Mohonk Mountain House
The founder of Mohonk Mountain House, Albert Smiley, purchased a ten-room inn in 1869 on Lake Mohonk, New York.
©Loriginals LLC 2022
The founder of Mohonk Mountain House, Albert Smiley, purchased a ten-room inn in 1869 on Lake Mohonk, New York.
©Loriginals LLC 2022
Walt Disney
Walt Disney
The 33rd Annual Spiedie Festival & Balloon Rally held at Otsiningo Park, Binghamton, NY was held on August 4 – 6, 2017. With countless vendors, amusement park rides, face painting, music, volleyball, 5K run and balloon rides just to name a few of the festivities, this event has grown tremendously throughout the years. For those of you who are not familiar with the word ‘spiedie,’ it is cubed chicken, pork, lamb, veal, venison or beef marinated in a spiedie sauce then placed on metal skewers over a charcoal pit. Once cooked, they are eaten on a fresh piece of Italian bread. Developed by Camillo Iacovelli, Agostino Iacovelli and Peter Sharak from the Southern Tier of New York State from 1939 on, their popularity has expanded nation-wide. Today there are countless deviations to the original recipe at the annual spiedie cook-off held at the festival every year. There are several spiedie marinate companies available for purchasing spiedie marinade sauce online. For those of you who do eat meat (I am a vegetarian), here are a few local distributors. Enjoy!
Psalm 55:22
Galatians 5:22
James 1:5 – 6
1 Corinthians 2:10
John Powell, S.J.
Lin Yutang
G.T. Smith
L.F.B.
© 2017 Spiedie Festival and Balloon Rally Expo, Inc.
©Loriginal Designs
With all this snow outside, I thought I would share my first Christmas photo shoot with you! Thank goodness the sun was outside because the snow is very cold! Unlike my older brother, Chert, I DO NOT love sitting in the snow! He, however, would just sit in it for hours, as I was told! I wish that I had met him, but that defeats the whole reason I am here, doesn’t it? Because I am Chert’s Gift to the family he left behind when he went home to be with his Master. The children in the neighborhoood Chert grew up in used to call his Master “Mr. John” which made him smile and fill his heart with joy. Children have a way of doing that, as I so love when the piano and art students come to visit!
So, my first Christmas was fascinating as the artificial Christmas tree stood positioned between the living room and piano parlor entryway. This cut my running route off, so I had to learn to scoot through the sides of the tree! I thoroughly enjoyed sliding on the tree skirt positioned underneath the tree atop the wood flooring! The ornaments and lights became fascinating to look at, and staring at them for any length of time began to mesmerize me! I must confess I did bat at a few of the ornaments, but much prefer my catnip toys! When gifts were opened, I enjoyed playing with all the ribbons, tissue and wrapping paper – not to mention the boxes were fun for jumping in and hiding inside!
My most memorable experience that first Christmas was the beautiful music, colorful lights and warm feeling of pure love surrounding and enveloping the season. As a natural wayshower myself with born intuitive instincts, I feel this intoxicating love and kindness within me and surrounding me and enveloping me with such joyous, peaceful tranquility. We angelic animals are here to assist in transmuting and transforming these man-made, inconsistent and damaging thoughts, words and actions into joy, peace and love. Chert knew it. I know it. We have to assist in being the light and doing the work to bring about restoration to our world one loving thought, word or action at a time.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama
Andre Gide
Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad as the Psalms express throughout their various expressions of keeping Joy in our lives. While living in Long Beach, California several years ago, my mother, Connie had her birthday on April 14th which was Good Friday that year and passed from an aortic complication to her heart on April 16, Easter Sunday. She had just turned 54. Our bond transcends limitations as it is heart – based, yet her physical presence and counsel, laughter and wisdom are sorely missed in my life. Mom was my cheerleader, encouraging me on my artistic path. When my car accident occurred, it was truly a miracle that I survived, let alone still had the use of my arms, legs and hands as well as mental, physical and spiritual healing. A great part of me died when she passed. Yet, through these experiences I have still focused my creativity in an attempt to rekindle the broken, scattered pieces of my life.
Following are some art pieces I have created throughout my life, some donated, some given as gifts, some available for sale, and happily accepting commissioned artwork from photography utilizing various requested mediums with various works included in this posting. Feel free to contact me if interested at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details.
The main posting photograph is an Altar Cloth with applique, sewing and beadwork, with sequin and ribbon created for St. Vincent de Paul Church in Vestal, NY which was our home place of worship. The altar and tabernacle cloth below are displayed for First Holy Communion every year, and ironically left out for Mother’s Day the following Sunday in my mom’s memory. Hundreds of hours were put into the tapestries, a true labor of love.
My Godfather, Frank Hranek, or known as “Kristnetata” in Slovak, passed from leukemia. I created an oil painting of Cayuga Sunrise Memories with his classic Chris Craft mahogany boat . The painting was donated to Lourdes End of Life Hospice in his memory. Another labor of love toward a man who continually gave from his heart.
A year prior to my Mom passing, I painted an acrylic of my parents, but a spiritual interpretation of their heavenly essence on the other side of the veil and gave it to them. I think between the painting and Chert Dog, Dad gradually adjusted to his devastating grief as my Mom was truly an earth angel! I still hear about her great assistance in encouraging and praying with others and her random acts of kindness from people I have never met before. Mom often wore flowers in her hair and radiated pure joy!
Grandma Marge and Grandpa Eddie Stolarcyk had a home in Port Charolette, Florida with the canal behind them, the harbor beyond them and fruit and flowering trees everywhere! When we would visit, we were delegated to pick, pack and transport grapefruit when there were not shipping constraints. These amazingly grapefruits were disfigured on the outside but surprisingly pink, sweet and extremely juicy on the inside – as Grandma would say, Nector from the Gods! When Grandma had to move to assisted living, I painted an acrylic of her home on Bangsburg Drive as it followed her around the entire nursing facility from room to room as she began to transition. It is donated to the nursing home for their assistance in making the last few years of her life as precious as possible. We were blessed with Jose, an employee who became Grandma Marge’s “boyfriend” and who would learn to say to her every day, “Ya ti muc, muc, muc lubiem!” which means in Slovak “I love you very, very, very much!” It is her faith which has instilled in me overcoming all obstacles in the pursuit of my dreams and allowed for “My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever.” She was my first editor and known to all as “the word lady” as well as Mrs. Hallmark, who remembered every anniversary, birthday and holiday. She was Perfection Personified in a Pure, Loving and PINK Way!
Grandma Marge was quite a party lady in the day, and I found golden bead trimmed party dress of hers and decided to paint a hummingbird with acrylic on a piece of of the dress material and used the beadwork to frame the quilted piece. This one is for sale. You may contact me at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details. (Commissioned work available upon request).
I enjoy incorporating my painting on material and quilting it into wall hangings. I’ve done it for years. Following are a few more examples of my craft. The Taughannock Waterfall well as the 1957 Pink Packard Pet are for sale. You may contact at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details. (Commissioned work available upon request).
The further examples of my artwork and quilting and not available for sale.
Additional samples from pastel, oil, crayon and pencil to painting a nativity scene follow.
As some of you may know, I also give private piano and art lessons and have also done painting parties. Usually, my piano students also take art lessons! A few photos below. Feel free to contact me for more information at lorid.loriginals@yahoo.com, my website or see my profile for more information.
And of course, the children just adore Jaco Kitty! What a “ham!”
Located in New York State Adirondack Park, Ausable Chasm is considered the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.
©Loriginals LLC 2022
A wonderful scenic and inspirational trail for walking, biking, running and hiking in the Hudson Valley Region of New York!
©Loriginals LLC 2022
Expansive view along the hiking trails at the Mohonk Preserve in New York.
Hiking, bicycling and horseback riding along the many trails through the Shawangunk Mountains Region.
View of Mohonk Lake.
Water Sport activities on Mohonk Lake.
© 2022 Loriginals
Contact: Lori D. Marchell for details
Certified AFAA Instructor, Certified CCA/ICF Creative Coach, Certified Reiki II Practitioner
loridmarchell@loriginals.org
607.759.3583
https://atomic-temporary-118125670.wpcomstaging.com/contact-2/
©Loriginals LLC
This past summer, we went up to the family cottage and I met
my new cousin, Dugan, a Wheaton Terrier. We became friends right
from the start! He was still a puppy, so he did test my nerves a bit,
but as soon as we both went into the lake and swam together, things
were great! We lounged alongside the sloping grassed bank of the
lake and took naps. Then, we went swimming again! Chris and Lori
went swimming with us, too. Then, they took me for a canoe ride.
I used to be able to sit up in the canoe and look around, but my legs
were sore, so I just laid down for the ride.
The real surprise came later that summer when the side door
to the house opened up and cousin Dugan’s family came inside with
a crate, food, treats and toys and they LEFT cousin Dugan in his
crate in the basement! Well, since I will not do those basement stairs
anymore (long story…), I waited for my family to get home. Then,
cousin Dugan was out of the cage and running around everywhere!
What was going on?! Finally, I learned that cousin Dugan was staying
over for a few days while Chris’ family visited Papa and Bobci on
the St. Lawrence River at Cape Vincent. Apparently, no dogs were
allowed there either!
Loriginal Designs
My extent of boating experiences has been sitting in the
middle of the canoe as we take our time circling around the small
lake. I have also sat on the back of the two-seated paddle-boat, but
find this not quite as comfortable. Even though I have not gone out
on the small sailboat, I have been on the front of the one-man yellow
kayak, which I have found to be the most comfortable ride on the
water by far. I can lie down and rest my head and even take a nap
and let Chris do all of the work. I find all of these experiences very
restful and rejuvenating at the same time.
The family has quite a collection of boats in their fleet which
are lined-up on the tiny-pebble shoreline. The nieces and nephews
and their friends have such fun swimming, swinging over the water
from a rope attached to a shapely willow tree called “The Lady of the
Lake,” playing on the floating dock, doing a little fishing or taking the
boats out for a spin. There is always much activity when everyone is
at the cottage. Sometimes, I take a nap on the shaded slope up away
from all of the activity. I find the fresh air and scent from the wild
vegetation surrounding the area to be very intoxicating and soothing
to the soul.
Loriginal Designs
Proverbs 3:5-6
Just as the sky reflections are mirrored in the water, our perception of knowing is being reflected back to us in order to question our integrity. As no two sunsets are the same, we are being asked to move beyond our familiar ways of thinking on the linear plane and move into a multi-dimensional existence. In order to take these new quantum leaps of faith, our familiar way of doing things is being asked to transform every day. This means that how we may do something one day will not be the same as the next. As our whole world is changing and evolving so rapidly, so will our response one day will be different from the next. This is not to be termed as being inconsistent. However, it is learning how to soar from one experience to the next as life is no longer linear in living, thinking and actions; we are now living in a circular multi-level existence, where timelines are occurring simultaneously.
Philippians 4:19
Like the various hues and reflections in the evening sky at Highland Lake, the peace of God washes over your soul. Timelessness is evident in the ever-changing weather patterns, color configurations within the sky, smoothness to waves of the lake and season changes from the trees. Time stands still in enormous pockets of peaceful awareness as the vibration and energy present speaks volumes to the depths of ones body, mind and soul. Feeling connected to the magical wonder of the lake, she speaks ever so softly to a place deep within about inner tranquility only apparent when one quiets the mind and listens with the heart.
Ali
And so I speak about the miraculous beauty surrounding us and ask that these precious moments we are so blessed to experience be treasured in our hearts now and always. For by asking you receive and by receiving you may find and by knocking the door will be opened up to you, when it is time. Timing, that is, and patience are the final factors necessary in creating miracles. You must be still and they will appear everywhere! And so it is.
Ernest Holmes
©Loriginal Designs
Philippians 4:4
As a second annual event, the various creative individuals associated with Highland Lake collaborated for an Art and Music Walk with various locations around the lake. Brigid O’Neill LaGier’s gallery featured in this posting was one of the locations to display a variety of unique pieces.
Included in the above display were Brigid’s mixed fiber, watercolor and oil paintings; colorful painted gourds by Bill Mihalko; watercolors by Carolyn Gilligan; fabric wall hangings by Joanne Nolt and The Tofino/Loriginal Series featuring Tofino Photography https://www.tofinophotography.com/ and oil painting interpretations by Loriginal Designs, which also included acrylic wall hangings and art cards.
Also featured was information about my book entitled “My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever” where Chert Dog enjoyed many summers cooling off at Highland Lake, as expressed in “Swimming, Boating and Walking with the Pack.” http://www.loridmarchell.com/
There also were musicians around the lake with various gatherings throughout the weekend and fabulous fireworks to celebrate Independence Day! A wonderful celebration of the arts and the importance of family, friends and our beloved animal companions sharing time together makes Highland Lake a welcoming location to so many!
Another gathering of friends, family, pets and musicians singing along on a picturesque afternoon on July 4th. Cheers to all the talented individuals who share their gifts of creativity with such passion, flare and joy!
© Loriginal Designs
©Tofino Photography
A selection of newly composed piano music to Like*Share*Subscribe*Listen*Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
Gary Ryan Blair
Grenville Kleiser
Dalai Lama
Author Unknown
©The Other Ear – Ben Fambrough (Vocals, Guitar), Chris Carlsen (Vocals, Bass), Chuck Kozlowski (Back Up Vocals, Drums), Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (Keyboards) with guest musicians James Michael Thompson (Vocals, Guitar) and Rich Kennicutt (Keyboards).
©Photography Sam and Chris Kozlowski, Joyce Carlsen
©Loriginal Designs
So if you recall, I have five digits on all four paws, with actual thumbs on my front paws which makes for excellent piano playing abilities! We have composed my original song utilizing a triad chord which I can play easily along with Lori playing the melody. I have yet to crawl inside the piano and choose best to either sit on the bench or underneath as going inside doesn’t interest me at all!
I have been so very blessed with the piano students who arrive for lessons as they first want to visit with me, as I seem to be part of the attraction for the children! Because they are so free-spirited, they understand my contemplative nature and wish to share their love with me! The children teach me so much about creativity and living in the moment as well as their inspiring imagination. With my Zen practices and studying of the Chakra Energy Centers, I see the importance of music in opening-up each colorful Chakra through the note vibration with which each resonates.. There are many deeper levels to what things appear to be on the surface. It fascinates me to continually be learning new pieces to this puzzle of life, for when you begin to connect each unique item, things begin to fit into place (no pun intended)! Yet, there seems to always be an element of surprise in that knowing what the next step is which can conjure up old thought and belief systems which no longer serve you, the Universe or the highest and best for all concerned. That is where that quantum leap of faith comes into play again. By praying for discernment in all things and allowing the highest vibration of love to be your intention, you know that you are being supported in stretching, reaching and growing.
“Some people think that as soon as you plant a tree, it must bear fruit. We must allow it to grow a bit.” Prince Tunku Putra Adbul Rahman
As some of you may know, my Father, John V. Marchell, was also a writer. In the following song verses that I wrote to a piano piece I composed, his writings are used as the chorus for the song. Collaboration with our loved ones wherever they are is essential for us to unify in Spirit, Love and in Truth. It is our calling, duty and responsibility to end this holocaust towards the very earth and all her creatures which were given us as a gift to love, honor and nurture in Mother Earth’s ceaseless giving back of herself with all of her resources. It is time for us to give great gratitude by giving back to Gaia.
The song is Jaco Kitty’s theme song for he took a Quantum Leap of Faith from a tree top for me to rescue him as a stranded kitten. For all we hold vigil for this great shift from unconsciousness to consciousness, from 3 D to 5 D we honor all the souls anchoring in Love.
The Ocean’s Depths
Beneath the abundant waters, there lies an inner strength,
For all of life regurgitates its inability for breath.
Corporate greed and power trample innocence, as born and unborn wash ashore,
Oxygen and hydrogen’s purity are tainted, as Belezugh’s holocaust roars.
Chorus
Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration.
Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.
White sandy beaches with turquoise to indigo waters flow,
Sounds of children laughing, as birds soar in the wind and fly so ever low.
Sandcastles built along the coastline retain the putrid-smelling oil in their motes,
Fishermen haul in their cast-out nets containing lifeless fish into their boats.
Chorus
Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration.
Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.
The gift of life is given us to do with what we will,
In God We Trust are words of honor written on our currency bill.
There is still time to wash away all corruption from the past,
Through gratitude, love and mercy, the possibilities are vast.
Chorus
Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration.
Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.
©Copyright Lori D. Marchell and John V. Marchell
Rumi
Robert H. Treman, a graduate of Cornell University as well as a trustee, purchased land in the Enfield Falls area to protect the natural environment and improved the property by planting over 1,000 trees. By 1920, Robert and his wife, Laura, donated 1,110 acres of land to New York State to be called Enfield Glen Reservation. It was renamed Robert H. Treman State Park in memory of Treman’s altruistic and environmentally conservative leadership. It is through these awakened conscious philanthropic contributions that the beauty and wonder of the Finger Lakes Region has been preserved.
©Loriginal Designs
©Loriginal Designs
©Loriginal Designs
In such a challenging era during the 1930’s -1940’s the Civilian Conservation Corps provided opportunities to create such wonder for future generations. Their contributions of hard work created timeless wonders preserved for future generations. It is now our turn to act. Our environment is crying out to be honored and respected, taken care of and nurtured back to pristine purity. To be cleansed of toxins and allowed to breath clean, fresh air. To have tees allowed to live through their life span, how many years that may be. To demand alternative sources of clean energy by using the tides, the sun, the wind and allowing for our lands to be restored. To dredge out and clean up our waterways honoring water as it is our sacred liquid, without it, we will perish. To work together with our wildlife and creating ways that we can co-exist and share this wondrous Gaia that has been given to us as a Gift.
Daniel 3:57-82 (excerpts)
“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, Praise and exalt him above all forever. Angles of the Lord, Bless the Lord; You heavens, Bless the Lord; All you waters above the heavens, Bless the Lord; All you hosts of the Lord, Bless the Lord; Sun and Moon, Bless the Lord; Stars and Heaven, Bless the Lord; Every shower and dew, Bless the Lord; All you winds, Bless the Lord; Fire and heat, Bless the Lord; Cold and chill, Bless the Lord; Dew and rain, Bless the Lord; Frost and chill, bless the Lord; Ice and snow, bless the Lord; Nights and days, Bless the Lord; Light and darkness, Bless the Lord; Lightning and clouds, Bless the Lord; Let the earth bless the Lord; Mountains and hills, Bless the Lord; Everything growing from the earth, Bless the Lord; You springs, Bless the Lord; Seas and rivers, Bless the Lord; You dolphins and all water creatures, Bless the Lord; All you birds of the air, Bless the Lord; All you beasts, wild and tame, Bless the Lord; You sons and daughters of men and women, Bless the Lord.”
Andre Gide
Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad as the Psalms express throughout their various expressions of keeping Joy in our lives. While living in Long Beach, California several years ago, my mother, Connie had her birthday on April 14th which was Good Friday that year and passed from an aortic complication to her heart on April 16, Easter Sunday. She had just turned 54. Our bond transcends limitations as it is heart – based, yet her physical presence and counsel, laughter and wisdom are sorely missed in my life. Mom was my cheerleader, encouraging me on my artistic path. When my car accident occurred, it was truly a miracle that I survived, let alone still had the use of my arms, legs and hands as well as mental, physical and spiritual healing. A great part of me died when she passed. Yet, through these experiences I have still focused my creativity in an attempt to rekindle the broken, scattered pieces of my life.
Following are some art pieces I have created throughout my life, some donated, some given as gifts, some available for sale, and happily accepting commissioned artwork from photography utilizing various requested mediums with various works included in this posting. Feel free to contact me if interested at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details.
The main posting photograph is an Altar Cloth with applique, sewing and beadwork, with sequin and ribbon created for St. Vincent de Paul Church in Vestal, NY which was our home place of worship. The altar and tabernacle cloth below are displayed for First Holy Communion every year, and ironically left out for Mother’s Day the following Sunday in my mom’s memory. Hundreds of hours were put into the tapestries, a true labor of love.
My Godfather, Frank Hranek, or known as “Kristnetata” in Slovak, passed from leukemia. I created an oil painting of Cayuga Sunrise Memories with his classic Chris Craft mahogany boat . The painting was donated to Lourdes End of Life Hospice in his memory. Another labor of love toward a man who continually gave from his heart.
A year prior to my Mom passing, I painted an acrylic of my parents, but a spiritual interpretation of their heavenly essence on the other side of the veil and gave it to them. I think between the painting and Chert Dog, Dad gradually adjusted to his devastating grief as my Mom was truly an earth angel! I still hear about her great assistance in encouraging and praying with others and her random acts of kindness from people I have never met before. Mom often wore flowers in her hair and radiated pure joy!
Grandma Marge and Grandpa Eddie Stolarcyk had a home in Port Charolette, Florida with the canal behind them, the harbor beyond them and fruit and flowering trees everywhere! When we would visit, we were delegated to pick, pack and transport grapefruit when there were not shipping constraints. These amazingly grapefruits were disfigured on the outside but surprisingly pink, sweet and extremely juicy on the inside – as Grandma would say, Nector from the Gods! When Grandma had to move to assisted living, I painted an acrylic of her home on Bangsburg Drive as it followed her around the entire nursing facility from room to room as she began to transition. It is donated to the nursing home for their assistance in making the last few years of her life as precious as possible. We were blessed with Jose, an employee who became Grandma Marge’s “boyfriend” and who would learn to say to her every day, “Ya ti muc, muc, muc lubiem!” which means in Slovak “I love you very, very, very much!” It is her faith which has instilled in me overcoming all obstacles in the pursuit of my dreams and allowed for “My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever.” She was my first editor and known to all as “the word lady” as well as Mrs. Hallmark, who remembered every anniversary, birthday and holiday. She was Perfection Personified in a Pure, Loving and PINK Way!
Grandma Marge was quite a party lady in the day, and I found golden bead trimmed party dress of hers and decided to paint a hummingbird with acrylic on a piece of of the dress material and used the beadwork to frame the quilted piece. This one is for sale. You may contact me at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details. (Commissioned work available upon request).
I enjoy incorporating my painting on material and quilting it into wall hangings. I’ve done it for years. Following are a few more examples of my craft. The Taughannock Waterfall well as the 1957 Pink Packard Pet are for sale. You may contact at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details. (Commissioned work available upon request).
The further examples of my artwork and quilting and not available for sale.
Additional samples from pastel, oil, crayon and pencil to painting a nativity scene follow.
As some of you may know, I also give private piano and art lessons and have also done painting parties. Usually, my piano students also take art lessons! A few photos below. Feel free to contact me for more information at lorid.loriginals@yahoo.com, my website or see my profile for more information.
And of course, the children just adore Jaco Kitty! What a “ham!”
My life came to a startling halt when a large truck smashed into the driver’s side of my small car. The impact crunched my vehicle like aluminum foil. The initial force thrust my seat to the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Rescue workers used the jaws-of-life to extract me from the wreckage. Notified of the accident, my husband sped wildly to the hospital.
The accident resulted in extensive swelling to the left side of my brain, broken ribs and a collapsed lung, and lower back injuries. Being in good physical condition at the time of the accident, I was spared internal injuries.
The doctors stated to family that if I did not regain consciousness and the brain’s swelling continued, they would have to operate to relieve the pressure. Brain damage or neurological impairments were possible.
Family remained at my bedside, hoping that I would regain consciousness. While friends and family prayed for me, my spirit traveled to a vividly colorful yet familiar place – my grandparents’ house (both had passed away prior to the accident). Their environment was lucid, tranquil, appreciative and loving. All the flowers, environment and people radiated this intense saturation of love and communicated telepathically.
In this dreamlike encounter, I was again an animated child of five soaring on my favorite swing set. Grandpa was close-by working in his garden. Grandma was on her way to walk the grassy, wooded trail along the creek that Grandpa kept neatly manicured. For prayer time, she referred to it as her rosary path. As I stood at the base of the rosary path next to the St. Francis statue surrounded by roses, I was no longer a child of five but a woman. As Grandma looked down to me from her path, she asked me to come with her in her strong Czechoslovakian accent. In a melancholy yet courageous voice I told her that I had to go now.
Was God asking me to stop long enough to take a good look at myself and realize how much I had to be thankful for NOW, in the PRESENT MOMENT? I truly believe that in my race to be more, do more, and become more, I had somehow quit appreciating who I already was.
After responding to Grandma’s question, I awoke from the coma. Family stood in front of the bed, looking down at me, indebted to God that I had finally regained consciousness.
The hospital released me the following Saturday into a disorienting, foggy existence. I did not know who I was anymore and felt like a puzzle whose pieces had been scattered. Could I put myself back together again? Were all the pieces still there?
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13, NAS) became a scripture I memorized together with, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, NIV).
God/Source had always been the center focal point in my life, yet I began realizing what it meant by “letting go and letting God,” which lightened my perspective and allowed me to rise above my emotions to a place of spiritual enlightenment.
Before the accident, I’d felt like a clear glass jar full of vitality and love. Being an avid runner, bicyclist, canoeist, and x-country skier, I had an active lifestyle. Playing the piano, sewing up clothes, painting pictures, and reading were other hobbies I enjoyed.
After the accident, I was a smoke-colored glass jar that was empty. A stretched optic nerve resulted in double vision. I would often say things backward or stop mid-sentence. My short-term memory and concentration decreased, so I wrote everything down to remember. Opposite behavior qualities emerged, including introversion, moodiness, and irritability.
A fatigue emerged that made me feel like I was asleep even when awake. I experienced “sensory overload,” which made concentrating on the immediate task difficult. I was experiencing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. My relationships with those closest to me went under quite a strain.
People often said I looked fine, not knowing the distress that lurked in the depths of my soul because the injury was INTERNAL, not external. Yes, I was extremely grateful that I had not been disfigured, but injury occurs on the inside, too. This simply reemphasized to me, “For the Lord sees no as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord look on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, RSV).
Since my friends and family lacked insight regarding head trauma, this made me draw closer to God because He could understand all my needs.
Looking back in my previous journal writings, I sensed an urgent need to bond with God and know and love myself. Using this convalescing time, I was being given a second chance to appreciate and reclaim those qualities that were still available to me.
“…that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, RSV).
I practiced the piano to increase concentration skills, painted, and began to read and record my voice to re-learn concepts. Living on the boat, bicycling along the country roads, and sketching summer scenes brought renewed vitality.
Now, 26 years later, this clairvoyance, peace, and love empower my life with inner knowing and joy.
– See more at: http://www.tut.com/article/details/232-my-near-death-experience-and-the-power-of-love/?articleId=232#sthash.9nuzq95R.dpuf
http://www.tut.com/article/details/232-my-near-death-experience-and-the-power-of-love/?articleId=232
Isaiah 30:15
©Loriginals
Max Ehrmann
OK, so the joke about this cover photograph has to do with the beginning of sharing the original manuscript with friends and family, with the first draft completed September 2010. My good friend, Debbie Standard, arrived at Arrowhead Parable Christian Center with her first copy of the story in manuscript format and traded it in for the published book! You gotta love it!
My cousin, Michelle Michalek, arrived early for her copy of Chert’s story. The book signing had a tremendous outpouring of my extended family which warmed my heart and soul! So very thankful for their encouragement and support in this labor of love!
So here is the real “synchronicity” about the dress I am wearing. The top beaded neckline of the dress that I made is taken from a party dress of my Grandmother Marge’s. She was my first editor of the manuscript. As a word lady and Scrabble, Upwords and Crossword Wiz, she also had the married name from her first husband of Margaret Mitchell, the author at the time of “Gone With The Wind.” Her use of words has been a strong influence in the building of becoming an author in my life. Thank you, Grandma! Ya Ti Muc Muc Muc Lubiem!!!
As Aunt Kathy Stolarcyk walked in and saw me, she smiled ear to ear and asked me if that was Grandma Marge’s dress, as I told her it was the collar from her dress. The beaded dress is what Grandma Marge wore to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mike’s wedding! I could feel wedding energy in the dress, and now know where exactly she had worn it!
As some of you have seen from a previous posting, I painted a hummingbird on the yellow dress of my Grandmother Marge’s and utilized all the beadwork from the hemline of that dress to frame the picture. Interestingly enough, my hummingbirds have been coming back around to the feeder this week and I am reminded of my beloved Grandmother Marge whose first anniversary is on the Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Ironically, my Grandmother Susie Marchell also passed on that sacred day as well, with Mom’s anniversary being Easter Sunday, so I have been very blessed with such spiritually strong, powerful and loving women figures in my life!
My cousin Michelle Stolarcyk arrived as we shared our stories about Grandpa Stolarcyk and his crazy wild pants that he would wear as well as Chert’s love of Battaglini Bread from my Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol’s bakery, where no dogs are allowed!
Now here is another “synchronicity” story about Becky Tinker, a previous co-worker with my Mom who happened to move across the street from me a few years ago! We have great fun together and always feel my Mom’ Joyous Spirit hovering around us when we go for our walks around the neighborhood! I offered Becky the manuscript, but she wanted to book instead!
Thank you to Craig Hall at Arrowhead Parable Christian Store, to all the people who came to visit and hear about Chert’s story and purchase a book for themselves or family and friends! I hope that Chert’s story warms their hearts and gives them some insight into the short and purposeful lives of angels in furry clothing!
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever” is available online through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc., as well as my website:
©Loriginal Desgins
Are any of you familiar with The Sedona Method developed by Lester Levenson, with a tool set to assist in clearing out old, embedded thoughts, beliefs and feelings that were handed down through our DNA; which we have now become able to access on our own through The Akash to allow for the realization of these aspects of our depths in order to do “Spring Cleaning” as it were. The core components are letting go of the four basic wants: Approval, Security, Separation and Control. That said, it is a mouthful to digest when one begins asking the questions about how are these certain aspects of our inner workings serving us anymore and can we let them go? Are you willing to let them go? When?
The Sedona Method has been one of my “tool sets” for many years, but for some reason it surfaced this morning, so I am being led to share some insights from Lester’s “Lessons” on releasing. We are all cleansing energetically now, using a variety of tools which resonate for each one of us individually. The Sedona Method, by author Dale Dwoskin, shares Lester’s workings and research on our unlimited potential and provides yet other applications to address the old, worn out thoughts and beliefs which most probably were not originating from our own thoughts, but handed down through generations, like a grafting form a rose bush.
Once you maser writing out the reasons why you are holding onto a certain want: Approval, Security, Separation or Control, you then need to address the deeper layers of thought patterns: Apathy, Grief, Fear, Lust, Anger, Pride, and even areas of Courageousness, Acceptance and Peace. By doing this deep inner work, your are dissolving resistance to “reacting” to criticism and to praise. In other words, you are at point zero equilibrium balance of mind, body and spirit, the center of Love and Gods Set Point.
As Khalil Gibran noted: “I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant and kindness from the unkind; yet strange I am ungrateful to those teachers.”
So you may be wondering why I am reflecting on The Sedona Method and how that applies to my first book signing of Chert Dog’s story, My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever? It is very simple. Because of all the years of doing the inner work within and clearing out the old thoughts and beliefs, it has given room for unlimited potentials to flourish in my life! (“Pombu Zoplatz: Thanks be to God”).
“Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing for you. Act for yourself and face your truth.” Katherine Mansfield
Julie C. Tedesco, Rob Nearing (Calvin J. Boal), Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (L.D. Marchell)
©Loriginal Designs
From Chert Dog’s perspective, “Doghead is pretty easy to learn, you just have to speak from your heart.” This velvety Black with Chocolate accents English Labrador Retriever came…
Source: Chert Dog’s Book: “My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever
When I first laid eyes on her, I was hooked. My heart skipped
several beats! The sound of her bark was music to my Doghead
ears! She ran to me, with her fluffy white hair flowing in the gentle
breeze and her bright eyes winking at me as she ran up to me and
then around me and underneath me. I am in love for the first time
in my life! And better yet, she lives across the street from where I
now live! Oh, thank you God for giving me someone to love while I
am here helping out so many people! Well, we know that all things
work together for those that love God! All this diet and exercise has
transformed my body back to what I looked like when I was much
younger. I have so much energy now and it feels wonderful to go for
walks and actually jog a bit! All this preparation was definitely for a
reason. This little white flirty number moved in across the street and
my jaw dropped – she is the gal for me! Now I think I can realize just
how much John loved his wife. This lovely Bichon is named Syria and
our lives have changed for the better. She loves me just as much as I
love her – who would have guessed it?! Now, every single morning
for my walk I must go over to her house to say “hi.” Sometimes her
family opens the door for her to let her come out to see me, but other
times she just sits at the glass door looking out at me. I just don’t
understand why Lori can’t go over to the door and open it, but I guess
it is about respect of other people’s property and privacy. But all I
want to do is just be with her – she brings such joy to my heart and I
have a jump in my walk and a smile all of the time. Thank you, God,
for bringing Syria not only into my life, but across the street as well!
L.D. Marchell “My Father’s Greatest Gift:
Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever”
As some of you may know, I promised Chert Dog that I would get his story of unconditional love and forgiveness published, but that I would also promote it so that his mission and purpose would spread across the world. Today was “his” first television interview with Kara Conrad, producer and host on WBNG -TV CBS Channel 12 News featured in “Around the Tiers” segment aired Monday – Friday from 12:15- 12:30 pm. As synchronicity would have it, my booth at Otsiningo Park’s “All Paws for a Cause Dog Walk” is how this interview came about! Following is the link to the interview. Enjoy!
http://www.wbng.com/story/36115984/local-author-talks-book-my-fathers-greatest-gift
Local author talks book, “My Father’s Greatest Gift” “Like” Kara Conrad on Facebook and “Follow” her on Twitter. |
Chert was an old soul, and his charisma attracted all the children in the neighborhood including his female girlfriend, Syria, a Sassy White Bichon who just happened to live across the street! Chert had two loves, for his stomach it was PIZZA! And for his heart it was Syria! His favorite time of year was Halloween when everyone would come to visit HIM (or so he thought)! His last year with us, it was a prerequisite from all of the trick-or-treaters that they had to pet the dog first before they got a treat! I will always remember the magic and wonder Chert brought to my heart and am much blessed to have known, loved and to have been loved by such an altruistic angel in furry clothing!
©WBNG TV CBS Channel 12 Kara Conrad Host/Producer “Around The Tiers”
©Loriginal Designs
Walt Disney
The 33rd Annual Spiedie Festival & Balloon Rally held at Otsiningo Park, Binghamton, NY was held on August 4 – 6, 2017. With countless vendors, amusement park rides, face painting, music, volleyball, 5K run and balloon rides just to name a few of the festivities, this event has grown tremendously throughout the years. For those of you who are not familiar with the word ‘spiedie,’ it is cubed chicken, pork, lamb, veal, venison or beef marinated in a spiedie sauce then placed on metal skewers over a charcoal pit. Once cooked, they are eaten on a fresh piece of Italian bread. Developed by Camillo Iacovelli, Agostino Iacovelli and Peter Sharak from the Southern Tier of New York State from 1939 on, their popularity has expanded nation-wide. Today there are countless deviations to the original recipe at the annual spiedie cook-off held at the festival every year. There are several spiedie marinate companies available for purchasing spiedie marinade sauce online. For those of you who do eat meat (I am a vegetarian), here are a few local distributors. Enjoy!
Psalm 55:22
Galatians 5:22
James 1:5 – 6
1 Corinthians 2:10
John Powell, S.J.
Lin Yutang
G.T. Smith
L.F.B.
© 2017 Spiedie Festival and Balloon Rally Expo, Inc.
©Loriginal Designs
Since I enjoy painting on material with acrylic paint and then quilting it into a wall hanging, I thought it would be a fun project for Nandhana and Sanjana to do! They both have their own style and really did a terrific job! We used a photograph from Taughannock Falls State Park. They admired the wall hanging below that I did and asked if they could make one, too!
Pictured below are the young budding artists at work painting in the basement with the material taped down on a hard board. Once their paintings were completed, I sewed the quilting in and backed them into wall hangings and added some shimmer, sequins and glitter! These will look lovely displayed in their new home!
A short video of the girls in their painting process is linked below!
And of course, we must have visiting time with Jaco Kitty!
These young ladies are very talented and Nandanah plays the violin and takes piano lessons from me as well! Below is a final photo of these two little angels all dressed up! See Grandma Marge’s PINK Orb in the photo above Sanjana? She’s always flying!
On a beautiful August afternoon, I went to visit my Grandmother at the nursing home. The birds seemed to have a different energy around them as they sang gloriously in the trees where I parked, as if they were an entourage of angels celebrating life! It was the Blessed Mother’s Assumption and Grandma seemed to be preparing to go home. Her daughter (my Mom) had passed over 21 years ago, as well as her husbands and family and she seemed as if she was preparing for over the past month. She asked me to hug her and then held my left hand ever so tightly, then asked for me to put her ” Poppuchies” (slippers in Slovak) on her feet, demanding that I do it NOW! Then, she requested a hat for her head, NOW! Though lying in the bed, she wanted to be “ready” and asked to be seated in her reclining chair overlooking the hills NOW! And then I knew, the entourage was here for her and she, as always a punctual woman throughout her 96 years, was awaiting their arrival. Grandma transitioned that evening, but the family “joke” is that she thought that her love and devotion to the rosary, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus, her best friend, would have gotten her home on the Blessed Mother’s Assumption, but for the first time in her entire life, she was late! In my flower garden, the birds had planted a corn stalk and a sunflower. Sunflowers are one of many signs from my mom. The corn tassel turned PINK for one day – Grandma having a fun with sending signs that she is ALIVE, for LOVE JUST IS.
The Sophia Code – Kaia Ra
The Sophia Code – Kaia Ra
The Sophia Code – Kaia Ra
The Sophia Code – Kaia Ra
The Sophia Code – Kaia Ra
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Medjugorje
Matthew 28:19
©Loriginal Designs
©The Sophia Code – Kaia Ra
©Bible
©Blessed Mother Mary Statue, Medjugorje, Yugoslavia
©Loriginal Designs
©Loriginal Designs
As some of you may know, my Father, John V. Marchell, was also a writer. In the following song verses that I wrote to a piano piece I composed, his writings are used as the chorus for the song. Collaboration with our loved ones wherever they are is essential for us to unify in Spirit, Love and in Truth. It is our calling, duty and responsibility to end this holocaust towards the very earth and all her creatures which were given us as a gift to love, honor and nurture in Mother Earth’s ceaseless giving back of herself with all of her resources. It is time for us to give great gratitude by giving back to Gaia.
The song is Jaco Kitty’s theme song for he took a Quantum Leap of Faith from a tree top for me to rescue him as a stranded kitten. For all we hold vigil for this great shift from unconsciousness to consciousness, from 3 D to 5 D we honor all the souls anchoring in Love.
The Ocean’s Depths
Beneath the abundant waters, there lies an inner strength,
For all of life regurgitates its inability for breath.
Corporate greed and power trample innocence, as born and unborn wash ashore,
Oxygen and hydrogen’s purity are tainted, as Belezugh’s holocaust roars.
Chorus
Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration.
Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.
White sandy beaches with turquoise to indigo waters flow,
Sounds of children laughing, as birds soar in the wind and fly so ever low.
Sandcastles built along the coastline retain the putrid-smelling oil in their motes,
Fishermen haul in their cast-out nets containing lifeless fish into their boats.
Chorus
Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration.
Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.
The gift of life is given us to do with what we will,
In God We Trust are words of honor written on our currency bill.
There is still time to wash away all corruption from the past,
Through gratitude, love and mercy, the possibilities are vast.
Chorus
Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration.
Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.
©Copyright Lori D. Marchell and John V. Marchell
“Fond Memories of a Lifetime” is my newest Loriginal Original Piano Composition written and played by Lori D. Marchell with my Loriginal Oil Painting inspired by Tofinophotography.
Please Like*Subscribe*Share on my YouTube Channel.
Happy Holidays!
A selection of newly composed piano music to Like*Share*Subscribe*Listen*Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
Throughout the creative process, I paint pictures, write stories, take photographs and compose music which all interweave into the tapestry of my life. Though viewing the process from the underside with all the loose threads it appears to be quite a mess, the passion within is determined to interweave all the colorful threads to behold a brilliant gift from the Universe!
This copyrighted piano composition is inspired by 1 Corinthians 13 and spans my life journey. When my beloved Mother passed, Dad had this engraved on their stone:
“A hug, a smile, a kiss, fond memories of a lifetime”
(Posted on You Tube as well as on my blog’s Piano, Art and Photography tab, with some of my artwork, photography and family photos to go along with the music).
Enjoy!
The wild horses of Assateague Island are descendents of domesticated animals brought to the island over 300 years ago.
The horses are wild, so stay at least 40 feet away.
Park patrol followed the horses to ensure both visitors and the horses safety.
As you can see, the park patrol had to assist the horses keeping them at a distance from the visitors enjoying the beach.
Assateague Island National Seashore has a Foster Horse Program.
Born on my Dad’s Birthdate the year he passed
“APRIL STAR”
Born April 25, 2004
She is a Bay Pinto Mare
April Star’s statue as a foal at the Visitor’s Center
http://www.AssateagueIslandAlliance.org
©Loriginals
Junction and Breakwater Trail, Gordons Pond Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park
Lewes Beach – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
©Loriginal Designs 2019
©Loriginal Designs 2019
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Through the inspirational, pristine and professional photographs taken by Tofino Photography, following are Loriginal Designs oil on canvas colorful painting interpretations together with Tofino Photography’s corresponding extraordinary photography.
Both the photography and the art prints are available for purchase through Tofino Photography. Contact the link for Tofino Photography below for more details.
https://tofinophotography.wordpress.com/
“Romeo’s Sunset Rapture” by ©Tofino Photography
“Romeo’s Sunset Rapture” Oil on Canvas ©Loriginal Designs
“A Tofino Sunset Series” by ©Tofino Photography
“A Tofino Sunset Series” Oil on Canvas by ©Loriginal Designs
“Eagle Eclipse” by ©Tofino Photography
“Eagle Eclipse” Oil on Canvas by ©Loriginal Designs
“Romeo’s Sunset Rapture” Oil on Canvas Beginnning Stages©Loriginal Designs
©Tofino Photography
https://tofinophotography.wordpress.com/
©Loriginal Designs
John Muir
John Muir
John Muir
John Muir
John Muir
John Muir
John Muir
“Amos the Bordeaux Mastiff descendant of Turner and Hooch (aka Beasely).”
Thank you Paul and Sharon Kayes!
http://www.bighousebordeaux.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turner_%26_Hooch
©Loriginal Designs
©John Muir
©bighousebordeaux.com
©Turner and Hooch
Special thanks to Paul and Sharon Kayes and meeting Amos the Bordeaux Mastiff!
©Loriginal Designs
The majesty of the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park to the inner serenity and peace felt by the moon reflecting upon the water in Bar Harbor brings to mind Daniel 3:52-90. It begins “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” It continues “Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.” Praise and Thanksgiving is the message! Amen.
Norman Vincent Peale
Michelangelo
©The Other Ear – Ben Fambrough (Vocals, Guitar), Chris Carlsen (Vocals, Bass), Chuck Kozlowski (Back Up Vocals, Drums), Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (Keyboards) with guest musicians James Michael Thompson (Vocals, Guitar) and Rich Kennicutt (Keyboards).
©Photography Sam and Chris Kozlowski, Joyce Carlsen
©Loriginal Designs
©”Cities” Talking Heads
Luke 18:27
As summer is upon us, I have been asked to perform in “The Other Ear,” a band which was formed several years ago with our last gig played at “The Nines,” a college town bar located in Ithaca, NY. The original Composer/Singer/Guitarist, Ben Fambrough, relocated out-of-state and life moved on. The beginning of this project has turned into two gigs which will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 8:00 pm at The Cyber Cafe’ West in Binghamton, NY and Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 8:00 pm at The Ransom Steele Tavern in Apalachin, NY.
The band began as “The Big Ear” with Ben Fambrough, Composer, Guitar, Lead Vocals; Chuck Kozlowski, Drums/Percussion, Back-up Vocals; and Chris Carlsen, Bass and Vocals. As many musicians know, a three-piece band is wonderful but requires additional fill-in music to allow for varied expression within the context of the song (of course unless you are a RUSH fan)!
So then I was asked to play keyboards and hence “The Other Ear” was formed! Being classically trained, this was quite a new experience in music playing, listening and expression – to say the least! As well as a patience-builder for all involved who play ‘by ear.’ My beginning piano playing involved sight reading to the max which includes such repertoire as Beethoven’s Sonata Pathetique’ – certainly not a piece one learns to play ‘by ear’ with as many notes as possible crammed into one measure!
So as I have been somewhat absent from my blogging this past month, it has been due to time spent practicing songs in preparation for the two upcoming gigs this weekend! My thanks to all the other band members for their support with my learning curve from Classical to Rock! Most of the songs are originals written by Ben, with some covers thrown in by Phish (Dirt), Talking Heads (Cities), Medeski, Martin & Wood (Think) and of course, the timeless Beatles (Prudence).
Below are a few links to some of the music. Enjoy!
Roses Rise:
Shine:
Over Me:
It Could Have Been an Open Window:
Just You:
What Goes On (Velvet Underground cover):
©Lorignal Designs
©Ben Fambrough
©The Other Ear
©”Peanuts” Charles M. Schulz
So if you recall, I have five digits on all four paws, with actual thumbs on my front paws which makes for excellent piano playing abilities! We have composed my original song utilizing a triad chord which I can play easily along with Lori playing the melody. I have yet to crawl inside the piano and choose best to either sit on the bench or underneath as going inside doesn’t interest me at all!
I have been so very blessed with the piano students who arrive for lessons as they first want to visit with me, as I seem to be part of the attraction for the children! Because they are so free-spirited, they understand my contemplative nature and wish to share their love with me! The children teach me so much about creativity and living in the moment as well as their inspiring imagination. With my Zen practices and studying of the Chakra Energy Centers, I see the importance of music in opening-up each colorful Chakra through the note vibration with which each resonates.. There are many deeper levels to what things appear to be on the surface. It fascinates me to continually be learning new pieces to this puzzle of life, for when you begin to connect each unique item, things begin to fit into place (no pun intended)! Yet, there seems to always be an element of surprise in that knowing what the next step is which can conjure up old thought and belief systems which no longer serve you, the Universe or the highest and best for all concerned. That is where that quantum leap of faith comes into play again. By praying for discernment in all things and allowing the highest vibration of love to be your intention, you know that you are being supported in stretching, reaching and growing.
“Some people think that as soon as you plant a tree, it must bear fruit. We must allow it to grow a bit.” Prince Tunku Putra Adbul Rahman
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
L.D. Marchell
The Word For The Day
Connie Andrea Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie A. Marchell
©Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©The Word For The Day
Honorable mention to Philip and Tigger!
©Loriginal Designs
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
*
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte
©Loriginal Designs
©Charlotte Bronte
*Photograph of me taken by Lisa Lash
My life came to a startling halt when a large truck smashed into the driver’s side of my small car. The impact crunched my vehicle like aluminum foil. The initial force thrust my seat to the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Rescue workers used the jaws-of-life to extract me from the wreckage. Notified of the accident, my husband sped wildly to the hospital.
The accident resulted in extensive swelling to the left side of my brain, broken ribs and a collapsed lung, and lower back injuries. Being in good physical condition at the time of the accident, I was spared internal injuries.
The doctors stated to family that if I did not regain consciousness and the brain’s swelling continued, they would have to operate to relieve the pressure. Brain damage or neurological impairments were possible.
Family remained at my bedside, hoping that I would regain consciousness. While friends and family prayed for me, my spirit traveled to a vividly colorful yet familiar place – my grandparents’ house (both had passed away prior to the accident). Their environment was lucid, tranquil, appreciative and loving. All the flowers, environment and people radiated this intense saturation of love and communicated telepathically.
In this dreamlike encounter, I was again an animated child of five soaring on my favorite swing set. Grandpa was close-by working in his garden. Grandma was on her way to walk the grassy, wooded trail along the creek that Grandpa kept neatly manicured. For prayer time, she referred to it as her rosary path. As I stood at the base of the rosary path next to the St. Francis statue surrounded by roses, I was no longer a child of five but a woman. As Grandma looked down to me from her path, she asked me to come with her in her strong Czechoslovakian accent. In a melancholy yet courageous voice I told her that I had to go now.
Was God asking me to stop long enough to take a good look at myself and realize how much I had to be thankful for NOW, in the PRESENT MOMENT? I truly believe that in my race to be more, do more, and become more, I had somehow quit appreciating who I already was.
After responding to Grandma’s question, I awoke from the coma. Family stood in front of the bed, looking down at me, indebted to God that I had finally regained consciousness.
The hospital released me the following Saturday into a disorienting, foggy existence. I did not know who I was anymore and felt like a puzzle whose pieces had been scattered. Could I put myself back together again? Were all the pieces still there?
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13, NAS) became a scripture I memorized together with, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, NIV).
God/Source had always been the center focal point in my life, yet I began realizing what it meant by “letting go and letting God,” which lightened my perspective and allowed me to rise above my emotions to a place of spiritual enlightenment.
Before the accident, I’d felt like a clear glass jar full of vitality and love. Being an avid runner, bicyclist, canoeist, and x-country skier, I had an active lifestyle. Playing the piano, sewing up clothes, painting pictures, and reading were other hobbies I enjoyed.
After the accident, I was a smoke-colored glass jar that was empty. A stretched optic nerve resulted in double vision. I would often say things backward or stop mid-sentence. My short-term memory and concentration decreased, so I wrote everything down to remember. Opposite behavior qualities emerged, including introversion, moodiness, and irritability.
A fatigue emerged that made me feel like I was asleep even when awake. I experienced “sensory overload,” which made concentrating on the immediate task difficult. I was experiencing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. My relationships with those closest to me went under quite a strain.
People often said I looked fine, not knowing the distress that lurked in the depths of my soul because the injury was INTERNAL, not external. Yes, I was extremely grateful that I had not been disfigured, but injury occurs on the inside, too. This simply reemphasized to me, “For the Lord sees no as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord look on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, RSV).
Since my friends and family lacked insight regarding head trauma, this made me draw closer to God because He could understand all my needs.
Looking back in my previous journal writings, I sensed an urgent need to bond with God and know and love myself. Using this convalescing time, I was being given a second chance to appreciate and reclaim those qualities that were still available to me.
“…that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, RSV).
I practiced the piano to increase concentration skills, painted, and began to read and record my voice to re-learn concepts. Living on the boat, bicycling along the country roads, and sketching summer scenes brought renewed vitality.
Now, 26 years later, this clairvoyance, peace, and love empower my life with inner knowing and joy.
– See more at: http://www.tut.com/article/details/232-my-near-death-experience-and-the-power-of-love/?articleId=232#sthash.9nuzq95R.dpuf
http://www.tut.com/article/details/232-my-near-death-experience-and-the-power-of-love/?articleId=232
All six carousels were donated between 1919 – 1934 by *George F. Johnson, founder of the Endicott Johnson Corporation (1857-1948). His gift to the community was that all can enjoy riding the carousels for free! The carousels were manufactured from the Allan Herschell Company, North Tonawanda, NY.
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day Broome County, NY.
“The Twilight Zone” Walking Distance (TV Episode 1959) by Rod Serling”
http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2011/09/the-twilight-zone-carousel-opens-in-rod-serlings-hometown/
Recreation Park Carousel and its housing Pavilion were built in 1925 with 60 “jumper” horses four abreast and two chariots.
This community has the only four abreast Herschell carousels still in existence which are:
Ross Park Carousel built in 1920 houses 60 “jumper” horses which are four abreast and two chariots. It is currently under renovation.
C. Fred Johnson Park Carousel and the Pavilion were constructed in 1923 which houses 72 figures, all are “jumpers” which are four abreast.
Highland Park Carousel was built in 1925 and originally located at the old En-Joie Park in Endicott, then relocated to its current location. It has 36 “jumper” animals with a pig and a dog situated three abreast!
George W. Johnson Park Carousel was built in 1934 with 36 horses three abreast and two chariots enclosed in the original Pavilion.
West Endicott Park Carousel built in 1929 has 36 animals three abreast, including a dog and a pig along with horses, all are “jumpers” and enclosed in a Pavilion.
There are fewer than 150 antique carousels left in the United States and Canada.
*In gratitude to George F. Johnson and his vision for welfare capitalism. Both sides of my family were immigrants from Czechloslovakia who worked at the Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory. Mr. Johnson provided a pamphlet to all new employees called “An EJ Worker’s First Lesson in the Square Deal.” Some of these benefits included shoes, medical, subsidized housing, playgrounds, parks and FREE CAROUSEL RIDES!
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/01/131725100/the-legacy-of-george-f-johnson-and-the-square-deal
©Loriginal Designs
William Penn
The above photograph was taken of my grandfather, G. Clifford Mitchell with my mom, Connie A. (Mitchell) Marchell, on his return from surviving a ‘million dollar’ wound while serving our country at The Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Some of you have read postings about Grandma Marge whose first husband was G. Clifford Mitchell. This first year without Grandma with us, I planted her favorite flowers, red geraniums, at their memorial stone. Looking around I saw volunteers with little American Flags being placed alongside a majority of the stones at Calvary Cemetery.
In honor of all the men and women who serve and have given their lives for the gift of our freedom, it is a time of deep reflection for the many sacrifices made by the bravery of those who committed to serve The United States of America. Many families experience great challenges by being separated from their loved ones when they are called to serve their country in the military. And some are called to make the ultimate sacrifice. We have so very much to be indebted to these selfless individuals who believe in this great gift they provide for our country.
Let us hope that there will someday be a time where we will no longer require to fight for our freedom but to be able to cooperate and collaborate with one another. I suppose that is what the new heaven and new earth are all about, where the lion lies down with the lamb and peace reigns supremely across the lands.
Anton Chekhov
Psalm 91
Micah 6:8
Romans 8:28-31
Brrrrr, is it ever cold and windy from this high vantage point! All I can remember, really, is somebody took me for a long car ride and when the vehicle finally stopped, I was thrown out of it into a very dark and scary night. I am so thankful that I have excellent night vision because it helped me negotiate my unfamiliar surroundings. The side of the country road had pieces of rock salt which went in between my “20 paws and 22 claws” and I let out a squeak as I attempted to find some soft snow to wash away the sting. Yep, I was born with five toes on each of my paws and two extra claws which are located nicely between my “thumb” and four toes on my front two legs. Do you think THAT is the reason why they left me here? I know I have really big paws, but that’s what makes me unique!
Then, this really LOUD truck went chu-chugging along by where I had been soaking my paws and the bright headlights startled me as I ran away from the roadside into the pitch blackness of the slopping field below. There were rocks and clumps of snow together with prickly bushes and a barbed wire fence. Somehow I negotiated through the midnight maize towards some dried grass and welcoming brush. This seemed like a reasonable spot to take a rest for a bit, or so I thought. All of a sudden, some type of wild animal came out of the blindness of the night running right towards me! I must say my heart skipped quite a few beats as it felt as if it had jumped up into my throat as I sped towards the closest tree I could find. I climbed up as high as I could because I am still very young and don’t weigh very much yet so the very tiny limbs can support me.
Well, do you remember me telling you about how many toes I have? Now I know why God equipped me with such gargantuan paws. For what seemed to be an eternity for me, I held onto those fragile branches atop that big old oak tree. The wind picked up and the tree began to sway in the wind as I trembled and clung even tighter to the tiny branches. Then, the sun began to rise up over the hilltop as the sunlight shed some warmth on my nearly frozen body. Some chickadees flew up to see me as they sang their morning tunes. In different circumstances, I would have been dashing after THEM up the tree, but in my current situation, I was gladdened by their company.
Once the sunshine began to allow me to see my predicament more clearly, I literally wanted to take my one paw and place it up over my eyes in disbelief. What in heaven’s name was I going to do to get myself out of this situation? I had climbed so far up this friendly oak that my only solution would be to attempt to turn around and climb DOWN the tree. That’s about when the hypothermia began to set in. I hadn’t slept all night. I was hungry and dehydrated so I did what any logical person would do in a similar situation – I began to cry. What happened, though, is that I couldn’t stop crying. I’m sure you’ve heard this expression before: HAULT – don’t let yourself get too hungry, too angry, too lonely or too tired. Well, I had reached full-tilt on all four of those topics and then some!
As I cried deliriously, the most amazingly wonderful thing happened! A woman had been walking alongside the road and heard my calls. She climbed over the barbed wire fence and was underneath the tree looking up and talking to me. When I finally took a few deep breaths and subsided my almost hiccup crying reaction I was having, she began walking around the bottom of the oak’s trunk as she attempted to climb up a few branches. Then she motioned for me to jump down to a bigger limb which was quite a caper from my perspective. I just couldn’t let go. She then climbed back down the tree and went on her knees and prayed. Now, these past twenty-four hours have really encompassed the full spectrum of emotions for me, to say the least. Here I was last night being discarded by someone who didn’t appreciate me to this gal who not only tried to climb the tree to get me, but is now praying for me?
That was the “ah, ha” moment for me as I took my “first of many quantum leap of faith” to a lower limb and my enormous claws and paws grabbed onto the tree’s bark firmly. She encouraged me as I knew I would have to jump one more time before she could climb up to reach me. So, I literally closed my eyes when I sprang the second time and landed on the side of the trunk with pieces of the oak’s rough outer layers and small branches falling away. It was then that I truly learned what unconditional love really is. As she reached for me, I felt this amazing calmness come over me because I knew I had been saved.
Enveloped in her comforting and warm embrace, she wrapped her rainbow-hued fluffy yarn scarf around me and held firmly onto my paws else I decide to spring out of her arms. At this point, that was the last thing on my mind! Trembling and exhausted, I kept dozing off on our walk down the road and up the hill to where her home was nestled. As we approached our destination, a neighbor met us and offered a few cat toys, litter box and comforted me as I welcomed her kind words.
When we walked down the driveway to her home, a loud ruckus of several dogheads barking startled me as I almost sprang out of her grasp. Gladly, these friendly but very talkative neighbor’s pets were contained in a large fence surrounding their property. Whew, thank goodness for that! I’m sure they are friendly as they were my older brother’s girlfriends, but just the same, I am a kitten – not a doghead.
Lori found this writing John had done about his mother-in-law
Margaret Stolarcyk’s halupki the day after my Master had passed.
I personally do not care for cabbage, but John just loved it – please
read:
The Saga of the Last Halupki
You came to me in a big red bowl, thanks to
Grandma Marge – you and 25 or 30 little piglets
in your kraut and sauce. I could have devoured the
whole bowl at one sitting.
But no – I decided to portion them out over
three days – sounds reasonable to me. Three here,
four there, one snack, two snacks – well, you get the
picture.
Finally, there was but one – and a perfect one at
that. The art and love that went into making you was
quite evident. The corners of the cabbage leaf neatly
tucked to hold every morsel intact. There you lay in
that big red bowl, nestled in a bed of kraut and sauce
topped by a strip of bacon – a little lovely – maybe. A
sight to behold – yes.
And as I opened and closed that refrigerator
door my mouth would water in anticipation of eating
that last tasty treat. But no – I would save you for
later – prolong the agony.
Then finally – it’s time to end this torment and
enjoy this last treat. Nuke for a few second – just
enough to warm it through. Then delicately slice and
savor each bite – right. Wrong – the savage in me
took over and I attacked this last morsel like a pack
of piranhas!
As quiet time took over and I wiped the corner
of my mouth with a napkin, I mumbled under my
breath –
Rest in peace you little bastard – you will
torment me no more.
So, what do you think about the symbolism in his writing?
It personally speaks to me about his life in a “halupki” shell, if you
will. Intelligent, handsome, athletic and witty, with a beautiful wife
and family, yet he had that one halupki in the batch which tempted
and tormented him during his entire adult life. The apostle Paul
speaks often about this weak nature and thorn in our side. He goes on
to say that it is only through our weakness that we are made strong
because we are to draw closer to God and He will draw closer to us. I
witnessed that moment of peaceful surrender and acceptance of John
that summer while he watched the sunset. All I can say is thanks be
to God for giving me such a wonderful Master and for God’s grace
to bring peace to John’s tormented soul.
T
The definition of chrysalis is something still in the process of development. Is our life that of a golden chrysalis to then be born into beautiful butterflies? All of these photos were taken by me in my flower garden. Each of these butterflies flew up and landed on me first, then enjoyed the flowers for several minutes. They all symbolize loved ones who have been reborn into their new lives. The top black/orange/blue/white butterfly arrived on my dad’s anniversary of his passing. The yellow and black in the middle is my grandmother finally free to spread her wings. The Monarch arrived when I was pursuing educational pursuits, as my mom is and always will be the one who celebrates my victories. The light yellow and black worn butterfly symbolizes to me the importance of perseverance irregardless of the circumstances. All are miracles. Thanks be to God!
Connie A. Mitchell Marchell
Ah, Doghead here. Hope you enjoyed hearing about what
my mission was while I was here. Just thought I’d like to point
out the synchronicity of all of the events that led to bringing that
much needed peace and serenity to John’s tormented soul. His wife,
Connie, had told him that if she were ever to leave the earth plane,
she would come back as his dog because he gave so much love and
attention to all of the animals in his life. All I can tell you on that
note is that since Love is all there is and we are all One in the Spirit,
it is quite possible that her love channeled through me to mend his
broken heart and bring life more abundantly into his life. So my
mission was accomplished and I want to thank you for giving me the
opportunity to share my experience of the unlimited powers of love
with you. Doghead out.
Grandma Marge in Port Charolette, Florida her wonderful winter home!
In Memory of Margaret D. Petrany Mitchell Stolarcyk
2/26/20 – 8/15-8/16/2016
I felt led to share an incredible experience that Grandma Marge gifted me the week of her passing one year ago. The day she passed, she held my left hand very tightly as I knew she was being prepared to continue her next life. My fraternal Grandmother Susie passed on August 15th which is celebrated as the Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Now please keep in mind that Grandma Marge was always early for everything her entire life. Yet, this most important day of which countless rosaries and prayers were said for many throughout her life, her date of crossing over was early on August 16th. Grandma was always someone who would share a joke and make you happy, and we laugh at her intention to celebrate her passing on the Blessed Mother’s Assumption and just missing it. Since there are different time zones throughout the world, we still believe that she was honored to celebrate her passing on that sacred day. Her beloved daughter, Connie (my mom) passed on Easter Sunday the year of her journey to new beginnings. When Mom was here with us, she traveled to Medugorje and with the children visionaries which impacted her total spiritual life.
Several years ago, St. Padre Pio’s Stigmata glove was being presented for blessings at St. Cyril’s and Grandma Marge and her sister, Bobbie took me there for a continual detached retina on my left eye which I was traveling to have surgery on once again. Aunt Bobbie held the framed glove and blessed my eye with a rose petal placed over the glove. Since that time, my left eye has been stable! Needless to say, St. Padre Pio is one of many Patron Saints for me! Aunt Bobbie (whose birthday was the same day as mine) recently passed and her service was held at St. Cyril’s with a beautiful testimony to her faith. Now the two youngest sisters, who were from a family of 11, are now celebrating!
As family arrived and preparations began, I assembled her outfit with her favorite bright pink blouse and of course, her “poppuchies” (slippers in Slovak) together with her crystal rosaries and wedding ring. After I cleaned the wedding ring, I placed it in her rosary pouch which I held in my left hand. Immediately, the center of the palm of my left hand puffed-out like a fast-forward movie. It hurt and I placed ice on it, thinking that it was just a spider bite. Then it began to enlarge and turn blue and sunk into the palm of my hand, as a heart-shaped blue stigmata. It didn’t bleed, but the spiritual empowerment from this gift made me become a channel for Grandma to prepare things for her celebration as I was led to scripture for her readings Daniel 3:52-90 (which I read) and Philippians 1:18-23 (my cousin read). Fr. Tim made an incredible reference to the meaning of pink symbolizing love and commented on her countless acts of mercy and kindness towards others throughout her life. The entire week of preparations I didn’t sleep and was assembling photo albums and visiting with family to prepare the most beautiful celebration of her life with us. It was that week when the corn stalk tassel turned pink in my backyard as well as her yellow butterfly appeared in my garden.
As I carried her rose-painted ashes vase to her resting place, and sat next to her son holding his right hand with my left hand, I knew why I had received this gift from her. It was for her love and healing light to permeate through me into her beloved son. And then the blue heart-shaped stigmata disappeared.
Grandma Marge in Port Charolette, Florida her wonderful winter home!
In Memory of Margaret D. Petrany Mitchell Stolarcyk
2/26/20 – 8/15-8/16/2016
I felt led to share an incredible experience that Grandma Marge gifted me the week of her passing one year ago. The day she passed, she held my left hand very tightly as I knew she was being prepared to continue her next life. My fraternal Grandmother Susie passed on August 15th which is celebrated as the Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Now please keep in mind that Grandma Marge was always early for everything her entire life. Yet, this most important day of which countless rosaries and prayers were said for many throughout her life, her date of crossing over was early on August 16th. Grandma was always someone who would share a joke and make you happy, and we laugh at her intention to celebrate her passing on the Blessed Mother’s Assumption and just missing it. Since there are different time zones throughout the world, we still believe that she was honored to celebrate her passing on that sacred day. Her beloved daughter, Connie (my mom) passed on Easter Sunday the year of her journey to new beginnings. When Mom was here with us, she traveled to Medugorje and with the children visionaries which impacted her total spiritual life.
Several years ago, St. Padre Pio’s Stigmata glove was being presented for blessings at St. Cyril’s and Grandma Marge and her sister, Bobbie took me there for a continual detached retina on my left eye which I was traveling to have surgery on once again. Aunt Bobbie held the framed glove and blessed my eye with a rose petal placed over the glove. Since that time, my left eye has been stable! Needless to say, St. Padre Pio is one of many Patron Saints for me! Aunt Bobbie (whose birthday was the same day as mine) recently passed and her service was held at St. Cyril’s with a beautiful testimony to her faith. Now the two youngest sisters, who were from a family of 11, are now celebrating!
As family arrived and preparations began, I assembled her outfit with her favorite bright pink blouse and of course, her “poppuchies” (slippers in Slovak) together with her crystal rosaries and wedding ring. After I cleaned the wedding ring, I placed it in her rosary pouch which I held in my left hand. Immediately, the center of the palm of my left hand puffed-out like a fast-forward movie. It hurt and I placed ice on it, thinking that it was just a spider bite. Then it began to enlarge and turn blue and sunk into the palm of my hand, as a heart-shaped blue stigmata. It didn’t bleed, but the spiritual empowerment from this gift made me become a channel for Grandma to prepare things for her celebration as I was led to scripture for her readings Daniel 3:52-90 (which I read) and Philippians 1:18-23 (my cousin read). Fr. Tim made an incredible reference to the meaning of pink symbolizing love and commented on her countless acts of mercy and kindness towards others throughout her life. The entire week of preparations I didn’t sleep and was assembling photo albums and visiting with family to prepare the most beautiful celebration of her life with us. It was that week when the corn stalk tassel turned pink in my backyard as well as her yellow butterfly appeared in my garden.
As I carried her rose-painted ashes vase to her resting place, and sat next to her son holding his right hand with my left hand, I knew why I had received this gift from her. It was for her love and healing light to permeate through me into her beloved son. And then the blue heart-shaped stigmata disappeared.
Bootcamp has been very challenging for me as I am
ALWAYS hungry and get very tired on my walks uphill. After my
daily ‘choopie fit” I normally have “doggie aerobics” which entails
stretching my legs and working them as if I were swimming. I just
LOVE to swim! We also have fun with “spin the dog” which seems to
work very nicely on the carpeted floor in the living area. I get turned
around and around until I get really dizzy. It actually is lots of fun
because it makes me feel like a puppy once again. It is so important
to incorporate daily exercise into your life. As I am finding out,
I feel better, I look better and I have a brighter outlook and enjoy
activities more now that I am slimming down and building stronger
muscles. Sometimes I am referred to as Mr. Slimbutt which actually
is a wonderful compliment as opposed to my earlier nickname of
Mr. Coffee Table. Isn’t it great to tape over old messages with new
ones that are uplifting, motivating and energizing?! Oh boy, oh boy,
oh boy!
In my new neighborhood, there are several children who
come over to visit ME and even ask if they can walk ME! It makes
my heart sing and my dancing front paws sound like tap shoes on
the sidewalk. I get so excited going for walks with my new friends.
In the mornings, Lori walks me to the end of the block to visit with
a Slovak gentleman who reminds me a bit of John. He usually wears
a quilted flannel shirt just like my Master did and even speaks to me
in Slovak (Lori attempts to speak some words, but her inability to roll
her “rrrr’s” is a real disadvantage in speaking the language correctly).
Then the school bus arrives and all of my new friends get aboard the
bus and wave good-bye as they ride up the hill. I wish I could go to
school with them. I could talk to them about all of my stories that I am
sharing with you and they would laugh along with some of my antics.
Maybe some of the children have gone through losing someone that
they loved which would be something I could help them relate to as
well. I think what would be the most fun if I went to school is to ride
on the bus! I just LOVE RIDES! Don’t all Dogheads?…
Sylvester came into my life Thanksgiving weekend while my brother and I were playing catch football outside. He was still a kitten, but determined to make his home were I lived. From the beginning, I could see that Sylvester didn’t know he was a cat because he believed in himself and that he could do anything that he set his mind to.
From “flying” from the back deck to the birch tree, wading in the steam alongside the property, “pointing” at pheasants in the brush, jumping to turn the light switch on or just climbing as high as he could go, he made certain that his message to me was clear – stand your ground, listen to your heart and follow your dreams.
The above video was a weekend project many years ago with friends as Sylvester was filmed doing somersaults, or the Slovak term, “koperdonitz” as Grandma Marge would call them. (Found on YouTube). After a weekend of filming, he decides that he isn’t interested in somersaulting anymore and lets me know it on the last clip! My first encounter with this acrobatic ability occurred as he somersaulted into his food dish one day! He brought much joy and laughter into my life and his message of believing in myself has resurfaced once again as a reminder to be true to my God-given gifts, talents and abilities and to somersault joyously through life!
Mom loved to model, and this photo was taken of her preparing to go out on the stage at a local fashion show just 1 month prior to her death. It is symbolic in that she is dressed in a wedding styled dress, where in some cultures, it was considered that a woman would be buried in her bridal dress to be going home to be with her groom (Jesus). She also is pictured at the bottom of the staircase, as if it rises to heaven.
In memory of Connie A. Mitchell Marchell and all mothers including the entire animal kingdom, we have our lives to be thankful for their tenderness in carrying us within their womb and raising us in their lives. Mom used to say that children were a gift loaned to us from heaven!
The Rose
She’s as beautiful as a delicate Peace Rose.
Her smile as radiant as the shining sun.
Her eyes sparkle as the evening stars.
Her words are always encouraging.
Her outlook is always positive.
Her heart is full of love.
As the fragrance of a rose grows more and more rich as it lives;
so does my mother’s warmth, faith and tender understanding
envelope all those who surround her.
But most of all, my mother has shown me the meaning of God in my life;
for her strength, courage and devout dedication to those she cares about
has shown me the meaning of life…LOVE.
And LOVE comes from God.
I Love Your Very, Very,Very Much, Mom!!!
Your Daughter Lori.
©Loriginal Designs
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Psalm 121:2
Grandma Marge Stolarcyk
Psalm 96
©Loriginal Designs
Thich Nhat Hanh
On my morning hike the stellar sky and enlivening day brought about a feeling of oneness with Mother Earth around me. As I walked the local school track in meditation, I overheard a coach motivating the students he was training. The message he shared in encouraging, emphatic words: “You’re going to make mistakes on the field, that’s ok. Learn to fix them and move on.” Was he just coaching the athletes he was working with? As that message rang true to the very core of my being, I came upon the realization that was exactly how I have been approaching life. In the optimistic way he presented his message to those he was coaching, it brought about a yearning from those he was instructing to strive for improvement. The delivery of the message in a positive context planted the seed of working towards perfection within these adolescent youngsters.
Author unknown
As I left the track to venture up the back hill, I stopped as I came upon a congregation of immature eagles gathered alongside the ground as well as flying in the area! Thankfully I had my cell phone to photograph them, even though they are not professional looking nor close up shots. But the message was a very profound one for me in my journey of the heart. Symbolic as well, for the coach from the track training session had been instructing adolescent children on the importance of perseverance towards their goals, dreams and desires.
Hugh Prather
As I stood there observing the eagles, they began to gather in a convocation as if to communicate with one another on their next soaring expedition, deciding on where the thermals and winds would allow for them to glide effortlessly to a new destination. I remember thinking how lucky they were to have each other to assist in their learning and growing stages of development, and how important that support system is within our own lives as well. When they began to unite as a circle of life joining their energies, I stood there with my arms reaching upwards towards their wings as they rose above me, their feathers just within reach of my outstretched arms. As they soared higher, I was able to count twelve of these youngsters who had graced me with their ‘anything is possible’ outlook on life. Their powerful, pure energy filled my soul with grandeur as a monumental experience for me in my personal life’s journey.
Matthew 19:26
Katherine Mansfield
From this profoundly enlightening experience, I slowly began the walk up the trail. As I looked to the right where some of the eagles had been grounded, I found a secondary eagle feather symbolically left for me from one of the messengers who flew into my life that morning. The eagle has been an animal totem for me my entire life and I have been attuned to their energy for some time. It has been a blessed experience for me to witness such a marvelous moment and to be able to share it with others as a way of showing that there is much around us to assist in our journey, we just need to be still, open and aware in trusting that still, small voice within, honoring Mother Earth and striving for the highest and best in all areas of our lives, knowing that mistakes are a part of our learning curve, in order for us to super duper quantumly soar!
Thomas Edison
©Loriginal Designs
Contact: Lori D. Marchell Carlsen for details
Certified AFAA Instructor, Certified CCA/ICF Creative Coach, Certified Reiki II
lorid.loriginals@yahoo.com
607.759.3583
©Loriginal Designs
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Hebrews 11:1
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
L.D. Marchell
Author Unknown
Norman Vincent Peale
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
©Norman Vincent Peale
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Grandma Marge Stolarcyk
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
John V. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
1 Corinthians 13:13
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
©John V. Marchell
©Margaret D. Stolarcyk
Quaker Lake, Pennsylvania
John V. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
The backyard deck is “purrfectly” designed for me from “hiding-out” behind the railings to sitting atop the railings which are wide enough for sitting comfortably. There is always much activity when February to March arrive, as the robins return to build their nests and other “birdheads” arrive on their way to stay for the season or venture further up to the north county. I much prefer the view from the deck, though taking naps in the flower bed during the warm summer afternoons is another of my favorite things to do!
Besides the chatter and flutter of birds arriving, I have been noticing an increased rainbow effect presenting itself within the clouds, brilliant colorful hues and angel-like feather wisps with colors changing as the moisture content seems to arrange an artist palette in the sky! Truly a magnificent sight to see, but you can “feel” it, too. Maybe because I have a strong sixth sense and can “hear” things at a higher pitch opens my awareness more to the prevalent intoxicating energy of love and light permeating and surrounding us, flowing from within our very being and resonating to all the quantum frequencies.
Ben Jonson
Jaco and Pearl
John V. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
©“Chert Dog’s Greatest Gift: Quantum Leaps of Faith”
On a glorious fall afternoon driving through the Catskills in New York, the energy was so brilliant from the array of colorful foliage to the perfect temperature as I felt an awareness of indescribable loving excitement present in the air. Then I had to stop the car and take as many photographs as possible. I couldn’t “see” anything, but I “knew” that the camera would be able to pick up on the higher vibrations. Just like animals have a heightened awareness of perception, we are becoming attuned to “hear” and “know” in our process of evolving.
Since it is the Spirit that gives life and the flesh is of no avail, out of all of the photographs I took of this sunset, this particular photo revealed a figure in a white robe with a scarlet red cloak walking into the sunset. It appears to be Jesus with his arms stretched out widely as Daniel 3:60 expresses, “All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Luke 2:9
Luke 2: 10
The hard candy is shaped like a “J” to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins.
©Loriginal Designs (Nativity Scenes, Tabernacle Cloth)
©Bible
©Mary Did You Know – Kenny Rogers & Wynonna Judd – KJ Dee YouTube
©Mary Did You Know – 1greysanatomyluver YouTube
With all this snow outside, I thought I would share my first Christmas photo shoot with you! Thank goodness the sun was outside because the snow is very cold! Unlike my older brother, Chert, I DO NOT love sitting in the snow! He, however, would just sit in it for hours, as I was told! I wish that I had met him, but that defeats the whole reason I am here, doesn’t it? Because I am Chert’s Gift to the family he left behind when he went home to be with his Master. The children in the neighborhoood Chert grew up in used to call his Master “Mr. John” which made him smile and fill his heart with joy. Children have a way of doing that, as I so love when the piano and art students come to visit!
So, my first Christmas was fascinating as the artificial Christmas tree stood positioned between the living room and piano parlor entryway. This cut my running route off, so I had to learn to scoot through the sides of the tree! I thoroughly enjoyed sliding on the tree skirt positioned underneath the tree atop the wood flooring! The ornaments and lights became fascinating to look at, and staring at them for any length of time began to mesmerize me! I must confess I did bat at a few of the ornaments, but much prefer my catnip toys! When gifts were opened, I enjoyed playing with all the ribbons, tissue and wrapping paper – not to mention the boxes were fun for jumping in and hiding inside!
My most memorable experience that first Christmas was the beautiful music, colorful lights and warm feeling of pure love surrounding and enveloping the season. As a natural wayshower myself with born intuitive instincts, I feel this intoxicating love and kindness within me and surrounding me and enveloping me with such joyous, peaceful tranquility. We angelic animals are here to assist in transmuting and transforming these man-made, inconsistent and damaging thoughts, words and actions into joy, peace and love. Chert knew it. I know it. We have to assist in being the light and doing the work to bring about restoration to our world one loving thought, word or action at a time.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama
Connie Andrea Marchell
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
L.D. Marchell
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
Connie Andrea Marchell
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
L.D. Marchell
Daniel 3:75
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie A. Marchell
©Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©Bible
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever.”
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
Hebrews 3:15
Philippians 4:4
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie Andrea Marchell
©Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©Bible
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
Ephesians 2:10
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Remy de Gourmont
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Katherine Mansfiled
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
©Loriginal Designs
©Connie Andrea Marchell
©Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
©Katherine Mansfield
©Remy de Gourmont
©Bible
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
Genesis 1:11
L.D. Marchell
Connie Andrea Marchell
L.D. Marchell
L.D. Marchell
*
1 Corinthians 13
Genesis 1:3-5
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©Connie Andrea Marchell
©S.A. Gwin Photograph*
©NIV Bible
L.D. Marchell
Matthew 18:3
L.D. Marchell
“Alfred the Golden Doodle”
A Course in Miracles
L.D. Marchell
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata
©Loriginal Designs
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
©Loriginal Designs
©Henry David Thoreau – Walden Pond
Infinite gratitude to the beauty of our surroundings, of friends and family with heartfelt thankfulness for their generosity from the heart! May our focus on all the wonder and expansive glory surrounding us and the miraculous gift of the breath of life within us be ever kept in present moment appreciative awareness!
Anne Bronte
*
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte
©Anne Bronte
©Loriginal Designs
*(Private Yoga/Pilates Empowerment Outdoor Workshops – contact Loriginal Designs for more details. AFAA, ICF/CCA, Reiki II Certifications)
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte
© Loriginal Designs
©Emily Bronte Quotes
Gary Ryan Blair
Grenville Kleiser
Dalai Lama
Author Unknown
©The Other Ear – Ben Fambrough (Vocals, Guitar), Chris Carlsen (Vocals, Bass), Chuck Kozlowski (Back Up Vocals, Drums), Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (Keyboards) with guest musicians James Michael Thompson (Vocals, Guitar) and Rich Kennicutt (Keyboards).
©Photography Sam and Chris Kozlowski, Joyce Carlsen
©Loriginal Designs
This story will resonate with many of my readers as it concerns a young woman living a somewhat ‘normal’ life, married, working, concerned about finding herself and a better path to her future. Her name is Lori D. Marchell Carlson and she lives in Sanborn, New York. Lori was born Feb. 17, 1962. From our […]
via Part 1: It Happened To Her, It Could Happen To You! — Green Snake Retold
Jeremiah 29:11
Philippians 4:19
1 Peter 5:7
Proverbs 3:5-6
Romans 8:28
Thank you to Ransom Steele Tavern, Cyber Cafe West, family, friends and guests for making The Other Ear’s Reunion weekend of music a memorable experience for everyone!
First recording of the end of “Dirt” cover written by Phish is posted below the credits taken from Ben Fambrough’s You Tube channel.
©The Other Ear:
Ben Fambrough (lead vocals, guitar); Chuck Kozlowski (drums, back-up vocals); Chris Carlsen (bass, vocals); Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (keyboards); with guest musicians Rich Kennicutt (keyboards) and James Michael Thompson (guitar, vocals).
©Photography by Chris and Sam Kozlowski, Joyce Carlsen
©Loriginal Designs
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons From A Black English Labrador Retriever”
Chert Dog’s Tent!
Upcoming WBNG TV Interview with Kara Conrad on Friday, August 11 at 12:15 pm
Book signing at Arrowhead Parable Christian Store on Saturday, August 12 at 11 am – 2 pm
Willow’s Wings
A non profit animal sanctuary and rescue, devoted to caring for all animals large and small, many of which have been left abandoned, neglected and abused. Our saying here is, “They may be old, sick or disabled, but their lives matter too.”
Donations can be sent to: http://www.paypal.me/WillowsWings
Willow’s Wings
Animal Sanctuary and Rescue
Willow6226@gmail.com
©Loriginal Designs
©Willow’s Wings
©WBNG TV Kara Conrad
©YWCA Broome County
Will Durant
Frank Lloyd Wright
Vladimir Horowitz
Author Unknown
Plato
Ludwig van Beethoven
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Howard Snell
Ralph Marston
Thank you to Ransom Steele Tavern, Cyber Cafe West, family, friends and guests for making The Other Ear’s Reunion weekend of music a memorable experience for everyone!
Recordings will be available in the near future from the two gigs which include Ben Fambrough’s original songs as well as cover music from such artists as Talking Heads, Phish, Beatles and Grateful Dead.
©The Other Ear:
Ben Fambrough (lead vocals, guitar); Chuck Kozlowski (drums, back-up vocals); Chris Carlsen (bass, vocals); Lori D. Marchell Carlsen (keyboards); with guest musicians Rich Kennicutt (keyboards) and James Michael Thompson (guitar, vocals).
©Photography by Chris and Sam Kozlowski
©Loriginal Designs
Kryon, Book 14 “The New Human: The Evolution of Humanity
As a charm of birds flew together in unison yesterday afternoon swaying with the wind, their surreal chorus brought me right back to the day that a similar gathering of birds embodied the same sound to the core of my soul. The last time that feeling occurred was the evening I went to say good bye to Grandma Marge as she prepared for your transitional journey of the soul. Sure enough, after the birds embarked on their flight, I looked over to the western sky to behold a crystalline sun dog beaming boldly in the sky! Grandma Marge had referred to me as her rainbow, and somehow this prism of light waves had brought her “NOW’ loving spirit rushing back into my life! What a glorious and amorous feeling to welcome her loving presence into my heart!
2 Corinthians 12:10
In the wavelengths and prisms of crystalline vapor trails in the sky, the bending of the path of light or sound passes through between dimensions to reveal various mediums with different characteristics encompassing all of our senses. These “weaknesses” in the angularity of radiant light manifest brilliant variations of colorful light and sound. It is symbolic to the twelve strands of DNA within our own human structure and how they connect quantumly to Gaia. Kryon speaks about this in moving the Kundalini energy and our relationship with Mother Earth in the procreation of wisdom on the planet. We are on a journey of discovering the potential elegance of what our DNA really can do for us!
Kryon, Book 14 “The New Human: The Evolution of Humanity
http://www.tofinophotography.com/
John 6:68
There are many “spiritual bouquets” that remind me of Grandma Marge, with PINK being her trademark signature in everything that she touches. The above scripture was her favorite for she understood the vastness of our spiritual life. Isn’t it interesting that her daughter Connie’s (my mom) signature color is YELLOW and together they symbolize UNIVERSAL LOVE and HAPPINESS. Perfect messages from two spiritually active angelic essences doing all that they can to shift this energy to LOVE BEING THE FIRST RESPONSE. No longer are we giving energy to the fear based old stories. We are being given a gift on August 21, 2017 with the Solar Eclipse bringing in the 2,000 year cycle of Aquarius. (Yes, I am Aquarius).* The essential message that we are here to convey to all of you is that the pain and sorrow and poverty consciousness thinking is an old, worn out paradigm which no long will have any power after the Solar Eclipse which will be bringing in a whole new paradigm of existence. Christ Consciousness, Love being all that there is. The new thought process is that of conscious awareness utilizing the pineal and dropping our intellectualism into the heart for compassionate living with all humanity!
In Perpetual Memory of Connie and Grandma Marge (Aries and Pisces)*
http://www.kryon.com/israelvideo/
Dr. Cindy Gale, Transformational Life Coach
©Tofino Photography
http://www.tofinophotography.com/
©Loriginal Designs (Please note: All photographs are in their original format with no modifications utilized which is essential in conveying the Universe shining brilliant messages to see, hear, taste, smell, touch and know within the depths of our heart. One must listen and pay attention with awakened awareness and spiritual discernment).
*Aries Age 2000 BC to AD 1; Pisces Age AD 1 to 2000; Aquarius Age AD 2000 to AD 4000.