tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22159478139588732002024-03-13T20:33:25.922-07:00hearthtalkswarming our hearts with kindred spirtsKathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-49663088147000147252011-07-04T16:12:00.000-07:002011-07-04T16:42:16.370-07:00For those times when you may wonder "why am I here?"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pir63AbpZpM/ThJOcAB6_UI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/HkwT3EIHggQ/s1600/the%2Bdreamer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pir63AbpZpM/ThJOcAB6_UI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/HkwT3EIHggQ/s320/the%2Bdreamer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625645127490534722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Courier New"; panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode"; panose-1:2 11 6 2 3 5 4 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:89; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:513 0 0 0 4 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:639309063; mso-list-template-ids:1387152882;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:o; mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New";} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} </style><span style="Lucida Sans Unicode"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Why am I here, what is my work?</span><span style="font-family:Times;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >There will be many who will lure you with their version of truth and reality. You will look here and there for the answers outside of yourself and your own experiences. As long as you continue to mistrust yourself and the way Spirit wants to work with you and guide you, you will be on the search and ever confused....<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >If you want to know what you should do today, which is all you have: the ever breaking moment of now, go inward into the silence and wait there.<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >You will be guided on your path in these moments of silence.... Do not look for grand and glorious ways, because the way is simple and real. Do not look for dramatic and powerful effects, they just feed the false ego.... Go simply and quietly into the Heart of God/Divine Mystery and you will be shown the way.<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >It will not be far from home with great adventures. The change the world needs is from the inside out....It will seem that while you wait you are wasting precious time listening to what? The Silence? How could that be of help?<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >These questions are temptations to try to take charge of the Grand Plan. Then, while you are quietly stirring the soup or gathering the eggs, poking the soil and doing the daily chores, the Holy One's Voice will sound in you and it will say: I Love You!<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >If you let it sink in and accept it, this will be your important work for our world, letting our Source be Love in you. Let it permeate the whole of you and you will be like a the grail cup, full of the Divine substance and everyone you meet and everything you touch and that your eyes fall upon will be infused with this gift as well. They will see and experience something that appears to be ordinary, but in fact is extraordinary!<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;tab-stops:list 1.0in"><span style="Lucida Sans Unicode"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >The Incarnate God walks out into the world as you! Search the world over if you must, walk on all the known sacred places you hear of, or that seem to call to you, do the magic ceremonies and rituals you think will matter, seek out the wisdom of sages. I will tell you the truth as I know it: the very ground you walk on is sacred in your coming to it as the love filled vessel you are. Pour it out now. Heaven is where you stand....</span></li></ul></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-44245978448024756362009-12-18T21:51:00.000-08:002009-12-19T07:04:44.173-08:00We Are Stardust...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/Syx9vJZxdsI/AAAAAAAAAP0/YTgTS8BQM0Y/s1600-h/21136.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 231px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/Syx9vJZxdsI/AAAAAAAAAP0/YTgTS8BQM0Y/s320/21136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416842700751206082" border="0" /></a>Credit:<a href="http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/h/Hubble_Space_Telescope.htm" title="Hubble Space Telescope">Hubble Space Telescope</a><!--del_lnk--> NASA/<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/e/European_Space_Agency.htm" title="ESA">ESA</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In her TED presentation, <a href="http://www.tedprize.org/jill-tarter/">Jill Tarter</a>, said:"We are the products of a billion year lineage of wandering stardust." This is no small thing to have accomplished so far! I think that God Spark within us is seeking, as, Rilke puts it:<br /><br />"</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >God speaks to each of us as he makes us,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > then walks with us silently out of the night.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > These are the words we dimly hear:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > You, sent out beyond your recall,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">go to the limits of your longing.</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > Embody me.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > Flare up like flame</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > and make big shadows I can move in.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > Just keep going."<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">See, I think our value and gift to our world is to find our greatness and to be that to the best of our ability. This is why I have a problem with the underlying premise of the <a href="http://www.girleffect.org/">Girl effect</a><a href="http://www.girleffect.org/">,</a> a video that the Nike Corporation, among other groups, trying to make a difference, is promoting. On the face of it, to improve a girl's life through education, I am all for that. But the conclusion, that then, a girl is valuable because her education will lead to a more productive contributor to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">economy</span> of her village and the world is where I have the problem. There is even a subtle anchoring of the idea that getting her a cow (cash-cow) to upgrade her worth, that to me, is even more disturbing.<br /><br />Now, I belong to a community whose mission, in the 166 years we have been Catholic teaching sisters, has been to educate women. Our visionary foundress, Marie Rose Durocher, believe that if you educated women, you could change the world. She believed they had the most profound influence over men and children. We believe that the value of an educated woman is not to primarily shore up the economic system of the world but to use her confidence, intelligence, creativity, talent, passion, thirst for knowledge, love and faith to excel and to find new ways to improve her life, the life of her family, loved ones and community. She is of value because of the "Stardust Effect" that all humans have as we seek out ways to express</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">that God Spark. We came here first and foremost to embody the Divine, not be a cog in some one's money machine.<br /><br />At a time when so much focus is on economics and the money game and how corrupted it has become, it should become crystal clear to us that we have all become slaves to money. The reason, ultimately, that we have the huge problem with human trafficking and slavery in this world is that we have all become slaves to keeping the money game going. It just seems acceptable to our prevailing paradigm that we are here to keep the money game afloat. It is a common thing in the public educational system in the U.S. to cut "the soft classes" like art and music if we are short on money. These classes are the very way that humans continue to stay in touch with their Stardust Effect. It is the very food of our souls. Maybe we do not value the Stardust Effect at all because it is priceless, free, abundant and no one can make a buck on it</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >,</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;">yet, it may be the very thing that saves us from our own extinction.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">It seems like the changes that need to take place in our world, at the moment to solve the climate change crisis, end poverty and war, have adequate health care for all, end human trafficking and slavery, choose to see clean water, air, and earth as our sacred duty to insure, and thus to save and improve our world, our species is unwilling to make because of economics.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">We are slaves who have forgotten the Stardust Effect.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Actually, if the truth be known, the goodness in our species is there and the majority of us would move heaven and earth to bring this whole grand idea of life on planet earth back into balance, but we have to wake up to our power. We have to ask ourselves on a day to day basis, "how am I contributing to the illusion that money is the most important thing?" As a shop keeper, I refuse to commercialize Christmas. I put up Christmas Decorations December 1st. I don't follow the "marketing trends," instead I listen to my heart and create beauty and ideas that I love. They always speak to my customers.<br /><br />Developing our creativity and wonder should be at the top of our curriculum list when we design schools to really bring the best out in our children. The world is falling apart before our very eyes in every major area: education, government, economy, medicine, religion, the list goes on, because it needs to. It's time we reclaimed our original blessing, and started remembering the words to that little song Joni Mitchell made famous in the 60's:</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">"We are stardust, we are golden and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden."</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">It's time!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-68629334692996515832009-11-18T13:10:00.000-08:002009-11-18T21:08:19.184-08:00Respect is an awesome social skill!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SwRqh8PC83I/AAAAAAAAAPs/46KVJSP1BFw/s1600/bow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 277px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SwRqh8PC83I/AAAAAAAAAPs/46KVJSP1BFw/s320/bow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405562584088900466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I am aghast at the flack that some Americans have made over the bow.... It's as if we think the whole world revolves around everything American. Back in the mid 1950's my family lived in Japan and my parents taught us proper manners and expected us to behave in respectful and mannerly ways while in Japan.<br /><br />We learned all the social graces and were taught that even</span></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">though we didn't do these things in America, things, like using chop sticks, bowing and so on, it was a way of showing respect while interacting with Japanese people. Just trying Japanese customs or attempting the language made the Japanese so happy and impressed with us.<br /><br />Later, as a teacher, when I took American students for a month- long experience living and going to school in Japan, they, too, were educated about proper Japanese etiquette. It was important in building a strong relationship with the Japanese people, to be willing to do things that showed respect and understanding between our cultures.<br /><br />It is hard for Americans, who are so use to everyone adapting to our ways, to go to a foreign country and adapt to their ways. At the beginning of that exchange student experience, as we were waiting to be processed into the Narita airport, having our visas and passports checked, we were directed to stand in the line marked "alien." One of my students asked me why we were standing in the "Alien" line. I ask him if he were Japanese and he answered "No!" "Then you are an alien," I said to him. He was shocked by that notion, because much of the first week or two of acclimating to a new culture, with many things so different than his own, he felt the alienness of this new culture.<br /><br />President Obama grew up living many years in Hawaii where many Japanese live. Hawaii has many diverse cultures that share a common space. It may not have occurred to people who have never been to Hawaii, that all those diverse cultures living peacefully and prosperously,with all their many differences are actually American citizens! I had the good fortune myself of living in Hawaii, too, as a child. The President represents us well to the world because he was taught at an early age to respect people and cultures different from his own. This is something that he is modeling for our children and adult citizens alike: a return to culture, manners, respect. The American citizens who have been critical of his show of respect while he travels around the world representing our nation, seriously need to grow up and learn a few manners and respect themselves!<br /><br />One day very soon we will see how important it is to realize how much our human species is more alike than different. Just as every cell in our bodies work in harmonious resonance with one another for a common good, we humans must grow up and join one another in mutual respect and harmony for a common good.<br /><br />To bow to another is to express our recognition that the Divine lives within each of us equally. We cannot understand that the Divine lives in another if we have not already recognized that the Divine lives in us as well. Namaste!<br /></span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-11605081212654952582009-07-07T10:10:00.000-07:002009-07-07T10:27:36.300-07:00One World, just for this moment in time.....<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SlOBtoQa2DI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Zmj1N_oeRYs/s1600-h/zenamoon%27s+candle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SlOBtoQa2DI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Zmj1N_oeRYs/s320/zenamoon%27s+candle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355767002774034482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">special thanks to Carla at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Zenamoon</span> candles for this beautiful photo.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">N</span>o matter what anyone says about Michael Jackson, this day of remembering is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accomplishing</span> what he tried to do in his own unique way: bring unity to this world. More people are gathered around the world to remember and celebrate the life of a soul come into human form, than at any other time that we know of in history. This time of unity will be a tonic for our world. No matter the toxic thoughts and judgements of the nay <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sayers</span> out there, because they do not carry the power of millions who come together in love and celebration. This is what our world needs now and so we gather as one. Though I was not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">particularly</span> a follower of this <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">talented genius</span></span>,<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;" > it is not lost on me the power of this moment to lift our world up as one.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;" > Let us seize the moment to create Love and Unity in our world, for We are, indeed, the world</span>.Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-43792968078290693142009-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:002009-06-22T09:28:17.905-07:00YOU CAN'T STOP THE REST OF US- AN INVITATION TO THE WORLD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/Sj-g51r6gDI/AAAAAAAAAPY/QiRCkrhTaZ0/s1600-h/neda_young_girl_brutally_killed_in_iran_becoming.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/Sj-g51r6gDI/AAAAAAAAAPY/QiRCkrhTaZ0/s320/neda_young_girl_brutally_killed_in_iran_becoming.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350171797863694386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:180%;">#<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iranelection</span></span><br />For a while now, I haven't had anything to say, but, today is different. As I watched the news report that the Iranian people are not being allowed to gather to memorialize Neda, the young woman <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">martyred</span> </span> </span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">during the people's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">attempt</span> to protest the injustices in their country, it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">occurred</span> to me that we could hold the memorial for her, in our homes, in our streets, in our gathering halls. We could, because the repression and intimidation can not reach all the people world wide, where ever we may be. Who will join me, now, in holding a memorial in this good soul's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">honor</span>? I am making a memorial votive in her honor and keeping it lit for a month. What can you do to join me? Be creative. There is no stopping us now. We have heard the call of her name: #NEDA; We have heard the call of our brothers and sisters in Iran call her name. May we join them, for there are no limits now, we can be a united people world wide......</span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-3113461732696829262009-04-15T11:27:00.000-07:002009-04-15T11:49:36.513-07:00Waiting for life to rez.....<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SeYnhyEZMEI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/um3PLrYzSpM/s1600-h/Snapshot_008.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SeYnhyEZMEI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/um3PLrYzSpM/s320/Snapshot_008.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324987070741557314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Another reflection on my experiences exploring Second Life has yielded some interesting insights. I am learning a lot about the reality of computer simulation. Second Life is a fairly realistic representation of how things look to us in real life. When you first step into the Avatar's persona and appear in Second life things begin to rez. This is a term that means that the visual resolution of the 3 D world starts coming into clarity. It can take a few seconds to do this. While it is all coming clear your primary self watching the computer screen sees big grey blocks that then eventually rez into your clothes, your horse, trees, ponds, the ocean and so on. It can sometimes be a surreal moment.<br /><br />It occurred to me that this is like the "caterpiller soup" I referred to in the last post. We are beginning to experience such profound changes, or profound need for changes that we are all standing around waiting for things to rez so we can see where we are and then decide what move to make next.<br /><br />I find this analogy helpful and comforting, in a way. Since it always rezes the way it is suppose to, in the end, there is no need to panic or become undone. We can trust that the One who created this game we are in right now has some built in codes that are working in the background to unfold our experience into the adventure we expected when we signed up for this gig. We get to make choices as to how we experience our adventure, we have some awesome guides to help us and it is always going to be interesting. But, we can't be sleep walking through it if we want to make the most of things.<br /></span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-1668685285359976682009-04-11T06:22:00.000-07:002009-04-11T12:43:13.324-07:00Caterpillar Soup!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SeDydyiKsFI/AAAAAAAAAPI/sNTAVGe2Tfc/s1600-h/caterpillar-arty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SeDydyiKsFI/AAAAAAAAAPI/sNTAVGe2Tfc/s320/caterpillar-arty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323521353147134034" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When the little caterpillar has consumed all the world around him and nearly </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">destroyed</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> his environment, he's feeling quite ill and feels he's under attack from something deep within that begins to emerge and show itself in his body and being. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Imaginal</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> cells begin to appear in his system and proliferate. His immune system starts a program of attack to remedy the situation. The "medical experts"around him prescribe every manner of pill and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">procedure</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> to help him. Momentarily it crosses his mind that pirates may be involved, stealing all he values from under his nose! Call out the military, then, might be the solution, but, no, those pesky little </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">imaginal</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> disks seem never ending and bringing with them disturbing ideas like </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">radical change</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Soon, though, another idea comes forth: "rest, I must stop and rest from all this activity." "Mercy, sweet mercy," he mutters, as he crawls into his little downy sleeping bag. Moving down deep into an incredible chaotic soup, Caterpillar soup, he waits and sleeps for the last time.....</span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-85189178922835120632009-04-01T12:50:00.000-07:002009-04-06T07:08:23.287-07:00Riding The Night Mare to Freedom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SdPF6_uKRZI/AAAAAAAAAPA/hCoAX9OTKec/s1600-h/horsemaker+and+Rhiannon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SdPF6_uKRZI/AAAAAAAAAPA/hCoAX9OTKec/s320/horsemaker+and+Rhiannon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319813202182817170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Horsemaker Soulstar and Rhiannon in Second Life<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">This past couple of months have been a roller coaster ride for America, some would even call it a nightmare! We all have experienced nightmares, both the kind associated with dreaming and the kind in our life that happen during our waking moments. Lately I've been thinking more about the purpose of nightmares.<br /><br />Ever since I started making the clay horses in earnest in my studio I have watched a new understanding unfold about the connection women and horses seem to have. It seems that the Celtic Wisdom figure, Rhiannon has played a role in Humankind's journey. It is said that she rides through the evening sky on the Night Mare bringing prophecy and wisdom to the dreamer. Many of us know that if we do not face our worst nightmares we will never be free. The more we avoid facing them, the more they persue and haunt us.<br /><br />At the moment, it has never seemed clearer to me that the reality we think we live in, seems to be coming apart at the seams, it is failing, disintegrating, imploding. Have you ever seen so many businesses and organizations that seemed just a few years ago to be solid and now are going bankrupt? What is going on here? We can't put off facing the fact that the world around us is different. Though we may want to avoid this seeming mess all around us, we can't. It requires a change of consciousness because we can't solve these problems by using the same level of thinking that created them. (Seems to me Einstein came up with that thought back in the day.)<br /><br />So what are we to do? I have found that my experiences in Second Life, something I have mentioned before in another post, have given me some new insights about all of this. In order to function in Second Life, you have to be willing to suspend your normal perspective and watch from a different vantage point. In so doing, I have realized that my mind and thoughts are what is really creating what is happening outside of me. The only way I can change the world outside of me is to change it from the inside first. No amount of stimulas plan or bank bailout will change things for the better until each one of us changes this game, first on the inside. We each know someone who is losing a job, or,is sick with a life threatening illness or, is at the very least, discouraged, confused or angry.We may ask ourselves how we can help and the answer is that it is an inside job for each of us. The first step is to realize that no matter what our outside package looks like, the Consciousness who created the experience we are now having is magnificent and is a creative genius. I am not referring to God here. (That's a whole other story!) I am talking about you and me Consciousness. Yes, even the bozo on the bus or the annoying neighbor next door. We are all awesome expressions of one flawless force. The nightmare we are riding together is a great opportunity to finally discover this truth, but we may have to suspend our normal perceptions to see it. I think this present time is a Golden Opportunity to know a greater freedom from the life of slavery to some pretty big illusions we have been living with on this planet for so long.</span></span></span><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 24px; ">As my day dawns this morning I am curious to see what I can create today from the opportunities that present themselves. Saddle up with me and let's see where this Night Mare is going. Just remember, the reins are in our hands.</span><br /></div></div>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-68364531312847406792009-03-27T11:10:00.000-07:002009-03-27T11:25:49.013-07:00Vote for the Earth During Earth Hour 2009!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/Sc0XORQTE-I/AAAAAAAAAO4/jm6th0awUVY/s1600-h/the+fire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/Sc0XORQTE-I/AAAAAAAAAO4/jm6th0awUVY/s320/the+fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317932268911793122" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I invite you to join the growing numbers of people on our planet who will vote for the EARTH at 8:30 pm local time on March 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span></span> and turn their lights out for one hour.This is a growing movement that started in 2007 in Australia to raise awareness of global warming and the earth in peril. It is a very simple concept that we can do to be in unity with an act that symbolizes our commitment to care for our planet and connect with one another in a moment of oneness. Short notice, but a powerful act of unity for any out there who would join me. Last year, at least 50 million people all around the world did this. We're aiming for one billion souls this year to vote for Earth! Come on, turn out your lights, and light a candle for US ALL. See you in the dark.</span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-37264156362789700282009-03-19T10:22:00.000-07:002009-03-19T14:02:48.870-07:00Sophia Center gets a Second Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/ScJ_2spYtWI/AAAAAAAAAOw/evF1yiyow64/s1600-h/horsemaker+labyrinth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/ScJ_2spYtWI/AAAAAAAAAOw/evF1yiyow64/s320/horsemaker+labyrinth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314951087925015906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What if I were to tell you a second life is possible? I don't really mean reincarnation as we think of it but, really, being another "being" in another dimension, and moving that new self around in this other dimension and being able to have interaction with others who have another "self"? Huh? I am talking about the virtual reality called <a href="http://secondlife.com/">Second Life.</a></span></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Last summer when a large number of sisters from the order met to share with one another, I learned about Second Life and thought about exploring it. I'm still a "newbie" when it comes to all of this technology, but, am smart and willing to learn. With the help of my new sister-guides Widget and Doon, I have committed to the in</span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">tention of establishing a presence for Sophia Center in Second Life. There are many women around the world who lament that I can't join their women's spirit circles, where ever they meet, so I am starting one in Second Life. In my brief explorations I have met in circle with other women, done Tai Chi, walked a labyrinth, gone horseback riding and even flown without a plane or the use of wings! Yes you can fly in Second Life! </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It will become the hottest social networking experience yet. If you combine Second Life with Skype, it makes it much easier to communicate with those you are meeting with. My friend on "the other side" told me that Second Life is the perfect metaphor to understand who we are. When we are not in a body, we are in our Primary state of being as eternal souls, living in another dimension. When we come into body, we create an avatar, like Sr. K or whoever you are reading this . Second Life is humanity's way of expressing our growing understanding of who we truly are. You have to experience it first to see and feel what I mean. Second Life is a free application, as is Skype.<br /><br />The Avatar one chooses can be altered to be as tall or as thin or whatever your imagination requires. By experimenting with clothes, for example, (which I have very little interest in First Life) I have discovered some possibilities for my First Life, Sr. K self without have to spend much money and time going shopping. Oh, I did go shopping with one of my Second Life sisterguides. I even tried on some heels, which did not hurt my feet one bit. LOL. It struck me that we could try things out in Second Life to see how they work before manifesting them in First Life. Maybe we can build a whole new world easier than we think, kind of like we did when we were kids, playing and working things out before we made them "real."<br /><br />At the Second Life web site you can check out what the systems requirements are to see if you have all the necessary power and speed etc. with your equipment and Internet access. If you should jump into this adventure, look for Horsemaker Soulstar. I will probably be hanging out on Commonwealth Island. Let's meet up there!<br /></span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-82710821431239471592009-03-09T07:42:00.000-07:002009-03-09T07:58:58.292-07:00Out in left field<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SbUrO6bCDlI/AAAAAAAAAOo/i9Z7aN2m7C8/s1600-h/dad-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SbUrO6bCDlI/AAAAAAAAAOo/i9Z7aN2m7C8/s320/dad-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311198870754168402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;" >My father loves telling me the story of the two old codgers who were having a discussion about weather they play baseball in heaven. Each agreed that if he died first, he would come and tell the other what he found out. Old John died first and three days after his passing he came to his friend, Dan in a dream. "Well, Danny Boy," he said, "I got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that they do have baseball in heaven, the bad news is you're starting pitcher this tuesday!"<br /><br />My father loves baseball, so I asked him what position he wanted to play when he got over to the other side and he told me:" Oh, I guess I'd like to be out there in the left field." "Ok, then," I said, "I'll know where to be looking for you!"<br /><br />And so it is, this day, about 3:20 a.m. he slipped on his ball mitt and joined the team for spring training as he slipped ever so quietly away in his sleep. May he rest in peace. This was a good time to leave the chaos of this world and all the problems we who are left behind are facing. He got to choose the seeds and plants that will go into the garden he loved so much this spring. His Eastering is sweet as he takes his place out there in left field to enjoy the game from another point of view. Dad, you will be missed.<br /><br /></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-58044425019691000992009-02-07T11:59:00.000-08:002009-02-07T12:38:48.928-08:00Let's Draw a Heart around the World!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SY3ownf43nI/AAAAAAAAAOg/icxD0vtk7bA/s1600-h/earth+heart+cutout-warm.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SY3ownf43nI/AAAAAAAAAOg/icxD0vtk7bA/s320/earth+heart+cutout-warm.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300148258419039858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A very special <a href="http://www.judecurrivan.com/media-articles/articles/the-aquarian-alignment-14th-february-2009/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aquarian</span> Alignment</a> will take place this year on February 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. According to Jude <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Currivan</span> PhD who has been studying these things, at 7:25 a.m UT an auspicious <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">alignment</span> will occur</span></span>. <span style="font-size:180%;">(follow the link to see the chart, if you are into astrology.)</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Remember, some 40 years ago that famous song from Hair was sung: "When the moon is in the seventh house and jupiter aligns with Mars etc.</span></span>" <span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:180%;" >This is that time</span>, <span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">with an even better positioning for change than when it occurred back in the 60's. Many who have been gathering in recent years to help create mass consciousness shifts have taken to seeing the earth as a giant prayer wheel as it spins on its axis. What this means is that we are now using the spin of the earth to cause a wave of change. So, just choosing 7:25 a.m. where ever you are on that day, will be part of the continuous wave of love intention that will surge around the earth, blessing all of us with a powerful moment of love and grace. What do you say? Anyone want to join me in drawing a heart around the world? See you there...</span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-79573809619862127802009-01-30T14:09:00.000-08:002009-01-30T14:27:00.372-08:00How the @#%* does this happen?<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SYN67bgumhI/AAAAAAAAAOY/REPNGpG2i0A/s1600-h/wire+gremlins+at+work.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SYN67bgumhI/AAAAAAAAAOY/REPNGpG2i0A/s320/wire+gremlins+at+work.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297212748133734930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is probably not what you expected to see upon my return to the Hearthtalks blog, but, it has been a mystery I have been pondering for quite some time. I thought I'd put it out there for the rest of you to offer insights about. It seems common, around computers and such and here's how it goes: After carefully organizing all the wires so they are not tangled and everything is connected to everything else, you know, the printer, phone/router, scanner, fax and on and on. Then, the moment my back is turned the wires somehow mysteriously tangle and become a snake pit! Is is all the energy that runs through these wires in the form of electricity and data that causes it? I know I could get tie downs and wrap everything in one stream of wires side by side, but, that has drawbacks if you want to move something. The whole "shooting match"</span></span> <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">has to</span></span> <span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:180%;" >move with it.</span> <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My </span></span>theory is that there are little gremlins that like to mess with me. Case in point...why this type font suddenly showed up! Even when I highlight what I have just typed and give it the command to match size and font style, as soon as I resume typing, it reverts. It didn't happen until my sister, who was struggling with all kinds of things on her computer, gave up and left. The gremlins that were messing with her decided to trouble me now. Such is cyberspace. Anyone else have these problems?Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-17091339057665664152008-09-09T21:43:00.000-07:002008-09-09T23:20:55.165-07:00What are we to do?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SMdfqlzyiyI/AAAAAAAAAN4/D7cjgan2g8M/s1600-h/heartofwisdom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SMdfqlzyiyI/AAAAAAAAAN4/D7cjgan2g8M/s320/heartofwisdom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244265476404710178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Many thanks to Shilo for yet another beautiful work of art she calls, what else, but: <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Heart of Wisdom"</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >I've been away for a while finding many loose ends to tie up after my mother's death; combing through old pictures, her things and many memories. Gaining new insights into the life of the woman who is my mother and gleaning the lessons from The Heart of Wisdom she taught me about being a good person, about giving back to my world, about sharing my gifts with confidence,and a generous spirit with all who come into my life.<br /><br />And then there is the 2008 political experience...I find myself pondering our situation here in America with the election process. I don't ever remember one so polarizing as this one. The new element in it all, the one that everyone is talking about, it seems is the Republican VP Choice. You know the one I refer to: One Sarah Palin. Wow! She mostly represents just about everything I don't like in a woman. That she has accomplished things that many women only dream of is not where I have a problem. I have lived with women my whole adult life that have broken down barriers of every sort, so it isn't what she has accomplished but what she thinks she has to do or be to prove her strength etc. that most concerns me. Then I realized when I thought about it, that this is a time when contrasts and opposites have come to the fore. What we have is this strong message of change in our world and then we have a very strong expression of resistance to change. This is not unlike what goes on inside of me or you or anyone else.<br /><br />I don't know about you, but here's how I experience change in my life: At first I become aware through discomfort that something in my life needs to shift because of what I am doing or how I am going about it that is not working. I might first try to find out what it is outside of myself that is causing this need for change, but in the end, after much resistance, I find that it is something within me that needs to change. There might be a lot of fighting it, but in the end, I have to surrender and admit that change needs to happen within.<br /><br />There is this one stretch of road that I travel on along the beautiful Oregon coastline on my way to work that always brings insight, a big aha, inspiration and prayerful amazing-grace type moments. It's as if the Angels, God, The Holy Spirit, what ever you want to call The Great Mystery, that chooses this spot on the highway to inspire and teach me. Today as I was driving to work, wondering what "we are going to do about the election" and all this wrangling, that the answer hit me: K, Love is the only way around this. So, I found myself surrounding both sides, and all the "major players," hell, even the American public and myself with the love vibration. I drew a gigantic heart around it all!<br /><br />See, if I'm on one side of the equation</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and feel my view is the right view and that yours, if it is different than mine is the wrong view and we keep holding on to our respective "maps of reality," pulling in opposite directions, we will never go forward together, we will just be in an endless tug of war. I don't believe I could ever recognize something outside of myself, unless I also was familiar with it from within. So, if I reject a mean spirited mocking tone of voice coming from Sarah Palin, if I hear exaggeration and hyperbole coming from her, it's because I have had an inner experience that is meaningful to me. It is that shadow side and unloved part of myself I find unacceptable that I want to project on something outside of myself that I don't want to own. If I truly want change in my outer world and want to see it happening for the better outside of me, I have to create it within. The only way it will happen is to love and embrace the wounded unloved fearful part within. When true change happens in my world, it won't be because some hero comes in to save the day. I know who I want to vote for and who I resonate with. For me, the Obama/Biden ticket represents the change I want to see in myself and in the world around me: the Yes We Can be more! The McCain/Palin ticket represents for me the part of myself in need of embracing and loving; the part that resists the change out of fear, or comfort with the status quo. Today I saw the purpose of two sides of the same coin and I know what I am going to do about it for myself. The perspective we each have will make all the difference in how we experience our world. I do have to follow what my mother taught me and do my part to share my gifts and the heart of the woman I am with the world around me. I count on all of you to join me. Change what you can and love the rest in the Heart of Wisdom!</span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-10438280505900900242008-08-19T11:50:00.000-07:002008-08-19T12:21:48.434-07:00Who knows where the time goes?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SKsWQddbiII/AAAAAAAAAKI/kk4i_mDaYiU/s1600-h/Baby+Kathryn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SKsWQddbiII/AAAAAAAAAKI/kk4i_mDaYiU/s320/Baby+Kathryn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236303463790119042" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the things that my mother's recent passing has done for all of us in the family is to reconnect with the movement of time by way of going through old picture collections and seeing how we looked and how we changed through time. It is good to see that the little girl in the picture here seemed excited, animated, happy. I think I could say in looking backward, that's how I remember my life for the most part. My sister and I are putting together a slide show of images and music to help us remember our mother and our lives together. We have had a lot of laughing and some tears in the remembering. It's funny how you perceive reality now as compared to then. My growing awareness in noticing so many more details about the now moment is astounding compared to the past. Back then, "back in the day," no matter what day that was, I seemed so clueless about so much. In spite of that </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">cluelessness</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, I do remember some wonderful things about my life that gave me the strength and courage to go forward in the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">pursuit</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> of my dreams. What I do know by looking back is how important each now really is. When you are young, you think you have all the time in the world. As I age, each moment seems so much more precious. I find myself really slowing down the rush and just savoring more. I find myself having a much freer calendar than I have in the past. I resist the world's attempt to rush me. When I stand in the bank line waiting my turn and the floor person tries to see if she can take my deposit so as to hurry me along to my next destination, thinking I would appreciate that, I decline and say:"I'm in no rush, I have all the time in the world today." I mean it too. What's the hurry really? There is no fast way to now. I find I want to appreciate just how my body feels now and that it is ok the way it is. Those days some 30 years ago when I thought I was so heavy and needed to lose weight... Wow! Was I ever clueless! Anyway, now is the moment I want to enjoy. Wonder what it will really turn out to be?</span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-83991375157985048142008-08-11T17:06:00.001-07:002008-08-11T18:10:28.943-07:00Home at last!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SKDUSJmH0gI/AAAAAAAAAKA/8kReLlk3JfQ/s1600-h/Mom-glamor.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SKDUSJmH0gI/AAAAAAAAAKA/8kReLlk3JfQ/s320/Mom-glamor.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233416175283065346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mom left us quietly in the wee hours of the morning on August 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. She was probably waiting until we were all tucked in our respective beds fast asleep, so she could at last have her own final rest. Moms are like that. I couldn't resist putting this picture of her up in tribute, as it has always been my favorite, and I'm sure, a form she would like to take if she ever comes visiting us from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dream time</span>. This is how I will remember her. I find myself gathering little embers of memories... things I treasure about my mother. I don't think I ever turned out to be the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">girly</span>-girl" mom really wanted. She used to love to comb my long hair when I was about 5 or 6 years old until one day I discovered a pair of scissors and decided to see how they worked on my own hair. I must have really took a chunk out right close to the scalp because then for quite a while, I had this little boy bob and my father would jokingly call me sonny, just to see my mother break out in tears. One Christmas time I remember she fixed a plate of Christmas cookies and she and I would lounge on her bed while she read me "Little Women."<br /><br />Whenever she saw me, she would always ask: "How's that beautiful daughter of mine?" I don't ever remember going through that stage when I was a teenager of looking in the mirror thinking there was something missing. I'd always say approvingly to myself: "Well, you look OK..." There were many other ways that I was gifted by my mother, but I think it was the confidence she instilled in me that I really treasure. No matter what strange idea I might come up with and try out on her, she always said: "Sure, why not!" I know my other siblings will have their stories and memories and even though we had the same childhood, each experienced it from their perspective. I'm glad I have mine.<br /><br />Towards the end of her life, she had a very rich fantasy life which seemed to include lots of great grandchildren. According to her, my nephew and his wife had about 69 children. Many of them were twins or triplets. She was sure they had to hire a bus to get everyone to church. Her favorite great-grand child, the one she spent the most time with, apparently, was little Mary Rose. Evidently the little one would help her out at dinner time and eat the food mom didn't like because she didn't want "Gam ma" to get in trouble for not eating her vegetables. I personally liked this world she lived in and used to talk often to her about different aspects of it. I thought: Why not? That's why we watch TV and go to the movies, isn't it, to enter into another world?<br /><br />I'm looking forward to continuing the relationship, now that she is free to come and go, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">unencumbered</span> by physicality.I have no doubt it will still include a few:" sure why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nots</span>" from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">other side</span>. So, another soul joins my cheering section. I wonder what we will all be creating together? I'm sure hearts will be involved.</span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-8973984306925207282008-08-05T16:09:00.001-07:002008-12-11T16:48:48.293-08:00Waiting at Heaven's Gate<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SJjdrRnc87I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/CkVFtgm8jCM/s1600-h/webGat225.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SJjdrRnc87I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/CkVFtgm8jCM/s320/webGat225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231174702723822514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Today mom was enrolled in hospice. Though she has been in a rest home for a number of years, she took a serious turn this past week and the Doctors said they don't expect to recover from a bleed into her brain and it would be risky, or at least not really improve things to do any surgery. I and my family are preparing for her crossing. My father, too, has been in decline, and though at the present time he seems to be in a bit of a rally, both he and my mother are probably going to "leave the planet" in the not so distant future. That's the thing, though: no one really knows when. It will probably be just a quiet slipping away for both of them. The last time I was with mom, she was in a coma so I didn't expect a response, but talked and sang to her, knowing she was following my every word and song. I wear a gold band on my finger that marks my religious commitment. This ring was made from a combination of gold from the rings both Mom and Dad gave each other when they married. Over time their rings have been replaced with new ones. Since I made my final vows on their wedding anniversary, the three of us share a special date in time, and a very special ring. It must have stirred something in her when I told her when I was with her this last time, that when ever I twirled the ring on my finger, I was thinking of them both and that it would be a special signal to her when she got to the other side that I was calling her. It gave a whole new meaning to the words: "I'll ring you up." Both my sister and I were with her. When we got ready to leave we said our goodbyes and I love yous, not knowing if it would be for the last time, and, she opened her eyes and said, "And, I love you!", then she took my sister's hand and kissed the back of it. That has always been my confirmation that we are in the presence of an angel!(so many times in my life when I have an odd encounter with someone who seems a bit out of place, and then their parting gesture to me is to kiss the back of my hand, I know it's a heavenly visitor I've just been with.)<br /><br />We were both blown away, of course. And so we wait on heaven. No one really knows when she or my father will swing out on the great cosmic Smile of Divine love and move into another existence. They celebrate their 64<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> wedding anniversary on August 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tomorrow</span>. We'll just have to wait and see..........<br /></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-74948730419156270822008-07-22T11:51:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:48.480-08:00There are Teachers coming near......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SIYswziA8KI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FwbxotZfd_Y/s1600-h/bluelites.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SIYswziA8KI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FwbxotZfd_Y/s320/bluelites.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225913634588258466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Maybe you have felt the shift inside, lately. I know I have. There are days of low energy where I feel like I've been put in a light trance-like state and some serious downloading of information comes streaming in. Nothing I could verbalize, just a knowing. The world looks a bit odd at times, like I am in another dimension, yet, not really....I feel like I have been attending <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mind blowing</span> lectures in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dream time</span>, yet I can't remember a thing I heard and yet, I know I'm different because of it. I don't even know how to put it all into words but I observe it all around me. Some of you feel it too. It may feel like you are on overload and that your nerve endings are frayed, followed by feelings of peace, contentment and a rightness to your life, even, dare I say, floating in a state of Grace. It's crazy mixed up at times and life goes on as before. But, it's the little blue lights that dart around that most amaze me. I've had many times in the past when they were frequent visitors. I know it's not just me because others have reported the same thing. They are hesitant to mention it because it's so fast that you wonder if you just imagined it...but there they are again. When people around me get brave enough to bring it up and ask if I see them too, we are all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">relieved</span> to realize it not "just me," but others are seeing them too. When they come near, I also get "thoughts" that come to me like: "dolphins are to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ETs</span> as dogs are to humans...." And I say: "Okay, where did that come from?" It's not like I was asking about dolphins, but, it is an intriguing thought. I say all this because maybe many of you out there are beginning to connect with something akin to teachers in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ethers</span> giving you information or encouragement at the moment. Maybe you are feeling a bit out of sorts and weird and this may bother you. I believe we are entering into a time when we will be and are already growing new abilities that will be serving the greater good. One day we will be much more telepathic than we have ever been and it will be preparing us for relating to one another and to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gaia</span> (Mother Earth) in multi-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dimensional</span> ways. It is all in line with realizing our oneness with her. You may already be finding yourself wanting to lay on the earth, or be close in some way or other to nature. It may feel like a deep longing. Go with it, answer the call, drop everything you are doing and answer that call. The teachers coming near are real and they are here to teach us all how very fond our Mother <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gaia</span> is of us. They will not let up, so we might as well accept this. What ever way the teachers come near, be it a book of wisdom, a movie or dinner conversation, or seeing the new way we handle an old "problem" with ease, this is now our time to shine, to experience our emerging magnificence. Even though the world around us appears to be "going to hell in a hand basket," things are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">definitely</span> not what they seem. Thank God/Goddess for that!</span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-59708849058698044572008-06-27T17:37:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:48.654-08:00Faithful companions-purple campenula...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SGWIQ7pK11I/AAAAAAAAAJo/VCNgasOvgCU/s1600-h/compenula.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SGWIQ7pK11I/AAAAAAAAAJo/VCNgasOvgCU/s320/compenula.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216725567848240978" border="0" /></a><br />When I first moved here to the coast, the confirmation that it was the right move for Sophia Center was discovering these little purple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Campenula</span> in a planter in front of the shop. At first they seemed somewhat timid, but came on strong after I kept complimenting them and touching them every time I walked by. At our very first location in the Historic Laundry Building at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Marylhurst</span>, this same variety of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Campenula</span> lined the narrow space in front of the building. In the summer, at least 10 people a day would stop to ask what kind of flower that was. This must have gone on for years before I came to establish my studio there because once I inherited the care of the old laundry building I would find little notes taped in every nook and cranny, written by the older sister that was the manager of the building before me. I think they were meant to be a reminder to her. Each one said: "The purple flowers out front are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Campenula</span>."<br /><br />These little bell shaped flowers bloomed continuously, even during the winter! There was always one or two that bloomed as if to say: "we won't leave you, even in the winter, because we know how much you love us." There have been ground breaking studies "back in the day" to show that plants somehow know they are loved and thought well of and they seem to respond favorably to this attention. Some of you may remember an earlier post I did about my orchid. It gave me five or six big blossoms and hung around for about 3 months and then faded away. I thought I might have to wait another year or two for any more activity from this little soul, but, to my amazement. I discovered that where the old flower stalk ended and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">shriveled</span> up is a new one shooting out with more buds getting ready to wow me! Maybe it wanted to encourage me as I get used to the fact that Toby is no longer physically present. Maybe little orchid thought I could use some creature company. Don't get me wrong, My sister and I are having a marvelous time spending time each day. I think it is the way that Mother Earth reaches out to us through the beings who are most in tuned with her energy.<br /><br />The thing is, Mother Earth is changing. She is being re-configured by cosmic forces. And, she is not the only one. There is astounding new data, not covered by main stream media. that every planet in our solar system is going through a process of global warming! It has nothing to do with the burning of fossil fuels either. There is a fundamental change that is happening to our part of the cosmos, a birthing process. Consciousness is awakening in all of us. Our plant and animal kin are even more aware of it than we are and are preparing us to join in the great awakening our planet is experiencing. This is why, in the end, it is so important to tend to the environment and watch ourselves so we don't add to the difficulty of the change we and out planet must experience. Most of all it is our heart place and the quality of our thoughts and feelings that are so important to be directing and choosing carefully. It will be the difference between a hard or soft landing, I think. There are many out there that want to keep stirring up fear and negativity. However, this is an important <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">transition</span> time that requires many faithful lighthouses and anchors to help keep stability and hope and kindness moving us forward. It starts for all of us by first looking in the mirror and loving who we see, and then taking that feeling into each day and looking out at our world with this same positive recognition. Because, when we arrive where we are going as a transfigured species, we want to be able to recognize the faithful companions waiting for us to realize we have come to our "sweet spot." I'll bet for me, and I'm counting on it, that it will be something like those little purple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Campenula</span> that will be involved. What about you?Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-10944765624607321372008-06-02T16:03:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:48.806-08:00When Angels take their leave......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SEWWCbkGkTI/AAAAAAAAAJg/AC6xngm44NE/s1600-h/toby-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SEWWCbkGkTI/AAAAAAAAAJg/AC6xngm44NE/s320/toby-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207733512626934066" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This seems to be a time for Angels, I guess. A special Angel who has been my companion for the last 5 and a half years took his leave this day about noon. I inherited him, a white with brindle patches, greyhound from my friend, Cindy, who preceded him by 5 years, as she crossed the rainbow bridge. When he first came into our household from the greyhound adoption program he carried a winning racer Name:" Nebraska Chief." He told us he wanted to be called Toby. He carried his name in a gentle way. Everyone who ever met him notice his regal beauty. He had an unusual diamond shaped mark on his third eye, that is called a "monks hood" and it is believed that a dog carrying that mark was touched by the hand of God. All of us who knew him, felt that way too. The many times I took him to the beach he was an ambassador of peace and welcome to all he met. He once pointed out a heart shaped shell fossil and so many times helped me find heart shaped rocks. It was only right that we two walked together looking for hearts. His very fir coat sported a heart shaped brindle patch, so his mission here on earth was to remind us all of the power of love in our lives and to lead lives where matters of the heart were first and foremost. What I liked most about Toby was his quiet presence, he never demanded attention but was content to be near by, keeping me company. One of the great things that he was for me was an exersize coach. Because of him, I walked each day and made time to get out and see the world around me as he did, sniffing the salt sea air and looking for something furry to chase. I loved that he stayed by my side when we walked. I never had to worry if he would run away when he walked or ran on the beach without a leash. When we would take our long walks up the beach he stayed just a pace behind me, "following his leader," like a good dog should. What an easy person he was to be with. During the 3 short years he was a racer he experienced many things that left him scarred and scared. I don't even want to think what it must have been like living in a cage during those years. When we adopted him he became a 45 mile an hour couch potato. I'm not sure if my couch will ever be the same without a greyhound on it. For the next three days, the gate to the yard will be left open in recognition of his newfound freedom. Run free, Dear Friend, you are free to chase any rabbit you like now and eat all the chicken strips you want. Thank you for coming near for a while.<br /></span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-35484951876549226452008-05-31T11:35:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:48.963-08:00When Angels come to call.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SEGnFCp83DI/AAAAAAAAAJY/X_SR_yXhDJ4/s1600-h/prayer+keeper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SEGnFCp83DI/AAAAAAAAAJY/X_SR_yXhDJ4/s320/prayer+keeper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206626349271014450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">They came through the door in a simple way, looking for "Kathryn," they said. Two women who were mentally disabled (by "normal" standards) and their guides, who were there to help shepherd them in a shopping experience, quietly came in a moment of grace. One of them "wore the costume" of Downs syndrome and could hardly be understood when she spoke. The tip off for me right away that these were Angels in disguise was the one with Downs frequently asking a question, (I heard as code for "we are not who we seem"), "where are the Halloween cards?" The two guides were gently trying to help her see that it was not Halloween, yet, but I knew what she was really trying to say.<br /><br />My friend, Cindy, who crossed over 5 years ago has shared with me many times that none of us are really who we seem and that we are all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heroes</span> who have come here in disguise to be of service.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"We come in disguises as if at a costume party. We sometimes have a great laugh at each other when we see what each of us chose as our costume."<br /><br /></span>At some point in the process of wrapping her purchase up she made a point to make sure it would go in a sack. When I brought the sack out and handed it to her she held it open and said: "Trick or Treat" and laughed as I place her purchase in her sack. Then she asked me for my card. When I handed it to her she scrutinized it carefully and said very purposefully: "Oh, you are very famous! We all know you! We'll be coming again sometime." Then winked. Her guides were mildly amused, but I'm sure, missed what was really going on as she wished me a Happy Halloween.<br /><br />I make it a point to see that Sophia's Gifts, the little studio/shop I work in daily, has always been a place of comfort and encouragement for those who come to visit. Today, however, the Angels came to call just to extend the encouragement to me. I am so glad I was paying attention! Somehow, I'll bet they have been out and about in your lives, too....Have you noticed?<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-75761682049033281782008-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:49.185-08:00Laughter is the best medicine! (Sr. Mary Serious, got silly)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SAQfYJhGBdI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JRp85wZhIIE/s1600-h/Banka_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/SAQfYJhGBdI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JRp85wZhIIE/s320/Banka_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189307170369701330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not sure if this is your experience, when you get around one of your siblings, but it seems like being around my kid sister has brought the playful, little kid out in me. She does have a zany side to her and it just gets me going. The other day one of the volunteers gave me this little pig toy. When you press it's hand he starts snorting, swaying and squealing out a little song. It is such a riot, the serious goes out the window and both my sister and I go into a fit of laughter. I don't know when I have laughed so much. I realized I've just been way too serious lately, though, because the laughing is just so much dang fun! We had a pretty good day at the studio as far as sales go, the other day. It has been a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scary</span> to see the sales drop. It's the economy. It has become serious business. But, when "Mr. Bank" arrived and started singing and dancing, serious and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scary</span> flew out the window. Each time we made a sale someone reached over and made "Mr. Bank" dance and squeal. Then, we couldn't help ourselves we all started laughing. If you can find something in your life that is a laugh-maker, I would strongly urge you to bring it closer into your life and use it whenever you find yourself getting too serious. There is nothing that is quite so infectious than laughing out loud. I heard once that to keep yourself healthy and happy you should be hugged at least 10 times daily. I think about 10 really strong belly laughs should also be added to the daily requirement of soul medicine as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Push the arrow and have a chuckle at my first movie.</span><br /><br /><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBlpVl4JFqLgy5-_VZWRnycf8-ZekBI1CG25H2HUneZ3xMtG768aHPgGGYDNlExyfrKTQJhUuSTKiN2Srmrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-64236581170348342852008-04-08T21:53:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:49.396-08:00Sister and sisters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/R_4UifnSUeI/AAAAAAAAAIw/9wert4c3lPM/s1600-h/Blood+sisters"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/R_4UifnSUeI/AAAAAAAAAIw/9wert4c3lPM/s320/Blood+sisters" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187606403611775458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Robbie and I 1966, I was 19, she was 16. We were both much thinner than we are now, but not as wise....</span><br /><br /><br />F<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">or the last 18 or so years I have been sharing my home with women in transition. It use to be that nuns lived together exclusively with other nuns. It was unheard of 40 years ago when I entered the community to live with those who were not vowed religious and usually those from one's own community. Things are quite different today. After spending a number of years working on the streets of Portland with homeless people and later working with many women who came through our </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.sophiacenter.org/">Center</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, I began to be concerned with women, especially those who were in transition. One thing led to another and I have been sharing my home with various women who Spirit has sent that need a safe place to live while they figure out what comes next in their lives. It is always interesting when each woman moves in. I always have to adjust things to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">accommodate</span> their needs. Now, I find my own kid sister has become the newest woman to move in.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We are four years apart in age, and though, in the past, many of our interest have been very different, of late we are discovering more and more things we share in common. So, it will be interesting to see how it goes.<br /><br />One way we still differ is the T.V. It is hard for me to stay interested in much of what is served up on the television these days. I mainly watch it to catch up on the news in the morning or evening while I do my daily workout. If I wasn't in a more remote area, I'd probably skip the T.V. altogether. But, for my sister, there are many reality shows she watches "religiously."<br /><br />The reason I share my home like this is that I value the relational way we humans are put together and extend myself, in the name of my community, to build and nurture the relationship of sisterhood.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We nuns call one another by our names, but it used to be that "Sister" was a way we addressed one another. Others also used that term when addressing us. I think it got kind of unconscious. We don't really think about what that meant any more, and now, among us members of the religious community, we rarely use it to address one another, preferring the given name. Sometimes, it has taken living with women who are not nuns to make me a better nun and sister. I'm not sure I can explain that exactly. I don't mean it like, a better nun becomes more "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">churchy</span>," more than it means, by extending myself and my home to one who is not a nun, makes me have to get to the root of what my and the purpose of religious communities are really for in the first place.<br /><br />We create for ourselves a sanctuary to nurture and enliven our spirituality and energize us for our mission. At its core, our life as humans is sacred. We nuns have internalized and externalized it as a living model of relationship that empowers, liberates, invites <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">continual</span> growth, mutual support and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">accountability</span> for the good of the whole. Our lifestyle expresses relationship as sacred in a way that is inclusive and focuses on community as the expression of one of the sacred models humankind needs for it journey to wholeness. The whole universe from the micro to the macro dances as a Oneness in relationship to The Sacred dimension. I think our life in community is less, in the end, about the Catholic part and much more about being a person committed to living out the deeper sacred values <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">inherent</span> in life in this awesome Universe. How will we two sisters in blood get along as sisters in spirit too? More will be revealed.</span><a href="http://www.sophiacenter.org/"><br /></a>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-45374111557557783662008-03-27T15:29:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:49.617-08:00Women as Heart of our World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/R-wgWhpKGvI/AAAAAAAAAIo/k1GXzmayFCE/s1600-h/Enter_The_Heart_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/R-wgWhpKGvI/AAAAAAAAAIo/k1GXzmayFCE/s320/Enter_The_Heart_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182552842556807922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Special Thanks to <a href="http://wisdomhousecatalog.com/">Rev. Shiloh Sophia McCloud</a><a href="http://wisdomhousecatalog.com/"> </a>for the use of this beautiful art!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> This year marks the 20th anniversary of <a href="http://www.sophiacenter.org/">Sophia Center</a>. Today it is estimated that 9 out of 10 people are less interested in religion and more into spirituality, seeking out and living towards the deeper meaning in life. What was true twenty years ago was that many, many women were seeking a safe place to explore their lives and its deeper meaning. They wanted to think for themselves and explore how to live lives in more conscious ways. This is even truer today than it was 20 years ago. In the twenty years I have walked with these women and responded to their stories and to mine by creating sacred art that could capture what has heart and meaning in life, the journey of feminine consciousness has become an ever increasing passion of mine. One thing that has always been the real power of our species is the heart of a woman. This is the fire that continues to burn a bright light of hope in our homes and neighborhoods. It is the civilizing energy in our world. It also has amazing magical powers.<br /><br />Two stories illustrate this: At about age 15 months I chanced to swallow a fish bone from a salmon pattie my mother carefully thought she had inspected before I ate a tiny piece of it. It lodged in one of my bronchi, apparently. A Doctor reassured my mother when I was taken to see him that it would be okay and not to worry. But, within a day of this proclamation by "Dr. God" mom knew something was wrong. When no one from the hospital would take her seriously, she called the Red Cross and got some action. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">At last I was admitted in a very grave condition to the ICU. My father, who was on a special assignment with the military in Alaska was brought home in an emergency transport because by this time I was not expected to live through the night. A priest was brought in to give the last rites. My mother kept an anxious vigil for 3 long days. Each day the medical staff was sure I would succumb but my mother just willed me to live and I did! Later, when I was a teenager, I saw this wondrous power myself. We had a little lamb that had been rejected by its mother. A sheep farmer up the road from us came to assess the situation and he advised putting the lamb down because he had never seen them recover from such a sickly state. "It was why its mother rejected it in the first place," was his wisdom on the subject. My mother refuse to believe this and said to the little lamb, "your name is Angel, and you will live, if it's the last thing I do!" Little Angel did live and went on to bring forth twins each spring.<br /><br />I know many of you out there know what I am talking about. Either you are, or you know an amazing woman whose heart was or is strong enough to heal the whole wide world. I believe that at this time it is the collective heart of women who have kept our world from imploding. As the spring continues to unfold for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere and begin to wane in the Southern Hemisphere, let us do what ever we can to join our heart power together as we wind down women's History month. It is a month every year where we remember and celebrate the heart of women through time who have been the gathering place, the fermentation in the dough that gives sustenance to the soul of our world and culture. Praise and celebrate a woman somewhere in your life today! Light a candle on an altar somewhere for the awesome expression of the Sacred Heart that you are as well, for no matter our gender, we all are under the influence of this Heart of which I speak.<br /></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215947813958873200.post-84950934421979208872008-03-18T17:49:00.000-07:002008-12-11T16:48:49.796-08:00Make Ready For The Christ.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/R-BjewGHnWI/AAAAAAAAAIY/-TVG6wik6DE/s1600-h/Christ+Mirror-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N_PHnW_TWtw/R-BjewGHnWI/AAAAAAAAAIY/-TVG6wik6DE/s320/Christ+Mirror-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179248951433862498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >MAKE READY FOR THE CHRIST<br />WHOSE SMILE, LIKE LIGHTNING<br />SETS FREE THE SONG OF EVERLASTING<br />GLORY, THAT NOW SLEEPS IN YOUR<br />PAPER FLESH, LIKE DYNAMITE!</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS</span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="" lang="en-US"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In 1986 a small group of Episcopal women approached me to see if they could commission me to make a Risen Christ image for them to give as a gift to one of the women in their parish who was to be ordained a priest. I was doubtful I should be the one to make this image, I told them, because my notion of the Risen Christ had changed so much that I knew I could not do the same <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stereo</span> typical images we had all grown up with. When they asked me what I would show if I were to do it. I replied:" I have no idea. It would have to be inclusive, cosmic and show a lot of radiance and light. " They all agreed, that they wanted me to do it. They knew it was the right fit. A long about holy week of that year, only a few weeks after the ordination, I knew it was time to "push this baby out." Not even knowing what it would look like, I went into my mental workshop, put a blank screen up in my mind's eye and said:" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span></span>, what do you want people to see when they look at it?" Instantly, I was shown a white disk of clay with a hint of a cruciform and a dancing, jubilant figure broken through, Just a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">silhouette</span> of a hole. I said to the Muses: "But, the figure looks unfinished, what do I do about the figure?" A distinct voice so distinct I had to look around to see if someone were there in my studio with me, said: "Use a mirror!" So, in my mind's eye I put a mirror behind the disk and gasped! the hair stood up on my arms...I said: "You're kidding me...do you realize what people will see when they go to look at the Risen Christ image they will be seeing....." "That's Right, they will being seeing exactly what they should be seeing!" It was as if the heavens opened up and the Angels started applauding: "Well finally, somebody gets this!"<br /><br />For the next 24 hours it was if I were in a trance making this piece. The final part of it came as I was crawling into bed feeling there was something else.... When it came to me, I threw on my clothes and raced to the studio for one last touch.<br /><br />The quote from the illuminated translation: 2 cor. 3:18 "<span style="font-style: italic;">But we, with unveiled faces, reflecting as in a mirror the Glory of the Holy One, are being transformed into God's very Image, from Glory to Glory."<br /><br /></span>It came out very early Easter morning of that year and as I was putting the final touches on it so it could be finished on Easter, I looked up and saw the kiln that it had just come out of, which reminded me of the empty tomb,and my mind played the story of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">anoint</span> the body, now that the sabbath had ended. I followed her in the story to the garden where she sees and has that very important encounter with the Risen Christ. I was so distracted by his response. So cold I thought, to push her back and say: "Do not cling." When I ask him what that was all about, in the quiet of my remembering, fully expecting an answer, I got: "You see, if the woman,(he actually called her 'the woman') and if you cling to the idea that I'm the only one who will ever do this, it will be all for naught! Everyday of my life, my mother, who knew well who I was, held the Mirror of Magnificence to me and said: 'Look, my son, who you are and who you are becoming.' And when I fully understood what she meant, I knew my true mission: To be the mirror holder for you, so that you, too, could someday understand who you are and who you are becoming."<br /><br />This was <span style="font-weight: bold;">The </span>most significant Easter I have ever experienced. This is why I can't get too involved in the old stories and tedious interpretations any more. I am, you are, we together, are the New Story unfolding. We are the Christ becoming moment by moment as we throw off the "little me stories" and really go for the Gold. It does not really matter what your religious belief system is because it is about the new possibilities for the human and for the cosmos. Finally, when even one of us humans "gets" who we really are and who we are becoming, It <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ain't</span> never going to be the same! And that's the gospel truth!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>Kathryn Knollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10283255235968110903noreply@blogger.com9