Stories from the Universe - Volume 1

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Introduction & Welcome

By Louise Gale

Photo by Navyblur.co.uk

Hello wonderful creative souls.

May 2011 saw my first year anniversary of being out of the corporate world and the launch of my new website. To celebrate, I asked 11 amazing women who had inspired me on my journey so far to guest post, telling a story of Synchronicity, Serendipity and following their Intuition.

What a journey my first year was! So, I wanted to mark the occasion with something significant for myself, which would also bring joy to others. Thank you to all the inspiring souls who are part of this series and to you, my creative community who have supported and grown with me.

I strongly believe that the universe sends us little messages constantly. For many years I was aware, but didn’t really listen until the summer of 2009. When I did stop to listen and make more decisions guided by my intuition, that’s when I really believed I could create my best life and make that change and follow my dreams.

I hope these stories bring a smile to your face, warmth to your heart and inspire you to listen to the universe too. Enjoy.

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CONTENTS Introduction…………………………………………………………………..……2 Story #1: Leonie Allan- “The angel lump”…..................................................4 Story #2: Louise Gale – “Believe and ask the universe”....……………….….8 Story #3: Christine Mason Miller – “Wind in the sails”….….………..……….12 Story #4: Jenn Gibson – “Living Happily Ever After”…………………………15 Story #5: Susannah Conway – “We know what we need”…………………..18 Story #6: Marisa Haedike – “The moment I became and artist”…………….22 Story #7: Kelly Rae Roberts – “Inviting abundance in”………………………23 Story #8: Andrea Schroeder – “The first time I took a big risk to listen”……25 Story #9: Mindy Tsonas – “follow your intu-wish-n”…………………………..28 Story #10: Christen Olivarez – “When plans go awry”……………………….30 Story #11: Jamie Ridler – “My ongoing argument with the universe” …...…33 Story #12: Andrea Scher – “Moments of synchronicity” …………………….35

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“The Angel Lump” Goddess Leonie Allan

Goddess Leonie Allan is the creator of the popular Goddess Guidebook blog and the online Goddess Circle. Visit http://tinyurl.com/goddessguidebook for more goddess wisdom and joy. Follow http://twitter.com/GoddessLeonie

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The Angel Lump Two years ago, I burned out.

My life got so full and I got so busy chasing my big dream, that I started ignoring my exhaustion and the tell-tale signs that I needed some rest.

I kept on answering emails, running on adrenaline, staying up later, gaining immeasurable pleasure from marking things off on my to-do list.

And then, my body and spirit decided to not let me ignore it anymore.

One morning, I woke up at far-too-early o’clock to get More Things Done, and ran outside to complete my “Meditate for at least ten seconds” task on my to-do list.

When I completed my requisite ten seconds, I stood up, only to face-plant back into the earth. Sheer exhaustion weighed on me heavier than any gravity, and I found myself unable to stand back up, flailing about like a turtle flipped on her back and away from her centre.

When I did stand up, I dusted myself off, laughed, and proceeded to run back inside to write a witty blog post about my “lesson.” Floating on the river of denial can be an intoxicating experience.

But somehow, as it always does, life has its own way of showing you what you don’t want to see. That night, I found a lump on my breast.

A lump so large, throbbing and scary that I wasn’t able to ignore theGreat Truth in my life anymore. I needed restoration. I needed healing. I needed retreat.

The next day, I went to my doctor’s, and was given an ultrasound appointment for a week’s time. I decided to no longer ignore my lesson, and give myself the medication I needed.

I declared the next week my own self-healing retreat.

I chose not to go away anywhere for my retreat. I didn’t want to travel, I didn’t need to be anywhere else. I just needed to come home to me. I needed a safe place for me to do that. I needed to get dive-bomb-licked by the puppies, to walk outside in my garden and make herbal potions from it, and to have my love come home to me everyday.

So the retreat centre I so deeply needed was right here - my home.

Every morning, I lolled in bed reading every morning for an hour or two, watching the dawn filter through my window.. I watched as much or as little tv as I want. I wrote when

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I wanted to write. I let myself feel whatever came up - anger, pain, joy, or sometimes - a little boat of floating gently along. I made healing herbal poultices for myself in the afternoon, wrapping my breasts with soothing chamomile.

Sometimes I meditated. Sometimes I didn’t. I did nothing much, and everything I wanted.

My theme was: No Obligation. No Have Tos. No Shoulds. Just Being.

About half way through the retreat, I woke up with a little feeling of hope inside me. Like a tiny little trickle of my juice had come back. And I just stayed in that place of WhereI’m-At without pushing or pulling away from it. I wasn’t trying to feel better – I was just sitting with the pain, exhaustion and overwhelm when it comes up. Feeling it, and asking it what it needs. And finding my way home to myself.

My retreat gave me the gift of giving myself what I needed.

The last five months of my life have been a whirlwind of dreams-come-true that felt more like a hurricane. It’s been about my To-Do list, and productivity, and copywriting, and logistics, and a ton of other Stuff that I’ve never thought much about before.

And along the way, I discovered I never really knew how to love me first. To take care of my needs - physical, mind or spirit - above all else. I thought I could keep pushing it to the back of my To-Do list.

When first I found the lump, all I could do was hyperventilate, cry and then apologise to my love. I wanted to apologise because I never, ever wanted to leave him. As much as I know that it will happen at some point or another, I really, really didn’t want it to be anywhere close to now. I want to relish every single day I get to adore this man who is my kindred spirit. I want to see a gazillion more times how his hair flecks in the light, his eyes crinkle at the edges when he smiles and how his heart shines when our dogs nestle by his side. I want to be that lucky lucky soul who hears and learns from all of his wise and deep and simple words and gets to gigglesnort over his irreverent, quiet funniness. And this may all seem hopelessly romantic – and it might be - but it’s my truth. It’s what my heart sings about when I listen to it softly enough.

So maybe the lump came to show me in one moment that above all else - the To-Do lists, the business and the busy-ness - there is my whole world. And it’s made up of love, and light, of my dear fiance, my puppy dogs, my mama, papa, my crazy siblings and my wonderful friends. That’s where it’s at. That’s where life gets born.

I had my worth all tied up in how good I was at doing my soul purpose out in the world.

And I didn’t see that my worth starts and begins and is complete just inside me. This tiny world of mine that fills me up so completely with beauty and roses and snotty tissues.

With love, spirit, kindness, bliss. The way I stumble and the way I soar. Friendship and bells at sunset and pain and adventure and laughter and losing it all over again, only to be reborn. The ways I love myself and the ways I don’t. Trust, faith, lack of faith and all the rainbows of being a human. The journey which sucks and is magnificent all at once.

That’s all of me - and it’s complete. It doesn’t need me to be anything more but what I am. Sitting, breathing, writing, typing, getting angry, getting hopeful, crying, smiling.

And so I have.

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When I retreated, and gave myself what I needed again... I found myself, my wholeness and my spirit again. And I found my healing miracle. The blend of restoration, rejuvenation and herbal poultices worked its magic on me. When I had my ultrasound weeks later, the lump had disappeared, but its medicine remained for me.

I have this funny, unshakeable faith that this world really is good. That we are given just we need. Some days we see the angels so clearly that protect, love and guide us – the calming words of a dear friend, the gentle push that takes you off the path of collision.

And some days those angels are in the most elegant of disguises – they are the collision that bring us home.

***

Goddess Leonie Allan is the creator of the popular Goddess Guidebook blog and the online Goddess Circle.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/goddessguidebook for more goddess wisdom and joy. Follow http://twitter.com/GoddessLeonie *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

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“Believe and ask the Universe” Louise Gale

Photo credit: Navyblur.co.uk

Louise is an artist and creative coach living in Hoboken, USA. She is the creator of the well known e-courses: “Big Dreams Small Wonders” and “Color Stories” as well as other resources to help you live your best life.

Visit Louise at her website & blog: http://louisegale.com and follow: http://twitter.com/LouiseGaleArt

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“Believe and ask the Universe” In the last few years, I have come to believe more and more that the universe is sending us messages all of the time. For some reason, with all of the distraction and constant busyness that life throws us, we rarely listen. I mean really sit down, contemplate and listen. In return, we are sending out messages ourselves, letting it know what we desire, hope for and dream of. To help us understand and give us a little poke to let us know it's there listening, the universe sends us surprises, challenges and on many fantastic occasions, delivery in some form or another of exactly what we asked for.

In the summer of 2010, I spent alot of time in my front yard. My flatmate decided it was time to "sort out the garden", so lots of digging, cultivating, seed planting and watching blooms sprout and grow was a daily activity through those summer months. When I think back there were many little messages of its own, that the garden was helping us understand about life: Planting seeds, nurturing and seeing them grow, not giving up when the grass didn't quite make it, so more was planted, and most importantly how the "garden project" was bringing the community closer together. People walking their dogs would stop and ask what we were doing. Neighbors who also had green fingers would stop by to discuss the plants and "growing strategies". We would sit on the "Steps of Contemplation" (aka the front stoop!) admire the evolution of the garden, drink wine, chat to new friends, passers by and talk about dreams. Little did I know that the "Steps of Contemplation" were where the universe also sat with us and listened.

When I think back, those few months, I was so aligned, balanced and in tune with myself and the world. I have certainly noticed how the flow of life and energy works when I am so.

So it was coming to the end of the summer, many physical seeds had been planted into the garden and we had cultivated them and seen them grow and bloom. Little did I know that other seeds were also being nurtured, that were yet to come to fruition.

So it was Labor day weekend (which is the first weekend in September). I had been thinking about renting some separate studio space to paint in as my apartment was feeling too cluttered and it was time to move on from the current living arrangements with my flatmate who was away that weekend. A friend came over to stay to keep me company and the weather was perfect- the humidity had gone and there was a balmy cool and calm breeze in the air. The neighborhood was lovely and peaceful and many people were away for the weekend. Saturday morning we woke up and made ourselves

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our morning ritual coffee. "Lets sit on that step of contemplation of yours Louise" my friend said to me, so off we went in our pajamas to sit, relax and watch the world go by.

We sat on the step, coffee in hand, morning sun on our faces and the balmy breeze was blowing through the trees around us. I talked about my current personal dilemma, thoughts of needing to move out into a new place, wondering what to do. Then the conversation went something like this: Friend: The garden looks great. How's everything else going?

Me: “I feel like I need to move out, move on somewhere new. This apartment is starting to feel too small, and things just aren’t working out. I really feel like I need a proper studio space to work in” Friend: Me too, i’m fed up with the city, the concrete, Hoboken is so lovely, the trees, the neighborhood……[long pause] maybe I could move to Hoboken?” I looked at my friend, who had not spoken of this before. “Maybe we could move into somewhere together?” she said.

Me: “Yes! My lease runs out the end of November.”

Friend: “Well i don’t think I’ll want to move until then anyway, I’ve got too much going on the next few months” Me: “oooh sounds great! What sort of place would we need?”

Friend: “Well we would need a 2 bedroom” Me: “and I’d love an extra room for an art studio” Friend: “i’d also like an extra room for my studies also” Me: “Maybe even a shared lounge space we can throw parties in and have dinner parties too” Friend: “and a nice kitchen to cook and bake in” Me: “Sounds great” [sigh] “but I love this block and street so much, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else really. The trees are so lovely and its got such a great feel.”

We both paused, dreaming a little, taking a sip of coffee and believing that one day, we really could have this.

Along the road, I could see Christine walking her dog. I had met Christine a handful of times over the summer when she has stopped to chat about our progress with the garden and our seed planting. The conversation went like this: Me: “Hi Christine, how are you?”

Christine: “Good thanks” her dog started to jump up to say hello to us as we sat on the steps.

Me: “Not away this weekend?”

Christine: “No, I have a few things going on” Me: Yes its nice staying in town when everyone else is away isnt it? So quiet!”

Christine: “Definitely! But its not that quiet for me as I have the builders in” Me: “Oh really, what do you have going on” Christine: “Oh I’m renovating my duplex apartment upstairs” [pause, suddenly realizing the universe was at work here] Me: “Duplex apartment?” I asked Christine: “yes, my tenants moved and im now renovating the whole 2 floors, going to be wonderful” Both my friend and I suddenly sat up taller, wanting to find out more.

Me: “You are looking to rent your apartment?”

Christine: “Yes, its a 2 bedroom, 2 den, living room, dining room, 2 bathrooms and lovely kitchen. its going to be wonderful when its all done, lots of work though.

Me: “When do you think it will be finished?”

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Christine: “end of November time” Well you can imagine how we both felt. When Christine walked away after we set up some time to see the place, my friend suddenly realized she didn’t know where the apartment was.

“Nine doors down the street” I said.

“So you wont have to move off this block afterall!” “no, how amazing is that!”

So thank you universe. I planted the idea seed out there, thought about my studio space (which is also on my visionboard) and still today I am amazed by the serendipity in this story and just how fast the universe delivered. What if we hadn’t sat on that step at 8.30am, what if I didn’t cultivate those sunflower seeds and made this acquaintance in the first place? Would the universe have found another way?

That summer, I was constantly flabbergasted by “coincidences” “messages” and what seems like the universe at work. I do believe that when we are on the right path, these kind of occurrences start to appear to guide us, show us the way and reinforce it is all going to work out. I wish for us all to “Believe” it is possible.

My message to you today is to remember to trust that everything is connected, that the universe does hear you. Spending time to sit and contemplate (even without the steps!) enables us to breathe in the air and think more clearly about dreams. The right path, meeting the right people and the direction to move ourselves in will be shown, I am so sure of it. ***

Louise is an artist and creative coach living in Hoboken, USA. She is the creator of the well known e-courses: “Big Dreams Small Wonders” and “Color Stories” as well as other resources to help you live your best life.

Visit Louise at her website & blog: http://louisegale.com and follow: http://twitter.com/LouiseGaleArt *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

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“Wind in the Sails” Christine Mason Miller

Christine Mason Miller is an Artist and Writer who loves to travel and explore life’s details. Her next book will be published by North Light Books and available in bookstores in November 2011. Visit her at www.christinemasonmiller.com and follow: http://twitter.com/swirlygirl18

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Wind in the Sails About a year ago, I had just received word that a book proposal I’d submitted six months earlier was not accepted. I’m no stranger to rejection, and have developed a healthy respect for it as an integral part of the creative process. Although disappointed, I wasn’t daunted, and took some time to contemplate my next move. Should I send it to another publisher? Revise the entire outline based on the editor’s (rather scathing) comments?

Self-publish it? Burn it?

So many options! So many possibilities!

But then, out of the blue, another thought struck me – there was a different book publisher that, by then, had seen my name as a contributor on the pages of three of its titles, and that inspired a brief yet potent pause - a moment when I thought about the wisdom of reaching for the lowest hanging fruit on the tree, and how deliciously ripe this particular possibility looked. So off to work I went – on an entirely different proposal, for an entirely different publisher, which happened to be about an idea I’d been pondering for, oh, four years.

It was an intense, three-week whirlwind, and not nearly as pored over and scrutinized as the original, rejected proposal, but it had something the other one never did – wind behind its sails. There was a certain ease with this spur of the moment proposal, a louder click-click-clicking of puzzle pieces being snapped into place, and that started when nearly every potential contributor I invited to the project responded with an immediate, enthusiastic yes: “I'd love to contribute! What a great idea!”

“A resounding, hearty, absolutely positively YES!” “YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!” “I'm IN!!!”

“Oh my gosh. YES!” With one yes after another, the sail rose and billowed out, and before I knew it, I was off - sailing in a whole new direction.

Photo Credit: Pixie Campbell

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This was an endeavor fuelled entirely by one thing: my intuition. From the beginning, from the very first spark of the idea, it was my intuition gently whispering in my ear guiding me, encouraging me, showing me the way. All I did was work; I didn’t analyze or wring my hands, and I never got attached to any particular outcome. It felt less like a focused pursuit of a book contract and more like an exercise in going for it, in following an impulse that felt slightly half-baked, but still dripping with inspiration and potential.

I shipped the proposal and received an immediate, positive response. Before too long, the editor I was in discussions with gently suggested a radical idea – changing the entire format, and re-assembling my outline. Again my intuition spoke, “Yes! Keep going!” The original concept was kept intact, but the editor’s ideas shifted the look and feel of the book to something not only more interesting than what I had proposed, but better suited to my vision – much better suited. Soon after doing the revisions and submitting the updated outlines, I received this email: Hi Christine, I’m excited to write you and tell you the good news that your book was approved this morning! Hooray! Congratulations!!

I can’t say I never doubted such an email would eventually make its way to my inbox, but I can say there was a stronger spirit guiding this project than my proposal from the previous summer. I haven’t touched the other proposal since it was turned down, and it might turn out to be nothing more than an idea that never managed to get a proper liftoff.

As an artist and writer with dozens of ideas rolling through my mind everyday like a slot machine in Las Vegas, I don’t bother myself with the notion that every idea has to be acted on or relentlessly pursued. In other words, I’m not terribly concerned about the lack of forward movement from the other proposal since it was turned down. For the past fifteen years, my career has been less about trying to force things through to some kind of preconceived conclusion and more about trusting that my ideas will take on their own life in their own time, and all I need to do is follow their lead. Whether for a journey, a class, or a book, that trust has never let me down. My intuition always knows the way. ***

Christine Mason Miller is an Artist and Writer who loves to travel and explore life’s details. Her next book will be published by North Light Books and available in bookstores in November 2011. Visit her at http://www.christinemasonmiller.com follow: http://twitter.com/swirlygirl18 *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

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“Living happily ever after” Jenn Gibson

Jenn Gibson believes in dreaming big: she's the creator of http://www.rootsofshe.com She loves yoga and the beach, is a photographer & writer, and isn't above stealing snuggles from Bean the Boy Kitten. Daily parts of her life are paper journaling, talking to her dear sweet momma & sky-gazing.

Follow: http://www.twitter.com/rootsofshe

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Living happily ever after Once upon a time there was a girl and a boy, their eyes met and everything drifted away but the two of them. They fell in love and lived happily ever after.

No, that wasn't how it happened. Let's start over.

Once upon a time there was a girl and a boy, they happened upon each other and she knew that he was her one true love. They fell in love and...

No, no. That's not right either.

Once upon a time there was a girl whose life was unraveling and a boy who tried to fix it.

He fell in love, but her heart didn't quite echo his, and she stayed until she learned to listen to the whispers of her heart.

And she lived happily ever after.

Yes, this is the story I want to tell.

I was 20, a junior in college, living in one of those on-campus apartments that everyone seemed to congregate to. There were four of us assigned to the space, but more often than not there would be seven or eight people staying within those walls, depending on who was dating who and who was in town.

One day I came home and there was a boy sitting in one of the chairs, watching TV or talking. Something about him caught my eye. I plied one of my roommates with questions, they were friends and I wanted to find out who he was. She told me his name was Mike.

One thing led to another as it often does, and Mike and I started dating. We were always together, shared meals, watched movies, and went places. It was exhilarating; I was so happy, heady in love. After a while, though, I felt crowded. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. He was happy, you see. I didn't know how to tell him that I needed just a bit of space to recharge.

I was falling apart and had no clue how to make things right again.

You see, during those first months of us dating, my father was being treated for lung cancer. I watched him get thinner and thinner, lose his hair, I listened to his voice get weak and raspy, I saw him lie in a hospital bed after they removed his lung and I was so scared. All the time, I was so scared.

In the months between my dad's surgery and his death, Mike would make the trek to my house, he was living an hour away and still in school, I'd moved home so that I could help take care of my dad. He would randomly bring over surprises or flowers, or something he thought would brighten my day.

The only constant I thought I had was Mike.

He was my best friend and he took care of me.

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He also dealt drugs.

He lied to me constantly.

I trusted him, but not really that far.

I loved him, but not really enough.

He asked me to marry him, I said no.

A few weeks later, he asked me to marry him again, I said no.

Months later, again he asked, and again I said no.

Looking into the future, I could see the life I would have with him if we were married. I could see the safety and security of its facade, the single-family home, the mini-van or SUV, I could see three or four kids.

But I couldn't see me happy.

And I couldn't see him getting his act together.

And obligation can never really be disguised as love.

That was when I knew I needed to leave, that the relationship had to end.

I'd known that for a while, that was a secret my heart had been whispering to me. I'd ignored that quiet voice inside my heart, I kept telling myself that things, and he, would change, but they never did. He never did.

These months were what taught me to always trust my intuition, always stand fast with its knowledge held inside of me.

When I ignore it, it's like I can't breathe. There's something caught inside of me and that something is the knowledge that what I'm doing isn't quite what I should be doing. I feel restless and on edge.

When I listen to that voice, I jump at opportunities, I follow my heart and open it up to the moment. I smile and laugh and feel joy all the way to my bones. I do things that I never thought I could, I live with a courageous heart.

So I choose to listen.

And I am living happily ever after. ***

Jenn Gibson believes in dreaming big: she's the creator of http://www.rootsofshe.com She loves yoga and the beach, is a photographer & writer, and isn't above stealing snuggles from Bean the Boy Kitten. Daily parts of her life are paper journaling, talking to her dear sweet momma & sky-gazing. Follow: http://www.twitter.com/rootsofshe *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

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“We know what we need” Susannah Conway

Susannah Conway is a photographer, writer and the creator of the Unravelling ecourses. A Polaroid addict and very proud aunt, she is currently editing her first book, ready for publication in spring 2012. You can read more about her shenanigans on her blog at http://www.SusannahConway.com and connect with her on Twitter- http://twitter.com/photobird

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We know what we need I learned how to trust my intuition in the worst of circumstances. When the man I loved died from a heart attack in 2005 I fled our home city of London to be closer to my family on the south coast of England. I instinctively knew I needed to be closer to the sea, even though it meant leaving behind so many memories in the city. The experts tell you not to make any big decisions in the first year of bereavement, but I knew I had to move, I knew I needed to find my own space to be able to truly heal. And even though that first year was excruciating, painful beyond anything I had ever experienced, my intuition had been right. I found a therapist I could spill my heart to as I began to process what had happened and slowly learned how to live on my own and rebuild my life. Those years by the sea were profoundly healing, and in many ways it feels like that was when my life truly began.

Three years later, in the summer of 2008, I knew once again that it was time to move, and this time the decision was unquestionably divinely-guided. I was feeling the need to stretch my wings when a close friend mentioned that she was thinking of moving to Bath, a small city in the south-west of England. I’d visited Bath before and had always admired the Georgian architecture and cosy feel of the place; as it turned out, my friend didn’t move, but the seed had been planted in me.

I took a trip to the city and spent the day walking through the streets, feeling weightless after all those years of grief, suddenly able to picture myself in a new phase of my life, one that was bigger and more abundant than ever before. Returning back home I threw myself into packing and preparing. Even though I was scared to leave the coast—and even more scared to move to a place where I knew no one—I was convinced it was the right thing to do. Looking back I’m amazed I made such a brave leap, but my conviction was absolute, and when I returned to Bath a few weeks later to find a place to live, the nerves were tempered with a sense of rightness.

With so little time to look, I was prepared for the flat hunt to be a nightmare, and despite all my visualisations of my perfect home, my initial calls to estate agents looked bleak— not much property available in the area I wanted, not the right time to move, blah blah

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blah. The first morning I sat with laptop and phone and made the calls, booking a few appointments; in the other room, my sister was doing the same, and it was she who found The One, quite by chance, shouting through to me: ‘Have you called this number yet?’

The flat was the third one we viewed, a small attic conversion with views over the entire city and fields on the horizon. It felt right, but I was still cautious—what if there was something better? As we drove through town in search of coffee, I sat in the passenger seat wringing my hands: ‘I think that might be the one, but I need a sign!’ At that exact moment we drove past a shop that caught my eye—there were mirrors and vintage lace in the window, and chandelier crystals that glittered in the sunlight. I pointed it out to my sister, who turned to me with big eyes: ‘It’s called Susannah!’ she said, laughing, and there was my sign, quite literally, right in the middle of Bath. It appeared I was here already.

Two weeks later I moved the contents of my life into that attic flat, and two and a half years later I am still here, typing these words as the sun begins to set, casting golden rays across my living room floor. Moving to this city changed everything, but it wasn’t just the physical relocation—I offered myself up to possibility, bravely letting go of the ballast that had kept me safe, and opening the windows in my head to let new opportunity to flow in. The first few months were hard, as I adjusted to life away from the safe cocoon I’d built by the sea; I had moments when I questioned my decision and yearned to be safely ‘back home,’ but as I created new routines, I started receiving confirmation that I’d made the right move. New opportunities came my way that I’d never have been open to before: the chance to create and teach a self-awareness class using the tools I’d developed in my healing journey; the inspiration to share the class online; the founding of a creative business that brings me joy every day; an unexpected email from a publisher, and now, a precious book written, ready to send out into the world. All of these creations were possible because I listened to my intuition, because i took a leap into the unknown and trusted that I knew how to navigate my own life.

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 20 ‐

And that’s the key, really—we know what we need to do, we just have to remember to stop and listen for the clues. I believe we all have unlimited wisdom inside of us that we can draw from whenever we’re feeling lost and uncertain of the next step. If we can get quiet enough and tune out the noise that fills our lives, we can catch a whisper of that knowing—it may come as words, as pictures, as an urge to go somewhere or call someone. It could be a sense of rightness, or a very definite no. I know I’ve got it wrong more times than I’ve got it right, but when I listen to my gut and get brutally honest with myself, life seems to flow with more ease than when I cross my fingers and hope for the best. And this isn’t some woo-woo magic that’s just for the mystically-inclined—this is learning to access the infinitely wise part of ourselves, the part that’s present in every single one of us. And that, to me, is true magic. ***

Susannah Conway is a photographer, writer and the creator of the Unravelling e-courses. A Polaroid addict and very proud aunt, she is currently editing her first book, ready for publication in spring 2012. You can read more about her shenanigans on her blog at http://www.SusannahConway.com and connect with her on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/photobird *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 21 ‐

“The moment I became an artist” Marisa Haedike

The moment I became an artist Click the link below to listen to this special podcast from Marisa (Note: a new window will open and play the audio) http://louisegale.com/2011/05/stories-from-the-universe-marisa-haedike *****

Marisa Haedike is the creator of http://creativethursday.typepad.com/ What started out as one day a week, Thursdays, set aside to be a bit more creative while working a 9 to 5 job. Creative Thursday, has become a full time business featuring the art of Marisa Haedike, or as Marisa like's to call it - a dream come true. Follow: http://twitter.com/creativethurs

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 22 ‐

“Inviting abundance in” Kelly Rae Roberts

Kelly Rae Roberts is an artist, author and possibilitarian. Kelly Rae is also the author of “Taking flight: Inspiration + Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings” http://tinyurl.com/TakingFlightArtBook a best selling book that encompasses all aspects of what it means to live the creative life and launched a series of e-books here http://tinyurl.com/TakingFlighteBooks about building your own creative business. Follow: http://twitter.com/kellyraeroberts

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 23 ‐

Inviting abundance in A friend’s posting on abundance got me thinking of all the ways i want to subscribe to the idea that we are worthy of abundance. abundance in love. in community. in financial abundance, too (especially for us creative souls – i don’t believe in the idea that we have to be starving artists in order to be the real deal).

I think it’s so important for us to ask for what we need, for what we want to invite more of into our lives, and then to release that intention out into the world. but i don’t believe we can simply have abundance in our lives (financial, community, love, and so on) if we aren’t intentional about creating it. we have to ask for it, yes, but then we have to show up and do the work. i’m learning that somewhere along the line the asking and the showing up seem to merge into the same orbit and then the magic happens: the flow, the intention, the asking, the work all line up and the abundance arrives. i love how that happens! but we have to be intentional about asking and we have to be intentional about showing up.

Before i ever received any sort of financial abundance in my life, i had an abundance of creative inspiration and love that carried me a long way. but i’m reminded of the days when it never occurred to me to ask for financial abundance. i think perhaps i was worried about asking for too much. who am i to ask for more, to want more? but somewhere along the line i started to believe in the idea that financial abundance did not equal selling out. or that i wasn’t a true artist just because i was no longer hustling. or that i didn’t deserve it. or that it was forbidden to ask for such a thing. eventually, i did ask for it – perhaps with one toe in the water. and boy have i learned so much about the idea of inviting this kind of abundance into my life. about boundaries. about judgement. about my value. about its value. in the end, it’s not the actual abundance of finances that i’ve learned the most from. rather, it’s been the rewarding + specific discovery of self respect and value that was unearthed along the abundance path.

I know finances come and go, and when it does go, i will be left with these heart + soul gifts that will never leave me. I’m so grateful for that.

I’m also learning that abundance arrives differently for all of us. it’s in the small moments and it’s in the big ones, too. it’s in the simplicity of a meaningful conversation. it’s in the paycheck we’ve worked really hard for. it’s in telling the truth and how abundance arrives the minute we let go. it’s in family, in community, in new friendships, in creative blessings, in ordinary days. it’s mysterious and it’s concrete. either way, it’s ours for the taking. we just have to ask for it and show up. we deserve its gifts. we are meant for its journey. *** Kelly Rae Roberts is an artist, author and possibilitarian. Kelly Rae is also the author of “Taking flight: Inspiration + Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings” http://tinyurl.com/TakingFlightArtBook a best selling book that encompasses all aspects of what it means to live the creative life and launched a series of e-books here http://tinyurl.com/TakingFlighteBooks about building your own creative business. Follow: http://twitter.com/kellyraeroberts *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 24 ‐

“The first time I took a big risk to listen to my intuitive wisdom.”

Andrea Schroeder

Andrea is a Creativity + Meditation Teacher, Healer, Artist + Magic-Maker. You can find her at http://www.abccreativity.com and http://www.CreativeDreamIncubator.com Follow: http://twitter.com/abccreativity

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 25 ‐

The first time I took a big risk to listen to my intuitive wisdom.

It was in my last year of studying Fashion Design in University that I was starting to discover my Creative Voice.

But after struggling, A LOT, for my first three years, my profs didn't exactly have high hopes for me. So when we were meeting to discuss our final projects (a fashion collection instead of a thesis), and I brought them this new idea that my Creative Spirit and I had cooked up together - not only were they were not receptive, they told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was going to fail. That there was just no way I was going to be able to pull this off.

They told me to pull back on my creative ideas and do something simpler.

But my Intuitive Voice, which was waking up along with my Creative Voice, was so strong, and clear. It was practically yelling.

And my teachers weren't yelling. They were just dismissive and mean. So it was easier to ignore them, than it would have been to ignore my intuition.

So. I stopped going to most classes. I started working like an absolute mad woman on this giant creative project. Painting, sewing, experimenting, researching, beading, embroidering. For about 7 solid months. Letting my Creative Voice speak and express.

Letting my Intuitive Voice guide the whole process.

And in the end, I didn't make a fashion collection.

What I created was a series of angel dolls. Every part of them totally handmade.

Wearing the most amazing outfits. Ever. Bead and crystal encrusted with feathers and hand painted details and layers and layers of sheer sparkling magic.

Of course, my teachers had no way to grade this. These dolls couldn't exactly walk down the runway in the big fashion show at the end of the year.

But my Intuitive Voice said that that really didn't matter. So I listened.

I presented my dolls and my research to a panel of people from the fashion industry.

I wowed them.

Absolutely wowed them. They loved me. They loved everything about my work. After four years of discouraging comments from my professors, This Was Huge.

And after four years of really mediocre grades, I finished at the top of the class, because that panel of people from the fashion industry had control over my grade.

And my intuition was right.

Looking back I can't really say why or how I was able to stand strong in my intuitive knowing, as everyone around me told that I would fail. It was a huge risk. But I knew. I Just Knew.

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 26 ‐

And since then, when I have that I Just Know feeling, it's a lot easier to act on it. I can remember this experience, and all of the others that came after it, and it's become easy to remember that my intuition is right. It doesn't always look like it will be. It doesn't always make sense. It often looks like a big risk.

But the older I get the more I know - not listening to my intuition is by far the bigger risk.

Listening to my intuition opens the door for serendipity and synchronicity, invites them in, and throws a big party to celebrate them.

Not listening to my intuition closes that door. In a mean rude way that lets them know not to come back any time soon.

And I like what happens in my world when serendipity and synchronicity are partying with me. I just know I'll be at the right place at the right time. I'll meet the right person, get that exact bit of information I need, and everything I need is going to show up right when I need it. I get to live my dreams.

Since that experience with my intuition and the angel dolls, my intuition has made some pretty crazy and risky suggestions. But when I have that I Just Know feeling, I know it will be ok and I do it.

But you know what? It doesn't always turn out ok.

It usually turns out way magically amazingly better than I ever could have thought it could. That's what happens when you invite intuition, serendipity and synchronicity into your life. *** Andrea is a Creativity + Meditation Teacher, Healer, Artist + Magic-Maker. You can find her at http://www.abccreativity.com and http://www.CreativeDreamIncubator.com Follow: http://twitter.com/abccreativity *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 27 ‐

“Follow your intu-wish-n” Mindy Tsonas

Mindy Tsonas is the hostess and creative director of http://www.wishstudio.com inspiring community and online art studio for creative women. She also blogs at under a pink sky, http://mindysblog.wishstudio.com/ sharing her personal journey and everyday creative life. Follow: http://twitter.com/inthewishstudio

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 28 ‐

Follow your intu-wish-n Hello! it’s such a wonderful treat to be a guest here in Louise’s beautiful new space. I often find myself stopping by, just like you, in search of a little something to fill my creative well. wandering through the online universe is something i love to do especially when i have the time to lose myself in all the delicious images and words. i always stumble upon shiny moments and serendipitous inspiration that, each in their own way, become a spark in my own world.

That’s the thing about inspiration… it most often takes me by surprise and sweeps me off my feet! it’s emotional, visceral, and spellbinding as i simply follow my intuition opening door after door, following link after link. it fills me up in ways that nothing else really can.

Sometimes I’m inspired by colors or textures, or maybe it’s an idea or a desire or an emotion. sometimes it’s wanting to capture a moment and somehow make it permanent by wrapping it in words, fabric or paint as a way to try to hold on to it forever. always, I’m inspired by the things that make me feel most connected to living in my own creative life and the little earthquakes of my everyday journey unfolding… the things that bring me real joy and ultimately mirror the truth of who i am. when i listen to what inspires me i hear my soul gently whispering, and beside me i hear the whispering of others all around me here in this beautiful creative community as well.

Creative living is vibrant and resonant in this way. it wants to be expressed and shared and to persist like a starry night. it creates a beautiful endless circle of giving and gathering. I love this quality, and adore following the breadcrumbs of all of our stories and collecting them in big yummy handful's to feast on and nourish my own life.

Thank you for being a special part of that – of my story. now GO! off to follow your own breadcrumb trail. magic awaits. *** Mindy Tsonas is the hostess and creative director of http://www.wishstudio.com inspiring community and online art studio for creative women. She also blogs at under a pink sky, http://mindysblog.wishstudio.com/ sharing her personal journey and everyday creative life. Follow: http://twitter.com/inthewishstudio *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 29 ‐

“When plans go awry” Christen Olivarez

Christen Olivarez is the editor-in-chief and Director of Publishing at Stampington & Co, http://www.stampington.com/ avid crafter and art journaler. Follow: http://twitter.com/christeno and http://www.thedeliberatelife.typepad.com/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 30 ‐

When plans go awry Here’s a secret I’ve only shared with a precious few: I never thought I’d have to work when I grew up. Coming from a long line of women who made it their career to stay at home tending to their children and other domestic needs, I assumed I would do the same. Just like the countless women before me, I would go to college where I would meet my future husband, get married, have children, and devote my life to my home, filling my time with different sewing projects, décor ideas, and crafts with my little ones. A career never really entered my mind, unless you count my brief romance with the idea of being a paleontologist.

So, how did a girl who had no interest in working, other than the fleeting thought of digging in the dirt for a living, become Director of Publishing for a company that produces more than 30 magazine titles? It’s simple: life never really works out how you plan it to. And that can be a very good thing.

Being the over-planner that I can be, I did develop a backup plan in case Prince Charming was nowhere to be found on the Cal State University Long Beach campus: I’d become an elementary school teacher. It was perfect — I could be around kids all day, do art with them, and decorate my classroom super cute.

Guess what? That didn’t go as planned either. Shortly after I graduated college (with no signs of Mr. Right anywhere), I was practically paralyzed by the realization that I really didn’t want to teach. Something just didn’t feel right about it, and knowing that kids deserve only the most committed teachers, I instead found a job as a receptionist. It was an easy job — one that allowed me to spend too much time on the Internet researching my current knitting obsession.

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 31 ‐

One day during my search for my next big project, I stumbled across a knitting blog. And then another. And then another. Suddenly I was on sewing blogs and then scrapbooking blogs. That’s when the light went off. Having been an avid crafter my entire life, I knew that these were my people. I needed to be a part of this. I was going to be a part of it.

There really was no other option. Quickly, I found myself dreading my receptionist position and daydreaming about doing something more creative.

That dread, coupled with determination, led me to Craigslist, where I found a job posting for an Assistant Editor for Stampington & Company. The ad said that the job would entail opening mail and other laborious tasks, and though that’s not really what I wanted to do, something in me said to apply. So, I did. And really, by following my gut and working really hard, I found what I consider to be my dream job. There is no husband or children or perfectly kept house. Instead, there is a super supportive boyfriend of six years, two cats, a puppy, and a sometimes-dusty house.

And I really couldn’t have planned it better. *** Christen Olivarez is the editor-in-chief and Director of Publishing at Stampington & Co, http://www.stampington.com/ avid crafter and art journaler. Follow: http://twitter.com/christeno and http://www.thedeliberatelife.typepad.com/ *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 32 ‐

“My ongoing argument with the universe” Jamie Ridler

Jamie Ridler is a creative living coach and the founder of Jamie Ridler Studios http://www.openthedoor.ca From coaching to workshops, from podcasting to blogging, Jamie’s work helps women find the confidence and courage to discover and express their creative selves so they can be the star they are. Follow: http://www.twitter.com/starshyne

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 33 ‐

My ongoing argument with the universe The Universe and I have been having the same dysfunctional conversation for years. I’d even call it an argument. Imagine an ongoing debate between a tolerant, patient, knowing parent and a defiant, rebellious, stubborn teenager, a debate featuring repeat performances of sulking, stonewalling and avoidance. Guess which role I’m playing?

The Universe and I only have this argument about one thing. See, I totally get that the Big U knows the score. I sit at her feet and drink in her wisdom all the time. I listen when I go for a walk, when I dance, when I journal, when I take a few minutes to simply stare out the window. I listen when I go on an artist’s date, when I tune into music, when I’m alone at a coffee shop, when I meander through stores, streets and galleries. I know there are messages for me, for all of us, everywhere. And I believe in listening.

Unless the message is “slow down.”

Oh, sure, I’ll slow down if I’m about to step onto a busy street or if I think there’s something to see right here, right now. But if we’re talking, “take a nap” or “take a break” or “walk away from the computer,” well, I often ignore those. Mostly because there’s so much I want to do, so much I adore, so much I want to experience, so much I want to give, so much I want to take part in. I don’t want to miss a thing!

So, often I just push until the Universe pushes back. And I’ll tell you, the Big U is stronger. I remember reading Carl Jung in Man’s Search for Meaning saying that the Universe will tap you on the shoulder, tap you on the shoulder, tap you again, and again, and eventually, if you don’t respond, it will kick you in the bum. (Clearly I’m paraphrasing here. I don’t think Carl Jung said, “bum.”)

I’ve been knocked on my bum more than a few times, usually in the form of an illness or two, the kind that stops you in your tracks and makes you slow down and I’m full of gratitude that they have passed. I’m getting better at letting this message in, at not ignoring that I am living in this precious gift of a human body. I’ve come to realize that loving life and participating in it with enthusiasm, verve and gusto includes enjoying rest time too. There’s joy and love in sleep and ease and when I nourish myself, I truly nourish my dreams.

Maybe it’s time to stop resisting, to stop cherry-picking the messages I want to hear and discarding the ones I don’t. Maybe it’s time to say yes to downtime, to listen to the messages that say, “slow down.” Maybe it’s time for me to trust, really trust, that there is time. *** Jamie Ridler is a creative living coach and the founder of Jamie Ridler Studios http://www.openthedoor.ca From coaching to workshops, from podcasting to blogging, Jamie’s work helps women find the confidence and courage to discover and express their creative selves so they can be the star they are. Follow: http://www.twitter.com/starshyne *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 34 ‐

“Moments of synchronicity” Andrea Scher

Photo credit: Vivienne McMaster

Andrea Scher is a creative entrepreneur, writer and life coach living in Berkeley, California. Through her company Superhero Designs and award-winning blog Superhero Journal, http://www.SuperheroJournal.com Andrea inspires other creative souls to live authentic, colorful and extraordinary lives. Andrea first introduced the Mondo Beyondo concept http://tinyurl.com/MBdreambig on her blog in 2004 and is widely recognized as a seasoned practioner of the kind of practical and outrageous http://tinyurl.com/MBdreambig magic espouses.

Follow: http://twitter.com/andreascher

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 35 ‐

Moments of synchronicity People say all sorts of things about serendipity. There are no coincidences! or They are just coincidences! Some say it is the universe speaking to them, others claim it is chance, still others, magic. Rachel Naomi Remen refers to it as a “glimpse of a deeper order...” which I like. Whenever it happens, it gives me a thrill, goosebumps in the very best way and a feeling that I am part of something greater than myself.

I rely on synchronicity as a guide, as a way to tune into spirit and as my personal thumbs up from the Universe, as in: “Thumbs up sister! You’re on the right track!”

One of my favorite serendipity stories happened over ten years ago when I had first moved to San Francisco and was working as a salesperson in a clothing boutique. I was obsessed with the name Ben at the time (convinced I was destined to marry a Ben or have one) and I had named the mannequin in the store Ben. My co-workers and I would address him by name, “Ben is looking very sharp today. Love that striped shirt!” or “Ben is such a great guy... a little quiet, but so steady and loyal. Like a rock.”

One day, when a group of boys came into the shop, we flirted with them by saying, “You should definitely try on the shirt Ben is wearing. He looks amazing...” gesturing toward the headless mannequin. They laughed, agreed to try on the shirt, and playfully chatted with us all morning. During that conversation, one of the boys mentioned, “Speaking of Ben, do you know the singer/songwriter Ben Harper? I think he’s coming to the Bay Area to perform soon.” I found myself gushing... “I adore Ben Harper!” and then I added, “There are artists you admire and there are artists you want to meet. I want to meet Ben Harper.”

A few hours later, when I finished my shift, I took a different route home. I decided I needed a little exercise and walked about 10 blocks out of my way to catch a different bus. As I hopped onto the 22 Fillmore, my heart skipped several beats. I practically floated down the aisle, as if carried by some unseen force, and sat down right next to Ben Harper.

Let me repeat.

I sat down right next to Ben Harper.

As my heart leapt even further outside of my chest I tapped him on the shoulder. He pulled the earphones out of his ears and leaned toward me. “Is your name Ben?” I asked tentatively. He nodded. “Wow...” I whispered, my eyes wide. “Just a few hours ago I said I wanted to meet you. I can’t believe how fast the universe works.” He smiled and we shared a moment of pure wonder. That moment is permanently seared into my mind -an unforgettable instant of awe, connection and joy.

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 36 ‐

That wouldn’t be the last time I met Ben Harper. Years later, I saw him backstage at a concert and was blown away when he told me he remembered me from the bus. (See photo above) Another year later, I moved into a gorgeous old Victorian in the Haight-Ashbury with brand new roommates I had never met. I was incredibly nervous about this, having never lived in a house where I didn’t already know the people well. It turned out that my new housemate was a dear friend of Ben Harper's and that he had spent a lot of time in the very house I was about to move into. Just knowing this comforted me beyond measure.

I can’t say for sure what synchronicity means. I do know that these coincidences, these moments of synchronicity delight and nourish me in the best ways. They are an affirmation of my connectedness to spirit, to my path, a proof positive that I am aligned with my intuition and heart. They are like gifts from the universe, reminders that magic exists, and that I am being held by unseen forces. Unseen forces that are playful and wise and want me to feel connected, love my life and meet my heroes. *** Andrea Scher is a creative entrepreneur, writer and life coach living in Berkeley, California. Through her company Superhero Designs and award-winning blog Superhero Journal, http://www.SuperheroJournal.com Andrea inspires other creative souls to live authentic, colorful and extraordinary lives. Andrea first introduced the Mondo Beyondo concept http://tinyurl.com/MBdreambig on her blog in 2004 and is widely recognized as a seasoned practioner of the kind of practical and outrageous http://tinyurl.com/MBdreambig magic espouses. Follow: http://twitter.com/andreascher *** Read and comment on original story posts here: http://louisegale.com/interviews-andstories/stories-from-the-universe-series/

Compiled by Louise Gale | Stories from the Universe | http://louisegale.com ‐ 37 ‐