The Hit List - Blessing bags and dreams

I wrote about my friend passing from an overdose a few months ago. Truth be told, I was having a pretty hard time coping with it.

When someone goes in such a tragic manner, it leaves a massive hole that cannot be filled. I found myself losing a lot of sleep over this.

Memories of our last heartbreaking encounter were still haunting me.

I was crushed, sad, and full of guilt. Even though I know intellectually that I did my best, that vibe of remorse was still present.

I shared my grieving story with my friend, Joanna. Joanna is one of the people I trust the most and she asked me if she could make a blessing bag to help me heal (example of one is pictured above).

I said yes but I didn’t know if a blessing bag could fix this. My grief was pretty deep.

Joanna’s bag arrived a few days later. As I unpacked it, the smell of the ocean tickled my nose. I could feel the love and magic. This bag had energy.

It also came with a scroll. In it, Joanna outlined the ritual and prayers for Dave and me – and she included a reading of the auguries, signs and signals she received as she did a medicine walk for us. I won’t share the details of that here, because it’s very personal but I will say that it had me in tears.

I put this on my altar for the dead and then went about my business.

A few nights later, I had a dream. Before I continue, I will say that I rarely dream. But when I do, it’s often about people who’ve passed on. Sometimes these are family members and other times, they are people I don’t know well but who have a message for a loved one (I always share those). Dead people and I are quite comfy mingling in dream world.

That night, I dreamt that I was in some sort of house party. It was full of people, all having a great time. I noticed a woman cooking at the stove. She was stunning with jet black hair, wearing a black leather miniskirt and thigh high boots. She was topless. On her back was a tattoo that said “angel.”

I continued through the house and there he was. My friend Dave was standing to the side, observing the party. He looked like I remembered him when he was sober, young, and handsome. Tall, dreadlocks, and that gorgeous, chiseled face. He was quiet, just taking it all in.

He had made it to the party on the other side.

(And of course, he had a topless tattooed guardian angel! If you knew Dave, you’d know how appropriate that would be.)

I woke up and cried but these were no longer tears of sadness. They were tears of joy because I knew my friend was in good hands. He was no longer in pain.

The dream and the blessing bag have both given me a measure of comfort to help ease the sting of this horrible loss. I have a long way to go with the grieving process but the healing has begun.

Grateful grateful grateful…..

You know I had to catjack this post with another fine picture of TaoZen. He felt you needed a little cat love today.

Other stuff:

If you want to get one of Joanna Powell Colbert’s Mama Ocean Blessing Bags (and yes, you will want one – wait until you see how much she puts into these magical beauties), get thee to her site immediately.

Not able to attend my Soulful Proprietor Retreat? No worries: I have all the deets just for you in this photo packed recap. You are gonna wish you came.

When you are having some girlhood nostalgia, nothing beats looking back at the Barbie Dreamhouses of days gone by.

I’m pretty disgusted with all the speculation on Renee Zellweger’s face. WHO CARES? Leave the woman alone yo. This post sums up exactly how I feel.

Looks like my messy desk is a good thing. Heh heh….

It’s no secret that I love reality tv. And I especially love my Bad Girl’s Club. They might have the best dialogue on tv according to this post.

Watch this audition tape and you’ll know why Jason Momoa was the obvious Khal Drogo. Duh.

This story about an autistic boy who became BFFs with Siri is just awesome.

This cracked me up: the vegan leather du-rag you never knew you hated. Bwahahahaha! I want to get one for my sister.

How the most successful people use the bathroom at work. Thankfully, this is not an issue for me as I work at home! Ha!

I miss the old New York before they cleaned it up and made it safe for yuppies and families. Times Square is truly squaresville now. But a few peep shows still remain.

Toys R Us was selling Breaking Bad action figures with wee bags of meth. Parents got outraged. Toys got pulled. The end. (PS if you really need one, you can get Breaking Bad Jesse Pinkman Orange Hazmat Suit Action Figure – Entertainment Earth Exclusive at Amazon.)

Imagine being nine months pregnant and not knowing. This woman didn’t and took a crazy trip to Europe with all kinds of drinking and dangerous activities!

Oh no she didn’t: this Fox news panelist says that young women belong on Tinder, not in the voting booths. OMG what is wrong with her?!

My partner in crime and awesome, Briana Saussy, just unveiled her fab new site! Woo hoo!

Speaking of Bri, we have our last Talking Shop show of the year. In November, we’ll be chatting with Pace Smith about the words we use with our clients. Do NOT miss this one. It’s going to be hot!

Now that winter is on the way, it’s time for stews ‘n stuff. I just got my copy of Martha Stewart’s One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More. Let the yummy cooking begin!

I am SO honored to be contributing to Sas Petherick and Meghan Genge’s sacred circle Heart and Hearth. This is an incredible group of women and I’m happy to be part of this soulful circle!

What I’m Grateful For:

Unexpected presents in the mail

A stack of magazines waiting to be read

Morning snuggles with the cats

Sun peeking through the clouds

Nyquil

Loving emails

Pens that glide across the paper smoothly

Soundtrack for 10/25/14: “Life is Beautiful” by Sixx:AM – this song reminds me of my friend so much. For you, Dave. XXOO