Limerick Hiccups

This week I tried something new. I entered the Limerick Chick Contest sponsored by Lavender Luz of writemindopenheart.

After working on this for nearly an hour, I found out that I wasn't as good as I thought at rhyming and limericizing (is that a word?).

So here is my entry into the Luz's Limerick Chick Contest:

Lavender Luz spurred my passion

To reach others with love and compassion

She writes from her heart

And she's doing her part

To help others live life in an authentic fashion.

What's even more interesting is that after I was done writing it, I found myself thinking in limerick form.

My day's filled with laundry and dishes.
I long for a genie and three tiny wishes..."

It was like getting the hiccups, but with more cadence and bad rhymes.

As I was preparing for tomorrow's weekly Intuitive Tuesday tarot post, I started my limerick hiccuping once again. This is NOT my official entry, into the Limerick Chick contest, but I thought it might bring a smile to your face...

Lavender Luz is my inspiration

Virtually reaching beyond our nation

Intuitive Tuesday

Is my bloggy niche

To help readers soothe life’s unending itch.

Hopefully you'll check back on Tuesdays to see what tarot card and intuitive insights are posted on Intuitive Tuesday.

Does anyone know the cure for limerick hiccups? Help!!!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Hanging Out With Friends

Loralie and I hanging out mid-afternoon. Perfect!

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

Since we had a holiday (and a day off) last week, I went skiing with my hubby, Tom, one of my kids, Bryce, and my best friend, Loralie.

The morning was sunny and cool (but not cold). There was a dusting of fresh powder on the slopes...and we were there to enjoy it.

That was already perfect...but it kept getting better.

About 2 p.m., we sat on the deck, soaking in the sun, and enjoyed a beer. We visited, talked about our day of skiing, previewed the week ahead...and just had fun begin together in such a beautiful setting.

Since our closest ski resort is small and mostly Western Slope locals ski here regularly, we typically see lots of people we know in the lodge. In fact, there is a group of families who we see skiing almost every time we are up skiing.

I am SO blessed.

I love Colorado skiing. I really enjoy the experience of planning for, packing up and skiing the entire day with friends and family. And when I was sitting on the outside deck, enjoying the sunshine, snacks, a beer and especially the company of my dear friends and family...I realized that I had just lived, witnessed and appreciated yet another Perfect Moment!

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

Intuitive Tuesday -- Three of Pentacles

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

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."  I selected the Three of Pentacles from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.
 
Threes begin the creative development of the suit. They symbolize creation, growth, coming together and moving forward. Threes show enthusiasm for the energy of the suit, which today is Coins/Pentacles.

Coins/Pentacles symbolize the material, earthy side of things and because they look like coins, they remind me of business and finances.

According to Marchetti, in his book that accompanies these cards, Gateway to the Divine Tarot (by Marchetti), the Three of Pentacles, "...is a craftsman's affinity with the creative process in which he is engrossed. His efforts are rewarding on different levels."

The Three of Coins symbolizes a work in progress, but you are beginning to sense what the final product may look and feel like. You are witnessing the birth and development of a wonderful project, one that you are passionate about bringing into this earthly plane.  In this energy, our tasks continue, but our work is inspired.

A personal example:

Yesterday afternoon, I felt the discipline of minding the tasks while still feeling completely inspired. I am helping the owner of my yoga studio to manage the business while she is on maternity leave (which should happen any day now), which means becoming more intimately involved in all aspects of the business. 

One of the wonderful projects she has asked me to help her with is teaching the next Yoga Teacher Training. This will allow me to dig deeper into the understanding of my own practice, but teaching really takes it to the next level. 

One of my favorite sayings is, "If you really want to learn something, then teach it." I took the first step by taking the Yoga Teacher Training myself, and now I get to teach it...which requires even further study into the philosophy, anatomy, poses/asanas, etc.

As I sat on my yoga mat yesterday with four books open to one of the poses, I read about the anatomy and physiology of the posture, tips on how to modify and deepen it, cues and descriptions of how to lead students into the pose, and saw pictures of people doing the asanas. 

Then this morning while I was in my morning yoga practice, I got to feel the poses from the inside out, linking what I felt in my body to what I remembered reading. Finding more depth, going deeper, learning more...getting ready to teach.

So pulling the Three of Pentacles today was right on! It points towards learning, refining, finding meaningful work and spiritual awareness by producing work at my highest level. 

On my mat -- both studying yesterday and practicing this morning -- I was IN my purpose, performing at my highest level. 

This is the Three of Coins/Pentacles energy indeed. 

I have previously covered the Three of Coins/Pentacles. Click here to check it out.

Where in your life do you feel the Three of Pentacles energy?  Hints might be where you lose track of time; smile, even though you are working hard; and for me, I sometimes have the thought, "And they pay me to do this?" knowing that I'm having a GREAT time doing what I love and am being paid for who I am and what I know...truly a blessing!

Relish the Three of Coins/Pentacles energy today. If you don't have enough of it, let this be a wake-up call to do more of what you love -- whether it's a hobby or someone pays you to do it.

You owe it to yourself and to the world to bring your light forward and SHINE!

Perfect Moment Monday -- Feeling Pride

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

My oldest son, James, recently discovered a wonderful talent -- writing, recording and producing music...and it's really good.

It started out with some thrown together equipment -- a really old laptop, an old microphone with a sock over it to cut down the extra sounds, etc., but he has expanded and deepened not only the type of music he writes, but his production studio -- his converted closet (see picture).

One of the first songs he wrote, Missing You, was about his father who died in 2008. It is so beautifully written, straight from the heart.

If you look closely at the picture, you'll notice his father's obituary pinned on the wall above James' head.

Since then, he's written about other important situations teens face -- life, love, lost love, and everything in between.

He and his friend T recently wrote a song called, Soldier's Anthem. James said they wrote the song as a dedication to their family members who have served in the military, including T's older brother who is currently serving in the Marines, and my husband, Tom, who is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard.

There are several of our family members who have served including James' two uncles (my brothers-in-law) -- one who served in the Marines and the other in the Army.

In addition, my two uncles proudly served, one in the Marines, and the other in the Air Force during Vietnam. I guess there were a lot of people for James and T to dedicate this song to...not only in our families, but across our nation.

I invite you to take a few minutes and listen, not only with your ears, but with your heart, to James and his friend, T, sing Soldier's Anthem.



I am SO proud -- for so many reasons!

Every time I hear one of James' song, I know that this is his perfect expression of who he is...another series of Perfect Moments!

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

Intuitive Tuesday -- Ace of Swords

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

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."  I selected the Ace of Swords from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

Being the first card of the suit, the Ace introduces the suit's energy.  Aces  invite us to step into new themes and engage in the experiences of the suit. The suit of Swords refers to conflict or intellectual/mental pursuits.

The Ace of Swords can indicate the beginnings of success within the realms of intellect and ideas.  It could symbolize discovering mental clarity or  finding strength in adversity. It could also refer to the power of your thoughts to create your world and help you figure out and/or think your way through complicated situations and projects.

This card reminds me of one of my friends; I'll call her Lilly. Lilly has been in a relationship for about a year, and has slowly watched her relationship to her once fiance, dwindle from being engaged to be married to more of a roommate situation. They don't hate each other; it just isn't a good match. She feels it's lucky that they both found out before becoming legally wed, but they are still legally and financially bound together, after buying a house together.  

Lately she's been gathering her strength and conviction to move out of this situation. And so today, as I tap into the energy of the Ace of Swords, I thought of Lilly, knowing that she has this energy at her disposal and is ready to face what's in front of her.  

No matter what this symbolizes for you today, know that the Ace of Swords is a powerful card.

If you've had random ideas pop up lately or felt overly creative (mentally), this card encourages you to pursue these interests and expand on these ideas. If you have a project that requires thought and "figuring it out," now is the time to dive in. Your mental energy is high and will carry your forward.

Use your intellect to build the structure and then invite your emotions/intuition to fill in the "in between." Think of the construction of a house. There is a lot of engineering that goes into its design and structure (intellect, logic, measuring, etc.). And once the structure is complete, the "feel" of the house (colors, decoration, lighting, etc.) is what makes it a home.

The Ace of Swords invites you to build the structure of whatever project that lies in front of you...and then creatively "decorate" the idea with feelings, emotion and inspiration.

What one project comes to mind when you think about and feel the energy of today's card, the Ace of Swords. NOW is the time to apply yourself.

Take advantage of the energy of the Ace of Swords. Think about it. Then do it.

Perfect Moment Monday -- Twin Delights

Front view, four days prior to delivery twins.

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

Just nine months after the birth of my first son, James, I found out I was pregnant again.

How could this happen?

OK. I KNOW how it happens...but I wasn't ready for another kid. I was still nursing James, was finally finding some kind of regular schedule in my life, and was excited about having my body back to myself. But NO. That was not to be...at least not yet.

I was pregnant again, and it looked like James would have a younger sibling by the time he was only 18 months old.

Three months later, during our ultra-sound, we confirmed not just one baby, but TWO. Twins!

My skin hurts just looking at this photo.

And even though we didn't want to know the sexes of the babies, we accidentally found out we were expecting two more BOYS!

"What are we going to do?" I asked their father.

"Love them," he answered.

And that's just what we did...

These two pictures were taken almost 14 years ago -- just four days prior to delivering our two bundles of joy.

The twins were 3 1/2 weeks early (which is normal for twin deliveries), and weighed 6 and 6 1/2 pounds.

No wonder I was HUGE!

This week we celebrate Bryce and Ryan's 14th birthdays. Both of them now weigh over 100 pounds, eat a TON of food, and one of them is taller than me (and I'm 5'9")  -- and the other one is closing in quickly.

There have been several Perfect Moments with each of these two, many of those moments recorded as Perfect Moment Mondays here on my blog.

Happy Birthday to Bryce and Ryan!!

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

Intuitive Tuesday -- Faith (Reversed)

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

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."  I selected Faith (reversed) from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

The Faith card is the Hierophant in the traditional tarot deck.  On this card you will notice there are four figures surrounding a gold column of light.

The artist, Marchetti, explains that these figures represent four of the world's leading religions and all of their differences, which in the past "have been a cause for conflict, prejudice, and war." The unifying "central column of light,"  signifies our faith, "shining through as a common denominator for all."

Key words he uses for Faith reversed are, "inventive, originality, nonconformist, free spirit, open mind...and vulnerability."

I'm reading a book that one of the Wild Women blog readers suggested, called, "Discover your Psychic Type: Developing and Using Your Natural Intuition," by Sherrie Dillard.

In the first chapter in a section called, "My Psychic Beginnings" (page 9) Dillard describes how she could see spirits of those who had passed over at an early age. As she grew up in a fairly religious family, she chose to tuck away her special gifts for fear of what others might think.

Dillard describes how she was reluctant to reveal her psychic encounters for fear of rejection. It wasn't until she found out how much she could help others with her gifts that she truly opened up to them.

On my own journey, I have talked to people who have psychic gifts and have hidden them for a variety reasons. "What will other people think?" "Do I really see and communicate with spirits?" "Will people think I'm crazy?"

I've encountered hesitation in talking about my empathic abilities and my interest in reading tarot cards for the very same reasons.

And yet, in almost every book I've read on intuition, there is a belief that we are all born with and have intuitive abilities, especially when we are young, but choose to shut them down for one reason or another.

Today's card, Faith (reversed), invites us to open up to our own intuitive and psychic energy...to explore the "energy," the "in between," and tap into our faith, sensing what is beyond what we can detect through our five physical senses.

Depending on sight, sound, taste, smell and touch, we are limited to what is physically here. Our intuition broadens our ability to tune in and connect with so much more.

Since leaving my mainstream job almost four years ago, I've been reluctant at times to tell people that I'm intuitive, that I read tarot cards, that I teach classes on intuition, that I write about tarot cards on my blog, etc. for fear of what they might think.

But, just as Dillard points out in her book, once I realized how I am able to help others connect more fully to themselves and to their world simply by tuning in, admitting that I have these abilities and helping them...I feel as though I'm falling short in my ability as a healer and messenger if I don't develop, use and share my gifts.

If you have struggled with letting your light shine through, Faith (reversed) is calling to you. Step out with courage and faith and BE who you are here to be.

What healing lies ahead of you once you release any fears or stifling beliefs you may have about who you are and what you are here to do?

Perfect Moment Monday -- Basketball Weekend

Each week I participate in Perfect Moment Monday, sponsored by the blog, WriteMindOpenHeart.com According to Lavender Luz, "Perfect Moment Monday" is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect Moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between." And so, here is a Perfect Moment for this week.

I signed the twins -- Bryce and Ryan -- up for a Parks and Recreation 7th and 8th grade basketball league last fall, which was to begin in January.

Just after the first of the year, we received a letter stating that the boys were on a team, but no (volunteer) coach had stepped up...and if a volunteer did not appear, the team would be dispersed onto other teams, which would mean an increase in traveling time to games and practices and a decrease in playing time. A lose-lose situation.

One of the fathers, Sean, and I volunteered to coach the boys. I played basketball in high school, and not to brag, but I was pretty good. :) I'll spare you the "Glory Days" verbiage, but basketball was MY sport. :)

Which is great, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm coaching material. However, I did coach the freshman girls basketball team when we lived in Aspen and had a lot of fun (almost 20 years ago -- yikes!).

Sean is a natural coach. He claims he knows nothing about basketball, but each practice he comes with a note card outlining what drills we'll do, how long we will spend on each one, scrimmage line-ups, etc. He motivates the boys, disciplines them, and makes each of them step up and play their best on the court. I've really enjoyed working with him.

In addition to a great head coach, we have a very talented group of boys. We've played six games this season and have won all of them. Go Sooners!

As I sat on the bench today next to Sean and the kids, yelling my coaching tips to the boys on the floor, I was overwhelmed by the realization that I was experiencing a Perfect Moment.

The boys were running their plays, working together and winning! After the game, one of the referees came over and told us that our boys had one of the most talented teams he had seen in the league. What a great compliment!

Volunteering as an assistant coach has truly been a blessing. Not only have I had the opportunity to work with Sean, to get to know the boys, to scrimmage and play my old sport, but it's been one more opportunity to be a part of my sons' lives.

Truly Perfect.

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

Christianity and Intuition -- How Does It Fit Together?

 I recently received an email from a reader in response to a post I put up in 2008 called, "Can You Be A Christian And Read Tarot Cards?".  Many people must have this same question, because this is one of the most accessed posts on my blog.

Here's Elizabeth's email:

dear sheri,

i read your 2008 blog entry abut reading tarot and being a christian, and am wondering i'd you have developed any more ideas or insight into doing both.

i'm a "Highly Sensitive Person", empathic (i think) and exhibit most of the traits of a gifted adult.  i have strong intellectual inclinations and impulse to heal and i'm seriously considering trying to develop my intuitive power. (i recently read sherrie dillard's "discover your psychic type," and it turns out i score highest as emotional and second highest as mental.)

my father was a lutheran minister (ELCA) and i grew up "in the church". it wasn't a restrictive gospel or environment, but i sort of rededicated myself to the faith as an adult and i really only want to develop any intuitive ability i might have looking to god/christ as the source, etc.

if you have any thoughts you'd like to share, i'd greatly appreciate it.

best,
elizabeth

In writing back to her, I uncovered some new thoughts about combining my intuitive abilities and my belief in God and Christ. After I hit "Send," I thought it might be a good discussion for readers of the Wild Women blog.

Here is my response:

Elizabeth,

Thank you for emailing me about the post on being a Christian and reading tarot cards. When I look at my stats for my blog, it's amazing how many times people land on this particular post...which leads me to believe that many people have this same question. :)

I remember when I first started reading cards, how I felt that it was somehow shameful or that I shouldn't be doing it. Since then, however, I have come to believe that my intuition, my tarot cards, my time in meditation and my automatic writing are all ways that I connect to God.

You mentioned your impulse to heal. I also feel that I am a healer on many levels (emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically) and am developing these skills every day through my activities. In addition to reading tarot cards, I am a life coach, a yoga instructor, a writer, and my most important jobs of raising three teen boys and being a good partner to my husband.

I looked up the book you mentioned and have it on hold at our library. It should come in in the next week or so. Thank you for that referral. I have read several books on intuition, but I'm always looking for more.

About your comment about developing your intuitive abilities while looking to God/Christ as the source...I think this is fantastic. In fact, I believe with that intention, you will be able to tap in and develop your abilities even quicker and more deeply. I believe God/Christ looks for the best, clearest way to help reach people.

My sense is that you are being Divinely asked/guided to bring this intuitive connection with God/Christ to people who are hungry and longing to hear His messages.

Each day after my meditation and/or journal writing, I ask Divine/God, "How can I be of service today?" And then I listen and have an open heart to find out what presents itself. Sometimes it's picking up a sick kid from school, sometimes it's reading cards for a client or leading a yoga class, and perhaps today, it's answering this email :) . It varies, but I feel my service to others is guided by my intuition and faith in God.

If I had to come up with an analogy, I feel I am a Divine instrument, doing God's work in the best way I know how by listening and having faith.

Wow! This has become a very philosophical email...but it seems to be coming from my heart and perhaps is the message you need to hear (and/or one I need to process and deliver).

I wish you well on your quest. Please let me know if you have any additional thoughts and stay in touch as you move forward on your journey.

If you'd like, you can check back to the blog every Tuesday for Intuitive Tuesday where I select one tarot card and give my interpretation to the readers. Click here or go to: www.wildwomenuniverse.com.

If you like what you read on the blog, you can subscribe (free) to the Wild Women of the Universe blog in a Reader and/or get an email reminder each week by clicking here.

Thanks again for reading the blog and for emailing to me.

Sheri

I'm curious, Wild Women of the Universe readers...what are your thoughts?

Intuitive Tuesday -- Knight of Cups and Hope

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

As I shuffled the cards to select this week's Intuitive Tuesday tarot card, I said, "Tell me what messages I need to bring to my readers this week."  I selected the Knight of Cups from the Gateway to the Divine Tarot deck by Ciro Marchetti.

I smile each time I pull the Knight of Cups because it means the start of new emotions, possibly romantic, and/or something that ignites the passion in your heart. I've been feeling this lately as I jump into a new year with lots of changes, adventures and opportunities ahead of me.

I've covered the Knight of Cups before. To access these posts, click here.

Since I've selected this card before, I pulled another card today (intuitive BONUS) from the Messages of Life deck by Mario Duguay. This card is simply called, "Hope."

These cards are so beautiful and have deep, meaningful messages accompanying the artwork.You can click here to check it out or go to your local (metaphysical) bookstore.

Hope -- I cease to doubt my true nature. I no longer turn my thoughts towards the dark and negative parts inside me, the world of fear. 

I welcome life and hold on to my faith in God and God's love. I enter into the great School of Life, steady in the face of all situations because, regardless of the darkness and fear, I know the Light will return. 

There will always be infinite possibilities ahead for me.

These two cards (the Knight of Cups and Hope), combine perfectly today. Knights bring news of change, and in the suit of Cups, these will be experienced as emotional changes. Since the Knight of Cups in the upright position, and because it is accompanied by the Hope card, there is a lightness and excitement about the upcoming changes.

On our way to yoga over the weekend, my DH, Tom, and I got into a conversation about a phrase that Tom uses frequently: "It is as it is."

This can be interpreted in a "negative" way, meaning, "you need to just succumb to the horror of it."

OR you can interpret it in a "positive" way: "It just is, and how you interpret it dictates how you experience it." It's like the "glass half empty/full" argument. The cup is filled halfway with water. Do you describe it as half-empty or half-full?

The bottom line: We create our own reality.

By pulling these two cards today (the Knight of Cups and Hope), remember that MOST of what you experience in life, isn't what happens, but how you experience and interpret what happens.

The Knight of Cups upright symbolizes not only great things coming your way, but you having a great experience with it.

By keeping this perspective, an open mind, and an open heart...today's message is to be excited and hopeful about the changes that are coming your way.