Magical Gifts and Goodies: 2023 Adventures.

 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner 

The last full moon of the year was spectacular! A perfect ending to a year of 'Magical Adventures,' for which I am incredibly grateful for! 

I found myself in a very poor emotional state as the year started! My plan for retirement, from a special education teaching career, was moved up by 2 full years and 2 months! I have no regrets! I miss everyone, but I wasn't able to give to everyone anymore! They were giving to me, as my tank was empty! 

Photo by author 

Creating Magical Adventures with a Unicorn was how I started the 2023 year! I decorated my teaching cart with a unicorn and galloped through my final quarter of teaching! My students named her Aurora! 

Staff, students and visitors smiled when we rolled by! Aurora called out and cantered happily when one of us pressed her magic button! Giggles were heard far and wide when she sang and danced!

Photo by author 

 I was gifted many magical hearts and unicorns this past year. All of them are special! All of them have helped to  move me from a very low place emotionally, to the place I am today, as we close out 2023. 

My words for the 2023 year were, 'Magical Adventures,' and it was a year full of them! 

I started writing about horse, side by side and boating adventures! Gratitudes, Rock Reflection Ritual, Angelic Communion Practice and Magical Gifts and Goodies were inspired and written about, almost every day, after I retired! 

Fortunately, healing from grief, trauma and burnout occurred organically as the days, weeks and months passed. 

Unfortunately, more waves of sadness occurred when my dear friend and two of our fur babies died during the summer. 

My angelic team, dear friends and loving family members, once again gathered around and supported my aching heart, as I navigated through each of these deep heartfelt loses! I practiced mindfulness often, with my feet resting on a beautiful rock! I searched my soul and once again was able to climb out of another low emotional state! 

Photo by author

I am grateful that I am healthier, as I say goodbye to 2023! It was a year full of 'Magical Adventures,' sad goodbyes, healing, reflection and new beginnings! 

May 2024 be 'Magical' in every way!

How has your life changed during the past year? 

Have you had 'Magical Adventures' of your own?

What are you most grateful for?

Manifest a magical day! 

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Rocking (Gliding) Dreams

 

Photo by author

A few weeks ago, it was my turn to find a new chair for myself. Dan bought one last year just after he retired. Since I retired in April, it was my turn to find the perfect fit for me! Interestingly, the chair I had been rocking in for several years was letting us know it was on its last spring. Ting. Tang. Bing. Bang. Dan, being very handy, was able to repair it, but the household gnomes were having way too much fun with those springs, as they continued to come loose, until the day the new chair arrived.

I laughed every single time I heard a ting, tang, bing or bang. It was better than crying, right? The seat lost its original shape, my body was complaining because one hip was lower than the other hip because of the pranksters. Now, it is important to mention, that the chair was way too big for me. I was always slouching in it or sitting in it sideways. I tossed a leg over the arm and rocked with the other leg if I wanted to rock. Otherwise, I reclined it, which was usually more comfortable. Oh, but the gnomes had even more fun with me when I wanted to get out of the reclined position. Since, there was no handle to help me close the footrest, I had to use my lower legs to push it down and click it. You would think that would be easy, right? Nope, it was hard, very, very hard to do. Many times I had to try this fancy maneuver two or three things before I heard the click. Yep, we laughed a lot with that silly old chair.

Finding the perfect fit, for me, was however, not as easy as it was for Dan to find his retirement chair. The chairs I sat in were either way too big or a bit too small. Yes, it was a ‘Goldilocks’ experience. I kept telling Dan what they felt like. This one is too long, this one is too short for my thigh. I even compared it to sitting and choosing a comfortable saddle. Some saddles fit me, some don’t fit me, because of the length of my thigh.

I was grateful when the owner of the store, heard me talking, while I was testing out the chairs they had in the store. He took us to the back of the store to try out one particular chair. Yes, it fits me much better than all of the others. He said that it would mold to my body, once I got it home. So the ordering process started. I could order a rocker or a glider and I had 3 color choices to choose from. The color we ordered was ‘saddle’ (brown). More laughter, because it was certainly a lovely magical sign that I was ordering the right chair. It was also the only chair that came in the ‘saddle’ color that we had looked at.

I didn’t know that I preferred a glider over a rocker until after I returned home. My old chair was a glider, which I actually prefer. Fortunately the next day, I was able to switch the order to a glider, rather than a rocker.

I am so very grateful that I changed the order, because, fast forward to now. I love my retirement chair. I love that I can sit down in it and feel like it hugs me. My legs, back and neck fit into it like a glove. I make sure that I don’t slouch, though, as was my habit in the last chair, since it was way too long for my leg and my back. This one is starting to mold to my body, so I want to make sure that I sit in it correctly.

Another dream came true!

I do still laugh with memories of the other chair, every single time I go to tuck in the footrest, though. I don’t seem to remember that the handle will do it for me, until after I start to push it down with my legs! It’s a habit that I wonder if I will ever break? I doubt it, because it brings me joy when I forget!

I dreamt about getting a new chair for a long time, before it became a reality. I have had many ‘new to me’ chairs over the years, but I had not picked one out, just for me. It was time for this particular dream to become a reality. It was time to let go of the old and bring in the new. A personalized creation that fits me like a glove. It was time to stop saying, “It fits well enough. We can make it work. I don’t need to be comfortable!”

Manifesting this chair, that fits me and still makes me smile, is one of many dreams that I have magically brought into my life. I simply needed to follow the breadcrumbs, the magical fairy dust and trust that I was making the right decisions along the way.

Do you have a dream that you are putting off until later, because your current reality is ‘good enough?’

Is it time for your dream to become a reality?

Will you give yourself permission to follow the breadcrumbs and magical fairy dust as you manifest your dream?

Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Owl Inspiration

 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

Last week, the Magic Glass sent me a lovely image of a Great Horned Owl and what appears to be a younger Unicorn. The unicorn’s magical horn is just starting to appear or is hidden behind the wise old owl. My heart feels that they are sending magical messages to listen to my intuition and wisdom. Together, they remind me to see my life through the heart of a young, however, wise child, who is full of love, insight and creative imagination. I am inspired to continue to live an adventurous and magical life!

Recently, my husband and I were riding through our forest trails, when a huge Great Horned Owl swooped down from the top of an evergreen tree. Our second sighting of the year, though this Great Horned Owl was in a different part of the property from the first sighting. This one flew fast and quietly down the trail, before it flew up to the top of another tree, about 100 yards down the trail. We are gifted by their calls more often than we are by a sighting, so having 2 sightings for the year, here on our property, is very special. Unfortunately, they both flew way too fast for me to get a picture, but they have left an imprint on my heart and soul.

Photo of Onyx by author

 

I was greeted this morning by my young horse, Onyx. His loving expression and gentle whisper of a call, made my heart sing, as our hearts connected. Today, I noticed that the wind had created a whimsical heart where a unicorn horn would naturally appear. Yes, he is indeed my magical unicorn. He whispers to my heart and calls me to play with him. He is intuitive, wise and adventurous. He always encourages me to laugh, dance and be more playful. He also inspires me to tune into a child’s heart and creative imagination.

The recent owl sightings have inspired me to always listen to my heart wisdom, as I manifest and live a magically inspired and incredibly adventurous life.

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Have you had an encounter with a forest animal recently?

Did your heart sing?

Were you also inspired to live and manifest something incredible?

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Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Fireside Blessings

Photo taken by author

Wood harvested each fall is always a marvelous gift. Our bodies used to be capable of filling the truck bed as well as a large car trailer up with logs. Now as we are in our 'silver years' we are happy to retrieve a pickup truck load of wood from the forest, at a time. This load was a huge blessing. Our neighbor and friend used his tractor to pull out several long branches of a huge oak tree that had fallen down, but was not easy to get to. 

Together, we all worked to harvest the wood, for us and for them. We split a lot of wood each year. We take the larger chunks and they keep the smaller pieces to put into their wood stove. Just as we were feeling the muscles start to burn out, another friend appeared. She pitched right in to help us all get loaded up with wood. It was a blessing in so many ways. My muscles were tired, I was hitting the wall, and I thought I was done. My energy was depleted. 

However, when she appeared, her energy was contagious. I was able to keep cutting, while she picked up the chunks to hand to my husband, who was in the back of the truck. Together, we made quick work of it and before we knew it, we were done. We stood around and chatted for a while, which was also a blessing. I felt joyful, happy and confident. After a year of pain, sorrow and sadness, feeling confident again is an amazing feeling. I honestly enjoyed communing with others. I could speak my truth. I could laugh, I could hug and I could be connected, in the moment, in a positive way. 

In the past year or so, being around most people was hard for me. I couldn't join in on the fun. I couldn't speak my truth confidently, I felt sad and bitter. I felt judged and as if I couldn't do anything right. I wanted to crawl into the woodwork and hide. I didn't feel confident in myself. I knew I was not in a good place emotionally, so, I hid as best I could, when I could. I wasn't at my best. I had nothing more to give. I had run out of fuel. I had lost my spark. 

Early retirement was my opportunity to heal. Healing from losses I may not ever discuss openly. Healing from my mother's difficult journey of pain before she crossed. Healing from losing my dear friend and my 2 senior dogs within days of each other. Grief can be a difficult road to travel, but fortunately we don't have to stay in that low vibrational energy. We can heal, we can thrive and we can be strong and feel confident with others, once again. 

Photo by author

Today, as I sit in front of a roaring fire, I can reflect back on the moment I realized that I am whole again. I knew I was on the mend when I started to decorate the house in a creative way. I knew when I was tapping into my wisdom and life was easier. I knew when I wasn't tearing up and crying while talking to others or watching sappy movies. I knew when I could feel empathy and compassion again, instead of feeling numb and empty. However the powerful moment when I realized, deep down into my heart, that I have bounced back and let go of the painful thoughts, was when I could confidently speak my truth in a why that was without feeling grief, loss or pain. Magically, my soul is dancing effortlessly, like the flames in the fire. 

Was it easy? No, it was not. Like gathering, splitting and stacking wood to fuel the fire, it took effort to heal. It took time, it took energy and it took patience and persistence. Patience, because healing couldn't be forced by myself or others. Persistence, because I couldn't remain where I was at, mentally, emotionally or physically. It took both patience and persistence from myself, my family, my friends, nature and of course my angelic team and 4 legged family, too! I feel blessed to have opened the amazing gift of resilience. To be comfortable, confident and healthy in my own skin again, is truly magical. A spark is once again lighting a fire within my soul. 

My muscles have been throbbing since we gathered wood this week, but I know from experience, that they too will recover and I will be stronger for the next time we harvest, split and stack the wood to fuel the fire. My heart was throbbing, but I am stronger now. If or when I feel grief, sorrow or judgement again, I will give myself time to remember what it feels like to be whole again, because I have experienced being resilient. I will remember to be present, patient and persistent. 

Have you recovered from a difficult experience in your life? 

Can you remember a time in your life when you were resilient? 

Do you remember the moment you realized that the spark of confidence, happiness and joy was lit deep within your soul again?  

Manifest a day. 

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Angel Bear

Photo of Bear and Tipper by Author

Let's face it. The last few days have been busy, but I have also not been in a state of mind to really write. Why? I lost my confidence. My voice was altered a little bit when I was editing a story for an editor. I thought, this will be good for me. I will learn something important and become a better writer. However, I felt like I was back working and writing legal student plans, instead of writing from my heart. I developed 3 canker sores from the all day stress. I have struggled and actively avoided writing, most days. 

I have written a couple of pieces since that day, but writing them didn't feel the same. Something is or was still missing. So, I waited until I felt a pull to write again. What is interesting, is my Magical Angelic Team, sent me a very strong message. A couple of loud messages were actually sent and received. 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

When I saw this License plate, I was almost hit by an oncoming car, OOPS. I was walking to the store when I saw it. I stopped abruptly, which stopped traffic behind me, because I was so strongly pulled to it. The pull was so strong that I wasn't paying any attention to the world around me. I immediately knew, that my sweet Bear, was barking at me, calling me to join him at the rock, once again. 

I never knew what I was going to say, when I sat down to write, while Bear was alive. I just knew that my angels were telling him, to get me to go SIT at the ROCK. So I did. While sitting at the rock, I wrote from my heart. I intuitively knew that if I honored his calling and he did call, insistently, until I joined him at the rock, that the words would come. My team would guide me. I would write from my heart and I did. The words flowed. Wisdom I didn't even know existed,  came out of my heart onto the pages.  This became a daily ritual. The Rock Reflection Rituals were born because of Bear and his unbelievable insistence that we go outside. He would lay in the sand near the rock, that my feet sat on. He waited patiently for me to write and when I was done, he knew. He got up, before I put the phone down and walked back up to the house. We were done for the day. 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

I love the symbolism of the rainbow moving through 'Bear' on this license plate. I didn't plan or even see the spontaneous rainbow. It magically appeared. A message that Bear, my amazing Black Lab/Griffin Pointer cross, is with me, even though he crossed the rainbow bridge, several months ago. He is reminding me, his Mama Bear, to join him at the rock. He is still here. So, when I get stuck, which happens, I am reminded that I am simply stuck in my thinking. Pleasing others, instead of allowing my heart to guide me. My heart flows, rhythmically and lovingly, as does my writing, when I let go of fear, failure and pleasing others. 

Sitting at the rock, brings me peace, wisdom and creativity return!. I am once again connected to a loving, universal energy, through my angelic team! Magically I am grounded in this loving feeling and beautiful words bubble up, though and out of me. I feel the ripples of magic move through my heart and soul. I have shifted once again into a parallel universe where the veil is thin, and magic is the norm!

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

I was sent this amazing Image, through the Magic Glass, a little more than a month ago. I was stunned by it, as much now, as I was then. The meaning was clear to me. Bear sent it to me. A loving message from him, telling me that he loved me and that he was OK.  I recognized this shape from somewhere, so I looked it up. It turns out that it is a Bear Fetish. I couldn't find one with a heart, but I found many with a 'Heartline'. I was honestly hoping to find a Bear Fetish rock, with an actual heart through it or on it, though the heartline is special, too. I was simply hoping to purchase one like the image, is all. Someday, I hope that I will find one that is very similar, that pulls at my heart like this image does. 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

The Magic Glass sent this Bear image, 4 days after the first Bear image. Bear was persistent before he crossed over the rainbow bridge and fortunately for me, he still is. Interestingly, when I shared the licence plate picture with Dan. I was also talking about the Rock Reflections Ritual with Bear. While I was talking, Tipper started barking and barking. She wanted to go out. When I opened the door for her, she continued to bark and dance, she wanted me to join her outside, too. She did not have to go outside, she just wanted me to go outside with her. She wanted me to sit at the ROCK! 

It appears to me, that Tipper has tuned in to and connected to Bear and my Angelic Team. I am grateful for the reminders to go to the 'Rock' to reflect and listen to my heart. To 'let go' of what does not serve my highest and best good. I was once again reminded that 'Magical Breadcrumbs' come from a place of love and peace. Follow the vibration and energy of love. Listen for that truth, 'let go' of everything else!

What do you actively avoid? 

Do you have a "Rock" where you can become grounded once again? 

Can you listen to your heart and 'let go' of what does not serve your highest good?

Manifest a magical day!

 

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Moments of Gratitude

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

When I walked out to the arena the other day, Onyx called out to me from the arena gate! We had played together a few days before in the arena, so this was his way of letting me know he wanted to play again, which was a huge compliment! If our play had not been good for him. He would have walked away. I certainly would not have been greeted with a heartfelt sweet sounding whiny!

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

The next afternoon, I walked out to the barn to get something I needed in the house. Onyx was laying down in the sunshine over on his hill. He kept an ear on my, but didn't stand up. Instead of going directly to the barn, I walked over to him, gave him a treat and loved on him for a few minutes. He stayed laying down. He trusts me! This too, was a huge compliment to our relationship! If he didn't trust me, he would have stood up.

Both of these moments with Onyx, were special! Both made my heart sing! Both were magical gifts that I am very grateful for! we are progressing, we are becoming one together. It has taken time and will continue to take time, but for now, we are feeling the magic.

Have you felt a connection with a 4 legged friend?

Has that connection felt magical?

When you feel the magical connection, do you take the time to appreciate it and them?

Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Angel Affirmation

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

The Magic Glass gave me this amazing image of a cantering horse. It is a lovely gift and oh so meaningful. An affirmation from my angels. An affirmation of my passions; horses, heart connections and everything whimsical.  

A montra I am hearing deep within my soul, as I gaze upon this magical image is to:

                                 Be Graceful! Be a Deep Listener! Be Magical! Be a Free Spirit! 

Be graceful in your mind, in your words and in your life. Life is meant to be an effortless adventure. It can be smooth, calm and peaceful. Travel through life balanced upon a magnificent horse's back. Moving as one down the trails in front of you. Zig and Zag with grace! Be elegant, wise, and strong as you live passionately! Be happy, be confident, be grateful and positive! 

                                                                Be Graceful!

Be a deep listener. Listen with your heart, your soul and your spirit. Be in the moment. Be kind and calm as you listen for the truth in the words and messages you hear. Truth vibrates at a level our wisdom knows to be true. We resonate with it. Time stops all around us. We long to be connected as one being, with one soul, and one heart when we connect deeply to another, to the universe and to ourselves!

                                                           Be a Deep Listener!

Be magical. Be one with your Unicorn and Fairy Godmother! Scatter fairy dust wherever you go. Canter down the trails fearlessly. Notice the light, the energy and the mystical colors, as they reflect the love you have for your magical life! Notice the interconnectedness of the trees, the grasses and the patches of brambles. The deer, the birds and other enchanting wildlife lift their heads calmly as you wave your magic wand upon them. They remain at peace, knowing you mean no harm to them or their cherished kin. You have their wellbeing as one of your core values. 

                                                               Be Magical!

Be a free spirit as you navigate your life! Be unique, be creative and allow your imagination to be limitless. Push the boundaries and follow the breadcrumbs that lay in front of you. Take the path you know in your heart to be best for your journey, for your life! Do you, be you, love your passions, focus and live a magical, blessed, joyful life!

                                                                Be a Free Spirit!

My angels have given me magical gifts of affirmation often. This one filled my soul with a strong emotional truth. I am honored, and I am grateful as I am reminded to be me. To be passionate, whimsical and full of joy, as I write, as I ride, as I play, as I teach, as I share! 

What are you passionate about? 

Have you been touched by a magical fairy godmother riding a majestic unicorn? 

Will you canter smoothly through life, zigging and zagging as one down the trails of life? 

Manifest a magical day

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Heartfelt Beams of Love!

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

I am beaming, because today warmed my heart in ways I did not know it needed warming. I bought a small gift for the school where I had worked off and on for several years before I retired last April. It is a book written by one of my favorite counselors. Mavis Karn. Her message was life changing for me at that time, as well as for my dad. When I discovered that she had written this gem of a book, “It’s That Simple. A User’s Manual For Human Beings,” I bought it, read it and bought more to share! I knew it needed to be in the hands of my educational family! Honestly if I could buy a copy of it for every person at this school, I would! Yes, it is that good!

After I gave the book to one of the administrators, to read first, I was given permission to spend some time with the kids. I loved every minute that I was there. My first and last hug were probably the longest. Though all of them were amazing. I spent time talking to staff and students. I learned about some of the electives the kids are loving! I learned that a couple of the kids knew one of my former students through their job. I told them to say hello. We had to take a selfie to send to him, SHHH don’t tell staff I let that happen! I learned that some kids are not exactly staying out of the drama. So, we had a little chat about that, because where is that going to take them in life?

I am grateful that I had enough time to really focus on kids and staff! I had time to pass out hugs because the last time I stopped, the kids and some staff members came running out of their classrooms to give me hugs and get hugs from me. This school was my absolute favorite school to work in. I am so very grateful that I retired from there. 

Today, I was there for the end of their first lunch and stayed until just after their 3rd lunch started! It wasn’t my idea to go over lunch, but I loved it when I heard this brilliant idea, the last time I had stopped in to give staff a pick me up treat, a month or so ago. 

I love this staff. I love these kids. I love the wonderful things they are doing together! Is it hard to do, yes, I can see it on the faces of staff. Are they making a difference, yes they are, I could feel it in the hallways, I could feel it in the lunchroom, I could feel it in the classrooms. WOW, keep doing what you are doing, because you are making a huge difference in these kids lives and their futures. You have created an outstanding positive community and it shows!

I loved hearing from the kids about their favorite class or newest accomplishments! A few kids are starting post secondary. One class is taking kids to Oxbow Park every Monday. They are up close and personal feeding the animals. One student told me that Elk are prey animals. She has to be really calm and quiet for them to come up to her, because humans are predators. She was very excited to tell me that she was able to get within 2 feet of one of the Elk that is usually the first to bolt away! Another student told me that her favorite class is Animal Studies. They are learning about the bodily functions of dogs. Another told me she loves my daughter’s classes. Health and Mindfulness! Another loves Spanish and most, or should I say, all of them love the Art elective! Oh, I almost forgot, another new elective is Music Studies. Not all of the kids have had that one yet, but I bet it is one that is well loved, too!

A couple of students I did not expect any love from, were genuinely happy to see me. When I said I would be back in January to say hello again, they were glad to hear that. I was pleasantly surprised. I am not the same person I was when I retired. I am healthier and happier. I think the kids understand and can feel that, too! I can go visit them but not be there to teach them everyday! I can love them, listen to them and fill them up with good memories full of joy!

One student who loves my daughter, called me her grandma. Yes, I am like a grandma or maybe I am their fairy godmother, because I can visit, let them break a minor rule here and there, give and receive love and go home! I can help them feel love and joy. I can listen to the good, maybe the bad, too! I can impart wisdom and let them know that I do love them and want them to be the best that they can be today, so that tomorrow is better, yet! 

Am I spreading Magical Fairy Dust? It sure feels like it!

I know that I missed some hugs from staff and students who were not there or who I didn’t have time to visit. That does not mean I didn’t care about them. Next time I stop in, I will make sure to say hello, I promise! No, I am not going back to work….but if I can spread Magical Fairy Dust, give joy and love for a moment, to kids and staff, I will keep stopping by to do just that!

My heart is full. It was a magical day!

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What can you do today to fill up your heart?

Who is the one person from your childhood school days that you would like to receive a hug from today?

How do you spread fairy dust, joy and love to others?

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I would like to give a shout out to my friend, mentor and fellow Medium writer. Debbra Lupien, Voice of the Akashic Records . She is amazing. I encourage you to check out her page, her books and her YouTube channel. In fact, now that I am thinking about it, during one of her free readings, I asked her if I should go back to work at the school this past fall. The answer she channeled, was a strong no. I could visit, but do not go back to work there. It is time to pursue what brings you joy! She was absolutely correct!

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Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Too Busy to Notice?

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner 

I knew today was going to be a very busy day! I even wondered if I would find time to write? I also wondered if I would be too busy to notice any gifts and goodies? I haven't always noticed them everyday, nor have I always had time to write from my heart regularly! Stress, grief and life got in the way! 

After morning chores, we took apart an old chair that didn't fit me! It never did, but it had been free! Once we got it apart and hauled to the garage, we went to our Chiropractor! She uses a handheld activator, which has been a godsend for my many injuries over the years! Most recently, my thumb, wrist and forearm! I am so very grateful for her knowledge and expertise! Such a gift!

On our way home, we picked up veggies and other goodies at the grocery store! While walking to the truck I was drawn to the license plate OWLCTY, I absolutely love owls! I always have! My friend loved owls, too! I am naturally a night owl! I was not a morning person! As a child my mom called me a night owl when I couldn't get up for school! Interestingly, I was talking about how much I love owls just yesterday! I listened last night for their calls when I let Tipper out, too. I always try to listen for them when the winds are calm! Sometimes I get lucky and hear them from the house, though usually it's easier to hear them in the woods!

Speaking of Tipper, she gifted us today! She didn't take off when Dan let her out with us, while we brought the groceries into the house. She used to take off, so she isn't allowed out in the open, off leash, very often! We have 2 huge fenced in areas for her to run in, so she doesn't need to be in the driveway, off leash!. For some reason he tested her today! I held my breath, as I mentally let her know that I too trusted her to stay with us, and she did! Yes, she received a treat! I was so proud of her!  Since she became our only dog, there has been a night and day difference in her! We joke about it, and say, "Who's dog is this and where did our dog go?" It's miraculous! 

 

After putting away our groceries we stopped by a friend's farm to borrow a couple of different bits to try on Onyx! She had a Christmas card for us and she returned a book she had borrowed a long time ago! I had totally forgotten about it! When she flipped open the cover to show me that it was mine, I saw my mother's handwriting!  Awe, another gift! 

Once home, we did our evening chores! We finished them just in time for my new chair delivery! This chair, is the first chair I have ever bought for myself, ever! Dan bought a new chair after he retired, so when my free one started to fall apart, we decided that I too needed a 'retirement' chair! It's perfect! It fits me like a glove and I love that the name of the color is saddle! How great is that? It was meant to be!

I didn't know if I would be too busy, to notice gifts and goodies today, but I did!

Did you notice your gifts and goodies today, too?

When you feel stress, grief or life getting in the way of your passion, what can you do to make room for peace and joy?

How can you be busy and still be aware of each precious moment?

Manifest a magical day! 

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Kindness

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

As we left the property, yesterday, we both noticed, at the very same time, that our mailbox was falling off the post. It apparently had happened within the last hour or so, as Dan didn't see it when he was out and about. Our neighbor was walking by and said, "It wasn't like that yesterday!" How interesting!

We may never know exactly what happened to the mailbox, to cause it to change its perspective on life. We can however decide what to do with our thoughts about it. We can be angry, we can dwell on the negative or we can shake our head, fix it and move on with life, knowing that it was a moment in time, that was not exactly what we expected to see or have to think about, at all. 

Why did I give this event energy at all? I asked myself that question, too! It falls into the category of, "Is the glass half full or half empty," and "What you put your focus on, increases!" Which perspective do you want to take? Full, Empty, Positive or Negative?

As we were talking with our neighbor, she said something that touched my heart. She asked if she should send her husband down to fix it. We both thanked her, as I said, "No we can fix it ourselves" knowing that Dan could indeed fix it easily.  Which he did. 

I choose to think about the positive. Had this little "event" not happened when it did and if we had not driven out at the same time our neighbor was out walking, we would not have had this kind exchange with a kind soul. Our windows would have been up, we would have waved and gone on about our day. 

Instead we were able to talk for a moment and feel the kindness in her heart as we drove away. I carried this 'kind' moment with me as I went about my day. I am actually smiling now as I think about it again now!

Have you had a kind exchange with a neighbor or person you don't know well during an unexpected moment?

Did you stop and ponder the way you felt afterwards?

Are you remembering a kind moment now? 

Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Nesting Moments

 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

We experienced a lovely spring-like day, yesterday. It isn't spring, we are just entering winter. These lovely days are numbered. It will eventually snow! We will soon be experiencing blizzards and deep cold weather, but it was a lovely day. It was also a very good day to spend some of it nesting for winter. Just like animals in our area were doing. 

That morning, I looked out of the window to see a squirrel sitting perfectly on the woodpile. I watched it for a minute to see if I could figure out exactly what it was doing! It was digging in the woodpile and pulling out fine ribbons of bark. It was stuffing the long strips into its mouth. I was glued to the moment. It was fascinating to watch. It became a memory in a moment, too, as when I reached for my phone, it took off. 

I was elated that I experienced seeing the squirrel doing something interesting, yet also disappointed that I wasn't able to capture a picture of it. I have honestly been looking out the window, off and on, since it disappeared from view, hoping to recapture that moment in time. However, that moment is gone. It is a lovely memory for me to cherish. It is also a reminder to live in the moment. To treasure the moments we are in, because each moment moves past us, like the clouds in the sky. Yes, I take pictures and write about them, however the feelings that I have at that moment lead me to the next and the next and the next! I treasure them, but I can't relive them exactly like I did! 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

We split wood in preparation for the colder weather that we know is coming. Dan split, while I sorted through the logs to hand them to him. We split several loads of wood and stacked them on the woodpile within easy reach to fill the bins in the house. 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

I had noticed a particular piece of wood several times in the last few weeks. It makes me smile almost every time I see it. I love hearts, I always have. Interestingly, I had not taken a picture of it, until, I did. I didn't need to, as I knew it was still in the woodpile. It still is, at this moment in time, but eventually it too will burn, which is fine... 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

I will see, another heart in another piece of wood, a rock, or in a footprint in the snow, like the one Dan found recently. It was just after a snowfall that happened while we were treating Image, our black mare! This was in her pen made by her footprints! A lovely sign of healing that Dan shared with me. 

Photo by Dan Kirchner

I may have missed taking a picture of the squirrel, as it was gathering materials for its winter nest, but my angels sent this perfect image, through the Magic Glass of a squirrel! It appears to be gathering nesting materials, too! 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

My Angelic Team is with me, just as yours is with you... blessing and guiding you throughout your day with magical fairy dust! Watch for and treasure the sparkling fairy dust moment to moment. 

Can you feel your magical team? 

Do you see their Heartfelt gifts and goodies?

Moments come and moments go. Have you captured each moment and felt what it has to offer before letting it go to experience the next magic filled moment, too?

Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Mesmerizing Harmony!

Photo by Dan Kirchner

Yesterday Onyx and I enjoyed a magical day playing together. He was my gift, my goodie and a gem to play with! Dan was putting our tack out on the rails, so we could easily tack up our horses. Onyx responded with his joyous call to my heart as I walked out to the barn!  Onyx's sweet call was asking if he could be picked by me to play with! Connection with a horse is huge! When they offer to connect, to play and to be chosen, it is a  magical gift to be treasured. 

Onyx has been with us for 3.5 years. I felt connected to him even though we were hundreds of miles apart. The story is too long for this moment in time, but we had some struggles once we were in the same physical space. I swear he thought I was a horse he could play with, not a human who he needed to be careful with! So, we started there. We started with learning how to play with a human, who connects like a horse! Yesterday, I took him up on his desire to play with me in the arena! It was an amazing experience, for us both! 

After I invited him into the arena to munch on the grass along the edges, I asked him to join me. He wasn't exactly ready, as there was one more patch of grass he just has to try. I listened, I heard and I waited. I asked again. He was ready to connect politely. Maybe because I was polite, too? We walked over to the tie rail. Dan joined us with his horse, Harvey! 

I brushed Onyx and saddled him even though ground driving was what we were going to do first! It's OK to dress him up for riding, even if I never ride! I even put my helmet on, which I usually only put on when I ride. I didn't know if I would be riding him. It all depended on our connection and feel!

Photo by Dan Kirchner

We started with ground driving, one of my favorite things to do. I started ground driving when I was very young. I had a lovely pony named Chiquita. I spent many magical hours with her, before I moved to the full-size horses. She taught me how to connect, how to communicate with my heart and how to listen deeply to a horse. She didn't care what we did together either. I could sit on her while she ate, I could hang out with her in the field. I ground drove her, rode her on trails or in the arena. We moved gracefully around trees, jumps and flower beds! We had a hill in the backyard that we climbed up. There was a birdbath at the bottom of that hill that we carefully moved around, because I didn't want to knock it over. It was a magical way to grow up! Onyx was as connected and confident as my childhood pony, Chiquita as we drove around the trees, the trailer and the barrels! He was willing and confident! 

All of a sudden, I felt the calling. "Ride! Let's Ride! I will take care of you!" I knew it to be true! I put the reins on the halter, as I had a new bit in his mouth. I threaded the snaps carefully though the ring on the bit and snapped them onto his rope halter. I could talk to both his mouth and his nose this way exactly like I had been while driving. I tightened his girth one notch on each side. I was confident and filled with gratitude as we walked to the mounting block. He set himself up to allow me to easily get on. He was inviting me, waiting for me, drawing me on. 

Photo by Dan Kirchner

Once on, I reached for my treat bag and offered him a treat, with gratitude in my heart. My confidence was intact, as was his. He waited for me to start the riding conversation. He didn't assume, judge or hurry off without me. He waited until I was ready. He waited until my heart was beating with his as one. He waited until I was connected with him at that moment, while on his back, instead of being several feet behind him. I too waited! I took that magical moment into my heart. I wasn't thinking about all of the things thought could go wrong or even the things that could have gone right. I simply was calm, peaceful and abundantly grateful!

When we walked off, the magical feeling walked off with us. We were one as we navigated the trees, the bridge, the logs and the barrels! It was a magical adventure. We experienced one moment at a time together, as we turned, backed up and weaved around the arena. I had not felt this much joy riding a horse in years. It was short, but it was the magic ride we both needed to experience together! It has taken time and support from my husband, dear friends and my coach to feel this magical harmony with Onyx! One magical step at a time! One magical experience after another! Becoming one heart, mind and soul starts with one tiny spark of connection. Follow the magic, follow the glitter, find the sparkle where harmony exists!

Photos by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

Dream big, but enjoy the ride long before it becomes harmonious and magical! Speaking of magic. Last night the Magic Glass gave me this amazing image. I actually took 3 pictures as it was so mesmerizing! A magical gift, for our gifts and goodies story, today!  A calm mystically connected glittering horse to let me know that my team was also with us, as Onyx and I created a magical harmonious memory together! 

What magical dream does your heart want to accomplish?

Have you been grateful for the spark of that dream?

Do you hear your dream calling to you to take the next harmonious step?

Manifest a magical day!

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Living A Fairy Tale Life

Photo by Author

As I sat down to write, I asked my Angelic Team of amazing souls to join me as I pondered and scrolled through recent Magic Glass images. This one appeared on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023. It too, is a lovely image of Bear with a rock! Rock Reflections started because of Bear and his connection to my team of angels! It warms my heart to see that he is still here with me in spirit. 

This image pulled me in, again today. It, like Bear did all summer, reminded me to write! To write whatever feels connected to my team of Angels (Spirit Guides, Universal Energy, a magical pool of sparkling water full of love and light).  My job is to sit down, slow down and allow myself to just be. I bring my heart, and my soul to the rock, to listen and bring forth 'wisdom' full of love and joyful energy. 

This wisdom is not mine, as I have said before, it comes from a deep well of love! A spiritual love that I have been fortunate enough to tap into. I simply listen, write and ponder the messages I receive. It is not a secret, it is possible for us all to tap into this deep pool, full of peace, calm and abundance. It's a magical place, full of unexpected "gifts and goodies" we can all receive, when our mind is still. 

Living in the moment, finding a quiet space in your heart and trusting that you too can tap into the sparkling pool of love, are the keys to this magical life changing experience!

Years ago, I felt drawn to write. I sat in bars and wrote on napkins, a crazed college girl, seeking love, life and adventure. I was pulled in (or should I say away from a life full of dreams and magic) by what I thought was love... Yep, love in all the wrong places! I found a path to my soul when I wrote decades ago! (I promise, I will share those poems and stories at some point. I know they came from the same pool of love I have repeatedly been pulled back to over the years! I know they contain magical insights and wisdom.) Today, I am grateful that I have found my way back to my soul path and that I am once again writing from my heart! 

It's true, my life is like a fairy-tale! I have had ups and down, bumpy roads, missed opportunities, failed relationships and hard times! Drama and pain! Heartbreak and loss! Yet, when I visit the sparkling pool, full of magic and wonder, I find my strength, my wisdom and I persevere. This is when I am able to notice the gifts, the goodies and the love, which abounds all around me. I feel the "sparkling, magical fairy dust" as it soothes my soul in ways that I feel deeply. 

Monday evening, I was unexpectedly given a message from my team during a live Metaphysical Chat for the month of December. Debbra Lupien and I have known each other for decades! We met through our horses and have stayed connected for many years. She has been a cheerleader, a coach and a friend! This message feels like she is also my Fairy Godmother! It's a magical message that gave me goosebumps as my eyes filled with tears of gratitude. My heart heard the truth in this message, however my mind is honestly still processing it, as I step into my truth, my soul path and magical adventure. 

Do you live a magical life full of gifts and goodies? 

Have you experienced pain, sorrow and heartache only to find that that was the path you were meant to be on, so you could experience a fairy-tale life full of love?

When you hear a truth filled message, what does it feel like to you?

Manifest a magical day!

 

Magical Gifts and Goodies: Unexpected Timing

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

We had some work to do in the barn yesterday. I split my time between being in the barn and in the horses outside areas. Dan had put hay in the stalls and locked 4 of the 5 horses in, so they couldn't get out of the barn. I met him outside afterwards. In the meantime, I had been opening pasture gates and pondering where to put the pile of old hay and manure. We made a decision about where the new spot would be. A spot where water could still drain, as well as a spot that Ollie could easily circle. 

I  went into the barn and filled the water tanks. I could hear the tractor humming. Once all 3 tanks had been filled, I walked back outside to make sure the pile was in a good spot. It was. I opened a couple more pasture gates to make it easier on Dan to maneuver the 3 pens he was working on. 

When I returned to the barn, I started to scoop out the feed for the 5 horses. My back was turned away from Image and Hope's stalls. I was busy counting the number of scoops of soaked alfalfa and timothy pellets I was putting into each of their buckets. All of a sudden I felt an inquisitive energy. An energy that did not belong right next to me. I turned to my right and there she was. Image had come out of her stall. The gate latch had failed, again! She looked at me and knew right away that she needed to return to her stall. She calmly backed up I asked her to! 

 

Photo by Debbie Soderberg Kirchner

The first thing I thought about after I backed her back into her stall, was how perfect the timing was, because I was in the barn when she discovered the loose gate latch. We have a large water cistern in the middle of the barn aisle, so our barn aisle is off limits to the horses. Feeling her close to me, before she stepped on the cistern was a blessing. She was calm and confident. She did not freak out, nor did I when she showed up next to me. Had she discovered that the gate could open while I was outside, she could have gotten into all kinds of mischief, not to mention the dangerous cistern. Yes, it has a cement cover, but the cover is cracked. So, it is a hazard, though we are very careful!

I was in the right place at the exact right time. I felt her energy next to me, in my body. She was inside my bubble, not physically touching me, but near enough that my soul felt hers. I was able to stay calm and keep us both safe. The only mishap was, I wasn't sure if her food dish had the same number of scoops of feed as the rest had. I figured it out. Finished feeding, double checked her all of the gates before I went back outside to help Dan. 

There was no drama, no worries, no accidents... simply gratitude for a magical gift of being in the right place at the right time. 

Have you experienced something similar? 

Have you been in the right place at the right time?

Did it feel as though you had been magically guided to be there?

Manifest a magical day!