Alicia's Healing Habitat

Odie's Eyes

2011-12-21T10:35:00.010-06:00

As many of you may already know at the end of this month Odie is going to have surgery on his eyes. He has severe glaucoma which causes a constant low level pain for him and the only way to relieve this is to remove both of his eyes. Due to his advanced disease he currently has no vision so it will be a small adjustment and a big relief for him.

This surgery for this is very expensive and I have been fundraising for the past month to raise enough money to cover expenses incurred. We have done very well so far and have raised $1485 of the $2500 goal.

(click here to donate)

I wanted to share a letter that my dear friend Patricia sent out as I feel it truly sums up the true nature of giving and support. I am so thankful for her words:

Hello my Pet-Loving Family and Friends!

Each year we are inundated with media advertising requesting donations for this cause or that. This week (and it is only Wednesday), I received snail-mail charity requests from PAWS, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, our church (St. Mary's of the Lake), Greg's childhood church (St. Athanasius) and the International Reading Association (literacy outreach). On TV, ASPCA, the Amercian Cancer Society, Susan Komen Breast Cancer Fund and the American Red Cross ads have been interspersed with the nightly news and runnings of our favorite holiday films. And, of course, it wouldn't be the season if we didn't come in direct contact with a Salvation Army volunteer ringing the bell at the red can.

All of these causes are terrific and I personally donate to many of them throughout the year. Despite a few exceptions in that list above, most of our dollars are applied to overhead prior to actually going towards direct services for those in need. I always find it empowering to give to organizations and/or people that use most, if not all, of our donated dollars towards immediate help for intended persons.

Alicia Halloran is an Animal Communicator and a great friend of mine. In addition to her Pet Readings and energy work, she has volunteered countless hours in direct service to pets and their people. She rescued a Shih-Tzu named Odie last Spring. Odie has a severe eye condition that now requires significant surgery with necessary follow-up treatments. The costs of this surgery are a bit overwhelming for Alicia and she has humbly asked for help.

It has been two months today since Greg and I lost our Australian Shepherd, Teague. In many ways, I feel that bringing comfort to Odie is a way to honor Teague, who unconditionally loved and brought comfort to me. Helping Odie also honors Teague's sister Staley, who continues to be a source of joy for us. I have and would do anything for my dogs... Maybe that is why I feel particularly drawn to Odie's cause and decided to share with the people I thought might feel the same.

You can visit the website

https://www.wepay.com/x2tagcz/donations/122183

Through that website you can learn more about Odie and gain access to the account Alicia has set-up to help raise funds for Odie's upcoming surgery. Donate if you can, send positive thoughts Odie's (and Alicia's) way no matter what!

In memory of Teague, in honor of Staley and in great hopes for Odie... and all of our beloved furry friends,

Patricia Clancy

I had the honor of knowing Teague and working with her as an animal communicator when she was in and out of her body. She was/is an amazing light and I feel so honored that she and so many of the animals and people I have worked with are shining down on us through this time. If you can find it in your heart to donate to Odie’s Eye Fund every dollar helps, and even spreading the word to those you know you might be able to donate is a tremendous help!! We have less than 2 weeks to go! I know we can do it with your help!

May your New Year be as bright as Odie's!!
Love to you all!

Six Months of Odie

2011-11-23T13:24:00.002-06:00

Six months ago today I adopted this little 10-year-old blind pooch. Odie started off his stay here sleeping most of the time. Actually I think he slept for about 2 weeks straight. He would startle in his sleep and launch himself across the room disoriented and confused. This went on for months. He launched himself off the bed several times and into the occasional wall.

He went through a phase of territorial marking (pooping around the house) and fear aggression. That scared the crap out of both of us!

I enlisted the help of a trainer, Marlene from Bark Busters, and she taught me how to maintain my space while Odie was losing his. Odie acted out and put on a couple of really good shows but has now relaxed and knows that there is nothing he has to defend. Marlene was awesome in showing me how see him through all that fear and bravado. I also took cues from my cats, who, surprisingly, had very little adjustment to him. It’s like they knew he was coming all along…hmmmmm.

Odie has come to enjoy and trust his new home. We have both come such a long way!! In great words of wisdom my sister Jennifer told me, during an “I hate my dog” freak out, just wait until he’s been with you 6 months! It seemed so far away and completely intangible. But today, here we are the day before Thanksgiving! We bond more and more every day! He eats treats (that took 5 months) and walks very well…. there were some dragging episodes (me dragging him…). He spent some time in a crate and now has full run of the house, leashless, by day and sleeps with me all night. We both have so much to be thankful for in our meeting! Both of our lives have changed tremendously since his arrival.

Odie has begun to snuggle a little bit more and I think we will enjoy the cold Chicago nights cozied up (4 cats and a dog, who needs the heat on!?!). Soon enough it will be spring and we will be celebrating our 1-year anniversary! Until then, we are off to Albuquerque for Christmas. Odie has landed in the lap of luxury and adventure!

Oh MY! It's July!

2011-07-10T13:35:00.000-05:00

Oh my, it's already July!
It has been quite a month. June was very busy plus having my pup on top of it all! Odie and I have been adjusting to each other but it is taking time and focus. We are learning about each other and ourselves by leaps and bounds. Our next step is working with a trainer to teach us both how to do this whole dog thing! There will be stories coming about our experience, stay tuned!

BUT I wanted to make sure I invite you to all the amazing events coming up in July!
On July 14 I will be at PAWS Chicago's Beach Party at North Avenue Beach House. I will be doing mini-readings for all attendees so if you are in town come on by, PAWS is a great cause!

Then, the following Tuesday I will be doing an Animal Healing Hour Teleseminar hosted by Seven Levels Coaching. This is open to everybody. I will be talking about how we can change how we communicate with animals around the world and in our own home. Bring your questions and I will give your animal as well as the animals of the world a healing!
I know that both of these exciting events will be full of great stories and energy so come and share with me your love of animals! We need as many people to talk and listen to them as possible. Tuesday July 19, 8-9 PM EDT. $45 Contact Seven Levels Coaching for registration.

Additionally, I am still offering Halo readings. They are an amazing way to clear a ton of energy super fast. See how your connection with God or Source heals your life and shows you the abundance that you are. If you have animals I show you how your animals are guiding you to have even more in your life. These are open to everyone and done over the phone.

And lastly, a reminder for people who live in the Chicago-land area, there is nothing like a turn on my BIOMAT to solve all of life’s stiff and stuck joints, nervy nerves or any physical ailment you may have. It is an unbelievable price of $75 for 45 minutes (packages of 3, 6 and 12 are also available). You will remember how good your body should feel! Please email or give me a call if you have any questions and to schedule your BioMat bubble bath!

Thank you for supporting all that I do! I am so thrilled to have you in my life!
If you would like to share your experience with Healing Habitat please write a review on Facebook.
Enjoy your summer, the amazing warm weather and the glint of your Halo!
In Love,
Alicia

Please feel free to pass this along to anyone your know who will be interested in Healing Habitat. For more detailed information and to schedule your appointment please email, call or visit Healing Habitat.

Healing Habitat's Newest Employee

2011-06-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

First, I want to thank you for your amazing outpouring of support in my loss of Moonshine last week. I am always surprised at what changes when a loved one leaves us. I find that something completely unexpected happens. Something that moves us forward and makes us a little uncomfortable. And lo that is what happened to me.

After a rather unplanned exit of my beloved Moonshine I was surprised by who Love chose for me. He looks like a little Yeti, and is about 10 years old and mostly blind. A sweet little shih-tzu named Odie is the newest member of Healing Habitat.

He was rescued from Chicago Animal Care and Control (an amazing place housing 1400+ animals on any given day, also known as the pound), by a pet store in Evanston called Thee Fish Bowl.

He had been there for almost six months. It can be hard to adopt out older and disabled animals. Odie is my first dog ever so, actually the fact that he is disabled and older gives me the ability to learn all about having a dog without having to teach him how to be a dog, he already knows! I currently have a blind cat, Ralfie, and it is amazing how similar they are.What is also amazing is that he is gold and white. Of course I work with gold energy! How could he be any other coloring!

I had come up with all of these cute little tag lines for this introduction but, I am realizing that there is so much more than a cute headline (there is a Yeti in my house).

I feel that I have landed in a whole new place in society (the Yeti is out of the bag). I am excited to be part of the dog community!

Everyone tells me that dogs are so different. It is a whole new world but what I have found so far is that he, like all other souls, Odie has more love then all of the water in all of the oceans. A wonderful reflection, and reminder. Create away my little Odie.

Along with the fabulous addition to my life I am participating in a ton of super fun events this month! If you are in town I would love to see you!

On June 8^th I will be teaching an Introduction to Animal Communication at Harmony House in Chicago. The class is 1-hour long and $20 with 50% donation to Harmony House. Come and find out what your pet has been living to tell you!

Then on June 11^th I will be at Jookie Studio for the guinea pig pignic! There will be treats for young and old and a great opportunity to learn about how great GPs are as pets. Find out more about adoption and guinea pig care. You will also have the opportunity to meet Fermi, the George Clooney of guinea pigs.

June 12^th I will be doing mini readings at Red Door Shelter’s Gimme Shelter Walk.

June 17^th I will be doing mini readings at an adoption event sponsored by Pedigree and Anti-Cruelty Society.

And finally, so far, on June 22^nd, I will be teaching another Introduction to Animal Communication Class at Harmony House. The class is 1-hour long and $20 with 50% donation to Harmony House. Come and find out what your pet has been living to tell you! And come again if you didn’t quite hear what they said the first time!

Phew! What a month! I am super excited for all of these events and to talk to so many animals and people. If you are in town come on by and see what your animal friend has to say! If you can’t bring them, bring a picture, if you don’t have a picture just bring yourself and a question!). For more information about any of these events follow the links or send me an email! I look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you again for all of your support in all that I do. It means the world to me to have people like you in my life!
Enjoy the beginning of your summer and let your Halo shine!!

The story of the Shines

2011-05-20T20:57:00.001-05:00

(I wrote this quite a while ago and now I post it in remembrance of three amazing birds.)

A few years ago I recognized that I did not know any birds (this is definitely pre-Easy). As an animal communicator I decided it was time to get a bird of some sort. I wasn’t familiar with the chat of the bird species. Having them in my home would ignite my awareness of all the birds and I could hear them daily. My first thought was a finch but after looking around I decided that canary was the way to go.

I was told about a bird show somewhere in the suburbs. Honestly I don’t remember where I was and have never been there since, or heard of another show there either. I think it may have been one of those magical wormholes where everything is perfect and easy. An alternate universe, the one that shows us how simple things really are!

The day before my trip to the bird show I met my birds. They showed up to me energetically while I was brushing my teeth. All of sudden I saw 3 birds. They told me they were called the Shines. It sounded like a rock band. They each told me their name; there was Starshine, Sunshine and Moonshine. Phew, well at least I knew who I was looking for but how would I know them? I asked that they be really obvious to me as I was not familiar with birds and how they went about identifying themselves.

When I got to the show there was only one guy with a huge cage full of canaries. He said that all he had left were females, which do not sing and are actually very quiet. I thought that would be a benefit. As I peeked into this cage I again ask for them to be obvious to me and the first one I see is sweet little yellow bird…that was Sunshine! Then the next flew by. She was white with brown and gray. And she has a star over her eye. She was Starshine! So, two were ready to come home with me. And the third, where was Moonshine? Well, she flew by like Woodstock, half upside down and looking crazy like she was drinking moonshine! She made me laugh and there she was, Moonshine in all her glory.

They all came home with me and became the most interesting thing in the world to my cats and me! We lost time watching them hop around, eat and fly. They brought so much joy into my home and became an important part of my healings.

Over the past two years the shines have dwindled in numbers. First Sunshine, then Starshine and today Moonshine.

I have to say that Moonshine was the most special of the bunch. She was a full singing canary despite all that says the females don’ t sing. She had her morning song, mid-afternoon song, and her strongest, the evening song. She belted out songs during reading, agreeing when things were coming clear. She laid eggs a few years ago. She told me that they were her gifts of prosperity for me.

Moonshine made the move to Evanston with me and has kept my new healing space well tended. I will miss her amazing songs but know that she is free and flying, shining with her golden voice. Good-bye Moonshine. You have been such a great healing and window into the beautiful world of birds.

I recently found a lilac tree on my property and have buried her there. Her sweet song remembered through the sweet smell of lilacs.

Easy's Tree

2011-04-30T13:05:00.000-05:00

I have a beautiful Yoshino Cherry tree in my yard. I planted it last year after my dear cockatiel friend, Easy, took her next step. I got this tree at Gethsemane, a nursery in Chicago. It was the last tree I looked at, in the sale section and had a curve to its trunk (teeny, tiny, little trunk) and was all of $20. I knew that Easy wanted that tree as much as she had an eye for beauty, she also had an eye for a bargain. But when you buy a $20 tree that seems so small I just had to hope that it would survive the winter.
Who knew what we were in for! It has been a long, hard winter. At one point there was a 4-foot snowdrift up to the branches of this poor baby tree. There have been 60 MPH winds, soaking and seemingly endless rain. I would look out at the tree and ask if it was okay and she would tell me how happy she was. After it all spring has arrived and today, amazingly enough, Easy’s tree is in full bloom,six months to the day after Easy’s passing. 

She show me all the time that as hard as it may appear moving through challenges it can be easy. Sometimes you just have to wait for the snow to melt and wait for the rains to end. The sun in the sky is always shining down healing and loving and life-affirming light is always there. It can be obstructed by whatever we choose, but it is always there, giving and inspiring life.

It makes me so happy to know that there is a tree who was inspired by a little bird that can show me everyday what it is to be still and know. Thank you Easy and all of the nature that you inspire. You are my love.

Halos

2011-04-25T11:03:00.015-05:00

Recently in meditation the concept of halos came to me. Who has them? Do all religions use the symbol of a halo? What is a halo? I began to look at my own animals, all of which have a halo and began to see that a halo represents no separation from God…no separation between Creator and Creation. It is an energy center that is always receiving, without doubt or question. Always receiving the right information from the Universe. That seems to be the journey, returning to the place where there is no longer separate from Creation/Creator/God.

Fermi, my fabulous guinea pig, pointed out to me that it isn’t about doing anything. It is about seeing and then knowing that it is done. There is nothing to solve, just upon looking at the energy/problem/thing is a reflection that it is already taken care of. It is like watching something float out into space. There is nothing to do about it so you might as well enjoy the view. Be happy in the knowing that you are watching this energy travel. It may be traveling to you in the form of a desire that you sent out ages or seconds ago, or it may be an energy that has been an obstacle to you, a hurdle that you have needed to jump over. Truthfully there was no jumping involved. By the time it was seen, the leap had already been made. Now it is time to experience. Feel the ripple move through you. Enjoy the wave knowing that there is nothing other to do other than know that energy center is within you, and receive.

If you have doubts turn to your (or any) animal and ask them to show you. It is their passion to show us how to receive.

I am offering a SPECIAL 1-hour telephone reading looking at the energy of your Halo. How do you receive communication with Divine Creator/Creation? Are there any obstacles preventing you from receiving fully? I will help you remove any blocks or doubts about what you can have in this life. If you have animals I will see how they are guiding you to deepen your ability to receive. $90
Call
773-396-0222
or email
alicia@healinghabitat.net
to schedule your Halo reading today!

Today is Earth Day

2011-04-22T11:04:00.000-05:00

In honor of Earth Day be kind to the Earth.
Be kind to the Animals.
Be kind to the Plants.
Be kind to All Living Beings of the Planet.
But most of all be kind to Yourself.
The Earth would not be here without You.
You are the Light of the World and the Earth celebrates You.
Gentle the Earth,
Gentle Yourself.
Happy Earth Day, Love and Light.

Spring is for planting

2011-04-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

Today I dug my very first hole. I learned a lot of things. I learned that dirt is heavy. Holes have a lot of dirt in them. Shovels are awkward. Do not throw your dirt too close to the hole as it will spill back in your hole as your pile of dirt grows. Gloves are extremely helpful.

I am planting a row a hedges in my new yard. You know, the one with the shed. I am going slowly as I have all summer to plant. But the excitement of spring and the thrill of having new greenery is infectious!

This is what is left to plant.

And this is where I am now. It looks a little lonely.

Update: what a difference a few hours makes!
By 3:30 they were all planted!

So much for leaving the shrubs for a summer project! Within a short time I had 3 planted then a good friend came over and expressed an interest in digging a hole and ta-da there were seven hedges planted! It seemed that they had a pact. We were all bought together and we will all be planted together. Each one has it’s own personality and were very clear on where they wanted to be planted. So, welcome my new yard shrub family. I think we will be very happy together. May we all live long and prosper! :)

What will I dig next!

(original post 4/13/11)

Tilli goes for a walk

2011-04-15T13:49:00.001-05:00

Tilli has taken to going for walks. He hops out of his cage strolls around for 20 minutes or so and hops back in. I am often on the phone when he hops out. It is shocking to see a guinea pig walk across your living room! I think it is really good for him. He was a rescue and his back legs have always been weak. I believe he was cage bound. Big pig in tiny cage. No room to exercise those legs. He has since moved into a HUGE cage and actually runs around and “popcorns” like a very happy piggy!

Tilli is the sweetest guinea pig and loves to be petted. Not so much held, he’ll pee on you almost instantly. But I can sit next to his cage and scratch his chin (s) for ever! Sometimes I think he is a puppy at heart.

Enjoy this little video of Tilli taking a walk.

(original post 3/31/11

Valentine meets the cats

2011-04-15T13:39:00.001-05:00

Valentine has been busy lately getting to know his new environment. He is an amazing eater. Anything green and leafy he goes to town! So, I thought he needed a little exercise. I put him on the floor of the room he lives in and off he went. he motored around like a speedy little tortoise with no regard for the giant furry creatures who were absolutely fascinated by him.

Five met him first and wow, I think it was love at first site!

Then Francy, she decided to take a sniff. Who is taking the attention off of her?

And finally Hazel, would like to take a taste but can’t seem to get anywhere with that shell thing! I think they call that posture rubber-necking.

(original post 3/3/11)

My Funny Valentine

2011-04-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

I just adopted a tortoise. His name is Valentine. I had been keeping my eye out for a turtle and soon realized its hard to find a hibernating creature in the middle of hibernating season!

Soon after, my little guinea pig Agape had a “hay poke” in his eye. It actually turned out to be a ¾ “ piece of hay stuck in there. It took close to a week for it to work its way out. I think it took a tour of his brain! Well, that required a vet visit and as it was not as stressful a visit as Fermi’s was just days before I had the clear thinking to mention that I was looking for a turtle. The receptionist looked at me strangely and I told I thought that people might turn in turtles to them on occasion. She laughed and said they had just gotten one in today! Mere hours before! He was a Greek Tortoise and was very sweet. She brought him out for me to see and we ooh’d and ahh’d. I said put me on the list for that guy!! He stayed at the vet for about 2 weeks to make sure he was healthy and on 2/8/11 he came home with me.

What is remarkable about this story is that Red Door Shelter turned Valentine into the vet. That is where I adopted Hazel from and Agape introduced us at an open house! AND for the week before I met Valentine Hazel was nowhere to be seen. Spending her evenings somewhere else. I had even mentioned to someone that I thought she was working on the turtle thing!

These are the moments that it is so much fun to communicate with animals and see how they communicate with us. Who ever are meant to be with you will find you no matter where they have to go do it. I guess that is the lesson of all love. Happy Valentine’s Day!! Squeeze your loves!!

(original post 2/14/11)

Not for the Faint of Heart

2011-04-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been through the past 2 weeks. I had a failed community experience with my 3 guinea pigs which left my beloved Fermi with a bite that abscessed and needed to be opened and drained.

I have flushed some nasty stuff (2 years ago Agape was neutered and then abscessed on both sides…I referred to that experience as flushing junk out of Agape's junk) but this was the worst. Having to squirt lid into that wound then sticking a swab in there full of cream. It never felt like a bonding as it did with Agape. Fermi and I were expelling a demon. There was something growing in us that had to go. He used his body to show me my spirit.

The first night his little (not really) wound closed and needed to be reopened, the same the next morning. There have been a lot of tears and sobs and squeals and so many horrible sounds that happen when things are being extracted.

(this is after 1 week)

I am happy to report that we are all healing. Fermi's wound has completely closed and healed and my spirit has restored and is turning all that garbage back to love.

(2 weeks)

I am happy to report that we are all healing. Fermi's wound has completely closed and healed and my spirit has restored and is turning all that garbage back to love.

One of the miracles that I have seen from this experience is that Fermi suffered from congestive heart failure. He had symptoms of coughing and runny eyes and since his wound he has had no symptoms at all. Fermi has the strongest heart I know. My Love.

(original post 2/4/11)

Healing Habitat, a spiritual sanctuary

2011-04-14T13:33:00.001-05:00

Healing Habitat

2011-04-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

Introducing My Amazing Animal Family

2010-11-22T11:12:00.003-06:00

francy and ralfie

I met Francy and Ralfie three weeks after I moved to Chicago from NYC. They were at an event called Angels with Tails put on by PAWS Chicago. They were both sitting together in a cage in an art gallery on a super chichi street downtown. Their story was that they were two of the most expensive rescues of the cageless shelter they were in, Treehouse . Ralfie was attacked by a dog and Francy had been hit by a car and they had required extensive medical attention. Ralfie was cuter than cute with her one eye and tongue hanging out. Francy was a noodle, just limp but safe with Ralfie. They met in the shelter when Treehouse rescued a dog that Ralfie wanted nothing to do with. She ran into an office and hid for three months. Francy would go in and visit with her and sit with her while they ate. Then they both started to come out together. Francy was Ralfie’s eyes and ralfie was Francy’s protector. At the adoption event they were both deemed unadoptable because of their disabilities. I thought that if there weren’t any ongoing issues that this was just an aestheic problem that I had no problem with. I have spent the past 11 years with these two beautiful cats and they have brought me so much joy and we have all healed so much, moving beyond any disability whether physically or emotionally precieved.

five

Five came from Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago. He came in shortly after I lost another cat suddenly. I had never had a tiny kitten before so I wanted a 8 week old baby boy. I wanted to name him Five and call him Fiver for short. When I met him he was tiny and curious. As he played in my purse I thought the markings on his back looked like an x-ray. His stripes looked like his ribs and he had a little skeleton pattern. A little dancing skeleton, Five. I have spent the last 6 years with him learning about over coming limitations and seeing that even if those around us can’t do something does not mean we are limited. He was raised by Francy and Ralfie and took on some of their physical limitations. He is learning that he is a capable able bodied cat. (We are all learning so much from Hazel!)

hazel

When Five was younger we agreed that when he turned five I would get him a friend. The year started and I couldn’t imagine how this was going to happen. I always thought that I would get a big orange boy cat and name him Hazel. A friend suggested that maybe it might b a girl. That threw my mind in to a spin! What about my big orange boy!!?! At the time I was shuttling kittens for Red Door Animal Shelter . Taking them from Red Door to Anti-Cruelty to get them spayed or neutered. The very first pair of kittens I took were a beautiful orange boy and a long haired black girl with crazy eyes. I knew he was not my cat but I decided to start a project of taking pictures of the cats I shuttled. i actually only took pictures of the first two. A couple of months later I went to Red Door for their spa day event with my guinea pig Agape and we visited all the kittens that I had shuttled. Well, that little long haired crazy eyed girl came right over to us and started to clean Agape’s ears. Licking, licking, licking. All the other kittens came up tasted and wapped Agape. It was quite magical. After I left I realized that she was the one. She was so beautiful and graceful and full of spirit. I called and was told she was available but all kittens were in quarentine for ringworm. As it turns out Hazel came home and came out to meet Five the day before his fifth birthday. Hazel has been here for almost two years and she is teaching me how to have miracles.

frermi

Fermi is my amazing guinea pig. I have had him since 2006. He has been my wonderful companion to all of the events I have done as an animal communicator. He is funny and handsome and I have said before that he is the George Clooney of guinea pigs. Fermi my love.

agape

Agape is....mmmmmm...the most delicious little guinea pig ever! I met him in a pet store and everytime I saw him I picked him up and he would relax when he was on his back! Not something that most guinea pigs will feel comfortable doing. He was named Agape after a definition that I read; the love that transcends will and personality. He has been teaching me that lesson everyday for the past three years. Such an amazing gift to be reminded of the power of love.

tilikum

Tili is my newest addition. He is a huge guinea pig. He came to me from Critter Corral via Skokie Animal Control. He was left at a Petsmart in a duffle bag. He has some nerve issues with his back legs but is the most gentle piggy. He told me that his last life he was a whale, an Orca. He got the name Tilikum (which means friend) from the Orca in Florida who is the largest captive bull in history. We are still getting to know each other and enjoying cuddly evenings.

moonshine

Moonshine is my amazing singing female canary. I point that out because most female cananries don’t sing or really make much noise at all. Really, they don’t have to they create life. She came to me with two other canaries as the Shines. When I decided to get a canary I heard that there would be three and they would be named Sunshine, Moonshine and Starshine, The Shines. I told them that they needed to be very obvious when I met them because I had not talked to a lot of birds before and wasn’t sure of myself. When I arrived all the birds at the bird show directed my to the canary guy who had a huge cage full of them. The first I saw was Sunshine, she was yellow, the only yellow one. Then Starshine. She was mostly white with a star shape over one of her eyes. I was pretty impressed at the communication. Lastly, Moonshine flew by half upside down and crazy looking! She looked a little drunk….Moonshine! I have been blessed to have her in my readings and healings for almost 5 years. If you have had a reading around dusk you certainly have heard her! Both Sunshine and Starshine have taken their next steps (thank you Hazel for assisting).

the goldfish

I have two HUGE goldfish that came to me three years ago as feeder fish. They were each about one and a half inches long. Now they are 7 and 5 inches respectively. Also, the larger one was gray. He has turned the most amazing gold and the smaller started out gold and is turning an amazing white. They grace my healing room keeping the energy flowing and in movement.

harmony

Harmony is a sweet beta fish in my healing room. She enjoys grounding the space and playing dead for clients after healings. She has an amazing sense of humor!

In Memory of Easy

2010-10-30T12:57:00.000-05:00

I originally wrote this a couple of months ago when Easy first started showing signs of illness. Today Easy took her next step, unfolding into the tremendous spirit that she has always been. She now has the space to truly fly.

Dear Mary,
I never met you but I have come to know you through the most amazing bird. Your bird, Easy. She has come into my life and brightened my days in the short time we have known each other.
Easy is silly and funny and full of energy. Always ready to make me laugh. Always ready to drive me crazy chewing on my necklace an earrings. Yelling when she wants to come out and flying around to make sure she doesn’t miss anything. Always trying to get away with eating whatever she has on my shoulder.
Sadly Easy is coming to her own end. She has congestive heart failure and is getting weaker everyday. It saddens me that I will not have more time with her but the time we have had had been of such high quality it is as if we have jammed years into these few months. We have become friends who have known each other for years, for lifetimes.
Mary you raised an incredible little bird. Her manners are her own but she would never hurt anyone. Never peck harder than a small pinch to let you know that she did not like what you were doing. Easy will always step up and give kisses really no matter how she is feeling.
I have loved watching her eat beans and popcorn, her absolute favorite food out there. She has tried to hop into the bowl on several occasions. We have sat together with a dishtowel on my lap to help keep her joyful mess contained.

I cannot thank you enough for the time we have shared and I know that where you are Mary you have a bird ready to see you again. There is so much that I understand about death and taking next steps but when it all comes to pass it is still hard to make that separation seem truly unreal.
I don’t know when Easy is going to leave this world but I know that there is a place that will be complete upon her arrival. I see her fading into all that is whole and one creating a light so beautiful it is hard to focus and sustain. Knowing that that true beauty is within me (within all of us).
May I be able to participate in this amazing next step with ease and grace and wholeness that has always been part of me and follow Easy’s gentle lead.
Thank you Mary for sharing this precious gift. I see you happy and complete after a difficult time here. May I share in your completeness and wholeness.
Love,
Alicia

I received Easy from my friend Lisa who took her in from her terminally ill neighbor, Mary, just a month before she died. That is who the letter is to. I have had the pleasure of living with Easy for the past 11 months. She has been there through my transition from a job I had for 10 years and into my first home purchase and move. Easy has been a part of my readings and healings and has helped me and all of my animals, bringing amusement and fun throughout all of our changes and adjustments. Easy always lived in the moment.
She died in my hands today and I am glad that she is no longer struggling to breathe.
All is well now. xoxo All my Love to you, Easy.

There is no suffering in Love

2010-10-01T23:36:00.000-05:00

There is no suffering in love. There is no suffering in love. It seems that statement needs to be repeated each time it is expressed. There is no suffering in love. Where do we find that feeling? How to we experience this idea? How do we have this truth in our lives? This is the essence of animal communication to me. This is what animals.... all animals…are trying to tell us. Are telling us. There isn’t any trying involved. It is the constant frequency they are broadcasting. What does it take for us to hear that frequency? Do they need to be lost? Broken? Mean? Abused? Where is it that we need to see that there is no suffering in love?
2 of my cats are disabled. One was hit by a car and the other attacked by a dog. The first, Francy, lost all the nerve function in her face, her ears don’t move, she doesn’t blink and her whiskers don’t move.
The second, Ralfie, lost an eye, lost sight in the other eye and broke her jaw, so her tongue sticks out all the time. I met them at a time when I felt like they looked. Broken. When I went to meet them they were considered unadoptable. Just like me. When I decided to adopt them in my enthusiasm I asked the adoption coordinator if I needed to do anything to make sure that no one else adopted them before I got back, He laughed and said that no one else was going to take them and not to worry. I was a puzzled until I remembered that they we were broken.

They were great contributors to me becoming an animal communicator. And through all of my training and practice it took years to finally hear how their injuries came about. How did it all happen? How did it all go down? They each answered in the same way at different times. They both said “I got the call”. “I was having my life and I knew I had to get to you but I didn’t know how. Then I got the call that you were ready. So I found the road and stepped in front of a car because that is how you could see me”, said Francy. Ralfie told a similar story. She got the call and found a neighborhood dog and asked for a favor, injure but do not kill. The dog obliged and Ralfie was brought to Treehouse in a plastic storage container. I would not have seen her any other way. She is a beautiful cat and if she were not injured I would have passed her by. But they found each other and then found me. They found me 3 weeks after I moved to Chicago. It was a miracle.
The story of Francy and Ralfie is completely about no suffering in love. They have not suffered in their injuries, they have loved. They knew where they were going and chose to love through what others may call hardship or grievous injury.

I live with these 2 beautiful girls who now show very few signs that there is anything wrong with them but who love with great abandon anyone who comes through the door. They are my light and truth that there is no suffering in love. They show me everyday that animals are telling us that all the time.
There is no suffering in love.

So next time you are out in the world, with people or with animals, as you gaze into thier eyes simply say to yourself there is no suffering in love and see how the world changes.

Special Events

2010-07-17T15:45:00.026-05:00

Animal Healing Circle
Tuesday, July 19, 8:00 - 9:15 PM EDT
This special event is $45 and takes place over the phone.

Join me for an Animal Healing Circle Tuesday, July 19 where I will look at the spirit of animals as they are working in the world and the energy of how animals are impacted and effecting all of our lives. I will touch on the messages being communicated to us by animals around the world and talk about how we can listen more closely to hear the messages yourself. In addition, I will address questions about your animals or animals in general. This is a special group presentation tele-seminar where individual and universal messages will be shared. Register at www.sevenlevelscoaching.com or call 978-475-7747 to reserve your spot. Upon registration, you will receive information on how to phone in for the session.

I can't wait to "see" you there!

BioMat Healings

2010-07-10T12:51:00.022-05:00

Jade will infuse your healing with Wisdom, Tranquility, Balance, Peace, and Harmony.

 Tourmaline generates negative ions that stimulate healing and remove toxins.

 It is like a bubble bath without getting wet.

To help you stay in tune with yourself and not get lost in all that is going on around you, I am offering Biomat healings. My Biomat is made of Jade and Tourmaline. When heated my Biomat produces Far Infrared Rays, which penetrate the body 5"-7" into muscle fiber and every body system. The stimulates healing on a cellular level.

Here are some of the ways a Biomat will benefit you:
•    Improves immune system and blood circulation
•    Reduces stress, fatigue
•    Relieves body pains
•    Promotes deeper sleep
•    Relieves all forms of nerve conditions

The Biomat healing takes place on an energetic as well as physical level, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. You will be energized and ready to blossom!  I am offering 45-minute healings for $75.

Piggy Pick Up from the Pound!

2010-05-05T17:35:00.004-05:00

Today I began one of my favorite pastimes. Driving animals to one destination or another. I spent about a year doing spay/neuter shuttling for Red Door Shelter . That is where I met my beloved Hazel.

Hazel

Strangely how after I met her I felt I didn't need to do it any more....Now don't getting any ideas that I am getting another pig...I am enjoying the energy of another little being passing through.

Well, today I am volunteering for Critter Corral. I received an email yesterday that there was guinea pig at the Anti-Cruelty Society (that is where Five came from)

(Five newly home from Anti Cruelty Society, tiny boy...big ears!! He still cuddles with Francy, too!)

and if I could pick him up. Well, of course!! How could I turn down such a fabulous opportunity to hang with a pig! So, I have him now happily munching on greens and hay in my healing sanctuary. Off we go to Hinsdale tomorrow to drop him off with the Critter Corral team who will make sure he is as perfect as he is and adopt him out to his new fabulous people! I love to be part of the travel of an animal to their final destination, a leg on the journey.

So, welcome and so long to the adorable little piggy boy who I am affectionately calling Bow in honor of my sister's amazing new dog, Bo (he is getting a reading tonight so I thought it appropriate!).

update on the rose colored glasses…a visitation.

2010-05-03T17:15:00.002-05:00

I am always amazed at what happens when I ask for something. I have been asking for a long time for a sign, or a message. Why does everyone else see God, but I struggle seeing anything? Well, I realized that what I am looking for and am given is very real. A visitation that happens out in the world with seeming regular people...or so I think! Here is my latest visitation experience.

While I was at the Morton Arboretum
fair 2 weeks ago I noticed there was a service dog. He was only wearing a vest so he was not for the blind. He was a companion for a young boy who I had the pleasure and honor of chatting with. We were both enjoying some hand made soaps and he told me very excitedly that he had tasted everything and smelled and touched everything and that he loved it all. Anything he could get his hands on. He said, smiling "my problem is too much pleasure". I put my hand on his arms and said that is not a problem. We chatted some more and as he began walking away I said I like your rose colored glasses (which he was actually wearing)! He came back and stood right in front of me and said "you know that these are glasses, right? They are not sun glasses!" I said "I know, they are rose colored glasses". and as he turned to go I said "You know the only time they don’t work is when you take them off"…he turned and gave me a thumbs up and said "Exactly". Seriously? Really?
Wow. Who could have planned that! It seems that I might have gotten the lesson! I was and still am floored by that experience; enjoying it so much. I guess its like butterflies, when you ask to see them they show up!

I have been greatly inspired and have since purchased a pair of rose colored glasses for myself to keep reminding me that the only time they don't work is when I take them off.

Enjoy seeing the world anew!

I'm nuts, Your nuts, We're all nuts for Soap Nuts!

2010-04-28T13:29:00.003-05:00

What a great slogan! I am now nuts for Yo reganics Soap Nuts !

I have washed 3 loads of laundry with them and they are fabulous! Thank you Kim for showing me what these little guys are and how they work. Soap Nuts are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry tree (Sapindus  mukorrosi), similar to the lychee. A long time ago, people in  South East Asia figured out that when the nuts get wet, they release  saponin, a natural cleaner, making them great for washing clothes!

I think that my clothes were cleaner and softer than with regular detergent. And the pig fleece does not stink! (my guinea pigs live on fleece instead of litter. It wicks away any moisture and dries super fast. Easy to clean up, too. Just shake and wash!).

That was my main worry. I usually wash it with a cup of vinegar to get any smell out. No need with Yoreganics Soap Nuts! Also, soap nuts don't leave a residue build up so the fleece is more absorbant.
Fermi’s favorite bed was washed with the Yoreganics Soap Nuts and usually he takes a day or two to reacquaint himself with his clean bed but today he hopped right in! Probably no fragrance needed to be aired out.

(Fermi and his favorite bed)

(Agape wante dto get in on the action, too)

So, if you find yourself looking for an organic alternative to laundry detergent or have very sensitive skin give them a try! They are reusable up to 5 loads of laundry, too! Feel free to ask any questions or check out the Yoreganics website.

A Great Green Weekend

2010-04-26T23:34:00.002-05:00

(random but beautiful sea slug aka Spanish Dancer from Oceans. More on that later)

I had such a fun weekend I hardly know where to start! I met some amazing people and went on great adventures. Overall a great weekend. It all began on Thursday when I took Fermi to see "Oceans" for Earth day. I love taking Fermi to the movies, he is a great date.  Sweet and cuddly.

On Saturday I attended an Earth Day party at a friend's house. We all made our favorite green cleaning product. We were assisted by a fabulous young man who did a great job providing for a room full of women. 11 years old and totally had his space! He was great! Thanks, Jack!

Sunday I met my friend Pam from Morton Arboretum for an Earth Day festival. There were vendors selling different earth friendly stuff.
That is where I met Kim selling Soap Nuts. They are a laundry detergent alternative. Should be great for dirty guinea pig fleece! Here is a link to their website:
Yoreganics
I am super excited to try them out and will report back my findings soon.

What I found the most exciting about the whole weekend was that everyone I met was having such a great time, having fun doing what they love. What fabulous inspiration from the Earth, doing what you love!

♥ Happy Earth Day!! ♥

2010-04-21T13:53:00.013-05:00

Good day to You amazing Earth! What a fabulous time you are having. I love to see your amazing forward movement into our limitless future. Growth and change can be messy but you do it with such ease and grace. I thank you for your delicious example!
I want to share this amazing poem by e.e. cummings.
Enjoy!!

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake
and now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

e.e. cummings - i thank you God for most this amazing

**¨*•.¸¸¸¸.•*¨*•♥ Happy Earth Day, Earthlings!♥ **¨*•.¸¸¸¸.•*¨*•

(PS: check out my first review
....its fabulous!)

Rose Colored Glasses

2010-04-19T10:08:00.011-05:00

Seeing the world through rose colored glasses.

I have always heard this saying as cautionary but as I throw caution to the wind I am now seeing (through my newly rose colored glasses) that seeing the positive in things feels so much better than seeing where things are not working. Why focus on it? Looking at the big picture seems to be working much better for me these days.

I do like to try and solve things.

Mind things. Give me a problem and I can think it right out of the park. When I do this it seems that I am peeking over my rose-colored glasses trying to look into a future that does not exist. I am not seeing what is right in front of me, and part of me all the time.Rose-colored glasses are a metaphor for neutrality.

Which in my mind is another way of saying joyfully participating in the experience of life. Viewing life through your own unique vision that is shared by the world’s own unique vision. We’re here to experience joy and happiness. What better way to do it than with some fabulous rose colored glasses!

The only time rose-colored glasses don't work is when you take them off.

I have committed to my rose colored glasses today. I am going to see the world they way I would like to see it; joyful, full of presence, stillness, openness and space. I give this to the world today and see the rosy glow around all things.

Pigs at the Lake

2010-04-16T10:08:00.016-05:00

Yesterday was the first day that the guinea pigs have enjoyed the fresh air and grass at the shore of lake Michigan since last year. It was the earliest we have been out with the unseasonably warm temperatures here in Chicago. Usually we are not out until May.
One of my favorite pastimes is to sit at the lake with the pigs and some good friends. Last summer I had 4 guinea pigs and caused quite a stir when I with my stroller full of pigs pulled in. I have met some fabulous people who are curious and thrilled to see these guys out and about. Their pictures have been taken by tourists from other countries and are now, I guess world renowned. I met a couple of people from Peru who had never seen guinea pigs as pets, only as food. I think some Americans might have the same experience with chickens! They were impressed at how cute they were and said they would remember that.

This year I am 2 pigs lighter (future posts will tell the stories of Jasper and Pi). But I am still planning on a summer by the lake with my beloved Fermi and Agape. As you can see I keep them separate. They don't get along all that well, especially when there is all that tasty grass to claim!

I am hoping for a beautiful summer (my favorite season) giving plenty of days to be at the lake and meeting even more amazing people.
So, if you are in Chicago and would like to participate in a pig lake day I try to post it on Facebook . We'd be happy to have your company! Maybe I will try and get virtual about it and take some video next time.
in joy!

Fermi is the George Clooney of guinea pigs

2010-04-13T10:04:00.012-05:00

I was sitting with Fermi, my amazingly handsome guinea pig the other night and he just very plainly and out of the blue informed me that he is the George Clooney of guinea pigs.

I stopped and looked at him and actually could see exactly what he was talking about. He is the George Clooney of pigs. Fermi is very handsome and can make all the girls giggle, as does George Clooney. I have witnessed this many times with him as we do many events together (Fermi and I, not George Clooney). I will have him in my arms and a pile of women will come around and start petting him and then start giggling for no apparent reason (I will occasionally join in as well!). I tell the women that Fermi is quite a ladies man and the laughing intensifies. He creates his own cloud of hysteria (very mch like George Clooney)!
Men have a strong reaction to him as well. They seem to focus in on him and know that he is the man's man of guinea pigs. Fermi will often pee on men, as I imagine George Clooney does in his own way, probably not literally.
I have other guinea pigs but Fermi has always attracted the most attention. Maybe it's the magical sparkle in his eye. He is just a fabulous, sexy pig. Yay, Fermi!

BlogPaw

2010-04-11T22:44:00.004-05:00

My amazing guinea pig Agape and I spent this past weekend in Columbus Ohio attending an amazing conference called BlogPaws . It was held for people who blog about animals. I am proud to have joined those ranks recently and am also thrilled to have met so many amazing people writing so many amazing blogs! I hope to share more about them and more about what I have learned. Right now I am still digesting everything and organizing all my new tools.

I do want to give a shout out to my good friend Pam of Purrfect Play . She invited me shared her car and room and herself with me all weekend. Thank you, Pam! I had a great time and LOVED meeting your family, furry and otherwise!!

I plan on featuring some of my favorite blogs through links and guest blog appearances. So, if you are interested in guest blogging let me know and we will set something up!

Thanks again for such a fabulous weekend!!
xoxo

The Voice of the World

2010-04-03T23:16:00.003-05:00

I was watching the ABC Nightly News last night and they chose researchers of animal language as their persons of the week. It got me thinking about how the world is always communicating. There are millions of languages amongst millions of species. I am not a scientist but I am a communicator and a participant on this planet. I love what I hear. There is so much not to love is what we are shown but I choose to hear what I love. That hum that penetrates may body singing joy and love throughout the universe for all to hear.
We are in a society right now that is deafening because that hum is getting louder. The current din will not be able to keep up, soon it will be all we hear, we listen quietly to all that is peace and joy, love and light. It changes everything, always.
While writing this a big bumbling bumble bee came buzzing around my window. Drunk with life, awakening from a too long hibernation..bzz, bzz, bzz..

Pigeons

2010-03-18T14:10:00.002-05:00

I am inspired to write what I recently heard about pigeons. The plague of pigeons is a completely human made event and is a reflection on the human race.
A study was done on how pigeon population could be controlled. They set out to educate people about feeding them and did a little trick, starting a breeding program and invited known pigeon feeders to take care of a controlled group of pigeons. What they thought they would find is that due to the controlling of the population that there would be less pigeons. Bt what they actually found was that the feeders stopped feeding the pigeons in their area and the population went down. It had nothing to do with how they were kept but everything to do with who was feeding them and including them in a community.
Pigeons were essential as messengers for so long and when they became obsolete they were set free. They mirror a whole part of the population, those who are obsolete, outcast, not accepted by society. They are considered dirty and it is disgusting the messes they leave everywhere…who are we talking about?
Pigeons are an amazing animal that has the ability to find its way from almost anywhere. They are keenly tuned into the earth and are an amazing messenger for her. They are the symbol of peace (dove), and are ubiquitous in cities worldwide.
I was amazed by this story and how there are groups of people who are sending their messages through pigeons. And how neutral pigeons are in delivering them.
I have always thought that they sounded like old men when they coo. I currently have a cat, Ralfie who coos just like a pigeon. I wonder if the term pigeon English comes from the idea that you will always find your way home if you talk like that.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T10:26:00.011-05:00

Fiver McFivegan wishes everyone a super Happy St. Patrick's Day!

(Hazel wanted to get in on the action, too!)

Minouxsie the Snoozie Floozie!

2010-03-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

It has been 11 years today since Minoux took her next step. She was one of the most amazing animals I have ever met. I first met this wonderful Apple-head Blue Point Siamese on my birthday in NYC, where I was living at the time. I had gone to a cat shelter named Bide-a-Wee to say hello to all the kitties. It is a habit of mine to go and cheer lead cats at shelters. I think it helps to keep the energy moving if you can acknowledge that their people will be coming for them soon.
Minoux was in the back on a cage and all I heard was this amazing sound. If you have ever heard a Siamese meow you know what I am talking about! She looked a mess but was so intriguing! I asked what her story was and I as told that she had been left at the corner of 2nd Ave and 38th Street tied to a lamppost. They also said that she was at least 12 years old. She had stopped eating and was not doing well at all. Really what more did I need to hear?
I fostered her so that she would have a home but the shelter would cover the vet care. They said she probably wouldn't live more than a couple of months.

3 1/2 years later Minoux took her next step just 2 weeks before I moved to Chicago. I think that was really my first conscious animal communication. She and I decided that she was not strong enough physically and I was not strong enough emotionally for her to make the move with me. So, after a 3-year bout with kidney disease she took her next step. With me was an amazing, dear friend who took the day off from work to be with us. I still have Minoux's ashes. They are in a beautiful box made by another dear friend. I think she was such an amazing reflection of love and friendship. She was magical.

I feel that her passing allowed me to take my next step, too! I was able to come to Chicago emotionally energized by all of the support I received in New York.

Thank you Minoux! You are the best and did such a great job in paving my way to animal communication!
xoxo

Hello World!

2010-03-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome!
(I have decided to start my blog on the ides of March…beware!) ;)

My name is Alicia Halloran and I am an animal communicator living in Chicago.
I plan to post mostly about animals and how they affect my life, work and dreams. Currently I share my home with 4 amazing cats, 2 fabulous guinea pigs, 3 giant goldfish, 1 brave canary and 1 miraculous cockatiel. You will be hearing more and more about them and from them in the future. A well as from and about those animals I have shared my life with in the past and work with daily.
I make no promises of updating regularly but I have high hopes!! Thank you for joining me in this amazing launch day!!