![Shut My Mouth! It's a Dinner Fit for the Dead.]()
by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Oct 24, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
No! We are not talking about feeding Zombies or Vampires. A Dumb Supper is a serious meal meant for ghosts; your passed-over-loved-ones to be exact. A traditional Dumb Supper is served on all Hollow’s Eve in your home and on a plate at your table. It often begins at midnight with a prayer of thanksgiving, is shrouded in complete respectful silence, and culminates in a celebration of spirits. The Dumb Supper is an ancient tradition where the dead attend the living for a magical night of communion.
Dinning with the dead is another way of saying, “I love you.”
A Dumb Supper is a bridge between the living and the dead built with love and traversed by loved-ones. It is a centuries old tradition with roots in Europe and branches in America.
We understand the concept of death as spirit leaving the body. But, what about the idea of spirits returning for dinner?
We regularly show our love for the deceased by talking to them at their place of burial, taking gifts of flowers, lighting candles for them in our places of worship, and displaying their pictures as a token of our enduring love. On the anniversary of their passing we have moments of silence, song, and food where we live, work, and pray.
So, is setting a place for the dead at our dinner table going too far?
Those who practice the Dumb Supper on All Hallows’ Eve don’t think so. The Dumb Supper is a reverent event that discourages conversation of any kind.
Dumb Supper literally means quiet meal—mum’s the word–Shhh!
Silence during the meal is of the utmost importance, therefore electronics and motors that beep, buzz or squeak are turned off or unplugged. This includes television sets, refrigerators and freezers. No cell phones, notepads or computers are permitted in the dining area during the dinner.
These special meals take place on Samhain, October 31st which is Halloween or All Hallows Eve,
also known as Halloween and All Saints’ Eve; the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day.
It is also a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries. This practice, celebrated worldwide, is one of the largest gatherings at the Festival of the Dead in Salem, Massachusetts.
Why would the veil between the living and the dead be thinner on Halloween day than any other? Because, intention powered by the flame of love is a powerful tool.
Perhaps Collective Intention empowered through prayer and meditation, can literally pull aside the curtain of death so the dead can once again share time and space in the land of the living in the form of a spiritual supper.
Here is how the Dumb Supper works.
The evening opens with a blessing where each attendee is guided through the veil between the worlds to the realms of the dead where no one living may speak.
After the family meal is cooked, the table is set with an empty place setting filled with food. In keeping with tradition, the courses of The Dumb Supper are served backwards and the placement of everything down to the silverware is reversed as a means of weaving participants into the shadowy world of spirit. Rather than starting the meal with soup and salad, it begins with desert. It almost begs the question, “Is this an example of the saying, ‘Life is short, so eat desert first.’” Soup and salad are served at the end of the dinner, much like European dinning customs.
The extra setting is for dead family ancestors to come and enjoy a meal with living family members.
Photographs of the deceased are often placed on the table as an invitation; a spirituality and metaphysical first step in manifesting a desired outcome.
So, rather than mourning the deceased, let’s celebrate their memory, and see who comes to dinner, because love is something you can take with you to the-other-side. And, under certain circumstances, like an invitation to a Dumb Supper, love may bring family members back from the dead, to break bread with the living.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kathleen O’Keefe Kanavos is a TV/Radio Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod, International Bestselling & Multi-award winner author of SurvivingCancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing, and a 3x Breast Cancer Survivor whose dreams diagnosed her illness. She’s published in medical journals, on Huffington Post, in American Express Open Forum and has been a guest on George Noory’s Coast to Coast AM. Kat believes dreams diagnose your life. “Did you have a déjà- vu or dream-come-true?” Kat travels the country advocating for women’s issues. She taught Special Education and Psychology at USF. http://SurvivingCancerLand.com/ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com
(all photos displayed in this article have been purchased by the author.)
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![Shut My Mouth! It's a Dinner Fit for the Dead.]()
by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Oct 22, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
In keeping with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month for the Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show on Wicked Housewives on Cape Cod Radio, Tim Cox, owner/artist of Sacred Line Collective focused on how he helps breast cancer survivors after they have endured a mastectomy.
The loss of his beloved wife after a six year battle with cancer made this work very close to Tim’s heart.
He had hoped to perform his specialty, 3D areola tattooing, on his wife. Although his dream was shattered, he now makes the dreams of other breast cancer survivors come true.
Tim Cox created the Sacred Line Collective Medical Tattoo Studio for a specific purpose; to help others on their path of healing. He uses his artistic skills in such a way as to give individuals confidence and self-esteem in a professional and supportive way to those in need of:
• 3-D Areolas
• Mastectomy scar tattoos
• Wounded Warrior scar camouflage and memorial tattoos
• Memorial tattoos for families
• Scar camouflage due to burns, surgical site scars or other physical injuries
• Permanent cosmetics: eyeliner, lips, eyebrows
• Alopecia, stress alopecia
• Hair transplant scar coverage
For as long as Tim can remember, his interests have always included helping others to feel safe and whole. Whether as an Eagle Scout, sailing around the world, Firefighter/EMT, a professional artist, or medical tattooist, his interest has always remained the same, to help others during their time of need.
“When my ex-wife was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I chose to teach my daughters not to be victims or to let cancer define us, but rather as Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Create the change you want to see in the world.’ I appreciate and try to align myself with groups and institutions that share a similar goal; those that see the big picture and want to help others through a difficult time in order to ‘Create the change they want to see in their world.’”
So, it is not surprising that Tim’s Mission Statement is to help others, especially women, on their path of healing. And, to use his skills in such a way as to give them confidence and self-esteem, in a professional and supportive manner.
“As an artist I see things differently, full of possibilities and potential. I have a unique skill set that allows me to help others create change. I don’t take away the scars but rather work with a client to artistically define “it” rather than allowing “it” to define them.”
As a sailor Tim was taught to always look to the horizon, and to not be afraid to change course as necessary.
“Whether working with a wounded warrior, cancer survivor or any other individual. I try my best to turn a physical or emotional scar in to merely a milestone or a reminder of what they dealt with but refused to be defined by.”
During the radio interview I ask some pretty up close and personal questions.
As a three time breast cancer survivor who survived a double mastectomy I was VERY interested in details others might consider rude. I could hear my mother’s voice in my ear from the ‘other side’ saying, “Kathleen Ruth Judith Bernadette O’Keefe!”(Oh, Yeah! When all the names come out you know you did a big ‘no-no.’) “How dare you talk money with a perfect stranger.”
But, I did. And, I did it for you, my audience. “So there, Mama. And yes, he is perfect.”
Here are some of the questions and short answers we covered during the interview:
Q. Does insurance cover medical tattoos?
A. Many insurance companies do. Depending upon the specific insurance company and the underlying medical reasons as they factor in to whether all or part of the tattooing is covered.
Q. Who files insurance claims?
A. Sacred Line Tattoo and the associated physician can assist in this process, the patient can also file for reimbursement independently
Q. Is a referral required?
A. A referral is not required, but for insurance purposes it may be. Often a prescription will be written by the Plastic Surgeon.
Q. Does the tattoo process hurt?
A. Each procedure and location is different. Topical anesthetic is used to minimize any discomfort.
Q. How long will most areola tattoos take?
A. Most initial procedures take 1-2 hours and follow up and touch-up appointments generally take 1 hour. Other tattoos vary based on size and intricacies
Q. Will I need multiple procedures for areola tattooing?
A. Generally two appointments are required and sometimes more based on desired color or condition of skin, i.e. radiated, depth of scars etc.
Tim cox was very giving of both his time and expertise in the area of medical 3D tattooing. We hope you enjoy the interview. If you have specific questions not answered in this interview Tim Cox, owner of Sacred Line Collective can be contacted by:
- phone in his office in Kansas City, Misouri at 816-668-6488
We have invited Tim Cox back to speak on the show with us about 3D tattoos and the Wounded Warriors. Watch for it on The Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show. You can also listen on the Wicked Housewives On Cape Cod Radio FaceBook page.
Now CLICK here to enjoy Tim Cox: Sacred Line 3D Fine Art & Medical Tattoos on the Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show.
(All pictures, quotes and information are owned by the author or used with permission by Tim Cox)
About the Author: Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos- believes dreams can diagnose your life. Did you have a déjà vu or did your dream come true? International Best-selling & Award Winning Author of Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing , TV & Radio Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives on Cape Cod, three time breast cancer survivor whose dreams diagnosed cancer the medical community missed, one of the busiest speakers in the industry, & the “go-to authority” on Survivor- to-Thriver in Health, Wealth & Relationships by connecting with Your Inner Guidance. Kat presents at the International Association for the Study of Dreams, Expos, Radio Shows, Health Events, Magazines, & TV.
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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Oct 3, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos’ Article in Women’s Voices Magazine Feature Column
Click the LINK below :
http://www.womensvoicesmagazine.com/2015/10/01/special-feature-have-you-ever-had-a-breast-cancer-dream-pay-attention-to-it-audio/
by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Sep 29, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
Have you ever known someone who had an opinion for everything?
Meet Murphy who has a wry comment on EVERYTHING!
While there may be a plethora of books on consciousness, none is quite like the new Amazon #1 bestseller, Lord Have Murphy: Waking Up in the Spiritual Marketplace written by Fran Shaw, Ph.D., a longtime practitioner in a spiritual discipline and an award-winning university writing instructor. Out of Fran’s fertile mind has popped Murphy, the star narrator of this journey into this new level of awareness.
On The Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos LIVE Radio Show on Wicked Housewives ON Cape Cod, Dr. Shaw discusses ways in which Murphy is:
- Downright Funny
- Has his own amazing vocabulary
- Perfects a sardonic commentary
- Is a brilliant entrée to a new level of consciousness
It surpasses most information in other spiritual books on meditation, mindfulness and yoga.
Radio guest and author Fran/Murphy demurs from being a teacher–no guru is he–yet his exploration of the nature of this deep new level of conscious awareness is a fun-filled, quip-induced, deeply funny, pathway to the higher self.
Listening to Lord have Murphy author Fran speak of Murphy begs the questions, “Is Murphy an aspect of Fran’s higher self that has manifested in the waking-world and made manifest in a book.”
This interview is a rare and incredible insight into another realm of information.
As Fran notes, “We hear a lot these days about mindfulness. “Weapons of mass instruction are proliferating.’ How to clear the air? To trust what’s in us and that we’re finding our way to it.”
In this interview of unrelenting humor, Fran shares how Lord Have Murphy: Waking Up in the Spiritual Marketplace is the humorous tale of Murphy giving it a try, only to discover in himself an extraordinary truth: that contact with the finer energy animating us awakens us to a completely different level of being alive.
Whitley Strieber, the host of the hugely popular Dreamland podcast and Unknown Country website, praised Lord Have Murphy on Goodreads: “Exquisitely conceived and executed, with marvelous drawings by Bruce M. Sherman.”
There is almost nothing more difficult than to open doors in the sleeping soul with humor, but Fran Shaw is a genuine master, and does it with grace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK: Dr. Fran Shaw, is a longtime practitioner in spiritual disciplines , an author and an award-winning university writing instructor. Out of her fertile mind has popped Murphy, the star narrator of this journey into this new level of awareness.
Meet Murphy who has a wry comment on EVERYTHING!
Click here or the link to hear Dr. Fran Shaw LIVE on the Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos Show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wickedhousewivesoncapecodradiont/2015/09/30/the-kathleen-okeefe-kanavos-show-w-author-fran-shaw-of-lord-have-murphy
ABOUT THE SHOW HOST: Kathleen O’Keefe Kanavos is a TV Host/Producer of Wicked Housewives ON Cape Cod TV/Radio, Author of International Bestseller & Multi-award winner SurvivingCancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing, and 3x Breast Cancer Survivor whose dreams diagnosed her illness. She’s published in medical journals and guested on George Noory’s Coast to Coast AM. Kat believes dreams diagnose your life. “Did you have a déjà- vu or dream-come-true?” Kat’s interpretations are in American Express Open Forum. She’s a Coach, “Go-to authority” on Beauty, Health, Wealth & Love, Keynote Speaker/Panelist/Presenter at International Associations, Columnist, & blogs on many professional sites. Kat taught Special Education and Psychology at USF. http://SurvivingCancerLand.com/ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com
![Shut My Mouth! It's a Dinner Fit for the Dead.]()
by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Sep 20, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
It has been almost five years since Elizabeth Edwards was laid to rest Tuesday, December 7, 2010 after a brave battle with breast cancer.
Mary Elizabeth Anania Edwards was an American attorney, a best-selling author and a health care activist. She was married to John Edwards, the former U.S. Senator from North Carolina who was the 2004 United States Democratic vice-presidential nominee. She was 61 years of age when she died.
Some people are still more focused on her scandalous marriage and messy divorce than her accomplishments as a mother and woman in the public eye. Bloggers speculate on whether Elizabeth will be remembered as a fighter or a victim.
Personally, I will remember Elizabeth Edwards as one of my heroes.
Even in the face of extreme adversity, Elizabeth Edwards always presented herself as a classy lady. She was aware of her cancer while her husband ran for office but reassured women all over the world that she would be fine, kept a smile on her face, cared for her family and put her husband’s career before her own needs. Those are the actions of a devoted mate—a winner.
Elizabeth and I were diagnosed at the same time with the same type of breast cancer. That is where the similarities stop. While Elizabeth’s husband deserted and then embarrassed her with extramarital activities that resulted in a love-child, my husband quit work to stay home and care for me. This type of love and devotion is not unusual. I believe it is the same devotion Elizabeth would have displayed to any member of her family.
Two days before Elizabeth’s death, a close friend or mine was also laid to rest after succumbing to triple negative breast cancer. She too had lost a son and died in the home of her ex-husband from whom she had been divorced for years. Her needs became his focus. He cared for her in her last days and was her devoted friend to the bitter end. My point is: do not judge all men by Elizabeth’s ex-husband. There are wonderful, devoted mates, ex-husbands, and friends in this world. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Edwards did not marry one of them.
When someone is going through a life threatening illness, they must choose their battles. Elizabeth chose to concentrate on surviving and providing for her children in the face of her possible demise. She encouraged a positive relationship between her children and her ex-husband rather than driving a wedge between them. Their future was more important to her than her husband’s past. I don’t consider that the actions of a weak victim. I consider them the wise choices of a strong woman.
Elizabeth was a fighter who won the hearts of people as she bared her soul, and shared her insights as a single mother undergoing treatment during challenging times. And, she did it without publically whining or playing the blame game. I believe she realized that life was too short and precious to waste it on negative behavior—another sign of a winner.
Life is a bed of roses. Roses do have thorns. Elizabeth had her share of scratches.
I have always lived by the saying, “How someone treats me is their karma. How I respond is mine.” Despite insurmountable adversities that included the loss of a child, public humiliation, and TV interviews while battling a painful disease, Elizabeth Edwards always responded to personal questions like a lady.
Elizabeth Edwards please, take a bow. In my book, you are a winner.
Kathleen (Kat) O’Keefe-Kanavos is a TV/Radio Producer/Host of Wicked Housewives ON Cape Cod and Author/Lecturer of the International award winning and bestseller, Surviving Cancerland: Intuitive Aspects of Healing which promotes patient advocacy and connecting with inner guidance for success in health, wealth, and relationships. She is also a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Dreams & Premonitions. Kat taught Special Education and Psychology. learn more @ www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com
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by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos | Sep 14, 2015 | Access Your Inner Guide, Uncategorized
Dreams, Prayers, and Meditations are three under-utilized innate gifts perfect for stress-reduction.
In this blog I will share a quick meditation you can use anywhere and
anytime to de-stress.
Your dreams are Sacred Doorways to Universal Wisdom that contain answers to all your daily challenges.
Daydreams solve problems.
Your answers to prayers often come in the form of dreams.
A short (30 second) Meditations like the one below that focuses on Breathe and Gratitude can:
- lower blood pressure
- increase focus and productivity
- promote healing
- and adjust your attitude.
Don’t wait. You can start right now.
1.) Focus on your breath flowing into your nostrils.
2.) Breathe in. Breathe out…
3.) Count five breaths.
4.) End with one deep breath.
5.) Repeat until your tension melts away.
6.) Give thanks for all you have including the Breath of Life.
You can do this simple meditation anywhere, anytime, and as often as necessary; in your work place, at home, or while stuck in traffic, with your eyes open. No one will know you are de-stressing. You secret will be safe with you. Use your Dreams as a GPS to keep you on the right road of life.
By: Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos, TV Radio Show Host/Producer, International Bestselling award winning author. Learn more @ http://www.AccessYourInnerGuide.com
