Mighty Minutes

I have always been into personal development courses. I saw Zig Ziglar when I was 19 and since then, I am always looking for mentors to teach me more of the things I want to know. I was sent this mighty minute by my friend Joan. Joan is my "Big brained" friend and mentor. She is such a big thinker, that when I hang up the phone with her, I am inspired, and my brain is swollen with all the possibilities out there. She has taught me to think in that way too. Expanding your consciousness, looking deeply into what makes things tick, and then looking beyond now to what could and will be in the future, and beyond what most people see, is Visionary Thinking... I have heard of this woman before, Christine Comaford Lynch... people have recommended her book to me. I have been given tickets to hear her speak, and not gone. Well, the universe has it's own timing... and I guess when you are ready to take the step, the door opens. I am seeing this in all areas of my life.

Here is one example. I wanted to go to Artfest in Washington. When I found out it is the city where they filmed An Officer and a Gentleman, I was even more determined to go. (LOVE that movie) So... I took a leap of faith and sent in the deposit money... at the time having no money for flights, cars, hotels etc... Recently, I was able to get a free plane ticket from a friend, a little cottage came available for rent that was right in my price range, and just today a woman posted on the Artfest yahoo group that she has a rental car and is looking to share. I love how I took the leap, and the net appeared. I am really working the laws of attraction, and as a result, incredible people and opportunities are coming into my life. I wanted to find some art friends to share ideas and projects with. To trade supplies and share things about the process. I was introduced to the Altered Diva's yahoo group through my friend Debi. A fabulous group of ladies that are talented and supportive, and really super fun and nice. Then I found Swap-bot on line, and found people swapping all kinds of stuff. I joined some swaps, met some people, and now I have new friends in other places with the same interests and we trade supplies. It is so amazing how the connections come to you when you ask to receive them and you are open to it.

So I wanted to share this Mighty Minute with you. If you would like to check out Christine Comaford-Lynch's website here, you can sign up to get the mighty minute sent to your email.

The Mighty Minute #54: The Universe...A Perfect Accountant
Here's an important lesson I've learned in my many entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial adventures: The universe has a perfect accounting system. This is something that took me quite a while to figure out. I used to think, "I do so many favors for Suzie-Q, but whenever I ask for something from her, she doesn't help." Then I'd end up feeling bitter or resentful about the situation. And all along, I never realized that I was standing there with a closed fist instead of an open hand.

Now I know that there are larger laws of the universe at work. Because the more often you put your own needs aside and help people get what THEY want, the more often they'll help YOU in return. When people ask you for favors, do them if you can. Trust that you'll get favors in return, but remember--they may not necessarily come from those you've helped. They may come from unexpected places. Strapped for cash? That's the very moment you should help someone else out with a loan or gift. Trust that it will come back to you. It's like having a bank account...you make deposits, earn interest, and get more in return. By doing good for others, more people will naturally want to help you. This is especially true when networking. Don't just put your blinders on and look for people that can do things for you. Going in with a "lean and hungry" look only oozes desperation. Instead, work on creating a "tribe" of people you truly care about and who care about you. Start by asking people what they're doing. Help them out to get the good energy moving.

I actually used to write to public figures. I wanted to hear their stories, absorb their wisdom, and see if a "nobody" like me could do something for a "somebody" like them. And guess what happened? I found my greatest mentors that way. In the end, those relationships will be the ones that matter most, and that will make the journey worthwhile. So this week, I want you to make a list of 5 people you'd like to meet. Then contact them one by one. Tell them you love what they do, that you're interested in their story, and you'd like to hear more about them. (People love to talk about themselves, so this shouldn't be a problem.) Soon, they'll be asking about you as well. And before you know it, a relationship will be forged. But remember to listen to their stories before you tell them yours. Because networking isn't just a way to get help or money; it's a way to build your tribe.

I love this Whole concept. She hit it right on the head. I do have a growing circle of friends and people supporting me in my endeavours. I have a "tribe of peeps" that I heart, and who heart me... I mean really deep down in the heart care about... Since the love launch weekend, I have been able to focus more on the love, and put more loving energy out into the universe. I was focusing on putting it out to specific people and getting frustrated when they weren't showing me the love back. Then I realized, hey "Everyone unconditionally loves me, just some of them have a hard time showing it." When I shifted my focus to loving everyone, I started to recieve more. Step number one was to learn to recieve from the universe. Step number two was to give unconditionally, number three was to expect to recieve love back, but NOT to be attached to where or whom it came from, only that I would get a "return for my love deposits" with more love... Then I got this message the next day, sent from the universe through Miss Joan to validate me that I am on the right path! So thanks everyone for the love!

With big hearts!
Karan

ATC's and Swap-bot

OK, I found this cool place Swap-bot on line. I am swapping ATC's and I made a friend in Spain Hi Angela! and another in Oregon Hi Dyann and we are swapping cool stuff, and the best part, becoming friends... Here are some cards I sent out in a swap recently... I love sharing art and ideas with others...

ahiltz where are you???

I am trying to get hold of you. My messages get no response and now they are bouncing back. Please email me at karansimoni@comcast.net with your contact info so I can mail out your prize!

Thanks!

Lunar Eclipse

We did a letting go ceremony during the lunar eclipse, and then we made our wish and sent the intent for our Mondo Beyondo out into the universe. Already incredible things are happening for us in different ways. Here are the only photos that came out... My zoom lens is in the shop, and these were taken with my little digital, not the Canon... I am sure there are beautiful photos on the internet of it, but these are mine and special to me because of the ceremony. It was one of the coolest things I have ever witnessed. Experiencing it with other energy sensitive people was fun because we all felt different things...

My mondo Beyondo is to put myself out there more in the world in relationship to art and healing. Teaching journal workshops focused on healing, doing spiritual art, teaching at a large retreat event, and working for a green, human potential enhancing company that rewards women innovators who have big ideas that will change the world and really make a BIG impact for women and children, and all famlies... And so it is.... Woooo Hoooo...

Love Launch has me blissed out

Have you ever done something that really shifted you inside? Ever had an experience that made you MORE of who you are in all the good ways? That is what the Love Launch Weekend did for me! I can't go into a lot of detail about it because it is an experiential workshop. What I got from it might not be your experience. Pascual got something else entirely. What we did get was a renewed connection with one another. We were reminded what an incredible miracle we are in one another's lives. We were reminded that finding your soul mate is beautiful, and you need to nurture the relationship, and really celebrate it.

I went to the workshop with no agenda in mind. I just wanted to have more open and loving communication with my hubby, and with my kids and family and friends. I got that and so much more. I got clear on what is blocking me from recieving more in my life. I looked deep inside at the things I do to sabotage myself in relationships. I learned that in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make! The Beatles were right all along! The more we love, share love, and be love, walk as true love in our lives, the more REAL we are with ourselves. When you let go of all the hurt and disappointment and anxiey we all have around love, we find that there is just so much MORE of you when you do everything in love.

Althought this workshop is designed for singles, I recommend this workshop to anyone who wants clearer more loving communication in their lives. If you are in a relationship or not, you will come away feeling much more connected with your true Soulmate... the one that resides in your own body. Getting clear with yourself, and loving yourself first, so you can be whole and fully participate in loving others in crucial. I was given a gift of some free tickets for the next event in March. Pascual and I will be there again with some friends. We are so excited. If you would like to take advantage of a free ticket for an event that retails for over $900 please contact me via email for a scholarship code. To learn more, check out their website here. The next event is March 15th and 16th.

Using love as the highest power in the laws of attraction has brought some incredible opportunities my way recently. In all areas of my life, I am feeling the love. Love of family, romantic love, love of life, love for community, love for career, love for artistic expression... It just keeps growing. The possibilities are there, my little green lights from the universe, telling me I am on the right road. "Keep coming, you are going the right way" is what the universe tells me. Meeting people who are connected to things I want to do. People who know what I don't know and are willing to teach me in love.

The shift is huge. It is bigger than me... It is big and huge and wide and infinate as the universe. It is hard to even explain the depth of the changes within me... But I feel them. I embrace them, and I am blessed to have many people in my life who know EXACTLY what I mean, when I say I have shifted. It is a new level of love, a new level of consciousness. A level of being that is so connected, that I KNOW all will be taken care of... I have taken the leap, and the net appeared. I can't wait to see what th next days hold!

My Kelly Rae Roberts scraplift...

Yeah yeah, I know, you have heard me talk about her before... Some of you may have gone to her site and seen her beautiful art... I read her articles in Cloth Paper Scissors and something in what she said struck me deeply. I found myself sitting there crying, unable to read the words on the page for too many tears.. How could someone who doesn't even KNOW me know so much about how I feel inside? I have worked with the laws of attraction long enough to know that nothing is an accident. Her words resonate with me because they are REAL. She examines the deep places inside herself and gives herself permission to not be ok, and to be ok with just being where she is. I like that. I like that she is always learning and growing and so willing to share who she is with people in her work, on her blog, and in person. I love what a great mirror she is for me. The universe sent me a sign to say, "the things you like in her, are in you. " I just think she is cool. I had the opportunity to have coffee with her, and she is just as sweet in person.

Here is my attempt to do the exercise she had in her article. I love learning new techniques, and I like these. I have NEVER painted a face, and was pleasantly surprised at how it came out. I think with more practice, I might find a style of face that I can paint comfortably. Now I am collecting quotes and affirmations to finish up the picture... I learned a few things. Don't be afraid or intimidated to play. Try new things, don't feel like a copycat or scraplifter, you are learning a technique and like a cooking recipe, it is best to follow the directions so you can see how close you get to the original. Then from there on the next ones, I deviate and throw in my own influences and add more of my own style... I have learned so much from Kelly and her articles and her blog.... Way beyond techniques... she is a spiritual teacher. A miner of the gold in the souls of those who want to go exploring for it. Thanks Universe, for the expiration of my subscription that caused me to actually DRIVE to Barnes and Noble looking for a copy, and then finding the LAST copy they had, (hidden behind a new Age magazine...) which was the issue with her first article in it. There was something DRIVING me to find that magazine, beyond what I would have done, and now I know. It opened a door for me to a new thought process that has really changed my life... So thanks Kelly... for touching my life in a profound way. It has enabled me to touch others lives with my words, and the love goes on... I feel blessed!

Valentine hearts.. and love launch weekend...

I wanted to share some hearts with you. I love hearts. I collect them. I look for them everywhere, and I am starting to find them more. I think it is because I am opening up to all the love out there in the universe. I was cutting this bellpepper for an omlette, and look what was inside. A perfect little heart pepper. I made dinner for my honey last night and it was awesome. Mostly from Costco, but nothing pre prepared. Shrimp Cocktails, ( love how the shrimp naturally formed a little heart in the middle) Egg Flower Soup (packaged mix that I prepared) from our favorite asian market, Ahi tuna steaks breaded in crushed wasabi peas and grilled in oil. Rice Pilaf, and for dessert this yummy jello dessert. 2 envelopes of unflavored geletin, 2 cups of very sweet wine line Muscat, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of berries and one vanilla bean, (or 1 tsp vanilla extract). You take 1 cup of wine and put it in a bowl and pour the geletin on it and let soften. Take the remaining wine and sugar and vanilla and bring to a boil. Pour it into the geletin mixture, and then pour into a heart shaped mould, or some mini moulds. Let set 3 hours or until well set. I took a butter knife and losened the edges, and then sat it in the sink with a small amount of really hot water to help- unmold it. It came out perfect. it is like a jello shot with wine and fruit. Next time I will try it with spumanti champagne instead... it has to be sweet wine, or you need to increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.

So there is our valentines feast. It was so much better than going to a crowded restaurant where you get crummy service and it isn't even very romantic. We actually prefer eating in. So tonight he is making me homemade pasta and baguettes with shrimp scampi!!! Oh, I forgot to mention. I made truffles for him too. I will post that recipe tomorrow with a photo... they are to die for!

We are goiong to a Love Launch weekend. It is a workshop done by a husband and wife on how to find your soul mate. If you already have yours (lucky me) they show you how to use the laws of attraction to bring more love into all areas of your life. I am looking forward to it. I will let you all know how it goes!

Happy Valentines Day

Here is my gift from my hubby. The note said to my soulmate with all my hearts.. How sweet is that? I love them.

And the winners are.....

First off... let me say.... I used this random number generator, and it picked 67 and then 68. I thought it wasn't working, so I picked another and it was a random number. SO to be sure, I picked a fourth number. It was random as well. I can only conclude it was coincidence that pulled two consecutive numbers randomly one after the other. So I will be giving out prizes to all 4 winners, in the order the numbers were drawn.

#67 Ketutar won the gypsy portrait

#68 Ahlitz won the doll

#27 BBbelezza won the book

#58 Bella Modiste won another doll (the one pictured above)

Thanks to everyone for participiting in the giveaway. Thanks for coming and checking out my site. I hope you come back often to see all the changes happening here with me, and my new business out in the world. I will be adding more gypsy art and dolls to my Etsy boutique soon.

Big heartfelt hugs to all!

Sisterhood

I got this in a forwarded email. I am not a forward it to everyone in my address book kind of gal. But I like this one, so I am posting it here, without all the if you don't forward this you will die a thousand horrible deaths etc. etc. etc. stuff at the end. I think the lovely words speak for themselves.

I don't have any sisters. But I have a mom who is more like a big sister than a mom. She is my best friend and confidante. She is always here to help me when I need it, and she always cheers me on and encourages me in whatever I do. I had a dream last night that she died, and I am still upset by it. She was in the hospital recently for observation because she was having chest pains. Thankfully, she is OK... They don't know what it is actually. I think she heals too many people. She has too many people in her life that "need" something from her, and in all her giving, there is very little left for herself. I see this as a time for her to take care of herself. These words remind me of that. I can't worry about what will happen when she dies. For all I know, I might die first. But let me tell you, feeling the grief of her passing, even in a dream is something I don't want to feel. I know it will happen eventually, and statistically, I will probably outlast her, but I don't want it to happen until we are both really really old, like me 90 and her 107... I am trying to focus on how much time I have left instead of mourning the time that has already passed. Stepping into my maturity as a woman is a beautiful thing. Learning to celebrate each birthday is a blessing, not another year to mark off on the life stick. So I am going to give her a big hug when I see her today and tell her she is my best friend.. and I love her so much I cry just thinking about not having her in my life. I think that is why God didn't bless her with another daughter. He planned it all along that SHE would be my sister.

Surrounding myself with creative, loving women, my sisters in spirit helps. Staying connected to people I have known since I was in kindergarten is a real gift. When your boobs sag so bad you gotta roll em up like window shades to fit in your bra, a sister will understand, and even help you tuck them in. So here is to the sisters out there. I love ya... thanks for being in my life...

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are
between you. A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.

What to do for Valentine's Day...

This is a book I made Pascual last year for Valentine's day. It is from our trip to Italy, and specifically all the photos we took on the Island of Capri, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I am wracking my brain to think of something to make him for this year... and I am just so stumped. I would love some ideas from you crafty gals out there who might give me some new ideas by sharing things you have done for your hubby in the past...

Spring is Here!!!

I almost rear ended a big truck snapping this photo. I got so excited when I saw a petty pink tree, all covered in blossoms, that I had to photograph it and share with all you blog friends out there in cold snowy places... We have wildflowers and tulip trees and cherry trees blooming here already... Neener neener neener... I could not live in a cold weather place for long. For a brief stop on to warmer places maybe.. I rained almost all of January and I was waterlogged and so depressed... The sun makes me HAPPY! So just wanted to share a little pre spring sunshine with everyone today.


Here are some photos of some pages I have been working on... I bought this kids book in Lake Tahoe a couple months ago and did these pages while up there with my mom and Teen (stepdad) and Pascual. I like to use magazine images for the basis of the collage, and work them in to the illustrations of the book. Let's see where it ends up. I don't have a plan with it, just cut and paste in random ways that looked appealing to me, and then moved on to another page. I didn't have a lot of supplies with me, so this was all I got done. I am ready to pick it up again here in the next few days.



This one is the first page. I am thinking of calling it life illustrated.



This is about the masks we wear in the world, covering our faces with makeup and our smells with perfume trying to put ourselves in a box we percieve as perfection.



I love this dance page. I have more dancing images. We never dance enough in life. Celebration-jumping for joy-doing the happy dance-dance of life kind of dancing.



This is the demure versus the immodest, the people pleaser vs the wild and free person I am inside



Beauty stereotypes, cool and hot, and how we don't have to conform to them...



Too much time on our hands, not enough time. Finding balance by picking the few things we can devote time to and do well.





This is mini me. I think I was 3. It is the wiser adult me sprinkling seeds of joy and love on the mini me. Feeding me all the things my inner child didn't get at younger ages.

The tree of knowledge, and the woman with ideas making the time to make the ideas work.

This is me talking to a lot of dream stealers and asses, vs staying rooted in my own knowledge that the ideas I am giving birth to in my little nest need nurturing and protection from the asses of the world, until they become full fledged works out in the world.

Tomorrow My mom and my friend Kerry and I are rearranging my garage to make room for my art stuff and set up some kind of studio space for me in there. We are closing the center at the end of he month. Time to move on to new endeavours for all of us. Stay tuned for more updates on what we are doing. We are building a web based community of like minded souls who are spiritual, green and want to see the potential in every human shine. It will be tight and cozy here at La Casa Machin. But it is only for a few months until we find a house we want to move to. I am only looking at 3 car garages or homes with in law units in the back for all my stuff. I will post pictures of the garage/studio transformation soon!

One World One Heart

I heard about this on the Altered Art Divas Yahoo Group that I recenly joined. Thanks Kari, for posting about it. You can check out the details here. Basically, it is a blogwide giveaway. It is a way to unite bloggers around the world by giving away cool stuff, and having people link and check out your site. I am meeting so many cool peopleand finding some really incredible blogs. And the giveaways are "Fierce" as Christian from Project Runway would say.

I am giving away this Gypsy Girl Art piece.

And this pipe cleaner doll made with a watch back as a face.
Just post a message on this link, and I will enter you in the drawing. Could you please also tell me what part of the world you are from? I saw someone else request that on her blog. I think it's cool to see where everyone comes from. You got a pretty good chance of winning something, cause I think only 3 people besides my mom read my blog, hee hee. I love giving gifts. I think this is a cool way to share the love and pay it forward. I will select the winner on February 14th. Please be sure to include your email address or a link back to your blog or website so I can contact you. Thanks for stopping by!



Edited o2/11/08 Please be advised, the giveaway is for one prize per person. Sorry I didn't make it clear that you only get the Gypsy OR the doll, not both. Since I topped WAY more than 3 posts... I am adding another one, so that will be a third prize. I will be giving away a copy of this book that I am proud to be a part of. My dear friend Sharon Soneff asked me to participate in this incredible project. I don't have my copy yet, but they are on order from the publisher. The reviews I have heard about it are incredible. Mom and I are teaching a retreat workshop on this healing journals technique in the Livermore Wine Country this summer. So watch my blog for more details. If I hit 75 posts, I will add another prize for each 25 posts. let's see how many I can get by the deadline of Midnight PST feb. 13th... I am secretly hoping for 100. I see that the blogs giving away jewelry have the most posters... so I am thinking something jewelryish... for number 4 and so on... (PSSSSSTTT... tell your jewelry loving friends) check back before the 13th to see what photos I put up.

Animal Totem's

My cats crack me up. We have 3. The mama Persephone, and her two boys Ted and Seabass (short for Sebastian) Purse only really tolerates Megan. She is her cat. She is pretty mean and tempermental. The boys are very sweet, people loving cats. Ted is in the chair behind me as I type. He is in a lovie mood. Seabass already went out to chase lizards. I have been getting signs from the animal world for a while. I have these great cards and a book that goes with it. If you take a look at the animals in your life, and the ones you favor or are attracted to, you will usually find they have qualities that you are looking to bring in o your life. Or they may be showing you something you need.

At the center, we have an ant problem. No problem really, just get the Raid or use bleach as we do, and they go away. But they don't. They are bringing us a big message about community. About working together for a common goal and not letting others wipe away our goals. Looking for new ways to get to what we want. These ants are like Houdini. They show up in places where we can't figure out where they are coming from. We have learned to live with them, as long as they don't get in our food. If we all behaved in the same way as the ants, we could really make things happen. We are looking at creating a spiritual community of people with green initiative ideas. People who want to recycle and preserve the world. People who want to do good works on the planet. The regular meetings we are having, and the people who keep showing up, are telling us over and over that we are on the right path.

My cat's show me humor every day, and remind me that life is an adventure. We must embrace every day and really LIVE it. I am tired of just surviving to fight through another day. I am ready for the ease and flow that is coming my way. I am ready for a community of like minded souls who want to bring about change in the world. I am ready to feel free in my life for the first time. I saw a hummingbird the other day. They are the messengers of Joy! Yeah, I am ready for that too! I have started looking at all the animals I like that are not in these cards, and I am creating my own deck, customized just for me. Learning and playing while doing art reminds me of Kindergarten. So yeah, I am going back to kindergarten to really learn to live in the moment. Today, I am going for a walk in the park behind my house, and I am taking my camera, and looking for animal signs. I am also going to enjoy this beautiful sunny day to it's fullest.

Hannah Montana

Anyone who has a girl between 2 and 30 knows who Hannah Montana is. I am in love with this girl. There are times she reminds me of a young Angelina Jolie. I just came back from taking Kayleigh to see the concert at the movie theatre. There I am, watching this girl bounce around, singing her cute little songs, and then she explains about this song she wrote about her grandpa. I start crying... not teared up, not a single tear rolling down, but full on runny nose with no tissue big ole sob crying. Kayleigh looks at me and says "Are you sad mommy?" and put her head on my arm. "Yeah, I am thinking about my Grandma. This is a really beautiful song." We sat there, the two of us, and bonded over this concert. I was just saying the other day how there really aren't any good role models for young girls anymore. This girl is awesome. Her clothing choices are tasteful and age appropriate. She is beautiful, and sexy in a fresh, sweet way that is wholesome and wonderful for all the little 7-13 year olds in the audience. I love that my daughter likes her so much. I hope she stays this way, and as she transitions into womanhood, she makes tasteful choices, bearing in mind the young girls out there emulating her. So thanks Miley Cyrus, and thanks Billy Ray for expertly guiding your daughter in a jaded business where selling sex and hoochiness is more important that raising young ladies. She shines, this one... I look forward to seeing her grow as an artist, and as a role model for young women everywhere.

Super Bowl

We went to a Super Bowl Bash at a local sports bar tonight. Pascual is a Super Bowl Virgin. He sat next to my dad, who explained the rules to him. We had a good time hanging out with my dad and his wife and her family. We played crazy games between plays and had like 6 football pools going at once. We didn't win anything, but we had a lot of fun.

I used to be really into football when I was married to my last husband. We were season ticket holders for the Raiders. We even got to go to the Super Bowl when the Raiders played the Bucaneers in San Diego. If you are any kind of football fan, well... even if you are not... You should go to ONE Super Bowl in your life... It is an amazing experience. The celebration atmosphere and the feeling of carnival in the crowd. It is one big party for days on end... I would like to go again someday, but if I don't, at least I can say I have been to one once, and to watch my favorite team, even if they got their butts whipped by their old coach.