I'm taking MY life back...

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Sometimes the universe send you messages that are subtle...

Well, not today.

Sometimes the universe realizes that you need to be

slapped up aside the head with a frying pan.

Wow, where have I been?

I've been swallowed by the corporate monster.

I've allowed it to seep into every part of my life.

I've allowed it to push me down,

to make me tired/exhausted...

which has made me disappear.

To all my blog world friends I'm sorry I haven't been around much,

to all my friends that I see in real life (well haven't seen lately)

I am sorry that I have disappeared.

It has just felt like too much to balance my world.

I've shut down.

Stayed closed off.

I admit, I gave "them" the keys.

I have allowed someone else to drive my life

while I sat back in zombie mode, 

stressed out beyond recognition

and thus I disappeared.

I'm here to today to let everyone know 

that I'm taking back the keys.

Even if only for small moments at a time

I'm going to drive.

It is my life and not theirs. 

Soul Whispers...Live, Work, Create

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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If you live in Brooklyn, NY 

then you have probably walked past

 this sign that is painted on the side of a building.

It always makes me smile.

LIVE, WORK, CREATE.

What a great mantra.

For me, at this moment,

I interpret it like this...

Live (embrace all that life gives you),

Work (currently at a day job that isn't creative),

Create (make art to feel balanced, to learn, and 

to share my story).

LIVE, WORK, CREATE.

Soul Whispers... Life's better...

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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I saw this message more than once this past week.

It is part of a new advertisement for a major bank branch.

And, the best part...

I never noticed the words at the bottom

until I really looked at my photograph.

Universe, you work in amazing ways.

I love this message,

Life's better when we're connected.

It caught my attention in light 

of everything happening in Boston,

and the increased police and

 armed guard presence

 that has returned to NYC this past week.

It made me think about all the people

that are important to me.

I smiled each time I saw the message.

Days later, I took this picture 

and then saw the smaller words;

to potential

to possibilities

(I'm not sure if there are more words

this is where I unconsciously cut it off).

This made me think more.

We all have potential

and, honestly, I believe that 

possibilities are endless.

So, I want to encourage you 

to become connected

to what your heart and soul

see and feel as your potential

and then see what possibilities you have.

Life's better when we're connected

to potential

to possibilities...

Soul Whispers - Choices

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Choices

As a child we are taught the difference between right and wrong.

But, I believe that right and wrong aren't the ONLY choices.

 I believe that making choices is sometimes 

simply choosing which adventure to go on.

One is not right and the other wrong

- the choice you make is what speaks 

to your heart at that very moment in time.

Also, I believe that making choices ALWAYS means that you 

hold the power to make choices all along the journey.

Never feel stuck because of a choice you made.

You hold the power to change where you are.

You hold the power to choose.

Just because you chose to turn left 

doesn't mean that you can't turn around

and go right.

So, today, I want to encourage you to make a choice

based on what speaks to your heart.

Remember, that you can simply

make another choice 

(based on what speaks to your heart) 

along the journey

to change the path.

There are no right or wrong choices.

You aren't being graded.

No judgement.

Most importantly, this isn't about

what "others" think

or would choose

or think you should do

or shouldn't do.

This is about what speaks to your heart.

Only you hold the power to hear this voice.

Only you.

Listen and feel,

pause for what

 tugs at your heart

and choose.

It will be okay.

Remember, it is a journey,

and adventure.

At any time you have the power

to make another choice.

Are you ready to begin?

Choose.

Soul Whispers - It's time to take the next step

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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I've been seeing this ad a lot for the past couple of weeks 

and, I'll be honest, I've been ignoring it.

It's time to take the next step.

What if the next step doesn't have a clear path?

What if there aren't any answers?

What if I'm afraid?

What if the not knowing is holding me back?

What if...what if...what if...

At some point you just have to leap.

I'll be honest, I'm not quite there yet...

But, I'm getting closer.

So, Universe, stop yelling at me.

Gentle reminders will work just as well.

I'm seeing them, trust me, 

I just need my brave girl cape, 

a few more bracelets, and maybe a new pair boots first.

Has the universe been sending you messages?

By the way, May is almost here and I will again be hosting my May Flower Challenge. 

Will you play along?

Every day during May simply blog about flowers. 

Flowers you've made, you've seen, that have inspired you, 

any blog post that is about flowers and link to my daily post in May.

I have a general link on the May Flower Challenge page on my blog

where you can sign up and link your blog to mine.

Soul Whispers - Keep Tomorrow Wide Open

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Are you a planner?

I'd like to think I'm not but I would be lying. 

I prefer to know what is about to come but I am learning

to not expect and just experience.

Don't expect - just experience.

(This may become my new mantra.)

Being present in the now 

instead of being one step ahead of myself isn't easy,

but I'm working on it.

Messages from the Universe are found in many places.

This one, in a magazine.

KEEP TOMORROW WIDE OPEN.

I'm ready for whatever comes next.

My arms are open to embrace the next steps on my journey.

I am trying not to plan the next "what" 

but instead be willing and ready

to just experience it.

Are you keeping tomorrow wide open?

If so, feel free to share how you are doing it in the comments.

Soul Whispers - Stand Back

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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This is what I've been doing lately.

Standing back.

From my creative self.

I've needed time to physically heal, I've been sick.

It's why I haven't been around here much.

Thank you all for your kind well wishes, 

private messages, emails, 

phone calls to make sure that I was okay.

You guys are the best!

As I waited for a train in Boston last week, 

I noticed how faded the message STAND BACK was

and it made me realize that I don't need to stand back anymore.

 I've starting to feel better, 

I've taken care of myself

 (with Superman's help - and love from the fur balls) 

and that means that I can resume my creative life.

I'll be around more often.

I'll post more.

I'll share some of the sketches I've made while in bed.

I'm done standing back!

Soul Whisper - Love Yourself

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Love Yourself

I escaped my apartment this past weekend. 

I wanted a couple of new art supplies so I ventured downtown. 

It has been a while since I've been out to do anything except go to my day job, buy groceries, or take money out of the ATM. 

This illness has kept me down, in bed, in pain, and pretty miserable - and it still isn't over. I'm doing better, and I thank you each for your kind words and love but isn't gone and quite honestly I'm running out of patience. 

But, while I was out on Saturday, I walked past this message from the universe.  It was a reminder that I needed to hear. I thank whomever wrote this on the side of a mailbox and for the wrong turn down the wrong street - which I don't believe was a wrong turn, I believe that I went the wrong way because the universe knew that I needed this message.

Love Yourself

Even when things are difficult,

or not going the way you want them to go,

even when you are struggling,

or in pain,

Love Yourself.

Actually, it is during these times 

that you need to love yourself the most.

Today, do something to nurture you - to love yourself.

All too often we are busy taking care of other people, 

doing things for others, 

getting caught up in the world around us 

that we sometimes forget

 that in order for us to be effective 

and able to do those things 

we must first take care of ourselves. 

So, today...Love Yourself.

Soul Whispers - Feel Better

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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I've spent the past few days taking care of myself. 

(with a lot of help from Superman, Tucker & Java)

Sleeping when needed, 

watching lame television, 

drinking lots of water, 

staying in out of the cold, 

being snuggled by Tucker, 

being sick.

If I look back on the past few weeks,

I just haven't felt quite right.

I've been on the go 

traveling for the day job,

late nights while traveling,

busy days filled with stressful deadlines,

busy, busy, busy.

I know that I didn't feel well 

a couple of weeks ago 

but I was at a conference and I pushed through.

I did NOT listen to my body.

I ignored it and kept going.

I'm pretty good at pushing on.

Well, my body gave up last week

so much so that it required a visit to the doctor,

a chest x-ray,

and prescription medication.

Had a I listened a few weeks ago and paused

it may not have turned into walking pneumonia,

pleurisy and/or costochondritis. 

Sigh...

So, I've been listening for a week now.

I stayed home from work at the end of last week.

I've rested, I've slept,

I've simply been the most tired that I can remember.

I think I'm getting better.

The chest pain is little less, 

I can breathe deeper without pain,

now, this week I must remember to take it slow 

so that I continue to get better.

By the way, I'm participating in
  Vivienne McMaster's Be Your Own Beloved this month 

and I have to say thank you.
At the beginning of February, when I was pushing myself too hard,
the few moments each day that I turned the camera on myself made me pause and check in.

I truly believe that it is what made me stop and begin to take care of myself.

Thank you!

This has taught me to listen more.

To pause, when needed.

To remember that I am not Wonder Woman

as much as I want to be.

Are you listening to your body?

Remember to take care of yourself.

Feel Better

I'll be back to my more regular blog posts filled with photos and art as soon as I can.
Thanks for stopping by and staying in touch.

Soul Whispers - True Love

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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True Love has nothing to hide.

In honor of Valentine's Day this week I decided that love had to be in this week's post.

Luckily there are many options around NYC.

This one made me think...

I wonder if there are people who hide what they love?

Do you?

True love has nothing to hide.

I believe that if we each 

did what we love 

rather than, all too often, 

what someone else thinks 

we should be doing 

- the world would be a happier place.

Are you doing what you love?

By the way, I also believe

that just because you are good at something

doesn't mean it feeds your soul.

This week I want to encourage you to seek out your true love.

What makes your soul sing and your heart dance?

Can you do it at least for 15 minutes each day?

True love has nothing to hide.

Soul Whispers - Soul

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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The Universe speaks in unique ways.

As I walked on the street where I lived I passed this sign. 

SOUL scrawled on part of the scaffolding. 

It made me stop, pull out my phone, and smile for the next few blocks.

I like to think that my art is inspired by nature - created with soul. 

I believe that Soul is a necessary ingredient in doing what you love.

I believe that Soul is that little part of you, inside, 

that dances when you are happy.

Do you know what makes you, your Soul, dance?

I believe that it is your Soul that is behind the whispers that speak to you.

Do you listen to them? Soul rarely screams so you'll need to listen close.

I believe that your Soul knows the truth.

I believe in Soul mates.

I believe that your Soul is wise and often ignored.

I believe that if we all actually listened to our Soul 

the world would be a better place.

I know the following...

My Soul longs to create

from the moment I wake in the morning 

until I am physically too tired to sit up.

It is what makes me the most content.

What does your Soul long for?

Have you listened closely to the whispers of your Soul?

Soul Whispers - Live Better Stories

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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We all have a story to share.

How you see your world is unique 

and therefore your interpretation

is yours and yours alone.

I believe that it is important to share your story.

You can do it, like me, through a blog.

Maybe you share your story through your children.

Maybe you've written a book, 

painted pictures, 

made a movie, 

written a diary...

I saw this sign in a store window recently

 and it made me wonder if my story was good enough.

Parts of my 44 years

 (yes, as of today 44 - where does the time go) 

have been an adventure. 

More exciting, scary, and wonderful than I could have ever dreamed.

I moved from a town of 5,000 people (my home town) 

to Manhattan with a fiance 

who months later was no longer my fiance and I chose to stay.

Yes, I chose to stay - I needed to embrace the city and I did it alone.

It was the biggest leap that I've made so far.

I've been here for twelve years. 

It changed my story in a big way.

I've discovered my creativity beyond my camera 

during the past 18 months and you've been a part of that story.

I reconnected with the love of my life (we dated back when I was 19) 

all because of the internet.

I took a huge leap and contacted him out of the blue 10 years ago.

And, guess what, he has been my SuperMan now for 5 or 6 years, 
we lost count.

It is like time stood still - he is my everything.

There are so many things that make up my story.

And, I believe that the little things define a person's story more 

than the big life changing things, like I mentioned above...

Coffee in the quiet of the morning.

Walks in the park to embrace nature.

Autumn is my favorite time of year because of the colors.

Flowers make me smile and remind of my Mom and Gram.

I love sand between my toes.

I would be happy to never wear shoes again.

The sun makes me smile.

If it is going to be cold out then I want there to be snow.

The purr of a cat will lull me to sleep.

I love to watch people.

I eavesdrop - so easy to do in this city.
I can sit for hours and listen to live music.
I still love to hold hands.
Little kids fill me with joy.

Hmmm, I think I have a really great story 

but I'll work each day at making it better.

Live Better Stories

Tell me a little about your story... 

Soul Whispers - The World IS Listening (and a GIVEAWAY)

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjure emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Today is my 300th post so I'm celebrating with a giveaway. 

Keep reading until end to learn how.

This ad is everywhere in NYC. The Grammys will be publicized on February 10th and this ad is all over the city.

I, of course, had to really look to figure out what the ad was about because my brain created it's own story.

The World IS Listening

This is how I read it, with an emphasis on IS...that is the meaning that it held for me...a reminder

that the world needs my story and that it IS listening.

I believe that sometimes we can get too caught up in our own day-to-day, our own problems, our own drama and we forget that what we do, how we say things, and the people that we interact with all have a ripple effect on our world. 

The smile that you share with a total stranger.

Saying good morning to the person that serves you coffee.

The simple act of asking your waitress her name and using it next time she stop by your table.

Simply saying Thank You.

I believe that these simple acts are part of how you tell/share your story.

They are a part of you.

The World IS Listening

Your perspective on life is yours and yours alone. 

Two people that stand on a busy street corner and witness the same 2 minutes of time do not have the same experience.

How you see and experience your world is unique.

The World IS Listening

How will you share your story?

Through pictures?

By a simple act of kindness saying thank you?

Making art?

Singing a Song?

By helping others?

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This is my 300th post and to celebrate 

I am giving away an 8x10 photographic print 

of one of my favorite photographs, "Cold Morning Horse".

To enter just leave a comment on this post.

All comments left between now and Thursday, 1/31, at noon EST will be eligible. 

The winner will be announced on Friday's, 2/1 post.