Aidan's second birthday!

Aidan is turning two years old this week..I can't believe it! He's so adorable..and totally spoiled. He got so many books and toys....every second he would have this surprised look on his face---it was adorbale...stay tuned for some videos soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

funny turkey cake, originally uploaded by debbiedoescakes.

So today, I have so may things to be thankful for. First, I am thankful for my wonderful family---they love me for who I am, as I change, they accept me and provide unconditional love.

Second, I have the most wonderful friends! They are all so diverse, and enrich my life. Most importantly, they never judge me---they love me for who I am, all the great parts, and the parts I hope to change :)

Third, I am thankful for my opportunities...this year I have had the opportunity to finish my qualifying exam (YEAH!), meet many new friends, watch friends pursue their dreams, watch my nephew grow into this little talking boy!---as well as many other joyful additions.
Also, I am grateful even for the difficult times I have had this year, those hurdles have allowed me to grow and learn about myself, and to get in touch with my inner-being.

AND, I am grateful for YOU!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Really Good Tea

Really Good Tea, originally uploaded by Capt. Mouffette.

I have become a TEA drinker! Thanks to Dawn, I discovered the YOGI teas~
Each tea bag has a wonderful saying~

So each morning I relish in these sayings, trying my best to make it my day mantra.

Today's saying is, "Inspiring others toward happiness brings you happiness"

It's so true! I called a colleague at UB and I could hear happiness in her voice--- and I told her, what a pleasure to speak with you, you sound so happy. Because I said that, she said I made her day!

Pass it on...

Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali, originally uploaded by pavana.

This weekend is a BIG festival for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India, Nepal and other countries.

Also know as the festival of lights, lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. I think it's a beautiful holiday where we can all open our hearts and minds and let in light and love.

Here's some more info: Diwali in India is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness. This festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as 'Festival of Lights'. Fireworks are always associated with this festival. The day is celebrated with people lighting diyas, candles all around their house. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. Diwali gifts are exchanged among all near and dear ones.

Meditation begins

Meditation 2, originally uploaded by starscomeout7.

So last night my friend Gail and I started a meditation class! No, we were not at this location, although the beauty of meditation is---we can transport there if we want!

I am looking forward to this form of relaxation for increased clarity, peace and oneness with all.

If you are reading this, I hope you are having a stress free day as I intend to have~
Warm regards!

Hollween Fun

Well, gone are the days when Halloween meant crazy parties ....but "in" is all-day Halloween fun! It started at the ISSS, where we all dressed up and scared lots of international students~
Then off to see Aidan and his Elmo costume!

For me, the whole day was full of treats!

Create Peace

Create Peace, originally uploaded by Roger Lynn.

I think most of us in Academia type work feel very disconnected with how we can make a difference.
I have been really re-thinking why I am here, and what am I really doing to make a difference.

I know answers will come with time.

In the meantime, I realized that feeling inadequate isn't the answer--- someone very profound sent me this message, and I think it's food for thought:

"You long for peace. You think of peace as being goodwill toward each other, goodwill among nations, the laying down of arms. But peace is far more than this. It can only be understood and realized within your heart. It lies beneath the turmoil and noise and clamor of the world, beneath feeling, beneath thought. It is found in the deep, deep silence and stillness of the soul. It is Spirit: it is GOD." White Eagle

Healing

Thank you for sending me positive energy....your posts were comforting. Thanks to Catalina, Jen and Sofia for listening to me.

All of my problems (as I perceived them) are rested in FEAR. Of course on a theoretical level, I understand that FEAR isn't real. That all of my FEARS are illusions. I was so far into the dream of daily dramas, that I couldn't FEEL PEACE. All the signs were in front of me but I needed some help to heal.
The answer is inside ME!
All I needed to do was to stop thinking--
and just BE.

And that's what I did last night. I experienced Reiki!

If you are interested, contact Carolyn Musical (www.reikicare.com)--she is a wonderful soul.

This is how I feel today

Untitled-14, originally uploaded by gweedo.

I think the picture says it all. If you are reading this, please send me some positive energy.

The power of now

Lake Constance III, originally uploaded by aremac.

So, the past week I have been pretty stressed out, between school and other things invading my mind, I have allow thoughts to take over my mind and create FEAR...which is so destructive to the soul.

E. Tolle writes, "The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive. To put it more accurately, it is not so much that you use your mind wrongly - you usually don't use it at all. It uses you. This is the disease. You believe that you are your mind. This is the delusion. The instrument has taken you over."

So, the key is to see this as an illusion. Stop the pattern of over thinking..and be quiet...also, be aware....

This photo allows me to be still...maybe it helps you too?

Meeting Michael Moore!

Saturday I went to see Michael Moore, he was funny, thought provoking and inspiring. His arguments sometimes lack the complexity I would like to see, but he sparks a discussion, something that doesn't happen in the mainstream media.

Thanks to Rema and her friends, I got to go to the VIP after-party and actually talk to Mr. Moore! Check it out!

Sri Lanka, Batticaloa

Boats, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, July 2006, originally uploaded by RRCarroll.

Saji is in Sri Lanka. I am so proud of the work he's doing. It's called a Listening Project: as Saji explains "Do NO Harm which now all international humanitarian agencies are adopting and donor agencies are requiring. The listening project is not an evaluation, assessment or research study. It is an informal way of talking/listening w/ a multitude of stakeholders around the country to discuss their perceptions, thoughts, ideas, frustrations etc about international assistance in the country. There are 5 teams. I will lead the team to the conflict area"

He's int he conflict area now........and I am sending him lots of positive energy. I miss him a lot, but I so proud of him and the work he's doing.

My many Crafty Friends

My Friend Rima just started a blog about knitting and crocheting!
Check it out~

Hopefully soon you will see my many great creations there!

Did you ever hear a song, and suddenly be brought back to a film you love? That happened to me tonight-- hearing "Serenade"Written by Franz Schubert ---I am trying so hard to write a paper, listening to classical music (so I don't sing along) but bam, I still lose concentration as I remember one of my all time favorite movies, Deja Vu.
It's one of my all time favorites.....find it sometime, it is one you will want to watch again.

I think this line in the movie sums up what it's all about, " To cheat oneself out of love is the most terrible deception, it is an eternal loss for which there is no reparation, neither in time or eternity"

I got flowers today!!

I got flowers from Saji today! He is such a beautiful soul! He created this surprise as he was busy packing and getting ready to go home to Sri Lanka. He thought of this wonderful gift to leave with me to remind me of him!
I am so lucky! He is one of the most caring, considerate and loving people that have entered my life.
I can't wait for you to come HOME to Buffalo Saji!

Toronto fun...

This past weekend I spent in Toronto for work and for some fun. I dragged Sofia....who was such sweetheart to help me with my work...and she also introduced us to "little Portugal" in Toronto...the food made me smile. Of course we wished Saji could be with us to enjoy the yummie treats and compare them with Sofia's and Elsa's homemade delicatessens.

I also got to hang out with Kris' cousin and my friend, Caroline..
She is such a wonderful, bright light.....while she is just starting her career...she already has visions of creating a better world.
I always get such great energy from her....and she will always be my adopted cousin :)

The last summer weekend?

This past weekend might be our last summer-like weekend. However, it was fun....Saji came back to "little summer". We enjoyed some of Amherst's highlights....and even stopped off at the yarn story for some great deals!
And of course a weekend in Buffalo isn't the same without a nice dinner party---
Sofia made sure he felt welcome with some yummie Portuguese specialty "drunken chicken"....

Now---Saji is off for a month in Sri Lanka.....I will miss him!!! He has become my sunshine!

Catching up with good friends

Last night I got to catch up with some good friends...some that live in Buffalo and one special friend, An who calls Germany home. We miss her so much...and she is the main link between all of us....Her charisma, kindness and over-all fun nature have provided the backdrop for all of us to meet and enjoy great experiences with each other.
An is such a great person, and I miss her, but hopefully she will move back soon!

Fantastic weekend in DC

I had a wonderful weekend in DC visiting Saji...
He was such a perfect host, and I so enjoyed meeting his friends, colleagues and house mates.
I can't wait to see more of the city through his eyes...
I miss him and the city already!

Fairwell dinner for Angela.....

Last night Ali made a feast for Angela's good-bye dinner....one of many events to say good-bye to one of our cherished friends. Angela is such a beautiful soul, and she will be missed here for sure. However, I know we will meet again many times---I wish her the best---and I know she will be a success with whatever she takes on~