Get Ink'd!

I've always loved tattoos. I pass random people on the street and see their tattoos and want to ask them the story behind them. I realize some people have incredible stories and then other tattoos were just done on impulse. Still, I am intrigued.  I have always loved the phrase, "Tattoos are scars with stories." I want to know the stories.

I have always wanted a tattoo. But I have never been able to figure out what I wanted. I am the one who always thinks ahead and wants no regrets. I have seen friends regret tattoos - whether it be ones done because of boyfriends that became husbands and then ex-husbands or friends out of high school who had stomach tats done and years later became pregnant and the entire idea literally "exploded" into something different and permanent. I'm cautious by nature. I figure when the time is right and the idea is perfect, I'll know it. Tattoos are permanent. I want something that is meaningful and that is still relevant when I'm 20 as well as when I'm 90.

About seven years ago, I found a dragonfly design that I loved (and I still do). My girlfriend and I were going to the Outer Banks for vacation and I had researched a shop down there to have the tattoo done. I went as far as emailing the artist weeks ahead of time, making an appointment, walking into the shop, sitting in the chair, seeing the design and then saying "forget it" and walking out.  I was not happy with the artwork or the environment. Something didn't feel right and if I get a bad vibe, I'm out. No questions asked. I always listen to my instincts.

In August 2015, I made an appointment for a tattoo in October. My boyfriend was having work done at a shop in Fredericksburg and had gone there quite a few times. I was extremely impressed with the work he had done.


 I also did a "walk thru" of the shop before I made the appointment to make sure I would feel comfortable. He was having another tattoo done in October and I figured two months would give me enough time to figure out my design. I'd go with him, watch his work being done and have time to freak out and cancel if I desired. Going alone wasn't an option.

I had ideas. Things that were important to me. Things that I wouldn't mind having on me for the rest of my life. A place on my body that I could see but that I could easily hide if need be as well. The key would be doing something unique. Something different. Something inspirational and meaningful to me. I didn't care if it made sense to anyone else. This was strictly for me. I knew I wanted words. I knew I wanted something simple.  I tend to overanalyze and overthink EVERYTHING I do. However, I am proud to say over the years, I have learned to relaxed quite a bit.

I had a few ideas flying around in my head. I had things that would "work" but I was still yearning for something special. Then it happened.

Every year for my birthday, I treat myself to a session with my spirit medium. It is the most comforting and rejuvenating gift I could ever give myself. As I was driving to my annual session, I was talking to my grandmother and asked her to provide me with inspiration. I had set my tattoo appointment for October and I had less than a month to figure out my design. I knew I wanted words and I knew I wanted it on the inside of my wrist, but I needed more. I had a backup plan but I wasn't completely in love with it.

Long story short, during my session, my grandmother came forth and among many things, she provided me exactly what I needed. Without going into detail, I knew I had my tattoo the moment she told me the following statement - "There are no coincidences".  

I have always believed that everything in life happens for a reason.  We may not understand it when it happens but eventually we will. It isn't our place to question. My Christian faith has always been what powers me through the tough times and this phrase and belief has empowered me to endure the trials and challenges in which I'm faced.

I was thrilled. I had it! I had my tattoo. Well, at least parts of it. Now was time to figure out how to design it. Over a few weeks time, it all came to me with help from my grandmother, my intuition and my boyfriend.  I would create an acronym and use a cross as the "t". I would also use my grandmother's actual handwriting for the "anc".

If you want to understand the deeper meaning behind my tattoo, you can click here: http://winefoodie.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-permanent-reminder.html

 

I am so excited to announce that Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival has graciously donated its services for the Denny's Shotgun Riders Fundraiser this year!!

 

http://tattyshack.com/home/

 

Jack Brown's is filled with a fantastic group of creative and artistic geniuses! Greg and Kevin are the artists I have personally met and I cannot begin to explain how incredibly impressed I am with them! The analytical, word-smithing mind of mine is truly in awe of their talents! There is nothing too simple or too complicated. It is all up to the customer and what you want!

 

Many thanks to co-owner, Kenny Brown, for helping us raise money to put an end to prostate cancer!

 

 

 

 

 

No one should have to fight alone

During the last two years of taking on the plight of raising awareness for prostate cancer and raising funds for the cause, I have come across many people who I otherwise would never have met. Men don't like to talk about this disease. It's too personal.  For some reason, I have been able to make it "ok" to talk about and I have become a voice for many men out there. Maybe because I start the conversation. Maybe because I understand what they are going through even though I'm female. Maybe because I openly and genuinely care.  How did this happen? Why did this happen? I don't know but I'll take it. If I can make a difference, even a small one, I'm going to go after it full speed ahead. My driving force is obviously my father but I don't want any other man to have to go through what he has been through the last 20 years and most importantly, since December 2014.


While soliciting for donations for the fundraiser, I have come into contact with three individuals who have been touched by prostate cancer - three individuals who I had not previously met or even talked to until recently -  in just the last few weeks. Their businesses have agreed to make a donation simply because they know first hand what it's like to battle this disease and they are applauding me for my efforts.  I cannot begin to tell you how touching it is to receive an email from a stranger stating they would love to donate an item/gift certificate for the fundraiser and then sharing their personal story. From the manager of a golf course telling me her husband was diagnosed four years ago, had surgery and has maintained a zero PSA since to the owner of a local restaurant who has fought his own battle with prostate cancer for years to the manager of a local business who has numerous staff and customers who have been touched personally by this disease. In January, I also met the founder of a local Veterans foundation at a charity event and found out later that evening he had been diagnosed six months ago with prostate cancer and was undergoing extensive radiation and suffering from major side effects. In passing out "save the date" flyers at my happy place one night, I found out an acquaintance I had known for a year had battled prostate cancer as well. All it takes is one person to start a conversation and it's amazing what you find out and what good you can do.


As I think about all of these men I wonder if they have a support system. I wonder if they have had to fight their battle alone. I can't imagine going through cancer alone yet I know there are many people, unfortunately, who do. In fact, a dear friend of mine who I lost touch with for about 10 years was diagnosed at the age of 51 and was completely alone. I had no idea he was going through this journey and felt guilty when I found out all those years later.  No one should ever have to fight cancer alone. I see the fear, the pain and the misery that my dad is going through and one thing he always needs to understand is no matter how bad it gets he will NEVER be alone. Obviously, my mom and I will always be by his side but there are so many others who have vowed to be one of his shotgun riders as well - whether it be as part of the race team or in spirit. 


At last year's race, I was honored to speak to the participants and as I looked out onto the crowd, I was overwhelmed. ZERO had built a huge support system for so many people and now my parents and I were part of that massive sea of support.  In my message, I mentioned that no man should ever have to fight prostate cancer alone and I meant it. Call me, email me, write me. I'll help you the best way I know how and sometimes all that takes is a shoulder and the bending of an ear.


Yesterday, I was on my way back to work from lunch and heard the song, "Brother" by Need to Breathe. I love this band and while I've heard this song many times, it resonated with me in a different way than usual. The lyrics are powerful. The music is powerful. The message is powerful.


This song instantly made me think of my father and his battle with prostate cancer; his 20-year journey. The song made me think of how strong Dad is but yet how often he feels as if he can't take it anymore and questions why this is happening to him. It made me think of all the other men who I know and who I don't know, the men who are silent about having this disease, the men who are fighting alone.


I felt an undeniable urge to tell them, don't give up.
You're not alone.
I'm with you, brother!


Brother, let me be your shelter
I’ll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother, let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

And when you call and need me near
Sayin' where'd you go?
Brother, I'm right here
And on those days when the sky begins to fall
You're the blood of my blood
We can get through it all


Click here to listen to the song in its entirety along with the video:

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Needtobreathe+Brother+Unplugged+official&&view=detail&mid=FF092BCE830C6BD529C3FF092BCE830C6BD529C3&FORM=VRDGAR

Please show your support for my father and for all men who are battling prostate cancer! Whether it be by donating online in honor of my team or buying a ticket for the fundraiser, it takes a quick moment of your day or a few hours of your night in April but you have no idea what a difference it will make!

Every man is at risk.

Help me bring awareness to this disease.

Help me raise funds for research and education to help put an end to this disease.

 Selfishly, I ask that you show my father, your friend, Denny, that he is not alone and that we are all there for him - even when the night winds are driving on and on those days when the sky begins to fall. 

Thank you all for your support, prayers, love and friendship!

Click here to make a donation to my team and show support:
http://support.zerocancer.org/site/TR/RunWalk/RunWalk16?px=1102458&pg=personal&fr_id=1082

Time for a Chemo Vacation!

I haven't written an update on Dad and his battle with prostate cancer in a while. Instead, I have been focusing on the fundraiser, the upcoming ZERO summit and trying to keep my mind busy. Feeling helpless is not something I enjoy or handle well and, unfortunately, that feeling seems to have taken over lately.

Dad's last chemo was December 30, 2015 and I came to the realization that it has done all the possible good that it can at this point. A year ago, Dad's PSA was 101. The PSA has been wavering between 15 and 11 and it is possible that it won't get any lower. The PSA is an indicator. It's not a perfect indicator but it's the best one; sometimes the only one. Thankfully, for the last 20 years, the PSA has proven to be a perfect indicator for Dad, though.

While chemo has obviously done its job in ridding Dad's body of the majority of the cancer, it also has started doing more damage.  The last two treatments were incredibly harsh on Dad and he was not able to bounce back as he had between previous treatments. The neuropathy in his feet, legs, arms, hands and jaw is almost unbearable. Chronic fatigue and exhaustion have taken control of his body.  For a man who has been self sufficient and extremely active his entire life, this new way of life is very frustrating, to say the least. To have to depend on others, to struggle in daily tasks and to realize you have to ask for help is not fun. This is the new normal. It's not fair but it's reality.

Yesterday, we got the results of Dad's bone scan which showed some progression of disease and some decrease in disease. All in all, we're looking at stable disease right now which is honestly, all we can ask for at this point. Once Dad's prostate cancer metastasized to the bone, we knew he would never be cancer free again. It's about managing the cancer at this point. The bone scan is definitely better than it was in January 2015. However, because there is still disease present we could, and perhaps should, continue chemo. However, at this point, we chose to take a break. It's time for a chemo vacation.

Chemo is the necessary evil that has saved my father's life but at the same time it's the necessary evil that is slowly destroying his quality of life. Chemo is doing more harm than good. Dad's body needs a break. His body needs time to recover and regain strength.

After the doctor's appointment, we decided to celebrate the official start of chemo vacation at our happy place with the Friday night wine tasting. Mom and Dad hadn't felt up to going out in a while but a short visit would definitely do us all some good! After all, celebration was in order!!!

Dad goes back to the doc late March, we'll monitor the PSA and bloodwork and take things one step at a time. For now, we are extremely thankful for the chemo break and are embracing each day as it comes. It's time to get Dad's strength back so he can keep kicking cancer's ass!

Don't take your life for granted, my friends. At any given moment, life as you know it can change. Thank you for the continued prayers. Please keep them coming. This is far from over!

****

Through all of it

-Colton Dixon

There are days of taking more than I can give
and there are choices that I made that I wouldn’t make again
I’ve had my share of laughter
of tears and troubled times
This has been the story of my life

I have won and I have lost
I got it right sometimes, but sometimes I did not
Life’s been a journey
I’ve seen joy, I’ve seen regret
Oh, and You have been my God through all of it

You were there when it all came down on me
When I was blinded by my fear and I struggled to believe
But in those unclear moments You were the one keeping me strong
This is how my story’s always gone

I have won
And I have lost
I got it right sometimes, but sometimes I did not
Life’s been a journey
I’ve seen joy, I’ve seen regret
Oh, and You have been my God through all of it

Art at its finest!

In the early 2000s, I knew of someone named Patti who worked in the Personnel Department of the City of Alexandria. In 2004, she quit working there, or as we, fellow employees used to say, she escaped. Even though I didn't know her that well, I was still happy for her and envious because anyone who could escape City Hall deserved applause.   In 2006, my sweet german shepherd, Prowler, was born and not long after I was searching for a pet sitter since I was gone most of the day commuting from Woodbridge to Alexandria.  After a lot of research and trying a few sitters, I finally contacted this one person and made an appointment for her to come by to meet us. To my surprise, it was Patti! She was quickly hired and it didn't take long for Prowler to call her "Aunt Patti".As time went on, I depended on Patti so very much and trusted her with my baby as well as my home. I could always count on her and was so thankful to have found her.

I'm happy to say that while I don't need a daily pet sitter any longer because Prowler is older, can be left alone and I only work a mile from home, Patti and I still keep in touch.  Our love of animals, especially dogs, and family will always keep us connected.

While I know what an incredible connection Patti has with dogs and her obvious and undying devotion and love for all animals, what I didn't know was the hidden talent that she has as an artist!

Over a year ago, I came across incredible paintings she was creating of our beloved four-legged furry family members! In December 2014, I was fortunate enough to have her create a portrait of  "my slippers". My favorite guy has two pure bred, white maltese dogs who are the most adorable little snugglebugs I have ever met. While he adores his babies as much as I adore my Prowler, and I needed the "perfect Christmas gift" for him two years ago, it was fate that I had come upon Patti's website!

From just a few photos that I had provided to Patti and some personal specifics, the finished product was absolutely mesmerizing for me and for their owner!  I couldn't have been more pleased and am still in awe of Patti's talent!

I am pleased to announce that Patti has offered up her artistic services once again for the silent auction!

Please visit Patti's website at

http://www.thewoofsmeowartstudio.com/

to find out more details and view the incredible pieces of art she has completed!

I am so grateful for Patti's friendship and generosity to benefit

Denny's Shotgun Riders!

How to get your ticket and other important stuff!

Tickets to the Fundraiser

First of all, a big thank you to those who have told me they are coming to the fundraiser! Tickets are $26 and include access to incredible heavy hors dourves and one glass of wine or beer. Tax and tip are included. Almost half of the ticket price will go towards the cause.

I highly recommend you purchase your ticket in advance for many reasons. The Winestyles staff and I are extremely thankful because it helps us tremendously in regard to preparation and planning purposes. It will also save you from having to stand in line at the door the night of the event.

If you want to sign up ahead of time, please let me know and I'll provide you with a mailing address or you can always hand deliver it to me at some point.  Unfortunately, I can only accept cash or checks. As convenient as it could be to pay online, I refuse to be charged a fee or charge you a fee. I'm raising funds for this cause that I am passionate about and want every last penny to go to ZERO.

If you pay ahead of time, please be on the look out for a letter from me no later than a week before the event with details, your wristband and your drink ticket.

The deadline for advance purchase is Saturday, April 9. 

Please contact me at valamoore@yahoo.com to make arrangements for payment to ensure your hassle-free entry the night of the event!

Please be aware that you can pay at the door the night of the event BUT the entry fee will be increased to $31.

Raffle Tickets
Raffle tickets will be sold at the event - 6 for $5 or 12 for $10.  I will be walking around throughout the evening selling raffle tickets or you can find my mom who will also be selling raffle tickets. I suggest you buy them early and often because we have a ton of great items and a limited time in which to promote them.

Silent Auction Items
Silent Auction items will be displayed throughout Winestyles that evening and you will need to peruse the items and then make bids on the ones you are interested in. Believe me, there are a ton of fantastic items! In fact, I will be donating a lot of my own personal money that night for some of these items! The physical items that are up for auction will be displayed. Where a gift certificate/card for services is being auctioned, you will not see the actual gift certificate/card displayed. The highest bidder will win the auction and be given the gift certificate/card once the auction has closed.  Rest assured, I will have all of the items on the premises but to save space, they will not be displayed. Where applicable, a short description of what you are bidding on will be presented with the silent auction sign up sheet. Again, please remember, I am only able to accept cash and checks for the items at the fundraiser.  You also must be present to win.

Door Prizes/Surprises
There will also be a few door prizes and surprises throughout the night!

Blog Posts/Donated Items
As time permits, I will write spotlight posts as little teasers for you of some of the items you can expect at the event. While I will unfortunately not be able to spotlight every individual/business who has donated items for the fundraiser, I want you all to know that we have an incredible array of items that have come in and are continuing to come in. To those of you who have promised and owe me items - they are due to me no later than April 1.  I have much more to prepare once I have your items in my possession so thank you for your understanding.

I can't wait to see you all on April 28!!

Let’s strive to declare one number above all others – ZERO!

Southern Threads for Heads

My favorite guy is a HUGE Zac Brown Band fan. Last August, I was searching for something unique that had to do with Zac for a birthday gift. We already had tickets for the ZBB concert at Nats Park that month and wow, what a night!  In my search for a fantastic birthday present, I came across a business called, Southern Threads for Heads, which is owned by Donna "DJ" Windsor.  I couldn't do Donna's story justice so I thought I'd just put her story in her own words here for you all to read:

"I make hats for Zac Brown.  He has worn them on videos, at awards shows, and concerts.  Let me tell you how it happened.

I’m from Georgia.  I lived there for 21 years.  I lived in Dawsonville, right next to Dahlonega, where Zac Brown is from.  I didn’t know that would be important later in life, but it was. 
I moved to Oklahoma, married (for 31 years), and had two daughters.  They are now grown and married and have given me five grandkids.  In my free time, four years ago, I started crocheting hats (beanies) for the homeless ministry at my church. I did this for two years and gave them at Christmas.  My daughter, Rachel, introduced our family to Zac Brown’s music shortly before “Chicken Fried” came out on the radio.  We all immediately loved his music.  I learned he was from Georgia.  Not just from Georgia, but born in the county next door to where I had lived for all those years! 

Noticing that he always wore a beanie, I decided to make him a hat.  I sent it to his management in California in the Fall of 2009.  I also included a letter telling him about myself.  I didn’t hear from him and just put it in the back of my mind. I never thought anything would come of it. 

One day, Rachel asked me to watch the ” Highway 20 Ride” video in order to help her understand the story line.  I went to the living room to listen, and all of a sudden my hat came into view.  He was wearing MY HAT on TV!  I started yelling for my husband, Larry, to come watch.  I was so thrilled.  I want to thank the person in California who got my hat to Zac.

I made three more hats and sent them to California.  Guess what? He wore another one on the video “Free”.  The same hat is in the video “As She’s Walking Away”!  He was wearing the hat from “Free”  when he won his first Grammy.  I felt like I had won a Grammy!  In June, his wife Shelly called and asked for a black hat to wear to the CMT Awards in 2010.  I was so excited to talk to her and know that he liked my hats.

I went to his concert in Oklahoma City in September, 2010.  I was in front of the sound booth when the concert started.  Zac and Shelly came walking down the aisle, to the sound booth, to watch the opening act (I went to the concert with lots of hats in case I got to meet him).  Jessica, my oldest daughter, said, “Mama, get your hats out! He is coming this way!”.  There I stood, holding out my baggies of hats, looking right at him, and probably grinning like crazy.  He recognized me, smiled, and shook my hand.  That made me feel so special, BUT that was not the end. 

His bodyguard, Massif, came and found me during the concert.  He told me to meet him after the concert in front of the stage.  Zac wanted to meet me,  BUT that was still not the end.  During the concert, Zac said, “I want to wish Donna Windsor Happy Birthday – she is a sweet lady that makes my hats”.  I didn’t know that my son-in-law, Greg, had told him it was my birthday!  After the concert, which was an absolutely INCREDIBLE show, I went down and found Massif.  He took me back to Zac’s bus.  I met Zac and Shelly on the bus.  They were so sweet to take the time to meet me and spend a few minutes talking with me.  As I walked off the bus, I felt like Queen for the day.

Well, now I am trying to start a business making hats.  My hats aren’t special alone.  They are special because Zac Brown wears them.  He made the simple idea of sending him a hat, grow into this great story.   Thank you Zac!" - DJ Windsor

*****

I got in touch with DJ and had two beanies made last year - one for my favorite guy in Ohio State University colors for his birthday and one for my dad, of course, in Redskins colors!!  They both turned out wonderfully well and were great surprises!

 

DJ did not hesitate to donate two beanies all the way from Oklahoma for the Denny's Shotgun Riders fundraiser and I couldn't be more honored!

 

Check out her Southern Threads for Heads Facebook page. Thanks, DJ, you're the best!

 

Spirit Medium Session

I've always been a spiritual person and I was born and raised Southern Baptist. My faith is what grounds me and the one stable source of strength which enables me to push through life's hardships. I am not one to brag or boast about it though. Everyone can think and believe what they want and I won't condemn them for their feelings. I expect the same in return.  My faith is very personal to me and as a result, I keep it pretty private.  However, you'll most likely see me wearing a cross around my neck at all times.

My path crossed with a very special person about six years ago. She is a spirit medium and also a silversmith. When I started working in Prince William County, my boss told me about a spirit medium that he went to and at first, I thought he had lost his mind. Isn't that what everyone thinks? I mean, come on, they can't possibly be able to converse with the dead, right? However, as my boss was telling me about his session I was intrigued. For my birthday present to myself that year, I scheduled a session with Barb and thought, what the hell? If nothing else, it would be entertaining!

I cannot begin to explain what an exciting, emotional and comforting experience! It was so incredible that I have since gifted myself a session with her every year as a birthday present to myself.  There is nothing better than being able to hear from a loved one who has passed on. I also have become more aware of my own abilities and even took a full-day psychic development class taught by Barb two years ago. I highly recommend a session with Barb and have friends who I have referred who

whole-heartedly agree. I'm happy to talk with any of you about my experiences. Just ask me!

 

 

Barb is such an extremely generous person in so many ways!  She didn't hesitate to show her support for Denny's Shotgun Riders again this year!

 

As a result, one lucky bidder will receive a gift certificate for a 45 minute medium session with Barb! While this is obviously special in itself, it's even more so now because Barb has decided to retire/take a break from doing medium sessions to focus on her love and passion for making jewelry! That means the winner of this silent auction item is in for a one-of-a-kind treat!!! You better get your checkbooks ready because I, for one, will be going hard after this item!! I already know a few others who will be jumping on this bandwagon! What better way to raise money to end prostate cancer!!!

 

Barb is an easy-going, fun-loving, down-to-earth woman who is no different than the rest of us. She just happens to have a fabulous gift!. She is also a huge animal lover - a mom of dogs, rats, and a sweet rabbit as her newest addition. This Paul McCartney fanatic is someone I think the absolute world of because her gift has given me such comfort and peace - a feeling that only she could provide.

 

 Thank you, again, Barb!! I can't even begin to put into words what a difference you've made in my life as a result of your gift!

 

 

Click the link below to go to Barb's website for more information:

http://www.barbmallon.com

You can also check out her Etsy shop by clicking here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/barbmallonjewelry

Animal Communication

Do you ever wish you knew what your dog was thinking? Do you wish your cat could tell you why she's not eating? Do you wish your rabbit could tell you if he's happy? I've always wished these things and thanks to a class I took on Animal Communication in April 2015, I've not only been able to communicate with my own dog but I've been able to help other people with their animals as well.

Thanks to my friend and spirit medium, Barb Mallon, I have been avidly practicing animal communication since August 2015. Barb thought I would be perfect for her class and, would not only enjoy but get much benefit out of it, so I thought I'd take a chance. I have successfully communicated with dogs, cats, rabbits and soon I will be attempting to communicate with horses!

Animal communication is a true blessing to me. I am honored every time that an animal allows me to communicate with them and trusts me enough to talk to me. After all, they don't HAVE to communicate with me - it's completely up to them. It starts with meditation and focus on my end. It's all about trust and energy - linking my energy with the animal's energy.

I have been practicing and honing my skills for six months now and will continue to do so. Everyone knows I have a passion for animals and if I could go back in time and change one thing it would be choosing a career in which I could work with and help animals. Since I am not going to do that at this stage in my life, animal communication is the next best thing for me. I cannot begin to explain how rewarding it is for me.

During the recent blizzard, I was able to provide healing to a family who was facing the horrible task of letting its precious retriever go because of cancer. Out of all animals I have communicated with, this dog was by far one of my absolute favorites. I have never felt such an incredible connection with this darling boy and he truly was a loving soul. He literally took it upon himself to give me a quick message for each of the family members. Recently, I also helped another friend know it was time to let her sweet cat go. I have also been able to confirm and validate numerous things about other animals that I have never met.  So far, I've communicated with a cat, rabbit, jack russell terrier, cairn terrier, two maltese, a standard poodle, sharpei, golden retriever and, of course, my own, german shepherd.

I have decided to raffle a few pet communication session gift certificates at the Denny's Shotgun Riders fundraiser. What exactly do you get for this gift certificate and what can you expect from a pet communication session? Well, as far as you're side of things goes, it's pretty simple. 

All I'll need from the winner(s) of the raffle is: 1) a photo of your pet clearly showing the animal's face with no other animals or people present; 2) a few written questions that you would like me to ask your pet; 3) your email address; and 4) your patience.

After I communicate with your pet, I will relay all of the information I received to you in an email. I will ask the questions that you specifically stated and also present any other information that the animal provides. (You don't have to give me questions if you don't want to. I can ask things on my own if you'd rather go that route.) It is up to you to decipher and validate the information that the animal gives me. I ask for you patience because animal communication is not something I can just do on a whim. The conditions, so to speak, need to be right. For example, I will not hold a session after happy hour or on my hour lunch break from work. I will communicate when I the conditions are right for me and your pet to have the perfect connection.

Animals provide me with symbols, feelings and words. You should not expect a dialogue to occur. In fact, you should not EXPECT anything. In order to get the most out of your session, you should be open and accepting of anything that your animal tells me.

I'm happy to discuss this in detail with anyone who is interested or has questions so feel free to send me a message and we can talk. I have so many examples I could provide but the one that really sticks with me is one last summer in one of my very first sessions. I'll leave this with you to ponder.

My friend was visiting his brother in Massachusetts. We were texting early one Saturday morning and he told me that only he and his brother's dog, Spencer, the standard poodle, were awake. I asked him to send me a picture of Spencer and I'd see if he'd talk to me. I knew absolutely nothing about Spencer except for his name and his breed. Spencer was extremely vocal, displayed his personality perfectly to me and was an absolute delight to "meet". None of the information that he gave me meant anything to me but I did a "brain dump" email after the session and sent it off to my friend. He was in awe of all that I had unearthed and validated every single nugget of information I relayed from Spencer. In fact, my friend then sent me picture of Spencer laying on his dog bed at that exact moment with an orange tennis ball in his mouth. So what's the big deal, you're wondering?  Dogs love tennis balls, right? Well, one of the things Spencer had told me in our session was that his favorite toy was an orange tennis ball.  One day I hope I get to meet Spencer in person and thank him for allowing me to connect with him. Good boy, Spence!

I love animals. I love animals more than most people. It's just a simple fact. They display the most purest form of unconditional love. I am truly blessed to be able to communicate with each one of them and consider it an absolute pleasure. I look forward to talking to your animal soon!! Be sure to look for this raffle item at the fundraiser in April!