Author Archives: Kim Abundant Life Tarot

Flea Market Bound

Posted in Fashion, Style, Uncategorized by

Saturday was an awesome adventure at Denios Farmers Market and Swap Meet, filled with great weather, family and yes, overalls.

1st day out with my overalls.

Having good times shopping at the flea market. Old Navy shoulder bag.

En route to Denios Flea Market…wearing my American Rag overalls, Toms, Old Navy turquois top, my mother of pearl earrings and a Ross Infinity scarf.

No jacket required.

Blankets for sale…love the Mary blanket the most…the tiger one, a close second.

My sister scored a cool, vintage tray from a vendor.

A beer and a search for a mattress set for my son’s bed is great times.

Lhes found these cute sunglasses and pretty earrings.

Close up of the earrings…

Love patchwork bags…

Lhes also got this cool, carved container she’s going to use to hold her kitchen utensils.

Another cute bag…

I spotted this colorful shirt and had to have it – $15 and a comfortable addition to my wardrobe.

Another look at Jenni’s tray – she’s going to put it on her coffee table/ottoman.

Long day at the flea market – I’m pooped!

~Your Curator of All things Abundant, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Ghetto Bird

Posted in Poems, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of SweetCrisis, published on 02 June 2012 Stock Photo - image ID: 10085032, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of SweetCrisis, published on 02 June 2012 Stock Photo – image ID: 10085032, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

How does it feel, Ghetto Bird, to circle over houses,
And the people who dwell within them?

Far from rare, a pest for sure,

How does it feel to be the state’s most hated bird?

How does it feel to flash your obtrusive, bright light into the window
Of a mother changing her baby’s diaper?

Or on an elderly man taking a shower?
Or on the man walking his dog?
Or on the teens in the park?

A fishbowl, a hawk

prey, victim, assailant, predator

Do you find what you seek, Ghetto Bird?
Round and round you go,
Illuminating the night’s sky with an artificial sun,
Beaming down on me, I’m caught –
Or so I thought.

You demand “stay inside!”
Describing the alleged and their clothes,
And their race.

Take flight, Ghetto Bird,
Go home, you’re not wanted here,

God speed and Good night.

~Kimberly Jo Cooley

What’s Your Choice?

Posted in Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Love, Manifestation, New Thought, Relationships, Spirituality, Work Life by
Image courtesy of Master isolated images, published on 23 May 2011 Stock Image - image ID: 10042798, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of Master isolated images, published on 23 May 2011 Stock Image – image ID: 10042798, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

I had a conversation with a friend of mine, upset over her new boss. She just knew her boss hated her. We spent a good part of the conversation discussing how she can’t stand the lady and how she, herself was cold and distant when her supervisor asked how she was doing. She replied with a curt, “I’m fine.” But, she wasn’t fine. She was fired up and pissed. And, she was focused on the negative aspects of the situation.

I wanted to hear about what she did like about her boss and her job. She actually works at an awesome workplace, enviable for most. Instead, she focused on her disdain for this woman.

What we focus our conscious and subconscious on is what will come to pass. It has no choice but to align to what you are focusing on – not what you desire, not what you wish. Faith + Focus = Alignment with the Universe. A sure way to slow down momentum for greater things is lack of faith and lack of focus. A clear, defined focus set in your mind has to take place.

I know people who fret over the beginnings of a cold or an achy stomach. They focused and complain so much about the undesirable symptoms, they never focus on the seconds and moments they had relief.

It’s really a choice on what we choose to focus on and direct our energy to. 

Yesterday morning I was feeling a little queasy. Instead of focusing on my turning stomach and increasingly moist mouth, I shifted my focus to the parts of my body that actually felt good – really good. My lungs – breathing in and out, my legs carried me, my head and my nasal passages clear. I said aloud, “I AM feeling awesome right now.” I turned away from the small and focused on the big. The “big” was my overall good health. As soon as my attention and focus shifted, I instantly started to feel better and I wasn’t nauseous for the rest of the day.

So, to my friend – I offer you this. Focus on the aspects of your boss that you do like. What is it about her that makes her special? Despite what you may believe, there are likely redeeming qualities about her that you could appreciate. Can you find a way to celebrate the good, while shifting away from what feels bad? And, most importantly, how can YOU infuse love into the situation?

My friend may say that I’m always being positive when certain situations or pains don’t always allow for it. And, yes, there is a season for feelings that are less desirable, but let those feelings be your guide back to what it is you truly want. Don’t wallow in the less desirable, but be empowered to feel differently. Ultimately, the Universe will conspire to bring higher vibrational energy and your focus will be aligned to receive it.

I’ve had my share of bad bosses. Each time, I shifted my lower frequency vibrational thoughts (such as lack, depression and anger) to feelings I wanted to feel towards my boss, and over time, the physical experience matched the emotional signals I was sending out and calling the Universe to bring forth. Those undesirable bosses were promoted, got fired, laid off, died, joined a cruise line, or literally took a hike. But, that’s not the best part.

The best part is not the loss of an incompatible boss, but gaining an awesome one, or for some, becoming your own boss. How will you get to an awesome boss when all your energy and emotions are geared towards what you don’t want? It’s okay to be in that place for a moment, but over time, you have to shift gears and move towards solutions, resolutions and love. You will not get there if you are constantly focusing on what you don’t want instead of what you do want. Exercise your power of choice.

Today, challenge yourself to look at the other side of the coin of a difficult person or situation. The power of choice, having faith and focus will guide you back to your highest desires.   

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

My Early March Denim Looks

Posted in Fashion, Style by

Spring is approaching and in Northern California, one day its seventy degrees outside, and the next, cold stormy weather. My colorful jeans have a late eighties, early nineties vibe, but the skinny shape makes them 2014.

A wool turquoise jacket, a denim chambray shirt layered over a burgundy tee shirt, with abstract patterned jeans and leather booties. Gold hoops round out my look.

Without the picture color tinting and the jacket.

My jeans are from Forever21.com and I got them on sale for $8. I also purchased my chambray shirt from Forever21.com.

I love this American Rag shirt from Macys.com. I got it just last week for $8. On rainy days, a beret works great for hiding bad hair days. I love my Born boots – been wearing them for four years now, and they’re still looking good (with the help of my shoe cobbler, of course).

My take on the Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid.

My mother of pearl earrings go with a lot of outfits.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Fellowship with Humanity

Posted in Inspiration, Manifestation, New Thought, Relationships, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of smarnad, published on 19 October 2013 Stock Image - image ID: 100211250, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of smarnad, published on 19 October 2013 Stock Image – image ID: 100211250, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

I had a lovely early dinner, dessert with friends Saturday evening. It started out as a late lunch and with all our talking, stretched from lunch to 9PM dessert. I was enjoying time with friends, and recognized I missed these marathon chat sessions. Remembering to “stay in the moment,” I realized why it felt so good to be amongst friends. What we were having was connection and fellowship – but not always of the church variety (we talked about everything; oftentimes, not sanctified).

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could be in fellowship in every aspect of our life? Like at the post office, at the deli, or while waiting in a long line in an amusement park.

I bet it makes for a fun time, no matter who you’re with or where you go. I’m talking about fellowship with humanity, and letting it begin with you, your friends and spreading to all of humankind.

Last Thanksgiving Eve, I found myself, last-minute, picking up a ham at the Honey Baked Ham store – like hundreds of other people found themselves at 4:00 PM. The line wrapped around the building, snaking around the parking lot and doubling into itself. I groaned inwardly, and stared at the line, not sure if the ham was worth it. A business woman in a nice, black suit could see me thinking about leaving and she called out, “might as well join us!” I shrugged and walked over.

Soon, I was laughing with about five or six other folks in the line and by the time we reached the doors to enter the store, we seemed like old, best friends. In addition to the business woman, there were construction workers, a Comcast cable installer, a teenager who sagged his pants, and a couple of hipsters, too. Not one was glued to their cell phones, all was living in the moment. 

We laughed when we saw an unsuspecting shopper come around the corner and to see the expressions turn from smiles to “what the hell?” We chuckled and teased when a car had a hard time maneuvering about the throngs of people, and then finally having to help the driver back out of the parking space without hitting something or someone. We helped a lady find a missing earring. We collectively felt and showed empathy for the family who unwittingly brought their five children to this “boring” errand, entertaining them with our jokes.

It turned out to be one of the highlights of my 2013 Thanksgiving holiday as opposed to a memory of when I had to spend an hour and a half in a line with strangers. Having fellowship in what seemed as an unlikely place – a Honey Baked Ham store.

Imagine having fellowship all the time. What would that feel like to be present in the moment and in the company of others, all feeling good and happy to be there?

Next time you’re around a group of people, allow yourself to fellowship and see the opportunities for happiness to unfold.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Synchronicity of the Universe

Posted in Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of fotographic1980, published on 18 July 2013, Stock Image - image ID: 100185203, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of fotographic1980, published on 18 July 2013, Stock Image – image ID: 100185203, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Wikipedia definition of Synchronicity:

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events as meaningfully related, where they are unlikely to be causally related. The subject sees it as a meaningful coincidence, although the events need not be exactly simultaneous in time…The concept does not question, or compete with, the notion of causality. Instead, it maintains that just as events may be connected by a causal line, they may also be connected by meaning. A grouping of events by meaning need not have an explanation in terms of cause and effect.

Look around. See all the ways we connect? Amazing isn’t it? The Universe has the power to reach out to us and us to It, synchronized for manifesting connections. If it’s too far fetched for you to look for miracles, try, instead to look for the synchronicities in your life, those coincidences that speak to you and inform you that you’re headed in the right or wrong direction.

The virtual world is one of the endless ways we experience synchronicities. Bloggers, how does it feel to be a part of a movement? Internet surfers, how does it feel to receive all the information you could ever want instantaneously? On your terms, creating virtual connections.

In our thoughts and experiences, notice how certain themes come up at the same time, again and again. It is no coincidence – we are all connected to Divine Spirit and it is through this connection that we find we are all experiencing similar thoughts and occurrences, almost at the same time.

The phenomenon of one person writing a piece on alignment then seeing evidence of their beliefs in other written pieces, or their favorite Podcast host is talking about that very subject, or the Reverend has a sermon on it, or someone gives a book on alignment. Some would say all of that is coincidence, but I say it is much bigger – synchronicity – evidence of our connection to the Universal flow of life.  

The Universal Flow sends us synchronicities to show us we’re on a Divine Path and in sync with the Universe and its Inhabitants. 

Have you ever noticed coincidences around a particular experience? Did you choose to ignore those synchronicities? Or, did you recognize a pattern, that caused you to look outside and within?

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Just Be and Let Others Be

Posted in Affirmations, Dating, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Law of Attraction, Love, Manifestation, New Thought, Relationships, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Work Life by

– exploring ways to be present and non-judgmental in every circumstance and situation.

Happy balls

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, published on 04 November 2013, Stock Image – image ID: 100215277, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

When you remove the worry of the future and stop fretting and focusing on the past, you allow yourself and/or the person in your presence to grow up to a higher level of being, just by focusing on the present. Remember, our power lies in the Now. It is what we do and feel in the present that creates the future. Why hold on to past pains and hurts, just to carry it into the future?

When you remain focused on one’s less desirable qualities and the past hurts they’ve afflicted, you are placing your energy to that which you don’t want and living in the past.

Fundamentally, there is a loss of faith when one engages in not letting others be where they are in their journey. Or, not accepting where you are in your own journey.

Allow faith into your heart and trust that all things work out for the Greater Good. That state of being will wash over you and all who come into contact with you.

From a Law of Attraction standpoint, what you focus on is what you receive. If you are focusing on the negative in a person, then more of that will manifest on the physical plane. If you celebrate even the slightest of a positive attribute, more of that positivity will unfold into your experience.

People can change, moment to moment, but it will not be because you’re nagging, begging or fighting them into transition. People change when they are ready to change. That change can happen overnight, or it can take a lifetime or two.

You can always set the space and distance between you and that person, even if you’re married (or divorced and broken up). The space and distance I am referring to is not physical, but instead spiritual and emotional. No longer will you be the instigator of fights over change because you will accept them for who they are and where they are in their journey right now. Or, you will get to a point in your own journey where it’s time to grow on and upward.

If you find you can’t be around a person because their present state is not in alignment with where you want them to be, remember, they have a journey to walk, too. Your focus must ALWAYS be on where YOU want to be. All you can do is hold on to your peace and not lower your vibrational energy to the less desirable, but to maintain the knowing that you and all around you is rising up.

We hear the saying, “live and let live,” but are we doing this with our spouses, children, parents, exes, friends and co-workers? Or, are we sticking our judgmental noses in everyone’s business or up in the air in judgment? Let judgment go – it serves no one and it most certainly will not elevate. It only keeps the energy surrounding that relationship stagnant.

To be in the present means to focus on the very moment that is before you – not the past, not the future.

Infuse love in any and every situation. When you’re having a difficult time with a person or situation, ask yourself, “how can I bring love into this situation?” Love is the cooling salve that heals us all. Self love and Universal love has to be the center of your heart and your experience.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

22 Ways to Manifest More Money in Your Life

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Uncategorized by

All of the outlined tips in this post will bring you closer to experiencing an abundant life today. Cheers to raising our wealth consciousness higher and higher!

Weathering the Storms – Bonus Blog Post on Being in the Flow

Posted in Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of Vlado, published on 08 April 2013 Stock Image - image ID: 100156365, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of Vlado, published on 08 April 2013
Stock Image – image ID: 100156365, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

You have to be like the tall and mighty palm tree in a storm – rooted in the earth and flexible enough to sway with the wind and weather the storm.

I listened to a Podcast where an author said we should not over analyze what we’re feeling and to just go through the emotions. She said not to over study spiritual books and to let the information land where it may. For the most part I agree, as being in this human existence one will experience all levels of emotions. But, if you find that your reaction is always filled with dread, anger, or depression then you must take some time to evaluate where the source of angst is coming from before you can move easily, joyfully and peacefully through this life. Life happens, but again, if your first reaction is always a negative emotion, that needs to be self-examined.

Here’s an example: A woman cursed out a driver that cuts her off. She is ticked at her boss, pissed at her husband, angry with her children, and every time the phone rings at work, she answers it with a sense of dread. She is always reacting in a negative way. Now, to tell this woman she should just feel the emotions is not serving her. She needs to look at the source of her anger. Is it at her husband because he is not pulling his weight? Or, is it because she is feeling unfulfilled? Or, is she chronically depressed? As you can see, it can be a myriad of “whys” as to the true source of her pain, but unless she does a little detective work and discover what the underlying issue is, she will not be able to flow through life with ease and grace. Ultimately, whatever the reason she’s angry, it begins and ends with her.

If you are angry, allow that emotion to run its course, but don’t wallow in that feeling for hours and days on end. If you are grieving, by all means, allow yourself to feel it through to the other side. If you’re sad, let it run its course. But, overall, you should still have a pervading sense of joy, peace and the knowing that you are taken care of by the Universe. You should still be able to be present in the moment and not always be living in your head and analyzing past hurts and pains or over protecting yourself from potential future hurts.

It is your perspective or how you look at life’s circumstances and situations that help you quickly shift from lower frequency, negative thoughts to helpful, healing thoughts. Every thought and situation you find yourself in has the power to clarify and expose how to get closer to what you really want in your life experience. Be grateful for the awareness of the message you’ve received. Now you know something you did not know before and that alone is worth going through something that is less desirable to get to the most desirable life imaginable.

Your life will be colored with all sorts of shades of emotion: happiness, sadness, and every emotion in between – that’s what makes a beautiful life portrait. By no means am I telling you to slap a happy band-aid on your life or to go to the other extreme of over analyzing your emotions. There is a balance and it is up to you, the steward of your life’s journey, to find that balance.

Going with the flow is two-fold – you are the captain of your ship and steering it in the direction you wish to go, but allowing the storms to come and go, with an inner peace and knowing that all is truly well. Even if you get off course, it is not the end of the world to get back to the flow, in fact, I encourage you to try to enjoy the journey of getting off and on course again.

~Your Curator of All Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

2014 Overalls Overhaul

Posted in Fashion, Style, Uncategorized by

I have always been a huge fan of  the versatility of overalls. I wore them back in the 1990s, sporting the baggy, carpenter variety (a la Osh Kosh).

2014’s overalls has a place in your wardrobe to allow you to express them in a sophisticated, casual or edgy way.

What Shoes to Wear with Your New Overalls:

Transitioning from winter to spring, booties look best. Spring to summer, wear canvas shoes, such as Vans or Toms. Summer time is great for options. Wedges, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, gladiator sandals or high heels are all for the taking when wearing your overalls.

How to wear your Overalls:

The look is off duty model look than baggy farmer look. Watch the fit and pay attention to how the overalls fit in the rear. It should fit like a comfortable pair of jeans. There are some overalls being made today that are tight – which some ladies can pull this look off well. I will stick to a slightly looser fit so they can be my go-to uniform on weekends. Also, the more distressed, the better. A notable difference from 2014’s overalls versus 1994’s is the cuffed, cropped looked of today’s frocks. Once upon a time, body suits and fitted shirts was the look, then there was the music group TLC’s baggie shirt and overalls look. Remember to bring in edge with your choice of accessories and keep the shirt from being to voluminous as it will make you look like you have extra pounds.

The Dream Team (These finds are great for inspiration and for the ones who wish to splurge):

Image courtesy of http://www.freepeople.com/. $398. Style: 28523728

Image courtesy of http://www.freepeople.com/. $148. Style: 30131585

Image courtesy of http://www.freepeople.com/. $98. Style: 26820217. Multiple denim color choices.

For the Budget Minded Spiritualista:

Image courtesy of American Rag from http://www1.macys.com/shop/. $62. Get 20% off now. I own these lovelies.

Image courtesy of American Rage from http://www1.macys.com/shop/. $64. Web ID: 1322783. 20% off on macys.com.

Image courtesy of Guess from http://www1.macys.com/shop/. $158. Get 20% off now. Web ID: 1290909

Image courtesy of Life in Progress from http://www.forever21.com/. $29. I purchased these overalls as well. Product Code : 2000110704

Image courtesy of http://loveculture.com/. $47. Style: 1000021767

I curated many options for you to pull from, but the best finds are at vintage stores, for a unique, one of a kind look that is budget friendly.

I will be showcasing my overalls style in upcoming blogs, for your styling pleasure and inspiration. I bought a couple of pairs of overalls (shown above) for my own denim collection and will demonstrate different looks as the seasons change.

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley