tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22490095969245553162024-02-19T00:55:44.457-08:00You Can Do It Yoga with Osha RayAs a practitioner of yoga for 40 years, a mother, grandmother, wife, entrepreneur, traveler, and life enthusiast, this blog is a little bit about my self and my daily goings on, plus bits of wisdom I have learned along the way. My blogs are short and sweet so you can fit reading my weekly posts into your busy schedule.Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-18704854765861344912012-09-13T17:18:00.000-07:002012-09-13T17:20:21.529-07:00Yogini Sunflower Blessings<br />
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Sunflower Blessings <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can it really be September
already?? That means the holidays are around the corner. Say it isn’t so. I
will not be traveling to CA . this year to see my family and friends that live
there. Too many travelers, and too much stress for me. I have decided that this
will be the start of having a relaxed holiday season. Fewer gifts to buy, few
decorations, fewer commitments, and less stress. I will live more in the moment
with what is going on. I find that thinking of all that needs to be done or all
the activities I want to attend seems to cause tension. There will be no “shoulds.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more of “I should be doing this or
that.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am much happier and have more
energy when I remember that, and I bet most everyone else is too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDkzC1GQ_Ra7qHZxYS6ezahkUSHiqHYZc61JAa9qAvgRNoaS1GKCAhiICwz03N4n7ZEc19xZIYG_tr5UJtzty5AbGS7juVbV-gm968k7ag5ohEVXTdnenwCb5BVHs3ve3vOdkMsQjd4OS/s1600/IMG00799-20120909-1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDkzC1GQ_Ra7qHZxYS6ezahkUSHiqHYZc61JAa9qAvgRNoaS1GKCAhiICwz03N4n7ZEc19xZIYG_tr5UJtzty5AbGS7juVbV-gm968k7ag5ohEVXTdnenwCb5BVHs3ve3vOdkMsQjd4OS/s320/IMG00799-20120909-1303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone
can always use a bit more love in their life, so I just started teaching <u>Loving
Yourself Yoga</u> classes here in Nashville which will incorporate healing
modalities in addition with the asanas (postures) so as to experience higher frequencies
of love, harmony, peace and joy. I love teaching compassion, empathy,
empowerment, and self-love using Yoga as the vehicle. The best part is the
loving energy I receive from my students. It is a win, win for everyone. For
those of you who have been my students in various cities in CA. and in St.
Petersburg, Florida, I miss you very much, and wish there was a magic carpet or
a form of high technology that could transport you all to my classes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just know there is a special place in my heart
for all of you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, on to building a
student and client base here. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could visit my far away family and
friends whenever the desire arises. Calling, texting, emailing, and skyping isn’t
as wonderful as being there in person with you, but I am so very grateful and
joyful when I get to visit with any of you that way. So, bring it on. I love
hearing from you. I also want to give a "shout out" (funny expression) to my new budding and blooming friendships here in TN. I am happy you are in my life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have
gotten involved with Transition Nashville which is a group involved with sustainable
living involving our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are meetings and workshops to help locals acquire knowledge of how to grow our own
food, install solar panels,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>get
information about aquaponics,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>permaculture, edible forest gardens, greenhouses, time banks, etc. It is
about working at the community level to build resilience in an effort to lead
toward the big changes we need both nationally and internationally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the books we are using as we work
together is “The Transition Companion” by Rob Hopkins. I know there are
Transition movements in cities all over the U.S. and abroad. If you are interested,
I suggest that you Google or log on to a MeetUp and search for Transition
groups in your area. I encourage you to look into this as we don't know what is going to happen (perhaps even in the near future.) It is better to be prepared, and if all does go well, we will have nice gardens, learn how to live in a sustainable way and become friends with our neighbors. If things go as some economists and scientists predict, it will feel more comforting that we are more equipped to handle what may come our way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think
most agree that awareness of the truth is so important now more than ever when
the airwaves are filled with lies and distortion of the truth. So, I would like
to use this opportunity to spread the word to those that don’t know or listen
to Progressive Radio Talk shows that we can now listen to whenever convenient
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many, and I want to
highlight just two for now. </span><a href="http://www.democracynow.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.democracynow.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and The Mike Malloy show. </span><a href="http://www.mikemalloy.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.mikemalloy.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike
really tells it like it is with no holds barred in an entertaining way. He makes me laugh out loud! Of course, sometimes you feel your blood boil when you learn what's going on. Just can't stick our heads in the sand though. Sure wish we could! If you scroll down on his home
page to “Attention Truth Seekers!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will see what is happening in order for us to have a 21<sup>st</sup>
Progressive Media Universe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaWbP6Hs59sjmdTowJN8Tj_uX2LlCeIVrbCLoGSjMAEgGanIZ9fqFP4Z2LtyuKq6yAUMwT5CYThl8pvyuJ1KWWSmLleot7iU0NtQ7CfPmddKN9S3aLyClWg097PXKFQfccepbpMimj_pI/s1600/IMG00796-20120901-1709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaWbP6Hs59sjmdTowJN8Tj_uX2LlCeIVrbCLoGSjMAEgGanIZ9fqFP4Z2LtyuKq6yAUMwT5CYThl8pvyuJ1KWWSmLleot7iU0NtQ7CfPmddKN9S3aLyClWg097PXKFQfccepbpMimj_pI/s320/IMG00796-20120901-1709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the
home front, my big news is that after one year of working for a company my
husband loves in a city that is approximately a 4 hour drive from our home, he
is now going to be working from his Nashville office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes without saying how happy we are about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan on going back to having home
parties where Jim and other musicians and their family and friends enjoy each
other’s company. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
addition to that, we are going to have movie night and show different
documentaries regarding environment, politics, sustainable living, health, etc.
As I have learned from participating in the Transition groups, we need to build
communities. We will be inviting people in our neighborhood in an effort for us
all to get to know each other. This is a growing movement throughout the U.S.
and abroad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, this is it for now. I hope you enjoyed my ramblings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wishing you much love and many magical moments,</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Osha</span></span><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Check out my You Can
Do It Yoga DVD. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">www.yogawithosharay.com</span></span></a></span><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Enter a sacred space of beautiful music,
nature, and nurturing. You will be guided to surrender into acceptance of
yourself in the moment. You can order it from the website or from me directly by calling or emailing. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love hearing from
you so please write a comment by just clicking on “comments,” then write in the
space provided if you want all to see. If you rather send me a personal email,
I would love that too. Thank you. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-14565871705946904842012-06-21T15:09:00.001-07:002012-06-21T15:09:50.997-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPl-x9x6hOGueUqvTnwlMlOKyBCNDeXLWJ9thKNt8RIpzKntPMNDGqhR9VMtGcvfe6yPQKaiJ8YAICBGoeqkAJdF1VrsBlmnmNxyynmlt1jwV6X9hngpgjNlvmkZ2fEAFmVKrI5OsowCE/s1600/Osha+new+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPl-x9x6hOGueUqvTnwlMlOKyBCNDeXLWJ9thKNt8RIpzKntPMNDGqhR9VMtGcvfe6yPQKaiJ8YAICBGoeqkAJdF1VrsBlmnmNxyynmlt1jwV6X9hngpgjNlvmkZ2fEAFmVKrI5OsowCE/s320/Osha+new+scarf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />NASHVILLE GREETINGS<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Friday, everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Okay, I'm not writing as often as I thought I would</span>. Hoping you are all enjoying the journey in your whirlwind lives. I do recommend hopping on Facebook if
you haven’t already as it is a great way to easily stay connected and interact more frequently. I like Facebook not only for sharing our lives, but also for sharing spiritual ideas, political opinions, causes, and whatever else you want to put out over the airwaves . So, if we are not already friends, please join and request Osha Ray Bement become your friend.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I reached the age of 65 in
March, and I do say I have started thinking a bit differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even feel that I need a bucket
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have traveled to many countries,
walked on fire, scuba and sky dived, hiked, explored, experienced Native American Sweat Lodges, Channeling, Chanting, opened my heart, became a wife (several times) had children, grandchildren, lived my
life fully and basically have taken the road less traveled. Yes, there are
still places I want to visit and things I want to do, but I am feeling I want
to continue to help in whatever way I can to assist in the awakening of myself
and the planet. Most of my life I have been
very Yogic and in the last decade have become more political. Many say they are
not interested in politics, and in order to be aware of why we are in
challenging times, we must be informed and have the facts so as not to be
swayed by rhetoric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are so many areas in
which we need to become involved, and I think they are all important. I decided
to start with global warming.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7soV0vH3hTw3Sqhf3Eya8bPKkUQN1Xrpwkc7riairWa3ihu69c5Sep0W3IYtds_P1641ZbM1SU4-EN3WkO-to-Za-CfeWY6Sdzak2Kn4auGdPPrl80Zehwgcf_PStZmZLXaeEC-tqR_2/s1600/Save+Our+Planet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7soV0vH3hTw3Sqhf3Eya8bPKkUQN1Xrpwkc7riairWa3ihu69c5Sep0W3IYtds_P1641ZbM1SU4-EN3WkO-to-Za-CfeWY6Sdzak2Kn4auGdPPrl80Zehwgcf_PStZmZLXaeEC-tqR_2/s1600/Save+Our+Planet.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what is global warming
and what's the problem anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br /><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The science is
clear: global warming is happening faster than ever and humans are responsible.
Global warming is caused by releasing what are called greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Many of the
activities we do every day like turn the lights on, cook food, or heat or cool
our homes rely on the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which emit
carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases when burned. This is a major
problem because global warming destabilizes the delicate balance that makes
life on this planet possible. Just a few degrees in temperature can completely
change the world as we know it, and threaten the lives of millions of people
around the</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">world. But don't give up hope! You
can help stop global warming by taking action here at 350.org.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And what does this 350 number even
mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">350 is the
number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon
dioxide—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. 350
PPM—it's the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid
runaway climate change.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">We
can create a grassroots movement connected by the web all over the
world. We will focus on the systemic barriers to climate solutions, changing
political dynamics whenever possible. At the same time, we'll get to work
implementing real climate solutions in our communities, demonstrating the
benefits of moving to a clean energy economy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">If this global
movement succeeds, we can get the world on track to get back to 350 and back to
climate safety. It won't be easy, that's why we need all the help we can get.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It means building solar arrays instead of coal plants, it
means planting trees instead of clear-cutting rainforests, it means increasing
efficiency and decreasing our waste. Getting to 350 means developing a thousand
different solutions—all of which will become much easier if we have a global
treaty grounded in the latest science and built around the principles of equity
and justice. To get this kind of treaty, we need a movement of people who care
enough about our shared global future to get involved and make their voices
heard. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.350.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.350.org</span></a> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireOL6bSR-FpYjyQoiyZkaDOZ0AXWswiq28pKStcZ8KuFSirWTcIMg-dBpTFUxlKCkZdfonOsT6AwVw5guQ3AIu3Ju4EcGO077Rm0d0gpnfNW0dwfdSJBCeYdebt4F9mvsjRL23YSBWG4v/s1600/Fuel+movie+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireOL6bSR-FpYjyQoiyZkaDOZ0AXWswiq28pKStcZ8KuFSirWTcIMg-dBpTFUxlKCkZdfonOsT6AwVw5guQ3AIu3Ju4EcGO077Rm0d0gpnfNW0dwfdSJBCeYdebt4F9mvsjRL23YSBWG4v/s320/Fuel+movie+logo.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br /><strong>A fun to watch documentary with lots of solutions is </strong><u><strong>Fuel</strong>. </u>You can rent it from Netflix.<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are so many great
documentaries out now, and I think a wonderful way to become informed and share
the information is to watch them and have viewing parties. This creates
community and grass root movements. The most recent doc. I saw is <u>Thrive.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strongly urge you to watch it and share it
with others. This one is a "must see," in my opinion. <strong>It was produced in order to help us awaken.</strong> </span><a href="http://www.thrive.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thrive.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can either order the dvd or watch on line for free. </span></span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so very grateful that all is wonderful. I am married to the love of my life, I live in a beautiful
home with a deer preserve as my backyard, my family and I are happy and
healthy. There is never a dull moment with my hubby, Jim. If we are not hanging out at a coffee house, we are sailing, walking, watching movies, reading, laughing, going to some local event or visiting friends. Of course, I must not forget to mention that one of Jim's most favorite things to do is to perform. Last Saturday was such a beautiful night so we headed over to Centennial Park. He sang and played the accordion as one guy sang along, another guy lept about, two women danced with each other while fireflies lit up the night. It was pure magic.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to joining many "Meetups" in order to meet people in my new city, I also went to a Bha'i service. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #037a04;"><em>To be a Bahá'í simply means to love all the world; to love humanity and try to serve it; to work for universal peace and universal brotherhood.</em> ~ Abdu'l-Bahá</span></div>
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<span style="color: #037a04;"><em>The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.</em> ~ Bahá'u'llah </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many people introduced themselves. Before I left I had two invitations to come to homes for dinner and fellowship. I started coming regularly to Aram's home as I enjoy the friendship and community of peaceful, spiritual, friendly people. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I became interested in spiritual concepts and philosophy 40 years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy “The Secret” was a big
hit because more people became aware of how important our thoughts and emotions
are in order to manifest and co-create. It is a lot more complex than explained in
the movie and the teachings of The Course in Miracles, and the writing of
Eckhart Tolle in books such as A New Earth and others are of great help with our deeper understanding. I googled Nashville "A Course In Miracles," and found a group that meets at Unity Church. I find that going to weekly meetings help me with just about all aspects of my life.</span></span><br />
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Here is Sasha on our deck. I must mention how much we love our new rescued adopted cat who we named, Sasha. Lots of great dogs and cats available. Wishing all the animals needing homes find loving families to adopt them. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone can always use a bit more love in their life, so I am going to start teaching <u>Loving
Yourself Yoga</u> classes which will incorporate healing modalities in addition
with the asanas so as to experience higher frequencies of love, harmony, peace
and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #555544; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">Check out my You Can Do It Yoga DVD. </span><a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">www.yogawithosharay.com</span></a><span style="color: #555544; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enter a sacred space of beautiful music, nature, and nurturing. You will be guided to surrender into acceptance of yourself in the moment. You can order it from the website or from me. </span><br />
<span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love hearing from
you so please write a comment by just clicking on “comments,” then write in the
space provided. </span><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wishing you
much love and many magical moments,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Osha<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br /></div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-22547495543585622802012-01-01T08:22:00.000-08:002012-01-01T08:22:55.591-08:00Happy New Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd01ENHW1294dUzkqco2_6wpXqdy_aHtpudbMyvk0Quf7jA2kLJfPJI6mqZLGOH6IHCEbehmpKHsywo0fBQ7-sTPsHCEMCvXgAW_OOHfYwP96W-n9hBefju_wTsYG0Pwe__KKQuqwf31Sn/s1600/Jim+%2526+me+signing+4+home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd01ENHW1294dUzkqco2_6wpXqdy_aHtpudbMyvk0Quf7jA2kLJfPJI6mqZLGOH6IHCEbehmpKHsywo0fBQ7-sTPsHCEMCvXgAW_OOHfYwP96W-n9hBefju_wTsYG0Pwe__KKQuqwf31Sn/s320/Jim+%2526+me+signing+4+home.png" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing papers for our new home!<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: right;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: left;"></div>Happy New Year, everyone. If you are reading this, you made it to 2012, oh my! It’s been a rough 2011 for a lot of us and Jim and I are no exceptions. I have been promising I would write and lo and behold, I am finally doing it. One big benefit for me when I do write is that I get to hear from you. <br />
<br />
I stopped writing when Jim lost his job. Yes, the job we moved to Nashville for in the first place. When “they” say life is uncertain, “they” weren’t kidding. As you know, from past writings that we even bought a new home here. We were not happy campers to say the least.<br />
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As I have said, and do believe, everything happens for a reason – even if it doesn’t seem that way at the time. Jim did get a new job. In fact, he loves his new company. He is a software engineer with 30 years of experience and this company interviewed and tested people from all over the U.S. and Jim was the one they chose. He was mighty proud. Oh, did I mention, his new job is in Memphis which is a 3 and a half to 4 hour drive from Nashville. Some think I have the best of all worlds. Jim has an apartment in Memphis, and I live in our home in Nashville. He comes home every weekend, and I spend a week with him once a month in Memphis. So, it’s like we’re dating. That’s one way to keep your relationship exciting. <br />
<br />
Well, while Jim was looking for a new job, I was thinking that I had to find something that is recession proof. I prayed and put my intention out in the Universe and this is what happened. I went to a free movie presented by Transition Nashville. This is an organization that is all about going green. After the movie, I met Lezlie. As it turns out, she was from California and has lived in Nashville for 17 years. She also shared the same spiritual beliefs as I did. I saw all of these things as “signs.” <br />
<br />
She invited me to have coffee with her the next week. One of the activities I love doing is going to an artsy coffee house and visiting with someone. Lucky for me, Nashville has many wonderful coffee houses. I told Lezlie my situation which was that we moved to Nashville, bought a home, and my husband wasn’t employed any longer. She told me she partnered with a company that she thought I would be interested in and invited me to take a look at a Delivering Wellness Presentation DVD. I did and liked what I saw. I am all for buying products that contain no harmful chemicals that are affordable. Who doesn’t like saving money after all, and especially when I can partner with a 26 year old, billion $$ company and not have to sell anything to anyone while building a business where I can make hundreds to thousands of dollars per month. No kidding. I would be happy to tell you the details and you can decide for yourself.<br />
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Since I was new to the area, I joined two Newcomers Clubs. I didn’t know I was signing up to be invited to the mansion of the week club. It seemed all the coffees, lunches, and activities that weren’t being held at restaurants or Beautiful Country Clubs were in members’ homes that were mansions. My daughter reminded me that I no longer live in Santa Barbara where prices are extremely high. Well, this is true. The new home we bought would cost one million $ in SB. No kidding!! So you all move here and get you an amazing home too. You certainly get more for your money. Our backyard is a deer preserve with a vista view, where deer actually do walk on our lawn!<br />
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Speaking of the Newcomers Clubs, I am going to be the Key Note Speaker at a luncheon for over a 100 ladies this Wednesday. Of course, the topic is wellness and fun. I’m going to have them moving as if no one is watching and of course, I will throw in meditation and a self-love exercise. (No, it is not x-rated!)<br />
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I joined the YMCA. It is the best thing because there are so many of them and I go to a variety of classes all over Nashville and surrounding areas. Actually there are a lot of Yoga Instructors that I like. Everyone has their own style of teaching, but the one that made me chuckle, is when she ended the class with “Namaste Ye Haw!! That reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw. It said “Namaste Y’all.” You don’t see that in Santa Barbara!<br />
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I really am having a great time meeting so many people from many different states and countries. Almost everyone I meet moved here from somewhere else. This is one of the reasons I love it in Nashville. It’s very cosmopolitan. <br />
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Simple pleasures: I was thrilled to be able to shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joes again. St. Petersburg doesn’t have either. Shopping is fun again. Just had to add this little tid-bit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheekwood<br />
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</tbody></table> As far as what we’ve been doing, one thing you can be sure of is that if the weather is good, Jim loves to take me sailing on our catamaran on Percy Priest Lake. The lake is surrounded by trees, making it such a serene experience. We also enjoy walking and exploring the many beautiful parks and trails in the area. <br />
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Even though Nashville is known for country and western music, we are fortunate to have the most gorgeous Schermerhorn Symphony. We have enjoyed going to that and Blair Music School performances often. If you are in Nashville, you have got to see the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. All of these and more is why we love Nashville. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheila, Chris, & Calvin <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby and Maezy<br />
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I keep in touch with my lovely daughters via phone, email, skype and Facebook. Having turned 41 years old, my oldest daughter said she just can’t believe she is now in her <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0g64dZu63h3NbTF6Ic3A5k9RooBoY5sGWhWHpW32RTwGBP9DvTzOrpSrPicw80nkpok2jHczuuiVZmoz9SGhmsSUG9Ygu0jc2EefPxp2pz8BHjrT-lYplHlRtJH0dQLI31D60K7kZl-K/s1600/Monica+crossing+finish+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0g64dZu63h3NbTF6Ic3A5k9RooBoY5sGWhWHpW32RTwGBP9DvTzOrpSrPicw80nkpok2jHczuuiVZmoz9SGhmsSUG9Ygu0jc2EefPxp2pz8BHjrT-lYplHlRtJH0dQLI31D60K7kZl-K/s1600/Monica+crossing+finish+line.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica in Monterey Half Maraton </td></tr>
</tbody></table> 40’s. I can’t believe it either. My grandson, Calvin, and granddaughter, Ruby are turning 4 soon, and my youngest, Maezy will be turning 2 in January. Of course, they are gorgeous and smart! I will be flying out to CA to see them soon. We are all proud of my daughter, Monica, who ran and completed the half marathon in Monterey. <br />
Sheila is now working full time as Senior Client Support Specialist at Sonoma County Mental Health. <br />
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I encourage those who are not on Facebook to join. It is an easy, efficient way to stay in touch. I post pics, what I am doing, or something I think is important and beneficial for all to see. I plan to learn how to Tweet on Twitter next. A quote from the book, Toward 2012 – Prospectives on the New Year, “As we enter the new paradigm, change is being propelled by people across the globe who realize that they can connect with one another and organize in far more fluid ways than been possible before.” I love staying connected and the social media is an easy way to stay in touch with one another.<br />
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My gift for you is to have a New Year’s Special: For the whole month of January, you can buy my Yoga DVD <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a> for only $10. For details email osharay@yahoo.com <br />
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(A paragraph from my press release) <br />
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This is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-acceptance. It is a feel good video. With Ray’s new DVD, people have an easy, inexpensive healthy way to feel good, especially when feeling low in energy or in spirit. Acceptance is the biggest message. This DVD focuses on the instruction of remembering to be in the present moment and accepting being in the “Now” with gratitude. The philosophy of accepting the present moment helps eliminate stress and creates peace of mind. Traditional Yoga is not about trying hard to achieve anything. The main theme is letting go without feeling pressured to change anything. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXV9phNqRxqRGO2H6i19O5e9j4bWyAYUbGHQNSESxoUAPapcNt7zKZw58teDl1EW47Wi-Q_PfCzGqEIE-4Et-7Q1r3hDhLjQk8nxwQ74wbHGnB0QiJr-KM7nDVYcomSTYEXkoXJ53ZOpTi/s1600/candle+gazing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXV9phNqRxqRGO2H6i19O5e9j4bWyAYUbGHQNSESxoUAPapcNt7zKZw58teDl1EW47Wi-Q_PfCzGqEIE-4Et-7Q1r3hDhLjQk8nxwQ74wbHGnB0QiJr-KM7nDVYcomSTYEXkoXJ53ZOpTi/s1600/candle+gazing.jpg" /></a></div>I will close with this. May the light shine brightly within you, may it surround you, bless and protect you and yours and may abundance, peace, health and love be part of every breath. Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, Prosperous New Year to you and yours. <br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. I write personal notes to all who write to me. <br />
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Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.youcandoityoga.com/Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-78085790827010717912011-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:002011-03-25T07:55:46.145-07:00WHERE IS OSHA?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSInt4Q4I8NutLt8q2ckJnwqadKYEIfyJQEUDIWIcHjxME7nCE3PCKPKMGBXhMU7ErdNw42sZlwXRajolD5wi3jhFaGWnvTRxTwKZXYKIOOh8ZHHRLf_okOlLVr_70oXOhjtVIe7PgezGA/s1600/MuseumKimono.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSInt4Q4I8NutLt8q2ckJnwqadKYEIfyJQEUDIWIcHjxME7nCE3PCKPKMGBXhMU7ErdNw42sZlwXRajolD5wi3jhFaGWnvTRxTwKZXYKIOOh8ZHHRLf_okOlLVr_70oXOhjtVIe7PgezGA/s320/MuseumKimono.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: blue;"><strong>WHERE IS OSHA?</strong></span><br />
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Happy Friday, everyone. Yes, I have been missing in action. It seems once I stop doing something, it certainly is hard to get started again.<br />
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Boy, it seems there is so much going on with everyone I know – and, no words to even describe what is happening in so many parts of the world. My heart breaks wide open for all who suffer. Love and compassion is key.<br />
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Okay, let me begin with my little corner of the world here in Nashville. I have had emails from people asking if I had taken them off my list since they haven’t heard from me. This is how it is when I get this way. If I hear from you on Facebook, or if you email or call me, I will reply. In fact, as you know, when I write my blog, I always write personal notes to whoever writes to me. I love staying in touch and this is one way I can stay connected to you all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was having a bout with weekly migraines that were just taking me out. I finally went to a neurologist and am now on a daily preventative medication. Most of you know how I am into a healthy lifestyle that includes organic food and healthy supplements. Taking medication is not something I like to do. Okay, I just had to surrender and try something else, or adapt to my new lifestyle of being pretty much bedridden. That just isn’t my style. The medication is working so I have to take my hat off to Western medicine even though I thought I could conquer all with anything that was an alternative to medication. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lately, I have been on a homemaker kick going through my many cook books, buying a crockpot, making stews, cooking chili, and experimenting with lots of soup recipes.<br />
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It's fun exploring the bounty of produce at the Farmer's Market.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ7tcDkXF1l9gs5OPWq6zeRKZH3UZ5tT1U1LPBX6cyJ0_Cpc8adiP52bwN6B2lImsA_P23j3iCU_CddEcddop5RxoOy0bGj9yd7UlIsjyPiduswEZithOTckl2shJ7jhgd7I6IlsLWp5h/s1600/Nashville+Farmers+Mkt..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ7tcDkXF1l9gs5OPWq6zeRKZH3UZ5tT1U1LPBX6cyJ0_Cpc8adiP52bwN6B2lImsA_P23j3iCU_CddEcddop5RxoOy0bGj9yd7UlIsjyPiduswEZithOTckl2shJ7jhgd7I6IlsLWp5h/s320/Nashville+Farmers+Mkt..jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I love being in our kitchen and I guess Jim does too, since he could be upstairs, but chooses to use the kitchen as his home office because of the great view. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi3856rjlo6hDfZ0v6Tg3kLNMR3zypH9py7ZkIsM7Jgz87Pq8mFzgRybU-xF8XpmWsG5iUJwbWU7Pe1GGZrL6D6R7K9NW5vE7teXY9rXHZfA7mxhOKLqtcXcsLVKK5Wyi1siLRmhsUW9Z/s1600/KitchenView.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi3856rjlo6hDfZ0v6Tg3kLNMR3zypH9py7ZkIsM7Jgz87Pq8mFzgRybU-xF8XpmWsG5iUJwbWU7Pe1GGZrL6D6R7K9NW5vE7teXY9rXHZfA7mxhOKLqtcXcsLVKK5Wyi1siLRmhsUW9Z/s320/KitchenView.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Next, we are going to learn how to garden, mulch, compost, and all that comes with our first step in sustainable living. I found <u><a href="http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=C4RotdrWLTZjzI4GttgfN56iDB9_UhooBhbG7zAyz3KG0EQgAEAEg2pTQBlDQ4LrNBGDJpt6M4KTQFMgBAaoEGU_QxFSDJm3jB0F0qAxHH5DXhxkIdxHJctWABZBO&sig=AGiWqtxap0vtL3UDF2vCcTP3m7t2N75r7w&ved=0CAsQ0Qw&adurl=http://www.amazon.com/dp/0307381358/%3Ftag%3Dgooghydr-20%26hvadid%3D3291140597%26ref%3Dpd_sl_677p5ho6zw_e">The Green Book, The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time</a></u>, which is really good for only $1 on Amazon used books. Another great book for saving money while going green is <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Your-Habit-Simplify-Planet/dp/0307465306/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301001676&sr=1-1">Shift Your Habit</a></u> by Elizabeth Rogers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5mB0yITEnwRNXzcK_WHuG554VXbOfkVtYrIZ_iet2_KLjFFIO7yj40-MW70aEoz7U_JIimpyZhXpthMaJD2SfRD8arOuwsOv31sy8LJ2nmlhceXQ_niJaYqO02E4-77PUW_bInrdI93y/s1600/Diet+For+Hot+Planet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5mB0yITEnwRNXzcK_WHuG554VXbOfkVtYrIZ_iet2_KLjFFIO7yj40-MW70aEoz7U_JIimpyZhXpthMaJD2SfRD8arOuwsOv31sy8LJ2nmlhceXQ_niJaYqO02E4-77PUW_bInrdI93y/s1600/Diet+For+Hot+Planet.jpg" /></a></div> The real eye opener was <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Diet+For+A+Hot+Planet">Diet For A Hot Planet</a></u> by Anna Lappe, which tells us about the climate crisis and what you can do about it. I guess I have been reading a lot. Being informed is powerful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4m7nAHJFTpY9Vq3p5ScVjQD4iCF4ZWBOkJ0plMei9YOrYWwCh4xOF3qlTDQGQ3ibKSCjA62QlIPTa1_HEvy1KocyIivOMEO2Gcy0pIN5oOvtoMZ8ydJ9P0O7eENV2xdCHvki8wtq5ROf/s1600/Fuel+movie+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4m7nAHJFTpY9Vq3p5ScVjQD4iCF4ZWBOkJ0plMei9YOrYWwCh4xOF3qlTDQGQ3ibKSCjA62QlIPTa1_HEvy1KocyIivOMEO2Gcy0pIN5oOvtoMZ8ydJ9P0O7eENV2xdCHvki8wtq5ROf/s320/Fuel+movie+logo.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>And, while you are at it, you must see Fuel, the movie. You can rent it on Netflix, etc. Wow, we can do so much to go towards sustainable energy and better health, and away from depleting all resources and death and destruction.<br />
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I joined the YMCA, and oh my, what a treat out here. There are many of them all over the place. I collected schedules and go to a variety of yoga classes all week long. Being able to swim in their pool, sit in the sauna and spa, and meet people is a big plus. Moving is one quick way of losing all of your friends. So, whoever is reading this, know that I truly miss you a lot. <br />
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Another thing I did was join - not one - but two newcomers groups. Lots of activities including playing Bunco. Didn't even know that was still being played until my daughter, Sheila, invited me to join her when I was visiting her.<br />
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There is a big, beautiful Baha'i Center close to our home so I popped in a few times. This faith is all about peace and brotherhood which is something I have believed all of my entire life. There are many religions that are about that philosophy, but what was so extra wonderful was how very friendly everyone is. Jim and I haven't joined anything, but we are sure enjoying the hospitality of being invited to dinners, prayer, and socializing. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV19FU7UXdIFQQrz9REtrEANqJFlaq5HGnWe0UEnocnnSmYmuFXqUXQnkh0Nwvp85wkUGjpabFjxrOGKjcsrkGbCKwHrYpqwDCVmz4tiyX0wJtOY7VN99pWXHHgrI33gFwKCpFBj0ipv5/s320/Us+at+Frothy+Monkey.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the local coffee houses with an unappealing name of The Frothy Monkey.</div><br />
We are having a ball enjoying many activities in the Nashville area that are free including great symphonies, museums, beautiful walking trails, wonderful libraries, festivals, great sites to see, art receptions, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7I5Ofg2NJVDTkX_cytmJ1YCy4ro3pS5HIt35p98Mkdv1ZOKSqVM35ZvIMYDEKexdF5n9MB2cKC8R12qw38mBDqUrG-P0kAc6ozwTDTNw9LCd8lkj5j-59at3yDOfxnnwa4NJKWmkSQEw/s1600/Us+at+Bongo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7I5Ofg2NJVDTkX_cytmJ1YCy4ro3pS5HIt35p98Mkdv1ZOKSqVM35ZvIMYDEKexdF5n9MB2cKC8R12qw38mBDqUrG-P0kAc6ozwTDTNw9LCd8lkj5j-59at3yDOfxnnwa4NJKWmkSQEw/s320/Us+at+Bongo.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yes, it wouldn't be St. Patty's day if Jim wasn't performing Irish jigs somewhere. Here we are at Boscos in Nashville.</div><br />
Oh, I forgot to mention what I have been doing about my business. I had decided once we moved here, I was going to focus on a couple of things rather than doing many as I have been doing most of my life. I was going to stop teaching yoga classes and being a wedding officiant to do seminars and promote my <a href="http://www.youcandoityoga.com/">Yoga DVD</a>. I got my first paid “gig” when I arrived. I was introduced to Jim’s co-workers. The sales manager asked what I did, and then asked if I could lead a Wellness Seminar for her sales team as their Xmas gift. I loved doing it and they loved me. I was a hit!! Now, I am working on my new website and will be promoting my seminars.<br />
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Now it is time to share words of wisdom. This is from the book Zero Limits by Joe Vitale. “Instead of stating intentions, say or think something like this. <span style="color: blue;"><strong>‘Wherever I’ll be or do, will be far better than what I can imagine now.’</strong></span> When you surrender to a greater power, miracles happen. Don’t complain. Watch your thoughts and words. Repeat the words, ‘I love you’ often to yourself and others. Repeating that helps clean old memories, programs, and limitations. Love transmutes stuck energy. Love it all.”<br />
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I love receiving your emails with your comments, <br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. <br />
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If you would like to write a comment to share with others, just click “Comments,” then write in the space provided. <br />
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Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments.<br />
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Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. <a href="http://www.youcandoityoga.com/">http://www.youcandoityoga.com/</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-52888375520565904262010-12-10T08:37:00.000-08:002010-12-10T08:44:38.524-08:00BUSY,BUSY, BUSY!Happy Friday, everyone. When I started writing my blog, I really thought this would be a weekly blog…..but, it seems life somehow has all kinds of twists and turns and our best plans don’t seem to work out. So, I will alert you when I do write. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4d3fqrneGuIweT8Fe7y-LVmz9Ky7Mch5lUKuIM3E8QxLE5AMsnOYTPV3aeZeapd0QKV0zCobXso35tq00qIi2qekovUQwbAp2HV6pNUvUNZe6hj974mNYYwr27GtZAzydqAjXoeVr4gT/s1600/new+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4d3fqrneGuIweT8Fe7y-LVmz9Ky7Mch5lUKuIM3E8QxLE5AMsnOYTPV3aeZeapd0QKV0zCobXso35tq00qIi2qekovUQwbAp2HV6pNUvUNZe6hj974mNYYwr27GtZAzydqAjXoeVr4gT/s1600/new+home.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of our new home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XDbsV2_Y24FT8VUwuDImZbyLAymL5CYQwXNKet6cPB6y4drtksGmL7uxBP2Q3fFhfYAkKTmgu6lWUTfRTeiQkYv5uHktuIy63nu92bJJ-RX6AFn0emSpfBGr8wmhpvtrCONWfgbmI-SH/s1600/view+from+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XDbsV2_Y24FT8VUwuDImZbyLAymL5CYQwXNKet6cPB6y4drtksGmL7uxBP2Q3fFhfYAkKTmgu6lWUTfRTeiQkYv5uHktuIy63nu92bJJ-RX6AFn0emSpfBGr8wmhpvtrCONWfgbmI-SH/s320/view+from+deck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our deck</td></tr>
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</div>If you have been following me, you know that having moved from Santa Barbara to St. Petersburg, and after only living in Florida two years, we just recently moved to Nashville, TN. And, no, it is not because we enjoy moving so much. If you haven’t done it recently, let me remind you that it is no fun, I guarantee you. I must say my philosophy based on metaphysical principals has been and will be to believe that everything is happening for our highest good. The advantage of thinking this way, is that our belief creates our reality so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Yes, there might be bumps in the road, but I feel these just make us stronger if we believe that, we grow and learn from them.<br />
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If you would have asked me to name 50 or more places I would like to live, I would have not included Nashville. I never have been to Nashville and didn’t know that much about it. This is where we ended up when Jim was offered a great job. I love the friendly people, the woods, the lakes, the cosmopolitan feel and diversity the area offers. Not to mention the amazing brand new affordable home we purchased with enormous high ceilings and views of our very own deer preserve. I absolutely love it here! Who knew???<br />
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It is time consuming and fun to buy new furniture, washer, dryer, stuff for our new home. I am not complaining. Also, I am helping the economy single handed by being such a good consumer. You should see all the books I have on lively simply and cutting our consumption. Most of the time, I really do that, but I think that we must go with the flow and know when to make exceptions. I am decorating in a Zen motif. That counts, right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfizfgkRVgxTjBJgKnEvvxqP31Zu8-asiKBTMrDonIQ50AEt4rA3AqVYd9JrNDSE4wKzIDVARfwpuh2hWOzqIA34hu_L724UE5wFK6W3FW0k1JIxcCH130uVVRAf-cZ7biCKm8SFvxF-FK/s1600/DSCN0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfizfgkRVgxTjBJgKnEvvxqP31Zu8-asiKBTMrDonIQ50AEt4rA3AqVYd9JrNDSE4wKzIDVARfwpuh2hWOzqIA34hu_L724UE5wFK6W3FW0k1JIxcCH130uVVRAf-cZ7biCKm8SFvxF-FK/s320/DSCN0840.JPG" width="320" /></a>Daughter, Monica and granddaughters, Ruby and Maezy</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son-in-law Chris and Maezy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter, Sheila, grandson, Calvin, son-in-law Chris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddaughters, left to right Erika and Kelli</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister-in-law Linda and brother, Maurice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of my favorite places to hang out in Sacramento, The Tower Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table> In the midst of all of this, I took time out to travel to No. Ca. to spend Thanksgiving with my daughters and celebrate my “baby” brother’s 60th birthday. I love hanging out with my grown up kids and their great husbands, grandbabies, family members and friends. I do feel sad that I live so far away and can’t just drop in for coffee and a visit. We do have webcam and vow to use it more frequently. <br />
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You know I always add in something political or inspirational. Because of my brilliant husband who I adore, I am way more political than I ever was. We take the time to podcast shows such as DemocracyNow.org, AlternativeRadio.org, and read emails from MoveOn.org, watch Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann, Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC, and read books such as Thom Hartmann, “Screwed,” Max Blumentahl, “Republican Gomorrah,” Chris Hedges, “Empire of Illusion,” and many others.<br />
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I used to put my entire attention on metaphysical beliefs which are to put one’s attention on what we prefer rather than focus any energy on what we don’t want. This goes, of course, not only for our personal lives, but the world at large. I still do that, but I want to know the truth of what is going on in the world. I feel I want to help inform and help the people of our great country be healthy and abundant. It certainly is easy to get confused when corporatists own the media and spin the truth.<br />
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The good news is that whatever we do is right. It is our “real life drama” and we get to write the script! I love books such as “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, and “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie. I refer to them often to keep myself on track. When we remember to be aware of our thoughts so we create the life we prefer not the one based on negative thoughts, then we reap the rewards. One thought that I had that made me miserable was trying to live up to presumed expectations others had of me. What thoughts make you miserable? Awareness is so important because once we are aware, we can make adjustments.<br />
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Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Thank you. Osha Ray<br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me. I love hearing from you, so please write comments or email me, and forward my blog to friends. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. www.yogawithosharay.com <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-12238982010035741452010-10-22T10:42:00.000-07:002010-10-22T10:51:45.072-07:00Colorful Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi154hXnmg8bTPYy4lqhYNjp4qz8AmbaXBD-sHOE6ZD9wTqqozytIOF7bcUcsNIwS5e8wrrZmztPMd3blbCi2hLuzJeAZCDQC1Rb5tGoc3jUYmXiW9pWpSJCFaekJS0xxHHeHa791b3dRd_/s1600/IMG_7925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi154hXnmg8bTPYy4lqhYNjp4qz8AmbaXBD-sHOE6ZD9wTqqozytIOF7bcUcsNIwS5e8wrrZmztPMd3blbCi2hLuzJeAZCDQC1Rb5tGoc3jUYmXiW9pWpSJCFaekJS0xxHHeHa791b3dRd_/s320/IMG_7925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happy Friday, everyone. You know, I almost talked myself out of writing today. It seems there is a never ending list of those types of calls to be made to straighten out problems. When I read yesterday’s mail this morning, I learned that $185 was automatically taken out of our checking acct. for our car insurance which I had already cancelled in order to get insurance here in TN. By the time I got that done and added new payees to my online bill pay, I was not in the mood to start fresh, first thing in the morning and write, but I thought of the cute pictures I want to post, and because I enjoyed reading your wonderful comments and emails I received last week, I was inspired to write. <br />
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Because I live with a musician, I get the added treat every day for a couple of weeks before Halloween listening to Jim practice all of those frightening popular tunes such as Tocata and Fugue in D Minor. On Halloween, we get dressed up in some type of Dracula garb and Jim hauls out his keyboard that sounds like an organ out to the front of our home as he plays and I hand out the candy. That is how we met many of our neighbors when we moved to Florida – two of which became close friends. Hi Ann and Steve<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5stLy5PMHvNzzZ-ivV-IBdkuunsqVNns3MkoTm9fP6li74cUz23eAwH8QkA70swvJ-C7ZjAU9Wb4mmI1bN1ZWO9IFRVf7PihXWAVypZmv3gcj8zhAvkHxHmp-E4SeWSYNhzwhIQfNOEM8/s1600/IMG_7934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5stLy5PMHvNzzZ-ivV-IBdkuunsqVNns3MkoTm9fP6li74cUz23eAwH8QkA70swvJ-C7ZjAU9Wb4mmI1bN1ZWO9IFRVf7PihXWAVypZmv3gcj8zhAvkHxHmp-E4SeWSYNhzwhIQfNOEM8/s320/IMG_7934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJaUOa4O8ymj-Ruh16loi1U5aFS8iyZt5hsqpRxhpP6iUtH-OmIAOGbX26aCp9ZGDxfn1fa8LaceUMKZ87HA5PNC89yTpJ_DjbVuntmg-CwbeWZU6Il6ttHIQ98X4AsssT4iEMR8z0rDJ/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJaUOa4O8ymj-Ruh16loi1U5aFS8iyZt5hsqpRxhpP6iUtH-OmIAOGbX26aCp9ZGDxfn1fa8LaceUMKZ87HA5PNC89yTpJ_DjbVuntmg-CwbeWZU6Il6ttHIQ98X4AsssT4iEMR8z0rDJ/s320/IMG_7962.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpuEd37Sq5dmJEoxpyKSQgTo5yuPvPp6M1iDu1mVqNcFXA0RoeTExKQuJ_eMvudd9_YUBHXRO31QPR4Cn_AKJzA0TTYnrBJOLa9ZTGUaEx7bXCyeIhFMX4etZyskg8drl4ETIEQMhwO-5/s1600/IMG_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpuEd37Sq5dmJEoxpyKSQgTo5yuPvPp6M1iDu1mVqNcFXA0RoeTExKQuJ_eMvudd9_YUBHXRO31QPR4Cn_AKJzA0TTYnrBJOLa9ZTGUaEx7bXCyeIhFMX4etZyskg8drl4ETIEQMhwO-5/s320/IMG_7954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I’m posting pictures we took last week when we went to one of the many pumpkin farms here. This is one we went to in Smyrna. Gosh, was it ever cute. Maybe I don’t get around much, but I have never been through a corn maze. It was intended for children, but I got a kick out of it. It would have been even more fun with my adorable grandchildren. I’m so excited because I will be seeing them, the rest of my family, and my No. Ca. friends for Thanksgiving. Yippee!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcrCmixJYp-NzKG9POt4WDQ0c4IaokWDanuEbdOmiMvNzsoL3fVKyhJtpVLoEuiaCR3Urae5HhN7csXQCRYlJVP-fXcbmxI6DgmuvsBDiUaFgfeXSdLs7s3UjMSNE40ARruKQgH9jLWhS/s1600/IMG_7871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcrCmixJYp-NzKG9POt4WDQ0c4IaokWDanuEbdOmiMvNzsoL3fVKyhJtpVLoEuiaCR3Urae5HhN7csXQCRYlJVP-fXcbmxI6DgmuvsBDiUaFgfeXSdLs7s3UjMSNE40ARruKQgH9jLWhS/s320/IMG_7871.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIEOLxwVRGJSFTnQgCTo4VMR0ziruOCNoGem0gX7LbIbipzILrQwKVAemF895UwF7YAMgZoU22RAyVq8271kLgqfmOSfLzIJROp7Wc2tf6Mkv5KnpbA0L45pvvW2ESsfQ5p16ddkglElF/s1600/IMG_7868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIEOLxwVRGJSFTnQgCTo4VMR0ziruOCNoGem0gX7LbIbipzILrQwKVAemF895UwF7YAMgZoU22RAyVq8271kLgqfmOSfLzIJROp7Wc2tf6Mkv5KnpbA0L45pvvW2ESsfQ5p16ddkglElF/s320/IMG_7868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A couple more of the pictures I am posting are from the World Festival we attended a couple of weeks ago at Centennial Park in Nashville. That is some park. Looks like we are in Greece. WOW! Not only were there people from all over the world represented there, but it is that way every day here. This area reminds me of being in San Francisco. We love people from here, there, and everywhere. We are hoping my little stories and pictures will inspire you to visit us. This area is so awesome. I haven’t captured the gorgeous fall colors very well, but hope to do that this weekend. I am including one. Driving home is a pleasure as we gaze at the tree-lined curvy road with multitude of fall foliage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoWX0iH77FYGuwLSp4YYxbbvJYO2bnpyO8T2CUfZ6BsmW2TyhXcIRd4DD4g_81Qs2OA5CpQPXi0dV_7seHnTsdDR9zvVQcD-9DOUqnvr9DyOm-tygIl4UwzTlY45kkRjywQYrVMpH1JKW/s1600/Free+Fall+by+Joseph+Stiglitz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoWX0iH77FYGuwLSp4YYxbbvJYO2bnpyO8T2CUfZ6BsmW2TyhXcIRd4DD4g_81Qs2OA5CpQPXi0dV_7seHnTsdDR9zvVQcD-9DOUqnvr9DyOm-tygIl4UwzTlY45kkRjywQYrVMpH1JKW/s1600/Free+Fall+by+Joseph+Stiglitz.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5loufAmZHvFoxu8Ld0lgYSdrs-Nj5v6__DWcJz9vTzUzc2typVL6CHWnvJjLggqQpsL207PWZ2uAqguZgIDMnQnNgmJDyCDaCmRW9TljwLBIV6Rj9J56VZxjyxViqs9dEGEg3D2_NADG/s1600/Flat+Broke+by+John+Jeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5loufAmZHvFoxu8Ld0lgYSdrs-Nj5v6__DWcJz9vTzUzc2typVL6CHWnvJjLggqQpsL207PWZ2uAqguZgIDMnQnNgmJDyCDaCmRW9TljwLBIV6Rj9J56VZxjyxViqs9dEGEg3D2_NADG/s1600/Flat+Broke+by+John+Jeter.jpg" /></a></div>Since the elections are so close and so very important, I just have to mention a few things. Again, as usual I am really encouraging you to listen to DemocracyNow.org with Amy Goodman, if you are not already, so you can hear interviews and go behind the scenes to learn the truth and not just what is on broadcast news. We are at a very pivotal time now. I recently heard Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winning Economist being interviewed about why our economy is in the state it is in. Just check out Amazon for his latest book, FreeFall: America Free Markets, and The Sinking of the World Economy. I also remember hearing John Jeter speaking about the economy. His most recent book is Flat Broke In the Free Market: How Globalization fleeced working people. I wish I had my list in front of me, but I do have a page filled with books, websites, radio shows, documentaries, movies, etc. where you can learn the truth of what is going on and vote accordingly. If anyone wants me to send that list, please ask, and I will gladly send it to you.<br />
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It is so very important that the Tea Baggers and Republicans don’t get back in office. It will take time to get out of the mess Bush made. They are talking about eliminating the minimum wage, and privatizing social security. Imagine if Bush was able to do that as he attempted, then all would have been lost with the stock market crash. I could go on and on, but what they are advocating is darn right frightening. Some of my friends say they are not political or don’t have time for this, but if ever there was a time to get involved it is NOW. <br />
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Another thing we can do is sit quietly, breathe, relax and visualize a peaceful world where people are gainfully employed, business is booming, people have affordable, fair health care plans, children are being educated, and we change to sustainable, environmentally friendly ways to live on our planet. Okay, sing along now, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me… tra,la, la, la..<br />
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Until next time my friends. Live creatively, love passionately, laugh uncontrollably, and learn constantly. <br />
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If you are enjoy reading my blogs, please “follow” me, write comments or email. I reply to all who write. Also, some have asked how to write in the "comment" section. This is how to do it: Just click on comments, and if others have written before you, then scroll down until you see the space provided to add your comment. Thank you.<br />
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Wishing you much love and magical moments.<br />
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Hey, if you haven’t already, check out my Yoga DVD. Even if you don't practice yoga, you will love this dvd. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with beautiful music and inspirational messages of self-love. www.yogawithosharay.comOsha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-58648371955630017472010-10-15T09:39:00.000-07:002010-10-15T09:39:04.068-07:00Osha is back - My story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Z5nkDDVIKBX4Aj922BWE05Mb2NsZbObUdpdJfBcvWT5A-StLPafp1cggvfmfU04moqiz0rNjyhBd_xC6dTH9XrHw9xB3RVUlBgMW11ro8y8ICYbCcEqZDXU9GUeA6Hsj2cZxrIGKN7ON/s1600/Osha+and+PODS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Z5nkDDVIKBX4Aj922BWE05Mb2NsZbObUdpdJfBcvWT5A-StLPafp1cggvfmfU04moqiz0rNjyhBd_xC6dTH9XrHw9xB3RVUlBgMW11ro8y8ICYbCcEqZDXU9GUeA6Hsj2cZxrIGKN7ON/s1600/Osha+and+PODS.jpg" /></a></div>Happy Friday, everyone. Howdy, ya'all, as some say in Tennessee. I've been fixin to write for a while, but just too busy to actually do it. I had a few friends call me to see if I was still alive. I haven't emailed or posted on FB for a long time. <br />
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OMG - Moving is a full time job!!! I used PODS to move from Santa Barbara to Florida just 2 years ago and it was perfect. This time it turned out to be quite frustrating, irritating, and upsetting. Nothing wrong with PODS. The problem was that even though I sold many things including sofa, book cases, and other big and little things, all would not fit into the PODS. I guess I had acquired more than I thought. We ended up leaving behind a new pillow- top mattress set, bed frame for our bed, oak file cabinet, vacuum cleaner, nice office chair, etc. etc. etc. Okay, I know about simplifying, but easier said than done. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZO2BAX82cGk1OTTK0ZR8p20NbQ6IikgLe2kwV7KdjnsDG9caOg1kbTHaEqP647myWg5x1mkjrhGA4TakCbiuKNcarhbm5dcvBEGr_VIkWurssuv5y4FkqbtUpxpaOicPG1413qAFWJ3x/s1600/moving+hillbillie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZO2BAX82cGk1OTTK0ZR8p20NbQ6IikgLe2kwV7KdjnsDG9caOg1kbTHaEqP647myWg5x1mkjrhGA4TakCbiuKNcarhbm5dcvBEGr_VIkWurssuv5y4FkqbtUpxpaOicPG1413qAFWJ3x/s200/moving+hillbillie.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwX2_EeI6Ykmj_vmFkOkOcTZ1Xrbn7Y33SoeuEiVcwqNgf0RRolkym34RQm253fW9L1okFdy62-ipgBvBJqGCSXGM4uEsNGVnE_RiHTh1d2I2D-dq_TTt6RcXMbMU7Lg32JVFficf_o0r/s1600/romeo+moving+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwX2_EeI6Ykmj_vmFkOkOcTZ1Xrbn7Y33SoeuEiVcwqNgf0RRolkym34RQm253fW9L1okFdy62-ipgBvBJqGCSXGM4uEsNGVnE_RiHTh1d2I2D-dq_TTt6RcXMbMU7Lg32JVFficf_o0r/s200/romeo+moving+car.jpg" width="200" /></a>Romeo in car</div><br />
Even though the professional movers packed the PODS very expertly, they could not fit some essentials in like the base to our dining room table. The chairs and glass top were inside the POD, but without the base, there is no dining room table. Also, left behind was a treasured end table, and 7 foot silk tree. Since we had to have the base of the table, we decided to attempt to take these last three items in our packed to the brim car. There was nowhere else to put these items except for the top of the car. Jim was a genius to figure that out. See the picture of us as the Hillbillies driving on the freeway with a tree on top of our car!!<br />
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When we arrived in TN, we found a great hotel suite where we would stay until we found a place to live. It would have been just fine except that Romeo, our cat, loves to roam at night. He has always had a pet door to come and go as he pleases. Since we needed to slide a card just to get into the hotel and swipe the card again to get into our room, it was not possible to easily let him out. His instincts kick in when it becomes dark and he cries, whines, and howls to be let out. Our sweet, quiet cat ended up sounding as if he was possessed by demons as his howling became guttural deep and frightening. Not conducive to our getting a good night’s sleep. We let him out after a few nights of that. But, because he was nowhere to be seen for 3 days, I thought he was gone for good and started grieving my loss, but then he showed up in the parking lot. Once he came back he lost all of his roaming privileges which means we lost our sleeping privileges. Jim was ready to pay for him to be in another hotel room. Not so practical. Jim thought of the solution to our problem. Romeo was going to be in his car at night. It worked. Apparently, Romeo even looked forward to it because he would go into his cat carrier waiting for one of us to take him out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KuC81nuXtAFLYPp6B_kplCqWk885_sntqnSxxa0xOKIXlGZtvRNO0mCBM3vh1klK9uAmDATCnVK_NVivsvDxHeSuN8dhxp_ANkVeFmQ8vdO56uI-5Hjn7Ls8GjfLDSdMXKrz1S8uduKe/s1600/front+view+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KuC81nuXtAFLYPp6B_kplCqWk885_sntqnSxxa0xOKIXlGZtvRNO0mCBM3vh1klK9uAmDATCnVK_NVivsvDxHeSuN8dhxp_ANkVeFmQ8vdO56uI-5Hjn7Ls8GjfLDSdMXKrz1S8uduKe/s1600/front+view+home.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PAkZf86YNM-LiWap-p4UysU-axb1qteFgi3rbofPyoA3rR76s7CuB4TYjDnDVcbANSOWEDVZiARWjH2GCmceADPuyyongAr5aBjkp41zn_0ACAjGBjPCc_sz61zlrJdhxzjLmQbDF_JP/s1600/Our+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PAkZf86YNM-LiWap-p4UysU-axb1qteFgi3rbofPyoA3rR76s7CuB4TYjDnDVcbANSOWEDVZiARWjH2GCmceADPuyyongAr5aBjkp41zn_0ACAjGBjPCc_sz61zlrJdhxzjLmQbDF_JP/s320/Our+woods.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
My job has been to look for a house to buy. With prices and interest rates so low, we thought we would trust that we will be here for many years and purchase rather than rent. Since living with Romeo in a hotel was not exactly what I would call a joyful experience, my job was to find a home to buy as quickly as possible. First I was taken around for a few days by a sweet real estate lady who found beautiful homes, but not the grand view Jim and I wanted. So I decided to do it my way. The next morning I lit a candle and visualized what our home would look like. I sat in a meditative state for a while then got on the internet to search. I found this house in a new development right after I had breakfast that very morning. It has a vista view of trees and hills and deer that come onto our property. A home in this setting would be in the million dollar range in Santa Barbara, and that is no exaggeration!! Even though Jim liked it a lot, he still wanted me to see if I could find anything better. After looking 8 hours a day, every day for over a week, I could not find a better house with the view ours has. We knew it was the very best one. This home is only 7 minutes to shopping, 20 minutes to Jim's job, 20 minutes to Nashville, and 15 minutes to Percy Priest lake where Jim has his catamaran. Not only is the house amazing, but the realtor, Patty, Krystal, construction supervisor, Aaron, and Rodney, mortgage lender and his associates have all been so exceptionally wonderful. It was an amazing feat how they all worked together to get everything done so quickly for us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEBCF4NduzFRc747pJKQjmD4YFXjKj4mXqRmyowD6K7-OBgxt_10AbRR10r6HQnZAFJ2kOlji8ZRx-aypQV5tAg-B_9n_TWl_dunOH9Wv7K8Wpt1f2yeN_UjEhvqgvfEOC3A2JtyEHZe5/s1600/Patty+and+us+signing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEBCF4NduzFRc747pJKQjmD4YFXjKj4mXqRmyowD6K7-OBgxt_10AbRR10r6HQnZAFJ2kOlji8ZRx-aypQV5tAg-B_9n_TWl_dunOH9Wv7K8Wpt1f2yeN_UjEhvqgvfEOC3A2JtyEHZe5/s200/Patty+and+us+signing.jpg" width="150" /></a>Patty, Jim and me signing papers</div><br />
I love the woods. There are trees and hills everywhere. It’s very modern with lots and lots of restaurants and stores of all kind. It is much more cosmopolitan than I expected. There are people here from all over the world. And, oh by the way, we went sailing, and it was so serene because the lake is set in a forest.<br />
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We are in our new home now and unpacking. Now, that is a whole entire job in itself. As you all know, it is not just opening boxes and deciding where to put everything, but all of the calls that need to be made to start up everything, and countless other things that need to be done. It seems like that would be simple, but it takes hours and is exhausting. <br />
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All is great though. Love, really love, love, love our new home and this area. We traded seeing dolphins for deer in our backyard. <br />
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I googled yoga classes in Franklin, TN since I was going to be there last Fri. (only 20 min. from my home) I took a class in a wonderful studio with an instructor with a TN accent and was certified from Ananda in Nevada City - where I got my first certification. She was fantastic. I am very enthusiastic about what I plan to do here. In fact, the manager of order taking (forgot her official title) at Jim's work wants me to do their special event for Xmas. She always surprises her team with something for the holidays. She looked at all my websites and saw yoga parties on StretchBreak and asked me to do that for them.<br />
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Oh, forgot to mention something most important that makes this all possible. Jim got a fantastic job here and the best part is that he loves his new job, boss, and co-workers. <br />
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I will be in No CA for Thanksgiving. I sure wish SB was closer. Don't know if I can swing a trip out that way, but I will keep that option open if possible. We incurred a ton of expenses, but one day, when I visit CA. it will include trips to SB too. I haven’t forgotten my beloved friends in Florida. I will visit ya’all too.<br />
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I will end with this. Our neighbor brought us brownies to welcome us to the neighborhood. How sweet is that?? <br />
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Live creatively, love passionately, laugh uncontrollably, and learn constantly. Until next time, my friends.<br />
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I love receiving your emails with your comments, and if you would like to have everyone who reads my blogs see your comments, just click “Comments.” <br />
<br />
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love.<br />
<a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a> <br />
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Love and many blessings,<br />
Osha RayOsha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-51740671331484106192010-07-23T10:53:00.000-07:002010-07-24T21:02:42.658-07:00Lost Job, Got Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVov7InA1OT4vUjUkO2KGQUQUZ1DmqDhl7ZJy5tmiUMl6tdKvG-GPzGT9o_GoCF3optaZVR9cJJPdrY_g_Z3cOZ22Z-YTrLKsWxPekPeq8kSj26kQ2K3SxRM4Hf3q0-EkRlGZ74ArlqrH9/s1600/Ben's+going+away+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVov7InA1OT4vUjUkO2KGQUQUZ1DmqDhl7ZJy5tmiUMl6tdKvG-GPzGT9o_GoCF3optaZVR9cJJPdrY_g_Z3cOZ22Z-YTrLKsWxPekPeq8kSj26kQ2K3SxRM4Hf3q0-EkRlGZ74ArlqrH9/s320/Ben's+going+away+party.jpg" /></a>Ben (far left.),Megan (far rt.) Jim and me (Center) Ben's going away party. He got a job in Austin.</div><br />
Happy Friday, everyone. Yes, I didn’t write for 2 weeks. Thank you to those that checked in with me to make sure I was all right. How thoughtful of you and appreciated by me.<br />
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I know I have been pretty darned political in my last several blogs. Some of you love it, and some don’t. But, lately, I find that worldly stuff is just too important to ignore. In this blog, I will just quote a section from a book, and then move on to what’s going on in my life and share, once again, inspirational stuff.<br />
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Excerpted from “Toward 2012: Perspectives on the Next Age” edited by Daniel Pinchbeck and Ken Jordan, the chapter entitled, If You See Something Say Something:<br />
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It’s too painful to go there, I’m headed outside for a smoke. It’s too painful to go there, I’m busy learning Italian. It’s too painful to go there, my therapist told me to stay positive. She said that whatever I experience is up to me, that I create my own world. My guru said the same thing. I see children swallowing pharmaceuticals to get through the day. I see arbitrary national borders separating us from our humanity. I see two wolves fighting in my heart, one vengeful and the other compassionate. Which one will I feed today? Will I behave as if the god in all of life matters? Or will I come after you, blaming and accusing? Which one will I feed today? <br />
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Take a moment and think about that last few sentences. Wow!<br />
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What’s been up with me? Big news was that my husband’s last day on his job in Florida was July 9th. Even though we knew that was a possibility because he is a contractor, it is still quite shocking when you learn you will be unemployed. That of course, translates into “There will be no more income.” I teach yoga classes, so we all know that does not pay the bills. Well, it used to at one point when I lived in Santa Barbara, but I taught a heck of a lot of classes and supplemented that income with being a body worker, hypnotherapist, and wedding officiant. <br />
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Of course, we both went through the phases of loss and then since we are both very spiritual, we knew it was time to find our center and create a new job. Of course, Jim did all of the necessary things in order to find a new job. So do thousands and thousands of people. And, yes, he has fantastic qualifications. But, so do thousands and thousands of people. Now, it can be called “good luck.” But, since we both are metaphysical, we know it has to do with the spiritual laws of the universe. I mentioned this in many of my other posts. It is imperative to TRUST! You have to really believe, trust, have faith you will get a job. And, not just a job, oh no, you have to trust you will get the job that will feed your soul as well as your body. <br />
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Jim wrote out what he would like to have in his new job including the “feeling” stuff, like being valued and appreciated, etc. When he was done, we lit a candle and visualized him doing the work he likes in an atmosphere that is conducive to well-being and being paid the salary he deserves. Next, we just believed he would get that job. We didn’t have any doubts. We did not care that facts say this is the worst economy in a long time. We didn’t care that more <em>IT</em> work is outsourced to other countries. We did not care about any negative “facts.” The most important thing was that Jim did what needed to be done to get interviews and just trusted the best job will be offered to him. <br />
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Jim’s last day, as I said, was July 9th, his new signed contract of employment was July 19th. If that wasn't great enough, two more positions were offered to him after he already signed with the company in Nashville. We were happy that Nashville came in first since we rather not have moved to New Jersey or Miami. But, it certainly was so wonderful to know that his interviews went so well he was offered three jobs!! <br />
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So this serves as a reminder to do your best to let go of the fear and doubt as soon as that thought comes in. Train your mind to think of what you prefer as your desired outcome. Practice, practice, practice, because it is a lifetime journey. <br />
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"Anything you desire to do, you can do ..... anything!"<br />
Dr. Wayne Dyer<br />
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Live creatively, love passionately, laugh uncontrollably, and learn constantly Until next time, my friends.<br />
<br />
I love receiving your emails with your comments, and if you would like to have everyone who reads my blogs see your comments, just click “Comments.” <br />
<br />
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.youcandoityoga.com/Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-78092481838924056962010-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:002010-07-01T17:11:23.102-07:00WE STILL HAVE TIME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJUivwSmJvadY8CsXm-ZtM4_1nkT97M2P2XFnvFfOkbg7jKcWzLCQy58iS17qYujwKkZZxD91gv4LqsGUZxgsVnIyKSmZcFl2QVoxdVYCNV2Q0W5O8q11yhfdgJ4-MuKE3HIVtg8tKDvL/s1600/Save+Our+Planet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJUivwSmJvadY8CsXm-ZtM4_1nkT97M2P2XFnvFfOkbg7jKcWzLCQy58iS17qYujwKkZZxD91gv4LqsGUZxgsVnIyKSmZcFl2QVoxdVYCNV2Q0W5O8q11yhfdgJ4-MuKE3HIVtg8tKDvL/s320/Save+Our+Planet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy Friday, everyone. Yes, I am at it again about living your life from your heart and embracing peace and harmony. Not because it is a nice thing to do and helps your life be healthier and happier, but because our world depends on it. I have attended several lectures over the last two weeks regarding the oil spill, war, climate change, etc. I have come to know that a sustainable world will only be possible by thinking differently. <br />
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We all have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. I just ordered 2 books on Amazon. One is “Shift Your Habit” by Elizabeth Rogers and “The Green Book: The Everday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step At A Time.” by the same author. Unfortunately, it is not just about one thing. We must be at peace with each other and we must live our lives differently by “shifting our habits.” <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The insanity of the collective egoic mind, amplified by science and technology, is rapidly taking our species to the brink of disaster. <span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">Evolve or die: that is our only choice now."</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynqeJrzbd7g68n5tfIZm22wlr4Ml1xWE_yrl2DCCIRQsZ6UWU6kEKiqV1ZhvRlC4EYVobySNDIDxTC39m3m0DAtZiSaVlHf4HwHXOqVY4SEpNP7MCimJWIXGZDHXeGQfFAQ6D7begB6Pm/s1600/Eckhart+and+Oprah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynqeJrzbd7g68n5tfIZm22wlr4Ml1xWE_yrl2DCCIRQsZ6UWU6kEKiqV1ZhvRlC4EYVobySNDIDxTC39m3m0DAtZiSaVlHf4HwHXOqVY4SEpNP7MCimJWIXGZDHXeGQfFAQ6D7begB6Pm/s320/Eckhart+and+Oprah.jpg" /></a></div>Eckhart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Internal and external are ultimately one. <span style="background-color: yellow;">When you no longer perceive the world as hostile, there is no more fear, and when there is no more fear, you think, speak and act differently. Love and compassion arise, and they affect the world."</span></span><br />
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Eckhart Tolle –<br />
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Two great quotes by Tolle. I highly recommend reading “ A New Earth.” After you read it, refer back to it and practice, practice, practice living by the principles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5LYqhuTGvmAc2a229AnTP43kZblxJo-28U5wbLkn9xwr-uZQykQZZY9TPaLR3i3wdFaQEJy6qWOFV-OYLdlrnlm8Cb6fPEkoarZLbU8u6R7fsNAcNUcLLEzE0Ip6tdRwoGf85e6Pg7rZ/s1600/jose_flute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5LYqhuTGvmAc2a229AnTP43kZblxJo-28U5wbLkn9xwr-uZQykQZZY9TPaLR3i3wdFaQEJy6qWOFV-OYLdlrnlm8Cb6fPEkoarZLbU8u6R7fsNAcNUcLLEzE0Ip6tdRwoGf85e6Pg7rZ/s320/jose_flute.jpg" /></a></div> The Mayan Prophecy of 2012<br />
There is a science behind all of this. <span style="background-color: yellow;">What exists at first in the imagination, visualized by enough people in a telepathic wave of love, will in time become a reality.</span><br />
José Arguelles - <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6uqb81S8D6YpdAcDNi-dQYbUPIGgt_iyHku6178gycQxT-xP0JHTOjYt4rna8J2_JPHjWse3cdd1mnbb8mT_E6umAEjvQur4Bi7kalhau5PXgLnlG2GbFF4ysHqfXKMyIbeRfitEbfbv/s1600/Nirmala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6uqb81S8D6YpdAcDNi-dQYbUPIGgt_iyHku6178gycQxT-xP0JHTOjYt4rna8J2_JPHjWse3cdd1mnbb8mT_E6umAEjvQur4Bi7kalhau5PXgLnlG2GbFF4ysHqfXKMyIbeRfitEbfbv/s320/Nirmala.jpg" /></a></div>Free Ebooks by Spiritual Teacher, Nirmala: <br />
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After a lifetime of spiritual seeking, Nirmala met his teacher, Neelam, a devotee of H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji). After experiencing a profound spiritual awakening in India, he has been offering satsang (gatherings for the truth) in the U.S. and internationally since 1998. Nirmala offers a unique vision and a gentle, compassionate approach, which adds to this rich tradition of inquiry into our true nature. He is the author of several books, including Nothing Personal: Seeing Beyond the Illusion of a Separate Self and Living from the Heart. More information and FREE downloads of several of his books are available at: <a href="http://www.endlesssatsang.com/">http://www.endlesssatsang.com/</a> <br />
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<strong>Awareness is the beginning of all separation. Prior to awareness, there is just oneness or "is-ness," with nothing separate from the oneness that would be able to experience it.</strong> With the birth of awareness comes the subtle distinction of two things: that which is aware and the object of awareness. And yet, those two are connected by this mysterious force we are calling awareness, or love.<br />
<strong>This flow of awareness and love that connects you to all you experience is the true source of satisfaction and joy. </strong><br />
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Here is an example of peace in action by communication, not by bombing and killing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixINYduGHGsyeC1R8UKBNuk2W0KjOSgz5OGrpxe2AkveykkswYf0cfeN1y7qOUoiN0kbBN-DS65Yp8i9ltX75RddoeU2XVMOfuoKP2EgjP56kp9NLr1W_jY1IbLGAmzRmU83adzPhBnvMO/s1600/peace_projects_pg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixINYduGHGsyeC1R8UKBNuk2W0KjOSgz5OGrpxe2AkveykkswYf0cfeN1y7qOUoiN0kbBN-DS65Yp8i9ltX75RddoeU2XVMOfuoKP2EgjP56kp9NLr1W_jY1IbLGAmzRmU83adzPhBnvMO/s320/peace_projects_pg.jpg" /></a></div><strong>A DIALOGUE FOR PEACE</strong> <br />
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The Iraq Peace; Reconciliation College Tour<br />
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A cross-cultural peace mission designed to open a direct line of communication between the American and Iraqi people and connect the next generation of leaders of our two countries.<br />
An Interactive Forum to Build Relationships between the Next Generation of Leaders in America & Iraq<br />
We are connecting the American and Iraqi people, outside of the influences of partisan media or governmental agendas.<br />
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On May 9th, 2010 Global Access Media facilitated a compassionate and groundbreaking dialogue between college students at University of California, Santa Barbara and Islamic University, Baghdad. This is the start of a new and hopeful relationship between the people of Iraq and America. It is a chance for a new beginning, a beginning that starts with a series of open and honest communication events. Join us on this peace mission that connects the next generation of leaders of America and Iraq and builds relationships for a peaceful future. <br />
You can watch a 10 minute film of the groundbreaking peace dialogue HERE at <a href="http://www.globalaccessmedia.org/">http://www.globalaccessmedia.org/</a><br />
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“My views of Americans have changed. I now see the American people as suffering with us and seeking peace with us. We plead that you repeat these dialogues again and again.”<br />
Iraqi student participant<br />
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“Just to see their faces, to laugh together, made an impact on me. We are much more similar than I realized. I now believe peace is definitely possible and communication is the key.”<br />
- American student participant<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Eckhart Tolle said, “Evolve or die.” We must have absolute tolerance in order for all of us to survive or we will end up destroying everything.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahwwMWYx38yGIjmZE5dxW9K2dGt6dn2hTN8sCR1oCeys7h_T3K9JzZZE6-LSi8fS7hl44wY_acTG_39Ujjf7azOGPM3XSOxl0XBc1GcXI4vcRHNGTXZnoClooLvKjoqb3pnN6jxXQ4udU/s1600/Meditating+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahwwMWYx38yGIjmZE5dxW9K2dGt6dn2hTN8sCR1oCeys7h_T3K9JzZZE6-LSi8fS7hl44wY_acTG_39Ujjf7azOGPM3XSOxl0XBc1GcXI4vcRHNGTXZnoClooLvKjoqb3pnN6jxXQ4udU/s320/Meditating+man.jpg" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>For a few minutes of bliss, read this and then do it. Close your eyes. Put your right hand on your heart and your left hand on your belly. Breathe slowly with the feeling “All is well in my world.” Do this for at least a few minutes. End this with taking in one big full breath through your nose, thinking you are breathing in health and well being, and big “haaaa” exhale with your mouth, thinking you are letting go to pain, suffering or any negativity. Now, don’t you feel a bit better?</strong></span><br />
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Please forward this blog so we can get involved, work together and save ourselves and our planet. <br />
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha Ray<br />
<br />
Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. <br />
Click here to see sample video. <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-11760501893023000772010-06-25T06:05:00.000-07:002010-06-26T09:47:13.189-07:00WE MUST DO THIS NOW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9OhPmc2Htt-6XyJ7DauIuqeB9pq2ok-7_6EFmeRd2eSXWLQFnh9H-3so_qBxDkpm2HAH7-Wt0stLIaBIueNU5luAoQ-aREzJrnA4rSQ2wggCriI7APk1r2oe99yMK5YFHoP11TZrisPA/s1600/arctic_drilling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9OhPmc2Htt-6XyJ7DauIuqeB9pq2ok-7_6EFmeRd2eSXWLQFnh9H-3so_qBxDkpm2HAH7-Wt0stLIaBIueNU5luAoQ-aREzJrnA4rSQ2wggCriI7APk1r2oe99yMK5YFHoP11TZrisPA/s320/arctic_drilling.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9bethhukewyn4rEecuAfKcaMyAgvob7jvlXoLaN4cwwYxOloHEGfgetoC2fRbnEZD6h493QquLvW17WZvDsS98IuLAHOgEkOXP1hofNiI_1nHh0qce6Jb6p6LcqsZy4rwASY3B3YHNji/s1600/HandsAcrossSand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9bethhukewyn4rEecuAfKcaMyAgvob7jvlXoLaN4cwwYxOloHEGfgetoC2fRbnEZD6h493QquLvW17WZvDsS98IuLAHOgEkOXP1hofNiI_1nHh0qce6Jb6p6LcqsZy4rwASY3B3YHNji/s320/HandsAcrossSand.jpg" /></a>HANDS ACROSS THE SAND</div><br />
Happy Friday, everyone. So many important issues now, I am finding it hard to get back to my fun, folksy writing for my blog. Most current right now is what is happening tomorrow, June 26th. People from all political affiliations will come together at locations across the country to join hands at noon for 15 minutes creating a metaphorical line in the sand. This is to stand together to show opposition to legalizing drilling off of Florida’s Gulf coasts. I could go on to write about the devastating effects, but I trust most everyone is aware of that. Earth has spoken and continues to speak out that we all must change our ways and find new sustainable ways to live. We must speak out. More information at <a href="http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/">http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/</a> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">There are many ways to help. I have included some easy steps where all you need to do is say a simple prayer, or click on a link for your vote to be counted, or sign a petition that will be sent to President Obama. </span></strong><br />
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Below is a quick prayer of 4 short sentences that is powerful not only for the Gulf, but for anything that needs healing in your life. <br />
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I have also included a link to click on youtube which will count as your vote to discontinue offshore drilling. <br />
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Also included for your convenience is a very interesting article written by Naomi Klein. Just scroll down for all. Please take a few minutes of your time to help insure we have all what is necessary to continue life on earth. We need to come together now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t8ItwkKDmENAh_BRB7jqCwfLCaoCrJ5kevPvrf79j5B09qj07mfnwRgCoAYVwE0L8514uA3as9S6MA9fFva_yMYb4qDSGVSxxC1ziKre1MNk3lv0XufLva9VaSd38BxvJ5X9FvuATaAI/s1600/Dr.+Emoto+Water+Crystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t8ItwkKDmENAh_BRB7jqCwfLCaoCrJ5kevPvrf79j5B09qj07mfnwRgCoAYVwE0L8514uA3as9S6MA9fFva_yMYb4qDSGVSxxC1ziKre1MNk3lv0XufLva9VaSd38BxvJ5X9FvuATaAI/s320/Dr.+Emoto+Water+Crystal.jpg" /></a></div>Dr. Masaru Emoto author of Messages from Water Healing Prayer for the Gulf <br />
You may recognize Dr. Masaru Emoto as the scientist from Japan who has done all the research and publications about the characteristics of water. Among other things, his research reveals that water physically responds to emotions.<br />
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Right now, many of us are feeling despair, grief, overwhelm, anger or a whole host of emotions when we consider what is happening in the Gulf. And while certainly our emotions are appropriate, we may be of greater assistance to our planet and its life forms, if we sincerely, powerfully and humbly offer the prayer that Dr Emoto, himself, has proposed. This prayer/intention incorporates Ho'onoponopono, the ancient Hawai'in practice of reconciliation and forgiveness.<br />
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"I send the energy of love and gratitude to the water and all the living creatures in the Gulf of Mexico and its surroundings.To the whales, dolphins, pelicans, fish, shellfish, plankton, coral, algae, and all living creatures . . <span style="color: purple;">(Here is this simple, powerful prayer for the Gulf and for anything that needs healing.)</span><br />
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<strong>I am sorry.</strong><br />
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<strong>Please forgive me.</strong><br />
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<strong>Thank you. </strong><br />
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<strong>I love you. "</strong><br />
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We are not powerless. We are powerful. Our united energy, speaking this prayer daily...multiple times daily....can literally shift the balance of destruction that is happening.<br />
We don't have to know how......we just have to recognize that the power of love is greater than any power active in the Universe today. <br />
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(Another option below. Continue letter to the link to click on youtube for your vote to be counted)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtKDsvE8uefz99tO7b2uwUuENOuf7NkS7jf2lgK-uJ145FaOyb3_Chuxb4ckscoFkUxMuLmyC04fxZKYq4z-YUndICIBczwwN19ZzJLpKg2jNCwfcJuY4eciBpzCnnVDU3ehZq7HMMw_M/s1600/Galactic+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtKDsvE8uefz99tO7b2uwUuENOuf7NkS7jf2lgK-uJ145FaOyb3_Chuxb4ckscoFkUxMuLmyC04fxZKYq4z-YUndICIBczwwN19ZzJLpKg2jNCwfcJuY4eciBpzCnnVDU3ehZq7HMMw_M/s320/Galactic+Man.jpg" /></a></div>Dear Friends, <br />
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As we have noticed in our friends the majority of people on earth wish to have permanent peace for all nations and beings. It is obvious that the mass consciousness has changed in a positive direction and that humans are aware that “Mother Earth” has been damaged massively through predatory exploitation of the soil specially oil and the misuse of power.<br />
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Most of the humans have recognised, that we did not want to have these results and that we want to make a change now and immediately. They wish a change of the actual economic system and an active support in the reorganization process of the planet through implementing alternative energies and technologies as well as a better health system.<br />
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These people that belong to the dark side are now in minority, but still these dark Ones are able to suppress most of the humans through clever manipulation of their mind and free will. It is important that the “parity of power” will be re-structured, to terminate the force of the dark Ones which is executed through their technologies and power of economy. <br />
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The Galactic Federation which is, a community of many star nations that protect our Milky Way Galaxy, has offered many times their help to different governments, but they have refused it. The Galactic Federation are more than ready to help us directly to remove the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, to master the worldwide economic crisis and the environmental damage and to develop alternative technologies that bring benefits to all human beings. <br />
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“A mandated authority” from us, the earth population will be needed and required to intervene in respect to the free will.<br />
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In that sense the Galactic Federation expects a cosmical mass Petition, which would ensure that they can come to us in peace. They are awaiting this moment for a long time, this moment, that they call the “Magic Moment” in which a mass of people would welcome them. Every single person that reads this petition has now the chance to show responsibility and as well the opportunity to create a positive change for the whole world.If you want to welcome them, if this is also your firm will to accept their support, then please act and perform the following steps:<br />
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<strong>Step 1:</strong><br />
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<strong>click on to this youtube link, that counts in a symbolic way your “Vote”, like a “barometer”</strong><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE6o73SN1iE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE6o73SN1iE</a> </strong><br />
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Step 2.<br />
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click on the link to sign in to a mass petition<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/GF2010/petition.html">http://www.PetitionOnline.com/GF2010/petition.html</a> </strong><br />
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which will be directed to the President of America, Barack Obama<br />
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In Love and Gratitude <br />
Petra Samoiski-Tierney & Friends<br />
June the 18th 2010<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i7U1AM255gLqxg4v-hUMGZgwvb5iHbG_j_63ekGt4VgFVS6E1iARQdgIVwYkIhtDL201SfTjn5zXzmwxPhs4Q0MNojxc1NPVTod_4bAkh1kwvWOy9mkCzAM7_kvnb291_BKu60gD6Xx0/s1600/Namoi+Klein.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i7U1AM255gLqxg4v-hUMGZgwvb5iHbG_j_63ekGt4VgFVS6E1iARQdgIVwYkIhtDL201SfTjn5zXzmwxPhs4Q0MNojxc1NPVTod_4bAkh1kwvWOy9mkCzAM7_kvnb291_BKu60gD6Xx0/s320/Namoi+Klein.bmp" /></a></div>Gulf Oil Spill: A Hole in the World By Naomi Klein - June 19th, 2010 <br />
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Published in The Guardian.<br />
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Everyone gathered for the town hall meeting had been repeatedly instructed to show civility to the gentlemen from BP and the federal government. These fine folks had made time in their busy schedules to come to a high school gymnasium on a Tuesday night in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, one of many coastal communities where brown poison was slithering through the marshes, part of what has come to be described as the largest environmental disaster in US history. <br />
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"Speak to others the way you would want to be spoken to," the chair of the meeting pleaded one last time before opening the floor for questions. And for a while the crowd, mostly made up of fishing families, showed remarkable restraint. They listened patiently to Larry Thomas, a genial BP public relations flack, as he told them that he was committed to "doing better" to process their claims for lost revenue – then passed all the details off to a markedly less friendly subcontractor. They heard out the suit from the Environmental Protection Agency as he informed them that, contrary to what they have read about the lack of testing and the product being banned in Britain, the chemical dispersant being sprayed on the oil in massive quantities was really perfectly safe.<br />
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But patience started running out by the third time Ed Stanton, a coast guard captain, took to the podium to reassure them that "the coast guard intends to make sure that BP cleans it up".<br />
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"Put it in writing!" someone shouted out. By now the air conditioning had shut itself off and the coolers of Budweiser were running low. A shrimper named Matt O'Brien approached the mic. "We don't need to hear this anymore," he declared, hands on hips. It didn't matter what assurances they were offered because, he explained, "we just don't trust you guys!" And with that, such a loud cheer rose up from the floor you'd have thought the Oilers (the unfortunately named school football team) had scored a touchdown.<br />
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The showdown was cathartic, if nothing else. For weeks residents had been subjected to a barrage of pep talks and extravagant promises coming from Washington, Houston and London. Every time they turned on their TVs, there was the BP boss, Tony Hayward, offering his solemn word that he would "make it right". Or else it was President Barack Obama expressing his absolute confidence that his administration would "leave the Gulf coast in better shape than it was before", that he was "making sure" it "comes back even stronger than it was before this crisis".<br />
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It all sounded great. But for people whose livelihoods put them in intimate contact with the delicate chemistry of the wetlands, it also sounded completely ridiculous, painfully so. <br />
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Read the rest of the article in The Guardian <br />
<strong>Please forward this blog to all so we can get involved, work together and save ourselves and our planet.</strong><br />
<br />
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha Ray<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. <br />
<br />
Click here to see sample video. <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-29734019172264581782010-06-17T14:22:00.000-07:002010-06-18T04:49:39.810-07:00EVERYDAY GRACE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcU9-h5iiRg_e4eQT-Wxwnk_fsRM6sWdNFDZ85cuWf3mO7XdCr1UpcrhjTkOz4hyKLImQFJyqPEiBq82dmAgPUi7Kk9bqC0loHApp4ILKqlRXCB9aD3lCSPTLtFRFLq8fS6tEGYOuSkc4/s1600/Working+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcU9-h5iiRg_e4eQT-Wxwnk_fsRM6sWdNFDZ85cuWf3mO7XdCr1UpcrhjTkOz4hyKLImQFJyqPEiBq82dmAgPUi7Kk9bqC0loHApp4ILKqlRXCB9aD3lCSPTLtFRFLq8fS6tEGYOuSkc4/s320/Working+together.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Happy Friday, everyone. Many thanks for all who wrote words of love and support in your comments and emails. I am thrilled to know so many people read my blog. It is my intention to do what I can to inform, share, empower and even call to action.<br />
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I entitled this week’s blog “Everyday Grace,” because I love Marianne Williamson’s book by that title. Her writings are based on the teachings of the Course in Miracles which I have been studying for years. Quoting from her book, <em><strong>Everyday Grace,</strong></em><br />
<strong>“What is not love, according to A Course in Miracles, is a call for love”. </strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJeSDFagp-ycKJve7_DzZ-LO3zWITc46l2_bcgKvD4EtG7L_SfDmyNiFmZ8Ya69VWB4ytcabNhz-prwcnfLLRVjTFsHordL6tOxc-kxJHDaaDkuoR5R9_4A0lrFxizghhjCXUxcLdz9UJ/s1600/Everyday+Grace+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJeSDFagp-ycKJve7_DzZ-LO3zWITc46l2_bcgKvD4EtG7L_SfDmyNiFmZ8Ya69VWB4ytcabNhz-prwcnfLLRVjTFsHordL6tOxc-kxJHDaaDkuoR5R9_4A0lrFxizghhjCXUxcLdz9UJ/s320/Everyday+Grace+book.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is an excerpt from <strong><em>Everyday Grace</em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK18MRftEN9troSZtaEV4kC_GbJDJc5mVYJoaMIQO5RtS4ogWjOX5JU9pHEswNsA6-g3qTI6rHSf24NeNAImuRVEAz2uz4f7ypyaTJ8-k8zYpWE81YUs9lBjCtkWC3I1NO9qZ6x9cKtcXX/s1600/Globe+and+Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK18MRftEN9troSZtaEV4kC_GbJDJc5mVYJoaMIQO5RtS4ogWjOX5JU9pHEswNsA6-g3qTI6rHSf24NeNAImuRVEAz2uz4f7ypyaTJ8-k8zYpWE81YUs9lBjCtkWC3I1NO9qZ6x9cKtcXX/s320/Globe+and+Hands.jpg" /></a></div>“Bless everyone mentioned in every news story, no matter where they stand or what they do. For what we bless is delivered to divine right order. Bless those who do harm, as well as those who do good, for any judgment blocks the light and keeps miracles at bay. Becoming emotionally reactive when we are confronted with darkness only serves to keep the darkness alive. Reacting to fear with fear merely feeds the fear. Instead, let us claim for ourselves the power of love. Read about war? Pray to be a peacemaker. Read about abused children? Pray to be an advocate for them. Read about corruption? Pray to be an active citizen who does his or her part to change that. Read about a reign of terror? Pray to see a loving world that exists in a realm beyond it, and for God to make you a significant part of the effort to bring it forth. We invoke another world first by simply accepting that it is there. It’s not, not something to be created, so much as something to be recognized. And that recognition is the miracle.” <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>How powerful it would be to read this daily. We do make a difference in how we think, feel, and speak. We tend to forget this and need reminders. We must train ourselves to put our attention on what we prefer and that goes for worldly affairs as well as our own. When we think of war, oil catastrophe, climate change, job loss, or any of the countless areas where you would like things to be different, use your imagination to see as you would prefer it to be. Einstein said it best. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” We can do better than fighting, complaining, criticizing and blaming. We can spend that time becoming active and involved. We can spend that time using our imagination for any cause that will enhance the good for all. Or, we can do both by using our imagination and becoming active too. I know countless people already believe this and countless others think this is airy, fairy nonsense. This book might make a believer out of you!<br />
Log on to <a href="http://www.greggbraden.com/">http://www.greggbraden.com/</a> Take a look at his book, <strong><em>The Language of the Divine Matrix. </em></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWuqk3dChwUUgTIHgHWyV3i-ybts_ZWYqN6OKfnekT7Z5ghlxXf52Pi4RBZ-9XHcBls4U_O0rhnHWFxVpFZs4SxjFpTAdVNh81ucw7A8LKxhZ48VwUn8SbTgdlD_HMIRQ29qsqAyshoRz/s1600/Divine+Matrix.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWuqk3dChwUUgTIHgHWyV3i-ybts_ZWYqN6OKfnekT7Z5ghlxXf52Pi4RBZ-9XHcBls4U_O0rhnHWFxVpFZs4SxjFpTAdVNh81ucw7A8LKxhZ48VwUn8SbTgdlD_HMIRQ29qsqAyshoRz/s320/Divine+Matrix.bmp" /></a></div>If you want to see, hear or learn more, I recommend: <br />
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<a href="http://www.letsmovebeyondoil.org/">http://www.letsmovebeyondoil.org/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.bravenewfilms.org/">http://www.bravenewfilms.org/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.alternativeradio.org/">http://www.alternativeradio.org/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.democracynow.org/">http://www.democracynow.org/</a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGYNG3JCcGxu1M_b2vOb5ftBm7Rol7DZwJ5HosSGtzXZM_HZ5-dXrxLKJMJC7ek4oBM05mXEgDJkL9XuLTyvzV8jK7yT8B9GJ38J19ncxw8AKc68tZFHO4G2CDllr9-Nl5zh-n9Bi9Z1Z/s1600/Necessary+Revolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGYNG3JCcGxu1M_b2vOb5ftBm7Rol7DZwJ5HosSGtzXZM_HZ5-dXrxLKJMJC7ek4oBM05mXEgDJkL9XuLTyvzV8jK7yT8B9GJ38J19ncxw8AKc68tZFHO4G2CDllr9-Nl5zh-n9Bi9Z1Z/s320/Necessary+Revolution.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGYNG3JCcGxu1M_b2vOb5ftBm7Rol7DZwJ5HosSGtzXZM_HZ5-dXrxLKJMJC7ek4oBM05mXEgDJkL9XuLTyvzV8jK7yT8B9GJ38J19ncxw8AKc68tZFHO4G2CDllr9-Nl5zh-n9Bi9Z1Z/s1600/Necessary+Revolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
Sneak preview of this book at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">http://www.amazon.com/</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a8oOibnWicV6mJvIu39GSex0ixFbQVltyAkgNRFsF0KVQqVZoppUMxdYCNPfEio6zG0fqNqEMpUSDa2c8USY_RSauT3hH4Jvo6C1FKdsZxnmc8Tsr9feTGb5ZxJt9J1-DYMJpAE5zI2i/s1600/Food+Inc..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a8oOibnWicV6mJvIu39GSex0ixFbQVltyAkgNRFsF0KVQqVZoppUMxdYCNPfEio6zG0fqNqEMpUSDa2c8USY_RSauT3hH4Jvo6C1FKdsZxnmc8Tsr9feTGb5ZxJt9J1-DYMJpAE5zI2i/s320/Food+Inc..jpg" /></a></div>Haven't seen this film yet, rent it now!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy your journey.</span><br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha Ray<br />
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Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. <br />
<a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-30072236524697756542010-06-11T07:45:00.000-07:002010-06-14T11:18:46.422-07:00BECAUSE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoclehvV3uDUXhD7Nt17QhuqfcXNNPIgCYbm7N34GPPwRBVNhi9kY0YOwPP3c17OFUForfZ3_hzSSjTMtxt2mJUkPdHwDUeWdPAqN22HtruCn59T8Q7qkLAzEqAQO3Rw95NnGlxfSmUAi0/s320/children+of+many+cultures.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxAsdUSuor2YkknrhVtgGnY6PeSzFhlhde1i5u_r4kZ3QJOGAMuDJ_U1z3wT50AZg-BMwUY1ySldSoPs_-uYE-QrClVh7nIUll-0IYnRUf1JDkQiZttMBpjq7bSdVgfa42jlz1GrOyuSu/s1600/Gaza+children.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxAsdUSuor2YkknrhVtgGnY6PeSzFhlhde1i5u_r4kZ3QJOGAMuDJ_U1z3wT50AZg-BMwUY1ySldSoPs_-uYE-QrClVh7nIUll-0IYnRUf1JDkQiZttMBpjq7bSdVgfa42jlz1GrOyuSu/s320/Gaza+children.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>BECAUSE we love all God's children</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b3mjw5oQDjzDN0csDiCBI8GMQG5yuLm-P_vbSG9AXC6zMXFsdmNbXThW1W5L-faOCeG9XXWIU8HMCUn-4aNlGjPmr1iyDD8PHmVzdS1B-kQakvbl9AOUKicOf8JNhJB1zAbSqPyhsKqQ/s1600/Palestian+and+Israeli+boys.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b3mjw5oQDjzDN0csDiCBI8GMQG5yuLm-P_vbSG9AXC6zMXFsdmNbXThW1W5L-faOCeG9XXWIU8HMCUn-4aNlGjPmr1iyDD8PHmVzdS1B-kQakvbl9AOUKicOf8JNhJB1zAbSqPyhsKqQ/s320/Palestian+and+Israeli+boys.bmp" /></a></div><br />
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Happy Friday, everyone. Because I received angry, threatening, scolding, hateful emails from my ex brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew, after they read my last blog, (scroll down to see June 4th blog) I am writing this blog on the power of love. I was born Jewish and was accused by them of being a self-hating Jew because I wrote about the Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla massacre. I speak out on injustice of any kind. Because I started on my spiritual journey 40 years ago, I have been on a path of love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. I have learned when anyone does anything that doesn’t come from a place of love, that person is disconnected from source and is acting out of fear. That doesn’t mean you have to have dinner with these people, but it is important to feel compassion for those that lash out at others. That behavior simply means they are in some sort of pain, be it emotional, physical or both which is caused by believing in fear thoughts. When anyone acts in ways which is not from a place of love, it is toxic for the one it is directed at, and also at the one expressing it. When we carry hate, anger or resentment inside of us, it causes unhappiness, illness, and an unsatisfying lifestyle. We must do our best to stay connected to source so we can stay in a state of love for ourselves and others. Practicing Yoga, meditation, chanting, walking in nature are some ways to become awakened to truth and become more enlightened. When our heart is open, we know we have nothing to fear when we act in loving ways. The truth is that “We are one.” When one is oppressed, all are oppressed. I believe in justice for all. There must be tolerance and respect for others. There is plenty for all when we work together. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsj-rzR0ldHIGRHKfbZPAlJS3a_RAHWWANWaCHPDMmElYAiHysGAgjoo314lIa87xI6LnvAlcy2WAT8bkvfbvh6cFlfw3_x9z8laHOCyIieJiPpMI9mfHaFavna-75gg9SY_7Elpv1I2Ti/s1600/IMGP0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsj-rzR0ldHIGRHKfbZPAlJS3a_RAHWWANWaCHPDMmElYAiHysGAgjoo314lIa87xI6LnvAlcy2WAT8bkvfbvh6cFlfw3_x9z8laHOCyIieJiPpMI9mfHaFavna-75gg9SY_7Elpv1I2Ti/s320/IMGP0641.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I often hear, “Osha, you are so lucky.” Yes, I have my health and the love of my family. I have the most wonderful husband who not only loves me, but loves all people. He doesn’t have a racist bone in his body. I live in a beautiful home with a panoramic view of the Gulf and see dolphins daily. I respond with sharing how everyone can have whatever it is they are wanting. Start with witnessing your own thoughts. Thoughts create. If you don’t like any aspect of your life, change your thoughts about it. My yoga classes and DVD are not just about teaching the asanas (postures) they are about teaching to love, respect, appreciate, and have compassion for yourself on and off the mat. When you have that for yourself, you have that for others. This is how we will create paradise on earth with peace and justice for all! I am happy to say I am like Martin Luther King as I share in “I have a dream.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pclr9GOaRCSQoN38ul-Yi1RREpotCxFoRuFc35Kcz_BYhIGKXgNWG6vYqWOSiRsMH318KIj6L55nEiiaTOPo_lpJCWjmOeTC2cbfG0Gpohh1FeCVkhCFuMDLAL_6V0qjhXquRLr48BnT/s1600/flags+united.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pclr9GOaRCSQoN38ul-Yi1RREpotCxFoRuFc35Kcz_BYhIGKXgNWG6vYqWOSiRsMH318KIj6L55nEiiaTOPo_lpJCWjmOeTC2cbfG0Gpohh1FeCVkhCFuMDLAL_6V0qjhXquRLr48BnT/s320/flags+united.bmp" /></a></div>DARE TO KNOW THE TRUTH <br />
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EXCLUSIVE: New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla <strong><a href="http://www.democracynow.org/">http://www.democracynow.org/</a></strong> June 10/10<br />
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In a Democracy Now! exclusive, we bring you a sneak preview of previously unseen raw footage from the Mavi Marmara that will be formally released at a press conference at the United Nations later in the day. The footage shows the mood and the activities onboard the Mavi Marmara in the time leading up to the attack, and the immediate reaction of the passengers during the attack. We are joined by filmmaker and activist Iara Lee, one of the few Americans on the Mavi Marmara ship. Her equipment was confiscated, but she managed to smuggle out an hour’s worth of footage. <br />
Iara Lee on Democracy Now: "New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLa9YzEoDsGRkf2bslV_6Yp-9zjK1t-Wgklz-a0M-7U0A0ZgYSz5FSf4-dba0Wr0s8ViEkKCHdk5SGsPU52RpxQHy-Ia9S_afQNc51ya31CSCVNcIcb32VT0LVDHHFgHUceAzWngn_P4f/s1600/Flags.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLa9YzEoDsGRkf2bslV_6Yp-9zjK1t-Wgklz-a0M-7U0A0ZgYSz5FSf4-dba0Wr0s8ViEkKCHdk5SGsPU52RpxQHy-Ia9S_afQNc51ya31CSCVNcIcb32VT0LVDHHFgHUceAzWngn_P4f/s320/Flags.bmp" /></a></div><br />
Filmmaker and Gaza Freedom Flotilla passenger Iara Lee, of US Campaign ally Cultures of Resistance, spoke today to Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez of Democracy Now! and showed previously unreleased footage of the attack on the flotilla. The graphic footage shows chaotic scenes of passengers scrambling to treat gunshot wounds in an improvised below deck medical center, while above deck people used megaphones to ask for medical aid. The footage will be unveiled today at a press conference at the United Nations, but here is a sneak peak at the footage, as well as the eyewitness report of the attack from Iara Lee._____________________________________________<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVylfthj0bRn3ITByNOJeogyl8eVhZH_4XkCfFjk1w-xVFsVY8QBol6Q8KjKe6-OFlbQLxRIprmYpY-gQwkDMbyB4lXw9f36zmgZjPfRG0l4vO5CFw5rQmhRmm9yWWRE_aL5WQtela7xX/s1600/Jews+against+Occupation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVylfthj0bRn3ITByNOJeogyl8eVhZH_4XkCfFjk1w-xVFsVY8QBol6Q8KjKe6-OFlbQLxRIprmYpY-gQwkDMbyB4lXw9f36zmgZjPfRG0l4vO5CFw5rQmhRmm9yWWRE_aL5WQtela7xX/s320/Jews+against+Occupation.jpg" /></a></div>American Jewish peace activist Anna Balzer writes at her blog:"Far more significant than protests is the fact that worldwide disapproval has been transforming into concrete rejection of normalization with Israel, including major victories for the Palestinian movement for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) on Israel until it complies with international law. _____________________________________________________________<br />
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Another one for the Twilight Zone: Israel "eases embargo" to allow snack food (but not concrete, wheelchairs, musical instruments, fishing rope...) <br />
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"Israel is easing its Gaza embargo to allow snack food and drinks into the Palestinian enclave, Palestinian officials said Wednesday, following an international outcry over Israel's raid on an aid flotilla."<br />
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Here's the list of prohibited items from Gisha, the Israeli Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, which includes cement, plaster, tar, wood, glass containers, dried fruit, coriander, fishing rods, nets, rope, size A4 paper, sewing machines, toys, fresh meat, cattle, chicks, newspapers, musical instruments, writing implements....<br />
The absurdity of this list of items would almost be funny, if it wasn't so sickening, so obviously intended to collectively punish an entire population, if the situation in Gaza wasn't so horrendous. Tell Congress and the White House that this monstrous blockade must end by clicking here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv_SPXvAC5gmDJCjU_AwK5AYZl9WJB3LSTgB3bpNdpAphNrEdutrVJ_sLDcZ7BIlGcTP-ddjSlslRkIAxq1EBXgoYqPDON3T1zpG-V5ms5CLXf6ivfgCEDZudoISUQN2e4R5zA_OsJ509/s1600/Noa+and+Mira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv_SPXvAC5gmDJCjU_AwK5AYZl9WJB3LSTgB3bpNdpAphNrEdutrVJ_sLDcZ7BIlGcTP-ddjSlslRkIAxq1EBXgoYqPDON3T1zpG-V5ms5CLXf6ivfgCEDZudoISUQN2e4R5zA_OsJ509/s320/Noa+and+Mira.jpg" /></a></div>Mira and Noa Pop Duo <br />
June 2, 2010 <br />
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The sounds of the pop duo Mira and Noa represent something more than music. Achinoam Nini, known to fans as Noa, is one of Israel's most popular singer-songwriters. Her singing partner is Mira Awad, an Arab-Israeli famous for her work in television and musicals. The two came together nearly a decade ago to make a statement about common purpose through their music. They recently brought their message to the U.S. and spoke to Tell Me More host Michel Martin.<br />
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"We feel that we have some kind of message to convey," Mira says. "If it's not us, then who?" Last year, the two made a splash on the world stage when they entered the Eurovision song contest (a sort of Europe-wide American Idol). Although they didn't win, their submission "There Must Be Another Way" exposed millions to a different voice in the Arab-Israeli dispute.<br />
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"If we can truly empathize with each other's sorrow, if we can cry together, then we can also reach the next level of building and overcoming all our other differences," Noa says.<br />
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"We are not representing an image of Israel, as is," Noa says. "We are representing the option of what Israel can be if there is a dialogue, and if there is reaching out."<br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-88574912088216670092010-06-04T08:25:00.000-07:002010-06-04T08:25:56.207-07:00BE BRAVE, BE BOLD!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokzPNOeyccNQFGJbq6sOVpF3Az7XZoM0FAqLf6i8QkvoEPP49Dt0c2xa57LZtqfTVgyjUk6z9vvpYISy7-yFPDuAUIAOOw6lQwlOJLGhq7nSdy0hQhT_-eV_QKxcPSIu58ae0zHzZU5LT/s1600/Dali+Lama+Umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokzPNOeyccNQFGJbq6sOVpF3Az7XZoM0FAqLf6i8QkvoEPP49Dt0c2xa57LZtqfTVgyjUk6z9vvpYISy7-yFPDuAUIAOOw6lQwlOJLGhq7nSdy0hQhT_-eV_QKxcPSIu58ae0zHzZU5LT/s320/Dali+Lama+Umbrella.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, everyone. Can it be true? It seems I was just sitting down to write this yesterday, and a whole week has passed already. It is true. Time is speeding up. Okay, let’s roll up our sleeves, there’s lots to do. Last week I wrote about what we can do to help. A few people mentioned that I didn’t include the horrific oil spill. Well, that is true. I was pretty sure everyone knew about it.I think it is evident that we all need to have our voices heard in whatever way you want to participate in that we are not going to stand for any more "Drill Baby Drill." It is imperative we have Renewable Energy: Sun, Wind, Geothermal, and water. Be bold and speak up.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_yQhhIGY0gskhXcoqUOmZrMgtGjyTACzNwrHkae_kkWvjoSHfZD7q0c0MqVQiSVVGyRxhSSAlvkAHbeLuOLP3i1C9S9NxWdE1r6c2qf5M0V4qqiOcdU3Rc1ahHYslWMHzlJTTQHYUEOb/s1600/BP+in+Gulf+of+Mex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_yQhhIGY0gskhXcoqUOmZrMgtGjyTACzNwrHkae_kkWvjoSHfZD7q0c0MqVQiSVVGyRxhSSAlvkAHbeLuOLP3i1C9S9NxWdE1r6c2qf5M0V4qqiOcdU3Rc1ahHYslWMHzlJTTQHYUEOb/s320/BP+in+Gulf+of+Mex.jpg" /></a>B.P. in Gulf of Mexico</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I did mention a heck of a lot of websites, books, movies and radio programs that can be podcast for your convenience. If you didn’t have a chance to read last Friday’s blog, you can just scroll down and find the resources I listed. As I mentioned, this is a condensed version and I have a document that lists many more which are available to you upon request. I made a point of listing these so we have the information we need to get involved.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I know we are all super busy, and even if we don’t actively do anything, at least we will be informed to the extent we can respond to family, friends, or acquaintances, whether we are in conversations or receiving emails</strong> <strong>when we know that the truth is not being expressed</strong></span>. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We need to be bold, and speak out. In perfect timing for writing my blog, I received an email from a friend of mine yesterday. Here is only one line of the “forward” in her email- </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"First, to destroy America, turn</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country."</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It went on and on, and</span><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> was one</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> of the most racist articles I have read.</span></strong> I couldn’t believe my spiritual friend sent me that. She asked what I thought of that article. I told her what I thought, and also added what is really going on in America which is destroying our great country. <strong>In a simplistic explanation, it is unregulated, predatory capitalism, and not bilingual or multi-lingual people.</strong> I learned it was her Conservative, Republican brother who sent her that email. She told me she likes to ask my opinion so she can respond to him. Now, I finally know why she has been sending those types of emails to me. If we don’t have time to read books, many can be purchased in audio book format so you can listen as you are multi-tasking. (See my list of books) One radio program you can count on to learn the truth is on www.democracynow.org You can easily become aware and informed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzWBCoNKtnPkq1FMtqzWaPUO-EuIz4qiV2KUhW_L5fQ8pvqKMkVPz7Q4ZeueahRH3gSsR3DN6Ajp2eS8BnH3Vu6i-Jpt4JJA9thAk-tqQRQlep8u9uiXdKTiJvVS8Sg-eQvfaC9f1_A_8/s1600/Peace+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzWBCoNKtnPkq1FMtqzWaPUO-EuIz4qiV2KUhW_L5fQ8pvqKMkVPz7Q4ZeueahRH3gSsR3DN6Ajp2eS8BnH3Vu6i-Jpt4JJA9thAk-tqQRQlep8u9uiXdKTiJvVS8Sg-eQvfaC9f1_A_8/s320/Peace+image.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The title of this blog is Be Brave, Be Bold. I am going to do that now. I actually didn’t become aware of the illegal Occupation of the Gaza Strip until I started dating Jim. I know most Americans don’t know, and I decided to share this information since what has happened just a few days ago. I copied one of the articles which is below for your convenience. The "Occupation" is one of the worst things going on for decades now and U.S. is complicit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To find out more - Google: Noam Chomsky - Palestine Israel Occupation 101. There is a video on you tube. It is great that people from all over the world are becoming aware of the atrocities that are taking place and becoming involved. Awareness is the first step to change.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA8y88lklBCssq7eOJIHurq0dq5mCiDKP788jJx-x296HAdpEKOmARBEYGlqRypON99WR6HCUaVcWY_0_lULT23FD2Z2W1lINfuhSTruMp-k3ZMIrHDNQTwip7NI-YFTHonl9CnBIWS9S/s1600/Gaza+Freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA8y88lklBCssq7eOJIHurq0dq5mCiDKP788jJx-x296HAdpEKOmARBEYGlqRypON99WR6HCUaVcWY_0_lULT23FD2Z2W1lINfuhSTruMp-k3ZMIrHDNQTwip7NI-YFTHonl9CnBIWS9S/s320/Gaza+Freedom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Gaza Freedom Flotilla<br />
May 31st, 2010<br />
In an international act of piracy and murder in international waters, the Israeli navy intercepted, boarded, and opened fire on humanitarian activists on a flotilla of ships attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Israeli-blockaded Palestinian Gaza Strip.<br />
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According to news reports, Israeli commandos killed as many as 19 humanitarian activists on board one ship, and have abducted all 700 passengers on board the six boats composing the flotilla who are in the process of being sent against their will to Israel for arrest and/or deportation. <br />
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The reaction of the Obama Administration to Israel's attack on the humanitarian aid flotilla, which included U.S. citizens, has been tepid. A White House spokesperson stated that he "deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained."<br />
Of course, this statement completely ignores U.S. complicity in arming Israel and enabling its human rights abuses. In July 2008, the United States signed a contract worth $1.9 billion to transfer the latest-generation of naval combat vessels to Israel at U.S. taxpayer expense. Currently, Congress is in the process of appropriating a record $3.2 billion in military aid to Israel this budget year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb7ldTK0Do8EAdto9EuwOP0cu7RUYYOiYO6w5wlFtVUEW0SwU0Lz_3LrVfA2tRjos64JJfWYdYkY6577JNYccHuduW54ihcudnQwfrZVW-wnQa9FSc6ljIcMt3OTqn_s-hkdk4YaDjxd7/s1600/End+US+Support.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb7ldTK0Do8EAdto9EuwOP0cu7RUYYOiYO6w5wlFtVUEW0SwU0Lz_3LrVfA2tRjos64JJfWYdYkY6577JNYccHuduW54ihcudnQwfrZVW-wnQa9FSc6ljIcMt3OTqn_s-hkdk4YaDjxd7/s320/End+US+Support.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think what we could do with $3.2 billion in our own country! </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Bottom line,</strong> <strong>what is important is that we live together in peace on a vibrant, alive planet. Together we can dream a new world into being with our prayers, visualizations and meditations. We live in a time of great challenge and change. Many are estranged from their spiritual connections to earth and each other. Deep within our souls there is a passion for peace and justice. We need to honor the wisdom of indigenous cultures and our own ancestors so we can shift to a new era of awakened consciousness. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love receiving your emails with your comments, and if you would like to have everyone who reads my blogs see your comments, just click “Comments.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.youcandoityoga.com/</span>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-4757696254483941152010-05-28T07:40:00.000-07:002010-05-28T10:52:01.065-07:00WE CAN HELP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-5vjBEavvAcsaH7mrAJT43fofUlWCw78dyzPM-sW5XYPcVD8uetkgy508jxoc8VNt9cMtrL1XJywfq0muR0bVD2CMDQ8ORFz1ghZJ0gY20ntec5EvmCXKdIX77tEfhHSDMmhV4NhtWtD/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-5vjBEavvAcsaH7mrAJT43fofUlWCw78dyzPM-sW5XYPcVD8uetkgy508jxoc8VNt9cMtrL1XJywfq0muR0bVD2CMDQ8ORFz1ghZJ0gY20ntec5EvmCXKdIX77tEfhHSDMmhV4NhtWtD/s320/IMG_5793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy Friday, everyone. Well, here it is. I have been writing a lot about fun, family, friends, and uplifting, and empowering ideas. I’m in a more serious mood this week, so I want to continue to empower not only ourselves but encourage more awakening to truth. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the information I have and feel the urgency in doing more. I realize this is a group effort. I know it is challenging sometimes just to get through the day with all of the demands on our time. I realize when I decide to put something into my day-timer (Blackberry), I am able to fit it in. What is great now is that a lot of these can be accessed when it is convenient for you. I have listed websites, radio shows (that can be podcast) books and movies. This is the condensed version. I have a document that lists many more. (available to you upon request) It is empowering to know the truth and to see if you feel compelled to participate in any way that moves you. As a matter of fact, while writing this, I have stopped a few times to check facts and while doing this, signed the petition to stop Monsanto from sending their poison seeds to Haiti and posted to Facebook too. We can participate in these quick, simple ways that when multiplied by large numbers of participants, we help create change and awareness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqgG5iGB34973hMdudBNxjVyiCJH3pfOhCadra6leHOlpMUFGpmKAvYl2HdiIrUP-tUORA8W4k0Vi6q4IZwLe60Ly0JFrOGA5ngzapjRlDs99yuP9nzeq9S8C4yOzdA9Vj2JeiEdKz4yv/s1600/DSCN0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqgG5iGB34973hMdudBNxjVyiCJH3pfOhCadra6leHOlpMUFGpmKAvYl2HdiIrUP-tUORA8W4k0Vi6q4IZwLe60Ly0JFrOGA5ngzapjRlDs99yuP9nzeq9S8C4yOzdA9Vj2JeiEdKz4yv/s320/DSCN0300.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Now, on a different note, I just read this last night, and wanted to share it with you. It is definitely worth the few minutes it took to read about the Crystal, Rainbow, and Indigo children and their message. What do you think? Click link below. <br />
<a href="http://snoedel.moorelife.nl/pivot/entry.php?id=844">http://snoedel.moorelife.nl/pivot/entry.php?id=844</a><br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.youcandoityoga.com/ <br />
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Listing of Websites:<br />
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www.democracynow.org (Daily radio show) Note: Most radio shows can be podcast.<br />
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www.fair.org (Counter Spin - Weekly radio show)<br />
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www.alternativeradio.org (Chris Hedges, Noam Chomsky, etc.)<br />
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www.worldfocus.org (radio show) <br />
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www.therandirhodesshow.com (radio show)<br />
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www.mikemalloy.com (radio show)<br />
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www.huffingtonpost.com <br />
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www.tvnewslies.org <br />
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www.factcheck.org <br />
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www.opensecrets.org <br />
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www.grittv.org <br />
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<strong>BOOKS</strong><br />
Charles Pierce: Idiot America (How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free?)<br />
Republican Gomorrah – Max Blumenthal<br />
Naomi Klein: The Shock Doctrine <br />
Chris Hedges: Empire of Illusion <br />
Kevin Phillips: Bad Money (Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism) <br />
Thom Hartmann: Screwed (The Undeclared War against the Middle Class and What We Can Do about It) <br />
Howard Zinn: A People's History of the United States 1492-Present<br />
Greg Palast: The Best Democracy Money Can Buy<br />
Noam Chomsky: Hegemony or Survival (America 's Quest For Global Dominance) <br />
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<strong>MOVIES </strong><br />
Capitalism, a Love Story<br />
Food Inc.<br />
The Cove<br />
People Speak – Howard Zinn<br />
Life and Debt<br />
Stop-Loss<br />
Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan<br />
Google: Haiti and Monsanto Poison SeedsOsha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-63236310270942700992010-05-21T06:25:00.000-07:002010-05-21T06:25:35.578-07:00WHERE IS HE? WHERE IS SHE?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><strong>Where is He? Where is She?</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bc-CgsbIpMZTOLEg0mflKYi2a7hOIbOG-ktfNhrpwKiK3vncThX4WB_T5gSmsFm0xKe_vxqGIB6MWrDuAACEXyglJDm0TzO-D-HDKV8x2DY0sEpIwbcVD0PCRh5-5gI3Duqo0RL8S19L/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bc-CgsbIpMZTOLEg0mflKYi2a7hOIbOG-ktfNhrpwKiK3vncThX4WB_T5gSmsFm0xKe_vxqGIB6MWrDuAACEXyglJDm0TzO-D-HDKV8x2DY0sEpIwbcVD0PCRh5-5gI3Duqo0RL8S19L/s320/IMG_2353.JPG" /></a>Third date pedi-cab ride in Santa Barbara</div><br />
Happy Friday everyone. It seems like a question regarding finding one’s true love or mate is a topic often discussed. Let’s talk about finding “the one.” Some meet through friends, some take out ads, some go on line and join Match.com and the multitude of others that are available. There are numerous ways to accomplish the feat of finding love. I know people who say they have tried everything for years and haven’t found the right person. What I want to do now is to remind those that know about the spiritual way to manifest meeting your mate, or to introduce those that don’t know about the power of manifesting. We all do it. Just some of us do it with awareness and some of us do it without awareness.<br />
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The same principle applies whether you want to find your mate, get a new job, or have better health. You have to make that decision without doubts. If you are not sure, God, Universe, or whatever it is that you believe in, won’t know what to give you.I believe we are co-creators with the Divine. This is an anology. It is like going into a restaurant and saying, “I am not sure what I want.” The server will bring you what you want when you tell them. And, just like being in the restaurant, once you give the order, you trust that it will be brought to you. Do you worry that once you put in your order, they will forget and not bring it out? Of course, that could happen, but rarely does. It is the same with wanting to be in a committed relationship. This is the important part to remember. “ You decide what you want, and trust you will have it.” It could come in any number of ways. The method you use is not the important part. Knowing what you want and trusting is the important part. I will share with you what I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhBqEkW8uQ6hIJMm3qdH35vPSI9JvcktKQZMp7ihauc_3AO1oqjkTjwHI0AXrs02gO2_ZjSLN5NF0rg7RLNmbZmW4fbjHvZBBOsqWdvA1XV-FmZ_NX0wuRJWk3BH5mTJOTLuQdDvsPwvJ/s320/IMG_3897.JPG" /></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahTYwL2JtnT-w45wRE4EcMrxelxGjpnQSqmTv3nydHtyrGDMhI9oHhAqTjEy7tVpIL7Kr9_StsBsNOApVQ0CAgFpcZ-RhyJ_o1GgdWNvzhU8teBr8CC83AGQgwoIeVa6QUBTpi3sCAc28/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahTYwL2JtnT-w45wRE4EcMrxelxGjpnQSqmTv3nydHtyrGDMhI9oHhAqTjEy7tVpIL7Kr9_StsBsNOApVQ0CAgFpcZ-RhyJ_o1GgdWNvzhU8teBr8CC83AGQgwoIeVa6QUBTpi3sCAc28/s320/IMG_4009.JPG" /></a></div> When I decided I was ready to meet the right person, I bought a beautiful greeting card that was blank inside. I wrote out all of the important qualities I wanted in my mate. I did not write that this person would be a millionaire because I don’t believe that a millionaire would fall in love with me. Now, that could happen, I just didn’t believe it would happen. So you do have to write what you believe. Then I lit a candle, set my intention, and just had a feeling, a strong sense of trusting that the man I was going to meet and marry would come into my life.<br />
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For any of you reading this that are in their 50’s, and don’t think it is possible for this to happen to anyone in that age range, think again. A couple of weeks later, I met Jim in a parking lot at a park. We both were there for an event. He was already leaving and I was just arriving. After we talked for a while, he asked for my card and he called the next night. He really had all of the qualities I had listed on my card, and it was a pretty long list too. Actually, in many ways, he was even better than I imagined! We dated, fell in love, and got married. <strong>Happy manifesting.</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfO-IRwc_hVuO0tsldcxTCbk7_Jej3dobnoxCfPHizjRQiNFLff5HOC1LzKOY_hLTQzMxftzjjf8MFc7_s8t-N42J-WTPLbvRpYDl_4xZZIcRmYsFeDATLdhDuQySvwBxq5FfYqye6PvP/s1600/JimProposes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfO-IRwc_hVuO0tsldcxTCbk7_Jej3dobnoxCfPHizjRQiNFLff5HOC1LzKOY_hLTQzMxftzjjf8MFc7_s8t-N42J-WTPLbvRpYDl_4xZZIcRmYsFeDATLdhDuQySvwBxq5FfYqye6PvP/s320/JimProposes.jpg" /></a>Jim proposes and gives me an engagement ring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. <a href="http://www.youcandoityoga.com/">http://www.youcandoityoga.com/</a> </div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-31729678237272598122010-05-14T06:51:00.000-07:002010-05-14T06:51:57.376-07:00Weight Loss - or Not and How I Became A Blonde!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zjaUJWQWgCruQvLNZ4NZrm7_TeLv7T_xqdbxyNKj-6mkMb_xVPcgCYy9LFSBIRaYaZEVGGUFWbP6jtHThOL2Yetu4EAmCgOsMrhACMZnqT0SYUA1jvppWdOcr9zmI26bGuJwscSamx3b/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zjaUJWQWgCruQvLNZ4NZrm7_TeLv7T_xqdbxyNKj-6mkMb_xVPcgCYy9LFSBIRaYaZEVGGUFWbP6jtHThOL2Yetu4EAmCgOsMrhACMZnqT0SYUA1jvppWdOcr9zmI26bGuJwscSamx3b/s400/IMG_3920.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NTCUMWVMwgqHXniPbCzbHhH0hasjsJmKEEOz6TDsduzWH3KAhxbVejqbb6Nqdh8gJsNGS-ILq8cyvl8Uh9JwuTNOMiH_2257M4s3ctZ5TsENREzOnSmY7JwgJxJn-TfY1ZfIkx1ylK4K/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NTCUMWVMwgqHXniPbCzbHhH0hasjsJmKEEOz6TDsduzWH3KAhxbVejqbb6Nqdh8gJsNGS-ILq8cyvl8Uh9JwuTNOMiH_2257M4s3ctZ5TsENREzOnSmY7JwgJxJn-TfY1ZfIkx1ylK4K/s320/IMG_4484.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu8WeVaXckbFb67EEFJAC2wMa2s8uFulbFB4KaOK-KuPRQqcGTinBuPvJy9WJgsWY_eNl92V8-ospYJ-zcQRLZLk_-EuiTZMnlvAaXUCSmWw81Yx2SM9RO3Q6eyI8Nh1jeI6MPvaDeEiu/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu8WeVaXckbFb67EEFJAC2wMa2s8uFulbFB4KaOK-KuPRQqcGTinBuPvJy9WJgsWY_eNl92V8-ospYJ-zcQRLZLk_-EuiTZMnlvAaXUCSmWw81Yx2SM9RO3Q6eyI8Nh1jeI6MPvaDeEiu/s320/IMG_1972.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div>Happy Friday, everyone. Today’s topic is weight loss – or not. As summer approaches, many of us start thinking about bathing suits and how we look in them. Of course, here in Florida, we get to think about that many more months out of the year. You have probably noticed that as you age, it seems to be harder and harder to remain slim. I sure have noticed that. We women have additional things such as menopause, hormones, and metabolism to make it even more difficult. I do think men’s metabolism is different. I remember when I was young watching young men eating large portions frequently, and whatever they wanted, and still look thin. So, yes, life isn’t fair. What else is new? Now, what do we do about it? There are all of the books to tell us to love our bodies just as they are. I do believe that is so important. Even if you want to lose weight, you have to love yourself and your body! Okay, now we covered that, what next? I still think that the act of believing makes it so. This is the magic part here. “The act of believing makes it so!” I have seen that happen many times over my lifetime. For instance, I thought that I would like to be a blonde when my hair turned gray. My hairdresser just continued to touch up the gray at the roots matching it to the rest of my dark hair. She said it would Not be a good idea to bleach it. I just kept thinking I see myself as an older person with blonde hair. I saw myself as a blonde although I had dark hair all of my life. I held that belief. I went to Thailand, and was there for a month. While being in the sun daily, my hair got significantly lighter. My hairdresser colored my roots according to the new color. I did nothing to my hair and it just seemed to get lighter and lighter. I just continued to hold the thought that I was a blonde, and as you can see, I am a blonde.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoXqcOZLAlbaODl6ab43DkwmBtmWGfPLlhIeHxFyQNf-es6wClM2YyMS8IkJa8cegKl6PqNrHMM0wwX1V0IioaUP7CuhyphenhyphenPMPue_fAhrb_KrNEvlSWQG0YBBzStf-WopLHuwjrZ-iWmiYU/s1600/DSCN0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoXqcOZLAlbaODl6ab43DkwmBtmWGfPLlhIeHxFyQNf-es6wClM2YyMS8IkJa8cegKl6PqNrHMM0wwX1V0IioaUP7CuhyphenhyphenPMPue_fAhrb_KrNEvlSWQG0YBBzStf-WopLHuwjrZ-iWmiYU/s320/DSCN0338.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div> The same concept is true with weight or anything else. The secret is to make peace with what is happening in the “now.” That part is really important because if there is resistance to what is, you are stopping the flow of energy to change it. This is the time we really do need to practice the art of acceptance. Have an image of whatever it is that you want, and believe it to be true. If you have doubts, you are stopping the flow of energy to make the changes. It is when you make the decision, have the image, believe it to be so, that changes occur. You will just seem to have an easier time saying “no to sweets, fried food, large quantities, - or anything that doesn’t contribute to weight loss. Remember that drinking diet Coke, Pepsi, et al, does not help you lose weight, it does just the opposite. Drink lots of spring water. If you are really interested in the best water and super food, email me and ask me for information on Kangen water and Super Blue Green Algae. Also, you seem to want to take a walk, swim, play golf, tennis, do yoga, or exercise So, to recap, what happens is once you make the decision, the universe assists you as you co-create what is needed to have your desired outcome. That’s it. It works. And, remember, you get to decide if you want to lose weight or not. Happiness is far more important than being unhappy with yourself as you struggle to lose weight. <br />
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.yogawithosharay.com/Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-5790647871518708992010-05-07T06:47:00.000-07:002010-05-07T06:58:07.190-07:00FAMILY AND FRIENDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo20cNeOK9ldoAekOvDr0_dVyh5wTBK4pEEW4HzPNK02biSYwNKG9MWuqHcNcfkTQZldGnNhniZj-7PNzzsAgT1TPWTsvyKBMFadblYFJUV_O6Wq7w7J2afkb6_udT1vLfvId6hz-Tc83n/s1600/DSCN0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo20cNeOK9ldoAekOvDr0_dVyh5wTBK4pEEW4HzPNK02biSYwNKG9MWuqHcNcfkTQZldGnNhniZj-7PNzzsAgT1TPWTsvyKBMFadblYFJUV_O6Wq7w7J2afkb6_udT1vLfvId6hz-Tc83n/s320/DSCN0601.JPG" tt="true" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">from top left to right, Mo, sister-in-law, Chris, son-in-law, Sheila, daughter, Calvin, grandson, me, Monica, daughter, Ruby, grand daughter at her 2 yr. old b-day party.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sheila, Chris, son-in-law, & Calvin</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG-RAVzvd1ZEPKDI0onFULmuacWFPeUR7nS9I5s1mUN1WPMEq1SBks2LjF_U14PrWkyNpE9x8-RsjYa46mP4vnvhB6aRlGq86sXvfgLH1GR7NGgFExRjQ0bQEt32TLWq6-RmTnQjQ9bSL/s1600/SheilaChrisCalvin+1-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG-RAVzvd1ZEPKDI0onFULmuacWFPeUR7nS9I5s1mUN1WPMEq1SBks2LjF_U14PrWkyNpE9x8-RsjYa46mP4vnvhB6aRlGq86sXvfgLH1GR7NGgFExRjQ0bQEt32TLWq6-RmTnQjQ9bSL/s320/SheilaChrisCalvin+1-09.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>FAMILY AND FRIENDS <br />
Happy Friday everyone. This certainly isn’t a new topic, although it is a topic that stays the same throughout the years. I think it will be increasingly important to take the time to be in contact and spend as much time as possible with your family and friends. If spending time in person is not possible, then we are so lucky to live in an era of all the wonderful technology that is available to us. I remember long ago when it was just a fantasy to think we could see each other when we talk, and now we can with Skype and webcams, etc. We all are so very busy with a million and one things to do, but if we don’t put spending time with our family and friends on that list, we will be sorry at some point in our lives. We are experiencing more and more disasters. We are watching Mother Earth speak out, making it virtually impossible to ignore. We are seeing banks, big insurance companies, BP, mining companies, priests, etc. etc. become exposed as their corrupt ways are revealed. We are coming together with our family and friends to form communities, grass roots organizations and support groups as we help and contribute to the various changes that need to take place. We will get through this all with each other’s support. This is not the time for being complacent. Our united voices need to be heard.<br />
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I chose this topic because I was thinking how blessed I was in having such a wonderful family and friends. You may be blessed too, but if you think you are not, remember that it is never too late to reach out. When we volunteer our time, go to classes, spiritual or religious institutions, and even just go to have coffee at the same place often, we will meet people and start friendships. It is a willingness to get out there, and patience.<br />
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Denise<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0K_5foiPS0_7EyPVR2bWQ27Byv7XPgpjIj6MF4cCp_onwthn5coKsg5vozG14neWSKU4IzDdxoIg68KVWx3o-Sq4lz9Jamkt0JhwWbAzWjx-Gsory3olHN2pk25E93WqyXlqUKjjhyphenhyphen4o/s1600/DSCN0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0K_5foiPS0_7EyPVR2bWQ27Byv7XPgpjIj6MF4cCp_onwthn5coKsg5vozG14neWSKU4IzDdxoIg68KVWx3o-Sq4lz9Jamkt0JhwWbAzWjx-Gsory3olHN2pk25E93WqyXlqUKjjhyphenhyphen4o/s320/DSCN0535.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div>Now, a few words about my trip home to CA. I loved watching and hanging out with my daugthers because I am very proud of them because I think they are amazing women and mothers. It was so heartwarming to watch my 2 year old granddaughter, Ruby, at her ballet class in Monterey, and my two year old grandson, Calvin, at his soccer class in Santa Rosa. There are so many activities for toddlers these days. I just loved holding and rocking my 3 month old grand daughter, Maezy. (See photos on last week’s blog.) My daughters are so blessed to have great husbands, and both are named Chris. I love being with them too. I also have two teen-aged daughters Erika and<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Kelli. They are so grown up, beautiful and smart. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Erika on left</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Kelli and Calvin on rt. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J8u2frUsXuuHjtldG4ZCeVSPdQ5NDqSyGOpjpFbJW0irsuY00u5kjLfcj4YFHf4YWWY2j1fv5QHS8XY-iUwiigwfV6VeufWLz-8YogaaakyWr2nrSXv6i1Gir3xGhAi1q9ukkuzyKaL0/s1600/DSCN0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J8u2frUsXuuHjtldG4ZCeVSPdQ5NDqSyGOpjpFbJW0irsuY00u5kjLfcj4YFHf4YWWY2j1fv5QHS8XY-iUwiigwfV6VeufWLz-8YogaaakyWr2nrSXv6i1Gir3xGhAi1q9ukkuzyKaL0/s320/DSCN0618.JPG" tt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHSLTzchRaACREko-cTYtbjsov5DYGDkexsDUl6G1oOu1Kb0W2DikU1WzTEgL9Ok8uvebqqKeeslNSY-UbBXb6JxoIc9e3U5wscgstTRXLXibzca5iwLwtyRLlxPyob3I_PrKuqXPi-8g/s1600/DSCN0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHSLTzchRaACREko-cTYtbjsov5DYGDkexsDUl6G1oOu1Kb0W2DikU1WzTEgL9Ok8uvebqqKeeslNSY-UbBXb6JxoIc9e3U5wscgstTRXLXibzca5iwLwtyRLlxPyob3I_PrKuqXPi-8g/s320/DSCN0620.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Mary & me</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbF7IUl83MtjEZ0dlczFPOAPGIfNZN58MGImQaT_RQ74Sl8eVIUN17wpuNm3bTqBFwjzeFsCmypLhPtgU018na4jmnnxr9DQdvuMdcFUF7AkVYvQDiUyr2CkRdQRLfJWi7ZoiZvyLk-Ab/s1600/DSCN0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbF7IUl83MtjEZ0dlczFPOAPGIfNZN58MGImQaT_RQ74Sl8eVIUN17wpuNm3bTqBFwjzeFsCmypLhPtgU018na4jmnnxr9DQdvuMdcFUF7AkVYvQDiUyr2CkRdQRLfJWi7ZoiZvyLk-Ab/s200/DSCN0673.JPG" tt="true" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuYuin92HM_q6_U9eH9wGFqVFeIeRPQMvooqkMV8bDHnxx2ZfuQ_kEOXnGaJc9qdzqK-a_MsaDY1iOhWMlckDugOEHLhENXmB3O2fLAPHMcmBPAwzePM-tVRrDlngh8m_dfRpr7jm4yZg/s1600/DSCN0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuYuin92HM_q6_U9eH9wGFqVFeIeRPQMvooqkMV8bDHnxx2ZfuQ_kEOXnGaJc9qdzqK-a_MsaDY1iOhWMlckDugOEHLhENXmB3O2fLAPHMcmBPAwzePM-tVRrDlngh8m_dfRpr7jm4yZg/s320/DSCN0607.JPG" tt="true" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kat & me</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had so much fun visiting my wonderful friends. Denise took me on a glorious outing to Big Sur. That evening she and her partner, Tony, made dinner for me and had a great conversation about wordly matters. Kat treated me to an Indian dinner in Santa Rosa as we discussed her upcoming trip to Turkey. Mary prepared a home cooked meal for me, and we talked about spirituality and relationships. Another day, we acted like tourists, and went to the State Capital in Sacramento. Cherie and I lingered over Starbucks beverages for hours of visiting. These are dear friends I have had for 10-30 years. I loved hanging out with my great brother, Maurice, and sister-in-law, Linda, as we took their dogs for walks in the beautiful 77 acres of Ancil Hoffman Park in Fair Oaks several mornings – not to mention the great meals we had at their home and in various restaurants including the Slocum House. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9LPWK_eu7fUqq0co11obY0EZmUiyTqE4PX5katkZfkorQ9rc4yarXGZ5p_iVJkaR6Th4ZTnBN70uAzMfAL0G592zS2JJ-7999GF6CgCd8alcsn2ie0FQmHn2tyqOSUvFng_vAri_cV3v/s1600/DSCN0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9LPWK_eu7fUqq0co11obY0EZmUiyTqE4PX5katkZfkorQ9rc4yarXGZ5p_iVJkaR6Th4ZTnBN70uAzMfAL0G592zS2JJ-7999GF6CgCd8alcsn2ie0FQmHn2tyqOSUvFng_vAri_cV3v/s320/DSCN0669.JPG" tt="true" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><br />
I also went to see my ex-husband, Tony and his wife, Cathy. It was important to stop by because our beloved dog, Spirit, is now 19 years old. I didn’t want an opportunity to slip by and not see him because who knows how much longer he will be around. It was good to see all doing well. Of course, I did so much more, and wanted to write about it all, but it would be far too much to read about.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cherie & me </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEXw-OzliNvuuEdRos3aaB3rcdygckeXWt8KkLjWZZlmyrtGs0340LZ6slOyFR8KhtJFH-E5ryyJIN2XMqRrsXZyG1uT3vPCN2PhhrHZptb523G_1U73GgyLW9exKZxqxKZRI6AzBIWY1/s1600/DSCN0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEXw-OzliNvuuEdRos3aaB3rcdygckeXWt8KkLjWZZlmyrtGs0340LZ6slOyFR8KhtJFH-E5ryyJIN2XMqRrsXZyG1uT3vPCN2PhhrHZptb523G_1U73GgyLW9exKZxqxKZRI6AzBIWY1/s320/DSCN0665.JPG" tt="true" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brother, Maurice & me</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUIvFLKvqzwT8jAZLuAA-UvcHbEJd5nX0JNDeQpR0nOgBsBHFfEKGwKpUJjazfMIK6TQvkQMispVluU5xOme_tz399jOsmjeaoDOP7a9GP9bpcY-OczuR9qdxvnScW3VaRoAUTeywi9C8/s1600/DSCN0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUIvFLKvqzwT8jAZLuAA-UvcHbEJd5nX0JNDeQpR0nOgBsBHFfEKGwKpUJjazfMIK6TQvkQMispVluU5xOme_tz399jOsmjeaoDOP7a9GP9bpcY-OczuR9qdxvnScW3VaRoAUTeywi9C8/s320/DSCN0667.JPG" tt="true" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sister-in-law, Linda & me. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN4uZWzWvsyu5Af1NPWY75D1Ke0B6tugtXf7NrC_Nxa3l-cjZW5TuENtqPyUVBWF93rqJx243_QvOq6RKFgxyOT3Tj1o_kEOmEr_ag1SIqivEXabpNgbtRqrFYefucGeMT0Md5EU8LCPI/s1600/Spirit+%26+Dexter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN4uZWzWvsyu5Af1NPWY75D1Ke0B6tugtXf7NrC_Nxa3l-cjZW5TuENtqPyUVBWF93rqJx243_QvOq6RKFgxyOT3Tj1o_kEOmEr_ag1SIqivEXabpNgbtRqrFYefucGeMT0Md5EU8LCPI/s320/Spirit+%26+Dexter.jpg" tt="true" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spirit with b-day hat and Dexter</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span>To wrap this up, I want to make available to anyone who wants to get involved or just become more informed about the truth of what is going on<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>behind the scenes of broadcast news. So if you are interested, please email me, and I will attach a document with numerous resources.<br />
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This is my way of connecting with you all when I can’t see, phone or email you personally. I do reply to everyone who writes me. Remember, I love hearing from you too.<br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.yogawithosharay.com/Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-9320788985134510002010-04-30T07:37:00.000-07:002010-04-30T09:55:14.000-07:00Whew...I'm back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2t2SX7Cu9jWMWZqQ97LnbjOdA5BlkWOWIUeC6BWeyZF8sRBVgVbpyxvFBqEKy36hEREmgti_g6C0E1wFZ1HFtDYZJVJlGI8q4XWOQONkAxF3oRvYamV-qQgDdunlVMT_ME5olYmHolSD/s1600/DSCN0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2t2SX7Cu9jWMWZqQ97LnbjOdA5BlkWOWIUeC6BWeyZF8sRBVgVbpyxvFBqEKy36hEREmgti_g6C0E1wFZ1HFtDYZJVJlGI8q4XWOQONkAxF3oRvYamV-qQgDdunlVMT_ME5olYmHolSD/s320/DSCN0688.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Friday everyone. Yes, it’s been a long time since I have written. Oh, where to begin. If you read my last post, you know that I have been in California visiting my daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law, and many dear friends. I thought I would be able to write while traveling, but it just didn’t work out that way for a variety of reasons. Of course, I can say what we usually do after visiting about how gorgeous, adorable and smart the grandchildren are, and how much we love our families and friends and miss not being able to see them more often. So, that is very true and it is a given. But, just about everyone writes that stuff. So, I will be brave. What I noticed about myself is I am still learning to integrate all that I have learned over the years. I really know what is in the books like “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, and “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie. So, I am wondering if you want me to be honest and vulnerable and share from my heart. I decided to just be me and tell it like it is. I have a strong emotional body. Tolle calls it “the pain body.” This happened as a result of being scolded by my mom throughout my entire childhood and adult life. She has passed on and I really feel great compassion for her because I understand the emotional pain she was in which caused her to treat me the way she did. In fact, I even believe the ancient spiritual teachings that say we choose our parents and circumstances before we are born to learn what we need in order to continue to evolve. She was the reason I began my spiritual journey when I was in my 20’s. Most of you who know me, know that I am in my 60’s. One of my spiritual teachers said to remember that whenever anyone is saying hurtful things or behaving badly, it is because they are either in fear or in some kind of pain. When we remember that, we don’t need to react, or feel hurt. We just need to love them. I am really good at remembering this with strangers, acquaintances, and casual friends. I notice that is more difficult with the ones I love. So, I am writing this as a continual reminder to myself and to others. I completely forgot this to the extent of having it affect my immune system so I got sick. It started with a sore throat and it blossomed into Bronchitis. I am convinced that being stressed and emotional has a far greater affect on us than eating the "right" food. Don’t get me wrong, I really recommend eating organic and natural foods with occasional treats. But, have you noticed some people who eat all the "wrong" things are healthy and energetic? Those people hardly ever seem stressed or upset. That is it! That is how powerful our thoughts and emotions are. Well, okay, great, but how do we do that?? The key is to be in “Witness Consciousness.” Watch our thoughts, and choose not to react to them. I do think that it is just like everything else in life – PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tI5EIZS7cHIcxLLwdRz4Vv6IhNaZdFEjmEeFxCPLBFnr-cBe9f-lGuoQrVjQaCIH-N-xLpCEo0THZa5raZvjj9WjSj6YUR3giuL12pETZ7H-kKjqstN3ef8sVFg_S7Ujbvjrja1HTNEj/s1600/MonicaMaezy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tI5EIZS7cHIcxLLwdRz4Vv6IhNaZdFEjmEeFxCPLBFnr-cBe9f-lGuoQrVjQaCIH-N-xLpCEo0THZa5raZvjj9WjSj6YUR3giuL12pETZ7H-kKjqstN3ef8sVFg_S7Ujbvjrja1HTNEj/s320/MonicaMaezy.jpg" tt="true" /></a>The other thing to remember is to not be so hard on ourselves if we forget any of these teachings. Practicing loving kindness and compassion includes us as well! I promised to keep my posts short and sweet so I will, and write about my visit with my family, friends, pics, and what I did next week. Far left is a photo of my daughter, Monica and granddaughter, Maezy. Center is daughter, Sheila and grandson, Calvin. Bottom is Monica's daughter, my granddaughter, Ruby and me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYC9VTw93a_vyH71I3ld0dWwWATyCsNrdYk_YDDaBUh7XPAL_HMowQwdBUndq2-lsq7Sfr_Jhx8mbkNu4nP-a2UFHvwr6uf12-xovM-vjtad1T4oCyPcijKIexKudpsrcSjISl35lsW3l/s1600/DSCN0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYC9VTw93a_vyH71I3ld0dWwWATyCsNrdYk_YDDaBUh7XPAL_HMowQwdBUndq2-lsq7Sfr_Jhx8mbkNu4nP-a2UFHvwr6uf12-xovM-vjtad1T4oCyPcijKIexKudpsrcSjISl35lsW3l/s320/DSCN0644.JPG" tt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR_ej-UwNrV4jk8mGyK_1uN5C5sHPlJENF-MGADuafsJZX6dgt9KUdT9XdbUo0hkvD6A7nc7jcBr0vSxUnOmhKIyTf2FEDj3k7xCPVST7GrQ5Qa0tGPNK0JVfyXr-xOhI_F104sTxELfU/s1600/DSCN0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR_ej-UwNrV4jk8mGyK_1uN5C5sHPlJENF-MGADuafsJZX6dgt9KUdT9XdbUo0hkvD6A7nc7jcBr0vSxUnOmhKIyTf2FEDj3k7xCPVST7GrQ5Qa0tGPNK0JVfyXr-xOhI_F104sTxELfU/s320/DSCN0491.JPG" tt="true" /></a>If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.yogawithosharay.com/ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-2282534513556436332010-04-09T09:36:00.000-07:002010-04-15T08:18:25.610-07:00Ready for a Food Revolution?Some of us in the You Can Do It Yoga Crew have been on a path of food enlightenment for several years now. When several of our friends and family members began to experiment with alternate food choices, i.e. vegan, vegetarian, raw, etc., we thought maybe we should start thinking more about what and how we eat.<div><br /></div><div>We began our search by making the rounds to the usual suspects like <a href="http://www.peta.org/">People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals</a> and got a little frightened, but then found some other sources like the <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/">Organic Consumers Association</a>, <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/">Vegetarian Times magazine</a> and <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/">Local Harvest</a>, a great site that allows you to find farmers markets all over the country.</div><div><br /></div><div>What we realized is that if we allow profit driven corporations to dictate the type and quality of food we eat, we're in trouble. Corn Syrup is much cheaper than real sugar, but it's definitely not the healthiest substance around.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span><span></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAx1VkL6P1806CgFQ7WbqrrutRHw41eMj4MFFMim7H5DUkny1-vkY7tXn4gSFZLwOB5tS7gKb6O7njThRzXNExumX6A0skYR07t4-OmZEh31pgKUUNol7xX0uxyaEQ-1mXc5yUdCZ8xk/s320/foodinc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458192394028728402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhcNhS7nm5gT_b2O7q1IRExKMVaGAo1dSLtH11mDH0gnklocr1728cDvDgsC0drmQ0C7Qi6TUObEr8fFfKQGGDKjjuCE2XskRvp8fS9Nnh2T2W03yvRjH0nIG9MWaWgBGVgjAisMx8YQ/s1600/farmersmarket.jpg"><br /></a><div> What can you do? </div><div><ul><li>Check out some of the sites we listed above. </li><li>Watch a couple great documentaries on the subject like <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">Food Inc.</a>, or <a href="http://www.kingcorn.net/">King Corn</a>. </li><li>It seems like the mainstream media is even getting wise to the movement, ABC has a new show out called <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/news/jamie-s-food-revolution-gains-momentum">Food Revolution</a>. Here's a <a href="http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2010/04/good-tv-jamie-olivers-food-revolution.html">great writeup about the show on one of our favorite blogs</a> - Have Fun - Do Good!</li><li>Support your <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/">local Farmer's Market</a>.</li><li>Read the labels on your food!</li></ul></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhcNhS7nm5gT_b2O7q1IRExKMVaGAo1dSLtH11mDH0gnklocr1728cDvDgsC0drmQ0C7Qi6TUObEr8fFfKQGGDKjjuCE2XskRvp8fS9Nnh2T2W03yvRjH0nIG9MWaWgBGVgjAisMx8YQ/s1600/farmersmarket.jpg"><br /></a></div><div>The You Can Do It Yoga Crew wants everyone to live a healthy and happy life. Make good decisions about what you put in and do with your body - it's the only one you've got!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>You Can Do It Yoga Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323793826625158998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-81774461704922862892010-03-14T16:16:00.000-07:002010-03-14T16:16:45.159-07:00ON A JET PLANE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sizwhfkzxfghb5D-5F4GxE4gHvDkOqJl4e_ARVcsg0bH6q3il0ta-jrfmICeA87-Al3tXUKCXIatxNubOf_cGH_lk40rDX6wSB4-80g_-Gsb853Kfl6oRroc1P1ZoxsL7IIhBjpJ3VGc/s1600-h/airport+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sizwhfkzxfghb5D-5F4GxE4gHvDkOqJl4e_ARVcsg0bH6q3il0ta-jrfmICeA87-Al3tXUKCXIatxNubOf_cGH_lk40rDX6wSB4-80g_-Gsb853Kfl6oRroc1P1ZoxsL7IIhBjpJ3VGc/s320/airport+pic.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br />
I’m thinking that those who are looking forward to reading my Friday Blogs are wondering what happened. It is now Saturday as I write, cruising above the clouds wondering if I will be able to post this. Yesterday was just so crazy attempting to have everything done before lift off on Saturday from Tampa. When I finished, it was late and I was too exhausted to write anything worth reading, so I just went to bed.<br />
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Let’s discuss anticipation. I am on my way to visit my daughters, grandchildren, family and friends in No. CA. I will be arriving in San Francisco and then making my way to Monterey. I will be seeing, my granddaughter, Maezy, for the first time since she was just born January 5th. Of course, I am so very excited about this visit. Ruby and Calvin will be turning two, and there will be birthday cake. I will get to hug and spend time with lots of people I really love. Don’t worry, I am not going to go on and on about my family, even though I have been told that some of you really love hearing about that. My intention with this Blog is not only sharing bits and pieces of my life, but uplifting and sharing wisdom I have learned along the way. This may serve as a reminder of what you already know, and that’s great, because I know I sure need reminders much of the time too. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEpOlCIr41um26cTZId4b3iV00UUMCD3ZmtGcFP9w2jrU1pyKE8iV1R5V_pjaBU9NHLzeL4uOFHcnnTe1M5P6PGq1zNHRyKDvg8WpNzxkkQ0xGCIfdcHZsMBLAJy5aWIPQF7j7iXzL52r/s1600-h/UGKrishnamurti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEpOlCIr41um26cTZId4b3iV00UUMCD3ZmtGcFP9w2jrU1pyKE8iV1R5V_pjaBU9NHLzeL4uOFHcnnTe1M5P6PGq1zNHRyKDvg8WpNzxkkQ0xGCIfdcHZsMBLAJy5aWIPQF7j7iXzL52r/s320/UGKrishnamurti.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>U. G. Krishnamurti, the famous philosopher said, “I don’t mind what happens.” He said that was his secret to happiness. I must admit that I am not there yet. A little softer version of that is “It is what it is.” I tell myself that a lot. I am working on Krishnamurti’s philosophy. Let’s get back to having expectations. We all know that is a sure fire way of being disappointed. When one says, “I don’t mind what happens,” it sounds as if one could care less about one’s life. When one stops caring, there is no more resistance, no more struggle, and pushing against. A higher consciousness way of understanding this is to say that one trusts that all is well, and happening in divine order. The ironic part about all of this is that when you really do trust and feel all is happening perfectly, you are creating well being in your physical reality. I desire to have a grand, joyful time with my family and friends. In order to do that, I do have to let go of any expectations, and remember to say to myself, “I don’t mind what happens.” If we are honest with ourselves, we know we get hurt feelings sometimes if all doesn’t go as expected. We have a fantasy going on in our heads. It is so freeing when we actually get that. <br />
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I have been studying metaphysics for 40 years now. Yes, I was a seeker in my 20’s. As a student of Metaphysics, one knows that the reality we are experiencing is a result of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and our words. I honestly do believe that. I have seen it in my life and countless other lives as well. I know there will be a lot of objecting to what I am saying because many are experiencing ill health, unhappy relationships, and financial hardships. That happens to all of us, but have you been in the same position for a long period of time? Please take a look at your beliefs. Do you stay focused on what you are not wanting, or do you shift your attention to what you prefer? Remember, you can prefer something and not care what happens. It is called, “Detachment.” It is easy to get stuck in those same old thoughts, but now is the time we need to practice being the master of our mind, because the truth is that we are! You get to choose your thoughts and beliefs. Einstein said “Use your Imagination.”<br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, I would be delighted if you would "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha <br />
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Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-3680622938413346332010-03-09T18:06:00.000-08:002010-03-09T19:00:08.071-08:00Hello from the You Can Do It Yoga Crew!Hello Everyone!<div><br /></div><div>In an attempt keep the You Can Do It blog lively, the crew here would like to bring you assorted musings that we think you might like. Be it about yoga, living well, or just making the world a better place, we'd like to pass on stories and ideas that we've found interesting and helpful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check back once and a while and see what we're up to...and don't forget to keep an eye out for Osha's inspiring and insightful Friday blog entries! They're the next best thing to taking one of Osha's classes or watching her <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com">DVD</a>. No pressure Osha :)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're like us, you probably want to protect our beautiful planet, try to make choices that respect your environment, and generally live in harmony with who and what's around you. We try to take our reusable grocery bags shopping, ride our bike or walk if we're making short trips around town, and so on. </div><div><br /></div><div>One place where I seem to fall short is at the mailbox. I get so many catalogs about stuff I don't even want it drives me nuts. Well, I found a great <a href="http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/2010/03/green-out-your-mailbox.html">blog entry</a> from Elaine LaPersonerie over at <a href="http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/">The Spirited Woman blog</a> about how to <a href="http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/go_blog_blog_blog/2010/03/green-out-your-mailbox.html">"Green" your mailbox</a>. She's got some great tips that might just help us save a tree or two and reduce some waste. Check it out and see if you can try out some of her tips!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>You Can Do It Yoga Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13323793826625158998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-11288323576731965342010-03-05T07:31:00.000-08:002010-03-05T07:31:47.025-08:00Happy Birthday To Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yogini Birthday Lunch (me in low-cut black with elbow on table)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCqHgjcRdI8CW1JrfaWVFileuGK8oRowmlNTUzioNl-gdTkOQrWaVtXP8znHIBCtnZN6q58sx2CoiCYd851oViKSamO-t0r3t62nboAygiKHsVbaoJsolV36JKqJAj_pVIS-J28eDqQZ0/s1600-h/Birthday+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCqHgjcRdI8CW1JrfaWVFileuGK8oRowmlNTUzioNl-gdTkOQrWaVtXP8znHIBCtnZN6q58sx2CoiCYd851oViKSamO-t0r3t62nboAygiKHsVbaoJsolV36JKqJAj_pVIS-J28eDqQZ0/s320/Birthday+lunch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yes, March 5th is my birthday, and I am 63 years old today – oh my! You know I really don’t know what being 63 is supposed to feel like, but it sounds kind of old, and I don’t feel old. It certainly is perspective. I’ve actually heard so many people sound upset that they were about to turn 30. Can you imagine that? But, actually, I like being the age that I am. I enjoy all that I have done and the experiences I’ve had. Feeling the thrill of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and walking across hot coals are just a couple of the exciting moments I’ve had. I like to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest, and I like to be inspired as well. <br />
I collect stories about seniors who inspire me. I used to be inspired by people who were in their 50’s and 60’s. Now I am inspired by people in their 70’s and older. I want to share some of their stories with you. <br />
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Maria Amelia Lopez explained in one of the last entries in her acclaimed online journal, amis95blogspot.com. the name roughly translates as “my 95 years.” That was how old Lopez was when she began positing on her blog. She became a sensation reaching more than 1.5 million readers. Imagine that. She died at age 97. Inspirational!<br />
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The Washington Post had a feature story with photo about Tao Porchon- Lynch, an 87 year old yoga teacher who has no trouble coming into the Peacock pose (balancing her body weight on her hands, elbows bent, while suspending her torso and legs extended above the ground.) This is one of the most difficult gravity defying power moves. Inspirational at any age!<br />
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At 80, Albert Frere still keeps Europe’s business leaders on their toes. He is a self-made billionaire who is sometimes called the Warren Buffet of Belgium. He is not just an investor, he enjoys human relations and works with empathy. He enjoys food, wine and laughter. He said,” I simply erased the word retirement from my vocabulary.” Inspirational!<br />
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Famed ceramist, Beatrice Wood, died at age 105. She worked at her pottery wheel in her Ojai, Ca. home. Often citing “chocolate and young men” as the key to her longevity. In 1986 she published an autobiography entitled “I Shock Myself.” Shortly before she died, in observation of her 105th birthday, Wood presented Titanic director James Cameron with the annual Beatrice Wood Film Award at a party in her studio. Inspirational! Beatrice photo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT4cDQYg4tiIB1gliKDh2M0yWlyqzIY9m-LHEhYok7JDL23O9ovlAjdBoT3PUKs2yr6FbGAgMQ3-NUDGnxcu1t9D0qYLcQf-Wj2WEjmkKEz8aPwFknWv8nxs5ADrxe3rmLIiRLvrtDr_7/s1600-h/Beatrice+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT4cDQYg4tiIB1gliKDh2M0yWlyqzIY9m-LHEhYok7JDL23O9ovlAjdBoT3PUKs2yr6FbGAgMQ3-NUDGnxcu1t9D0qYLcQf-Wj2WEjmkKEz8aPwFknWv8nxs5ADrxe3rmLIiRLvrtDr_7/s320/Beatrice+Wood.jpg" /></a></div>And, let us not ever forget Mother Teresa. But, you know we can all be inspirational in our own ways. I love the bumper sticker I've seen a couple of times, <strong>"Just Be Nice."</strong> I think that says it all.<br />
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If you are enjoying reading my blogs, I would be delighted if you would "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha <br />
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Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at http://www.yogawithosharay.com/Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-75088745737004323012010-02-26T13:14:00.000-08:002010-03-04T09:58:03.437-08:00Full Moon and a Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" align="justify"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N3klPmKfMhwYxaIqWcHo6WRdf9I7vH2CzM3BkijBuAq4qlmB1vvDop2SAitwL9rQywrTAcvv30H8pvhUC0obZmuQgdULaLZf_ipO41tztW3xNJWOTeBP3CZd9SNsJ0i1V-s9s5dEgC4K/s1600-h/IMG_4081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N3klPmKfMhwYxaIqWcHo6WRdf9I7vH2CzM3BkijBuAq4qlmB1vvDop2SAitwL9rQywrTAcvv30H8pvhUC0obZmuQgdULaLZf_ipO41tztW3xNJWOTeBP3CZd9SNsJ0i1V-s9s5dEgC4K/s1600-h/IMG_4081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N3klPmKfMhwYxaIqWcHo6WRdf9I7vH2CzM3BkijBuAq4qlmB1vvDop2SAitwL9rQywrTAcvv30H8pvhUC0obZmuQgdULaLZf_ipO41tztW3xNJWOTeBP3CZd9SNsJ0i1V-s9s5dEgC4K/s320/IMG_4081.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" align="justify"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWVZaYYWQFcD5EZt6ocqc0lXkacV9yP9631Me1iVxMiedIyB74cXXFjYj79yrIlwqnc6gbjNijw5GxohdlDaJIp-56iMHCUpHRGAXAOqKGb8HYxn9snGt1N3PX9sjGWRcyhBruhpSL7kW/s1600-h/IMG_4080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWVZaYYWQFcD5EZt6ocqc0lXkacV9yP9631Me1iVxMiedIyB74cXXFjYj79yrIlwqnc6gbjNijw5GxohdlDaJIp-56iMHCUpHRGAXAOqKGb8HYxn9snGt1N3PX9sjGWRcyhBruhpSL7kW/s320/IMG_4080.JPG" border="0" /></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Friday, everyone. I just noticed it is almost the Full Moon. So, I decided to write about a Full Moon experience. When Jim and I lived in Santa Barbara, we sometimes attended the full moon drum circle at Knapp's Castle in the Los Padres National Forest. People would arrive around sunset or after 9pm and some would stay until after midnight. After you parked your car, you had to walk around 10 - 15 minutes with the light of the full moon and a flashlight up the hill to Knapp's Castle. It was a mystical experience. If you arrived later in the evening as Jim liked to do, you entered a space filled with people drumming and dancing amongst the ruins of the castle perched high with panoramic views. Some were dressed like hippies which also gave it a certain nostalgic flavor. Frequently, there was the additional treat of watching fire performers. Once you started dancing or drumming and did it for a period of time, you enter a trance like state which is very magical. It is a form of meditation. You feel at peace and one with everything. Yes, you arrive at that meditative state without “those” substances which I don’t ingest. Maybe, we can all start drumming or dancing and have world peace.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Knapp’s Castle was built in 1916. It was a 100 ft. long mansion complete with pipe organ, observatory, servants’ quarters, etc. Now you have the idea of the amazing structure it was. It took 4 years to build and was destroyed just 5 weeks later by a fire. When I read that this amazing mansion was destroyed a little over a month after it was built, made me remember about enjoying the moment because sometimes we don’t even realize how wonderful something is until it is gone. This leads me to the bits of wisdom part of my blog. It’s not a new thought. Remember to enjoy the moment and not wait until this or that to happen before we can enjoy life. We all can find something to be happy about now. Remember not to get stuck in your thoughts that cause you to be unhappy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the master of your own mind, remember to live your life with a sense of awareness of being present to appreciate the “now” part of our lives. This is how to live life with joy. Sometimes we get stuck in thoughts that cause you to be unhappy. If you cannot think differently, remember to ask for help from God, Universe, Higher Power, etc. to help you think differently. When you do, you will find whatever was causing you the unhappiness will shift in one way or another. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a></div>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-7400220033590187902010-02-19T07:08:00.000-08:002010-03-04T10:02:21.576-08:00FriendsHappy Friday everyone. I made a commttment to write once a week, and it seems the week flies by and it's Friday and I haven't written yet. I never know what I am going to write about. Yesterday was Jim's birthday and he was happy to see all of the birthday wishes on Facebook. I was thinking how wonderful it is that we have so many ways to stay in contact with each other now. Most of us who use our computers or phones to text or email rarely call each other. I am guilty of that as well. I have one friend who says she is not planning to get a computer (I can't even imagine that) she is NOT going to be emailing, tweeting, or facebooking. She said it is <em>too impersonal</em>. But, the magnificent benefit is that we, who do, get to keep in contact with hundreds, if not thousands of friends, acquaintances, family members - and even meet people that become friends. I do call occasionally and have a nice chat on the phone, or in person which is so wonderful. It is a real treat. In the mean time, I am so very happy to be able to stay in touch via these "impersonal ways."<br /><br />I took the photo of these three old men sitting there in Carpentaria (near Santa Barbara) and they looked so chummy and content. I just love that picture. Gosh, now I am missing living in Santa Barbara. Not only is it so breathtakingly beautiful, but it has such a great dance, yoga, art, and poetry community - oh, and great coffee houses too. Of course, it is fun and exciting to move to new cities and start over meeting people, making friends and finding new favorite places. Okay, getting back to friendships, I think the most important thing is to stay in contact whatever way you prefer, no matter how busy and how much we have to do, our frienship with our family, friends, acquaintances, students, co-workers is important and valuable. Some have found that sending "forwards" when they email is as a way of staying in contact. I especially like it when there is a little personal note too. I must add that I don't like it when someone sends frequent "forwards".<br /><br />I did promise to add the bits of wisdom I learned along the way. So, here it is: I find that when I remember to release others from the expectations I have of them, I create peace of mind for myself, and it is a true form of love and respect for them. Let people be themselves. Shower them with unconditional love and understanding rather than attack and blame. We have the choice of keeping them in our lives or not. It is not for us to change them. In one of Shirley Maclaine's books, she wrote that when her father was dying he said, "Nothing matters but love." Certainly, not a new revelation, but one we forget and need to be reminded of time and time again. And, that's okay.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25I4bRSycm4jzlhLRqDMtonf01MrHBzBVFZVDWgUFl_a38_E7RlkhaHGdbxVzbk53yYK4XU60E5ih6aj3UQBu5zrc3d_a4e-jEvx6tbH7rLgxVIu97maAJxqsMDrkhf8d2l1pwxdcX-2T/s1600-h/IMG_4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25I4bRSycm4jzlhLRqDMtonf01MrHBzBVFZVDWgUFl_a38_E7RlkhaHGdbxVzbk53yYK4XU60E5ih6aj3UQBu5zrc3d_a4e-jEvx6tbH7rLgxVIu97maAJxqsMDrkhf8d2l1pwxdcX-2T/s320/IMG_4521.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Please check out my yoga dvd and watch a sample video at <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a><br />If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. OshaOsha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249009596924555316.post-65457638319301450152010-02-12T12:49:00.000-08:002010-02-12T13:42:51.439-08:00Happy Valentines Day to you and me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcHpjd1DOCDLY-GjElHMHzoet-qM2RKNTk40Mxs9FgE6tNmnHJiVvY89nCq8lwlr8lF6dorT45XIlAVP2WaL3O3B3qLrmeNQsp08cU9AoOrUYf87yS6tHM5bAG2SCSJVk_7xi8SWrNViC/s1600-h/Orig+PICT0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcHpjd1DOCDLY-GjElHMHzoet-qM2RKNTk40Mxs9FgE6tNmnHJiVvY89nCq8lwlr8lF6dorT45XIlAVP2WaL3O3B3qLrmeNQsp08cU9AoOrUYf87yS6tHM5bAG2SCSJVk_7xi8SWrNViC/s320/Orig+PICT0074.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDp4NHSx5fwG2V12bl3ria2v6Ih-MM9n2PSSGuVfrf4xSBTKOnQ4aI7Y0IaeQJUMHqewDCNcl23GcwWK03UI-HoYwSOXarlXxui92XHz7SUQENns0NSwygtL01ma3G12SZWlEkU-f9Ht-/s1600-h/IMG_5294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDp4NHSx5fwG2V12bl3ria2v6Ih-MM9n2PSSGuVfrf4xSBTKOnQ4aI7Y0IaeQJUMHqewDCNcl23GcwWK03UI-HoYwSOXarlXxui92XHz7SUQENns0NSwygtL01ma3G12SZWlEkU-f9Ht-/s320/IMG_5294.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time of year again. Hearts, flowers, and chocolate day, known as Valentine's Day, and it's round the corner. I guess this is another one of those holidays which can be depressing. We all know how we are going to celebrate Valentine's Day if we have that someone special in our lives. But, what about those who don't. What about doing something special just for you? You know, all the self-help books tell us to do that, but are you? When I started taking time weekly to treat myself to something special, I had trouble deciding what to do. Let's see about listing some ideas here. You know, "special" can be just finding a comfortable place, indoors or out, to just sit and "be." I find that very enjoyable because I am usually in the "do" mode. Just sitting in quiet observation is so peaceful and I find that to be a real treat. Okay, I am going to just ramble some ideas off now. Going to the movies - yes by myself, eating dessert out, eating lox and bagels out, eating sushi out - okay, enough about eating out. I love being in Borders with a stack of magazines or books, and a cappuccino. Taking a walk in nature in silence and really seeing everything without any judgment. Visiting with a friend on the phone or in person. Getting under the covers and reading a good book. Looking in a cookbook, finding a new recipe, getting the ingredients and making something yummy. Taking in the sights as a tourist in my own town. Signing up for a class and learning something new. Joining a book club. Laying down with an eyepillow, headset, and listening to a meditation or visulization c.d. Going shopping and buying something that gives me joy just looking at it. Listening to music in my home and dancing as if no one is watching! Having you in my life is special! Happy Valentine's Day everyone:) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See sample video of my yoga dvd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.youcandoityoga.com/">http://www.youcandoityoga.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.yogawithosharay.com/">http://www.yogawithosharay.com/</a> </span>Osha Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274914540600067609noreply@blogger.com1