Sunday, May 31, 2020

Turtle Digs: An Angel Message


On Saturday, it had rained hard in the afternoon and early evening. At dusk, from the sun-room window, I happened to see this shiny wet backed turtle out in the front yard.  His behavior was interesting.   Rather than sheltering under a bush, he was digging in a bald sandy spot in the middle of the lawn. 

Slowly and methodically, I watched him scoop out sand to create a comfortable place to rest.  Night was falling as those powerful back legs shoveled away while he anchored himself to the ground with his front legs.   

I must confess that his choice of location brought a sense of peaceful gratitude.  And, I was thankful that Elliot and I had recently postponed sodding that bald patch.  Everything is in divine order. 
 


The turtle's actions were so deliberate, it must have been an angel message.  I wondered what was the lesson? 

In revisiting the turtle meaning, I learned that in many societies, turtle was a symbol for Mother Earth. The shell represented the world which turtle carried on its back. Turtle's appearance always indicates that a new world is opening, and with it new opportunities.  Turtle indicates that our more primal senses are awakening physically and spiritually. 

When turtle appears, we are reminded that it is time to connect to our primal senses.  We have gone within our shell, and now we must come out.  The ideas are ready to be expressed.  If we express and act upon these ideas, we will succeed.

At bedtime, I looked for him once more. 

That trusting turtle had settled in his chosen place under the night sky.  After saying goodnight,  I went to sleep, content to have such a distinguished guest.

This morning,  I peeked out the window first thing, but the turtle had moved on, leaving only the imprint of his digs as a reminder of his stay.   

The race continues... and like the turtle, we keep pressing on to victory.   

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Friday, May 29, 2020

Masks on Parade: An Angel Message


Raccoon family photo by Chuck Tague
Heavy rains yesterday, and most of last night, delivered quite a surprise this morning.  Calling out to me from the window, Elliot had spotted a rare sight.  I was just in time to glimpse an adorable  raccoon family.   In tandem, the babies, in their cute little masked faces, paraded behind big Mama. Down the driveway, six long striped tails, sticking up in the air, disappeared behind the garage, making fast tracks for home, returning to the forest. 

A striking feature of the raccoon is the mask that it wears. 

In the book Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews writes that raccoon is associated with knowledge of transformation through masks.  That's why they are known as an expert of disguise and secrecy. 

The raccoon holds the knowledge of how to change our faces.  Do you need to present a different face for greater success?  Are you hiding your true self?  Are others hiding their true self? 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen






Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Do You See What I See? An Angel Message


In the middle of the night, I thought I heard the song of a frog calling.  

This morning, while filling up my watering can, I saw something unusual in the rock garden pool. 

A strange green lump was sticking up in the pond that was now blanketed in dainty green vegetation, all of the same kind.   

Clothed in a garland of tiny butterfly shaped plants, the little brown frog was a perfect candidate for an angel blog.  I'd been meaning to drain the pond, but ran out of energy with the new move.  Now having compassion, I thought about gently spraying him off with the garden hose, only something made me stop.  I'm glad I did.  

When I returned with my camera, the frog was patiently waiting, in stillness, his humped back laced with fine greenery.  His expression was not a happy one.

I got down eye level with the little frog. 

That's when I could see the clear path in the watery green patch that he created by going back and forth trying to find a way out.      



He made a sudden splash toward the steep slippery plastic wall.  I knew then he needed a helping hand up.    

When I told Elliot, he assured me that little frog could leap out, not to worry. 

But another strong angel wave told me otherwise.  "No, he needs help!" I said, searching for a long stick to set the captive free.    

To my surprise, Elliot grabbed a nearby garden shovel.  "Here, we go!"

In one loving scoopful of watery green vegetation, it was happening.  

The willing brown frog, still clad in sprigs of butterfly vegetation, patiently rode the long-handled shovel.  

Higher, and higher, to great freedom.  

 I could sense a smile, watching the gleam in his eye, as he rode the old garden spade, like a  gentleman taking an elevator to the top floor.    

Effortlessly, lifted out of troubled waters, what joy to see the little frog now safely perched on a large garden rock near the pool.   

Inspired, I did a little more research on frogs.  They signal transformation through water and sound.  The frog is a creature of metamorphosis as it changes from an egg, to a tadpole, to a frog.  And so frog is a symbol of coming into one's own creative power.  If a frog has hopped into your life, you may need to get in touch with the water element.  Are you becoming waterlogged, bogged down, or drowning in emotions? 

I was thankful for his timely visit today.  F.R.O.G. is an acronym for (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od.   During these months of tremendous global transformation, like that frog stuck in the monotony of a small stagnant pool, we, too, will be delivered into expansive new waters of life.  So keep the faith and patiently focus on fully relying on God.  Like frog, we can sing our own song in the night, knowing there will be an answer in divine order.  




Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 





Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Hawk Watch: An Angel Message

Last week, a red-shouldered hawk landed on a tree stump next door.  I grabbed my new camera and tried to zoom in over the pasture.  The lone hawk was intently preening his feathers, so it was hard to focus and get a good picture. But, an angel thought came to me that this hawk was getting ready for an important date, and wanted to look his best.

When the uploaded photos were enlarged, his facial expressions were so amusing that I imagined him coaching himself.   


Get ready!  An opportunity is coming!
Keep watching. It can happen.


I believe....I believe...

In the afternoon, I  happened to look out the window... what a surprise...perfectly posed on their respective tree stumps, they met eye to eye.  It had been worth the wait.



Whenever a hawk shows up, I try to pay attention.  Hawk brings a message of spirit vision and guardianship, a sign for me that angels are present. Whenever a hawk shows up, you will see the opportunities.   The signs will be clear.  So be patient and observe the big picture.



Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

Saturday, May 23, 2020

A Hair-Raising Experience: An Angel Message




This big duck waddled over to sit by Elliot and me at the lake today.  A peaceful morning, our fowl friend settled down to rest in the grass near our picnic table in the shade of a lovely old cypress tree.  The three of us were appreciating a moment's repose at the lake. 


With a stillness in the air, just as the duck was about to close his eyes and nap, a car passed by the park.

What happened next, was a surprise.  All those black hairs on the top of his head raised up in unison, creating a new hair style.   An instant mohawk! 

I laughed, thankful for a better understanding of the term hair-raising experience. 

Satisfied there was no problem, his mohawk flattened back down on his head in unison.  Every hair slicked back in place, he was ready for a nap. 

Later, I learned that ducks can sometimes remind us to return to those parts of ourself, or those activities that we feel safe and comfortable in, as well.




Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen 



Duck ref:  Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews

Friday, May 22, 2020

Don't Fence Me In: An Angel Message

Often times when we try to reach out and help another, a limitation such as a fence can block our immediate success.  But rather than despair, I've learned to ask the angels for help.  Angels are pure intuitive thoughts passing from God to His children.

Earlier this week our family of four sandhill cranes were in a troublesome situation. Mama and one chick were across the road in a wide open field, waiting and watching.  Papa and junior on the other side of the road were trapped inside the cow pasture.  Earlier that day, on our way to the mail box, I found it odd that father and son were inside the pasture fence, hanging out with the cows and horses. That was something new.

That evening, on our walk, Elliot and I noticed the black cows and brown horses had been tucked away in their stables for the night. 

The sun was setting on the empty pasture, and something was wrong.

Rather than enjoying their pastoral mileiau, Papa and junior crane were pacing up and down, pecking away at the loosely meshed wire fencing.  Our feathered friends were trapped inside the pasture, eagerly searching for a way out. 

Had they been there all day?

 Unlike Papa who could spread his big beautiful 6-ft. wings and fly free, junior was a month shy of getting his flight feathers. Papa was loyal and stayed by his son's side.  Elliot and I checked the pasture fencing for an opening, but there was none. 

How had junior gotten inside in the first place?  It was a mystery... 

My heart was filled with compassion, as we walked on down the dirt lane, letting them be.

There had to be an answer. 

The two were still at it when we turned around at the end of the road.   Poking their long necks in and out of the fencing in search of a loop hole in the wire mesh.

I couldn't just leave them alone...now that we knew for sure they were in trouble.  Elliot and I had a bond with this family who frequently visited our yard.  After all, Papa and Mama and the chicks were our welcoming committee from the neighborhood since sheltering-in was in place for Florida when we moved.

Over the many weeks, what joy to watch those  4-ft. tall heavy bodied, long-necked, long-legged parents stroll through the yard, their bright red-capped heads bent down pecking the ground.  Their drooping gray feathers looked like a "bustle" around their back-end as they stooped over to feed their young.  The best part was watching the cute little orange fuzzy chicks teeter along behind the adults. In a month, the two chicks had grown ten times their size, that's quite a growth spurt.

The family always stayed together, with each parent keeping a watchful eye over one chick.  Teams of two, united as four.  They were always within view of one another. That's how we recognized them.

All these thoughts came to mind as we continued our evening walk down the quiet country lane.  I decided to approach the farmer.   I spotted the wife from far off, and shouted, "Hello!"  But she disappeared inside.

Hoping for the best, my feet began walking up their long driveway, through the open gate to their compound.   "Hello!" I called out, each time I took a step forward.  I realized that the timing for meeting new neighbors wasn't ideal due to social distancing.  People are fearful, but the cranes needed help. It was worth a try...if the owners would open the pasture gate.

Walking along, I asked the Holy Spirit for a holy relationship with the neighbors, and also called on the angels for help as I continued toward the distant farm house. 

A thought came to mind about dogs.

And, soon, excited dogs were charging my way, barking loud.  For some reason, they made me laugh. A motley crew-- all different sizes and colors.   A little brown and white wire terrier led the pack. Followed by a friendly golden lab.  The large black shaggy dog was a little more serious. And the fourth dog, is a blur.

A fear thought tried to creep in, but I gulped and called out a cheerful greeting to the lively pack of four.  "Look at you all!"  I shouted.  "Hello!  How are you.  It's okay. All is well."

All the commotion alerted the farmer, who came out, and called his dogs.  The dogs were friendly, and so was he.  Breathlessly, I explained over the barking, that we lived down the road, and were out for a walk when we saw the sandhill cranes trying to poke their way out of the pasture fence.

The man, smiled, saying, "That's no problem.  They come and go all of the time."

I went on to explain that junior couldn't fly yet, but again he told me, No worries

I asked him if he had seen the young crane fly, and he looked at me.  I knew the answer.  Apparently, he'd seen more than his share of sandhills come and go over the years.

In my heart I just knew this was an exception.  But, it would do no good to force the issue.

"No worries," he again assured me. "They come and go."

I thanked him for not shooting me, and he laughed, saying he couldn't get to his gun that fast.

Elliot and I said our good-byes to the man and his dogs.  Walking back down the long driveway, in  the distance, we saw the weary sandhills ceaselessly poking the long fence for a way out.

We'd done our best...what else could we do?  I told myself.

Walking by the frustrated cranes I knew the truth.  They needed help.  Father and son were still at it, not giving up.  Once more we, too, searched with them for an opening.

Papa  pushed his whole head and neck through one loosely linked wired mesh.  His big steel gray body could only go so far, leaving a mark across his chest.  Maybe he was teaching junior how to poke through?  

Before long, Papa took a break.  Lifting his head, beak pointing skyward, he let out a forlorn cry to  his mate. Mama Crane and sister chick were waiting in the open field across the road.  Longingly, they gazed toward their loved ones, as they patiently watched, holding the space for Papa and junior to return to them.

Surrender isn't easy but, Elliot and I had no choice.  The answer was out of our hands.  The angels would help, somehow...

At home, after an hour or so, I just wanted to make sure those cranes were free.  That our prayers had been answered.  The sky was a glorious celestial pink, with golden orange rays, as we drove to the pasture,-- our necks craned in search of the sandhills.  A peaceful hush blanketed the land.  We drove to the mailbox, and there was no sign of the pair. 

Returning down the road, heading toward home, I looked for a sign of the sandhills in the pasture.  Berating myself for asking for God's help, and then in doubt, going to check it out.  Double minded... Where was my faith? 

Then, I saw them.  My heart sank.  Father and son were still seeking and seeking....put out to pasture.

An idea came to get a board from the garage to use as a walkway over the pasture fence.  We sped home, and returned with something better.  A  house window shutter.  The slats would make a perfect ladder.

The sky was turning to dusk as Elliot set the long white shutter up against the fence, trying to coax our feathered friends to climb aboard.  But, the concept was foreign to the long-legged cranes.  They simply squawked, and strutted underneath the board, anxiously poking their long beaks at the pasture fence to break free.

Once more, I said a prayer.  What else could we do?  We packed up the shutter, and just as I was letting it all go, relying on divine order, I turned around and happened to see Junior outside the pasture by a tree, he stood free in the middle of the lane!  How did he do it?!  I laughed, in disbelief. 

Then I had a humorous thought...

Maybe, just maybe, an angel gave him a BIG mercy push to squeeze through to the other side.

 Whatever, Papa was free to fly, and with that miracle, we headed home, thankful for a happy ending and a chance to see such a beautiful sunset.

The next day, the crane family was nowhere to be seen.  I thought perhaps they had moved on, not wanting a repeat performance.  But I was wrong.  The following morning, the family was reunited, once again pecking away in search of grubs in our yard.

Cranes symbolize noble guardianship, and that sometimes you can be that for another.

Papa and Junior


Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen





   

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Garden Gate: An Angel Message



Many years ago, most of my days were spent working in a windowless office building that had once been a government warehouse.  My friend Debbie, also employed at Cameron Station, and I would look forward to our walks at lunchtime, passing by the railroad tracks, circling the path around the duck pond.  Although those years have long since slipped by, today I was able to take another walk with my dear friend in her poem, inspired by an early morning walk in the quiet of her Virginia neighborhood.      

The Garden Gate
by Debbie Schultz

I arrive each morning at the garden gate
Coming past dawn so not to be late

To open the latch into this sacred space
Filled with nature’s beauty offering grace

I witness the flowers asleep in their beds
With petals downward on bended heads

Yet as the sun arches upward in aqua sky
I already know and no need to ask why

Each flower now with open faces
Are raised in gratitude and offer praises

May I do so myself humbly each day
Thanking the Creator as I silently pray

Feeling Earth’s wonder on all my senses
As I close the gate to the garden’s fences
                              

Enjoy your walk with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

(Photo: Debbie Schultz)

Saturday, May 16, 2020

You Can Make it Happen: An Angel Message


When it comes to cracking the code to get to the birdseed, the baby squirrels out here in the country are more skillful than their city cousins.   Rather than climb a nearby tree to make a flying leap to the stash, these rascals, like Olympic champs, scale the shepherd's crook in record speeds with no time to lose traction.  One short leap onto the birdhouse roof, and the fun begins.  

Spinning round in playful circles, oh! what exhilaration while sampling the tasty birdseed.  Flexibility is the key to success.

Years ago, there was a time when I would get upset whenever squirrels tackled our bird feeder.  But, then I realized, they didn't know it was only for feathered friends.  I decided to let go of control, and let nature put in the balance.  All God's creatures are harmonious.  Whenever a squirrel shows up, it is time to balance work and play.  

As you can see, the squirrel's zealous attack on the bird feeder, spills out plenty of corn and sunflower seeds on the ground.  More than enough to provide a good meal for those unable to reach up that high. 
Sandhill family.
Flexibility and willingness to give it a go are what this squirrel can teach. Twisting and turning, you, too, can stretch to make it happen. Where there is a will, there is a way.  
  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Friday, May 15, 2020

Mourning Dove: An Angel Message


On Monday evening after dinner, while enjoying the outdoors, I noticed the tall old pine in the back yard had a bounty of bright new green pine cones.  Nature is abundant.  Not too far off, I heard the soft drawn out coo of a mourning dove, a sorrowful call like a lament...

"cooOOoo-woo-o"

A similar call to the owl, but more frequent and softer.

Before long, the soft flapping of gentle wings folded, landing high in the pine treetop.

Out on a limb, against a cloudless blue sky, a sweet mourning dove perched in the glow of even tide.

Her expression was curious and made me smile.  She appeared to be looking down from her lofty perch, wondering how to get back down to the ground.   

It wasn't a problem for her.

Before long, she let out a distinct whistle, and spread her wings in the blue sky heading off in a new direction.

Her unique whistle peaked my curiosity.  I wondered why mourning doves always whistle before taking flight?  Is it their way of announcing, "Get ready!  Here I come!"

A little research on-line turned up the answer.  The whistling sound comes from the air that vibrates the tips of their flight feathers as the mourning dove takes off.

What a lovely thought -- wings that automatically sing as you take flight.  

Later, I looked up the symbolism, in gratitude for her uplifting message:  "When the dove sings, we can expect life to settle.  We will move from the difficult cycle into one of greater rest and peace of mind.  Dove heralds a time of new cycles and new worlds about to open."



That's good news...as we all look forward to brighter days.   Let's take a lesson from the mourning dove and release what has passed, and prepare for a new birth.  Remember to give a little whistle in gratitude for the lessons learned, as we spread our wings and take flight in an upward direction.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Rae Karen


Thursday, May 14, 2020

Up and Down: An Angel Message

Yesterday afternoon, the only action at the lake was a playful pair of ducks swimming in the refreshing waters.  It was amusing to notice they were sharing a moment of different views.  One, heads-up; the other, heads-down. 

Up and down...they splashed around.   A reflection for life today, if we listen to the fluctuating outer world view. 

Watching the ducklings at play, was a reminder to have fun in the now.

Like water off a duck's back, don't let negativity weigh you down.   These web-footed paddlers bring a lesson to sooth our emotions by seeking emotional comfort and protection.  Stay in a comfortable environment.  Difficulties will be easily handled.  Trust and keep your thoughts on high.  Don't let any criticism ruffle your feathers.  Try to remember that everything is either love, or a call for love. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen



(Duck ref.  Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

A Dear Gift at Dusk: An Angel Message

At twilight time, a peaceful hush blanketed the threshold of another day fading.  Last evening, in gratitude, I looked out the living room window.  At the far end of the pasture, something new caused a stir of excitement.

  A large animal's broad brown back was toward me, head bent low, grazing in the quiet field next door.  Joyfully, I hoped our neighbors had added a donkey, like Allahambra, to their menagerie. 

That thought quickly dissolved into something just as precious...

A tall lone deer lifted her head, doe-full eyes intently gazed in my direction.

 The first sighting in the neighborhood.

Spellbound, I did my best to zoom over the field toward her peaceful presence.  The gentle deer held her graceful pose, wide-eyed, looking my way. 

In the awkward struggle to steady and focus, I called on the angels for help in capturing this sacred moment. The camera lens bounced up and down, beeping a signal for more light every time I pressed the photo button.

Then as quickly as she appeared, I watched her gracefully leap the tall pasture fence in a single bound.   Her white tail waved a friendly good-bye, as she pranced to the other side of the road. 

Later I learned that my new camera is not ideal in low light.  After all my constant clicking, only one photo had been uploaded.   But in the end, that was what I needed to share with you. 

I was thankful for the deer's message to move gently into new areas.  Times are changing and so we have an opportunity to reinvent our life and where it is heading, with the help of Christ and God's angels.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen
    

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Cherub and the Tortoise: An Angel Message

Many years ago, at a garden center in Virginia Beach, an unlikely "dynamic duo" brought a burst of needed enthusiasm.  A tortoise and a cherub! At that time, my life was somewhat a tiresome race, with many hurdles, and I was doing my best to stay in it.  So finding this surprising victory symbol brought a gleeful smile.  After all, the slow-moving, humble tortoise had won his race, against all odds, by doing his best, lumbering toward the finish line.

I knew it was a keeper.  Toting the concrete cherub-and-tortoise statue to the garden cashier, I  was thankful for the loving reminder that we, too, have angels who have "our backs" and gently encourage us to keep on going, and never give up.  To run our own race, in victory.  

Last week tortoise energy popped up again.   The large ancient-looking gopher tortoise who lives in a hollow next door taught me a lesson.  He must have listened to the angel riding on his back.  

To my dismay, on Saturday, the property owner came barreling through the pasture, riding a shiny new orange lawn tractor... 

I worried about the old slow moving tortoise...

Would he stay hunkered down in the safety of  his sandy hollow, protected by the trees?  

I sent up a little prayer for the angels to keep him safe. 

 Dirt and sand kicked up a cloud of dust as that loud machinery circled round the trees, coming closer and closer.  

I hoped that hard-shelled tortoise wouldn't take flight from fright, and unwisely make a run for it across the pasture.    

But, it seems I need not have worried.  

Yesterday afternoon, I happened to look out the window at a joyful sight.  A big beautiful brown mound of slow-moving armor was out and about, freely roaming the freshly cut pasture, munching  on the greens in the sunlit pasture.  And, me learning to use my powerful zoom camera.  



Tortoise is symbolic of being successful in moving under pressure.  But, as my thick-shelled new neighbor taught me, divine timing is the key to victory when running a race. 



Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 










Monday, May 11, 2020

A Newer Vision Unfolding: An Angel Message

On my birthday, Elliot and I took a ride to the orchid farm to try out my new camera.  The coi fish pond was brimming with delicate purple lotus flowers.  





Beyond the soulfulness of pure saturated light and color,
as best seen in the myriad flowered faces of Nature,
is the beautiful face of God
smiling down in blessing upon us.
--Narana


I had forgotten that another name for a lotus is a sea rose.  A lotus symbolizes divine birth, purity, an opening to greater spiritual awareness.  The unfolding petals suggest an expansion of the soul.  Lotus bring the message that higher knowledge is available if we choose to open up to it.  This flower alerts us to a newer vision that will be unfolding soon.

While rooted in the mud, its flowers bloom on tall stems that make it appear as though the lotus is floating above the dirty waters of attachment and desires.   Drops of water easily slide off its beautiful petals, also symbolizing detachment.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen 

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Happy Mother's Day! An Angel Message






Flowers bring love to the heart.  Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day!

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Down the Tortoise Hole: An Angel Message


Synchronicity is amazing, often making you shake your head in wonder at the timing and point-on accuracy of the encounter.

Yesterday at lunchtime we experienced one of those joyful synchronous jolts that mirrored our thoughts.   Since home-sheltering has been lifted, Elliot and I began tackling a big gardening project.  Three large stone flower beds, bordering the front walkway, laid vacant, with not so much as a plant, the view,-- a big void filled with dirty sand.

So the other night, I got busy with my hand shovel, digging buckets of sand out of the flowerbeds in preparation for the flowers.

The next morning,  dainty yellow lantanas, gold-and-maroon faced flowery plants, and bright red pentas from the local nursery, had transformed that barren area into a beautiful spring garden. 

At lunchtime, while admiring the new cheerful view from the sun-room, an idea came to me.  Why not retrieve our garden statue from the old house? Timothy the large brown tortoise would be happy here, and serve as a reminder that the tortoise won the race.  What happened next caught me by surprise.  A large brown tortoise was heading in our direction, lumbering down the grassy stretch by the driveway! 

Elliot laughed. "Looks like Timothy has come to us!"

What were the chances?  The timing was funny, like the angels often orchestrate to help us lighten up. 

Wasting no time, I ran out the backdoor, hoping to head the tortoise off at the pass. 

But, when I got there, that big brown shelled traveler was no where in sight.  I didn't know he could move so fast! 

My eyes scanned the pasture  next door, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.  Then, I heard it. 

A slight rustling in the underbrush in a stand of trees near the other side of the fence.

The wind shifted the trees branches, and there he was. As big as a platter, hunkered down in a sandy hole in the shade.  Resting from the hot Florida sun, he looked quite content to just be in the shelter of the trees.  Softly, I congratulated him on his wise choice.  Playfully, I then offered him an opportunity to come out.  His photo would be featured in an international angel blog.  But that lure to fanfare didn't move him one inch.  Respecting his privacy, I said good-bye, letting him be at peace. 

Late that afternoon, on our way to the car, I was curious if he was still there.  The tortoise was hard to spot, unless you knew what you were looking for, as he blended in with the underbrush and trees.

 But there he was, having dug himself a deeper hole. Florida has tortoises that can dig big deep holes, and burrow long tunnels underground. Their shovel-like front legs earn them the name gopher tortoises.

Our "down-the-tortoise-hole" encounter sent me digging for more information on our new neighbor who was digging his place as much as I was ours. 

"When tortoise appears, we have usually been experiencing many changes and burdens, and although it may not seem so, its appearance now indicates that the dawn is slowly approaching.  (An encouraging message for us all right now.) They remind us to carry on, moving and facing things steadily and slowly in our endeavors.  Pressures are easing up now and progress will be slow but steady.  Things are unfolding in the time and means that is best for you.  Focus on the essentials and try not to force anything." 

I was so thankful for the uplifting message.  After all, the tortoise won the race with the hare.  So take it slow and steady and you, too, will be victorious like the tortoise did under pressure to cross the finish line. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  What animals are crossing your path today?  You may be in for quite a surprise.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen


(Ref. Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)






photo:  Wikimedia Commons

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

A Song in the Night: An Angel Message

The other night I was awakened from sleep by the call of a distant bird.  The song is a familiar one, that I have read about, but never had the pleasure of hearing.  Whip-poor-will...Whip-poor-will...it sang out in the night air.   At first, I thought it was my husband snoring, softly whistling through his nose, but when I listened closely, he was playing a different tune.

And, soon the Whip-poor-will called out again in the dark. 

His call reminded me of another bird from childhood who sang out its name, too.  Bob White...Bob White.. Memories of my grandparents' farm in Virginia crossed my mind.  I fell back to a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, I was curious to learn what a whip-poor-will looks like.  A search on Wikimedia Commons brought up an unexpected image of an ancient looking bird that is a member of the night hawk family.

Elliot reminded me of that old song, My Blue Heaven, ...when Whip-poor-will calls and evening is nigh, I hurry to my blue heaven. 

In Animal-Wise, "the whip-poor-will advises to stay alert to something unexpected. Because its song is this bird's outstanding characteristic, exploring the use of sound and music may be important to some activity or endeavor right now.  The whip-poor-will reminds us that there are times to sing forth our own unique song.  You will be heard and you will be responded to."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Sunday, May 3, 2020

A Gentle Call to a New Adventure: An Angel Message

To celebrate our regained freedom, Elliot and I took a spontaneous ride on Saturday.  Sheltering at home for Florida residents had expired on April 30th. It was great to be out and about again.

Traveling down a rural road, the timing was good, as we were in for a rare treat.  Up ahead, a beautiful brown deer and her baby fawn were crossing the empty road. The little fawn, the youngest we've ever seen, was wobbling behind mom.  In awe, we watched them disappear down a path in the woods. Slowly approaching in the car, to our delight, mother and fawn had stopped to nibble on the grasses near the edge of the forest.  Rather than run, they both stopped, turned around and looked at us in wide-eyed innocence.  What a beautiful moment.  And, me with no camera.

That precious encounter seemed especially significant on our first outing in weeks.   Silently sending them love, I recalled when deer appears, it is a sign that you are gently being called on a new adventure.

While writing the blog, an angel thought suggested searching Wikimedia Commons for a photo of a deer and fawn.   To my delight, this one popped up, somewhat capturing that rare moment. 

 

I looked up the symbolism of the deer.  Deer is also a time to be gentle with yourself and others.  A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born.  Ask yourself these important questions:

Are you trying to force things?

Are others?

Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself?

When deer appears there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors of adventure to you.  Follow the lure to new studies.  Move gently into new areas.  Practical pursuits bring surprising rewards.

On-line, I also learned that a baby fawn is messenger that you are learning to create a sacred place within when the rest of the world seems noisy.  Silence and meditation are important.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Rae Karen





(Photo by A G 91 leo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49366351)

(Deer reference, Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews; Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)