they’re such a part of our lives.

Do you feel the same way?  Tell me all about your loving furbabies!

Shine On!

xo

Cats and Dogs

 

Tiffy ~ American Bobtail

Lately, I’ve been working like a dog, which is no surprise because I’m sure at times we all feel that way.  It’s the dog-days of summer so the heat affects us as well.  We’ve had bouts of raining cats and dogs too.  Are you following my animal analogies?

Dogs are people too, have you heard that phrase?  Dog is man’s best friend.  You call a dog and he comes (usually).  But call a cat?  Not such great odds that the cat will even hear you let alone think about moving out of his warm spot in the sunshine.  Have you ever attempted to corral a bunch of cats into one area?  If you have, then you know how anxious it can make you.  Just as you think they are all herded into one single area, one hops the fence, another squeezes through a crack, while the others walk around, tails high in the air, not a care in the world.  Grab the escapees and the ones who you were sure were just lazing around and grooming themselves, but have now decided to take off and explore on their own, regardless that you are calling their names.  For a moment, all is well.

Does this sound familiar to you?  Metaphorically of course, because unless you are a crazy cat lady, you don’t have so many cats in one area.  We have two ~ Tiffy is a little diva, a snuggle kitty, my constant companion, a chatterbox and the winner of the best fur therapy giver award.  It is to Tiffy whom we whisper our frustrations, snuggling into her fluffy, soft fur, burying our faces streamed with tears when nobody else is home.  The holder of secrets and yet she is a demanding and independent thinker who just lives by her own clock, her own mind and her own needs.  And yet, we adore her!  Our younger family member is Tigger who is still a little sprite of energy, even after being with us for four years.  She quite literally runs our household now, including running Tiffy who is not used to anything more than a sedentary lifestyle.  It’s been an adjustment for sure, for us all, but mostly for Tiffy who welcomed a friend, but on her terms.  Tigger brings vitality to our home.  Her shenanigans amuse us and her willingness to play with anything and everything keeps us on our toes.  Her nickname is the hooligan!

So how are cats like people?  Well, dogs are what we people would like to be, what we would like to have as our comrades, those with whom we come into constant contact.  To me, a dog is mostly friendly, happy, without secrets.  A dog needs water, food, a bit of playtime with a ball and is simply happy to be here with you.  Canines notoriously make excellent pets because they are reliable and their mood shows directly in their posture, on their face and mostly, they are happy to see you.  They are without cares, do not hold grudges and you can easily read them by their stance.  In other words, they are what we would like the people in our lives to be.

Cats, who get a bad rap for being more independent, are more like people.  They rock their own tune in their head and don’t rely on being told what to do like dogs.  They have their own agenda and aren’t afraid to hiss when things don’t go their way.  They build trust slowly, but surely.  They have 9 lives and like to nestle in the most obscure places, like the linen closet.  Rarely do they come when called unless it suits them.  Most of the time, you can’t read their minds (unless I put out the tuna treat and then I know that I am number one in their book for awhile).

While we don’t have a dog in our home, we love them and would have one if we could.  But for now, it would upset the feline energy here at the moment.  Friends of ours just had a litter of black lab pups that are calling my name.  I can’t upset the household with a new puppy, but it sure would make for some crazy future posts!

Shine On!

xo

Cats And Unseen Energy

My cats have been acting strangely this morning.  It happens every once in awhile, but since I recently wrote about energy, I thought perhaps someone could give me a little insight.  Please?

This morning, our older cat was quietly sitting on the couch when suddenly, without warning, she jumped up as if she had been startled by something and then raced off the couch, skid across the floor and out of the room at full speed.  It was as it someone had poked her while she was quietly relaxing and then chased her.  But there was nobody near her.

I was stunned by her reaction.  At first, I thought it was that she realized she had to go to the bathroom right now.  Sometimes that urge happens to all of us.  So I followed her, but she ran straight into my bedroom and hid herself under the bed.

I didn’t see anything. I sat on my bed for a few minutes, trying to gauge if there were something more, something unseen that perhaps she saw or felt and I did not.  But I wasn’t aware of anything.  After a few minutes, she came out from underneath the bed and I carried her baby style in my arms, back into the family room so I could finish my coffee.

Back on the couch, she nestled next to me.  She wouldn’t close her eyes to cat nap as she usually does.  She stayed alert.  Every once in awhile, her ears perked up, but I heard only silence.  I looked around the room, but saw nothing amiss.

Our other kitty who is younger was already sleeping somewhere else.  However, about an hour later, she moseyed into the family room.  Suddenly she started batting at something unseen.  It was as if someone was playing with her.  She ran around in circles, jumping up occasionally and then raced out of the room.  Two minutes later, she ran back into the room to repeat the playing and raced out again.  It was such a peculiar sight.  As I watched her, I wondered if there was someone or something unseen by me in the room.  The older cat watched expectantly from her perch next to me, but she didn’t move.

I’d like to think that whatever caused the girls (as I call the cats) to act so strangely was a kind energy, acting playfully with them.  Because afterwards they both settled down as if nothing had happened.

Do any pet owners out there have any similar experiences?  The unexplained noises have been happening again that I’ve written about here.  I thought it was the change of seasons with the heating system, but now I’m not so sure.  Truly, the girls acted as if they were interacting with something that I couldn’t see.  Has this ever happened in your home?

Shine On!

xo

 

A Giggle Before Thanksgiving

If you’re anything like me, you’re stressed out now with the start of the holiday season.  Thanksgiving is a tough holiday to prepare for and even though this year, I’m not cooking the bird, I have a few dishes to prepare for the meal at my sister’s house.  It should be fun this year as our Mom is going to be with us too which just makes me smile.  I want to take lots of photos and videos of her with all of us.  As our parents get older, it’s important to do that you know.  Every single moment and memory is precious and sometimes it’s only after, in hindsight, that we regret we didn’t do more.  So, I’m working hard to live with no regrets!

Anyway, I was thinking about decorating for Christmas because I always began after the Thanksgiving dinner was put away.  I started slowly at first, but often, I was well on my way by Sunday.  I can’t help myself!  I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I came across the clever video below and laughed my way through it.  What a great stress reliever and giggle maker!  If you like animals, please click below and get into the Christmas mood.  You know, it’s almost time to Deck The Halls!

Shine On!

xo

 

How I Wake Up Happy!

First let me ask you…

1. Do you wake up at approximately the same time every day?

2.  How do you wake up in the morning?  Does your inner clock awaken you?  Kids/pets/spouse wake you up?  Alarm clock?

3.  Do you get around 7-8 hours of sleep a night?

4.  Are you a glass 1/2 full or glass 1/2 empty person?

5.  Are you a happy person normally?

In thinking up the above questions, there are so many factors which can wreak havoc on your mornings, so many variables that I am not sure I can solve your every morning dilemma!  However perhaps my experiences may benefit you in case you need a bit of help in the mornings.

As a former night owl (before children), I had such a tough time changing my ways to becoming a morning person, but now that I’m there, I love it!  It definitely took some time getting used to and it was a big learning curve ~ I mean, the whole early bird catches the worm thing boggled my mind before kids.  As you may know from experience, kids definitely change you in more ways than one!

My elder son was an early riser and until he hit puberty, before dawn was his wake up time and thus became mine begrudgingly.  Now, the tables have turned and it is I who is wide eyed and happily chirping away at dawn and it is he who is dragging a bit in the early morn!  But he taught me a great lesson because every morning when he’d awaken so early, he’d be happy to wake up and start the day and it is by his example (and my other son who has continued the tradition) that I am grateful to report that I Wake Up Happy!

Perhaps contributing to my happy awakenings is the fact that I am grateful to wake up every morning to see the day dawn!  I’ve spent the past 11 years with my health in turmoil so to me, to awaken everyday with a loving family and pets surrounding me is a great gift.  My routine is to wake up to the alarm clock (if my inner one hasn’t already awakened me) which is set about 10 minutes before I really need to get up.  I hit the snooze and then think about my day before I even put one foot on the floor!

I imagine a marvelous day ahead and if I know I have things to do, I imagine them going smoothly, I see in my mind’s eye  my travels safe and without traffic, I imagine smooth sailing in all business issues and I plan out my day to have a happy ending.  I smile to myself knowing that this is my secret weapon ~ I smile as much as I can throughout the day!  So I begin my morning with a smile before I even pull back the covers of my bed!

For me, a few precious minutes of solitude (well, with the cats of course) accompanied by a fresh cup of coffee is the key to a beautiful day so it’s how I begin!  I look outside at the sky, the yard and notice the beauty of nature around me.  I pet the cats and feel the tranquility which nestles around me when they purr.  I need those few minutes every morning so that when the rest of the family arises, I am cheery and full of optimism and organized.  You know the whole refrain, if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!  So Momma does her best to be happy!

This morning I will admit, I wasn’t the happiest because I awoke with a migraine which has been plaguing me for a few days.  So I curtailed my imaginings and simply sang this refrain in my head,  as I am known to do when I need a little pick me up in the mornings.  There’s something about this song which just makes me happy.  Do you have a happy song that makes you smile?  If not, you can borrow mine!  Do you know it?  It’s  “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, the song from Oklahoma!

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day. 

I have a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way!

Shine On!

Keep Smiling!

xo

Connections…From the Other Side…

Deepest Sympathies For the Loss of Your Beloved Pet

The above is the card that I sent my friend BAngel when her beloved dog passed away.  Feeling a little melancholy this morning, I thought that I’d repost from my friend BAngel’s new website and blog!  I wanted to include her post because I believe that it is fitting for those of us who have lost our dear pets and loved ones.  We all want to find that connection from our dearly departed loved one and it matters not if it’s a pet nor human.   https://misifusa.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/spirits-in-the-night/  To feel that connection, that love link is something yearned for by many who are left earthbound without their loved ones.  I know that I’ve written about this before ~ and shared with you some of our experiences with my Dad.  https://misifusa.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/life-after-death/  Bobbi’s signs are special ~ so I’d like to introduce her to all of you!

My “Little Cricket” Connection

January 6, 2013 By Bobbi

I am so aware that our souls do not die when our bodies do, but I do struggle with the passing of my sweet, little, black shih tzu, Sophie, in spite of knowing that. I had to put her to sleep recently because her heart failure made it so hard for her to breathe, and I didn’t want her to have to struggle to breathe any more. I felt that decision just rip a hole in my heart that day because I was so attached to her for almost 13 years. I loved her so much and I couldn’t believe I would not be able to hold that little, soft, warm body on my lap anymore, or feel her pressed against my feet in bed at night or her standing on me with her full-body wag to wake me up every morning. I loved that she nuzzled in my neck when I picked her up to carry her home from our walks when her heart got tired. I loved the way that tiny little 10-pound dog, when she was at her healthiest and happiest, would give full-body barks at the squirrels and giant birds in our trees, backing up with each bark like a cricket springing backwards. She even did her reverse, full-body “cricket bark” one time and landed backwards in the pool much to her surprise! I loved her hard-to-see black little pearl eyes as they trustingly stared into my face for reassurance – even on her last morning.

She was sweet and she was special, and everyone who held her knew that, too. She communicated what she needed so cleverly. She was seldom hungry and had to be coaxed to eat every single meal, but I didn’t mind. And I didn’t mind getting up around 2 am to let her out to empty her little bladder every night for over 12 years. I would have to soothe her later in life from all the things that made her tremble like when we had thunderstorms, or visitors, or when almost inaudible electronic clicks from the stove or iron alarmed her, but she was so worth it.  I was feeling just so deeply saddened to have to end that beautiful life. I tried to make myself feel better at first reminding myself that she wasn’t really gone, not her spirit anyway,  just her physical form. But, as often as I would remember her energy wasn’t gone, it wasn’t enough. I would then want to connect with that energy. I was simply missing my physical Sophie so badly that I wanted to really “feel” her energy with me. I had always heard that when a loved one passes, his or her soul’s energy raises to a much, much higher speed that it was when slowed down by the physical body, but I still ached to connect with her, somehow. I said a little prayer asking for a sign or a message from her and then let it go, hoping it would come.

To read more and comment…and perhaps find a new blogger to follow ~ or even get a life coaching session….here’s the talented Bobbi!

http://www.openyourjourney.com/my-souls-journey-with-sophie/

Happy Sunday to All and Shine On my friends!

xo

I found a few other posts that were similar…so I thought I’d share!

http://passionfortheparanormal.com/2013/01/04/do-animals-have-souls/

http://passionfortheparanormal.com/2012/12/20/how-the-spirits-communicate/

http://alittledeathblog.com/2012/12/20/so-long-farewell/

http://motherhoodisanart.com/2012/12/17/she-was-thinking-about-him/