June 26, 2012

What is Reiki?

So guess what! 


I will be taking a Reiki course this coming month either July 14th or July 20th. I am SO EXCITED! I can't wait to start it! I will be taking Reiki 1 at Integrative Healing Therapies (Just click on this link and it will take you to my Reiki Master's website. Oh I am so tickled pink! I have been waiting to do this for years. So I am going to take a jump and do it!! I will get both courses  (Reiki 1 & 2) before I go to AZ. Then down the road I will be getting my Reiki Master/Teacher too.
So you ask What is Reiki?


Well there is several websites that I will share with you that can tell you more, but below the description that I give you:




The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."


A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.


Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.


Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

How Does Reiki Work?
We are alive because life force is flowing through us. Life force flows within the physical body though pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. Life force nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body.
The life force is responsive to thoughts and feelings. It becomes disrupted when we accept, either consciously or unconsciously, negative thoughts or feelings about ourselves. These negative thoughts and feelings attach themselves to the energy field and cause a disruption in the flow of life force. This diminishes the vital function of the organs and cells of the physical body.


Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.


Do All Healers Use Reiki?

All healers use life force or Ki, but not all use Reiki. Reiki is a special kind of life force that can only be channeled by someone that has been attuned to it. It is possible that some people are born with Reiki or have gotten it some other way. However, most healers who have not received the Reiki attunement from a Reiki Master are not using Reiki but another kind of life force. People who already do healing work consistently report an increase of at least fifty percent in the strength of their healing energies after taking the Reiki training.
Reiki Can Never Cause Harm
Because Reiki is guided by the God-consciousness, it can never do harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust itself to create the effect that is appropriate for them. One never need worry about whether to give Reiki or not. It is always helpful.In addition, because the practitioner does not direct the healing and does not decide what to work on, or what to heal, the practitioner is not in danger of taking on the karma of the client. Because the practitioner is not doing the healing, it is also much easier for the ego to stay out of the way and allow the presence of God to clearly shine through. 

Energy is Never Depleted
Because it is a channeled healing, the Reiki practitioner's energies are never depleted. In fact, the Reiki consciousness considers both practitioner and client to be in need of healing, so both receive treatment. Because of this, giving a treatment always increases one's energy and leaves one surrounded with loving feelings of well-being.
Guided Reiki Meditation (Please watch all videos that I post)
 Reiki Energy
What is it? How does it heal?


The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words - Rei and Ki. When translating Japanese into English we must keep in mind that an exact translation is difficult. The Japanese language has many levels of meaning. Therefore the context the word is being used in must be kept in mind when attempting to communicate its essence. Because these words are used in a spiritual healing context, a Japanese/English dictionary does not provide the depth of meaning we seek, as its definitions are based on common everyday Japanese. As an example, Rei is often defined as ghost and Ki as vapor and while these words vaguely point in the direction of meaning we seek, they fall far short of the understanding that is needed.


When seeking a definition from a more spiritual context, we find that Rei can be defined as the Higher Intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the universe. Rei is a subtle wisdom that permeates everything, both animate and inanimate. This subtle wisdom guides the evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of galaxies to the development of life. On a human level, it is available to help us in times of need and to act as a source of guidance in our lives. Because of its infinite nature, it is all knowing. Rei is also called God and has many other names depending on the culture that has named it.


Ki is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals and humans. When a person's Ki is high, they will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take on it's challenges. When it is low, they will feel weak and are more likely to get sick. We receive Ki from the air we breath, from food, sunshine, and from sleep. It is also possible to increase our Ki by using breathing exercises and meditation. When a person dies, their Ki leaves the physical body. Ki is also the Chi of China, the prana of India, the Ti or Ki of the Hawaiians, and has also been called odic force, orgone, bioplasma and life force.


With the above information in mind, Reiki can be defined as a non-physical healing energy made up of life force energy that is guided by the Higher Intelligence, or spiritually guided life force energy. This is a functional definition as it closely parallels the experience of those who practice Reiki in that Reiki energy seems to have an intelligence of its own flowing where it is needed in the client and creating the healing conditions necessary for the individuals needs. It cannot be guided by the mind, therefore it is not limited by the experience or ability of the practitioner. Nether can it be misused as it always creates a healing effect. ( It must be kept in mind that Reiki is not the same as simple life force energy as life force energy by itself can be influenced by the mind and because of this, can create benefit as well as cause problems including ill health.)


The source or cause of health comes from the Ki that flows through and around the individual rather than from the functional condition of the physical organs and tissues. It is Ki that animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them and therefore is responsible for creating a healthy condition. If the flow of Ki is disrupted, the physical organs and tissues will be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a disruption in the flow of Ki that is the main cause of illness.


An important attribute of Ki is that it responds to ones thoughts and feelings. Ki will flow more strongly or be weakened in its action depending on the quality of ones thoughts and feelings. It is our negative thoughts and feelings that are the main cause of restriction in the flow of Ki. All negative or dis-harmonious thoughts or feelings will cause a disruption in the flow of Ki. Even Western medicine recognizes the role played by the mind in creating illness and some Western doctors state that as much as 98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind.


It must be understood that the mind exists not only in the brain, but also through-out the body. The nervous system extends to every organ and tissue in the body and so the mind exists here also. It is also known that the mind even extends outside the body in a subtle energy field 2 to 3 feet thick called the aura. Because of this, it is more appropriate to call our mind a mind/body as the mind and body are so closely linked.


Therefore, our negative thoughts are not just in the brain, but also collect in various locations through-out the body and in the aura. The places where negative thoughts and feelings collect is where Ki is restricted in its flow. The physical organs that exist at these locations are restricted in their functioning. If the negative thoughts and feelings are not eliminated quickly, illness results.
The negative thoughts and feelings that are lodged in the unconscious mind/body are the greatest problem as we are not aware of them and therefore, are we are greatly hampered in changing or eliminating them.


The great value of Reiki is that because it is guided by the Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and how to respond to restrictions in the flow of Ki. It can work directly in the unconscious parts of the mind/body which contain negative Ki-inhibiting thoughts and feelings and eliminate them. As Reiki flows through a sick or unhealthy area, it breaks up and washes away any negative thoughts or feelings lodged in the unconscious mind/body thus allowing a normal healthy flow of Ki to resume. As this happens, the unhealthy physical organs and tissues become properly nourished with Ki and begin functioning in a balanced healthy way thus replacing illness with health.


This non-invasive, completely benign healing technique is becoming more and more popular. As western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki is destined to play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice.
What Can Be Treated?
Reiki is both powerful and gentle. In its long history of use it has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including serious problems like: multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and cancer as well as skin problems, cuts, bruises, broken bones, headache, colds, flu, sore throat, sunburn, fatigue, insomnia, impotence, poor memory, lack of confidence, etc. It is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance and has many benefits for both client and practitioner, including altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. If a client has a health condition, and wants to be treated with Reiki, it is recommended that they do so under the supervision of an enlightened medical doctor or other health care professional. Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.




Can Anyone Learn Reiki?

The ability to learn Reiki is not dependent on intellectual capacity, nor does one have to be able to meditate. It does not take years of practice. It is simply passed on from the teacher to the student. As soon as this happens, one has and can do Reiki. Because of this, it is easily learned by anyone.Reiki is a pure form of healing not dependent on individual talent or acquired ability. Because of this, the personality of the healer is less likely to cloud the significance of the experience. The feeling of being connected directly to God's healing love and protection is clearly apparent.
The Attunement
Reiki is not taught in the way other healing techniques are taught. It is transferred to the student by the Reiki Master during an attunement process. This process opens the crown, heart, and palm chakras and creates a special link between the student and the Reiki source. 
The Reiki attunement is a powerful spiritual experience. The attunement energies are channeled into the student through the Reiki Master. The process is guided by the Rei or God-consciousness and makes adjustments in the process depending on the needs of each student. The attunement is also attended by Reiki guides and other spiritual beings who help implement the process. Many report having mystical experiences involving personal messages, healings, visions, and past life experiences. 
The attunement can also increase psychic sensitivity. Students often report experiences involving: opening of the third eye, increased intuitive awareness, and other psychic abilities after receiving a Reiki attunement. 
Once you have received a Reiki attunement, you will have Reiki for the remainder of your life. It does not wear off and you can never lose it. While one attunement is all you need for each level to be attuned to that level, additional attunements bring benefit. 
Experimentation has found that additional attunements of the same level add to the value of that level. These benefits include refinement of the Reiki energy one is channeling, increased strength of the energy, healing of personal problems, clarity of mind, increased psychic sensitivity, and a raised level of consciousness. At the Reiki support groups sponsored by the Center, additional attunements are usually given by someone who has taken Third degree Reiki, with no extra fee required.
The Reiki attunement can start a cleansing process that affects the physical body as well as the mind and emotions. Toxins that have been stored in the body may be released along with feelings and thought patterns that are no longer useful. Therefore, a process of purification prior to the attunement is recommended to improve the benefit one receives. See below for specific instructions on preparing for an attunement.


Please watch this video because it shows you what I will be doing with my Reiki:




REIKI Question & Answers


Q. Where does Reiki energy come from?
A. Reiki energy is a subtle energy. It is different than electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. When viewed clairvoyantly, Reiki energy appears to come down from above and to enter the top of the practitioners head after which if flows through the body and out the hands. It appears to flow this way because of our perspective. However, the true source of Reiki energy is within ourselves. This does not mean that we use our personal energy when we do Reiki, but that the energy is coming from a transcendental part of ourselves that is connected to an infinite supply of healing energy.


Q. Is Reiki a Religion?
A. Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. Practitioners are not asked to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices.


Q. How is a Reiki treatment given?
A. In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.


Q. What does a Reiki treatment feel like?
A. What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.


Q. What can be treated with Reiki?


A. Reiki has had a positive affect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience.


Q. Does one have to stop seeing a regular doctor or psychologist in order to receive a Reiki treatment?


A. No. Reiki works in conjunction with regular medical or psychological treatment. If one has a medical or psychological condition, it is recommended that one see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving Reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing, including drugs, surgery, psychological care or any other method of alternative care and will improve the results.


Q. Who can learn to do Reiki?


A. Reiki is a very simple technique to learn and is not dependent on one having any prior experience with healing, meditation or any other kind of training. It has been successfully learned by over one million people from all walks of life, both young an old. The reason it is so easy to learn that it is not taught in the usual way something is taught. The ability to do Reiki is simply transferred from the teacher to the student through a process called an attunement that takes place during a Reiki class. As soon as one receives an attunement, they have the ability to do Reiki and after that whenever one places their hands on themselves or on another person with the intention of doing Reiki, the healing energy will automatically begin flowing.


Q. How long does it take to learn Reiki?


A. A beginning Reiki class is taught on a weekend. The class can be one or two days long. I recommend that the minimum time necessary be at least six to seven hours. Along with the attunement, it is necessary that the student be shown how to give treatments and also to practice giving treatments in class.


Q. What is a Reiki attunement?


A. A Reiki attunement is the process by which a person receives the ability to give Reiki treatments. The attunement is administered by the Reiki Master during the Reiki class. During the attunement, the Reiki Master will touch the students head, shoulders, and hands and use one or more special breathing techniques. The attunement energies will flow through the Reiki Master and into the student. These special energies are guided by the Higher Power and make adjustments in the students energy pathways and connect the student to the source of Reiki. Because the energetic aspect of the attunement is guided by the Higher Power, it adjusts itself to be exactly right for each student. During the attunement, some students feel warmth in the hands, others may see colors or have visions of spiritual beings. However, it is not necessary to have an inner experience for the attunement to have worked. Most simply feel more relaxed.


Q. Can I treat myself?


A. Yes, once you have received the attunement, you can treat yourself as well as others. This is one of the unique features of Reiki.


Q. I have heard that Reiki can be sent to others at a distance. How does this work?


A. Yes, in Reiki II, you are given three Reiki symbols. These symbols are empowered by the Reiki II attunement. One of these symbols is for distant healing. By using a picture of the person you would like to send Reiki to or by writing the person’s name on a piece of paper or simply by thinking of the person and also activating the distant symbol, you can send Reiki to them no matter where they are. They could be hundreds of miles away, but it makes no difference. The Reiki energy will go to them and treat them. You can also send Reiki to crisis situations or world leaders and the Reiki energy will help them too.


Q. How many levels are there to the Reiki training?


A. In the Usui/Tibetan system of Reiki taught by the Center, there are four levels. These include one, two, Advanced and Master.


Q. What does it feel like to give a treatment?


A. When giving a Reiki treatment, the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner before leaving the hands and flowing into the client. Because of this, the practitioner receives a treatment also. As the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner, she/he will feel more relaxed and uplifted. Spiritual experiences sometimes take place. The practitioner sometimes receives insights about what the client needs to know to heal more deeply.


Q. How do I find a Reiki teacher that is right for me?


A. Reiki teachers or Masters advertise in many magazines and also post notices at health food stores, new age bookstores and other places. Once you find a Reiki teacher or practitioner you are interested in receiving training or a treatment from, it is a good idea to ask them some important questions. Here are a few that will give you additional information to make a choice.


• How long have you been working with Reiki? What training have you had? How often do you teach? How do you personally use Reiki? What is your lineage?
• What qualifications are required to take Reiki Training?
• What do you cover in your classes? How many hours of class time is included? How much time is instructional, and how much is hands on practice?
• What are the specific things I will be able to do after taking the training?
• What are your fees, and will I get a certificate and a manual?
• Can I take notes and tape record the class?
• How many symbols will I learn?
• Is there a Reiki support group in my area or can you help me establish one?
• Will you openly support me in being a successful Reiki practitioner or Master?
• Do you have a positive respectful attitude toward other Reiki practitioners and Masters regardless of lineage or affiliation?
Be aware of how you feel about their answers and if they are responding in a loving manner that is supportive and empowering. Listen to your heart and you will be guided to the right teacher or practitioner.


Q. Can children learn Reiki?


A. Yes, Reiki can be taught to anyone. I recommend that a child be old enough to understand what Reiki is and that the child request to receive Reiki.


Q. Is it safe for pregnant woman?


A. Since Reiki is guided by the Higher Power, the Reiki energy will know the condition of the client or student and adjust appropriately. Reiki can only do good. Many pregnant women have received treatments with great benefit to them and their unborn child. It has also been used during child birth. Pregnant women have also taken the Reiki training and received the Reiki attunement with beneficial results.


Q. What about babies?


A. Babies love Reiki. It is very healthy for them. Do not worry about it being too strong. Reiki automatically adjusts to what the baby needs.


Q. Can I treat animals or plants?


A. Animals love Reiki too. They seem to have a natural understanding of what Reiki is and its benefits. Once a pet has received a Reiki treatment, they will often let you know that they want more. Plants also respond well to Reiki.


Q. Are there any side effects from a Reiki treatment?


A. Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, sometimes a person will have what is called a healing crisis. As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomach ache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process so this is a good sign.


Q. Can it be used to help groups of people or even global crises?


A. Yes, this is one of the wonderful benefits of Reiki and is why it is such a wonderful technique for the new millennium. It allows individuals and groups to do something positive about the challenging situations we see on the news involving so many people all over the planet. Reiki can be used to reduce suffering and help people any where in the world. On our Reiki web site at www.reiki.org we list major world events to send Reiki to. As more and more people send Reiki to help the world heal, we will move quickly to a world of peace and harmony.


Q. How much does a treatment usually cost?


A. A Reiki treatment usually will cost between $25.00 and $100.00 depending on the area of the country. However, some practitioners offer treatments free of charge or for a donation.


Q. Can a person make a living from Reiki?


A. Yes, if you put your heart into it, you can develop a Reiki practice combined with teaching classes that can bring a regular income. This is a very fulfilling way to earn a living. See the article on Developing Your Reiki Practice.


Q. Can one become Licensed to practice and teach Reiki?


A. There are no governmental licensing programs at this time. However, the Center does have a licensing program for Reiki teachers. Please see our Center Licensed Teachers Guidebook from the Center.


Q. Does insurance cover Reiki treatments?


A. Reiki is just starting to be recognized by insurance companies. While not many are covering Reiki treatments, some are. Check with your local insurance company for details.


Q. Can nurses or massage therapists get CEU credit for taking Reiki classes?


A. Classes taught by our Center Licensed Reiki teachers are approved to give CEU credits to nurses, massage therapists and athletic trainers.


Q. Are there any scientific experiments that demonstrate Reiki works?


A. Yes, see the section on Reiki research.


Q. Can you get more than one attunement?


A. Once you receive a Reiki attunement, it will last your whole life. However, if you get additional attunements for the same level, it will act to refine and strengthen your Reiki energy.


Q. What is lineage?


A. Reiki is a technique that is passed on from teacher to student over and over. If one has Reiki, than she/he will be part of a succession of teachers leading back to the founder of the system of Reiki one is practicing. In the case of Usui Reiki, the lineage would lead back to Dr. Usui.
Now it is time to relax, so sit in a comfortable position & follow these wonderful you tube videos from Reiki Masters. I know the work because I use them a lot. 


Meditations that work:




More info on Reiki: 





Reiki for Christians:
Should Christians perform Reiki? 
Click on link:

What is the history of Reiki? 

Reiki?

Chakra's










June 10, 2012

Summer Fun 2012

We are having some good times here at Whitetail Ridge Campground this summer and I want to share some photos with you of various things. Please just read underneath them what they are and enjoy.
Slinky Relaxing
Hello Mama

Ok the photos below are Rusty's new Doggles. Yes since he does ride with us on the atv it is best that he has something that protects his eyes from the elements.

This is our favorite photo of him wearing the doggles. At first he didn't know how to handle them. *laughing* He was acting weird!

But as soon as Rusty figured out that they protected his eyes he didn't mind them after all. In fact now when we pick them up off the table, he is ready to go. hahaha I have a one of a kind of dog! 
Rusty working - lately we have been working on the touch method. He can now open doors by pushing them open and he can also close doors too. He is also getting better about picking these up off the floor or ground for me. We are still working on a few others. In this photo above he is sitting in the Backwoods Saloon with me.
My husband 'Don'
Don's cousin Wayne visiting. One day I am going to ask him for a ride on that Harley :-) 
Looking at Bear Lake (Where we caught all those Bass - 20 in total) 
Don cutting our grass with our new cheap lawnmower - keeps him busy!
Mr. Slinky all stretched out relaxing!
Slinky resting with his Papa
Rusty relaxing outside - he is funny he loves to walk up and smell the flowers. 
See the shephards hook? Well look at the top of it, Yep that is a hummingbird that loves to sit there and watch us everyday. We are now able to walk up and just stand next to him when he is at the feeder. :-) 
Yep this is our nice bird feeder outfit. So far we have seen these birds here is Sarona Wi. (I will be doing a blog on the birds we have seen soon) We have seen a variety of birds like i have never seen before here in Northwest Wi. 

I love when the sky is this blue here! Totally AMAZING!

Rainbow after the storm! When you see a rainbow it means to things: The Lord is watching over you. And it also means that you will be back in that same spot at another time. 

Sassiefrass - yes she has lost a lot of weight. Ya know I have never noticed what short stubby legs she has before till now. LOL We have had her since 2004 too. LOL
Was waiting for Grandpa & Grandma in this photo!
Rusty pouting cause Grandpa & Grandma are gone!
Oooooo really? Sitting in the Backwoods Saloon

The Pond at Whitetail Ridge Campground - No swimming & no fishing. Just a tadpole kinda lake. Peaceful & serene. 
Rusty 
Beautiful Sunset 2012
Me
Happy days
June 8, 2012
Don checking out Nascar on my ipad2 
Just letting you that there is MORE blog to come.
This time is will be is several parts of when my parents visited!

We all had a FANTASTIC time! It was the Best of the Best! We loved every minute of it! We thank you Mom & Dad for such a wonderful summer of 2012! 
We love you!

The strength that a person has is not measured in the number of times he has been let down...
It's measured in smiling and coming up stronger every time...
Don't let the world steal your smile by its ruthlessness ...
Let it know that each time it lets you down you have the courage to smile and come up stronger than before...
Smile, and conquer the world...


When you are truly yourself...
When you are comfortable in your own skin...
When you know the importance of being someone who has his own thoughts, likes, opinions and preferences...
That is when you will truly be living your Life ...


Not everyone will like that...Not everyone will support that...
But your conviction will not let you mind it one bit...

Love yourself...Be yourself...




Free Mud Pac Available!

Sit Down - Hang on - Don't scream or cry in my ears - But laugh and have FUN!
Let's go riding!!
Oh yea just so you know this!
HANG ON!!

Oh yes it tis the season! So grab your gear and lets hit the trails! 

We have been waiting for Memorial Day weekend. Why? Well for starters that is when the ATV trails open up around here. I am not talking about the Wild River or the Tuscobia trails because those two are always open. I am talking about the Spider Lake loop and others!

This is where I say women go out and pay for mud pacs for your skin. WHY? When you can jump on the back of my ATV and get one for free! Haha! If you ride with me your going to get muddy because I dive for the puddles and the mud! I am a tomboy at heart! Do you think you will be safe riding with my husband? Haha! Guess again! He is a man that loves to get down right dirty as well.! (I mean mud dirty ladies) *laughing*

If you are going to ride with us, then you will need to ride with one of us for sure. We had three ATV's but one just is asking for to much money to get it fixed so we are parting it out for our other hawkeye. :( Was hoping to have three ATV's for this summer but it isn't turning out as planned! But you can STILL come out to Whitetail Ridge Campground here in Sarona to ride with us! Just hop on and hang on because

Please note that if you are going to whine, cry or scream in our ears, well then you aren't going to ride with us. We do this for fun, to laugh, and have a great time. If you are afraid to get dirty from some measley ole dirt. Well then this sport is not for you!

We start off from Whitetail Ridge Campground and head over to Birchwood area on Silo road/30th, which is the ATV trail. For awhile it is black top - ugh we don't like this part! Puts wear and tear on our tires! But then we get to Birchwood and we are on the dirt trails! Woo Hoo! We went on Spider Lake Loop 31S(south). Just remember it rained hard the day before! Can you imagine what the trails were like? 
Oh yea this is where you would be sitting if you were with me! Hehe!
Like I said "I DIVE FOR MUD!"
In other words I am NOT afraid to get muddy! I have OCD but not with this at all, just cleaning my home I do! 
We went further on the trail and saw some wildlife, it was nice. The farther we got into the woods we found many places that had a lot of clear cut areas from logging. There was one area I wish I had taken a picture of because it was "Beautiful!" Lots of pine trees and ferns everywhere you looked! Next time we are on it I will make sure to get photos of it. Then there was the rugged rocky trails too. And more MUD! Lots and lots of MUD! Oh yea! 


There was a couple of times where my husband had to pull me out, but I was laughing and having a good time! Thank goodness Rusty wasn't along for the ride this time. I can just imagine what would have happened! *laughing* He would have been a very muddy puppy indeed! 
Yep I am a tomboy at heart and not afraid to get dirty! I know some are scared to death of getting dirty and need to wash everything and themselves off right away! Not me! Got Mud? Bring it on!The more muddier the better! 
So we finally got to the Spider Lake Sports Bar & RV park. Our arms were surely feeling it now. I know my was! My steering was off because I needed Tirods, but I managed the best I could. I remember when we first started to Birchwood, I went through a mud hole and I went through at a good speed to make it through, well I hit the mud hole and it spun me around only to be facing my husband and another guy coming towards me. I laughed but inside it spooked me, but I went on with it! *laughing* 

A memory( some know about it and some of you don't): I also remember doing the same type of thing a week in 2005 before my husband and I got married. But in that process I hit a tree head on. (The tree got in the way I say). I remember I was flying high up in the air like I was still on my atv holding on. I came down out of the sky and when I did this my left foot and leg hit my son's atv as he passed by me on his tire. I ended up flat on my back and the wind knocked out of me. I remember seeing my husband and my son standing above me asking me if I was ok. My pride was hurt and I wasn't in a good mood. But you know they always say get back up on your steed and go again or you will never do it again. I got back up on my atv and rode off. Never again will I do that. That tree today has my marking on it, I know because we pass by it on this trail all the time. 

But here is my husband & I at the Spider Lake Inn resting before we head out for more of the dusty trail ahead of us.

We rested for awhile and then we headed down the trail to go back to Whitetail Ridge where our home on wheels is located at. We had a blast on this day!



I look so sad in this photo *laugh* I wasn't!
Are game for a ride with me?
If you are ging to ride with us please make sure that you wear clothes that you do not mind to get all dirty. This "was" my white socks!
This mud that we end up going through will ruin clothing at times. We will not be held responsible for your ruined clothes.

Just make note this is NOT a scary experience, it is FUN not scary!
No whiners allowed! 
Have some fun and good laughter or stay off the trails!

Just so you know when we haven't had much rain the trails aren't so muddy, but they are very dusty and yes you will need a bandana to wear on your face and goggles/sun glasses of some sort. 

Come on out here and ride with us!
My favorite quote: