Category Archives: Mixed media

Sep26

Aging With Grace!

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Aging With Grace!

Who is this Grace anyway? And why are we suppose to age like her?

Aren’t those the questions that we ask ourselves each day we wake up. The other question is, “Who is that old woman in the mirror!” That question haunts me each day.

The one thing I realize, as I age, we need to stick together, and support one another. Lift each of us up when they are down. By the grace of God, we are not all down at once. This is most helpful in survival!

I am creating this blog, changing its name, and the objective. I’m sure I will still have a little frittering of content here and there, but mostly this blog is to give us each the courage to keep moving, keep up our mental health. I can’t do much about our bodies, except realize we all have challenges. Whether we look fabulous at 75, or we’re going to hell in a hand basket at 74.

The boat is getting bigger, we are getting bigger, and we are in this together! As we age, we are actually more valuable. I think we are aging like fine wine. Full of experience, full of love, and full of compassion. At least, that’s what I’m aspiring to. I have more patience, understanding, and love for my fellow man than ever before. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely don’t love everyone, sometimes I don’t even like some people. But I love being around people, talking to them. I love hearing music from a different country’s or hearing the lilt in their languages. I love seeing the different colors, and jewelry they wear. I love learning about our differences. I even thrive on hearing their opinions, and ideas.

Lately, I’ve been watching, “Advanced Style” on You tube. Those videos are what give me inspiration to write this blog. They are uplifting, fun, and definitely something to think about. Some of the women are in their 100’s, and still vibrant. If you get a chance check the videos out.

Of course, this is all from my prospective, and you may feel different. As a matter of fact, I’d be surprised if you didn’t feel differently, that’s what makes us all so wonderful.

Together we stand, Karen

Sep10

Time for a Redo, Seasoned With Style!

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I couldn’t believe how long it had been since I had blogged until one day recently I looked to see just how long it had been. Lately, I’ve been thinking about a redo for my long forgotten blog, and that’s when I discovered how lazy I really was. Sure there have been things going on, but when I look back it made me wonder, what had been so time consuming, what had I been doing, and just how lazy was I?

For the last two and a half years I have ween working out at the YMCA.

It started with the realization that if I didn’t do something to keep moving, I would surely stiffen up and turn to stone!

So I hired a good trainer, and with so much courage I couldn’t stand it, I marched into the YMCA my very first day. Generally the first day of anything is scary, but I faked it the best I could. It was an easy day, because I just had to answer a lot of questions, and fill out paperwork ( I love paperwork). At this time I was able to get to know my trainer, and he me. That made me feel much more comfortable, and made the second day a lot easier.

Since I was only going once a week, I had a lot of time to get myself into a place of great courage, because of course everyone would be watching me.

All decked out for another appearance, I entered the Y the second time. This went on for well over a year. Eventually, I kicked it up to twice a week, but this was it, I didn’t have any intention of going to workout more than two days a week…. by the end of almost three years I just punched it up to three days a week, and it feels good. But, this is it!!! I’m far to busy to workout more than three days in one week! After all I have to make time for a nap! I feel naps are important for stamina, and creativity!

Recently I started thinking about how life continually changes, and meanwhile we are all getting older. Well I am, I don’t know about you. In my “retirement community,” there are so many grumpy people. People don’t seem to embrace the “Golden Years!” Many aren’t healthy, or their families are far away, but for whatever their reasons they are unable to find happiness in much of anything. I find this increadably sad.

On YouTube there are so many posts of seasoned people who dress up just to make breakfast, or go for a walk, and listening to them gives me a good deal of inspiration. So in short, if this is in short, I plan to rename my blog. I haven’t decided exactly what I will be calling it, but the focus will be on Growing older with Grace, and Gusto.. That might even be a good name!

Coming soon a whole new look, with a whole new focus. Stay tuned…..

See you soon, Karen

Aug24

What Do Our Words Really Say

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I’ve been reading a new book titled, The Man Made of Words, by N. Scott Momaday.

It brought to mind that the words we use, the words we say, and how we say them can be of great impact to others. Just think about the ways we can or do get a point across. Sometimes we will repeat a story 900 times, other times we forget and leave things out, but other times we can be impatient, and be cutting, or even cruel. We all have said something that we didn’t quite mean the way it came out, but did any of us ever think of how those words made the other person feel. My son tells me I beat a dead horse, and he is not happy about it!

I’m an impatient person by nature, so I’m usually trying to pull back and be more patient. This takes an incredible amount of self control at times. Most of the time I can do it, but sometimes I can be nippy, & regretfully bitchy! At that moment, I never stopped to think about how my sharp words have made someone else feel. (Patience is my New Years Resolution! Always) This book has brought so many things to mind, and the way words can cut deep into the people listening, or to whom the words are directed. I don’t want to do that to anyone, and that certainly would never be my intention.

I watched this man of the Nations, N. Scott Momaday on a talk show a couple years ago, and decided to purchase this book for my husband for Christmas. When it arrived I stuck it away to be wrapped later, and put it in a place that even I couldn’t find it. So the next week it occurred to me that I hadn’t wrapped it for my husband, and since I was sick all of that December, I hadn’t bought anything but a flashlight for him. I felt terrible, but my kids didn’t even get much. Lo and behold, I had purchased two books for him without realizing it, and neither of them were found in time. It was to be the Christmas that goes on giving!

Next time I feel myself loosing patience, I need to slow down and think about how those words are going to sound, or have an impact on the other person. Everyone has their own problems, and sometimes they don’t show them, so a little bit of kindness, patience, and the more careful selection of my words might put everyone in a better place.

Thank you for slowing down to read Karen’s Stone Soup, see you next time.

This is a post I had long forgotten, but I decided to publish it as a reminder to myself to be a little kinder, and more compassionate.

I also want to let everyone know that going forward my focus will be on aging gracefully, and loving who we are in the so called “Golden Years!”

Jan19

Patience Means Everything

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For those of you that follow Stone Soup, I need to tell you the reason I’ve dropped the ball on my blog. It isn’t because I was tired of writing it, or I didn’t love my followers, it was because I was sick the month of December and into the first of January. I’m feeling fabulous now, and back to what ever normal is for me.

We are so used to speaking, sometimes without thinking, that there are times we don’t stop to think of how our words effect people. I try to be kind, patient, empathetic, but there are times when after I’ve said something, I can’t believe what just came out of my mouth. By the look of someone’s face, I’ve for sure put my foot in my mouth.

In past years, I’ve made a New Year’s resolution to be more Kind. That’s been my resolution for about three years. This year my NY’s resolution is Patience. Everyone says I’m already patient, but I’ve found that for some reason I’m becoming less patient, and more irritated at even little things. That’s not who I am!

Now that I’m aware of my sudden lack of patience, I’m also becoming aware of the words I use in response to that lack. Sometimes it’s gentle and I understanding, but I also at times find myself trying to hold back these words, ” If I could say something it would not be nice.” I feel impatient with people in line at the grocery store. Again, that’s not me! But suddenly it is me, and I don’t like myself much when I get this irritated.

I know some of you will think I’m crazy, and some of you who know me would say that anyway, after all I’m a creative, I’m a medium, I’m a mother and a wife. Who wouldn’t be a bit touched with all that going on? My answer to patience, or the lack there of, is to find the time for some peaceful soft guided meditation. Don’t laugh at me, I really do know what I’m talking about. YouTube has so many guided meditations that until you look, you won’t believe me. Because I’m a medium I tend to gravitate to my mentors for guided meditations. However, they too have what you’re looking for that is only a guided meditation. If you listen, nothing will happen to you, it’s only a meditation!

I hope that while on your journey to patience, you will consider my recommendation. Do a short Meditation to start with, it will help I promise!

Dec8

An Unexpected Gift

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Several days ago, I was made aware of someone dropping off this little package on my door step. The thing that made me aware was our dog Daisy protecting us from immanent danger! By the time I was able to actually get to the front door, the deliverer had vanished.

As I looked over this interesting little package, I still couldn’t figure out what it was. I did not take my own advise and open it up. This is something I’m always amazed when someone gets a letter, or package and keeps looking at it trying tp figure out who sent it, or what it’s about. This time it was me who did this, and in the end, I thought it was rather stupid that didn’t just unwrap it, but I guess the fun of something like this is the anticipation of getting something interesting, or exciting, or even in the case of an envelope…..money

As I carefully pulled the bow to see what was next, it still took me a few minutes to figure out who sent it, and what it was. My dear friend. Debra Zachau had so cleverly wrapped up a deck of Inspirational cards she had designed. I constantly had told her how beautiful the sayings were, and how much they resonated with me. I was beyond excited to see this deck sitting right on my kitchen counter, and couldn’t wait to see what they had to say.

Debra is an amazing Tarot Card reader and medium. She has developed these Daily Oracle cards, Angels in the Garden, and they are lovely. I use cards to do my own readings. Usually at the end of a reading, I’ll draw a card, and I’m always amazed how accurate they are, and how they support my own readings. If there is anything I have learned from honing my mediumship skills is that I don’t question the wisdom of Spirit, or the Divine.

Angels in the Garden

So here we go, I’m going to draw a general card from Angels in the Garden. It will be for everyone, so lets see what spirit has to say to us.

Spirit says to …….. Be Flexible……

It’s time to yield to all strong people and situations around you. Now is the time to allow hard words to pass through you and turn to mist! Angels will help you. This will keep you safe until you can move away from these difficult things. It’s time for action. Time to move.

Well there it is, a message from Spirit, and I have to say it’s appropriate for everyone.

If you’d care to have these great cards, you can contact Debra Zachau @ (760) 622-1881

Thank you for stopping to take time to read Stone Soup, see you soon. Karen

Dec1

Sunday, Sunday

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As I sit here on this beautiful Sunday morning looking out the office window, the bees in the trees, the calm, beautiful blue sky, and the fresh air are all inspiring to me. It sprinkled here last night so when I looked out the kitchen window everything was fresh, and wet. I always love the rain because it cleanses the flowers, trees, and the earth. Something that is much needed.

This is a day of rest! A day we can sleep in, read the newspaper, and sip coffee in a relaxed manor, maybe even leave your PJ’s on while enjoying a beautiful start to your day..

Remember to appreciate the things you have in your life. Things like you awakened this morning, or that you were able to get out of bed, and make it into the kitchen for that first cup of coffee, or tea. These are everyday things we do so regularly that they don’t even register as a blessing, but believe me that really are a blessing. All these little things we take for granted, are the things we need to be grateful for.

Resist the urge to focus on the things that didn’t, or aren’t working in your life. You already know what they are, no need to dwell on them. Sometimes when we are emerged in our problems, use don’t even think to refocus on the good, or positive things we have in our lives.

Take this day to rest, and know that while there are many things to get done, this is a time to replenish your spirit, and soul. A time to think about how the following week will be handled by you. Do you take a little extra time to reach out, and contact someone you haven’t talked to in a long while, or do you focus on planning your next day. One day at a time!

Whatever is right for you, is the right thing to do! Just remember that when you work hard, you must take time to replenish your resources.

Thank you for stopping to read Karen’s Stone Soup, have a blessed week. Karen