Books, books, books!

It has been quite a transformational time for me during these past couple of years. So much so, that enjoying the process of life became the necessary and most productive aspect of developing myself and my career. I say 'career' with a smile because my work here has always been somewhat behind the scenes as a cheerleader of growth and learning for myself and others. Although writing a book does put a person 'out there.'

Let's see. After publishing Just In Time, which is available on Amazon, (a feat in and of itself,) I continued in the writing arena by helping others publish their own works via various outlets. Three friends who attended my book signing, went on to write and publish their works of art. Pretty awesome, right?

Rae Jacob put a compilation of AHA moments together with her book, Acupuncture for the Soul.

https://www.amazon.com/Acupuncture-Your-Soul-Collection-Life-Changing/dp/1627873406/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324123&sr=8-1&keywords=acupuncture+for+your+soul

What a powerful group of healer friends and intuitives. This book carries it's own special energy and is a great book for snippets of AHA inspiration. A dream come true for Rae. She felt Grandma Rose with her all along the way. Ha! Of course Grandma continued to be heard. Rae often sent me notes of thanks for sharing Grandma with her. Always great to have an allie on the other side.

Soon after, my Aunt Gloria asked for help with her story, A Walk Down Memory Lane. https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Down-Memory-Lane/dp/0692415246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324467&sr=8-1&keywords=gloria+zlaket

Her honest and familial account of her family's history is a treasure for those who know her and want to recall the traditions of an immigrant family's success in their new country.

Anyone who has written an account of their life can tell you that it is one of the hardest and yet most rewarding experiences of their life. It is work, but the best healing work one can do. And so many times, "life" happens at a quickened learning rate during the "work." My aunt Gloria was diagnosed and surpassed breast cancer during her writing and publishing dates. Funny how that works.

It's almost as thought the universe says, "Oh she's so busy right now, she won't notice how wonderfully we are changing her." At least this is how I felt when God place my mom in my home to live with us during my writing time. Whew. Siempre algo.

Very soon after, my long time friend, Judy Cochrane, who had spoken of writing her book for years, began to put pen to paper, or in her case, fingers to keyboard, and wrote thousands of words about her experience of gaining, losing and learning. Eleven Days; From 35 Million to Food Stamps What a Family Gains When Losing The American Dream
https://www.amazon.com/eleven-DAYS-million-stamps-American/dp/0997692308/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

You want raw, real and heart-opening? Then just check it out! Every book has something special to offer and this one is a source of healing empowerment beyond anything I have ever read. It comes with a disclaimer though. The first part is bumpy, difficult and challenging to get through. Mostly because Judy's life at that time was just the same. Not easy for empathetic journey-goers like myself. But stick it out because the humor and tears that follow are well worth the angst.

Here's a link for Just In Time; How To Find Joy and Synchronicity In Every Moment.
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Time-Synchronicity-Every-Moment/dp/1482705648/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496325757&sr=1-1&keywords=just+in+time+callan

Any writer appreciates reviews, especially if you enjoyed their work. It builds momentum for that writer and is an easy way to say 'thank you' for making your mark here in this world. And reviews can be as simple as "I loved it!" or "What a treat to read." It doesn't have to be philosophical or time-consuming. We appreciate any and all reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, B&N....it all helps.

Happy summer reading. I personally LOVE reading a good book and living in the space of LIFE. Enjoy

June 24 - A Day To Remember

June 24, 2014
Today is a day to remember in the Callan household. This morning we found out that the results from a Phase 3 Study for Cystic Fibrosis came back with excellent results for those individuals with the F508del gene. Ellis is in her own clinical study of Vertex Pharmaceuticals for children ages 2-6 with the G551D mutation. So far, she has been gaining weight, taking a lower dosage of enzymes, and not having as much blocked mucus as she might have without the drug.
This new drug will hopefully be approved by the FDA before the end of the year! This is life-changing news for about fifty percent of the CF population! A true miracle and reason to celebrate! Needless to say, we are very blessed and grateful for all of those who have worked so diligently towards a cure.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Karen and Kelly

Ellis just performed in her very first dance recital. She remembered a lot of the moves, even though she was the youngest in her class. I, of course, had to be there. :) Such a sweetheart!
Watch her dance recital performance here.

Hosts, posts and more!

Blogs, hosts, posts, landing pages, links, rss feeders...argh!

Are you overwhelmed with technology as much as I am? It is such a time consumer these days to stay up with the trends of marketing, publishing, and promoting on the web. I am more tech savvy than most, and I do love to learn a "new trick." Yet so much time is spent sitting in front of a screen.

I am truly looking forward to simplifying my computer time with a few good apps and writing techniques. But then the big question arises. WHY? Why do any of this? For me the answer is simple. To stay spiritually connected to people. It may not seem "spiritual" to update you with this blog, for example. Yet anytime we can connect either by sharing insights, passions, hobbies, or pains is a spiritually guided connection.

I am surely grateful for sites like Facebook. I can always count on seeing something worthwhile and helpful (since I follow only positive and inspirational people.) Seeing photos of smiling families, videos of animals helping one another, or quotes from wise human beings boost my spiritual energy. I cry almost every day at the kindness and awe I see on screen. If you want to see my latest and greatest, here is the link to my facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/karenrcallan

I am always happy to share uplifting messages that make a day a little brighter.

Now back to my task at hand. Hyperlinks here I come!

A Sign Worth Sharing

While I was wakeful dreaming, Chloe, our havanese poodle mix, jumped off of the bed and went outside. I can't remember the last time she got up in the middle of the night, but I figured since she did, so would I . Still dark out, I walked to the bathroom where the only clock is, by the way, and saw the time...4:44 Apr 4

It took me a few moments to register. 4:44 4 4

444 - the angels are all around us!

I believe that the weeks before Easter are a very spiritual time when the angels expose themselves in big ways. I love being aware of their energy and participation in my life and experiencing all of the goodness they share.

My sister, Jo, has 3 owls in her trees right now. Kristina and Levi announced that they are in the process of adoption. Tonight i get to be with 3 of my kids and their families before a family wedding this weekend. Not to mention the amazing dream I was living just before i got up. (More on that later.)

It's a "what's next" day and it is only 9:00 in the morning! :)

A Time for Everything

I am very busy these days as is most everyone around me. Keeping up with classes, birthdays, volunteering, friendships, social media, marketing, organizing and my health has proven to be a lot. Pacing myself and remembering WHY I do what I do is my continued area of focus. A conversation with a new student is measured against five minutes spent on facebook. Both are rewarding to me. Inspirational messages and videos which my "friends" share always make my day. I do, though, love creating my own heartfelt memories.

Every day I wake up with a ready spirit and open mind, excited about the possibilities of the new day.

It is in this very paused moment that I realize "writing" isn't listed above yet yearns to be in my daily routine. And although I type and write messages all day long, "writing for me" is bubbling up to the surface once again.

Looks like my time is in need of rebalancing. There are those extremely important activities which always make the top of the list. Family get-togethers, grandmothering opportunities, and canasta. A girl's got to get her cards in. :)

What can I let go of time wise? I stopped playing candy crush months ago. The pictures in my head interrupted my sleep too often. Not to mention the desire to place a person's nose in between their eyes just so I could get three across. Ugh!

I stopped cooking for the most part. I can put together a healthy meal but the days of roasting tomatoes and making my own sauces are a thing of the past.

Our garden is growing last year's seeds. I let that go as well.

Balance is key. I just need to see which key I need to use next.

The Beauty of Life

Today is Tuesday. After saying "Yes" to every experience offered these past few weeks, my body is saying "Oh!" Each morning I am blessed with wildlife outside the window, dogs who love to be fed, and rooms filled with projects yet to be completed. I am not lacking for 'things to do.' I love life this way. Experience after experience, I am challenged and offered opportunities to practice being ME.

This morning I opened my tea bag.

"The beauty of life is to experience yourself."

And that is just what I will continue to do!

At Last

At Last! My first book is almost available in print and on kindle and it has only taken me years of dedication and perseverance to complete it. Writing has always been a special part of my life and although many of the stories I share are from years past, the ability to compile and create a free-flowing book is truly a dream come true.

I read the first few chapters to Kelly the other night. He hadn't read it until then, if you can believe that. I asked him what he thought I was doing all of those days and hours and nights; sitting downstairs at my desk, tapping away at the keys. He laughed and said, "You're a writer!" Funny. Thankfully for me, he loved it.

And in keeping with the theme, the timing is perfect. My fiftieth birthday is this Friday. The birthday most women see as pivotal. Entering a new phase of this lifetime is divinely connected to the timing of my first book being published. It feels as though I am entering a period of self-realization and empowerment unlike any other decade before.

Just in Time.

Some of my girlfriends took me out to celebrate as we often do for each others birthdays. They have the wisdom and grace and blessing of having celebrated a few more than me. OK, about ten or so more than me. So when this birthday came up, they were thrilled. Their gift - a beautiful grey and cream bed pillow with large lettered words....AT LAST. Now we are all at least fifty. Well almost.