Farewell to a Mighty Dog

                                                           

 

On Sunday night at 10:45 p.m., our eldest dog, Godzilla, passed away.

Healing with Angel Energy

                                                           

We should never stop learning. The search for knowledge is what keeps us alive, and in my opinion, young at heart. Although I am quite busy with my writing, and doing psychic/medium readings, I have been searching for more ways to help people. This search let to me taking a class on healing. What is Integrated Energy Therapy? Find out after the jump.

The Prophetic Meaning of Roof Oasis

                                                              

Most of you who follow my GilbertCuriosities Blog know that I am a psychic/medium. I have been seeing the dead ever since I was a toddler. This gift runs in the family, and I inherited my abilities from my grandparents on both sides, and from both of my parents. I published the first book of my sci-fi apocalyptic Roof Oasis Series in 2014…but the plot was based on prophetic dreams that I’ve had since childhood. Can dreams warn us of future events? Find out after the jump.

Life with Fred and Lucy: An Interview with Elsie Kerns

                            

 
I am so excited that my humorous memoir about the two ghosts in my attic is finally done. I did a big book launch this past Saturday, and everyone who bought a book have been telling me just how funny it is. It is a tribute to my parents and growing up in South Philly during the 50's and 60's. Here is the interview. Thank you Elsie Kerns for doing this.

Spiritual Reading for 6/11/2018: Simplify Your Life

                                                         

This reading is perfect for today’s world. Every one of us starts our day hitting the ground running. Life becomes a blur as we rush from one choir to another. The only way we keep in contact with friends and family is by texting. No one makes eye contact because we are chained to our cell phones. Depression in on the rise, tempers flare, and…a butterfly flits past unnoticed. What the heck are we doing to ourselves.

 

Mind you, I am not preaching to you because I am the biggest offender. My daughter calls me “Zoom Butt because I never sit still. I don’t know how because my siblings and I were raised to keep busy. What can we do to change?

Spiritual Reading for 5/20/2018: The Power of the Soul

                                                             

I have done many psychic readings, and the most prominent complaint from my clients is the feelings of powerlessness. They won’t even attempt to buck the system because they feel that they are not important enough, or worthy enough to cause a change. What if I told you that we are as powerful as the angels?

Spiritual Reading for 5/6/2018: Dehumanizing of Others

                                                          

Them vs. Us! Those people, that country, that nationality, those immigrants, those refugees…does this rant sound familiar? What is it about the human nature that makes us fear diversity? Today’s reading is about hatred towards others. This is the most dangerous of sins, and Jesus specifically spoke against this hatred.

Spiritual Reading on Resistance to Change 4/22/2018

                                                           

One of the hardest things for us humans to do is to change our way of thinking. We sometimes are stuck in a rut, and after some time, that rut begins to get comfortable even as it hinders our chance to be happy. We’re not happy with our lot, but it’s just too much trouble to change…maybe we’re afraid to change…maybe we really rather whine than change. When our friends and family attempt to give advice, we attack. Sound familiar? I actually did a reading for a person who wanted more out of life, but anger, regret, and depression made her deaf to suggestions. She did not want to change, for whatever reason; the fear of change made her a prisoner to her unhappiness. Nothing I said could help her. Her mind snapped shut to every chance to free herself. Why are we so resistant to change? The angels have the answer and the solution.

When You Encounter Failure: A Spiritual Reading

                                                             

We have all gone through this…FAILURE! How do we start over again when that resume didn’t pan out for a better job, or that project you handed in, landed in the trash can, or that business venture vanished into thin air? Failure can bring on a sense of loss, and depression. We look for someone to blame for our misfortune. Maybe we are our own worst enemy. Today’s cards talk about starting all over again. In other words; dust yourself off, pick yourself up, and start all over again.

Five of Michael tells us that maybe, just maybe, this promotion, this new home, this guy or gal you were interested in wasn’t for you. Not at this time. Let it go! Reflect on how you originally approached the task, whatever it was. Did you put enough effort into arriving at the end-results?  Did you look at the whole picture to see if the expected results were what you truly desired?  You know that just because your family think you are the best thing walking the face of the earth, to your employer, you’re just a square peg in a round hole. You don’t fit in. Stand back, take a deep breath, then look yourself in the mirror. Michael, our warrior angel, is featured in this reading.

Nine of Michael tells us not to worry. Focus on the outcome you desire. Okay, so that promotion didn’t come through, or that girl flipped you off, or that house you wanted was not feasible because of your income. Don’t lose hope. Put your trust in GOD, then get to work improving yourself for that next bid. Fix what is wrong with you before trying to tweak a chaotic world.

Five of Raphael tells us that everything happens for a reason, so release the anger and guilt. “You worked so hard to get that promotion, and some little snot nose right out of college gets what you want.” Maybe, you would have hated the longer hours, or maybe you’d be required to work with an obnoxious co-worker. Maybe that little snot nose was actually the right person for that particular job. Even when things don’t go our way, Heaven has your back. Let it go, heal, and try again.

Seven Of Michael tells us that there is a better course. Review the details of what it is you desired. Work on improving the abilities you don’t already possess. Get a little help from your friends with introductions or references.

Six of Michael tells us that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You have to swim to that light. Make the changes necessary. Make a plan, then live up to that plan. Live up to the high expectations that you desire and that means working very hard for what you want…even if the change needed is relocation.

This reading in dedicated to the beautiful people who I did readings for yesterday at the "On Angels Wings Spiritual Awakening" . You can do it! GOD has your back!

Handling Indecision and Confusion, a Spiritual Reading

                                                                 

Some people, like me, make quick decisions. They do enough research to feel confident, then make their decisions. No matter if the results or good or bad, these people go with their gut instincts and most of the time, they’ve made the right choice. When they do make a mistake, they store this failure away for future use, and then, go on with life.

Some people, like my hubby, have to arrive at a decision at a much slower pace. They will do the research, get advice from other people, then weigh the evidence before acting. They too are using their gut instincts, but act only when they feel confident that there won’t be any negative feedback. If the desired results are a failure, they might become hesitant to act on the next big decision. Luckily for my hubby and me, we balance each other out: daring yet sensible eliminates a lot of mental potholes…and things get done.

This reading is for the third group. I call these people ‘Spiritual Procrastinators’ these gentle souls never fully believe in their own powers to do the right thing at the right time. The Spiritual Procrastinators will handle each decision as if they are making a life or death choice. Each decision is handled with fear even though they are intelligent people, who know what the correct choice is. These gentle souls freeze up when making a decision; never trusting their gut feeling; never trusting the research they’ve done; never trusting others who have made a similar choice.

This inability to act on a decision and to stick to it, is usually seen in new souls. This is their first time in a corporal body, and the mechanics of trusting in one’s power hasn’t seeped in yet. They concentrate so fully in making their way through this life, that they’ve forgotten the lessons learned in Heaven, or that they are divine creatures who are temporarily inhabiting this body. I’ve also seen this inability to make a decision in a few old souls, who may be still reacting to choice from the perspective of past memories when they had chosen wrongly. They are afraid to trust in themselves…but how do they move past their spiritual procrastinating?

                                                              

Seven of Raphael tells us to make a decision! Be clear on what you want, then take action. How can these souls take this first step?

Decision with Archangel Jophiel tells us to release yourself from your fears. Detox from past lives and past mistakes. Stop worrying. You know who you are and what you need. Trust your instincts. They are from GOD.

Seven of Michael tells us there is a better course of action available to you. If need be, consult with professionals, then make your choice

Two of Michael tells us that it is better to make a decision. Do not stagnate in this life because of fear. Our overanalyzing keeps us from obtaining what GOD wants for us. He wants us to be happy and, to make sure that we allow other people to be happy. Michael’s advice is compromise. Make a decision, stick to it, and if it is the wrong decision…learn from it.

Knight of Gabriel tells us to take action! Put some passion into your decision, and trust your instincts!

Now get out there and live your life!

Spiritual Reading for Forgiveness and Accountability

                                                             

This was a hard reading to do because I am touching on two character flaws that I find in myself. It’s hard to forgive. I have a problem with this and, it’s the first thing I pick up on people when I’m doing angel card readings for them. We’re hurt. We feel betrayed…and we want revenge. Don’t deny it. We all picture ourselves turning the table on those that hurt us badly. I wanted to take a fresh look at the power of forgiveness. But first, I needed to ask a very hard question. Was I responsible for the rift that happened between a friend or family member? Meet me after the jump.

The Many Sides of Me

                                                                

I was spending time with our writers’ group today. The South Jersey Writers’ Group is one of the best groups in New Jersey. Every third Sunday, a group of us meet at Audubon’s Treehouse Coffee Shop to work on our blogs, or for new members, learn how to blog. This week’s topic was how to keep your blog and Twitter sites focused on what you love to do. I do try to stick to posting only happy stuff, but lately, I tend to be very political.

While my fellow writers try not to combine their blogs with the toxic political scene that we’ve all been dragged into, I step right into the mayhem. I should just stick to talking about my books and my metaphysical stories, but I can’t. I could start another twitter page just for my political rants, but then I wouldn’t be me…not the whole me anyway.

There are many sides of Marie Gilbert. I am daughter, sibling, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and co-worker. I am an author, professional blogger, psychic/medium, and ghost investigator. I’m know as both Steampunk Granny and South Jersey’s Italian Psychic. There is way too much of me to put in a nicely labeled box.

My Gilbert Curiosities blog tells my followers about family, adventures, Steampunk events, zombies, and of course my metaphysical side, which includes weekly Angel Card readings, and results of a ghost investigation. My Gilbert Speaks blog is a pop culture site where I review film, books, and television shows.

 My blogs are normally uplifting and funny. They were at least until this past election.  I can’t keep silent when I witness the dehumanizing of people by our own government. I won’t keep silent knowing that an enemy country has committed and act of war against us: interfering in our elections and, hacking into our nuclear power plants.

I won't be silenced as our babies are killed while going to school. I won't be silenced when the NRA,  who doesn't pay taxes, has enough clout to control our politicians. I won't be silenced after Congress voted for a big fat tax break while at the same time stopping funding for meals on wheels for the elderly, and school lunches for poor children.

Conclusion

I won’t be silent. I must speak out against tyranny and a president who refuses to levy strict sanctions against Russia. I won’t be silent while the president upsets decent citizens with venomous hatred against the very agencies that protect us from his buddy, Putin. I won’t be silent as this president spews hatred against the free press, women, immigrants, and the poor.

Will my speaking out against a despot interfere with the number of Twitter followers? Most likely it will, but I could not look at myself in the mirror if I kept silent. So, too all my Twitter followers, I will apologize now. I am sorry if I’ve upset you in any way. It’s not meant for you. I am a voice calling out from the desert. I will speak out for all of you.

Spiritual Reading On Negativity

                                                            

Today’s message is about negativity, be it people or situations. This message reminds us that we are in control of what we allow to affect us.

The Decision Card with Archangel Jophiel tells us to release yourself from that which hold you back. Sometimes, we are the cause of our own worries. We need to see the whole forest.

Five of Gabriel tells us to keep away from drama. Negative people won’t be able to push our buttons, if we don’t give them the power. Walk away. Don’t waste precious time trying to change them, or play their head games.

Seven of Gabriel tells us to stand up for yourself, but I will go one step further…stand up for the truth. We are most powerful when we are guided by integrity and compassion.

The Peace Card, with Archangel Azrael, tells us that we need to release from the past. This isn’t easy to do, but this is how negativity takes hold of our soul, and drains the joy from us. Be love, be compassion, be joy. Do this, by recognizing your power. Release the hurt, the grudges, and the need for revenge. Let it all go, and live in the moment.

 

 

Loss

                                                              

 There are many kinds of loss that leaves us feeling that we will never recover, or be the same, be it, divorce, loss of a job, loss of a loved one. Each of these losses feels like an attack on our very sense of who we are. The normal reaction is to blame ourselves. What did we do wrong? What didn’t we do? How could I have prevented this loss?

When the loss concerns the death of someone we love, we ask all the above questions, but then find ourselves unable to move on. Sure, we go through the movements of everyday life…but we’ve stopped living. Our loved ones, who have gone through the veil, are happy because they are with GOD. They are free of pain and earthly cares…but they worry about the ones they’ve left behind, especially, if that person is unable to get over their grief. Saint Michael, our heavenly warrior steps up with helpful advice.

Three of Michael tells us that we have to release the past. You don’t forget your loved one, but you should celebrate their life by living yours. Each day will get easier if you truly believe that our loved ones watch out for us from the other side. We’ll never forget our loved ones, but each day the pain will eventually release its crippling hold. Remember that our loved ones are divine souls who will live for eternity.

The Angel Raphael is the healing angel, and the Eight of Raphael tells us that we need to continue to grow even though our loved one is no longer by our side. It is scary to take those steps alone, but we must celebrate life in honor of our loved ones. How do we celebrate their life? We celebrate a loved one’s life by growing both spiritually and mentally. Try a new hobby, volunteer at a museum, join a group that does fun activities. You might think that you are alone, but the universe has your back. Talk to your departed loved ones as if they are in the room with you. Tell them about your day, and what you did. This is a special meditation that helps to bring closure and peace of mind.

The Archangel Metatron tells us with the card, Leap of Faith, to listen to our hearts. Be love, be compassion, but bring into your daily life something new that gives you joy. Be happy, and your loved ones will make sure that more happiness comes your way.

 

Fear

                                                             

We can all be frightened by what’s going on in this world, so I asked GOD how I should handle fear and then I picked these cards.

There are many things in this world that causes us to fear. While some fear is good as a motivational tool for change, most of our fears can cripple us if we give into it. When I pull the cards, I don’t read the words. I listen to what GOD tells me.

Saint Michael the Arch angel steps in to answer us.

The World: We live on this world, and we have to survive in this world. The world right now is a very scary place. There is too much anger and hate. World leaders are comparing the size of their missiles, while war, famine, sickness, and death loom over us like hungry vultures.

Saint Michael reminds us that we are not alone. GOD has given us the means to survive no matter what this world throws at us. Jesus told us that although we live in this world, we are not a part of it. We are divine souls, and we control our reality. The servants of EVIL want us to be afraid, and to cower in the corner. But to break the cycle of fear, we must face it, and see it for what it really is. Fear is the catalyst for change…growth…and understanding. What do you fear? Face it, and know that heaven itself has our backs.

New Beginnings tells us that we must look at life differently. We can no longer hate or dehumanize other people. They are divine souls just like us. We need to join forces with our fellow humans and face the fear by recognizing that power comes with unity and love. Don’t allow the evil few to frighten us. Face your fear, be it sickness, loss of income, war, or death. We are above death. Our bodies may die, but we live forever.

The Sun tells us that life is good, and that every day that we are alive, should be cause for a celebration. The life we have may not be what we wanted, but we can change this by using the law of attraction to see yourself in a good place. And when you are overcome by fear, picture yourself surrounded by the light of GOD. You are loved! You are valued! You are protected!

Handling Setbacks

                                                                 

Because of what’s happening in my life, and because I’ve had several family members and friends experiencing setbacks in their lives…I’ve decided to do a reading on how to best handle and survive these bothersome “potholes” that pop up in our paths.

Seven of Raphael tells us that when our plans fall apart, we need to first calm down and think clearly. The world is not out to get us, but sometimes, even the best laid plans of mice and men, fail. Don’t get angry. Find out why this upset happened, then see if your plans just need a bit of tweaking to succeed.

The Magician tells us to use the law of attraction in your life. We are magical and divine creatures. Never forget this. If you picture yourself succeeding, you will. If you always see yourself as failing, then you will fail. What you put out into the universe will return to you. Recheck your original plans, fix the problem, then resubmit both in the physical and the spiritual worlds. The law of attraction is a powerful tool.

The Moon is my favorite sign, and just my looking up at the moon has such a calming effect on me no matter what stressful situation I am experiencing at the moment. Trust in yourself. Trust in the universe. Trust GOD! Don’t allow previous failures to make you afraid to live and take chances.

Gentle Heart

                                                                 

Today’s reading is for the gentle heart who is surrounded by negative people. How do we keep our sanity, and our integrity in today’s obsession with anger, gossip, hate, and division? Luckily for this reading, GOD’s mighty warrior, Michael, stepped up to answer this problem.

The first card in Nine of Michael: stop worrying about what we can’t change in this world. Focus on what is right about the world. Be that person of integrity and love. Give to GOD what can’t be changed by us. HE has our backs.

The second card is Eight of Michael: We are a free people, made in GOD’s image. We are divine entities, and yet, we allow the noise makers to rule our lives. Stop! Focus! Be in tune with the universe, and free yourself of negative people and events.

The Third card is Three of Ariel: Love your life. Take joy in the little things. Concentrate on your spiritual growth, and help others do the same. What do you love to do? Why aren’t you enjoying the everyday small joys that make this life bearable? Spend time with like-minded happy people. Be the magic in someone’s life. We can do this! All of us!

Our Country

                                                               

Today’s reading is for our country. We must stop fighting among ourselves. The enemy comes from outside. Stand united against the agents of fear and hate. Refuse to dehumanize. Focus on the healing within.

I had asked GOD about Russia’s successful plans to divide us. And, I asked our heavenly father to show me how we can stop this threat, then I pulled these cards.

Until we stop the hate against our own citizens, be they: black, white, religious, atheist, straight, LGBT, immigrants, republicans, or democrats…we will be at the mercy of a destructive force. We must remember that we are all divine souls that are temporarily inhabiting this human form. What you do to others, you do to GOD.

Play nice!

Career Change

                                                             

This reading is for people who are in the process of a career change, or they are thinking about switching careers.

The High Priestess reminds us that we all have inner sight into what we need to succeed. What is important now is a focused evaluation of what you really want. If you want to change jobs because you want to evolve and more up the ladder, then make sure you have, or obtain the skills needed for this move.

If you want to change jobs because the working environment is toxic, then you must follow the advice of the second card.

Divine Guidance reminds us that in times of strife, we must often change how we react to the negativity that surrounds us. No job is going to offer stress-free conditions. Bosses and co-workers will stress us out, but our reaction to the stress is how we survive.

They know what buttons to push. Change how you instinctively react. If the negativity is deadly, then connect with friends who can direct you to a better job. You may have to learn new career skills. Are you ready?

The Peace Card reminds us that we must let go of old ideas that no longer pertain to today’s employment. The job you worked at for the last ten years, or so, is no longer bringing you joy. Do you stay, or go? We must evolve by embracing the coming future. Do your research! Get what schooling is needed! Connect with friends who can put you on the right path! Then, with the blessing of GOD, go forward.

Believe in Yourself

                                                                

This reading is for anyone who connects with this message. This is the second week that the Two of Gabriel came up, and it tells me that you must surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams. Make plans and stick to them, and remember that trip up the ladder depends on teamwork.

Nine of Gabriel is telling me that you must stay focused and don’t be distracted by small defeats. Keep going. Nature is your healing source, so do all you can to protect the other creatures who share this home with us.

Three of Ariel tells me that success comes when you have a passion for what you want. We always do our best when we’re working at a career that makes us happy. This is so much more important than money in the long term. The law of attraction tells us that what we put out into the universe, we will receive…keep that in mind as you climb that ladder to success. Keep one hand open to help others climb that ladder with you.

The Perils of a Self-Published-Tech-Challenged-Author

                                                          

I’m a good writer. I love writing. I’ve been writing since I was ten, but where my stories are excellent, I suck at the mechanical part of writing. Hence, I rely on my wonderful editor, Patti O’Brien, to remove the extra comma or to make sure the story flows, and that the reader isn’t lost in a swirl of science fiction jibber jabber. Once the editing is done, I send my manuscript to Create Space, the publishing arm of Amazon. I always order the special package that gives me my own team who will format the book for me, assign the ISBN, then after my illustrator, Shelley Szajner, submits the final book cover, publish the book on Amazon and Kindle. All I have to do is promote and sell my books. What could go wrong with such a great system? Find out after the jump.

Format Hall of Horrors

I’m not that great with math. I blame it all on fractions. I was an honor student for all twelve years in Catholic School, but even though I was good at addition, subtraction, multiplication and long division, when it came to fractions, my mind came to a full halt. I think my lack of direction when driving is connected to the same chromosome that controls my stupidity about fractions. The nuns at school could not figure out how I was able to excel in all subjects except math, and after several noted episodes, they’d learned to never send me on an errand that involved me finding my way to the school office. Really, I am that bad at directions and often wonder how I ever found my way through the birth canal.

                                                      

When I began using Create Space, I was overjoyed with the fact that my assigned Create Space team would handle everything. I had writer friends who also used Create Space. Some were successful in formatting their own manuscript without paying for the extra service, but some were not, and it showed in the finished product. I wanted my book to be professional and the price of having your own team was worth every penny. I had already published four books through Create Space. My Roof Oasis Sci-Fi Series was very popular because the books looked just as good as the ones published through traditional publishers.

 Fred and Lucy

I am a psychic/medium who has been seeing the dead since I was a toddler. This gift runs in the family. My mother and father were also able to see the dead. I grew up in South Philly, and worked in my parents’ grocery store. My parents weren’t the easiest to love, and my siblings and I weren’t the easiest to raise. I had begun to post weekly blogs about growing up in the grocery store and the hilarious antics of my father and mother. People loved my weekly blogs called “Life with Fred and Lucy” and soon they were asking when there would be a book. My parents who were both dead, had taken residence in my attic. They were also anxious for this book to be written. So you can imagine my shock when I learned that Create Space was no longer offering the complete author service, especially since this book would have twenty or more black and white photos included within the different chapters. What the hell was I to do?

Conclusion

I kind of lost it when customer service explained that this paid and complete service was no longer available. NO! No! No!  I even explained to the manager that Fred and Lucy would not be happy and would haunt anyone who prevented this book from being published. I may have scared the shit out of the poor guy, but luckily, he stayed on line as I submitted my manuscript. I am not sure if the site will automatically format this book as well as “The Team” did.

                                                           

I’ve tweeted Amazon about my unhappiness with their new rules, but so far, no answer. “Life with Fred and Lucy” is a humorous memoir of growing up in South Philly during the ’50s and ’60s, but it is also a true ghost story. I will keep you all updated on how the book is going.

Luckily, I have a good friend in my writers’ group who is taking on this project. Shelley will be professionally formatting the entire book, photos and all. So if there are any self-published authors out there who are clueless about formatting your book onto Create Space, or need a kick-ass book cover...Shelley is the person to contact. I know that Lucy and Fred are happy that this book is in good hands.
                                                               

More Than Dinosaurs

                                                              

I love going to museums, and I love taking my grandchildren, nieces and nephews to museums, too. In a society hooked on Social Media and the latest Xbox games, museums might appear to be a tame place to visit, but I am here to dispute that fallacy right now. Can a museum entertain better than a video game? Find out after the jump.