I received an email a few days ago from PJ Spur. She shared a doggie portrait a good friend of hers painted. This doggie portrait is sooo cute. If you’ve ever loved those psychedelic cows or those other animal prints, these will strike a chord. When I opened this image, one of the dogs, in particular, really spoke to me. I could literally feel her spirit coming out of this canvas! How can that be?

But, like I’ve shared for a long time over the years, a true artist can capture the energy…the essence… of, well, anything. Sheba’s loving and excited energy bubbles forth right off of this canvas! Can you feel it?

When I went to learn about the artist who creates these wonderful creations, I found that she also creates women’s self-empowerment portraits. How divine!

If you’ve been mentally writing your Christmas list like I have…perhaps a Paula Mitchell original is the perfect gift for that special someone who has everything!

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Sue Bleiweiss started the Sketchbook Challenge back in January of this year. A sketchbook is a book filled with dreams and inspiration. Each month, artists of every type and in every medium can follow along with Sue and other artists as they issue the Sketchbook Challenge of the month. It’s a fun way to unite with other creative spirits and also to take personal creativity to another level.

Now, Sue she has just made available in ezine format (PDF) 83 pages of the Sketchbook Challenge. In this first ezine, Sue has spotlighted herself and 12 other artists as they share their sketchbook challenges. The ezine is full-color and filled with how-to, technical art tips as well as plenty of inspiration for projects.

Some of my favorites from this issue (I’m sure there will be many more issues to come) are from Kelli Nina Perkins who shares how to use text in collage. If you are a lover of words and collage art, THIS is for you! I loved how Kelli  showed so many ways to use and re-purpose old books and text. And, speaking of collage, if you’ve ever wondered how artists make those funky backgrounds with varied patterns and colors, you’ll definitely want to check out Carol Sloan’s “Blank Page Remedies.” She walks you through step-by-step to create wonderful foundations for your collage and other creations.

By far, though, my favorite in this first ezine is Violette Clark’s piece about “Journal Pages Using Your Inner GPS.” For those of you who have ever wondered how to connect more consciously to your muse, this piece shows you how. Listening is a vital component to following your Inner GPS, and yet Violette shows us “how” to listen! I was stunned by how wonderfully practical she shared this inner guidance.

To learn more about the Sketchbook Challenge Ezine and to see what other projects are included, visit Sue’s Sketchbook Challenge Ezine page.

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This is one dish that will have people wagging their tongues for more. If you take it to a 4th of July picnic, get ready for the fireworks!

Yes, I have reformed myself on sugar, but that doesn’t mean I can’t share the MOST WONDERFUL COBBLER in the WORLD with you who could eat it!

WARNING: This food could and probably will become addictive. You may dream about it. You may have visions in your waking hours about it. It may even hunt you down in the middle of a sweet daydream!

Blackberry Cobbler from page 178 of the 1976 edition of the Betty Crocker Cookbook:)…with Miss Debbie’s edits:)

1 cup sugar

4 cups fresh blackberries (I use the one’s frozen in the bag from the freezer section and they work fine)

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. almond extract

3 T. butter – cut in small pieces

Milk

Love xoxo

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Put frozen blackberries in bowl.  Pour sugar and flour over them.  Add lemon juice, salt and almond extract.  Mix thoroughly.  Put in pie plate or shallow pan….spread pieces of butter over the blackberry mixture.  Top with a Pillsbury Pie Crust (the kind in the red box:) – there are 2 pie crusts per box but you only need one – unroll the pie crust and lay on top of the blackberry mixture and tuck it in around the edges….intended to look more rustic than picture perfect pie crust.  Brush milk lightly over top of crust.

Take a sharp knife and make slits in top of crust.  Bake for 45 minutes to an hour ….depending on how brown you like it. 

Enjoy!!!!:)

P.S. You could probably substitute any fruit you want, but man, if you like blackberries…. oh my!

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If you like Oprah like I like Oprah, you’ve been checking out the various shows on OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network. One I knew I wanted to see is Why Not? with Shania Twain. I have loved Shania’s music ever since she came out with The Woman in Me. At the time, I worked part-time at Circuit City as a sales person and her video played repeatedly throughout the store.

Like many others, I felt mesmerized by her voice, her beauty and her authenticity. I could feel that her lyrics came from a true place inside.

As I watched her show, heard her tell the story of unraveling and losing her way – in the process losing herself and her voice – I felt a surge of tears that came from someplace true inside of me. She spoke of not being able to sing, of not being able to write songs, of not being able to find her voice, and I knew that feeling. I’ve been there. I have stood outside of myself wondering why I couldn’t force myself to just ‘do’ what I knew and had done before.

My tears flowed not for her pain, but for the thought of her never writing a song or singing again. I could not fathom never hearing another song written from her heart. I felt that if she never sang again, this world would be less because of it. I cried for the loss I felt inside my heart and the ache I felt for the songs my heart was already connecting to and longing for – something I had no conscious awareness of!

The intensity of the feelings overwhelmed me because in that moment I realized this is how God feels for each one of us…when we do not express what is true inside, when we withhold our beauty…our highest expression of the love we are, then the world is less somehow.

I sat, by myself, watching Shania struggle to reconnect to her voice again, and I knew, in that moment, we are all the same. And, it is this connection that uplifts us and others all at the same time. Each one, a shiny gem of the divine, sparkling like a radiant diamond. 

That path back to this connection is different for each one of us, but it is essentially the same process…surrendering, trusting and, eventually, opening to the love we are.

We are all worthy of expression… each person’s as valuable as every other person’s. Let your light and love shine!

Most of you who read my blog know I love art. I come by this naturally as my mother is an artist or what Spirit calls, a craftsman artisan, meaning that she works with her hands and is more of a ‘craftswoman’ than a ‘fine’ artist. She has sewn, painted, woodworked her way through life, and I often came along for the ride. My nature is to ‘finish’ things…in the StrengthsFinder talents, this is called an achiever. My art tends to look like things I can open and close in a single session. When I get out to my mom’s workshop, my achiever goes crazy wanting to finish all of her projects, but she, like me, works from inspiration. If I am inspired, I can start and finish anything. If I lose my inspiration anywhere along the process, I’m done. So is she.

When Minette and I did our 5-month project with Violette’s journal bliss online class (highly recommended!), I learned how to focus in on starting and finishing a single ‘step’ and to be happy with that.

Most recently, I took that wisdom and applied it to a Zentangle project I was inspired to create for a friend. The first night, I collected all of the pieces I would use to create the ‘shape.’ Then, I flipped through a Zentangle pattern book to see which patterns felt good. Then I slept on it.

The next day, I started with the motif, and filled in the rest of the pattern.

The next day I started Zentangling and did not want to stop, so I didn’t. 10 hours later, it was finished.

Inspiration can fuel us to the greatest heights! In inspiration, time slows down and evaporates.

If you have not discovered ZENTANGLES, please go to the site now. I have always loved to draw in pen and this is a new twist on that art form. I am forever grateful to Minette for introducing me to it!

I also am including some pictures of my art date with Sally Felt where we created jewelry! She commented that she thought it was interesting I flipped through a book, found something I liked and said, “I’m going to make this” without any regard of whether I would be able to according to my current jewelry making abilities. That’s where my mom’s influence stepped in… if we can ‘see it,’ we can usually create it!

By far, one of the best things about crafting together is the conversations that flow upward in the creative energy. I hope you will try this out for yourself if you feel pulled to do so!

Can you believe Sally made EVERY single one of those line pieces? Isn’t this so pretty?

I made some heart earrings with rose quartz.

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Friday, I went to Minette’s house for an art playdate. I felt so excited because I knew we were going to do a ‘thank you’ video for Violette because her online class, Journal Bliss, literally gave us 5 months of art-full play! I highly recommend grabbing a friend and getting one of her classes (Violette’s energy gave us a creative confidence boost and inspired us!).

While we created the video, I looked over and saw one of Minette’s Zentangle gift cards. She has made many of these over the last year or so (and they are all GORGEOUS), and last year, even invited me to a Zentangle class where I was introduced to this thoughtful, meditative creative expression.

As I looked at the card, I felt myself drawn to the card itself. I liked the idea of small creations that I could start and finish and know they are ‘done.’

When I came home, I had some other projects to finish for work and I deliberately chose to take a day off from school. I felt pulled to more art, and so I grabbed my watercolors and started painting.

As I painted, I thought of those cards again. I really wanted some. I thought, I wish I had some of those cards. I painted in my watercolor notebook and thought of different things I could paint on those cards. I have always said “I wish” ever since I was a little girl. I wish works as fast and as magically for me as anything. But, last night I was not even thinking of manifesting the cards when I said it, I was simply expressing what I most wanted from my heart.

I finished painting, put up my palette book and paints, and then played a game with Mark and Chance.

As the evening went on, I felt drowsier and drowsier, so I went to bed and quickly drifted off to sleep. The cards were a distant thought and memory.

Today, I woke up and got right back at my school work, but I couldn’t force myself to get going. Instead, I wandered outside and talked to the plants and birds. I fed our mama and daughter mockingbirds as they chirped nearby. I felt the breeze on my skin as I listened to the chimes gonging in the background. I looked at the color of the sun on the surface of the pool water, and noticed the sun trying to poke through the foliage above me. I soaked up the warm rays and felt them pelting against my pale skin.

I thought I might be able to read outside, but I couldn’t. The energies didn’t match up and I felt myself wishing to just relax, to enjoy this abnormal 70s weather in May and to take time out. So I did. I put the books aside and just enjoyed the rhythm of nature complete with the smell of mint nearby.

I walked inside to get some water and met Mark’s mom coming in from the front. She excitedly exclaimed, “Look what I got for you!” And, there, in her hands were two brand new boxes of Strathmore (one of my most FAVORITE papers) greeting cards…100 cards total! I am amazed at how fast things come to me when I wish from the depths of my heart…my dreamer’s desires. She has been saying that she wants to paint and draw, and with all of this schoolwork on the intellectual plane, she has been throwing tantrums! I have been keeping my promise to her to draw, paint and play at least twice a week. Yesterday, Minette and I only had 30 minutes, so I knew more painting was in store for me. And, now, I’ll do more Zentangling, too. Thank you, Nana, for being the messenger.

I wish… Please send… I ask for… whatever way you ask, ask and expect to receive it!

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So, the reason why I haven’t been posting the last couple of days is because I’ve had some type of virus that has left me feverish and severely fatigued.

The upside of being in bed is that I’ve gotten to watch movies to pass the day and to escape from my current reality.

Today, tired of watching various current movies (thanks to my fabulous husband for keeping me stocked), I stumbled around on Netflix searching for something good to download. I looked up James L. Brooks, one of my all-time favorite screenwriters and was bummed that only one of his movies was available for instant streaming (will the movie Gods please do something to speed this process up???). Somehow, though, the Netflix interface offered me a choice of Listen to Your Heart. I love indie movies, and this one had four award symbols (turns out the film has won many more, but only three would fit!) on the cover, so I knew that was the one for me.

Oh my goodness, where to begin??? This little movie was full of heart and soul, and though it was really the best of the ‘good stuff’ it didn’t come across as super sappy or predictable. That’s quite the delicate balance to achieve!

Right off the bat I was drawn into the music. I loved hearing the piano and the guitar in the background. I felt comforted, and boy did that feel good. I’ve felt so crummy the last few days, I’ve shown up to Mark looking for a hug because there’s literally nothing to do with a virus but to pray it out and to let the body do its work. This movie was like watching and feeling a bowl of chicken noodle soup.

Next, the chemistry between these actors is crazy. I really believed every single one of them. Even the simple, backdrop characters displayed a richness that you usually don’t see in movies these days. The lead male character, Danny Foster, is acted by Kent Moran. I felt so much through his character, and also in the lead female character, Alexia Rasmussen. These two reminded me of what was so special about The King’s Speech and how Helena Bonham Carter and Colin Firth could barely glance at each other leaving the audience with a knowing of what that glance meant. Of course, no movie would be complete without conflict and Cybil Shepherd delivers a heavy dose of controlling, mean-spirited mother. Oooh, from the first line you just don’t even like her!

Finally, the literary feel of this movie saved it from being a sappy do-gooder romance. Yes, the little symbols are in there. Yes, the foreshadowing is there. But, somehow, it doesn’t come off as trite. It’s a sweet ride that leaves you feeling grateful for the life you have to live and for the love you have to share.

If I had to choose a word for the movie, I would call it absolutely satisfying. I didn’t wish for anything to happen in any other way than the way it did. And, that’s rare for me since I am a writer and I have been a movie reviewer of sorts since I was in 8th grade (an award-winning reviewer, too, I might add)! I don’t watch movies like most folk do! LOL

Yesterday, I watched a documentary about screenwriters called Dreams on Spec. In it, Nora Ephron (another one of my all-time faves!) talked about who ‘writes’ a movie. She said that the screenwriter writes the story in words. The director of photography writes the story in pictures. The composer of the score writes the story in music. The actors tell the story of the characters through emotion. There literally are layers and layers of the story being woven together to make what we call a ‘movie.’

When I look at Listen to Your Heart, all of these layers come together in a way that is so right that it feels amazing. It reminds me of when you see a painting that takes your breath away. Maybe you don’t know why the artist used this color or that, but you just know you love it. I loved this movie, the actors, the score…really all of it.

After I watched it, I couldn’t get it out of my head. I called a friend who reminded me of both the primary characters. Told her about it, but I still wondered…What else can I watch that has this guy in it? Or this girl in it?

That took me to Kent Moran’s website where I found out why I probably responded to this piece of art like I did. Turns out that Kent wrote the script, acted the lead male role, created the score, wrote the lyrics and songs for the movie, performed the songs for the movie and soundtrack. No, he didn’t direct it, but he did co-produce it, too!

I often write about artists and their ability to impact people by opening up their hearts and sharing their special brand of love with the world. The subtitle of the movie is One song can change your life. Indeed, one movie can do that, too. This movie does that, and Kent’s heart is written all over this movie. I hope you’ll get to share some time with him soon.

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Last week, Julie Loar and I took an adventurous ride into the divine feminine on Queen of Dream Radio. Ever since I received her book, I must say that I have been spellbound by its pages. I feel as if I have stumbled upon an ancient resource full of magic and power, and each day (the book introduces you to a new goddess each day…366 in total…thus the name of the book: Goddesses for Every Day) I show up hardly able to contain my excitement for meeting another one. The daily focus is a mix between historical research, storytelling and wisdom…thus the subtitle of her book: Exploring the Wisdom & Power of the Divine Feminine Around the World! So sensual and delicious for all levels…mind, body and spirit.

This book takes you on an odyssey into many other cultures and traditions, and it also provides a daily contemplation that grounds you in the here and now. These contemplations have touched me deeply and I find myself meditating upon them throughout the day without even trying. It is as if the energy rides along with me throughout the day. A couple recently that spoke to my heart, for example… Sometimes mystery is its own source of power, and knowing the secret spoils the magic. And another…It is wise to know where I am vulnerable and whether openness or protection is the best defense.

I realize as I am sharing these contemplations that they have less meaning by themselves than they do united with the Goddess’s story the contemplate is inspired by. You will have to get her book and see for yourself. Of course, I look at this book and am amazed at the treasures!

On the show last week, I asked Julie how she divided the goddesses into the 12 astrological signs – a task I felt would be huge and I could barely fathom what kind of time and attention it would take to research and sift through more than 1,000 goddesses to choose the 366 for this book, and then to further divide them by attribute into the cycles and rhythms of the year – wow! Julie shared that the goddesses themselves assisted and helped and she enjoyed many miraculous, magical moments in the writing of this book.

I can feel it!

Oh, and if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on April 2, Julie Loar will be here at PJ Spur’s Soul Compass MeetUp. Join her for a special Divine Feminine workshop!

http://www.meetup.com/Soul-Compass/events/16750480/ – Go here to sign up!

When: Saturday, April 2, 2011 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Where: Las Colinas Executive Suites
320 Decker Drive
Irving, TX 75062
972-822-4548
Price: $44.00 per person (includes a copy of the book Goddesses for Everyday)

I’ve had the opportunity to talk to several people who have been reading my praises for The King’s Speech, and each one has asked me, “What exactly is it that you see in this story?” No doubt they can feel my enthusiasm floating off of each blog post, but perhaps I haven’t communicated all that I felt from this movie…a great story of triumph!

As I watched the Oscars last night, I truly felt the presence of love as Colin thanked Olivia for being in his life…not unlike Sandra Bullock’s heartfelt tribute the year before to her husband at the time, Jesse James, which I believe was as real as anything regardless of what happened afterward – that moment was true. Natalie Portman, in love with love growing in her belly, also swept the big awards this year.

I asked Mark, “Have you ever noticed how people who are in love seem to leap to greater heights?” Perhaps I put two seemingly random connection points together, but it made me think about my own life and how when Mark and I first met everything seemed to bloom … it seemed like nothing would not grow in that energy. I had never known unconditional love like that before…it buoyed my spirit (I’ll share more thoughts on this and how love grows deeper over time in another post).

Great love…that’s what I see when I watch The King’s Speech. I see a man who stutters who has great love for his children, his wife, his country, but he does not yet have that great love for himself. Enter two others who bring heavy-duty mirrors to show him the love he is…to assist him in reclaiming his voice. Lionel (his speech therapist and friend) brings tough love and the unrelenting challenge of pushing the would-be King to be all that he already is. Elizabeth, the Duke’s wife, will not give up on love or on her husband. Her love holds space for the love the Duke already is to grow. In her Presence, he can bloom…and that is just like what I see in these actors…they bloom, grow more vibrant in the swirl of love. The King found his voice and acceptance (a.k.a. love) for himself through love – both friendship and deep romantic love as well as the love of his children. In so many ways, it is the most perfect example of ‘love conquers all.’

The saying, “Behind every great man is a woman no one knows,” and every other version of it seems to say that a great man is great and the woman is unknown, but the truth is without the woman, the man likely would not have been great. And so I see this, too, in The King’s Speech. In our day and age, there are as many men standing behind a woman, loving them…seeing them. Both necessary, equally as critical to the whole. Click on the image below to go to a great clip of “Elizabeth” in this stunning movie!

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Last week as we watched the Top 24 on American Idol receive their good news, I thought to myself, “Oh my goodness, I have SO many favorites this year! What am I going to do?” A feeling of supreme happiness bubbled up from deep inside of me as I watched each one walk away knowing they had made the cut. I genuinely felt like it was me there, the feelings felt so real and intense.

I see so much beauty and love in each of them, in their dreams of doing what they love. Perhaps this is oneness…perhaps this is a reflection of the beauty and love I feel inside myself, too.

No matter what it is, I felt the exact same way as I watched Colin Firth accept his first Oscar for his performance in The King’s Speech (and, if you have not seen this movie, GO. SEE. IT. NOW!). I could feel his enthusiasm underneath his calm British exterior. I could not have been happier for another person at that moment. I have loved him as an actor for years and years and A Single Man was a stunning masterpiece on so many levels, only to be followed up by this award-winning performance in The King’s Speech. (this interview below is one of the best I’ve seen…Colin, always humble, talking about his approach to capturing the feelings of a misunderstood gentleman.)

Art has a way of moving us and uniting us…of uplifting the human spirit and allowing us to tap into our own inner genius. This year, there seems to be so many ‘plug-ins’ and I love that I can energetically share in these big wins.

Congrats to all of the Oscar winners…and best to each of the contestants this season on Idol!

One of the best things about having a 10-year-old in the house is the art that comes out of his imaginative mind. Each day, he wanders into the dining room and creates some kind of art for the day. No matter how much I ‘play,’ I simply don’t create art that looks like this. It’s whimsical, playful, impractical…so, well, artistic. I mean, if this was mine, I would only have one smiley face…where the face goes, you know? But here’s Chances, and the more smiley faces the better, it seems. I appreciate these days. Wandering in to see what he has drawn today and to enjoy it until tomorrow when another equally as childlike piece will take its place. So fun!

Last weekend, I watched a couple of movies I had been wanting to see. One was Coco Before Chanel and the other, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the famous movie based on the Truman Capote novel by the same name.

Not sure what drew me into both of these movies on this particular weekend, but I’m always amazed to see that whatever ‘feeling’ I am reaching for is delightfully delivered by my seemingly unconscious cravings.

The most delicious feeling Coco delivered is the fierceness of being true to who you are – no matter what . This movie is subtitled, and yet the beauty of Coco’s undeniable spirit came through loud and clear as the movie re-created the early part of Coco’s life where she would repeatedly fight to be who she is. First in the orphanage where she grew up, then in taverns and finally as one of the world’s greatest fashion designers as she railed against the corsets of the age and opted for more free-flowing clothes that allowed women to breathe at last. She traded in ivory for black in evening wear (was she truly the first designer of the little black dress?) and fussy, feathery hats for sleek, tailored ones. I loved this movie that so simply showed that being unique – truly authentic – is absolutely irresistible…even to those who are trying to get you to conform to the status quo!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s has a similar, yet different vibe. Holly Golightly is a character played by Audrey Hepburn, and though she is as authentic as dear Coco – even in her inauthenticity – she does not have the fierceness that goes with knowing oneself deeply and accepting oneself completely. She is fragile, timid as a kitten…always concocting a story to get her wits around a situation. She is consistent only in that she believes her stories. Finally, she faces her truth…and that opens up an opportunity to be free… as free as Coco always was in her steadfastness to what she believed.

Both were direct with silver tongues and yet Coco was firm, almost to direct and Holly’s character seemed to be able to say the ugliest thing and it would still sound like honey! What a contrast!

These two ladies inspired me to do a couple of things. First, in Breakfast, Holly and “Fred”, a.k.a. Paul, go on a date where they only do things that each has never done before. For instance, Paul takes Holly to the library for the first time. I felt inspired to do this, too, to go on a date with my two boys…and to see what new experiences we could find for ourselves.

Coco’s spirit has stayed with me for days…I have often thought of her and her moodiness, her brooding, her inconsolable spirit. She has inspired me to look in the deepest recesses of my mind for something…anything that I have long left behind because it was too much a burden or hassle to be myself or rail against the opinions of others.  Or, perhaps because I was too insecure to claim it.

More on these later…

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The 83rd Annual Oscar Awards air next week. Colin Firth is nominated for actor in a leading role for The King’s Speech. He nabbed the Golden Globe already, and I can’t say enough about how amazing he is in this movie.

The movie chronicles the relationship of King George VI of Britain and his eccentric, self-trained speech therapist, Lionel Logue, as the king overcomes his speech impediment and also his own demons and shadow to become the monarch and to feel worthy of the title after a lifetime of feeling he didn’t quite make the grade.

Geoffrey Rush plays the part of Lionel and is brilliant as well as is Helena Bonham Carter as Firth’s wife and staunch supporter.

What I loved about this movie is how spare the words are and how much is relayed between the characters with their impeccable acting abilities. I literally felt like I was in the middle of the minds of these brilliant characters and that I was transported back in to another time.

This powerful movie will send you away with the feeling that anything is possible!

I’m going to recommend this movie not because it is the *best* movie in the world, but because it is special.

First, suenos in spanish means ‘dreams.’ And Sueno is all about a guy following his dream. The ups, the downs and everything else in between.

I love the stylized feel of this movie (think Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre) where posters come to life and little outtakes tell the story of what is going on inside the guy’s mind. If you don’t like stylized dreams, then you probably won’t like this one.

John Leguizamo plays the lead role of Antonio and is actually very believable as an immigrant fresh off the bus in L.A. with every hope in front of him. As I looked up the links, I noticed he was born in Bogota, Columbia…maybe that is why he can relate!

The music is good, multiple storylines keep it interesting. A dazzling director’s eye (who also wrote the script) makes for a refreshing treat.

I spent the day over at Miss Debbie’s and she gave me a vintage valentine’s day card. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those little valentine’s from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Remember taking your valentines to school with x’s and o’s on them? And, the lollipops or multi-colored chalky hearts with little sayings stamped on them? So sweet.

Violette is doing a Valentine’s Giveaway with her sweet Cupcake Girl in a soldered pendant. This is a sure, sweet way to share the love with yourself every day.

Go there to sign up for a chance to win!

Oh, how do I love this movie…let me count the ways! First, Morning Glory is stunningly beautiful…some scenes would make great posters. Just think of me when you watch this and see Rachel running through the park.

Next, this movie’s message is spot-on and oh so triumphant. I’ve noticed as of late I really do LOVE a triumph story (e.g. Secretariat). This script is well written and funny. Such a nice surprise.

Of course, the best part is the chemistry between the characters and their actors. I ADORE Rachel McAdams in this movie…she is spunky and full of chutzpah. Diane Keaton…LOVE her in her sassiness. And, so great to see Harrison Ford in this grumpy old man role.

When I first saw the previews for this movie, I knew I had to see it, and I so wasn’t disappointed in my high hopes for a seriously funny movie with heart.

Obviously, I’m way behind on reviews, but this one comes out on DVD March 8. RENT IT!

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• magic morning movie

You all know I journal my dreams. What I don’t always do is share my dreams with you. I have, on occasion, shared some of the juicier ones. This one, though, is a sweet treat and reminder of what is true.

In my dream, I walked into an older house – ranch style with many people milling about inside. I walked in and saw these wool rugs hanging from the walls. Remember those rugs we used to make in the 70s where you take a little tool and loop a piece of yarn to create a piece of art? Well, they were like that and they were green and pink – very preppy. Lots and lots of pink graced the rugs. These rugs were HUGE, too. One of them almost looked like a landscaping design with waves of green and pink.

As I walked through the house, I noticed that I was drawn to this doll house that was built into the column of the house. It was like this column was a weight-bearing structure for the house that seemingly had no other walls to support the roof.

I kneeled down and opened up the doll house door and peered inside. I gasped with recognition of the sheer work it took to create this amazing piece of art. I felt like I was in my own little world in my dream.

Then, someone asked, “Do you like it?”

And I replied, “Oh yes, I LOVE it! I can feel the energy of every one of these little creations and they are magnificent!”

Then the young man replied, “Yes, we’ve always loved it. My dad was an artist and he loved to create and build these little pieces, but no one ever seemed to want to pay what they were worth, so instead of selling them, we just kept it.”

I could feel the sadness of his words, and I knew it was nothing like the magic that I felt coming from the doll house.

I said, “Oh, that’s too bad. I’m sure your father was a genius.”

The boy remarked, “Yes, he was always creating something, but he never seemed to be able to figure out the market.”

As we stood there talking, this giant, more lie GIGANTIC pink poodle came rushing up to me. Standard size is large sized, but this poodle was more like great dane sized. She jumped up on me and put her feet on my shoulders (very much like Rico has only tried to do once or twice). She was massive and the sheer weight of her pressing on me felt heavy. But underneath the enormity of her presence, I could feel a playfulness, a jaunty spirit and I also could feel that she loved me very, very much. I knew in that moment with her (inside my dream) she would do anything for me. She was a willing companion and, not only that, but she was well-trained, smart as a whip, playful, fun and had boundless energy.

The boy tried to call her down. Her name was Princess. The more he tried to get her off of me, the more she seemed to hug me. I put my hands out and rubbed her fur and realized this fur was the same fur that was on the fluffy pink and green art pieces that lined the walls. I could feel her girth under my hands and I hugged her back. She licked my face and then jumped down and trotted off as quickly as she came.

One of my mentors would often say our minds are like a pet. If Princess was any indication of my mind, she is ENORMOUS, which does not surprise me at all. What does surprise me is how well-trained I knew my mind was in the dream. And, I could tell that it had boundless energy to support me in . What I didn’t realize was it could be fun and companion-like and these two ideas felt really good.

As I processed this dream…the feeling underneath was helpful and magical. Princess brought this amazing helpful energy and I knew I could ask my mind for anything and she would retrieve it. I realized that I have trained my mind and the other parts of me, too, in a way that I am not sure most people experience day-to-day. To acknowledge this felt so good.

The doll house represented my inner wonderland. It also holds the many creations I love to create and dream of, but that I don’t always share with others. I felt so alive peering through that little door into the wonderland of the artist father.

The dream offered a glimpse into my own thoughts and limiting ideas about my favorite creations…ideas I have let go of since having this dream.

And, the art on the walls showed me what I am willing to share and display for everyone to see, yet I keep the true magic to myself, not because I don’t want to share, but because I am not sure anyone would love the magical side of life like I do…would anyone really see the value in these ideas?

And, truthfully, I didn’t value the magic side…until now. See, how it works… I say maybe you won’t value them when I am not valuing them, but as soon as I value them, then of course, you will too.

That’s the power of dreams. To be able to quickly and easily flip and dip back into your truth.

So, instead of sharing the magical side of me, Princess and I have walked the sidewalk of practicality and information. Oh, of course, my magical, sparkly Queen of Dreams slipped through, but it isn’t the same. I know it, too. We have created many things…many books that are practical and helpful and have even helped change lives. And those creations will still be part of what we create because I have parts of me very committed to that work.

Now it is time for us to spend more time in the wonderland inside of me. To create magical creations for you and to share my spirit in a way I have not been sure of until now.

Since that dream several weeks ago, I have made more decisions…to share the deeper, richer sides of me and to create from a higher place within. Dreams hold power and access to the richest sides of you…consider connecting to your dreams today!

Looking for a Dream Life:

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I remember when I first met Marc Allen, co-founder of New World Library and author of many visionary books, or at least I believe this was the first time. I’ll get to ask him tonight, for sure. I guess I was about 22 or 23 years old. My dreams were dried up and I asked for something, anything to help me feel better. I bounced around for a few days, eventually having a divine experience that put me back in my radiance.

Not long before or after that experience (not sure), I was up watching an early morning infomercial. Specifics get hazy at this point, thus the reason I can’t remember if Marc was on the infomercial or not. His partner, and New World Library co-founder, Shakti Gawain, was on the infomercial, of that much I am sure, and she talked about how you could have anything you wanted in life if you could visualize it. I also remember these two gentleman telling about their amazing experiences with her breakthrough principles.

At the time I had no idea of ‘thoughts become things’ or the power of ‘law of attraction’ or why ‘creative visualization’ works. What I remember was how these people felt. The location was tropical, Hawaiian shirts and dress may have been involved. What I remember most was the peaceful feeling these people exuded as I listened to their stories.

Way back then, I was not only unconscious of my day to day experiences, but I really had no clue how much my beliefs were not in alignment with my true reality when I walked in my spirit Self (my True You). However, there was something about Shakti that drew me to her and I began to dabble with her books.

I believe our higher Self is always guiding us. At the time, I was also reaching for other thought leaders. I had no idea what they were saying, really. I had only known my own experiences in life and was desperately trying to get ‘back’ to my ease of just asking and getting anything I wanted.

A part of me did not really believe what they were saying that night. I could hear my grandmother’s voice in my head chiming in with ‘oh, those are just gimmicks’ and yet I followed through to get the book.

It would be another 10  years before I began to wake up, to even try to see what else is available. To REALLY read her books and to consider the opportunity! I had already begun to untangle myself from my crazed workaholic-overachiever tendencies that I picked up from watching my mother and grandmother work two and three jobs their whole lives. I had been a 60 to 80 hour a week worker and the work began to get less and less each year until I was in my mid-30s making more than ever and working less than ever.

A couple of years ago, Marc Allen and I crossed paths again. I had been wondering, “Is there something seriously wrong with me that I can’t get with the world’s mania around working a lot and not having a life? Am I the only one who can see the Emperor has no clothes?” My ‘awakening’ seemed to move me away from anything that didn’t feel good, and I was left with this familiar feeling and need to have space – lots and lots of space to ‘dream’ and ‘create’ and ‘flow.’ A chance stop at a library I don’t normally frequent led me to his book, The Type-Z Guide to Success: A Lazy Person’s Manifesto to Wealth and Fulfillment (this is why I go to the library – you get to see titles by topic that are not just the ‘latest’). I had resonated with Richard Branson for a long time, and stumbling across Marc’s book sealed the deal that it was indeed possible for me to be me and live in perfect harmony here. 

And, now, here we are nearly 20 years after the infomercial, and a couple after stumbling across the Type-Z Guide, and I am interviewing Marc Allen on my radio show about one of my most passionate beliefs!

Life is an amazing journey and magical adventure. Come join us for what I know will be a fantastic conversation!

Yesterday, as I pulled out of the driveway, I caught a view of my fingernails (wearing Jam n’Jelly by Essie) and thought, ‘I’ve got to share my perfect manicure tips!’ Yes, it was kind of an Elle Woods moment, but, really, if you had a way to keep natural nails looking fabulous for TWO WEEKS without chips,wouldn’t you share?

Yes, that’s what I thought.

When I arrived at lunch, my friend exclaimed, “Ooooh, your nails are so pretty!” In the nearly dark restaurant, the overhead can light made them look absolutely sparkling. AND, I did them a week and a half ago! PLUS, I have my hands in water all the time with doing dishes, showering, etc.

So, here it is…for all of you who don’t use artificial nails and pine for that splash of color, but don’t dare because of fear of looking like you bite at your nails, here it is! Oh, and I do go to get a manicure here and there to care for my cuticles, but my manicures last a LOT longer than those I get at the nail salon.

Life really IS too short to skip color. Of course, you can use this for pedis too!

Tina’s Picture Perfect Manicure

Step 1 – Use a VERY GOOD base coat that doesn’t chip. I use LCD, Liquid Crystal Nail Developer, or OPI’s Original Formula Nail Envy (has the green lettering on it). Sometimes I use both if I’m gardening or painting a lot.

Step 2 – Let the base coat dry THOROUGHLY. I do my nails while watching a show.

Step 3 – If you have weak nails, add a strengthener, such as OPI’s Nail Envy. Let this coat dry THOROUGHLY.

Step 4 – Paint your nails a color of your choice. You can use any kind of nail polish…even cheaper nail polishes will work (I used the coolest gold during the holidays and only paid 50 cents for it in the bargain bin…it lasted two weeks, too).

Step 5 – (Optional) Add another coat of color, if you want.

Step 6 – (The Big Secret) Add a coat of Seche Vite (you don’t have to let the color completely dry…it adheres to the color).

Step 7 – The NEXT night, add another coat of color. Your nails won’t be chipped or anything, this is just to ensure your mani lasts a LONG time!

Step 8 – Add another coat of Seche Vite before the color dries.

That’s it!

Looking for a Dream Life:

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Idol reminds us…It only takes one day to change the rest of our lives. One decision…one leap toward what is possible. Each day you have the chance to make a life changing choice. Will you say, “Yes!”?

We got a little late start on American Idol this year, but better late than never. First thing I noticed? Wow, the new judges panel delivers good vibes! And, I’m not talking about being ‘nice’ as opposed to Simon’s ‘not nice.’ I’m talking about chemistry, baby!

What a wonderful surprise!

One of the things I’ve always loved about Idol is the ‘dreams fulfilled’ part of the equation. I mean, seriously, where else can a paint department employee become a top recording star?

I love, love, love the new energy Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have added to Idol. love how they get into it and add so much energy, compassion, verve to the mix. Plus, is it just the cutest to see the contestants awe-struck??? So MANY delicious bits and pieces to this season already…can’t wait for more!

Am TOTALLY excited about Jimmy Iovine being part of the crew, too. The magicians behind the curtain hold such a big piece of the puzzle…producers…music makers…can’t wait to see how Jimmy works his unique brand of magic.

And, what about Caleb Hawley? Wow, he had some happy “I love to sing” vibes, didn’t he? Reminded me of Taylor Hicks. Oh, and wasn’t that the sweeeetest that Jennifer remembered that one little girl (the one that almost gave up and then remembered she isn’t a quitter?) and it made her day?

So fun to watch the judges sing along…with heart and soul. Makes the ‘no’s go down so much easier…

Plus, can you believe the totally raw vocals by these babies? These 16 year olds who have been dreaming about Idol for 10 years, and it sounds like they’ve been practicing for a decade, too.

Good luck to all the contestants…and away we go!

P.S. Randy…always loved ya Dawg!

P.P.S. Ryan…you ROCK!