If you are reading this post it is because a) you like Angels or a) you like Apples and I have a little to say about both. Thanks for reading my very first post!
The belief of whether or not Angels exist is a personal one. We have all read enough, seen enough and heard enough about Angels to have made up our minds if they are a part of our lives or not. I am not here to convince a non-believer nor here to sprout a new insight into growth today.
Personally, I believe in Angels. Each and every step of growth I have encountered has been with the help of one or all of these three entities – Angels, the Universe and God. No one will change my mind and I am not here to convert the heathens :).
I struggle a bit depicting them in my art. Mostly I paint in abstract and have managed one or two paintings but where I have a hard time is painting a ‘typical’ Angel. I feel they have been over-exposed to a certain degree and that is a shame because true Angels are so darn beautiful. I know because I see them and feel them everyday!
Angel Day
On 11-11-2011 at 11:11 I took note of what I was doing. I was sitting looking at my computer screen getting ready to hit the ‘go’ button as I had a whole slew of promotions set up that directly related to my book ‘Hey Angel!’
The website Hey-Angel.com was primed to accept questions for the Angel. All of the links were tested and in place! It was the much anticipated, long anticipated day after all and what better time to take advantage of the millions of people who included Angels in their everyday life; who carried little trinkets, wore the t-shirts, posted the sparking, floating j-pegs … than a milestone date. I would make a fortune! Mothers and Grandmothers would flock to Amazon as would teenage girls and boys who would buy my book for their teenage girlfriend. Even Oprah could potentially have the opportunity to add my book to her library. It was a banger of an idea that I had spent a lot of time researching, book marking, and database(ing).
The only problem was, I was unable to bring myself to do it. I could not bring myself to sell to earth angels on Angel Day. I missed my opportunity for fame and fortune.
Later that night I explained this to the group I play poker with once a month, complaining and kicking myself that I had done nothing, not even taking a walk by the lake, slowing to smell some flowers; absolutely nothing to commemorate Angel Day and that I missed my opportunity to be a greedy pants to boot. They all turned to me simultaneously and smiled wondering if I realised what I had said – and I did. I celebrated Angel Day amongst friends, playing cards, shooting the breeze, sipping wine and listening to fine tunes. What better way was there? My conscience was clear and my heart filled with the knowledge I was with friends that understood my peculiarities.
And guess what? I hold a memory of Angel Day that will stay with me forever.
Hey Angel ! is a beautiful little book that makes an ideal bedtime story and a great early reader. The children that have read it, even those who cannot read yet have it memorized in no time because it is written in rhyme. My Angel is not a typical one. She rarely appears with wings. She has terrible choices of hair colour but she is a wonderful companion for young children.
If you would like to read the book (quick read) this is a link to the Google Book PDF. Should you love it and feel compelled to buy it immediately or sooner, it is available on Amazon.
And as for Apples? I came across a new study that states that sniffing an apple will reduce your stress level by a whopping 21%. This is great news for someone who takes exception to road rage. You can now scream out your window, “Oh go sniff an Apple! You road rager you!!” and continue munching.
When I Googled ‘an Apple a day’ it displayed a huge array of other studies. Apples help to combat a whole bunch of serious ailments (too numerous to mention here).
Yes, grandmamma was right as usual.
Lesley – rose coloured glasses suit my face – forcing the look in.
Inspiration Import 
I like “them apples” and angels, too. I like the idea of a “typical” angel–and totally DIG your artistic rendition here. Super talented.
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Woo Hoo! Thanks Charron. So appreciated!
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Why do I call you
Charron when your name is Karen 😀 😀
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Pingback: ~Out of the Mouths of Babes~ Self-Esteem « Inspiration Import
You visited my blog (myownheart.net) and I am honored that you did so. the greatest gift to come from your visit is I found yours!
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I just left a comment Len – Please remove me from spam – YOU are an Amazing woman and I am the one that is honoured. We obviously have a connection based on our history which differs but is none the less painful.
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I definitely believe in angels…and need to go and sniff some apples!
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lol – Don’t we all!
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Will do Patti – I already follow your Blog – Go Run and have fun! Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, Les
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I believe in Angels :-). They are all around us and I think they are pleased you didn’t “cash in” on Angel Day… Not what they are for after all, right. What you did and are doing is better. And for the apples, no wonder my mom keeps a stock of great , crisp apples in the house! Luv them! Great post!
Look me up on twitter, linkedIn and FB! Gotta run. O and google+ too!
Big hugs from your new friend,
Patti
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Barb – I am going to be so much more enlightened thanks to you – Your own blog is packed with knowledge !
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Maybe you should take precautions -wear a hat or a firm headband in case your head explodes. I find it helps. cheers
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🙂
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If we would all build a single ‘bridge’ we could all change history. What an imagination Andric has. Love it.
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He won the nobel prize for the book. I also love the welsh saying, if you will be a leader, be a bridge. Makes you think about how people behave, and how or even why leadership happens.
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As for apples, wherever a street is built on an apple orchard, it is often called Paradise row/street whatever. There is a pub in this city called the Paradise for the same reason.
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HI Barb – Thanks for your comments. It makes sense that apples are associated with paradise doesn’t it? Everyone continues to search for their Eden – even the Gypsy in my book (spoiler so I won’t go further :). Nice to meet you.
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My favourite angel story comes from Ivo Andric’s book ‘The Bridge over the Drina’. It talks of how god made the earth out of smooth clay and everyone could talk to their neighbours, but the devil didn’t like this so he got his fingernails to score cravasses so people were separated and had to shout to their friends to stay in contact. The angel of the lord couldn’t undo this but came down to earth and made a bridge out of his wings so people could still keep in touch.
that’s why every bridge has a guardian angel, and why destroying bridges is such an act of evil.
I like bridges. they are so much more than structures.
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Well done for a first post. There is a story about how the first English slaves – bonde, blue eyed, were taken to Rome, the emperor was told they came from Anglia, and he misunderstood and thought they were angels. I had a lot of trouble along the same lines in the Netherlands, as the words for english and angel are similar there too.
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Great post! Yes, we definitely have angels looking over us every day:) And, as for the apples, I can’t wait to tell someone to go sniff an apple! Priceless:>) Started following and looking forward to the next post.
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thanks 🙂 appreciate your encouragement! Lesley
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Thanks so much for your praise encouragement and enthusiasm – My goodness talk about spirit ! Have a wonderful weekend!
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Hi Angel Lesley!
Congratulations on the witty & wonderful blog post, and on the inspiring story and Angel friend. Thank you for finding me at The Phone Booth Project. I look forward to the heroic adventure ahead;) jennifer
p.s. Yes! What a an empowering perspective to feel the spirit of loving ones encouraging us on our way… I see wings, pom-poms waving and hear a whole lotta wisdom & cheering flowing forth;). Whatever the world needs to find more joy, more love, I do believe God finds a venue, an experience, a symbol that delivers the opportunity for you to chose it. Amen 😉
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Susan – I agree – do not take your laptop! The first two days are the worst but then oh lalalala….
I am trying to figure out at this point how to put in the ‘Press This Post’ button allowing other to re-post on their own blogs. Other than that the posts are re-posted on my FB page which is https://www.facebook.com/InspirationImport and the link in the address bar can be copied and pasted in an email
Thanks very much for your support!
ps Much of my art can be found at my website which is **www.lesleyfletcher.com – I managed only yesterday to link my **blog there too lol
This Blog is new so I have yet to fill in all the details and link it up -Technology is not really for creative minds is it? 😀
Lesley
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GREAT post thank you and to all the other comments! I will MISS being away and not being part of this while away – I am not taking my lap top – a deliberate choice. O and the art is beautiful!! Stunning!! I wish I could broadcast this widely … unsure how to do this .. I would want especially to send to a few of my serious artist friends … and to others as well who would appreciate them!
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Those little stories sound like they are so much a part of you. One of the things I have learned and now stress to everyone who wants to listen is to `listen`not just with your ears but with your heart and soul. Suddenly colours become brighter and life becomes easier and so much more enjoyable.
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I am very open to messages from “beyond.” My mom always had the bird feeders and bird bath and hummer feeders and butterfly bushes. She even had the low-grade binoculars on the windowsill so she could see up close when they came to visit. Also, our address was 1208. So anytime I see that number, I think Mom is sending me a message. The message is probably to, “Stand up straight” or “Mind your manners.” If I see gold lame (long story) or hear Ella Fitzgerald in Starbuck’s, it’s my Aunt Agnes.
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I love your art embedded in this blog! It is beautiful. Angels – oh yes, I have a few very special angels looking over me. And everytime I see a butterfly or hummingbird, I know it is my Mother, sending a message. Lovely post.
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I have many friends who are spoken to through Lady Bugs – Thanks Karen.
I was actually thinking of writing a book about these magical happenings but they are so private.
My own father is a Robin 🙂
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I’d also like to point out that I have never once asked you to account for your beliefs in Christianity, nor would I. You are free to pursue your faith in whatever way brings you happiness and fulfillment.
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As I reread my last query, it sounds crass. I apologize. Honestly, I didn’t mean it that way. I was sincerely trying to understand this quote, “I believe that the universe is filled with energies and when I send these thoughts out to the universe, I am trying to tap into the right energies to help people.”
Believe it or not, I’m not a religious person at all and I would agree that great pain has been caused (in more ways than one) in the name of religion. My faith is based in a one-on-one relationship with the Lord, which, in my case, has nothing whatsoever to do with any church. Thanks for sharing, Nettie. Deb
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Deb – you have proven yourself to be very generous in sharing and in trying to understand a point of view of another. I think in her absence I can say that Nettie understood your query – A philosophy is a way of life. Yours is as acceptable as anyone`s and I believe that Nettie`s is too. Any way that we can steer our own way comfortably is the right one.
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I’m sorry I picked you up wrongly then, Deb.
Peace and love.
N
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Thank you both for your point of view – most informative and interesting. It is also great that this is a discussion rather than a pitch to change each others views which often happens; as we all know. I feel fortunate to be able to see both sides.
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I’ve been talking to another gent lately who believes there is no God. I told him he has more faith than I – to believe that all we see and know is an “accident” of nature. Planets swirling around one another without colliding and destroying all of the finely tuned galaxies, and that this little amoeba called mankind can only inhabit one of the planets, which happens to have an abundance of exactly what we need.
There was a time when I questioned God’s existence. I opened my heart and called out to the ceiling and said, “God, if you’re really there, will you make yourself known to me?” When I opened my mind to hear Him, little by little I began to see truth. A few years later, I bowed my knees and became His servant. Now that we are on a closer “speaking level,” (shall we say), I literally hear Him speak to me every day.
As I look back on the past 50+ years of my life that I have served Him, I marvel that He put up with my stubbornness and willful spirit. But see… that’s the secret. He doesn’t force anyone to do anything. He wants you to come of your own free will. After living on both sides of the fence, I can honestly say it’s a huge comfort to know that He can see my tomorrows and help me make the right decisions today.
Nice conversation, Nettie. It’s very nice to meet you. Deb
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Hi Deb, I am genuinely pleased that your faith brings you comfort.Personally, I have no need for it. I take my comfort from knowing that I treat people with kindness, tolerance and care, just as I wish to be treated. I am mindful of my life and the impact it has on the world – minuscule. I am grateful for all my blessings – and they are many – and I am a happy person. I would say I am more spiritual than religious. I meditate and send positive energies out to the universe.
And I am delighted that I am able to discuss these things with you all here today. Our differences make life interesting, don’t you think?
And to everyone, may your God be with you xxx
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I need someone bigger than myself, but I didn’t invent God. He was always there. It might surprise you to learn that I’m not the least bit religious. Religion implies that you can find that which is beyond you in a church or religious organization and, at least in my opinion, that isn’t true. You can find service and friends there, but that isn’t the same thing.
My relationship to God is different from religion in that it is a one-on-one relationship. Church is a good place to serve Him, but in and of itself, that isn’t enough. I have a sincere question.
If you aren’t looking for someone bigger than you to have a relationship with, why do you meditate and send “positive energies to the universe”? Where do your positive energies go and what good do they do? And please know that I’m not being argumentative or trying to cause friction. I’ve heard a number of people say this and I truly don’t understand.
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I believe that the universe is filled with energies and when I send these thoughts out to the universe, I am trying to tap into the right energies to help people. If we all start wanting to be better and to help, we will be better and we will help. I meditate to reduce stress and to remind myself of how blessed I am in this world. It helps me to concentrate on the things that matter, to let go of unhappiness. I do not believe in a supreme being or creator, but am in awe of the great cosmic accident that brought us into being. I have so many good things in my life and I try to be a better person to serve my fellow man. I expect no reward from it other than knowing I am doing my best. I don’t know if this helps or not. The most important relationship for me is with my conscience and I do consider myself to be a moral person.But I fail and make mistakes. Only means I have to try harder.
Nx
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So, are you saying that it’s a type of mind over matter thing? That if, for instance, (to apply it in a different way), you find an unhappy person, that talking to them about the sunshiny day and birds helps them feel better? I could agree with that, but I fail to see how rising conscious thoughts help anyone outside the room you’re in. It sounds like a religion in itself.
Would you care to share how you came into this line of thinking? Were you raised with it? It sounds like something along the lines of Norman Vincent Peale. Thank you for sharing your point of view. I don’t agree, but I’m trying to understand the reasoning behind it.
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I have to say that I find you referring to a philosophy of positivity as talking about the birds and sunshiny day a bit insulting. We can choose how we respond to problems and hurt in our lives. I choose to take the option which promotes happiness and peace without impinging on others. And I would never talk to anyone in anyway to change how they view life unless they asked for my opinion. I read widely, I have a lot of respect for the buddhist tradition – which doesn’t claim to be a religion either. I have examined my conscience and looked at the wars and suffering caused in the name of religion and have chosen my philosophy for myself. I was raised as a protestant Christian and I now reject it. I don’t care about some future idea of heaven. I care about how I treat people here on earth.
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The Bible makes many references to the heathen. One of them is Psalm 135:15.
“The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” In general, we understand the group called heathens are not God worshipers, but this verse seems to indicate that they are also idol worshipers. However, let me quickly add that there are many kinds of idols.
Psalm 115, verses 2-7 says: Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
But may I make another point? There are many kinds of idols. Anything CAN be an idol. An idol is something we devote ourselves to. Possible idols are — TV, a new car, sports, (ahem – writing) even our family. Anything that comes before God is an idol of sorts. Worshiping or devoting one’s self totally to anything before God removes the obligation to put our Creator ahead of ourselves. In other words, it frees us to live as we please.
The ironic thing is that God loves those who refuse to even acknowledge Him. God doesn’t hate anyone. He hates our sin. Good question, Nettie. (My grandmother’s name was Nettie Belle. Interesting.) Happy day.
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Very Interesting Deborah – I am not well versed in readings of the Bible and enjoyed what you have provided as a reference to ‘heathen’ – a very old fashioned word not commonly used now as the world has opened up to include so many beliefs. One time I was called an ‘infidel’ but that is a whole other story ;P
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Great blog. You point out the important things in life aren’t necessarily solitude and being alone in nature. (Although their is merit to that also). True friends will carry you through good and bad times. Humor is also a tool you use well, Congratulations on your first post. I enjoyed it.
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thanks Mary 🙂
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OH thank goodness – I thought I may have been called out and stepped into a pile of dung on my first post ! xx Enjoy your day too!
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May I ask you for your definition of a heathen?
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Of course you may – someone who won’t convert to believing in Angels – It was, however tongue in cheek humour hence the happy face. NO offence intended or taken I hope. Acceptance of other’s opinions is paramount to me.
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Fabulous! I describe myself as a tolerant atheist with Buddhist tendencies and of it all, tolerance is most important. There is room for all beliefs and I respect totally your rights to yours. Have a great Sunday x
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Thanks for following Writing Tips. I’m impressed that this is your first blog. Nicely done! And I love the art work. My grandfather became a Christian at age 86 and died six weeks later. My pastor was visiting Grandpa shortly before he died. Grandpa said, “Aren’t they pretty, preacher?”
The preacher looked around. “Isn’t who pretty?”
“The angels.”
“Where are they?” Pastor said.
“Standing right next to you. Don’t they have beautiful wings?”
No, Grandpa didn’t have fever and he wasn’t medicated until he was out of his mind. He saw the angels that escorted him into the arms of Jesus a short time later. At least we know that angels have wings.
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Indeed they do Deborah – What a lovely story. Your Grandfather sound so special. Thank you so much.
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Great post my friend 🙂
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Sweet Jake – thanks – Keep truckin’ 😉
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Congratulations on your first blog entry! I hope there will be more soon! 🙂
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Thanks so much. A’s have so much potential. I am totally pumped. Appreciated of course.
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