. The End, or rather a New Begining...) X:::SABA ELYHU. (x Photos Karen, Eliya and me ) X photos of lemons , lemonad and myself at eighty two

     I never considered myself to be a 'Religious' person; 'A Spiritual one' Yes!' I could never agree            with some of the Biblical Commandment, which one of them the 'Orthodox Jews' interpreted to be       "Do not drive on the Sabbath!"(Our one and only Day of Rest!)  My small family of four, seldomly    went to Synagogue, except during the' High Holiday' of 'Yom Kippur'; the "Day of Atonement". We celebrated the Jewish Holidays with our extended family members, of beloved 'Uncles, Aunts and Cousins, who  lived in the three 'Main Cities' of Israel; Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv, as well as in       two Agricultural Settlements... Since I was the youngest among my cousins, I enjoyed the Lov which      is usually given to the 'Family Baby'... I am proud to say, that I was not at all 'Jealous' when 'Ahuva'le    my beloved  baby cousin was born and 'Took Awa' my place as the 'Family's Baby'... On the contrary         I fell in love with her tiny fingers, soft blond hair, blue eyes and rose color lips; she would become        my 'Living Doll!'  

   As I was growing up, my 'Greatest Wish' was to discover the 'Big World' which I heard and read about  in the many books I brought home from the library... I was especially intrigued by the U.S.A, the United Stats of America, which was 'waiting for me' outside Israel, my small country of birth, sharing the borders with our three Hostile Arab Neighbor; Egypt, Jordan and Syria, who were trying to conquer our tiny and vulnerable country time and time again... As I grew up I decided to become a 'Psychologist' and just like my 'Vegetarian Parents' and  was always looking for 'Unconventional Methods of Healing; like Hypnosis Therapy, 'Voice Dialogue' and several others... 

  After completing the two years of my Military Service, I traveled to the U.S.A, where I registered at    the "University of Detroit" and was 'Earning a living' by teaching Hebrew, Bible and Jewish History, at     a local Hebrew School, during the afternoons... Years later after I received my "PHD" as a Psychology Doctor, I would discover a 'New Tool' named 'Clinical Hypnotherapy'; which would became my most    important 'Tool of Healing!"... My office walls were decorated with many 'Diplomas, which I gathered throughout the years... Among them was a 'Short Prayer', which I particularly liked:"Dear God grant me the Strength to accept the things I can not Change, the Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference"...      

   As time passed by I learned that "The End of the World" does not necessarily have to be Something  Bad; it actually means the 'End of Disagreement, Separation, Fears, Hatred and Wars on our planet!' The people who may be worried or frightened, are told that "All you have to do, is to forget the fact that you Can  Not Remember"... At times, when my 'Inner Child' seems to be sad or worried, I would whisper in it's ear: "Cheer up kid and listen to the following 'Old Saying': "If life is giving you Lemons, you could always make Lemonade!" X(photo of lemons and lemonade)

   Throughout our Life's Journey we may experience periods of great Joy, as well as Disappointments   Like the time I got sick and had to stay home, while my Classmates were going on the School Trip which was the 'High Light' of the Year... People may forget some of their 'Unfulfilled Dreams and Wishes', but they always remember the Pain they felt after finding out that the 'One we Love, is 'In Love' with some one else'... As I write these lines, Israel my beloved country of birth; is once again "Fighting for it's Survival"; just as it did during the 'War of Independence', when I was only four years old...    

   This current war, seems to be one of the most dangerous Israel ever experienced... Never before did         I doubt Israel's ability to 'Win the War!'  Now for the first time, things seem to be different...The Arab countries, which are sharing with Israel three borders; Syria, Egypt and Lebanon, never hid their desire     to destroy this tiny country; trying to do so time after time since 1948; after the United Nations declared Israel to be the "Legitimate Country for the Jewish People!"Since then this young small country, has been  defeating it's enemies again and again, paying' with the lives of young Israeli solders... I always  worried about the future of Israel; my 'Country of birth' and was feeling guilty, for being able to peacefully live in sunny California'... 

   During this lingering war, all I was able to do, besides worry and mourn the loss of young Israeli  solders, was wishing it will soon be over and praying for a 'Final and Lasting Peace in the Middle East!'    I am able to feel the pain, of those who lost a 'Loved One' in the wars and feel guilty, for living safely in    the U.S; while Israel is forced again to fight for its life! As the years passed by I have learned that 'Death' is not the 'End of the world'; it actually makes room for a "New Beginning!" We have been told that death is actually a 'Corridor' to the next Dimension'... It is 'Heart Breaking' to witness the suffering of so many people, when all I can do to help, is sending more donations and pray for a"Lasting Peace" in the Middle East; Peace which is going to open the doors to the 5th Dimension"; our peaceful New Home, to which  we are supposed to arrive, after our physical death...  

  On December 7th, I slipped in our garden and broke my Left Leg... It was the same day when Israel's  latest war began... While many people (mostly my age group) are suffering from Health Issues; I have been staying at home and going over my Blog; correcting mistakes and dealing with the saver pain of my 'Broken Ankle'... I have written befor that one of my greatest pleasure during childhood; was to spend time with my beloved Grandfather; 'Saba Eliyahu'! Many years later, after my one and only Grand child, Eliya learned to talk I would say to her: "I am your Savta" (Grandma in Hebrew) "What are you to me?" and was listening with delight to her 'Baby Voice' saying:"Savta, don't you remember how you always say   that I am the "Love of Your Life? "

   I would like to share with you dear readers, that two years ago, after I turned Eighty, I was diagnosed with the beginning of "Dementia": 'Memory loss'. So far science was unable to discover a proper cure for this disease... I met with our Family's Lawyer in order to find out a legal and peaceful way to "Get out of the Body", when this 'Dementia' begins to take over... By the way, one of the great gifts I received at my birth, was 'Freedom from Fear!' Besides Traditional Therapy I was always looking for Unconventional  New Ways of Healing; like Clinical Hypnotherapy,which became one of the 'Main Tools' of my work by  enabling me, to remove my clients 'Emotional Pain', not only from the Present but also from their 'Past Lives' ... By doing so I was helping them to 'Let Go' of the painful emotions, which people carry as a result of difficulties in their 'Past Lives'...  My father once told me that when people get old; "Life seem    to pass by 'Way to Fast!"...  He said that this is the reason we should always be grateful for the Good Times we are blessed with and pray for more to come; not only for ourselves, but for the whole world     as well as all the people and animals which are sharing it with us!  

   It is hard to believe that I have just written the 'Final Page' of my Book! I am experiencing a mixture    of joy, excitement and great satisfaction; mixed with a few drops of sadness; since it is now time to  say my final Good By... I wish to thank you dear readers, for allowing me to share with you my Life's story  and wish I could help you remove, some of the 'Pain and heavy Burdens' we all face, during this 'Long Journey' to the Fifth Dimension...  However, because of my 'Advancing age '(82) there is a good chance that I may not have to wait in the 'Long Line to Paradise'... In such a case, I promise to save you a 'Good Seat' next to me, before we take off... May we all enjoy a Safe Journey to our up coming home  in the  Fifth Dimension; see you there!

 With love and light, Shira 

                                                     

                                                                         THE END  

                                                         ( Or rather a New Beginning )                                                                                                                                             

                                                                  

                                                                      

 

Almost The End XXX (Musical notes and photos of gusts from around the world..(?). / X X picture of me now VX

Hello everyone,

   For a while, I was encouraged by few of my Blog Readers, to turn my blog in to Book: "It seems          that you had a very Interesting Life, Shira! XI was told X You should write a book about it!" "What do   you mean by 'Had'? I still Do!" Came my answer... Unlike some in my Age group (82) I feel lucky to     be in a  "Good Health. I have recently notice that my 'Sense of Humor was down a bit'...  After going through an 'Unpleasant moment of 'Memory Loss', I was encouraged by my doctor, as well as family members and close friends, to take a test for the possibility of Dementia or Alzheimer... Unlike most people in my age group, my memory is still strong (most of the time ) After my last Check up, I was advised by my Primary doctor, to make an appointment at Cedar Sinai Hospital, for Memory Loss Test which would last 'Five Hours'... By the time this ordeal was over I was not only tired; I was Exhausted      I could see the concern of my family members and friends and was trying to cheer them up, by joking "The best thing about memory loss, is forgetting we are losing it!" I told them...

  I was surprised when my Dr R. left me a message, asking for Rabbi Karen Deitsch (my daughter) to    call him, in order to discuss my Test Results..."Why does he want to talk to my daughter and not me?"       I was wondering... Karen, who called me after their conversation, sounded very calm (a bit to calm)...   "Tell me what did the doctor say Karen? Is it Dementia, Alzheimer or half and half?" I was joking, but    she did not laugh; insisting there will not be a final diagnosis, until I see one more doctor, "A Specialist"     in order to come to the final conclusion...  A month later I took one more Test, which  lasted only one hour only (Thank God!) I have written before about Cousin Marcia (Al's Cousin) who came with me to see the doctor, in order to discus the results of my Medical Tests..." Marcia! You sound more Nervous  then then I am!'  It seems that "Fearless Shira, is now facing one of the biggest Health Challenges, she ever faced and expects to come through with "Flying Colors!" 

   I have written before about my parents, who were among the 'Early Poisoners who established the     First Vegetarian Village' in Israel... They refused to use Fertilizers, claiming it was Poisoning the frute and the vegetable... "People should Never Eat Meat!, just think of the Terrible Pain, these poor animals experience, when they are slaughtered! 'We have No Right to make them Suffer; animals want to live just as much as we do!" I was able to understand why people kill snakes and other 'Dangerous Creatures',who  may attack us, but what did the the 'Poor cows, lambs, chickens, or the cute rabbits do? They ever harmed any one! how terribly cruel it is, to cause them suffering and worst of all: Eat Them!" Some of my school friends parents came to our house, complaining that because of me, their kids are refusing to "Eat Meat"! It gave my parents the opportunity, of trying to convert' as many as many people as they as they could, to Vegetarianism... 

   My vegetarian parents were also practicing "Yoga" and ״Meditation״, which they learned from books      way before it became popular in the Western World... There was a large library in our house, most of the books were about 'Health and Proper Eating': "How to Avoid Toxic Food, Say No to Western Medicine! You are what you  eat," as well as few other books... I would eventually 'inherit' all these books, since    my 'Meat Loving' brother, ,who rebelled against our parents and their "Crazy Vegetarianism!" declared    he had no interest in these 'Stupid Books!" and told me I may take them all!'  Reading was always one     of my greatest Passions! I did my best to be a devoted, loving wife and mother, while teaching Hebrew and 'Jewish Studies at a local Temple Hebrew School.  Eventual, we left Puerto Rico, moved to Atlanta    in Georgia and later to our first home in California; settling in Los Angeles, where I would eventually become a Clinical Hypnotherapist and move on, to receive my PhD in Psychology. "It seems that Shira never stopped going to school?!" My astonished youngest nephew told his parents...

  Throughout the years, Al and I created several groups of friends in Los Angeles. Other friends, came     and stayed with us, for long or short visits; they arrived from New Jersey in the East Coast, where Al grew up, as well as from  N.Y, Florida, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico, Israel, Italy and France.We loved these visits, which came to an end, when an Uninvited Guest; the" Corona Virus Pandemic', arrived to California and was spreading around the Globe... The death toll was rising and the people stayed home afraid to go out... We were all 'Glued' to the T.V screen, watching with horror, how this Pandemic was sending thousands of sick people, to over crowded Hospitals and Morgues... As the Death Toll from the Corona Virus was rising, socializing came to a complete stop! People no longer invited friends home for Dinner Parties, Barbecues or other occasions; they stopped going to the theater, concerts and many other kinds of gatherings... Every one was horrified by this new disease, which was spreading like Wild Fire    all around the world!  Besides the Pandemic, other disasters were taking place around the Globe: We the  were able to see on the television screen Civil Unrest, Political Corruption, Elections Fraud as well as the Ban of Legal Abortions... Books were removed from schools and the bitter Long War, between Russia  and Ukraine, gave birth to fear and rumors of an up coming Third World War! On the Television sets, we could see Wild Fires consuming forests, followed by Torrential Rains, Floods and starving, sick refuges with their children, who escaped to the United States from the wars and poverty, in their country of birth  People who hoped for a better life and future, could see these dreams crush in front of their eyes, before being sent back to the country from which they fled...     

  After the Corona Pandemic came under control, I was finally able to deal with my deep pain over          the lose of Al, my beloved husband and best friend of fifty years... I went back to my Therapy Work specializing in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Voice Dialog.  At one point I became a bit concerned about   the strange cloud of "Forgetfulness", which was invading my brain from time to time.."Why don't you Meditate Shira, as you tell us to do, it really helps you know!" My clients were telling m, after I shared with them the latest diagnosis of my Dementia...x"Did you forget that I am 'Free of Fear'?", came my answer... I have to admit that in spite of my Bravery, I was finding myself going through several 'Dark Moments' of my own, but I needed to help my clients and couldn't afford to indulge in worries or fears    so was pushing myself to get over it fast!   

   I can't remember when I first noticed that "My Memory", which I was always so proud of, was beginning to slow down... For the first time in my adult life, I was experiencing 'Real Fear'..."What if my Memory is going to disappear and the doctors are unable to find a solution to the problem?"" I was always searching for Alternative Healing Methods. Besides my work as a Psychologist an Hypnotherapist I was also recommending Proper Nutrition, Meditation, Acupuncture and other 'Natural Help', besides Conventional Medicine and was always looking for the 'Latest information about "Dementia", trying  to help my poor father, who suffered  from Memory Loss. I never stopped looking for new ways of healing for my clients, friends, family members and now for myself...  

  I would like to invite you my dear readers, to visualize yourselves lifting up your glass  of wine and sing together  with me, the familiar song from the Musical" Fiddler on the Roof: "Let's drink to Life Lechaim; Lechaim, Lechaim to Life!"! Then, hold up the wine glass and add; "To Life in the Fifth Dimension!" X Below, are several photos of my granddaughter Eliya; the Dog 'Lover', who is holding, hugging and kissing the few dogs ,which belong       to our small family in California and declaring she is going to become a Veterinarian!

Savta Shira with Eliyah	Eliyah and Koah	Eliyah with Moses	Eliyah and Bear

With Love and Light,
Shira

xXX

Essie (Ace)

    Several weeks after my birthday celebration, my granddaughter Eliya, asked me to take her for a swim at our pool...After Al's passing, Karen asked Essie (Al's devoted Care Taker)  if he would stay in order to keep me company: "So my Mother wouldn't be all by herself in such a big house!" Essie happily agreed and was embraced by all our family members, as if he was always a part it.This time however Essie was not at home and in spit of  my Ellie's protest, I insisted that we wait to go swimming,  until he comes back, since we should have always  someone near by, when we go swimming! At one point after his return, Karen and I got out of the pool and began to walk up the stairs, in order to change our wet 'bathing suits', when I  slipped and even though I did not break any limb before, the sharp pain in my left leg, told me it was broken...I called for Essie, Al's 'Care Taker', who came running and instructed him to phone Karen and Greg, as well as calling for an Ambulance! My pain told me it was not just a 'Simple Fall' and after my  my arrival to the hospital, I was told that my Left leg was broken in Two Places! It took place on  the month of December 7th״, when the horrifying Murders (rather Slaughter) of young Israelis, who were sleeping took place, after celebrating an evening of singing and dancing, during their yearly summer vacation...

   My poor Granddaughter Ellie was sitting on the sofa crying... In spite of my terrible pain, I was       doing my best to comfort her: "It will be all right Sweetheart, don't be so scared; I slipped and hurt       my leg; not  a big deal! "Didn't You ever fall and hurt yourself?" I told her as calmly as I could, cringing with pain... "But I heard you say that you think your leg is broken!", Eliyah answered in a trembling voice "Don't worry my baby, even if it is broken, the doctor would fix it!" I told her... The ambulance took me     to the Argent Care Clinic' and after a long and painful waiting, the 'Ex Rays' came, showing that my  ankle was broken in two places... I was fitted with a 'Temporary Cast' and was allowed to go home and make sure to stay in bed for the following two weeks, before going the hospital in order to find out if     the 'Broken Bone' was mending. I  was told that "In case it is not, you will have to go to the hospital        for surgery,"I was told.

   After returning home I was sleeping most of the time, thanks to the powerful 'Pain Killer Medicine'    which  doctors prescribed. Being an active person made it challenging and frustrating, to be restricted      to Bed! Helen, my friend and 'Spiritual Advisor', said that Humanity is about to move from the Third  Dimension, which is our present home, to the '5th Dimension': our Spiritual one..."Your job Shira is to        write a book, in order to prepare people for this Highly Important, up coming event!" Ellen told told     me. Until the accident I did not find the time to write, since I was always busy with my school,as well    as teaching and seeing clients and friends... It seemed as if the only way to make me sit and write my book, was to"Break a leg and 'Put me down' in order to load me with the information', regarding the  upcoming big changes, which Humanity is about to go through...

    In spite of my optimism and sense of humor, I was having doubts, regarding my 'New Job', of  preparing people for the up coming journey to the 5th Dimension.. In the meantime, I was 'Restricted      to Bed', experiencing a new and unfamiliar emotion of feeling sorry for my self... I read a lot, wrote in   my blog, watched TV and was glad to see my friends and the few family members, who came for a visit My Playful Inner Child, was handing my visitors crayons and markers, to decorate my cast; a request all agreed enthusiastically to fulfill... It was amusing to watch the joy and 'childish excitement', on the face of my 'Grown Up' friends, whose 'Playful Inner kids' were set free... It seemed as if an invisible door opened up, so we could go back in time to the care free days of our childhood; when   there nothing more exciting then drawing on the Cast which was covering my broken leg...

  Two weeks later, the doctor called to inform me that the Bone was not mending...             A Surgery would be necessary after all and I have to go back to Cedars Sinai Hospital While in the hospital I befriended a few of the medical staff and was sharing with them    the information about "Oneness Consciousness and Unconditional Love". My new friends were nodding their heads hesitantly, probably wondering why I was not 'locked up' in the  Psychiatric Word... I found a 'Handful of people' (mostly from the Cleaning Crew) who were fascinated by my theories of the 'After Life' and asked for my phone number, so they could come for Hypnosis Sessions after I go back home... Back home I was lying in bed using Al's old Wheel Chair, to move around and was 'Feeling sorry for myself; an emotion which was foreign to me... Even though I was always an avid reader, I found myself unable to concentrate  on my books and was trying to find the right position for my Broken Leg, which was in a heavy cast...  I was restless and irritable, which was not at all like me and was spending most of my time in bed, watching Television and other programs, I usually don't look at.

   On the morning of October 8th, I woke up early, feeling sorry for myself and was turning around in bed, trying to find a more comfortable position for my broken leg   I turned on the television, which during these long weeks of isolation, became my only 'Life Line' to the outside world and was alarmed to learn about the Massacre which took place at the Nova Festival in Israel; where men, women and children were brutally attacked, raped and taken hostage to the tunnels of Gaza...

   I was calling my family members and friends in Israel, to find out how they were doing and found       out that everyone seemed to be in a state of shock! As the days passed on more terrifying news began     to arrive; describing the Brutality and Torture which the kidnapped Israelis were experiencing, at the hands of the"Hamas Terror Organization"... During the first three months after my surgery I was in bed   besides the telephone and the American and Israeli Television news stations... In spite  of my usual optimism, I was experiencing moments of deep sadness, unfamiliar loneliness and feelings of loss and depression, trying my best not to sink into Melancholy and Self pity, which some of my poor clients and family members and friends did...

   Many years ago, my mother told me that "Turning Old is not a Picnic"... When Karen was a baby       Al  and I, used to fly to Florida in order to visit his 'Widowed Father' and several aunts and uncles from New Jersey, who moved to Miami after retirement, in order to escape the cold, freezing winters of New Jersey... I was deeply touched by the joy and excitement, they all welcomed us with and the Love they  showered on our baby Karen... Their loneliness and longing for their grandchildren in New Jersey, broke my heart... After experiencing the loss of my grandparents, parents, relatives and good friends I wondered if during the time we become their age, Al and I may also be going through the feelings of isolation and loneliness, as they did...

   In order to shake away these gloomy thoughts, I was telling myself the 'Magical Words':"Delete Delete" and use the power of Positive Thinking, as well as my Creative Imagination and Visualization, to chase these thoughts away... However, lying alone in bed and looking at the cast on my broken leg, did not do much to encourage my 'Positive Thinker' to show up... What did help was spending time with my tiny family; Karen, Greg and my sweet Granddaughter Eliyah. I was talking to some of my 'New friends, who  were having problems with their 'hearing or seeing', suffering from Dementia and decided to go back to the Meditation' I learned years before, at the 'Center of Actualization, allowing myself to shed a few tears during the times when I was feeling sorry for myself...   

   Several mouths would pass, before the war in Israel, which was raging for months, will come to an end The hostages were held in the underground tuneless of Gaza and Israel seemed to be torn apart politically Many in the south of the country, were killed and wounded, before evacuated to the center of Israel... It was as if the whole world has been going Mad and the peaceful old way of life, we experienced until now  will never come back...The few friends in my age group of eighty, were having all kinds of Health Issues like Memory Los and were getting in and out of hospitals...    

   Our familiar way of life seemed to have changed forever! Waves of Antisemitism began to spread         in the U.S, Europe and other parts of the world... Violent Demonstrations and Political Disagreements  were taking place almost on a daily basis...On the T.V screen,we could see the violence and chaos at High schools and Universities... Dark rumors about an up coming Third World War, were spreading around like black clouds, pushed forward by winds of Hatred... I kept on reminding my self that things are not always bad and life seems to go on after all: Kids are busy with their games and  the Spring is on it's way, ready  to paint over the 'Grayness of winter' with the beautiful colors of spring...As hard as I tried I was unable  to stop watching the news, about the fate of the captured Israeli soldiers and was concerned about those   who were kidnapped and taken to Gaza, trying to keep in touch with family members and few close friends I still have in Israel; my beloved vulnerable small country of birth... 

   Even though I am not Religious, I often close my eyes and prey for Peace... Reminding myself that  Hope is stronger then Fear, Laughter wipes away Tears, Joy is greater then Sadness and Love overcomes Hate...The recovery of my Broken leg has been taking a long time...When we celebrated my grandchild  seventh birthday she said to me: "You know Savta, sixth years old is still young, but Seven..."Wait until  you turn Eighty One, like me", I pointed at myself and she burst in to laughter... 

Celebration XX V, Photos Moved add a photo of me at eighty.(Al's age) . Mirror.

   Al and I bought our first home, about a year after moving to California... It was a two-story red          brick house, located in Studio City; with a small pool and room for a garden, where our three years        old daughter Karen, 'Helped Us' plant some flowers and carrots...We added a "Swing Set", a small 'Play House' and were ready to 'Finally Settle Down'... Both Al and I were 'Very Social'... We enjoined having guests and entertaining the new friends we made in L.A; as well as the visitors, who flew in from N.Y  Jersey,Washington D.C, Puerto Rico, Italy and guests from Israel...We were able 'to convince, a handful   of family members from the East Coast; to join us as 'Permanent Residents' in Sunny California! Al's younger brother Steve, who just graduated from Law school and cousin Marcia, who was two years younger then me and became my beloved 'Cousin in Law'; as well as a 'Soul sister and my Best Friend'!    I was delighted to be a part of this Warm and Loving family, with whom we would celebrate our Holidays Birthdays and weddings; as well as Anniversary and 'Be there for one another', in difficult and painful times;  'Life' may put on our way' from time to time...

   The years were 'passing by' fast...before realizing it, our 'Little Karen', who lived for a while in New Zealand, Australia and in Israel; moved back to the U.S. to begin her studies at' Hebrew Union Collage'  Al and I never imagined, that Karen, our 'One and only child'; would become an Ordained Rabbi... We found ourselves going through the "Empty Nest Syndrome" and decided, it may be time for us to make     a change as well and begin to look for the right house and eventually found one... It was partially built which would enable us to have our own input, during the process of completing it!  The fact we were   very busy with this new project, left us with little time, to worry about our ''Nomadic' Only Child, who was "Still Running all over the world!"; just like the two of us did, alone, by ourselves and later together so many years before...

   Our first house in Studio City, was located at the bottom of a tall mountain (No view). The new one       in Sherman Oaks, was built on Top of the tallest mountain in the neighborhood and had 'a Breath Taking' view from three sides... There was enough space for a garden, several fruit trees and a small swimming pool at the Backyard'. There was room for a Swing Set and a small Play House, for our future Grandchild Eliyah, who would arrive several years later, after Karen received her credentials as a 'Rabbi' and settled down in Studio City, one street away from her childhood home...  Years later, it would be the very same neighborhood, where she would be living with Greg and our 'One and only'beloved Grand daughter Eliyah'...

                       Our newly built home, pool, garden and ' Karen's Playhouse' in Sherman Oak

  Al and I lived in our new home, for many blissful years... It was a good life! Just as in our previous      home, this one was also full with friends and visitors; who came from 'all over the world'! (Well maybe  some of it... Years later after Al's passing at the age of Eighty three, it was good to have Karen and her  tiny family of three, live near by... It would help me to deal better, with the loneliness I was dealing    with    after my beloved husband's Al's departure... At one point, as my 80th birthday was approaching      I was asked by Karen, to give some thoughts and ideas, to the place I would like to celebrate it... After considering several options, Karen and I decided that rather then having the party in a restaurant, we should celebrate at our Sherman Oaks home; the place we created together and enjoyed so much!

    Women only were invited...Among them several of Karen's school friends, who used to be frequent       visitors at our Studio City home... Since we had only one child, Al and I were always delighted to have   Karen's friends at our home! Her friends knew that besides being a Psychologist, I was also a  'Clinical Hypnotherapist'; a fact which fascinated them...They often shared their problems with me and I loved      to work with them (Free of charge!) which I did, after receiving their parents consent... In the following years, these former Teens got married, had kids and delighted me with an occasional visit ...Through out    the years, after Al's passing; Karen Xwould invite these friends, to celebrate my birthday at our home together with a few of 'Albie' and a few of our friends:X"XThose who are still Ticking!" As Al used to    say... After considering several options for the party, we decided 'To Host' a "Five O'clock Tea"; like      the one I was introduced to, in my youth, during my first trip to England...

. Shira on Mother's day	Marcia and Shira playing "Twins"	With Karen on Shira's 80's birthday	With Etel

    Al's cousin Marcia was a year younger then me...We always felt more like Sisters, then "Cousins          in Law"... The two of us had a lot in common: We were both teachers who loved to laugh ,were Avid Readers', enjoyed Intellectual Discussions', Classical Music , Museums,Theater, Movies and shared          a similar playful ('A bit childish') Sense of Humor... After settling in California, Al and I convinced his Cousin Marcia, to move from Florida to LA, where she became a 'Loving Aunt', to our four years old Karen and was our closest Family Member! We celebrated together all the holidays and Birthday parties We were delighted, to have a family members living near us, beside the friends we made in Los Angeles we were able to "Import" Al's younger brother Steve (who just graduated from Law school) and several years later, Nephew Glen Deitsch from new Jersey, who was happy to settle in Sunny California... We  finally had a 'Small Family', to share with us Holidays, Anniversaries and other happy events...Years    later, Cousin Marcia's small family of three, left us to settle in Miami. so she could take care of her    aging parents...We kept in touch by phone, emails and visits back and fourth, but sadly, it was not the same as having them close by... 

    Years later, I called Marcia to ask if she could "Please come and help me, with the celebration of       my  80's birthday"... Her answer was very short:"Love To!  Marcia was able to find in L.A, a restaurant which was serving (and delivering) Authentic English "High Tea"... Besides Tea, the menu offered small cakes named "Scones and Crumpets" which we jokingly named; "Stones and Trumpets"...There was a variety of ' Open Face sandwiches'; as well as cookies and cakes... For this Special Occasion I used the 'Fine China', Al and I received as our Wedding Gifts, which amazingly, survived our six moves: Puerto Rico, Atlanta, Augusta, Miami and Los Angeles, which would be our final destination...

   This party gave me the opportunity, to invite 'Who ever was left', from our old friends...As well as           a few previous clients, I befriended through out the yeas, in spite of the fact, that "Psychologists are       not supposed to befriend their Clients!"..."Other guests were a few of Karen's friends; among them        her best friend Alison, from the Third Grade; whom I nicknamed "My second daughter!" The "High    Tea", was delivered to our house, which was decorated with colorful flowers from our garden...

   I  also arranged for a Workshop about the "Power of Positive Thinking" which was given by my          friend Dr Ethel...; Marcia ordered colorful hats, decorated with paper flowers,which the guests tried        on and exchanged between them; "In order to match the colors of our outfits! The hats made the house look like a lovely "Garden of Women"... It was the first party I hosted without Al, my  beloved husband and best friend... I couldn't help feeling sad and was wishing he was there with us, in Spirit... My pain lifted as I looked through the window at my granddaughter Eliyah and Lisa, her best friend; shrieking  with Joy as they were running in the garden, chasing butterflies; with 'Moses' barking close behind...     For some reason, this memory is my Sweetest Memory from that day... I have to admit that after the guests left; I began to feel lonely and a bit sad... It was not easy admitting (even to myself...) that I am 'Getting Old'... "I can not believe I am Eighty! When I look at the mirror I don't look a day older then sixty!' (I was telling my image in the Mirror) "Maybe even younger! What do you think?  But I receive   no answer; I wounder why?...

 

 

                                                                           THE  END

 

As time goes by... V, X OO V

Hello everyone,

   My book was almost completed... It is was time to find a suitable publisher... I have been finding out     it  is not an easy task, especially during the Corona Pandemic, which seemed to be out of control... I    have been busy helping my clients to deal with their fears of this a new frightening disease, as well as taking care of my darling husband, whose health has been deteriorating fast. .Karen, with her baby girl  our beloved grand daughter Eliyah, were staying with us, since her Israeli father Ilan, got stuck in Israel because of the pandemic... Our sweet Grand child, became the main source of joy, while her bedridden grandfather; my dear husband Al ...  For quite some time, I have been hearing the Nagging voice, of my Inner Critic, saying :"Don't you think  it is about time, to turn this blog into a book?!" "Who has extra  time for it?" My 'Inner Complainer' was saying... But I could no longer ignore the needs of my Inner writer, storyteller and Poet, which was nagging me to:"Finally finish this book!"x One day I had a great idea; "Instead of starting to write a book, how about turning my Blog in to one! I could use what I have written so far, go ahead and do it!

  There was plenty to write about... I can clearly remember the day, when Al was watching the news   about the New Virus, which was spreading from China to the Far and Middle East, as well as to Europe moving on to Africa, South America, the U.S, Canada, New Zealand and Australia... We were watching on the T.V, the over-crowded hospitals, with the exhausted Doctors and Nurses, trying to take care of the sick and the dying, looking as if they were on the verge of collapsing themselves... The Schools, Malls and Stores, as well as Theaters and Restaurants were empty... Terrified people around the world, were learning a new word: "Lock down"!  Almost overnight, Life as we knew it began to change into Unfamiliar Reality of people with Masks, standing in long lines for the Supermarkets, only to find most of the shelves bare and drive back home, empty handed on the deserted freeways ...

Savta Shira 

Grand child Eliya   

  Terrified people were locked up in their homes; hiding from the 'Corona Virus', the Unknown Monster, which came to darken our previous clear blue sky... I began the job of turning my blog into a book... My inspiration was 'The  Dairy of was Ann Frank'... Just  like her, I was about twelve years old when I began to write a dairy and kept on writing, in a thick notebook, with golden letters on the cover  I would Finlay 'graduating' to an old type writer and few years later to an  Electronic One, until we came to the age of Computers; just in time to begin writing my Blog which was the foundation or my future book...

   Shortly after the Corona Virus arrived at the United States, I had a great idea! Since most people were staying home, afraid to get out of their houses, it may be a golden opportunity, to go over the posts in my blog and begin to make the necessary corrections, in order to turn it into a book... My young friend Sean (whom I nicknamed "Sean-Sean") has been helping me with the technical part' of decorating the pages with photographs, which would help to break, the monotony of the written words and add some color to the story of my life... In a way, this pandemic, especially the Lock down; arrived as a blessing which gave  me the time I need to turn my blog into a book... I have been sitting for hours (sometimes late into the night) going over the posts, changing sentences, correcting spelling, as well as grammar mistakes (After  all English is not my Mother's Tongue... ) At my Inner Child's request (rather Nagging)I began 'decorating'  the pages of this future book, with photographs and caricatures, in order to add some color and humor to  the more Serious Topics. After all, moving from one state of being into another (3rd to the 5th Dimension) is not such a simple or easy matter... 

   As I review my blog, I come to realize that (most of the time) I had a good and blissful life; where my  'dreams', wishes and expectations were (almost always ) Fulfilled X Above all, I am fortunate to have my grand daughter Eliyah, who has been filling my heart with love and joy, especially after her Grandfather (Papa) my husband Al past away... I am so happy that Al was fortunate enough, to enjoy our precious Eliyah, for the last three years of his life! I often think about the week before Al's passing, when we celebrated his 85th birthday at home. Al was sitting in his large armchair, supported by pillows with Karen, myself and a handful of family members sitting around him...When his favorite chocolate cake arrived, we started to sing: "♪ Happy birthday dear Papa happy birthday to you!.... Eliyah put a piece      of cake in Al's mouth, licking the chocolate from her small fingers... I was watching Al, looking at her with a smile, his eyes full of tenderness and love and I had to wipe my tears... Several days after Al's passing, we celebrated Eliyah's third birthday... After all "Life must go on!" Karen and I where telling   each other and wiping our tears...

   A few mouths after starting kindergarten, Ellie decided to wear "A different shoe on each foot!" When   I tried to convince her that people do not do that, she told me:" I Do Savta! It is My Style!" After several attempts of trying to talk my 'Stubborn Granddaughter' to"Please change your shoes!" and receiving the powerful and final answer: "No! I already told you Savta, this is My Style now!" I decided to give up:"If you can't win - join in!" I told myself and decided to "copy" Ellie's "style", by wearing shoes of different colors as well; to her great delight!  People have been saying that Eliyah looks very much like me (to my great delight!) But she insists she looks just like "Ima"; her mom and my daughter...

About a year after Al's passing, a welcomed addition joined our tiny family...His name is Gregory and he  is Karen's "New Man!  Greg is adored by Karen and Eliyah, as well as by me, who is delighted to look at  this Loving Triangle...Observing the three of them together and witnessing their playful interaction, is my Moment of Happiness!' X This "Threesome loving combination", is a wonderful answer for my "Grand Motherly" prayers... Seeing them together helps me deal with the emptiness, which was left in my heart after losing Al, my husband of fifty yeas...

Karen and Greg		Ellie's shoe style	'Savta' "Copying" Ellie's style	The Happy Family!

    I would now like to share with you, several amazing photographs, sent by an anonymous reader            of my blog...These photos took me back many years ago, to the time I was serving in the military and   was In charge of 'Reserved Solders', in case of an attack by one (or more) of our 'Next Door' Arab neighbors... I was sitting at my desk, in front of the only small window in the room, looking at the walls which were "decorated" from floor to ceiling, with files of Reserved Solders,who completed their two years of military service and were required to attended "Training" once a year, in order to be ready for 'Mobilization, in case of an attack by one of our three Arab Neighbors'; Egypt, Jordan and  Syria...       

  These Arab countries, never liked our Jewish Israel, tried to destroy it three times and Failed!...The whole world (except the Arabs) celebrated with us our Victory! I was often going to the one window, in my small office and looked through the one window, at the and peaceful blue Mediterranean Sea; wishing I could escape my dreary office and go for a refreshing swim, in the inviting blue Mediterranean water of  below and get away for a while, from the grey and choking room, I was 'locked up in'...X"It feels as if I am a Prisoner here!" I complain to my superior officer, who smiled his fatherly smile before saying to me "Don't  ever forget that Israel is our only country! We were born here and should gladly protect it, even if it means that we have to fight against all our Hateful Neighbors!"

   After my commanding officer left the room, I walked to the window and took in a deep breath of salty air, then walked back to my desk, to look at the paper work in front of me...I then too a blank  piece of paper and began to write a poem, as I often did when I felt 'down and alone'... The only thing I remember from this poem, is one line:"Butterflies are flowers yearning to be free!" X The photos below may be such flowers, which amazingly resemble people, babies, birds, monkeys and hearts. Most probably such flowers always existed, but were not noticed until this one incredible unknown photographer, brought them to our attention... Unfortunately I was unable to find out the source of these amazing photos, so I would be able  to acknowledge, congratulate and give thanks to the gifted artist who took them...

White egret	Hawks	Parrots	Swooping eagle	Monkey	Babies in baskets

Ballerina	Lady taking a bow	Dancing friends	Naked men	Beggar	Hearts

With Love and Light,
Shira