Gifts for the Goddess – Choose Love

I sat on the edge of the Grand Canyon. The snow was so white, and it glistened as it lay next to the red and orange rock that made up a frightening drop off a cliff. The snow had stopped just hours before and the clouds, light from the release, looked like cotton in the sky, and they threw eerie shadows over this great wonder of the world.  The wind was cold and it whipped thru the Canyon, as if to announce, “I can whip thru the open air  and I can go wherever I want; over your Cliffs, thru your trees, down ravines.”  It didn’t care if there were walls and cliffs a mile deep, it found it’s way to the bottom and back up again, sometimes with such force it knocked over weak signs and old tree trunks that had the life taken from them, except for the snakes and critters that might call them home.

 

What a place.  I seem so small compared to this great Canyon, a beauty of mother earth that has been a place of wonder and astonishment for centuries.  Being here, any worries or supposed hardships in my life, any doubts, any negativity or hurt seems to melt away.  There is only Love, love of this place called Earth and its’ mysteries, love of the people I see here, love for myself; feelings of awe, blessings, and peace.  How I wish everyone could experience it. To open your heart and feel love all around and feel so full.  I tell you it is the best medicine on earth!

I am so happy and fortunate to have my friends, my work, my family….my life.  We all have hardships, to varying degrees. But no matter where our paths have taken us, we always have the power and the choice to love.  Never forget that.  You don’t have to be in a wonderful, inspiring place to feel and experience the love, all you have to do is chose it. It’s there, believe me.

This Holiday season, remember to sprinkle each day with love.  No matter where you are, no matter what time, what place, what people you are with, always remember to open your heart to Love.  Be thankful for what you have and who you are.  And know that you are loved too.

Peace and Love to you my friends, always…..

40’s Goddess     Veronica Crystal Young

For inspiring Nature DVDs, visit my website at   www.tvartscapes.com

TV Screensavers to inspire, relax and romance!

Gifts for the Goddess – Relax Already!

Relax Already!

So you would think that being in one of the most beautiful places on earth would make one relax, wind down and really take life slow, releasing all the tensions and problems one thinks is clogging up their life. Well, I’m here to tell you…. no! It’s not that easy for some of us.

There I was in Maui, at the beautiful Hyatt Hotel with stunning waterfalls, lagoons, and several pools right on the ocean, and it still was hard to just relax, sleep on a lounge chair or read a book, at least for an hour or two. I was still so anxious and in work mode, it was hard to “turn off” totally. I know it will take a few days…thank goodness I was there for a few days, at least I’ll be relaxed by the third day….I hope.

Does it take you some time to decompress? Do you get anxious or feel like you should be “doing” something to fill up the time? I, at least, have my videography and filming that makes me feel like I am not “wasting time.” And what is wasting time? Why do some of us feel that if we are not pursing our passions, working towards something or visiting family or friends that we are “wasting time?” I guess it comes from being a type A personality, where nothing is ever quite done, nothing is ever perfect. I have to sit down with myself and have a heart to heart talk, and give myself permission to relax. Permission to let time run out and watch it go by with absolutely no regret for not filling it with work, or calls or “business stuff.” I was going to be filming in a few days and that is my greatest joy, but until then, laying by the pool, sipping a pina colada and making new friends was just gonna have to do! It’s rough…..I know.

So give yourself permission to just be and enjoy time without feeling like you have to be somewhere, be doing anything or talking to anyone. Enjoy the “Being” and the rejuvenation will begin. You will have a fresh perspective on everything and you can actually start the process of learning how to “be” all the time, even when you are home, at work or in stressful situations. Teach yourself to take a moment to check into the “being” state. It is the Now, it is sacred, and it is necessary….for all of us.

Peace and love my friends. May you find the state of “being,’ relaxed and rejuvenated by life’s simple moments. They are life’s greatest moments.  Mahalo….

40s Goddess    Veronica Crystal Young

www.tvartscapes.com www.crystaleyesinc.com

 

Gifts for the Goddess – Nature’s Healing

I’ve written about nature and connection before but it bears repeating.  I’ve been remise in writing for about 65 days.  Life has gotten the better of me these last few months, but I will work to change that because I am the only one that can.  Time to get back to business.

As I sit by the fast moving river in Beaver Creek, Colorado, the water seems to be on a mission!  I can’ t help but be inspired to also move thru whatever health and life issues have set me in a downward spiral with barely the strength to meet the day sometimes.  The Aspens seem to “twinkle” with the sun’s warmth dancing on their vibrant green leaves, and it is a striking contract with the white bark and knotted tree trunk which seems to have eyes eyes that say “everything is going to be ok.”  Simple really, we should take a clue from nature always.

This trip to Colorado was about renewal for me. It was about taking back my power, reflecting on my choices and making a decision on a course of action.  Hiking, biking, rafting and experiencing nature’s beauty (and adventure) helped to calm the stress, focus my thoughts, and relax.  Something I hope the TV ArtScapes DVD series I have developed about “feeling” like nature is right outside your window, brings to whoever sees it.  We all have too much stress in our lives, we need to learn to acquiesce to calm.  Relax, renew, recharge in nature.  And you don’t need anyone else to do it either.

Every time I am in nature, every time, I feel great, inspired by it’s magnificence. I am reminded that we are all one, we are all here on this planet to contribute, to live, to love to share and finally return to mother earth and,  I believe, continue on our journey in some way.  Take a hike, ride a bike, visit the ocean or forest……nature’s healing awaits!

Peace, joy and adventure always,

40s goddess        Veronica Crystal Young

www.tvartscapes.com www.crystaleyesinc.com

Cougar Travel

Gifts for the Goddess – What’s Important

As I reach another Birthday, I can’t help but think about ….what’s important.

Having been away from the hustle and bustle of work, city life for a week or so, it’s really easy to feel what is important, especially with this sunrise!

As I woke up at 5:30AM to pack up my camera & coffee, I started out praying the sun would cooperate with me this time and produce an amazing sight. As I drove thru the jungle and finally to the parking lot of the State Park, the sound of the pounding waves were unmistakable.  Four days past when the Tsunami was suppose to hit, mother nature was reeling. I grabbed my coffee and I could see in the distance the sun trying to peak out from behind grey clouds over a grey ocean.

The ground was made up of lava rocks and is covered in places with bright green; It is a beautiful contrast against the dark black rock.  As I neared the edge of the rock, the sun was barely creeping up in the horizon, the clouds had cleared a bit, and my heart was just soaring.  How can anyone be depressed, upset or sad around this? I actually cried a little at the stunning beauty.  It was breathtaking.  No one, I mean not a soul was around.   It was me and the ocean…..and the great creator.

I thought about my life, what had been joyful this past year, and what had been a challenge.  Those things I wish I could change, those things I needed to let go because I couldn’t change them, and I thought about what I wanted in my life. I have always been strong. I have always thought I knew what was important and what I wanted.  In this place……it was hard to think about “real” life.   At times I can find myself struggling with what I really want, with what’s important.  In this magical place, where you cannot help but feel magnificent calm and creative inspiration, I can see it very clearly.

Family. Love them and appreciate them with all your heart, for despite the trying times, and there will be some, they are your anchors to this life and to who you are.  Good or bad, they help shape you. Your parents and siblings helped shape your earliest thoughts and ideas about this world, yourself and others.  Your spouse helps you remember who you really are and shares your soul’s purpose. Your children help you re-examine life and how you see the world. Bless them, and tell them as often as possible, how much you love and care for them.  There is nothing as strong as family. (See Dad and Mom)

Friends. Love them and tell them often. Also forgive them, for there are times when they will disappoint or hurt you.  They are human, get over it. And know that true friends will always have your best interest at heart and will always protect and love you. (See “Friends” )

You. Love and forgive yourself, for there are times when you will disappoint and hurt yourself, times when you wish you could change the past.  Whatever you feel you did or did not do that caused any type of regret. You are human, get over it!  Life it too short. Despite our tradition of new year’s resolutions, the reality is, we have the opportunity daily to start over and renew our lives.

World Peace.  Enough said on that one.  I think you get it.

Bottom line  for what’s important – Love. Love for everyone and everything, no matter what is said, done or not done. No matter the circumstance, no matter the choices, the right choice and the only choice – is love.  That’s what’s important.  What a lovely world if everyone could just get this one thing.

It’s that simple….. and that hard.   Peace and Love my Friends….

40s Goddess  –  Veronica Crystal Young

www.tvartscapes.com www.crystaleyesinc.com

Gifts for the Goddess – Control

As I sit here on the beautiful island of Maui, I find myself thinking about Control. I have been going thru a control phase in my life, mostly because lately at work I have had to juggle a lot of information, people, personalities and projects, as well as assign tasks and manage a new team of analysts.   Control and extreme organization is a must and I find it is spilling over into my personal and home life.   Now this can be good and this can be bad.

The Good. I have organized and de-cluttered  my house.  I went thru the entire house picking up things that the neighborhood shelter or salvation army could use. A good friend of mine was great enough to build me some shelves in my home office and I finally can see and actually use my 3^rd bathroom.  I have transformed it into my own personal “Spa” where I can pamper myself, take bubble baths , light candles and burn Eucalyptus oils while listening to the “Spa” channel on XM, and watching the ocean waves of Hawaii or a waterfall from Oregon. Ahhhh.   So feeling so out of control at work, I felt the need to have control over my home situation.   If the house or my office is a mess, It’s one more thing that I can’t get a handle on and I can be easily distracted. Walking into the clean, organized house, seeing everything in it’s place and just being able to unwind from the hectic day at the office is heaven, and has been my saving grace.

The Bad. At work, If I am not conscience of it, I can get really, really detailed and anal and drive everyone crazy, including myself I might add.  Trying to put processes and workflows in place and making sure everyone follows them for tracking and accountability purposes is just a real pain, but necessary to get the job done and keep juggling everything so we are on track. That’s the bad at work.  The bad in my personal life is a bit more complex.

When emotions run high, I sometimes lose perspective and I realize I really need to keep the control issue in check.  How do I do that? Well, first thing, I realize nothing is real anyway.  We make so much up.  The situation you are upset about, the guy you are wishing will call, the deal you are wishing would happen…….People, let it go!  Surrender. That’s all I can say.

You will drive yourself nuts trying to analyze everything.  We women are good at that one. Things will happen if they are suppose to happen, try to leave it to the Higher power. Try…it’s hard.  You have to believe whatever is best for you, mother/father/god will provide. Whatever you need in this life, whatever your challenges and lessons, you will overcome and learn.  I’m not saying don’t prepare, study, plan or engage in relationship, I’m just saying realize after you do the work, meet that special person, or present your deal, you need to let “life happen.”

What is your path?  What is your life’s passion?  Who is your life’s partner?  When will it reveal itself? When will he show up?  Will you miss it? Will you misread signs based on your wants and needs?  It all seems so complicated, but it really is not. Just surrender people.  Everything is as it should be. We have to believe that.  Being in this beautiful place called Maui at the moment, how can I not know and feel this as truth?  I do, and yes, it’s still hard.

We all have lessons to learn, and if we don’t learn them the first time, don’t worry, they will be back soon enough…another time, another place.  You can count on it.

Control.  Just Surrender.  It’s that simple…..and that hard.

Peace and love always,

40s Goddess    Veronica Crystal Young

www.tvartscapes.com www.crystaleyesinc.com

Gifts for the Goddess – Tahoe Adventure

Another inspiring trip was on the agenda this week. Lake Tahoe – snow showers and all.

The trip up from Reno was a bit harrowing as there are a few places where I was alone on the road. It was snowing heavily and there were a few icy patches but I managed to get past the intense part of the road with the chains still on the seat beside me. Hey, I could have put them on!  I laid them out on the seat and read the directions at one point, but decided to forge ahead without them despite the flashing yellow lights half packed with snow that warned “Snow tires or chains required when lights flashing.”   It was an adventure!  I made it to the Hyatt on the beautiful North Shore in record time. Lake Tahoe is inspiring and I enjoyed shooting some great scenes, capturing snow and ice streams, the mountains and the majesty of Lake Tahoe for the upcoming TV ArtScapes® SnowScapes DVD.

Every nite I took advantage of the big fire pit by the lake. People talking, drinkingwine, smiling….all at a fireside pit, watching the clouds as they seemingly turn into red and orange fire behind the snowcapped mountains.  Strangers, chatting about the days skiing or yesterdays adventure. I wondered, are they happy? Are they in Love? What do they do?  What trials and challenges had they had?

There was a girl with a camera.  She looked to be about 30, her hair wrapped up in the scarf that kept the outside chill at bay.  She was by herself, and had a professional camera……she reminded me of me. She took advantage of the postcard picture setting, always capturing the right moment.  By night’s end the moon was full and it was a perfect end to a great day as it made the snow an eerie blue and the water dance with silvery strands of light.

So what did all this beauty and people watching inspire? Regret for relationships past, or regret for opportunities missed?  Regret for anything?  No, instead a setting like this always makes me feel close to nature and therefore close to everyone and everything.  It instills a feeling that you are not alone, even though you may be physically alone at the time.  A connection that is undeniable…. A connection where you know there is something bigger than all of us.  And thank goodness for that!  It also inspires thankfulness.  Thanks for being able to get away for awhile from the fast paced, techno world we live in. Thanks for time to read a book, slow down and enjoy the moments of now, because that is all there is when you really think about it.

All in all, it was a great trip. I recommend these small trips for everyone. They truly rejuvenate and can help you gain your common sense perspective on life. And if you can’t get away to enjoy the majesty of nature, Here it comes……….I do recommend the TV ArtScapes® nature DVDs!  Shameless self promotion, I know, but someone has to do it!

Happy New Year People!  Peace and Love to all.  Let’s make this year a good one!

Veronica Crystal Young– 40s Goddess

www.tvartscapes.com www.crystaleyesinc.com

Gifts for the Goddess – Friends

I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by.  Last year I was spending my holiday here in Sedona and here I am again, enjoying the red rocks, peace and serenity of mother nature.  I’m traveling a little further to the Grand Canyon in a few days so that will be a brand new adventure!  But I digress, I wanted to talk about Friends for the Holidays…. so here it is.

Friends…so great to have friends that you can talk to about anything without being judged, friends that you can trust to be there for you no matter what, friends that keep you real and won’t let you get away with being stupid or inappropriate. Friends who will keep your secrets in confidence and tell you like it is even though it may hurt.  It’s hard to find….. Having true friends is a treasure and we should never take it for granted.

Sometimes we may make mistakes, sometimes they will make mistakes, each of us acting less than our wonderful selves from pressures at home, at work…or just because we have some fear leading us in the wrong direction.  But owning up to our mistakes, taking responsibility for our actions and expressing any apologies needed is a start to getting things back on track. True friendship is golden and having true friends is the richest thing in the world.

I have groups of friends as we probably all do. Personal friends, work friends, comedy friends, professional-creative friends and a group of Goddess Friends.  There is some cross over but each group of friends is distinct and I can be a little different in each circle.  I know I am pretty quiet in the comedy group of friends as I’m a bit intimidated by all the wonderful talent!  I am very outspoken with my group of Goddess friends and personal friends, and the work and entertainment friend’s groups’ are a little more “political.”  Political meaning there are “correct” ways to act and interact.  I hate that but hey, that’s life right?  Honesty, integrity, fairness is the key to all interactions, no matter the group.  Trying to actually live that amongst all the personalities, political pulls and human nature is sometimes pretty challenging, especially when in a Management position. If I hold onto those 3 things, I’m doing good!

So I want to acknowledge a few groups of my friends.

Mary and Fred Willard’s Sketch comedy class friends – You inspire me.  You remind me not to take myself too seriously, and that there is joy and laughter in everything, even the tough times.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center work friends – You inspire me.  You keep me grounded, fulfilled, and real….knowing that we are helping people and fellow staff……working thru some tough system hurdles together and figuring it all out, because that’s what we do!

Crystal Eyes Entertainment friends – You inspire me.  You give me such joy! You bring out the creative juices in me for “The Cougar News©” or “TV ArtScapes®.”  Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity.

Goddess friends – You inspire me.  You are my best friends, my chosen sisters. I feel loved and blessed to have you in my life. …thank you for being my family.

So who do you count as your friends?  Have you told them lately that you are happy and blessed to have them in your life?  The holidays are a perfect time for that.  So what are you waiting for?   It’s almost 2012!   (Ok, it’s only a movie!)

Lots O’Love people!

40s Goddess

VCYoung   – Veronica Crystal Young   AKA Gerlinde Davidson

www.tvartscapes.com www.crystaleyesinc.com

Gifts for the Goddess – Expectations

Such a big word that holds so much meaning.  Happy, sad, miserable, or ecstatic.  Our emotions and moods can run the gamut, depending on what our expectations are in any given situation. 

 

Just look at the “real” reason you are upset or happy in any given situation.  Are you feeling badly about yourself or a situation? That usually comes down to an expectation not realized, either with yourself or with someone else.  If you are ecstatic, was your expectation much less then the reality of the situation?   

 

Painful as it may be, when I dig deep to look at certain choices that I’ve made, it’s my own expectations that have hurt me.  Was my expectation too high? Was the reality of achieving the goal to crazy or impossible?  Was it that I had set up a meeting, call, or trip and my expectations fell short of the reality?  Did someone follow-thru with what I thought would happen or totally floor me with the opposite response, good or bad?  Remember the “good and “bad” is just your perception.  That’s a whole other topic!

 

I guess the most important thing to remember is that we have the control to choose our expectations. Just like it is in our control to deal with our perceived negative repercussions of expectations not realized.  We can either, except responsibility for our actions and for having X expectations about the circumstances; or we can blame outcomes on someone or something else which is really, I think, a cop-out. 

 

My question is…..Why would you want to act like a victim?  Like something was done to you? How disempowering is that? Granted, there are times when you don’t have any control over a situation but it’s all in your handling, your reaction to the outcome where the “gold” of who you are really is. Because, let’s face it, how we show up in the world, our actions, our non-actions……are all reflections of who we really are.  It’s our choice to show up and handle things in which ever way is our true self.

 

And one more thing….I feel we must find the capacity for forgiveness, forgiveness for others, as well as ourselves.  That’s a big one.  If you feel you made a mistake, if you were hurt by someone or you hurt someone and you continually beat yourself up for it, what good could possibly come from that?  Life is too short….GET OVER IT! 

 

So I guess the best thing to have is no expectations at all.  This is difficult to say the least.  If we are not attached to an outcome and just allow the “flow of life” to happen……we could be pleasantly surprised.  Besides, most expectations are based on past experience and we all know that old adage “the past does not equal the future…..”  Except when it does.  (Did I actually say that after all this?)  Ok, I need to let it go and get over it!

 

Blessings and Happy Wishes for the Coming Year!

 

40s Goddess    Veronica Crystal Young   

www.tvartscapes.com    www.crystaleyesinc.com 

Gifts for the Goddess – Connection

Connected.  That is such a great word.  We can feel such connection….. to things, to a favorite song, to a place, to a type of food, to nature…..and most fulfilling of all to people. 

 

As I visited Hawaii last week, with its’ great sunsets, magnificent coastlines and majestic waterfalls, I couldn’t help but feel connection.  Yes, I was alone… but there was proof of a bigger feeling than alone, a grander reality, a truth about feeling a part of something.  As I took that Road to Hana at 4:30AM in the morning and experienced that lovely drive for 4 hours to the distant, not so commercial side of the island, I was overwhelmed at times at the peace, inspiration and security I felt…with no one around for miles or hours for that matter.  The beauty of the scenery, the rhythm of the ocean and the power of the waterfalls is just stunning. You can’t help but reflect on that supreme, loving energy that created all things.  And you can’t help but feel a big part of our enormous community called Earth, and all the plants and animals that live here.  

 

When I’m feeling depressed or lonely, I have a tendency to head straight for the beach or the mountains to help pull me back to that bigger connection and that sense of “we are not alone.” That is if I can.  During the week it can be difficult with juggling work, family, responsibility…..life really.  But I’ve found that taking short trips or weekend jaunts is the best medicine.  And if I can’t get away, I pop in a TV ArtScapes DVD with that awesome footage and I feel like I’m back in nature again, experiencing all it’s wonder and inspiration. 

 

We all want connection.  We all crave to belong.  Nature has a way of inspiring that connection, that feeling of belonging and wonder, that love that is the universal truth in our creation and existence.  At least it does for me.   

 

So Experience Nature, feel the connection to Love, Beauty and your God.  Feel the sense of belonging.  It’s for you everyday…… it’s for all of us.  And for goodness sakes, Let’s make sure we protect it.

 

I wish Love, Light and Connection for you all!  Peace…

40sGoddess    Veronica Crystal Young 

TV ArtScapes.com     –  Crystal Eyes Entertainment         

Gifts for the Goddess – Asking for Help

I don’t know about you but asking for help has always been hard.  As my production company and DVD business grows, more things need to get done and my time is filled with menial and administrative tasks as well as the creative work which I love.  So, I decide it was time to break down and hire an assistant.  What a big step! 

 

 Then I said to myself, “what am I doing?”  In this economy today, with it’s failing banks, DOW falling over 700 points yesterday and congress seeming to take their sweet time about passing any plan for assistance, it is not the greatest time to be hiring an assistant! Especially when my main product is not a staple on any families’ must have list, although I aim to change that in time.  Families can take a vacation in their own Living Rooms, not to mention experiencing that romantic sunset at the Beach in Carmel or the Beach in Maui, Hawaii with the TV ArtScapes DVD series….but I digress.

 

 OK, I always do this.  I do something that I think I “should do” for my business and then the gremlins start…the “Fred in my Head” (Yes, I have named him); that voice that second guesses and always tries to discourage my efforts as not the right time; I don’t have enough of this or that, I can’t do it, I need more ….blah, blah, blah!   I’m really sick of this particular man in my life!  Sound familiar?  So this is what I do.

 

 I thank him very much for sharing, I remind myself that everything happens for a reason and in it’s own time.  I TRUST (Boy that’s a big one) that my thoughts and actions about hiring someone are the next step in my business’s evolution and…… I make another list!  Yes, I’m a list person.  I make a list of all the things my assistant can do for me so that I can be free to do the things I love and the things that absolutely require ME.  You would be surprised how many items are on this list.  

 

 So with the extra help together with some creative marketing and follow-up, I am confident I made the right choice.  It’s just that until you actually “see and feel” the benefit, i.e. monetarily, that “Fred” voice is just going to be there, nagging away at your decisions.  It all comes down to Faith.  FAITH that you are on the right path, with the right people……and TRUST yourself and your decisions. We women need to do this more often!

 

Until next time,

Live with Passion, Love and Light,

……..And let Nature’s Beauty and Majesty inspire you!

VCYoung  – Veronica Crystal Young

www.tvartscapes.com    www.crystaleyesentertainment.com