The Empowered Lifestyle

Of course I’m hoping that your turkey was moist and that the weekend was relaxing and uneventful. Wish I could say the same about what happened here for the last few days but, not so much. I will say that my son and I had a lovely holiday together but am afraid to report that I can’t say the same about one of my best friend’s and her family. Her 17 year old son (hey you guys, if you’re regular readers..do you remember me talking about going to see Linda’s son Carter get voted Homecoming King in late October on a chilly Friday night..that’s the kid I’m about to write about..), Carter, was in a horrific accident on Friday night, once again pointing out how fragile life can be as well as how easily things can turn. On a dime. But, apparently, not on a dirt bike. Because he’s not my kid (well, not by birth anyway) and because I respect their privacy, all I will say is that he’s now recovering from 7 hours of life-saving surgery that he had on Saturday and will hopefully be home well before Christmas. That said, it might be next Christmas before he’s even able to use his crushed left hand. And, yes, he was a lacrosse star of epic proportions around these parts. But he’s alive. And that’s ALL that matters right now.

Well that and that he’ll be fine once they get some of his internal organs working properly again. I just cannot say how much this has reminded me of just how precious each moment is that we get to spend with our loved ones. But I also want to share, again, that there is a certain little ritual that I do EVERY SINGLE day upon awakening that is my own prayer, of sorts, invoking cosmic and invisible assistance where protecting my own son, and then myself, are concerned.

I’ve offered this meditation/prayer/invocation before and am going to do it again now..well, just because I can and because I BELIEVE that it really works. I also want you to know that this is exactly how I learned this secret/magical invocation and that although it intones both God and Jesus, it is what it is and doesn’t ascribe to any one orthodoxy or another. It’s an all purpose protective blessing and it goes like this:

While visualizing a bright while column or shaft or light surrounding your loved one (or yourself) say this:

MAY THE WHITE LIGHT OF GOD AND JESUS

SURROUND AND PROTECT (NAME HERE) THIS DAY/NIGHT.

MAY NOTHING AND NO ONE PENETRATE THIS LIGHT

THAT’S NOT HERE FOR THEIR HIGHEST GOOD

OR THE HIGHEST GOOD OF ALL MANKIND.

AMEN.

This is legendary protection. Use it. On your loved ones. And yourself. It will take you literally three seconds to surround your kids and husband, family and friends each morning when you wake up. But it could bring a lifetime together.

I would write more (Reese and Jake really breaking up? really?) but I have to get those new astro reports that I wrote for each sign for next year polished and over to Sarah for design and formatting. They will go up on the site tomorrow. I can say this if you are an Aries or a Scorpio or an Aquarian you don’t have a choice..you MUST get this report. Well, really I could say the same thing for every single sign. I did good and exhaustive research and believe that I found the key to each sign’s health and happiness and love and money for next year. Just wait, you’ll see. Tomorrow.

For now, I am surrounding all of YOU with bright and beautiful white light and keeping you close in my heart and my thoughts and, as always, my prayers. And what the heck am I going to do without ‘Dancing’ tonight? Read? Nah! See you tomorrow, glad to be with you right now!

Congrats to Donny for his 'Dancing' crown. Although that Kelly sure did grow on me as the season went on...just her authenticity and honesty and her true emotions and gratitude for the experience. It was palpable.

As are my true and honest overwhelming feelings of gratitude for each and all of you. Without your energies, without your input and your inspiration my soul would be suffering. You give me more than I ever had any right to expect or imagine. And I am grateful.

Truly.

Now, speaking of getting along....the energies today are pretty smoochy oochy. Venus, the planet (and goddess) of all things LOVUH is outrageously flirting with Uranus, Mister Unpredictability himself. Their sparks flying make this THE night of this month to find something similar your own self. Get out there and make hay while the sun ain't shining. Even if you're in an airport or on a bathroom break on the Jersey turnpike, take a look around. You just might be meeting the mate of your dreams. But you have to look. Now, if you want to get a bit more proactive think pear! Cut a pear in half and then place the two halves back together and bind them as one with red thread or string or ribbon. Wrap it 99 times around and then knot it TWICE. Light a pink candle and say: "We are ONE." Bake the pear and then eat it while thinking of being part of a fab couple.

And if you want to kill two dreams with one pear: It's long been held in magically delicious lore that eating a pear on Thanksgiving night will bring tons of fortune and luck in the days and weeks that follow. And who can't use a little fresh fruit after all those mashed potatos and gravy?

Okay, so, you're still stuck on the whole wrapping the pear back together because you don't possibly see how that could work. Then you might want to ask for a little more help with a lot bigger assist:

Saint Catherine,

Saint Catherine,

Saint Catherine,

I invoke your intercession.

I need a husband, Saint Catherine;

a handsome one, Saint Catherine;

a rich one, Saint Catherine;

and soon, Saint Catherine.

(NO emails please, just the messenger here....a non demoninational messenger out to make sure that this is the BEST Turkey Day ever!)

Okay, there you go.....a day and night where love is in the air and otherwise all around and gratitude abounds.

What's not to love?

Besides, you know, the cruncy fried onions on the green bean casserole.

Enjoy your holiday. Love your family, living and gone. Remember to breathe and remember that we pass this way just once...remember that last part when your sister brings the dish that everyone 'oohs' and 'ahhhhs' over after you've been in the kitchen for three days. Or when the kids turn up their noses at the turkey but gobble fifty thousand pizza bagel bites a half hour after the kitchen's cleaned or when....oh....you get it. Just relax and enjoy. Even if it kills you. ESPECIALLY if it kills you. We've got bigger fish to fry before the next holiday so know that I'll be cooking up ways to make fortune and luck your two next house guests.

Lots and lots and lots of ways!

Until then, be safe and KNOW that you are appreciated.

And loved.

So, did you see Donny on 'Dancing' last night? First I was waaaay put off by Marie's antics in the audience sitting next to Mary Hart and practically passing out after jumping up and down every time he came on stage. I thought it wasn't fair to the other contestants to have Entertainment Tonight clearly on the side of their sometimes correspondent. Plus, I thought Kelly was so cute in her aching way of wanting to belong to some sort of group..to feel connected.

I remember that feeling. I was in some plays in high school, but I especially remember the camaraderie that developed during our amateur rendition of 'West Side Story' (I was Velma, head of the Jet girls....and still a Jet fan to this day...go figure), but, I could def cotton to how Kelly is feeling about this being a part of this group and how great it makes her feel to have this 'family.'

That said, when Donny came out for his second dance, the free style, he was so completely entertaining that I actually laughed out loud. Even my son was appalled at my laughing at a television show that didn't have Kathy Griffin in it. But he was terrific and as much as it pains me to say it, I think he stole the lead away from Mya last night. Oh well. Tonight should be interesting.

And, yes, before you wonder, I did get sucked into watching the schmaltzy adoption reunion show. ONLY because I was working on some research for a client consult I have in about a half hour and I needed to finish her notes up. So I left the television on that channel not knowing that I was about to get manipulated and maneauvered into tearjerk land. Enough said. A roller coaster of fake emotions happening here last night.

Saving that real ride for Thanksgiving day.

Just in case you are too:

Use yellow mums as your choice of decor or floral decoration and be sure to try and strategically place them around the house. These specific plants, along with fresh cut stems are known to usher in tranquility and peace while brining a healthy dose of recognition for your efforts. If you are visiting, bring a fresh yellow mum to the host or hostess. If they are into Feng Shui AT ALL, tell them to place it in their FAME area. That way your gift brings, two...two...two gifts in one! And a whole ton more after that!

Use side lighting (lamps) instead of overheads. Harsh overheads can create shadows, which will, in turn, on a very subtle level cause depressed energies to be invited to the festivities as well. And we can't have that! See, studies show that using a lot of overhead lighting is also believed to contribute to an air of anxiety..now, really, do we need that at ANY family gathering? Right. Turn on the lamps. And candles too.

Cover your table with a CLOTH cover (as opposed to paper or a runner that doesn't cover the entire table) as this is thought to absorb any negative vibes floating around the atmosphere.

Place a flat mirror (any size) under the centerpiece on the diningroom table in order to ground the energy in the room and reflect back wishes for harmony, happiness, peace and health.

Those last four things are the most important ingredients that should be mixed up on this day and are also, of course, what I wish most for all of you. Well, that, and some down time with a cocktail in one hand and a credit card in the other......a la yesterday's post..those Black Friday deals have started early on the internet.

Oh, Amazon......and, hey, while you're there...MAKE THIS YOUR LUCKY DAY...a guide to get you through the holidays with ease and grace and change to spare....

Speaking of change...tomorrow we'll talk about a very different kind of stuffing that holds MAGIC as one of it's main ingredients!

YUM.

Remember when the 'Family Channel' had their annual 25 Days of Christmas movie marathon that actually started twenty five days before Christmas? Or the radio stations didn't start playing holiday ditties until AFTER Thanksgiving? Remember when we didn't have home pages on computers that "spilled" little spoilers about what retailer was having what GIGANTIC sale the day after Thanksgiving, so, we can get all geared up to go shopping (or worried as that case may be) as opposed to spending some appropriate time thinking about thanking?

I swear, I woke up this morning in a panic....how was I going to get everything done before Christmas? I sort of just breezed right over Thanksgiving and went right for the main event. Tree up and house decorated and PRESENT(s) all bought and wrapped and shipped. And it's not even Thanksgiving. And, honestly, that's not even me! So, I figured that if I'm all kinds of caught up then oh by golly there must be some of you out there who'd like to shoot the holly as well.

Firstly, I just want to share....if you are feeling pushed and prodded and gearing up for the whoosh of another holiday season, you're NOT alone. We're all here with you and for you. Secondly, I just have to remind...look, I get it...some families have TRADITIONS that call for the tree to be put up the weekend after Thanksgiving etc., etc., etc. But, if don't fall under that particular star, then, let's just remind what Feng Shui has to say about holidays....

Actually there's a traditional Chinese saying that says:

"HEED THE TIME LIMIT, THE FIVE COLORS BLIND."

What this means is that too much color, sound, activity, worrying, shopping, drinking, eating can all have a numbing effect on us. Actually, if I break it down, it says that too much color and/or food will exhaust the entire family while putting decorations up too early can cause a sublte sense of sadness and depression. There is a Feng Shui solution to this agenda and it's to put images of watery scenes around (like me crying when I can't get all that high school paperwork filled out that needs to be in yesterday!) or even images of wintry scenes will 'cool' the atmosphere and subconsciously create more harmony and balance. And, well, since you know that those last two things are what I wish most for your own happy holidays, then, please know that I'm not bah-humbugging it today at all. No, really, I'm not. What I am saying is that there is a collective or mass consciousness in the ethers that keeps pushing these holidays up earlier and earlier each year and the messages are always the same...Buy! Buy! Buy! Don't miss this bargain, don't miss that party. Wear the right clothes and spend over your head and don't forget to do that before the clock strikes midnight last night.

NO!

Enough!

Breathe.

There is more than enough time. Always. For everything. Unless you THINK that there isn't. Then there won't be. And Target and WalMart and KMart all know that. At the very least don't BUY that! Breathe.

And then do this:

If you start to worry or panic over ANYTHING then visualize a television screen sitting directly over your head. Now, run your PERFECT scenario of what the outcome of your PERFECT situation would be inside that screen. Almost like you're watching YOU on Bravo (and, c'mon, that means I will be too!) SEE yourself finding solution to your concern and finding it in the best, most ideal way possible! See the perfect happy ending. Then, once you have that in tact, BLOW FOUR BIG BREATHS INTO THE SCREEN. Take about 15 seconds between each breath. If possible, stand with your arms outstretched and your hands facing up while your feet are hip distance apart and feet firmly on the ground. Gather energy from the ethers before blowing each breath. Then wait 15 seconds and do it again. You are blowing prana or Chi or energy into the visualization thereby animating it or making it come to life. Because YOU have the power. And YOU have the power. And, oh, by the way, did I mention, YOU have the power.

Now, there's something to be grateful for as you're sitting around the table this week and taking a much deserved moment of silence and gratitude. YOU have the power. And can create your every reality. Wowza! Now, it's my turn to thank YOU! Again and again and again.

Okay, now, where am I gonna put that turkey until it's time to baste away?

Okay, I guess we start the annual Thanksgiving posts...well, the first annual ones anyway. I'm still scratching the blonde wondering how it's Thanksgiving week already? But, I can tell you another little woo woo story too....remember how I was sharing the other day that my trip to New York may have afforded me an opportunity to meet with a guy who can EXPONENTIALLY help my media efforts along? He knows my ICM agent and blah, blah, yada.

Okay, so, yesterday my agent emails me and wonders when I can meet him. He's amenable. She shares that he just can't meet until after Thanksgiving. I mean, c'mon, the way I was feeling the other day I could have sworn it would take me that long to detox. Anyway, I email back and ask if we can meet on the 18th of December. That was after I emailed all my son's friends moms to find out if the kids have any sort of finals or anything that week (because, remember, I'm the TRUE Mother of the Year!) Hold on here, I have to straighten my crown.

But Grayson and I have to go back to New York in December anyway... that same weekend of the 19th... for a family holiday thing and I just thought that maybe I'd take him out of school a little early that week and go try to take a meeting while I'm going to be back in town anyway...okay, you get it.

So, I suggest a meeting on the 18th. But RIGHT after I do that, I email my personal astrologer and ask her what dates I should be considering. You know, when will the wand be fully fueled and ready to knock him on his ear while I yammer and jammer in the other one. She tells me that I should go December 3. Wait? What? You mean like the December 3rd thats happening in twenty seconds. The same one that will more than likely be the day I finally get all my laundry done?

Okay, as I'm reading that mail, another one drops in from my agent saying that the 'guy' (as he will now be known until I can disclose his name..you'll KNOW some of his clients) is going to be in Hawaii the week of the 18th...can I come and meet him earlier?

I bite the bullet, thank the astrological gods for still consorting with me and send her back an email that simply says: 12/3 ???

But just as I hit 'Send' and that request heads off into cyberland, another one from her drops in that says, and I quote:

"Bill wants to know if you're available on December 3."

Um, uh huh.

Cue Twilight Zone music.

Anyway, at least I'll have a week of running around spending more money on tons of food that I'll not have time to cook so that I can give it all away next Friday before having to worry about whether I need to move up a size in the Spanx.

Really, you know what, even I can't stand my own whining anymore. But it's not NEAR as bad as those OC housewives. What a whiny, bratty bunch. Diamonds as big as, well, my Spanx, adorning their ring fingers while it appears that every one of them is going into foreclosure. Except workaholic Vicki and the new one.

And, mark my words here, the mean girl...the one who calls herself the hottest housewife? I can't think of her name...Tamra maybe? Her husband is definitely up to something. He hasn't a nice thing to say to her, can't meet her gaze, doesn't answer questions, is criticizing her constantly....just be sure that you heard it here first. I mean, who would put their relationships, their most intimate gifts from God, under a spotlight like that? I will have to say that I did cry when Lynn's youngest daughter kept saying how everything was changing so fast and the more it changed the more she was just desperate to make it stay the same? Remember when you were a teenager and the whole world felt upside down and then your parents, who are out in the expensive cars buying ridiculously expensive La Perla lingeree were served an eviction notice but they weren't home so you had to take it from the process server? What? You don't remember that? I want to adopt that girl. But, then again, my son couldn't remember to take his lunch one out of the two days I was away, so maybe I'm overestimating my parenting skills too!

Okay, it's Magically Delicious Friday which means.....recipes!

With cute stories attached:

There is a story told in many traditions regarding the lovely acorn that falls from the magical mighty oak tree. This story says that there is an enchanted forest inhabited by a race of acorn people who all live in an ageless oak tree that stands highter than the heavens in the center of the this forest. Every one of these acorn people from the age five to sixty-five wears a bracelet that has one word engraved upon it.....NOW.

Those who are younger than five and older than sixty-five don't need to wear this adornment as they instinctively understand the gift that being in the present moment brings. As well, each acorn person has their own special gift that they recognize and nurture and that they are happy to share with their entire loving little community. They all love one another wihtout condition and they all allow themselves to be loved while never judging or condemning any other.

They say that these acorn people have scapptered their acorns to the wind in the hopes that when anyone finds an acorn that persona will come to embrace their own inner and special unique talents and gifts (that only YOU are each born with) as well as committing themselves to sharing that gift same gift. From this they will then receive the ultimate gift, never ending and abiding love!

Remember that the next time you find an acorn on the ground. Its the little people sharing the power of the NOW with you! And love....always, always love!

ACORN SQUASH SOUP

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 small acorn squash, seeded and cubed
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup cream
sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste
1/4 cup sour cream for garnish
Pinch of nutmeg and pinch of ginger, for garnish

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it turns translucent. Add the squash and both broths. Lower the heat and let simmer until all the veggies are tender, about a half hour. Let this mix cool.

Into a blender add the veg miz and the yogurt and blend into a puree. Return this mix to to a saucepan and stir in the cream until the desired consistency. Add the salt and pepper to taste and cook over low heat until heated through (about 8 mninutes.)

Transfer the soup to previously warmed bowls and tops each with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkling of the ginger and nutmeg.

This tastes so good I could go for some NOW!

It will noursish and nurture and fill you with love. A little dollop of THANKS on top too!

Thanks Acorn People! Just thanks!