Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

For a yummy piece of Tunnel of Fudge Cake & a cuppa warmth…
This week we are all taking a trip to Crystal Lake, IL to hang out, meet & chat here with  Laurie Buchanan You will be commenting here, her Grapevine & her blogs & discover how Laurie's presence on Gaia sets the best example of community so you will also be gaining more as we share life.

These are quotes I chose from a few of Laurie's Blogs:

“My meditation practice focuses on the breath; it is something that I pay frequent and close attention to.  To me, breathing feels full; it feels intentional.” Q&R ~ breathe

“For me, freedom is a state of mind.  It is inner-peace.  It is me determining my attitude and spiritual well-being.  It comes from within.”  Q&R on Feeling Free

”Every person, place, thing and experience that I have encountered is a thread interwoven into the fabric of my life's tapestry that adds color, nuance, depth and character.”  The Ripple Effect

“When you remove the distractions, the hustle-and-bustle, the juggling of multiple platters, the busy-ness;  the attention naturally flows to what remains … being alive.”  Q&R on Simplicity


”The drive behind my purpose is compassion.” from her book: Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living. © 2009   see excerpt Q&R/Weather


This special feature will include Laurie's amazing  HolEssence website which we are going to also share tips in our Gaia Networking threads of pure heart & wisdom where I found another gem on the about page:


“Being respectful of the Earth and its natural resources, Laurie's goal is to leave the slightest footprint possible on the planet; while at the same time, making a lasting impression on its inhabitants ~ one that is positive, uplifting, constructive, & healing.”

Now for our  peaceful ritual of tea as we co-create this week and our first question, I asked:

1. Overall, on a scale of 1-10 how important is the Gaia community in your life?  What factors contribute to your score?


LAURIE:  I would say 8.  It’s equally as important as my morning cuppa tea which is very important.  I intentionally wake up early so that I can weave the daily Questions and Reflections into my meditation time.


We invite your communications. [ I recommend that you open all links in a separate window or tab so that you can share your adventures with us back here.]
From the heart… Kathy
NOTE:  go to this link if your browser is slow opening… otherwise post here.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Good morning, Kathy - thank you for that beautiful introduction.  I'm sitting here with my morning cuppa … watching the birds at the feeders in our back yard.  I've cleared my day and I'm ready to visit with my Gaia friends. 

Listen with your heart,

- Laurie

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Dear Laurie, it has been pure joy getting to know you through your blogs and posts in various pods we both share. I know that it will be a beautiful feature this week and we will all discover more and more about you!

Love,
Nicole

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Good Morning Laurie!

So glad you are here. I am listening. :)

What birds have you seen this morning? And, if you were a bird which one would you be?  :) and, what is your favorite kind of tea, may I ask?

Love,
j

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Sunshine - You asked, “If you were a bird, which one would you be?” 

I would be a Kestrel; the smallest bird in the falcon family.  Few birds can actually 'hover' for any length of time.  The Kestrel can.  Through observation they have much to teach the spiritual seeker.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

hey hey!! congrats on being featured laurie!! whoo!! *hugs* this is so cool! i'm excited for you! yippie!!

what kinds of birds do you have there in IL?

big puppy dog hugs!!
Suni

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Suni -

I'm sorry that I didn't see your post earlier.  Thank you for stopping by.  It's 6:18pm where I am and the birds I'm looking at right now are mostly red-winged blackbirds (both male and female).  Earlier we had a pair of cardinals (gorgeous).  This morning there was a full-on variety.  The later it gets in the day, the fewer we have (we have a nearby owl and the smaller birds roll up the sidewalk and go home pretty early).  At about 4:20am we have the widest variety.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

it's ok! red winged blackbirds? is the red on the tips of the wings? i have seen blackbirds with red on them, but it isn't on the tips, but i think its on the wings. they like to hang around this swamp..marsh..area.  we have robins, chickadees, canaries, blue jays, hawks, eagles, owls sparrows, lots of little song birds. i have never seen an owl, and have only once seen a cardinal (many years ago when i was still little!), but i did see a pair of hawks sitting in a tree!

what other animals do you have? cougars? wolves? bears? we have all three. moose? never seen one, but they are here. i haven't seen a cougar or wolf too..bears are common, but i haven't seen one either! i'm not in the right place at the right time..

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Suni -

Red winged blackbirds have red and yellow on their 'shoulders' (somewhat like epilettes on a military uniform).  Because our back fence backs up to a protected natural wetland we have fox, deer, racoon, skunk, possum and loads of ducks and Canadian geese.

It makes for tremendous 'viewing pleasure' for our three dogs (through a six-foot chainlink fence) …

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

once when i was little, there was this fox that came up to us and it was so sweet! it was nearly tame! we fed it meat. it went into our little snow fort too! he was a cutiepants :D he sparked my love of foxes! we have skunk too..unfortuantely the dog always gets sprayed. we have deer, ducks, geese, herons, snappers, painters, loads of fish…tasty, tasty fish!!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

~Kes,  Thank you for sharing Laurie's wondrous beautiful energy and light with us this week. I seems that Laurie's energy and light have been interweaving in and out of my grapevines and friends grapevines for the last few weeks. and we have had some connection through this group/pod as well…

So welcome Laurie! Hugs and earth energy to you… I have not really checked out your pages/blogs as of yet but will in the next few hours or so… I look forward to the experience… 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Oh, what a delight.  I will be checking in regularly, to read as this thread unfolds.

I haven't known Laurie long as my Gaian days go; but already she is a trusted confidant and friend.  She is ever there with encouragement and asks nothing in return.  She is like the sun coming up each day.  

Gaia is a better place and I am a better person, simply because Laurie exists.

Deb

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Deb - You are a breath of fresh air.  I so appreciate you.  When you let us know in your status line that you are heading out to hike and/or to see your Witness Tree, I envision walking along with you.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Nicole - I am thoroughly enjoying the ongoing participatory story in the Tailspinner's Tavern.  I'm next up to bat.  I’ve strapped on my thinking cap …
 
Sunshine - So far this morning we've had red wing blackbirds, bluejays, gold finches, mourning doves, woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, sparrows, house wrens and grackles.

My all-time favorite tea is Yogi Bedtime Tea, but I don't have that in the morning.  In the morning, I enjoy Lady Grey by Twinnings.  It has a very mild citrus taste to it.

Jeff - it has been my pleasure to visit your website and indulge my eyes with your beautiful photography.  I feel gifted every time I take a peek.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Laurie,  No wonder you feel like a kindred spirit to me.  I am absolutely commented to Twinnings Teas - I wake up with Herbal Revive (Lemon & Chinese Ginger to which I add 2 tbsps of pure Lemon Juice), at bedtime their Camomile.  During the day, I alternate between Green Tea and other Twinnings caffeinated kinds like Irish Breakfast, English Breakfast, English Afternoon, Earl Grey and sometimes Darjeeling.  Can you tell I like my tea mostly strong ?

Each morning, I sit on my back porch for 10 mins of wake up contemplation - How did I grow yesterday?  What did I give yesterday?  What do I have to celebrate about yesterday?  This is the reflection part, so I can focus and quiet my mind.

Then, I align with the states of BEing - Love and Happiness.  I breath in Happiness and let go, of anything that isn't, with the out breath.

I watch the Hummingbirds (we have 2 or 3 dozen) come to my feeder, watch the little Wren that nests on our back porch, listen to and watch any other birds and squirrels, etc about.  

Yesterday afternoon as I sat eating my lunch there, an Owl swooped out of the trees along the creek to my East and flew low right across the space in front of me and on towards the southwest.  I've never seen that before and realized that it was not nearly dark yet and therefore, a bit unusual.  I had to rush and look up Owl Totem.  The link I found fit where I am today perfectly - Owl Medicine.

I left a note on your blog thanks to KES's remarkable research for this feature - I WANT TO BUY YOUR BOOK - Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living. © 2009.  I'm willing to pay.  Just send me a note and let me know how or better yet, let all of us know how in this thread.


Peace & Blessings - Deb

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hello Laurie…and thank you Kathy for all the links to made this party easy. As I sat on my deck this morning listening to the birds,watching the beavers in the creek, I thought how wonderful it is that we can share this experience with others everywhere. I look forward to this party,and expanding myself with the joy of new information,and listening with my heart……hugs to you Laurie for sharing your beauty……~~~~

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Waterheart - thank you for joining us.  What a gift you have in being able to watch beavers in the creek.  Through observation, those friends in nature teach us about putting our skills to use, teamwork and using our resources wisely.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Good morning Laurie. Thank you for being, I believe, my first friend here on Gaia. You are always so caring and generous. It meant so much as a newbie here to receive that first friends invitation.You are a beautiful soul.

Namaste
Kala

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Kala - thank you so much for joining us.  I so enjoy your heart-based intent - it adds a special flair to the energy of Gaia.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Dear Laurie,   You are a beautiful person inside and out.   I've read some of your posts and it's easy to see your oneness with all there is.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

(I am pouring more tea and bringing out breakfast for all of you…)

Imagine! You work on a team where everyone works together beautifully. You trust each other, complement each other’s strengths, compensate for each other’s weaknesses, and aim for goals that have real meaning for all. No one has all the answers but everyone is willing to learn together. Each shares a vision of greatness, and collectively people consistently can accomplish what many think impossible.

Some know what it’s like to be part of such a team, but for most, the experience is the exception, not the rule. And it’s unlikely to change until we recognize that few great teams begin great. They develop their collective capacity; they learn.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Kathy - The verbal picture you painted of the workplace where everyone works together beautifully … oh the satisfaction, the fulfillment that would be derived from such an uplifting environment!

You are correct in that for the most part, that setting is the exception rather than the rule – office or home.  It is something to be developed, learned and then taught.  Not taught with words alone.  All too often that is simply lip service.  But taught through modeling – being a living example – being a living meditation.

The quote that you shared of Peter Senge, The 5th Discipline, is excellent!  Thank you.  Inter-dependence.  Inter-connection.  We are, indeed, one.

Some of you who know me, know that I struggled with the daily questions on July 3, 4 and 5, especially as it related to independence and interdependence.   After stirring it around in my “brain-pot” for a bit, I came to personal resolution.  Here is a LINK to what I posted last evening.

You mentioned that you are interested in learning more about my perspective regarding simplicity and approaches to holistic health, wellbeing, building community and our environments.  Much of what I am about to share comes from my book (not published yet - I am in the midst of that process), “Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living.”

Simplicity
To my way of thinking simplicity is efficiency.  It is a clearing of clutter, mental or otherwise.

Holistic
Holistic is a mindset and approach that emphasizes the importance of the whole – body, mind and spirit - and the interdependence of its parts.  A truly holistic mindset and approach applies this on an individual and collective basis.

Wellbeing – or Wellness
It is my perspective that wellness is the quality of being healthy in body, mind and spirit; many times the result of deliberate effort.  It is an approach to health that emphasizes prevention of illness as opposed to focusing on the treatment of disease.

Like a diamond, each of us has multiple facets – physical, occupational, social, emotional, environmental, intellectual and spiritual.  Working in conjunction with each other they provide us with the ability to live life to the fullest and to maximize personal potential.

Wellness involves continually learning and making changes to enhance our state of wellbeing.  When all of these facets are healthy and working in harmony with each other we experience optimal wellness.

Building Community
I will direct your attention back to the LINK that I provided earlier.  Building community is very much a ripple effect that starts in our very own home … extends outward … and then in boomerang style, comes right back again.  I fully embrace the belief that community is not local, but global.

Environment
Each of us has a personal energy signature that we are responsible for.  Everything in our environment contributes to this signature–people, plants, animals, appliances, color, sound, electronics, food, etc.  When each of us assesses these energetic contributions we need to ask ourselves if they are, indeed, what we want to receive?  Are they making a healthy contribution to our energy systems?  If not, then what do we intend to do about it?  What are the positive, realistic actions steps involved? 

On my 50th birthday in 2007 I took a brief hermitage to discover the most important thing that I had learned to date.  It was, and remains this: 

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”

Tips
Bottom line on top … when you break it down to parade rest; when you remove the clutter; what is left?  Your essence.  If you think of your essence as a car, who is driving – ego or Spirit?  The best tip I know for growing a holistic mindset and approach is to let Spirit have the wheel (and do not be a backseat driver) …

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Laurie!

I can't tell you how wonderful, for me, your presence on Gaia has been; I remember when you first joined being startled to discover that you were a newcomer, just because of how graciously and naturally your posts seemed to flow within the community. I'm so glad KES has chosen to highlight you here, and so glad you found us.

(Also, I love kestrels, and love that you choose one: you embody their soaring reserve so beautifully. :)

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Congratulations on being featured in this excellent thread. :)

We haven't met as of yet, but I look forward to learning more about you and your Travels.

Have a beautiful day!

Mercale

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Siona & Mercale - Thank you both for joining us today.  Won't you pull up a seat and enjoy a cuppa tea? 

Siona - you can not begin to imagine the benefit I receive from your joy-filled presence.  Your personal energy signature is extraordinary.

Mercale - It's a pleasure meeting you.  I look forward to getting to know you.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

I've been nodding to everything that friends here have written, Laurie, because truly you are someone that I feel so happy to know. You  have great gifts and yet are so open and warm, that it's like meeting a friend whom I've known for ever.  So approachable. 

I loved reading what you wrote, Kala, about Laurie being your first friend her, because it's true - Laurie has shared with us how she reaches out to newcomers to Gaia.  I'm glad to see you show us how important that is.

Laurie, every time you share on your status that you're having your cuppa, I feel that I've had a cup of tea with you as well! I love the way you use your status to share what you're doing; going to see clients or reading or dancing! From you I've learned how the status can be used to tweet! You really are busy, and yet you don't neglect us at Gaia.
How do you do that?

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Meenakshi - I'm grinning from ear to ear because I know when I post any status with a cuppa … you are right with me.  And a delightful 'right with me' you are!

You've posed the question, “You really are busy, and yet you don't neglect us at Gaia.  How do you do that?” 

It's simple - Gaia is a priority.  It's an area where the ripple effect can really be seen.  It's a place where, by intent, I can effect the highest and best good.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Why, I don't mind if I do  :) Make mine a nice cup of Queen Ann's Lace tea, please. My absolute favorite, even if the neighbors do look at me funny for picking it out of my lawn!

I checked out the website listed above. I love your list of services, and descriptions of several different things. I especially found the couple energy balancing very intriguing! Not many energy workers “go there” in their practice. Yet, sometimes a little balance between the people in a committed couple is what is needed most. I also enjoyed the energy work tailored to the pregnant mother. A great menu of services indeed. Great job on all the hard work you have obviously put into growing HolEssence!

 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Mercale, 

 I did not know that Queen Ann's Lace was used as a tea either! Thank you for link… I am not a tea drinker but I am drawn to the idea of healing uses of plants… 
I have some photos I just recently took of QAL I will post later this morning on 

http://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffstroud

Thank you… 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Mercale - If you've ever walked across the Highlands of Scotland you know that the most glorious Queen Anne's Lace on the planet resides there.  Like a beautiful blanket, it covers the countryside.  But I just learned something new from you.  I was not aware that you can use it to make tea.  Thank you for that!

Thank you, too, for checking out the HolEssence website.  I am the webmistress and have a lot of fun working on it!   

Couples Energy Work is delightful because I never allow myself to become engaged in the role of 'referee.'  It is orchestrated in a manner where everyone stays on the High Road and the positive aspects of each person are magnified. 

Bodywork for the Childbearing Year is quite possibly my favorite.  Helping to nurture and and then usher a new soul into the world has never left me short of awe-filled.

I thank my clients who share their lives and place their trust in me every day.  I am deeply humbled by their confidence.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Deb just asked me in the blog on weather, where she can find my book.  She has searched high and low for it.  Here is my response to her:

I'm in the midst of the publishing process right now.  The full manuscript
(309 pages, 53,365 words - not that I'm counting) is with a publisher as we speak.  We are not under contract.  They have 12-weeks to let me know if this will fly with them.  My hope is that it will soar! 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hello Laurie,

I have been reading through your feature and continually deciding and re-deciding what I want to ask you to expand on. While I am making a final selection, I want to acknowledge how much I appreciate you for your posts, for your personal grapevines, and for your thoughtful and appreciative comments on my blog posts. And I know that you travel around Gaia participating with many others in the same way. You have a powerful way of connecting with each person ithat says “I know what you mean - I have/do experience that too.” This is part of what demonstrates the following quote from you:

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi, Laurie - [good thoughts flowing re:  the publishing process - imaging the book flying on dragonfly wings :-)]

*Thank you* for sharing your wit, whimsy and wisdom so steadfastly in so many arenas on Gaia.


loving blessings -


Sylvia

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Sylvia -

I love every bloomin' thing about dragonflies!  Thank you for the positive energy of your intent.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi Laurie.  I loved reading how you and your husband got started in that business of yours.  I'm sure that all of the surrounding community has been blessed with a healthier outlook on things due to your expertise.
It truly is such a rewarding field to be in.

God Bless…..and super warm hugs to ya'

Rita

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Rita - Thank you so much for stopping by.  And thank you for weaving in my husband, LEN.  In March we will celebrate 30 years of marriage.  

Our healing studio is located in historic dowtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.   Len is responsible for the product (store) side of things and everything that is technical (except for the website), while I am responsible for the service side of things. 

Our store features items that are designed to awaken the body, mind and spirit.  Our Menu of Services is designed with this in mind as well.

Our customers and clients have coined the saying, “Len is high-tech; Laurie is high-touch.”

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

…..love it!”  High Five to both of you:)

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Terrill - thank you for joining us and for your kind words.  You know how I enjoy your blogs; the way you are willing to take us with you—via photographs—on your many adventures.

You asked, “If we are acknowledging our 'boomerang-style' interconnectedness in our holistic living - what might we notice?

You will notice an increase in abundance.  Let me define what I mean when I use that term:

It is my perspective that abundance is fulfillment.  It is inner wealth.  To my way of thinking, abundance is not to be confused with prosperity.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with prosperity.  However, the things that you will notice when you engage in the conscious practice of living in/with boomerang-style interconnectedness all fall under the category of abundance.  Abundance is something that brings a return value to the heart.  It benefits your inner self–body, mind and spirit.  Abundance is generally intangible (i.e., health, loving relationships, joy, peace of mind, etc.). 

For the purpose of comparing and contrasting, please let me define what I mean when I use the term Prosperity:

It is my perspective that prosperity is something that brings a return value to the wallet and/or bank account.  It is on the outside; it is material wealth.  Prosperity is something which is tangible: you can touch it, hold it, drive it, live in it, wear it, swim in it, take it to the bank or deposit it.  You could even sell prosperity if you had to.

Note:  That's not to say that prosperity won't follow right along when by intent you engage in a conscious practice of living in/with boomerang-style interconnectedness.  But the first and foremost things you will notice will be heart-based in nature.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Laurie we're keeping you hopping today! So delightful getting to know more about you and everyone else here too, in the process !!!

Love the image of the bird-book, and wish you every success in publishing. Will be doing that myself, probably next year….

On a trivial point, but since you are a green tea afficiando: Do you know Shou-Mei, which is my favorite? I used to get it at a local teahouse, but I can't find a local source anymore, and haven't searched online yet. Shou-Mei is astringent, clear and simple, very refreshing. With just enough caffeine to give my low blood pressure a lift !!

Deeper stuff later, haha.

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hello OM - Oh yes, I'm hopping just as fast and as high as I can - thank you for joining the fun!

Here is a LINK to where you can purchase your much loved Shou-Mei white tea.  They are an on-line gourmet tea store.

Low blood pressure?  Have you thought about wearing a piece of Bloodstone jewelry (sometimes referred to as Heliotrope).  It works great toward regulating/balancing blood pressure (lifts low bp … lowers high bp).

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi Laurie,
For this moment, I will share OM's wisdom in Deeper Stuff Later. (LOL)

In other words, I'll be back. I just couldn't shutdown my laptop without leaving a little note. How impressive this thread, you and your contributions have become. You're versatile, colourfull, wise and helpfull. You where also one of my first friends. So kind and generous.

Is see you as a human kaleidoscope of hope, loving care for nature and all of earth's inhabitants. A beacon of wisdom, showing the world how to appreciate the little things.

Laurie Buchanan
pure white light blazing through a colourcanon
 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Oh my gosh Nion -

I'm sitting here bare footed because you just BLEW MY SOCKS OFF!
 
Thank you so much.  Thank you so much, indeed.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Gossip - The Game
Do any of you remember the game gossip?  People in the very same room sit in a circle and the first person whispers something into the ear of the person sitting next to them.  This process is repeated until the piece of information gets back to the original teller.  And it's usually changed, rather colorfully, by that time.

Between the Grapevines and Gaia messages that I have received, what started out as me having a book about abundant living in the midst of the publishing process (no contract yet), has turned into a fully published book about birds in the state of Illinois.

Please note:  Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living is not published yet, and it doesn't have anything to do with birds.  Although with the tremendous interest that has been shown, maybe that will be my sequal …

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

First, I have to laugh at your “published versus not-yet-published book that is NOT about birds” comment … information traveling along the highway of communication can certainly pick up a little extra color and flair, to be sure.  One thing that is safe to say is NOT fuzzy or muddled is that there will be plenty of people ready to own a copy of your book Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living when it does get published and becomes available for purchase.  Add my name to that already-long list.

Also, thank you to ~KES for providing the link (in the comments section on Laurie's blog entry The Ripple Effect - Boomerang Style) so that I could find my way to this features group discussion.  Always nice to be invited to a tea party.

Laurie, you were also the first person to welcome me to the gaia community.  The invitation alone was much appreciated, but that you did it in such a generous and sincere way really caught my attention.  You made it personal and believable, and I could hear your smile in every word.  I was feeling a bit awkward and unsure, and your kind words held the promise of an environment that not only welcomed exploration, but actually encouraged pushing the boundaries.

In true “ripple effect” nature, it also prompted me to discard my own inhibitions and to reach out and be the first person to welcome others to the gaia community, (or to be the first person to comment on one of their blog entries).  Even in my comments I tried to follow your lead, by being sincere and personal, and also extending the hand of friendship and encouragement.  Not surprisingly, the “boomerang effect” blossomed, in that the very act of me reaching out to others had the immediate effect of expanding my own circle of friends within the gaia community.

This is only one of the ways in which you've already impacted my growth in a short amount of time.  Whether in the area of writing, expression, growth, exploration, or making intentional choices, your voice has become a welcome visitor in my head.  You truly are an inspiration and a model of what it means to live a life with intention, and I am grateful that our paths (intentionally) crossed within the gaia community.  Thank you for sharing your spirit.  Thank you for adding your color to the beautiful gaia community garden. 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi Laurie,

Someone asked you if you were a bird which one you would like to be.
You replied you wanted to be a Kestrel- I said Yippie!!!.

I am from Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean where the Kestrel is endemic.

Thanks for sharing your pearls of wisdom with us Laurie,
Kind Regards,
M

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Nancy - With tears streaming down my smiling cheeks I say thank you.  And thank you, again. 

It has been my distinct pleasure to watch the buds in the Garden of You unfold and blossom.  The colors that have burst forth are magnificent.  My Gaia friend, Sandi (a Master Gardner) would be oh-so-proud!

I do my 'distance work' each night before I go to sleep and you are one of the many Gaia friends that I hold light for.  Thank you, my friend, for shining brightly!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

hello Laurie :)
I cannot believe our paths have not crossed here in Gaia before!!
You sound a wonderful, special person and I have enjoyed
reading the posts and getting to know more about you.
I hope we will become friends too :)
Sandy from Global Peace
http://groups.gaia.com/peacenetwork

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Joyce - You have provided me with another bit of knowledge today.  Kestrels are endemic to the Island of Mauritius.  And since you live there, you too must be special, indeed!

I have just sent you an invitation of friendship.  I am pleased to be among the first to welcome you to the Gaia Community.  You have found your way to one of my very favorite groups within this wonderful community of environmentally and spiritually conscious people.  Jump right in and make yourself at home.  On behalf of all of us I am pleased to say - Welcome Friend!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi Laurie~ what a warm and wonderful feature… good works from all. The gossip game is a lot like viral marketing & a good idea.  I loved your blog on the bubble of water on the leaf.

The day Sandi wrote on the daily Q&R about Simplicity, inspiring me to blog a Q&R Siona creates for us; and now I find your simple solutions on living & setting examples to be eco & value minded – trailblazing for others.  When you invited me to be a friend based on my Q&R I felt that interconnectedness we share on Gaia & that is very special.  - Lee

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Lee  - it is so good to see you here.  I am delighted that you could make it to this tea party.  Shhhhh, don't tell anyone …

… but my husband is a “Closet Lee Reader”  in that he loves to garden and he reads – and implements – what you have to say. 

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Sandy -
Your Profile Page says, “I believe World/Global Peace IS possible!”  I do too.  Thank you so much for joining this online tea party.  I do appreciate the addition of your personal energy signature.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Good Night One and All -  
I don't remember when I've had so much fun - thank you!  I have an early rise and shine so it's time for me to go to sleep.  I will see you all bright and shiney.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a client day for me.  Please know that I will touch base with you before, between and after clients.

Listen with your heart,

- Laurie

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Evening dear Laurie… Hope there is still a cup of tea for me… I just came with the tea cakes, my love and gratitude for having you as a friend :) World is a better place with beings like you sharing their wisdom, Love and Light… Much Love, Lili
Sakura (cherry blossom)

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Asteri -
There's always enough tea.  Thank you so much for a cuppa.  And thank you for this lovely gift - it is beautiful!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Laurie may have gone to sleep, Lili. But here's some Kashmiri kahwa tea and thank you for the beautiful video!
Laurie, I promise not to have a midnight feast of the tea cakes Lili brought!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Meenakshi -
You you so kind to stay and tend to friends - thank you.  I found some of Lili's tea cakes waiting for me this morning.  I'm having one with my cuppa right now.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Thank you for the tea, was great :)) took me to wonderful places in my sleep… Now that I woke up can see that the party is going on here and is so beautiful… Glad that everybody enjoyed the cakes…

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi Laurie!

This has been a fun time reading thru your profile and this thread, getting to know more about you! I had a cuppa tea and a tea cake… both were delicious!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Just dropping by to join the party Laurie

I love get-togethers and a cup of tea!

Blessings
Tai

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Amber & Tai -
Thank you both for stopping by.  I'm putting a fresh kettle on and Lili brought some lovely tea cakes.  Please sit down and stay for a while …

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

I love that Laurie usually says, “Listen with your heart.” To me this means feel your way with the experience of love.

Laurie, you have really touched since the beginning of our friendship here on GAIA, enough so that I would join this POD just for this comment opportunity. Your mere presence is enough to calm many storms within me. You have stilled my waters many times with just the peaceful vissage of you in the photo of yourself. What a beautiful being you are! I'm grateful for your life and your journey with us here.

Oh, and grate introduction KES. KES, you are a great promoter of all that is loving and beautiful. I will listen today WITH MY HEART! Wouldn't it be great if we all became more heart centered.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

John -
Thank you so much for becoming a member of this group so that you could leave your heart-felt, and heart-accepted message.

Whether I am at the end of a paper letter or email correspondence my closing is always, Listen with your heart.

It is my perspective that the heart is the intersection of thinking (logic) and feeling (emotion).  When these two powerful aspects of self are healthy and used in conjunction with each other, we operate from a place of wisdom–the heart.  This brings clarity in decision-making, removes drudgery and adds exponentially to the abundance factor!

John, thank you for listening with your heart.

And you are spot-on about Kathy - she's f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

“Whatever you are not changing you are choosing.” A quote from Laurie that immediately began to empower me the moment I read it. The Love and nurturing I recieve fom Laurie's words is pure refreshment to my be~ing. Her offering is poised with simple perfection ~ beauty of Life! She represents the the sisterhood I've always dreamed of and now recieve.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Jeannie -
My beautiful friend who looks like her son's sister instead of his mother …
Thank you for stopping by and jump-starting my day.

My clients are going to be in pure wonderment today as they see me hovering off the ground with my head in the clouds.  That's precisely what this entire discussion thread with my friends has done; filled me so full of blessings that I float!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hi, Laurie – what a wonderful idea! Anything featuring you is going to be a peaceful (albeit thought-provoking) experience. Look at all the wonderfulness you have attracted to you. Whatever you are having, I will have the same thank you. Barbara

PS – I came back to edit this and added an image of what it feels like to visit with you …

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Barbara -
I love this image and am so glad that you associate it with me.  Thank you.

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Laurie, and Friends 

I just sat here and wrote my thoughts and what is coming for me with this conversation, and when I went to add a Photo, because ~Kes/Kathy so lovingly ask me to post one here! 

I wish to thank everyone for co-creating some of the most beautiful energy I have experienced on Gaia! 

I will get back to what I wrote before it was lost… as for photos, I think you will have to visit my site on http://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffstroud


©2009 Jeff Stroud, All Rights Reserved - Tomato Spread

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Jeff -

Your photography is outstanding.  It speaks directly to the heart.  One of my favorite pieces of yours (although it's hard to decide) is “Flower Shop Window”
(I posted  it here). 

To me, the angle and reflection are other-worldly.  It hints at the ability to pass between space and time.  It draws you in for closer examination … like looking at memories.  What we don't know is …

… are they memories from the past, or have they not happened yet?

Thank you for touching the lives of others with your gift.

[photo: ©2009 Jeff Stroud, All Rights Reserved]

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

So here is a LINK to Jeff Stroud's ”Flower Shop Window” - enjoy!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Laurie, 

 I am truly honored for you to choose one of my photographs to share here… 
as well as comment on it in such a magical way… Thank you, and bless you… 
Do you mind if I cut and paste your comment to the site? Maybe we can stir the energy a bit… 

I am Love, Jeff

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Jeff -
Yes, you may absolutely cut and paste my comment regarding “Flower Shop Window.”  I love your work and in the future – as time allows – I will go there and add more comments to additional pieces of your work that tugged my heartstrings.    

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Hey how did you do that? This photo won the open photography contest at the South Jersey Photographer group! 

Thanks… Jefff

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Jeff -

I TOLD you it was mystical and magical!

Re: Featuring ~ Laurie Buchanan ~ Listen with your heart

Barbara -
Good morning and thank you for stopping by.  “Peaceful” you say?  When I read that to my husband he laughed.  He says that Laurie has two speeds:

1 - Flank 3 (as fast as it goes)
2 - All stop (sound asleep)