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I look forward to sharing ideas, yoga flows, meditations, poetry, and general (sometimes off the wall) life commentary with you on this page. Welcome.
Gently, Gently Going Home… Saying Goodbye to Snow Lion
How do you describe what I believe to have been (at least partly) a Turkish Angora cat? These traits include: "Intelligent and companionable, loves attention, loud and talkative, keeps his kitten-like playfulness well until his old age, is friendly towards guests and a sociable breed. A bored Turkish Angora can cause a lot of mischief. He is affectionate and always ready to help and participate in all your activities."
Bianco Nove came into my home in August of 2007 and though he was 'greeted' by 3 other cats and 2 dogs, he quickly assigned himself to be in charge.
Beautiful Snow Lion, Bianco Nove - May 2018
While my orange tabbies just basically ignored him, my elderly silver tabby, Simba (Pim) was often the recipient of his mischievous behavior. In her final years (she lived to 20), he would still chase her through the house on a rampage. She, though, gave it right back to him. "Outa my face, you..." (fill in the blank)
My golden retriever, Bo, was only a year older and he established a very close relationship with him that lasted until my dear golden left this earth. (He did tell Bo what to do on occasion, but being a generally laid back chap, his older brother took it all in stride.) When Bo became very ill in spring of 2016, he actually held vigil by his bed until his passing.
It was a strange time then for both of us, after being in a home with an additional three cats and two dogs, to be the only Beings wandering through what felt like a very empty house. That was about to change when only 5 weeks later, a beautiful rescue golden named 'Bailey' (who I call Nanda - means bliss) through very auspicious means came to join us.
Snow Lion developed an immediate connection with Nanda and I think I physically heard him breathe a sigh of relief. ("Thank GOD, another golden.")
My two furry family members then supported me through the sale of my long-time home and move into a condo. I was disappointed that he wouldn't have his fenced-in kitty yard to play in and lounge in the sun, but Mom bought him a little kitty condo for the patio that would have to suffice.
Not long after our relocation, his health began to decline. He was diagnosed with IBD (irritable bowel disease) and then with liver imbalances. Over the last year of his life, he was the most amazing trooper. Through multiple trips to vet, he would rally and let me know he was still intent on being here. The last few weeks, though, the decline became more evident. Though he still perked up, it was less frequently and shorter lived.
Bianco Nove and big brother, Bo
And so, today, August 14, 2018, my little Snow Lion went home. It's never something one gets 'used to', despite the number of furry companions that grace our lives. The simultaneous emptiness and heavy heart battle for dominion. It brings to mind words of a poem I wrote when I lost my first golden retriever, Chica 17 years ago:
"I cried
til there was nothing left to cry.
And now all that's left
is a gaping
hole in my heart.
How can a hole
weigh a million pounds?"
I honor you, my little Snow Lion. I will feel you at my feet, on my lap, on my bed and forever in my heart.
May 28, 2007 - August 14, 2018
P.S. A huge thank you to my partner, Tim, who was a shoulder through this entire process of change and loss.
Access archives of previous sage tidings articles by visiting...
I will be be teaching workshops this year, to include Acupressure for Women and Acupressure for Pets in various locations. Please email me or check back on my site for information regarding dates and further details.
Did you know that WHO you are can affect HOW you are? Based on Maureen's book 'Energy Types', this workshop will make you aware of the personality characteristics that make us unique and how the application of specific energy practices and modalities can support these traits for optimum health.
"Until he extends the circle of compassion to all livings things, Man will not himself find peace."
--Albert Schweitzer
More Workshops
coming soon.
*If you have a group interested in learning more about the benefits of acupressure as far as seasonal health, women's health, pets or overall benefits, please contact me for more info.
If you are privately interested in learning more about establishing a meditation practice, or your workplace would like to have access to a practice onsite, please contact me for more info.
Come into the silence of you and tap into a place of knowingness and peace.
I’ve come to meditation for the very first time in my 70’s. With Maureen guiding us into deep relaxation, it comes fairly easily, with a wonderful feeling of peace and calm. Very, very good for any of us with a hectic “normal” life, reminding us of what is possible. - M.S.
Maureen’s relaxation techniques and her provision of a meaningful meditation Mantra makes for a deep and enjoyable meditation experience. I appreciate the chance to attend only to myself and to only recognize the external world – but then let it go. - L.S.
Authentically YOU - Family Relationships,
Career & Life Transitions
As a long-time consultant in the uses of both the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) as well as the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children® (MMTIC®), I have witnessed first-hand the clarity and guidance these two instruments offer particularly in the world of...
* Family relationship - Learning to honor communication and diversity within the family unit
As well as...
* Individuals seeking life direction during times of transition: changing jobs, retirement, loss of a loved one, geographical move...
This beautiful tribute song for Lolita is from the Whisky Minstrels
in an effort to raise awareness of her captivity... (If you can't see the video, please click here to refresh your screen.)
The captive killer whale, known by her stage name "Lolita," has been in the smallest orca display tank in America for 45 years. It is TIME for her to retire and go home to her FAMILY.
What if the stars
are nothing more
than the reflection of light
within our own hearts?
And as each heart opens
a new star emerges…
A constellation of pure love.
A galaxy of oneness.
