Conscious Living

Handmade Nation and Stacey Hsu's Sockdog Masterpieces

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:15:00 +0000

Mary Boone (Art Collector) - gallery owner - I had reservations about making art a business, but I got over it.

Mel looks right at home here at the desk - viewing his recent upload. Stacey Hsu, the Sockdog artist who created Mel has lots of dogs to choose from. I happen to like Mel's color and the fact he's made from the really, really, soft, plush socks.

I met Stacey - actually, her dogs first - when we were doing a Humane Society fundraiser. Someone brought a couple of her dogs and it was love at first sight.

Since then she has expanded her little brood and sewed some 300 of the critters. When I posted a photo of one I bought earlier - like any artist who has moved on from their initial creation phase - she cringed and quickly sent an updated photo, imploring me to add that instead. No problem. However, I still have the dog and now consider it a bonafide collectible.

Sandy and I interviewed Stacey. Funny thing that. Sandy had no idea about Stacey's background and the fact a portion of the sales of her dogs goes toward the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. She did a phone in while she and her daughter made a pit stop to walk a dog at another local shelter. Small world.

Stacey will do custom pets as well. You may reach her through Sockdogs.com or her Etsy shop. Not for children. However, by special request, you may ask for a child friendly creation.

A former Hallmark artist, Stacey is the perfect example of the growing DIY art, design, and craft movement. A movement that will be showcased in a new documentary called Handmade Nation. It's wonderful to see the diversity of creations exploding onto the scene. The best place to check out as a showcase for all that art is Etsy.

Got a handmade creation you'd like to market? Handmade Nation shows you are not alone. The vid is a tease for the movie.

As more people look for alternative shopping choices to curb gas guzzling trips to the mall, the Internet is a convenient option. The quality when buying a one-of-a-kind is definitely attractive. (And usually more durable.)

Mel might be biased. He advises you to see Stacey first. And says, "Thanks for your support!"

Simon's Cat Does Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:11:00 +0000

The house pets have voted this star performer a four paws up room pleaser. Yes, each and every one came sauntering into the room to greet the new guest... and then dispersed when said guest was merely an internet poser.

Coming soon...Stacey's Sockdog... now my Sockdog -- Mel.

UFO Update - Revilo Siting!

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:59:00 +0000

Yes, that would be the site of Revilo -- Okay, so Revilo didn't get any UFO sighting action at his Plaza Book Signing but there is a new development in the January Stephenville sighting that had the internet all abuzz. Mufon says FAA radar tracked that UFO action in Stephenville and one headed directly for Crawford, Texas - and President Bush's Crawford Ranch.

Actually, one of the most fascinating people tracking the UFO phenom is Clark C. McClelland, former ScO, U.S. Space Shuttle Fleet, KSC, Florida 1958 to 1992.

Shy of interviews and interviewers, he is guarded about the connections he chooses to make; but he shared a bit of information with me in exchange for a promise of a review copy prior to using. I am working on that and haven't yet decided which direction I want to go with it. For now, I can direct you to the amazing article McClelland published on Astronaut Story Musgrave.

Incidentally, all this info is just in time to help drive up the attendance for The X-Files: I want to believe: July 25th. The truth is out there. :)

*July 23rd Interview - Stacey Hsu and her Totally Terrestrial Sockdog Kingdom...

**Footnote - shortly after I posted this, the news broke about former astronaut Edgar Mitchell saying there is a government cover up of the existance of Aliens.

It is not the first time he has asserted his belief nor is he alone. I mentioned Story Musgrave in this post. Another astronaut also made those same claims of coverup. Leroy Gordon Cooper voiced his opinion to a United Nations Panel in 1985. He said he believes we are being visited by ETs and they are obviously more technologically advanced than we are.

Interesting timing.

Forthcoming Humor Alert...3-2-1...July 16th

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:04:00 +0000

Simon's Cat - once again preparing to pounce upon an adoring crowd of anxiously anticipatory netizens...

Recapping Some Close Encounters

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:58:00 +0000

Recent show highlights:

Revilo has a book signing... We're crossing our fingers that his event will be even more spectacular than a UFO sighting on the Plaza. :) Check out his interview for his wonderful ghost encounter and his UFO concert sighting. Only Revilo could have both. Probably why the book works so well. Unknown Worlds...and yet, oddly familiar.

Remote viewer Joe McMoneagle has an extraordinary gift. Just ask his wife Nancy who has to go to the extra effort of planning multiple surprise parties to ensure at least one will be.

Bukeka Shoals has an awesome voice. No words can describe it. She also has a great sense of humor...like when, right after her impromptu song, Gracie started barking at the mail carrier. Never a dull moment with talk casting. I was so flustered I didn't think to tell Gracie to cool it. She didn't... We lived.

And today's guest was mesmerizing. I have known Julie Cox for ten years or more. I hadn't realized that until I did the math today. An incredible face reader, listen to the interview to find out what she says about Sandy and me; check her website for classes to find out more about yourself and those you know.

We opted not to get into the political stuff. She does on her website. Yes, those faces speak volumes. Hear her fascinating take on plastic surgery and Michael Jackson but the best tidbit might be what a nose for money looks like: Picture Karl Malden. The world is full of amazing people. I am so fortunate to have an excuse to look them up. Have a great day!

Mc catch up....ahhhh

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:55:00 +0000

If a poet is anybody, he is somebody to whom things made matter very little - somebody who is obsessed by Making. - e. e. cummings

Okay - I've got a laundry list of stuff to update and am slammed with voice work - including a 92 slide web-course (script) - so you will have to wait for the update on Nancy and Joe McMoneagle.... both are AWESOME ... (Sandy's TAKE is Fabulous...she called that interview and met them last year. She "stretches the stars" in more ways than one...)

The only downside is my fickle digital phone created a wonky sound level on me...No worries: Everyone else is fabulous.

That said, I ran it by Dave at Talk Shoe (who might be up for a future guest segment) and my cell offers the best connection, so Revilo (tomorrow 7/2) should resolve that annoying level issue.

Coming soon - the July Newsletter. Anything you want me to add.. comment, suggestion, feedback.... Let me know and I will see what I can do.

Dinner with Sandy :) Lemon Meringue Pie... 5 MMMMM's.

My recap of dinner and Sandy's ART is also in the works... SURPRISE Sandy. She is a bit shy with a mic but enormously talented and has a wonderful insight. It is no accident that we connected.

And the miracle of Life is: Life is a Miracle.... Enjoy yours with every breath! Don't let the parade pass you by. The time is NOW!

Dancing the Dream to Life - Inspired Matt

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:14:00 +0000

Our fav Dance Man is back.... Matt rocks the world again! The giggles, the jumps, the smiling faces. No doubt the wonders of the world are the people who dream up ingenious ways to demonstrate how very connected we can become without saying a word. Amazing what a few dance moves can inspire.

Sandy made good on the Lemon Meringue Pie... mmmm... more on that later. Join us this week for Nancy and Joe McMoneagle. She's the Astrologer and he's the Remote Viewer. This should be good.

Hopefully, the sound quality will also be improved. I threw in the towel and drafted the pooh phone into service...more on that later too. Dream: audio mixer and two legit mics... :)

The Global Oneness Project - Food for Thought

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:40:00 +0000

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. -
Peace Pilgrim

Those seeking more conscious connections and resources have a new movie for inspiration. The Global Oneness Project is yet another indie film that rounds up a diverse group of independent thinkers who excel in tossing out heaping mounds of food for thought. Here's the trailer -

Timing the Chalk Walk

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:28:00 +0000

You don't take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams

The Kansas City Chalk Art Walk was this past weekend.

In years past, I can remember only one where the weather held for the duration of the event. I am sure there were more; but I went to that one and others I hoped to visit since then have been rained out, some, within a few hours.

This year, I happened to pick up the post card ad at the coffee shop days ahead of the event and the weather forecast looked promising. I hoped to introduce some friends to this special scene.

The fact the art is ephemeral is part of the attraction. Artists must complete their creations in a few hours and then, to avoid soiling any neighborhood tires, everything is washed away and the street returns to the prior state of unadornment in time for the Monday morning work rush.

Timing is key. Go too early and there are no finished works to enjoy. Too late and all the magic has happened. Most of the fun is watching the art in process.

Sunday morning offered a perfect view of a diverse collection of chalk masterpieces: finished, in process, and a few....because it had been so hot on Saturday....abandoned.

We timed the rain perfect this year. My friends were entertained and impressed; and an hour after I snapped my shots against the backdrop of a warm, slightly overcast, Midwest summer morning, the clouds converged, burst open and the downpour began.

Can't imagine it left much work for the street cleaner but I can picture a beautiful rainbow river rushing to the drain.

*Mural Artist with the Horse - Gina K. Townley

Now take a look at the works of extreme chalk artist Julian Beever.

She's so Worthy; Bukeka Scores!

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:21:00 +0000

Bukeka Shoals sings and the room brightens. The uplifting energy dynamic in her voice makes the room feel like it is bursting with sunlight - no matter what the time of day. She joined Sandy and I this week and shared the news about one of those special moments that just happens when you are doing your heart thing and the Universe decides to reward you by kicking it up a notch.

Bukeka markets herself as a Motivational Speaker/Coach and Singer. On the Conscious Living Segment, she actually sings a bit of her song "I'm worthy" for us and the enthusiasm is contagious but I really wish the sound set up could better showcase that wonderful voice you hear at one of her performances or from the downloads on her website...(Scroll down.) So please go there and you'll get a taste of a wonderful sound, a bit of Ella, a bit of Lena, the unmistakable Bukeka element and a whole lotta charm. (Buy a CD or a T-Shirt!)

Also lacks the barking dog overture she got with us..... when the mailman made a - only day of the week he arrived at this time - drop. And me -- too flustered to even tell Gracie to cool it...I grabbed the phone and headed to the other room where she eventually followed and settled down. Sandy? She roared. That's web casting...Dog cameos and all.

Back to "I'm Worthy." An admirer found Bukeka on You Tube and asked to use the song in her presentations but it didn't stop there. The woman also wanted a video of the song and there wasn't one. Here's where the magic happens. She told Bukeka she would create one at her next live performance. As it turns out, that performance had just been booked.

Friday, June 20th, 7 pm, at the Center for Spiritual Living (Kansas City, Mo.) - a great venue for singers - now has the dubious distinction of being the backdrop to Bukeka's first Music Video. Should be quite a show.

Bukeka is a fun and engaging interview and I am hoping we'll reconnect. We certainly enjoyed sharing the great news about a career first. And I am betting this is just the tip of that iceberg. More good will come with this. No doubt; Bukeka is Worthy.

She soars with the National Anthem - an absolutely solid performance -

One in a Billion is Still a Chance

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:04:00 +0000

The last thing I ever expected was a call for a comment on a Sports article. My thanks to Sports Reporter Bill Reiter for including an intuitive perspective on the number 3 in his Kansas City Star piece about the Triple Crown.

Big Brown lost the race but he is still an incredible horse who made a tremendous impact on the world of horse-racing, if only to remind everyone: there is no such thing as a "sure thing" - and no matter how high the stakes - we must factor in the possibility of an "off" day.

The real magic... Da'Tara, the winner at odds of 38-1. That's why they call it a race. No matter what anyone else says about you -- the odds you give yourself are the ones that count. When you are ready to claim a victory and you have done your homework, trust the universe will provide an opportunity.

A pattern I see with this event and recent others: "And the last shall be first." There is as much to be said for showing up and seizing an opportunity as there is for talent.

As I was rummaging through Google for my web references, I also found one of my quotes married to a beautiful photo. It's nice to see a special phrase take flight.

As you think, so you are. As you dream, so you become. As you create your wishes, so they create you. - wendy garrett

And no one can address that topic of creating wishes better than J.K Rowling. Check out her Harvard commencement address. Her focus: the power of failure and imagination.

Pets as Divine Messengers

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:00:00 +0000

I hope to make people realise how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must be that we will be kind and take care of their needs. - James Herriot

When Allen and Linda Anderson first started writing about Angel Pets, it wasn't the mainstream topic it is today. However, they may very well be part of the reason it has become mainstream.

Pet lovers responded with an outpouring of stories of similar tales and Allen and Linda kept writing. New in 2008: Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet (Aug.) and Angel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life (Oct.)

Angel Animals Network is sponsoring the 2008 Angel Horse Contest - looking for the world's most thought-provoking horse stories for publication in their book, Angel Horses with a Mission (New World Library, Fall '09). Interested? Cash prizes and no entry fee.

Allen Anderson says, "By showing how the immense spirit, heart, and intelligence of horses enables them to fulfill a higher purpose, we hope the power of true stories will persuade people to challenge brutality and the practice of treating horses as disposable possessions."

Worth Adding to the Book Library - Angel Horses: Divine Messengers of Hope

I love the Anderson's focus and have no doubt about the presence of Angel Pets. Some of my pets are with me still; and that is one of the reasons I have chosen to pursue the path I am on.

American homes with pets in 2007 - 63% (71 million households)

-- Denise Zak has that same love for animals and a wonderful connection with horses as well. I started drawing pictures of them until I got my first horse when I was 11. Although I don't have a horse at the moment, the connection was strong and a powerful magnet and part of my dream world for as long as I can remember. Working with a Native American Shaman, she identified my horse totem immediately.

Denise and I have found that - in addition to the choosing to develop our intuitive abilities - our quirky commonalities include a stint in the Cosmetics Industry. We'll be doing a show together once a month on Talking to Nightlights to offer intuitive insight and share our perspectives on reading people and pets. Starts the 2nd Wednesday in June. (I like Denise - she's already seeing us as syndicated!!)

Personal readings are available only on the phone. It doesn't have the same flow with the text format.

-- Guest Christine Ramos was frustrated by a lack of information on developing intuitive and spiritual connections with children, so she wrote one. She has a site/blog to support the endeavor that offers some wonderful support for moms second guessing that gut guidance.

Even with her hectic schedule, she checks in from time to time. The book is a great resource for insight into exactly what the blog title suggests, Intuitive Nurturing.

Sandy's daughter has the book, A Journey into Being and gave it a rave review... I'll let Sandy add that perspective. (Sandy: Tag! YOU'RE IT !!)

Formatic Notes on Talk Shoe

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:01:00 +0000

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”
- Joseph Campbell

I am a fan of Talk Shoe ap but there are a few glitches. Radio offers a wonderful 7 sec. delay... I miss that.

When school is out the kids tend so show up and spam so I am now running the show more like a podcast. The filters are not in place to keep it clean; and trying to incorporate the text content into the show tends to create more of a distraction when some of the listeners/texters/surfers haven't heard the show and then want to get caught up... ;)

So - it's a work in progress and the casts are fun without the chatter so that's where it is for now.

Upcoming guests will be spaced out a bit more now that the library seems to be running on auto. Sandy and I double booked to get more content up and now that we have - it's easier to do one cast at a time. That starts on a consistent basis in July.

I'll add more content on Angel Pets, Linda Anderson, and Intuitive Nurturing, Christine Ramos, our guests this week.... Both had a lot to offer; and each in an entirely different direction.

Sandy committed herself to writing a piece about her bird experiences for Linda's Blog.... Angelanimals.net. If you have something to add...they love submissions...and it could end up in a book.

One Week Job Sean Aiken May Have Found a Job You'll Love

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Finding a job is not so hard. Finding a job you love... That could require further investigation, experimentation, ingenuity, and if you're lucky, a gratis expense account.

If there were an award for people who can take an ordinary life event and make you see it in an entirely new way, Sean Aiken would certainly win. Sean is an extraordinary person who transformed the whole job search thing into a mini career in 52 One Week Jobs.

How did he do it? We tested the skype phone and talked about his experience on Conscious Living on Talk Shoe. I hadn't tried skype but figured it would work out one way or another, and sure enough, he got through. (It's about 15 minutes into the show.)

One can imagine Sean's Dad's response when - fresh out of college - he informed him of his newly hatched idea to travel the country job surfing.... for a year.

Picture any combination of - "You can't do that." "You'll go broke." "Just get a job!" I can even imagine a tiny vein bulging on his left temple.

But something clicked almost immediately; and about five weeks into the project, a sponsor signed on. From that moment, all job earnings were officially donated to charity (Make Poverty History). Incredible? No doubt.

What makes watching Sean work, or working at getting work, so entertaining? For me, it's the joy and exuberance with which he embraces each and every job. And judging from the response, it appears to be contagious. One blog commenter said, after watching Sean, he was ready to pursue his dream of being an exterminator...

Funny thing that; no matter what job he shows us, it seems just a bit more attractive as a result of the energy he brings to the table. Sean also uses the venue to talk about his generation as the Peter Pan club...not wanting to grow up...or to sign on to a dead end life in a one dimensional job that sucks the joy out of living.

His project effectively creates awareness and educates the rest of the world about some of the unique attributes and expectations of his generation in addition to showcasing a smorgasbord of employment options.

Officially unemployed, 52 weeks of job experiences are in the can. However, unemployed does not equal footloose and fancy free nor waiting at home for the phone to ring. Sean is busy penning his memoirs for the 52 Week Job book - due out next spring from Random House... also working on a documentary (Best friend - and fellow entrepreneur - Ian accompanied him and logged the entire adventure - What are friends for?). And there's the possibility of a Reality Series.

Five Highlights:
1 - Sean says he found his story most resonated with: a/the college crowd and (surprise) b/midlife job seekers.

2 - He loved flying the cool big planes in a stint with the military; and had a blast (I couldn't help it.) as a Volcano Tour Guide in Hawaii.

3 - He discovered he isn't the type to do the 20 year job thing because he found the variety and change offered in trying new positions much more appealing.

4 - People who love their jobs: a/Say co-workers make all the difference in the world; and b/The job serves a greater purpose, such as working for a non-profit.

5 - Sean and boring cannot exist in the same Universe.

What did we learn from Sean - aside from all the fantastic work/job related insight? Do not underestimate the ingenuity of a guy who goes to school on a volleyball scholarship. Clearly, he mastered the art of creative financing and had dreams of innovative employment opportunities before he ever set foot in a classroom.

Dad has to be in awe....

See Sean work.

A Brush with Great Toons

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:19:00 +0000

Okay - one day I really will have an interview with Revilo.

Today was not that day.

This time, he even made a point to set aside the time to call and gave me back up numbers.

- Numbers I noted in a safe place - never to be seen again.

He called the wrong number and could not have taken my call if I had tried. And Sandy, who has been practicing her cartooning because she wanted to quiz him and compare notes, was AWOL.

Bummed because she thought she blew it, I told her not to worry; apparently God and Oliver had trumped me. HOWEVER, I got pictures.

So maybe I can't tell but I can show ----

Now buy the book
so we'll all be on the same page!

...my cameo...wooo hoo! (Thank you!)

P. S.
The interview is rescheduled
for July 16th.
And Sandy owes me a Lemon Meringue Pie.

I win!

Somewhere the Cartoon God is smiling.

Angels in the Outfield

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:25:00 +0000

In truth, we have no idea who is in charge of our life appointments.

We can set them up but the whole thing is really about working with whatever happens as a result.

Appointments we are meant to keep will show up again.

*A quick footnote on guest scheduling. If we miss one you wanted to hear, we reschedule; so just check back.

A little over a month ago, I had the most amazing blackout about an appointment. I was given a reminder call on Saturday and had a very nice conversation with a live person to clue me in. However, on the day of the appointment - Monday - I looked at a piece of information that should have triggered my memory, as the whole purpose of making the appointment was to meet a deadline the next day, and set it aside thinking I had it taken care of.

It wasn't until 11 pm that night, after going to bed, I bolted upright in bed and remembered: I HAD AN APPOINTMENT!! AHH! What happened? I was shocked and amazed that I could have completely blanked it out. (I don't miss appointments.)

But then it all fell seamlessly into place the next day. Someone cancelled and the kicker: the Doctor thought she read the schedule wrong. ?? Since that time, two guests I have worked with before, with no problem, have had very similar experiences. Both said they knew and remembered our interview and then were mortified at how they just totally spaced it out.

I now think my episode was homework so I could appreciate that sometimes - no matter how many little reminders there are - we are given a redirect for a purpose we may never know. I have learned to trust that the outcome might just be better as a result.

Bikes, Books, Cupcakes and Cats

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:59:00 +0000

For a long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can. - Ernest Hemingway

Update on Hunter Weeks next project. We're talking beyond 10 Yards... and I can see why he is mulling whether to keep or drop the 10 theme.

I didn't realize until I listened to the interview later that I botched a reference to the old school baseball fan camps...where guys joined the team for Spring Training, wore the gear...etc...

This fantasy football is virtual. I also can appreciate how easy it could be to mix up the titles. At least I remembered to mute the speaker volume. (Echo.)

His project next is that amazing bike ride across the Rocky Mountains...(Now including) Canada to New Mexico. Not for the faint of heart: The Great Divide. If you have the stamina, the dirt roads, incredible scenery and mountain passes galor beckon. Boasting over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. This guy did it last year.

Had fun at the Literary Fest on The Plaza (second one). Met Karen Tack, author of Hello Cupcake at a day-after Brunch. Cupcakes with personality? You bet! She apologized for having to work harder at creating cats. Dogs are her forte. The big hit was cupcake spaghetti! The book, now on the NYT Best Seller list.

Want more fun with cupcakes? Try the cupcake challenge.

Another Lit Fest fav is currently researching the letters of Ernest Hemingway. A wonderful storyteller herself, the upcoming product - Ernest Hemingway in Letters, Literature and Life by Linda Patterson Miller - sounds like a rare opportunity to gain new insight into a writing legend.

Another thing Mr. Hemingway is known for - having a cat with six toes. The Hemingway Cats.

May Guest Round up - and a Fabulous Fish Act

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:46:00 +0000

Okay - someone turned on the hyperdrive. Busy month. Guests are booked but the deal isn't a go without a confirmation and I have yet to hear back from Hunter Weeks of 10 MPH. He was out of the country in April so we need to reconnect. The new project is 10 Yards - a fantasy football documentary. No wonder they quit their corporate jobs. (Now Confirmed!)

Guy Finley has a revised version of The Secret of Letting Go due out in June. We're set to talk with him May 21st. Also on the 21st - Julie Cox - Professional face reader. She is fascinating. May 28th was Neil Donald Walsch who is traveling but we have a phone problem and haven't found a way around that one yet.

Current schedule for May 28th - Revilo's book Unknown Worlds is set for May 27th release date. You can preorder now. [We have two back up numbers for him this time. : ) ] And finally, Sean of One Week Job will call us from wherever he is now and tell us if he found a favorite. So - it's all good.

Check out this Wonder Pet. The kids wanted a dog - Dad said too much work. Kids said Fish = Boring. Dad trained fish. What a fish! Meet Comet.

Dad and fish now have a new business and internet fans... Kids can't argue with success. Suspect they might still want a dog.

Revilo and Her Life Magazine on Deck on Conscious Living

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:29:00 +0000

Coming up on the Show tomorrow - a two fer. 3 pm central it's Her Life Magazine Creator Lindsay Aydelotte. Lindsay is creating a new approach in the competitive Mag business. She targets a local audience, creates her canvass, and offers the result in both Print and Web form. Her Life Magazine appears to be getting some wonderful results; a challenge given media is smack dab in the middle of reinventing itself due to the web. And that is not a bad thing.

!Time Update! Cartoonist Revilo - Oliver Christianson (fresh from his recent Alien abduction) joins us at 3 pm central on May 28th for an update on all things Revilo. A perk for him and the Revilo stable...Kansas Governor Sebelius has been spotted carrying one of his books: Women of Substance. His new - Unknown Worlds - is full of paranormal toons. And since that opens the topic, we get to ask about his ghost encounter in a San Antonio Hotel...

Q: Who designs ghost sheets?
A: When he isn't napping, R.I.P. Van Winkle. : )

Heads up on an incredible new indie film on healing: Soulmasters. The film focuses on two Doctors and healers; one, they say - can cure the incurable. His extraordinary results and those of his protege come from the belief that everything has a soul and the soul can heal.

Dr. Guo and Dr. Sha will introduce you to an amazing world of self-healing. Make time for this one.

Lasting Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:32:00 +0000

I mowed the lawn this morning and noticed a Robin bird-dogging me. He kept a safe distance but seemed to be lurking and trailing me as I cut my swaths across the yard. I tried to telegraph with a gentle glance and body language that he could patrol the ground and I would avoid him. I also made an effort to be calm and fluid in my maneuverings of the mower and turn it away from him rather than approach.

After a few go rounds, a large moth fluttered up from the bed of the tall grass and dangled between the space of the uncut blades and the fresh leveled path. The Robin I had almost forgotten about by that time whooshed directly in front of me and, in a quick flash of wings and beak, swooped up the moth and flew off to the side, a few feet away.

He devoured the captured moth in two gulps. Impressive. I am guessing he has done this before. I continued to mow and think about all the wildlife that calls my yard home and wondered if the snake will come out to race the mower again this year; little things I no longer take for granted make me glad I mow my own lawn.

My mind wandered...as I continued to mow. I have no idea why but I started thinking about first impressions and how little of a person that can represent. First impressions are well and good but it is the last impression that makes the difference. Or is it?

The great majority of people we meet in our lives will have contact with us only once. There is no time to create that all important first impression; there is only who you are at that moment. NO matter all the good you have done and the good you will yet do, they remember whatever it was and who you were at the moment you touched them. And so it goes, not first or last, just a lasting impression. And such is life.

I finished the lawn, saw the Robin hunting in the yard across the street and went into the house to check my email and get back to work. There it was, a note from my favorite filmmaker about the status of his new project: Soul Biographies. Clearly, he is busy creating lasting impressions.

Nic Askew's Soul Biographies is expected to be up and running in June - check out Monday 9am TV for more information and some wonderfully inspiring short films.

The Robin made a lasting impression. We made a conscious connection. And in that exchange, he trusted me enough to risk darting in front of a very intimidating lawnmower to grab his breakfast. Suspecting, after observing me, I would pause to give him time. I did. The memory makes me smile.

Creating, Manifesting, Imagining: Amy Tan at Ted and Our Guests 4/30

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:21:00 +0000

I was intelligent enough to make up my own mind. I not only had freedom of choice, I had freedom of expression. - Amy Tan

What is synchronicity? Do we create our reality? I believe we do. Amy Tan creates engaging stories and ponders creating something from nothing.

Here (At Ted) she talks about the creative process and the muse, treats us to a surprise ending .... and reminds us that in life there is no certainty and no absolute.

Please join us Wednesday for an inspired young woman who has been talking to God almost from the moment she arrived. Her painting is extraordinary and her insight is beautiful. Child prodigy Akiane will share a few minutes with us to tell us what she hears and how her creative process works.

Elizabeth Hill lost her twin sister to a tragic car accident. Instead of ending, their relationship moved to a whole new level. She'll talk about what happened and how that accident changed her life and opened her relationship with her sister in a way no one would have expected.

Inspired living. Join us Wednesday.

Testing a Spot at Ning

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:17:00 +0000

Leif Hansen suggested we set up a Ning site to encourage more connection with those who like the topics we cover on Conscious Living and who might enjoy further exploration in a community setting.

So we're branching out. (Thank you Leif!) I am working on getting the site established. Stop in and see what you think. Again, if you have any suggestions, feel free to speak up. We are now unpacking the widgets at http://consciousforlife.ning.com/

Heads up on Conscious Living Guests on 4/23

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:49:00 +0000

Do what you love. Know your own bone; gnaw at it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw it still.
- Henry David Thoreau

This week's Guest List -

4 pm central...(rebooked for June) Stacey Hsu is a former Hallmark Artist who loves pets. She kicked off her sock dog enterprise as a hobby and got immediate response from none other than MOMA in San Francisco. She can tell you more. Take a peek at her sock pals - cats and dogs. A portion of the proceeds is earmarked for the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

3 pm central...Ward Powers is the entrepreneur behind One The Project. The indie film takes a look at the concept of Oneness. Right out of the chute, the movie addresses a potential misconception - oneness is nothing like sameness. We get a scoop for this interview. One the Project is part of a new PBS program (with Wayne Dyer). We find out details on that tomorrow.

If you are interested in something entirely different, try the 1 pm central show on Talking to Nightlights. Cynthia Sue Larsen is a physicist with some fascinating ideas on how we create our reality as it happens. Her newsletter boasts more than 4 thousand subscribers. Ex: Can you think of a time when you "lost" something and then it reappeared in the exact spot you "lost" it? She has a lot to say about Realityshifting.

Notes - Guy Finley, The Secret of Letting Go joins us in May. Sandy has booked a very well known remote viewer who blows people away with his ability. (June) Not the guest but a sample of what it is. And I am working with Denise Zak to offer more shows on Intuition and Animal Communication.

Have a great day! We'll talk soon!

Hello Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Ah Spring!

You kept us waiting this year...

The air smells fresh and new as

you emerge from your nap, once again

flaunting that radiant snaggle-tooth smile.

Glad you finally got here.

For the Love of Cats and Smilies

noreply@blogger.com (wendy) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:42:00 +0000

Psychic Ainslie Macleod gave us a wonderful half hour (Conscious Living 4/16/08). He has a very genuine energy and appeal.

I am also glad he has Chester Cheetah. Something about that connection.... Check his book, The Instruction, Living the Life Your Soul Wants to Live. (Chester is now off on a new path....)

Recouping from my sore -- never had one of these before --- throat! In progress: made it through the interview and now I am well enough to run amuk. Yeah! The robot sound guy is going to have a Field day with this next line.

Some people draw the line at "chipper" with a Smiley face... Throw in an "lol" and a "!" and it means you are good with cats and they will flock to you in old age.

Here's to a healthy flock of cats and all other wonderful creatures who feel compelled to find a safe place to stop for a rest.

Cats remind us naps are the next best thing to being here.