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Manifesting and Creativity

3/2/2018

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Years ago I wrote and piloted a curriculum for middle school students in the Harrisburg School District. It began in 5 schools and I worked with 180 students for two years. It was later funded in all schools through out the district. 

When Christmas arrived, I wanted gifts for all of my students and hoped to find something  useful and meaningful. My budget was already strained and even at $1 a present, the cost would have been almost two hundred dollars. I had no idea how I'd ever afford anything worthy of such wonderful kids.

Then one December weekend I traveled to Upper Dauphin for a sale on fabric at an arctic wear store that was going out of business. They had a sign for free scarves!  Lots of free scarves! Enough for me to gather 180! II wish I had a photo of my car - there was barely room to sit! It is surprising the amount of space that many scarves will take up!

This photo inspires me to remember that thoughts become things. We can manifest from nothing if we have faith. At the time I didn't really understand manifesting, but wishing with all my heart for something special for these young people, and having it materialize, was a first step in understanding. And as I've learned over the years, the universe always gives me much more than I could ever imagine for myself. 

The scarves represented warm hugs! This photo also represents why I love working with kids! Each young person had a different creative interpretation for their scarves! Adults would have probably draped them predictable around their necks, but not these kids! Every day - every moment - we have opportunities to interpret things creatively and express our own unique point of view. Striving for new ways to use the things in our lives can create dramatic results. (Remember my story about the young person who changed the economy of an entire town in W.V. when he realized the temperature in a coal mine was the same as the temperature to raise fish?) We should never underestimate the power of creative thinking.

Oh, and years later, I occasionally get a call from a friend mentioning they have spotted one of the scarves on someone walking by! 
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A Book That Takes Its Time

2/11/2018

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An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness
 Irene Smit
Astrid von der Hulst
and the editors of Flow Magazine


Today's treasure is several mini books within one, and also includes cards, a 30 page journal, numerous pages for reflections, a fold out map, stickers and cut outs! Below you'll find a sampling of the hidden treasures inside. 
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A few months ago my friend Janet gave me some wonderful magazines and since then, I've fallen in love with all things FLOW! I was doing a search for more magazines  and found this book by Flow's creators. It is a hardback book, yet even less expensive than the magazines, over flowing with delights!
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There are colorful tear out cards with a space on the back to add your favorite memorable moments and instructions on how to use them.
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The Joy of One Thing at a Time Booklet has thoughts and quotes on being present in the moment and space to add your reflections.
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There is a fold out Time Line with cut outs and instructions and cards with colorful quotes to use in snail mail, as book marks or affirmations.
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There is a 30 Day Journal with questions to guide you.
This is just a small sampling of the book's contents. It truly is a book that takes its time, encouraging present moment awareness, time to learn, create, reflect, to let go and ending with time to be kind. You will see life, and yourself, in a gentle, kinder way after you experience this book. 
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My Manifesto - updated for the eclipse!

8/21/2017

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As promised, I've updated my manifesto for the eclipse and the months ahead. I'll review it again in about 6 months - either my birthday or the new year. I hope you'll all be inspired to create your own, personal manifesto!​
  • Respect my health as a precious gift.  Use exercise and nutrition to be healthy - not to look good. Have a health-based, not-ego based, life style.
  • Take the time to stay in tune with my spiritual self through meditation, journaling, yoga, gratitude lists.
  • Use my energy level as a barometer to gauge the value of my relationships. Spend time with  those who increase my energy, avoid those who drain it. 
  • Enhance the quality of life by using creativity to have more FUN! Schedule fun and adventure!!!
  • Continue to spend time in, and learn lessons from nature. 
  •  Actively embrace education and learning by taking courses, reading, research, teaching, coaching and training. 
  • Use my unique gifts and passion in all aspects of my life's work through paid and volunteer positions.
  • Keep clutter to a minimum.  Give away at least one item for every new one that comes into my home. 
  • Incorporate systems to simplify housework, business, finances, etc.
  • If it isn't good for my soul, I don't think it, watch it, read it, talk to it, buy it, wear it, eat it . . .
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Spiritual Preparation for the Eclipse

8/20/2017

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My grandparents were farmers and lived, planted and harvested by the cycles of the moon. Their livelihood depended on it. Understanding and respecting nature's cycles was an innate part of their existence. They spent time in nature, appreciating her gifts and respecting her predictability. They taught me the value of paying attention and I have never turned away from that perspective.
Many have grown detached from nature. I know people who don't know the phase of the moon or whether it is waxing or waning. Sadly, their are those who don't even know what that means. But the eclipse on August 21st has captured the attention of nation and beyond, and people are paying attention! Some merely see the eclipse as an amusing spectacle, but it is so much more. It isn't so much about how to view it, but how to use the momentum for months ahead. This is an ideal time to consider how to prepare. 
The August eclipses are in Leo and Aquarius, providing a bridge to move us from the status quo to a new and more meaningful way of life. if we  take time for self reflection and take action.
Eclipse season is two fold. It began on August 9 with a full moon partial lunar eclipse and received little attention. Those who watch the sky, however, were well aware of the power of this eclipse to consider letting go of what isn't serving us well, and we have been using that energy to embrace tomorrow's event. 
People are traveling across the country to get a better view of the August 21 eclipse. Viewing it an exciting part of the experience, but the real opportunity is in using it for self reflection and progressive movement towards a more fulfilling life.
Each month brings a new moon, an ideal time for new beginnings. If I'm starting a new project, exercise routine or on line class, I coordinate with the new moon to bolster the odds of momentum and success. This new moon solar eclipse has the power of three new moons and it is the ideal time to move toward new challenges! 
Those of you who follow my blog ( I get an average of 4,000 hits a day so I know you're out there!), know that I occasionally review and update my manifesto. I'll be posting it tomorrow.  I encourage you to join me in considering your values, core beliefs and what you will and won't settle for in life. If you don't have a manifesto, you might want to consider creating one to provide a strong base for daily living. You can use mine as a guide, but I strongly encourage you to create your own based on your personal values. Copying mine will be significantly diluted compared to creating your own. 
The power of this eclipse will support you most strongly at the beginning, but will continue to be powerful for months ahead. Use this time to find closure and release the people. places, projects and things that aren't working in your life. Put aside unhealthy relationships to open doors for new ones. Leave or avoid places that drain your energy. If you won't, or feel you can't leave, use creative thinking to do all you can to improve them. Complete, delegate, or abandon projects that are unfulfilling. Get rid of clutter. I recently did a post on the beatifying and healing aspects of clearing space. 
​As the moon moves across the face of the sun, consider what you want to 'eclipse out' of your life. Do you have negative mental clutter that would best be replaced with positive affirmations and a focus on gratitude instead of fear? Do you comfort yourself with the three white powders - salt, sugar and flour - when you know your body deserves food that provides vitamins and nutrients instead of white fluff? We look like what we eat, by the way. Do you surround yourself with beauty to honor the beauty inside, or do you deny yourself because you feel you are underserving? Do you share your time and energy with people who cherish you and lift you up, or are you being continually drained by people with opposing values, in a continues depletion of energy and joy?
Use the gentle movement of the moon's shadow across the sun to reconsider, reevaluate and release. As the sun reappears, welcome new love, light, self understanding and self acceptance. 
The sun is the creator of all energy in our universe. It is the energy, the shakti, that enables all growth. Use this boundless energy force to redirect your life focus towards things that bring you joy! Namaste!


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Variety is the Spice of Life

5/15/2014

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Several times through out the year I'll grad a sheet of paper, fold it in half vertically, title it "Same" and "Different under the day's date, and begin to list everything that was the same in my life at this time last year, and everything that is different. 

This is fraction of the list but it can give you an idea. It's helpful to see the progress over the year. I often complete tasks and projects and don't really take the time to celebrate the achievements. You may also be accomplishing more than you realize.  

As I review my lists, I'm able to see areas that have improved and others that could use more attention.  The first time I did this it was the result of journaling about sameness. Everything was the same as it had been for years. Same house, same job, same road to work, same activities, same foods, same  . . . . oh, it makes me glaze over to think of it. But it was up to me to change it! That's when I began Collecting Firsts and adding more spice to my life!

                                       Wednesday, May 14, 2014

                  Same                                                   Different

  • Same apartment in the same town (Love them both!)
  • Family, friends, pets are the same in addition to a delightfully ever expanding circle! 
  • Continuing to embrace life long learning through Renaissance Institute, reading, researching and writing
  • Member of the chorus - love singing in a group again after all these years!
  • Continuing to paint
  • Actively incorporating creativity and beauty in all aspects of every day life


  • My balcony is abundant with flowers and herbs!
  • Lots of new friends from RI and Newcomers
  • Since last year I've taken courses in astronomy, ballet, Baltimore, biographies, memory scrapbooking, modern art, opera, spiritual potpourri
  • Joined Ladew Gardens
  • Joined a gym; taking weight training
  • Wrote, designed, delivered and illustrated Enhancing Your Life with Herbs course with 6 e-books
  • Finalized Take the Rose - guaranteed weight loss course, and coaching clients
  • In the past year I've created several hundred illustrations of herbs for my courses and books
  • Completed NaNo WriMo - 50,000 plus words in a month
  •  . . . .and so much more

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Please - Pay it Forward

10/31/2012

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PictureMy home after the flood
Late last night I took Zippy out following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. When I checked the mail, I was deeply touched to find a check from Pay it Forward Foundation to help me with the devastation from the loss of my home in the flood of 2011. 

Lisa Bartoli, who attended an online class with me, and her daughter Shayla, opened an account for me through Pay it Forward, even though neither had met me at the time. (I've since met Lisa and so look forward to meeting Shayla!) Their kindness and generosity, culminating just as thousands of others are in need, seems God sent. I'm feeling guided to encourage others to follow their lead.

Many didn't have insurance, and even those who did will not be well covered. Flood insurance does not begin to restore living space as it was before the damage. At best, it is fractional. There is also no coverage for out of home living - hotel, meals, etc. Even if homes are not destroyed, there is often no electricity for months. 

If you have escaped life altering damage from the Frankenstorm Sandy, please consider paying it forward. Reach out and make a phone call to let people know you care. A caring word from a friend can turn their day around. Send a cards - even if you don't know where they are, their mail will be forwarded. Cook extra food and take a meals to them. Many have no where to prepare meals and can't afford to eat at restaurants. If you know someone who needs their basement, yard or home cleaned, spend an hour or two helping. If you don't know anyone personally, find someone through your church, United Way or Red Cross. If you can give money, please do. Even $10, from thousands of people, can have a huge impact.

DO NOT call and ask what you can do to help. Just do it. During survival mode, it is difficult to know what you need next, and even more difficult to appear even more vulnerable and ask for help. Please, before you rest your head on you own pillow, in your own bed, in your own home tonight, first find a way to Pay if Forward. 


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Today's Message from the Universe!!!

7/25/2012

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Mikell , the top 10 signs a really huge dream of yours is about to come true, are:

10. You regularly visualize the end result, the after-party, or beyond.
9. Every day you "show up," doing something about it.
8. You're not attached to how it will come true.
7. It really matters to you; you really care.
6. You know who the first 3 people are that you'll call with the news. 
5. You're smiling and winking way more than normal. 
4. Sometimes you speak and behave as if it already has.
3. It probably doesn't depend upon specific people.
2. You already know what your next goal is.
1. You keep whispering, "Sweet! Thank you! Yes!" with clutched fist.

Sweet! Thank you! Yes!
    The Universe


 Did you just smile and wink, Mikell ? Good, keep on it.
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    "My mission is 
    to help others see and cherish the beauty, 
    romance and treasures within and around them 
    that are often dismissed or completely overlooked."
    



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    Mikell 

    Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!

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