2015 Predictions - A Year Of Miracles

2015 YEAR FORECAST

Year Of Miracles 

What does 2015 hold for us? Well it holds quit a lot more than what we would expect. First things first, the year 2015 is a number eight (2+0+1+5=8), and eight represents unlimited possibilities. Just imagine, an entire year of soaring through each day with the possibility of success! Of course not everyday will be a highly productive one, but even during the low days most individuals’ thoughts will be pondering unique ways to climb their personal mountain.

It does not matter if love, career, finances, spirituality or family is the focus, what will matter will be the passion put into it. Most people will show more enthusiasm this year than they have in while. We will see this more in politics and business around the world ie: the American/Cuban embargo being lifted. Even though these fervent changes on a macro level will be more obvious in Politics and business, on a micro level every individual will be just as passionate in all they do.

As soon as the clock strikes 11:59pm on December 31st, the universe’s energy will embrace the newness of 2015. Almost instantaneously Individuals will recognize their personal talents and will more zealously express them. Bashfulness and fear will not be as much of a hindrance, and many shy individuals will come out of their shells. Expect co-workers, employees, even children who are usually introverted, to outright express themselves in a way that they have not before.

In terms of health, it is important to focus on an exercise regimen of some sort in 2015. It could be as simple as committing to taking 1000 extra steps a day or going as far to join a gym, every little movement will help. More and more individuals will be mindful of not eating as much meat throughout the day, and will make a conscious decision to lower their meat intake by eating it every second meal, every second day, or cutting it out completely. Health discussions will become more prevalent and people will start recognizing the dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms. Serious minded people will speak up against the unhealthy direction our society is headed in, in terms of nutrition and healthy living, and people will become aware of the dangers of GMO’s food facts.

Finances will be somewhat of a concern for people who do not save. However, as long as a savings is established and discipline is exercised financial security will be easier to achieve.

Last but not least, love! Love is something that will lead in 2015. The passion that will be in the air will help many single folks to become connected and committed. Marriages in 2015 will have longevity and relationships that start in 2015 will be founded on respect and adoration.

2015 the year of miracles will have loads in store for you. Set your sails and get ready to deep sea dive! Once you take the plunge you will discover a world of unlimited possibilities.

-Cerise

Happy New Year - 2015 !!!

I always look forward to the New Year. New beginnings. New chances. New chapters. New adventures.  It's like being at the starting line. A chance for a do-over. An opportunity to do better. To be better.

There is really something quite magical about this time of the year. Anything is possible!

Today we are at the start line. A book of blank pages lay ahead for us to tell a story. The story of 2015, and oh what a best seller it is going to be!!

As you know, I have given up resolutions a few years ago. Instead, I select a word. A single word to focus on for the year ahead. One year health, than forgiveness ... last year was love. Love of everyone around me, and love of myself. To treat myself in a loving manner. Easier said than done - right?

I was worried that perhaps I did not succeed with my word during 2014.

Then I started to think about what love really meant. Love is compassion, it is patience, it is resilient, it is understanding, it is trusting, it is hopeful, it is faithful. And when I look back over all of the events of 2014, As I wrote my year in review, I realized that I did succeed. All of the challenges - the ups and the downs taught me to love and to be loving. Was I perfect? No. Alas, I am human. But I do believe in my heart that I benefited greatly from the lessons of LOVE over this past year. And have grown as a result of them.

That then brings me to the decision of what my word for the new year is going to be. I did entertain the thought of extending LOVE for another year. Then I thought of going broader. My word will be SPIRITUALITY.

Most everyone knows that I do not consider myself to be religious, but rather a spiritual woman. However, I am broadening the blanket term - or the most understood definition of spirituality to be not only my relationship with God, but my relationship with all things Godly. We know that He is everywhere, and so, spirituality in relation to people, places and things is in fact a relationship with the Lord. It is all encompassing.

And so, will be my word - as well as my mission for 2015.

It's interesting, because as I began to write this post I had no idea what my word would be. But I had a feeling that it would come to be when the time was right. The word I needed to focus on would present itself. And it has.

Thank You Lord!

I don't know if you write out a list of resolutions to better yourself at the beginning of a year, or if you have also chosen a word to focus on. Or perhaps you just take each day as it comes.  However you have decided to go into 2015, I want to wish you the very best.

Here is to a year filled with love, joy, laughter, success, good health, prosperity, and spirituality!

Happy New Year!!

My 2014 In Review

Here we go, the winding up of another year. Is it just me, or are the years going by more quickly? Perhaps it just feels that way the older I get.  Nonetheless, here we are, wrapping up the final pages of a chapter to be filed away, as we prepare for the new. The New Year. The New Chapter of our lives. The unwritten. Ahhhh I absolutely adore the thought of the possibilities ahead.

2014 did not disappoint. It was filled with ups and downs. Inspirations and some disappointments. But what is important is that I made it to the end of another year. Praise God!

There were several major events for me in this year. As many of you know, in March I quit smoking! I switched from analog cigarettes to ecigs. And I am happy to say that I am now approaching ten months of being smoke free! Further to that, these past two months I have reduced the nicotine levels from 24mg/ml to 16mg/ml. And the reduction is going very well. I feel like over the next couple of months I will be making another reduction to 12mg/ml. And before you know it, I will have weened myself off of the ecigs all together! Has it been easy? No. There was temptation. Lets be honest, it was a lot easier than anything else I have ever tried in unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking, but it did still require willpower. And I am super proud of myself.

April brought upon a very frightening time. My beloved Bentley got very ill. He had eaten some garlic coated meat and became gravely ill. I won't get too graphic here, but I was boiling chicken and rice for weeks as he was literally starving to death.. He could not eat, and was spewing bile and blood - from the North and the South. (If you get my meaning.) I was so afraid that he would not make it through. And am ever so thankful that he got better. It took about two month in total for him to get back to his old self, but he made it! And I have never been more thankful!

In June was Bentley's surgery. He was in desperate need of oral surgery - and frankly, I could not afford the thousand dollar price tag that came along with it. Thankfully with a referral from his Vet's office to the Farley Foundation, Bentley was able to get his operation. I just cannot tell you how thankful I am to the Farley Foundation and all of its supporters, that made Bentley's operation possible.

How blessed are we???

Most of you know by now that I live with medical challenges, and this year was very much a challenge for me. Particularly my mobility. The Spring and Summer saw the decline in my ability to walk. Even so much as no longer being able to do my own grocery shopping. Having to depend on family and my best friend to do my errands for me. Now, if you know anything about me at all, you know how difficult it is for me to just sit back and watch other people do things for me. Frankly, it drove me crazy!!

I'm really not sure what was worse, having to watch other people do stuff for me, or the fact that I could not get up and do things for myself. I remember sitting in a wheelchair outside of the doctor's office, just watching people walking around - going about their business ... just taking for granted that they could just get up and walk. It made me very aware of the small things. The little things that often don't even make it on to our radar. Yet, when taken away, they can make the biggest impact on our lives. Like the ability to walk.

In September I had my total knee replacement surgery. The surgery itself was a success. The recovery has been insane! Really just a never-ending line of complications and infections, reactions to medications, and so on, and so on....

It has now been nearly four months since my operation and I am still building my strength. I no longer have pain in my leg but have very little energy. My mother recently pointed out that although it has been nearly four months since the surgery - it has only been one month since the end of my last complication, which was a deep tissue infection at the surgical site, that took six weeks of antibiotics to get rid of. So, really, it is no surprise that my body is struggling to recover. It has been through a Lot!

And all things considered, I am getting stronger every day. Bentley had to stay with my friend for two months during the beginning of my recovery. He came home at the beginning of November and we are going out three times a day. And our walks are gradually getting longer. And when I consider that just three and a half months ago I was in a wheelchair, I am doing great!!

November was a really tough one for me. My daughter decided that she was going to leave not only the City, but the Province! She decided that she wanted to move to the other side of Canada - with only four days notice!

WHAT!!!?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK. YES. This was a HUGE pill for me to swallow!!!  One month before Christmas, and my only child was moving half a country away?? OMG!!!  She felt that she needed a change - a shakeup in her life. And she wanted a change of scenery. She wanted to try and make a go of it in a new City. Have new experiences. Perhaps she would succeed, or perhaps she would come back. Either way, she wanted to give it a shot. And she is nearly twenty-five years old. So, even though my heart was breaking, and the mommy me was terrified of all the ways this could go wrong - and how far away she would be from me. I am tremendously proud of how courageous she is. I admire her bravery. To pick up and move across the country is a scary thing to do. To be honest, I'm not sure I could do it. My prayer is that God keeps my baby safe and that she finds the life she is in search of.  And if for any reason things don't go as she would like for them to, she knows she can always come home again.

Needless to say, Christmas was very difficult. The first one I would be apart from my daughter. I have to be honest in saying that I went back-and-forth a dozen times on whether or not I would even 'do' Christmas this year. In the end, I went through with it. And although my mind was certainly on my daughter and I missed her terribly, the day was quite lovely. It was spent with family, and I even attended the Christmas Market this year with my sister. Something I have wanted to do for a couple of years now, and was never able to do.

Like each  year, there are high points and low points, but all in all, I have to say that 2014 was a year of blessings for me. And I am truly thankful. In a lot of ways it is like a launching pad for the years to follow. For my daughter in her endeavours. And for my new knee and all of the adventures it will take me to!

And I am looking forward to all of them!


:-)

Toronto Christmas Market

As many of you know by now, I absolutely adore the Christmas season. The lights, the sounds, the smells, the movies .. haha! So, where better for me to be this time of the year than the Toronto Christmas Market?

This is the fifth year for the Market, and I have wanted to attend each year. Of course the first two years I lived too far away to easily attend, and the past two years, my leg just was not up to the journey. And to be quite honest, since my knee replacement was only three short months ago - I was unsure if I would be able to attend this year. BUT I was sure going to give it my best shot!

This weekend my sister and I went to the Market and I loved every moment of it!

The Market is held in the historic Distillery District of Toronto, and one of the things that I did not consider was the cobblestone streets. Now, two years ago, Bentley (My dog) and I would go for walks down to the Distillery, and walking around the neighborhood upon the cobblestones was not an issue. It should be noted that these walks occurred in the daylight - soo there's that.

Cut to this past Saturday night. It is dark, I am unsteady on my feet, there is a sea of about 5000 people - pushing to get to where they want to be. Let me just say that it was terrifying at times. Luckily my sister was with me, and the poor girl was probably more afraid of my falling than I was! lol  She was so sweet and linked arms with me, pointing out where NOT to put my feet. So in the end, we made it through the evening. At least for about an hour and a half before my legs got tired. But that was enough time for me to soak in the atmosphere.

The lights, the vendor booths, the smells of all of the delicious treats, the Christmas music. Just the festive - jovial energy of everyone there. It was truly a wonderful experience.

I just want to share a couple of the photos I took that evening with you. I hope you can see how festive the Market is and that if you are in the area before December 21st, you will gather your family and head on down to the Market.

Once you arrive, you will see the beautiful towering Christmas tree, which I believe stands at 85 feet! The kiddies can ride the Ferris Wheel, or the Carousel, visit Santa Clause, walk through a life-size Gingerbread House, sing Christmas Carols with Carolers dressed in period costume. Enjoy lots of delicious treats. Truly, it is like walking around in a Christmas Snow globe!

 

Remembrance Day - Freedom Is Not Free

Often times it is easy to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy. We wake up in the morning, have a cup of coffee and prepare for our day. We hop in our car, or take the bus – to work or to school, wherever the day may take us. Without giving a second thought as to the luxury we enjoy by being able to do the simplest of things – without considering how complex freedom really is.

We come home in the evening, we spend time with our family, and we mindlessly enjoy a meal or a movie on the TV. We climb into our comfy bed and pull the blankets over ourselves and close our eyes without worry or fear of our ease of life being taken away.

We don’t give a thought to the possibility of our freedoms being extinguished. We forget about the struggles, which our ancestors fought. We often fail to remember the soldiers who dedicate their lives overseas and at home, to ensure that the light of our daily lives is not tampered by darkness.

We neglect the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. We take it for granted like a foregone conclusion. The past gets shamefully lost in the hustle and bustle of the now. But we must remember that nothing is free in life. Your morning coffee, the car you drive to work in, the bed up curl up in at night.  Everything has a cost.  Brave men and women paid that bill. For you – for me – and for our children.  And so today we STOP – and we give THANKS – to those who paid that price. And we REMEMBER that Freedom is not Free.


Happy Remembrance Day.  Happy Veteran's Day.

God Bless.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Well, it is that time of year again. The time of year when we focus on that which we should be thankful for. Funny isn't it? We know that we should be thankful all year round. We should focus each day upon our blessings, our loved ones, our health, our life. But in the rat-race we call life, we often forget to stop - and zone in on the good things in our life. Perhaps we know in the back of our mind that there is a day specifically intended for gratitude. Just as our Birthday comes once a year, and we choose that day to celebrate ourselves - when in actuality, we should celebrate ourselves every single day. We use Thanksgiving Day as the day to celebrate our blessings. To acknowledge that we are blessed.

The very fact that I am alive is a reason for me to be thankful. The fact that my eyes were met with brilliant blue skies and sunshine this morning, is a reason to be thankful. And that is exactly why when I open my eyes, before I even get out of bed each morning - I give thanks. And when I go to bed each night, I give thanks once again. For the day, for the lessons, for the challenges, for the strength to meet those challenges.

But as much as I try to be thankful - show gratitude for my blessings on a daily basis. I am not perfect. I forget. I neglect. Alas, I am a work in progress. So, with tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I, too, want to focus in on the gifts in my life. And I want to STOP - and acknowledge the blessings in my life.

Clearly, this year has been an eventful one.. Aren't they all?  (lol)  For me, 2014 will be a year of rebirth. I quit smoking this year, in fact it has now been over 7 months since I switched to ecigs!! 5 weeks ago I also had my Total Knee Replacement surgery. Which I am still recovering from.  And with each passing day, I get stronger. With each step I take, I am closer to reclaiming my life. A life that was lost these past two years, due to my inability to walk. This journey in and of itself has been a gift. Forcing me to slow down and focus on the mini accomplishments, which, when collected, amount to huge accomplishments.

I am now off of the wheelchair fully. This week I should be off of the walker, fully transitioned to the cane.  My dog should be coming home at the end of this month. My daughter and I have gotten much closer over these past weeks. My sister and I have rebuilt a relationship, a friendship, a sistership, over these past two years.

I have felt the love of my friends. A spotlight has been cast down to illuminate the goodness of the people in my life. All of the messages, phone calls, prayers, support and encouragement has carried me through some of the toughest times of my life. I am delighted to say that the vast majority of people in my life have risen to meet the call. And I am thankful, grateful, for each and every one of them.

What I have learned - or relearned .... is that it is the hard times in life that shape us. It is interesting how we tend to focus on the good times, the happy occasions, which we refer to as blessings. But it isn't the sunshine that challenges us. It isn't the happy occasions that shape our character. It is the storms in life that ultimately define us. It is the darkness that allows us to truly see what is around us. To truly see who is around us. To discover what we are made of. And it is then that we get to decide if we like who we have become. And if that answer is "No", then we have a opportunity to change what we don't like. And it is the opportunity that is the blessing.

So, I want to give thanks for the opportunities. For the darkness. For the challenges. For the illumination of my soul. For all who surround me with love and light.

Tomorrow I will be preparing my annual turkey dinner, which in and of itself is a miracle - given that I am still in recovery from surgery! I will welcome my family into my home and share in this beautiful day, in the blessings, in the delicious food. In each other.

Whether you are celebrating today, or tomorrow.....

I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!!


Love and Light ..

-Laura

Back To School!!

Here we are again.  That time of the year where all of the parents out there have been getting their little ones ready for the new school year. Some of you are doing this for the first time. And oh, what an exciting time it is.  Some kiddies are feeling a bit nervous going into the next grade. Haven't we all been there? Not knowing what lays ahead. Not knowing how hard the work will be in the new grade. Not knowing the new teacher. Not knowing everyone in the class. What we need to remember is that if we knew everything there was to know - we would not be in school. You are exactly where you are - because you are ready. You can do this!

I use to tell my daughter to make sure that when she leaves school at the end of each day - to make certain that she has learned at least one new thing. To have a piece of knowledge that she didn't have when she woke up that morning.  In fact, I try to live by this rule as an adult. After all, knowledge is power!

To the kiddies, I would say; Study hard. Make friends. Enjoy the field trips. Enjoy the school dances. But most of all - listen and learn! And remember, everything will be okay!

To the parents, I would say; If this is your first time bringing your little one to school, I know how difficult this time of their life can be, for both of you, but you must remember to breathe.  The energy you have is the energy you are sharing with your child. If you are nervous - they will be nervous. If you believe that everything will be okay - that they will have a good time and be successful - they will walk with confidence.

To the drivers, I would say;  SLOW DOWN!!  Kids are excited to see their friends again after a long summer. They are not 100% sure where they are going, which entrance to use - perhaps they are new to the school, perhaps they are new to the area. Perhaps they are running across the road to get to their friends. PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN SCHOOL ZONES!!!  Let us not have a child lose their life because you needed to change the station on your radio.

Now, I cannot do a school posting and not touch upon bullying.  Anyone who knows me, knows how I detest bullying. If you are a bully. STOP IT.  You do not have the right to make another person feel like crap. You do not have the right to ruin some one's day - just to make yourself feel bigger, better, stronger, more important.

If you are being bullied. TELL SOMEONE!!  I know that we live in a culture of don't tell. If you speak out, you are called a rat. That is nonsense. You do not have to live in fear. That is NOT OKAY!!  Speak to a teacher, a guidance counselor, your parents, the crossing guard, a police officer, hall monitor, janitor. Tell someone!

You are a beautiful, wonderful, smart, important person and you deserve to live a life without feeling scared of someone else. Without feeling threatened. Without fear. Without hiding. Bullies are cowards. And the problem is with them - not with you!  You are perfect!

With that said.  I want to wish all of the students - whether you are going to grade 1 or university, a very successful school year!!

Go get 'em!!

Word Pride Toronto

It's that time of the year again. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, the clouds are white and fluffy, the warm breezes are caressing our soul, and the festival season has begun here in Toronto.

Each year Toronto celebrates Pride - but this year is a little bit different. This year Toronto hosts the first ever World Pride festivities held in North America!

Yes. The world has descended on Toronto! Let the parties begin!

Whether you are in the club district, the distillery district, pride village, you will be engaged by the colorful display of pride of self. June 20th - June 29th, experience the various marches and parties, not to be outdone by the epic parade on June 29th!

Whether you are gay, straight, bi, transgendered, one thing is for sure, there is a good time to be had by all!

For more detailed information on specific celebrations and events, please visit the World Pride Toronto website by clicking the link below.

World Pride Toronto

Happy Pride!!

Mother's Day - 2014

I realize that this is a bit over-due. Well, a lot over-due actually. But I am just sitting here, reading, and my mind drifted off to my beautiful daughter and the time we spent together last weekend. Mother's Day.

As the years pass and each of us get older, I grow evermore conscious of how precious the moments shared with my beautiful daughter are. And oh how I treasure them.

Have the years always been smooth? No. Have there been bumps along the way. Oh yeah! One of the most tumultuous relationships that exist is that of a mother and daughter. And ours was certainly no exception to that rule! With that said, I am also mindful of all of the good times we've shared along the way. And all of the hurdles we have jumped over together. Hand-in-hand, mother and daughter against the world!

It brings a smile to my face as I watch the love of my life get older, growing into a beautiful young woman, talented, intelligent, gifted, sensitive, spiritual, loving, thoughtful ... well, you get the picture. :)

It is interesting, as we get older, we  hear our mother shine through us. I cannot tell you how many times I've opened my mouth and out popped my mother. I observe the same in my daughter. I see myself in her, as I see my mother and father in myself.

How blessed I am to have been given such a gift of nurturing the life of one of God's angels here on earth.

I love you my twinkle-twinkle-little-star.

With a smile on my heart, my mind recounts the time we spent together. Dinner, a movie, beautiful flowers, and most importantly - the memories. Locked away forever.

Happy Mother's Day from a very Happy Mommy!

Happy Easter!!

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you." - Matthew 28:5-7 (KJV)


From my family to yours, Happy Easter!!

God Bless,
Laura

Earth Hour 2014

It is that time of year again. EARTH HOUR is taking place tonight, March 29th between 8:30pm and 9:30pm local time. No matter where you are - no matter which time zone you are in, no matter which country you are in, please turn off your lights for one hour to honor our planet. 

Please remember that if you are taking part in Earth Hour this year (And I hope that you are!) be diligent about candle safety!! Never leave lit candles unattended. Take them with you when you leave a room - or extinguish them. Be sure to never leave small children or pets unsupervised around lit candles.

Stay safe as you honor our planet during EARTH HOUR 2014!!!

Blessings,

-Laura

Hello Spring!!

It has been a long, hard, cold, dreadful winter. If you are like me you have been counting the hours until the arrival of Spring. Well, it is finally here!! Spring officially arrives at 12:57pm EST. But will it make a difference? Unfortunately not in the immediate. Wouldn't it be nice if it were that simple? The date on the calendar changed and the weather followed suit? It isn't predicted to go that way though. Alas winter is holding on for the long haul and we are along for the ride. Whether we like it or not!!

What is certain is that eventually - hopefully sooner than later - the skies will clear, the temps will rise and the grass will begin to turn green once again.  One sign of Spring's upcoming arrival was the first sighting of a Black Bear in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

So hang on just a little bit longer. The beautiful weather is just around the corner!

In the meantime, join me in saying a big HELLO to Spring!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Wishing you and yours a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Remember that everybody is Irish today!!  ;-)

Spring Ahead!

With such a terrible winter this year, record breaking in fact. The worst winter in over 20 years! Are we not all waiting for SPRING to arrive??? I know that I am!!

One of the signs of good weather ahead is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time!!

And that time has come! 2:00AM on Sunday, March 9th, remember to set your clocks AHEAD one hour!!
(Or before you go to bed on Saturday night.)

SPRING Ahead!!!

Happy Chinese New Year - Year Of The Horse - Kung Hei Fat Choi!!!

In the Chinese calendar, 2014 is the Year Of The Horse. Are You a Horse? If you were born in any of the following years - then yes, you are a Horse - Of Course, Of Course.

1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

So, what does the Year Of The Horse mean?

source: www.travelchinaguide.com

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos – making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. Ancient people liked to designate an able person as 'Qianli Ma', a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters).

Strengths

People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and refuse to be reconciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefinitely.

Weaknesses

They cannot bear too much constraint. However their interest may be only superficial and lacking real substance. They are usually impatient and hot blooded about everything other than their daily work. They are independent and rarely listen to advice. Failure may result in pessimism. They usually have strong endurance but with bad temper. Flamboyant by nature, they are wasteful since they are not good with matters of finance due to a lack of budgetary efficiency. Some of those who are born in the horse like to move in glamorous circles while pursuing high profile careers.  They tend to interfere in many things and frequently fail to finish projects of their own.

China Zodiac Animal - HorseHoroscope and Numerology Elements

Earthly Branch of Birth Year: wu
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): huo (fire)
Yin Yang: yang

Auspicious Directions: northeast, southwest and northwest
Lucky Colors: brown, yellow, purple; Avoid: blue, white, golden
Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7; Avoid 1, 6, 5
Lucky Flowers: calla lily, jasmine, marigold
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: tiger, sheep, dog; Avoid: rat, ox, rabbit

Celebrities Born in the Year of the Horse

Louisa May Alcott, Chopin, Davy Crockett, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Sandra Day O'Connor, Rembrandt, Teddy Roosevelt, Sir Isaac Newton, Barbara Streisand, Cindy Crawford, Cynthia Nixon, Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Jason Biggs, Jackie Chan, Jerry Seinfeld, John Travolta, Leonard Bernstein, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Rembrandt, Ashton Kutcher, Emma Watson, Josh Hartnett, Katie Holmes, Kristen Stewart, Kobe Bryant, Genghis Khan, Emperor Kangxi and Yongzheng of China’s Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)

Fortune Foretelling in 2014

Overview: It is their order to encounter the Year of Birth (Benming Nian), a year to offend “Taisui’, the god in charge of people’s fortune. In 2014, their fortune in all aspects will be fluctuant which requires their great cares. They may stress out, in which case they are suggested to self-adjust by talking more to others or taking part in group activities. Upon any difficulties, they should be strong to overcome them all. If they treat people around friendly and behave righteously, they will smoothly get through the year.

Career: Horse people are easily offended this year even for trifles, and seem not to keep a harmonious relationship with colleagues. Sometimes they doubt themselves too much, gradually short of confidence. When finishing a task, they ask people around to confirm again and again. In this case, it is suggested to be confident and talk more to family instead of complaining to colleagues. Just keep a low profile, get along well with boss and be careful of tricks by mean people and then they will make some achievements in job.

Wealth: Their financial fortune will be unstable in 2014. It seems that there will be much unexpected cost. Thus to make ends meet comes first When managing money matters, they should consider accepting others’ suggestion. It is necessary to be careful to make any investment. Businesspeople should make a full scheme before making a large amount of investment, because the market will be changeable in the year.

Relationships: The fortune in love life for horse people will be just so-so. If they would like to get married in the year, it is strongly suggested to select an auspicious date according to the dates of birth of the bride and the bridegroom, or they will suffer a lot in marriage. Singles may meet several people that they have feelings for, but none of them are doomed to be their Mr./Ms. Right. If standing in dilemma, they’d better refer to the idea or suggestion of their relatives and friends. Husband and wife will argue a lot in the year, to avoid which communication and mutual understanding weighs. For all lovers, mutual trust is the secret for an everlasting relationship.

Health: As they offend “Taisui” this year, they may suffer some discomforts. Some insidious diseases like dermatosis may happen. To avoid that, they’d better have a full physical examination. Besides, they also need to be careful to avoid unexpected injuries by knives and others sharp items. Females should pay attention to problem in urinary system and males need to care more about their stomach. Adjusting their emotions and traveling outside will help with their health as well. They also need to remember not to eat too much for each meal.

Whether you are a Horse or not - I pray that this will be a great year for us all! 

Happy Chinese New Year!! - Kung Hei Fat Choi!!

Happy New Year!! 2014

If you have been reading this blog for awhile then you know I have given up the dreaded New Year resolutions some time ago. Can we be real for a moment? How many resolutions are actually kept? If you make 5 resolutions - chances are you may succeed to keep one of them for about a month.

What I have discovered a few years back is that it is best - for me - to focus on one thing. Not a laundry list of pipe dreams. But one word. Something meaningful.  I have done HEALTH - all encompassing - spiritual, physical, medical, emotional.  I chose this word for a couple consecutive years. Last year I chose FORGIVENESS. Forgiving myself for wrong doings - for ill choices and forgiveness of others who have done things to me.

I have had some difficulty selecting the word for 2014. I have gone through many words and tossed them out just as quickly - simply because they just did not feel right.  Finally I decided that my word for 2014 will be LOVE.

Love is an all encompassing word. To love is to respect, to understand, to appreciate, to sympathize, to forgive, to trust, to do so unconditionally.

I will endeavour to love myself - and the people around me. Wholly.

I know it sounds easy. Right? But think about it. Vanity aside - it can be very difficult to love one self. To fully accept yourself without qualifying it. "I love me, BUT" Oh that dreaded BUT.

So over this next year I will LOVE. Period.

I invite you to toss away the trap of the dreaded New Year resolutions and select one word to commit to over the next year.

And in the spirit of LOVE - I want to take this moment to wish you, my dear friends, a Very Happy and Blessed 2014. I pray that all of your dreams come true and that this is the best year of your life - thus far!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

LOVE,
Laura

2014 Prediction

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well 2014 is upon us, and it will be a good year indeed. For those of you who seek a balanced lifestyle, with family, work, and play, you will find 2014 a year to remember. It is considered a spiritual year. Why? Well because the numbers of the year add up to 7 eg: 2014- 2+0+1+4=7 and seven is a special number indeed.
Seven represents mysticism and the unknown. This year number 7 will affect people with an instinct to try and understand the things in their life, the people they share time with, and the reason things keep happening to them.

Most people will want to look from within and transform the way they feel about their life. They will automatically gravitate to things of a spiritual manner and may even become more in tune with their own spirituality.

Health will be of concern for many people during 2014, and instead of talking about fighting cancer they will be talking about curing cancer. More and more people will be altering their diets and eating habits to live a more organically sound lifestyle.

One thing to watch out for in 2014 is your attitude. Have a good one. Do not lose your temper easily. Hold your tongue in your mouth behind your teeth, instead of letting it fly out to say things that you cannot take back.

Overall, during 2014, if you increase your spirituality, watch your health, and keep your attitude in check, then you will feel great, look great and know you’re great!

Happy New Year family and friends, be blessed.

-Cerise.

The "Count Your Blessings" Jar

One of the things that I am planning for 2014 is a Count Your Blessings jar and thought that I would share this not-so-new idea with those of you who may not have thought about this. Or maybe you have heard of this wonderful idea and have thought about doing it, and perhaps just never got it started.

2014 is 5 days away, which gives you ample time to find your Blessings jar.  Whether it is an old coffee pot, a vase, a canister, cookie jar, mason jar, a keepsake box, make it special, make it yours!  And as each day passes, keep your special jar in mind and jot down the special moments you experience throughout the year.

Special gifts you have received, "LOL" moments, achievements, trips you have taken, nature's beauty, memories worth saving, daily blessings. If it made you smile - jot it down and place that note into your jar.

December 31st of 2014 make yourself a hot chocolate and curl up with your jar and start reading through all of the beautiful moments that were given to you through the year.

What a wonderful way to mark the end of the year by Counting  Your Blessings!

Merry Christmas!

As I continue to prepare a feast for my family, I wanted to make time to reach out to all of my family, friends and readers whether you have been with me for years or joining me for the first time. I hope that you are spending this precious day surrounded by those who you love. Keeping those who cannot be with you close to your heart. Remembering that the icing on the cake is just sugar in disguise. It is the decoration. Fluff. But the true substance of the cake is what is beneath the sugary covering.  Underneath the decorations and the presents beneath the tree, let us remember what this day is really all about; the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  And the immense and ever lasting love he has for you and I.

We must keep him in our thoughts and in our hearts, giving thanks that we are here on this day. That we are able to be with our loved ones today. That we are able to share in the spirit of this sacred time of the year.

And we must also remember to keep in our mind all of those who are not able to be with loved ones on this day. Those who are hurting, hungry, ill, grieving, sad, alone. Those who remain without power following the terrible ice storm. And all of the workers who travel from other places to lend a hand, leaving their family and own Christmas celebrations behind. Lift them in your thoughts and prayers on this day. Send them your love in energy that they may not be completely alone. And if you are able - reach out to someone who is alone on this day. Share your bounty with those who are less fortunate than yourself.

For if you are able to gather with loved ones and take part in a feast on this day - you are indeed blessed.

Don't keep the love all to yourself.

With that said, and as I return to my kitchen,
allow me to wish you and yours a
Blessed Merry Christmas.

-Laura

Welcome Winter!

Winter Solstice begins today at 12:11PM EST.  Christmas, The Dawn of a New Year, Building a Snowman, Who doesn't like Winter?

Well, okay,,, I am not a fan of trudging through the snow and slush, and I hate ice.  But I do appreciate the beauty of the season!!

So, please join me in saying a big WELCOME WINTER!!!!