The A B C Field Guide to Faeries

“WISDOM BEGINS WITH WONDER.” Socrates

2011-12-19T05:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the full description of The Jewel of the Sea Card from The Faery Wisdom Deck by Amy Brown that I pulled this morning. It is a great reminder for each of us to look at this world and our life with the wide-eyed wonderment and innocence of a child.
“The mysteries of the sea expand our awareness into the mysteries of life. The sea is a reminder that there is much we still do not know about our own world.
Allow yourself to open up to the unknown and to explore the depths. Dive deeply into your exploration of life. Do not sit on the side lines. Become active and a participant. Get out and begin the journey NOW. Read and study the ancient knowledge and learn to tap into the wisdom which is in everything around you. Become AWARE in all that you do. At the same time KNOW that the world and your life are unfolding as they should. Let this mermaid guide you to the jewels that lie within. Water is representative of the astral water..the STUFF from which all in existence is formed.
It is our essence. Earthly water is used as a sacrament to bless us. Salt water purifies and heals. The seas are deep and mysterious just as is our essential being. There is much we do not know about the sea and about ourselves. If you could journey to the very depths of your being, what treasures would you find? The journey is there for you to take. And a blessed journey it is! Go ahead...find the jewels that live within your depths. Bring them to the surface to examine and to hold up to the light of day. It is in this light that you are able to see all the facets that await
your exploration. See how beautifully they reflect! Every time that you immerse yourself in water, whether it be bathing or swimming, visualize its purifying and healing properties sinking deep into your aura and body. If you are showering, visualize any negative thoughts and feeling washing right off your body and down the drain. There they can be transmuted into creative
energy for good, by Mother Earth.

The Chant
Great Spirit: Allow that which dwells within me to expand and to grow in knowledge and in
wisdom. Show me the mysteries that have been placed around and within me, and help me to understand their meaning and their message. Guide me on my journey and help me to stay attuned to my path. As I journey, I know that I am safe and that you will light the way for
me.”

Shine your light brightly and live your wildest dreams.
Sending sunshine and faery magic,
Susanne
www.motivatedbynature.com

Taming the Dragon and going with the flow!

2011-11-17T16:19:00.001-08:00

I had shared this revelation lately with a friend and felt that I needed
to do so, on my blog as well. We are no
different than nature. We have our ebbs and flows, our high tides and low
tides. We have our storms and our calms. We must be able to ride them all with ease and grace. In fact, our true character is shown through the ebbs, the lows and the storms. In this "new age" movement, every one promotes that we should always be riding the "high tides", but that is not natural
nor is it sustainable. We have our mountains to climb, but we also have to
descend from them in order to climb the next mountain to gain the lessons we have come to learn. When we realize this and learn to go with the flow, we can surrender to what the universe will bring in for us, both the highs and the lows. Nature definitely has a lot to teach us if we are only willing to slow down and listen to her wisdom.

The reason I am sharing this today, is I pulled the Moon Dragon card from my Faery Wisdom Deck this morning. It is the second time I have pulled it this week, and it has a very
powerful message. This card is all about emotions and that the moon can make the tides rise and fall, and with them our emotions. “Sometimes the emotions can be lambs, and sometimes they can be Dragons!” When these emotions come in, be willing to sit with them for a while, and truly feel the feelings. Express everything within. Perhaps even write in a journal to help express all that is on your mind. Dig deep into the core of these feelings and keep asking “Why”, until you have the real story. This is the chant:
“Mistress moon, help me to ebb and flow gently with your tide. Allow the Dragon within me to subside. Bring me peace and harmony, just as you can upon the sea. Release my emotions to infinity, so I may live in my divinity. So be it! ‘Wish on a Moon Beam today!”

May this in some way help you with a situation you are facing now or in the future. Sending you lots of sunshine and faery magic to help tame your dragons.

Susanne

www.abcfaeries.com

Synchronicity to following your Bliss!

2011-11-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite quotes is by Joseph Campbell which is "Follow your bliss, and the universe will open doors for you where before there were only walls." This morning when I was doing my gratitude journaling, the quote on the bottom of the page said, "Follow your Bliss." Now by noon time, I was really feeling that I wanted to sit in a sunbeam and just soak up the warmth from it. I pulled a card from my Faery Wisdom Deck from Amy Brown and I pulled the Summer Dragon card. Here is a quote directly from it, " Whether in reality it is summer or not, allow yourself to move into the feeling of summer. Mentally cast a golden, sunny, glow around your body. Be full of bliss! Know that things are going to work out well for you if you just stay in a sunny attitude and go with the flow." I felt that was amazing synchronicity all to happen on one day. A good friend of mine says that we should not call it synchronicity, but instead "normalacies" because if we are truly walking our path all synchronicities should be "normal". So to each and every one of you, please follow your bliss. Sending sunshine and faery magic with a summer dragon! Susanne www.abcfaeries.com

Meaning of 11/11/11

2011-11-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

November 11 is a time of great significance for all. It is of course the end to the great war. This Nov.11 has a very profound energy attached to it. May we not forget those that came before us to help us live this life of freedom.

This information is from Tania Gabrielle, Celebrity Numerologist http://taniagabrielle.com/
On 11.11.11 we will experience the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the century - all triggered in a 24-hour period, making this a very powerful moment in time. 11.11.11 is a triple activation of the double digit "Master Number"11. In numerology, the number 1 represents new beginnings, so 11 symbolizes "double new beginnings."
The two 1's in 11 each represent a pillar. Side-by-side the 11 looks like a gateway or portal.
This gateway symbolizes moving from the past into the present. In other words, walking through the 11 Gateway means letting go of the known and embracing the present moment, which is unknown.
On this date, we have a profound opportunity to 'see' through the triple 11 portal and create our vision of the future. Literally to create a New Beginning.

Every number has a positive meaning and a 'shadow' side. 11 in the positive is highly intuitive, visionary, creative, original, balanced and inspired. 11 in the negative is unbalanced, torn, separate, frustrated and divided. A positive 11 'sees' a clear vision. This is the number of the psychic, seer and visionary. A negative 11 sees di-vision, is trapped in the past instead of living in the present moment.
Thus, 11 always asks you to find Balance. By walking through the 11 Gateway and trusting our intuition, we bypass division and feel whole again. We are "in balance."
So, on 11.11.11 you have a particularly strong opportunity to confront the parts of your life that
feel divided, separate or incomplete and need to be resolved. Relationships especially are affected, because 11 reduces to the 'root number' 2 (11 = 1+1 = 2) and 2 symbolizes communication, diplomacy and cooperation in relationships. Walking through the gateway into 'Double New Beginnings' is the key to the number 11. On 11.11.11 everything in your life can be renewed and transformed. Take advantage of this wonderful moment in time - a triple activation of Double New Beginnings. Release old hurts, talk to the people you have unresolved issues with - reach out and forgive. You will be blessed many times over as a new lightness of being
embraces your heart.
Let all bygones be bygones. Now create your spectacular reality. BE the person you want to be. Don't look back. Keep moving forward through the gateway.
Sending sunshine and faery magic,

Susanne Alexander-Heaton

www.abcfaeries.com

Meaning of Squirrel

2011-10-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday evening, we headed out to go to an event with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra and Toe Tapping Swing. They presented An Evening with Al Capone. To be honest, I wasn't really sure what this event would be like and really didn't know what to expect. On the way driving there, a black squirrel went bounding ahead of the car. I made a note to check again on the squirrel meaning and just did so today.

What ended up happening was the evening was absolutely wonderful. Everyone was out to dance up a storm and have good, plain fun. It was actually hard to leave!

Squirrel medicine is as follows:http://www.whats-your-sign.com/animal-symbolism-squirrel.html Bottom line is fun, balance and expression/passion. So, the squirrel was sending me a message loud and clear. Thank you great spirit for all the wonderful signs you send.

In gratitude,

Susanne

http://www.motivatedbynature.com/

Do what you love!

2011-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

A big Thank You to Jim Seybert from StrengthsChat who interviewed me to find out why I love doing what I am doing!

http://jimseybert.com/strengthschat-susanne-heaton/

50/50 Shot at Living;What would you do

2011-10-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Please visit this link at Body Checklist that Rachel K has posted and included some of my comments in. May you have a fantabulous day.

http://bodychecklist.com/article/mind-spirit/41292/8906/5050-shot-living-what-would-you-do

Heart-warming artwork by Sunnyside children

2011-09-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

I had the honour of presenting my book to the Sunnyside school children. Children are my absolute best and most important critics. These children created magical pieces of art that they shared with me after my visit and said that I could share them with all of you. I hope that you all enjoy their creations as much as I do. Sending sunshine and faery magic to one and all. Shine on!

www.abcfaeries.com

Creating a Butterfly Garden

2011-06-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Did you know that butterflies are second only to bees for their ability to pollinate plants?

Are you aware that many butterflies are at risk because their “homes” are being cleared away by development?

If you want to entice these beautiful insects to use your garden as their new home, follow the tips below and you will be well on your way to creating a Butterfly Garden.

There are some key points to know.

1. You need to know the zone that you are gardening in. In Calgary, we are considered as a Zone 3A, however, different areas of the city and different microclimates in your garden can mean that you are gardening anything from a Zone 2b to Zone 4 or 5. So, a good rule of thumb is to try to choose perennial plants that are as hardy as possible.

2. Something that many people are not aware of, is that you need to provide larval food for the butterfly when it is in its caterpillar stage. Some examples of caterpillar food include: milkweed, nettles, and thistles . The problem is that caterpillar plants often do not get planted as they are only considered as weeds. But if you plant some of these “weeds” in your garden, you will encourage the butterflies to come back year after year.

3. Next you need to plant flowers for the butterfly to enjoy the nectar. Different colours and nectars attract different butterflies. By providing a variety of plants that will bloom from May-Sept , you will attract these beautiful winged insects to your yard all summer long. Some examples of perennial butterfly flowers and the zones they are hardy in include:
Zone 2 – Dianthus, Echinops (Globe Thistle), Yarrow
Zone 3 – Bee Balm, Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea). Lilac bushes, Queen Anne’s Lace

4. Choose an area that gets some sunlight (at least 5 hours/day). Butterflies love to sun themselves, so place a nice rock (which will absorb the heat from the sun) to provide a warm resting spot. Also ensure the area is sheltered from the wind. Butterflies do not like to fight the wind when they are trying to get nectar from the flowers.

5. Butterflies need water which can be easily provided by making mudholes or using containers with water (dump out regularly so that it does not provide a home for mosquitos!).

Now, as the saying goes, if you entice the butterflies into your backyard, you should be aware that you may also be attracting other little winged visitors known as “faeries”. Faeries adore many of the same things that butterflies do. They are attracted to brightly coloured plants, they love to sun themselves, and they like to be sheltered from the wind. May the butterflies (and the faeries) provide you with great company all summer long! Happy Gardening.

Sending sunshine and faery magic,
Susanne
www.abcfaeries.com

What has your father inspired you to be or do?

2011-06-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Since today is Father’s Day, I wanted to reflect on what my father inspired me to become, and would love it if you took the time to reflect on this thought as well and share any insights you have with me.
Back in Nov, 2008, we discovered that doctors had "missed" a six inch tumour on my dad's liver and he was given only three months to live. I was able to spend those final months in Manitoba with my father on our family farm and we had many heart-to-heart conversations. In one of those talks, my dad looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Sus, get yourself out of that corporate job and go and focus on writing your book." If you had known my father, you would realize just how shocking it was to hear him say these words. After he passed away in January 2009, I returned to Calgary and effective March 2009, I resigned from my corporate job. I created my own company called Motivated by Nature and am now an author, publisher, speaker and FUNdraiser. To date, my children's book, The ABC Field Guide to Faeries which has inspiring reminders of respect for ourselves, each other and the environment, has helped to raise over $15,000 for worthy causes. It has helped to keep the memory of Sarah Lisa Foidart alive. It has also been nominated for numerous awards. This journey has been an incredible rollercoaster ride of emotions, but it is a journey that I am very grateful that I decided to take. It is thanks to the sage advice of my father that I have been able to walk this path that I am walking.
In deepest gratitude,
Susanne
www.abcfaeries.com
www.motivatedbynature.com

Spiritual Meaning of a Rabbit

2011-06-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Last night on my way home from driving to a dear friend’s 40th birthday party, a rabbit crossed my path. I knew that there was meaning in this, so I looked up the meaning at http://www.crystalinks.com/totemanimals.html

This is what it had to say:
“Rabbit: fear, timidity, nervousness, humility
Rabbit's medicine includes moving through fear, living by one's own wits, receiving hidden teachings and intuitive messages, quick thinking, strengthening intuition, and paradox. Rabbit also represents humility, because he is quiet and soft and not self-asserting. Rabbit reminds us not to be afraid. Fearful thoughts reproduce (like rabbits) and bring the very thing we fear. Rabbit people are so afraid of tragedy, illness, and disaster, that they call those very fears to them to teach them lessons. If you see Rabbit or in any way feel attracted to him, it may be telling you to wait for the forces of the universe to start moving again, to stop worrying and to get rid of your fears. It always indicates a need to re-evaluate the process you are undergoing, to rid yourself of any negative feelings or barriers, and to be more humble.”

This was a very timely message for me as I had been thinking and expressing some fears earlier that day which had caused me to self-sabotage. It was interesting too, as I had just finished listening to a video clip with Janet Attwood who had suggestions for Three Top Things to do to Love Your Life More.

1. Meditate – by meditating, greater creativity comes in
2. Passion – get more clear about what you are passionate about right now. We are all powerful. No one has an edge on being powerful.
3. False belief, ideas and concepts – Those are the things we repeat to ourselves: “I’m not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, etc.” These are all false beliefs and she suggested to do “The Work” of Byron Katie who asks four questions:
1. Is it true?
2. Can you absolutely know it is true?
3. How do you react when you attach to that thought?
4. Who would you be without that thought and then turn that thought around.

Obviously, I need to focus on #3 “The Work”! Thank you Great Spirit for giving me the sign I needed to reinforce this. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and I thank you for the gentle nudges you give to me to do the work that I need to do.
In gratitude,
Susanne
www.abcfaeries.com or www.motivatedbynature.com

International Children's Day

2011-06-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Today is June, 1 International Children's Day. What are you going to do to help celebrate a special child in your life? What are you going to do to celebrate your inner child? In the wise words of the letter "J" faery, Joylene,
"To all children, please be their pure sense of joy,
As this cannot be obtained from a shiny new toy.
Instead it is something that must come from the heart,
Like spending time with the child and doing your part."

Sometimes, just taking the time to listen is worth more than anything that can be bought. My favourite memories from childhood were about the time spent with my family, relatives and friends. I loved to play Yahtzee as a child with my Great Aunt Margaret, and I recently bought a Yahtzee game to relive those memories. It is such a simple, wonderful connection to my past that brings a deep smile to my soul. What connects you to your past that brings a smile on your face and soul? Treat your inner child to those wonderful memories from your youth.

Have you ever been around a child when they have had that wonderful belly laugh, that is so contagious, that you have to start laughing right along with them? That is my wish for you. To laugh like a child and connect with that wonderment and innocence.

I would like to share a quick request with you. I am climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this July. Since Mt. Kili is 5,895 m, my goal is to raise $5,895 for a wonderful project in South Africa called Sharing to Learn which empowers both children and adults through education. Here is a quick link to a page that has many more details as well as a movie clip that I produced on the project http://www.crowdrise.com/Susanne If you could help me get the word out there for this worthy cause I would greatly appreciate it.

Sending plenty of sunshine and faery magic,
Susanne
www.abcfaeries.com
- Award-Winning Finalist in the "Best Interior Design" category of the 2011 International Book Awards

- Award-Winning Finalist in the "Children's Educational" category of the 2011 International Book Awards

- Award-Winning Finalist in the "Children's Mind/Body/Spirit" category of the 2011 International Book Awards

- Nominee for the Alberta 2010 Best Book of the Year Award for Children by the Book Publishers of Alberta

- Bronze Medal for its cover design in the 2010 Summit Awards

How to attract Hummingbirds to your backyard

2011-05-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Have you been trying to attract these amazing creatures into your backyard with little success? Attracting hummingbirds can be a huge exercise in patience (sometimes years), but persistence will pay off.
For Calgary, the hummingbird season is busiest in August before they migrate south around Labor Day weekend.
There are two ways to attract hummingbirds to your very own backyard.
1. The best way is to provide natural nectar through planting perennials like Bee Balm, Coral Bells, Delphinium, Honeysuckle and Monk’s Hood.
2. The next best option is to prepare a nectar solution for them

Tips on providing nectar solution for hummingbird feeders:
a. Buy a bee and wasp proof feeder (with these types, the syrup is too low for the insects to reach, however the hummingbird’s tongue can easily reach the syrup)
b. Hummingbirds have virtually no sense of smell but are attracted to the color red, so ensure that your feeder has a lot of red on it. Some people have even tied red surveyors tape to the feeder as it is believed that the hummingbirds are sensitive to ultraviolet light, which this fluorescent tape reflects in abundance.
c. Choose a feeder that is easy to clean and keep it clean (using the wrong kind of solution or letting it get moldy can actually kill the hummingbirds and their babies)
d. Feeder Recipe: 1 cup sugar to 4 cups of water. Bring solution to boil (to kill bacteria) and then allow it to cool. Store left over solution in refrigerator as long as it is used within one week. Do not use red food coloring in your solution as it may be harmful to these birds.
e. Fill feeders with just enough solution for 2-3 days of use. Clean feeders thoroughly before each refill. Clean feeders with only vinegar and water.
Another thing that is useful is to have trees in your backyard to provide a resting limb and safe haven for the hummingbirds in between their feedings.

So start preparing your backyard with plants now to attract these magical birds this summer. And remember, faeries are always close by when the hummingbirds are around.

Sending sunshine and faery magic,

Susanne

http://www.abcfaeries.com

The Mastery of Love Review

2011-05-26T18:58:00.001-07:00

What book are you currently reading? I just finished reading Don Miguel-Ruiz's book, The Mastery of Love. He is the same author of The Four Agreements. The book really spoke to me.
Here is a quick excerpt:
"You have the power to create. Your power is so strong that whatever you believe comes true. You create yourself, whatever you believe you are. You are the way you are because that is what you believe about yourself. Your whole reality, everything you believe, is your creation. You have the same power as any other human in the world. The main difference between you and someone else is how you apply your power, what you create with your power”....
In our mind we create that part of us that is always judging. The Judge is judging everything we do, everything we don’t do, everything we feel, everything we don’t feel. We are judging ourselves all the time, and we are judging everyone else all the time based on what we believe and based on the sense of justice and injustice....
As a child, you were innocent. You believed everything. The Belief System was put inside you like a program by the outside Dream. The Toltecs call this program ‘The Parasite’. The human mind is sick because it has a Parasite that steals its vital energy and robs it of joy. The Parasite is all those beliefs that make you suffer. Those beliefs are so strong that years later when you learn new concepts and try to make your own decision, you find those beliefs still control your life. The Parasite spreads like a disease from our grandparents, to our parents, to ourselves. All those programs get inside children the same way we train a dog. Humans are domesticated animals and this domestication leads us into the dream of hell where we live in fear. The food for the Parasite is the emotions that come from fear.

There is tons more but when I was reading this it really spoke to me. I have always thought that “Hell” is what we create here on this earthly plane. It is all under our power by the thoughts that we think. Our mind is a powerful thing. Let’s use it wisely. Let’s embrace what powerful beings we truly are and create our own heaven here on earth.

In love, light and enlightenment,
Susanne

Nature and Signs

2011-05-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

So how was your long weekend? Did you receive any wonderful signs from being out in nature? I was sent three beautiful signs while my husband and I took a drive out through the rolling countryside on Saturday to Water Valley.

The first sign was seeing a magnificent Mountain Bluebird. It brought tears streaming down my face. My late grandfather Alexander (Gramps) had been a huge advocate for bringing the bluebirds back to our area in Manitoba. He spent countless hours making bluebird boxes, numbering them and putting them up throughout the countryside. He was so meticulous. He would not mount his boxes on any old fence post which would have been a much easier route to take. He said that mice could easily climb up the fence post and eat the bluebird eggs. So my grandfather would painstakingly use a post auger and drill a hole in the ground and put in a metal post and mount the bluebird box lovingly on top of it. His labour of love proved fruitful as he did attract the bluebirds back to our area. So seeing that beautiful, magnificent bird fly by with its brilliant coat of blue, as well as seeing all of the bluebird boxes in the area made me instantly think of Gramps.

In native culture, bluebirds are a symbol of love, contentment, hope and happiness. I smile to myself as I am writing this, as I fondly remember how my grandfather affectionately called me “Snoozie”, instead of “Susie” just to tease me.

As we continued on further down the road, we came across four deer. The number four is all about communication, and I knew that deer represented gentleness, humbleness and humility, but I was shocked when I found this interpretation of deer meaning on the internet from whats-your-sign.com:
“The deer is linked to the arts, specifically poetry and music in ancient Celtic animal lore due to its graceful form. The Celts also believed that deer were associated with the faerie realm, and would lead troops of faeries - hundreds of them trailing behind them as the stag cut a path.” There is no doubt in my mind that the faeries were working their mischievous magic with me and having a wee laugh at the same time!

Now what makes this encounter even more interesting was I found out that day that Water Valley was holding its Celtic Festival on Saturday, June 25! I am happy to report that Susanne, The Sunshine Faery will be one of the artists selling her wares during this wonderful event.

Driving on we discovered a little gem called Fallentimber Meadery http://www.fallentimbermeadery.com. The staff were wonderful and Mead is very much linked to the Celts and the faery realm since it is a wine made with honey.

As we returned home, I had a final sign shown to me that again made tears stream down my face. It was a lone Canada goose flying across our path. Communication is the message from goose. Goose quills were what writers first used to write with ink prior to the invention of the dip pen. Before my father passed, he told me in one of our heart-to-heart conversations to “Get yourself out of that corporate job, and go and focus on writing your book.” I did just exactly that. So goose has a very strong meaning to me.

Thank you Great Spirit for working in the ways you do to show us all these magnificent signs. It only helps to reinforce that our loved ones are always close at hand watching over us, if we are willing to see the signs that are shown.
In gratitude,

Susanne

http://www.abcfaeries.com

2011-05-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, May 8, we celebrate a very special day, Mother's Day. What will you do? Will you buy a card, or give a hand made one? Will you buy flowers, clothes, jewelry, chocolates or make a handmade gift for your mom? Will you take her to a special restaurant, or will you make her a special meal?

I am always reminded of a special breakfast that I tried to make for my mother. I made her toast and tea and brought it up to her on a special tray. I was just five years old at the time. When mom went to pour her "tea", she said, "Oh, it is only hot water." I had never seen my mother put the tea bag into the pot prior to pouring the hot water in it. I just thought the pot magically transformed the water into tea! We had a good laugh and I think the faeries did too! Oddly enough, my mom still enjoys drinking straight hot water to this day.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that it comes straight from your heart and see what sort of great memories are created for you and your family.

Sending sunshine and faery magic,
Susanne

http://www.abcfaeries.com/

Earth Day, April 22, 2011

2011-04-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

What are you going to do to help reduce your ecological footprint today, tomorrow, and beyond?

I was recently at the Wild Flour Cafe in Banff and they posted the following information on their bulletin board:
"North Americans use 58% of all paper cups worldwide amounting to a staggering 130 billion cups/yr!" I found this quote truly alarming.

A great thing that this cafe offered was compostable cups from Ingeo which are made from plants (dextrose from field corn), not oil, so they are fully recyclable. This cafe also recycled/composted: serviettes, cups, bottles, juice containers, plastic cutlery, condiment cups, straws, stir sticks and java jackets. One very easy thing that we can do to lighten our footprint is by bringing our own travel mug into the various coffee places we frequent, or by visiting businesses like this one that are truly trying to make a difference.

What are you going to do to help celebrate Earth Day?
In the wise words of the faery Michael:
"Do whatever you can to make this world a cleaner place,
Get caught up in this challenge, as if it were a race.
Pick up any garbage that you happen to see,
And all will be blessed by what comes to be."

Please share with me how you will be celebrating Earth Day. I would love to hear your comments.

Sending you lots of sunshine to melt that snow and plenty of faery magic to make those flower bulbs grow!
Susanne
http://www.abcfaeries.com/

Lessons Learned at the Power of Women

2011-04-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

The Power of Women was held on Wednesday, April 20 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. What an amazing event it was. Not only was I with some very incredible, brilliant women and men, I also was able to glean some wonderful information from the high profile speakers that I would like to share with you.

Key Points Learned
Lesley Stahl: Legendary Broadcast Journalist and Co-Editor of 60 Minutes
- Images and emotions are so powerful that what is said actually gets ignored!
- You need to exude confidence in all that you do, even if you are totally stressed and nervous.
- Best retort that she has heard when someone has said, “Women are too emotional.” The response is, “Since when is anger not an emotion!”

Barbara Corcoran: Author, Real Estate Mogul, Business Expert
1. To the public, perception creates reality. Create an image of success even before it happens.
2. People do judge a book by its’ cover
3. Make a statistical report. Do an analytical report and send it to the press. Having a third party endorsement from the press is very powerful.
4. Align yourself with powerful people in your field. (Most “little” guys shy away from this, but there is always a solution that you can offer the “big” guys if you think about it long enough.)
5. Think outside the box.
6. Tie your name into current news.
7. Learn to grandstand.
8. Find yourself a stage.
9. Fun is good for business
10. Fun breed innovation. Every good idea for her business happened from her company retreats.
11. Fun cultures recruit and retain the best people.
Note that the worst times are the best times to move ahead because the little business has the advantage of moving more quickly than big businesses that are bogged down in bureaucracy.

Peggy Klaus: Author, Workplace Communication and Leadership Expert
On Leadership
1. Develop your craft, practice, listen to feedback and never stop growing
2. There are a number of different leaders with different styles that are as equally dynamic.
3. One is never done learning leadership

Three reasons that women are not on the top of the Org. Chart
1. No access to men’s events
2. Lack of mentoring (don’t get mentored by the guys at the top)
3. Perception by folks at the top that women lack necessary leadership skills because we look and sound different

Recommended visiting the March 14 edition of Newsweek, 150 Women Who Shake the World
http://www.thedailybeast.com/interactive/women-in-the-world/150-women-who-shake-the-world/?cid=topic:mainpromo4

How do women leaders make it:
1. Embrace values/Set Vision/Become an expert in specific set of soft skills
2. Deal with perfectionism
3. Do not take things so personally
4. Politically Savvy – navigate the land mines
5. Build strategic alliances
6. Take Risks
7. Brag about themselves and their people artfully and gracefully
8. Speak up and push back
As an exercise, she had women write down which two above they do not deal with, how it would derail them and what they were going to do to get over that hurdle.

Michelle Phillips: Author, Life Coach
- It takes only seven seconds to size someone up
- We need to try to remove one thing from our “To do” list every day, and put in one thing that is just for us to enjoy
- We need to ask ourselves, “What would I do today if I knew I couldn’t fail?”
- We need to dress for the dreams you have/for the job we want, not the one we currently have
- We need to look knowledgeable, credible and trustworthy

Loretta LaRoche: Acclaimed Stress Expert, Author, Humorist and Motivational Speaker
If you have not had the chance to see Loretta speak, try to get one of her videos. She is 72 yrs old, full of energy and vitality and is one funny lady. She fully promotes lightening up and enjoying life more. She is a true joy to be around. Through storytelling, much laughter and antidotes, Loretta finished up with the acronyms “Blossom” which stands for the following:
B elieve in yourself
L ighten up
O pen your heart
S ing praises of people you like
S oothe yourself with healthy distractions
O rchestrate your life as if you were a conductor
M arvel every day you are alive. Be in awe.

http://www.lorettalaroche.com/video/juicy-living-juicy-aging

Suzanne Somers: Actress, Business Leader and Best Selling Author
Suzanne talked about her journey of empowerment. Her scare with cancer caused her to research extensively into how to heal herself. She is very passionate about sharing her message on how each of us can age gracefully with vitality and vigor and avoid various diseases.

Jessica Holmes: Comedian/Actress
Jessica was the emcee for the entire event. She is from Ottawa. Her Celine Dion impersonation had everyone in absolute stitches. Jessica truly made the show with her quick wit and her natural talent for humour.

I hope that you have found these points helpful. Embrace the incredible beings you are and let your light shine!

Sending plenty of sunshine,

Susanne

www.abcfaeries.com

Robin's message

2011-04-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hasn't it been an amazing rollercoaster ride of emotions lately? With the coming of spring, it stirs so much in us. Renewal, rebirth and growth. A purging of the old to allow new things to come in. Not to mention that there was a full moon last night to really mess with the emotions! Yesterday morning I had the amazing experience of drinking my coffee and watching our mountain ash tree absolutely covered in robins in the backyard. It was purely magical and I knew that there was a wonderful message that these birds were trying to share with me. I know that they represent spring, but I also knew that I was supposed to search for the deeper meaning. This is what I found on the internet, and it truly touched my heart. May it help to bring meaning and clarification for each of you.

"The Robin Redbreast

The robin redbreast is a bird of Spring, a time of new growth and new beginnings. It flies into our lives on the winds of change asking us to weed our personal gardens and plant new seeds for our future. Rebirth and renewal require changes in all areas of life that have become stagnant and outdated. The robin redbreast teaches us how to make these changes with joy in our hearts. Its song is a happy one reminding us to let go of our personal drama and learn to laugh with life. If this medicine is underdeveloped those with this totem are continually challenged by the prospects of change. Difficulties arise and emotional discord can surface. Learning how to release our attachments to the old is one of the life lessons the redbreast helps us master.

The red coloring of the robins chest is linked to the kundalini. This life force lives coiled up within the base of the spine. When sufficient spiritual growth has been attained it uncoils, rising up the spine to create heightened awareness. This process enhances psychic vision which leads us into enlightenment. Those with this medicine are dedicated spiritual seekers. Growth can be slow and arduous. With patience, compassion and proper focus spiritual ideals are achieved.

Robins lay powder blue eggs. This is the color associated with the throat chakra. It is also linked to heavenly inspiration. Because the throat chakra's main function is to express the will of Great Spirit and the egg is symbolic of new life, this helpful little totem teaches us how to assert the creative will of Great Spirit in all we do. It leads us into new beginnings without fear by restoring faith within our hearts."

Wishing one and all a wonderful spring full of love, light, laughter and enlightenment.

Susanne http://www.abcfaeries.com/

On Loss and the Grieving Process

2011-03-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

Where do I even begin? In the last month, I have had dear friends that have incurred such loss. Three lost their mothers, another lost her godmother, and two more lost their close friends. I have also spoken with many other people lately who have suffered loss. Our society allows one full year for maternity/paternity leave, and yet only one week (if even that long) to grieve the loss of a loved one. Until you have gone through a similar loss, you cannot even begin to imagine the depths of the emotions that the individual is going through.

When I lost my father to cancer in 2009, I wanted the world to stop spinning just for one minute to help acknowledge my grief but, the world didn’t. I thought that was just plain cruel. I was very sensitive to loud noises, my body ached, I was incredibly angry and sad. Certain friends that I had expected to be there for me, just plain and simply were not. No one could say anything “right” to me. I wanted people to ask about dad, but at the same time, I didn’t want them to ask. And when they told me, “Be strong”...or “He is in a much better place”, I wanted to choke them! Something else that had a real effect on me was the changing of the seasons. Because I grew up on a farm, each of the seasons carry its own meaning and memories. So spring and fall were and still are very difficult months for me. Certain dates also trigger me: his birthday, my parents’ wedding anniversary, the date of his death, and the date of his funeral.

After dad’s passing, I was told by a good friend who had lost her husband about the Grief Support Group run through the Rocky View Hospital in Calgary. http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/programs/griefsupport/access.htm or call 403-943-3533.
The program only lasts 6 weeks, but I received some great insights into everything it was that I was feeling and realized that I was not alone in this process and that all my feelings and symptoms were “normal”. Some deep friendships were formed with members of this group. It is like you are part of a secret society that truly understands one another. It was such a healing process and such a relief to find out some of the symptoms of grief. These include, and are not limited to the following which are taken directly from the Bereavement booklet, “A Guide To Understanding And Healing As You Grieve”:

Emotional Responses:
- Shock, numbness, disbelief
- Anxiety, panic
- Intense sadness, depression
- Guilt, fear, denial
- Deep loneliness; a longing for the person who died
- Anger at the deceased, at self, at others, at God or a higher power
- Helplessness, hopelessness
- Overwhelmed
- Relief that the deceased person’s suffering has ended
- Relief that caregiving has ended

Mental Responses:
- Lack of concentration (brain fog)
- Disorganization
- Lack of motivation
- Impaired judgment and decision making
- Inability to think of anything but the loss
- Short term memory loss
- Hallucinations-sightings of the deceased
- Unable to communicate easily
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion

Spiritual Responses:
- Feeling the presence of the deceased
- Anger with God or a higher power
- Belief or philosophies change
- Inability to find comfort in one’s faith
- Abandoning religious practices
- Changes to perspective on life
- A closer relationship with God or a higher power
- Hope that healing will eventually take place

Social Responses:
- Difficulty supporting one another, especially among grieving family members
- Unease, or discomfort- friends may feel uncomfortable around you and may want you to be your ”old self” again
- Misunderstandings caused by differences in grieving “styles”
- A feeling that the energy previously used in social or family roles is no longer necessary

This is not an exhaustive list. Everyone grieves differently. Another thing that helped me was to realize that grief is not a linear process. You don’t go from Shock to Anger to Sadness to Acceptance. You can move back and forth between each of these at any point in time and go right back to the beginning again.

I am sharing this information in the hopes of being able to help any of you who are currently grieving the loss of a loved one as there seems to be so much of it occurring lately. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. May friends, family and community support you through this time of deep sorrow.
In love and light,
Susanne

What the *&^- am I doing with my life?!

2011-02-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to hear Alex Baisley speak and I am so pumped I can’t sleep, so had to write this blog. Alex is an incredibly inspiring speaker, not to mention his wonderful New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Irish accent combination.

If you have not had the chance to hear him, I highly suggest that you check him out. I have been to so many speakers lately that just give you a quick glance of what they can offer, but they always do the up-sell at the end and say, “In my full day course, you’ll learn....”. Alex is not like this at all. He gives you the straight goods in his “Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle (aka What the *&^- am I doing with my life?!)

Alex spoke straight to my heart on the importance of living your wildest dreams now. He comes from such an authentic place. He is funny and entertaining and has so many great stories to share.

Speaking of stories, here is one called the 'Tale of Two Barbers" that he shared. It really helps to drive home his message that it is not your job; it is your lifestyle that determines your happiness. Enjoy the clip and please follow your wildest dreams. It is 9 minutes, but it is worth every minute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuJa0M4TGuY&feature=player_embedded

For more information on Alex, please visit: http://www.bigdreamprogram.com/Welcome.html

May each and everyone of you have the courage to follow your heart and live your wildest dreams.
Sending lots of sunshine and faery magic.

Susanne
http://www.abcfaeries.com/

Two of the Top Ten Ways to Expand the Love in Your Life!

2011-02-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

The faeries have this quote that they want me to share with you.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop

Since February is the month of the heart, we challenge you to see how many random acts of kindness you can do this month. You will be amazed in turn by how much loving kindness is returned to you.

I am a member of this wonderful organization called Real Talk. This is a quick excerpt of Two of the Top Ten Ways to Expand the Love in Your Life that they just sent to me. I wanted to share them with you. Please visit http://www.realtalk-now.com/ to see the amazing things that they are doing, and help to spread the love!

1. “Do everything with love.”

“Do everything with love ... including putting the keys in your ignition.” How could that change the way you zoom through a day? What if you slowed down and asked this question frequently, “If I was doing this with love what would it look like?” Would I have more grace, be more present, more open, kind, responsive ... Try it and see what happens!

2. “Do your eyes light up when you see me?”

In an interview Mohammed Ali once said the only thing a child wants to know when you enter a room is, “Do your eyes light up when you see me?” How often do you look in people’s eyes ... do you really see your friends, colleagues, family and loved ones? The next time you have a brief encounter or conversation see if you noticed their eyes. What colour are they? People especially in organizations often feel invisible. The one way you let people know they matter is by seeing them and looking them in the eye.

Please visit this wonderful site and sign up to find out the other 8 ways to Expand the Love in Your Life. ;)

Sending you sunshine and faery magic,
Susanne
http://www.abcfaeries.com/

Insights and Signs from BlogTalk Radio Interview

2011-01-09T13:22:00.001-08:00

Today I had the honour of speaking on Cynthia Vicker’s Blog Talk Radio Show talking about my book, The ABC Field Guide to Faeries.
Before I did the show, I lit a candle, grounded myself and asked for my faeries and angels to be with me. I drew a card from Doreen Virtue’s Goddess Guidance Deck prior to the show, and it was Sedna whose quote is, “You are supplied for today, and all of your tomorrows.” One of the meanings of this card was to “swim with the dolphins”. When I read this it made me tear up. Sarah, the 12 year old girl who my book is dedicated to, swam with the dolphins at Disney World as one of her “last wishes” which was granted by the Rainbow Society in Winnipeg, MB. I immediately knew that her presence was with me.

The funny thing about “faery energy” is that it is also a little mischievous. When Cynthia who hosted the show called me, her headset was not working properly, and she tried calling me three times and eventually just had to use her handset so that I could hear her. Totally, faery energy at work!

I also realized on further reflection, that my late father’s presence was also with me. My father was very much into land and water conservation, and the card I drew above states that Sedna is “very appreciative of those who give time, money, or efforts to protect the sea and its creatures.”

I am incredibly grateful for my guides, insights and signs and for Cynthia being such a wonderful host.

To hear the full show, click here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/vickers_tree/2011/01/09/vickers-tree-shamanism-welcomes-susanne-author-of-a-field-guide-to-faeries

In love, light, laughter and enlightenment,
Sending sunshine on this blustery cold Calgary day!
Susanne
http://www.abcfaeries.com/

Keeping those New Year's Resolutions!

2011-01-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

The reason we break New Year`s resolutions is either we have made one that is too aggressive or too difficult to reach, and/or we do not share our resolution with others, so we have nothing but ourselves to hold us accountable.

I have a few tips on how to keep your New Year`s Resolutions.

Back in 2003, I was in the Doctor's office and read an article about getting a goal group together in the New Year to help keep those resolutions.

Here were the tips:

1. Get a maximum of 6 individuals to meet together on a monthly basis.

2. Outline the goals in each area of your life and see where you are most off-balance. If you wonder how balanced your life is, remember, it all depends on how you slice it. Here’s an easy way to find out for sure. First, decide on how many sections in your life that you want to tackle. The recommendation is to do six and divide a circle into six equal sections and give the following labels: work, health and exercise, community/volunteer involvement, spirituality, family and friends and joy and fun. Once you have decided on what are important to you, label the circle and place a dot in each section marking the degree to which you feel satisfied in that particular area. A dot near the outer rim means you feel very satisfied, one placed near the center, not so satisfied. Now connect the dots and take a look. Certain areas of your life may stand out as lacking because you spend little or no time at them. ALL OF THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE!
Identify at least one thing that you can do in the next month in each of the areas that you feel you are lacking.

3. When you meet with your group, you need to tell the entire group what you are going to do to put more focus on the areas that you have identified are out of balance.

4. Keep each other accountable. Knowing that you have to report back in a month's time to 5 other people, helps you to keep your goals on track.

I hope that you find these tips helpful and may 2011 be your best year yet!

Sending sunshine and faery magic,

Susanne

http://www.motivatedbynature.com/

http://www.abcfaeries.com/

A Flash of Brilliance!

2010-12-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

Besides the fact that I was one of “those” that caught the wonderful stomach bug just before Christmas, I was also blessed in catching a glimpse of something else absolutely spectacular.
This year we were at my sister-in-laws in Buffalo Point, MB and by Boxing Day I had my energy back and was ready to do some cross-country skiing. We looked like we had been dropped in the middle of a Bev Doolittle painting as we were surrounded by birch trees everywhere and the snow was glistening like millions of tiny diamonds had fallen all over it. To say that it was magical was an understatement. As we skied around the area on the trails, I caught a glimpse of the most wonderful flash of blue in the snow and I knew immediately that it had a meaning, but was stumped as to what that meaning actually was.
Upon returning to Calgary, I visited a very dear friend of mine that is definitely a soul sister. I intuitively knew that I needed to take along my Amy Brown Faery Wisdom Card deck. Without fail, whenever my friend pulls one of these cards from the deck, the message also applies to me, and this happened yet again.
She pulled you guessed it, The Blue Faery! The message of the Blue Faery is “Meditation”.
This is exactly what the card said:
“Here is the Blue Faery who offers up the message of calmness and peace. She demonstrates the need for quiet within our daily lives. She shows us that through calmness we realize our connection to Spirit. This connection is always with us. Concentrate on this cobalt blue and feel what it does to your inner body. Imagine a blue crystal deep within your heart that resonates to all that IS, through the vibration of love. You are connected to all creation and to the hearts of all beings, through a beautiful crystal blue grid work of light. Feel the oneness of all that is. Sense the infinite being of your soul. Can you feel your problems shrinking in size? Feel your own divinity! Allow you creativity to flow! With the oneness comes true understanding of the greater mysteries of life. They all come down to one thing, Infinite Love.”

Now, how perfect a message was that for me when I was immersed in nature? I hope that this message is one that is helpful to you as well. I absolutely love this wisdom deck by Amy Brown as every single time I pull a card, or one of my friend’s does, the message is always bang on. If you are interested in purchasing this deck, the ISBN number is 0-9744612-3-7 and is available on Amazon.
Here’s sending loads of faery magic your way!
Have a fabulous and most enchanting day.

Tips for having a stress-free holiday

2010-12-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

I would like to share some quick tips on having a "stress-free" holiday for families.

a. Get outdoors and get active. Children remember the time you spend with them, not the gifts that you buy. The great thing about this is it is a free event to do. Whether tobogganing, outdoor skating or just going for a lovely walk and taking in the scenery, not only will the children love this, but the inner child within you will have some fun as well with all the memories this brings back. This also helps in burning off any of that extra sugar that children...and you are consuming throughout the holidays! There is absolutely something magical that happens when you are out in nature. Go out, get that fresh air in your lungs and just enjoy being in the present.

b. Do not buy so many presents. Too often, children are overwhelmed with all there is to open, and many young children end up playing with the boxes and the wrapping paper that the gift came in...not the gift itself! I have heard parents say that in July, some of the gifts they gave their child at Christmas are still in the package and unopened. What an unnecessary stress on the bank account that never needed to occur.

c. Make this a time to teach children the importance of giving back whether it be helping out at a shelter, or donating to a worthy cause. Help teach them the true meaning of Christmas. This will help your children learn compassion and make them realize just how fortunate they are to have you as parents!

May you and your families be blessed during the holidays.
Sending you tons of sunshine and faery magic,
Susanne
http://www.abcfaeries.com/

Daily Affirmation Statements from Louise Hays

2010-12-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

These powerful daily affirmation statements are directly from Louise Hays. May they help to bring you exactly what your heart desires.

Self
I am one with the power that created me and this power has given me the power to create my own circumstances. I am loving and loveable and I find love everywhere. All is well in my world.

Relationships
I live in harmony and balance with everyone I know. I love myself, therefore I attract loving people into my life. I release the past and I am free to love fully in the present.

Health & Wellness
I listen with love to my body’s messages. I am healthy whole and complete. I feel the vibrant wellness in my body increase every day.

Prosperity
I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I am one with the creative power of the universe and this connection brings me fulfillment and abundance. I learn from every experience and everything I touch is a success.

Work
I work at a job I truly love. I work with people I love and who love and respect me. I express myself creatively through my work and I earn a good income doing it.

A Heart-warming Story

2010-12-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

I want to send a huge thank you to two young boys who came to my rescue on a side street in Airdrie, Alberta. Their names were Brayden and Trevor. I had parked my car on a side street to go to a meeting, and unfortunately there was plenty of that soft sticky snow where I parked. There was just enough of snow to grab my passenger front tire. I had not yet put my winter tires on, so the snow had a good grab on that tire. I had also unfortunately just taken my shovel out of my car due to needing to make room for a previous event I was in. These two young snow angels came running to my car with shovels in hand and happily said, "We can help you out". While many adults passed by without wanting to have eye contact with what was going on, these young grade 4 boys, diligently went to work to shovel the front passenger tire out. I thanked these two young rescuers and they said it was no problem at all...and then they continued to shovel up the rest of the way so that others would not get stuck. I am incredibly grateful not only to them, but also to their parents for teaching them the important lesson of compassion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply grateful.

An Attitude of Gratitude!

2010-11-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

How do you face the cold weather that has descended upon us? Tonight they are calling for -35 with the wind chill.
In my old corporate job, I used to travel overseas for business. While in Australia in November, my taxi driver asked me how cold it was in Canada. I told him that it was -35 with the wind chill. He looked at me in disbelief and said, “You really don’t go out in that weather, do you? The city must shut down!”
I chuckled and said, “No we just bundle up really well and head on out..that is what you call a true Canadian.”
I was reminded of that conversation today when I went out for my walk. The north wind was biting, but dressed like the “Stay Puff Marshmallow Man”, all was well in my world. At the end of the walk, I treated myself to one of my favourite drinks at Starbucks, an Earl Grey Latte. Talk about a “comfort drink”.
I am so grateful for a roof over my head to keep me warm through these very chilly days and nights. What are you grateful for?

Networking for Neanderthals

2010-11-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

Networking for Neanderthals

Check out this video on the FREE networking Event by Six-TIme Emmy winner Shawne Duperon on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm at the University of Calgary. Please pre-register at: www.shawnetv.com/freenetworking
Hope to see you there.

Oh, so you don't have a real job!

2010-11-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

I recently left the corporate world over 1 1/2 years ago. I had had some wake up calls that made me realize just how short this life truly is, and what a waste of time it is to be in a job that doesn’t totally fulfill me. So, I decided to pursue creating my own business called Motivated by Nature. The mission of the business is to inspire respect for ourselves, each other and the environment, to motivate people to live their wildest dreams now, and to help support worthy causes in the process. My first endeavour was to write a childrens book called the ABC Field Guide to Faeries. The book came off the presses in Oct. 2009 and was nominated for the Alberta 2010 Best Book of the Year Award for Children. The cover won a Bronze Medal in the Summit Awards and also recently won for Most Eye Catching Cover in the Covey Awards. To date, the book has helped to raise over $14,000 for worthy causes.

Now, here is the catch. When some people find out that I have a home business, and have only published one book to date, I have been asked the following:

1. The classic question I received 3 weeks after my book came off the presses was, "So when are you going to do your next book!" That question made me realize just how much we live in the future and not in the present. My response to that question was: "Let’s say that you just had a baby..and 3 weeks after you had it, someone came up to you and asked, So when are you having your next one? What do you think your response would be?"

2. Lately, I have had the question, So you have only published one book? What are you doing now? This has got to be one of the most frustrating questions I receive. Publishing a book takes 20% of your time; the remaining 80% is the actual marketing of the book. So, that is what my focus is on these days...marketing!

3. After explaining my business, I actually had someone say to me, "Oh, so you don’t have a real job!" Now this is a comment that just plain hurts. I am actually working harder than I ever have in any job before (but totally loving it). In my role as CEO (Chief Everything Officer) of my business, I am the: visionary, accountant, secretary, administrator, publicist, sales person, marketer, public speaker, and the distributor. I also have 2 more books incubating at the moment as well.

To all of you who have had the courage to start your own business, I tip my hat to you and say a big Bravo. Please know that you are not alone on this journey called life, and thank you for having the courage to follow your heart and live your wildest dreams!
Susanne Alexander-Heaton
www.motivatedbynature.com
www.abcfaeries.com

Thanksgiving through the eyes of a young child

2010-10-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing experience this weekend and it was all because I observed what was around me through the eyes of an 11 month old child. My nephew (who has me wrapped around his little finger) was baptised this past Sunday. He is very alert and was very attentive to what the priest was saying. The priest’s sermon was very poignant. He truly hit home how grateful each of us need to be for the many blessings that we all have...like a roof over our heads, and plenty of food and safe drinking water. We tend to get caught up in our busy lives and dismiss all these simple blessings while others never know where their next meal is going to come from, or even if they will have a safe night’s sleep.

My nephew during the service also looked around the church with wide-eyed wonder. I had this amazing calm come over me, as I knew deep inside that there were many friendly spirits there and that he was observing their presence. They say that children can still see through to the other side of the veil, and I believe this with all my heart.

The classic conclusion was that my nephew has just learned to clap. And at exactly the precise moment, when the priest was finished his service, my nephew clapped as if on cue! Everyone had a good little chuckle out of this.

If all of us could look at the world with that wide-eyed wonderment of a child...oh what a beautiful world this would be!
In love, light, laughter and enlightenment,
Susanne

Etheric Cords and Archangel Michael and Raphael

2010-09-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had a very interesting experience. As I was driving I could tell that the driver behind me was incredibly agitated. There ended up being construction going down to one lane and he ended up being directly behind me. What I witnessed has very disturbing to me. He was waving his arms in anger and yelling into his cell phone. The disturbing part for me was that there were two children literally cringing in the back seat. I could feel myself picking up on his agitated energy and also on the children’s feelings.

I decided to try to do something I had just recently learned during the International Angel Day that Cindy Smith (AEP) had hosted. She indicated that with everyone we encounter, we have what are considered etheric cords which are like straws that go from our body and connect to others. The more involved we are with a person, the thicker these cords become. What she said to do was to ask Archangel Michael to cut these cords with forgiveness, light and love, and ask Archangel Raphael to fill them in with healing energy. (As a side note, it cuts only the negative experiences with the person, not the positive ones).

I decided to do this not only for me, but also for those little innocent children sitting in the back seat, and it was amazing what happened next. I was hoping that the car would no longer continue following me, and it didn’t. It took a different exit. Then when I went to my destination, the person that served me was so full of beautiful light energy. To me, it was incredible how quickly that little experiment worked.

Cindy had indicated at International Angel Day, that after she has done a workshop, she asks Archangel Michael to cut the cords with all the participants. She said that it isn’t that she doesn’t like us, but that she is very sensitive to people’s energies and does not want to pick up energies that are not positive. She said it is really important for us all to do this with everyone in our own life. It is a very powerful tool to have in your back pocket. Is there anyone in your life that you feel you need Archangel Michael’s help with? If so, just ask, and then believe.
In love, light and enlightenment,
Susanne

Fall Cleaning and Letters of Gratitude

2010-09-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

After taking off two months recently to help my mother move off the family farm, I realized just how much “stuff” we accumulate. Upon returning to my Calgary home, I was determined to do some de-cluttering myself. I am proud to say that I was able to rearrange our garage so that two cars can now fit in it...and with the colder weather coming, that is such a blessing. No scrapping the windshields in the morning or dusting the snow off of the car. That makes me totally smile inside.

Now the hard part; clearing out my office. The hurricane that hit the east coast looked like it had also hit my office. Two months of backlog on e-mails, mail, and piles of papers to sort through has made my office a danger-zone. I am slowly plodding along through it all, and as I went through one of the binders I had from a course I went to, I absolutely welled up in tears. I had taken this course in March, 2008. One of the things we were assigned to do was write letters to our parents thanking them for all that they have done and been for us. In January, 2009, my father passed away after a 3 month battle to a very aggressive cancerous tumour on his liver. Here it is, Sept. 2010, and I happened to come across this letter that I had totally forgotten that I had written. This is what I had said.

Dear Dad,
There are so many facets I never realized about you until I was older. I thought your sternness/strictness was linked to meanness. In actual fact, it was your love for me that made you have those rules-and I appreciate you for enforcing them.
You did the best you could and always were there with support and a loving, helping hand. I appreciate the way you volunteered endless hours to our community. You have made many changes that will long be remembered.
(And as I read this next line from the letter, the tears really started to stream down my face)
I am proud to call you Dad. ;) You will be hugely missed when you go onto the other side.
Lots of Love,
Sus

I was fortunate enough to have been able to express many of the sentiments in this letter with my father before he passed. I had also written a letter to my mother who is still living. I intend to share it with her so that she knows now how I feel. Being a parent has got to be one of the hardest jobs out there, and I was truly blessed with mine. Have you taken the time to express your appreciation to your parents? I encourage you to do so now, while they are still on “this side”.

In love, light and enlightenment,
Susanne

Acceptance and the Weather!

2010-09-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

With the sun shining now for the first time in a long time, and for having warmer weather yesterday, on the first day of fall, having acceptance for the weather is pretty easy. But what happens when we have day after day of overcast skies?

I was recently asked to reflect on the word “Acceptance” and what it really means. My first thoughts went to “Self Acceptance” and at times how hard it is. I have really screwed some things up in my life..like my relationships. I have hurt some special people, including myself so deeply.

The second thing that came to mind is “Social Acceptance”, and how it is really hard to be authentic when you are expected to act and be a certain type of person in society. With my recent choice to leave the corporate world and become an author of my first book, I have many people say to me, “Oh, so you don’t have a “real” job!” Lots of deep breathing is required on my part when I receive responses like this!!!

Being my analytical self, I also wanted a definition, so I went to Wikipedia to find out how they defined it. Their definition of acceptance was, “When a person agrees to experience a situation, to follow a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it, protest, or exit.” I decided to do a quick meditation and then asked the angels to help me come up with a scenario to the definition of acceptance as I was sleeping. And as I was sleeping, something very cool happen. I realized that I was absolutely sick and tired of hearing everyone complain about the weather and how we had only had 3 days of summer. When I woke up to a very overcast day, instead of complaining about it, I decided to embrace it. I lit a candle in my home office, lit some incense, got a steaming mug of my favourite tea (Bengal Spice ..Yum!) and played a tape of Pachelbel that had the sound of the ocean in the background. At that very moment, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds as if to say, thanks for not criticizing how “bad” the weather is today..thank you for understanding and making the best of things! It is something that made me smile deep in my soul and at that very moment I felt an incredible connection to Mother Nature. She does so much for us and all the criticizing will not get us anywhere over something that we cannot change! Hmmm...this is acceptance at work!

So today, and for the weekend, we are supposed to receive sunshiny weather. Please embrace it, express gratitude and live in the moment...and when the cooler weather comes, think of what comforting things you can do to help make the best of the day. Accept it for what it is.

Sending sunshine,
Susanne

Pennies from Heaven

2010-09-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday with the beautiful sun finally out again, I forced myself out to go for a walk and just get some fresh air into these lungs. As I was walking, I spotted a penny on the sidewalk, which made me smile deep in my soul. It made me think of the poem, Pennies from Heaven. Here is a quick excerpt:

“Grandpa said when an angel misses you
They toss a penny down
Sometimes just to cheer you up
Make a smile out of your frown
So don’t pass by that penny
When you’re feeling blue
It may be a penny from heaven
That an angel tossed to you!”

So the next time you are walking and you see a penny on the ground
Will you pick it up and thank your heavenly angels for sending it down?

Have a wonderful, magical day with many wonderful blessings...like pennies on the ground!
Sending sunshine,
Susanne

Insights from David Suzuki:An elder’s Vision for Our Sustainable Future

2010-09-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended David Suzuki’s lecture in Calgary. There were some key points that he said that really resonated with me.
1. His view: We need to be treating other species on our earth as relatives (ones we like!), NOT resources.

My view: It absolutely disturbs me to see people throw their garbage on the ground. We do not go into people’s homes and throw garbage on their floors,so why do we feel it is our “right” to throw garbage on earth’s floor? Earth is our collective home, and yet we tend to treat it like a garbage dump.

2. His View: Farmers understand that we are deeply embedded with the land, while many people in the city have their job as their highest priority. They are not connected to nature in the same way that a farmer is.

My view: I grew up on a farm myself, and now live in the city. I was truly shocked to hear a parent say that the reason they wanted a community garden was so that their children would know that vegetables came from the ground, and not from the supermarket! Quite honestly, I found this shocking. It is probably because I had to spend many hours weeding our farm garden...so not only do I know what vegetables grow in the garden...I also know the weeds that grow right along beside them!

3. His view: We keep focusing on growth as a society, but it is not healthy. Right now, for every year we live, nature needs 1.3 years to regenerate, and that is not a sustainable model. Do we really need all that “stuff”? David revealed that when his 83 year old father was diagnosed with cancer, that he was able to spend the last month with him in his home. He said that his father didn’t talk about his closet full of clothes or the car he drove, but instead about the memories with friends and family.

My view: I recently myself went through the same experience of losing my father to cancer. After a year of my mother living alone on the family farm after his passing, she decided it was just too much for her to look after. I went out to help her move and went through rooms of “stuff” and actually got mad. Why is it we work our butts off to get “stuff”, only to have to turn around and give some of it away and throw some of it out? I just don’t understand our obsession for “more”.

4. His view: He closed with saying that we really need to slow down and think of what we are leaving our children. When he opened the floor for questions, a young girl asked the question, “What is one thing that I could ask my principal to do at our school to help make a difference?” David’s response was that there are so many things and that the thing that would help the most is to get the parents involved. Parents love their children, and when they wake up and realize what kind of world they are leaving for their children, and their children’s children, maybe the need for all this “stuff” would not be such a high priority.

I will close with a native proverb that truly hits this message home.
"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children".

It is truly my hope that we will all start treating the earth with the respect that it deserves. What things are you doing right now to make the earth a better place for generations to come?

International Peace Day and Numerology

2010-09-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am totally fascinated by numerology and how scientifically accurate it is. Vikki MacKinnon from www.gotyournumber.ca has calculated the date for Peace Day which is today. As per Vikki, this day will hold power and meaning for all who are striving to bring Peace to our world.
She states:
“In numerology, this particular day on the calendar combines to be the Master Number 33. Even more interesting is that the words Peace (21) and Day (12) also add up to 33.

This Master Number vibration calls us to see the Divine Essence of our fellow human beings, to love without prejudice, and be a shining example of humility, serenity, and wisdom. It is a number of Christ consciousness that calls us to be courageous, outspoken, and if necessary, willing to make sacrifices in pursuit of truth, justice, and right action. In recent times our human family has benefitted from the work of Albert Einstein, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and Dale Carnegie, all of whom had a 33 Life Path.”

So, today, we will all have the powerful energy of 33 on our side. So my question to you is, “What are you going to do?” No action is too big or too small. Simple random acts of kindness can have an incredible ripple effect that could be felt globally. Whatever you choose to do today, I hope that it is full of light, love, laughter and enlightenment.
Sending plenty of sunshine,
Susanne

How to Hear Your Angels

2010-09-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

As you all know, Faeries are considered Nature's Angels. I recently attended the International Angel Day event that was hosted by Cindy Smith, an Angel Therapy Practioner. The day was truly magical and Cindy had some great tips on how to hear your angels:

There are 4 ways:

1. Clairvoyance – Clear sight/vision – could be a recurring picture, recurring numbers, feathers, or sparkles, to name a few.

2. Clairaudience – voice (can be the sound of your own voice). You know that you can trust the inner voice when you feel good. When you feel negative, that is ego speaking. It could also be the radio (a certain song that comes on right when you have been thinking of someone/something). It could also be a conversation...something you just spoke about coming up again. Ringing in the ears is picking up on angel vibration as well.

3. Claircognizance – Clear knowing without even having studied the matter. Many inventors have this gift. It is when you know something is right and no one has to tell you that it is. It is like having a funnel above your head with all this knowledge getting poured into it. Cindy actually sees it that way...and sees many children coming in now with this gift.

4. Clairsentience – feelers – gut-feel, goosebumps (angel bumps!). Knowing that you need to tell someone something.

Angels are always willing to help. All you need to do is ask! The Key thing is to believe! Ask for the sign you want and then let it go. When it appears, acknowledge and thank them for appearing to you. Expressing gratitude is one of the greatest ways to increase your communication with your angels.

What have been your experiences with signs from the angels? I am given numerous signs through nature and will explore that in my next post. Till then, I look forward to you sharing your thoughts.
Sending you lots of sunshine,
Susanne

Artful Expressions Workshop

2010-05-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 8 at Elbow Park Clubhouse (800-34 Ave SW)
10 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Deadline for registration: May 5
$90.00 payable upon registration
Instructors include:
Charmaine Arcand - Artist
Susanne Alexander-Heaton - Author
Jeane Watier - Author
Natalie Monson - Yoga Instructor
Special Guest - Jocelyn Alice - Singer/Songwriter
(Please wear comfortable clothing. Water and snack provided)
Call Charmaine for registration and further details at 403-862-9399

Bronze Medal Winner!

2010-04-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

The ABC Field Guide to Faeries Book Cover was submitted by the designer and illustrator, Chantal T. Gabriell into the Summit Awards, and with over 1,000 entries from 24 different countries, the cover won a Bronze Medal. The faeries are dancing over this one! Thank you Chantal for everything you did to make this book as enchanting as it is.

Results from Bronto Calgary Fire Truck Ride Auction

2010-04-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today, $1,100 was raised to kick off Astral Media's campaign for Kids Cancer Care. A huge thanks goes to Calgary Fire Department for the generous donation of this certificate as well as to Classic Country AM 1060 for auctioning off the item. Also much gratitude to the winner of the auction and for his generosity as he is donating the certificate to the Make a Wish Foundation. Awesome stuff!

Certificate Auction on Classic Country AM 1060

2010-04-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning, April 28, Classic Country AM 1060 will be auctioning off a Bronto Ride with the City of Calgary Fire Department, with all proceeds going to Kids Cancer Care. Let's all be part of the solution towards finding a cure!

Art Walk on Earth Day at Capitol Hill School

2010-04-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Date: Earth Day, Thursday, April 22
Time: 6:30 -8:30 p.m.
Location: Capitol Hill School, 2210-18 St NW
FUNdraisers for the school with Susanne, The Sunshine Faery selling her books along with Terry Kopperud selling her noshpockets. http://www.noshpockets.ca

Ecopalooza Fair at Calgary Central Public Library

2010-04-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 17 from 10-5:00 p.m.
Displays and events to help promote Earth day on April 22.

Alexandra Writer's Shining Stars

2010-04-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 16 from 7-9 p.m.
Wine & Cheese, readings and book sales at the Alexandra Writer's Society in Inglewood.
AWCS members free. $10.00 for non-members. Please RSVP to this event at:
awcs@telusplanet.net

Challenge for Charity at Body, Soul & Spirit Expo

2010-04-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

April 16-18 , Big Four Building, Calgary Stampede Grounds
Calgaryauthors.com, a local collection of authors that publish books on Health, Wellness and Spirituality will be at booth #95 during the Expo. Please visit http://www.calgaryauthors.com/ for complete details on the Charity Challenge. Susanne looks forward to seeing you there.

Family Days

2010-04-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

Come out and see Susanne, The Sunshine Faery at REAP Healthy Planet, Healthy Families Event

Date: Saturday, April 10, 2010

Time: Noon-3:00 p.m.

Venue: Downtown Calgary Public Library

Proceeds from book sales will go directly to the Tuscany School Naturalization Project

http://www.reapcalgary.com/earthweek/

Wine and Literary Pairing Results

2010-02-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Wine and Literary Pairing held at Owl's Nest Book Store in conjunction with Calgaryauthors.com was a huge success. Please visit their blog for full details at:
http://owlsnestbooks.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/in-vino-veritas/

2010-02-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

To see a recent review by Angus MacDonell for the REAP newsletter of The ABC Field Guide to Faeries, please visit: http://www.reapcalgary.com/blog/?p=1118

Review in the Calgary Herald, Dec 18, 2009

2010-01-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Faerie+flights+fantasy/2355292/story.html

Further Reviews on The A B C Field Guide to Faeries

2009-11-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

"This beautiful book will inspire children and adults to awaken to the deeper spirituality and inner knowing that we are not alone in this Universe."
Grace Cirocco, Author of Take the Step, the Bridge will be There

"In her beautiful book, The A B C Field Guide to Faeries, Susanne Alexander-Heaton offers a fresh and insightful approach to learning on many levels. Aimed at the youth market this unique and lovely presentation provides insight into the magical world of Faeries while teaching the alphabet, phonetics and spirituality -all entwined with beautiful imagery. A must read for children and adults who are willing to allow their imagination to flourish."
Marlene Buffa
WordofMind.com

Fundraising to date!

2009-11-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

My books just arrived on Oct.14 and already $3,120 has been raised for worthy causes! Visit: www.abcfaeries.com for more details. I will be heading to Manitoba on Monday, Nov 2 to do my tour there.

2009-10-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, Oct 13
Review by Tanis Helliwell, author of Summer with the Leprechauns and Take Your Soul to Work
"A magical artistic book for little people inspired by the little people and faeries of other realms. A treat for all ages to enjoy."

Further reviews of The A B C Field Guide to Faeries

2009-10-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Endorsement by Claresa the Fairy, http://www.claresafairy.com/

"I was honored when I was asked by Susanne to review the A B C Field Guide to Faeries. Not since the Flower Fairy series and drawings by Cicely Mary Barker, has there been a more comprehensive book on fairies and the fairy world. The photography of these lovely fellow sprites is enchanting!

Our fairy world is definitey ready for this lovingly written and obviously painstakingly researched guide. Curiosity into the fairy realm is only increasing and a book like this sparks the imagination and curiosity of all.

Fairies are exceedingly shy and it is a testament to the commitment and pure hearts of the researchers that not only were they able to interview so many important fairies, but also photograph each one!

The message of the A B C Field Guide to Faeries is simple;respect the earth and yourselves. I am so thankful for your continuous belief in us!"
Yours truly,
Claresa
For more reviews, please visit: http://www.abcfaeries.com

Announcing the arrival of the A B C Field Guide to Faeries

2009-10-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

The mission of this book is to inspire respect for Ourselves, Each Other and the Environment.

Endorsement by Micheline Maylor, PH.D
"One of the first things noticed is the couplet structure which works well for children. The book can be easily read as a whole or as fragmented mini-fables or moral tales. These are strong and positive messages of kindness, compassion, and renewal. The messages are simple, imagistic and creative. It reads very positively and is full of joy and sound advice for all. I appreciate the diversity of the faeries. The imagery is strong. The messages are plucky and important. This opens opportunities for parents to discuss interesting and complex subjects with their children."
For more reviews of a Sneak a Peak of the book, please visit: http:www.abcfaeries.com