Easter Greetings,
Wishing a heartfelt Happy Easter & Springtime to you, our friends and family.
Our loving thoughts are also with those no longer with us but close in heart.
Peace & Blessings to All,
Nancy
The Art of Soulful Inspired Living ~ Mystical, Magical and Mindful Inspiration for Beautiful Souls.
By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Easter Greetings,
Wishing a heartfelt Happy Easter & Springtime to you, our friends and family.
Our loving thoughts are also with those no longer with us but close in heart.
Peace & Blessings to All,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Soulful Greetings,
What a difference a day makes in weather changes when you reside out West. One day it may be unseasonably warm, the next afternoon it may snow. This winter the snow totals haven’t amounted to very much in Santa fe yet at the higher elevation of Ski Santa Fe, the ski mountain has enough snow to keep things spinning but certainly a disappointing ski season for many at this point. We remain hopeful for a late Spring snow storm bringing with it lots of moisture for this dry and thirsty climate.
Recently, I was blessed to enjoy basking in a gloriously warm afternoon in our backyard and also enjoy the warm flickering of an indoor fireplace as the snow gently fell over the weekend. Once again I am reminded of the beauty in contrasts and what they have to teach us in mindful gratitude.
The flutter of birds and an overhead plane in the distance softly fill the air. Chirping is heard from all directions as if the birds are communicating like neighbors do in social relationships.
The sun, so warm it burns through my clothing prompts my decision to peel off my extra layers of clothing to sunbathe in the privacy of our fenced yard. As I longed to feel the warm sun upon my pale winter skin I hurried upstairs to rummage through my summer clothing that was stuffed in a duffel bag in the guest closet. I kicked off my athletic shoes and socks and exchanged them for flip flops.
Anxiously, before the weather changed again I raced down the stairs in a short cotton skit and tank top with denim cap in hand to protect my head from the intense heat. I wondered if I was being delusional and in fact would encounter cold winds upon my return outside dressed for summertime. Was I being totally ridiculous in wanting to relax under the healing vibes of a warm sun filled day?
I poured myself a glass of iced lemon water, pulled up a favorite wicker chair the shade of peacock blue and closed my eyes. I drifted into a delightful state of relaxation as the sun bathed my skin in warm healing energy. I gratefully accepted the opportunity to refresh, recharge and rebalance my creative spirit. #reclaimingjoyafterloss
In what ways have you accepted the invitation to refresh, recharge and rebalance in the world of natural beauty?
Sending Love and Warm Healing Vibes,
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Soulful Greetings,
The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words: Rei, which means “a higher power’s wisdom,” and Ki, which is the energy of life force.
My reiki practice began decades ago and it has supported my life through numerous changes, challenges and circumstances beyond my control.
My life’s purpose has evolved too during these years as a lightworker in supporting others to foster wellness through providing healthy, fresh organic and macrobiotic foods and catering, personal fitness training, massage therapy and bodywork onto designing handcrafted glass jewelry with love, healing and intention, to the present time of offering inspirational writing, photography and art designed to uplift, inspire and promote wellbeing.
All the while reiki has been there in my life assisting to balance my energy, strengthen my spirit, provide energy to heal my grieving heart and fuel my love and light-filled mission to not only survive trauma and tragedy but to thrive with an open heart and a joyful spirit.
As a reiki master it is my passion and desire to inspire and empower you toward a healing journey filled with hope, happiness, peace and promise, no matter where you find yourself emotionally in this journey called life.
May your spirit be filled with radiant light and love beyond measure and if you are hurting may your heart be mended as you strive to heal from grief, loss, disappointment and heartbreak.
Love & Light,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
AFFIRMATION
… a statement declared positively and firmly … an act of saying or showing that something is true.
May you always remember that in this precious life you are filled with love and light … and that you are valuable to the world, just as you are.
Blessings,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
“Blessings arrive in the most unexpected circumstances, all we have to do is open our hearts to receive them.”
Nancy Yuskaitis
Soulful Greetings,
About a month ago we returned from Santa Fe, NM to our longtime home of Mt. Crested Butte to attend the Mountain High Music Festival. We have been supportive of this fundraising event for several years benefitting two important non-profits in Gunnison Valley. It features 3+ days of performances by many Nashville songwriters and recording stars. Crested Butte resident, Dean Dillon who wrote many hits for George Straight over the years is a big part of the success of the event. You will find many musicians that give their time and talent such as Jamey Johnson, Scotty Emerick, the 2016 winner of The Voice, Sundance Head and the headliner featured this year was non other than Toby Keith. It is an amazing event and you never know who you will meet, leaving fond memories long after the festival has passed.
The first evening of our three night experience was enjoyable as we had wonderful seats next to a really nice couple who happened to be looking for a new home in Crested Butte. I quickly and with a smile mentioned about our sweet home being for sale on the mountain. They responded with curiosity just as the show began.
On the second night of the festival as we waited for the doors to open to take our seats our attention was directed by a friend to a man dressed in black with a hat and collar. This friend also mentioned that he was a priest who loved music and had attended the festival last year.
Before long the doors opened and we hurried to find a couple of good seats and upon sitting down I realized the priest was sitting one seat away on my left. We settled in and said hello to another friend who was seated behind us and as the seat on my left directly next to me suddenly became available I noticed the priest move over to sit alongside of me.
My husband, who was on my right and I cordially visited with him and found out he was also from NM and was indeed quite fond of music and particularly singer-songwriters. He has in fact designed Rosaries for a few of these musicians. Throughout the evening we became friends, as I learned about his life as a priest and his passion in finding classic old cars and restoring them to auction off at the church raising funds for future priests to attend seminary.
As we continued to talk about music and to sing along to songs we knew, I became increasingly aware that I was experiencing a profound blessing in my life. At some moments all I could do was place my hand over my heart in gratitude …. and to breathe. It is difficult to explain but it was a healing experience that was occurring as I watched the performances that I took home with me.
On the third and last evening of the festival, we arrived checked our coat and waited for the doors to open to find our seats. Although we didn’t talk about it, my husband and I felt guided over to the exact seats as the night before and as we sat down I quickly thought to save the seat next to me by placing my sweater on it, just in case.
Just before the show began I felt the need to leave my seat and step into the lobby just outside the door, as soon as I did I noticed our priest friend standing alone in the now empty lobby and our eyes met. He had just arrived and I promptly informed him that I had saved his seat from last night, if he was interested. He immediately responded with a nod and a smile and we hurried into the room to sit down.
The entertainment was incredible and we loved seeing Toby Keith for the first time especially in this small venue but the most impressive individual I met that weekend was our new friend, Father Matthew. The spiritual uplift I received from meeting and visiting with this Messenger of God lasted for weeks.
At the end of the festival we exchanged contact info and parted with a beautiful prayer blessing. We stayed in touch, and a few weeks ago I received a message from him saying he wished to make a Rosary for me. I felt honored to be asked, not even sure why he offered such a kind gesture but I was thrilled. We collaborated on the colors of the gemstones, the accent pieces and the cross which are all just stunning as well as the workmanship and design.
This week when my husband handed the package to me from Father Matthew I was overjoyed. As I opened it and held the exquisite Rosary in my hands I cried tears of gratitude at receiving what felt like a healing balm to my grieving soul. What a gracious blessing. I have never received such a personal and meaningful gift as this, and will treasure it always. Just holding it in my hands brings a sense of peace, hope and joy that is calming and resonates with me. I look forward to a renewed practice of dedicated prayer in this way and will hold Father Matthew in blessing and prayer for his compassion, generosity and friendship.
Blessings,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Soulful Greetings,
Prior to our visit we had heard glowing reviews about the menu and the delicious food at this Canyon Road establishment in Santa Fe, NM. We were anxious to experience it for ourselves and decided to make our reservation for the evening before Valentine’s Day.
Our dinner was a special one, romantic with an elegant adobe ambiance.
We each ordered a glass of wine, mine a pinot grigio and my husband, a pinot gris.
Our plan that night was to have a light dinner and then walk next door for the Canyon Road Blues Jam and a little dancing. We each chose an item on the specials menu for the day, spanakopita (a savory spinach pie) and a mixed green salad with a pomegranate balsamic dressing.
We were in love, and also enamored with the food, ambiance and friendly attentive service we were shown at this contemporary Persian Bistro. I would highly recommend this restaurant and I look forward to our next visit later in the month.
Live happy. inspired. colorfully,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Soulful Greetings,
Whatever stage you may be at in your life its important to be mindful of the social aspects of your relationships. The quality of our friendships give meaning to our life experiences and the value we place on time with treasured friends adds happiness, beauty and depth to our lives.
Longtime friends offer comfort in the familiarity of personalities and provide reassurance that we are lovable just the way we are. New friends provide the opportunity to be ourselves as we are in the present without fear of judgement and offer possibilities to begin anew as we grow together in shared common interests.
Recently I experienced an extraordinary day of friendship that spanned four decades of life experiences including love, understanding, respect, compassion, divorce, childbirth, parenting, remarriage, child loss, empathy, encouragement and kindness.
This friendship began in a most unusual manner yet a bond was formed that lasted through the years and many chapters. It had been twelve years since my friend and I were together as a blended family over dinner with our spouses. A lot has changed since that time but the heartfelt warmth being exchanged at our recent reunion filled my heart with comfort and love.
My gratitude for this dear friend and her husband who I’ve also known for many decades extended beyond myself but to our children who are siblings and friends now and forever. I’m sure there was joy being felt by all our children, even those no longer with us at this remarkable reunion. My son and her daughter in Florida sent immediate expressions of happiness to us by text during our amazing lunch with our husbands. What a wonderful world it can be when love and kindness abounds.
Blessings,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Live Your Life Being Loved and Loving.
The possibility is always there to listen to your heart. Your heart knows your true desires and if allowed will express lovingly what is needed to fill your life with peace, contentment and joy.
Love is the greatest equalizer. The energy of loving feels good and is transferable to uplift others too.
Love is the most important experience in life. Giving, receiving and feeling love opens our hearts, soothes our wounds, provides comfort and happiness to us. It fill us with amazement for life’s adventures. It teaches us to express kindness, compassion and loving gestures through words and touch. It expands the experiences we share with others. It gives life to any situation. It’s our greatest teacher.
My life has provided many opportunities to practice living with an open heart allowing expression, communication, inspiration and healing to live fully, true to my own nature and in balance. I feel truly grateful and blessed for being married to the love of my life for the last twenty years.
May your life be filled with love beyond measure and your heart warmed by the friendship that surrounds you.
If you are missing a loved one in your life, I send peace, love and comfort to you as you travel this grief journey alongside me.
Blessings,
Nancy
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By Nancy Yuskaitis Nancy Yuskaitis
Mardi Gras, which is french for “Fat Tuesday,” and also known as “Pancake Day” and “Shrove Tuesday” is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It is celebrated by festive merrymaking, feasting, dancing, parades & masquerade parties. All of the above involve wearing lots of beads, enjoying king cake, cajun food and zydeco music.
The colors of Mardi Gras featuring green for faith, gold for power and purple for justice are seen in most all the decorations and costumes. Although this holiday is celebrated in many places, in New Orleans it is a tremendous holiday.
Since my birthday is in early February many of my celebrations have centered around a Mardi Gras theme featuring gumbo for dinner. One of my most memorable occasions occurred in Marco Island, Florida when my husband and I had invited about forty friends who also happened to be Aquarians over for a collective birthday party. I promised to serve a Fat Tuesday menu, feeling confidant after making a roux once previously for a large crowd for the beloved Up the Creek Art & Seafood Fest in Naples, Florida where I lived for many years cooking for others in my own business.
While at work that day as a massage therapist at a local physician’s office I mentioned to a colleague of mine about it being my birthday and the plans I had for the dinner party that very night. He immediately started making out a shopping list for me to pick up the necessary items for a very large pot of chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. We continued to excitedly share our love for cajun food and culture and before long he announced that he would come to my house at four o’ clock to prepare the gumbo alongside me. What I didn’t know, was that he was a part of the Prudhomme family and a cousin to the late New Orleans chef and restaurateur, Paul Prudhomme. He was the real deal and what a pleasure it was to assist him in my kitchen.
Our guests arrived to find a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen and my friend, Ken was a big hit. Although he is no longer with us, the memories and kindness of that day will last forever.
What’s not to love about a fresh beignet and a steaming hot mug of chicory coffee at the end of a delicious meal.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” is a Cajun expression meaning “Let the good times roll.” It passionately conveys the “joie de vivre” (“joy of living”) sentiment and attitude which I definitely appreciate.
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