Hallmark Channel’s “The Good Witch”

Television is filled with such a wide variety of fictionalized programming these days all scattered across hundreds of channels. But even with so many choices, there seems to be less and less I find myself tuning into. That’s only because most normally focus on things I can read about in the news everyday or they constantly glorify one or more of the “seven deadly sins” of greed, gluttony, lust, pride, anger, envy, or laziness. Thankfully, there are some shows though that come along every now and then that truly uplift my spirit and provide me a breath of fresh air, like Hallmark Channel’s “The Good Witch”.

Ironically, this new 2015 series did not originally begin as a weekly scripted one. It actually started in a 2-hour movie format dating all the way back to 2008. But somehow I totally overlooked each of them, even with all the television programming I watched during all those years. Maybe that’s because The Good Witch’s spiritual principles were on to the opposite side of the spectrum from where I was living during most of that time. Regardless, I set my DVR to record this new show after I caught a quick preview of it one day about a month ago, as well as each of the seven prior movies leading up to it.

Since then, I’ve watched those movies, as well as every episode of the new series, where each been about a unique woman named Cassandra Nightingale (Catherine Bell), who always seems to live by a spiritual code that’s far different than everyone else’s. The show takes places in the fictitious town of Middleton, NY, with Cassandra (nicknamed Cassy) being both the owner of The Gray House (a historical building and sometimes bed and breakfast), as well as the Bell, Book, and Candle (an odd variety shop where its guests always seem to find just what they need in life).

What I have enjoyed most about The Good Witch so far is how Cassy consistently has looked for the positive in everyone and everything, no matter how difficult the situation appeared to be. Even better has been the fact that not once has she claimed herself to be a witch. Instead, she’s just lived as a very mysterious person who frequently seems to knows things before they happen, as well as knowing exactly what a person needs to keep them on the spiritual path that’s for their greatest good.

I know many may be put off by the use of the word “witch” in the title of this show, but truly, it really is wholesome programming that focuses on good spiritual principles. And while the cast may have changed slightly from the seven annual movies to the series, the core premise remains the same, that of a feel-good nature. So if you’re looking for something on television to watch week to week that will uplift you, rather than depress you or make you angry, try watching The Good Witch, as I’m quite sure you’ll find happiness in it just as I do…

Peace, love, light, and joy,

Andrew Arthur Dawson

To My Partner Chris…

Many of us have boyfriends, girlfriends, partners, husbands, and wives in this world. But how often we forget what it was like in the beginning of our relationships, when we looked at them as the most priceless thing in the world. Back then didn’t most of us frequently tell our significant other how special they were? How easily that tends to change as time moves forward. I myself was quite guilty of this in every single one of my prior relationships, which is why I do my best nowadays to show my partner how unique and special he is on a daily basis. This is precisely why I’ve dedicated today’s entry to my partner Chris.

I know there has been ups and downs between us Chris over the past three years, like there always seems to be in any intimate relationship. Yet you have done such a magnificent job at navigating through them all, constantly taking a hard look at yourself and seeing where you can spiritually grow, as well as being patient upon me when I’ve been overly difficult to deal with.

I’m also so proud of you for the work you’ve done in your recovery, having achieved goals far beyond what you originally set for yourself. I’ve been amazed too by your dedication to getting your degree in Environmental Health and Safety. You have spent countless hours striving for an almost straight “A” average and will soon be graduating just over a month from now. Beyond that, you continue to excel in your job at First Solar, constantly going above and beyond the call of duty. I’m so happy that they have in turn given you the praise and recognition you more than deserve from your work there.

Back at home you’ve continued to support me through the many health issues I’ve been facing, never once criticizing me for not having a regularly paying job myself. You have no idea how much that’s meant to me, as it truly has been an act of unconditional love in itself and greatly reduced my stress level in life to help me heal.

Chris I want you to truly know how important your laughter and smile has been for me as well. It’s continued to uplift me time and time again, especially in those pain-filled moments when I’ve so needed it. You’ve also created and shared with me so beautifully your home, your heart, and your love overall. So I’m so grateful to my Higher Power for each of those things and for bringing you into my life. I wouldn’t be as far along on my spiritual quest to grow closer to God, if it wasn’t for you.

I love you Chris, maybe more than words could ever do me justice. Please know that, especially when I may fall short of telling you this at times. Because when I haven’t been living up to my greatest, highest good, when you’ve been on the verbal receiving end of some of my frustrations in life, my heart has weighted so heavily afterwards, on how I could treat you that way given all you’ve done for me since day one.

You really have spiritually grown so much Chris, probably more than you even know, and I want the whole world to know just how proud I am of you for that. Thank you for being such a huge part my life and thank You God for the gift of Chris, for to me, he’s truly priceless…

Peace, love, light, and joy,

Andrew Arthur Dawson

Some Much Needed Easter Gratitude!

Today is Easter Sunday, a day that’s meant to be a celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, except I really haven’t been feeling much like celebrating anything since I awoke early this morning. I guess you could say that’s been due to a combination of my health issues, no one calling to wish me a Happy Easter, no invites to any holiday parties, and the fact that my partner was asked to work the entire day. In all honesty, all of this has led to me not having the most positive of thoughts throughout the day so far, which is precisely why I decided a spontaneous blog entry in Easter gratitude might be best to counteract the gloominess I’ve been feeling. So here are 11 things I’m truly grateful to God for on this Easter Sunday:

God I am Grateful to You for having a roof over my head and food to eat this Easter. 

God I am Grateful to You for my partner choosing to work this Easter because I know it’s helping to support my inability to work at the present time. 

God I am Grateful to You for still having many good memories of childhood Easter egg hunts and family get-togethers.

God I am Grateful to You for all the Easter surprises my partner had for me this year.

God I am Grateful to You for having two eyes to see the sun shining on this Easter.

God I am Grateful to You for the company and purring of my cat Driggs this Easter.

God I am Grateful to You for clearing my schedule this Easter so that I could focus more on my health and healing. 

God I am Grateful to You for all those in the world and beyond this world who prayed for me on this Easter.

God I am Grateful to You for all those who end up reading this Easter blog entry and for all those who continue to support my writing.

God I am Grateful to You for how much healthier my actions have become in life, compared to the ones I made on plenty of past Easter Sundays.

God I am Grateful to You for the love of Christ this Easter, for understanding what that means now more than ever, and for my desire to embrace everyone these days unconditionally. 

Happy Easter everyone! And may you be filled with the absolute, unconditional love of Christ in every aspect of your life…

Peace, love, light, and joy,

Andrew Arthur Dawson