Pink Elephant... really???

'Rare Pink Elephant Baby' photograph by Mike Holding

Everywhere... all around... more and more gifts from Creator. Signs we move... we progress. Heart shaped galaxies, pink dolphins, sun halos, comets... more. Now this very rare, sweet, beautiful, albino, pink, baby African elephant. Amazing!

Elephant represents - compassion, loyalty, strength, intelligence, discernment,  commitment, astuteness, memory, longevity, power and peace. Pink is the color of Universal Love, love of self and others, harmony and inner peace; and a developed heart chakra (Anahata). Elephant in Buddhism represents mental strength; the white elephant is a powerful controlled mind that eliminates all obstacles on the path. It is said that Buddha was born as a white elephant in a previous incarnation. Ganesh, the white elephant Hindu god removes obstacles and brings peace and inner knowing. A pink elephant shows us how... eliminate obstacles through love.

A pink elephant is great gift indeed... it shows Creators Love for us and blesses our unfolding. Indicators: keep faith, remember love of self and others, bring peace to all, discern what brings harmony, be strong and clear of mind, develop heart and inner knowing. 

 

March 20, 2009 - A pink elephant caught on camera.  A wildlife cameraman took pictures of the calf when he spotted it among a herd of about 80 elephants in the Okavango Delta (Botswana). Experts believe it is probably an albino, which is an extremely rare phenomenon in African elephants. Read more at BBC.

~Bonnee

Rare Pink Dolphin... more signs!

'Rare pink dolphin' photo by Capt. Erik Rue

When I lived on Kauai I often would sit alone and watch the dolphins playing just off shore. One day while pondering a particularly difficult life situation a dolphin caught my attention. He jumped out of the water and spun in circles then dove out of sight. He repeated this again and again while making joyful noise. When we touched consciousness I was showered with Love and happiness and received the message 'There is only Love, play dear one, nothing is of import which leaden the heart."

A pink albino dolphin! What a glorious gift from Creator. Dolphins represent manna, breath, play and Oneness. Manna is energy... the essence of Creator which is present in all Creation. Breath is life, taking in and renewing Manna which sustains body; keeps it alive. Through the rhythm of breath we may begin to sense energy and intensify our connection to God. Oneness is our Divine connection with everything... 'all that is'. Pink is the color of Universal Love, love of self and others, harmony and inner peace; and a developed heart chakra (Anahata). Our pink dolphin gives us indicators (a road map) to guide us as we expand spiritually. Indicators... link with Creator for answers, commune with nature, remember Love and Oneness, be mindful of bodily energies and breath and spread waves of laughter, joy and love into the world. Thank you for your glorious indicators beloved Creator. A pink dolphin... indeed!

 

Pink dolphin photograph taken by Captain Eric Rue on Calcasieu Lake in Louisiana. You can see more of Erik's photos of the pink dolphin at Calcasieu Charter Service.

Kari Pugh, Mad Mariner daily boating magazine writes, "Albino dolphins are rare. Only three have been spotted in the Gulf of Mexico since 1994 and there have only been 14 sightings around the world since 1963. But albino dolphins that appear to be pink are unheard of, says Patricia Rosel, a  NOAA marine biologist who studies the genetic glitches found in bottlenose dolphins." You can read the whole article at Mad Mariner.

~Bonnee

Opalescent Sky

'Opalescent Sky' photo by Harold Leinbach

'Opalescent Sky' is my name for this exquisite photograph. Again Creator treats us to beautiful displays reminding us that everything is sacred and that we progress. What colors and patterns! Again we are shown colors that aren't 'normally' seen in a rainbow spectrum... pastels... turquoise, pink, lavender, golden pink. And is that an eight or infinity? Perhaps a message of our infinite nature... everything is possible... endless possibilities. Our visualizations of Divine Nature made manifest. This sky is magnificent! Thank you, thank you for this gift, again... thank you Beloved Creator. You continue to awe and amaze with beauty and majesty.

Photo was taken in Boulder, Colorado January 2, 2009 by Harold Leinbach. He says of the sky,

"The pastel colors were lovely and the billowing cloud shapes were quite fascinating."

 

Atmospheric optics expert Les Cowley explains: "For brightly-colored iridescence you need cloud droplets of all the same size. You get that if all the droplets have formed at the same time and experienced the same history. Dynamic conditions inside a lee cloud are just what the doctor ordered. The clouds look stationary but inside there is a 'factory conveyor' with uniform droplets formed at one end and evaporated at the other. Voila - iridescence."

Lee waves may be found downwind of all mountains--not just the Rockies. If you live in the lee, keep an eye out for pastels in the sky.

~Bonnee

Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire

'Night Streaker' photo by Howard Edin. Captured from the Okie-Tex Star Party, September 30, 2008

'Night Streaker' is my name for this beautiful... awe filled sight. A fireball streaks by Orion through the night sky. Glorious displays lighting up the skies all over the world. Thank you Beloved Creator, thank you!

 

The American Meteor Society says it has had 45 separate fireballs reported to them so far in 2009. There were 40 fireballs reported during the month of January in 2008. In the last 90 days there have been sightings in: California, Sweden, New Zealand, Middle East, Canada, Africa, Argentina, Vancouver B.C., Colorado, West Virginia, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Ireland, Brazil, China... more.

January 19 - Fireball in Southern California
January 19, 2009 5:33pm PST a brilliant fireball was reported by over 24 people from California, Nevada and Arizona. It was reported to be as bright as the full moon magnitude -13.

 

January 17 - Fireball in Sweden

January 17, 2009 19:09 UT,  a beautiful brilliant blue sky was Creator's gift as a fireball lit the night in Scandinavia. It exploded with a rumbling boom. The photo is from a video. You can see videos, read reports and articles at TV2 ØST or SpaceWeather.com Scandinavian Fireball.

 

My thoughts...

Are there more fireballs? It seems like there are more sightings... but maybe we are just gazing at the sky more... aware... looking... waiting for something. When we see something we gasp in wonder, point and say, 'oh ah... amazing, glorious!' or 'ah oh... doom and gloom!' Are these sightings apocalyptic? Are they signs of the end?

I see them a signs... wonderful signs of change. More of Creator's gifts and blessings. Messages to get our attention... they say, 'Stop for a moment, watch... pause... breathe... Be'. When we are awe filled, in appreciation and wonder we are One... and in that moment we begin to feel and recognize our Oneness.

All of the glorious blessings Creator showers upon us daily are signs of change. Signs of the ending of old ways which no longer work. Like the snake sloughing off of old skin to be renewed or the phoenix being consumed by fire then reborn from its' own ash. Not end as in death or cataclysm... but end of a cycle. Now we are reborn into our full glory and majesty... as we were originally intended to be.

Now is the cycle or yuga of Light... 2,000 years of Peace. Christ has come...  Buddha is here... it is Us... we are That!  The waiting is over... today is 2012... the time we've been waiting for is NOW. It is not about a timeline or calendar date... it is about raising and changing consciousness. We have fully embraced ourselves, climbed the mountain and are standing on the peak saying, 'Who am I? Where am I? What am I?'.

Now we remake ourselves. From this moment... do all with joy. Remake yourself into what you have always dreamed. Create! This is the Grace of NOW!

Be the glorious greatness that you are my friend. Love from the depths of your being ... everything... all. Rejoice!

~Bonnee

Creator's Majesty

'Creator's Majesty' photo by Ryan Ridge

'Creator's Majesty' is my name for this amazing image. Ryan Ridge added this photograph to flickr January 7, 2009. A rainbow from his front porch near Homer, Alaska. Wow!

 

Creator's Majesty

Snow covered mountains peek through mists.

Light plays on drifting clouds.

Still waters shimmer, cold.

While dark pines guard lakes edge.

Rainbow streaks across the sky

The scene so full of wonder

Body shudders, mind expands

Tears fall on wetted cheek

Creator's Majesty! 

Words do no justice here

Simply awe...

~Inspired by the photo above.

 

You can read about Ryan's life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee

Heart on Fire

'Heart on Fire' photograph by Carlos Gutierrez

'Heart on Fire' is my name for this unbelievable photo. One of the series taken May 2, 2008 when Chile's Chaiten volcano awakened after 9,000 years of slumber. The ash cloud looks like a heart on fire, pierced by light and exploding with love.

The earth... everything, is getting more spectacular, more awesome and more majestic. I don't remember ever seeing so much awe, color, depth or events which WOW. 2008 was truly a year of movement.

 

Heart on fire

Earth trembles

Groans, rumbles

Mountain shakes

Bursting crust

Exploding gasses

Steam and ashes

Fire... lightening

Mother stirs

She awakens

From long slumber

And remembers

Glory bright

Patterns shatter

Heart on fire

Pierced by Light

Love pours forth

From crackling Earth

Mother wakes

with great Delight

~Inspired by the awesome images on this page.

  

Here are two more incredible photographs taken during the eruption by Carlos Gutierrez for UPI. The photo below right is the most famous. It has appeared in National Geographic Magazine and on many webpages. It is considered one of the best photographs taken in 2008. Trying to understand the lightening, the experts say, 'The mingling of lightning and ash as seen above may be a 'dirty thunderstorm'. The little-understood storms may be sparked when rock fragments, ash and ice particles in the plume collide to produce static charges just as ice particles collide to create charge in regular thunderstorms." You can read the full story at National Geographic or see more photographs at UniverSOUL Productions’ Weblog. I couldn't find any more information about Carlos.

~Bonnee

Fire and Ice

'Fire and Ice' photo by Ryan Ridge

'Fire and Ice' is my name for this magnificent photograph taken in Homer, Alaska. Another magical display... unbelievable beauty and majesty. Thank you beloved Creator... I remain in awe! Beautiful capture Ryan.

 

Fire and Ice

Cold black grays

with colorless colors

the night fades

to in between.

Bursting light

pierces clouds

and sweeping rays

brush waters bright.

Dark turns light

with fire and ice

and golden dawn

sets sky alight.

Morning comes

with glory bright

Creator's gift

is our delight.

~Inspired by the beautiful image above.

 

Photo originally called 'Morning Glory' uploaded to flickr October 2008. You can read about Ryan's life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee

Signs and Wonders

'Iridescent clouds' photograph by wilco1900

Spectacular display! Iridescent, opalescent colors above the clouds. A glimpse beyond... to the new spectrum of Light. Colors unseen... displaying pearlized opals in the sky. Shimmering pink orange of love, sparkling gold-ish of Spirit. We are given many signs and wonders. Visions of our progress... we move... expand... become. Thank you beloved Creator, thank you, I remain in awe!

 

Signs and Wonders

Pearlescent... opalesce... exotic

Colors shimmer in the sky

We stretch... we move...

Beyond what was.

Expanded... broadened

We see what is

All around, everywhere

Creator's signs and wonders.

~Inspired by the beautiful photos on this page.

 

Atmospheric Optics explains, "When parts of clouds are thin and have similar size droplets, diffraction can make them shine with colors like a corona. In fact, the colors are essentially corona fragments. The effect is called cloud iridescence or irisation, terms derived from Iris the Greek personification of the rainbow.
The usually delicate colors can be in almost random patches or bands at cloud edges. They are only organized into coronal rings when the droplet size is uniform right across the cloud. The bands and colors change or come and go as the cloud evolves. They occur most often in altocumulus, cirrocumulus and especially in lenticular clouds. Iridescence is seen mostly when part of a cloud is forming because then all the droplets have a similar history and consequently have a similar size.

The lovely photo above taken August 1, 2008 in Round Rock, Texas by wilco1900 is displayed on flickr.com. I couldn't find any more information.

 

Daily it seems we are given new spectacular displays. The photo left of another Creator's Wheel (a.k.a. diamond dust sun halo) was taken January 3, 2009 by Mila Zinkova in San Francisco, CA. The photo was featured this morning 1-7-09 on the home page of SpaceWeather. Gorgeous display and photo of it.

On December 24, 2008 a beautiful rainbow sun dog appeared. Andrea Tolman of Basin, WY capture it saying, "On the morning of Christmas Eve we stepped outside from the hospital/clinic to view two very bright sundogs."

Wow amazing! Signs and Wonders everywhere. You can see more of the recent displays at SpaceWeather.com.

~Bonnee

Light Portal, photo by Aigar Truhin

'Light Portal' photograph by Aigar Truhin (Dec. 2008)

'Light Portal' is my name for this amazing photograph taken December 28. A visible portal or columned pathway of White Light in the  night sky above Latvia. And between the columns at the end of the path can you see the face? Is it Christ? Or Buddha? Or God blessing our return?  I am in awe... thank you beloved Creator, thank you for this amazing blessing!

 

Pathways of Light

Pillars of Light

arched walkways

the path is formed

beckoning, remember...

come... come, walk... fly

we await you... come.

Inspired by the amazing photo above.

 

The wonderful photo above was taken by Aigar Truhin in Sigulda, Latvia on  Dec. 28, 2008. You can see more of his photos at flickr.com.

Aigar says of the image:

Last night air in the Sigulda was very cold and filled with small ice crystals, when we see bright Light Pillars in the sky. My son say: I know, The Aliens are coming!

Space Weather featured one of Truhin's photos on their home page January 2 & 3, 2009.  With the following explanation...

MYSTERY PILLARS: "Truhin's pillars, however, are not the ordinary kind. Even two leading experts in atmospheric optics can't quite figure them out: "These pillars are mysterious," say Les Cowley and Marko Riikonen. "They have unexplained curved tops and even curved arcs coming from their base. Arcs in rare displays like these could be from column crystals to give parts of tangent arcs, others could be the enigmatic Moilanan arc or even the recently discovered reflected Parry arc. We do not know – so take more photos on cold nights!"

~Bonnee

12/31 Happy New Year, ABBA

'Happy New Year' sung by ABBA

Ringing in the New Year! May we hold thoughts of Peace, Love, Happiness and Prosperity for all in 2009 and always. We are One... one family, one society, one world... beloved Humanity. Beautiful diversity... perfect symmetry!

ABBA, Song: Happy New Year, Album: Super Trouper (1980) Label: Epic, TV performance: Stockholm, Sweden 31st December 1980 and every year at midnight in Sweden.

 

Sparkling rays

The sky's alight.

With dancing colors to delight.

And sparkling rays in dark of night.

Thank you God for this awesome sight.

A gift of magic for new years bright...

~ inspired by this beautiful image.  I am in awe!!!

The beautiful photo above I call, 'Sparkling Rays' is by Sauli Koski from Kittila, Finland. You can see more of his wonderful photos at studiotunturi-lappi.fi.

Have a delightful, safe and joyous New Year's eve!

 

ABBA a Swedish band formed in 1971 and officially named in1973. ABBA is an acronym for the given names of the band members - Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid. The band members were Benny Andersson (born December 16, 1946 in Stockholm, Sweden), Björn Ulvaeus (born April 25, 1945 in Gothenburg, Sweden), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born November 15, 1945 in Ballangen, Norway), Agnetha Fältskog (born April 5, 1950 in Jönköping, Sweden). From 1976 - 1981 they achieved superstardom. ABBA's last public performance together was December 11, 1982 on the TV show The Late, Late Breakfast Show (live from Stockholm). The official website for ABBA owned by Universal is abbasite.com.

~Bonnee

12/30 You are Loved (Don't Give Up)

'You are Loved' performed live by Josh Groban

Lovely song of hope. I posted this today for all of those who are struggling. The Holidays often are a stretch, this year perhaps more. Know 'you are loved'.

Josh Groban, Song: You are Loved (Don't Give Up), Album: Awake (2006), Label: Reprise / WEA.

 

Love, love... loved!

Heart... again. There it is.

Reminders everywhere. Stones, trees, lakes, forests, clouds... Everywhere... God's gift of love.

Remember.

You are Loved beloved... deeply, fully... always!

The wonderful photo above of a naturally occurring heart in a mangrove swamp is called 'Heart in Voh'. It was taken by Yann Athus-Bertrand as he flew over Voh, New Caledoniea. You can see more of his amazing work at yannarthusbertrand2.org.

May the New Year bring you Love, Hope, Faith and Happiness on the wings of angels.

 

Josh Groban singer/songwriter was born February 27, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. In 1997 and 1998 he attended Interlochen Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater and voice. He graduated in 1999 with a major in theater from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Soon after graduation he was offered a recording contract at Warner Brothers Records. His recording debut was singing "For Always" with Lara Fabian on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Read news, listen his wonderful music, watch videos, see photos and read his blog at www.joshgroban.com.

~Bonnee

12/28 Ave Maria - Sumi Jo

'Ave Maria' Caccini sung by Sumi Jo

Sweet, clear, magnificent performance. I can feel her heart as she sings praise and worship to Divine Mother - Mary... Ave Maria. Glorious!

Sumi Jo, Song: Ave Maria, Album: Prayers (2001), Label: Erato (Warner Classic), Video: Warner. Composed by: Giulio Caccini. Giulio Caccini born Oct 8, 1551 in Tivoli, Italy died Dec 10, 1618 in Florence, Italy composed the music for Ave Maria around the end of the 16th century. You can read more about him at allmusic.com.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family, a Roman Catholic celebration dedicated to the family of Jesus Christ and love they had for one another.

A Gift...

God painted pearlized rainbows in the sky. They danced with fire and with light. And although dark, they lit the night with this beautiful delight.

thank you Beloved God!

The stunning photo above of nacreous clouds was taken by James Guy, Oslo, Norway in Vigelands park (January 2008). You can see more of his beautiful photos at flickr.com.

Have a delightful day and a great New Year!

 

Sumi Jo born November 22, 1962 in Seoul, Korea is a lyric coloratura soprano. She started her studies of music at the age of 4 with piano lessons; adding voice at 6. Often she would spend eight hours a day practicing. In 1971 she enrolled at Sun Hwa Arts School majoring in piano and voice. Upon graduation she continued her musical studies at Seoul National University. While attending SNU she made her professional debut in several concerts at Korean Broadcasting System. Sumi Jo has 42 albums and many awards you can learn more at her official website josumi.com.   

~Bonnee

12/27 Ding Dong Merrily On High

'Ding Dong Merrily On High' performed by Celtic Woman

Happy, joyous and celebratory. A wonderful rendition with a Celtic feel. Glorious!

Celtic Woman, Song: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Album: A Christmas Celebration (2006), Label: Manhattan Records. Performed live at A Christmas Celebration 2007 in Helix Center in Dublin, Ireland aired on PBS. Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1848-1934, Music: Brane de l'Official, from Thoinot Arbeau's Orchesographie, (1588).

Today at 7:23 am EST is New Moon

Ding Dong Merrily On High was originally a dance tune that evolved to a carol. The the sixteenth century music was found in Piae Cantiones  a collection of Finnish tunes. Woodward rehabilitated the tune with 'Victorian era' words in Latin and English. You can read more at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

The photo above right I call 'God's Holiday Decorations'.

The cold night sky, dotted with stars... snow covered evergreen... illuminated.

Majestic. Thank you again beloved Creator for your beauty...  de-light-full. The photograph was taken by Ragnar & Einar Johnskås. You can see more of their great work at auroraborealis.vika.no.

 Have a delightful Holiday. May you ring in the New Year with Joy, Peace and Wonder. 

 

Celtic Woman was created by David Downes and Dave Kavanagh in 2004 and is composed of vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe and fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. Since their formation the group has enjoyed overwhelming success. They have released 4 albums to date, toured worldwide and done numerous TV specials. Their CD  'A New Journey' was number 1 on the world Music Charts for 95 consecutive weeks. You can read more about them at their official website celticwoman.com.

~Bonnee

12/25 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' sung by Libera

Wonderful, sweet and full of light. Loved hearing these singing angels. Beautiful!

Libera, song: 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', album: Angel Voices 3 (1997), label: Music Club, distributor: Sony, video: TV morning show (I could find nothing else about the source of the video). Words and music: Traditional English, 18^th Century carol. More about the carol at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

Christmas day is a great day to feature this spectacular painting of Jesus Christ called 'El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús' by Salvador Dalí (1962), Oil on canvas 86.5 x 61 cm, Private collection. El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús  means The Sacred Heart of Jesus. I feel power and passion emanating from this exquisite painting. It communicates ethereal yet tangible, ascending and transcending, compassion and light. Dali has always been one of my favorite painters. But I wasn't aware of this beautiful work. Wow!

Merry Christmas! May this Holy day bless you with abundant Hope, Joy and Faith. All is well,  God's Divine Plan unfolds with perfection.

 

Libera is a group of boys directed by Robert Prizeman who sing like angels and often appear in white robes. They have been on TV, radio and in films. There are about 30 boys from South London, England aged seven to sixteen who make up the group. They think of themselves as an alternative boy band rather then a boy's choir. You can read more about them see photos and video at their official website libera.org.uk  or visit this site with everything Libera boysoloist.com.

Dali's full name is Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech 1st Marquis of Púbol (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989), born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain was a surrealist painter. He attended drawing school in 1916 and 3 years later had his first exhibition. His extensive artistic endeavors include painting, film, sculpture, and photography. You can find out more and see many of Dali's wonderful works at virtualdali.com.

~Bonnee

12/24 O Holy Night, Merry Christmas

'O Holy Night' sung by Mariah Carey

Amazing, inspired, WOW! I can feel Spirit moving through Mariah and all her back up singers and the room. Whew! I love this rendition... it gives me chills and brings tears.

Mariah Carey, Song: O Holy Night, album: Merry Christmas (1994), label: Sony, Official Music Video by: Columbia/Sony (2008). Words: Placide Cappeau (1847), music:Adolphe-Charles Adam (1847)

'O Holy Night' was written in 1847 by Placide Cappeau (1808-1877) as "Cantique de Noel'. He was a wine merchant in Roquemaure, France who wrote poetry for enjoyment.  The music was written by his friend Adolphe-Charles Adam (1803-1856) who is best known for the ballet Giselle (1841).

'Cantique de Noel' premiered Christmas Eve 1847 at the midnight mass in Roquemaure. It wasn't popular, in fact one bishop said it had a "lack of musical taste and total absence of the spirit of religion'. Here is an English translation of the first verse of the original Cantique de Noël (Minuit Chrétiens). You can read more about the song here.

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour
When God as man descended among us
To expunge the stain of original sin
And to put an end to the wrath of his father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night which gives us a savior.
People, on your knees, attend your deliverance.
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!

Cantique de Noël was first translated to English as 'O Holy Night'  in 1855 by John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893) a Unitarian minister and music critic from Brook Farm, MA. 'O Holy Night' has been said to be one of the most beautiful Christmas carols of all time. The first verse of 'O Holy Night' as translated by John Dwight follows... you can read more about it here.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world¹ rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Chorus

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

The beautiful photo above left I call, 'Christmas Aurora' is by Sauli Koski from Kittila, Finland. You can see more of his beautiful photographs at studiotunturi-lappi.fi.

Another beautiful gift from Creator. Thank you, thank you, thank you Beloved God for all of your Glory and Wonders.

Have a wonderful, inspired and happy Christmas Eve.

 

Mariah Carey born March 27, 1970 Long Island, NY is a singer and actress. She moved to the City one day after high school graduation in 1987. In 1990 Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola took her under his wing and the rest is history. Mariah married Tommey in 1993. In 2000 she was named the best-selling female pop artist of the millennium at the World Music Awards. You can read her bio at myplay.com or see the latest news and more at her website mariahcarey.com.

~Bonnee

12/22 Ha Nerot, Happy Hannukah

Ha Nerot sung by Chava Rachel Saban

Happy and filled with Light, a wonderful tribute to Hannukah.  Enjoy the Holy Lights of the menhora dancing to this joyful song!

Chava Rachel Saban, Song: Ha Nerot, album: Don't Give Up (2008), video by: Daniel Jacob Pearson

Ha-nerot hallalu  is an ancient chant mentioned in the Talmud (Soferim 20:6), which is a reminder of the sacred nature of the Hannukah lights. It is said after the candles are lit. Photo from history.com.

Hannukah (Heb. Judaism, Dedication) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It honors the victory of Judah the Maccabee, religious freedom and the 'miracle of holy oil' and celebrates the power of God. Hannukah begins at sundown the previous day and lasts for 8 days. This year it is celebrated 12/22 to 12/29.

Happy Hannukah! May your life be filled with miracles everyday.

 

Chava Rachel Saban says about herself,

"I was a junior in Yale college, pursuing a literature degree along with a musical career as a classical violinist, when a wheel flew off the car i was driving. the car flipped, i was knocked unconscious, and had my first spiritual awakening. i clearly experienced the next world, and felt the presence of a friend who had passed away. i heard a heavenly sound; the sound of myself playing the violin. it was the sweetest sound in the world. i began to realize that this sound was inside of me, the song of my soul. i began to realize that i had a soul. I began to sing in order to heal myself."

I wasn't able to find much about Chava Rachel Saban. Her webpage wasn't loading this morning 12/22. I linked her name to it in hopes it works again soon.

~Bonnee

12/20 Let it Snow, Emilie-Claire Barlow

'Let it Snow' performed by Emilie-Claire Barlow

Jazzy, swinging and fun. Wonderful! Found this jewel yesterday on Youtube. Right now many places are covered in snow, ice or cold rain... the weather outside is indeed frightful. So let's stay inside... happy, warm and dry. Make some hot chocolate or mulled cider, wrap up in a blanket, surrounded by family and friends or alone with a wonderful book. Or even better, in quiet communion with God... giving thanks for all the blessings showered upon us in every moment. Thank you beloved Creator for your blessing of snow. It's sooooo beautiful!!!!!

Emilie-Claire Barlow, song: Let it Snow, Album: Winter Wonderland (2006), Label: Empress Music Group Inc, Video: Clip from Canada AM (CTV).

'Let it Snow' also known as 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' was written by Sammy Cahn and composed by Jule Styne in 1945. It is one of the most popular songs of all-time . Was first recorded by Vaughn Monroe in 1946 and went to number one the following year.

12/17/08 Let it Snow... in Las Vegas, Nevada? The Luxor is covered with snow in a rare storm which blanketed the city with 3.6". Photo by Ethan Miller/ Getty Images North America. You can see more photos of the Vegas snow by Ethan at zimbo.com. A lovely gift for the Holidays.

Have a warm, dry, happy day and a Blessed Holiday!

 

Emilie-Claire Barlow born June 6, 1976 in Canada is a jazz singer and actress. She began singing at age seven, spent 5 years at Etobicoke School of the Arts, then continued her studies at Humber College. While at Humber she formed a jazz quartet and performed around Toronto. In 1998 she released her first CD: Emilie-Claire Barlow - SINGS. You can read her blog or learn more at emilieclairebarlow.com or myspace emilieclairebarlow.

~Bonnee

12/17 Creator's Wheel

Creator's Wheel photograph by Steinar Midtskogen

Creator's Wheel is my name for the beautiful display of Light in this photo. The scientific name is Moilanen arc, diamond dust ice crystals refract light into a wheel around the sun. Magnificent winter display of Light dancing through Creation. A magical gift, thank you beloved Creator!

Creator's Wheel is seen as a written symbol in many ancient traditions and known by many names. The image of a circle with a cross may be called a sunwheel, solar cross, ring cross, Celtic cross, Nordic cross, Odin's cross, medicine wheel or something other. By what ever name, I believe it was originally inspired by a similar glorious display... a Solar Cross indeed. 

In the American Indian tradition the Medicine Wheel is the wheel of life, it represents harmony and connection. It is a symbol of peaceful interaction between all living beings. When the four directions are in balance all is well with the world.

Symbolically the equal armed cross represents the physical realm or Earth. It also represents masculine. The four arms of the cross are sometimes said to represent the elements (earth, air, fire and water) or the directions (north, south, east and west). The circle represents the ethers or Heaven, the moon and feminine. So when drawn together the circle and cross represents the Union of Heaven and Earth or the Divine Marriage. 

 

On 12/15/08 Creator gave us another display of a beautiful sun wheel in Faribault, MN. The photo left was taken by Chris Haws.

Chris says... "This was the longest lasting sun halo/sundogs I have ever seen. Started in the early morning and continued until early afternoon. Air temp was down to -8 at one point with wind chills ranging from -20 to -30. I couldn't help myself to stand outside (and from inside) and take in the glory of the sun halo, sundogs and the circumzenithal arc. Cold days like these manage to sneak in a reward here and there."

Thank you beloved Creator so many wonders!

 

Creator's Wheel is a reminder of the Sacredness of all...  every breath, every word, every step, every feeling, every thought... everything is Sacred.

Happy Holy-day!

 

Photograph by Steinar Midtskogen Oslo, Norway December 2007. You can learn more about the Moilanen arc at Atmospheric Optics.

~Bonnee

12/14 Orion Moonbow

'Orion Moonbow' photograph by Jimmy Westlake

Was looking at pictures of the full moon at SpaceWeather.com and came across an image of a moon halo taken 12/11/08 by Jimmy Westlake, Stagecoach, Colorado. As I was gazing at it I noticed not only a beautiful rainbow halo and Orion, but also a faint red cross. How cool! Wanted to see what was there so saturated it in Photoshop. The image above is the result. Wow, wow, wow! Thank you beloved Creator for your beauty and magnificence. I am humbly in awe.

The night this photo was shot was the beginning of the celebration of the Mother, Virgin Guadalupe in Mexico.

A message... all is perfect, balanced and complete. Divine Union is now... embrace... oneness. A cycle has ended, renewal begun. Goddess and God embrace, merge. Love pours forth with great abundance. Open heart and receive.

As I write Raven called 3 times 3, flying by the window. Raven is the sacred bringer of magic who ushers in consciousness change. 9 is completion. Has been a day of much communication.

Jimmy Westlake says about his photo,

"Wow! This was one of the most vivid lunar halos I've ever seen! Seeing Orion with a colorful rainbow arching through him was surreal."

Surreal indeed! You can see the original photo and a couple more at SpaceWeather.com.

The scientific explanation from Curious About Astronomy:

Halos are caused by the light of the sun or moon passing through a very thin layer of cirruform (ice-crystal) clouds in the upper atmosphere. The ice crystals refract the light of the moon, similar to the way water droplets in the lower atmosphere can refract sunlight to produce a rainbow. Just like a rainbow, strong halos can have bands of color in them, due to slightly different refractive properties of the ice crystals for different colors. Essentially, halos ARE rainbows caused by primary refraction in ice crystals.

Symbolism contained in the photo - (from An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols by J.C. Cooper):

• A circle with a dot - in the center depicts a complete cycle and cyclic perfection. The resolution of all possibilities in existence. In Astrology it portrays the sun. In Alchemy it is the sun and gold. It is also a symbol of all sun gods. In Taoism A circle with a point at the center represents the supreme power, the Tao.
• A circle enclosing a cross - is the Cosmic Solar Wheel 'the vivifying principle that animates the universe'. The solar wheel is always a symbol of good fortune and of change. Cross in a circle - Solar mobility, the wheel of change. The wheel of fortune.
• Equal arm cross - a universal symbol, the cosmic symbol par excellence. It is a world center and therefor a point of communication between heaven and earth, a cosmic axis. It is dualism in nature and the union of opposites. It represents Spiritual Union and the integration of man's soul in all aspects necessary to full life.
• Color - Symbolizes the differentiated, the manifest. Diversity. The affirmation of Light. Light and dark colors used in contrast symbolize the materialization of light. God, as light, is the source of color. Color Red - The zenith of color. Represents the sun and all war gods. It is the masculine, active principle, fire, the sun, royalty, love, joy festivity, passion, energy, health, strength. Red denotes supernatural powers, sacredness or solar power. Rainbow - Transfiguration. Heavenly glory. Different states of consciousness. The meeting of Heaven and Earth. Paradise. 
• Moon - Usually represents the feminine power, the Mother Goddess, Queen of Heaven. Symbolic of the rhythm of cyclic time, universal becoming. Full moon is enlightenment. Light in darkness. Inner Knowledge. The moon is the abode of  Archangel Gabriel.

Hope your day is amazing and awe filled. Happy Holidays!

 

Jimmy Westlake, M.S. Astronomy, Louisiana State University; B.S., Astronomy and Physics, Valdosta State University; BS, Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage; 15 years instructor and director of Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College; award winning astro-photographer.You can see more of J.R. Westlake's Astrophotos at jrwestlake.com.

~Bonnee

12/10 The Messenger

The Messenger by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, watercolor, 20"x28"

Ancient structure, light, movement, sweetness, peace and love, the Dove, inspiration... Gabriel. This is a beautiful and interesting  feminine depiction of Archangel Gabriel.

Gabriel translation 'man of God'; literally 'Master, or of God'. Gabr is man or masculine, El is a supreme Deity or God.

Description of Gabriel from various sources:

Gabriel is the planetary archangel in charge of the moon's oversoul; a genius of mysteries who has worked psychically through the great masters during their earthly incarnations. Some include: Muhammad, (Jibra'il) dictated the Qur'an; Heron (a Greek scientist) received inspiration to write 'The Recitation'; and Daniel (Bible) came as the Holy Spirit and gave him wisdom and understanding; Bahá'u'lláh received inspiration for his mystical work Seven Valleys; Joan of Arc was inspired to look to the King of France for help. Gabriel is a messenger of God, the spirit of truth and bringer of prophesy. He is the prince of justice who destroys sin and evil. One of the 2 highest ranking angels. He sits on the left side of God and presides over paradise. Is also said to have had a mortal life as Noah.

Gabriel was the angel that came to Mary announcing that Christ would be born through her. And angels appeared to many to announce the birth of Christ. Today angels have an important place during most Holiday celebrations.

May Angels watch over you always. Happy Holidays!

 

Stephanie Pui-Mun Law is a 31 year old artist/programmer. She began painting otherworlds in early childhood.  Graduated from a program of Computer Science in 1998. After working in programming for three years, She left the world logic for the world of fae; painting full time.  You can read news, learn about watercolor painting, browse her galleries and purchase paintings at www.shadowscapes.com.

~Bonnee