The Gift

Imagine my surprise when I received this beautiful gift from my friend in Australia.  If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know it’s artist Lindy Longhurst.  Well known for her Mandala art, it’s my understanding a few weeks ago Lindy decided to give back and give away (instead of selling) some of her paintings to make room for some of her new work.

I was, and still am, in awe of Lindy’s generosity.  I had no idea the gift was coming and couldn’t be happier to be one of the recipients. Included in the package was a book called, “A Little Bird Told Me.”  Lindy created the book’s illustrations and they are stunning!  Thank you Lindy for sharing your gifts and talents.

Visit Lindy’s website  http://www.serpentmandalas.com and remember to check out her blog because it’s full of amazing detail featuring her current work.

P.S.  Look closely at the banner on my website…do you recognize the artist?

Giving Back

It was absolutely wonderful to MC Sunday’s Acclaim Health, 7th annual Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza!!!  The event is put on to raise awareness and money for their vital Senior’s programs. The services include Friendly visiting, where I initially started volunteering 10 years ago, Special Steps, Tele-Touch, Hospice/Bereavement and Alzheimer Services. Standing at the podium and looking out into the audience was a moment to behold. I was really taken by the energy of the room.

The commitment and dedication of everyone involved on this day and all those who came out to support the worthy cause, made it worth while.  It just goes to show we really can make a different in the world, especially when we come together. Taking care of our Senior’s, doing our part to make sure we can support thousands of individuals every year faced with life threatening illness or isolation in our community, is a sure step in the right direction.  The Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza definitely makes a difference in the lives of so many! Why not consider making a donation next year?  Get involved, be part of your community.

A New Year and New Beginnings

New year 2012So much to do…and as we settle into 2012 these are just a few projects keeping me engaged and all of us connected.

 

My biggest challenge at the moment is working through the Creative Harp Program in anticipation of starting classes this September.  In March however, I will be paired up with a mentor which is really exciting news!!!

 

In February, I have agreed to present the 7th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza for Acclaim Health, at Rattle Snake Point. Now that’s going to be fun.

 

And in March I will present another colourful seminar, 7 Keys to a Happier, Healthier, Wealthier, You ~  at The Halton’s Women’s Centre.

 

  • Update, Life Coaching Through Colour program, available online soon.
  • Colortime® Image Consultations, by appointment starting March 1st.

 

New beginnings and hope for new possibilities  The sky’s the limit!

 

 

 

 

Gwendolyn Comes Home For Christmas

IMG 1470On Tuesday, I headed downtown to the One Of A Kind Christmas Show in Toronto, and I’m so glad I did. There was so much to see, lots of tastings (the ‘mini’ Cheese Cake Lady had the best treats) and the unique display of goodies, rows upon rows, a definite feast for the eyes.

For me, being able to meet with Tat, owner of Stanley and Stanley harps was educational and fun. It’s been a long time coming to find a second harp, one I could call my working harp and small enough to take with me, visiting clients interested in therapeutic harp music.

Tat was amazing!!!  He let me play any and all the harps available at the show. However, I clearly had my heart set on either the 22 string Gwendolyn or the Florence 26 string harp, their popular Canadian made (yeah!!!) Therapy harp.

Regrettably, the Florence therapy harp was gone, sold to a customer earlier in the week. All was not lost, I did play the model up from the Florence called Anne, but it really wasn’t what I was looking for.

Instead, I sat on the chair off to the side and played around with the Gwendolyn for some time before deciding to make the purchase.  Got a great deal (harp and case) but more importantly, after coming home and spending time tuning and playing the harp, it just felt right.  I really love the sound of this bright, well balanced (tone/sound) small harp.

It’s true what they say, good things really do come in small packages.

 

Celebrating 10 Years Of Volunteer Work

What an exciting and exceptionally beautiful day to be with friends, celebrating 10 years of volunteer work at the Annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon in Oakville.

Lunch was delightful and there was so much chitter chatter between friends, meeting new people and mingling with Acclaim Health staff members including a few of the Board of Directors who came out for the celebrations.

It’s hard to believe I’ve been Volunteering for 10 years.  And as one gentleman politely asked “Did you start when you were a child?” I’ll take that as compliment, wink!

Dee Kearns, Hospice/Bereavement Co-ordinator (Burlington) presented me with the pin I was so pleased to receive, as you can see from the picture.

Have you considered volunteering?  Acclaim Health is the perfect organization for anyone interested in sharing and spending time with the many clients who wait for your friendship. There are numerous programs be get involved with from Hospice to Special Steps, Friendly Visiting and so much more.  What are you waiting for, get involved and give them a call today 905 827-8800.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heart House Hospice

Every now and then a terrific opportunity comes across my desk to present on my favourite subject matter, Life Coaching Through Colour ~ 7 Keys to Happier, Healthier You!  This year, I was invited by Heart House Hospice to participate at their “Healing Day” event offered to volunteers (twice a year) and it was a great success!  Well, it must have been a success because they invited me back again next year!

All the speakers were on top form and there was so much to learn.  I only wish I had the time to stay for the entire Native Indian Sharing Circle.  Next time.

Thanks to everyone who followed up with me after the presentation.

Until next time

 

 

 

 

Get Your Beauty Sleep…on a Colourful Satin Pillowcase!

Have you tried sleeping on a satin pillowcase? What colour would you choose?  My recent purchase, a beautiful magenta pillowcase, is all it took to become hooked on this simple pleasure.  The spontaneous colour choice was possibly a reflection of wanting a little peace and harmony even when I’m sleeping.

The benefits of sleeping on a satin pillowcase range from maintaining beautiful hair and skin to reducing sleep lines, preventing skin from aging, reduced frizzy hair, split ends and tangles. The American Cancer Society recommends satin pillowcases for people who have recently gone through cancer treatments or who are currently going through them.  But wait there’s more!  Top beauty experts from hairstylists to cosmetic surgeons recommend sleeping on a satin pillowcase.  Today, satin pillowcases are an affordable luxury for people who want to maintain their beautiful hair, skin and get a good nights rest.

If it’s good enough to be a models best kept secret, it’s definitely good enough for me.  I love my new satin pillowcase.

 

The Healing Qualities of Energy in Vibration

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Did you know sound can be used as a tool to help change your moods and feelings? Sound therapy works on the principal that everything in the universe, like wavelengths of colour, is energy in vibration.

A quick update regarding the Creative Harp therapy program I’ve been working on to date. Still working through Christina’s prep material before enrolling in the program next Fall. Definitely looking forward to studying the ESM unit once they announce locations for 2012.

Based on the science of sound, Therapeutic Music can be played for everyone from birth to end of life because it creates an environment conducive to healing.  And it is my wish to be doing just that once I’ve completed my studies.  As a prep student of the International Harp Therapy program my focus will be servicing those in palliative care, retirement homes, hospice and private facilities.  Stay tuned.

 

 

A Personal Story with Jenny Saldana, “Hooray for Boobies”

I invite you to listen in on this special show, a personal story about Breast Cancer, with featured guest Jenny Saldana, actor, writer, producer and inspirational speaker. Jenny’s story will be of particular interest to any woman facing breast cancer, you, your sister, mother, sister in-law, any friend or family member fighting to survive their battle with this disease. Jenny has a unique take on her own breast cancer experience, more importantly, it’s her outlook when faced with the cancer challenges that caught my attention. As everyone has their own mountain to climb, today Jenny shares her story with you. 

Save The Boobies, A Personal S by Francesca Durham Listen on Posterous

10 Rules For Brilliant Women, Interview with Tara Mohr

Coach Tara Sophia Mohr, creator of the 10 Rules For Brilliant Women article and founder of

www.TaraMohr.com Wise Living is my guest today and we are going to learn more about her article, 10 Rules For Brilliant Women, her business practice and expertise in the field of Coaching.A quick bio on Tara’s background, with a love for poetry and interest in human psychology, Tara is a “regular blogger for the living section of the Huffington Post. Her writing on personal growth has also been published in Forbes, USA Today, Ode Magazine, and the International Business Times.

She has been a contributor to many of the most popular personal growth blogs and online publications including GoodLife Zen, Soulful Living, The Change Blog, World’s Strongest Librarian, and others.

Tara is also featured in the BBC World Service Radio program, Born A Girl.

She is the co-creator and co-editor of two anthologies of women’s writings, The Women’s Passover Companion and The Women’s Seder Sourcebook, published by Jewish Lights in 2003. She is currently writing a third book, about claiming an authentic life.”

Tara is most definitely committed to cultivating and sharing her passion for Coaching while creating an authentic life for herself and her clients.

Click and listen to this inspiring interview and allow yourself to think positively towards a more fulfilled life.
10 Rules For Brilliant Women, by Francesca Durham
Download now or listen on posterous

10-rules-for-brilliant-women-with-tara-mohr.mp3 (8796 KB)