The Zen of Hurry Up...and Wait

I just thought this would be cool to share....my first radio interview with the incredibly fabulous spiritual guru, Corbie Mitleid.  It was a new experience for me and was such an honor for me to participate in.  I will be writing a bit more about the subject of Hurry Up...and Wait  once I get back from a much needed playcation.  So take a listen and I hope that you enjoy!

This little snippit comes from Corbie's first show on Empower Radio. 
The Zen of Hurry Up... and Wait

To read more about Corbie and the Feather Silk line of products that I create for her as well....Click here http://firethroughspirit.com

A New Direction

~*:: Chocolate & Raspberries, $189 at Kasia Blue ::*~

Some say that life cycles in sevens.  Every seven years your cells have fully regnerated and the human body is completely brand new.  Seven is a spiritual number, that is true, yet in the cycles of seven it is five that seems to have my life defined.  Case in point: in the year 2000 I had my first child and started a new job.  Five years later, things changed again with moves, meeting new groups of people, job changes.  Now, again, five years down the road, things are about to take me on a new journey.  I have switched jobs (really, seriously, nearly 5 years to the date).  I will no longer be directing the Handbell Group that I have been with for 5 years.  There is more, of course, but I must keep some things close to my heart.  Suddenly it feels as if so much has fallen away, that burdens have been lifted and doors opened so that I can fill my coffers with new and exciting escapades.  I feel the breeze....and it feels so good.

All that said, my creative side is making a change as well.  My designs are evolving into something more intricate and one of a kind.  Bejeweled, curved and complex (much like me...snicker).  No longer is cookie cutter appealing to me, although my current dedsigns that are simpler can, and will stay in the lineup, you will now be seeing the addition of these more decadent beauties.  Also, with my Body Luxe line, I too will be ramping it up, so to speak, with layered and thoughtful fragrances that speak to your body, mind and spirit.  I have discovered that "one note" is just not me.  That's good, because I have been stuggling to be myself yet trying to please the masses.  And although that may be my business side talking, I still need to find room for the the unique and unusal.  Without that, I will not evolve...or be happy.

Change is good.

Contemplating a Simple Life

As I sat in the sun

on a cold winter morning

I contemplated a

simple life

That allowed

easy rhythms

a nourished soul

a happy heart

a peaceful mind

I thought of

the lack of deadlines

transferred stress of others

quibling over irrelevant things

being treated as if

 I was less than good

a servant to superficial whims and desires

of the selfishly inclined

I thought of these things

and banished them from my heart

for I kow that my path

is only now being laid

brick by brick

my intentions are bringing me forward

my desires are

breaking down doors

every opportunity

a fulfillment of my

desires

I contemplate a

simple life

filled with

the true essence

of myself

following my truest path

*************************************

The picture is my own of the roses that I bought for myself on my birthday.  Their color was simply stunning and I couldn't say no to them...their color so interesting and different.  Lilac purple with pink and crimson, hints of cream and fuschia.  Hot and cold at the same time...perfect since I have been feeling as if I have been living in the "in Between" again.  Desperately wanting to move forward and upward from all that holds me still in this place of constant giving, without the the ability of my soul to have it filled back up.  A slice of me is becoming a person that I don't like...one that cannot deal with those who would take all from you and give nothing back.  I am trying to be happy, and small things do light my days.  Yet, I know there is going to come a turning point that I can no longer work for someone else...my soul cannot handle it anymore.  So, I am forging ahead to try and thing of all the things that I am good at, how to sell my self and all that I can offer to the world. 

 I am formulating my escape plan...one spoonful at a time.

Your Guide for 2010

~*::Orange...the color of creativity and growth::*~

HANDBOOK 2010

These great life lessons were passed on to me as an email from my lovely friend Krista.  Read through them all and just watch your life get better.  Thanks for the great advice Krista!

Your Handbook for 2010..for your the betterment of your body, mind and spirit.

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games

7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything..

28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come..

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40. Please share this with everyone you care about, I just did.

Beyond Reason

I am being pushed beyond reason.  Obstacles are in my path, impeding my steps "forward".  Funny how the Universe, in all its wisdom, trips you up so that you can see the right way to go.  I have found that of late, I am staring at my long lost wishes of that "certain job", or promotion, or whatever fancy thing that I thought life would bring me...I am staring in amazement because even though I wanted it, thought that I deserved it, felt that it was the right way to go...now is completly and utterly the worst thing that could have ever happened!

I too have been asking for signs, for answers to the foggy questions and prayers that are murmured in times of great dissatisfaction and distress.   Yes, they are coming to show me the way...out the door.  Things are being so shaken up that it is almost, comical.  Silly, really.  All reasons to see the light...lets say a "gentle" forced hand that is to lead you along your truest path.  Are you uncomfortable yet? No?  Well lets see what else can be thrown your way before you concede to your right way, your right livelihood.  Let's see how much more you can handle before the floodgates come crashing down and you are drawn away from all that makes you feel entrenched in dissastisfaction.  What else can you handle, before you say ...enough!

My gentle friends, our time is coming.  We are near to being ready for the courage of a breakthrough.

Are you ready?

Inspired Life Lesson # I stopped Counting...take a breather

~*::{Our Darling Sophie, snuggled up and undercover}::*~

It's been a while since my last Inspired Life Lesson installment...things have been so crazy around here this summer. But, when I saw Sophie snuggled up under the covers, her head barely sticking out, I just had to do a post about it!

Sometimes our little animal friends are more in tune to what is going on around us than we give them credit for. We sometimes forget that they are naturally intuitive creatures that sense things and changes, just as we do. The only real difference is that they pay attention to their instincts without question or reason, while we humans make up every preconceived notion as to why we shouldn't trust ourselves or the messages that we get.

So, here's the lesson from Sophie...take a breather. Snuggle up under the covers and grab a great book and a cup of tea. Or better yet, meditate and see what comes to you in your stillness. You never know what neat things you may find.

Inspired Life Lesson #10/Inspire Me Mondays...Closure

~*::{Mary, our Protectress and Angel of New Beginnings}::*~

This week I am combining two of my usual posts into one. You see, this is a week for closure. A time to pay our respects to a beloved person that has passed on to another place filled with light and love. It is also a time where signs and symbols of our old lives have ceased to exist for us...a time where you realize that all that you were in the past no longer has a hold on your future.

I have held on the struggle of other's expectations for myself for all of my life. I have burdened my soul with notions that I must shield and protect myslef by burrowing in and creating barriers to keep me safe and warm. This past week, I believe that I have started to have closure on the death of a person that others have wanted me to be, and not the one that I have become.

Have you ever had someone look right through you, as if you didn't exist? The feeling is quite unnerving, especially if the person was once thought to be the "love of your life". ( I have since come to know the truest of love from another, my awesome husband, Keith. I am also grateful for seeing his true worth and the depth of his soul...but that is another whole post) Funny though, I belive that this was all quite timed and perfect, because for the first time, it did not matter that I was invisible. I had achieved closure. For this, I am greatful. For he was the part of my past that was riddled with destruction and foolishness. With acting out all the pain and fear that I held so deeply inside..for way too long.

So, for this week I applaud closure and all of the wonderful things that it affords us. I say hooray to the ending of relationships and phases in our lives, for with the end of one thing, there is an opportunity to begin something brand new. This year is all about that for me... I am grateful and Inspired.

Inspired Life Lesson #8...Believe in Angels

I have no doubt in my mind

that Angels exist

that they carry you

in your darkest moments

wipe your tears when you cry

tickle your sides to make you laugh

and hold your hand

when the deepest of sorrows

fill your heart



I have been talking to my Angels

praying for a miracle

asking for temperance and compassion

for my Mother in Law

so that she can begin her next journey

in peace



On Tuesday afternoon

the Angles took up their charge

and led a weary heart home

so that life could begin anew

and sufferening would not commence

on a heart that was full of love



May the Angels lead you home

to comfort and warmth

with love and light surrounding your heart



We love you and miss you

Missy B

The Heart of a Fake Rose

~*::{The Heart of a Fake Rose}::*~

I sat there

transfixed
knowing that I
could have
should have
been the one
up on stage

Funny how life
directs
the symphony
sometimes
the cacophony
of our concert
our heart wrenching
ballade
our soul stirring
song
that is slightly
off key

I am faced
by my flat notes
my opportunities
squandered
all for the love of
nothing
that has made me feel
inadequate
and sad
that I have not
taken all
that had been
set before me

I have left my meal
half eaten
yet my soul
still hungers
my wine is spilled
on the tablecloth
stains of lust
and denial
and I am
parched

How has this
become my
circumstance
From where
do I lay
my next step
that leads me
from
myself

Inspired Life Lesson #8...Intention

~*::{Flowers for me, from a friend}::*~

I have never had much patience

everyone tells me so
I am always in overdrive
a flood of information
at the drop of a hat

this scares some people

I suppose my intensity
has never been channeled
into a proper
purpose
I do know
that if I set my mind to something
if I truly desire it
it will be mine

the power of intention is amazing

I was told yesterday that this year
from birthday to birthday
is made up of three principles
for me
intention
expansion
healing
all three working
in synergy

a spiral of force surrounding love

I was also told that
I need to take a breath
and not peek at the souffle
in the oven
for it won't rise
if it isn't allowed to work
in the right time

I send forth my intention
for myself and my conspirators
that we three gain the courage
to be exactly what we need to be
at the right time for us
and to not fear
those who don't believe in our possibility
especially ourselves
seeing with clear vision
what we are about to become

Inspire Me Mondays...trash talk

~*::{A Black Eyed Susan, led astray from her home, in front of the fence}::*~

A very short time ago

I became angry

out of nowhere it seemed

it was just a simple task

I was asked to perform

and all I felt

was angry

I don't know where
the tidal wave came from
the overbearing sense
of blood boiling release
I simply could not do it

again

I could not clean up
the mess left behind
from some one else
when my "house"
was full of neglect



My soul simply could not
bear it
my heart too overdrawn
my body full
of bounced checks
the giving well
had just run dry



I just let it ebb and flow
I let it do it's job
and release the trash
that was holding me back
hoping that this time
my heart would be clean

Inspired Life Lesson #7...Messages & a Worthy Cause

~*::{Clematis from My Garden}::*~


This week's lesson has to do with asking and receiving. With asking and being open to the messages that have been given to you. This week, ask the questions ...and wait for the answers to come. Be aware of the little signs and signals that give you clues to what is coming your way. Be open to the messages that you get, some may be big and others as subtle as a breeze. Open your mind and heart to all of the possibilities and your deepest desires will be answered. Also, be open to the possibility that what you think that you want and what is best for you are not one in the same. And, last but not least, be very careful what you wish for :)

~*::{Reflections from last week}::*~

In lieu of my normal reflections of last week, I ask youto consider taking part in a wonderful project that has been sponsored by the Etsy community. It's called Etsy Project Embrace where the participating artisans on Etsy dodnate a part or all of their proceeds on selected items in their shops (simply click here and search for etsyprojectembrace). I am one of those participating artisans and have two lovely ladies that my participation is dedicated to...my Mother in Law Barbara and my Darling Graciel's Mother, Mama Wood. They are both in the throes of this disease, one fighting valiantly and the other saying her last good-byes.

Please support this cause in any way you can...buying items, donating your money or time, or by simply passing this blog post to anyone that might be able to give in any capacity.

In addition to the three items that I have listed in my Kasiablue shop on Etsy, I will donate my proceeds on any item in either of my shops, Kasiablue or Poetica, to this cause when someone mentions "Inspired Life" in the notes to seller portion of their purchase.

Every measure of generosity, monetary or not, is needed to help support all of the brave souls that have and will fight this disease. Thank you for reading my blog and for passing this on to anyone that you can.

xo Kasia

Inspired LIfe Lesson #6...Surrender

~*::The Sunset, taken from our car window on the way home::*~

It's very interesting when you have to let go, to surrender yourself to the moment at hand. You have no push or pull, no give or take...you simply just are. Have you thought of what it would be like to know that you are entering that point of surrender in your life? When you know that all that you have accumulated over the years...your home, your car, your money, your possessions... all that you have worked so diligently for is truly inconsequential?


Over the past week I have had a birds eye view of this surreal process as my Mother in Law started to sort out the things that were given to her...either bought or made by loving hands..back to those who had been so generous. You see, our vacation was not a total vacation as one would plan it. We drove down to the Sunshine state to make sure that our memories of a great lady would be preserved in our hearts. My Mother in Law has cancer that has spread to liver. The origin is unknown as they will not attempt to search endlessly for an answer or place her in any more pain...sometimes it is best to let surrender take over. The swift hand of disease has taken over so rapidly that we truly do not know how long her spirit will grace the earthly plane. Her last oncology appointment was on Tuesday, hospice was there at her home the next day. The siblings have all come to see their Mama Bird, who is too weak to fly, too fragile to spread her wings. We are resigned to the fact that this was our last goodbye.

................................................~*~*~.....................................................

So, to continue on with the lessons that have been set forth, your lesson for this week is to live in a moment of surrender. Let the natural path of this life take you on a journey without judgement or fear. Take 10 minutes out of your day and think about what you truly need in this life, and what is just an accessory. It's usually then that we find that our lives are not what we wish them to be, because of our focus on what adorns(controls) our attention away from our truest path.

~*::{Surrender yourself to the real you because you are so beautiful}::*~

I have no reflections from last week except ... you are not what you own or possess. You are a refelction of everything that surrounds you, as it is a refelction back on you. Do not be afraid of yourself or what immense wonder you are capable of...in you everything is created. You are life, love and joy.

Vacation

All I can say is ...

Thank you God

Thank you my Angels

Thank you for listening to my little cry

of "I need a vacation"

It just goes to show you that they listen

so be very specific in your needs

A vacation I asked for

a vacation I shall receive

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

~*::{}{}{}{}{}::*

................................................................................

As I will be taking a brief, and welcome, hiatus I will not be posting much for the week to come...but I will be taking as many pictures as possible :)

So, no weekly lesson...except for enjoying yourself. No Inspire Me Monday...except to say that I am inspired by taking some time to recharge your batteries.

Have a great 4th of July and remember that our freedom is precious...please don't forget to say thanks for all of the liberties that many take for granted.

Inspired LIfe Lesson #5...Cherish

This weeks life lesson is about cherishing all of the people that are in our lives. Following a week that has left the entertainment industry in mourning, we are reminded that life is acutely short. And although I am not one that will boo-hoo the death of a celebrity, the past few days have been a gentle reminder that we must live our lives to the fullest, everyday...celebrity or not!

Later this week our family will be taking a trip to cherish one of our own...my Mother in Law. Her annual trip north was first planned, then postponed and finally cancelled due to health reasons. So, we decided to pack ourselves up and head south for a bit of the sunshine state, with a trip to visit Mickey before we head back home to the chilly (!) north.

Cherish the ones that you love.

Contact those whom you have neglected to call.

Hug your kids, parents, friends...with meaning.

Smile at a stranger...for you may be the only joy they experience that day.

Live your life without regret.

Love your family.

Love yourself.

~*::{Reflections from last week}::*~

So, did you do something nice for yourself? Believe it or not, so many of us always put that as the last priority. I hope that you fought those urges and just did it!

In efforts to keep along with my self imposed homework, I went shopping for a bathing suit. Now, I'm not so sure that I really treated myself in doing that since all of the "negatives" came flooding back to me as I stared at myself in the dressing room mirror, under unforgiving fluorescent lights. All I can say is...ahhhh, the power of cheese!

Needless to say, I did get a bathing suit after pretending to ignore the real size that I needed to wear and the sizes that hung on the "put back" rack. I'm trying not to be so hard on myself (that's an assignment that will be a toughy!), but old habits die hard. The suit is nice...a leopard print top and a black flippy bottom (to disguise the junk in the trunk...ok, who am I fooling?). Guess we all know what assignments will be coming in the near furture, don't we ;~)

Inspired Life Lesson #4...and a wish

~*:: Birthday cupcakes for my girls ::*~
~*::Only 2 left from 4 dozen!!! ::*~

This week I would like for you to do something sweet for yourself. It could be buying that super decadent sugar laden foo-foo dessert at your local pastry shope. It could be getting a massage, pedicure, manicure, or facial. It could be just a walk alone in nature. Whichever you choose, make it something that you never (or rarely) do for yourself. You are worth it and with all of the hard work that you did last week decluttering your lives, you just might need it!!!

*******~*::}{::*~*******

~*::{Reflections from last week}::*~

I spent all of last week doing a process called simplification at work. It's meant to make your work experience simpler by streamlining your work flow and storage areas. At first, I thought that I would dread it, but by the time that I was finished I was elated! So much so, that I am going to buy a p-touch ( or p-diddy as we like to call it) machine for home! On the home front though, I have finally taken the steps that I need to "declutter" my finances. It's been a long time coming and I am finally starting to be able to breathe again. I also have started to officially organize my gems and beads (hence the p-diddy). My creative process is affectionately called "beautiful chaos"...need I say more?

And last but not least...

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's out there that give their lives to protect, provide and love their families. We love you!

********************

Inspired Life Lesson #3

~*::Rhubarb seed pods::*~

The Inspired Life Lesson for this week has to do with uncluttering our lives. Taking all the things that make the flow of our lives clogged with mess and throwing them neatly away, or giving them to others who would find them useful, can be quite cathartic. Sooooo, this week I challenge you to take one room (or section for those of us that are encumbered by layers of disorganization) and clean it out. If you haven't used it in the past 6 months, year or 10...bid it a fond fare thee well and off you go!

Have fun, and good luck! I know that I'll need it :)

............................................................................................................................................

~*::Reflections from last week::*~

What are 5 things that you want to do for yourself in the next 5 months that would make your life more fulfilled:

1. Spend more time playing. I am notorious for just working, working, working! This Summer and beyond, it is my vow to take some time out and play. By myself, with the kids, in nature.

2. Start to write a book. Not quite sure where this will go, but hey, you have to start somewhere. Probably poetry related :)

3. Continue and increase my level of healthy eating. I have found that my body responds best to beautiful whole foods that are unadulterated with chemicals and junk.

4. Unclutter my world. (See above assignment). I want to be able to come into a room and not feel as if the creep has took over. I want to feel as if I live in a beautiful house and break out of the apartment mentality. (Those of you that have lived like that know exactly what I am talking about). It needs to be done, and by gosh by golly, I'm gonna do it!

5. Open my heart and mind to all possibility...even if it's not what I have expected. I don't want to live by the mantra of conventional thought, i.e. you can't do that, why try, you're not good enough, blah, blah, blah.



What are your goals?

Inspired Life Lesson #2

Hello All! For this installement of Inspired Life Lessons I would like for you to make a punch list of 5 things that you would llike to do in the next 5 months. I don't mean do the laundry, sleep, eat...I mean, what 5 things, be they tangible or not, would you like to accomplish for yourself. For your own personal growth.

Your own sanity.

Your own satisfaction.

Really think about what would make your life truly satisfying and how these 5 little things would make your ultimate goals a realistic possibility.

.......................................................................................................

If you would like to play along with me, simply comment to this post and I'll add you to the list! Thanks for playing and taking the chance to discover yourself :)

...........................................................................................................

Messges from last weeks assignement:

Turning off the radio was easy for me...I've been doing it for some time now. The reason that I had you do this was to show you how much more relaxed you would be while being out there in the "crazy" world. I find that I am less stressed behind the wheel when I'm not distracted, or assaulted, by the barrage of misinformation out there. My brain just seems clearer. It's like a little time for yourself that is quite unexpected.

I also purchased some glorious snapdragons in pink, yellow and orange. They were just out of control! I couldn;t resist them. Their shock of bright color was just what I needed.

What did you find?

Inspired Life Lesson #1

Today is my first installment of Inspired Life Lessons...little things that you can do for yourself that will make you happier, more fulfilled and, hopefully, more inspired by the glorious world around us. Usually I will have one assignment for you to do each week that will be posted each Sunday. Some things will be simple questions that you need to answer (ok, they might not be that simple) in order for you to better understand yourself. Other things will be tasks that help you to see the real you, and other entries will be just for fun!

I hope that you will join me on this journey, as I too will be participating :) If you want to play along, leave me a comment and I will add you to the link list. Let's see how many will get up the gumption to take a good hard look at themselves!

So, here we are at Week #1.....

Your assignment is two fold this week

1. Turn the radio off in your car for one whole week and be silent on your way to and from work (or groceries, or getting the kids...however your life is positioned). You will be amazed what you can hear when you don't have a million things bombarding your brain, filling it with angst and fear.

2. Bring life into your home. Buy a plant from your local grocery store or go pick some wildflowers...anything that helps you to bring the outside in.

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Inspired Life Lessons Week #2

Inspired Life Lessons Week #3

Inspired Life Lessons Week #4

Inspired Life Lessons Week #5