Thanks to all who submitted their ideas in the contest to name the upcoming Stop, Balance, Go! book for children.

We’re still working on just the right name and it hasn’t quite clicked yet. However, we want to award the prize because you were so nice to STOP in and give your ideas.

The winner of the [...]]]> (Cassie)

Thanks to all who submitted their ideas in the contest to name the upcoming Stop, Balance, Go! book for children.

We’re still working on just the right name and it hasn’t quite clicked yet. However, we want to award the prize because you were so nice to STOP in and give your ideas.

The winner of the contest has been determined by a random number selector.

And the winner is . . .

MaryAnne

MaryAnne, to receive your Stop, Balance, Go~! bracelet, please send an email with your snail mail address as well as your choice of either gold or silver spirals (see the two choices at http://www.stop-balance-go.com) to cassie@thealternatepath.com

Thanks to all and remember to BREATH and BE WELL~!

Cassie

This is one of the most creative blog families on the internet! So family, I’m asking for your help. And in return, I’m happy to gift you with a Stop, Balance, Go! bracelet for yourself, OR someone in your life who you would deem “in need of a little balance.”

First, here’s the bracelet (prize) – [...]]]> (Cassie)

This is one of the most creative blog families on the internet! So family, I’m asking for your help. And in return, I’m happy to gift you with a Stop, Balance, Go! bracelet for yourself, OR someone in your life who you would deem “in need of a little balance.”

First, here’s the bracelet (prize) – available in both gold and silver.

If you’re not familiar with the story behind it’s creation and the purpose for it’s existence, I would encourage you to visit: http://www.stop-balance-go.com before you enter this contest, so you understand the gist of this SLOW movement.

Now, for the contest. I’m looking for a great title (or subtitle, because Stop, Balance, Go! will be in there somewhere) for the book I’m co-authoring for kids (5-8). Like the “Klutz” line of books, this one will have a colorful wooden Stop, Balance, Go! bracelet attached in a red mesh bag.

The story will teach kids to PAUSE and think before they jump. To consider consequences (not too strictly though, we certainly want them to learn their own lessons).

The story is going to involve trains and stations…places where trains STOP before they GO.

Book title ideas? Please share them in the comments below and the one that fits the project best will be the winner – TO BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY, 8/6.

Thanks for contributing your creative juices. Thanks to my sister, Jessica, I’m now connected to HUNDREDS of wonderful, creative artists!

I can’t wait for Marjorie Barlow’s upcoming book, The Possible Woman Gets Engaged (which by the way, has little to do with rings, dresses and bridesmaids).

A couple of years ago, my sister and I rented a quaint little cottage in Fredericksburg, TX, just to chill and celebrate her January birthday.

On one of our many [...]]]> (Cassie)

I can’t wait for Marjorie Barlow’s upcoming book, The Possible Woman Gets Engaged (which by the way, has little to do with rings, dresses and bridesmaids).

A couple of years ago, my sister and I rented a quaint little cottage in Fredericksburg, TX, just to chill and celebrate her January birthday.

On one of our many shopping excursions, I noticed a book that was sticking out much further than the others on the bottom shelf, in the back room, at a fun little gift shop right on Main Street.

Trusting that this was a sign (and believe me, it was) I reached down and took the book in my hand, the money out of my wallet and became the proud owner of The Possible Woman, a self-published book by Marjorie R. Barlow, Ph.D. The byline read; Exploring Feminine Wisdom, Spirit and Potential. Perfect book. Perfect time.

Data point. At the time of this magical find, I was only a few months shy of my 50th Birthday, had recently left corp America and a salary that no one would have complained about, to pursue a life of wellness and helping others to find their own well(ness).

I devoured the book in nothing flat, soaring through chapters with names that described the many seasons of a woman’s life, like: Ages, Cages, Rages, Pages, Stages, Wages, and Sages.

The book held a mirror, pointed the way, and applauded my recent choices for finding authenticity in my life.

Marj was born in 1929 and let me tell you something, this woman is wisdom on wheels! As I’ve had a chance to get to know her a bit since I wrote her from the Austin airport after reading her book, I’ve grown an attachment to her kind voice and powerful thoughts and words.

I want to live next door to Marj. I want us to go for coffee and stroll on a long path so that she can share more of what’s in her heart and soul.

But since I live in CA and she is a TX girl, I’ve manifested the next best thing!

I’ve invited Marj to be my Keynote Speaker at the upcoming Wisdom Woman Weekend III at Stillheart Institute in Woodside, CA on Feb 4-6, 2011. Although the finer details have not been discussed, it looks like Marj is IN.

Yesterday, I visited Marj’s blog to read her intro to her book in progress, The Possible Woman Gets Engaged. Marj is serving up a very powerful request with this book that will not suit the palettes of the weak and weary.

Marj writes:

Introduction and chapter one to my next book, with working title, “The Possible Woman Gets Engaged”.  I am writing these words to encourage women to define and create the next model of leadership for our Planet Earth.

Marj is asking us to engage in our world in a bigger way than ever and to bring our unique gifts of nurturing and instinct to a planet in need.

Click HERE to read Marj’s post and I’m sure you too will become an instant fan and supporter of my friend, Marj.

Marjorie Barlow is yet another reason for you to consider attending a powerful weekend retreat in February, 2011 that you will not soon forget. Click HERE for more information about Wisdom Woman Weekend III.

It doesn’t matter what type of retreat you choose for yourself. What matters is that you DO occasionally retreat from the stress and hectic pace of your “normal life.”

The 2nd Episode of The Stop, Balance, Go! Show has me traveling to a terrific destination to highlight the idea of an “individual retreat.” Unlike the group [...]]]> (Cassie)

It doesn’t matter what type of retreat you choose for yourself. What matters is that you DO occasionally retreat from the stress and hectic pace of your “normal life.”

The 2nd Episode of The Stop, Balance, Go! Show has me traveling to a terrific destination to highlight the idea of an “individual retreat.” Unlike the group variety, which of course I LOVE (Wisdom Woman Weekend III is scheduled for Feb 4-6, 2011 – click here for more info), the individual retreat is just that…a chance for you to commune with YOU and get some quiet, rest and self-reflection.

Even being home alone sometimes doesn’t have the same quality as an individual retreat, because you still have the distractions that nag at you. Like laundry and the many other chores and projects that vie for your attention.

Check out this short YouTube show that highlights a beautiful place here in the Bay Area. Stillheart Institute is located in the wooded mountains of Woodside, California.

Click the picture below to VIEW THE SHOW!

Hope you enjoyed the tour. Just think about how lovely it would be go away for a few days to do or not do what ever your little heart desires. Ahhhh…

In all my excitement to share what I know about healing with the people I care about (like you!), I need to constantly remind myself of the message below. I think I’ll make it my mantra for a while.

The thought below is from my Louise Hay “Power Thought Cards” deck.

“I do not try to heal [...]]]> (Cassie)

In all my excitement to share what I know about healing with the people I care about (like you!), I need to constantly remind myself of the message below. I think I’ll make it my mantra for a while.

The thought below is from my Louise Hay “Power Thought Cards” deck.

“I do not try to heal my friends. I do my own mental work, and heal myself.

This is the best thing I can do for others.”

~ Louise Hay

I believe that we’re here on this earth to learn a series of lessons and to become wise. To the extent that we participate fully in our lives, those lessons and bits of wisdom come at a fairly regular clip.

However, when one makes a conscious decision to be unconscious in their lives, they miss out [...]]]> (Cassie)

I believe that we’re here on this earth to learn a series of lessons and to become wise. To the extent that we participate fully in our lives, those lessons and bits of wisdom come at a fairly regular clip.

However, when one makes a conscious decision to be unconscious in their lives, they miss out on the process. I am one of those people.

I didn’t realize until recently that I’ve been hiding my head in the sand for years, in order to avoid the harshness of reality on this planet. I’ve been a victim of the Ostrich Syndrome (OS).

I’ve used the convenient excuse of MS (my fragile little nervous system) to keep me from viewing the news, following current policy and politics, and entertaining any topic that I find “disturbing.”

Under the guise of being “spiritual,” I have successfully erected a wall between my meditation corner and the outside world.

This week, it became all to obvious to me that the OS syndrome was my copout. Deepak Chopra sent out a Facebook message urging readers to get involved with the oil crisis in the Gulf. I was sent a video that Carolyn Myss produced where she urged the spiritual community to be present with “what is” in the world and lend a hand.

Then, my wonderful friend Ally asked if I’d seen Eve Ensler’s “Embrace Your Inner Girl.” I had heard about the Vagina Monologues in the past, but had never actually listened to this passionate woman speak. This is one of the best lectures I’ve ever seen. LISTEN NOW.

I’ve had at LEAST three signs this week that have asked me to come out of the sand and help make a difference in my world. MY WORLD. That’s just it. I thought MY WORLD was made up of the carefully designed and orchestrated pieces that I’ve assembled to soothe and keep me safe from harm.

No. My world and YOUR world is OUR world and it needs help. I’m dusting off the sand and making a commitment to open my eyes and ears and funnel my energy in the many directions where it is needed. Harsh or pleasant, I have faith that I can maintain my balance and extend a helping and loving hand.

Are your kids this weird?

Here I am in my office just typing away. A slightly sour mood is prevailing.

Suddenly, in comes a small pack of wild animals to cheer me up.

Gloria loves to collect hats of all kinds and recently has taken to wearing critters on her head. Chris is known to join in [...]]]> (Cassie)

Are your kids this weird?

Here I am in my office just typing away. A slightly sour mood is prevailing.

Suddenly, in comes a small pack of wild animals to cheer me up.

Gloria loves to collect hats of all kinds and recently has taken to wearing critters on her head. Chris is known to join in on this type of activity on occasion.

As far as distractions go? This is at least near the top of my list.

They’re only 23 and 21. I’m sure they’ll grow out of this phase soon. Actually, I hope they don’t.

Grrrr…

In my efforts to submit a video audition to the OPRAH “win your OWN TV show contest,” I learned some very valuable lessons. Most importantly, I learned to read all of the guidelines, fine print and rules before submitting ideas to contests!

I thought it would be awesome to [...]]]> (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SHOW)

In my efforts to submit a video audition to the OPRAH “win your OWN TV show contest,” I learned some very valuable lessons. Most importantly, I learned to read all of the guidelines, fine print and rules before submitting ideas to contests!

I thought it would be awesome to win my OWN show on the new OWN network. I worked diligently to prepare my video audition and fill out the long and detailed application form.

Alas, my submission was rejected because I didn’t obey many of the rules (limit of 3 minutes, no logos, no music in the background, etc…etc…etc.).

I was all prepared to FIX my video and resubmit, when I read the really small print. All content in the video submissions would become property of OPRAH?

That did it. I said, “Thank you, Universe for stopping me! I don’t want to give away my divinely-inspired Stop, Balance, Go! concepts.”

Then my daughter (gotta love that Glo!) asked the most amazing question. “Mom, why don’t you just have your OWN show on YouTube?” Great idea, Glo! And that’s just what I’ve done.

Beginning TODAY, I’ll be posting a new The Stop, Balance, Go! Show on YouTube very week.

My new weekly show will highlight people, places and things that can help you de-stress your life and invite in that all elusive thing we call BALANCE.

Tune in each Tuesday for a new video adventure with Cassie. Shows will vary in length from 5-10 minutes, and will fit perfectly into your “brakes.”

Thanks in advance for passing the word along to others you think might enjoy tips for balancing work and life and all that comes in that package.

NOTE: It’s best to create a login and password for YouTube (it’s really easy) and then you can SUBSCRIBE to the show. Each time a new one is posted, you’ll be notified and after log in, you can submit “Likes” and comments if you wish.

Thank you for your support of my mission for wellness!

Be Well~!

Cassie

It may be hard for some people to believe me when I tell my stories about how hearts make themselves so apparent in my life.

Here’s my latest and it may just be my greatest heart sighting ever.

I was planning to meet my dear friend Audrey a week ago for breakfast. I hadn’t seen her since [...]]]> (Cassie)

It may be hard for some people to believe me when I tell my stories about how hearts make themselves so apparent in my life.

Here’s my latest and it may just be my greatest heart sighting ever.

I was planning to meet my dear friend Audrey a week ago for breakfast. I hadn’t seen her since the memorial for her 18-year old daughter in April.

I wanted to give her a gift. A tool for easing her weary mind and heart. So I decided to string her a mala (meditation/prayer beads). I found a silver cross with a Peridot at the center under my meditation chair one day. I had bought it years prior and lost it in short order. I dusted it off and used it on the mala, because Spencer’s birthday was August and this was the perfect birthstone to have on Audrey’s mala.

I began stringing the beads with a nylon/wire and as I strung, it took on different shapes. I thought about my friend as I strung and this is the shape that happened during the making.

I froze in my tracks and yelled for my son Chris to come and see. I said, “Chris, I know that you guys might think I’m crazy when I tell you this story, so I want you to see what just happened while I was stringing Audrey’s mala. I wanted you to feel how special this sign is too.” He smiled and got a tear in his eye and gave me a hug.

I gave Audrey her mala in a beautiful bag with a card and a picture of the heart inside. She cried and laughed and knew that I had delivered a special message from her daughter.

Some things can’t be explained. Or can they?

This is one of those follow-up stories. Do you remember my post back in October of last year about the little retail “hut” near my home that was empty? Here’s the link in case you missed it.

We thought about good ideas for this little retail box. We pondered what it might become that would turn [...]]]> (Cassie)

This is one of those follow-up stories. Do you remember my post back in October of last year about the little retail “hut” near my home that was empty? Here’s the link in case you missed it.

We thought about good ideas for this little retail box. We pondered what it might become that would turn into a thriving business. Something great for our community? An essential add-on?

Here’s your update . . . it’s a walk-up/drive through Hot Dog House. YES, that’s exactly what our neighborhood needed. A good dog house!

Here’s the young man that was out promoting the grand opening of Tommy’s Dog House the other day.

You have to have a cute face and be super confident to have this job. I can only relish the thought! OK, that’s one of those puns everyone hates. Now I’ve really got myself into a pickle. OOPS. I better get my buns moving.

Bye for now~!