I love going for walks, but truth be told, Copper was a terrible walker, and he is smiling as I write this. He was 110 pounds and LOVED to zig-zag, making anyone behind him look like a cartoon character walking Scooby-Doo. Hilarious to watch, frustrating to engage in! So, instead, we had the backyards that ‘Copper built’ at both homes we were so lucky to share with his soul. That brings me to what he wanted to relay to you: how do you define home? A song that came through immediately (yes, he likes to have music accompany his thoughts), was Talking Heads’ ‘This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)’

If you knew Copper, you knew that he was incredibly awkward at times, aloof in others, but always with one eye on us to keep us safe… his ‘home’. When you read these lyrics, it is as if he wrote them himself (yes, he was a David Byrne fan!)

Home is where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me round
I feel numb, born with a weak heart
I guess I must be having fun

The less we say about it the better
Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground, head in the sky
It’s okay, I know nothing’s wrong, nothing

Hi yo, I got plenty of time
Hi yo, you got light in your eyes
And you’re standing here beside me
I love the passing of time

Never for money, always for love
Cover us and say goodnight
Say goodnight

Home is where I want to be
But I guess I’m already there
I come home, she lifted up her wings
I guess that this must be the place

I can’t tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time before we were born
If someone asks, this where I’ll be, where I’ll be

Hi yo, we drift in and out
Hi yo, sing into my mouth
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view

I’m just an animal looking for a home, and
Share the same space for a minute or two
And you love me ‘til my heart stops
Love me ‘til I’m dead
Eyes that light up, eyes look through you
Cover up the blank spots
Hit me on the head

According to Merriam-Webster, one of their definitions of ‘home’ is ‘one’s place of residence’. Sure, that fits, but I lean towards their other definition: ‘a familiar or usual setting’ and in their definition they write ‘home is where the heart is’. That definition speaks to this particular passage. The part of ‘This Must Be The Place’ that almost brings me to tears when I think about Copper is:

I can’t tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time before we were born
If someone asks, this where I’ll be, where I’ll be

This lyrical bridge brings me right over the rainbow bridge where I find my beautiful boy wagging his tail. THIS is the part of the song that he wants me to feel and then express to you about what home feels like. ‘There was a time before we were born’- that is truly our definition of home. The space in the ether where we first meet and where we will meet again. The ultimate definition of home. Our safety in spirit where we gather and know that we are connected.

Copper only settled into that safety when each of us were accounted for in our house. Once we were all together, then and only then would he allow himself to relax and finally take a rest. But as you can see, his version of resting was still with one eye on chipmunks or passing deer to make sure his domicile was safe from any outside creatures.

Raven is different but she still has that protective layer of protecting her ‘home’. In fact, she stares out of the same window that Copper would spend his last few years at. Each of them communicating in their own way on what the latest goings-on are on the block. They are committed to being ‘on-patrol’ to make sure their home and their people are safe. Sometimes we may get annoyed with their constant barking, especially at inopportune times during zooms or a live DJ session (points at self), but their main love language is one of protection. We saved them in order for them to save us.

We had a pre-Halloween party for neighborhood friends with their kids and the best compliment we got was, ‘we love your house’. It wasn’t the physical home the kids spoke about- it was the feeling of warmth they got from the freedom to jump on the trampoline, eat their favorite foods and gather on a bunk bed under glow sticks telling spooky stories. They felt, safe and at home- the greatest compliment a host can receive. As I said to one of the parents when they said, ‘this is such a nice thing to do’. My response was, “I want them to always have that feeling of love and warmth when they look back on their childhood. The feeling of being right at home.”

Copper always wanted people to feel right at home too. He greeted people at the door with his favorite toys, sat by your side to feel the warmth of his fur, and wandered from room to room greeting everyone like the consummate host he so effortlessly was.

We may have rescued him from a shelter, but he sheltered us with the heart of his house. Where does your divine soul live? What other souls greet you there? Where do you feel safe? Where is your home? Copper wants to know.

“How warm and cosy our home is... Here is shelter for you; here I will protect you like a hunted dove that I have saved from a hawk's claws.” — Henrik Ibsen

Janis, like so many other incredible artists I admire, have had that hauntingly beautiful essence that tugs at your heart and demands to be seen, and felt at a level most of us would rather turn away from. It is the thick and heavy mud that exists in all of us, but if you wait long enough, a lotus flower can bloom from that murky existence. It is a liminal dreamscape that can sometimes feel like a dark alley in a nightmare. However, if you didn’t have the darkness, you could never feel the light.

When we lost Copper last year, I couldn’t face going to the same place we always go to visit during the summer. A quaint and quiet place we rent at the Jersey Shore. I love it because it also is a place of duality: quietness of the beach while being minutes from a busy boardwalk. It is a place we have gone to since my daughter was born. However, last year, we were heartbroken with the loss of Copper and couldn’t face going to a place he loved so much. So we took a break, rented a new place, and faced our sadness while trying to pick up the pieces of our new life without his presence. I have many friends who have lost their beloved soulmate pets this past year, and when I read or hear about their losses, a piece of my heart chips away along with theirs. I know that unbearable pain all too well. Many of us have asked why a pet loss seems to be harder than a human loss in some situations. It can feel guilt-heavy to even conceive that we would mourn a pet over a human, but souls are souls no matter what vessel they are born into. I will say, that a pet loss feels different because they enter this space with pure, authentic intent- aka, no ego. They aren’t burdened with ego-centric emotions that can cause an overlay of nuances. They truly live in the moment which is what so many of us strive for on our mindfulness journeys. Living in the moment comes naturally to our pets (especially our canine companions). They greet you at the door even if you left for a whole day or just five minutes. They don’t hold on to grudges. They don’t criticize you if you did something wrong. They are the purist form of love and compassion you could hope for and nothing else. That is why their losses feel so profound. They show up for a short time to help elevate your life to another level. Their losses cut deeply.

We decided to go back to the place that we loved so much again this year, but this time, with the energy of our new pooch, Raven. Her energy is different but then again, each soul has a different blueprint whether a human or an animal. Copper has left energetic traces to the point where Raven has been sitting in the exact location Copper would lay when soaking up the sun. Nothing is by accident. Copper has also been sending me nudges on this trip to write the latest Copper Rule. I always know when one is to be birthed when the images come in stronger and the theme of the rule starts to come into sharp focus. The kids and I have both found various feathers in the last 24 hours so I know he is close, wagging his tail, waiting to impart his wisdom for all of you.

On this trip, I have been reading two books that have really touched my soul, and are perfect for this transmission from Copper- “Angels Are With You Now” by Kyle Gray and “Dark Nights of the Soul” by Thomas Moore. The duality of spirit for me is REAL on this trip. Not only have we found feathers, but I came across an angel book at a thrift store just an hour after finishing Kyle’s book. Another synchonous thread is that a good friend in Ireland is reading the same exact book right now. I always listen when the guides speak.

One of the passages of Thomas Moore’s book that I can relate to when it comes to facing your dark fears and feelings is this: “People often sense one emotion at a time, instead of appreciating the emotional complexity of the situations in which they find themselves. But it is possible to have “emotional wit” to see past the obvious feelings and appreciate the paradoxes and ambiguities that surround you.” Appreciating the emotional complexity- THAT sums it up for me. We humans are messy, guarded, and afraid to show our authentic faces at times. As a Sagittarius in the astrological realm, I am fantastic at truth-telling but I’m not so great at showing vulnerability. I have been working on stretching this aspect of my human-ness by writing about my strong feelings for losing Copper. I also show up every week with every emotion possible when I DJ from laughter and intense joy, to sadness and grief when we have lost someone (and I have found out about five deaths while live on the air). I kept it together in the moment but then allowed myself to collapse when I felt I was ready to express the melancholia the moment deserved. There are complexities in my life that are very dualistic in nature, but I now realize that my soul signed up for all of it and there is no shame in that proverbial game. A close friend recently paid me a compliment saying, ‘there is no one more authentic than you when you are DJ’ing’ and I wear that badge of honor with a source of pride. But I also know there is much more excavating that needs to be done while on this mortal coil.

Copper wanted me to let you know that it is ok to cry. It is ok to grieve and it is ok to be vulnerable with those feelings. Whenever I have cried, I have heard him say, “It’s ok to cry mommy, but don’t worry, I’m always here” which always gives me comfort and solace knowing that he is just on the other side of the vibrational wall. I will end this transmission from Copper with a quote from Thomas Moore’s book which has really spoken to me during this trip. “You arrive at the point where your sadness or sense of loss no longer dominate. They don’t have the reality they used to have. You have finally fallen lower. You are now beneath all the emotion that has disturbed you for so long. Things are not better, but you are in a different state. Perhaps you are now where the dark night has been trying to take you. Now you are almost ready for new life, and that is the purpose of bardo (ed. note: ‘in-between’ state in Tibetan Buddhism). Slowly a different kind of light begins to glow from inside you.”

Copper wants you to embrace the duality of life. Here, you find the lotus flower of your soul.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear." — Unknown

Truth be told, I wasn’t ready to face today. Last year, on this day, was one of the hardest days we had to endure. I am feeling the collective pain of a few friends this week, who also had to say goodbye to their furry family members- three in my circle. Copper whispered to me that he was there at the bridge to greet each of them so they could feel safe and not alone. A rabbit and two cats. I know he is doing his soul’s work in the bardo, but missing him in solid form is taking this lightworker a little longer to work through. As a soul traveler, I ‘understand’ but in the human condition, it is a little harder to let go. I truly do know that Copper is with me daily. I can feel his presence and get validated by the signs he sends. One day it is a cute robin landing right in front of me (one did today after school drop-off), the next, a feather that finds its way to my path or to one of my kiddos- they always pick it up and say, “Mommy, Copper!”. So, I know he is here, but not being able to give him one more hug is the part that stings. As the incomparable legend Johnny Thunders said, “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory”:

So as I wipe the tears away today, I knew that I would wake up with a heavier heart. If we don’t work through the feelings, then it sits with us and creates a toxic overlay that we carry with us and that just isn’t healthy. I did a meditation last week and Copper came through. He said, as he says today as I write this, “Don’t cry mommy- I’m still right here with you. I’m celebrating every moment with you and the family. You may not see me, but I’m with you”. Why can’t my tear ducts comprehend this? Again, in human form, we take our time to work through the sluggish emotions. Time truly heals all wounds- you just need to embrace that. And that brings me to the part in that meditation. Copper Rule #19: Celebrate The Souls Around You.

Subconsciously, it comes as no surprise that I overbooked myself this week as an attempt to emotionally bypass today, but life has a funny way of putting up your soul’s mirror so you do the work. I do find it interesting that I chose today to hold a clothing swap with some close local friends and we are having a garage sale on Saturday. I’m finally letting go of the physical items that I no longer need, but that served a purpose at the time. It is a celebration of sorts because I get to spend time with friends while also thanking the clothes that did their job and celebrating the memories each participated in. Yes, even clothing and items leave imprints so I’m grateful for all of them. I’m hoping these items bring joy to one of my friends today. Whatever doesn’t get swapped or sold at the garage sale, will get donated to someone who can use it. I’m celebrating the cycle of life, even for clothes.

I’m also celebrating our littles who have their last day of school today and are starting camp next week. They navigated some big feelings this year as they moved through their individual grades and I’m so proud of them. They could see me a little quieter today so each gave a hug saying, “we miss him too Mommy”, knowing the impact he made on all of us. He was their fierce protector and I’m grateful that they will have one more soul in the ether to watch over them, as he did from the minute they came home from the hospital. That is a testament to how higher beings can come in any form. Copper chose to incarnate as a dog in this lifetime but his buddha nature is limitless.

I am also celebrating each day that my mom heals from her recent health scare. I take each day as a gift that we get to unwrap daily with her. Chris has been acting more and we are excited to celebrate him from the audience. We also got to celebrate him and my dad (a young 87!) for Father’s Day with a fun BBQ. We will get to see my brother over the summer at the beach so we are looking forward to that. Raven is growing and learning daily as well, and we are celebrating all of her new tricks that she accomplishes. I will be celebrating our Twitch community in July with a big anniversary party, spending time with some folks I have spent years with online, but either haven’t yet met in person, or getting to see again after a long period of time. That celebration will be one for the books- and I know Copper will be there with a big grin because we honor him daily with emotes and videos each time I DJ.

So, Copper would ask, what can you celebrate today? A new job? The beginning of summer? A friend’s new baby? Finishing a school year? Getting that degree? Getting into an industry guild you had dreamed about? Getting that soccer goal? (Yes, we are in full FIFA mode in this house!), Seeing your tomato plants grow? Celebrating Pride? (big love from your ally here!), Longer sunsets? Sunny days at the beach? A car ride with the windows down? A dog beach (a copper rule on that soon!), A long-awaited trip to a faraway land? A new adopted soulmate pet? Meeting a friend for dinner or a concert (I have one on Friday!), Honoring a friend’s birthday (Happy Birthday Sam Jennings!), An increase in salary? Getting great news on a health test result? (I love you mom and Claire). Today (and every day), celebrate all of your souls and those great moments around you. Even celebrate and be grateful for the not-so-great moments, because they are our biggest teachers and life lessons. Copper is helping me clean up the house to welcome our guests tonight. He will have one of his favorite toys in his mouth as he greets them at the door. They may not see him, but they will feel his warmth. I hope you celebrate you and yours. Copper loves you.

While Copper was 500x the size of a mouse or the elusive chipmunks he would chase, he would cower if a fly got too close. However, when it came time to face his last few days, he handled the inevitable sundown with absolute grace. His last month on this earthly realm, has recently made me ponder about the state of the world and how we can all stay grounded as we face each of our unknowns. My mom had a recent cancer diagnosis and as we are navigating this new normal for her, I turn to Copper’s strength, knowing that you always have a gift of grounding yourself, when you have to brace yourself. The strength he showed in his final days is something I will never forget and it gives me comfort knowing that his higher realm connection is still fused with ours. On some of our tougher days, one of my children will greet me with a feather (see earlier post of Copper’s ‘hello’ signs), or I will hear a familiar song from one of my best friends who I lost to cancer and I know I am protected, and safe.

I suppose it is no surprise that one of my favorite Rush albums is “Grace Under Pressure” and as Ernest Hemingway once quoted, “Courage is grace under pressure”. As my mom is facing her new unknown, I find comfort in the embrace of Copper’s aura knowing that he is still watching over us with his stoic aloofness but firm foundation as a fierce protector. As above, so below- when he was here on this planet, he was always by my side looking out for any ‘intruders’- real or imagined- it didn’t matter. His presence was a dichotomy of Scooby body with Buddha resolve. I hope you all have a protector as fierce as my furry love.

So, Copper Rule #18 isn’t a long one, but it is an important one. We seem to be dealing with a daily dose of doom, so facing fear with grace seems to be a solid option to keep you grounded and balanced. As a young pup, Copper would shiver at any remote sound of a storm on the horizon, but as he matured, he mastered striking an equilibrium between fear and grace. I have learned so much from my soulmate pet and continue to do so with each passing transmission he waits patiently to have transcribed. I hope you are all transmuting any fears you have into abundance and the love of life. Fear will always be an option but it is one you don’t have to choose. I now look at each day as a gift knowing that I have a choice. Do I walk into the unknown cowering in fear? Or do I do what Copper would want us to do: Hold your head up high, look right into the eye of the storm and say, “I no longer fear your thunderous claps. I will dance along to their beats as I wait for the sun to shine through again because I have grace on my side”. I hope you all find your grace….Copper is shaking his tail in agreement as you choose wisely.

The Enemy Within- Rush (Grace Under Pressure):

Things crawl in the darkness that imagination spins
Needles at your nerve ends crawl like spiders on your skin
P-p-pounding in your temples and a surge of adrenaline
Every muscle tense to fence the enemy within

I’m not giving in to security under pressure
I’m not missing out on the promise of adventure
I’m not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes, experience to extremes

Suspicious looking stranger, flashes you a dangerous grin
Shadows across your window, was it only trees in the wind?
Every breath a static charge, a tongue that tastes like tin
Steely-eyed outside to hide the enemy within

I’m not giving in to security under pressure
I’m not missing out on the promise of adventure
I’m not giving up on implausable dreams
Experience to extremes, experience to extremes

To you is it movement or is it action?
Is it contact or just reaction?
And you, revolution or just resistance?
Is it living, or just existence?
Yeah you, it takes a little more persistence
To get up and go the distance

I’m not giving in
I’m not missing out
I’m not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes

I’m not giving in to security under pressure
I’m not missing out on the promise of adventure
I’m not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes, experience to extremes

Patience through baseball also showed up through the latest project I produced. It took the collective ‘us’ on the producing team over six years to complete it. The topic? Baseball! Not only is the game about patience but the actual film also mirrors that through the eyes of spirituality. We are proud to finally see it show up in the ether and screens everywhere. Shout out to Paulist Productions & Crewneck!

You can watch the trailer of Baseball: Beyond Belief here:

My idol both in life and in baseball is Gary Carter. He would have loved this film because he played the game in the most spiritual of ways and he lived his life with absolute divinity and intent. I am so honored to work with the teams that put this film together and producing for me is also that spiritual bond of bringing thought into reality. First the seed, then the flower. Again, Springtime and Baseball speak to me for so many reasons. This season always represents starting anew, a refresh, a gentle 7th inning stretch as you watch the buds take bloom after a harsh winter’s nap. It awakens the soul.

In my family, ball now represents ALL types of sports. My son has taken to soccer and our newest baby, Raven, has taken to ANY possible ball she can get her teeth into. That brings me to our latest Copper Rule. Copper has been waiting patiently for his mommy to manifest the words he has so patiently waited for me to transcribe. Truth be told, writing these are tough for me. We are coming up on one year of our beloved Copper’s passing and I still grieve daily. His loss was so profound, and every month when I send out a new Copper Rule, I feel like I’m repeating myself, but then again, I wouldn’t be an empath and a deep-feeling soul if I didn’t bring that to the light. I had a conversation recently with a friend who has a doggy who is in his sunset years (or perhaps months). They loved that we gave Copper a proper memorial. I think that ANY family member (and that goes for chosen family as well), whether in fur form or human form, deserves that energy exchange. A chance to truly express what their life meant to you. I’m hoping that society starts to shift in that direction and not feel ‘weird’ that they honored their beloved pet the way they would a human family member. They give us pure and undiluted love in their short years and the least we can do is give them a few hours to truly celebrate the souls that they are.

Recently, Raven has fallen in love with bringing you the ball and waiting for you to throw it. Copper wasn’t as much of a ‘catch’ doggy (he had other loves), but Raven is obsessed. As mentioned, ANY kind of ball is HER type of ball. Soccer, baseball, tennis, beach… anything that inflates and she can sink her teeth into to bring over for more chasing. There have been moments when I’m sitting outside while working (including present moment), and all she wants to do is play. And she gets what she wants-mud gets on your pants, a firm nudging against your leg with the ball, blocking the computer screen, until the ball is launched. I fought it at first, but then I saw Copper in my mind’s eye and realized, ‘oh, I’m supposed to ‘play ball’ too!’ He was trying to get me to take a break as well for the love of the sport and for the connection I would have with our new pup. Copper is and was truly a Buddha dog who waits patiently until the lesson is seen, received and acknowledged. I still have so much to learn from him.

So today’s lesson collectively comes from both Raven & Copper who have expressed the need for play. Most specifically, playing ball in the season of Baseball! Go to a game, have a catch with your family, or show up at a park pickup game and dust off your old glove. Your inner child will thank you. I know that Copper (& Raven), are happy to have a catch. Anytime you are ready. PLAY BALL!

Today’s life lesson has been in transition itself. Copper has been sending me whispers here and there as we have been navigating various ups and downs. I honestly wasn’t sure how this life lesson was going to come together and I still don’t as I sit down to finally write Copper Rule #16. Copper has shown up a few times over these past few weeks since his last transmission of Rule #15: Cuddle With Your Closest. I kept seeing in my mind’s eye and through his whisper: Transitions. That is what life is truly about and he reminds me of that while also giving me grounding to keep going on those days where it is hard to see through the foggy forest. Copper has also been playing “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac in my head either through the melody or random lyrics in the song that seem to ‘land’ in the situation I’m currently facing in that moment. Obviously, this song has importance for him so as I write this, I have it on repeat. I chose the live version to listen to because of the rawness of Stevie’s vocals with Lindsey accompanying her acoustically. It just says so much in the emotional rawness of what it conveys. Copper asks that you read the lyrics and I am posting the video with it because for some reason, he really wants you to feel this with us. Grab your tissues:

I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
‘Til the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin’ ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mm

Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m gettin’ older, too

Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m gettin’ older, too
Oh, I’m gettin’ older, too

Ah, take my love, take it down
Oh, climb a mountain and turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
Oh, the landslide will bring it down

Now on my fifth repeat as I’m writing this, I realize that this is from Copper’s voice himself. Currently, we are coming out of a tough winter and heading into springtime, which is when my son was born. Copper loved the snow and he would have been running up that hill and playing in the snow, but he also would have loved jumping into the kiddie pool with Jacob (and later my daughter). But, he had to go through life transitions as we did. He was our first ‘born’ so to speak, until Jacob was born and he made that adjustment. He adjusted to being the big protective brother while also figuring out a new member of the pack. We moved to a new house right before my daughter was born, and he transitioned gracefully into that as well as our family grew. This part is the one that I’m focused on because I can feel his energy as I hear it:

Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m gettin’ older, too

Copper built his entire life around us. He hated being away from his tribe when we left for the day or the rare times we traveled without him. He was just that emotional dog that needed his pack around him. In fact, he wouldn’t even eat until we got home and he felt at ease knowing we were with him. In his later years and he started to not be at his best, but he still pushed through to protect us and be by our side. So the above lyrics, truly capture his heart when he faced his final weeks with courage but also sadness knowing that he would be ‘transitioning’ soon. I’m truly grateful for the last few weeks he gave us to prepare for that final transition to spend as much time with him as we could.

These past few months, we have personally gone through some transitions. Collectively as a soul planet, we are also having to figure out what a new normal looks like. My mom had a very tough surgery and she is on the road to recovery but it is slow-going. Jacob turns 8 and has been working through a very challenging year, but thankfully we are on the upswing of that and Sophia is turning into a dancing queen as she grows daily. I have been reflecting on all of the souls I lost in 2025 (which includes Copper) and last night, I went to a tribute show honoring a good friend that I knew for 30 years, Mr. Clem Burke from Blondie. I think about all of the incredible shows I was so lucky to witness from the sidelines. I miss his brilliance behind the kit, and I miss his friendship. I am so grateful that my soul journey intersected with his and I was able to live in the ether of his drumming brilliance. I am also so grateful that through that friendship, I also gained a family friend, Glen Matlock. When I first started my company, Drive Entertainment Group (20 years ago!!), I managed their supergroup, Slinky Vagabond: Clem, Glen, Earl Slick and Keanan Duffty. I had left MTV a year earlier, and had just started my own company, which was a big transition for me. Leaving a company that I loved and had worked at in my formative years, was an adjustment. Moving into management and starting my own company was another. With their support and other incredible clients, I was able to begin Drive’s journey, and now 20 years later, I look back with life lessons of my own on how to run a business, adjust to trends, grow through challenges and create projects from a seed of an idea. Through life transitions, I may have acquired some bruises along the way, but also the growing pains that were necessary for my soul’s growth. These are the transitions that Copper speaks of.

The photo at the top of this life lesson is not an easy one. Copper wasn’t in his best shape, but he showed up and did so for his final month- allowing us to spend quality time with him, shower him with love and to slowly say goodbye. NOT an easy transition but one we all deal with when we have to say, ‘I’ll see you again one day soon’. I post it because life isn’t always golden or shiny. I work in an industry where it can sometimes look like the roads are paved with glitter, but it took a lot of toil to lay that pavement down, and many transitions that went along with it.

Copper has shown his signs (feathers) in a few places so I know that he is sending his love. One, was to a friend who said she was actually reading a Copper Rules, when a feather was at her feet as she read it! Another was during Chris’ final bow for his show. I sat there with my mouth completely open as a feather jumped right in front of him as he took his bow. I wasn’t able to capture that picture but you can see the feather below:

I made a promise to Copper that I would write more because I really want these life lessons he imparts on me, to support you emotionally and know that you aren’t alone when the big feelings come to pass. Our collective souls need some healing. I’m now understanding that I haven’t written as many of these as I like, because I have to be vested in my vulnerability and that usually means a good cry as I write. With every soul connection I have with my gorgeous Copper, a tear is not spared. But, that beautiful soul is where, as Mr. Mister sings in Kyrie, exists:

My heart is old, it holds my memories
My body burns a gem-like flame
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine
Is where I find myself again

So, it is here, in Copper Rules: #16 Life Transitions, ‘where I find myself again’. I hope you continue to find yourself during your life transitions but know that you are supported. They may not be easy, but they are the key to our life’s soul journey. Copper loves you and so do I.

We are on the eve of the Chinese New Year, which also happens to be the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival (thank you sir inter webs)…. I love the Chinese New Year for many reasons but most importantly, because it honors many noble animals in each particular year. However, I wasn’t so pleased with 2025 since it was the year of the Snake, and boy, did we feel that one. Not only did we lose so many close friends and family members, but of course, we lost our beloved Copper in that year of shedding. It was not a happy one for me in many, many ways but it truly forced me to take a good look at what no longer serves me, It also helped me take stock of what is important to me in life and to say goodbye to souls that needed to make their final adieu (for now) and that includes our beautiful boy. Sir Google, also reminds me that the year was a ‘period of profound transformation, wisdom and introspection, emphasizing shedding negative energy and embracing growth’.. well, ain’t that the truth. I honestly did not think I could take a deep breath with all of the losses we endured. However, on the plus side, it represented a year of ‘shedding old habits, acting with grace, and using quiet strength to navigate challenges’…and for that part, I am grateful.

In truth, I’m not the same person I was after losing so many people, places, and things…and of course, my soulmate pet, Copper. But, his strength then is as strong today because of all of the lessons he has taught me. Again, he stood at that bridge, and didn’t want a new year to begin without him gracing us with his ‘buddha dog’ energy. As I write this, I am following the rules of the Chinese New Year and avoiding washing clothes & hair, sweeping, taking out the trash, etc, tomorrow so I’m running around tonight to get it all done. You see, the new year is always a way to have a fresh start and I am not taking any chances, considering this past year. And this year, is a FIRE HORSE which makes me excited, because this SAG is half human/half horse and naturally, we are a fire sign. The Chinese New Year marks the end of the coldest part of winter, encourages wearing red for abundance and good luck and this particular animal represents, ‘courage, forward momentum and pursuing passions’. We sure do need a shot of that kind of warmth. I would add compassion and love as well- VERY warm feelings indeed.

I know that Copper sent his ‘bat’ signal to me from the bridge tonight because this month represents love via Valentine’s Day as well as our personal wedding anniversary month which we just celebrated (15 years!) We also have been dealing with a super cold winter and had to do a complete overhaul of our heating system for a beautiful but centenarian home. The past few weeks have literally had us cuddling together to generate enough heat as the issue at hand was being dealt with. Meals and movies all took place in our bedroom with the kids, Raven and the plants (for warmth), which definitely made for some interesting memories…but moments we will always remember. If Copper was still with us, he would have been right there on the bed making sure we were all safe (and warm), with his big body taking over most of the space.

Copper always led with the warmth from his heart and I miss cuddling with him so he wants me to make sure that you take time to cuddle with your closest on these cold and dreary nights. And when those warm spring nights are no longer a dream, you can step out into those brighter days knowing that cuddling with your closest got you through those long winter nights connecting your effervescent souls together. Our unique eternal flame always find a way to warm each other if you allow it to. As Leo Tolstoy said, “Just as one candle lights another and can light thousands of other candles, so one heart illuminates another heart and can illuminate thousands of other hearts". I hope you cuddle with those illuminated hearts that surround you. Copper will raise his flame to join yours in this new Fire Horse Year. All abundance, love and health from this moment forward. In gratitude always….

I have always said that there are no accidents when it comes to inspiration, especially when I tap in and go to meet Copper on the rainbow bridge where he imparts his latest life lessons. Today, would have been Copper’s 14th birthday so it is also no accident that this is Copper Rules #14. We miss him but he had other lives to save on the other side of the ether, and as difficult as this passing year has been, I know his soul is always with us, watching over us from where he is. It doesn’t mean that we can’t celebrate the beautiful soul that he was and continues to be through our memories, philosophies and love that he bestowed upon all of us. I know that he is quietly speaking to our current pup, Raven, because her essence reminds me of him more and more daily. She has become calmer, proactive in her training and showing more kindness than her original feral beginnings. She has always been a beautiful spirit, but like the other dogs Copper helped train, she just needed some support to find her truth by learning how to adopt herself to a new family and soul collective. I know in my heart of hearts, that Copper is by her side daily and in her dreams to show her the way, to be the gift that she has proven to be, of course, given to us, by Copper himself.

Today is bittersweet for me. Copper’s birthday twin, happens to be my amazing brother Russell. Russ has a transformative one today as he joins me into the ‘50s. Russell and Copper share many similarities in that they have that uncanny ability to watch, protectively, from a distance but close enough that you feel their loving energy and support. An unspoken net of devotion, loyalty and commitment: to speak of it, dilutes the strength of what it truly stands for. I used to sing Morrissey’s, ‘The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get”, to Copper often. Sometimes our excitable love for him was a bit too much for his aloof personality to take. However, the second you walked away, he was right behind you making sure you felt his presence. As life would also have it, I’m also battling a stomach bug while trying to get work done at the same time. Which brings me to today’s Copper Rules: Celebrate Every Occasion With Your Close Ones. While I may not feel festive, I cannot let today go by without celebrating our beloved Copper. He would probably be giving me side-eye, like the photo above when I put a birthday crown on his head back in 2022, but secretly I know he cherishes the sentiment.

I’m also racing to get through a few screenings for Producers Guild of America with voting due tomorrow. I am so lucky to work in an industry I love while also getting to celebrate the various crafts of the creatives behind TV & Film titles yearly. Now more than ever, voting counts. It doesn’t matter if it is a local election, a school board or your industry crafts- every vote counts. Today, I watched Hamnet and it brought me to tears. I had a few folks forewarn me that it was ladened with heavy emotions but that is what being a part of the human condition is all about: the universal life events that transcend time and space. In other words, feelings that we can’t evade. As I was watching this melancholic, somewhat based in truth, story of Shakespeare, his family and his son, Hamnet, it came as no surprise to see that his son was also baptized on this day, February 2nd. As I mentioned earlier, there are no accidents when it comes to the intersection of life.

Copper waits patiently at that bridge and sends signals when it is time to birth a new life lesson that he wants to share. Some people may find it strange, but if you tap into your heart’s stirrings, you will find the validity in this process. The film’s underpinning showed that we are connected through our deep emotions: tragedy and celebration. The biggest takeaway of what I picked up were not in the words that were spoken in the film, but of the unspoken sentiment our collective souls feel when we are tested. To quote Maggie O’ Farrell’s book ‘Hamnet’, to which the film is based: “It is so tenuous, so fragile, the life of the playhouses. He often thinks that, more than anything, it is like the embroidery on his father's gloves: only the beautiful shows, only the smallest part, while underneath is a cross-hatching of labour and skill and frustration and sweat.” There is so much to unpack with that sentiment alone.

I say all of this to show that life is complicated, messy and unknown. Celebrating every win, every occasion and of course, every birthday, is the very gift you should share with your loved ones. With all of the uncertainty that exists on this mortal coil, the one guarantee is that you can celebrate all of it. The lessons, the unspoken guidance from our spirit family, and of course, each day that we get to be together- life itself. I miss Copper but I know that he would be begrudgingly happy with a candle birthday hat and a treat waiting just for him. With all of this heaviness and darkness that seems to be taking over the airwaves, I hold an eternal flame of celebration with two of Shakespeare’s lighter quotes:

* “I wish you all the joy you can wish”- The Merchant of Venice
* “My dancing soul doth celebrate”- Richard II (If you know this play, then you can certainly appreciate the irony of this quote. I am hoping for some self-reflection for some who may need that awakening. If you know, you know).

As Copper has instilled in us in Copper Rules: #13, live life with intent and while you are at it, celebrate every occasion with your loved ones: familial and chosen. My heart is with all of you and if you get a chance today, make a wish, and blow out those candles. Copper wags his tail in appreciation and sends his love, from the rainbow bridge.

While we had to say goodbye to over 25 people this year (clients, friends, family members), I want to make sure that each of their souls lives on in our hearts and that brings me to this particular Copper Rule: living your life with intention. Each of the souls I lost this year gave me a gift that I will bring with me as I continue on this mortal coil: compassion, patience, musicianship, loyalty, friendship and so many other beautiful feelings that I will remember with each of those special people (and Copper). As painful as each one was, I make sure to live with intent, the way that each of them did. Since we are in the world of Copper Rules, I will focus on his unforgettable gifts which was loyalty, family and patience. When he gave us that reprieve of an extra month of life, we made sure that every moment we shared with him was filled with love, time and compassion. Whatever Copper wanted, we gave it to him. His life was always filled with focusing on love with intent. There wasn’t a wasted drop of time nor love that he didn’t share with us. Whether it was protecting the kids at night while they slept or faithfully at my feet while I DJ’d for hours on Twitch, his entire life was filled with purpose and intent. Every single moment was living in pure heart and compassion for his collective family.

Saying goodbye to 2025, is incredibly bittersweet. I lost one of my greatest loves, and my soul pet who watched me cry with every pregnancy loss and supported me as my belly grew with each of my kids. He lived his life with the intent to always watch over us, keep us grounded and to shower us with all the love he could muster in his 110 pound body. His heart was one of the purest ones I have ever seen in earth form and I miss it daily.

The noise was great this year, but the solace is in knowing that I can always meet him at the rainbow bridge when I need to quiet the mind and stay in meditative flow. As the minutes tick towards midnight, I ask all of you to think about how you live your life with intent that speaks to your soul. Is it unplugging from the corporate matrix for a while to spend quality time with family or to travel to a place you’ve always wanted to go? Is it making sure you go after your dreams once and for all, letting the chips fall where they may, but knowing that you will be fine no matter what? Is it allowing yourself to say no to the things that don’t serve you, and yes to life experiences that make your heart sing? Copper did exactly what he wanted in life: to love his family steadfastly with pride daily—with intent. His purpose was to love everyone that entered his path and to leave his legacy with that love. Copper wants to know, ‘how will you live your life with intention?’

This year has been filled with every type of emotion you can imagine but through it all, I have navigated the big lesson and reminder, to be grateful for all of it. As difficult as it has been to say goodbye to over 20 people in our lives in 2025 alone, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have shared space, energy and memories with them. The gifts they gave. I took my mom last week to see Wicked: For Good because she is such a big fan of musicals and of course, The Wizard of Oz. I was particularly moved by the duet of Cynthia & Ariana and it really encapsulates how strongly I feel about the souls I had to say goodbye to this year:

I’m limited
Just look at me
I’m limited, and just look at you
You can do all I couldn’t do, Glinda
So now it’s up to you
For both of us
Now it’s up to you

I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I’ve done you blame me for
But then, I guess we know there’s blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore

Like a comet pulled from orbit (like a ship blown from its mooring)
As it passes a sun (by a wind off the sea)
Like a stream that meets a boulder (like a seed dropped by a bird)
Halfway through the wood (in the wood)
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
Because I knew you, because I knew you
I have been changed
For good (Lyrics, by Stephen Schwartz from Wicked: For Good)

“Because I knew you, I have been changed, for good”….that lyric alone is what caught me right in the throat chakra that releases the tear ducts. I am so honored and grateful to have known Clem, Tony, Rose Mary, Alexandra, Brian, Jean, Mrs. Meyer, Mr. Giordano, Mr. Ohrnberger, Alex, Dan, Gary, a few beautiful others, many of our revered icons and of course our beloved Copper. Each one brought us their unique gifts and I think about how lucky I am to have existed at the same time as them to witness their brilliance and full expression of their souls.

Today in the signs and synchronicity space, my daughter got to dance to her favorite Demon Hunters song which was featured on the Thanksgiving Parade and it reminded me of our friend George who loved to dance, my Uncle Jerry came through with “What a Wonderful World” on the radio, and a squirrel with Copper’s energy stayed on our balcony outside watching us for over 10 minutes without moving. This is the first Thanksgiving without him so it hits especially hard today. I know this was his way of saying, ‘I’m closer than you think and I’m forever in your heart’, as Sophia always mentions.

With all of the uncertainty of this year, I felt that I needed to create a 30 Day Gratitude Challenge to help you feel more joy and fulfillment when things don’t feel so stable. I will be embarking on the 30 day gratitude challenge and will post for each day. I hope you will join me as well! I have included a PDF version of our challenge and I hope you will join! A huge thank you to my good friend Sam Jennings for his craftsmanship in creating my words into graphic form.

My aim is to raise positive vibrations together to help be in better service to each other. My heart is with all of you this holiday season.... #kindness #30daysofgratitude #givingthanks

Thank you for all of your love and support this year- we are so appreciative of the gifts YOU gave. Have the holiday you deserve and my heart is with yours….

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Copper apologizes on my behalf for not being in touch! We, as a family, have been busy with school, work, life and of course, training a new puppy! Raven is growing daily which, of course, takes as much time as raising a toddler. Attention and compassion and most of all, patience! Which brings me to some exciting news!

Our furry friends at Sparky Steps in Chicago, have published our latest Copper Rules and we are thrilled! I was having a little writer’s block because life can zap all of your creative energy when you are in it. So when I got the note that they were interested in publishing one of Copper Rules, I closed my eyes, met Copper at the ether border and said, ‘Ok love, what do we focus on now’? Immediately and without hesitation, the word he gave me was, ‘Patience’….and it was perfect considering that my own has been tested with trying to train Raven.

As we continue on this journey of creating Copper Rules in book form, I am so happy to be able to engage with Copper in the other dimension. It keeps us connected and it helps me stay in flow as he continues to gift us with his higher ascended soul life lessons.

I hope you enjoy our newest Copper Rule and a big thank you to Michael and the Sparky Steps team!

Sparky Steps Copper Rule: Patience

Untold Animal Stories is an organization and platform that is ‘seeking to inspire small acts of kindness toward animals’. I felt that they were the perfect place to share Copper and his rules.

Please check out our new Copper Rule which went live today! Thank you for your support as I continue my journey in writing and in healing those that love and have loved their pets. We need healing now more than ever and our furry family members help us do that daily- even from the other side.

https://untoldanimalstories.org/2025/10/21/copper-rules-life-lessons-from-a-beloved-soulmate-pet/

Two weeks ago, I came across an energetic puppy, who was black and white. At first, I didn’t put the two together but in hindsight, I realized that it was ALL by design. I had been feeling really down about not having Copper on this 3D plane. The house was quiet, no one to greet us at the front door, and I even forgot for a brief moment that he wasn’t there when I went to put salmon skins in his bowl. I cried at everything and I wasn’t sure why. I thought I had properly grieved Copper, but for some reason, every thought was on the surface and it would immediately bring me to tears. Not just a quick wipe away tear, but heaving sobs. I was perplexed.

The morning of the trip to NSAL, I happened to have a call with my healer, Jack. Copper immediately came through and and Jack said for him, “Please don’t cry anymore. It’s time to bring in a new member of the family. I’ve been sending you black and white feathers because your next doggie is waiting. I’ve set all of this up for you. Of course, the doggie will be black and white because you already had ME in Copper color!'' Jack even said he showed his profile with a side eye which is what he always did and added “I know I’m handsome!” Completely Copper’s essence. Of course, I cried again, but I realized that he was preparing and healing my heart to allow a new soul to be welcomed into our family. He did it by design. I know I’ve written this before, but it bears repeating but it is said (writer unknown): “Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog; it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs, your heart is very big.”

When we walked the halls at North Shore, we turned the corner (almost identical to when we first saw Copper over 12 years ago), looking for Tater, the doggie in the video that got us there. Just before his cage, we saw a beautiful black and white dog, that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of. She had a calmer presence and soulful eyes similar to Copper. We brought Tater out and sat with him for a while, then another dog named Piper who took a liking to Chris. Then we brought out Raven (Rook was her given name at the time). She greeted each of us to say hello and she really loved the kids. I knew in my heart that this was the one Copper sent us. He knew that another soul was about to serve their purpose and that was to grow up with the kids. Copper was my soulmate, and Rook, aka Raven, was now ready to step out from behind the soul curtain to be on the main stage of life with us.

Since her arrival, she has brought a fun puppy energy back into the house. An elixir we obviously needed to make our family unit whole again. Copper was right, but then again, Copper was always Buddah-like in his higher self. She has brought play, fun, curiosity and a youthful energy that matches the kids to our home. We all can find ourselves checking off the never-ending to-do list and she is making sure she stops you in your tracks from that energy, either by chewing up a new shoe (notice me!), to wanting to play catch outside. Which brings me to this passage and rule: Take A Time Out…For Fun! Chris was about to fall into the usual trappings of deadlines and emails when something in Raven’s look gave him pause enough to say, ‘Oh, that can wait! Let’s go outside and throw the ball!’ I loved the smile and joy that it brought him after a very hard year of losses for both of us.

Raven’s energy, as was Copper’s energy in his early years, is to not stay on the hamster wheel of life where you subconsciously fall into the ‘busy’ cycle. There is ALWAYS time for play if we just allow it to be. Give yourself permission today to have some fun. If you are a type A personality like me, schedule it if you have to! My fun comes in the form of DJ’ing and Music curation among other things and I make sure I find time weekly to do that. It also now shows up in running and playing with our new puppy Raven (by the way, only four months old!).

So, Copper wants to know, what fun will you have today? Take some time out and find your inner kid (or puppy) and play!

Copper was one of the most gracious hosts you could have asked for. Not only to humans but to other furry paws as well. In his early years, we were struggling to get pregnant and felt that we could extend our hearts even more to other doggies by way of fostering. It not only helped us heal our hearts from the losses we had, but it also helped us give five beautiful souls their forever homes. Many of them were practically feral: scared, fearful and unsure how to be… a dog. Copper stepped in each time to ‘show them the ropes’ so to speak. He truly showed each one how to…be! From sharing his bowl to playing fetch, he was a gracious host and shared not only his home, but his family to help these other souls understand how to navigate this earthly plane. Not many dogs could handle the responsibility, nor the emotions, of being the elder statesman, and especially in the dog world, sharing his turf! He handled it with more grace than I have seen with some in the human race. It wasn’t perfect (there were moments when he looked at me as if to say ‘when does this one go home?’) but it was hospitable and even big-brother like. Mostly love but with a little bit of competition thrown in for good measure.

Once the kiddos arrived, our dog foster days were paused, but Copper showed up with the same amount of grace he could hold in his Marmaduke-sized body as he did with our fosters. With Jacob he sometimes gave the side-eye, ‘does he have another home?’ but with Sophia it was all love. Same sentiment as he showed the other ‘brothers and sisters’. He knew he had a role to play and he fulfilled it to maximum capacity.

So, it is no surprise that with his passing, he sent another beautiful soul to fulfill the role of ‘gracious host, protector of all’ to our family structure. I wasn’t necessarily ready for the moment where you welcome another soulmate into the family—but when are you ever ready? And I should have known better: Copper was my soulmate pet- I knew there would be signs. And there were. All of us (including extended family), were finding black and white feathers daily, I kept finding his hair on my records as I DJ’d and then the final sign- I found the cutest dog on social media from one of my favorite places: North Shore Animal League- the very place we adopted Copper. I meet with my healer, Jack, once a month. To check in, to validate, to make sense of it all in a spiritual sense. The first thing he said as we started was “Copper is here with me. He tells me he loves you and he has sent another soul to be with you. He wants you to heal your heart and he has orchestrated this entire thing.” Stunned, I began to tell him about the video I saw, which was a video of a black and white dog. We made the trip out to North Shore the very next day. In almost an identical way we found Copper, we turned a corner, and there she was. Only, it wasn’t the original dog we were looking at in the video: he happened to be one cage over from her, but he served as the catalyst to get us out to Long Island in the first place. And guess what? She was black and white— just like the feathers Copper was sending us.

Enter, Raven Sable (or as her index card read, Rook). The ears, the soulful eyes, the gorgeous coat—just like her spirit brother, Copper. I couldn’t believe it. We made sure to look at a few dogs, but something kept pulling me to her. She was calm in the middle of chaos, the depth in her eyes held my gaze, and she made sure she said hello to each of us in the family when she was let out of her cage. I made my decision. Now, this wasn’t an easy one. Once I realized we were going out to adopt, I cried my eyes out. I mourned Copper all over again because his loss is so deeply felt. The air in our house has felt different since he crossed the rainbow bridge. As I say with his loss, ‘the silence, is deafening’. This was not an easy decision. While I knew I wasn’t replacing our beloved Copper, I needed to find the space in my heart to love again. They do say that dogs break your heart in order to expand it, and I believe this to be true- because I’m living it.

So, we are now four days in, and even in the ether, Copper has been a gracious host. I feel as though he is guiding her throughout the day. I used to sit with Copper every morning as I read my books before the day began. He was always at my feet. This morning? She sat in the identical place. As we made dinner, Copper would sit just outside the kitchen on a runner between the two rooms. Tonight, Raven did exactly the same thing. His blueprint has become her reality. Copper, even in the afterlife, is being a gracious host. The one thing that stunned me today, is that somehow, Raven took herself over to Copper’s grave and sat beside it, as if to say, ‘Thank you brother. I am so grateful for you’. I’m glad I captured the moment because no one would believe it if I missed it in real time.

What would Copper do? He would be a gracious host for his guests whether it was bringing you a toy, sitting at your feet, or even making plans to protect you in the after life. How will you be a gracious host? Make sure to use the good china, create or order a delicious meal, buy some gorgeous flowers and show love for your friends and families when they come to visit. I’m forever grateful for his love and dedication. Always and forever.

Below is one of the first posts I created when we first lost Copper on June 25th 2025. It was the spark that created Copper Rules. I knew that I wanted to honor Copper through his spirit and voice (plus it would help to keep his memory and essence as alive as much as possible). It was summer and right in the middle of a beautiful pool day. As I edit this now, we are just at the precipice of a change in seasons as I watch a leaf fall from the tree outside my window. The sentiment stays the same.

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The house is too quiet.

I had a break between meetings.

Needed a mini mental break.

What would Copper do? Copper Rule #1- Why wait until tomorrow when you can play today?

Copper never waited for a perfect moment. He saw a toy, picked it up, and offered you a chance to stop what you were doing to just be and play. Some of his favorite stuffed toys: A margarita (puparita!), a piece of cake, a dreidel, Larry the lobster (one of two pictured here), a Dunkin’ cup of coffee, a rainbow rope, and an entire basket of other teeth-sinking favorites! In fact, we would make bets as to what toy he would pick up and greet us with at the front door everytime we came home. For 12 years, we collectively never missed an opportunity to share that joy: he with a toy to share, and we received it with open arms to play along with.

On this beautiful summer day, I took that whisper in my ear to just stop everything and take a break between life’s ‘must- do’s’. I’ve heard it said that we are a constant collective of ‘human doings’ and not ‘human beings’….I take that to heart, especially through the eyes of Copper who always looked for excuses to just be…and play.

We have an amazing community pool so I decided to just be in the moment and spend time by the water and reading a book. To just be… as Copper always was in his most honest expression. My emotions were still raw at the loss of losing Copper, but I took his advice and allowed myself to play- play at the pool, play with the kids, play with creativity. Anything that kept me in creative flow.

I also indulged in a meditation class. Whenever I am in ‘play’ mode DJ’ing on Twitch, I always end my sets saying “put on your own oxygen mask, and take care of your soul. Once you do that, take care of others and lead with love”. I will now add ‘make sure you add an element of play into your routine’.

If you like a little science to go with your coffee, the old AI machine mentions the below benefits (according to the Google algorithm!):

Physiological & Psychological Effects

Endorphin Release:

Play activates the brain to release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that create feelings of happiness and well-being.

Reduced Cortisol:

Play can lower cortisol levels, the primary hormone associated with stress, which helps activate the body’s relaxation response.

Mental Shift:

Engaging in playful activities provides a mental break from daily stressors, offering a psychological space to relax and recharge.

Behavioral & Coping Mechanisms

Improved Mood:

The endorphin rush from play leads to an overall improved mood and helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Increased Resilience:

Regular play helps develop a more optimistic outlook and better coping skills, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges.

Enhanced Creativity:

Play encourages out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving, which can be beneficial in finding innovative solutions to difficult situations.

Copper had it right all along. Playing has more than one benefit, and with the world being as stressful as it is lately, you can’t afford NOT to play!

How do you allow yourself to play? Copper wants to know

Copper Rule #2- GO OUTSIDE NO MATTER WHAT!

When I originally wrote this rule, we were transitioning from spring into summer and we had just lost Copper. It had been an unusually cold in beginning of summer and then it slowly brought us the vitamin D we all needed. Here we are again, as we transition into another season where we say goodbye to long, leisurely and lazy days by the pool or ocean, and hello to more structured schedules with a hint of sweater weather (SNL skit style). Fall was one of Copper’s favorite time of year where he could boldly chase chipmunks and not feel the heavy fur coat on his skin. His pace picked up in the backyard and he loved running in the burnished yellow and red leaves that matched his magnificent copper cloak.

Copper reminds us to pause and be grateful for the gifts bestowed to us with each season. What would Copper do? Rule #2- Go outside no matter what! Breathe some fresh air, bask in the sunlight or dance in the rain. A telltale sign that we knew Copper was happiest was when he would go out in the backyard, roll on his back and smile. In the summer, he would run and then jump in his kiddie pool. In the fall, he would chase rabbits and chipmunks while crunching the leaves below his paws. In the winter, he would get so excited in the cold air or burrow his nose in a fresh pile of fallen snow. In the spring, he would be enamored with butterflies or large bumblebees seeking their nectar, sometimes getting a little too close to the buzz. Even in the final few weeks when he was in pain, he always demanded to go out and soak up the atmosphere. He actually got a slight sunburn because he loved the warmth of the sun while watching the birds eat away at the suet I placed for them! Either way, he was at his happiest outside, breathing in the air, sunbathing and grateful for the freedom it gave him. We built a fence with each house he lived in, just so he could roam and have the space to frolic and be happy.

It has been a few months since I originally wrote this post when our beloved boy crossed the rainbow bridge. With all of the stresses of everyday life and a noisy planet, give yourself the gift of seeing the wonders the universe provides for us. Walk in the woods, put your feet in the ocean and smell flowers in a garden. Do anything that brings you joy outdoors. Honor Copper by sitting outside for a morning meditation that greets the sun, a lunch al fresco while the weather still permits, or read a book in the late afternoon as the wind shifts in the fleeting light. You will be honoring him if you do that.

When I originally wrote Copper Rules #3, it was only a week after he crossed the rainbow bridge. We are currently away on our yearly family vacation near where this very photo was taken. This year hits a little differently because he is not with us physically—but he is definitely making sure he is letting his presence known spiritually. Yesterday was ‘Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day’ (August 28th), as our good friend, and auntie to Copper reminded me. Auntie Dawnie would stay with him when we had to go out of town and loved him as much as we did. We had a good cry together last week but Copper, being the strong soul that he is, made sure to send her feathers as he has done for us these past few weeks (on her walks no less!). That gentle giant knew how to surround us with his presence even as he is just on the other side of the invisible wall. We have been getting the message loud and clear with white and grey feathers at our feet (almost daily). Does it mean he wants us to find another furry protector for us? Is he communicating? Probably both and I won’t take that gift of soulful connection for granted…so I continue to write in his memory. If you know anyone who considers their furry children a family member, please send this to them. My goal is to find peace, solace and connection- especially when we have to say goodbye as they cross that rainbow bridge. Go for a walk today and show your appreciation for your furry soul-mates.

Copper Rules #3: What would Copper Do? Go For A Walk!

News is heavy.

People are sad.

Life is loud.

World is complicated.

The one thing you can do, is go for a walk. Toward the last year of Copper's life, he wasn't able to walk in the woods or on the beach as much as he would have liked. However, that doesn't mean he wasn't able to 'go for a walk'. We built not one, but two backyards so that he had the freedom to roam within the property. Truth be told, he was never really a great walker. He was 110 pounds of pure muscle and zig-zagged, almost causing a tripping hazard. But, it didn't matter, because for him, it was a chance to see a different view, smell a new scent, and move his body from being inside for too long on certain days. His excitement of seeing his red collar and leash being taken down from the peg on the wall was quickly met with a fierce wag of the tail and a toothy grin. He was READY to go.

While things may seem to be out of your control, the one thing you CAN control is a walk in the park, on the beach or in the woods. It is yet another gift you can give to yourself when you need to meditate, be in awe of nature or to ground yourself.

Copper loved those walks and now we miss them with him. His pure joy of being able to 'go out'. Even when I would tease him and say 'Copper, you wanna..'... I didn't even finish the question before he leaped up and ran back and forth whipping his tail with pure anticipation of what was ahead.

It is a joy that you see in young souls and pets that are unencumbered by deadlines or work meetings. They just live in the moment.

Can you live in the moment today and go for a walk? Copper wants to know...

#copperrules

Copper Rules #4- what would Copper do? Jump as high as you can to go after what you want!

When Copper was younger he had the ability to jump really high with his incredibly long legs! He loved going after frisbees and catching a ball. He even went after the baseballs Jacob hit when he was a baby.

Today while Chris was planting, a grasshopper jumped onto his hand. He then brought it over and it jumped onto mine. We took it as a sign from Copper- Copper the grasshopper! It is rare to see one and in the spirit realm it is believed that they represent as :

One of the most common interpretations of seeing a grasshopper is good luck. If you’ve been facing challenges or are about to embark on a significant venture, spotting a grasshopper could be a sign that fortune is on your side.

This belief is rooted in various traditions where grasshoppers were considered omens of prosperity. For instance, farmers viewed their presence as an indication of a bountiful harvest.

Grasshoppers are also symbols of transformation and new beginnings. Their ability to leap great distances mirrors the significant steps we take in our lives. This symbolism is particularly relevant when you are on the brink of a major change or decision.

The grasshopper encourages you to take bold steps forward, trusting that the universe supports your journey.

The fact that Chris was gardening when it showed up and the fact that this has been a challenging year, the grasshopper showing up is a welcoming sentiment.

How will you jump up today to be your best self? Copper wants to know!

#copperrules

Copper Rules #5- What would Copper do? Never be afraid to voice your love!

(Since writing this original post, we were able to give our beautiful boy a proper send-off this past weekend. We spread his ashes in almost this exact location and the family was all together to show their love and speak their feelings as we said goodbye. I will have another post soon about the day but for now, let’s rewind to Copper Rules #5!)

***I am sitting in this exact location this morning and thinking about how much I miss Copper. He was at my side at almost everything I did from zoom calls to DJ’ing. He was never more than five feet from me. This photo was taken a few weeks before he left us but he was particularly vocal that day. One of his favorite vets came over and he seemed happier than he had in weeks. He barked a lot which wasnt normal for him. Looking back, I realize now that he was thanking us and saying ‘I love you’. This photo was taken right after a big bark!

Today as I sat in silence this morning reading a book, I decided to close my eyes to connect with my higher self so I could connect with Copper. I closed my eyes and said ‘I love You Copper. I miss you so much’. Just then a gentle breeze picked up and immediately in a far distance I heard a dog bark. It only lasted for a few seconds but it was a sign in response to my message. It was Copper responding back with ‘I love you too’. It ended almost as quickly as it began but it was the validation I needed.

Copper wasn’t a big barker but he used his barks to land with importance. He never liked when people argued so he would make sure his voice was the loudest but more importantly, as we left the house every morning to drop the kids off at school, he would push aside our front curtain with his big head and bark ‘I love you’ from the window. He never missed an opportunity to show his love for us through his vibrational bark.

How will you let your closest souls know today that you love them? Copper wants to know.

#copperrules