Enough is Enough Meet Lady Cleopatra
At the time, knowing I needed a major nudge forward I was invited by my brilliant, talented sister-in-law – Melinda Witter to join her for a six-week online writing workshop – Divine Dialog Writing. With a peace perspective as its focus, (fourteen) women from around the globe shared our short, creative writings. We provided each other with feedback, and once a week, we would talk over the telephone for one hour on Sunday nights. Much to my surprise, we shared our deepest desires as well. It was truly moving.
We were all asked by our fearless lead-facilitator-Lori to come up with a penname. I decided to play along, since there was nothing to lose. Joyful songwriting was familiar for me, so I was more than willing to give this a go, all in good fun-loving nature.
Ironically or not, at that time I had started martial arts sessions with a truly amazing eighth-level black belt. We actually met on the street. I was melancholy and walking with my head down, seeking truth through reflection. We just about ran into each other. Literally. My head came up, and we were face to face. PowWowerful. I found myself looking straight into the most piercing, diamond-blue eyes I had ever seen. He was dressed in his, ghee, his karate black-belt uniform. We shared a glimpse into our lives, and in lightning speed, we were one fierce force in the present, looking back and into the future. As in a movie, we landed facing each other as seriously as if we were destined to do so. From that moment on, my new nicknames from this master became New Karate Kid and Cleopatra. It tickles me to hear these names, since they loosen the grip the parts of my past seemed to have on me.
I do believe my penname chose me and I became Lady Cleopatra. I felt destined to be on this path, moving forward and fulfilling even more dreams and visions than I have ever known. The accurate path to follow God was within me.
A few weeks after meeting this Martial Arts Master, my beautiful, sensitive newly-wed husband and I were sharing a day on beach. He reminded me of my writer’s class that night. He did not know my assignment, only that it was due. I knew only too well that it was due, and being prayerfully contemplative, I entered the crystal-clear, loving water. I gave thanks to spirit, and remembered this is the year of the horse. I pay homage to my childhood Arabian horse, “Lady”. Fond memories flood my mind and warm my heart. I remembered how spirit whispered oh so gently to me to always stay true to myself and love all people. It urged me to write and sing songs like those stirring in my heart while Lady and I danced and pranced through open fields of countryside and colorful woods of wonder.
I ask spirit to confirm my secret writer’s name. I needed to know for certain if destiny was calling me to continue my creative journey or just sparring with my ego? Otherwise, I might have been disillusioned for half a century of following my heart strings, seeking a serious professional career in music. Not just a lackluster career, but of the Grammy award-winning kind. I don’t know or think it really matters anymore. My best is what I have always given, and I seek and expect only God’s best.
I came out of the water, and my husband was smiling broadly. His eyes were following a little four-pound puppy circling him and teasing him ever so playfully. I ask, “Honey, whose puppy?” He responded that he didn’t know, but he wanted to hold the little dog. I agreed, just as a young lady, obviously the dog’s owner/caregiver, came running over.
I asked to hold the dog and she readily agreed. Hubby held her first and handed her to me. I was, oh, so delighted. I gave the puppy over to her owner and asked their names. She replied that her name was Olivia and the dog’s name was Cleopatra. Wow! As you can imagine, I almost fell out of my chair. Then I asked Olivia what she was studying in her first year of college. She replied that she was a horse trainer. Really? Wow again! For heaven’s sake I could not believe my ears! Hence, Lady Cleopatra. This was a profound encounter especially after my serious reflections in the water. The year of the horse, childhood visions on horseback, and final confirmation of my writer’s name.
I did not share the story with my husband until a week later. I just had to pray about this and keep it between me and God until I could process it. Of course, I shared this story with my martial arts master as soon as I could, and with a big smile, he said, “Really? Hmmm.” I also responded with a big smile and, “Yes, really. Hmmm.” Powerful. Destiny meets destiny during a profound moment in time. And believe or not, there is even more to the story, but there is just too much to share here and now. Never again will I doubt my destiny as I continue to walk in my dreams and visions. Godspeed and Amen.
Love Laurie
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Bridging generations while building community through the arts and entertainment. Honoring all angels. Grateful, I am for our time together.
Laurie Cagno – Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Storyteller, Speaker. My heart is my voice; my voice is my song. LaurieCagnoMusic@yahoo.com (201) 317-773 (Must input# this is not a live link as it appears to indicate.)