Studio3Ten - A Cardinal Story

 A Cardinal Story:

After learning more about Suzanne Millius,  there were so many things in common, I felt a nudge to reach out to her so I wrote her an email to say Hi and connect:
I’m so happy I found you and absolutely love your art and style.  You truly speak to my soul and its as if you speak my heart.  Fashion, art and music have a place in my heart too.  My father (in heaven now) was an artist, graphic designer and sang beautiful songs.  He too loved antiques, Clearwater songs and art….. somehow I’m thinking HE is the one who guided me to find you.  Also, my dad is from Creve Coeur, ILL – also Midwest.   My sister (also in heaven now) is the one who brought the little red bird (our cardinal) to me the day she died – she has inspired me to inspire others with love, hope and inspiration and the journey with our little red bird.  It is amazing how many can connect to our little red bird. www.facebook.com/littleredbirdchirps


Suzanne wrote back:
I am convinced we all cross paths with one another - for a reason. Sometimes its a reason that may not be initially clear - other times - its not until later one, we are able to make the connection. as to why. I think we are here to learn - so the people we encounter - is part of the learning process. So.....that said, you found me for a reason. :)

The cardinal for me - has always been a reoccurring theme in my life - but it was a delayed recognition - in that, in hindsight - its clear. It was there all along.....like someone giving me a distinct message.  But did not know it or see it at the time.

I also have this strange connection with 11:11, 11:10, 11:12.........

I had so much art and music growing up. My grandmother - Evelyn - she was such an amazing woman. I used to go over to her house as a child, and she would draw trees with cardinal in them. So I would too.....She was sweet, kind, wise - and funny. In mind - we are all perfect - but some of us have a great deal to learn, she was just a wise soul.  Aside from her drawing these.....she collected them. and just weirdly they just always seem to 'appear' through out my life..........

She passed away years ago - but I had a very difficult time with her loss. VERY hard. Just watching her sorta crumble away.....ugh. so so difficult. I remember my mother held a 'memorial of life' for her - the grounds it was held was a beautiful house/mansion - that around here you can rent out....anyway, I did a portrait of her and gave to my mother - that was there, along with tons of photos, videos of her.....she touched so many lives......I just remember feeling numb....and I went upstairs to 'catch my breath'.....and while standing looking out the window.....I felt/though - 'I miss you..............' and began to cry. at that moment, the trees were FILLED with red cardinals......it was winter, and it was both stunning - powerful........but as a I cried - I thought 'oh my goodness......... you are not really gone.......are you?' and wow. it was just powerful. So I continued to see them. and then what started to happen as when I would struggle with something in my life - or...anything I was having a hard time processing.....a cardinal would appear.

its funny since opening this shop - the cardinals, I have had COUNTLESS people message me, and they tell me their own cardinal stories. it just blows me away.

Suzanne Millius

Artist ::: Poet ::: Dream Chaser '*+ * .*.¸.•´+ ´¨¨* .*;

studio3ten@gmail.com

www.studio3ten.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/studio3ten

 

Faces Behind the Pages that Inspire - Meme

I love how the author of the book, "Faces Behind the Pages that Inspire" quoted me and put this meme together.
My story is its own chapter in this wonderful book put together by Lori Rekowski!

Twin Tree Healing

I'm so blessed with so many sisters...... sisters I've gained since Mary left this earth.
It's magical how these beautiful like minded - same soul women have come into my life.
Two of the newest are Greta and Ali with Twin Tree Healing!  They are actually sisters and I am proud to connect with them and call them soul sisters!
They have a beautiful FB page and are hosts on a You Tube Channel - like Little Red Bird,  they too spread LOVE, Hope & Inspiration.

I was honored this week when they honored me as their "Lightworker of the Week" ~  this is their beautiful post they shared on their FB page:

Everyday we meet such incredible people bringing positivity, love, and light to the world. Every week we honor a different person as the "Lightworker of the Week." If you know of someone you would like to recommend to be featured, please send us a message at twintreehealing@yahoo.com!

We fell in love with Jennifer Combs Brocato's facebook page: Little Red Bird a few months back now and had to share her with the TTH community!

"Little Red Bird Chirps promotes HOPE, LOVE, Inspiration and motivation through Positive Living!
In a time of heartache and despair, when life just didn't seem fair, a little red cardinal flew to my side
and for a moment, made the ache disappear. That was just the beginning...today the little red bird chirp chirp chirps everywhere."

Furthermore, Jennifer has a blog in honor of her sister Mary who passed away March 22nd 2008.
It is because of her that Little Red Bird is here.... it appeared the day she died and never left her side.
The blog started out as a place to cherish her, and now it is not only that, but a place to cherish the magical and mystical signs and synchronicities that have become her life since she left the earth..... you are welcome to visit and follow along.
It's pretty fun !

www.lovingmaryforever.com
www.facebook.com/littleredbirdchirps

Here's to spreading more LOVE into the world!

Angel Mary - Christmas Ornament

It's so amazing the timing things arrive in your path.

I had been crying after seeing two of the stray kittens that I had been caring for in the busy road.  They had been hit by a car within 6 feet of each other on Sunday night, Dec 8th.  It really broke my heart seeing them so close to each other.......the very next day my friend/soul sister, Mary Mullins sent me a picture of an ornament she had never seen before that was in her box of Christmas items.

My heart just skipped a beat - it took my breath away...... It looks exactly like my sweet sister Mary!!!! And she is holding a cardinal!
It was exactly what I needed.  It was comfort from above. Truly magical.  My sister is still here.

Happy Birthday Dad - I know your still here!

I just walked Honey with Chad - there were half a dozen robins following us and then 1 vibrant red cardinal that flew in our path.  I said to Chad, "Wow I haven't seen the Robin around lately, what a sweet treat this is!"..... then I realized why they were here- ITS MY DADS BIRTHDAY today!!

Of course the robins are here - he sent them!  He always surprises me with the Robin.... and I always associate Mary as our cardinal! 

 

My dad woulda turned 70 this month! I like to honor him this month - it's because of him that I know unconditional LOVE, forgiveness, hope, belief in dreams coming true, non judgement and FAITH. He inspired me to be me and to not compare.... He reminded me we are all unique and have a purpose! Just be the best YOU and be grateful! I can still feel his spirit with me even though he's been gone 20 years this year! He has been and always will be one of my angels! 

Praying for Precious Halle

I just love how people, places and things are put into my path the way they do..... as if they were meant to be.  New friendships are formed and bonds that touch the soul.

(picture from "Praying for Precious Halle" FB Group, posted by Jennifer - its a real picture - a cardinal cloud)

FB (Facebook) has a way of bringing long lost friends back together and new ones to light.  In this story I'm about to mention,  its both of the above.  A long lost friend from high school has been touched by all the cardinals I post on my personal FB page.  It didn't take her long to find my LRB Chirps FB page.   Then, coincidentally she started seeing local stories on her FB page and around her town about a lady who lost her 10 year old daughter and then she reached out to me to share these amazing occurrences. 

May 22, 2013 I was going to paraphrase what my friend Melissa shared with me but I felt she wrote it all so beautifully that I decided to just cut and paste it here:

• 
• Melissa 
  

  Hi Jennifer!.....................I have noticed in the past that you post pictures of cardinals but never knew much about it but when I saw your recent one I could not help but comment because of what is going on around here (I live in Spring Hill, TN now which is about 30 miles south of Nashville). It all started about two months ago when a precious 10 year old girl in our community, who was absolutely healthy and athletic got sick with the flu and it attacked her heart and she developed myocarditis. She went into cardiac arrest and was brought back. For 2 weeks she fought for her life. A friend of this girl's family started a Facebook page for people to pray. People around here also put red bows on mailboxes all over this community to symbolize prayers for a healed heart. But as her mom says "God takes the best" and He did take her home and healed her perfectly so she was not in any more pain. Ever since her death on April 5 many people in this community feel as though their faith has become stronger because of this little girl. I did not know the family or this precious girl but feel like I have gotten to know them through their Facebook page "Praying for precious Halle". She was a very caring little girl who would befriend anyone, and for being only 10, she was vocal about being a Christian. About a month before her death she had written a paper about "If I could meet one person" and her person was God and that she had alot of questions for him. And many people were imagining her in heaven asking him all her questions.
  

  I wanted to support this family so I joined the page and then found myself wanting to post on the page but was a little weary of what to say since I cannot say I've experienced the death of a child and also because I did not know this family personally. One morning I was stewing about whether to post on her page or not and I looked out a small window upstairs in our house and all I could see sitting on a branch was a beautiful red cardinal looking right at me and "talking" to me and cocking it's head as if to say "go ahead and tell the family what you want to say - why wouldn't you?" Being that it was a red bird too as that was the color of this girls bows I took that as a sign to reach out and so I did. I was surprised that this grieving mother replied back saying that she had been visited by a cardinal too. This little girls mother started seeing her cardinal more and more and believing it was a sign from her little girl letting her know she was OK. The cardinal even came once when she was sad and had called for it to come. Many people started posting their cardinal stories around here that had some kind of link to Halle. One person had a cardinal fly in front of their car after they had dropped off dinner to this grieving family. I had a second encounter with a cardinal myself - I had made this family dinner just this Friday night and on Sunday I went to McDonald's to get breakfast for my kids. When I got to the drive thru window the person in the car in front of me had paid for it (a red car too!). Then as I was driving out the parking lot to the road a cardinal flew in front of me and landed in a nearby tree and looked right at me. I think it was sent from God/Hale to say thank you for making her family dinner and by the way I've taken care of your breakfast! It just gave me goosebumps! Alot of people are saying they have not really noticed cardinals before and now all this activity! The best was yesterday when Halle's mom prayed specifically that if these cardinals were a sign from God/Halle that she is OK and happy up in heaven then to let her hold a cardinal. She figured what were the chance of that happening? Well they have a mischievous cat that only Halle could tolerate and has done nothing but lay around since her death. That cat went out and caught a cardinal (of all birds) and brought it to Halle's mom! The bird was not hurt but to save it she had to get it out of the cat's mouth and hold it! Such an unbelievable occurrence - her very specific prayer was answered and now she has felt more peace. Some great pictures of cardinals people have taken and these stories are all on her Facebook page "Praying for precious Halle" which is an open community page. Someone even posted a link to a page about the cardinal experience which has been very interesting to read. So why is the cardinal important to you?

Melissa has since shared my story and my FB page with Tammy ("Praying for Precious Halle" mom) and I too  have reached out to her and joined her "Praying for Precious Halle" FB Group.  It's amazing to connect with others who experience these divine signs from above, comforting us and strengthening our faith in God and the life that goes on when we leave this earth.  Experiencing these signs bring us pure joy and comfort but because they are so random and its not just about the physical act of seeing them, its that feeling we get inside where we just "know" it's a gift from above, we still wonder if its real.   Making these kind of connections confirms our gifts and make them more real.  They take away any doubts..... because the more who receive the more real it has to be - right?

We need to start a Cardinals of Love club ~ what do you think? 

Feathers from Above

Feathers Appear When Angels are Near!

 

See the Lil white feather on my star box?  This was attached to my leggins all day yesterday -  I found it as I was getting ready for bed....  What a Sweet Lil sign!  I am so grateful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Time on Earth

“It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up – that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”

"The most beautiful people I've known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”

- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Quote to Love

Mae Portrait

 

"Death ends a life, not a relationship."
- Mitch Albom

Cardinal of Hope

 

Life can be so harsh at times. the words that you speak, the actions that you take and the thoughts that you think are the ones that add kindness and compassion to the world.
Your gentle words inspire someone to hold onto hope.
You make a difference.
Remember that as you walk this journey.

 

~shared on LRB (Little Red Bird Chirps) FB wall by Erin T. W. Hanes

Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart ~Incredible young lady I admire with all my ❤!

An angel on earth.

 

"I have learned that my challenges can help me reach out to others with  more empathy and understanding than i could ever have had before.
When we are faced with a challenge,  it is very easy to be mad or upset. But when we have passed our great test, we are able to effect change in a way that otherwise we wouldn't have been able to.
Because of things I have lived through, I can help them to learn to be happy.  Because I have lived through these experiences, I am able to be a voice for change.  If I hadn't had this terrible experience, I'm not sure that I would have cared enough about these issues to become involved, I wouldn't be able to do the many things that I've been able to do....
I am grateful for these opportunities that I've had to help other people. They have blessed my life."

~Elizabeth Smart "My Story" - Page 303

Another Magical day of Signs

The picture is of the price of my meal today $18.88 (888 haha) - this was right after I finished re financing my car loan on- line saving $$.   I've heard that 888 symbolizes money.

On my way driving home from the restaurant where I picked up our food a most amazing sequence of license plates seemed to have a fun message JUST FOR ME.  There must have been a dozen cars parked on the busy road in front of a popular kids themepark..... I wasn't driving very fast but fast enough to where I couldn't take pictures.  First off I saw a moving car with "888" on it then immediately after the amazing sequence began - they were on 4 different license plates of those parked cars: "888", "Jen", "loan", "888"!!!!  If I didn't have hot food in my car I would have circled around to somehow grab the pictures.  I so wish I had...... it's surreal!

I parked my car and happened to look at the mileage, would you believe the mileage ended in 555:

Then as if that wasn't enough magic in one hour.......... when I got home I found a random shiny penny in my closet then......

 

A random bird feather in my house!!!!  

Kelsey - Homecoming 2013

Mary would be so proud..... her lil angel got elected to be on the Homecoming court!

 Kelsey sparkled so beautifully dressed in pink. 

This picture reminded me of her mom in my dream back in 2008.

The dream I'll never forget as long as I live. 

Mary was so beautiful in this dream - just as Kelsey is here.

 

The next night was the Homecoming dance...

I just love her choice of color and style here in the green! 

Kelsey is a true gem that sparkles with pure love!

333 - a day of wonder

 

I really don't look for these fun little signs - they just happen and I catch them in that perfect moment and then I giggle to myself and say "Hi Angels - thank you for being here"! Sometimes I wonder what they really mean.  I believe its my angels making themselves known.  Maybe my sister, maybe my dad, maybe my Grandma or Uncle Ricky or Mama K or who knows, maybe just some of God's Angels that are assigned to me, I really don't try to figure it out..... there are so many different theories out there my mind spins.  I just enjoy and believe that someday if I am to know, then I will.  Until then I'll just keep believing my angels are whispering to me showing me I'm never alone! Besides, it makes me giggle inside and from what I've been told, laughter is the key to a happy soul!

 

 These 333's were all in one day  :) ~

 

Magical Day of Signs

Today was a magical day... it started in the morning  as I was headed to the train station:  First I saw 444 on a cars license plate headed in my direction, then a cardinal flew right across my path in front of my wind shield - it was a beautiful burst of red that made me giggle with joy & then immediately after the cardinal passed, the song "I belong to you, you belong with me" came on the radio (which reminds me of my sister) - then I happen to see my odometer and it was with 1111!!!!

I felt the presence of love in these precious moments......

It was a beautiful day in NYC and I decided to take a walk during lunch - I had a few errands I needed to do.  As I was crossing the busy street I silently asked ArchAngel Michael to be with me and keep me safe (as I do periodically throughout my day) and just as I finished my thought I happened to look to the ground and right in my path was a beautiful white feather for me.

I was thinking I wanted to have a juice today but really wanted to try some place different - my body was actually craving some refreshing nutrients (cucumber, kale, spinach, celery, green apple, parsley & ginger root)!  Out of nowhere on my journey to my first destination I saw that a new store opened up "Liquiteria" - a beautiful juice bar full of many healthy choices.

I just love it when everything falls into place and it feels like my thoughts are being heard.....

Another white feather appeared:

THEN, I came across this sweet little thrift shop "Angel Street" on W. 17th in NYC - how appropriate on this magical day!

Angels, signs and love from above ~ making it a magical day!

Visit from Dad - No Doubt

20 years ago today 9-9-13, my dad was called to heaven.  I always remember this day and honor my dad with thoughts of love, admiration and pride.  I was so lucky to have had him for the 24 years of my life.

I don't go around with my head down and sad with grief,  I smile a smile pure from my heart because I have memories to cherish, a life to celebrate and a knowing that he's not really gone.

There are signs everywhere, all the time, always reminding me.......

TODAY  I received an extra special sign, but it was more than just seeing it - I FELT it!  I felt my father's presence.  It's hard to explain unless you've experienced it, it kind of takes your breath away for a moment and you feel extra extra special and nothing else matters in those moments.  You feel like you've been given a kiss from an angel, a gift of love from above.  It's magical, a kind of divine feeling.  A rush of pure love.

The first sign I captured today before noon walking in NYC on 15th Street heading towards Union Square - a large beautiful white feather right in my path:

That would have been enough for me today, but that wasn't going to be it......

Another sign happened on my train ride home as I'm relaxing in relief that the craziness of today was over a random song started playing on Pandora that made me look at my iPhone to see what it was - it was then that my eyes burst open with amazement and my eyes began to well up with tears.... A song called "You and Me" from the album Family Tree  was playing - with pictures of both a red bird and a blue bird in a tree.....
It was a sign - my dad was with me.  Then all of a sudden the song ended with the words..."I'm so proud of You!"  
These are words my dad would say to me often, even in a random visit back in March 2007. (see blogpost:  Signs from Above)

As if that was enough excitement for one day.... the very next song blew me away:

The song "Free Little Bird" from the album "Catch the Moon" started to play.    This free little bird song reminded me of my Mary who is free now - free from the pain.  The little girl on the cover reminded me of Mary and the moon is something I am in constant wonder over.  I believe this song was a sign that Mary was showing me - she is with our dad - with him watching over me.

As I'm typing this blog, my heart is swelling up with tears - tears of joy - to receive these signs is the most beautiful gift in the world.  To know that two of the most important people in my life are not really gone at all - on the contrary, they are with me, all the way to my soul.

It'a a beautiful world we live in when we open our heart and believe. I open my eyes and truly see..... have a little faith and live life as its supposed to be - HAPPY! 

Kelsey - "I'll Be Missing You"

Last night my sweet Kelsey called me - she was so excited - she's been talking about her mom so much lately - (it tugs at my heart how much she misses her & needs her).

She said she was at Sonic (fast food joint in Texas) with a few friends & was already thinking of her mom because sonic was a place they frequented for the slushees - then all of a sudden the song "I'll be Missing You" started playing.  She was listening to a radio station based out of the town next to where she lived & where she spent a lot of time with her mom (Nederland) because her mom taught high school & coached there......

The song was the song played at her moms funeral, "I'll Be Missing You" by P. Diddy.

She was so excited because she felt her mom's presence with her!  S

Divine Cardinal Finds

It's so amazing how I come across beautiful talented like minded souls who share from their heart as if they are speaking from mine.  Divine finds!!   

by Suzanne Millius

https://www.facebook.com/studio3ten

I REALLY CONNECTED TO BOTH OF THESE PICTURES!!

I have to thank my friend Karen Morrow who shared this with me on FB from Namaste Cafe....

P.S.  As I'm blogging all these Cardinal connections, I hear the football commentators on the television behind me talking about some plays from the Cardinals....LOL

Cardinal of Hope

On a day that is bleak..

though there is a new fallen snow 

You fret and you ponder which way you should go.

You haven't the heart to believe anymore, that the plans he has made.. would your own faith restore.

You've struggled and tried to use your own power, to understand things before the right hour.

But Jesus replies, " Rest in my unending grace, And know my love and purpose is surely in place"

I will not leave you, nor forsake you my child..

Your faith is the fabric put on in the trial.

So trust in me daughter and lean not on you, For the secret lies deep in the pain you go through.

Acknowledge me daily with every heart cry, and I will show you the answer to why..

The fruit you produce in obedience will, one day be a legacy your children fulfill.

So look for the blessing I will send your way, A "Cardinal of Hope" to strengthen your day.

Feathers Appear When Angels are Near

I have unofficially been named "Feather Woman".... I have found a feather in my path every single day since July 29th!  Some days more than half a dozen.  It's so mystical and so much fun.  I don't go looking for these feathers.  They just appear right in front of me.  In the lobby of my work, in my path to work, under my shoe, under my tires, in my sister in laws bag, on my walking trail,  everywhere!!  I take pictures when I can but there have been a few where I just can't but wish so much I could have, like the large white wispy one on the subway stairs!  That one I miss ~ it was so pretty.

I've posted alot of them on Instagram & FB, but not ALL.  I may be teetering on the "loony" side to some.  LOL Not that I really care about that,  I also like to think I know when too much is too much.  I'd hate to desensitize the magic of the feathers.  It is fun when a friend of family member posts a feather or cardinal picture back to me letting me know that they too are not alone and they too BELIEVE!

Feathers Appear When Angels are Near!

Here are just a few........

P.S.  This song "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan came on As I'm was reading a post from my mom (Sara) commenting that she spotted a white wispy feather yesterday as she was entering the pool!  Hehehehe - our angels we share!!

LRB Friend

Every now and then a LRB friend will post sweet words that will touch my heart and remind me that I do what I do for a reason!  I'm so blessed and so grateful.  Thank you Erin for sharing this with me!

Happy Little Red Bird