This is an absolute must-watch. Set aside 18 minutes and prepare to be floored. Consensus among TED’sters is that this may be the most memorable and important TED Talk ever. It was certainly the most talked-about presentation among those at TED2008. Enjoy and share with others. And let Jill’s experience inspire, motivate, and change the way you look at life.

Eckhart - Can I be the Space for This?

A New Earth...are you reading it? It's awesome!

Hi Mom & John...

I wonder if my folks will ever learn how to visit my blog page... Maybe this will give them some incentive!

I just love Tascha--and she found some great Etsy deals!

Sugar Cookie Recipe

I don't want to lose this--it's from my roommate from college, Michelle. Sounds good to me! She's so creative.

No need to refrigerate Sugar Cookie Dough

2 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. butter flavored shortening (tasted good without butter flavored)
1 c. milk
1 tsp vanilla
4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
7 c. flour (I usually add around six so it's not to stiff)

Mix shortening and sugar together well. Add eggs and vanilla; mix. Mix dry ingredients all together so soda and baking powder are mixed well into the flour, then add half the milk and four mixed. Beat well. Add rest of milk and mix well, then add rest of flour. If dough is a bit soft, add a bit more flour or you can chill to make it easier to roll out -but it is not necessary. Roll out and cut the cookie shapes and put on non greased cookie sheet to bake. You do not need to chill dough before using unless it is really soft and you want to make it easier to handle. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes (my oven was around 8 minutes). Makes around 5 dozen cookies.

Manifesting Story...

First of all, I just have to say that when I scroll down a few posts and see that curly hair waving like the water--it just cracks me up. I guess it's because, if the truth be known, my hair is actually that curly (and I'm so glad they invented the Chi Iron to let me change it from time to time). So I don't know if it just reminds me that curly can be amazing, or if I'm simply easily amused. But hey, all the more joy to you, right? What simple things make you laugh?

Anyway, about my story, it's actually from 7 years ago now, but I was going through my book, Everyday Manifesting, and read it again. It's an amazing story.

Baby Monitor

Ah yes, the baby monitor. This actually happened about 5 years
ago—it was one of those profound experiences that stays in
your memory ever after. About 5 years ago, I was out of
money—I didn't even have a credit card. I had under 5 dollars
in my cash assets, and I had a problem that couldn’t wait until
our next paycheck. We had just moved in to a new home and I
was spending my days putting in a yard and creating a space
for a garden. I had a young baby at the time. When he napped,
I would work in the yard. Time after time, I wouldn't hear him
wake up, and I’d find him upset and crying. I needed a baby
monitor. That would solve our dilemma—I could listen for him
from the monitor while I finished up the yard.

Well, with $5 in my pocket, I headed to Wal-mart knowing full
well monitors cost a lot more than that. I was sad and didn't
know what to do, but still I went to the store and looked around.
I found the monitors—and they were around $30. Then there
were some for $20, but that seemed to be the low end. Well, it
was crazy anyway, wasn't it? To think I could find a monitor so
cheap?

Then I found a clearance area, and one baby monitor—marked
for $2.00! I could actually afford two dollars. But, this had to be
a mistake. I took it over to the price scanner—beep—$2.00, it
said. No way! I really needed the monitor, but I didn't want to be
mistaken about the price. I found a sales clerk, and she
checked the price—yes, it really was only $2.00.

I took it to the check out area, wiping back the tears that began
to trickle down my face. Who cries about a baby monitor,
honestly! But to me, it was much more than a "good deal." How
in the world did there happen to be precisely one baby monitor
at a price I could afford—and at a ridiculous price at that? How
did the powers that be know that I would go to that store, on
that day, and find the monitor? I'm still collecting information on
how that works exactly, but I do know this: I was cared about.
My needs were known and my requests were heard. It felt like a
great big hug from the universe.


~Apryl (who is very glad those scarce times have ended--but what an amazing experience. This was one of those first times I knew something far stronger than coincidence was at play here).
__________________

Time for me...

These few moments I take to write in the blog are time for me. Sometimes I wax profound, and often, I just put things here--the place I won't lose them! Each day we go through life, and more often than not, things touch us, inspire us, speak to us. When I blog, I have a place to put that--those memories, those moments. Some place that shares me--with me. And whoever else chances by.

I love that people create, that we love, that we share. I love those moments when life really does feel all the beautiful it really is--those moments that are too often shadowed by fear or doubt, that some how break through and shine within us.

Have you noticed you can't stay in those moments very long, without them evolving into a profound sense of gratitude--which makes them all the better. Gratitude starts the creation process all over again, and connects us with the heavens.

I love it when I'm grateful. It's like I'm finally understanding something that I so often overlook or dismiss. It's like the Universe is sending a huge sense of love towards us, and we lift our heads above the fog long enough to realize it's there.

Yet, it's always there.

Hidden Talents....

This is my friend Marie--and I didn't even know she owned a guitar! But I was browsing her blog today and came across her guitar-related post. Not only does she play, but she sings, and used to write songs as well! She posted the lyrics to one of her song, and I thought of course I'd like it--she's my friend--but I also hoped I'd really like it--because she is my friend!

Wow! I was in awe of the simplicity of her message--and its inherent beauty. Of course I'd like it--I was amazed how it struck me, friend or no. I felt like I caught another glimpse of Marie--just the pure, joyous self that is simply a part of her--no effort involved--it just is.

What wonders lie within us? Thanks for sharing, Marie.

New Temple in New Delhi, India

I have a friend who did this write up--what an amazing place of beauty! Follow the write up link for some breath-taking pictures!

Ode to Curly Hair...

I got an email today about this musician, Sadehu, from Israel. I think I finally found a guy with curlier hair than me. For some reason the waves just cracked me up--but in a good way. He's got nice music, too.

Being in the "No"

I like this video. I just order one of Eckhart Tolle's books on Aubible--haven't listened to it yet, and hadn't heard of him yet, but it was one of the books I was drawn to. Then I got this video in my email today, and I can see why. I've been more aware of some "No!'s" in my life lately--so it's timely for me. Hope you enjoy it as well!