May Morning’s Wake Up Calls

May4

Imagine, it’s 5:31am. I’m peacefully asleep in my bed when I become aware of nature’s alarm clock stirring. There’s a tree outside my bedroom window which has many visitors throughout the day and quietly it begins. A small chirp, which grows into a crescendo of song. One bird, begins his warble, followed by the chorus, as other birds join him – each singing their own tune, right outside my window. The participation grows steadily until I hear many birds, each singing their own songs, yet harmonizing each virtuoso into a beautiful collective melody of song. Ta Da! My morning has arrived with a choral extravaganza!

Welcome to a beautiful morning in May!

Now I could be aggravated with being woken up so early on a day I needn’t be. But that’s not my way. In fact, I found it spreading a smile across my lips with my eyes closed, wondering which birds were singing happy tunes to me. I am not a bird watcher and I am not familiar with each one’s song of choice. But the blending was magnificent and I daren’t open the curtains lest I disturb them. So, I laid there just listening until one by one they flew away…

It’s all in how you look at life, isn’t it? Are you a glass half full or half empty type? Or do you think beyond the simplistic have or have not to be grateful for the glass which can be refilled, emptied and refilled again? That’s the question of the day…shall I attempt to sing it to you like the birdies this morning? Giggle Giggle…

I hope your day is lovely. My suggestion? Slow down and notice the springtime with Mother Nature’s gifts. There’s a bit of a rebirth happening and it’s lovely to watch and to listen as to how it unfolds!

Shine On!

xo

May First Rabbit Rabbit

May1

Hello!! Happy May 1st! Golly, where has the time gone to? I remember my Mom always talking about how time flies, but lately it feels like it’s speeding by! Are you feeling that way too? Well, here’s your monthly friendly reminder – and if you’ve passed by here around the first of the month at any time, you know what we say – rabbit-rabbit-white-rabbit-white-rabbit/

Over the many years I’ve been writing to you on my blog, because yes, I feel like I’m writing to you as my friends, I’ve come to grow so many friendships for which I’m so grateful. Your kindness towards me has always lifted my spirits and helped me along the way as life unfolded, sometimes within my control, but much of the time, not in my control. I’ve lost and loved many relatives along the way, friends, family and even had a few health battles myself, but one thing was for certain, I could always write here and remind myself that being present in whatever feelings were happening was a superpower that we all have.

It’s not wallowing in sadness. Instead, it’s allowing the feelings to come to the surface to emerge and be felt in order that they don’t fester and stay with us for too long. Forgiveness, mercy, love and kindness lead the way in healing and there’s a moment when practicing presence that arrives when it all makes sense, even when it feels nonsensical. In that precious moment, we move onward and don’t allow the hooks of what doesn’t align with us to fall away peacefully. I wish that peace for us all.

Repeat after me – Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit – there! It’s done and we can begin to enjoy all that May has for us!

Shine On!

xo

Oh Deer, Oh Deer!

Apr30

Our new home has a lot of deer. The sliding glass doors face a view of the woods and this morning, I was greeted by this one. It’s not the first time I have seen her nibbling on the tree next to my small patio. I have yet to name her, but I believe she’s the same one I often see alone. I am calling her a ‘she’ because her belly seems very full as if she’s carrying a little fawn inside. Curious about one another, we stood watching each other for quite awhile, after I had mistakenly interrupted her breakfast. LOL

You know I adore all wildlife. I’ve missed my interactions with them, so this encounter makes me very happy. While I have yet to see any bunnies at all (and you know I love rabbits!), the deer are plentiful here and watching them makes me smile. We have lots of robins and birds of all types along with squirrels who chase each other round and round on the grass and up the forest trees. It’s a very tranquil place to live and I’m enjoying it.

This is not the first time I’ve had an encounter with the deer like this and it reminds me of the article I read about the spirit animal of deer. You can read it here if you want. I may have posted it before in a prior deer post. While not all of the neighbors are so deer friendly (and I can understand the sentiment) because they do nibble the flowers, there’s something magical about them for me. So, I just had to share today because the reminder is clear to me.

Slow down. This life is not meant to be a race, for the finish line is permanent. Enjoy these precious moments of presence – with family, strangers, with nature, with yourself. Make the moments count with the connections you forge because sometimes they are only fleeting, but always memorable. The significance of chance encounters can unfold in amazing ways. We continue to learn from each other when we aren’t rushing to and fro. There’s a special magic here on earth when we don’t get caught up in the turmoil and just allow peace in our hearts. It’s a practice, dear friends. A practice to be present and to allow our presence to bloom. To be shared. To connect with the beauty that surrounds us when we see through loving hearts. To be grateful for this moment in time.

On this last day of April, may you remember your essence. Notice the sky and the world around you. Mother Nature is amazing.

Shine On!

xo

Spring!

Apr29

Good morning and Happy Wednesday to all of you! I’ll admit a have a little spring in my step today – whether that’s from the weather changes, the sunshine, or the planetary influences, there’s a certain elevation of positivity that’s circulating and I’m feeling it! Are you? I know some of you “down under” are beginning the Fall instead of Spring so there’s a different vibe there, but still…either way, I find the energies transitioning. I do hope we’re in for more positivity this Spring rather than doldrums!

There’s something quite magical about the weather warming up and the plants beginning to grow again after being dormant over the Winter months. Fresh green sprouts are emerging and with nature’s blessings, all feels like we’re re-emerging after the dark into the lush green light of Spring!

While I’m not much of a gardener, I do appreciate the emerging shoots in the ground and the greenery that’s coming up. I’ve moved homes so the flower beds are new to me and I’m enjoying watching the large hydrangea bush growing in the front yard. I can’t wait to see what color the hydrangeas will be! It’s all very exciting!!

I am back in nature again and loving it. I’ve missed it for so long! There’s a rose bush here too and some other plants that I have yet to identify, so Spring will be full of surprises for me! I’ll keep you updated as it all unfolds! In the meantime, I just wanted to say hello to all of you and to see how you’re feeling. I hope you continue to be in good health and continue to….

Shine On!

xo

April Rabbit Rabbit 2026

Apr1

Well, my friends, it’s that time again – April 1st and you know what we do – we say: rabbit-rabbit-white-rabbit-white-rabbit!!

If you’re new here, click the link above and you’ll see the history of this little first of the month phrase that we say (or at least I do!). In fact, I’ve been doing it a long time and wordpress just reminded me that it’s my 16th anniversary with them. For sixteen years I’ve been writing here about my journey with breast cancer, family and life! Where has the time flown to?

While I don’t write as much as I used to, I still enjoy our connections and I want you all to know that I appreciate your support, your kind words and your love along the way. The fact that I’m still here amazes me as I’ve lost so many people through these years. My life looks very different than it did 16 years ago (I’m pretty sure yours may too!).

My health journey has had some twists and turns along the way, but I am ever grateful to still be here to wish you all a beautiful Spring (or Fall for those down under) full of Easter blessings, lots of love, and of course, rabbit rabbit luck!

May your blessings be bountiful!

Shine On!

xo

Lucky Me, Lucky You

Mar17

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all of you! I hope that whether you’re Irish or not, that you wear a lil’ green today and think about that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that we so often see when St. Patrick’s Day is depicted – well, that along with the happy leprechaun who always seems to be scampering around! So, count your blessings and smile…gratitude always gets us in the flow!

May your clovers have leaves of four

and may your luck be evermore!

Lucky Me, Lucky You

Shine On!

xo

Friday the 13th!!

Mar13

Good morning and Happy Friday the 13th of March! There’s lots afoot here as we begin to transition to Spring! Finally! Two days ago we had record warmth, but by evening, the temps dropped and there were thunderstorms and rain. Yesterday began sunny, ended with snow, and then clear, chilly skies by bedtime. I believe Mother Nature is enjoying her Spring transition by giving us all types of weather! There was even a threat of a tornado which we gladly missed!

As for it being Friday the 13th and all the hubbub about the ‘last normal day was Friday the 13th in March 2020″ well, I’ll leave that to the conspirators. But I don’t feel as though Friday the 13th is a bad, unlucky day. Perhaps I’m wrong, but it somehow feels like a turning point for many of us. An elevating transition from one season to the next. How are you feeling?

I hope that my post finds you healthy, happy and feeling loved. May you look upon this day with love in your heart!

Shine On!

xo

Rabbit Rabbit March 2026

Mar1

Good morning friends and Happy March First! Can you believe we’re already in March? Time flies, doesn’t it? So, inquiring minds want to know…I want to know…have you said ‘it’ yet? If not, then repeat after me!

rabbit-rabbit-white-rabbit-white-rabbit/

For me, this March Rabbit Rabbit is always special because it’s my birthday month and I LOVE my birthday! Do you love yours too? I have always been this way – while others might be bemoaning their increasing numerical ages, not me! I’m thrilled to be celebrating another year!! I guess you could say I’m like our Golden Retriever – just happy to be here!

I’m sharing my birthday wish with you:

May the luck of the Irish and this first of the month tradition be yours. May an abundance of health, wealth, joy and love be yours and may you stay connected and present with this precious moment. Give out the kindness that you seek and know in your hearts that you are appreciated and loved. Allow this month to be the opportunity to begin the growth, under the surface of a new year for you to bloom in the spring. Take it all as it comes and know in your hearts that we truly only have today so make the most of it! Thank you for reading and for taking this journey along with me!

Shine On!

xo

Instructions Before Visiting Earth – By James McCrae

Feb11

In the event that you wake up
and find your soul separated from source
and manifest into material form, don’t panic.
Your condition is only temporary.

You have been selected for the opportunity
of human incarnation.

This 3D simulation is designed
to break up the monotony of eternity
by giving you a fully immersive experience
as a distinct ego identity.

Your body will serve
as your physical avatar
as you navigate a dense and dramatic reality.
There will be many distractions
causing you to forget your true nature and origin.
You will experience a range of emotions
from joy to loneliness to despair.

But remember – no matter
what trials and traumas you encounter,
your soul remains perfectly safe.

At times you may feel lost or afraid.
This is totally normal.
If you ever need guidance,
simply slow down your busy mind
and bring your awareness
to the quiet place
inside yourself.

On this planet, nothing is permanent.
People and things will come and go.
You will fall in love and form sentimental attachments
only to lose everything you hold dear.

So cling to nothing too tightly, even yourself,
and when it’s time to let go, let go with grace,
for nothing is owned, only borrowed.

As you walk among the people on the planet,
try to be a good guest.
Tread lightly. Remember
that you are only visiting.
Don’t make a mess.
Listen more than you speak.
Give more than you take.

Don’t keep your soft heart
locked inside a glass cage,
protected from wear and tear.

You’ll never make it out alive
and time passes quickly.
So come back with some battle scars
and good stories to tell.

Shine On!

xo

February Rabbit Rabbit 2026

Feb1

I can’t believe we’ve made it to February 2026! Did you remember to say Rabbit Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit? If not, say it quickly! Where has the time gone to already in one month? It’s been a fast one here – probably because of all of the snow we’ve been having in Jersey! It’s been so cold!!! I hope wherever you are that it is warmer than here! Or if not, then at least you’re snuggled under a warm blanket!

It’s the month for love my friends…can you feel it? The shortest month of the year and yet, each day can be jam packed with hearts abundantly filled with so much love! Don’t be shy in sharing your love with those who matter to you – friends, family, friends who have become family. Fill the month with kindness, caring and gentleness. Feel the gratitude when goodness comes to you and when things go wonky? Well, be grateful for that as well since sometimes those moments are saving you, teaching you and giving you feedback to help you in this lifetime.

Fill February with love – you deserve it! Make the most of each day, fall asleep knowing you’ve done your best and when you wake up, smile for you are here for another day – another adventure to make a positive difference with your presence! Happy Sunday! Let’s start the week and month off right!

Shine On!

xo