My new friend...

Welcome to January! Is it me or is time flying, already? Things are manifesting like crazy; it is almost surreal. I’m diggin’ it. Are you??

I have a story for you (don’t I always. Ha!) I have a new friend…

His name is “P.”

You see, “P” is not someone new to my life; he is actually an ex boyfriend. Yes, it is true. Shocking news!!

But, “P” is now one of my closest friends and even though we are still crazy about each other; we’ve decided that being friends is the better path for us to take. We still see each other, talk and share our lives with each other; but it is a different relationship. Some days being “friends” can be challenging, but the joy of having each other in our lives outweighs a little heartache for us both every now and then.

I’m sharing this because this is a new experience for me and I thought it might help some of you out there when it comes to honoring your heart and making choices that not only serve you but support the other person. Making these choices takes a lot of maturity, awareness, compassion and confidence.

You see, most of my relationships have ended somewhat abruptly. I usually have to sever contact after a break-up to allow for healing and space. Because I feel so deeply, having contact with my ex's initially caused confusion and made the healing process longer and a little harder. So, as a result, I decided at some point with each of them to limit or sever contact. Most them didn’t like this solution (sorry!!), but I felt it was necessary and it wasn't forever;)

I can say that I have the fortune to be close friends with my ex’s (there’s only a couple:)), but it did take some time to reconnect and form a new relationship. I am grateful that I still have these men in my life. I feel still having them as close friends says a lot about our appreciation for each other and the gratitude we have for the experience we shared.

The relationship transition with “P” happened over a period of weeks, which is pretty fast, but what I noticed in that time was that I was that my love and appreciation for him grew, and with this feeling, I had the realization that I made the right decision and that we would be great friends and have fun supporting each other in a different way.

You see, sometimes when things don’t work out in a relationship or the timing isn't right, we get angry, lash out and try to hurt the other person. Sometimes we give away our power do things to manipulate the other person (not always intentional) to get what we want. And sometimes we shut off; walk away as if we never even knew the person. Now, these are all very real situations (break-ups can be messy!); however, there are many people that end a relationship with love and choose to be friends, part ways, in a graceful way. I admire these types of people and think it’s beautiful that they end their experience with the person this way.

I've may or may not have done one or two of the above. Haha! ;)

As much as it’s hard to leave a relationship sometimes, I do believe that intuitively, we know when something is not right/working or when the timing isn't aligned . Sometimes we ignore the nudges, signs or what is evident, but I believe this serves a purpose, as well.We’re not meant to know everything right away…that would inhibit the experience, the magic in discovery and the FUN!

I believe that when you feel a magnetic pull or energy with someone, it means that the relationship is not over. If there is no energy or pull between you and the other person, then usually, the learning and growth in the relationship has manifested and you form a new kind of relationship.

Every relationship in our lives serves a purpose and romantic relationships can foster some enormous personal growth for both individuals. There are blessings and light in all relationships in our lives. Even negative experiences teach us something and that something may be about what we don’t like and want.

I met “P” at the perfect time in my life and I think “P” would say that I entered his life at the perfect time, too:)We create smoke and fire when were together as a couple, but as friends, well, we’re creating only a mere steam…haha! Right, "P?" ;)

So, loving can be beautiful, painful, fun, passionate, frustrating...but it is all good for us. I'd rather love and take risks in love, rather than chose to protect myself from fully experiencing a person or situation. The first is so much more rewarding:)

Now about 20111.I’m telling you. Anything that didn’t work for you in 2010 is gonna clear out of your life like a tornado if it hasn’t already (I have a feeling it has for most of you). THIS IS THE YEAR for major growth and dreams coming to fruition. Anything you took a chance on in 2010 will pay off big time this year. I’m seeing it in my life with my business, readings and personal life…and it is just the beginning. EXCITING!!

Be conscious where and with whom you devote your energy. If you want your goals to manifest, focus on them. I am confident that with focused intention in the next month or two, you’ll see how quickly things happen. Really, I mean it!!

To help you clear and prepare your energy for this year, use my 7^th Chakra Spray (Light). And to bring in the new energy and manifestations, use my 4^th, 5^th or 6^th Chakra Sprays (Love, Truth and Connection). They DO work!!! Another promise! Haha!

"And cut!!"

Let’s please now talk about music!!!

I am so in love with this band!! I’m sure many of you already know them, but because this is going to be a year of awesomeness, I had to feature them. They make me so incredibly happy:

The Black Keys! Here are two of my favorite songs You're the One and Everlasting Light. Take a listen and you’ll fall in love, too!

Another band that I’m obsessed with (also, one that many of you are probably aware of) is:

Bon Iver. Words cannot convey my love; oh my love, for this artist. Check out Skinny Love and The Wolves (Act 1 & 2). I wanna live in their world. Will you lemme, please??

One last recommendation. This one is for “P.” :)

Pixies Here Comes Your Man and

The Virgins Fernando Pando.

So, that is all my friends. Things are going well and I can genuinely say that I am happy and am excited about all that is happening. I knew I came out to LA for a reason and now I’m starting to see the purpose, but I know that more has yet to be revealed….of course, you’ll be the first to hear about it;)

And a thank you to “P” for being who you are and what you are to me:)

LOVE to you all!! Let’s make it a special year!!

Mwah!

Take me home...

“Take me home;
Country roads
To the place
I belong.”

John Denver

When I think about the holidays, I immediately anticipate the time I'll spend with my family and friends. Woo hoo (!!); juxtaposition to these thoughts is a vision of seeing my dad sitting on the back patio, singing along to John Denver with an endearing look of joy and contentment...and it delights me to no end.

In the past 20 sum years or more, I do not recall a time when he hasn’t played John Denver on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you want to see someone "light up;" you should see my dad in front of a computer watching John Denver videos:) It's pretty adorable. If there was ever a man crush that went down in the Guinness Book of World records, it is this one. Ha! Fortunately, my mom can handle it;)

I will admit, I gush over hundreds of artists, and probably have the same look of utter bliss on my face when listening to them, but to see how happy “JD” makes my dad…well, there really isn’t anything like it. What brings me joy is seeing him in that space of pure delight. That is what I look forward to and receive the most pleasure from; seeing my loved ones happy; seeing people happy. And beyond this, nothing makes me happier than being home.

I was thinking of all of this, this morning while listening to Ray LaMontagne (my John Denver:)).While listening the song "Old Before Your Time," I had this overwhelming desire to be in the pines, barefoot, soaking up nature. Next thing you know, I’m barefoot in my kitchen, making homemade berry preserves at 8am, swaying as I stir the preserves and in my thoughts picturing myself in a cabin, with a fire, music in the background, the smell of the Ponderosa's in the cool air. Umm, yeah, wonderful (!) until I realized that it was probably not the BEST time to be doing this as I had to be out the door at 8:30am!!! Gave myself 15 min to shower, dress and scoot. Whoopsie!! It was worth it.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because I want us all to appreciate the simple things in life; the beauty of family and friends; the delight of music and the light it can evoke in us; the glory of nature and what it provides. The basic things that ground us and make us feel good.

So, this Holiday, give yourself the break you need, the nurturing, the little gifts that make you feel good. Please do the same for your family and friends. Let them know how much you appreciate them and do small things to make them feel good.

I’m looking forward to sitting on the patio with my “Papa” and family; under the stars, next to a fire with JD in the background. Maybe I’ll sneak my man in, too (RLM).

Wanna take a listen to some “root’ music. Check out Ray’s latest album. Every time I take a listen, I seriously long to be in the mountains. God Willin' & The Creeks Don't Rise

Another artist that brings me back home is: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Song "Home"

Now back to business....Ha!

Wanna smell some clean fresh air??? Use the Clarifying Room Spray from Life!! This formula combines a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary…perfect for this time of year!! Ummhmm...

Another plug:) - I am giving 15% off any readings scheduled within before January 1st. I want to support you all going in to the New Year!!! Yay!!! Send me an email or visit my website: http://www.fairygirlbliss.com/

Please enjoy yourself and your loved ones this Holiday Season. My wish is that you are all blissfully happy, always and that all that you hold in your heart comes true for you.

Enjoy this time. Rest. Rejuvenate and get ready for the New Year. It’s gonna be a good one (hold on to your hats!!).

Much love,
Carrie

BRING. IT. ON....

Hello my beautiful friends! Welcome to November!!

My goodness. I cannot tell you how much I've been looking forward to November!

Over the last while I've been telling people: "Wait until November; things will be better then and much easier." I'm EXCITED about this month. Already, I feel the energy and am running through the gates of manifestation. BRING...IT...ON! Haha!

I'll tell you, the last few months have been just, well, "okay." (wink and a smirk). I've had blessings come my way which I'm so grateful for, but emotionally, I haven't been feeling overly excited about too much. I've missed my family and friends back in Phoenix, resisted being in Los Angeles and have been so busy working and just coping, that I haven't truly been living and enjoying. It's taken a while to adjust, but I am proud of how I've dealt with the process, what I've accomplished so far, and feel in my heart that it is only going to get better. I know with big risks come big rewards (well, I hope that's the case here. Haha!).

To summarize the above, I am happy to say... I'M BACK!! And as enthusiastic as ever! Something is in the air and I feel it with every fiber of my being. :) Now, I cannot identify what the excitement is about, but I like the element of surprise that accompanies the energy I'm feeling, so we'll all just have to wait and see what it's about. ;)

(see...I'm dancing...it's a start:)).

Now how are all of you feeling??? Come on, don't be shy? You feeling a different energy going into November???

Of course there is a message in this post, (I cannot resist) so please open your ears, eye, hearts, minds...here it comes...

The message is this: ALLOW. Allow yourself to be exactly who you are in every moment. Do not filter, resist, shut down, hide. Allow yourself to live, grieve, laugh, cry, learn, cope, love, be afraid, be hopeful, be vulnerable...just allow it to happen. What I've learned from the transitions in my life is how to allow myself to be exactly how I need to be in the moment and always. I've allowed myself to be overwhelmed and to voice that to friends and family. I've allowed myself to be sad, to grieve being away from people I love. I've allowed myself the space to heal, grow and learn. I've allowed myself to love, to be open and to not feel like I need to be anything or anyone other than exactly who I am...as vulnerable and sensitive as that may be at times.

So often in my readings, relationships and interactions with people, I see resistance and how people attempt to protect themselves. I see how we as humans create blocks and limit ourselves. I see how we don't "allow" ourselves to feel, to express our emotions, to love and to learn from an experience. Instead we force. We push. We contradict and stifle because we are afraid that if we shared our truth, we will be rejected...and worst of all, we won't be loved.

Allowing in my mind is different from letting go. Allowing is a conscious decision, a permission we grant ourselves. "I will allow myself to let this go." See what I'm saying?? Permission first (allowing), action to follow (letting go).

I'm "allowing" myself to have some fun. I'm working hard and things are building with my business and readings, which is exciting, but I am giving myself permission to be light and play, too:) I can do both. Haha! I hope you do the same!! Come play with me!! :) PLEASE:)

I am thrilled to announce that Life Aromatherapy products are now in Exhale Center for Sacred Movement in Venice. It is a world recognized studio with some of the best yoga teachers in the country. The staff and environment are wonderful and incredibly gracious. Thank you Exhale! I'm so thankful!! Come check out the studio if you're in the area or visiting. They have classes for everyone and their studio is beautiful.

We are are also doing well selling our Chakra Sprays at Mystic Journey Bookstore. It's a special store in Venice where you can literally spend hours reading and perusing through all their delightful items. I do readings there every Wednesday and am so happy to be part of the energy there and what they are doing. Thank you Mystic Journey!!

So, back to YOU! I want to support some friends in this blog. I believe in these people and want you to know about them, too!

Photography: Chris McPherson, Ben Zorensky, Jack Goldfarb

Art: Tracey Chikos (left - keep an eye out for her! LOVE her work!), Marcella Kroll, Emily Klein, Lisa Goldfarb (also, fabulous artists and ladies!!) Tom Tuberty

Yoga Studios: Urban Yoga Phoenix, Bikram Yoga Tempe, Exhale

Home Design: 27 Ground

Estheticians: Kiki Estique, Shannon Thorpe

Fitness: Elise Gulan-Molinelli

Jewelry: Tag it Green, Lovenailtree, akawelle.com

Clothing/Accessories: Peacelovelife tees, Flashpants, Lululemon, Planet Blue, Life Awareness Tees!

Favorite Chai: Bridgit's Chai (Trying to find her website. I love this woman and her chai!! She sells to local coffee places in Los Angeles...delish!!)

Graphic Design: Redhead Design

Cool Conscious Bags: apolisactivism.com

Counseling: Heidi Sonntag, Courtney Long (both in Arizona) - for those interested in Heidi's services, email me and I'll give you her information. She's wonderful!

Intuitive Guidance: Yours Truly:) - In case you need a little more support:)

Now, you know what is next, don't you?? Ahhem...music! Remember?

I'm featuring this band because they are delightful and I am seeing them this month, so I am especially excited and want to share them with all of you! Stars is their name and their instrumentals and voices transport you to another place. I'm posting one of my favorite songs that is more fun and lively (like the energy of this month). Check it out: Stars - Midnight Coward

Please allow yourself the space to love, learn, grow, grieve and be joy-filled. Be whatever, whomever you need to be in the moment. As you know, I have your back and am supporting you, always:)

That is it my friends. Get out there and have some fun. Visit me and we'll have LOTS of fun. Promise:) Mwah! xoxoxo

Back the truck up...

Where do I begin?

I've noticed something last week: aggression, anger, angst. Loads and loads of it and all being "dumped" into the Universe, on me, on friends...everywhere.

I had a feeling that something had to be happening with the planets, as this kind of behavior cannot be a coincidence. My friend who is an astrologist informed me that Saturn recently moved into Aries (the sign of action) and people are typically "fiery" and aggressive when this occurs. Please make it stop. :) Please, please, please. I knew it had to be something!!

Twice in the same week I've heard the same sentiments. "When people are around those individuals that are confident, authentic and full of light, it can be intimidating. Sometimes people don't know how to behave or respond and it can evoke insecurities"

I feel these sentiments, agree and am sharing all of this with a light heart, as I know that when healing occurs, it's not always pretty. When someone evokes our insecurities, it's not comfortable. When we haven't done the work on ourselves to even understand our feelings, insecurities, emotions, etc. it can be doubly frightening, and because we don't understand it, we get angry, frustrated...and sometimes lash out.

This is what I've encountered lately. People lashing out! People that dislike themselves so much, that they want others to suffer. People that are so hurt, they want to hurt others:(

I have empathy for these people, but at the same time, wish they would look in the mirror, do some self-evaluation and heal all that they are harboring. People discount therapy, but lemme tell you, the wisest souls I know have gone to extensive therapy and are constantly "evaluating" there behavior, their effects on others and impact all together. They are some of the healthiest and insightful people I know.

I enjoyed reading something recently form Thich Nhat Hanh - Teachings on Love (WONDERFUL book!!!). He was talking about loving others and how when people do not love themselves, they suffer. To help others have more compassion, he said that we must "see how the person who has made you suffer has suffered and continues to suffer himself. You need to see what has led him to his current situation. People who suffer make those around them suffer. They may have been unlucky, never having the chance to be cared for and loved. Such persons have suffered from the time they were small children. They have been wronged and abused. Once you can see this, your heart will open."

I couldn't agree more. So much of our behavior is stemmed from our childhood. If we didn't get the love we needed, or weren't allowed to speak up, express ourselves, were abused, neglected, abandoned emotionally...it can leave some deep wounds that can take a lifetime to heal, if ever. I also believe that when we love and know who we are, we are less "affected" by others. We can have empathy, detach with love, support with love, but stay in our own space, uneffected by what other people say and do. I also believe that when you are in this space of love, you will attract people that mirror the same back to you. This journey IS all about LOVE, I believe.

I am grateful that I have intuitive abilities to see through the surface and understand where behaviors are coming from, but it doesn't mean I accept poor behavior or will allow people to treat me badly. It just means that I understand, have empathy and respond according. Most of the time I try to see the person as a child. I see that they are acting out because they don't know how to express their emotions in a healthy way...a more direct, loving and honest way.

So, there is my bit of "psychoanalysis" of what is going on "energetically" and "emotionally" with people lately. I feel that even as soon as today, things are getting lighter. But last week, more than once, I wanted to say "back the truck up!!" and "check it before you wreck it!" Haha! Seriously, though. Whew! It was an exhausting week! But again, a flood of positive, action oriented energy is on it's way starting today. I can feel it!

So what's new with all of you?? :) How you feeling?

Side note: I try to share information in my posts to offer inspiration. Most times I like to bring humor into what I share (well, I"attempt" to make you laugh), but sometimes I need to share a more direct message that is not always so"funny"...whah, whah:() I share what I feel because I want to empower people to be their most authentic selves. Life is not perfect. We are not perfect. My favorite phrase is "what IS perfect is imperfection." I like that I am flawed, that's what makes me "me." I don't want to be perfect. I want to be real and live from a place of truth. We are often so afraid to "say," to "be" to show and share our true selves, and I'm here to encourage you all to do so!! :) Are you hearing what I'm say'n??

I have to say that I am incredibly grateful for my family and friends. I feel that they are all so incredibly in-tune and I don't have to explain a lot. They just understand. They know me...and it is an invaluable gift. Thank you to all of you that love and support me and my work. YOU inspire ME!

Now for something really serious...MUSIC!!! I've mentioned this artist before, I feel, but she is fantastic and has an incredibly strong voice, which I thought was appropriate for this post:) Check out Florence & the Machine. Favorite song: The Dog Days are Over http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sszAVSx4Wwo

What's new! Perfume moving a long:) Our Chakra Sprays are now available at Mystic Journey Bookstore (www.mysticjourneybookstore.com) Yay!! Everything else is coming along and life in general is great. Feel really blessed.

I'm coming to Phoenix!!! If you're in the area, come down to Urban Yoga Phoenix on October 9 from 3-5pm for a Detox Chakra Flow class with yours truly:) It's gonna be a good time and you're gonna feel amazing, promise! Please bring a towel and water! Call Urban Yoga to register: 602.277.9642

One more thing...if you are trying to schedule a reading with me, please email me at: carrie@fairygirlbliss.com. I will have a direct line to call for you shortly, as well! If you would like to learn more about my readings go to: www.fairygirlbliss.com

I'll be posting my Tip on my Life Aromatherapy page in a few days. Look for my "favorites" list. I have some good stuff to share!!

Sending love, love, love your way!!
Carrie

Have you lost your marbles???

Yeah, I've totally lost it. I'm loosing my marbles (what does that expression mean by the way???And if we are destined to lose our marbles, how many do we get to start with?? I'm worried).

I was thinking the other day about something that happened while I was visiting my sister in NY. We were getting ready to step into the elevator in her building; as my sister opened the door to get in (it's an old, old elevator - seriously, I think there was a man with a pulley harnessing us up and down the shoot), I heard her say "Oh, oh, OH!! You going down to the basement? You go ahead!! We'll wait for it to come up." Now, I could only see a sliver of the woman she was speaking to. She was a bit in her years, probably mid 80's, hair a bit crazy, but that is all I could see...and I had no idea why my sister didn't want to get in the elevator with her.

As my sister and I were waiting for the little pulley man to bring up the elevator (grin & wink), she turned to me and quietly said "she wasn't wearing any pants!" "SAY WHAT????" I replied. "No, really, she wasn't wearing any pants." OMG! Underwear was present, but no pants!! I HAD to see for myself, but at the same time I DIDN'T want to see!

The elevator arrived, we stepped in and I saw it all. The woman was standing there in her tee shirt, her crazy hair, and no pants! My heart broke. I was half laughing, half crying inside. I wanted to help her...or someone(!) to help her find those darn pants!

We carried on, and I have to admit more than once that day, I cracked up thinking about the whole "situation" and at the same time, felt terribly sad for the woman. I wondered if she had anyone that looked after her and if she's often left the house with no pants:(

Surprisingly, we encountered her later that afternoon outside my sisters building, dressed in a pant suit! (HUH?) and smoking!!! "Ok" I thought to myself. How could this woman, one minute be pantless, crazy-haired and the next all dolled-up and smoking outside as if she was never in the elevator, hanging out in just her skinnies??

Maybe she's a little nutty, or perhaps a bit senile (awe, I really hope not) or maybe she just doesn't care! And if she doesn't, then I LOVE her and think she is a crazy superfreak!!

The moral (if there is one) of this story is this: I'm a bit loopy, too! We all can be "nutty" at times...and I love that! We are emotional beings. It is impossible to be continually "normal" (whatever that is). I believe when we truly feel comfortable with who we are, we are less likely to be concerned about what others think of us. We are no longer affected by others or afraid to show our true selves, even our "nutty, crazy, freaky" self.

I'm a superfreak and I like it. I try to be an example and support others with my work, but I love that I am emotional being and I love that I can be super goofy, super sensitive, and super okay with all facets of myself. There are days when I literally lose my marbles and am a bit coo-coo and I like it. Now, granted, I'm not leaving home without my pants and with crazy-hair (thank goodness!), but there are days when I want to go to the store in my pajamas (which, by the way my mom thinks is a dress!!), and not put any effort in to being anything other then what I am in that moment, sans make-up, proper attire, etc.

Subliminal insert here: If you use the Life Aromatherapy skin care, body products and natural perfume line, you will always smell and look good regardless of you having no make-up, no pants, or pajamas on. People will be so caught up in trying to figure out what that "amazing smell is" and how you got that "glow" and will not notice your crazy hair, lack of proper clothing, etc. :) So, you better get some product now, superfreaks out there! ;)

Okay - I have to stop, because this blog is going no where at this point. Ha!. Keep your pants on, be crazy every now and again, and love who you are, always!

Here's a little update on what I've been doing (if you are interested. Ha!)

1.)Surprisingly, I've been organizing my writing to submit. Woo hoo! I'll post a couple bits for you to read when I can:) I am finishing up some stories, which might take some time, but I am submitting my poems and "inspirational" works in the meantime. So many of you have encouraged me to do this, and I want to "thank you" for that. We'll see how it goes, and in the meantime, I'll continue to bore you and attempt to make you laugh through outlets like this blog;)

2.)I've developed a natural, high-end perfume line. The design and packaging are currently in the works! Some of you currently use my "custom" perfume blends (distinctive to the person I create them for) but I've formulated a universal line for everyone to enjoy. There are 9 different unisex perfumes, so far. More are in development. I will let you know when I launch them (of course) so you can be the first to try! In the meantime, I am still making custom perfumes. In case you are interested in how the custom blends work: Basically, I use my intuitive skills to "tune in" and see what oils resonate with your energy and body chemistry. I keep the recipe card, so that it is solely "your" scent. The perfume oils are all natural and stay on the skin for hours. You will LOVE them. Guaranteed!! You can contact me directly at: lifearomatherapy@gmail.com if you are interested:) Mention that you read about the custom blends from this blog and I'll give you 15% off your first perfume order:) Mwah!

3.) Looking into switching over to Wordpress for my blog and adding it to my Life Aromatherapy webpage or Carrieannkeller.com. I'm trying to make things easier for people to access and I hear wordpress is the way to go (but, I LOVE blogspot!!). If you have feedback on this, let me know.

4.) Readings. Resting. Yoga!!!

5.) Listing to music:) I've been listening to my "boyfriend" Devendra Banhart's latest album called What Will We Be. A song on the album that makes me happy is: Can't Help but Smiling. He is totally eccentric, but I love that about him and think he is a special guy. He's a fabulous artist to boot! Check him out here: http://www.devendrabanhart.com/

Devendra (before make-up)

Devendra (with make-up)
He's so pretty.

That is it for now! Looking forward to hearing from you soon and remember....superfreaky is not geeky, but shee-kay:)

Sending tons of love,

Carrie

Oops!! One more thing!! Mark your calendars! I'm coming to Phoenix again to teach a Aromatherapy Chakra Flow Class at Urban Yoga. The workshop will fall on October 9th from 1-3pm. Get ready for some fun! I will provide more details, soon!!

And the sky opened up...

I realize it's been awhile, so this one's a long one:)

I saw the most beautiful thing the other day on my walk. A little pocket of light on a gloomy day in Santa Monica. I had to share it with you all. Take a peek:

My walks are always meditative and therapeutic. I love being in nature, walking for miles, sometimes listening to music. That day I remember I was walking a quarter-mile or so before I decided to look up. And what did I see??? Light. A gorgeous pocket of light!

Seeing nature and it's magnificence always keeps things in perspective for me. When I saw the light shining down on the ocean, I was overwhelmed with emotion...and gratitude.

I was grateful for all the beauty around me and for these special moments in nature when something so beautiful takes your breath away. I am constantly reminded in nature and in interactions with people, just how lucky I am to be here experiencing life.

When I looked at the sky, I saw something similar to what I see in children, in people, in art, in music...in most everything that is "uplifting" and is "joy-filled." We all have the same light. It's our willingness to shine it that allows others to see it.

I made a choice with my work, my line, all that I do, to shine my light. Remembering this, even on my "off" days, helps me get through. I chose this path (or it chose me:)). I choose to see the light in everyone...no matter how much people try to hide it:) Maybe if we all choose to see the good and light in others, we can all, as John Lennon sang "live as one." Are you gagging right now??? Haha!

On another note....;)

Alight. I need to confess something. I seriously want to be Larry David. Well, maybe not "BE" him but perhaps work with him. Ha! More times than I can count, I find myself in mid-conversation with someone, pretending that I am in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm!!

I am always present when interacting with others, but I have to admit at times, in my mind, I am creating a Larry David scenario...thinking of what I would say if I was him, picturing the other persons reaction, silently cracking myself up.

I was thinking about why I like him; I think it's his blatant honesty (at times). He doesn't let other people get away with much and he says what other people are afraid to say. Now granted, he is also completely neurotic, dramatic and self-consumed, BUT, he still makes me laugh:)

My friend recently told me a story that should absolutely be a new skit for him. I can see him doing this! Here's the story:

My friend bought a watermelon at a Costco. She went home, was excited to eat this delicious watermelon, sliced it open, took a bite and was totally disappointed. It was tasteless. Juicy, but absolutely tasteless. Now most people in a similar situation might be disappointed, but decide to do something else with the watermelon, or just toss it altogether (yes, many of us would do this!), but she decided to take it back to Costco. To Costco!!

Anyone who has ever been to this store knows that a trip to Costco can be fun and uh...not so fun. Upon arrival to one of their stores you are faced with a parking maze, long lines (especially the return lines), and lots and lots of people! A trip to Costco can require a bit of patience. It is also a very exciting adventure for some....right Papa??

My friend said that she was "fed up" with just "accepting" things. I realize the trip back to Costco stood for something more and so, as I was crying with laughter listening to her story, inside I was proud of her for having the guts to do it...to stand up for herself. She had the guts to return the sorry watermelon! She was willing to stand in line with a huge watermelon in her hands (those things are heavy) and she didn't care who saw her (well, maybe a little...she did say she looked over her shoulder a couple times and prayed that no one she knew would see her), but she did it!!! She returned a watermelon that she didn't like! To COSTCO!!! I am proud of you sister!! Haha.

Sometimes we all gotta take a stand. Maybe that is the real reason that I like Larry (and my friend). He's not afraid to speak up (sometimes when he's gotten in trouble he's pretty silent, though:)) and neither was my friend. Sometimes when we are ready to speak up, our actions and words might be more overt, but in time, we learn to fine tune them:)

I'm all about speaking your truth, taking a stand...just be gentle when you do it. We might be ready and have the courage to do it, but not everyone might be ready to hear it, therefore, practice in "delivery" might be helpful:) BUT, I do believe when we speak our truth it helps everyone, ultimately. Don't be afraid. I've got your back;)

Hmm...what next?? Oh you know what's next!!!

Favorite band today is: Thao. Take a listen here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdGdY-EooR8&feature=related

Yes! They are playing in a bathroom! I'm gonna knock on my bathroom shower gel and create a fabulous tune, too;) Take a look at her wrist before they play. I think she is wearing my manifestation beads!!! Oh, also, I have a little crush on the scruffy guitarist...just sayin'.

That is all for now. Return those WATERMELONS! Take a stand. Be a Larry! JUST DO IT!

Muah!!

Carrie

Cha Cha Cha....

Lately, I feel as though I'm doing a little cha cha dance...one and two and...cha cha cha...and one and two and cha cha cha. Yes, each day, I get up (one) set up an intention/goal for the day (and two) and then begins the cha cha cha, as things never seem to go as planned. I either get a phone call that ties me up, an email that takes me longer then usual to respond to, an impromptu request to meet someone, an order needs to go out, I squeeze someone in for a reading, or I have an overwhelming need to go make some pumpkin bread, fresh preserves, chai tea or take a walk...just to find some clarity! Ha! (I think I've mastered the preserves and breads. Yum!!)

You see, starting out in a new place is like a dance. You learn the steps initially,then you learn the rhythm, you make some missteps and work on your coordination, you refine the process with practice, and then you dance.

I am just learning to dance here. I am focusing on the steps (what is a priority with my work, what will sustain my living here, whom I want to meet with, work with). I am finding my rhythm and developing some sort of routine (although with all that I have to juggle...nothing is "routine"). I'm finding my balance....and slowly learning how to "dance."

I recently posted in my Tip for June a message about patience and being kind to yourself in the midst of major change. In my heart, I feel that I am doing my best to be patient with myself, but there are days when I cry because I miss my family and friends back home. I miss teaching yoga and connecting with my students (meeting with some studios here, so it won't be long before I start teaching) and I don't feel like I'm dancing just yet:(...more like just starting to learn the steps and find my rhythm:)

The universe has brought me here. I felt the pull and I went with the energy. I am not one to "uproot" and make this sort of change unless I felt it was part of my higher purpose and would help me evolve and fulfill my dreams. I'm a nester and had some pretty deep roots in Phoenix. Being away from all the people I love is the hardest part of this change...the absolute worst part of it all. But, I will find my balance, learn to dance and live the fullest life I can here.

What has helped during this transition. Oh, come on now... you know!! MUSIC!! Yes, yes, yes! Recently I am madly, crazy, INSANELY (!) in love with the Local Natives. The song: Airplane is especially meaningful to me:) I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've listened to that song. Their music is incredible...and guess what?? They live in Silverlake! So, perhaps I'll bump into them at the local coffee hangout. Hmmm...now that I'm thinking of it, I could use a chai tea right now...Check them out!!! (big grin and wink;)

Well, I'm gonna hang in there and keep my chin up, because ultimately, life is great (!) and I'm a lucky girl in so many ways (especially because of all your support!!) Only wonderful things to look forward to and a bunch of new dance routines to learn!

That is all for now. I miss you all and, as always, am sending my love!!

Mwah!

Carrie

ps - I'm coming to Phoenix!! If you are in the area July 23rd, come visit me at Urban Yoga for a special (and fun!) Vinyasa Flow class from 6:30pm-8:30pm. I'll be diffusing my oils, doing my intuitive stuff:) and sequencing a heart opening (and challenging) practice to clear the chakras and leave you feeling lighter and energized in your body and spirit! Class will end with a short meditation to ground and balance your energy. Register through Urban Yoga