SOUL RESTORATION

Wow...last post dated April 06, 2008! WOW! Almost 3 years to the day.So much has happened in that time...SO MUCH!But, this post is NOT about filling in those gaps, not today! This post is about why I am back!

A few weeks ago I posted something on my Facebook (FB) page that I continue to read on a weekly basis to remind myself of the journey I have travelled, the journey that still lies ahead of me and knowing, feeling & BELIEVING that I will make it through...to the very end!

I am happy to see the backside of 2010...really...truly! Good Riddance! No joy, no direction, no contentment, no calm, no happiness. Only pain, suffering, loss, despair, sadness & turmoil. But, there was {LOVE}! And, because of that, I will take on 2011 with all that is left of me. I WILL give my BEST and I will TRY my hardest and I will 'DO IT ANYWAY!' I will CHOOSE! I will RESTORE. I will go where the PEACE is. And, I will be BRAVE!

BRAVE: 1. Strong in the face of fear; courageous 2. To encounter with courage and fortitude, to defy 3.To overcome one's initial fear(s).

Back in October of 2010 I somehow fell upon Brave Girls Club. I signed up for the site’s Daily Truths. Little bits of encouragement, motivation, self empowerment & downright feel good about yourself & believe in yourself emails sent to you daily. Every single one of those emails, every single day, spoke to me...really spoke to ME! Soon after signing up for these emails, I also joined their FB page. I started seeing posts about Soul Restoration 6 week on-line course. I had to learn more about this.

These were the first words I read before I burst into tears and knew how broken I was and how much I needed to take part in this.

Imagine yourself as a house…a beautiful perfect house…starting out with fresh paint, beautiful windows, lovely carpets…filled with all of your favorite things and favorite music and everything that brings you comfort. This is the house where your soul lives. Things sometimes happen in life, sometimes quickly and sometimes over time, that kick our doors in, break our windows and destroys our walls. We stop making boundaries for ourselves and find that others are actually living in our soul house, leaving us nowhere to sleep, no food…moving our stuff around to their liking and putting up their own art.Some of us aren’t even living in our own soul houses anymore…feeling totally disconnected from our truest selves and beyond repair.

And so, on 01-11-11 at 11:00 am, I sat down in front of my computer and watched the very first video for this course. I met Melody Ross for the very first time. I listened to her speak and was quite literally mesmerized by the sound of her voice…the emotion she evoked and the profound truths in the words she spoke.  And, then I cried…and cried…and cried.

Then I watched more videos and cried some more. Frankly, I cried all day and much of the night. I was so overwhelmed with emotion with what she was telling me…so REAL…so RAW…so INTENSE…so ME!I spent the better part of the next day or two just absorbing all the information and tried to figure out how Melody knew so much about me. How could she possibly know how difficult life has been for me, how challenging my every day had become…how weak, fragile and broken I was…how?

I was so inspired with how the lessons were captured & enforced in our art assignments and journaling. The lessons meant so much more once they were expressed on paper. So therapeutic & reaffirming…at least for me.I found myself eagerly waiting each Tuesday morning when a new lesson would begin. I knew after week #1 that the lessons would be very difficult emotionally, but, yet I so anxiously looked forward to each of them…except the last one. The last lesson meant the course would be finished…and, I wanted it to go on and on. I was RESTORING...I could sense it, feel it...LIVE it!

I was blown away by the whole thing…really! I learnt so many wonderful things about myself, my life, the people in my life, and the choices I have! I re-visited my past and the darkness that dwells there. I have looked into my future with new sight and much hope. I have realized truths out of lies. I have learned how to gaze upon the moon with a certain gleam in my eyes. I have learnt how to co-exist with my multiple personalities! I know! Crazy, huh! I even learnt some new math techniques…at my age…who knew? And, when things got tough and I found myself stuck…I did it anyway!  And, if I still found myself stuck, I sought out all of my Brave Sisters and they helped me get back on track!

I have met the most wonderful, brave, beautiful, openhearted woman you could possibly imagine through this course. We converse, encourage, support and care for each other every day. We continue our journey together, apart and as individuals…but, we CONTINUE on our new journeys no matter what. I have never felt such acceptance, such warmth, such support, such belonging. One day I hope we will all meet face to face!

I look forward to my future with much optimism and mostly look forward to Soul Restoration 2 in June 2011!!!I encourage everyone who has read this post to visit Brave Girls Club and read about Soul Restoration. Session #1 is being offered again beginning April 5, 2011.  While you are there why not sign up for the Daily Truths…you will not be disappointed!

And, one final thing…if you are on Facebook please visit The Brave Girls Club page and look for my posting of this actual blog post! Melody and Kathy are running a contest for us Grads of SR1…Here’s how it works –

Soul Restoration 1 Graduates have written blog entries about their experiences in Soul Restoration.  Starting this morning, they will post links to their Soul Restoration blog posts on the Official Brave Girls Club Fan Page on Facebook.  Once they’ve posted, they will need YOU to read their entries, and vote on the ones you like the best by clicking “like” on the link they put on Facebook. (Looks like you’ll have to become a “fan” before you can vote….so if the link to “like” doesn’t show up, that might be why.)  The person with the most “likes” on Wednesday at 5pm (Mountain Time) will be our WINNER!  She will win tuition to Soul Restoration 2 for her and a friend as well as an awesome prize package with Brave Girl Aprons and Sweatshirts and art supplies straight from our sweeeet new clubhouse!

So, if by chance I win…which one of you lovelies will be joining me? So, don't forget to click the 'like' button under my posting on Brave Girls Club FB page!Thank you so much for taking the time to read this posting. For those of you, who are close to me, please be patient with me a wee bit longer as I continue to restore. I promise I will be back here and get you all caught up to speed with all the happenings of my life.

I {LUV} you all much!

Heather

PS, Melody & Kathy...thank you for changing the world one Brave Girl at a time!

This LADY ROCKS!!!!!

Well, SHE is surprising us all! She is doing soooooo well! She was walking and sitting in a chair both yesterday and today. She is so amazing! I wanted you to see for yourself so, here is a picture for you!

Check out the THUMBS UP! And yup, there is Neil on her shoulder, he insisted on coming to Victoria.

She loves you all! We thank EVERYONE for your prayers and well wishes.
I will keep everyone updated as time permits.

ROCK ON MAMA!!

Friday is the day.

I leave Friday morning. My brother is flying with me. Mom's surgery is Friday as well.

Thanks ever so much for your prayers and well wishes! It's nice knowing people are in your corner! :)

2 of my sisters are there now and both my bros will be there too! Let's hope we don't get kicked out of the hotel?

Will keep in touch.

Someone nice gave me one of these today, and it helped soooooooo much;

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

So, I am passing it on.

Time to Fly!

Darn that word! Well, it looks like I will be leaving for Victoria within the next day. It looks like Mom will leave tomorrow (Wednesday). The surgery will not be done for a day or so. It is getting tough now emotionally for me. I've been pretty tough the last week and stayed strong to take care of a multitude of things. But, it is taking it's tole now. It will be hard for me not to have Kurt at my side. He is my rock and I count on him so. I will post updates when I can.

Hug your Mama!

I know Mom's Day is still over a month away, but, why wait? Hug you Mom today and tomorrow and every day. If you can't hug her, than call her and tell her you want to hug her!
I took my Mom to the Dr. this week as she was feeling out of breath for a few days. She didn't have a cold or the flu! Just couldn't catch her breath.
After 4 days in the hospital for some testing of sorts, it is NOT good!
Next week my Mom will have Triple By-Pass surgery!
No warnings, no typical signs of heart trouble, no chest pain, no real health issues of any kind as a matter of fact! She doesn't take medication for anything! Just multi vitamins. All she had was a few days of shortness of breath! And, yup, that is a sign of heart trouble. As a matter of fact, she actually experienced a mild heart attack!
So, HUG YOUR MAMA!
You never know what tomorrow brings. And while your at it, let everyone who is important to you, KNOW that they are important to you! It's really easy! Trust me, I have been doing it forever!

Luv you Mum!

Filling Space?

Thank you Mrs. Dawn! Since I am trying to be a better Blogger, and most times I don't have much to say, I will play. People sometimes need stuff like this to fill in the empty space! 1. If your doctor told you today that you were pregnant, what would you say? Huh? Check again! 2. When was the last time you flew in a plane? Feb 18/08 3. What did the last text message you sent say? Don't text. 4. What features do you find most attractive in the opposite sex? Sense of humour, self confidence, honesty. 5. What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future? Learn Spanish & organize my house! 6. Shoe size? 8-8 1/2 7. Been to Mexico? You betcha! 8. When is the last time you had a massage? Don't recall, if ever? 9. What was the last TV show you watched? Medium 10. What are your plans for the weekend? Dinner at my Sister's and hanging out with Kurt. 11. If your significant other asked you to marry them today what would you say? ME? Really? Me? ABSOLUTELY! 12. What is in the back seat of your car right now? A back seat! Dog towel and cooler. 13. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Sleeping. 14. If you could marry any celebrity today who would it be? Harrison Ford 15. Have you ever been to a strip club? Years ago. 16. What is the best ice cream flavor? I don't do ice-cream but, Tiger Tiger is good. 17. What is the last sporting event you watched? LIVE Rockets Hockey! GO ROCKETS!!! 18. Ever go camping? Sure. 19. Last phone call? To my Mom. 20. Are you allergic to anything? Yes, lots of fruit and hazel nuts! And some pollen issues too. 21. What is one thing you have learned about life recently? I have many friends! 22. What do you do at work? Book keeping. 23. What is your mom's name? Betty 24. Ever cried for no reason? Sure. 25. Can you do the Crank Dat dance? Um, I don't think so? 26. What is your favorite color to wear? Brown 27. What is the longest plane ride you have ever been on? Feb. 17 & 18, 2008. 28. What is the longest road trip you have ever taken? Winnipeg to Rapid City and back. 29. What are your turn-offs? Rudeness, Negativity, bad manors, people who think they know it all! 30. What was your last alcoholic beverage? Rum - hello? 31. What are you craving right now? Chicken noodle soup. And, with that I tag Fern, Megs, Karen, Wen & Audrey! If you don't have a Blog, you can post your answers here under comments!

I know, I know! It's about TIME...

...that I tended to my BLOG!
But, then again, doesn't everything revolve around TIME?

I think a lot about TIME! How to spend it...how to use it...am I using it wisely...am I wasting it...is there enough of it...will there be some tomorrow...what TIME is it...is it TIME for lunch...TIME for a snack...do others think of TIME like me...will I have some for this...will I have some for that...will others have some for me...will I have some for others...will I find some...will I make some...will it get the better of me...will I get the better of it?
That's a mighty thought, isn't it?
All I know is that I MUST consider TIME every moment of my LIFE. And, so far, I'm doing okay! Well, in most areas anyway! I am spending TIME, making TIME and sharing TIME with those that matter most to me.
That makes me happy!

I guess I will forgo snack time for now!

This is the kind of rambling that happens when you are sleep deprived! And I have been in this state for over a week now. Too much in my head right now and I can't seem to get it sorted out. Dawn, Cheryl, does your company have any experience with this kinda' thing?

Note to self: Probably not a good idea to update Blog when in this state of deprivation.

Okay, right, I was to update my Blog.
So way back in December (2007) Christmas happened! It was great! Lots of family, food, friends, booze, laughing & entertainment! You name it, we had it! I would have to say that the most memorable moment of Christmas 2007 (and, there were many!!!) would have to be when my Uncle gave everyone a very special gift;

What a wonderful way to commemorate this fabulous Christmas!

Then came New Year's! Also much family, friends, booze, food and just too much FUN!
Then shortly after, at the beginning of February Kurt & I went on our highly anticipated and much needed 2 week vacation in Playa del Carmen! It was glorious to say the least! We rented a luxury condo with our wonderful friends from 'Winter'peg. Needless to say that they needed this 'HOT' vacation more than us!
It was full of so many wonderful times, I can't begin to tell you! But, I must say the most exciting & exhilarating event for me was when I made my "BIG" baby step...I snorkeled! It was amazing on so many levels!

Long story short; I have a phobia about water. Big bodies of water! I can't, or rather couldn't put my face in water due to traumatic childhood experiences thanks to my loving siblings! And, well, I CAN'T swim!
So, this was a bigger than 'BIG', baby step for me! I am so proud of myself!
Next year's baby step; Learn to swim!


The day after we got home from Mexico, we had a house full of guests again! More friends from 'Winter'peg came with 3 teenage boys in tow for a week of skiing! We went to Mexico last year with them as well. As always too much FUN!

And that pretty much sums it up!

I am looking forward to a busy season with work right around the corner, a great evening of scrapbooking with friends this weekend, a trip back home in April for Kurt's sister's wedding, a superb scrapbooking weekend in May that can't come fast enough and then back home again in July for Kurt's other sister's wedding! Phew! It never seems to end.

I LOVE IT! ALL OF IT!

Thanks for tuning in. And, until next TIME (there it is again!), sleep tight! I wish I could! :{

2, Count 'em, 2 MORE SLEEPS!

Okay, so, I have been neglecting my BLOG! I am a bad Blogger! But, hey, LIFE happens. This time Sunday we will be well on our way to

Playa del Carmen! For 2 glorious weeks!!! I am even gonna snorkel!!! Yup, you heard right, snorkel! See you all when we get home! Adios Amigas & Amigos!

TIME for ME!

Yes, and now it's time for ME!

Shows are all done, some special orders need to be filled, and tons of clean-up around the house! Now it's time to trim my own tree!

Realistically speaking, I have been decorating, tree trimming and de-decorating since the beginning of November! So, it is sometimes hard for me to get into the decorating mode in my own home. But, I have started and little by little it will soon be Christmas at the Wallman Mountain Inn!

I have enjoyed helping my Mom with a wee bit of decorating at her new home too! It is all getting so exciting to have my Mom and Sister here permanently!

insert "BIG SIGH" here!

M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m, I love the holidays! Lights - Food - Christmas Concerts (to remember the true meaning of it all) - Rum (to help me cope with the next item on my list!) - Family - Baking - Rum (just for fun!)- Snow - Warm Fires - Kurt - Puppies - Rum (more fun!) - FRIENDS - Christmas Eve and all the Finger Food you can eat - Rum - Turkey and all the Trimmings! - Art Knapps - Gingerbread Lattes - Gingerbread Lattes with my Mom and Sister and Friends - Rum and the occasional Monte Cristo! (Not the sandwich!)

I could go on and on and on, but you get the idea!

During it all I will try to remember to take some time out and post here and check up on all of you others who are taking some time out for yourselves!

MERRY MERRY!

Almost Done!

Well, I am almost done! As always the Benvoulin Craft Show was a tremendous success! The early morning crowd was the start of a GREAT day!

I cannot express enough thanks to those of you who so generously and loyally supported this Fabulous Affair! But, from my heart;

THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!

A special Thanks goes out to Kelli for putting together yet another outstanding show! I don't think people realize (fellow crafters) just how much effort and time Kelli puts into this show so that we can all benefit. But, I do! And I thank you again!

And, after much request from you faithful-die-hard-craft sale junkies, (you know of whom I speak!) I have decided to oblige you and do an open house!

I have joined up with a fellow crafter, Loretta to offer you one final showing of the season! And like every year past, there will be something new that just didn't make it to the other shows!

So without further ado;

Christmas Craft Open House

Saturday December 1 st.

9 am - 3 pm

Corner of Hwy #33 & Springfield Road

(Function Junction)

If you need more info; 765-6541.

Hope to see you then!