BlueViews

Selling Puerto Vallarta Timeshare for NYE (12/27/07 - 01/03/08)

We have a one-week, one-bedroom timeshare reservation for NYE at the Playa del Sol Costa Sur resort in Puerto Vallarta with a Thursday check-in on 12/27/07 that we aren't going to use. If you know of anyone who may be interested in heading to Jalisco, Mexico for the holidays, please feel free to have them contact us to make an offer for the room. Here are some websites with more info about the place:

http://www.playadelsolpv.com/costasur/

http://www.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1503&resortCode=CVA&parentResortCode=CVV

http://slc.vriresorts.com/resorts/resort.php?resort=85&template=resort

Namaste :)

Honolulu Photos!

I'm posting pics from my Honolulu visit to see my sister Marilyn at:

http://blog.myspace.com/jacqueline_blue

It's a quick peek at some of the fun times in paradise!  Enjoy!  Namaste  : )

A, B, C... me (inspired by my lovely James)

[A is for age:] 33 for another month... go Libras!

[B is for beer of choice:] Guinness by far

[C is for career:] The title on the card either says "Project Manager, Interior Design" or "Renaissance Diva" depending on what mood I'm in and when you see me  ; )~

[D is for favorite Drink:] Water with lemon

[E is for essential item you use everyday:] SmartPhone 8125

[F is for favorite song at the moment:] Immortal, Invisible

[G is for favorite games:] Loving up everyone in the Universal Family and playing life full out

[H is for hometown:] Um... Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Arcadia, San Diego, Phoenix... we moved so much I can't really pick just one.

[I is for instruments you play:] Voice now; piano, flute, piccolo, guitar, tambo then.

[J is for favorite juice?:] Cranberry

[K is for kids?:] Not yet but one of these days, God willing.  I adore children and the beautiful reflections they are of love.

[L is for last kiss?:] Gypsy licked my face tonight because I forgot to wear flip flops, so she couldn't lick my toes.

[M is for marriage:] Never been... was asked once, but we were so young and silly and drunk... I said, "Ask me again next year."  He couldn't and I was glad because I couldn't accept.

[N is for name of your best friend(s):] Divas, you know who you are!

[O is for overnight hospital stays:] I can't recall ever having to stay overnight in the hospital for my own condition, only as moral support for friends or family in ER.

[P is for phobias:] I'm not afraid of much anymore... perhaps situations where people are not clear that they're loved and appreciated.  That really freaks me out  : )

[Q is for quote:] Together making a difference

[R is for biggest regret:] I have lost contact with Juan Felipe Lagos Lucero.  If anybody knows where that guy is nowadays, give me a holler!

[S is for self confidence:] Diva Blue.  Enough said.

[T is for time you wake up:] Usually between 5-6

[U is for underwear:] Comfort and function without the frills

[V is for vegetable you love:] I'll eat them all.

[W is for worst habit:] Scratching bug bites until they bleed and scab

[X is for x-rays you've had:] I swore I broke my baby toe last month, but it was just stubbed super bad and not fractured.  It's still sore!

[Y is for yummy food you make:] I order extremely well and make great restaurant suggestions.

[Z is for zodiac sign:] Libra... back to A...

Jacqueline's Book Bonus - TODAY 07/25/06

Early Finish

I have been at RA for Nicky's Week pretty much until close every night.  This morning I got up after about 3 hours sleep to haul around town running errands before driving to Tucson.  My sister recently graduated from U of A and needed help moving out of her apartment. 

We packed and stuffed my dad's SUV to the brim... but she'll have to make a return trip next weekend because all of it wouldn't fit!  Have you seen that industrial size shoe horn lately?!  We could've used one.  Or a vacuum pack plastic wrap machine like they do at the airport for international flights.  With what we could get in there, we unloaded it all at my parents' house.

Everybody cleaned up and hopped back in the car.  Starving, we beelined up to RA Kierland for dinner.  Lots of pork gyoza, tootsy maki, edamame and Red Bull later, we were stuffed and quickly succumbing into food coma.  We tried to stay for a little while longer.  The raffle drawing is at 10 PM.  Amy Sun and Nicky's family were supposed to be arriving soon... but we didn't hold out.  Not even the Red Bull could give us wings.

We're already all at home in our jammies.  I'm done.  I remember a conversation once where a girl said to me, "I am the possibility of living life to the fullest, until I'm all used up."  This week has been very full.  I have been so pleased with the turn out.  Tonight I'm treating myself to an early finish and a good night's rest.  Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...  Namaste  :)

Being in Bliss - Thanks to Nicky

There's a saying that giving is a gift in itself to the giver.  The part of the gracious act that swells the heart and moves the soul feels so miraculously good that it's better than any manufactured drug or self-serving vice. 

I am halfway through Nicky's Week and in bliss.  Tonight at RA Kierland the table next to us started up a conversation as we were deciding which raffle ticket package to get to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  As "coincidence" would have it, they were Nicky's family!  Last year when I helped promote the fundraiser for children's cancer research, I had exchanged numerous emails with Nicky's mom.  Every time we were supposed to be at the same location, our paths didn't cross and I never met her in person.  It was so special to finally meet her, Nicky's dad and little brother.  There is something extremely magical about shaking hands and putting a smile and voice with the names that I know so well.

I'm not sure if I can adequately express how one child's light and passing can make such an opening in the world's awareness.  Yesterday at RA Tempe we had a discussion about how stories of greatness are historically magnified after a person's death...  Mozart, da Vinci, Jesus.  During life, they were "just people" who sometimes were ignored, persecuted, celebrated, misunderstood, loved, missed.  Nicky was a bright and sweet kid who kept a positive attitude despite the illness that overtook his physical body.  In honor of that beautiful spirit, hundreds and thousands of people nationwide will eat, drink, be merry, and share time with friends this week at RA Sushi to raise money for the hospital and other kids going through the same experience.  Would all of them have known that 12,500 kids are diagnosed with cancer every year and the incredible programs that St. Jude provides without Nicky's Week?!

I am honored to be one piece of that One community.  At happy hour tonight I got a phone call with an update that a dear friend is finishing up his sixth round of chemo.  With prayers and hope, in another couple weeks if all goes as planned he may be given the blessed distinction of "in remission" as his diagnosis.  I almost cried.  This is the why...  why I would be ringleader at a different RA location every night this week to promote the event.  And how small it seems that all we have to do to help is go to lunch and/or dinner, order particular items on the menu, so that 100% of our tabs can be donated to the hospital. 

An insignificant cost... in comparison with how happy it makes me feel to be a part of it.  Namaste  :)

THIS WEEK - Eat at RA Nationwide for Kids with Cancer

It's time once again for the infamous Kierland RA "Wednesday 100"... remember what a great time we had last year?! And it was all for the kids!!!

Just order the following items on the menu and 100% goes to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:

- Tootsie rolls

- Pork gyoza (potstickers)

- Edamame

- SKYY vodka drinks

- Red Bull

- FIJI water

Come on out to play this week at

- Tuesday Tempe
- Wednesday Kierland
- Thursday Old Town Scottsdale
- Friday Ahwatukee
- Saturday Tucson

I'll see you there!!! Namaste :)

Power of Service Story

Read Jacqueline's story on the Power of Service in
Go to the Amazon page and read the reviews... the book includes stories of several people who grew through strengths from being laid off. 

I was touched by Kitty during this time and shared my lessons learned while unemployed.

Buy the book now!

RA SUSHI RAISES FUNDS FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2006

CONTACT: AMY SUN, 480-222-0191

RA SUSHI RAISES FUNDS FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Order RA’s signature tootsy maki, edamame, pork gyoza or selected beverages
to support the hospital May 28-June 3

PHOENIX – RA Sushi is launching its second annual fundraiser this month with a weeklong program called “Nicky’s Week,” which benefits the internationally recognized St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

RA will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of tootsy maki, edamame, pork gyoza, FIJI Water, Red Bull and selected beverages to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Opportunity drawing prizes will also be available at each location throughout the week as part of the Nicky’s Week Fundraiser.  Nicky’s Week will culminate on June 3 with a special evening when the prize winners will be announced.

The fundraiser was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard who died February 2005 after a long battle with brain cancer. Nephew of one of RA’s founders, Rich Howland, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA associates throughout the organization. RA created this benefit in honor of Nicky and as a way to further promote the exceptional attention and support provided to all families with children receiving care at St. Jude, including many families from Arizona.

“St. Jude played a critical role during Nicky’s illness by providing state-of-the-art care and by providing important information to our family. I want to help ensure that the programs at St. Jude remain available to any family that is forced to deal with the extreme heartache associated with the serious illness of a child,” said Rich Howland, one of the founding partners of RA Sushi Bar Restaurant.

RA hopes to raise $100,000 for the national children’s hospital, which will help pay for the development of treatment and cures for such diseases such as brain tumors, leukemia, childhood HIV, and other life threatening illnesses in children.  All ten RA Sushi Restaurants, including the four Valley locations (Old Town Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Tempe and Ahwatukee) will be working to raise the dollars for the restaurant’s second companywide benefit.

The public will be notified about the fundraiser via advertising, the Internet and through in-restaurant announcements. Anyone wishing to donate may simply order the menu items associated with the benefit. Information about personal donations will be available at each location as well.

Guests will be able to purchase opportunity drawing prizes for a variety of gifts, gift certificates, event tickets and St. Jude merchandise throughout the week.  The weeklong fundraiser will culminate on Saturday, June 3 with a special “Nicky’s Week” dining event, including the announcement of the prize winners at 10 p.m.

About RA Sushi
RA Sushi is best known for successfully combining distinctive sushi with a trendy, hip atmosphere. A destination for the young and chic, as well as serious sushi connoisseurs, Phoenicians have been long time fans of RA’s fresh sushi sliced to order along with outstanding Japanese fusion cuisine in a fun, lively environment. RA has four restaurants in the Valley, as well as locations in Tucson, Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Houston and Palm Beach Gardens. For more information on the RA restaurant locations visit www.rasushi.com.

About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude treats children from Arizona, across the United States and around the world at no cost to their families. For more information about St. Jude, please visit www.stjude.org.

SAVE THE DATE - Nicky's Week Starts May 28

Current mood: excited

Join us for our second annual Nicky's Week, a fundraising benefit for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

From May 28 - June 3, RA will donate 100f the proceeds from the sale of all tootsy maki, edamame, pork gyoza, FIJI Water, Red Bull and selected beverages.

Opportunity drawing prizes will also be available at each location throughout the week as part of the Nicky's Week Fundraiser.  Nicky's Week will culminate on June 3 with a special evening when the prize winners will be announced.

Nicky Mailliard of Scottsdale, Arizona was a St. Jude patient who passed away on February 28, 2005 after valiantly battling brain cancer.  He was thirteen years old. Nicky was a celebrated student at Pope John XXIII Catholic School Community and shortly before his death was accepted with honors to the Brophy College Preparatory Class of 2009.  He was a pillar of strength and always quick with a joke or a smile.  We will miss him dearly. 

You can read more about Nicky at http://www2.caringbridge.org/az/nickymailliard/.

Each year in the United States approximately 12,500 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer.  Since opening St. Jude Children's Hospital has treated children from all 50 states and more than 80 foreign countries.  No family ever pays St. Jude for treatment not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay.

St. Jude Children's Hospital Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.  Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.  St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.

Questions about Nicky's Week? Contact us at lavery@rasushi.com

        RedBull 

   

Today's Coincidence

I've got 8 minutes before I force myself to sleep, so I'll try to tell as much of this story as I can.  I'm a pretty quick typist, so here goes...

There's a tile installer named Brad who works for a company that we often sub out jobs to.  I have never met him in person, but I have found that he's the type of guy who goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure you get the best results.

My parents just had their travertine floors re-done and wanted a second opinion on their installation.  Brad did me a favor and dropped by the other day to check it out.  He gave the minimal, straight grout lines his professional stamp of approval.  I had heard that he recently moved, so as a 'thank you' I got him a Home Depot gift card to help with all the stuff that goes along with having a brand new place.

Today I received a very nice letter in the mail with a few pictures of his latest home improvement project.  He put in misters in his backyard, which will be very useful the closer we get to triple digit weather.  As I flipped through the snapshots, I noticed that I very clearly recognized his house... my parents and I had walked through that spec home when we were considering buying an investment property in the area.

Brad is neighbors with the girl who always sits next to me in choir.  She was the realtor who was showing us the property, some 40-50 miles away from where we live...  I love "coincidences" like that!  I wonder who I'm going to bump into tomorrow.  Namaste  :)

Save the Date! Nicky's Week is Coming to RA Sushi *** May 28 - June 3!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Sun

480-222-0191

amy@rasushi.com

RA SUSHI RAISES FUNDS FOR ST. JUDE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL

Order RAs signature tootsy maki, edamame, pork gyoza or selected beverages
to support the hospital May 28-June 3

PHOENIX RA Sushi is launching its second annual fundraiser this month with a weeklong program called Nickys Week, which benefits the internationally recognized St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

RA will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of tootsy maki, edamame, pork gyoza, FIJI Water, Red Bull and selected beverages to benefit St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Opportunity drawing prizes will also be available at each location throughout the week as part of the Nickys Week Fundraiser. Nickys Week will culminate on June 3 with a special evening when the prize winners will be announced.

The fundraiser was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient Nicholas Nicky Mailliard who died February 2005 after a long battle with brain cancer. Nephew of one of RAs founders, Rich Howland, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA associates throughout the organization. RA created this benefit in honor of Nicky and as a way to further promote the exceptional attention and support provided to all families with children receiving care at St. Jude, including many families from Arizona.

St. Jude played a critical role during Nickys illness by providing state-of-the-art care and by providing important information to our family. I want to help ensure that the programs at St. Jude remain available to any family that is forced to deal with the extreme heartache associated with the serious illness of a child, said Rich Howland, one of the founding partners of RA Sushi Bar Restaurant.

RA hopes to raise $100,000 for the national childrens hospital, which will help pay for the development of treatment and cures for such diseases such as brain tumors, leukemia, childhood HIV, and other life threatening illnesses in children. All ten RA Sushi Restaurants, including the four Valley locations (Old Town Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Tempe and Ahwatukee) will be working to raise the dollars for the restaurants second companywide benefit.

The public will be notified about the fundraiser via advertising, the Internet and through in-restaurant announcements. Anyone wishing to donate may simply order the menu items associated with the benefit. Information about personal donations will be available at each location as well.

Guests will be able to purchase opportunity drawing prizes for a variety of gifts, gift certificates, event tickets and St. Jude merchandise throughout the week. The weeklong fundraiser will culminate on Saturday, June 3 with a special Nickys Week dining event, including the announcement of the prize winners at 10 p.m.

About RA Sushi

RA Sushi is best known for successfully combining distinctive sushi with a trendy, hip atmosphere. A destination for the young and chic, as well as serious sushi connoisseurs, Phoenicians have been long time fans of RAs fresh sushi sliced to order along with outstanding Japanese fusion cuisine in a fun, lively environment. RA has four restaurants in the Valley, as well as locations in Tucson, Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Houston and Palm Beach Gardens. For more information on the RA restaurant locations visit www.rasushi.com.

About St. Jude

St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude treats children from Arizona, across the United States and around the world at no cost to their families. For more information about St. Jude, please visit www.stjude.org.

# # #

Living in the Flow, Publishing Books

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... from the Angels

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My dear friends, we love you so very much. As you celebrate this season of springtime, celebrate the rebirth of your very own soul incarnating here upon the planet earth, with each and every breath. Each moment, dear ones, is a chance for resurrecting your spirit, rekindling your own passions, and planting the seeds of your own dreams. With each choice you make, you choose to honor the soul or to negate it. With each word you speak, you come from love or fear. With each action you take, you move closer to life or farther from it.

Dear ones, allow your spirit -- your loving eternal spirit -- to be resurrected here upon the planet earth with every thought, word, and deed. The world does indeed try to crucify your ever-loving hearts at times. The denser energies would love the pleasure of your company and therefore introduce negativities such as angry vindictive thoughts and doubts as to your worth, value, beauty, intelligence, or dreams. The lonely among you would blame you for their choices. And yet, dear ones, you can take responsibility for walking the higher path, for saying "no" to the negative thoughts and placing your sights on what is truly of value in your life and your hearts. So you don't like to take out the garbage? Focus on how you feel with your clean house. You would rather not pay the bills? Give thanks for the roof over your head and the hands that can write the check. You've been attacked by someone in anger? Be relieved that you are awake enough to desire better treatment, and wise enough to simply move away from that energy.

Dear ones, we understand that each of you has gone through your own share of crucifixtions and yet each one of you bravely resurrects your very own spirit day after day, as you get out of bed in the morning. Realize, dear ones, this is truth - love is eternal and all else will eventually fall away as illusion. You are deeply loved, honored, and cherished for your work here upon the planet.

We love you so very much,

-- the Angels

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... from Ann "Not a Coincidence!"

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I spent 30 hours last weekend restructuring and cleaning up the book I've been working on for over two years. The urge to finish it was so strong that, with the exception of meals, I did nothing else. The weekend was beautiful and I was tempted to play outside, run errands, etc., but everything in me said, "Finish that book." And so I did.

In the first chapter I talk about a mystical experience I had when I was five years old at a waterfall near Washington D.C. Sunday afternoon I was almost finished but needed a way to end the book, and a picture of a river for the cover. I prayed and let go, knowing God always provides. The prayer was answered quicky! I had no sooner sent the final page of my book to my printer when an incoming email captured my attention. It was from my father. The subject was "GREAT DAY AT THE FALLS" and in the email was a picture of the waterfall I'd written about in the first chapter!

For some "strange" reason, my parents who live 3000 miles away and didn't even know I was writing this book, had the sudden urge to go that same waterfall, take pictures, and send them to me the very second I finished my book. The book is called "Love is the River: Embracing the Flow of Divine Grace." It is all about letting go and letting God make your life run smoothly and easily. I could not have been more floored by the wonderful timing of that email.

The story got even better on Monday. I had the priviledge of meeting James and Sally Redfield who were being interviewed by Therese Inzarillo on www.acheiveradio.com. James is the author of the Celestine Prophecy and he and his wife are two of the nicest famous peple I've met - down to earth, real, and totally practicing what they preach. At this gathering I ran into Liz Dawn who runs Mishka Productions. Liz asked if she could read the book I'd mentioned and since I had finished the previous day, I gave her the copy I'd brought.

Today I was totally blown away when Liz called to invite me to speak at Mishka's CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE conference which features over 20 of the most popular metaphysical authors including Deepak Chopra, Christiane Northrup, Sonia Choquette, etc. I am beyond amazed at how God works, but the funny part is this is what the book is about! Learn to sense the currents of grace in your life, follow your heart, pray, surrender, let go, trust... trust... trust more. Trust that everything in your life leads to the next step. I am humbled, amazed, and in huge gratitude. These are dreams coming true. The book will hopefully be out within a month or less.

So this week practice letting go and letting God figure out the answers to your prayers. Trust all is well no matter what. Focus on the what gives you joy. And see what happens :)

Have a great week,

Love,

Ann

PS - I'm being interviewed on www.achieveradio.com (Intuitive Living with Therese Inzarillo) at 6 PM Pacific time next Monday the 17th. If you miss it, you can listen to the archive. The subject is "Bridging the Gap Between Christianity and Mysticism".

PPS - If you haven't seen "THE CELESTINE PROPHECY" movie yet, it is a phenomenal depiction of spiritual truth woven into a good plot. The movie talks about assuming everything that happens is part of the plan; it shows how we play for energy with one another; it depicts auras, psychic visions, and mystical experiences very well and is great entertainment. It is a wonderful thing to share with others who are trying to understand the mystical side of reality. The message is needed at this time on earth.

Mishka Productions is having a special showing on APRIL 27th, THURSDAY, at Harkins CINE CAPRI. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here:

http://www.mishkaproductions.com/celestine-april-27.php

There is also a fundraiser for CHILDHELPUSA afterwards which helps to save children from abuse. More info is on the website.

I'll be there and hope you can join us! James and Sally are beautiful, humble souls, with a message of faith in higher power. I love it!

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... from Jacqueline

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All this buzz lately about books! Recently I received an email from my friend Kitty Wiemelt, speaker and co-author of the #11 best selling book, "Seizing Your Success."  Many moons ago we met at Right Management Consultants after I attended their outplacement program as part of my severance package from MicroAge in 2001.

A bunch of us from that executive networking group put together a compilation of stories and Kitty pushed all this time to make it into a book. Five years later and... on Friday, April 28, 2006, "Laid Off? Don't Stress! How to Get from Mad to Glad" will go to print! I'm pretty excited about it, in a strangely distant way. I didn't do much to make any of this happen. Kitty has managed all the heavy lifting. The bonus is that, although I love to write, I haven't had anything "officially" published since college. In my rule book, blogs and press releases don't necessarily count as legitimately as a book!

It's been a long timg since I was introduced to the Celestne Prophecy. I remember that first time through the story, how I loved being reminded that there are no coincidences. Truly I've begun to notice that the blessings in my life that come from following the "flow" of doing what I love indeed feel effortless. Like writing a story for Kitty years ago and finding that the small seed planted then will finally now bloom. Pretty cool, wouldn't you say? Keep trusting, letting go, and living in the flow... Namaste :)

Learning the Passion and Choosing

What a blessing to have people who love me and coach me! I had a wonderful conversation with my girlfriend Layla who I hadn't spoken with in a long time. I gave her the low down on my "racket" frustration in brief, and she shared with me some unfunked wisdom.

"I could be wrong on this, but I think that this is called karma," she poked with a slight hint of friendly sarcasm in her voice. "You've heard of karma before, right?!"

I laughed at the simplicity of the straightforward answer and the earlier pissed off-ness melted away. Yes, if I had a quarter for every time in my teens and twenties I could have been caught for being up to no good... well, let's just say that with compound interest my retirement savings would be guaranteed! This kid's guardian angels were working overtime all those years to protect her and those she loves from peril. Now it's my turn to get the lesson and give back.

Right before the Good Friday service at church I had stopped off on some errands. I picked up a FedEx package from Robin Punsalan, an incredible artist in Las Vegas. She overnighted some of her prints to me to donate to the Soul Sanctuary in the Desert. They're having a fundraiser this weekend with a silent auction to benefit women and their children displaced by domestic violence. This cause has a special place in my heart, having experienced the sadness of the death of a friend who would not take her children and leave her abusive husband. Ultimately she stayed at all costs and paid the price with her life.

I needed a new stylus for my PDA and visited my old friend Pasquale the Great at Pens International. He hooked me up with a fabulous Lamy that's a mechanical pencil too. It's perfect! I picked out a new fountain pen as well. I am a pen addict and have so much fun with the colorful inks. Omas orange is today's new favorite... I can't wait to write some correspondence this weekend!

Josette Sullins, the director of Soul Sanctuary in the Desert, called while I was at the pen shop to coordinate getting Robin's artwork from me. Pasquale overheard and in less than a heartbeat had selected a gorgeous pen/pencil set and put it in a gift bag to donate for the cause. Robin and Pasquale are both inspiring examples of people who share their art and creativity with the world from their hearts and without regard for recognition or reward. I have so much to learn from them. 

(As a side note, I would absolutely love to see Robin's dancer and geisha art published in a magazine or book.  I'm biased and think they're super awesome.  If you've got connections to make this happen, drop me a line or click on her MySpace profile link above to contact her directly)

With the anxiousness and buzz of Bach's St. John's Passion performance surrounding, I sat quietly meditating in the choir room, waiting for the 14 stations of the cross to complete and for the symphony musicians to arrive. On the road, I had passed a Lutheran church with Easter signs up. He chose the nails. I immediately thought "Chocolate, vanilla. Choose." I realized that my racket was entirely the product of not choosing, not accepting. I was the struggling and fighting 5-year-old tantrum, "It's not fair!" Once I returned to knowing that my path is right and perfect, including those seemingly annoying obstacles that I don't understand (but don't need to), I found my peace again. Thank you all for being so supportive through my ranting! Namaste :)

You've Got to Read All the Way to the Bottom for Directions to Jac's Concert...

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... from the Angels

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My dear friends, we love you so very much. There lies within each human heart a seed of potential that God has planted within you before the day you were born. In this seed is the knowlege and energy of the Christ consciousness. Each one of you has the potential to become a fully realized being here upon the earth - a being of great love, great compassion and with a great capacity to create.

Take time in this season of spring to sit quietly and ask God to tend to this seed within, to nurture the Christ consciousness in your own hearts into fruition. For indeed, dear friends, the "second coming" begins in your very own hearts. There will indeed be a soul to walk the earth that embodies this love as well; however, dear ones, the point and purpose of the life of Jesus Christ was to awaken this light within each one of you. He did not intend to create belief systems that would foster judgement, separation, and righteousness, but rather to break apart hypocritical systems of the day that promoted the very same, and to bring healing to human hearts.

His message is one, dear friends, not of religiousity but of LOVE, plain and simple. His message was that you could do as He did and more. He never intended that religious persecution be carried on in His name; the abominations in His name do not represent the love this gentle ambassador of peace came to proclaim.

We realize that we are crossing borders and boundaries with this message, dear friends, but it is time to awaken to the truth of who you really are. Dear lightworkers, dear friends, you are God's love poured into human form, given life each moment by His breath, and directed by His love. Your planet needs your light and all you need to do to ignite this fire within is to sit silently and pray. Ask God to ignite the Christ consciousness within you, to know God's will for your life, and to trust, dear ones, as we have instructed you for so long, that the desires in your very own heart will guide you along that path. We love you. We realize that you and we are one in God's creation, working together to tend to the seeds of love within so they can come to full bloom and so that your planet can, at long last, reach a point in history where God's plan ripens into a beautiful heaven on earth.

This will take time, dear ones. Be patient with yourselves and others. In a way, your planet still lies in the fertile soil awaiting the push of springtime to grow into the light. Dear ones, pray for this awakening. Ask and you shall receive. Knock and the door will be opened.

We love you so very much.

-- the Angels & Masters

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... from Ann

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Hi All,

Wow. The energy that came through when I channeled that message nearly overwhelmed me and it was hard to type. I always have a little fear putting things like that out because so many of my friends are Jewish and these discussions are not about religion, separation, persecution or even pushing beliefs. I FEEL the love coming through with these messages and LOVE is the only message they send to us all.

I often wonder if a child was born today to a humble contractor and this child grew up and preached about LOVE being the only way to God, owned the fact that he was a son of God, and said we were too - would anyone recognize this as the Christ energy? If we embrace love instead of the division, judgement, hatred, and separation that the world seems to promote, will the world recognize our goodness? Some will and some won't.

The angels have been working with me diligently to be strong enough to go more public with these messages. I had a huge cry with a good Christian friend of mine a few weeks ago because I discovered I was afraid she wouldn't accept me as part of her life as I went more public with my beliefs that aren't always in sync with hers. I've received more emails as of late from good religious people trying to inform me that I am "deceived by Satan, dear lady" and that surely I had never read the Bible. Although my human side felt like responding, "I've read the Bible, Kabbalah, Koran, and Book of Buddha, the Bhagavad Vita, and more," I prayed over what to do and refrained from any response as a result. When I chat with Jesus, angels, Buddha, Archangel Michael and more deceased relatives than I can count, the message is always the same:

- Be loving even when others are not.

- Recognize others' rights to their point of view as well as your right to your own.

- Don't argue. Listen. Understand. Acknowledge. This does not negate our own point of view.

- Share from your heart. If people accept you, great. If the don't, pray for ones who will.

Embracing this - that there is no need to defend or justify my personal beliefs in religion, life, or simply perspective - has freed up tremendous energy in my life. All of the sudden I am feeling bliss again. I've had the energy to start a major website upgrade, finish the first draft of another book, start a different one, clean out my house, make time for dating, friendships, family, tai chi, clients, emails, and energy sessions. When you give up trying to please the world and you give up the need to judge the world, a power within - the power of God's LOVE - is unleashed in your life and freed up to help you create your own dreams.

Free your spirit this week :) Try to give up any need to justify or defend yourself and see how much more energy you have when you simply choose to understand your own heart rather than trying to make everyone else 'get' you.

Lots of love,

Ann

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

... from Jacqueline

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I have been very behind on reading and responding to emails. I finally saw this one from Ann this morning, which she wrote over a week ago. Of course, as always, her insights and the angels' message seem to align magically with me.

Sunday was the beginning of a hectic Holy Week, where most of my free time will be spent at All Saints through Easter and the Bishop Kirk Smith's visit the Sunday after. I was asked the other day if I would go to church as often if I didn't sing in the choir. Most likely I'd choose to participate in other ways. Wednesday night meditation. Thursday night Kabbalah classes. My mom volunteers and prepares meals at Andre House. Maybe I would help serve them and go with her.

It may seem like a lot to some that I commit my Wednesday nights and Sundays to the choir. Yet for me, it is a joy and privilege to sing in the midst of angels. The few hours each week feel truly minimal in that respect. On Good Friday 4/14 we'll be performing Bach's St. John Passion at 12:30 PM with the first chair players of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. It's one of my favorite concerts of the year... and it's FREE :) To join us, directions are at http://www.allsaints-phoenix.org/our_location.htm.

I mused with my old roommate that if we took a scientific, historical count of time spent over our "adult life" (say, in the past 15 years) divided into segments for work, fun, etc., we've probably logged more cumulative hours in bars and clubs than I have at church, yoga and meditation combined. And between those activities, what has furthered my personal enlightenment, growth and development the most? $1 Redbull-vodkas at Axis or Pussycat Lounge? Yeah... tough call ;)~

All in all, I just really dig (in no particular order):

- high mass with incense

- the bishop's pointy hat and the verger's floppy one

- openness to mysticism

- group meditation and prayer

- feeling loved and accepted

- dancing colors from sunlight streaming through stained glass

- powerful vibrations from the pipe organ that shake the loft

- hanging out with the angels and beautiful spirits

- letting pastors be people too

- singing in Latin or other languages

- wearing black and white robes

- super old traditions with a modern liberal twist

Does anybody else 'get' that?! Ha ha ha, taking Ann's advice, I don't care if you do! Just kidding... I love you! Namaste :)

Nine and Wine

As the Sunday afternoon program continues to sell out, we’ve added a mid-week option one Tuesday a month at Ken McDonald Golf Course in

Tempe

. The first Tuesday afternoon program will be on April 11^th at 2pm.  To kick off the new day and new venue, we have lined up some massage therapists and a Square 2 demo day. 

Nine and Wine is a very fun on-course mentoring program in which a mentor joins each foursome to play up to nine holes of golf.  The mentors are seasoned golfers who are willing to share their experience, insight and passion for the game with other golfers.  Nine and Wine is a safe learning environment, perfect for brand new golfers and those who want to get their games back in shape.  We gather in the clubhouse after golf to share our lessons learned over hosted appetizers.  This is the “wine” (not “whine”) portion of the program.

Invite a friend or business associate to join you! 

To register or get more information:  http://golfforcause.com/nine.html  or call 602/840-0607.  Cost:  $35, $30 EWGA members.

Ken McDonald Golf Course is located at

800 E. Divot Dr.

in

Tempe

.  It is west of

Rural Rd.

between Guadalupe and Elliot. 480-350-5250      

In addition, we’re always looking for experienced golfers to join us as mentors.  If you’re interested, please let us know!

Thanks for spreading the news!

Warm regards,

Debbie Waitkus

Golf for Cause, LLC

570 W. Southern Ave.

Tempe

,

AZ

   

85282

602/840-0607

dwaitkus@golfforcause.com

www.golfforcause.com

Business-Golf Coach, Speaker, Consultant

"Turn Golf into Gold." ™

Message from Ann & the Angels

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... from the Angels

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My dear friends, we love you so very much. We continue our discussion on taking time in stillness. There is so much that occurs in your spirit, dear ones, when you take the time to slow down. You reconnect with your heart. You notice what is working in your life and what is not. You notice how you have changed and can take time to give thanks for your growth and your blessings. You will feel the longings of your heart and can pray for assistance in bringing them into fruition. You feel your anxieties and can ask us for help in healing them.

Dear ones, time in stillness, however great or small, is time that is richly productive for the soul. While you can't point to any finished "accomplishments" with down time, nor can you cross items off your "to-do" lists, you are taking time to nurture the one thing in your life and lifetimes that is eternal - your soul. Dear ones, if you have a car you maintain it. If you have a garden you would water it. You have an eternal spirit and must take time to nourish it.

Those of you who are sensitive would also do well to create a small routine at the end of your day to release any energies you have inadvertently taken on from the world around you. This can be as simple as washing your hands under running water and praying to release any frequencies that don't serve you. You can also take a bath with salt sprinkled in the water. You can sit upon the earth palms down and allow excess energies to drain into mother earth who gladly uses them to good end. You can simply pray to release anything you have picked up.

You have a tendency, dear ones, many of you on this list, to take on the world's ills and woes. And therefore many of you find yourself a bit drained from time to time. It is not selfish to release the energies back to those who created them, using simply intent.

Doing these two things - intending to release the frequencies that are not yours and taking time in stillness to refill your cup - will keep your spirit maintained, will keep your body healthier and stronger, and will help your mind be at peace.

Take charge of your energies, dear light workers. The world is about to become even more chaotic and yet you can find great peace, indeed even heaven on earth, if you take the time to reconnect with the light and release the denser energies.

God bless you all. We love you so very much.

-- The Angels

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

... from Ann

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi All,

I really needed this angel message! A week ago I took time off to get my house painted. I thought I'd take the time to write more of the next book I'm working on. Instead I crashed. I was so exhausted I couldn't walk to the mailbox without resting for twenty minutes afterwards. I realized I had slacked off on my own energy maintenance.

Luckily these things can be fixed rather quickly. I put everything in my life on hold, slept a lot, juiced veggies, and paid attention only to my own life. I took a weekend off to have time in stillness, without agenda, schedule, or to do list. And quickly my energy flowed back into my spirit. I also visited Dr. Shawn (480-429-9433) whom I call the "shaman/chiropractor" who helped patch up a few leaks in my field. It's amazing how quickly we can lose or take on energies, and also astounding how quickly we can refill our spirits.

The angels always seem to reward me with humor when I do something right again. I was en route to my book signing when I got cut off by a car that had the license plate "Chris10s". Wouldn't you know it, the lecture was on "Bridging the Gap betwen Christianity and Mysticism!" Gotta love that angel humor. They are always with us but sometimes they wait patiently for us to do our part before stepping in again to help! :)

Have a great week!

Ann

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... from Jacqueline

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This week marks the start of Lent for many. The liturgical season of Lent lasts for 40 weekdays in remembrance of the 40 days and nights that Christ spent fasting in the desert, tempted by Satan. Ash Wednesday (March 1) is the beginning and the day before Easter (April 15) is the end.

A common conversation heard around this time sounds like, "What temptation are you going to give up for Lent?" In years past the easy answer has been to give up a physical "bad habit" - chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, fast food, red meat, etc. Then I switched to giving up things like complaint, negative comments/thoughts, gossip, procrastination...

I have been reflecting on what my Lenten promise might be this year. In alignment with the angels' message, I've noticed what I hear has been to give up "busy-ness and noise" in my life. I have had such a hard time quieting the very loud monologue of my to-do list running in my head lately. It's crazily chattering when I wake until I sleep.

Father Peter's sermon during Ash Wednesday service was about fasting. Not in the sense of withholding from food, but "fast on those things that have us go too fast." The phrase triggered my memory to my New Year's intention... Wasn't it Solitude? Well, that's not what my calendar looks like. I'm already booking events into April and May.

One of them, however, is specifically about slowing down. March 10th weekend I'm attending a meditation retreat at Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David (http://personal.riverusers.com/~trinitylib/retreats.html). Sometimes I just have to force myself to physically be in a place where I can't be reached by email or voicemail. I hope to bring that peaceful quiet back with me when I return.

For more information about retreats at the monastery contact:

Tolomei Retreat House

Holy Trinity Monastery

P.O. Box 298

St. David Arizona 85630-0298

(520) 720-4016

guestmaster@theriver.com

BlueViews - Liberation Yoga

In December 2004 I was in Los Angeles for a week for an AMX training course. While I was there, I visited with friends and we went to a Liberatin Yoga class together. I tried Iyengar yoga for the first time and loved the experience. I signed up for their newsletter and enjoy the insights:

"True love, that which fulfills and illumines, is not the love one receives but the love one gives." - unknown Indian author

The meditation of the month at Liberation is Unconditional Love. Practice a few minutes each day of complete acceptance and love for yourself - in this way it will spill from you to all those around you and back to you again in a never ending circle of shared compassion and joy.

Liberation Yoga

124 S. La Brea Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90036

email: inside@liberationyoga.com

phone: 323-964-5222

web: http://www.liberationyoga.com

Priorities and Understanding

This weekend I found myself in an unfamiliar space of sadness. Somehow in the path of the journey it seemed like friendship no longer held a place of priority.

The Story

For weeks we had been planning a girls' night celebration for five of us who used to be inseparable, hanging out up to 6 nights a week, but who now rarely get together. The last time had been almost a year ago in March. On Friday night I got a voicemail that one of them decided that day to leave for Vegas in the morning with her boyfriend.

What I Made It Mean

I was crushed and disappointed. She had already confirmed the week prior that she would be there. The indignant voice in my head screamed, "They see each other almost every day and go to Vegas every 3-4 weeks. Can't they just go next weekend?" I felt slighted, that being with your best girlfriends was not important enough to reserve one Saturday night for catching up. I made it mean that she didn't love us enough.

What's So

Each day includes hundreds of choices, conscious and unconscious. One of my personal resolutions is to try my best to consistently choose my priorities in the following order:

- my well being

- my immediate family

- my church, song and spirit

- my work and creativity

- my friends and community

- all the other stuff

I noticed that on my own priority list, several things came before girlfriends. There will be times that I choose to not go out because I'd rather have dinner with my parents or be alone for some quiet time. Just as I hope others understand those choices aren't meant to make them feel less important, I realized that my friend deserved the same consideration.

Possibility

The possibility that I'm creating for myself and my life is the possibility of being understanding.

In the game of remember/forget, I sometimes forget to take the time to see a situation from other perspectives. I forget my space for understanding.

When I remember to stand in another's shoes for a moment and consider the view, I remember that we are One. I find that peaceful place in my heart. I know without doubt that all is well, right and perfect. And so it is. Namaste :)

Message from Ann & the Angels - 02/18/2006

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

... from the Angels

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My dear friends, we love you so very much.  As you continue your journey of sitting in stillness from time to time, we will be working with you very closely to help raise your vibration so you can weather these new frequencies with more grace.  It is extremely essential to take moments of stillness so we can work with you.  There is much darkness on the planet, but as well cause for celebration because, as you add love, all that is less than that vibration bubbles up for healing.  You will be seeing this in your own mind and heart as well as in your governments and institutions as the year progresses.

And as you watch what you might consider to be the darkness at times, know that it needs love too.  When you meet your own darker spaces, send them love and do the same for others.  Are you sad?  Reach out for comfort whether that is a call to a friend or a warm blanket.  Are you upset with someone?  Find out where you are truly upset with yourself, perhaps for harboring expectations they cannot possibly meet.  Are you tired and frustrated?  Rest, eat well, and you will feel better soon.

Perhaps you are in glorious joy!  Spread this and share it with those in need.  Some days you will be the angel.  Other days you will need the angels.

But above all, dear friends, realize planet earth is a school.  Life is a journey.  You will have times when you are flying high and other days when you are dipping into the depths.  It is all part of your learning how to love God, self, and others. Don't judge or make anything wrong, dear ones, inside or outside of yourselves.  By all means, learn to discern what is healthy for you to be around, but do not judge.  This is a gift you can give yourself and others.

God bless you all.  We love you so very much.

-- The Angels

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

... from Ann

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi All,

My healer/psychic/teacher friends of mine and I all joke about "surfing" the waves of the energy.  Truly somedays we're riding high and other days we feel plowed under.  But if you trust that 'this too shall pass' the denser times move quickly and you recognize the beautiful ones as moments of truth. 

I took the week off to get my house painted and do a LOT of work I've not had time for.  Instead I lost all my energy and couldn't do much at all.  I realized that in spite of all the angels' urgings to take down time I had not taken enough.  I was near exhaustion!  Nothing a little soul searching and stillness couldn't cure. 

And so I spent a LOT of quiet time after the painters finally left and dug deep into my heart.  I found some old gunk from my past still hanging around, a few conversations I had not had that needed to be had, and some forgiveness where I didn't even know I was still harboring judgments.  So the conversations were held, the forgiveness was done and all of the sudden my life force flowed back into my like an ocean wave gushing through me.  I felt all my energy return in less than 24 hours. 

It is amazing how we can sap ourselves and not even know it.  The time in stillness offers a chance for the angels to gently urge those unhealed parts of ourselves up and out.  It is SO much easier to work with them by simply sitting still and asking for assistance, than it is to proceed on our journey as if we're doing it alone.

As the Beatles sang, "I get by with a little help from my friends!"

The angels really DO love you!

Love you all,

Ann

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... from Jacqueline

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I was asked at dinner tonight how I prefer to meditate. 

"I sit in silence.  On Sunday mornings I meditate with a Christian group.  We will typically open with a reading or lesson by Father John Main or Father Laurence Freeman (http://swamij.com/maranatha.htm).  We sit in a circle in silence for about 30 minutes.  At the end of the time, a tuning bowl is struck three times.  Sometimes afterwards some music is played.  Sometimes there is another passage or mantra shared.  Sometimes someone has a question and opens their experience up for discussion with the others.  It just depends."

I have a weekend retreat planned to St. David's monastery for a group meditation next month.  I have no idea what to expect.  There was an agenda and description of the itinerary, but I did not give it much attention yet.  It doesn't really matter to me, or represent the reason for my registration.  Even if we spent the entire 72 hours in silence and simply soaked in being there, it would seem to me that that's exactly why we chose to be there in the first place.  And so it is.  Namaste  :)

1500 sq ft 2 Bed/2.5 Ba - North Phoenix, AZ - $900/month

In catching up with a friend last night I found out that his spouse has been diagnosed with cancer. To save on expenses, they have decided to stay in their old place, which is closer to the hospital, and rent their brand new tri-level townhouse for $900/month.

Construction at Kenningston Place (Union Hills and Cave Creek) literally finished only 5-6 months ago. Their unit is

- 1500 sq ft

- Dual master upstairs

- Powder room downstairs

- 2 car garage

- Stainless steel appliances

Ideally they are seeking a reliable and responsible tenant. With everything else going on in their lives, they really don't want landlord headaches but need the income for medical bills.

If you know of someone looking for a great place to rent near Desert Ridge, please have them contact me and I can coordinate a meeting with the property owner. Thanks! Namaste :)

Together making a difference,

Jacqueline

Getting to Know Jac

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:26 AM. Barely skated into 8 AM meditation circle, a few minutes late. It's a good thing I'm fairly low maintenance and don't take a ton of time to get ready.

2. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Memoirs of a Geisha. My mom wanted to see it and my dad wasn't interested in going. We had an Asian mother-daughter bonding experience at Camelback Esplanade.

3. What is your favorite TV show? I don't hardly ever watch television. The only show I watched recently was "The Bachelor Paris" with my roommate. It was disturbing how entertained we are by people making fools of themselves on a national broadcast.

4. What did you have for breakfast? I went to Richardson's for brunch after church and ordered the Taos Special. It came with jalapeno eggs benedict, asparagus, and chicken enchiladas. Washed it all down with a prickly pear margarita. Yum!

5. What is your middle name? Michelle

6. What is your favorite cuisine? It's hard to pick one favorite… I love to eat EVERYTHING! Maybe in this order: Mom's home cooking, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, American grill/seafood.

7. Your favorite Potato chip? It's a tie between Fritos and Pringles. If I'm at a sandwich shop where I get a bag with my combo, I'll usually pick the Fritos. If I'm at a convenience store and have the munchies, I'll grab the Pringles short can off the shelf first.

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I'm listening to J.S. Bach's St. John Passion in the car over and over and over and over… some people sing in the shower, I practice for our upcoming Good Friday performance in my car.

9. What kind of car do you drive? My baby is a 2005 Toyota Prius named Gypsy Blue. She is white on the outside and blue on the inside. Her birthday is coming up on March 19. I absolutely adore her! She averages 47-65 mpg. Go hybrid power!

10. Favorite sandwich? Anything with lots of stuff on it. Pile it on! (Except hold the mayo, please)

11. What characteristics do you despise? Despise is an awfully strong word... I have a hard time getting along with people who are blatantly disrespectful of humanity and the Universe.

12. Favorite item of clothing? My pajamas. After a long day, nothing feels as good as crawling into them and curling up with a good book in bed. Big kudos to whoever developed performance fleece for Old Navy ; )

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I'd like to visit Hong Kong with my family and have my dad show me the places he grew up. I've only been to China once in 2002, and we didn't have time to see the south.

14. What color is your bathroom? I sponge painted the wall opposite my vanity sky blue. The other three walls are still white.

15. Favorite brand of clothing? I like Bebe sweaters, Gap Kids pants, and Ann Taylor dresses. I'm not super brand conscious; I just really like how those lines fit me without having to be altered. It's hard finding clothes sometimes that aren't too long or too big.

16. Where would you want to retire? Figuring that it's a while before retirement hits... I would love to retire close enough to my kids to see my grandchildren grow up and have family dinners on Sunday nights.

17. Where were you born? Los Angeles, CA

18. Favorite sport to watch? My friends trying to select their next "future wife" on a Friday night... It's not exactly the Olympics, but it's just as competitive.

19. Who do you least expect to send this back? Kevin

20. Person you expect to send it back first? I'm not sure… Jennifer?

21. What laundry detergent do you use? Tide. Downey April fresh scent for colors and "with bleach" for whites.

22. Coke or Pepsi? I reach for a silver can Diet Coke over Pepsi, but really prefer Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew more than either of them.

23. Are you a morning person or night owl? Neither, really. This question discriminates against middle-of-the-day people! What about us?! I specialize in lunch.

24. Do you have any pets? I don't have any pets at my house, unless you count lint bunnies and migratory ants. My parents have two dogs that I see all the time. Phoenicia is a 12-year-old miniature Dalmation and Chiquita is a 2-year-old blonde long-hair Chihuahaua.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? I'm pregnant by my alien lover. Our baby will have blue skin and x-ray vision. Just kidding. Wanted to check if you're paying attention.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Big. It was hard getting picked for teams during recess as a midget who couldn't catch a ball. And rich. I used to say that I didn't have to learn to cook or clean because I was going to have a live-in chef and maid when I grew up. Hmm, well, I still can't cook and that house boy didn't work out for maid service (sigh). Guess I'll have to keep on working...

27. Favorite candy bar? I love chocolate. With peanut butter. With toffee. With a candy-coated shell. Whatever, chocolate. The wrapper doesn't matter. It's what's inside that counts.

28. What is your best childhood memory? Dressing up my baby sister in goofy outfits before she knew enough to complain. Ah, the days when they didn't talk or have opinions ; )~

29. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Since I was about 5 years old, I did door-to-door sales. I was that kid who made your mom buy Girl Scout cookies, gift wrap, candles, greeting cards, etc, at the front door. My first "real job" was working at La Petite Boulangerie when I was in high school. I was in charge of wrapping holiday baskets, then got promoted to stocking, making sandwiches, and woo hoo cashier. After I graduated high school, I had a number of temp/admin jobs and telemarketing positions throughout college. Since that time I've had titles like Statistical Analyst, Enterprise Techology Consultant, Client Solutions Director, Process Engineer, Executive Director… and most recently Project Manager for Linda Seeger Interior Design.

30. What color underwear are you wearing? Multi-colored polka dots with aqua trim.

31. Nicknames? Diva Blue

32. Piercing? I've had my ears pierced twice but I only use the upper holes. I used to have my tongue pierced, but when my mom saw it she started crying. It wasn't worth having her so upset to have a jeweled metal rod in my mouth, so I took it out and it closed up days later.

33. Eye color? Brown. Some days they look so dark they're almost black. Right now they are blood shot because my allergies are crazy and I've been trying to rub my eyeballs out of my head.

34. Ever been to Africa? Not yet, except for a day trip to Tangier, Morocco as an excursion from Spain. My parents went on safari to Kenya and I kick myself that I didn't get to go with them. Their photos were like National Geographic. Amazing. One of these days...

35. Ever been toilet papering? In high school my house got hammered with toilet paper almost every day. It was ridiculous. My friends created a group named "Mr. Whipple Inc" and they even threw rolls over the roof that would land in the trees in the back yard. The worst was when I didn't catch it before the early morning sprinklers turned on. Or the time that my grandfather tried to help me clean up by raking and shredding it all into bits… boy, was that a mess!!!

36. Love someone so much it made you cry? Absolutely. What's the point of living if you don't feel the joys and the pains of the journey?

37. Been in a car accident? I totalled my first station wagon a short while after I got my driver's license. I couldn't judge the speed of an oncoming car and pulled out from a stop sign too soon. In college I was part of a multi-car pile up on Interstate 5 when a teenage driver left his car parked and locked on the freeway as he went to call his dad because it had stalled. Thankfully I've been able to walk away from all of them, even if the car didn't fare as well.

38. Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon bits. And I want the real stuff, not any of that imitation crap.

39. Favorite day of the week? Sundays. The usual includes meditation at 8, choir at 9, church service at 10, coffee/brunch, hang out with my parents, maybe catch a nap in the afternoon, and dinner at Super Dragon.

40. Favorite restaurant? Lately it's been either Satori Sushi or Pasta Brioni.

41. Favorite flower? Roses. My mom has about 60-70 rose bushes in the back yard, and my dad spoiled his three ladies in the house when we were growing up by always having fresh flowers on the table. I especially love the ones that have the tips of the petals a different color than the rest of the body or the ones that are fragrant.

42. Favorite ice cream? I can eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's in a sitting. New York Super Fudge Crunch and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough got me through undergrad.

43. Disney or Warner brothers? Disney, all the way.

44 . Favorite fast food restaurant? In N Out. Double-Double animal style with a chocolate shake.

45. What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige.

46. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero.

47. Besides this one, from whom did you get your last email from? Steven Ringelstein (www.itswhoimcoaching.com)

48. What store would you choose to max out your credit card? Tiffany & Co. I love the "O" Elsa Peretti Sevillana ring. Mine is in sterling silver. It also comes in 0.8-carat pave diamond on platinum… an upgrade for the future. Or Louis Vuitton luggage has so many other pretty things too, it's hard to choose.

49. What do you do most often when you are bored? When I have the time, I write and blog!

50. Bedtime? Usually I'm crashed out by 11:30… unless I'm up waiting for my laundry to finish, and answering a questionnaire. What am I doing up?!

51. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? Everyone!

52. What are you listening to right now? The hum of my dryer and buttons clicking against the metal sides.

53. What is your favorite color? Blue, by far. Hot pink is a close second.

54. Lake, ocean or river? Any water is fine by me. Even bubble bath and fountain.

55. How many tattoos do you have? Three. The Chinese character for Love, a black light blue ink sun-star with a heart in the center, and a few pansies on a vine.

56. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Chickens evolved from non-chickens through small changes caused by the mixing of male and female DNA or by mutations to the DNA that produced the zygote. Prior to that first true chicken zygote, there were only non-chickens. The zygote cell is the only place where DNA mutations could produce a new animal, and the zygote cell is housed in the chicken's egg. So, the egg must have come first. That's the geeky answer.

57. How many people are you sending this email to? At least 2291. I'm posting it on my blog.

58. Time Finished: 12:49 AM, waiting for the laundry to finish.

Message from Ann & the Angels

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... from the Angels

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My dear friends, we love you so very much. This week we ask you to embrace the kindness that you find within your own hearts. We ask you in even the most difficult of situations to choose love. For example, suppose someone cuts you off in traffic, misunderstands you, or steps on your toe. Can you choose to first honor your own feelings, and then to forgive and offer compassion to the other? This is the higher road and the one that will give you peace in the times of change that lie ahead. You will be asked this year to find respect for many various perspectives on this earth, to choose the higher road, and in so doing to find bliss amidst chaos. You will discover ever more deeply that as you choose love, instead of unforgiveness, you will find within yourself the divine presence of God as God wishes to be expressed through you.

God wants to embrace all perspectives, dear ones, and have them live in harmony. If everyone were honest with themselves first and then each other, nations would rearrange themselves. People of like mind and heart would stop wasting their time judging others and find solace and joy in each other's company. Relationships would sort themselves out with respect and compassion. Far from causing you to simply 'put up' with those company you don't enjoy, true love would admit that you want different company and simply move you in that direction. True love doesn't judge, doesn't hate, doesn't resent. True love comes from a heart that overflows with the awareness of God's unconditional love for you.

Dear ones, practice kindness, respect, non-judgement. Your world is in need of those who exemplify these qualities and when you practice them it in these moments that you will feel very much at one with God and in harmony with his creation expressed through you.

God bless you all. We love you so very much.

-- The Angels

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... from Ann

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Hi All,

This message was meant for me too. I've been praying to learn to love those who are difficult -- for example the person who tailgated me so close at 75 mph on the freeway that he had to brake and weave back and forth to avoid hitting me, the person that scowls at me when I say a cheerful hello, and the one who inconsiderately rams into me with a shopping cart. I'm not too great at this lately. I've been feeling these pretty intense energies and it's all I can do at times to maintain even keel. I'm trying to take the higher road each day and not slip into anger at those who practice careless and thoughtless behavior that affects my life.

I experienced the tailgater in traffic last week. I wasn't in a very compassionate space because I was tired, and I was frustrated, trying to understand how God could expect me to feel good about someone who was so clearly endangering my life. The angels who, with me, are quite the loving but tough taskmasters gave me this response:

"Dear Ann, either you trust God to keep you alive on this planet or you don't. Fear is not an excuse to stop loving. We understand that you wish for everyone on this planet to be kind, compassionate, considerate, and loving but the truth of the matter is some are not there. The ones who aren't are in even greater need of your love. This one in traffic behind you is angry, frustrated, harried, and hurried. If a client came to you in this state, or a friend, wouldn't you fall in love and try to offer them kindness?"

Got it :) I am still a work in progress as we all are :) I find also that it is much easier to be kind on the days when I've been kind to myself. It is much easier to love when I've taken care of my own basic needs. The angels say this year is going to be quite exciting in terms of God stirring up the pot to bring human hearts to the surface, so I think its important for all of us to take care of ourselves and be kind to ourselves so we can be more loving. As one of the angels once told me, "Ann don't see the reward of being loved in return. Seek the reward in the loving." So true.

I love you and feel blessed to share this journey with you all,

Ann

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... from Jacqueline

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About a week ago I stirred the pot by confronting a girlfriend with the statement:

"Ask yourself who you can count on and who counts on you... My heart is not aligned with being disrespected or disrespectful. On those lines, I just want you to know that I can't count on you to show up when you say you will... When you think you're ready to be a friend that I can count on, let me know. Namaste."

I said it from the space of "what's so" and tried my best to separate the offending action from love and forgiveness for my friend. It wasn't my intention to be hurtful or mean. In her inner reflection, I knew that she would recognize that I love her. It showed up last night when she invited me to meet her for dinner and arrived on time. Small steps to major changes...

The beauty of this playground is that we each have the power to create. I have been taking ownership of the fact that no one else makes me feel angry, inferior, walked over or disrespected unless I allow it. I have been doing my best to speak my truth when my boundaries feel violated. I am beginning to see noticeable results.

My physical body's reaction has been positive. My back typically hardly moves for my massage therapist, practically needing a rolling pin (her forearms, elbows and knees) to soften up the muscles. We have an ongoing joke that I'm like Pinocchio, "I'm not made out of wood. I'm a REAL girl!" Whereas she usually has to concentrate deep tissue on my knotted neck and shoulders only, yesterday my arms and legs screamed delight when they got some attention too. It's a start!

Need a great massage therapist?

Make an appointment with Jessica Mallernee at

South Mountain Chiropractic

5505 W. Chandler Blvd.

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480-759-8566

Connection Beyond Physical Knowing

It's a beautiful thread in the Universe that I can't quite explain, this Love.  I was driving to meet my parents for dinner last night while chatting on the phone with a friend in California.  In the physical realm, we could count the times we've had to hang out together in the past few years on one hand.  Yet the sporadic times we do catch each other to talk, I am completely assured that we have been true twin flames for lifetimes.  When I hung up, I was almost moved to tears by an overwhelming, wonderful feeling of being 100% understood and "gotten" for exactly who I am.

One of my co-workers recently had a bad experience with her teenage son surfing the web.  He made some of the "wrong" kind of friends and quit going to high school.  She condemned this Internet community as a horrible place, full of treachery.  And yet, I find it to be a Universal community of Love.  There are so many people that I have spiritually connected with, never having to hug them face to face to know that we are part of a single Humanity.  (You know who you are!!!)

Sometimes it feels surreal, like I am an alien.  I would send a plane ticket to a fellow alien across the country to follow a dream in a heartbeat.  Then there are those that I see day to day that only scratch the top layer of me, never baring any soul or heart of themselves, that I would hardly do minor favors for.  It's weird.  It makes me believe that this physical world is overrated... or maybe I just need to find the means to hang out with those that I find that special connection with, regardless of space or distance.

Entrapment

I was reminded recently of a story that happened years ago.  My best girlfriend at the time coerced me into taking a vacation to the Bahamas.  She invited another friend of ours from San Diego and checked flights.  I traded a time share to get a condo at the local yacht club.  It was my first adventure towards Miami!

Another mutual friend who couldn't go with us confided in me before the trip that he had given my best friend a couple hundred dollars so that we could have a nice sushi dinner while we were there, knowing that we loved sushi and were on tight budgets.  It was supposed to be a surprise, but he couldn't stop himself from telling me.  I was excited!  The good intention unraveled, however, as I patiently waited 8 days for an invitation to dinner that never materialized.  The whole time we were there, I never let on that I knew about the sushi dinner. 

We made it all the way back to Los Angeles, and I was pretty peeved.  On the last day before I was leaving, I confronted my best friend.  Not only was there this issue about the surprise, but she had started waffling about the $75 that I asked her for the room.  I had covered the condo and only asked her for $75 for the week.  It could easily have been $75 a day. 

Somehow, in the whole ordeal of her crying and feeling bad, the cards shifted and suddenly I was assigned to be the guilty party because "how could I think such bad things about her?!"  It was all a misunderstanding.  It was my fault for being a horrible friend that I didn't get that it was a misunderstanding.  How could I say nothing to her for 8 days and silently wonder terrible guesses on why there was no dinner?

I caved into my weaknesses at the time and bore the burden of guilt.  We remained friends for years after that, albeit strained.  It finally came to an end after she insisted that I cancel all my Memorial Day plans because she wanted to visit Phoenix. 

I told my girlfriends here that she was coming to town and we planned a killer girls' night out.  I called and called to iron out details with her.  No return calls.  We waited and waited for hours after we had scheduled to go to dinner with everyone for her to arrive.  She never showed up.  I finally got her on the phone after 9 PM.  She was feeling sick and still at home in California.  Was she going to bother to let us know?

Somehow, the cards shifted and once again I was to be the guilty ogre because, "How can you be so mad at me when I couldn't call because I'm in bed sick and was sleeping?!"  She accused me of entrapment, that I was always setting her up for failure and then giving her crap for not meeting expectations.  This time I didn't take the bait. 

It's kind of like the book "He's Just Not That Into You" applies just as equally to ALL relationships, whether they be intimate partners, friends, or business.  Why would you allow your self-worth be minimized by constantly laying down for the selfishness and standards of someone else, that doesn't work with yours?  Why sit at home by the phone?  Why buy all the excuses?

The rest of us still went out that night and had a blast. 

Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself that it's okay to leave the house and not wait.  We've all got cell phones and can be reached 24/7.  "I didn't get a chance to call..."  Well, I think we all know better. 

Misunderstandings between good friends happen every once in a while, but not ALL the time.  Every example I had of our "misunderstandings" turned out to be different, and yet so suspiciously the same.  They're not quite misunderstandings when they happen so often... but more like habits, aren't they?

Message from Ann & the Angels

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... from the Angels

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My dear friends, we love you so very much. Many of you have expressed your weariness unto the heavens and we do understand. Earth is a school and a tough one where you strive to express love in both the light and the dark. Sometimes the energies are refined and beautiful and, at other times such as these, the energies seem heavy, dense, and create within each one of you a bit of sluggishness. Take heart, dear ones, God is simply working constantly to bring to the surface all that has remained hidden within you.

When you find yourselves tired, your truth comes to the surface more easily because you don't have the energy to pretend otherwise. The priorities of your heart emerge, sometimes as glorious inspiration, and sometimes through recognition of deep frustrations. When you find yourselves weary, all that is not truly of value drops away and you go back to basics, back to wanting to love and be loved. Dear ones, these energies are dense at this time on your planet but there is nothing to fear. You are growing, getting clear, finding your hearts, and deciding this year what truly matters to you. Bring that to the surface. Share it before God and yourself and then with the world. No longer hide your hearts, dear friends, but expose them.

When you share your dreams with others, God can work through them to help you. When you share your fears, God can work through others to comfort you. When you share your longings, God can send those to commiserate with you. When you hide your hearts, your beautiful, sweet, and loving hearts, how can you expect the world to fall in love with the truth of you? Bring your innermost dreams to the surface and share them, dear ones. Say to a friend, "You know this may sound silly but I've always wanted to... sometime this lifetime." Goodness knows the one you feel motivated to share this with might be the very one who can help you out.

God is waiting to help you fulfill your dreams, dear ones, but you do not live in a vacuum. You live on a planet where God expresses love through all of creation, including humankind. Set aside your fears of sharing your dreams and share them. Some will support you. Some will ridicule you. What does it matter? Your dreams were planted in your hearts by God himself and so if God finds these dreams to be worthy of love, so can you.

God bless you all. We love you so very much.

-- The Angels

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... from Ann

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Hi All,

The angel message reminds me of a story from the days when I used to work in engineering. I remember being TERRIFIED the day I decided to turn in my resignation. I had been praying for over a year to know when to quit, what to do next, and to have this be SO obvious that I couldn't miss when it was time. I didn't miss. I heard voices outside my head for once telling me to "Turn in your resignation tomorrow." I'd been saving all my overtime money and when I looked in the account I had exactly $100 more than I thought I'd need to quit. I wrote my letter of resignation, turned it in and admitted to hundreds of avionics engineers that I wanted to quit to heal with energy and write books. (God hadn't informed me I'd be talking to angels yet!) I was scared STIFF to find out what everyone would think. They DID raise their eyebrows. They wanted explanations. For once I didn't get defensive or justify anything. I just came from my heart and confes