This Side of Heaven... where angels love to tread!

These photos were emailed to my boss, who in turn forwarded these to me when I requested him to. It's too cute not to share. I hope you enjoy it. I added the captions myself. Click on the photo to see what tricks these animals have up on their sleeves/paws... Once you get there, click on "slideshow" to enjoy the photos individually.

This week's band is the very well-known and well-liked Canadian band called the "Barenaked Ladies". My youngest, Dominique, had the opportunity to see them live in concert last Tuesday night (Oct. 24th) together with a group of her friends at UMass Amherst. Though it was a school night & we have this unspoken rule at home that we have to keep extra-curricular activities on a school day at a minimum, but we did allow her as long as she would be able to make advance preparations for her classes the next day. Also, another rule or condition that we gave her was that she should go with a group of friends and all should go and leave together. Nobody should be left behind... Nobody leaves unless, everyone is accounted for. One last thing that we ask her to do was to give us a call at home no matter how late it is as soon as they got back to their dorms so we would know that they're all safe in their rooms.

She was able to adhere to these conditions and most importantly had a good time. I would have wanted to see the band myself but, hey! maybe in the near future, it's gonna be my turn. For now, I will have to just listen to their CD's (which, by the way, I don't have at home 'coz Dominique brought it with her to school... waaaah!!!).

Here's a playlist of their music that I included:

• It's All Been Done
• Falling For The First Time
• Pinch Me
• One Week
• If I Had a Million Dollars
• Brian Wilson
• A
• Alcohol
• Shopping
• This Is Where It Ends
  

Who else would get another award for his excellent and valuable service to his department but none other than my very hard-working, loyal and dedicated husband, Domingo. Last Monday, the 16th of October, they had a staff meeting but he had completely forgotten all about it and he missed the part where he was supposed to be given his "reward" as the department's token of appreciation for his valuable service. He was given a $100.00 gift card for any purchase at Barnes & Noble bookstore for which, yours truly is so very thankful because I could buy myself & my daughters (the bookworms in the family) more books to add to our library. Now isn't it just right that the wife should also get a reward? There is a saying that behind every man's success is a loving and nurturing wife and partner. Thanks, hubby for the gift card!!! Congratulations, for getting another award this year.

*Caption says "I want my money NOW!"

These photos were taken at Cider Hill Farm 2 weeks ago when we went apple picking with our family friends, the Boado's. It was a very sunny day but quite chilly at the same time. As you can see, I am all covered from neck to toe while Doms was even wearing shorts. Huh! Astig talaga ng asawa ko!(translates as my husband is not afraid of the cold...)

If there is anything that I love so much about Autumn aside from the foliage changing colours, it is also the abundant flowers and fruits that are in season. Check out the pansies, mums, pumpkins and other flowers(Sorry! I don't know their names).

Jason Mraz is one very talented young singer and prolific songwriter. Eversince his song "The Remedy" came out, I got hook on his music. The kid can really write songs with lyrics as catchy, lyrical, sometimes funny and sometimes philosophical. It's so hard to place his genre (or maybe it's just me?) because his songs can have a jazzy beat to it. But regardless of what it is, his music is worth listening to whether you're a teen or a 'tween. His website offers more insight on the man and another fan site gives you a fan's perspective. If you watch the youtube video of Jason Mraz you will see another side of him and as it turns out his music was highly influenced by jazz artist Tom Scott.

The songs I have included for this week's playlist are:

1. You and I Both
2. The Remedy
3. No Stopping Us
4. Clockwatching
5. Common Pleasure
6. Curbside Prophet
7. No Doubling Back
8. 1,000 Things
9. The Boy's Gone
10. Wordplay
    

I just got permission from the author of Kwentong Tambay's Nicanor David Jr. aka "BatJay" to link to his site. If you understand Filipino humor at its best.... raw, sometimes vulgar and just plain witty at most times ... you will enjoy his day to day musings and observations about anything in general and nothing in particular. The man is not only funny... he is also prolific that his blogs was made into a book "Kwentong Tambay: mga kwento ng isang sira-ulong Overseas Filipino Worker". The introduction was written by Manuel L. Quezon III. Unfortunately, the book is only available in the Philippines for now so better visit BatJay's site to enjoy his humorous writings...

As a preview, here is one article which he wrote about his first year here in the USA.

TOP 10 NA MGA IMPORTANTENG NATUTUNAN KO SA UNANG TAON NAMIN SA AMERICA:

1. marami pala talagang mga kupal na pilipino sa america. ang mga kupal na tinutukoy ko ay yung mga pinoy na nagdala rito ng mga bad habits nila sa pilipinas. mayroon ding mga pilipino na kung umasta ay mas americano pa sa mga americano. kaya pala pag may nakikilala akong mga pilipino rito, feeling ko medyo nakikiramdam sila. siguro tingin nila sa akin eh asshole until proven cool.

2. marami pala talagang mga mababait na pilipino sa america. ang mga mababait na tinutukoy ko ay yung mga pinoy who go out of their way to make you feel welcome. sila yung mga tao who do special things for you not for any special reason except for the fact na talagang mga mababait sila - mga special pinoy tulad nina ceci, ate sienna, gigi-goes-gaga, tito rome, g, jmom, petite at ibalik.

3. marami ring mga kupal na americano sa america. karamihan sa kanila ay ngayon ko pa lang nakikilala. sila yung mga kano na ang unang iniisip sa mga desisyon nila ay ang protektahan ang kanilang mga sariling pwet. marami ako ng nakikilala sa trabaho na ganito - ok lang sa kanila kahit mali ang desisyon basta maprotektahan lang nila ang kanilang mga mini-kingdoms.

4. marami ring mga mababait na americano sa america. karamihan sa kanila ay matagal ko nang kilala. sila yung mga kano na malayo pa lang ay nakangiti na't may nakahanda na agad na yakap at halik. sila yung mga nag-iimbita sa mga bahay nila for dinner and drinks. sila yung mga enchanted sa mga exotic mong kwento tungkol sa pilipinas na tuwang tuwa pag nag e-explain ka kung paano kumain ng balut at kung ano ang ingredients ng dinuguan.

5. madali palang tumaba sa america pag hindi ka nag-ingat sa pagkain mo. mga bwakangina kasing mga restaurant dito, ang lalaki ng mga serving. akala mo isang barangay ang papakainin sa isang typical order na good for one person. mura din ang pagkain relative sa sweldo kaya ang tendency mo bilang isang pinoy ay mag over-eat. pag kumakain ka kasi rito eh naalala mo parati yung sinasabi sa iyo ng magulang mo na kailangan ubusin lahat ng pagkain sa lamesa kasi nung panahon ng hapon, puro kamote lang ang kinakain nila at saka mahiya naman daw kami sa mga malnurished na bata sa africa na namamatay sa gutom.

6. madali palang pumayat sa america pag inalagaan mo ang pagkain mo. ang isang maganda rito eh maraming mga activities tulad ng paglakad, pag bike, pagpunta sa gym na pwede mong gawin in relative safety. maganda rin ang mga medical program ng mga kumpanya kaya libre ang pagpapatingin sa doctor. dito ko nga nalaman na may diabetes ako. tinakot akong sobra ng doctor ko na pag hindi raw ako nagbago ng lifestyle eh maraming complications na pwedeng mangyayari sa akin. kaya eto - i've lost over 40 pounds and am at the healthiest that i've ever been in my entire life. healthy food na ang kinakain ko na puro fruits at gulay. medyo nami-miss ko nga lang kumain ng kang-kong dahil wala nun dito.

7. maraming bobo na mga amerikano sa current events at geography dahil ang local news dito ay tungkol sa sports, traffic at weather lamang. minsan pati nga yung mga news channel ay nagiging bobo na rin - yesterday, nagreport ang FOX NEWS na puputok na raw ang mayon volcano sa indonesia. indonesia? WTF?

8. maraming magagaling na investigative journalist sa america. masarap panoorin ang mga documentary ng 60 minutes dahil kitang kita mo ang lalim ng preparasyon sa bawat segment. maganda rin ang mga nilalabas na mga article sa los angeles times, newsweek at time magazine. pero paminsan-minsan ay namimiss kong magbasa ng mga espesyal pinoy balita tungkol sa mga babaing nagsilang ng dalag.

9. kung gusto mo pala, madali lang kalimutan ang pilipinas. ang kailangan mo lang gawin ay magbasa ng mga balita tungkol sa takbo ng gobyerno at isipin kung ano ang magiging quality ng buhay mo kung nasa pilipinas ka. magsisimula kang magtanong: ilang oras ba magmaneho papunta sa opisina? makakalakad ka ba na hindi titingin kung may sumusunod sa iyo? pag nagsumbong ka sa pulis, tutulong ba sila? pag nagsipag ka ba sa trabaho eh mapapakain mo ba ang pamilya mo at makakabili ka ng bahay at lupa? pag nagsimula kang mag-isip ng ganito eh pag tagal, ayaw mo nang umuwi dahil mabubwisit ka lang.

10. kahit ano pala ang gawin mo, hindi mo makakalimutan ang pilipinas. naroon kasing naiwan ang mga mahal mo sa buhay at parati mo silang iniisip. gusto mong makita ang magulang mo't maakap sila at makakwentuhan tungkol sa galing sa boksing ni manny paquiao. gusto mong maka-inuman ang barkada mo't matikman ang masasarap na pulutang parati nilang hinahanda pag dumarating ka - sisig, kapalmuks, inihaw na pusit, tokwa't baboy at pwet ng manok. gusto mong matulog sa sarili mong bahay ng walang iniisip dahil may kasama ka roon na nakabantay sa iyo't gagawa ng lahat ng paglilinis, paglalaba at pagluto.


Only a "true" Pinoy would be able to see the humour in any situation no matter how bad or mundane it is.

*Waves of Change (made October 2001) was carved from six blocks of basswood plywood and printed on Yamaguchi Hosho.

Riding the Waves of Change
By Jelaila Starr
written October 8, 2006

As you may already know, there is a great change occurring on the planet right now. Humanity is moving up to a 5th dimensional level of consciousness. During this time of shifting energies, the challenges to align with them are great. It is my hope that this article will help you to understand more about what’s going on. I’ll begin with a little background information.

What’s going on? The story of the grids

As I understand it, ascension occurs in steps. We step up our consciousness one dimension at a time. Though the conscious has been rising for some time, it is through creating new grids that we take even greater steps. A grid is an electromagnetic field around a planet that holds consciousness. As such it is the foundation for a new dimension. It takes 144,000 people making the same choice at the same moment and that choice is of a higher, more integrated frequency. These two elements together create a new grid. In 1987 at an event known as Harmonic Convergence enough people came together that this occurred. At that time a new 4D grid was formed.

As with each new consciousness this one has specific characteristics which would in time influence the consciousness of humanity. The 4D consciousness typified what we all experience when we begin the Spiritual Path. It included an increased interest in angels and archangels. They became more than just servants of God, they were now involved in our lives as guides and mentors. People such as Doreen Virtue became the messengers for the angels explaining how to work with them at this new level. Gurus and meditation became the rage with many people flocking to ashrams. There was an expanded interested in astrology, tarot, reincarnation and candles. But, the new kids on the block were the Ascended Masters. During the next 9 years, humanity changed to embrace this new consciousness. How many candles, angel statues and card decks did you see for sale in 1987 as compared to 1996?

In 1996, another new grid was formed, this time of a 5D nature. The event that brought it about was the release of Windows 95. Unlike the previous grid, there was no event at which this grid was created. Instead it was a moment of critical mass when at least 144, 000 people decided to obtain a copy of Microsoft’s Windows 95. This operating system made it easy to communicate globally and share information. This launched the Internet and the Information Age. The Information Age is the Age of Light because information is synonymous with Light. The Internet gave humanity the ability to make all information known, i.e. make all things come to light. Once that grid was in place we were now able to make informed choices. At this level, we would determine our future and our fate based on how we handled that information, especially the parts that we considered dark. If we could not integrate that information using the beliefs we had acquired, we were doomed to repeat what we had done before; go to war and destroy ourselves, hence the ancient apocalyptic prophecies. The ascension would hinge on whether we could find a way to overcome this hurdle.

The consciousness of this grid is galactic in nature and it is a good thing that it is because is it gave us access to other stellar races such as the Lyrans, the Arcturians, Andromedans, Sirians, and the Nibiruans. In 2000 a wave of people known as the First Wave began fulfilling their contract to establish a network of linked websites created to disseminate the higher spiritual information of these races. It was brought through by channels who were in some cases also teachers. In addition there were sites that acted as clearing houses for all these teaching. Collectively they became known as the Cites of Light. They were the first step in bringing the idea of a galactic community to Earth.

Along with the higher beliefs these stellar races had a greater understanding of where we were going. Through them we learned of ascension in a whole new way. Ascension was no longer understood to be a quickening in which only those chosen by God would ascend to live with him in Heaven. It was a step by step process in which we must integrate the Light and Dark within and without in order to become a compassionate race. In time we would take our place within the galactic community but not as just another member. We would be the seed race for a new species that would populate the galaxy and bring peace. Our divine destiny was not to sit on a cloud and strum a harp all day, but to join our stellar neighbors and bring about peace.

Included with the focus on ascension was that of changing our DNA from carbon to crystalline. Many of the races contacting us provided techniques and tools for this purpose. In addition they opened the door for us to discover quantum physics with its string theory and multiple realities, all necessary to understanding the structure of our new stellar surroundings.

In 2001 another grid was created. This time it was not just a one dimensional increase but a 4 dimensional step up to 9D. A quantum leap in consciousness! The event through which it was created was 9/11. The spiritual hallmark of this new grid is compassion; the galactic hallmark is multiple selves. It is the consciousness of creator gods and goddesses rather than 3D humans. Quantum physics in integral to understanding the beliefs and using the techniques and tools of this level. In addition is the understanding of why we are here and why souls exist. At this level we understand that God has created a structure through which we, as souls and aspects of him/her, will evolve. This structure involves a divinely inspired universal game because we learn most effectively through games. This game is known as the Polarity Integration Game. It involves learning to integrate the Light and Dark in all their manifestations.

At this level we see that Light and Dark are simply the two sides of the game and as such have integral value as critical components of the game. Through integration (accepting and valuing both equally) we achieve oneness without having to give up our freedom and individuality. This requires that everyone live by agreements and the agreements are sustained by the communities’ integrity and honesty. That means that everyone must have it. This brings me to what is going on now.

Moving into 5D

A quick observation of the number of TV shows and movies that are being produced about multiple realities, time travel and interaction with ETs will attest to the fact that we are moving into the 5D consciousness. We are starting to become aware of our galactic roots and “come home” to the galactic community. In preparation for this we begin forming galactic level communities here on Earth. The blueprint, as Bryan De Flores explains, is already created. Unlike previous 5D societies which failed due to too much polarity, these new communities will be based on the Golden Cities blueprint. This blueprint is already manifested in other realms. It calls for a higher level of integration. We can create that blueprint here on Earth thanks to the influence of the 9D Grid and its emphasis on compassion and integrity.

As the new communities grow and the consciousness of them spreads, before long enough of humanity accepts the idea of there being stellar neighbors. One day we will hit critical mass on this idea and when that happens, we will see the ships and other star craft. As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “You’ll see it when you believe it.”

The Great Emotional Detox

In preparation for these communities we are going through a massive detox. This detox is somewhat different than what we experienced moving into 4D. Though many types of old wounds are coming up to be cleared the majority involve issues of integrity--broken promises, unfulfilled expectations, broken trust and dishonesty. But that is not all; at the same time we are clearing out the old, we are being presented with lessons in the guise of new conflicts involving integrity. This, I believe, is due to the influence of the 9D Grid. We cannot form galactic level communities that will hold together unless there is a strong commitment to integrity. Those of the Third Wave in particular will find integrity lessons to be the greater portion of their emotional clearing right now since many of them will be the keepers of the vortexes around which the Golden Cities will be formed.

Tips for Integrity Lessons and Emotional Clearing

* When clearing an old issue, or even a new one, where someone has broken an agreement and let you down, ask yourself where you might have stepped out of integrity. When others have broken promises to us or let us down in some way, it is because we have taught them to treat us that way. Where do we let ourselves down? Where have we stepped out of integrity around honoring ourselves by not having good boundaries and agreements in place in our relationships? Galactic level relationships, like galactic level communities run on agreements.

* Agreements are like promises. Don’t make them unless you are certain you can keep them. If you want to make an agreement and feel you can keep it except under a certain condition, make the agreement with that condition included. Obtain the other person’s acceptance of that condition being part of the new agreement. Example. “I’ll be there at 8pm unless traffic is bad. Is that agreeable to you?”

* In regards to emotional clearing in general, be supportive of each other’s process. There are a lot of old emotions being triggered in all of us and the first reaction to them when they surface is usually anger. Because our society has not taught us to handle anger properly, we are confused and our efforts to clear are undermined. Anger can be a tremendous tool for ascension once we know how to use it. (See the article series Handling Anger the Multidimensional Way.)

* Apologies are a key to emotional release, but just as with anger we have not been taught to make them effectively. Allowing others to express their pain without defending yourself or making it about you will enable them to be able to hear your side. Apologizing while speaking to the pain is very healing. (See the 3rd article in the Handling Anger series for more on apologies.)

As Karen Bishop, author of the What’s up on Planet Earth energy alerts explains so eloquently, the new 5D energies are creating challenges for all us as we struggle to clear and align. If we understand what is really going on, do our clearing work and stick together, we will ride the waves with grace.

In Service,
Jelaila Starr

*About the author:
Jelaila Starr is a gifted channel, speaker, counselor, and teacher. She is the author of We are the Nibiruans, Books One and Two, and Bridge of Reunion. Jelaila provides spiritually-inspired, higher dimensional tools that will enable us to reawaken and return to our natural state as multidimensional beings. Jelaila’s counseling sessions are available by phone or in person. Email: jelaila@nibiruancouncil.com
Website: www.NibiruanCouncil.com

Additional Resources:

What’s Up on Planet Earth
Karen’s perspective is very helpful in understanding the energies right now. Please, donate to her work. Whatever you give in these new energies will come back exponentially.

Golden Cities information and powerful galactic ascension accelerators – Bryan De Flores

The First Wave
The Third Wave
The Ascension Update - Oct, 2006

Integrity and Agreements – The Agreements Key, the 7th Multidimensional Key of Compassion

Handling Anger the Multidimensional Way series

Wayne Dyer’s site

While searching for images that I could use for my previous blog A Return to Love, I happen to stumble upon this website called "Peaceful Rivers". I wanted to use the particular page on Marianne Williamson's excerpt because it was so beautiful but I decided against it until I get permission from the website owner. Brita (owner), returned my email and was very generous in allowing me to link to her site. Please visit her website for she has compiled some of the works of highly self-aware and deeply spiritual individuals. Peaceful Rivers is a nice place for contemplation and meditation for when the soul needs a break from this turbulent and chaotic times.

Also, do not forget to visit the Medicine Cards section for here you can choose a card and let the message from the animals give you insights and guidance that is much-needed by our weary souls.

*Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Credit: Muench Photography

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

As a subscriber of David Kendall's newsletter called Magical Mind Online, one of the very interesting things that he quoted based on a movie that he saw was the above-mentioned quotation culled from Marianne Williamson's book called A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles on A Course to Miracles. This is one book that I meant to read but it seems that I am always diverted to other books instead. Maybe, next time I will consciously seek this book out in the library or in the bookstore. I always believe that we are drawn to things in our lives at certain times because that would be the right time. We attract that which is meant to be at a particular moment in time and I, myself have proven this time and time again.

I guess that this is just one of the ways the Universe is trying to send me a message.

I don't think I need to say anything else about this new law. It is self-explanatory. Please drive safely!!!

*Thanks to my friend Patty Glidden!