Miles Apart: The Vibration That Left Me Thinking

Resetting for the new year, signs from loved ones, and shared music.

Miles Apart:The Vibration That Left Me Thinking

1/10/2025

Dear Charlie,

I’ve always had a soft spot for January. I mean, it is my birthday month, after all. This year, I said yes to doing something on my birthday. Oh yeah, this introvert can throw ya for a loop from time to time.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve gotten to know the mom of one of Theo’s friends through various school activities. She mentioned a show that happens to fall on my birthday. It’s a bit last minute and I didn’t see her as the type to attend these kind of shows, but I’m all in!

Oh, and I’ll be wearing that fun leopard print jacket you bought me to ensure the night lives up to its wild potential. Look at that… even from miles apart, you’re always with me!

New Year New Vibes

After all the hustle of the holidays, there’s something refreshing about the quiet that follows in January. The Christmas clutter is finally packed away, and the world seems to calm down a little. People aren’t as rushed, things feel a bit slower, and more intentional. It’s like hitting that reset button to allow a moment for reflection. Creating a peaceful pause and a chance to slow down.

It’s the best month for me to organize my thoughts and check in on what matters most to me. Focusing on what I want rather than people pleasing.

Of course, the usual things pop into my mind at first; health, relationships, values, and priorities. Then I take that deep, deep dive into much more than just the surface level thoughts, getting to the good-n-juicy healing bits.

Although I’m a recovering perfectionist, I’m ready to recalibrate and set the tone for the year ahead. It’s that classic "new year, new me" energy, but without the gym membership. I’m ready to become more centered and aligned with who I am when I’m brave enough to unmask.

As the new year begins, it’s a good time to take stock of everything. Clean up, organize, reflect on life and where I’m headed. Things are starting to come together, and I feel like I’m on the verge of something big. I’m excited for all the possibilities to come. Of course, I will need at least one more cup of coffee to get there.

The Vibration That Left Me Thinking

Remember that big, beautiful red crystal I’ve been telling you about in my store? Something strange happened with it the night of my stores grand opening when Keri and I were closing up. In my last letter to you, I mentioned how a customer chose a crystal because it vibrated.

As I was walking past the shelf of all our crystals, it suddenly gave a little hum, almost like it was vibrating. Keri was right behind me, and we both stopped in our tracks. She gave me a knowing smile and said, “See? You are on the right track with opening this store. You are making a difference in people’s lives, and you are protected.”

I couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Okay, big red, I see you. Looks like you are really trying to make your presence known!”

It made me think about when I first saw that big red garnet crystal. I knew I had to have it, no matter the cost. It just felt like it was calling to me and it was the first thing I bought for the store.

It’s been with me for 3 years now. 3 YEARS! It’s seen all the ups and downs of what I went through getting this store off the ground. I might just put a "not for sale" sign on it. It holds more meaning than I realized now that I’m processing it as I write this to you.

First, it is my birthstone. Then, there’s the connection to my grandparents. My grandfather gave my grandmother a garnet necklace when they were courting that I now have.

I like to think that vibrating crystal is their way of reminding me they’re still watching over me. Or maybe it is just a reminder that I am on the right path. Either way, it’s a sign.

However, the signs didn’t stop there on opening day. Oh no, you know I’m extra like that, Charlie. We got red cardinal’s visiting too!

The Red Cardinal

As I walked to my car that night, a red cardinal flew right toward me and then landed on my hood. It’s been said that cardinals are signs from loved ones who have passed, letting us know they’re near.

It was such a beautiful moment because my other grandmother used to mention the “little red birds” she’d always seem to notice. She also enjoyed singing along to that Karen Carpenter song, “Why do birds suddenly appear, every time, you are near.” So, every time I see one, it reminds me that she’s still near.

I do not believe in coincidences. These are clearly messages. It’s like there’s an energy in the air, reminding me, ‘Hey, we’re still here’.

Theo gave me a little cardinal keepsake for Mother’s day last year that brought tears to my eyes. It’s siting on my bookshelf to remind me of my grandma.

And now I think it might be time to take my grandmother’s garnet necklace out of the safe and bring it back to life. I’m going to set it next to that big vibrating red garnet crystal in my store. It’s (her necklace) been in that safe for years and maybe this is my grandmothers way of communicating with me.

Music and Memories

Speaking of grandmothers, both of mine had music in their blood, and I definitely inherited that. While I enjoy a lot of what they listened to, there’s something special about the music you and I both love.

We had some great times relaxing to Pink Floyd on those lazy Sunday afternoons, didn’t we?! That’s the kind of music that lingers, kind of like the smell of coffee brewing. It pulls me right back to those moments even though we’re miles apart. The warmth of the sun coming through the windows, the sight of your football game on T.V. in the background, and Odie, snoozing beside us on the sofa.

I still remember the first time I heard the lyrics from the song, Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd: “We Don’t Need No Education”. I was in middle school, and it felt like an anthem for my rebellious little soul. I thought, Finally! Someone gets it. I still feel that way every time it comes on.

Inspiration hits when I’m remembering times like that and I cannot resist getting creative. I’ve been working on a new song, called Lost Between the Here and Now. It reminds me a little of Pink Floyd mixed with Led Zeppelin.

The intro might be a bit too long, so I’m thinking I’ll need to trim that, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Who wouldn’t want to listen to a song inspired by such classic rock legends?

Xo, Ana

P.S. I just got back from the show and cannot wait to tell you all about it! Some people really know how to leave a lasting impression, don’t they?

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The Miles Apart Series is based on Ana’s desire to bring back the excitement of handwritten letters. Start with this short introduction post to learn more.

You can find all these letters under Stories.

Offering: Stories/Letters, GeekOut, Human Design, and Recipes.