Dancing Heart

Athena Portraits--Ahwatukee Photography

2009-09-07T18:46:00.001-06:00

Phoenix Raccoons

2009-09-04T14:19:00.000-06:00

A mother raccoon and her 5 kits visit our pool at night
to drink the water. They climb up the trees, onto our wall,
and down our trellis to enter the yard.

Kelly Athena
kelly@kellyathena.com

Ahwatukee Party

2009-09-04T14:15:00.000-06:00

You're invited to a Goddess Party!

E-mail me at kelly@kellyathena.com for more details.

Maybe you'll even get to see the raccoons' nightly visit!

Kelly Athena, Phoenix, Arizona Photographer and Philosopher

Ahwatukee Photographer

2009-09-04T14:12:00.000-06:00

I'm having fun creating "Goddess Portraits" of my head shot clients.

We take the photographs at my monthly Goddess Parties or in private sessions.

Then I retouch and paint them until it fits the person's personality.

Here is a self-portrait.

Have a superb day! Kelly Kelly@AthenaPortraits.com

Kelly Athena,
Past President of the Arizona Professional Photographers Association

I'm Not Listening

2009-07-23T21:49:00.000-06:00

WOW Phoenix Women's Empowerment Group

2009-07-12T15:10:00.000-06:00

2009-07-06T21:16:00.000-06:00

My Dancing Heart weekly message!

2009-07-06T18:51:00.000-06:00

See you on Twitter!

2008-11-26T21:10:00.002-07:00

Follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you back! http://www.twitter.com/kellyathena

Book Review: Re-inventing your life with The Vision Board by Joyce Schwarz

2008-11-26T20:20:00.003-07:00

Does The Vision Board live up to its sizzling hype? The online book preview looks like a big budget movie trailer with dramatic music, flashing images, and key points scrolling over a fast-panning image of the ocean. I wanted to find the answer for myself!

When I received the book, I was immediately impressed by the rich appearance of the hard cover with its royal-looking embellishments matching those of the online book trailer. A tasteful variety of font styles and colors are used on the cover. A stunning montage of visionary art is wrapped around the front, spine, and back cover.

I felt warmly invited in to a new world as I opened up the book to read it. I was greeted by colorful photographs (I counted 107 photos throughout the book) and clear, how-to language about what to do to create a new vision and vision board of your ideal life.

The first chapter was stimulating as it explored the ideas of group and individual visioning, the differences between visualizations and visioning, and clarifying your purpose in life. It became immediately clear that anyone with a desire to deepen the quality of their life can do so. Each concept was infused with enthusiasm and a persuasive, you-can-do-it spirit.

The second chapter helps you define the current vision statement of your life. Well, this was enough to get my creative juices flowing as my own new vision statement appeared clearly in my mind. Light blue activity pages began popping up with guidelines to empowering exercises. This chapter continued its inspiring tone with how to choose the most powerful images and words and how to make physical, visual, and auditory reminders of them.

By this point I was writing fast and furiously in my journal as idea after idea flowed to me. The answer was YES, this book lived up to its hype!

I picked up a pair of scissors and flipped through magazines, cutting out my defining words and images as they lept out at me. I grabbed some glue and added the pieces to my vision board, which enlivened and expanded the concepts I already had.

So I was just in chapter two and Joyce Schwarz’s book had already sprung something open in my heart and changed my life, as Jack Canfield had predicted it would on the cover!

The following chapters presented more key elements about the process of making a vision board. I found the many personal stories of people and their vision boards to be inspiring and motivating. Creating vision boards as a couple, a family, with an organization, or for a special event is covered. Effective affirmations and Law of Attraction principles are expressed.

It is not a simplistic book, as it presents the values of gratefulness and embracing the unknown, ambiguous qualities of the human experience as well as the straightforward decisions you can make to empower your life. Again and again, the book coaxes the reader to define and refine their core values and choose action that would best support those values.

The book was so rich and meaty that it took several days for me to digest it. I plan to head back to it many times in the future for fresh ideas.

I found The Vision Board to be a convincingly powerful catalyst to revise and re-vision your evolving life. More than a nudge, it’s a loving kick-in-the-pants to start directing your own life rather than haphazardly drift along. Shift truly happens.

Author: Joyce Schwarz, http://www.Ihaveavision.org
Reviewer: Kelly Athena, http://www.KellyAthena.com

The Vision Board by Joyce Schwarz, 2008
Harper Collins Publishing

Book Review: A Twist on the Law of Attraction: Gregg Fraley's Jack's Notebook

2008-11-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

Kelly Athena’s Book Review of Jack’s Notebook, by Gregg Fraley

Through an unforgettable tale of mystery, danger, and romance, Gregg Fraley presents his passionate ideas about Creative Problem Solving. As his story unfolds, the precise, yet flexible process of problem-solving unfolds with it. Challenges on every level of life—personal, business, relationships, health, and well-being—are addressed.

To me, this book is essentially a helpful course in making the “Law of Attraction” and “manifestation” work for you—but in practical, logical language that never mentions those terms. Gregg Fraley shows the reader how to clear away the debris of cluttered thinking and unexamined living, and uncover the passion, clarity, and confidence hidden in their heart.

The lists, flow charts, and spreadsheets at the back of the book serve as excellent guidelines to the CPS process. His techniques can rewire you brain into an exponentially powerful force that can resolve the most entrenched challenges you face—and have a fun, creative time doing it!

Reviewer's website: http://www.kellyathena.com
Author's website: http://www.greggfraley.com

My Book Review of The 99th Monkey by Eliezer Sobel

2008-11-20T21:00:00.001-07:00

Navigating the enigmatic terrain of spiritual discovery and self-doubt, Eliezer Sobel keeps us turning the page as he leads us along the razor’s edge of intermittent flashes of glorious connection and his frustration of feeling disconnected and incomplete.

Eliezer’s odyssey takes us from New York to Santa Cruz, Jerusalem to Pushkar, and Actualization workshops to Zen as he is compelled by the call to true enlightenment.

This entertaining, hip memoir intertwines vulnerable sensitivity with intelligent wit. We find ourselves rooting for his fulfillment as he chases his dream of internal transformation around the world with a variety of spiritual teachers. Wending through the oases of satisfying truth and the mirages of anxious seeking, the author mirrors our own yearning for a permanent peak experience instead of the unsustained glimpses we experience.

His heartfelt journey reflects all of ours, and reaffirms the truth that we hold all our own answers, and deep within are “something natural, free, and beautiful.” In bringing this truth home to us, Eliezer proves to be more of a wise way-shower than the stubborn monkey he claims to be!

My VisionBoard

2008-11-15T11:00:00.008-07:00

My vision board is a constant reminder of the happy, healthy, productive life I've given myself permission to have! It was fun to make, and I can modify it any time.

Sample Newsletter

2008-10-24T18:12:00.003-06:00

MY DANCING HEART

What is your focus?

You are not

a victim of fate.

You are a result

of what you

co-create!

Focus on the state of being

you desire

and it will come to be.

Your Dancing Heart

Kelly Athena Richards

Kelly@mydancingheart.com

MyDancingHeart.com

More messages

Poem Line: (480) 773-7000

Book Excerpt

Whatever I'm feeling

strongest about

will come to me

without a doubt

My Dancing Heart

by Kelly Athena Richards

Please forward this message to as many friends as you would like!

Your friends can sign up here to receive this free weekly inspirational message!

Newsletter #8 My Dancing Heart

MyDancingHeart.com
Kelly Athena
1334 E. Chandler Blvd. #5-D5
Phoenix, AZ 85048
USA

The Only Hardship

2008-09-30T13:23:00.001-06:00

The only real hardship is resisting what is.

Celebrate Freedom!

2008-07-04T13:01:00.003-06:00

We have the freedom to choose joy!
Our cells are bursting with the dance of joy. Let's get in step!

Silk Scarf Hand Painted by Kelly Richards, Phoenix, AZ

2008-07-04T11:02:00.000-06:00

This is a detail of a 62" x 8" silk scarf I painted.
I sell them for $45 and can ship them anywhere in the US and probably anywhere else too!
E-mail me at Kelly@mydancingheart.com to order your custom scarf with your color choices.
Thanks, Kelly

True Peace

2008-05-31T09:37:00.004-06:00

Speak gently to yourself.

This is the beginning of all peace in the world.

Set Your Intent

2008-05-31T09:04:00.003-06:00

What is your intent today?

Mine is to feel good, my highest calling.

Step into the most lovely version of yourself today!

Kelly A. Richards Inspiration Line (480) 773-7000

www.MyDancingHeart.com
Sign up for inspiration HERE

Let It Be Okay

2008-05-30T18:11:00.002-06:00

Let it be okay.
Let your life be okay.
Just as it is.
A radical concept, I know.
Contrary to the popular belief that
something must be different in order for me to be okay...
Goals must be accomplished.
Offices de-cluttered.
Attitudes more mature
Relationships smoothed.
Money made.

But the simple truth is:
YOU ARE A-OK!

Dancing Heart

2008-04-29T10:27:00.000-06:00

Jamie and her Soaring Spirit Dancers

The Finer Things in Life

2008-04-29T10:12:00.001-06:00

My beloved Grandma, Amy Lee Parnum,
1888-1989,
who encouraged
my love of gardening, reading, writing letters, and "the finer things in life" as she said.

She lived with her husband, my Grandpa, William "Billy" Edward Parnum, in Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada from the 1960's to the 1980's in a house perched on
a cliff overlooking the ocean, surrounded by their beautiful gardens.
Grandpa was a fine pianist and artist. He worked as a sign painter for B.C. Electric for many years. He created the logo for Parnum Paving, my dad's company in Ukiah, California.

My dad, E. M. "Sam" Parnum, moved to California around 1950, after serving in the Canadian Navy in WW II in the N. Atlantic, and graduating from the University of British Columbia with degrees in engineering and forestry. He lived in Ukiah until his early passing away from cancer on May 11, 1977.
Grandma and Grandpa had 4 children: Shirley, who lives in Ontario, and Sam, Ruth, and John, who have now passed on. They started their family in Winnipeg, and moved to Vancouver around 1930.
Grandpa was raised in Sandwich, England, where his father was a toy store owner, his grandpa, John Parnum, was a church organist, and his grandma was a piano teacher. No genealogy has been traced further than that generation.

Your Heart

2008-04-25T10:13:00.000-06:00

There are over one trillion cells in your heart
supporting you. Inside each one are more
than a trillion swirling atoms, each a
miniature universe saying, "I Love You!"

www.mydancingheart.com Kelly Heart

The Light

2008-04-21T21:49:00.000-06:00

You leave light wherever you journey!
Thank you!

Kelly@mydancingheart.com

Preview the perfect Valentine's Day gift!

2008-01-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

My Dancing Heart

by Kelly Athena Richards

Language: English

Country: United States

Printed: 86 pages, 8.5" x 11", perfect binding, black and white interior ink

Download: 1 documents, 288 KB

Description:

This powerful collection of 171 insights, poems, and zingers will startle you into recognizing your own unlimited potential for joy. Each page is a launchpad into the exploration of your own soul. Perfect for as a thoughtful, non-fattening Valentine's Day gift!

Keywords:

Listed in:

Dealing with Feelings

2007-12-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello from Kauai!!

2007-12-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Jack and I enjoying the beach in Kauai!

A hero is someone who gets pushed down 100
times and still gets up again! --Kelly Richards

Link for Living Your Dreams!

2007-12-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

Here is a great link for supporting feisty females living their dreams: http://sherigaynor.typepad.com/livingourdreams/

In Love

2007-11-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

It is great to be in love!

Kelly Athena Richards
Phoenix, AZ

http://www.howtofeelgood.org

Pain surrounds my body
but love is bigger!

Inspiration Line (480) 773-7000

Kelly Parnum Richards grew up
in Ukiah, California, and now lives
in Phoenix, Arizona, where she
writes and paints.

What if playfulness were all that was required of us???????????????????????

Harmonically Speaking

2007-10-31T11:13:00.000-06:00

You can change your tune anytime you'd like!

Your life is your song--sing out from your heart!

(c) 2007 Kelly Richards
Piano painting available at
http://www.dancingheartgallery.com
Original available at Gallery on the Avenue, Scottsdale, Arizona

Variety!

2007-10-05T09:46:00.000-06:00

It is okay to have many interests!
What would a flower be with just one petal?
Bloom on,
Your Dancing Heart

Kelly at the Portland, OR rose garden
480-773-7000 Call the Poem Line 24 hours a day

You are a beautiful as a rose

2007-08-29T16:17:00.000-06:00

In this heavily populated world, I still like to think of each person as a rose, not a rat.
--Kelly kelly@mydancingheart.com

Art

2007-07-21T08:35:00.000-06:00

Mosaic 1 by Kelly Richards 11x14 mixed media This is a lot of fun!

Family Reunion

2007-07-07T09:27:00.000-06:00

Relatives at the family reunion on June 30, 2007
at Kerry and Dennis Liparelli's beautiful cabin in Lamoille, Nevada

The Young sisters: Melba Winn, Beth Woodward, Val Life,
Joyce Nielson, and Linda Kutkas

We love you all!

Young Elko Reunion

2007-07-07T09:15:00.000-06:00

Here is a group of relatives at our family reunion on June 30, 2007.
At Kerry and Dennis Liparelli's beautiful cabin in Lamoille, Nevada

The Young Sisters: Melba, Beth, Val, Joyce, and Linda

at Beth's house in Elko, Nevada

Portland Rose Garden

2007-07-07T09:08:00.000-06:00

The Portland International Rose Garden--
one of my favorite places to visit!
Awe-inspiring beauty is everywhere.
(It's free, too!)

My gorgeous husband

2007-07-07T09:01:00.000-06:00

My cool husband, Jackson,
at the beach in Rockaway Beach, Oregon.
As seen from our lovely room
at the Surfside Motel where we have
enjoyed staying for many vacations
over the past ten years.
A refreshing way to renew
creativity and get inspired!

Jackson is a hard worker, big and strong, a good listener, interesting, intelligent, and most of all, kind!
I wrote a 2-page description of what I wanted in a man, and he appeared 16 years ago this month!
Through ups and downs, we keep reinventing our relationship as it changes with the tides of time.

Wishing you the greatest success of all: Happiness!

Kelly Athena Richards

Canada to Mexico bicyclists Alain and Kelly

2007-07-07T08:44:00.000-06:00

2 guys proving you can live your dream!

Cool Cyclists!

2007-07-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

Near Cannon Beach, Oregon, I met 2 cool guys bicycling from Victoria,
British Columbia, to Mexico!
Alain and Kelly

You are a delightful being!

2007-07-07T07:08:00.000-06:00

You are as beautiful as a rose
Unfolding day by day

Kelly Athena Richards
Phoenix, Arizona

Enjoy!

2007-05-04T11:28:00.000-06:00

Delighting in the prickly things
in life! Kelly Athena Richards

ALLOW WHAT IS

2007-05-04T08:42:00.000-06:00

Allow what is
Resistance causes pain
Belief in separation causes suffering
Allowing your connection to the Universe
brings Abundance!

Kelly Athena Richards
Phoenix, AZ

JOY

2007-05-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

Joyful Abundance flows freely to me!

I know just what to do and I do it now!

Pastel by Kelly Athena Richards

Heavenly Harp Music

2007-04-25T21:11:00.000-06:00

My favorite music is played by my friend, Tracey Thom, on her beautiful harp. www.harpfeltblessings.com

Align with Abundance

2007-04-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

Align with the passion in your heart!
Find what you love and do it!

Pastel by Kelly Richards

Variety Show Performance

2007-04-24T21:15:00.000-06:00

I played a couple tunes at the Variety Show
that the Val Vista Women's Club put on to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
We raised $46,000!

Our Gilbert, Arizona Home for sale

2007-04-13T10:02:00.000-06:00

E-mail me for details!

Book and Paintings

2007-04-04T11:13:00.000-06:00

With my book and paintings displayed at the Southwest
Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona
May your heart be filled with joyful inspiration!
Kelly

Inner Core

2007-03-23T12:58:00.000-06:00

Powerful

2007-03-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

We are connected to all strength in the universe!

My son, Chris, showing off his muscles!

Offering

2007-03-17T07:49:00.000-06:00

Each day is an offering of thanks!

Processing feelings

2007-03-16T10:18:00.000-06:00

Feelings are meant to be felt!

Not to be chastised
squelched
ignored
pushed down
but allowed to run like a stream

Old unexpressed feelings will turn
hard
lumpy
painful
and never go away
until we
acknowledge them
and ask them

What are you?
What would you like to do?
I acknowledge you
and allow you
to express yourself.
You will find that after they are allowed
to express themselves through
crying
screaming
talking
drawing
writing
or another safe expression
they will
untwist from rage to joy
unravel from sorrow to peace
unclog from blame to acceptance

and bring completion to your life

Joyful Inspiration

2007-03-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

What is your life theme?
You can choose anything you'd like.
Mine is Joyful Inspiration.
Joyful Inspiration in my thoughts, my feelings, my body, my relationships,
my career, and my choices.
When I feel myself getting off track, I turn my attention
to Joyful Inspiration again and again.
It is possible to have anything.
If your attention is pointed toward it.
Happy Pointing!

CELLS and STARS

2007-03-09T05:58:00.001-07:00

Our cells are miniature galaxies swirling with vibrant life

Living Your Passion with Music!

2007-03-06T09:33:00.001-07:00

My beautiful flutist sister, Stacey, performing in her musical parlor
Jammin' at Stacey's
Friends gather to listen

Drive, Passion, and Purpose

2007-03-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

Head bopping #10 flies high
FlexiBillity!

Go for it!

2007-03-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Goal ahead! Go Billy Beckham!

Live your Passion!

2007-03-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Billy, on a goal-scoring drive down the soccer field

Go with the Flow

2007-02-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

We all get to pick our life theme. I choose JOYFUL INSPIRATION!
Circumstances, parents, and financial status do not affect my theme. Only my
daily conscious choice creates my theme......and attracts people and
experiences that support it more and more and more, expanding like
fractal geometry throughout every inch of my life!

Who are you?

2007-02-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

As water to rain
as flames in a fire
as blood to veins
as singers in a choir
so love is in you
through and through
Now that you know
what will you do?

Propagating

2007-02-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Your thought is the mother
of what will be born to you.

Choose your mother well.

---Kelly Athena Richards (c) 2007

For Giving

2007-02-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

For giving

To forgive
does not mean to approve
it means to choose
to say thank you for giving
me this experience

Listen to your heart

2007-02-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am speaking to you
giving you clues
so everything you do
will feel good to you

Snuggle with your heart

2007-02-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Your heart is the loving, wise part of you that wants to co-create a wonderful life with you. It is the gate to becoming the passionate, purposeful person you want to be.

You might as well laugh!

2007-02-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Things are pretty crazy--you can either laugh or cry!

Stars everywhere

2007-02-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

The prongs of a saguaro cactus have a star-like quality

Excitement

2007-02-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

I feel excitement for another day of learning, growing,
nearly exploding with the rhythm of the universe

Pastel heart painting 9"x12" by Kelly Richards

The Interconnectedness of Life

2007-02-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Capillaries, riverbeds, tree branches--their patterns are all beautifully similar

Snorkeling with a Sea Turtle

2007-02-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

We are all a continuation of everything else:
the water in me, the ocean water, the turtle
supported by the ocean water.......... the
interconnectedness of life

Emotions

2007-02-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

Emotions ebb and flow. Underneath we are always Light.

I receive

2007-02-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

I receive light into my heart. I focus on things of wonder and more wonder-ful things are attracted into my life. Wishing you the best, Kelly

Freedom

2007-02-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

Depression slips on as easily as a glove, separating me from what I love.
In those down times, I remember a fun time like playing around on the beach
at sunset with my husband, Jackson, photographing me. I imagine I'm there
on the beach with the warm water splashing me as I run through it. Soon I'm
able to let go of depression as I'm focusing on freedom instead.

Kelly Athena Richards
Poem Line: (480) 773-7000

Be as a child

2007-02-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

Be as a child--open to the Universal Flow...........and it will take you where you want to go.
You know what I'm speaking of...............at your core you are Powerful Love.

This sweetie came with her family into our photography studio and we caught some fun moments with her outside.

Thought forms

2007-01-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Thought forms come in all shapes and sizes.

My Entertainment

2007-01-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

My favorite entertainment is deep thought,
places floating beyond thought,
and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Choices

2007-01-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

We always have more choices than we realize!
We are not as stuck as we think we are!

Inside You

2007-01-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

This is what you are inside: Powerful Love!

Growing Stronger

2007-01-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Each day you are growing stronger. You set your boundaries more appropriately, breaking away from that which is not safe and loving. You can say "NO" firmly and kindly to requests that do not support your Highest Good.
To Your Continued Success,
Your Dancing Heart

You are Unlimited

2007-01-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

You are an unlimited being in a rich universe laden with gifts for you!
You are beginning to realize how precious you are!
Congratulations, Your Dancing Heart

Only One

2007-01-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's true it only takes one
to be free
and I allow one of those ones
to be me!

Blown Away!

2007-01-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

The tree isn't bitter when the wind
rips off
her bright dancing leaves like so much litter.
She just sits still awhile
and then sprouts again.

I Embrace Life!

2007-01-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Leap into action!
Follow your heart in everything you do
and you will find riches within and without!

--Kelly in Kihei, Maui
(c)2006 Kelly Athena Richards www.HowtofeelGood.org

Joyful inspiration
is my intention
day and night
to be overflowing
with light

Live your Passion

2007-01-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

When I see you opening up to the light, I want to start unfurling too!

Plumeria in Lahaina, Maui (c)2006 Kelly Richards
www.HowtoFeelGood.org Connecting people with their passion!

Viral Goodness

2007-01-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am excited about my newsletter. I really want to spread hope, humor, and an "aha!" into people's lives, and this is giving me a way to do that! I am slowly learning the art of automatic sending and sign-up forms from Aweber, which was recommended to me by another site. I include a different heart art image and a short message about connecting to your heart in each newsletter. There is viral goodness as well as the annoying viral stuff out there! Cheerio, Kelly

Free Hugs

2007-01-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Seeing a heart painting is like getting a free hug! It touches something in your heart and opens you up a little to the compassion you have for yourself. That is the effect the Free Hugs YouTube.com video had on me. Wonderful in its bravery and vulnerability!

Whimsical Cactus

2007-01-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered Mozilla Thunderbird email which allows me to insert a photo in the email message as easily as this blog does! I have found no other mail service that does this, such as Yahoo or Outlook or Outlook Express. With those services, it is a longer process to add a photo.

Prickly pear cactus I painted in a whimsical way!

Anyone can be a Cynic

2007-01-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

It's easy to be a cynic--that's default mode.
It takes guts and a lot of focus to see life with a sense of wonder.
To become vulnerable and child-like and shed the safety of the cynic's shell is sheer bravery!

Dancing Hearts

2007-01-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Emotions expressed in more hearts!

www.dancingheartgallery.com

I am having fun creating heart art for

my ebook covers.

Fire Energy: Rage to Compassion

2007-01-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Fire energy expressed in a pastel piece.

Rage moves on to sorrow, then to fear, regret, and then you discover understanding and compassion at the core. Emotions are meant to be expressed, not stuffed! Art is a safe yet satisfying way to express emotions.

Thirty-foot Giant Found in Superstition Mountains

2007-01-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome giant saguaro on a hike a couple days ago in the Superstition Mountains, about 20 miles east of the Phoenix area.

My husband, Jack, and I took the Crosscut Trail from the First Water Trailhead road, just off Highway 89A on the way to Canyon Lake. It's a dirt road just north of Goldfield ghost town off the east side of the highway. There's a brown sign that says "First Water Trailhead." It's an easy hike with a smoother trail than many of the Superstition trails.

I've been hiking these unique desert mountains for 20 years and always feel inspired and in touch with my intuition when I'm there. A walk in the Superstitions is definitely on my How to Feel Good list.

Enjoy the hike if you're in the area!

--Kelly Richards

www.HowtoFeelGood.org

My Predictions for 2007

2007-01-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

I predict a mind-boggling year
where you evict unnecessary fears,
your conflicts and afflictions shrink
as you realize you are interlinked
with everything good that is in existence
and find the Universe is at your assistance.

You drop your resistance
to receiving what you ask for,
and start believing
you are worth far more
than ever before.

I predict you will drop the doubt
that has clouded your mind
since you were eight or nine
when you first noticed
war, poverty, and pain
and thought all of life
must be in vain.

This year you’ll discover
the inner dimension
that signals connection
to worlds within and without.
It was blurry, now it’s clear
as you open up and hear.

All the years up to now
have been a sort of rehearsal.
This year emerges
with a clear outline of your purpose,
your grandest design.

I’m inclined to believe
you’ll be leaving
some old things behind
as your belief in your power
grows by leaps and bounds—
as you see who you are
is bold and profound.

You’ll be kinder than last year,
You’ll not be confined to your history
You’ll blast past everything
that has held you back
You’ll get on track
as your value and meaning
take front seat
You will finally know
you’re completely free!

So let me say sincerely,
I feel joy in what I foresee
and with all certainty
I raise my crystal ball
and toast “Cheers”
to a deeply delicious New Year!

(c)2007 Kelly Richards
www.HowtoFeelGood.org

Got depression? Try expression!

2007-01-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

2006 was quite a year for me!
I recovered from cancer surgery I had in 2005. My conduct disorder-inflicted child turned 18 so it is a relief to no longer be responsible for him. I wish him all the best as an adult!
I cut way back on my photography business, and began writing and doing art again. What fun and release to express and be wildly creative! What a variety of emotions emerged! I wrote/scribbled volumes of stuff in my big blank drawing pads. Over 100 poems popped out of my heart. I took writing and art classes at Mesa Community College and learned a lot of useful stuff! I became a life coach at SWIHA (Southwest Institute for Healing Arts) in Tempe, Arizona. I published my poems as an e-book last month.
Today I uploaded a paperback version of the book to lulu.com. I look forward to getting a copy of it soon and then opening it up to the public!
Here is the description of the book I wrote for the back cover:

This powerful collection of insights, poems, and zingers will startle you into recognizing your own unlimited potential! With humor and raw emotions you will be propelled through an inner journey of awakening and recovery. With utter clarity, each phrase cuts to the core of life, leaving you with a strong dose of hope and wonder.
Kelly Richards is a writer, painter, photographer, and musician who has made her home in Gilbert, Arizona for twenty years. She holds master’s degrees in piano performance and photography.
Join her email family at www.HowtoFeelGood.org to enjoy a weekly inspirational message. Call the Feel Good Line at (480) 773-7000 for a recorded poem changed weekly.

Kelly Richards
P.O. Box 298
Gilbert, Arizona 85299

Kelly@HowtoFeelGood.org
www.HowtoFeelGood.org

Happy New Year!

2007-01-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year to all! Here is my poem about how I spent New Year's Eve:

At midnight we hugged and kissed, delighted
we popped the cork with New York, New York
We savored a sip, we danced and dipped
We celebrated as they dropped the ball
The whole world cheered—elated, enthralled
The year stretched before us like a Times Square marquee—
bright with endless possibility

(c)2007 Kelly Richards
www.HowtoFeelGood.org