A Retreat At Mt. St. Francis Hermitage
May 2, 2022
Tag: Truth
A Golden Opportunity!!!
March 9, 2022
“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!
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:
©Loriginal Desgins
A Retreat At Mt. St. Francis Hermitage
September 2, 2019
A Retreat At Mt. St. Francis Hermitage
September 2, 2019
My Friend Midge!
June 10, 2019
“Living in the Present Moment is the truest gift of all!”
“For it is Knowledge which teaches Wisdom…”
“…Wisdom which teaches Truth…”
“…And the Truth will set you Free!”
“Living in a state of wonderment is where you find joy.”
“Life is about living one step at a time.”
“Fresh air, exercise, friendship and encouragement
are the greatest elixirs of all!”
“Your are as young as you feel as our Spirit gives life.”
“Seize the Day!”
“Precious moments of a lifetime!”
“Timelessness!”
“Midge” An Inspiring 14 Year Old Standard Poodle
©Loriginal Designs
Epilogue from “My Father’s Greatest Gift”
April 14, 2019
“When we die, we leave all that we have
and take with us all that we are.”
Connie A. Mitchell Marchell
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever”
Ah, Doghead here. Hope you enjoyed hearing about what
my mission was while I was here. Just thought I’d like to point
out the synchronicity of all of the events that led to bringing that
much needed peace and serenity to John’s tormented soul. His wife,
Connie, had told him that if she were ever to leave the earth plane,
she would come back as his dog because he gave so much love and
attention to all of the animals in his life. All I can tell you on that
note is that since Love is all there is and we are all One in the Spirit,
it is quite possible that her love channeled through me to mend his
broken heart and bring life more abundantly into his life. So my
mission was accomplished and I want to thank you for giving me the
opportunity to share my experience of the unlimited powers of love
with you. Doghead out.
Reflections on Judgement
March 30, 2019
“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.
©Loriginal Designs
A Convocation of Twelve Eagles
February 19, 2019
“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.”
Thomas Edison
©Loriginal Designs
Spring Love In The Air!
April 2, 2018
“True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice.”
Ben Jonson
Jaco and Pearl
“…Memories of a lifetime.”
John V. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
©“Chert Dog’s Greatest Gift: Quantum Leaps of Faith”
Co-Creating on Thanksgiving Weekend
November 26, 2017
“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.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie Andrea Marchell
©Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel)
Otsiningo Park Broome County Park and Newton Battlefield New York State Park
An Outdoor Odyssey at Otsiningo Park
November 14, 2017
“Sing of deep blue skies; Of traveling mystical clouds arise.”
L.D. Marchell
“The buds push forth the Autumn leaves; In preparation for the upcoming Spring.”
L.D. Marchell
“Be it the child who teaches the parent, or the parent that instructs the child; Great Wisdom is gleaned from the mouths of babes, it seems.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
Park On Sunday
Crisp of air,
Swift of foot,
Skating, futbol, play.
Love and laughter,
Geese and friends,
Autumn, Park on Sunday.
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Joyously we skate and sing; Ever mindful of the simple things.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“Oh the happiness that springs; From just the simple, humble things!”
L.D. Marchell
“Doghead is pretty easy to learn; You just have to speak from the heart.”
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever.”
L.D. Marchell
“In the fresh air and sunshine bright; I find true meaning within my life. Through the twists and turns that weave our path; the meaning becomes much clearer when you look back!”
L.D. Marchell
“Ever joyously we sway and swing; Upon nature’s beauty of everything!”
L.D. Marchell
“Muted colors, bountiful arrays; Magical wonder, Godly days.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“Today, if you hear His voice; Do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 3:15
“May your heart be full of joy: Rejoice in the Lord Always; And again I say, Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie Andrea Marchell
©Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©Bible
Angels Unawares
November 6, 2017
“Would you think that for a moment, planning actually matters? Spiritual unfoldment occurs unbeknownst to us.”
L.D. Marchell
“When truth is attained, all else ceases to exist.”
L.D. Marchell
“Irregardless what others say, one must find their own way.”
L.D. Marchell
“Being raw is revealing all that is true within; there is no fooling Mother Nature.”
L.D. Marchell
“Accents of Light reveal potential within.”
L.D. Marchell
“Oh, to be an evergreen, noble in dignity; As they celebrate the joyous symphony of colors about.”
L.D. Marchell
“All paths lead home; It’s the journey in the end, which matters the most.”
L.D. Marchell
“So grey and light, blue sky so bright; Varied splashes of color, God’s paintbrush we adore.”
L.D. Marchell
“It is the quiet moments between each breath which fill our souls with joyous inner knowing.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“Oh that I may be beautiful within!”
L.D. Marchell
“When we die, we leave all that we have and take with us all that we are.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“The barren lands reveal the ending of a cycle in nature; Listen intently as Gaia speaks softly.”
L.D. Marchell
“As if in unison, the hues and tones speak telepathically to one another; Orchestrating a musical concerto of vibrancy.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“The Universe adores us, in blissful moments of present awareness; Fully aware of its magnitude, it’s peacefulness remains still.”
L.D. Marchell
“Oh the novelty of orgasmic colors bring forth the climatic finale; Autumn reveals her full glory in timeless beauty.”
L.D. Marchell
Then God Said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit and seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was good.
Genesis 1:11
“The union of Gaia with the glorious hills and trees; Mirrors the relationship of soul mate and twin flame.”
L.D. Marchell
“Would dancing leaves and whispering trees be glimpses of an angelic autumn breeze?”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“Are angels floating upon the clouds, watching intently over us unawares? “
L.D. Marchell
“Sacred union occurs when the inner work reveals all that is balanced; An equilibrium of the yin and yang energies.”
L.D. Marchell
*
“…But when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away…”
1 Corinthians 13
And God Said “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness he called “night,” And there was evening and morning – THE FIRST DAY…
Genesis 1:3-5
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie Andrea Marchell
©S.A. Gwin Photograph*
©NIV Bible
Playful Practice Around Conklin Parks!
October 27, 2017
“Throughout our lives, laughter and playfulness heal our mind, body and soul.”
L.D. Marchell
“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3
“Allow the child within to come out and play!”
L.D. Marchell
“Alfred the Golden Doodle”
“The hush of heaven holds our hearts today.”
A Course in Miracles
“Teamwork and foundations are built on integrity of the heart.”
L.D. Marchell
“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.”
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata
“For it is knowledge which teaches wisdom, wisdom which teaches truth and the truth will set you free.”
©Loriginal Designs
Conscious Awareness Explored
August 2, 2017
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 […]
via Part 1: It Happened To Her, It Could Happen To You! — Green Snake Retold
Rain and Light
June 19, 2017
“And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky – then let your heart say in awe, “God moves in passion.”
Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
A remarkable storm came through during the night which produced a brilliant lightning and thunder orchestrated display. Mother Gaia marvels us continually through her ever-changing display of colorful radiance and rumbling staccato statements of empowerment. She is to be honored for her magnitude of infinite manifesting and creative abilities, extraordinary resilience and timeless moments of grandeur!
“Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever. Lightning and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever.”
Daniel 3:64; 68; 72-73
And so it is with our lives, we experience moments of great joy and depths of painful sorrow. Two emotions on opposite ends of the same vibrant spectrum. By facing tragedies in our lives head-on, this produces courage and integrity of character. Through this deep inner work, it allows for the heights of joyous rapture to be experienced soaring us to new heights. Maybe that is why we are so drawn to the beauty of nature in all of its wonder and glory, for it reflects back to us our own inner journey of the heart.
“Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing.”
Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
It is during these times of sublime lucidity while observing an incoming storm, that the creative spirit within is ignited with ecstasy; just as that surreal mesmerizing gaze into a fire which seems to transport you to another place and time. There are these uncanny connections which appear to bring serendipity into our lives, similar to the weather in their arrival; on their own time, in their own way and on their own terms – as if these magical moments were actually cued to appear in our lives when least expected. Such then our lives are like the weather, to be embraced in the present moment of awareness or relinquished forever. Therefore, be mindful and fully, consciously aware to experience the great vastness and expansiveness of the infinite drenching of the soul.
In Memory of Prince
In thankfulness, appreciation and gratitude to Tofino Photography for providing the extraordinary photography! Follow Tofino Photography
https://tofinophotography.wordpress.com/
©Tofino Photography
©Loriginal Designs
©Prince
The New Heaven and New Earth = Love!!!
June 5, 2017
“Trust in the Lord with all 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
During these most cleansing of times, our society is being brought to a place of recognizing that which is most important and that which must fade away. This is beyond our human understanding, which is the necessity of relying on our heart-centered inner knowing awareness, focusing on that which is unseen but known within the heart and built upon a firm foundation of rock. There is no fence-siting in these spiritually expansive times of our evolution. Great spiritual discernment of our truth is paramount in remaining diligent in our convictions and relying on our collective resources as meeting our infinite intentions.
“Sometimes God allows our hearts to be broken so that he can beautify our souls.”
Connie A. Mitchell Marchell
Like in the times of Moses, we as a light working community are being called to do our work without straw, as it were. We possess the answers and solutions within ourselves and are being asked to collaborate and work together in building our new foundation which is a value system based on our ability to love and forgive one another. That’s it. So we must dig our heels deeply into Mother Gaia and root ourselves in the highest healing vibrating frequency known in the galaxies – LOVE!!! I cannot emphasize the sheer importance of this one concept enough!
“Watch for the darkness to fight you like never before, and watch for The Field of harmony to invade everything. It’s almost like the beauty of Mother Nature is starting to affect humanity as well. The Field will try to create symbiotic systems that work together with compassion and beauty. It’s going to change Human nature and we’ve said that before as well. Hang in there, old soul, and expect good things no matter what you see or expected in the past.”
~ KRYON
through Lee Carroll, the Original Kryon Channel,
Expect Good Things
From Kryon Live Channelling, “The Field—Part Two”
August 2016 in Anchorage, AK
Some of you have read my encounter with a glimpse to the spiritual side in my previous posting about my Near Death Experience. I must once again re-emphasize the surreal, saturation and healing intoxicating powerfully mesmerizing magnitude of this most powerful energy of LOVE!!! In my brief 3 day heavenly encounter, it radiated from all the air, the sun, the trees, the garden, the butterflies, the flowers, my grandparents – all telepathic, all knowing, all loving, all embracing, all present – the gift of LOVE is ours and we must concentrate and focus on this most essential ingredient as a collective force in transmuting these old fear based stories, re-runs as it were, attempting to pull us back into the dark ages of lies, deception and untruths.
“But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them, lest you find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:39
We chose to be here during this great time of manifesting and creating something new, fresh, pure and infinite! Let us all come boldly unto that throne of grace and find assistance in this time of need as we are one body with many parts and able to work together in crashing down these old fear based responses to reveal a new order: Let our first response be based on LOVE!!!
“Marana tha!”
Aramaic expression, Revelations 22:20
Amazing Love!!!
May 25, 2017
“Hope in God! For I shall again be thanking Him; in the presence of My Savior and my God!”
Psalm 43:5
“And He will…make you shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his Hand.”
Michael Joncas
“Who gave Himself for our sins, to rescue us from the present evil age, as our God and Father willed – to Him be Glory for Endless Ages!”
Galatians 1:4
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“Doghead is easy to learn, you just have to speak from the heart.”
L.D. Marchell
As some of you may know, through the tragic loss of my Mom, Chert Dog saved not only my Father’s heart, but my brother, John’s and mine too! There is something about unconditional love from an animal, so altruistic, pure, peaceful and kind. Angels brought to us in various forms, to be embraced and cherished or relinquished forever as we are all given that chance to choose the highest and best for all concerned.
It is during these most tremulous times that we are being given the opportunity to make new consciously aware and awakened choices with our most precious gift of life. Allow for your new preferences to include:
“…Whatever is true, whatever is kind, whatever is lovely, and if there be anything worthy of praise, think then on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
https://youtu.be/nwjTT2bqKk0
©Loriginal Designs Photography
©Bible
©Newsboys “Amazing Love”