Names

08 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment

by Jana in Basketry, Beadwork, Knitting, Spirits Tags: , , , , ,

When the Kaw Indians were removed from their lands in the 1800′s, many were removed to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma.  Great Grandma Elizabeth was part of that generation, but never left our family farm on the Kansas River.

In those days, names were based on need, and where you were in life.  The family oral history has been lost on what her Kaw name was, but she was Elizabeth on the Farm.

Changing your name for your time in life isn’t a bad idea, in my mind.  It helps focus you and others on who you are and where you are.  Thus the professional naming of Copper Raven.

The Raven is a master shape shifter.  Over my 60+ years I’ve been (in no special order) a pawn, a politician, a case work, grant writer, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, step-parent, business owner, artist and wife.  I can relate to the magic of the Raven and their spirits.  They mate for life, eat whatever shows up, and love to taunt Eagles.  Sounds like me.

Copper?  Copper is a metal that radiates healing properties.  And I’m at a point in my life where I truly enjoy helping heal others.  I certainly have been blessed with others healing me over the years.  Including my wonderful husband of 12+ years.

And the beadwork, basketry and knitting I’m doing is certainly healing.  I’ve maintained having classes over the years.  And what I learn from students is much more than I feel I give to them.  Listening to their stories is a blessing and reminds me that we’re all on this earth together.

So, if you could change your name – what would it be and why?

Until next week, seek shiny beads woven with strong fibers and wrapped in knitted fiber.    Jana

You Can Create An Exceptional Life – by Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson

25 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment

by Jana in Book Reviews, Spirits Tags: , ,

Grab hold of this wonderful little book and prepare to spend time with two delightful people as they share their hearts and souls with each other and us.  The  give and take between two professionals demonstrates how we can help others and ourselves move toward emotional and spiritual well-being through the use of affirmations.  Ultimately, they are teaching us ways to improve our relationship with ourselves.  For learning to love and appreciate ourselves opens the door to others – including those we think we dislike.

It was so nice to read about other folks that talk to themselves, their cars and the mirror.  Louise Hay shares many of her affirmations she uses in her life in order to show Cheryl how to get a hold on her life.  She is the perfect example of how affirmations change the tones you hear and speak by speaking positively of herself and her world.  As she stated, “if people get a hold of their day, they get a hold of their life”.  Wonderfully said.  And the unique way Cheryl tells their story gives the examples root to grow in your own garden of life.

This should be in your home and/or office library – available to remind you of how much you love yourself.  Read the book, practice self-care, and learn the joy of loving yourself.

 Full Disclosure -  As a volunteer reviewer for Hay House, I was provided a copy at not cost, but my reviews are not for sale.  You can trust that what I wrote is how I feel about the book.

 

 

 

Beyond Rain of Gold Review

14 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment

by Jana in Prose, Spirits Tags: ,

Beyond Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor
The story of a writer who grew up in an elitiest environment until his 20′s when his family fortune was lost.  His trials included poverty, loss of his father, and the inability to get anyone to publish his book “Rain of Gold”.  Yet his connection with the spirit world turned his journey into one of adventure, assessment, and learning to “trust his ‘heart eyes’ more than his ‘head eyes’”.
Reading this book is exactly like standing next to two members of the Mexican American community.  It is full of emotion, fast conversation and energy.  It is also one of the best written about the Mexican American Culture and Customs that provides true insight to them as people.  Yet, it is also an avenue through streets of history, behavior and attitudes towards “gringos”, that are not usually shared outside their community.  The result – a refreshing look at Latinos and their spiritual beliefs as well.
Victor Villasenor’s  account of his life is sprinkled with stories of the strong women that raised him, married him, and cared about him while he spread his beliefs in the power of women and their leadership rights for the next 26,000 years beginning December 21, 2012.
By sharing his journey, Victor gives back his faith in God, as he learns to have faith in himself – something we all struggle with somewhere on our own journey.  I read this book one chapter every other night so I could absorb all that it contains.  Don’t be surprised if you don’t have your own “dream vision” while enjoying this most unique work.
Full disclosure – I’m a volunteer reviewer for Hay House who has provided me this book at no expense and no compensation.

Let’s Focus on What’s Right With The World!

24 Feb 2011 Leave a Comment

by weedweaver in Spirits Tags:

Start and end each day with a small prayer of thanks.  Directed to the aspect of our needs at the time

  • Mother Earth
  • Father Sky
  • Grandmother Moon
  • Grandfather Sun

And sometimes to the Holy Spirit and the spirits of those passed on. 

Copper Raven is the sum of all those parts – and the spirit of 13.  She is the culmination of life experiences and being call on by one of the 7 directions, to do many things for many people.  And she is asked to learn to respect others and their choices for themselves – and to learn of their spirits from their choices.

You are welcome to walk with her here.