June 17, 2013
Remington At The Show
When I first bought my horse Remington, I thought I might want to show him. He has the talent, the looks and the disposition for it. But as time went on, I grew more hesitant. As an animal communicator, I have talked with many show horses….some who love it and some who don’t. After much thought, I finally came to terms with the fact that I don’t have the desire to show, so I decided it wasn’t going to be part of our future together.
However, a few weeks ago I began to rethink it….again. I realized I hadn’t consulted Remington about showing. Being such an advocate for listening to animals, I realized it wasn’t fair for me to make a decision about my horse’s life that didn’t involve his input. So this past weekend, we went on a ‘field trip’ adventure…to a local horse show. He, along with four other horses from the barn spent the day there. Although I didn’t enter Remy in any of the classes, he had the chance to ride around all day, take in the sites and watch his friends show in the big arena. He was fascinated with the experience…..I could tell that even though he was a bit unsure at times, he enjoyed all the action and seeing all the new horses that weren’t part of his normal herd. When I showed up at the barn this morning and asked him what he thought of it all, he asked me when we were going to go again! I still haven’t made a final decision about him becoming a show horse….but we will go again so he can continue to get a taste of it. Having new experiences that are outside his daily routine are good for him and will build his self esteem and his awareness.
Because I believe so strongly in honoring the intelligence of all life…especially the wants and needs of the animals who are part of our family…..I will continue to involve Remington in the important decisions that affect his life. By listening to him and working together as partners, not only will his life be more filled with joy and purpose, so will mine.
June 12, 2013
“Cassie”
24 X 30, Acrylic on canvas
I recently finished a commissioned portrait of a beautiful off-the-track Thoroughbred mare who lives where Remington is boarded. She is a complex horse….keeps her feelings and thoughts to herself, doesn’t like to be fussed over, is learning western style riding and is teaching her person (who loves and adores her) many things about horsemanship. There is so much more going on inside this beautiful horse than she lets on. It was an interesting challenge to paint her portrait because of her reluctance to communicate.
Normally when I create one of my “Talking Art” portraits the animal is eager to share their thoughts with me throughout the painting process. As the painting progresses, I become very familiar with not only their energy, but their feelings about their life, their human family, their attitudes about their portrait, their messages for their person…..it’s one of the things I love most about my work. Getting to know each animal as I bring their likeness to life while creating a work of art that will portray their messages is exhilarating and rewarding.
One of the things I learned most while painting Cassie is that not all messages are so obvious. Sometimes it is the hidden messages which are kept secret that are the most precious. I know that Cassie’s portrait will speak deeply to her person….that even though the reason for creating this portrait was hidden to me, it will create a rich and valuable link between these two souls who have a very deep and very personal relationship. It will help them grow even closer, providing spiritual and mystical pathways through which they can share their sincere love and understanding for each other.
June 9, 2013
The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with nature” Joseph Campbell
Remington
This quote reminds me of how animals live…in complete harmony with nature and in synch with the universe at every moment. My life as an animal communicator and animal artist allows me many invaluable moments with animals……to study them, to practice being their student……to be influenced by their other worldly wisdom yet down to earth perspectives.
There are times when I feel completely in touch with animals…kindred spirits in a mysterious world. Other times when I am in awe of them, wondering if I will ever be able to live as freely as they do, taking each moment as it comes.
But most times, I am eternally grateful for their presence in my life……blessed to be able to have such wonderful relationships with them and hopeful that by continuing to love them, listen to them and learn from them that I will be able to enlighten more and more people about their unconditional love for us and their desire to help us find peace and harmony in our lives.
June 5, 2013
Living Her Dream
I recently wrote about an animal communication session I had with a therapy dog named Ginger who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She talked about how important it was for her to be able to do what she felt was her life’s purpose. Helping others, bringing joy and laughter to those who were in need and teaching other dogs how to do the same was the most important thing in the world to her…..that and playing fetch with her ball.
During our entire session, she made several attempts to engage me with her ball, averting her eyes towards the tennis ball that lay on the blanket next to her and her person as we talked. It was clear that for Ginger, playing ball and doing her work were one and the same…both activities brought tremendous joy and fun to all who were involved. I was so touched by her simple, yet profound way of showing that following one’s purpose is all about pure, unadulterated joy.
Ginger died a few days ago……peacefully letting go while her beloved human family surrounded her with love and gratitude. I received this link from her person…a delightful and beautiful memorial to her. Although you may not have met Ginger, this uplifting video will help you see how easy it can be to follow your heart, live your dreams and embrace your life’s purpose.
June 2, 2013
Miss Bella Sending Me Loving Thoughts
Being an animal communicator means being a student of thought….watching, studying and becoming aware of not only the thoughts of animals and the people who love them, but also being acutely present with my own thought patterns. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day, distressing flurry of a thousand thoughts…the constant busy-ness of the brain and the continual on-slot of internal data which can flood our thinking. Becoming the observer of our thoughts helps us step back and remember that we are not our thoughts…we are spiritual beings first and we can fill our minds with images of inner peace, healing and a sense of rightness in our lives.
I once had an Animal Communication session with a beautiful Golden Retriever who said of her beloved human (who was sitting right next to her) “She’s really loud!”. At first I didn’t know how to interpret this….the woman had a quiet voice, a gentle demeanor. I asked if the dog could give me a better understanding of what she meant. She sent me a vivid image of her being unable to communicate with her person because her human mom’s head was so filled with ‘loud’ thought chatter. This loudness drowned out any possibility of being heard.
Just like this wise dog who asked her person to quiet her mind so they could communicate better….when we become aware of our own brain noise and learn to let go of those thoughts which don’t serve us well, we open ourselves up to communicate with the divine wisdom of love and acceptance which is only waiting for us to let it in.
May 30, 2013
Remington and Uno Communicating
“There is a sixth sense, the natural religious sense, the sense of wonder.” D.H. Lawrence
This quote sheds a beautiful light on another way of looking at the intuitive side of life. I often refer to the sixth sense when describing the principles of animal communication…..we can certainly use our other five senses when communing with our animal friends, but it is the sixth sense that provides the pathway to those more subtle, deep exchanges.
Whenever I ask animals about the sixth sense, they respond with curiosity. “What sixth sense? This way of communicating is the way we live….all the time.” For us humans, the sixth sense provides a sense of wonder, a glimpse into other dimensions. For animals, it is a way of being……a trusted, reliable reality.
Animals show us the way towards this other reality. They want to teach us a more expanded view of not only the world we live in, but how to create the kind of world we’d like to live in.
May 26, 2013
Remington Having A Good Role
“I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” Diane Ackerman
I love this quote for it’s simple yet touching message. Sometimes I get so caught up in the must-do’s, the plans and the expectations of my life (and all the stress that goes along with that)…..and then I see one of our feline boys playing in ecstasy with a new toy, or Bella excitedly racing out her doggie door to see what the squirrels out back are barking about, or my horse Remington as he completely relishes his daily role in the turnout.
Then I am reminded that life isn’t about getting somewhere as much as it is about enjoying each experience along the way. It’s about filling up each moment with the depth and width of complete immersion into the Now.
How blessed we are to have our beloved animal friends who show us how easy it is to give into each experience and to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with the joy of life itself.
May 23, 2013
Gail and Remington
As with humans, animals seek healthy relationships. Having those with whom they can form honest, loving partnerships promotes respect, fun and trust for everyone involved. I am blessed to have great partnerships with all my animal friends, but I am twice blessed for having something more with my horse Remington.
Gail and Remington Doing a Side-Pass
One of the most important parts of his life right now is not just our bond, but his training. Having a good relationship with his trainer is vital to his development, his self esteem and his happiness. Fortunately, the added bonus from which we are both blessed is that he absolutely adores his trainer, Gail Willis. She is strict, but fair. Kind, but no nonsense. Incredibly knowledgeable, but humble. Quick to correct, but never holds a grudge. These photos show the connection between Remington and his ‘other mom’, the ease with which they ride evident in the way they move together in grace and harmony.
Gail and Remington, Posting Trot
Not all Remy’s training days are this easy (there are those times when he isn’t paying attention or having a harder than usual time figuring out what Gail is asking of him), but overall, their partnership is one I am so very proud of. To know that Remington has such a good relationship with someone who is so vitally important in his life….fills my heart with joy.
May 20, 2013
The Joy of Service
I recently had an Animal Communication session with a couple whose beautiful Golden Retriever has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She has been a service/therapy dog her entire life and not only brings great joy and love to everyone who knows her, but is absolutely clear about this being her life’s work.
I was struck with her vibrant, joyful demeanor. Even her vets are amazed that she is showing no symptoms of her disease. While talking with her, she shared that one of the reasons she doesn’t feel off is because of her work. She said she receives far more positive energy from the people she helps…than the amount of energy she gives to them. In a matter-of-fact way, she explained that giving is absolutely more powerful than receiving. She insisted that she be able to continue this work and if/when she is not able to, they’ll know it.
Unlike some animals and/or people who are stoic about their pain because they don’t want to worry those they love, this incredible girl was most frank: “Let me be of service, it brings me joy and keeps me filled with life force. Let me teach other dogs how to do this. They will be really happy dogs because of it.”
I left the session overwhelmed with respect and wonder for the intelligence of this wise soul. There was not a speck of pride, guilt, worry or depression in her. She radiated pure love and youthfulness. Her teachings touched me deeply…a reminder that following one’s destiny and finding joy in doing good work is one of the most powerful forces of the universe.
May 17, 2013
Remington
“The horse through all its trials has preserved the sweetness of paradise in its blood.” Johannes Jensen
There is a great mystical quality which horses seem to have. Of all the animals I have lived with, talked to and had the good fortune to know, I have come to see the horse as the Keeper of Mysteries. Throughout millennium, horses have not lost their ability to stay deeply connected to a divine consciousness. Most people who have spent much time around them know this well…and yet are at a loss for words to describe this other worldly quality they possess.
I believe that all animals have the ability to tune into other dimensions, other states of consciousness and that one of the reasons we love being around them so much is because some of that awareness rubs off on us, helping us feel the hope and faith of goodness and the safety net of a supreme natural order.
But I will always be fascinated, captivated with horses and their gentle yet powerful affect on me. When I am with horses, I am raised up; elevated to a level of being which not only fills me with warmth and beauty, but enriches my soul….awakening that part of me which is as ancient and wise as they are.
