Touching the Sky

I love gravity-defying dreams. I had one last night. I climbed on top of a large rock and jumped off. Before I hit the ground I had the power to slow myself down and enjoy a feather-soft landing. I was playing this game over and over with friends. Jump, slow down, land softly.

I’ve had even better dreams where I jump up and turn on some magical powers where I could inch myself even farther up into the air. Sometimes it was just air, other times I would inch upward until I could touch the ceiling.

In my wakened life, I’m vertically challenged. At 5 foot 2 inches tall I’m lucky to touch the ceiling of a doll house without a ladder. However when morning comes and I open my eyes, I still carry a piece of these empowering dreams with me throughout the day. I don’t put these jumping feats to the test. That would ruin my fun (and my knees). However, I let my imagination enjoy these gravity-defying moments before I look in the mirror and see that Newton’s observation



about falling apples is indeed hard at work and pulling my breasts, butt and skin to the ground.

While there are physical realities that are not a lot of fun (aging being one of them) I remind myself that I’m in charge of my own thoughts. When I was a kid I probably spent more time in my imagination than in the “real world.” A box could be a rocket, a tree could be a castle and, as Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage…”
A great deal has been written about creating our own reality.

Some may scoff at the notion, but I believe it is true. Detractors tell me, “Why would I create negative things in my life?” It’s a good point, but unfortunately the reality is not only we put a lot of our attention on negative outcomes, we give it OUR PASSION.

Think about the last time someone cut you off in traffic or did some other rude action. Did you release the negativity after a minute or so or did you replay it in your mind over and over? Did you let it rest, or did you tell a few friends and family members about the episode?

I imagine thoughts are like little bubble pictures above our heads. They are fragile and can pop and disappear, or we can charge it with strong emotion and give it a burst of energy. Given time, this unhappy situation will demand a repeat performance and manifest itself in your life again.

In the first chapter of our book, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within, I encourage folks to reduce unpleasantness in their lives with three simple steps.

1. Pay attention to your thoughts, speech and actions.
2. Erase the negativity and replace it with something more positive.
3. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it.

If you prefer to see me mug for the camera and go into more detail on these three tips I invite you to go to my you tube site
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=208XAm-x3R8

I also invite you to use your imagination and create happy scenarios in your mind. When slumbering a dream can turn into a nightmare, but in our awakened imagination we can bring our dreams to life, and no one will have any idea of why you are walking around playing with friends, making a soft landing from a tall cliff, or simply touching the sky.

A Good Word for a Good Friend

I learned that a friend I had worked with years ago had passed away. Patricia Susan Schultz was only 63 when she died. I didn’t learn about it until nearly a month after the funeral.



Pat and I worked at the City of Mesa’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Division for many years. Pat was one of the first people I met. She was the coordinator of the senior and specialty programs and I did public relations for the Division. She was famous for her love of glitter and sparkle. Valentine’s Day was her favorite holiday, and ironically it was on that day that she died.

Pat had a truly sunny personality and was loved by nearly everyone. I still find it difficult that she is gone. I regret not staying in better contact with her over the years. I truly meant to give her a call, but my good intentions were replaced by the myriad of errands and work that cropped up.

After I left the city I divorced, moved and changed my last name, so it would have been a lot more difficult for her to find me than vice versa. Generally I have been proactive about keeping friendships alive, but in this case, due to all the difficulties I faced with divorce, unemployment and my new role as a single parent to a very unhappy teenage daughter, I chose to focus on dealing with my problems rather than the friendships that nurtured my soul.

Now the opportunity to sit, laugh and have lunch with this delightful former co-worker has slipped away.

In our book, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within, my friend and co-author, Jackie, write about the importance of good friends, positive role models and developing right thought, right speech and right action. Pat was a stellar example of all these fine attributes.

As bad as I feel that Pat passed away before I had a chance to reconnect with her, I also know it will do me no good to beat myself up about it. The best I can do is forgive myself, say a prayer each day to honor my dear friend, and use it as an example of how important it is to stay in touch with people I care about. We never know how long any of us will be on this planet and it is so important to make the best of every moment.

Last night I had a dream. I was at a café and my friend, Rossan, led me to a table. Much to my surprise, Pat was seated there. At first I was relieved to see that I had been wrong about Pat’s death and that she was very much alive. I gave her a hug and we began talking. Another person walked past the table and said hi. He also was relieved to see that the article he had read about Pat’s death was wrong too. Then I realized that Pat was dead, and she just wanted to give me a chance to say goodbye to her. Much of this happened telepathically.

Although Pat was at a café, she did not have any food in front of her. I see that as a sign that there was “nothing else on her plate” in the earthly world. She was ready to move on to a more celestial experience. She took that moment to meet with me, let me know she was okay and gave me the opportunity to say goodbye. Real or not, when I awoke, I felt that I had truly experienced the opportunity to bid adieu and let her know how much I cared for her, even if I had been remiss in keeping in touch.

In a moment, I knew Pat would ascend to her heavenly duties, probably organizing dances, socials, classes and heavenly parties. I knew she secured a good spot in heaven, but I think I had a few doubts about my own future.

My last words were, “Please put in a good word for me, will you?” Then I awoke.
When I opened my eyes I was smiling. I felt at peace because I knew Pat sensed my heart rather than my actions and would put a good word in for me with the powers that be.

Free Spring Music Concerts and Classic Car Shows

West side residents and visitors can enjoy free, live music as well as a classic car show Friday evenings 6 to 8 p.m. April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3 at the Village at Arrowhead Shopping Center, 20050 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale.

The Roadrunners 50s/60s band will kick things off April 5, followed by Still Cruisin’ Band April 12, The Big Zephyr April 19, 360ci Sound Machine April 26 and The Swing Kings Band May 3. All music will be performed on the patio of AJ’s Fine Foods.

“Our Music at the Village concert series is a wonderful way to enjoy live music and check out some beautiful classic cars,” said Mary Walker, president of Power Promotions and event coordinator for The Village at Arrowhead. “We encourage folks of all ages to join us for this free, family-friendly event.”Whether you want to gaze at the latest in fashions, cruise down memory lane checking out classic cars or simply enjoying live music in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, this event has something for everyone.”

The Village at Arrowhead offers specialty shops that provide the ultimate shopping experience with distinctive fashion, home furnishings, restaurants and personal services in one of the most architecturally unique and aesthetically pleasing shopping centers around.

For more information contact Marks Public Relations at 480-664-3004.