Heart Book Series » Holidays

NATIVI-TEA (Tea Prayer)

Sheryl — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:50:35 +0000

NATIVI-TEA

At the moment of my birth there was a celebration, too.
The angels sang and God was all I knew.
God was all I remembered – for on earth
as in Heaven, we are all one.
To remind us of this God sent us his Son.
Once a year we are reminded of His special birth.
It is a rejoicing that encircles all of the earth.
Gifts are given, hearts open wide,
the focus is on good and we all take pride.
The hope for my daily rebirth is now understood.
A child in a manger, simple and pure;
a symbol of peace and innocence;
that we are all safe from danger, sound and secure.
To be in God’s presence is the present I truly need.
In this time of celebration I am freed from my own greed.
I live to give – my gifts I share.
I do not hide them or disguise them, nor place them under a tree.
My gifts of love and laughter, kindness and caring were meant for sharing;
not just once a year or for a select few.
The gifts I have are unique to me and I celebrate my own nativity.
Every birth is planned, every child has a right,
every life is precious, delicate and meant to be.
On the tree of life every child’s light shines bright for all to see.
Thank you, God; my own light clears my visibility.
There is a place for each and every one of us on God’s special tree.
We glisten and twinkle in colourful harmony.
We each have our place and together we light up the world as we claim our space;
next to each other, side by side; loving and grateful God takes pride
at the birth of each and every one of His children – that’s you and me.
Christmas is a celebration of all we are and all we can be.
Thank you God, for this divine festivity.

Amen

Dharlene Marie Fahl
Author, Poet, Tea Expert
© 2009
www.TakeUpTheCup.com

Sci-Fi Celebrity Charity Benefit December 5-6, 2009

Sheryl — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:05:49 +0000

Sci-Fi Celebrity Charity Benefit

December 5-6, Lake Forest, CA

Lightspeed Fine Art
is hosting their 10th Annual Celebrity Charity Benefit

Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6, 2009

Sci-Fi Stars will appear throughout the weekend for photo op’s, signing, and auctioneering items…
Different stars each day in an intimate non-convention setting.

Andromeda
Babylon 5
Pirates of the Caribbean
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate SG:1
Star Trek
Warehouse 13

View details and celeb photos:
http://www.lightspeedfineart.com/celebritycharitybenefit2009.html

Auction Highlights
*Sit in on the taping of an episode for the third season of William Shatner’s "Shatner’s Raw Nerve" on HBO and meet William Shatner himself.*
*A set tour of NBC’s “Chuck” and meet the cast shooting that same day.
*Hot props from Star Trek: Enterprise that John Billingsley (Dr. Phlox) will be auctioning for the Aid Service Center.
*Personal memorabilia from William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart (and others not attending).
*A set tour of TNT’s "Leverage" and platinum tickets to the "Leverage" convention.

Since this event is now SOLD-OUT, attendees must be clients of Lightspeed Fine Art. Although BIDS will be accepted from all non-attendees as of Monday, November 30 for auction items.

Owner Gary Hasson commented, "People who are not attending can still bid on some of the exciting auction items. They can give us their bids in advance and bid on their behalf."

Leonard Nimoy has just donated a rare pair of his "Mr. Spock" ears that he used in Star Trek IV. They are one of only 20 pair he kept while shooting Star Trek and which are now in private hands. So this is a special offering. Leonard is personally providing a signed Certificate of Aauthenticity.

We will also have a rare fully cast signed poster from the new Star Trek movie which was also signed by JJ Abrams. Paramount donated this to Pacific Stages Theatre group to raise money, all proceeds on this item will go to Pacific Stages.

Proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society and charities of each actor’s choice.

APPEARING for the WEEKEND EVENT!
Vanessa Angel, Lee Arenberg, Rene Auberjonois, John Billingsley, LeVar Burton, Claudia Christian, Evan English, Jonathan Frakes, Bonita Friedericy, Richard Herd, Catherine Hicks, Dominic Keating, Walter Koenig, Cirroc Lofton, Rachel Luttrell, Jason Mamoa, Eddie McClintock, Larry Nemecek, Robert Picardo, Kevin Sorbo, Jeffrey Willerth.
PLUS The Edwards Twins, musical and impersonation entertainment…
AND Star Trek Artist Keith Birdsong and Garfield/Star Trek Life cartoonist David Reddick
EMCEE International convention auctioneer Marc. B. Lee

DINNER WITH THE STARS – SATURDAY EVENING:
Vanessa Angel, Lee Arenberg, Claudia Christian, Catherine Hicks, Walter Koenig, Cirroc Lofton, Kevin Sorbo, plus The Edwards Twins, and Star Trek Artists Keith Birdsong and David Reddick.

Lake Forest Sun and Sail Club
Lake Forest, CA

EVENT HOST:
Lightspeed Fine Art offers original art featuring the stars and scenes from your favorite science fiction movies and television series. These highly collectible pieces are offered as: originals, lithographs, chromagraphs, murals and posters in numbered limited and open editions. Many of these works are hand-signed by the artist or the cast members. We also offer an extraordinary collection of environmental art featuring the creatures of the land and sea. Lightspeed Fine Art is a proud member in good standing of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (UACC). Lightspeed Fine Art is a distributor of Fine Art and a division of American Entertainment Arts
8831 Research Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618
Toll Free (800) 490-9690 or (949) 679-4444
E-mail: info@lightspeedfineart.com
Owner: Gary Hasson

Live Long and Prosper!
This email was crafted and sent sent courtesy of Sheryl Roush, Sci-Fi Fan, Speaker, Author.
Feel free to forward to others who may be interested.
To be added to my personal Sci-Fi fan list, reply to Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com We will comply!

POEM: Vegan Thanksgiving

Sheryl — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:06 +0000

Vegan Thanksgiving

It’s sacred Thanksgivin’, and all through the house,
Nothing’s overnight baking, not Lamb and not Grouse.
Making plans for the morning, health-conscious are we,
Jotting it down, while sipping White Green Tea.

We’ll start with Wheatgrass – a 2-ounce shot,
Toasting healthy bodies with no meat in the pot.
Most thankful are we as we pause to say grace,
Not getting caught up in the commercial rat race.

Sparkling Pomegranate Juice in a wine glass,
Light up the stove – we’re cookin’ with gas!
Pita chips and hummus are starter pre-meal,
Carrots, Jicama, Bell Peppers – the natural deal.

Fresh garden salad, sunflower seeds and sprouts,
There’s enough for everyone – so no one pouts.
Simmer a pot of Cous Cous, or Basmati Rice,
Baked Butternut Squash would surely be nice.

Raw Sugar Snap Peas, and baked Yummy Yam,
Doing well avoiding Duck, Turkey and Ham.
Brown Rice Bread, Lentil Veggie soup, too.
Wow – without meat and dairy – there’s so much you can do!

Chocolate Tofu Mousse Cake – well-chilled,
With graham cracker crust, I’m not that strong-willed!
Organic Pumpkin Pie – served piping hot.
Maybe Turkey next year? I think NOT!

By Sheryl Roush
Inspirational Speaker
Author of Heart of the Holidays
www.SparklePresentations.com

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Sheryl — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:28:10 +0000

Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 17

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. And, you know what to do…perform a few random acts of kindness. Almost any kind deed will do. And, we highly recommend you perform kind acts on as many people as you can.

This is a favorite day of many people and groups. People like the idea of showing a little kindness to others. Its a fun and good thing to do. And, they like being on the receiving end of this day as well. It makes both the giver and the receiver feel good.

Schools have used this day as an educational event, and to promote the value of kindness. Organizations have used this day to promote their cause, and for fundraisers.

Caution: What comes around, goes around. Random Acts of Kindness is highly contagious.

Origin of Random Acts of Kindness Day:

Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day. We wish we could thank the originators of this great day. The originators have truly helped to make the world a better place.

Many organizations and groups have declared other days to be "Random Acts of Kindness Day." These declarations are usually local, one-time events, often for fundraisers.

Also see World Kindness Day

Story Credit: HolidayInsights.com

SUGGESTIONS from Speaker/Author Sheryl Roush:
Buy coffee–or the toll road fee–for the next person in line behind you.
Return the shopping carts left in the parking lot back to the store.
Pick up something for someone else when they drop it.
Open the door from someone else, even if they don’t need it.
Take clothes and toys to the battered women’s shelter.
Give flowers to someone who could use a pick-me-up.
Do an errand for someone who needs it.
Donate your books to the library, or literacy program.

Send a Holiday Message to American Troops

Sheryl — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:09:17 +0000

Send a Holiday Message to American Troops

Say THANK YOU to thousands of American men and women are in the trenches fighting to keep us safe and free. Go here and your message will reach them in time for Christmas… http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Veterans Day Remembrance

Sheryl — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:10:56 +0000

Veterans Day Remembrance

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus or community organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

– Father Dennis Edward O’Brian, USMC

Travel Tips and Favorite Places to Rejuvenate: Xcarat, Cancun, Mexico

Sheryl — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:12:31 +0000

Travel Tips and Favorite Places to Rejuvenate:
Xcarat, Cancun, Mexico

Submitted by Karen Tate, Speaker, Author, Sacred Tour Leader

Travel industry statistics show that when people travel they want to do more than lay alongside a beautiful pool or beach sipping margaritas. They want to spend their precious time away from work engaged in some activity that nourishes their body, mind and soul, uplifts their spirits, or contributes to the good of society. Some doctors take vacations and participate in efforts such as Doctors Without Borders. People go on spiritual pilgrimages to curry favor with a deity, connect with their ancestral roots or for emotional or physical healing. They rejuvenate their bodies, minds and spirits with what we call in contemporary times, purposeful travel, rather than the more out-dated term, pilgrimage. And statistics also show that more and more women are taking these kinds of journeys, alone and in groups. And many are seeking out places that can bring them closer to the essence of the Sacred Feminine.

Whether one is seeking the Sacred Feminine essence or not, Xcarat is, a cultural, spiritual and eco-archaeological park filling many of the aforementioned needs, for women, men and children. Located just outside Cancun, in the lush tropical landscape of the Yucatan region of Mexico, the park offers more activities than one can possibly entertain in one day, often tempting visitors to return a second or third time. The park promotes a healthy respect and enjoyment of nature and the cultural heritage of the Aztec and Maya world. And for those interested in Aztec and Mayan aspects of the Sacred Feminine, the park is a fun place to experience the essence of the Goddesses, Chalchiuhtlicue and Ix Chel, respectively, in a living, participatory and natural environment.

Xcarat, meaning “small inlet” was one of the most important Maya spiritual and ceremonial centers for more than a century. Goddess devotees who visit Xcarat will immediately be overwhelmed with all there is to do and see which immerses the visitor in a communion with the spirit of Goddess – at an adult amusement park! Here visitors are offered a unique opportunity to feel within Mother Nature’s embrace like nowhere else. Set on the blue-green waters, filled with butterflies, felines and colorful birds, Xcarat is a contemporary sanctuary of Goddess.

Starting with the naturally occurring underground rivers for which this region of Mexico is famous, (which quickly brings to mind Chalchiuhtlicue and “her watery jade skirt” motif), at Xcarat visitors can don a life jacket and flippers and immerse themselves in these cold, swift and clear waters. The experience is almost one of rebirth. The cold water, compared to the heat of the steamy temperature outside, causes swimmers to quickly stop breathing and catch their breath, in a sort of mini-death, only to gasp back life a few seconds later, feeling truly alive from the experience. The clear waters of the underground rivers are magical. One floats in this womb-like waterway for 1,600 feet, sometimes completely underground in dimly lit watery caverns.

The animals kept at Xcarat certainly reflect Goddess, as Mistress of the Animals, especially the large feline cats on jaguar Island where there are adult and young pumas and jaguars for all to see. There are the exquisite butterflies in the Butterfly pavilion. This pavilion is one of the largest in the world and unique for its self-sufficient butterfly reproduction. It is truly awe inspiring to sit amongst these beautiful and delicate creatures whose life is so fragile and transforms so quickly, a symbol of life, death and rebirth offered by the Mother.

As an ecological park, Xcarat is providing breeding and care programs for the animals they house there, including the rare turtles and manatee. The park raises awareness of environmental concerns threatening marine life, animals and the environment in participatory programs such as careful swimming with dolphins. There is a bat cave, wild bird aviary, reef aquarium and native bee exhibit – all creatures of Goddess, known to embody her very essence. One can also enjoy the mushroom and orchid farms or the tropical jungle path, all sources of sacred beauty and fertile bounty.

Maya culture comes alive among the actual archaeological ruins on site in a recreated Maya village and especially during the night time activities. When the lights go down at Xcarat, and the activities of the day close with the setting sun, the ancient rituals of the Maya come to life. At dusk everyone gathers on the terraced seating for spectators to await viewing of Ulama, the actual ancient Maya ballgame. Under the watchful eye of Ix Chel, the Moon Goddess, the evening ceremony begins with a calling for the blessing of the elements of the universe and four corners: air, fire, water and earth, also associated with Ometeotl, the deity who embodies the duality of male and female. The ballgame then begins and spectators are instantly transported back in time, seeing players in native dress of the era, play an ancient game few have ever witnessed.

At the conclusion of the ballgame, spectators walk from the park along a particular route through a modern recreation of an ancient Maya village. The route takes them by various Maya rituals being performed to haunting music by individuals dressed in vivid and glorious costumes. It is truly a unique experience and a rare glimpse at what life may have been like during the worship of Goddesses in ancient Mexico. Sometimes the night activities include touring the underground rivers lit by only candlelight – an opportunity not to be missed.

The park has other activities not particularly related to goddess, though are a continuing celebration of life that is the Divine Feminine within nature. There are opportunities to scuba dive, ride horses, see cultural performances and equestrian shows. There is a museum which displays detailed models of all the archaeological sites on the Yucatan peninsula. There are restaurants, locker rentals, a drug store and all the modern conveniences of home – including the opportunity to get a great massage or facial. One is reminded of the words of the Popol Vuh, a sacred book of the Maya-Quiche, “Here is the story of the beginning, when there was not one bird, not one fish, not one mountain,” Xcarat feels like a paradise, an Eden, a place far from mundane life, a pristine place of nature, from which all life may have been born.

-Karen Tate, Speaker, Author, Sacred Tour Leader, Radio Show Host, www.karentate.com
Excerpted from Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations

Time for an American Evolution

Sheryl — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:17:56 +0000

Time for an American Evolution

“The good news this July 4th is that we don’t need a revolution in this country. We’ve already had one. What is needed now is the American Evolution, where we the people realize we are the leaders we’ve been waiting for and restore the all-important missing ingredient in government of, by and for the people — the people.

“If fear has hijacked the American dream, we the people must higher-jack it. We must overgrow the fear-based state of emergency, and declare a love-based state of Emerge ‘n See instead. We must emerge from our fearful state of separation and see we are all in this together.

“Biology is now confirming what our spiritual teachers have been trying to get through our thick skulls for millennia: Life is not about survival of the fittest, but the thrival of the fittingest. Each of us is a remarkable community of 50 trillion cells, all working together in harmony. In the society beneath our skin, there is universal health care and full employment, truly no cell left behind. Unlike most human nations, the ‘nations’ of cells known as organs cooperate for the benefit of the entire organism. You rarely if ever read about the liver invading the pancreas and laying claim to the Islets of Langerhans.

“We declare our independence from the obsolete positions of left and right, and we come front and center to face the music and dance together. We see there are no sides, only angles … and when seen from the right angle, we are all on the same side.

“We declare our independence from the notion that we are better than or less than any other human being. Consider this: Each of us is totally unique, just like everyone else.”

Excerpts from Beyonda News: http://www.wakeuplaughing.com

Real Freedom

Sheryl — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:42:18 +0000

Real Freedom

Observing Independence Day may mean getting together for a family barbecue or taking an out-of-town trip, but no matter how you spend the day, Dr. Robin Smith says it’s important to remember what the day is really about. "People have lost loved ones so we can live in this free country," she says. There is also another, more personal, side to Independence Day that Dr. Robin says people sometimes forget: "Part of freedom is being safe to be who you are," she says.

In order to really appreciate your freedom this year, Dr. Robin suggests making Independence Day an up close and personal holiday—a time to exercise your idea of freedom. "What does it really mean for you to be free? For you to be liberated? For you to not just live in the land of the free, but for you to be a human being who is accessing it in your everyday life?" Dr. Robin asks. "What does it really look like for you to make good choices? Free choices that feed you body, feed your mind, feed your relationships?"

By embracing the meaning of independence and freedom and applying it to your own life this Fourth of July, Dr. Robin says you’ll become liberated in a new way. "Become who you were born to be, who you were destined to be—that is what it means to be free."

- Dr. Robin Smith, radio show on July 4, 2008, www.Oprah.com

God Bless America

Sheryl — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:27:11 +0000

God Bless America
Song Lyrics by Irving Berlin

God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.

God Bless America,
Land that I love
Stand beside her,
And guide her,
Through the night
With the light from above,

From the mountains,
To the prairies,
To the ocean,
White with foam,

God bless America,
My home sweet home.
God bless America,
My home sweet home