“It is good to have an end to journey towards; But it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
LeGuin
On this day, May 20, 1961 my parents, John V. Marchell and Connie A. Mitchell were married. It was a bittersweet wedding for my mom’s father, G. Clifford Mitchell, had passed from a heart attack less than a month prior to their wedding date. Their love for me is crystal clear as I was the honeymoon baby. Dad would often say to me that I was a ‘much loved child.’
I do believe that Grandpa Cliff’s Spirit has been with me always, as he was a graphic artist who, at an early age, was asked to work for Walt Disney. He declined the offer and went into business for himself with many of his creative works promoting IBM in their beginning stages with their first place of operation located in Endicott, New York.
So on this day, I honor my parents unconditional love and everlasting guidance still evident miraculously in my life as love transcends our human understanding. It is through building a firm foundation by focusing on the gift of union which makes the relationship stronger and resilient to withstand any storm. With the extraordinary gift of a once in a lifetime love, one hundred percent belief, trust and faith in one another with open heart awareness; together the two open their arms wide to embrace the unknown.
As their hearts joined together pictured in the glowing setting sunset clouds, I know that their gift of new beginnings is approaching for me as their message permeates my soul.
“It’s time to unite your hearts, for together your energies combined are magnetic, magical and infinite in their abilities to manifest miracles.”
Mom and Dad
“One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore.”
“You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.”
Max Ehrmann
OK, so the joke about this cover photograph has to do with the beginning of sharing the original manuscript with friends and family, with the first draft completed September 2010. My good friend, Debbie Standard, arrived at Arrowhead Parable Christian Center with her first copy of the story in manuscript format and traded it in for the published book! You gotta love it!
My cousin, Michelle Michalek, arrived early for her copy of Chert’s story. The book signing had a tremendous outpouring of my extended family which warmed my heart and soul! So very thankful for their encouragement and support in this labor of love!
So here is the real “synchronicity” about the dress I am wearing. The top beaded neckline of the dress that I made is taken from a party dress of my Grandmother Marge’s. She was my first editor of the manuscript. As a word lady and Scrabble, Upwords and Crossword Wiz, she also had the married name from her first husband of Margaret Mitchell, the author at the time of “Gone With The Wind.” Her use of words has been a strong influence in the building of becoming an author in my life. Thank you, Grandma! Ya Ti Muc Muc Muc Lubiem!!!
As Aunt Kathy Stolarcyk walked in and saw me, she smiled ear to ear and asked me if that was Grandma Marge’s dress, as I told her it was the collar from her dress. The beaded dress is what Grandma Marge wore to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mike’s wedding! I could feel wedding energy in the dress, and now know where exactly she had worn it!
Quilted Painting of Hummingbird with beadwork
As some of you have seen from a previous posting, I painted a hummingbird on the yellow dress of my Grandmother Marge’s and utilized all the beadwork from the hemline of that dress to frame the picture. Interestingly enough, my hummingbirds have been coming back around to the feeder this week and I am reminded of my beloved Grandmother Marge whose first anniversary is on the Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Ironically, my Grandmother Susie Marchell also passed on that sacred day as well, with Mom’s anniversary being Easter Sunday, so I have been very blessed with such spiritually strong, powerful and loving women figures in my life!
“The color PINK represents caring, compassion, unconditional love and understanding.”
“The color YELLOW symbolizes friendliness, warmth and honesty; displaying light, hope and encouragement.”
My cousin Michelle Stolarcyk arrived as we shared our stories about Grandpa Stolarcyk and his crazy wild pants that he would wear as well as Chert’s love of Battaglini Bread from my Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol’s bakery, where no dogs are allowed!
Now here is another “synchronicity” story about Becky Tinker, a previous co-worker with my Mom who happened to move across the street from me a few years ago! We have great fun together and always feel my Mom’ Joyous Spirit hovering around us when we go for our walks around the neighborhood! I offered Becky the manuscript, but she wanted to book instead!
Thank you to Craig Hall at Arrowhead Parable Christian Store, to all the people who came to visit and hear about Chert’s story and purchase a book for themselves or family and friends! I hope that Chert’s story warms their hearts and gives them some insight into the short and purposeful lives of angels in furry clothing!
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever” is available online through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc., as well as my website:
“Our duty, as men and women, is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Through the inspirational, pristine and professional photographs taken by Tofino Photography, following are Loriginal Designs oil on canvas colorful painting interpretations together with Tofino Photography’s corresponding extraordinary photography.
Both the photography and the art prints are available for purchase through Tofino Photography. Contact the link for Tofino Photography below for more details.
“You can develop good judgement as you do the muscles of your body – by judicious, daily exercise.”
Grenvile Kleiser
My favorite reference book is Roget’s Thesaurus for the various meanings behind the proper usage of words. Under the word judgement are five separate meanings!
Intellect
Discrimination
Decision
Condemnation
Sentence
Through our lives lessons we learn to access intellectually the power of sound judgement in arriving to conclusions in decision-making in our lives.
The use of discernment in terms of discriminating what serves the highest and best for all concerned is utilizing another aspect of sound judgement in our lives. This can also be used towards spiritual discernment.
Our freedom and power of choice comes into play when we are calling upon utilizing out tool set in making decisions based on judgement.
Criticizing and lower vibrational fear based thinking is involved in condemning others acts, beliefs and behaviors without compassion when judgement is used in this context.
And then there is the legal system associated with controlling and manipulating others in sentencing them due to the judgement ascertained upon their actions.
“I love when things are transparent, free and clear of all inhibition and judgement.”
Pharrell Williams
It became apparent to me this morning that the summons I recently received to serve on jury duty placed me in an awkward state of mind. Who am I to pass judgement on someone else? Have I lived their life, was I raised in their environment, have I experienced the social, moral, mental, spiritual and emotional influences that they have had and walked a mile in their shoes? And even then, who am I to judge? The log in my eye requires much more attention than the speck in my brother or sister’s eye.
“Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others.”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
It also became apparent to me when someone commented on something inadvertently directed towards me, it made me dig deeper in questioning myself to find the meaning to the feelings which were conjured up within me.
We all know that we are not to take things personally, yet there was a hidden message in what was said that made me “chew” on the concepts as I kept asking for a deeper understanding as to be clear about the message this messenger brought to me.
“Judge not lest you be judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:1-3
Worthiness and self-love are core issues of the heart which are oftentimes disregarded in our early growth and learning process which eventually catches up to us.
“What is not fully exposed earlier in life is revealed and made up for in development.”
Author Unknown
So the truth of the emotionally charged comment revealed an insightful level of understanding for me that was two-fold. First and foremost, when someone is unfairly judged, they unconsciously direct that towards others. Secondly, by it “affecting” me, it shows that I still have more inner self-healing to work on in that area of my life. It’s always about the refining and improving of yourself on this personal path of enlightenment, as all messages are a present to open and reveal the gift of inner growth.
So I am forever grateful for this message, for it has revealed a much deeper appreciation of conscious awareness towards others as well as teaching me what is most important in taking care of myself. It all comes down to compassion, unconditional love and forgiveness.
“Circumstances and situations do color life but you have been given the mind to choose what the color shall be.”
John Homer Miller
The conclusion to my summons? It is clear that I will most probably not be selected for jury duty as it is not for me to judge – it is, however, essential to be compassionate towards all as our life is a journey of the heart.
“You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
On my morning hike the stellar sky and enlivening day brought about a feeling of oneness with Mother Earth around me. As I walked the local school track in meditation, I overheard a coach motivating the students he was training. The message he shared in encouraging, emphatic words: “You’re going to make mistakes on the field, that’s ok. Learn to fix them and move on.” Was he just coaching the athletes he was working with? As that message rang true to the very core of my being, I came upon the realization that was exactly how I have been approaching life. In the optimistic way he presented his message to those he was coaching, it brought about a yearning from those he was instructing to strive for improvement. The delivery of the message in a positive context planted the seed of working towards perfection within these adolescent youngsters.
“Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while discouragement often nips it in the bud.”
Author unknown
As I left the track to venture up the back hill, I stopped as I came upon a congregation of immature eagles gathered alongside the ground as well as flying in the area! Thankfully I had my cell phone to photograph them, even though they are not professional looking nor close up shots. But the message was a very profound one for me in my journey of the heart. Symbolic as well, for the coach from the track training session had been instructing adolescent children on the importance of perseverance towards their goals, dreams and desires.
“Being myself includes taking risks with myself, taking risks on new behavior, trying new ways of ‘being myself’, so that I can see who it is I want to be.”
Hugh Prather
As I stood there observing the eagles, they began to gather in a convocation as if to communicate with one another on their next soaring expedition, deciding on where the thermals and winds would allow for them to glide effortlessly to a new destination. I remember thinking how lucky they were to have each other to assist in their learning and growing stages of development, and how important that support system is within our own lives as well. When they began to unite as a circle of life joining their energies, I stood there with my arms reaching upwards towards their wings as they rose above me, their feathers just within reach of my outstretched arms. As they soared higher, I was able to count twelve of these youngsters who had graced me with their ‘anything is possible’ outlook on life. Their powerful, pure energy filled my soul with grandeur as a monumental experience for me in my personal life’s journey.
“Jesus said: With God, All things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
“Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices; do the hardest thing for you. Act for yourself and face your truth.”
Katherine Mansfield
From this profoundly enlightening experience, I slowly began the walk up the trail. As I looked to the right where some of the eagles had been grounded, I found a secondary eagle feather symbolically left for me from one of the messengers who flew into my life that morning. The eagle has been an animal totem for me my entire life and I have been attuned to their energy for some time. It has been a blessed experience for me to witness such a marvelous moment and to be able to share it with others as a way of showing that there is much around us to assist in our journey, we just need to be still, open and aware in trusting that still, small voice within, honoring Mother Earth and striving for the highest and best in all areas of our lives, knowing that mistakes are a part of our learning curve, in order for us to super duper quantumly soar!
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
“The water’s edge mirrors to us the glory of God’s creation.”
L.D. Marchell
“The reflections of our inner self become evident upon the waters’ welcoming our heart home.”
L.D. Marchell
“Timelessness is the hush of heaven.”
L.D. Marchell
“In flight we travel as our awakening state becomes one.”
L.D. Marchell
“As autumn is upon us, new life is at its door. Rejoice in its glorious finale, unencumbered now to soar.”
L.D. Marchell
“Golden yellows and brilliant burgundy accents upon us now; as only the Master Artist could envision somehow.”
L.D. Marchell
“Only God can make a tree.”
Grandma Marge Stolarcyk
“Our adventure to awakening’s pathway is the journey to the heart.”
L.D. Marchell
“Being open to all of our heightened senses, living presently in the moment, relishing the gift of life.”
L.D. Marchell
“Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration. Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.”
John V. Marchell
“In quietness and calmness we release and welcome all that is our connection to Mother Gaia.”
L.D. Marchell
“Through all of life’s twists and turns, it is the colorful, blissful treasured moments that ignite passion of the soul.”
L.D. Marchell
“Now abideth these three things: Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is Love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
“Memories of childhood laughter echo as the water softly lapping into shore, recalling summer fun and hearts overflowing joy.”
L.D. Marchell
“To the revitalizing waters we are drawn, as if it holds for us all the answers we seek; Tranquility is its messenger as it renews our mind, body and soul.”
“Once I used to think that shadows were to hide; But now I am very clear that that is where faith, hope and love abide.”
L.D. Marchell
“It is family which has no boundaries in unconditional love, surpassed by blood lines, defined by the attunement of the heart, we seldom glimpse the vast array of soul family members until we become awake within the consciousness of the heart which speaks truth in all its purity. Therefore, become aware of your soul family as they are calling you home.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“The conscious pause of the moment; The silent pause of the mind. The alignment of connection; Of the soul to the Divine.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Mindfulness = apparent by the breath of life, the peacefulness of nature, the energy from Gaia, the embodiment of the greatest gift of all – life to share, give, receive, embrace – memories of a lifetime.”
L.D. Marchell
“The hawk’s confirming wings,
In circles up above,
Fly closer to us in,
A message of pure love.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Those that mind don’t matter; And those that matter don’t mind.”
Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel)
“It has become apparent to me that the more I learn about others, the better I feel about myself; It is by selfless love that we die to self where then Christ can shine brightly through our lives. Crucifixion of the heart, then, is where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shines.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
Look Up!
“Gold and White; Rays of sun; Infinite Love.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Tire swings; Peaceful things. Nature brings; All of me.”
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.“
Emily Bronte
“Love is like the wild rose-briar; Friendship like the holly-tree.”
Emily Bronte
“I’ll walk where my own nature would be leading; It vexes me to choose another guide.”
Emily Bronte
“I see heaven’s glories shine and faith shines equal.”
Emily Bronte
“Honest people don’t hide their deeds.”
Emily Bronte
“I have dreamed in my life, dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they have gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the color of my mind.”
Emily Bronte
“But first a hush of peace, a soundless calm descends; The struggle of distress and fierce impatience ends.”
Emily Bronte
“If I could I would always work in silence and obscurity, and let my efforts be known by their results.”
Emily Bronte
“A good heart will help you to a bonny face, my lad…”
Emily Bronte
“I have to remind myself to breathe, almost to remind my heart to beat.”
Emily Bronte
“…But most where trees are sending; Their breezy boughs on high; Or stooping low are lending a shelter from the sky.”
Emily Bronte
“I wish I were a girl again, half savage and hardy, and free…”
Emily Bronte
“I cannot express it: but surely you and everybody have a notion that there is, or should be, an existence of yours beyond you.”
Emily Bronte
“With wide-embracing Love Thy Spirit animates eternal years; Pervades and broods above; Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates and rears.”
Emily Bronte
“No coward soul is mine. No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere.”
Emily Bronte
“From the midst of cheerless gloom I passed to bright unclouded day.”
Emily Bronte
“I am now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it country or town. A sensible man ought to find sufficient company in himself.”
This story will resonate with many of my readers as it concerns a young woman living a somewhat ‘normal’ life, married, working, concerned about finding herself and a better path to her future. Her name is Lori D. Marchell Carlson and she lives in Sanborn, New York. Lori was born Feb. 17, 1962. From our […]
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.”
Philippians 4:19
“Cast all your cares on ME.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In All your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“We know that All things work together for them that love God, to them that are called according to His Purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Thank you to Ransom Steele Tavern, Cyber Cafe West, family, friends and guests for making The Other Ear’s Reunion weekend of music a memorable experience for everyone!
First recording of the end of “Dirt” cover written by Phish is posted below the credits taken from Ben Fambrough’s You Tube channel.
Ben Fambrough (lead vocals, guitar); Chuck Kozlowski (drums, back-up vocals); Chris Carlsen (bass, vocals); Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (keyboards); with guest musicians Rich Kennicutt (keyboards) and James Michael Thompson (guitar, vocals).
“Our duty, as men and women, is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Through the inspirational, pristine and professional photographs taken by Tofino Photography, following are Loriginal Designs oil on canvas colorful painting interpretations together with Tofino Photography’s corresponding extraordinary photography.
Both the photography and the art prints are available for purchase through Tofino Photography. Contact the link for Tofino Photography below for more details.
“You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Who abide in His shadow for life, Say to the Lord, ‘My Refuge,’ My Rock in Whom I trust. And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand.”
On Eagles Wings by Michael Joncas (Psalm 91)
This is the last in The Three-part Romeo Series of oil paintings inspired by Tofino Photography. My eternal gratitude for the empowering photographic compositions which bring one to a place of such beauty, tranquility and peace!
As I took a break from painting the second layer of oils onto the canvas yesterday, I went outside to walk barefoot in the lush, soft grass. As I walked around my prolific blooming garden, I knelt in the grass next to my Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue that I have placed in front of my white with pink-tipped flowering Peony plant, whose buds are just beginning to form. The statue is with Jesus dressed in his white robe with the red over shawl, as some of you have seen in my photographic image of the setting sun in my posting entitled Jesus Walks Among Us. If you look into the setting sun over Highland Lake, you see an image of what appears to be an individual wearing a white robe with a red shawl. It also appears that this image has an individual alongside him as the red material seems to be wrapped out around another image. When my Dad was alive, I recall him sharing with me a dream he had which impacted him for the rest of his life. It was a vision of Jesus, shining in his glory in a purple glowing cloak with his ethereal eyes gleaming compassionately to envelope ones soul with peace. So I ended up repainting the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue’s heart and his wounds in red and the cross, chain and shield in gold and the collar of his cloak in gold.
I do believe that the Romeo Eclipse is an important message for us all, that we are to be living heaven on earth now, and that the lion shall finally lie down with the lamb.
“Let there be a world to see, Let it be of Inspiration, Let there be a world to be, Let it be of God’s Creation.”
John V. Marchell (My Dad)
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted…Beauty for ashes; Joy instead of mourning; Praise instead of heaviness.”
“All you birds of the air, Bless the Lord; Praise and exalt Him forever.”
Daniel 4:80
On this Mother’s Day, Grandma Marge will be flying around as a hummingbird in her angelic realm for certain! The above painting of a hummingbird in acrylic I painted on one of her party dresses and used the beaded hemline to create a border around it. She was so thrilled when I brought it for her to see, and am so very thankful for the time I spent with her throughout my life! But especially during the time from when my Mom passed and I moved back to New York from California. Our relationship merged into that of Grandmother/Mother and Granddaughter/Daughter. It is these memories that are cherished in my heart for always!!!
I was with her a few hours before she passed. It was the Feast Day of The Blessed Mother’s Assumption. During that most sacred time, she emphatically asked me to put her “poppuchies” on now (slippers in Slovak), put a hat on her head now and she wanted to sit in her chair as if to wait for the angels to come to carry her home! When she had spoken with Father Tim earlier that week, she said that she just wanted to go home and be with Jesus, her best friend! I recall the gathering of birds that flew by me that evening, their haunting calls were not of common birds. As some of you have read from my previous postings, Grandma gave me a gift of spiritual stigmata on my left hand the following day of her passing and it disappeared when I brought her rose embellished urn vase to her resting place at Calvary Cemetery seven days later.
In memory of her unconditional love and forgiveness, I am posting a short video of her singing at United Methodist Homes accompanied by Ralph with his harmonica. She sings “You Belong to Me, Now and For Always.” Ya Ti Muc Muc Muc Lubiem Starinka!!!
“Thoroughly unprepared we take the step into the afternoon of life, or still we take this step with the false preposition that our truths and our ideals will serve us as hitherto. But we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life’s morning. For what was great in the morning will be little at the evening and in the morning what was true at evening will become a lie.”
“The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche” C.G. Jung
“It’s is like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a woman my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away childish things. In the same way we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at His reflection on a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see Him in His completeness face to face…There are three things that remain – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13: 11 -13
In honor of Tofino Photography for providing the extraordinary inspiration from “A Tofino Sunset Series” to create a mixed oil and glaze on canvas piece as a “Loriginal” creation. This is the second of three in the Romeo Series artwork interpretations.
“All things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
Matthew 21:22
As an Artist, Pianist and a Creative Life Coach, I am continually opening myself up to a variety of inspirational experiences to expand my horizons. Tofino Photography has brought a whole new perspective to my landscape, seascape and wildlife palette’s perspective! The pristine, untouched captivating beauty of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada is a kaleidoscope of color full of richness, solitude and preserved nature.
This oil painting is an interpretation of “Romeo’s Sunset Rapture”¹ with similar composition, texture and colors, yet allowing for the essence of deeper hues intrinsic to the moment captured in timelessness to be preserved. Through these splashes of vibrancy, frequency and light, our spirits quantumly soar!
“This is the mastery that is inside the DNA…of love, unity and peace…For when the DNA is working at 100%, you have the empowerment of the Creator fully manifested within…The efficiency factor is not chemical, but informational. It’s about multidimensional energy…not chemistry.”²
“Fresh air, exercise, friendship and encouragement
