Dear Departed Drawings ~ Alice 17

Worked mostly on the fine details of Vaydas hair and shading Alices fur. Fining tuning areas now that the drawing is laid out. Had to take a break from my art and let all the inner work I've been doing lately sink in fully.  Then I attended an amazing conference called the Global Leadership Summit.  I attended about five years ago and won two tickets to the summit this year.  The most inspirational conference I have attended yet.  Two days spent filling my head with ways to improve my relationships.  What it means to be a leader, how to get there, ways to maintain the momentum.  How to make it through devastating circumstances and still forge ahead.  Understanding true qualities of a leader and the hard inner work they have done to succeed.  The determination and discipline required.  Truly inspiring and much needed at this exact point in my life to cement everything I have been learning and applying in my life.

Then I had a dream. I thought I might share it here.  My husband even suggested I share my dream after I told him.  In my dream I was standing inside a catholic church with many other people, the Pope was blessing us and then cast a fistful of stones onto the floor.  Everyone scrambled for them but I found two!  I gave the woman next to me the smaller of the two stones, but she seemed ungrateful so I ended up giving her the larger stone and keeping the smaller one for myself.   The stones the Pope cast out were Staurolite, also known as Fairy stones.  Then I left the church and John Leguizamo was waiting for me outside, I told him I had something for him and pulled out a tangerine quartz and citrine from my pocket.  He told me he didn't want them.  He said that he had something to tell me and told me to turn around.  Then I woke up because the kids were awake and yelling for me. 

After consulting with two dear friends and my husband it seems clear I am ready to move on from work within the solar plexus representing the citrine crystal, essentially balance - self esteem, confidence, willpower.  The tangerine quartz represents the sacral chakra, essentially creativity - emotions, connection, pleasure.  I had been doing some work this year on finding balance and creativity within myself.  I've been told I may be ready to move on to a new level of spiritual work and connecting with spirit directly.  

From what I have been told and what I have read is that Staurolite is rare and come to those who are ready.  Staurolite comes from the Greek word Stauros, which means cross. There are numerous tales behind these stones.  One in particular I keep seeing over and over is that these stones were first formed when the fairies cried as they heard the news of Christ's death, which is why they form in a cross.  Staurolite is a strong stone to aid spiritual grounding and a stronger connection with beings in the natural world, such as devas, fairies, spirits of animals and plants.  They are known as stones that will allow you to accept more easily, the gifts that Jesus brought to the world.  An unconditional love for others and for the earth.  

And from what I gathered from others and my own intuition about the ungrateful woman and the two stones, I am generous in nature and can recognize that a small stone or big stone, the medicine is still the same. There may also be someone taking from me and not appreciating me, leaving me with the smaller of the two stones.  So I will watch out for this, I am no stranger to this type of person.  I think as a giver and creative person, takers are naturally attracted to me (at least that what it seems from my own 35 year experience on this earth).  All in all it was an amazing dream, I've never dreamed of crystals before this time.  My husband agreed I needed to find a stone like the one in my dream.  This one is the closest I could find, they are rare and there are not many listed for sale online.  I believe the one in my dream was more of a 90 degree angle, rather than 60 degree - but as stated previously "the medicine is the same."  The stone in my dream had a huge piece of mica on the side (and I found none with this particular quality) but I this stone is actually set in mica!  The photo doesn't show its immensely shimmering and sparkly background for the cross.  I've been keeping this stone very close since it arrived Friday, keeping it in my pocket, in my medicine bag or under my pillow while sleeping.  I love it.  I also finally felt like creating again last night.  So I've been busy with batik, finishing up projects promised for others and a surprise for Lucias mother.

Dear Departed Drawings ~ Alice 16

Today I worked on Vaydas hair.  Fine tuning the lines and shading.  I've been trying to get back into the groove drawing regularly.  Summer is a difficult time to keep a routine in my house.  So many spur of the moment ideas and invites to learn, explore and have fun.  We are thoroughly enjoying our summer so far.

Most recently we upgraded our 2000 Subaru Impreza to a 2005 Nissan Armada.  We also have a 2005 Subaru Outback.  The Impreza was the first car I purchased on my own.  It was also the car I learned how to drive a manual transmission.  I met my husband in 2005, the same year I purchased my Impreza.  It was the car we took to all the music festivals that we frequented in those days.  I saved ticket stubs, posters and all the fun memorabilia from those days.  So when you buy a new car, you have to clean out the old car.  My husband was going through the bag of things he collected out of the old Impreza and handed me two tarot cards.

The tarot cards were given to us at the ticketing gate when we arrived to the Stone Henge Music Festival in 2008.  I had forgotten those cards were in the glove box.  I gasped as soon as I saw my card from that year.  It was the Two of Swords.  The same card that Lucias mother, Angie pulled for me in September of 2014 (click on the link for the tarot reading) before we had been formally introduced.

Then my husband said "Yeah, that card was given to us in 2008.  It says here on the back of the card."

It took exactly one second for me to gasp again. This was also the year of Lucias death and birth.  Now you can gasp and get the goosebumps while your hair raises.

Stonehenge Festival 2008  (me in the patchy dress) Subaru Impreza too!

Dear Departed Drawings ~ Lucia 13

Feeling satisfied with Lucias face for now.  Worked mostly on her blankets today.  Yesterday I felt so fatigued and sleepy, so I took the opportunity to rest and renew.  Nobody wins when the artist works while fatigued.  I think Friday was so magnificent and healing that I needed a day to recover.

Lucias mother, Angie, from The Moon + Stone Healing is a Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Advanced Crystal Master and Certified Crystal Healer.  I made an appointment for a crystal healing to see what its all about.  I am very curious in nature and love to experience new things, we can learn so much from others.   When I arrived at Alta View Wellness Center I was greeted by serene and relaxing music, quiet and peaceful atmosphere.  I had the chance to review the selection of crystals, handmade jewelry and other local artisan crafters on display.  Then I was whisked away into a beautiful room (one of the many beautiful rooms there - massage, reiki and other offerings are also available) full of beautiful crystals.  I noticed a beautiful crystal grid layout under the spacious and luxurious table.  The pillow was so fluffy!  Angie made me feel at home and comfortable.  We chatted a bit beforehand about my expectations, things I wanted to work through and what the process entails.  We started by meditating and we carried the meditation through the whole session.  Angie started by checking my chakras health, then after receiving the information needed, she began laying crystals upon my body in a crystal layout.  I had an eye pillow covering my vision during the session and unfortunately could not watch this curious and wondrous work.  After she laid out the first round of crystals, I felt heavy and breathless.  Then the name LUCIA passed in front of my eyes (still closed, still dark, still under an eye pillow) all of a sudden I burst into tears, my whole body shaking.  Then after a minute I felt a calmness wash over me.  I felt it necessary to tell Angie about Lucia and the calmness that I experienced after.  She too acknowledged Lucias presence and pointed out Mother Mary and Magdalene had made their presence known too.  Mother Mary often comes to me during channeled meditations and last month I felt compelled to purchase a Mother Mary statue to compliment my Sacred Heart Jesus statue.  She anointed the crystal over my heart chakra with rose oil and continued.  I released (cried) a few more times during the crystal healing (which is normal) and when she finished we went over everything that happened.

One of the first things she told me was the layout she used and the crystals she used.  She proceeded to tell me all my chakras looked good.  A few were smaller but the crown, third eye and throat were open, so she just supported them while she worked with the others.  I was not unbalanced as I felt, but rather needed to open the channel connecting my chakras, if I understood correctly.   Then she asked me if I had been thinking of cutting my dreadlocks.  Yes, I had been considering trimming them, but hadn't yet because I felt I was doing a disservice to my friend Houd.  I had put them into dreadlocks just days after he decided to end his time here on earth and I was afraid if I cut them I would be somehow cutting that period of remembrance and memories out of me.  Angie told me the message came through during my healing that if I wanted to cut my hair that it was okay to do.  Clearly my friend Houd was there too (it felt like him anyway) telling her these things.  She also told me a bald man with a bit of hair above his ears and a belly called me Mandy, told me he loved me and was always with me.  I immediately felt this was my Pap.  I'd been waiting for a long time to hear something from him, anything.  My spirit guide, the most stunning, strong and motherly native american woman you've ever seen, made herself known to Angie and communicated to her spirit guide.  We discussed many other things and she showed me so many beautiful crystals and messages during our session.  At the close she asked me which chakras I'd like to work with and before I could answer she took the words right out of my mouth.  The crown, third eye and throat was her recommendation.  She pulled out three beautiful crystals for me to work with and sent me home with a bag of bath salts.   I cried and cried on the way home, thinking of my Pap.  I'd waited so long to hear from him, I miss him so.

My crystal healing was amazing, I felt great when she was finished.  I was tired the day after but I think that is probably normal recovery as with any type of healing or exercise.  I write this out for you knowing not everyone believes in God, crystal healings or the spirit worlds existence.  That is okay with me, but understand I write this, because it happened and I must speak my truth.  I cannot cover myself up anymore because of what others believe or don't believe.  This is my experience with crystal healing and yours will doubtfully be exactly like mine if you decide to get one.  It was amazing and beautiful and healing and everything I always thought it would be.


So I trimmed my hair today...

I feel lighter and stronger and ready for this year.  Things are getting real.

Divine Life Purpose

Repeating nines today.  The end.  But also clearing the way to fully pursue my Divine Life Purpose, my Soul Mission.  Fully devoting myself.  Excited even. 


References of Interest:

Angel Numbers

Dearly Departed Drawings ~ Kole {day 371}

November 21, 2008

"First of all, I want to say thank you to all you beautiful wonderful people with your kind words and deeds that speak volumes to the kind of love that is out there for us. I am speechless. Your words get me through.
This is actually an update on daddy. Last night after I got back from Karns to pick up some "olis" for Kole (ravioli request), I returned to find my husband relapsing in the room. He said "thank God you're back" (I didn't feel I was gone all that long). By the time those words were out, he was already in the bathroom vomiting up acids. But this time, the pain seemed to be so much more severe than usual. He noticed blood in the vomit. He was writhing and wriggling on the floor and moaning and crying, to the point that it actually scared Kole and I. He kept saying "not again, not again". We knelt and prayed as hard as we could, feverishly, I would say. My husband kept praying and pleading to the Lord to not let him suffer anymore. I called my mom to see if she would come up in case he wanted to just go home to be in a comfortable place, which is where he likes to go when he gets sick. After 15 years of suffering through these episodes, he just feels like no one can really do anything for him and he may as well just go be "comfortable" and suffer through it.
We convinced him just to go downstairs to the ER and get admitted. I said "At least then we'll all be able to be in the same building." They brought a wheelchair he could barely sit up in and we made it down. Thank you August for watching Kole while I could be with my husband.
They started IV fluids and pain medication and nausea medication, both of which did nothing, so they upped the doses. Finally he was comfortable. They took lot of blood tests and are continuing to collect his urine.
A very intelligent doctor came in and talked with me about what's been going on with my husband most recently and I spilled the beans about how he just hasn't really been able to get better since July, and his diet, the fatigue he's been having, the whole nine. He asked amazing questions no doctor had asked before, like if he had any skin problems. Why, as a matter of fact, he does! He is riddled with psoriasis. I felt positively that the Lord had brought us here after we'd prayed so hard upstairs.
Finally another doctor came in and asked how this episode differed from other episodes. We said it really didn't, it came on in just the same way, after a bowel movement. Only the pain was more severe. The doctor said he had reason to believe this episode was unlike any other, because my husbands blood showed very high levels of lipase. Pancreatitis.
They are trying to identify the cause of his pancreatitis, the CT didn't give much information. The original doctor thinks there's a link between the pancreatitis and the skin problem - celiac disease. So we are now eagerly awaiting the results of some more blood tests.
THANK GOD. The resounding sentiment overflows. They finally found SOMETHING and not NOTHING. A reason.....a real reason!!!!!! WHOOOO HOOOOOOO
We were in the right place at the right time. My husband is admitted here now on floor 5. I have been toggling back and forth between him and Kole on floor 7. What an interesting couple days. I tell ya, I feel like I am going to wake up soon.
God bless and enjoy each wonderful beautiful day...."


November 22, 2008

"Just wanted everyone to know we are all finally home, as a family. Kole was discharged Friday and my husband on Saturday afternoon. Kole's treatment continues as usual on schedule for now, while my husband awaits the results of the blood work to check for celiac disease. Another doctor came to speak with my husband earlier today, and seems to be convinced that he has what he was originally diagnosed with, Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome. They are still not ruling out celiac disease, it could be that he has both, but hopefully not. They feel his CVS has just gotten out of control considering it's gone so long without good treatment, and that presently my husband is under more stress than normal. CVS is a rare condition typically found in children, it tends to taper off into adulthood, but is characterized by episodes of intense pain, nausea, and vomiting, followed by periods of health. It is also known as an abdominal migraine, where migraine sufferers get their pain in their head, he gets his in his abdomen. It is treated mainly by prevention, with my husband having to take daily medication to relax his stomach, combined with an anti-nausea med. There is also a medication which he's been given to take when he feels an attack "coming on", and it's what migraine sufferers take, it dissolves under the tongue. He was told to take this and go to a dark room and relax, and this should help stop an attack before it gets severe.
Thanks to everyone for keeping us all in your prayers. God bless."


November 24, 2008

"As if a force out there was saying "Not So Fast...." here we are again in the darn hospital. We slept in our own bed Saturday night, but that was it for now. Kole got a fever 101.2 last night and we got admitted, so here we are at Hershey again. We hope to be home for Thanksgiving. Kole needs to receive some blood today, his red count is low. Otherwise, he is quite active and resuming normal eating and drinking. Tylenol is awesome!
Right now Kole is getting some blood cultures and cefepime (antibiotic) but that's it for now. The big concern is that his counts are on their way down after the chemo he just had, and he can't afford an infection.
Daddy is doing pretty well, he still has his moments. We are still waiting on the result of the celiac test and pray that he just has comfort every day to enjoy being with Kole.
A belated notice for everyone - in the York Daily Record today, a friend of my husband's, Beth Vrabel, who writes the "Smart Mama" column, wrote a small article featuring Kole. It can also be found on www.SmartMamaPA.com, if you don't get the paper, check it out, it's really very good.
That's all for now and I will keep you posted. Praying to come home!!!!!"



Today I focused on Koles face - namely his nose and upper lip, something I haven't been satisfied with for awhile.  I now feel super great about them and may consider his face finished (for now at least).  I would still like to darken some tones in his hair and I still have work to do on the other pieces of the picture.  I also worked on his bedding today and a bit of touch ups on his shirt and more shading on his legs. 

My oldest daughter has been asking for a craft lately and I had been perusing Pinterest but not finding anything worthy.  Two nights ago Violet came into my dreams and asked me to craft her a pot of violets.  She showed me just how she wanted them done.  The next morning (yesterday) I had forgotten the dream and was searching Pinterest for a suitable craft when it all came back to me in a flood.  I thought about it for a minute and clicked back to my Pinterest profile, there it was 4,444 pins.  I searched 444 symbolism on Google and found I was to pay attention to my intuition and encouraged to continue on my path.  I was told I have nothing to fear in my divine life purpose and soul mission.  Well that was enough for me, we set out to create some flowers for Violet.  The kids did nearly all of the painting and I completed the cutting and assembly - so it was a collaboration of sorts.  I feel Violet is happy and my kids and I had a wonderful time crafting together.  I thank God and the Universe every day for the magnificent talents they have bestowed upon me to use for the greater good. 

Happening now

Just now I was looking through my blog analytics and I have 7777 page views.

I have not yet seen in my lifetime a cluster of sevens in this way.  1111, 222, 444 but not sevens.  If I believe everything has a reason then I find the following explanation.  I find it affirming and comforting.

Upon further inspection of repeating sevens I have discovered the number 7 resonates with the ‘Collective Consciousness’, the inner-self, life purpose, the specialist, natural healer, inner-strength, intuition and inner-wisdom, an understanding of others,  persistence of purpose, perfection, the path of solitude, spiritual awareness and awakening, spiritual enlightenment, divine life purpose and good fortune.


References of Interest:

Angel Numbers

Moondaughter

Numerology

Aura Photo

I was at the MUM Expo today and was told you can get a photo of your aura taken.  Finding auras pretty intriguing of course I was interested.  Other religions, beliefs, spirituality and beyond totally interest me and I love finding out about all these other "worlds", religions and what have you.

But firstly, what is an aura you ask?  Scientifically speaking it is a concrete, existing energy field that surround living creatures. The Aura is formed by subtle color radiances which surround the body of a human being.  Each color signifies a certain vibration which has different meanings.  The human being is a complex organism, full of emotion, intelligence and spirit, and these qualities are reflected in his or her energy field, or Aura. One's Aura can change from time to time, as a result of ones own experiences and views on life. However, the overall aura can remain the same, or can be subject to major changes. (definitions found on the original Aura Photograpy website)

So how can you possibly take a photo of that, must be your second question.  The equipment uses Biofeedback.  Using a hand sensor, a person would put their left (or right) hand onto the hand sensors. This measures the standardized biofeedback parameter. The hand sensor itself has various contact points on them; these are connected with certain organs of the body, as well as measure the electromagnetic field of the user and can thus deliver information about the energetic and auric qualities of that person. The hand sensor can also measure deviations in temperature, humidity and static electricity in the environment and the person, allowing for greater precision in data gathering. These data parameters are then projected as a radiant, colored aura field around the body on either a Polaroid photo or onto a computer or television screen. In no time thereafter, a brilliant color photo or computer print out can be presented.

In short, these kinds of biofeedback probes can pick up your spiritual energy. The camera or video device can then display this information as a colorful field around your body. The colors actually reflect your spiritual and auric state.

My Aura Photo

I was told that because my aura "cones" at the top, rather than normally "rounded"  that I am greatly connected to the spiritual world and a very spiritual person.  At this point she asked me what I am doing that would explain this.  So I started telling her about my Dear Departed Drawings  as a possible explanation and she was in awe.  (so strange to have so many different "spiritualists" in awe of my work)  I then proceeded to show her my blog and again she was in awe again.  She proceeded to tell me I am on my life's path and am a healer.  I am also balanced and very grounded. (Not the first time I've heard these descriptions)

Then she held my photo in front of the ceiling lights (just regular lights).  And this happened.

Spirits in my aura!

Then she starts pointing out all these faces in my aura!!  I have lots of faces in my aura photo, spirit guides, passed on loved ones, etc.  She explained that when a person has a photo of their aura taken, its like a family photo where everyone tries to crowd in to get their picture taken. So click on the photo just above and step back - you will see them too!!  Very interesting stuff!

Then we discussed my chakra photo.

Chakra photo

First thing she asked me was if I was tired.  YES.  I have been super busy these last few weeks.  Preparing for Weeusables Consignment Event, the beginning of MOPS and trying to complete normal daily tasks such as taking care of the house and children.  Never mind pursuing my own ambitions! HA!  No really, just not getting enough sleep and very busy.  She gave me a few prayers and meditation ideas to say and do at night before sleep to help my body rest.  Then she proceeded to tell me that even though my chakras are tired and small that my overall state of my aura is very healthy and bright! She also mentioned there is a "crossover" in my chakras. You can see in my Solar Plexus Chakra (the fifth one down from the very top) it is diamond shaped.  I did not fully understand what her description/opinion was of this and unfortunately do not remember her exact words.  But she said it is very rare and from what I remember is somehow related to spirituality.  I have been searching and scouring the internet for an explanation but have not yet found anything.  Any one elses input would be welcome.  We discussed a few other things and I discovered she is also a spiritualist.  There was another booth at the Expo offering aura photos for a lesser price but not really any insight.  When I approached the very crowed booth to inspect further I didn't feel as connected as I did to this booth.  So glad I made the decision I did.

I also ran into the beautiful soul from The Moon + Stones Healing that provided me with a free tarot card pull online!! 

If you are interested in the woman that provided me with the explanation of my aura and chakra photo (her husband actually was the one taking them), her website is here.

In reviewing my photos here I happened to notice the reflection of light in the background of my aura photo forms a cross on the left side of the photo.  Interesting and curious to say the least.

Art Reading

Today was an amazing experience!  I love art, especially OTHER peoples art!!!  So when I heard there was a woman giving art reading - I was all in!

Beverly validated everything happening in my life right now.  She showed me so many things and asked me NO questions!  Just pointed out to me people, animals and other things in the art she created for me and told me the meanings.  Rather than painting me a picture she blended paints which created the most wonderful art.  Knowing I am on my path that has been set out for me by God and the universe - she was able to validate and confirm as others have done before her.  It's nice to know my passions (drawing portraits and tie dye) are my lifes purpose as are relationships with others confirmed.  Sometimes you get lost and don't know where to start or what path to take.  I have always been inclined to follow my intuition or instincts for as long as I can remember.  While I didn't always follow my "gut", I found that later I should have listened better.

I love creating love and happiness for others through my drawings.  While some may find it morbid or inappropriate, I find it hard to believe that we all aren't missing a passed on loved one.  What better way to remember them than to have a hand drawn portrait stuffed with positivity, love, tears and joy.  Below is a photo of my art reading.  It has two sides, a present and future.

Present

In the present, Beverly showed me my protector - the wolf, its huge and very hard to miss.  Also pointed out was a man and woman facing each other.  An aviator hat at the top (my brother is a pilot).  An army man wearing his hat (my grandfather) just to name a few.

Future

In the future, Beverly pointed out the owl at the top with its wings spread wide - meaning I am a healer and will continue to expand on this as time passes.  At the bottom she pointed out a basket as used in hot air ballooning (again my brother).  A man kneeling with this head bowed filling up most of the page - a guide of sorts.  Also a heart in the center to signify I have a huge heart - giving, helping, doing for others, just to name a few things.

When I brought it home my husband picked out MANY of the things without me showing him any.  He also pointed out quite a few other things.  I feel so blessed to have met her as she is from Michigan and only comes out here once a year to do readings.  After my reading we discussed my drawings for awhile and I validated her findings in my art reading.  She was so impressed with my reading she wanted to add it to her online gallery.  I am honored.  Thank you Beverly for filling my day with love, light and confirmation I am on my life's path.  And a special thank you to my mother, who through me is experiencing all kinds of things and without her I would not be able to attend all these wonderful experiences.

You can find Beverly's website here and view her gallery, as well as find out more about her.

Below is an interview with Beverly where she explains her methods.

Dearly Departed Drawings ~ Neil {day 252}

Getting back to it today.  Still have a long way to go, but getting it done.  I figure in time for Poppa's (the next portrait drawing subject) birthday in October.  Funny how things have a way of working out just right.  Nearly every portrait I've done this year has coincided with a birth, death or other significant date.

Today I happened across The Moon + Stone Healing Facebook page and the owner was offering to pull a tarot card for the first 10 responders.  I was one of them!  Here is the result :

Amanda Johnson, you pulled the Two of Swords, perhaps my favorite card in the Tarot deck. The Two shows a woman in nightclothes sitting at the edge of water. The moon just overhead. her arms are crossed over her heart, and she is blindfolded. She holds two large swords in her hand. Firstly, I am just going to say that this card is highly intuitive and psychic. We are talking dream work, gut feelings, intuition. This card often comes when we are being told one thing, and we feel deeply, it is not the truth. They often say seeing is believing, but this card is different. It asks you to tap into your intuitive abilities and begin to trust yourself It is okay to close your heart for the time begin until you are ready to either lay down your arms, or fight. So right now, it would behoove you to begin dream journaling, meditation, and any kind of psychic work that resonates with you. Ask your questions and allow the symbols you encounter all day to be your answer. Remember that you are absolutely able to take off that blindfold, in fact, you put it on for a very good reason. The people telling you the lies look great. But listen to what they are saying or not saying and you will be fine.


After reading that I decided today was the day to get back on track with drawing.  A lot of things have been swirling around our home lately and finally have reached a happy conclusion.  Now we can get back to the grind.  The last thing I want to incorporate into my drawings is my own anxiety, fears and sadness so I waited.  The wait is over.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.

365 days of drawing ~ day thirty-two

Today was the most amazing day, renewing and a bit emotional as well.  I have lots of work to do, a purpose, skills that need to be honed.  I won't probably be working on my drawing tonight again, I need to take another day of rest so I may be refreshed for tomorrow.  This morning was full of messages, goals, family and purpose.  I know what needs doing, where I am going, who I am and how to get it done.  So tonight I rest, preparing to go out into the world and do what I was born to do.  I have everything I need, God will provide all the details and it is all up to me.  I am going to reach down deep and pour forth pure energy and soul.  Get ready world, here I come.