Cloud Watching

It's Sunday afternoon, here I sit cup of tea in  hand watching the sky as the fluffy white clouds roll past.  The peace and serenity of a Sunday afternoon can not be gained from any other day of the week.  So I absorb the quiet stillness and listen to the backdrop of sounds from the local community; dog barking, birds cheeping, children playing and in the distance a car radio blaring.  It's life and i'm thankful for every second of it.  

But back to my clouds.  They appear so perfect; formed and shaped by the atmosphere in which they glide effortlessly.  A memory pops in to my mind of sunny afternoons as a child playing in the large green fields of the countryside.  Exhausted we'd lie on the grass and look skyward,  peering at the clouds to distinguish shapes, faces, animals etc.  The joy of those days, the innocence and laughter a fond memory today but yet it has made me smile - a good feeling unfolds within me filling me all those feelings again.  

So even if it's just a quiet moment while you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, take a moment to look around you, what reminds you of the happy innocent unspoiled days of childhood ?

Blast from my childhood days ... Enjoy xxx


Share your memories below, I'd love to hear your stories. x

Post a Comment

Dear Readers,

Please feel free to leave a comment on any of my posts here on Cora's Cloud.  Your responses are valued and inspirational as it allows me to understand your views and thoughts.

At the bottom of each post you will a similar layout :

To leave a comment click on the Comment Link - situated across from:
   Posted by Angelic-Gifts at (time) ....

You also have the ability to tick one of the Reaction boxes too.

If you wish to share the blog eg to Facebook/Twitter etc, click the Icons directly after the post.

Thanks again for your support.  Blessings Cora xx

Transform Yourself

We all remember running around trying to catch butterflies when we were young.  The excitement of chasing about after the colourful creatures filled us with excitement and wonder.  


We read many quotes about transforming ourselves and the butterfly is mainly used as an example.  It is after all something we can all associate it and recognise.  Butterflies are magical creatures and I still love to watch them floating around on a summer's day.  


Back to transforming ourselves.  Our own transformation doesn't need to be as dramatic as the humble butterfly.  Instead we are usually being asked to re-look at our lives and see what needs changing or removing.  Many of us have talents and hobbies that we dropped as our lives became busier with work and families.  Many of us need to slow down, stop and take a deep breath or find time to meditate or walk in nature to recharge our batteries.  Sometimes it refers to visiting old memories some of them difficult and not seeing them from the memory's point of view but from now and assessing what you now have learned from it.  


When we have completed this introspective de-cluttering we then begin a new cycle in our lives, filled with renewed enthusiasm for life and living it to the full.  Transformation doesn't always mean to look at every single instance now and evaluate it anew.  But if something is prevalent in your thoughts then this is the point that need your attention.  


Don't be put off moving forward/transformation as it is a natural process and when you have don't this a few times it becomes easier to accomplish leaving you refreshed and re-energised.


So transform your life - be like the butterfly, shed what you don't need and fly high into the bright clear sky with fresh energy.  


Have you transformed yourself?  Got a comment or question, post below, thank you xx

Tied by the Hands of Time

The alarm woke me - it was 4.00 am Sunday 5th May 2012.


Jumping out of bed I ran to the window excited to see the super moon in the night sky.  Due to a heavy blanket of cloud all day before and earlier that night I couldn't see it, just a warm glow through thin cloud from time to time.  
There it was sitting low in the sky, looking magnificent in its orange glow.  As expected it was indeed larger than a normal moon and its glow more radiant.  
More on Super Moon perigee here.


While I stood captivated by the moon, a thought crossed my mind, what is time?  I'd set an alarm to wake me at a certain time.  Returning to bed the thought continued to grow.  


What is time?
Where did the concept of time originate?
Why do we need it?
How do we use it?
What if time didn't exist?


What is time?
A good question because we cannot touch, smell, taste, look at, or physically interact with time.  
So time is a concept?  Did man watch nature and on seeing the patterns in its yearly turning extrapolate the concept of time from that, who was the first human to conceive time?
We may possibly never really know but clocks as we understand them came after many instruments were invented to calculate time, first the sundial was used in ancient times then water, wind and other ideas until we reach today's idea of a clock.  
More on history of time here.


How do we use time?
Many of us live our every day by the clock, we get up at the same time, start work at a particular time, drop the children for the school day at the same time each day, and on and on we go.  We have become dependant on time to measure out and organise out day. 


Time is a wonderful idea which has allowed us to organise ourselves, apportion our day in a wise way, allowed us to travel great distances including into space and helped us to understand the world we live in and mother nature and her cycles too.  


No time !
I cannot conceive a world without time, it would seem impossible, how long would a day be, or a night, what would a week consist of ?  However time is only used here on earth. In spirit or heaven or whatever name you wish to call it there isn't time, not in the linear way we understand it.  But I expect when I get there it will all seem normal and understandable just like time does here and now.  


So when I'm at home and I don't need to be anywhere or doing anything special, I remove my watch because by wearing a watch I tie myself into the cycle of time.  Instead when I remove it, I release myself from it and enjoy the here and now.  So maybe removing your watch and leaving your mobile in your handbag or another room, allows you to unwind yourself from the hands of time for one afternoon a week or for whatever length of time you choose.  :)


I'd love to hear your comments on time and how it supports your day.  Cora x 

Smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds, in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile, through your fear and sorrow
Smile, and there'll be tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
If you'll....

Sung by Judy Garland.

For the past few days this song has been going around in my head.  Its a lovely reminder to Smile at someone today.  

Wikipedia's explanation of a Smile - A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth.

So why do we smile ?

• We smile at funny things.
• We smile at babies and children.
• We smile when we recognise someone we know.
• We smile at the love in our life.
• We smile when we are happy.
• Sometimes we smile for no apparent reason.

What happens when we smile ?

• Smiling relaxes us and people we meet.
• Smiling helps to boost the immune system.
• Smiling releases endorphines in the brain, helping us feel good.
• Smiling helps to lower blood pressure. 
• Smiling helps to relive stress.

So the evidence shows that smiling is good for us.  Ask your angels to remind you to smile, use this beautiful Gift we have all received from God. 

Let's keep doing it, smile at someone today - they may smile back. 

I Wish !

'Don't wish your life away."  
I remember someone saying this to me when I was a child moaning on about long school days.  


Do we use the 'I Wish' phrase too much or not enough? 


I can only speak about what I experience and in my opinion its over used to the extent of being maxed out.  


One example is when we add it ourselves after receiving a compliment or thanks.  We turn a positive comment/compliment into a negative by adding 'I wish' or its partner 'If only'.  We should not do this because it belittles our talents and also those of the person who have offered us the comment/compliment.  
So don't add 'I wish' or 'if only', when someone says something nice about what you've done or achieved.  Thank them graciously and accept it in the spirit it was given.  


Another example is where we actively 'wish' away for something.  We dream of a fruitful reward to our wishing like winning the lottery, or meeting a tall dark stranger, having a luxurious holiday etc.  These may seem like nothing more than fantasies and dreams.  


I'm not saying we should stop dreaming, if mankind never dreamed we would not have achieved many of the great things we now take for granted today.  We dare to dream and it propels us forward, we turn our dreams into a reality.  


But many people can get stuck in the 'I wish' phase.  They never get off the ground and begin to turn their dreams into a reality.  Instead they sit and wait for another to come and show, tell or instruct them on how to move forward.  While all the time they have the answers and ability but no drive to do it.  


When my Grandparents were born (1890-1907) it was a far different world.  I never recall hearing them using the phrase 'I wish'.  They had a more down to earth attitude.  They grew up with an expectation that if they needed food they had to provide it, so hard work was the norm.  There didn't have the range of shops, choices and luxuries we have today.  They had what they had because they worked hard for it.  They knew the difference between right and wrong and lived their lives by what we today would possibly call a simple code.  


So where did the 'I wish' come from and why is it so prevalent in our society?  The evidence is all around us.  Pick up any tabloid newspaper, there are the wannabe's trying to sell some crass story to further themselves or some 'z list celebrity' trying to flog a book they haven't even written.  We have teenagers appearing on saturday night shows trying to grasp that golden key to stardom, all wishing hard to live the dream.  


But why?  Is normal life so dull and uninteresting.  No, because they have been sold a dream - a dream where if they wish hard enough (no other effort required) they'll get it.  Education is not a requirement, but fake looks and bodies is all that is needed with a willingness to be told what to do and when.  


We have allowed ourselves to be blinded so that we all want the 'I wish' to come true.  Check sales of lottery tickets for proof of this.  We have allowed our governments to lead us by the nose, TV channels and bosses to tell us what we should be watching and allowed ourselves to sit by and watch it all happen.  


Many countries now find themselves in recession due to the financial crisis and its aftermath. But what are people doing about it?  Nothing!  Youths who have never had a job still hang around waiting for their 'big moment' expecting someone to hand it to them.  We have whole areas in cities where the unemployment is almost 100% and what are people doing - nothing.  


Now is the time to get up and going.  Get your life back.  Stop wishing for someone to tell you if you're going to get a new job, change your career, find a husband, have children, visit another country etc.  
Take responsibility for your own life.  What are you doing to answer these questions for yourself?  Go plant some vegetables, meet your neighbours set up a bartering group, volunteer to gain skills, there are plenty of opportunities out there see them for yourself.   


You have chosen to live here and now.  Stop believing the rubbish you see on TV, and read in the papers.  Live your life your way by following your own integrity and you will see the rewards.  

Sad Faces in all kinds of Places

Up early this morning, rushed about to get the usual drab housework out of the way.  Today I'm heading into town, got a special purchase to find; a pressie for my Sister's birthday.  Not exactly 21 but near enough. Oh she'll cringe when she reads this.

The weather is dreary and cold, rain pouring down in bucketfuls but it doesn't dampen my spirit and I know I'm just going to get the right present.  My daughter and I head off in the car, I'm wearing a big smile on my face, looking forward to my day out - Freedom at last!

Town is pretty quiet for a Wednesday morning, thank God, can't abide throngs and crowds.  Too much energy and negativity to deal with.  But this morning is bliss as I enjoy myself, strolling around with only the odd individual passing by completely engrossed in their own thoughts or nattering away on their phones.

After musing about in a few shops, we return to the Shopping Centre and the crowds have built up a little.  As I walk through the on coming sea of faces, I can't help but notice how many people look sad, blank, or downright angry. Why I ask my angels are they so upset?  The only response I get is 'Life'.  Engrossed in their busy lives they've been rushing about getting this and that done, minds somewhere else and totally ignoring all that is around them.  I wonder if they're thankful for being here today?  How many miracles have they experienced today?  Do they know they all have an Angel walking behind them?

However, I can't seem to stop smiling and every now and then I catch someone looking at me.  They have a questioning look.  I imagine I can hear them sayin, "What's she smiling at?"  It doesn't stop me smiling and sadly I only receive 2 smiles back.

I figured out why I was smiling, I was meant to brighten up their day.
So Smile when you can it can help someone you don't even know in so many ways.

The Art of Day-Dreaming

As a young child I had a fondness for wandering off by myself.

Living in the countryside in rural Ireland back in the early 70's meant that life was more relaxed and safe.  So my parents never worried when I disappeared for a while.  The angels would take me through tall meadows, along the old tinkling stream or to sit on a large stone in the river and watch the fish swim about beneath the water.

I never felt in danger and the angels always told me where to put my foot and what to hold on too.  When I began school to my horror I couldn't just roam off and investigate the sounds in the grass or wait for the 12 o'clock train to whoosh past, no I was firmly stuck and hated every minute of it.  

After a week or so of this 'prison state' the angels explained daydreaming to me; a wonderful idea, - my body in one place and my mind somewhere else enjoying myself and having fun.  Better still I could play with the rabbits and birds instead of just watching them from a distance.  The idea of daydreaming was a hit.  

So I guess i've been a daydreamer all my life - always somewhere else.  However as my parents liked to call it 'off with the fairies' or 'not paying attention,' etc. 

Daydreaming was the angels way of introducing me to meditation and from that early age of 4, I started doing this regularly.  When I was experiencing difficult times or even in boredom, i'd take myself off and experience lots of wonderful exciting places and experiences.  Not being a great socialiser at school it also meant that I had somewhere to spend break-times; up in a big red balloon soaring across the sky like a bird or sitting on a cloud, even battling crocodiles in a wild dangerous river, much better than kicking an old ball around a school yard. Teachers would tell my parents I had a great imagination, but how could i explain it?  It was easier to go along with it.  

As the years rolled on, I found I could move my mind instantly to a place of my choosing and even with my eyes open (this was handy so as not to be caught daydreaming in class).  At some point the angels disappeared from my vision but they were always there when I daydreamed or at night in my dreams.  I felt their guidance and help every day of my life, although I cannot physically see them, I know they're there.  I feel their presence in a gentle touch, a slight breeze on my cheek, someone playing with my hair. They've even been known to give me the odd 'shove' every now and then.  

I'm very thankful for all my angels have given me, shown me and allowed me to experience.  As a child I new I wasn't mad or strange, although different, I wasn't better than others but I knew I saw and experienced things they never would.  And as a child that made me sad; today my understanding is better and I know this is my path in life.  Tune into your angels they have so much to share with you.  

As a starting point try daydreaming.  

Good luck, Cora xx

Two Way Love

Many of us are all to aware of someone who is in need of a hug, an attentive ear, or healing.

We readily offer ourselves to sit and listen or engage in assisting the person in need.  As a woman I am keenly aware that many will see this as a feminine 'quality', but it shouldn't be seen this way only.  We are all capable of helping someone in need, not just because we are female and have a maternal streak.  Men are very good at doing this but few willingly do it.  We should encourage the men in our lives, fathers, husbands, sons etc to take a minute and engage with the situation.

However, what if we continually give to others, our time, our efforts, our love, our compassion etc what is left for us.  We arrive at a  situation where we are the ones in need of it, going full circle.

So instead of always giving to others in what ever way, give to yourself; engage in Two Way Love.  Take a few minutes of quiet time; even if it means locking yourself in the bathroom.  Take some deep breaths and love yourself, see the positive in yourself and encourage it.  A short while every week will benefit you enormously and allow you to be there for others in a positive sense.

So go for that walk, book a manicure, visit the hairdresser, get a massage, have a long soak in the bath, whatever you need to do to unwind, so the Two Way Love flows strongly in both directions.

Reflection Garden

The Angels guide me to reflect from time to time.
I have done this for many years now and I was taught to do it as a child.  It allows me to let go of things, to re-evaluate them and to see them from not just another point of view but from what I like to call a 360 degree view.

Usually I go outside and sit quietly in nature, i've even sat out in the rain; under a large umbrella, the rhythmic pitter-patter of the falling rain is ideal for this purpose.

First, I take deep breaths and exhale slowly allowing my body to relax; my muscles slacken, my back straightens slightly and then I close my eyes. A few seconds later, i'm floating; floating somewhere and no where at the same time, and although I engage the same method when I meditate, I don't progress to a meditative state now.

I now shift my focus and think about my Reflection Garden.  It's a blissful small Zen garden filled with small lush green plants, large blossomed flowers of all kinds and sweet floral fragrances.  A tinkling water fountain fills the air and small statues are hidden amongst the greenery and shrubs.

Here is where i focus my thoughts I now think about any particular situations or occasions which need reflextion.  Here in this tranquil garden the angels show me and guide me, allowing me to see others' points of view or opinions and then gracefully show me the conclusions or outcomes.

This allows me to better understand and then I ask the Angels to remove any negativity created by harsh words or actions and replace them with love, light and healing.

Tomorrow's Step

My path in life has been varied, it's crossed many different terrains; arid stretches, lush green valleys, stoney mountain paths, dark forrest trails and high spectacular peaks.

Each terrain has had its own benefits and negativities.  Along the way my path has been crossed by all kinds of other paths, plants and animals.  I've spent a long time watching other paths meander along left and right of me, weaving in and out and sometimes out of sight.

Some paths have a lot of undergrowth on them, that entangles itself with everything around them holding on desperately to any niche while others float above in dark clouds creating massive dark thunderheads, that ache to touchdown and cause havoc and destruction.  Some clouds float on by effortlessly, transcended to the Earthly plane and unaware of everything.

Recently my angels have shown me a graphic image of my path, its beauty and alluring presence always striving forward towards the light and full of endless energy and positivity.  The view ahead is unclear as it depends on my free will where I will venture next.  But the one thing that amazed me was that my path was made of stepping stones, light large stones that floated along and each day I move forward to another one.

My stepping stones float above my path unlike many other people's who's paths are on the earth, they have to walk through the terrains that I hover over.  Then I realised that my stepping stones are more than mere stones, they're the Angel's representation of God and the Angels carrying, guiding and helping me each day of my life - and not once has there been a stepping stone missing!

I was reminded that taking some time to sit and observe around me is a good thing but I should never spend time in looking back; for that is the past and looking and watching it, won't change it.

Tomorrows one step ahead will take me further than spending an age looking back at the past.
So I move forward to today's stepping stone in the knowledge that I can never fall.

It's Sunday Afternoon

It's Sunday afternoon.
Sitting by the open window,  sipping my usual cup of tea I relax into the silence that envelopes me.
The soothing background of life drifts through the open window.

It's a day for letting go,  a day to breath deeply,  relax and exhale all the pent up rubbish i've accumulated through the week.  The sunlight reflects through my beautiful hanging crystal and i'm enveloped in a flash of blue crisp light,  Archangel Michael is surrounding me in his loving light embrace.  A reassurance that all is fine,  that I am protected and loved and a confirmation that its a good time to let it go.

I love the energy of Archangel Michael and smile as I say,  'Thanks for that Michael, and just when I needed it most.  I can always depend on you to reassure me when I need it, God bless.'
The Archangels and Angels always make me smile even when i'm angry,  sad,  annoyed.  I love the energy they exude and the wave of love I receive as they tell me all will be okay,  don't worry or some other reassuring message.

The sun dips behind a cloud,  no rain yet thank god.
I cherish my times here by the open window communing with nature and all the angels.  Sitting back and watching life swirl by.  Its a unique opportunity that many others dream of,  and I through the Angel's blessings am living it,  loving it and excited by every moment I experience it.

Life at my Kitchen Table

Life at My Kitchen Table


My Kitchen Table is the hub and centre of my life.  Here my family eat, talk and share life together.  There's always a great whirl of excitement about it at holiday times like Easter and Christmas and It is where I spend hours on my computer, updating my website, Facebook, Twitter and Cora's Cloud and it is also where I do most of my writing too. 


I love this little corner of my home, its warm, full of light and energy and the table has been with us for many years now.  My daughters did their homework on it, i've baked birthday cakes on it, researched my family's genealogy here, spent hours at family dinners and generally many hours of fun and laughter too. 


I love my little corner with My Kitchen Table and thought i'd share it with you all today.   


Blessings Cora xx

Thinking Time

Today is just like any other day.  
Sitting at the kitchen table I work steadily through the hours.  
Then a loud clap of thunder distracts me.  
I listen, get up and go to the back window.  A few minutes later the rain begins, its soft clinking on the windows around and above me creates a melodic rhythmic beat.  I gently open the window and a soft chilly air embraces me. 
I drink in the sweet smell of rain and damp grass, it evokes memories of long gone days of family and love but here, now, standing in my kitchen I look at the soft green hues in my back garden as life returns to it, and I feel totally relaxed and refreshed.  
I thank my angels for bringing all this beauty to my attention.  A beauty which would have totally passed me by if I had remained engrossed at my computer.  
A short thinking time does wonders for the spirit and soul and is very much needed from time to time.  

Having the Will !

Sometimes you wonder, what next?

Or you find you're bogged down,

stuck in a rut, unable to move forward,

unsure of what to do.

The answer lies within.

What is your passion?

What do you dream about?

If you want it strong enough,

and work to that purpose,

then it will happen for you.

Ask the Angels for their assistance

and help, and they will guide you to the

right time and place.

However, be aware you actually 

have to do it for yourself !

Heaven's Gate

Heaven's Gate


So you've done it, lived your life, been good and kind, a spiritual person, gave to charity and worked hard. 


So you arrive at Heaven's Gate - what next?
Poor old Saint Peter shuffles forward with a clipboard in hand, "Just a few questions and then you can be on your way," he mumbles.
Somethings obviously are the same as on earth, you think to yourself.


So what are the questions?
Well everyone is different and we all live very different lives, even within families.  
What questions do you think you'll be asked?


Some of you will say, well i've never thought about that, mmmm let me see...


Okay so its not something you expect to think about regularly, I agree.  But honestly why not give it a few minutes now?


Some of the things you won't be asked are :


So how many bedrooms did your home have?
How many houses did you own?
How many acres of land?  Really that many !
You drove a what?   Nice !!!
Bank balance please?  That many zeros!
Income before tax ?
How many plasma TV's?
How many people did you walk over to get to your current employment position?
Where did you holiday?
etc ...




So to think about some you might be asked :


Who did you help when they didn't ask for your help?
How kind were you to people you didn't like?
How many times did you do it because you knew it was the right thing to do?
How many times did you forgive people who did and said hurtful thing to you?
How many times did you turn the other cheek?
How often did you just sit and listen?
How many times did you wipe the slate clean and begin again?
How often did you cry when you couldn't see a solution to a situation?
Did you love with an open and just heart?
What intention did you hold in your heart before you did something for someone else?


If you're being really honest you might find that one or two from the top list creep into your questions, however, it's what you're asked when you get there that's important not what you answer today.  


Which list do you want to answer when you reach Heaven's Gate ?

Blink of an eye !

In the blink of an eye,

 In the lapse of a second,

 It has all begun and ended again!

© Angelic Gifts

What's in a raindrop?

What's in a raindrop?

Raindrops are magical to me, they have a force and power that is very evident if you have ever been caught in a downpour, but a single raindrop is like a little jewel glistening as the light catches it.

A single raindrop can encompass a whole world of thoughts and fill you with a sense of wonder and expectation.  As a child i would spend ages watching the raindrops slowly run down the window pane.  Wondering if it would twist or turn or bump into another drop ? My Sister and I would spend a while racing raindrops as they rolled freely along the window or even on the windscreen of our Father's car, hoping I picked the winning one!

In the UK we all need more rain as hosepipe bans have been put in place already this year.  But as many pray for more rain we need to be aware that we should be actually praying in thanks for all the rain we are receiving.  To pray for more indicates to the universe a lack of something and therefore in praying for it you reinforce that ideal.  So to pray in thanks for the abundance of it, brings it in abundance.

So back to magical raindrop, as a child I was fascinated by water and would spend long hours trying to figure out how to touch it.  Actually have you tried that ?  It doesn't feel of anything does it?  I've been drawn to rivers, lakes and the ocean too where the force of water is very visible.  However my awe,  wonder and fascination all started with the humble raindrop.

Easter is what to me ?

Easter

Springtime brings with it a beginning of all kinds and Easter is somewhat like that for me too.  I see it as a rebirth of Faith.  A time to refresh my faith and my religion and remember what its all about for me.

Faith is very important to me, I know if I were asked did I have faith or was I religious, would first answer I have a strong faith, because I do.  I always have, it's always been there, securely wrapped up inside me.  A strong knowing of what is right and what is wrong and an intuition to follow my own path to discovery and enlightenment.

Easter makes me feel new and fresh.  My faith is renewed and I rejoice in my religion for bringing it to me in such a way.  It's the path I chose for this life and I fully intend to live every moment of it to its fullest and most rewarding.

Have a happy Easter and enjoy your Faith and your chocolate eggs too.

Blessings Cora xx

Rejoice Jesus has Risen :

Spark

Be the spark that lights someone's day !