I am a woman married 35 years to a Vietnam Veteran who requires at times “Kid gloves” as in my understanding of the “fear” behind the actions. I have learned so much regarding human behavior just by living with my husband, and for this, I am eternally grateful for this Gift he has given to me.
I care for and Love special needs cats who have been “diagnosed” with dis-eases. They have come into my Life to assist me to create health versus dis-ease. Over the course of many years, I have studied multiple alternative medicines and have learned hands on methods of healing as well. I refuse to give up, and do whatever it takes to keep these cats healthy, happy, and very loved. Every day I administer medications, I do treatments, I make sure all eat well and get enough water. I do know my limits and when those are reached, I turn to my Vet for further assistance. She is continually amazed at the state of health our cats are in, not even looking ill, for the most part. That says a lot for Love, good nutrition, and staying away from surgeries, vaccines, and medical treatments.
I Love all things Nature and in so doing, animals and birds come to our property for nurturing, healing, and food. One of my many JOYS is gardening, though I must admit, through the process known as age, it has become quite challenging at times to get down to ground level, stay there, and work on my knees. This has become a great source of learning Humility.
I live simply, and honor all Life as an extension of me, and of All Creation. I am very artistically inclined, and enjoy many arts and crafts. I Love music and dance and many times have “heard” from my Guidance through the medium of music. I as well Love Silence and within that Way of BEing, I have learned to flow effortlessly and in JOY as I go about my daily life.
My most passionate passion in life is photography. I am going beyond what I have known for the past 25 years or so, learning new techniques as I delve into the ability of controlling the camera to do what I want it to. I am having so much fun, even more then I did as a child!
My second most passionate passion is writing from my Heart. Depending on where my Heart leads me, I can write poetry, as well as long prose. A lot of my Life’s Wisdom is found on my blog’s pages through my writing, and for this, it is a great honor for me to be able to share with you what I have learned, and yes, still am learning too.
In closing, somehow, I have learned what seems, the ability to dive in between time to find the Now Moment and the No-Space, where I do my creating. How I do this, I am not able to tell you. In amazement sometimes, I look back and find it enthralling in all that I have accomplished. It just seems to happen. Of course, it takes my Intention to actually DO and before I know it, again I have created.
With Love,
Amy
Everything looks incredible so far, Amy! I’m so excited for you…beautiful job! I tried to leave a comment but it wouldn’t let me before…let’s see if it works this time, LOL!
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I see you! I am slowly getting the hang of this! Bless you, my friend!
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Amy I so enjoyed looking around more on your site tonight. I really like what you’ve written about yourself. Do you have the “paid” site? I haven’t seen any of these cool features when trying to get my own blog working. Like the right hand side box and special Fonts etc. How cool to have your face smiling at us from every page!!
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Yes, Nancee, I have the premium site. I still have yet to figure out all the features on it. I am a work in progress……XXOO, Amy
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Nancee, I love the new pic of you. You are an incredibly beautiful young woman, and it is my privilege to know you. Thank you for your support of me and your LOVE. I bow to you, my Brave Sister in Costa Rico!
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Hi! Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking my post! I appreciate it. 🙂
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You are SO welcome! Thank YOU for stopping by Petals Unfolding!
Love, Amy
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Dearest Amy,
Thanks for stopping by my site. You are an Amazing Woman! I look forward to reading your writings.
Your New Friend, and Follower,
Anastasia 😊
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Oh, Anastasia, what a gorgeous name, firstly, and secondly, thank you for the follow. My life has been something else, BUT out of it all, I have learned a lot of wisdom and truth. And what better way to share what I have been given then through Petals Unfolding. Usually the “whisperings” come in a group. Then you will find me running for my pen and paper before the “muse” is quiet. Lately, my “muse” has been quiet, so I fill my blog with others’ words and of course my photography. (smile) Welcome aboard!!!! Love, Amy
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😄
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Beautifully written!
Thank you for stopping by and liking my recent post. I look forward to reading your posts. Have a splendid day!
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Thank you so very much! As you can now plainly see, my life is very busy. I am right now really working two full jobs, with my day starting between 7-8am, and ending between 10-11:30pm. May your life be enriched by coming to Petals Unfolding. Bless you! Amy
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It’s wonderful that you share the way your life has unfolded in your blog. You give much hope to the people & cats you take under your “petals.” Thank you for following my blog.
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Thank you and you are so welcome!! Love, Amy
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Thank you for following my blog just now, your photography is so beautiful! 🙂
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Thank you and bless you for your kind words!!! May Petals enrich your life!!!! Blessings, Amy
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Hi, Amy,
Many thanks for hitching a ride on the site. Welcome!
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Thank you, Eva. Love, Amy
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Hello, and thank you so much for visiting and following my blog. I will be following you, also, for I have very much enjoyed reviewing your blog, both writings and beautiful photographs.
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Thank you so much!!! May Petals inspire you and assist you in your own life journey. Love, Amy
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Hello, and thank you for visiting my blog and following me. I will be following you, also, for I have very much enjoyed reviewing your beautiful photographs and writings. I look forward to your future posts!
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Thank you so much and I as well look forward in seeing more of your work. Yes, the eclipse was disappointing here as well. Cloudy. Couldn’t see a thing. So you are not alone. Love, Amy
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I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! Here’s my post with my answers and the rules and stuff. 🙂 Happy blogging! http://mahagha.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/nominated-for-the-liebster-award/
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Dearest Mahagha, I am touched deeply. Truly. Every time this happens, I am touched. I have right up on my menu at the top of my blog a page that says I am an Award Free Blog. They are too much work and my life is so full, I just do not have the time to follow the rules. I am honored that you would think to nominate me, but I must decline. Bless you and (((HUGS))) Amy
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Awwwww. hahahha. I didn’t see that. Aw, it’s okay. I nominated you because I think your blog is awesome and deserves more views. 🙂 It’s okay, Amy… You’re welcome. I hope you get more followers though. 🙂 God bless, Mahrukh. ❤
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Sweetheart, I love my followers, and right now, I really have a lot. Those are the ones I focus on to establish a relationship. I just the other day asked myself how much is enough in followers? I really do appreciate your nomination, and I do thank you. My blog is growing, believe me. My Goal to bring Love to this world is touching many, and many more in the future. (((HUGS))) Amy
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Awwww, Amy. I understand. Truly, I do. Hahaha. I know. And you’re welcome. 🙂
Best of luck.
Love, Mahrukh
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Bless you, Mahrukh. I must write your name down until I know it. I try to know all who come here, yes, a huge undertaking, but one I am determined to at least try. Whenever you comment here, please sign your name. In fact, that is an idea of a post I think I might write, asking everyone who comments to please sign their name. Have a Blessed Weekend!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy
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Hi, Amy… That’s really sweet. Yeah, hahaha. 🙂
Have a good day. Much love, Mahrukh. ❤
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(smile) xx
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Your compassion truly comes out in your writing.
We too have cats – 16 at the moment – who were abandoned in some way or another. When one opens one’s heart and door they find a way in.
All the Best,
Emy ❤
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Oh, Emy, I KNOW the work involved and what one’s life becomes. I took my last rescue in about 2 years ago. We are full. Past full. I take care of the outside cats as well. My heart is in my work yet it is exhausting at times. Bless you for all you are doing!!!! I really mean that!!! Love, Amy
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I don’t know why I never read this before,but iI’m so glad I did now! Your story sounds extraordinary Amy! You are definitely an inspiration to me, I already feel blessed to have you in my circle of blogging friends and look forward to getting to know you and hear more of your story! Hugs, Kat (and sandpaper kisses from Addycat)
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Aw, what a Blessing you are already to me. Thank you so much! I look forward in getting to know you better as well, Kat. How exciting we adore cats, and we both write and we both are “sensitives”. You have a good night and sleep well. I know I shall as I dream of all my beautiful friends. xx Amy
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🙂 thank you for visits and likes
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You are welcome. Love, Amy
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Your blog is stunning!
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Oh, Caroline, thank you SO much!!! My Heart sings to know my work has touched you. When you share my work, I ask one thing. Please give me credit and attach my website. I really thank you. (((HUGS))) Amy
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Yw and of course I will !!
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(((HUGS)))
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enjoyed your photos. Thanks for visiting.
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I am so glad you enjoyed my photos. And you are welcome for the visit. I also thank you greatly for the follow. May your day BE Blessed. Love, Amy
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I am SO honored, Bliss. SO honored. I am deeply grateful and so very touched. You did more for me today then I can put into words. (((HUGS))) Amy
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My husband is a Vietnam vet, too.
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And that is why I followed you. Your blog is absolutely lovely. Perhaps we can talk some day. If it is meant to be, we shall. Love, Amy
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Authentic writing is rare, and to be admired. And great photos as well!
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Bless you, John, for your kind words. There have been so many times I have written about this storm, so fatigued, really not knowing if what I was writing made sense. I am deeply grateful to you for your confirmation. (((HUGS))) Amy
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Born and raised Californian, posted to Waynesboro, PA during the war. Snowed in for four days the first night. Never forgot how insignificant we are, scary and beautiful all at the same time.
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Hi … couldn’t get at comments on your snow shots … beautiful and scary and thankful for being on tother side of the lake
I like your words, I like your photographs. I like recognition of vietnam vets. Got one in my life to, married to my cousin.
All the best
G.R. Hambley
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Anyone who knows a Vietnam Vet understands what I do. Bless you and your cousin! Thank you for what you said about my snow posts …. yes beautiful yet I do not ever wish to experience that again. With Love, Amy
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I think you and your hubby will appreciate this.
http://transitionu.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/remembering-november-11th/
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I will read this later, I promise. I have to kind of scope things out first because certain things set my husband off. Just so tired right now, looking forward to an early night. Thank you for this link. I will read this tomorrow! Love, Amy
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I´ve been reading you and looking at your pictures for quite a while and have never got into the about page, there are too many of you good people! Anyways, I see that in the opening you said you are married to a Vietnam War veteran, those guys really had it rough coming home, can´t imagine that happening to me and how I would have turned out, probably worst than I did. So it was good to read that, about your passion for what you do and your blog….well that is obvious which leads me to another thing I love about humans, or a quality I love about human behaviour which is passionate people. Passion for whatever it may be, be it writing, photography, working with your hands building things(which I do and enjoy) whatever thing, but passion.
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had it rough being there and to add insult to injury they where treated quite bad when they got home is what I should have said.
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Bill was made to feel shame and disgust when he came home. He is a hero with a bronze star for bravery and no one came to meet him when he came home, there were no parties, and he was treated very badly. He turned to drugs and alcohol. Today he is drug free and only has a few beers now and then. But better then that, I see the real Bill surfacing. (((HUGS))) Amy
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It seems a lot of us that come from wars turn to drugs and alcohol, guess it´s our way to evade ourselves from reality. Don´t have a clue really about PTSD or anything like that since in Spain we don´t have psychologist to treat soldiers returning from war zones. Even worst they deny we have been in war zones they just say we are acting as peacekeapers, my ass peace keepers.
I bet that if you tell Bill he is a hero, he will look funny at you. I´ve seen 18 year old kids doing incredible things at incredible risks, not getting any medals or anything but you call them heros and they´ll laugh at you, or as I was called by a girl hero(this really happened to me even wrote a post about it when the only thing I wanted to do was to sleep with her) I just couldn´t believe it, plus for me it just sounded strange the word.
I saw love, that´s what I saw. I saw guys doing things for each other, guys that have been trained to do that kind of job and most of them can handle the stress in the middle of the action, but doing it for each other nothing more nothing less. No flag or country when bullets are flying, it´s my number two man and my number one man to my right and left. Hero? I say lovers, that will bully each other and laugh at each other to no end at the time that´s for sure. So strange lovers you can say.
And I´m glad your husband is drug free and doing better, it took me almost 5 years to get rid of the real dark memories, will never go away, don´t want them either, it´s part of my life and I do want to remember the guys I was with. Now is better, still I know I do have some issues, minor ones compared to before that´s for sure.
Anyways, back to Bill and you well you….are strong as a rock, woman!
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Charlie, allow me to begin by saying yes I am as strong as a rock yet that strength confuses me sometimes regarding who I really am. Does that make sense? I’ve had to cloak a lot of my emotions to be the strong one, the Tough Love Guy, the one who would not enable. In the process, I’ve had to redefine who I am.
As for what you guys did in a war, I call it true friendship yes based on Love. Bill has his medal in a box, will not even have it out, and he never talks about it either. His squadron was caught in an ambush and out of 21 men, only 7 lived, he obviously being one of them. He carried the wounded across a river in live fire, risking his own life, and then when there was no room on the Red Cross Helicopter, turned around and literally dug himself in the sand, as USA sent in bombers to get the enemy out. He died that day in more then one way, Charlie. I have come into his life to get him to LIVE again, to call back those fragmented pieces so that he can leave war behind.
I’m am so glad to hear you are having only minor issues compared to what you had, which means you have done some major inner work. I am very proud of you, because I know how difficult that is. Holidays are real tough in this house because Bill remembers the guys who did not come home, and he feels guilty about enjoying the holidays. I pray that this Christmas will be different because of the new camera I gave him for his birthday. He is like an excited little kid! I KNOW the healing I have gained from photography, so I KNOW this art can really touch my husband as well. I pray also that this Holiday Season you know real JOY and realize you lived for a reason. (((HUGS))) Amy
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Hoping all the best for you two these holidays.
And no it did not make any sense what you said about you being strong but confuses you about who you are. f you´re strong woman of character, tough, that falls down and then keeps going on, well that´s you. That´s who you are, I don´t see any confusion.
Big Hug Mrs.Amy! You probably did notice that if I put an r in between the A and the M in your name it would be my old job 😉
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I do like what you said here. Thank you. To rise above the confusion, let me just say I did a lot of growing in order to be able to do what I have. Yes, hubs was army too. (((HUGS))) Amy
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Charlie, you put tears in my eyes. You really don’t know how hard I have worked at encouraging my husband to leave Vietnam behind. He has been such a mess inside, and just lately he has begun to step through to the other side called Light. With this new camera I just gave him, I really believe that he is about to step into his authenticity, that person that has been so afraid to live and to experience real JOY again. I’ve been with this man for almost 31 years now, and it is just lately I am seeing the man I have always known was my husband. OH FOR THE GREAT JOY! I am honored you took the time to comment. Truly I am. Love, Amy
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Amy, I´ve got to say that you are a great woman. I know how hard it is to be around people that come from war zones and obviously it does affect you how it can not. I know, and also know how I pretty much destroyed the people around me by destroying myself.
Although Vietnam was a conscript army not a voluntary that´s the only difference, but no difference in the experience of war, which that is something people can see in t.v, but to really truly appreciate the feelings you go through when you are doing it, that is impossible for people to understand.
So for you, to hang there for so many years and be a support, I truly salute you. My hat goes off to you.
Love back Amy.
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Charlie, before I replied to you I really thought about what to say. For starters my Heart weeps for you, because yes I do know first hand why you did what you did to both yourself and to others. War does not stop in a war zone. I know what war does to one’s Heart and Soul. It is ugly and it destroys. My husband more then destroyed our marriage more then once, and tried so hard to destroy himself as well as me. I will not lie to you. Something deep within me would not quit on him. I just would not give up in seeing the man I knewwho was within that hurting and angry man. Yes, I have paid a high price, that I will not lie about either. I’ve lost many friends and family as has my husband. But now to see him begin to come back to life, all the hells I have suffered, have been worth it. Please, Charlie, promise me not to give up on yourself, KNOW that you really are Loveable, and you deserve to be Happy. I believe you can find yourself again. I may not have actually experienced war itself, and know I don’t ever wish to, but I do know what war does to a human’s essence, Soul, and Heart. I work really hard through Petals to promote Love, Peace and Truth, and I will not give up anytime soon. You are now in my prayers. I send Much Love to you with my (((HUGS))), just to tell you softly, you really are Perfect and Sane, regardless of what you or others may think. Bless you, Charlie. Love, Amy
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I think that by now I have come to terms with it, and have moved on although yes there is obviously residual things there,bit of anger issues sometimes but not nearly as bad as before, I guess they will never go away but now I see most of the things as distant and don´t get the feelings or emotions as hard as before. Plus starting to write again after a 10 year hiatus does help to keep me focus and passionate about this, writing and the world around it. Plus my ironic stupid and dark sense of humour seems to help me. Go figure that one out…
You´re a strong woman, and I really appreciate that. I´ll pray for both of us and your husband, and a big big HUG back.
Have a great weekend Amy.
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You also have a great weekend, Charlie. May you have Peace in your Heart. It is wonderful to hear how far you have come!!! Pour yourself in your art …. that is what I do! (((HUGS))) Amy
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Beautiful thoughts dear Amy! I am quite taken-up by your words “I have learned what seems, the ability to dive in between time to find the Now Moment……” that to me is the Zen moment and it comes only to the one who is calm and peaceful. For me it is the sweet spot between ‘two thoughts’ 🙂
Kindest regards 🙂
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Sorry for the typo 😦 it should read ” it comes only to the one who are calm and peaceful …”! Thanks 🙂
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No worries. I understood perfectly. (smile)
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I am indeed honored that you understand and see this in me. That still point comes only from Flow, not focused on time but only the NOW. It happens a lot when I am behind my camera … And when at times I look back as I realize what I have accomplished in one day, I ask “How?” It just happens. Bless you, my friend, for being a part of my Life. (((HUGS))) Amy
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💙
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Thank you for taking the time to read this, Dana. Perhaps you now have a better understanding of who I am today. Bless you! xo
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