Intuitive Tuesday -- King of Swords

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today’s card comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. It is the King of Swords, a Court Card which can symbolize a person in your life, a situation or traits that you possess. How can you tell which one it is? Read below and allow your intuition to answer your question.

As you read the words, notice what images, thoughts, feelings, etc. come up for you. These are your clues to determining the meaning of today's card for you.

If the King of Swords symbolizes a person in your life...

...this is a strong male who is intellectual, logical, educated, independent and possibly out of touch with his feelings. This is a person who thinks his or her way through life, depending on what they know more often than on what they feel.

Remember that we all exhibit the traits of all of the suits, but at certain times, one suit may be more prominent. The King of Swords tends to rule his world with a "head over heart" attitude and may hold a position of authority (judge, military, boss, lawyer, professor, expert, etc.).

My DH tends to exhibit King of Swords qualities. His military training has reinforced some of his inherent traits of being in charge, thinking through situations to figure them out and using his intellect to carry him forward. The great thing about DH is that he also has a very intuitive side as well, which supports his logical approach and helps him to be a great leader (another trait of a King of Swords).

The King of Swords may also symbolize traits you exhibit or need to exhibit in a situation you are facing...

King of Swords traits would include using logical reasoning and your intellect to approach a situation, as opposed to being swayed by "cloudy" feelings. Feelings should rarely be overlooked completely, but the King of Swords today may be prompting you to lean more heavily on your logical side. What makes the most sense? If you were fair and impartial about this situation, what would the answer be? How would you handle this situation?

There have been times when I select a Court Card in a tarot card reading and encourage my client to bring out more of the qualities of this particular Court Card in his or her life to handle whatever is in front of him or her. 

If the King of Swords indicates a situation in your life...

...it might be a situation in which feelings are not involved (the decision involving you was fair and impartial and is not meant to be taken personally). The person who is making the decision is not judging you personally, but more on the logistics of the situation.

It might also symbolize you using your thoughts to take control of a situation. If so, this card encourages you to recognize and take control of your thoughts to effectively handle a situation in your life.

What immediately came to mind after reading each description above? This is your clue as to what this card means for you. Know that it can be a combination of meanings as well. It may symbolize a person, a trait you possess or need to bring out AND a situation in your life.

Go with your gut to determine the meaning of this card for you today!

My guess is that you already have a pretty good idea who or what this is referring to. I can't wait to hear your thoughts (swords)...

Perfect Moment Monday -- Revisiting the Future

Over Spring Break, we took Ryan to visit Colorado State University, my alma mater. I graduated over twenty years ago. Was it really that long ago?

It felt like a time-warp. On one hand it seemed like college was a lifetime ago, and on the other hand, it seems like it was just yesterday.

I believe Ryan’s initial excitement originated with the thought of touring (and buying things) from the last stop on the tour, the bookstore.

We started by watching a Power Point presentation that included statistics and photos of campus life. Then an Admissions Ambassador showed us academic buildings, the student center and one of the dorms (including a student room). She shared wonderful stories about her experience with CSU and answered our questions.

After the tour, we got a couple of souvenirs from the "75% off" racks at the campus bookstore. You can see in the photo above Ryan showing off his new clothes. We drove through Fort Collins, ate lunch and headed back to my parent’s home in Denver.

Perfect Moment #1: Watching Ryan introduce himself to the group. He’s only in middle school, so this seemed slightly premature, but he had such confidence  as he stood up to say his name and declare that he had no idea what he planned on studying.

Perfect Moment #2: Recognizing another mom on the tour as someone I have known since early elementary school. I probably last spoke with her in high school and/or during our college years, since she also attended CSU. Did I mention that she said I had barely changed? That could be a Perfect Moment in and of itself!

Perfect Moment #3: Ryan leaned over several times during the tour and said, “I’m going to school here.” This was perfect not only because it is my alma mater, but that he was so inspired and excited about being a college student. Although this won’t happen for several years, it will feel like a blink of an eye when we’ll be visiting this or some other campus to drop off one of the boys for college.

Insert motherly sigh here…(full of accomplishment, excitement and perhaps sadness because the boys truly will move on).

But for now, this was a series of Perfect Moments!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.

Thoughts on Compassion

In a tarot reading I had over the weekend with my good friend (and the woman who taught me to read tarot cards), Meridee, she said that my upcoming lessons will focus on deepening my understanding and level of compassion.

I have been pondering the meaning of compassion ever since. Compassion is something I feel I have always had, and yet, as I study it deeper, I realize that there are several layers to this.

I remembered some information my good friend and spiritual guide, Laura Rose, gave me on Sympathy vs. Empathy.  I found this information to be very helpful on what is implied through each. She gave me a handout that explained some of the differences. Here is an excerpt from that handout:

Introduction: When you find yourself in a situation where you want to help or give help, your good intentions will not outweigh the potential damage that can be done by incorrect focus of your energy. Because the situation is made up of energy, the only person who can solve it is the person who created it.** The most important gift you can give anyone is your confidence that they can work out their own problems.

• Sympathy -- "I feel your problem. Oh, it is such a big problem. Let me have it so that I can solve it for you because you cannot. I give you pity."
• Empathy -- "I feel your problem. Because I want to validate you, I will hold up your problem and project it back to you to show you that I understand.
• Compassion -- "I feel your problem. I understand how hard it is to work out your problem because sometimes it is hard for me also. I have confidence that you can resolve your problem because of the natural laws of energy. I know you can work with your own energy and solve your problem. I also know that you will continue to repeat the problem situation until you can solve it for yourself."

** great quote!

The same day I got the tarot reading from Meridee, I came across the following quote on compassion in the book Power vs. Force, by Dr. David Hawkins. Coincidence? Doubtful!

Compassion is the doorway to grace, to the final realization of who we are and why we're here, and to the ultimate source of all existence. (page 284)

As I ponder these thoughts, I can see how deepening my understand will impact all of my relationships -- from my kids, my husband, my friends, my clients...and to people I don't even know.

Compassion is something I want to further explore and more deeply integrate into my life.

What's your understanding of compassion and how do you express it in your life?

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- Eight of Coins (Pentacles)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Seven of Wands, a card of success in a competitive undertaking, commitment and conviction.

Today’s card  is for Lollipop Goldstein and it comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti. Lollipop's comment was:

This is a hard one--I don't know if I'm past anything right now, if I need strength and a reminder to remain firm. But I'll be mulling it over all day.

As I read your comment, Lollipop, I got a feeling that something was going on with your work...perhaps your day job or perhaps something you do on the side -- like your blogging.

When I shuffled and pulled the Eight of Coins (Pentacles), it confirmed my feelings of something for you may be happening that is work related.

The Eight of Pentacles is referred to as the "work card." You can see from the picture above, a man concentrating on paperwork, with tools and coins all around him. Pentacles/Coins deal with the material world of business, money, finances, and anything that has to do with work.

Pulling this card indicates a learning period in the area of work. Perhaps you are getting ready to take a training, expand your knowledge, or branch out to try something new. This could be a new passion or interest, or something you currently do that it is expanding into a completely new direction.

If something doesn't pop into your mind immediately, be open to having it come your way soon. You will probably feel an intense interest in this new area along with a desire to explore the possibilities. There will be great enthusiasm surrounding this prospective venture and you will feel like diving in.

The great thing is that it will not feel like work. In fact, if you have NO idea what this might be, look to some of the things you are currently doing as a hobby. Something here may be ready to take off.

Your prospective new venture will combine several of your already existing talents. It could be a promotion in your day job or possibly a chance to be self-employed (consulting?).

Whatever it is, you will find this new work to be enjoyable and fulfilling. It is an extension of who you are and how you like to be of service to the world.

The message for you today is to open your heart and your mind towards these possibilities. It's not as though you are not happy right now, but the potential to soar to a completely new level in your work is highly likely.

The message of the Eight of Coins today for the rest of us is to look at the work you are called to do. Is there something here that you can learn and expand your knowledge? Also, take a look at what you do for fun, on the side, or as a hobby. Is there something here that is fulfilling to you but might also help others and make some money along the way?

For me, I used to read cards as a hobby, for my friends and family, and for myself. Now I use my cards every day in my work. They sit on my desk as I write or work with a client, just in case I need further insights or inspiration. I love to read books about tarot and intuition and the beauty is that using my tarot cards doesn't seem like work at all.

Questions for you: What part of your current job or hobbies can be expanded? What opportunities are hiding right underneath your nose?

The Eight of Coins invites you to further your studies and dive in. The possibilities are endless!

Intuitive Tuesday -- Seven of Wands

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today’s card comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. The Seven of Wands is a card of holding firm with what you know. It’s easiest to describe how this came about and what it feels like by looking at the cards leading up to the seven.

The Five of Wands could be the conflict you felt about making a decision or taking action in your life.

The Six of Wands is the victorious feeling you have when you know what’s right for you. What a relief to finally know!

The Seven of Wands moves us past the victory of making a truthful decision into marching forward with commitment and conviction.  We must stand up for what is right for us, for why we made this decision, even if we cannot fully (or logically) explain it.

The Seven of Wands shows a person holding a wand looking as though s/he is ready to fight off anyone. The energy is to find your courage and your strength as you move forward. This card invites you to move into your own sacred space of your personal truth with conviction, even if and when you are scared.

A personal example:

One example that comes to mind for me was when I was going through divorce (nine years ago). I struggled with the decision to go through divorce (Five of Wands). After working with a counselor, writing in my journal, talking to friends, and doing numerous tarot spreads, etc., I knew that ending my marriage was the right answer for me. The end of struggling was a huge victory for me (Six of Wands).

The Seven of Wands was the energy I summonsed to find the courage to get divorced. I had to tell my husband, my family, the kids, fill out paperwork…all details that had to be done, but continuously tested the conviction of my decision.

It was the right thing. I knew it at the time and can confirm it now.

What are you facing now, that deserves and requires the energy and courage of the Seven of Wands?  Looking back, what has been the path to bring you here?

• Five of Wands (struggle)
• Six of Wands (victory) and 
• Seven of Wands (defending your position)?

This card reminds you to stay strong. One thing that helps me is to write down my convictions when I feel strong, so I can read them when I get shaky. How can you support YOU through this transition?

One other thing to note is that the next card in the deck, the Eight of Wands, signifies things happening quickly and without delay, which could indicate that once you get things going, flow will take over.

Just as everything in life, the Seven of Wands is part of a larger cycle. Use its energy as you need it and welcome the changes that present themselves as you continue to move through the cycle.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Tarot Tarts & St. Patrick's Day

Each month I meet with a fabulous group of women who are participating in my Intuition Through Tarot group. What started as a class on how to read tarot cards, has now turned into an intuitive group coaching circle.

Last week we did a Spring Equinox tarot spread to help us see what energies were entering our lives as we move into the next season. Each of us shuffled and laid out the Spring Equinox spread for ourselves and then we interpreted them together.

What's interesting is that we each got a personalized message, but we found out that the overall themes were meaningful for all of us.

We call our group the Tarot Tarts and this month we happened to meet on St. Patrick's Day....which, of course, meant green beers! With the amount of food coloring we added, we also ended up with green fingers, tongues, teeth and lips!

Pictured above (left to right) is Debbie, Lydia and Suzi. The missing Tarot Tart was Andrea. 

As we stood outside afterward and celebrated St. Patrick's Day, I became aware of yet another Perfect Moment!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.

Growing Through Pain

I was reading an article in Yoga Journal magazine today called, "Wishful Thinking," by Joel Kramer and Diana Alstad. I recently subscribed to this magazine to complement my yoga practice. I've subscribed to the magazine before, but it seems to be richer since I am actively involved in the practice of yoga.

In the article, I found a great quote about how pain helps us to grow.  The subtitle to the article is: Desires often run our lives. Understand them and learn to seek pleasures that enhance your sense of well-being." Here is a quote from this article that spoke to me:

"Pain plays as important a role as pleasure does in life's dramas. Life is change, and one changes either by growing or by becoming more rigid. Real growth often involves periods of confusion, discomfort, pain, and even suffering before a new direction evolves. In almost every life there are moments when you look back and say to yourself, "I've really grown."

Upon looking carefully at the process that brought about the growth, you realize it was rarely free from pain and suffering: In fact, the feelings gave the feedback that showed you something was not working. Without them, there would have been no motivation to change. Pain, like necessity, is the mother of invention."

As I move through stages of confusion, discomfort, pain, and possibly suffering, I hope to remember this wisdom to help me grow through...and create change.

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- The King of Wands

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was the Six of Cups, a card of happy childhood memories, thinking about old times and nostalgia.

Today I pulled a card from the Gilded Tarot deck for Allison who said:

I haven't visited your site before, but this really hit a chord with me.

I've been going through a rough patch lately, what with having a miscarriage recently and all. Today on the drive home, I thought about my lost little one. How, in the short time I had her/him, I dreamed about going to the zoo. The look of wonder. I remembered going to the zoo with my own family when I was a child.

And so, your line about being present and creating great memories strikes home. I feel like I've lost most of the past month in grieving. That's okay, but thank you for the reminder that I am still here in this life, have a future to look forward to, and that I want that future to have many great memories to reflect upon.

The card I selected was the King of Wands. This card symbolizes the qualities of leadership, confidence, charisma, enthusiasm and a commanding presence. This could be traits that you exhibit, a specific person in your life or a situation you are currently involved in...or a combination of all of these things.

You mentioned recently having a miscarriage. Someone very close to me, Tonya, experienced the same thing about a month ago. For her, it has been a time of grieving -- for the "lost little one," as you described it, and also for the hopes and dreams of what was to be.

It's been tough for Tonya and her husband to move through this and for her to keep her faith about the order of the universe. She is looking for answers and/or explanations that may never come. And yet, she moves on, just as it sounds like you have done.

In selecting this card for you today, it feels as though (after a period of grieving), you are summonsing your King of Wand qualities to gain strength and momentum to help you move forward. Wands is a suit of energy and action. If you haven't already, you may begin to feel growth and renewed energy after your period of grief. You may see yourself taking charge to bring about positive creative change in your life. 

If the King of Wands symbolizes a person, a King tends to be strong male in your life -- your husband, father, older brother and/or professional (boss, physician, etc.) If this indicates a person in your life, as you read the list of possibilities of who this might be for you, you probably have a good idea which person this card is pointing to.

If you have a good idea, this person may have strengths that you need to tap into or lean on as you move through this time. Soon you will feel what has been difficult begin to move into a more transitional stage, and then into a growth stage.

This person will help you along the way -- by being there for you, offering support, giving you advice or providing strength for you. Pulling this card calls your attention to this person in your life and reminds you that it's OK to lean on other people temporarily as you gain back your own strength.

It sounds like you have been through a tough time. Hopefully the King of Wands brings you a message of strength and encouragement to continue to move forward.

One last thing.  My friend, Tonya, who I mentioned above as having recently had a miscarriage, said someone had commented on what a "bad" thing this was. As I said, Tonya has been trying to make sense out of it. She was pondering the question, "Was it really 'bad?'"

It reminded me of a story that I read in the book, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman. Here is the story as told on pages 103-104:

An old man and his son worked a small farm, with only one horse to pull the plow. One day, the horse ran away.

"How terrible," sympathized the neighbors. "What bad luck."

"Who knows whether it is bad luck or good luck," the farmer replied.

A week later, the horse returned from the mountains, leading five wild mares into the barn. 

"What wonderful luck!" said the neighbors.

"Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?" answered the old man.

The next day, the son, trying to tame one of the horses, fell and broke his leg.

"How terrible. What bad luck!"

"Bad luck? Good luck?"

The army came to all the farms to take the youg men for war.

The farmer's son was of no use to them, so he was spared.

"Good? Bad?" 

Remember that you are at this (possibly very painful) point in the story. The King of Wands message might be to be in the moment and feel everything that is here for you...while you continue to allow the story to unfold.

This is a good message for all of us, especially as we each face something that appears to be "bad."

Bad? Good? Who knows?

Intuitive Tuesday -- Six of Cups

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today’s card is the Six of Cups, a card of good childhood memories and nostalgia and how this may be influencing your life today.

The card pictured here came from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. I pulled the Six of Cups last October. Click here for more information.

The Six of Cups symbolizes the relaxing, wonderful memories and stories you have of your childhood. Even if you had a tough upbringing, there are still stories you tell and things you remember that create the memory of what was and what has helped create who you are today.

There are a couple of meanings today that might be important with the Six of Cups.

First is to remember and find peace with the past. Be grateful not for what happened, but from what you learned from it. That way, even if it was difficult, you may be able to see the purpose and lessons that were available to you.

Step into the energy of the Six of Cups. What is one of your happiest childhood memories? Open your senses to the experience. What happened? What were your emotions? Were there any lessons you can bring forward? Perhaps you simply want to remember and relive the experience.  The Six of Cups encourages you to get into this space.

A second and more forward-focused message of the Six of Cups is to realize how we create our future memories in every single second of our lives (our NOW). Just as you have memories of your past, you are in the process of creating future memories.

I realize the benefits of staying in the NOW. Even though the Six of Cups focuses on the past (memories), we can blur the lines between the past-present-future by shifting perspectives. The Six of Cups focuses on the past (nostalgic, childhood memories), but it also focuses on the future and the present.

It sounds like a time-warp, mind riddle, but think about it. What we do now (present) creates what we will remember (past) in the future (future).

As you move throughout your day today, stay present and experience not only what’s happening right now, but do it in an effort to create great memories.

What do you want to do today, that you will remember (with the nostalgia and energy of the Six of Cups) in the future?

Perfect Moment Monday -- Cinderella Goes To The Ball

This weekend my husband and I were invited to a marriage enrichment seminar as part of my husband's service in the National Guard. Not only did we get to stay in a hotel (with no kids), we got time to ourselves (date time) and a great program on how to keep your marriage alive and healthy.

Saturday evening was the annual Military Ball. We have never been able to attend. But this year, I got to attend the ball with my very own "Prince Charming."

The best part was seeing my very handsome husband addressed as "sir," by some pretty important people...and I think dress blues are just plain sexy!

I love our time together, which goes right along with what we learned in the seminar. The longest lasting marriages are based on a great friendship...and we have a wonderful friendship and a great marriage.

The entire weekend was full of Perfect Moments!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.

Boys Wearing Bracelets?

The other night, one of my thirteen year old boys, Ryan, came home with a new bracelet.

Why would a boy be wearing a bracelet?

You can't see the entire bracelet in the photo, but perhaps you've seen this bracelet dedicated to raising awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness.

I laughed and asked him, "Ryan, when did you become so philanthropic?"

I love raising these boys! It keeps me guessing...and laughing (most of the time)!

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- The World

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was Prosperity and the Six of Coins, which are both about feeling prosperity in your life and the desire to give to others. 

Today I pulled a card from the Gilded Tarot deck for Kristin who said:

I keep thinking about organizing a Hats for Preemies project locally. That would definitely use skills and materials I have an abundance of.

The World card  is the 21st card in the tarot deck and the last of the Major Arcana cards (The Fool is both the 0 and the 22nd card of the deck). It symbolizes the end of a major cycle, fulfillment, harmony, attainment and culmination of your efforts.

Here there is a feeling of oneness with yourself, your purpose and your place in the world. As you reach this stage in the cycle, you've probably weathered a lot and are striving towards the finish line. You are almost there!

Kristin, in regards to your comment, it feels like your idea of helping with the Hats for Preemies project would make your heart sing. In recent times (in the past 1-5 years) you have been really busy (almost fully consumed, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually) with your family, your career, your self, etc.

You seem to be reaching a place along the climb where you don't have to exert as much effort. It doesn't mean that you are not busy, just that you are able to handle day-to-day situations with less effort. You have found a routine and systems in place that help you to move (seemingly effortlessly) through your days. Because less of your time and energy is directed at "figuring it out," more of it can be focused on expanding and enhancing what is already there.

From Tuesday's cards (Prosperity and the Six of Coins), there is also a feeling of having more to give. You have been given the chance to build up more reserves allowing you to authentically give to yourself, your family and others.

Imagine that you hold in your hand a large, beautiful chalice. Grace and abundance overflow from the cup. Your job is to place your overflowing chalice over the situation or project where you feel intuitively directed to allow the divine to flow through you and to be shared with others.

For all of us, The World tunes us in to the satisfaction of reaching the end of one phase and the excitement about moving on to the next phase. Looking back, the road has had its ups and downs, but the difficult part seems to be behind us.

With the feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction of nearing completion, what have you learned that has helped you along the way? What do you have enough of that you can share with others (6 of Coins)? 

Bask in the feeling of The World, share your prosperity, and begin to look forward to your next (growth) cycle.

Intuitive Tuesday -- Prosperity

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today I selected a card out of the Archangel Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. The card is Prosperity and the message is:

Archangel Ariel: "Your material needs are provided as you follow your intuition and manifest your dreams into reality."

The message here reminds me of the Six of Pentacles in the tarot deck (pictured here from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti), which is a card of charity and giving. The idea here is that you have enough prosperity and flow to share with others.

Just last night I was reading, "Light On Yoga," by B.K.S. Iyengar. In the introduction, Iyengar introduces the concept and philosophy of yoga. The rest of the book includes photos and descriptions of poses that I can't imagine my body performing. Can a human body really do that?

Iyengar mentions the concept of sharing what you have when he is talking about winning unalloyed happiness by following a fourfold remedy: Maitri (friendliness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (delight) and Upeksa (disregard).

Karuna speaks to the energy of Prosperity and the Six of Pentacles. He said:

Karuna is not merely showing pity or compassion and shedding tears of despair at the misery of others. It is compassion coupled with devoted action to relieve the misery of the afflicted. The yogi uses all his resources -- physical, economic, mental or moral -- to alleviate the pain and suffering of others. He shares his strength with the weak until they become strong. He shares his courage with those that are timid until they become brave by his example. He denies the maxim of the 'survival of the fittest,' but makes the weak strong enough to survive. He becomes a shelter to one and all. (Page 26)

The message today is to be grateful for what you have and share with others. How can you, in your little corner of the world, share the energy of Prosperity and the Six of Pentacles today?

Perfect Moment Monday -- Los Lonely Boys

The other night my husband and I got to (once again) go out with friends and see a real live concert of a well known band...right here in our little home town. Los Lonely Boys made a stop in GJ on their way to some of the bigger venues...including Aspen and Boulder during their Acoustic Brotherhood Tour.

So how did we score second row seats? That's right, we were so close I could read Henry's name on the pocket of his shirt! I could read the label on his bottle of water and I could see the expressions on their faces!

How did we get such awesome seats? Our friends, Skip and Jackie, invited us to go to the concert with them. Wow! What a GREAT show.

It started off with Carrie Rogriquez on the violin and a 4-string guitar. What a voice! Then she joined the second band, Alejandro Escovedo. Did I already say, "Wow?"



And then Los Lonely Boys put on a great show. Great music, great rapport with the audience. Cool!



My DH and I met eight other people before the concert and had delicious pizza, walked over to the concert and had a great night out on the town.

So of all of the Perfect Moments mentioned above (awesome performances, a night out with hubby, time with friends, etc.), the one that I want to mention here is the realization of how very lucky we are to have such good friends.

A special thanks to Skip and Jackie for inviting us to enjoy a wonderful evening full of Perfect Moments!

Perfect indeed!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.

Teenage Brains: "I Lie Because You Don't Trust Me"

Yes. You read the headline right. "I lie because you don't trust me."

This actually came out of one of my kids' mouths when he was caught lying about a parent being home while he was hanging out at a friend's house.

After getting caught, he said, "I lie because you don't trust me. If you trusted me to be home without a friend's parent, then I wouldn't have to lie."

What? This doesn't make ANY sense to me, but in his teenage mind with his level of logic and experience, he argued as though it made perfect sense to him.

We went round and round with me trying to explain how I do trust him until he lies, while he explained that if I trusted him he wouldn't have to lie.

After all was said and done, I'm not sure either of us agreed with the other, but he still got consequences for lying and I gave him the "Trust Lecture," you know that one that goes like this: "It takes a long time to build up trust and just one incident to lose it." And, "If you'd lie about this, what else might you be lying about?"

I was given this lecture when I was younger (probably more than once), and it did take hold.

As for now, I am hoping that he will learn the lesson that it's better to tell the truth and face the consequences rather than lie in an effort to avoid conflict...or build trust (??) -- neither of which works.

Just another peek into the complicated, convoluted...and humorous teenage brain!

More to come (I'm sure)!

Intuitive Tuesday on Thursday -- Faith (Hierophant)

On Intuitive Tuesdays I select a card and give you my interpretation of it. On Thursday I select one reader's comment and pull an additional card.

I encourage you to read about the additional card I pulled this week and see how it applies to your life. Anything that is brought to one of us is a message for all of us.

This week's Intuitive Tuesday card was The Moon (reversed), which is about stepping out of a dense fog and beginning to see things clearly.

This hit home because as my faith deepens in the divine order of all things, my intuition increases, my vision becomes clearer and I walk forward with more conviction. Perhaps you are experiencing the same things...

This may also be influenced by other reading and studying that I am doing including the Course In Miracles, Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by Dr. David Hawkins, and books on yoga including Light On Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga, by B.K.S Iyengar and Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison. In addition, I've been practicing yoga, meditating, writing in my journal and pulling cards for myself more regularly...all of the ingredients for more insights, more synchronicity...and more faith.

I pulled an additional card for Mad Hatter, but I believe each of us may get something out of this. The card I pulled is the Faith card, which in a traditional tarot deck is the Hierophant card.

The card pictured here is from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti. In his book he explains why he renamed the traditional Hierophant card with Faith:

"We see four figures, representatives of the world's leading religions, with their variations, rituals, costumes, and holy prayers in their corresponding languages. Too often throughout history, these differences have been a cause of conflict, prejudice, and war. Here instead, I try to demonstrate that despite those variations, the central column of light, and the source of their devotion -- their "faith" -- shines through as the common denominator of all." (Page 95)

The Faith card brings it all together. No matter how you define your spiritual beliefs, they make up the foundation to how you see and experience the world. How powerful this is as we each step forward making decisions in our lives, everything from the big outward decisions to the internal responses to the world all around us.

Mad Hatter, in your comment you said:

Wow. It's so strange that this card (Moon reversed) came up this morning. I just finished writing a post asking some very big questions about what might be getting in the way from an emotional and spiritual standpoint of my conceiving a baby. Although I don't know the answers yet, it is reassuring to know the fog may be lifting soon. Thank you so much, Sheri.

As you sort through your questions, your past, your present and your future, you are playing with the very essence of Faith. No matter what conclusions you formulate along the way, no matter how you proceed down your path, it is your faith that leads you forward.

In relation to the Moon (reversed) and the fog lifting, today's card, Faith, is the light that is shining through and burning off the doubt and worry that the fog symbolizes. As you walk through the fog and find the courage to step into the clearing, your faith gets stronger.

The true test will be the next time you feel immersed in fog. Can you and will you have Faith that the fog will lift and the light will burn off the fog and you will be able to see once again?

Faith -- no matter how you define it -- can be the foundation of your life. It's up to you. Use this constant, underlying force to help you move through your life, not knowing what's around the corner, but knowing that you are divinely guided and taken care of...no matter what!

What a relief!

Intuitive Tuesday -- The Moon (Reversed)

Every Tuesday I select one card and give you my interpretation of it. See how it applies to your life. What messages are here for you?

Each Thursday I choose one reader's comment from Intuitive Tuesday and pull an additional card for more clarity...so check back on Thursday to see what cards come up.

Today's card is The Moon (Reversed), a card of stepping into the light and seeing things for what they really are. This card comes from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti.

An easy way to think about The Moon card is to imagine walking into a thick layer of fog. Beyond the fog, you believe, are the answers you seek. When The Moon is in its reversed position, the fog is lifting and you are able to see and sense the answers that have been alluding you!

Pulling the Moon Reversed invites you to cut through the fog that may have been blinding you and possibly frustrating you...and see things for what they really are. What's really going on? What answers have been there the whole time but have been hidden?

Take advantage of the energy of The Moon (reversed) to ask the questions you have with an open heart and be ready to (intuitively) see the answers.

Just like the fog, your confusion is lifting. Beneficial changes are on the way. What's here for you now?

Perfect Moment Monday -- Skiing With My Sweetie!

OK. I realize that my last three Perfect Moment Mondays have been about skiing!

• Monday, February 15th, Chicks On Sticks
• Monday, February 22nd, My Ski Buddy
• and today...

And you might think that I am a real ski bum! What's so funny is that I am so totally NOT.

I started skiing when I was in junior high and have probably gone skiing less than 25 times in my life. In fact, I went 15+ years without skiing at all (married to a man who didn't ski, lots of babies all at once, etc.).

So to have gone skiing three times this season is truly a record...and according to my Perfect Moment Monday posts, a "Perfect" record.

Recently my hubby and I played hookie and went skiing together. I think EVERY TIME we were getting on the chair lift, someone commented on his crazy hat (yes, that's not his real hair).

I enjoyed talking to him on the drive up, on each of the chair lift rides, stopping mid-way down the runs, at lunch, and, of course, as we relaxed with a beer in the lodge at the end of the day. I LOVE spending time with this man.

We never run out of things to talk about and not all of our conversations have to do with the kids. He is interesting, intelligent, funny...and handsome. He is my BEST friend. And what better way to spend a day than with your best friend who is also your husband?

Perfect!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays, click here.